Request for Proposal (RFP)

Request for Proposal: Leave No Trace
Master Educator Course Provider

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (the Center) is requesting proposals from organizations interested in becoming official providers of the Leave No Trace Master Educator Course, as described in this Request for Proposal (RFP).Interested parties should submit a letter of intent to: Ben Lawhon , Education Director, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, P.O. Box 997, Boulder, CO 80306, by August 15, 2008. Full proposals, if requested by the Center, are due by October 15, 2008.

The letter of intent should be no more than two pages and should include a brief organizational background, explanation of why the organization desires to provide the Master Educator course and target audience(s) for the course.

The following phases will be conducted to complete this RFP process:
Phase I: Reply to this RFP with a letter of intent by August 15, 2008.
Phase II: Upon acceptance of letter of intent by the Center, submit complete proposal fulfilling requirements outlined in section E of this document by October 15, 2008.
Phase III: Follow up with additional information as requested by the Center.
Phase IV: Pending approval by the Center’s RFP Task Force (a committee comprised of Center staff, Education Review Committee members and Board of Directors members), offer Leave No Trace Master Educator Courses after January 1, 2010 for a five-year period.

A. The National Leave No Trace Program
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics was established in 1994 as a non-profit organization to promote responsible enjoyment of the out-of-doors. Leave No Trace partners - land management agencies, the outdoor industry, user groups, and other affiliates - support a unified, consistent, minimum impact program based on the best available scientific research and outdoor experience. A principle goal is the development of an educational system that instills outdoor ethics, understanding, and skills needed by recreationists to participate in non-motorized recreational activities in a low-impact manner. Development of high quality Leave No Trace educational materials and training programs forms the foundation and is key to success for all Leave No Trace efforts.

B. The Leave No Trace Master Educator Course
The Leave No Trace Master Educator Course is a core and vital component of the national Leave No Trace program. This course disseminates comprehensive Leave No Trace skills, ethics and teaching practices to agency personnel, representatives of the outdoor industry, organized groups, outdoor instructors, youth serving organizations and other interested individuals. The Master Educator course is the most in-depth course offered through the Leave No Trace program. The course produces a cadre of highly knowledgeable Leave No Trace educators who disseminate Leave No Trace information and provide outreach and training to diverse audiences.

The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) was the first provider of the Master Educator course, beginning in 1991. In 2000 the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) was brought on as a second Master Educator course provider. Then, in 2004, three additional course providers were selected in addition to NOLS and AMC. Those included the Wilderness Education Association, the Ninemile Wildlands Training Center and Landmark Learning. Additionally, the Boy Scouts of America was added as an “inhouse” provider, authorized to offer Master Educator courses only to registered BSA members. All six existing providers will compete under this RFP process for the selection as one or more future Master Educator course providers. The selected training institution(s) will be authorized by the Center to offer the Master Educator course for a five-year period beginning in 2010.

There are currently more than 3000 trained Master Educators with approximately 200-400 additional participants per year. Given the highly specialized and in-depth nature of this course, the ultimate market for this course is likely limited. The Master Educator course is intended for individuals such as federal agency personnel, scout leaders, trail club members, outfitters, outdoor instructors, university and college faculty, and outdoor products industry staff who will train others. Course costs are not directly regulated but there is strong pressure from Leave No Trace partners to keep training costs affordable for the broadest possible audience (current prices range from $400- $850 for the five-day course depending on provider and location). In summary, prospective institutions should be aware that compared to other outdoor courses or guided trips, the market for this course is fairly restricted. The primary motivation for offering this course should be a strong organizational commitment to Leave No Trace and the promotion of outdoor skills, ethics and stewardship.

C. Curriculum Content
The Master Educator course requires a minimum of four eight-hour days and at least three nights camping in backcountry and/or frontcountry settings. However, most providers run a 5-day/4-night course. Minimum standards and related supporting information relevant to the Master Educator course and this RFP are included in the National Leave No Trace Training Guidelines document, available online: http://lnt.org/training/PDFs/Training_Guidelines_12-04.pdf

D. Training Institution Core Requirements
Institutions or organizations interested in receiving authorization to provide one or more Leave No Trace Master courses must have verifiable experience in successfully teaching and instructing outdoor skills and ethics, including minimum impact travel and camping techniques. Interested institutions or organizations must also have a cadre of Leave No Trace Master Educators on staff that can provide high quality training. Such organizations must be current partners of the Center, must demonstrate adequate liability insurance and risk management systems to cover course-related accidents and mishaps and obtain all necessary permits and permissions for operating on public or other land. Additionally, chosen course providers may be required to undergo a Leave No Trace Master Educator Instructor course at their expense if deemed necessary by the Center in order to ensure a qualified pool of instructors.

E. Submission and Evaluation of Proposals
Following the letter of intent, a proposal may be requested by the Center, which shall include the following:

1.  A Master Educator course agenda describing course content, progression and support materials, with a curriculum that meets the requirements outlined in the National Leave No Trace Training Guidelines.
   
2.  Organization qualifications, including organization purpose, risk management procedures, relevant accreditations/certifications, universal access considerations, structure, size, history of training in backcountry settings and staff qualifications (including staff knowledge of Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics, safety and first aid training, and expertise as educators).
   
3. Organization experience in various regions, environments and in various types of outdoor activities (e.g. backpacking, climbing, sea kayaking, stock use, rafting, frontcountry, canoeing, etc.).
   
4. Proof of liability insurance and permissions to operate on public or other lands (Master Educator courses require appropriate permits to operate on public lands).
   
5. Specific proposed course location(s), course size, student/staff ratios, tentative dates and estimated costs per participant.
   
6. A comprehensive plan for Leave No Trace course marketing and ensuring student enrollment (and screening process).
   
7. A description of any provided field equipment, facilities, meals or field rations. Proposal reviews will be conducted by the Center’s RFP Task Force, and final decisions will be made by the Center for Outdoor Ethics. Recommendations and decisions will be based on the degree to which interested organizations meet or exceed the core requirements and the expected need for additional Leave No Trace training institutions. The training institution(s) selected will be periodically reviewed and audited by the Center for evaluations of quality and compliance. Authorization as a Master Educator course provider may be canceled at any time if such reviews are unfavorable and adequate corrections are not implemented.
   

The Center is committed to equal opportunity and equal treatment for all qualified individuals. For all Master Educator courses, authorized providers agree not to unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other factors that have no bearing on one’s ability to participate in a Master Educator course.