REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
(updated August 1, 2024)

Please note the Forest Service is requesting proposals from qualified organizations/entities to facilitate, coordinate, and manage a collaborative and comprehensive process for the development of the
National Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan (NUCFAC) Ten-Year Action Plan (2027-2037).

This RFP is also advertised on Grants.gov as Opportunity Number: USDA-FS-UCF-010-2023
Title: 2024 NUCFAC Ten-Year Action Plan (2027-2037) Request For Proposals
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.675 (Agency Forest Service)
Funding: Up to $300,000 depending upon funds availability. No Matching Funds required.

NUCFAC National Ten-Year Action Plan (2027-2037)

The current National Ten Year Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan (2016-2026) (Action Plan) will expire at the end of 2026. To prepare for the next ten-year action plan, the Forest Service is requesting proposals from qualified organizations/entities to facilitate, coordinate, and manage a collaborative and comprehensive process for the development of the next ten year Action Plan.

Funds requested through this RFP are to support the development of a National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council’s Ten- Year Action Plan, 2027-2037 as mandated by Congress. The award will be based on the availability of funding, which may be subject to change. The maximum award amount may not exceed $300,000. No matching funds are required.

Proposals will be expected to address the following key elements, through implementation of the scope and criteria below. This will also include incorporating the Council’s comments and recommendations.

Key Elements:

1) Work with the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council and the Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry staff throughout the process for input and guidance.

2) Assess the current Action Plan’s accomplishments, gaps, and items to carry over into the next Action Plan.

3) Summarize the status of urban forest resources in the United States. This is to include the human dimension of urban forestry as well as the urban natural resources.

4) A review of urban and community forestry related programs and activities in the United States, including education and technical assistance activities conducted by:

- the Department of Agriculture, and other Federal agencies,

- the State forestry organizations,

- private industry,

- nonprofit organizations, community and civic organizations

- Indian Nation and Indigenous communities, and

- interested others.

5) Facilitate and integrate applicable public engagement recommendations for improving the status of the Nation’s urban and community forest resources, including education and technical assistance and modifications required in existing programs and policies of relevant Federal agencies.

6) A review of the urban and community forestry research, documents including

a) a review of all past five years of research and ongoing research associated with urban and community forests, arboricultural practices, urban forest management, work with disadvantaged communities, and the economic, social, and psychological benefits of trees and forest cover in 5 urban and community environments being conducted by the Forest Service, other Federal agencies, and associated land grant colleges and universities.

b) recommendations for new and expanded research efforts directed to and by the Forest Service Research, other Federal agencies, and associated land grant colleges and universities; around urban and community forestry concerns identified by this Action Plan; and

c) a summary of research priorities and an estimate of the funds needed to implement such research, on an annual basis, by the Forest Service Research, other Federal agencies, and associated land grant colleges and universities; for the next ten years.

7) An estimate of the financial and technical resources needed to implement the National Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan and the Urban and Community Forestry Program for the succeeding 10 fiscal years.

For complete details about this Proposal Request, please download the complete e of Request For Proposals (RFP) below.

Request For Proposals (RFP)

To begin a new grant application or to continue an existing application in-progress, click the Apply Online link in the menu bar above.  The Grant Portal's online application process utilizes workflow based web-form and document upload processes that allow you to apply for and submit your application online.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY SUMMARY

The online application process steps you through the application workflow processes allowing you to complete online web-forms and upload required .pdf documents^* so that your entire application package is submitted online.

Apply online now or continue/edit your previously started application.

Online Application Instructions

To begin your online application, you'll need to enter the primary contact's name and email address along with the project title and the grant category for which you are applying. For added security, you will also be required to setup a secret question and answer.

Once you complete this information, you will be send an email with a unique application tracking-id that you will need to access your online application.  You will also be presented with your unique application tracking-id online when creating your application profile, please make a note of it.

Each time you access your online application, you'll need the primary contact's email address, the answer to your secret question and your tracking-id to gain access.  If a colleague (or multiple colleagues) will also be responsible for editing this online application, you'll need to provide them with the application tracking id and the primary contact's email. If you later change the primary contact's email  in your online application, you'll need to use that new email to access your online application.

To enter and upload the required application information, you'll follow the workflow process presented when you access your online application. The final step to the workflow process is the application submission step. You should carefully review your online application before submitting. Once successfully submitted, you will receive an email with a time stamp confirming your submission. This email is your receipt for timely submission.  If you do not receive the email within a few minutes of submission, please check your SPAM and JUNK email folders as it may have been delivered there.