Department of the Interior Policy (505 DM 2) requires a written justification which explains why competition is not practicable for each single-source award.
This announcement is to provide public notice of the National Park Service (NPS), intention to fund the following project activities without
competition.
The proposed project is a continuation of activities implemented through a longstanding partnership with Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
The Dunes Learning Center has been working with the NPS for 15 years as part of an ongoing collaborative effort to design and develop programming for schools, youth and adults.
The Dunes Learning Center is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon several factors including proximity to those they serve and the national lakeshore, capacity to engage a base of volunteer and financial support for outreach and projects for people of all ages, and technical expertise and experience in attracting audiences and delivering effective environmental-focused curricula.
The Learning Center works with school districts years in advance to schedule residential programming and have work closely with the NPS to develop, implement and evaluate high quality curriculum focused on inspiring curiosity, scientific literacy and environmental stewardship through hands-on learning in the dunes, for children and adults.
For many students, programs such as the summer camps provide a first-time away from home and the chance to see Lake Michigan and a beginning to understand their role as a steward of their environment.