Review Process

Proposals will be reviewed by a team comprised of representatives from the Next 100 Coalition and the Forest Service. 

Proposals will be evaluated based on a range of criteria, including compliance with RFP guidelines, completeness, clarity, and organization. Proposals should show a clear understanding of potential challenges and provide information on strategies for mitigating such risks. Priority will be given to proposals that successfully integrate the following elements: 

• Community engagement and program outreach: proposal shows engagement with communities that are disproportionately affected by systemic inequities as defined by the Justice40 Climate & Economic Justice screening tool and/or the Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy Priority Landscapes; 

• Sustainability and impact: proposal demonstrates reduction in barriers to access and recreation; and emphasizes deepening partnerships that develop a sense of belonging and connection for underrepresented communities with the outdoors; and 

• Relationship and partnership building: proposal conveys status of new and/or established partnership(s) with local Forest Service offices/districts; demonstrates commitment to strengthening these partnerships over time; and describes collaborative efforts to promote and sustain these programs. 

Gear Library Evaluation Rubric