Cooperative Park Studies Unit, College of Forestry, Wildlife & Range Sciences, Room 16, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844-1133

B -- REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS -- EVALUATION OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FEE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM DUE 100797 POC Point of Contact -- Sandy Watson, 208-885-7054 Congress has authorized the National Park Service (NPS) to conduct a fee demonstration program for up to a three-year period. This program will involve 100 units of the National Park System. This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to evaluate how the demonstration fee program is operating in the National Park System, and identify opportunities for improvement. These Projects will be awarded and funded through a subcontract with the University of Idaho Cooperative Park Studies Unit, as part of the NPS Social Science Program. Each project will be awarded separately through a formal competition. Project 1 will focus on data collected from NPS managers at each of the 100 NPS units participating in the fee demonstration program. Data will be collected concerning operations during FY97 (ending 30 September 1997), and similar data will be collected concerning operations during FY98 (ending 30 September 1999). Project 2 will focus on detailed case study evaluations conducted at 13 preselected NPS units, together with additional intensive studies at a preselected three of the above 13 units. Project 2 will include a survey of visitors at each case study unit, addressing visitor perceptions of the fee demonstrations. For the three intensive study units, the project will also include assessing impacts on the local and regional communities and economies caused by changes in fees. The study teams for Project 1 and Project 2 must include social scientists with specific experience in survey methodology. The study team for Project 2 must also include social scientists with specific experience in economic research and modeling. The cost of Project 1 is expected to be within the range of $75,000 to $105,000. The cost of Project 2 is expected to be within the range of $105,000 to $135,000. A copy of the full RFP packet is required to prepare a competitive proposal. Copies of the RFP packet can only be sent surface mail (not available electronically or by express courier service) and can be requested by contacting Sandy Watsonby phone at 208-885-7054, fax at 208-885-4261 or email at swatson@uidaho.edu. Proposals must be postmarked no later than 7 October 1997. (0240)

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