FS-1500-21d Stewardship Agreement (Short Form)

USDA Forest Service

OMB 0596-0217 FS-1500-21d

FS Agreement No.

     -     -     -     

Cooperator Agreement No.

     

STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENT

Between

     

And the

U.S. FOREST SERVICE,      

This Stewardship Agreement is hereby made and entered into by and between     , hereinafter referred to as “     ,” and the U.S. Forest Service,      , hereinafter referred to as the Forest Service, under the provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003, Pub. L. 108-7, sec. 323, amending Pub. L. 105-277, sec. 347.    .

Background: In 2003 Congress authorized the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to enter into stewardship contracts and agreements “to achieve land management goals for the national forests that meet local and rural community needs.” The primary focus of this legislation is to achieve land management goals through stewardship projects awarded under contracts or agreements. Unique to the legislation is the ability to exchange goods for services that meet the land management objectives.

The area addressed in this Stewardship Agreement is known as the       and lies within the borders of the States of      . This area includes an un-estimated number of acres to be treated during the term of this Stewardship Agreement.

     

1. PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Stewardship Agreement is to document the cooperative effort between the parties for landscape restoration activities within the       in accordance with the following provisions and the hereby incorporated Appendices.

Appendix A	Definitions
Appendix B	Technical Proposal
Appendix C	Map of Stewardship Project Area
Appendix D	Financial Plan

2. STATEMENT OF MUTUAL BENEFIT AND INTERESTS:

The Forest Service is a land management agency dedicated to the wise use and management of National Forest System (NFS) lands, including the responsibility for maintaining and improving resource conditions.

     

     

Mission accomplishment for both parties will be furthered by the restoration of natural resources across the landscape.

All projects conceived under this Stewardship Agreement will undergo a collaborative process to determine specific habitat improvements. The collaborative process will ensure that the benefits of undertaking restoration activities are mutually beneficial to and the Forest Service as well as being beneficial to a wide diversity of interests involved in collaboration.

Both parties share an interest in improving the ecosystem condition and function of the landscape. A healthy landscape provides a variety of benefits beyond the needs of a single species, and therefore benefits both parties.

It is therefore mutually beneficial for the parties to work together to implement these landscape restoration and enhancement projects.

In consideration of the above premises, the parties agree as follows:

3. THE PARTNER SHALL:

1. LEGAL AUTHORITY.       shall have the legal authority to enter into this Stewardship Agreement, and the institutional, managerial, and financial capability to ensure proper planning, management, and completion of the project, which includes funds sufficient to pay the nonFederal share of project costs, when applicable.

2. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL. In coordination with the Forest Service, prepare and submit for review a Technical Proposal, which will be attached as Appendix B when finalized. This Technical Proposal must address agreed upon land management activities within in the Stewardship Project Area displayed in Appendix C, for the proposed operating period. The Technical Proposal must abide by all laws and regulations pertaining to the management and protection of National Forest System (NFS) lands and adhere to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document and all mitigation identified therein. The Technical Proposal will be used to make an evaluation and arrive at a determination as to whether the proposal will meet the requirements of the Forest Service. Therefore, the Technical Proposal must present sufficient information to reflect a thorough understanding of the requirements and a detailed description of the techniques, procedures, and program for achieving the objectives of the specifications/statement of work. Technical Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria. As a minimum, the Technical Proposal must clearly provide the following:

1. A plan of operations for both timber harvest and stewardship project work. Include a timeline and the rationale for the work activities identified to ensure activities will be completed by the expiration date of the SPA.

2. Quality control plan for both the harvesting and stewardship projects.

The approved Technical Proposal will become part of this SPA without necessity of a formal modification.

BILLING. Bill the Forest Service for costs incurred on the project. See related Provision      . Payment/Reimbursemen

t

3.      

3. THE FOREST SERVICE SHALL:

1. Have the Regional Forester or authorized designee approve all stewardship project proposals.

2. Inform       of any changes in stewardship policy, law and regulations.

3. Recognize 's contribution, in a manner acceptable to both parties, in news releases, interpretive signs, photographs, or other media as appropriate.

4. SERVICE WORK. Review the Technical Proposal and work with to make any necessary changes. See related Provision III-B.

5. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL EVALUATION. Evaluate the Technical Proposal on technical and cost evaluation criteria, such as, but not limited to:

1. Timber Harvest

2. Slash Treatment - Capable of the greatest utilization of Non-sawtimber and Biomass.

3. Weed Treatment.

4. Quality Control.

5. Utilization of Local Work Force.

6. PAYMENT/REIMBURSEMENT. It is not anticipated that funds will be exchanged in the performance of this agreement. The value of goods will offset the value of the work to be performed.

7. PAYMENT/REIMBURSEMENT. It is anticipated that funds will be exchanged in the performance of this SPA when the value of the timber will not cover the value of the services performed.

The Forest Service will make payment upon receipt of the Cooperative’s monthly billings. Each invoice from the Cooperative must display the total project costs to date of the invoice, separated by Forest Service and the Cooperative share. In-kind contributions must be displayed as a separate line item and will not be included in the total project costs. The final invoice from the Cooperative will be submitted no later than 90 days from the expiration date.

The invoice must include, at a minimum:

1. The Cooperative’s name, address, and telephone number.

2. Forest Service SPA number.

3. Invoice date.

4. Dates of performance period.

5. Total invoice amount.

6. Detail by Schedule of Items.

The invoice must be sent to:

Forest Service, Albuquerque Service Center

Payments – Grants & Agreements

101B Sun Ave NE

Albuquerque, NM 87109

E-mail: asc_ga@fs.fed.us FAX: (877) 687-4894

8.      

9. PAYMENT/REIMBURSEMENT The Forest Service shall reimburse for the Forest Service's share of actual expenses incurred, not to exceed $(insert amount), as shown in the Financial Plan. In order to approve a Request for Reimbursement, the Forest Service shall review such requests to ensure payments for reimbursement are in compliance and otherwise consistent with the terms of the agreement. The Forest Service shall make payment upon receipt of the ’s (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, lump-sum) invoice. Each invoice from shall display the total project costs for the billing period, separated by Forest Service and share. In-kind contributions must be displayed as a separate line item and must not be included in the total project costs available for reimbursement. The final invoice must display the ’s full match towards the project, as shown in the financial plan, and be submitted no later than 90 days from the expiration date.

Each invoice must include, at a minimum:

1. Cooperator name, address, and telephone number.

2. Forest Service agreement number.

3. Invoice date.

4. Performance dates of the work completed (start & end).

5. Total invoice amount for the billing period, separated by Forest Service and Cooperator share with in-kind contributions displayed as a separate line item.

6. Display all costs, both cumulative and for the billing period, by separate cost element as shown on the financial plan.

7. Cumulative amount of Forest Service payments to date.

8. Statement that the invoice is a request for payment by “reimbursement.”

9. If using SF-270, a signature is required.

10. Invoice Number, if applicable.

The invoice shall be forwarded to:

EMAIL: asc_ga@fs.fed.us

FAX: 877-687-4894

POSTAL: USDA Forest Service

Albuquerque Service Center

Payments – Grants & Agreements

101B Sun Ave NE

Albuquerque, NM 87109

Send a copy to:

     

10. OVERPAYMENT. Any funds paid to in excess of the amount entitled under the terms and conditions of this agreement constitute a debt to the Federal Government. The following must also be considered as a debt or debts owed by the Cooperator to the Forest Service:

1. Any interest or other investment income earned on advances of agreement funds; or

2. Any royalties or other special classes of program income which, under the provisions of the agreement are required to be returned.

If this debt is not paid according to the terms of the bill for collection issued for the overpayment, the Forest Service may reduce the debt by:

1. Making an aministrative offset against other requests for reimbursement.

2. Withholding advance payments otherwise due to .

3. Taking other action permissed by statute (31 U.S.C. 3716 and 7 CFR, Part 3, Subpart B).

Except as otherwise provided by law, the Forest Service may charge interest on an overdue debt.

11.      

5. IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED AND UNDERSTOOD BY AND BETWEEN THE PARTIES THAT:

1. PRINCIPAL CONTACTS. Individuals listed below are authorized to act in their respective areas for matters related to this Stewardship Agreement.

Principal Partner Contacts:

Name:       Address:       City, State, Zip:       Telephone:       FAX:       Email:      	Name:       Address:       City, State, Zip:       Telephone:       FAX:       Email:      
Title/Role/Responsibility:      	Title/Role/Responsibility:      

Principal U.S. Forest Service Contacts:

Name:       Address:       City, State, Zip:       Telephone:       FAX:       Email:      	Name:       Address:       City, State, Zip:       Telephone:       FAX:       Email:      
Title/Role/Responsibility:      	Title/Role/Responsibility:      

2. ASSURANCE REGARDING FELONY CONVICTION OR TAX DELINQUENT STATUS FOR CORPORATE ENTITIES. This agreement is subject to the provisions contained in the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012, P.L. No. 112-74, Division E, Section 433 and 434 regarding corporate felony convictions and corporate federal tax delinquencies. Accordingly, by entering into this agreement acknowledges that it: 1) does not have a tax delinquency, meaning that it is not subject to any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, and (2) has not been convicted (or had an officer or agent acting on its behalf convicted) of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within 24 months preceding the agreement, unless a suspending and debarring official of the United States Department of Agriculture has considered suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government. If fails to comply with these provisions, the U.S. Forest Service will annul this agreement and may recover any funds has expended in violation of sections 433 and 434.

3. SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT (SAM).

shall maintain current information in the System for Award Management (SAM) until receipt of final payment. This requires review and update to the information at least annually after the initial registration, and more frequently if required by changes in information or agreement term(s). For purposes of this agreement, System for Award Management (SAM) means the Federal repository into which an entity must provide information required for the conduct of business as a Cooperative. Additional information about registration procedures may be found at the SAM Internet site at www.sam.gov.

4. AVAILABILITY FOR CONSULTATION. Both parties will make themselves available at mutually agreeable times, for continuing consultation to discuss the conditions covered by this Stewardship Agreement and agree to actions essential to fulfill its purposes.

5. ANNUAL MEETING. At a minimum, the parties will meet annually to discuss potential stewardship projects and jointly review the active stewardship project proposal list.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS). The parties will comply with the Forest Service’s environmental management system (EMS) which is a systematic approach to improving environmental performance by identifying activities and environmental impacts that occur on National forest system (NFS) lands. The Forest Service will provide with details for compliance.

7. NEPA COMPLIANCE. The Forest Service will assure that this Stewardship Agreement incorporates necessary design criteria and standards for operation to comply with the NEPA document. will work with the Forest Service to comply with these terms on the ground.

8. TECHNICAL AND COST EVALUATION. Best approach determination is the evaluation method used by the Forest Service to approve stewardship agreement technical proposals. Such consideration shall primarily consider criteria other than cost. These non-price criteria include, but are not limited to:

1. The extent of mutual interest and benefit.

2. The advantages and effectiveness of mutual participation.

3. Joint expertise.

4. Past performance.

5. Technical approach

6. Factors relevant to cost such as volunteer participation, contribution from other parties, cost sharing, etc.

7. Ability to utilize, educate and/or train a local workforce.

8. Benefits to the local community

9. Ability to complete work in a timely manner.

1. Experience in performing similar work.

2. Ability to conduct work in an environmentally sound manner.

9. NOTICES. Any communications affecting the operations covered by this agreement given by the Forest Service or is sufficient only if in writing and delivered in person, mailed, or transmitted electronically by e-mail or fax, as follows:

To the Forest Service Program Manager, at the address specified in this Stewardship Agreement.

To , at ’s address shown in this Stewardship Agreement or such other address designated within this Stewardship Agreement.

Notices will be effective when delivered in accordance with this provision, or on the effective date of the notice, whichever is later.

10. PARTICIPATION IN SIMILAR ACTIVITIES. This Stewardship Agreement in no way restricts the Forest Service or from participating in similar activities with other public or private agencies, organizations, and individuals.

11. ENDORSEMENT. Any of ’s contributions made under this Stewardship Agreement do not by direct reference or implication convey Forest Service endorsement of 's products or activities.

12. NON-FEDERAL STATUS FOR PARTNER PARTICIPANT LIABILITY. agree(s) that any of ’s employees, volunteers, and program participants shall not be deemed to be Federal employees for any purposes including Chapter 171 of Title 28, United States Code (Federal Tort Claims Act) and Chapter 81 of Title 5, United States Code (OWCP), and hereby willingly agree(s) to assume these responsibilities.

Further, shall provide any necessary training to ’s employees, volunteers, and program participants to ensure that such personnel are capable of performing tasks to be completed. shall also supervise and direct the work of its employees, volunteers, and participants performing under this Stewardship Agreement.

13. MEMBERS OF U.S. CONGRESS. Pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 22, no member of, or delegate to, Congress shall be admitted to any share or part of this Stewardship Agreement, or benefits that may arise therefrom, either directly or indirectly.

14. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.

1. agree(s) that it will publish a drug-free workplace statement and provide a copy to each employee who will be engaged in the performance of any project/program that receives Federal funding. The statement must

a. Tell the employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in its workplace;

b. Specify the actions will take against employees for violating that prohibition; and

c. Let each employee know that, as a condition of employment under any award, the employee:

(1) Shall abide by the terms of the statement, and

(2) Shall notify you in writing if he or she is convicted for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace, and must do so no more than five calendar days after the conviction.

2. agree(s) that it will establish an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees about

a. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;

b. The established policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;

c. Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation and employee assistance programs; and

d. The penalties that you may impose upon them for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.

3. Without the Program Manager’s expressed written approval, the policy statement and program must be in place as soon as possible, no later than the 30 days after the effective date of this Stewardship Agreement, or the completion date of this Stewardship Agreement, whichever occurs first.

4. agree(s) to immediately notify the Program Manager if an employee is convicted of a drug violation in the workplace. The notification must be in writing, identify the employee’s position title, the number of each project which the employee worked. The notification must be sent to the Program Manager within ten calendar days after learn(s) of the conviction.

5. Within 30 calendar days of learning about an employee’s conviction, shall either:

a. Take appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), as amended, or

b. Require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for these purposes by a Federal, State or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.

15. NONDISCRIMINATION. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, and so forth.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

16. TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ORDINANCE (TERO). The Forest Service recognizes and honors the applicability of the Tribal laws and ordinances developed under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Educational Assistance Act of 1975 (PL 93-638).

17. ELIGIBLE WORKERS. shall ensure that all employees complete the I-9 form to certify that they are eligible for lawful employment under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 USC 1324a). shall comply with regulations regarding certification and retention of the completed forms. These requirements also apply to any contract or supplemental agreement awarded under this Stewardship Agreement.

18. STANDARDS FOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT.

1. Financial Reporting

shall provide complete, accurate, and current financial disclosures of the project or program in accordance with any financial reporting requirements, as set forth in the financial provisions.

2. Accounting Records

shall continuously maintain and update records identifying the source and use of funds. The records shall contain information pertaining to the agreement, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, outlays, and income.

3. Internal Control

shall maintain effective control over and accountability for all Forest Service funds. shall keep effective internal controls to ensure that all United States Federal funds received are separately and properly allocated to the activities described in the agreement and used solely for authorized purposes.

4. Source Documentation

shall support all accounting records with source documentation. These documentations include, but are not limited to, cancelled checks, paid bills, payrolls, contract documents. These documents must be made available to the Forest Service upon request.

5. Advance Payments

When applicable, shall establish and maintain specific procedures to minimize the time elapsing between the advance of Federal funds and their subsequent disbursement.

19. AGREEMENT CLOSEOUT. Within 90 days after expiration or notice of termination the parties shall close out the award/agreement.

Any unobligated balance of cash advanced to the Recipient/Cooperator must be immediately refunded to the Forest Service, including any interest earned in accordance with 7CFR3016.21/2CFR 215.22.

Within a maximum of 90 days following the date of expiration or termination of this grant, all financial performance and related reports required by the terms of the agreement must be submitted to the Forest Service by the Recipient/Cooperator.

If this agreement is closed out without audit, the Forest Service reserves the right to disallow and recover an appropriate amount after fully considering any recommended disallowances resulting from an audit which may be conducted later.

20. USE OF FOREST SERVICE INSIGNIA. In order for to use the Forest Service insignia on any published media, such as a Web page, printed publication, or audiovisual production, permission must be granted by the Forest Service’s Office of Communications (Washington Office). A written request will be submitted by Forest Service.

21. PROGRAM MONITORING AND PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTS. The parties to this agreement shall monitor the performance of activities under this Stewardship Agreement to ensure that performance goals are being achieved.

Performance reports must contain information on the following:

- A comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the period. Where the output of the project can be readily expressed in numbers, a computation of the cost per unit of output, if applicable.

- Reason(s) for delay if established goals were not met.

- Additional pertinent information.

shall submit performance reports to the Forest Service Program Manager. These reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. The final performance report shall be submitted either with ’s final payment request, or separately, but not later than 90 days from the expiration date of this Stewardship Agreement.

22. RETENTION AND ACCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS. shall retain all records pertinent to this Stewardship Agreement for a period of no less than three years from the expiration or termination date. As used in this provision, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practice, and other data, regardless of the type or format. shall provide access and the right to examine all records related to this Stewardship Agreement to the Forest Service Inspector General, or Comptroller General or their authorized representative. The rights of access in this section must not be limisted to the required retention periond but must last as long as records are kept.
    
    

If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, or other action involving the records has been started before the end of the 3-year period, the records must be kept until all issues are resolved, or until the end of the regular 3-year period, whichever is later.

Records for nonexpendable property acquired in whole or in part, with Federal funds shall be retained for 3 years after its final disposition.

23. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA). Public access to Stewardship Agreement records must not be limited, except when such records must be kept confidential and would have been exempted from disclosure pursuant to "Freedom of Information" regulations (5 U.S.C. 552).

Public access to culturally sensitive data and information of Federally-recognized Tribes may also be explicitly limited by P.L. 110-234, Title VIII Subtitle B §8106 (2008 Farm Bill).

24. TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING. In accordance with Executive Order (EO) 13513, “Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging While Driving,” any and all text messaging by Federal employees is banned: a) while driving a Government owned vehicle (GOV) or driving a privately owned vehicle (POV) while on official Government business; or b) using any electronic equipment supplied by the Government when driving any vehicle at any time. All cooperators, their employees, volunteers, and contractors are encouraged to adopt and enforce policies that ban text messaging when driving company owned, leased or rented vehicles, POVs or GOVs when driving while on official Government business or when performing any work for or on behalf of the Government.

25. PUBLIC NOTICES. It is Forest Service's policy to inform the public as fully as possible of its programs and activities. is/are encouraged to give public notice of the receipt of this award/Stewardship Agreement and, from time to time, to announce progress and accomplishments. Press releases or other public notices should include a statement substantially as follows:

"      of the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture,      .”

may call on Forest Service's Office of Communication for advice regarding public notices. is/are requested to provide copies of notices or announcements to the Forest Service Program Manager and to Forest Service's Office Communications as far in advance of release as possible.

26. RIGHT TO TRANSFER EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. Equipment approved for purchase under this Stewardship Agreement is available only for use as authorized. The Forest Service reserves the right to transfer title to the Federal government of any equipment with a current per-unit fair market value of $5,000 or more purchased with Forest Service funding. Upon expiration of this Stewardship Agreement, shall forward an equipment inventory to the Forest Service, listing all equipment purchased with Forest Service funding throughout the life of the project. Disposition instructions must be issued by the Forest Service within 120 calendar days from termination date of this Stewardship Agreement.

27. FUNDING EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. Federal funding under this Stewardship Agreement are not available for reimbursement of ’s purchase of equipment and supplies. Equipment is defined as having a fair market value of over $5,000 per unit and a useful life of over one year.

28. PURCHASE OF ASSETS. Any assets (such as equipment, property, or improvements) purchased by the Forest Service with Cooperator contributions must become the property of the Forest Service.

29. PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS. Improvements placed on National Forest System land at the direction or with approval of the Forest Service becomes property of the United States. These improvements are be subject to the same regulations and administration of the Forest Service as would other National Forest improvements of a similar nature. No part of this Stewardship Agreement entitles to any interest in the improvements, other than the right to use and enjoy them under applicable Forest Service regulations.

30. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS. Any contract under this agreement must be awarded following ‘s established procedures, to ensure free and open competition, and avoid any conflict of interest (or appearance of a conflict). shall maintain cost and price analysis documentation for potential Forest Service review. is encouraged to utilize small businesses, minority-owned firms and women’s business enterprises.

31. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY. may only use Forest Service property furnished under this Stewardship Agreement for performing tasks assigned in this Stewardship Agreement. shall not modify, cannibalize, or make alterations to Forest Service property. A separate document, Form AD-107, must be completed to document the loan of Forest Service property. The Forest Service shall retain title to all Forest Service-furnished property. Title to Forest Service property must not be affected by its incorporation into or attachment to any property not owned by the Forest Service, nor must the property become a fixture or lose its identity as personal property by being attached to any real property.

Partner Liability for Government Property.

1. Unless otherwise provided for in the Stewardship Agreement, shall not be liable for loss, damage, destruction, or theft to the Government property furnished or acquired under this contract, except when any one of the following applies—

a. The risk is covered by insurance or is/are otherwise reimbursed (to the extent of such insurance or reimbursement).

b. The loss, damage, destruction, or theft is the result of willful misconduct or lack of good faith on the part of ’s managerial personnel. ’s managerial personnel, in this clause, means ’s directors, officers, managers, superintendents, or equivalent representatives who have supervision or direction of all or substantially all of ’s business; all or substantially all of ’s operation at any one plant or separate location; or a separate and complete major industrial operation.

2. shall take all reasonable actions necessary to protect the Government property from further loss, damage, destruction, or theft. shall separate the damaged and undamaged Government property, place all the affected Government property in the best possible order, and take such other action as the Property Administrator directs.

3. shall do nothing to prejudice the Government's rights to recover against third parties for any loss, damage, destruction, or theft of Government property.

4. Upon the request of the G&A Specialist, shall, at the Government's expense, furnish to the Government all reasonable assistance and cooperation, including the prosecution of suit and the execution of Stewardship Agreements of assignment in favor of the Government in obtaining recovery.

32. OFFSETS, CLAIMS and RIGHTS. Any and all activities entered into or approved by this Stewardship Agreement will create and support afforestation/ reforestation efforts within the National Forest System without generating carbon credits. The Forest Service does not make claims of permanence or any guarantees of carbon sequestration on lands reforested or afforested through ’s assistance. The Forest Service will provide for long-term management of reforested and afforested lands, according to applicable Federal statute regulations and forest plans.

33. FOREST SERVICE ACKNOWLEDGED IN PUBLICATION AND AUDIOVISUALS. shall acknowledge Forest Service support in any publications, audiovisuals, and electronic media developed as a result of this Stewardship Agreement.

34. NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT – PRINTED, ELECTRONIC, OR AUDIOVISUAL MATERIAL. shall include the following statement, in full, in any printed, audiovisual material, or electronic media for public distribution developed or printed with any Federal funding.

"In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

To file a complaint alleging discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC  20250-9410 or call toll free voice (866) 632-9992, TDD (800)877-8339, or voice relay (866) 377-8642.  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

If the material is too small to permit the full statement to be included, the material shall, at minimum, include the following statement, in print size no smaller than the text:

"This institution is an equal opportunity provider."

35. REMEDIES FOR COMPLIANCE RELATED ISSUES. If materially fail(s) to comply with any term of the Stewardship Agreement, whether stated in a Federal statute or regulation, an assurance, the Stewardship Agreement, the Forest Service may take one or more of the following actions:

1. Temporarily withhold cash payments pending correction of the deficiency by or more severe enforcement action by the Forest Service;

2. Disallow (that is, deny both use of funds and matching credit for) all or part of the cost of the activity or action not in compliance;

3. Wholly or partly suspend or terminate the current Stewardship Agreement for ’s program;

4. Withhold further awards for the program, or

5. Take other remedies that may be legally available, including debarment procedures under 2 CFR part 417.

36. TERMINATION BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT. This Stewardship Agreement may be terminated, in whole or part, as follows:

- When the Forest Service and agree upon the termination conditions, including the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.

- By 30 days written notification by to the Forest Service setting forth the reasons for termination, effective date, and in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. If the Forest Service decides that the remaining portion of the Stewardship Agreement must not accomplish the purpose for which the Stewardship Agreement was made, the Forest Service may terminate the award upon 30 days written notice in its entirety.

Upon termination of an Stewardship Agreement, shall not incur any new obligations for the terminated portion of the Stewardship Agreement after the effective date, and shall cancel as many outstanding obligations as possible. The Forest Service shall allow full credit to for the Forest Service share of obligations that cannot be canceled and were properly incurred by up to the effective date of the termination. Excess funds shall be refunded within 60 days after the effective date of termination.

37. ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION – PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. shall immediately inform the Forest Service if they or any of their principals are presently excluded, debarred, or suspended from entering into covered transactions with the Federal government according to the terms of 2 CFR Part 180. Additionally, should or any of their principals receive a transmittal letter or other official Federal notice of debarment or suspension, then they shall notify the Forest Service without undue delay. This applies whether the exclusion, debarment, or suspension is voluntary or involuntary.

38. DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION. shall immediately inform the Forest Service if they or any of their principals are presently excluded, debarred, or suspended from entering into covered transactions with the Federal government according to the terms of 2 CFR Part 180. Additionally, should or any of their principals receive a transmittal letter or other official Federal notice of debarment or suspension, then they shall notify the Forest Service without undue delay. This applies whether the exclusion, debarment, or suspension is voluntary or involuntary.

39. COPYRIGHTING. is/are granted sole and exclusive right to copyright any publications developed as a result of this Stewardship Agreement. This includes the right to publish and vend throughout the world in any language and in all media and forms, in whole or in part, for the full term of copyright and all renewals thereof in accordance with this Stewardship Agreement.

No original text or graphics produced and submitted by the Forest Service must be copyrighted. The Forest Service reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use, and to authorize others to use the work for Federal government purposes. This right must be transferred to any subcontracts.

This provision includes:

• The copyright in any work developed by under this Stewardship Agreement.

• Any right of copyright to which purchase(s) ownership with any Federal contributions.

40. PUBLICATION SALE. may sell any publication developed as a result of this Stewardship Agreement. The publication may be sold at fair market value, which is initially defined in this Stewardship Agreement to cover the costs of development, production, marketing, and distribution. After the costs of development and production have been recovered, fair market value is defined in this Stewardship Agreement to cover the costs of marketing, printing, and distribution only. Fair market value must exclude any in-kind or Federal government contributions from the total costs of the project.

41. MODIFICATION. Modifications within the scope of this Stewardship Agreement must be made by mutual consent of the parties, by the issuance of a written modification signed and dated by all properly authorized, signatory officials, prior to any changes being performed. Requests for modification should be made in writing, at least       days prior to implementation of the requested change. The Forest Service is not obligated to fund any changes not properly approved in advance.

42. COMMENCEMENT/EXPIRATION DATE. This Stewardship Agreement is executed as of the date of the last signature and is effective through       at which time it will expire. The expiration date is the final date for completion of all work activities under this agreement.

43. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES. By signature below, each party certifies that the individuals listed in this document as representatives of the individual parties are authorized to act in their respective areas for matters related to this Stewardship Agreement.

In witness whereof, the parties have executed this Stewardship Agreement as of the last date written below.

     ,            		Date
     ,       U.S. Forest Service,       National Forest		Date

The authority and format of this Stewardship Agreement have been reviewed and approved for signature.
     
      U.S. Forest Service Grants Management Specialist	Date

Burden Statement

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0596-0217. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 4 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (voice). TDD users can contact USDA through local relay or the Federal relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

APPENDIX A

DEFINITIONS

Technical and Cost Evaluation. The evaluation used by the Forest Service to award projects. Such consideration shall primarily consider criteria other than cost. These non-price criteria include, but are not limited to, extent of mutual cooperation and benefits, past performance, experience, technical approach, and benefits to the local community.

Stewardship Project Proposal. A written request submitted by Forest and Grassland Supervisors to the Regional Forester for review and approval for proposed stewardship projects. The request for approval must include appropriate information about the proposed project, such as land management goals of the project, the total value of the project, products to be removed, the value of services to be received, the value of goods to be exchanged for services, contributed funds or work to be received, and expected residual receipts from the project.

After reviewing a proposed project, the Regional Forester shall approve or disapprove the project through a formal written reply in correspondence to the Forest or Grassland Supervisor. Only the projects and associated work activities approved by the Regional Forester with completed NEPA analysis are to be included in this Stewardship Agreement.

APPENDIX B

TECHNICAL PROJECT PROPOSAL

APPENDIX C

MAP OF STEWARDSHIP PROJECT AREA

APPENDIX D

FINANCIAL PLAN

Insert FS 1500-17A, B, or C Agreement Financial Plan here.