Experienced Services Program

The Experienced Services Program (ESP) provides support to the National Park Service (NPS) on natural and cultural resource conservation projects that enable the agency to carry out its mission. Special emphasis will be placed on projects that improve the maintenance of national park resources and enhance the visitor experience.

ESP participants will provide technical assistance and support to the NPS in the development and execution of projects that benefit the general public and provide support to NPS employees. This program will provide opportunities to qualified individuals 55 years of age and older, who have specific technical skills and abilities not available or underrepresented at current NPS staffing levels. The ESP participants will not replace or displace current NPS employees.

This program is limited to qualified non-profit organizations subject to 26 USC 501 c(3) of the tax code, and must be designated by the Secretary of Labor under Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Proof of establishment must be submitted with the application.

Funding announcements for this program, along with registration procedures, application packages and instructions, points of contact, and procedures for submitting applications will be available on www.grants.gov

Proposals received in response to announcements on grants.gov are reviewed on the basis of a competitive, merit based review process, and are rated in accordance with the evaluation criteria stated in the announcement. Awards may be made to the highest rated proposals based on the amount of funding available each year.

Varies depending on the type and complexity of the project. Further information will be available for each specific project at the time the funding opportunity announcement is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the Program Manager listed as the point of contact. Generally 30 – 120 days.