BLM-(WO), Hands on the Lands Outdoor Classroom Program | L18AS00059

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) discretionary funding opportunity to support the Hands on the Land (HOL) Outdoor Classroom Program, focused on strengthening BLM's formal education venues on public lands.

2) What is the official opportunity title?

The opportunity title is "BLM-(WO), Hands on the Lands Outdoor Classroom Program."

3) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is L18AS00059.

4) Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

5) Which BLM office is listed as the funding source?

The Washington Office Division of Education, Interpretation, and Partnerships is identified as the funding source within BLM.

6) What type of award is this (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

The award is designed as a cooperative agreement, which means BLM expects an active partnership with the selected organization rather than a hands-off, pass-through award.

7) What does "active partnership" mean in this context?

Based on the description provided, it means the awardee would work with BLM to provide leadership, coordination, and ongoing support to the network of Hands on the Land sites, with BLM anticipating involvement beyond simply providing funds.

8) What program is being supported?

The Hands on the Land (HOL) Outdoor Classroom Program, centered on BLM's network of Hands on the Land sites that serve as the agency's flagship formal education venues on public lands.

9) How many Hands on the Land sites are involved?

The program centers on BLM's network of 93 Hands on the Land sites.

10) What is the scale of the program's student reach (as described)?

The 93 sites collectively enabled nearly 100,000 students to get direct, on-the-ground experiences on BLM-managed lands in fiscal year 2017.

11) What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The core purpose is to strengthen how the 93 BLM Hands on the Land sites connect with nearby schools and communities (especially those bordering public lands) and to make it easier for students and families to access and learn from these places.

12) Who is the intended beneficiary audience?

The described focus is on teachers, students, families, and nearby schools and communities, particularly those near or bordering public lands.

13) What work would the awardee be expected to do?

The awardee would help provide leadership, coordination, and ongoing support to the 93 BLM Hands on the Land sites and link them more fully into the interagency Hands on the Land National Network of outdoor classrooms.

14) What is the Hands on the Land National Network?

It is described as an interagency network of outdoor classrooms. This opportunity aims to integrate BLM's local Hands on the Land education sites more fully into that larger network.

15) Why is integration into the interagency HOL network important?

The stated intent is to give local BLM education sites stronger multi-level support, improve consistency and coordination across regions, and align BLM's education work with the broader federal outdoor-classroom community.

16) What outcomes does BLM expect from improved coordination and support?

BLM expects improved program quality and coordination, broader participation, and deeper understanding of how public lands are managed and why that management involves tradeoffs and long-term stewardship.

17) What kinds of partnerships are encouraged at the site level?

The opportunity emphasizes expanding and sustaining relationships with local educators and community partners connected to the Hands on the Land sites.

18) What educational themes does the opportunity emphasize?

The opportunity emphasizes helping teachers and students engage with concepts central to BLM's mission on public lands, including multiple-use management and balanced conservation and stewardship.

19) What is "multiple-use management" as described in the opportunity?

Multiple-use management is described as managing public lands for a mix of uses such as recreation, grazing, energy development, habitat protection, and cultural resource stewardship.

20) What is the broader conservation message highlighted?

The opportunity highlights balanced conservation and stewardship, including the idea that public land management requires tradeoffs and long-term stewardship.

21) What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is Natural Resources.

22) What is the CFDA number listed?

The CFDA number is 15.225.

23) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to many entity types, subject to any specific clarifications that may appear in the full eligibility language.

24) How many awards does BLM anticipate making?

BLM anticipated making one award.

25) What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $20,000.

26) When was the opportunity posted?

The posting date is July 2, 2018.

27) What was the application deadline?

The original application deadline was August 3, 2018.

28) What is the intended long-term impact for communities and schools?

The described long-term impact is stronger and more sustainable relationships between BLM Hands on the Land sites and local educators and community partners, along with improved access for students and families to learn on public lands.

29) How does this opportunity relate to other federal outdoor education efforts?

The opportunity is intended to help BLM work more effectively alongside other federal agencies engaged in similar outdoor education initiatives through alignment with the interagency Hands on the Land National Network.

30) What is the overall goal of the Hands on the Land sites as described?

The sites function as BLM's flagship formal education venues on public lands, providing direct, on-the-ground learning experiences for students and helping audiences understand public land management and stewardship.