BLM-(MT), Pompeys Pillar Visitor Services | L17AS00046

Opportunity Information: Apply for L17AS00046

The BLM-(MT), Pompeys Pillar Visitor Services opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number L17AS00046) is a discretionary cooperative agreement offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), focused on strengthening day-to-day visitor services and public programming at Pompeys Pillar National Monument (PPNM) in Montana. The central idea is a hands-on partnership between BLM and a recipient organization to collaboratively operate and improve key elements of the monument experience, from interpretation and education to volunteer coordination, special events, and basic operational support. The opportunity was created on March 24, 2017, with an original application deadline of May 23, 2017. BLM anticipated making one award, with a maximum funding amount (award ceiling) of $140,000.

The agreement is designed to provide broad, practical support that directly affects what visitors see, learn, and experience on site. BLM is looking for a partner that can help deliver interpretive and educational services to both regional youth and the general visiting public, including the research, development, and distribution of interpretive, educational, and outreach materials. This includes helping visitors on site, improving communication tools, and expanding outreach efforts that raise awareness of the monument and its significance.

A major component of the partnership is the operation of a bookstore and gift shop located inside the PPNM interpretive center. The gift shop is intended to enhance the visitor experience by offering relevant educational materials, souvenirs, and practical items that help visitors safely and comfortably enjoy the site (examples mentioned include items like bug spray and sunscreen). A key expectation is that revenue generated through sales would be reinvested to support on-site programs and projects, effectively creating a fundraising stream tied to visitor engagement. The agreement also aims to clearly define how resources are shared between PPNM and the recipient in relation to operating and using this gift store space, emphasizing formal coordination rather than informal support.

The opportunity also places strong emphasis on events and community engagement, including support for special events such as the annual Clark Days festival, broader community outreach activities, and volunteer-focused events like National Public Lands Day. In addition to hosting and supporting events, the partner is expected to help grow and sustain volunteerism at the monument by raising public awareness of volunteer opportunities, co-hosting volunteer training with BLM, and providing recognition and appreciation for volunteers. The description also highlights practical volunteer support measures, including assistance with volunteer mileage reimbursement, which can reduce barriers to participation and help retain volunteers over time.

On the operational side, the partnership includes maintenance and improvement work that keeps the site attractive, functional, and educational. Examples listed include landscaping and groundskeeping, maintaining interpretive exhibits, and helping develop new exhibits. These tasks connect directly to visitor satisfaction and safety while also protecting and presenting the monument's resources effectively. In addition, the recipient would assist with the fee collection program by organizing and utilizing volunteers as greeters and to support the sale of daily and annual passes. This indicates BLM is seeking a partner that can reliably coordinate people and processes that keep the visitor contact stations running smoothly, especially during busy seasons.

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning the opportunity is open to a wide range of entity types, subject to any additional eligibility details that might appear in the full notice. The funding activity category is Natural Resources, and the CFDA number is 15.224, reflecting the public lands and resource stewardship context of the work.

The public benefit is framed in straightforward terms: visitors gain access to stronger interpretive and educational programming, improved facilities and exhibits, better-maintained grounds and amenities, and more engaging events that help people connect with Pompeys Pillar National Monument. By combining BLM oversight with partner-led support in programming, retail operations, volunteer management, and visitor services, the agreement aims to create a consistently high-quality visitor experience while expanding the monument's capacity to serve the public.

• The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BLM-(MT), Pompeys Pillar Visitor Services" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.224.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 24, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 23, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $140,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

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