NOTICE TO ELIGIBLE ENTITIES
Opportunity to Enter into a Challenge Cost-Sharing Cooperative Management Agreement; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Portland District
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, is seeking proposals from Non-Federal Public Entities and Non-Profit Entities interested in entering into a Challenge Cost-Sharing Cooperative Management Agreement (CCSCMA) for the purpose of collaboratively managing a designated recreation area at John Day Lock and Dam. CCSCMAs may be established for an initial term of up to ten (10) years, with an additional five (5) option years available without further competition.
Recreation Areas Under Consideration
The following recreation site for John Day Lock and Dam is included in this opportunity:
- Albert Philippi Park – Gilliam County, OR
- Potential gross revenue: $35,000-$90,000, depending on utilization.
Typical Co-Management Responsibilities
USACE is seeking a partner capable of performing operations and maintenance tasks traditionally required to support public recreation. These may include, but are not limited to:
• Campground management and cashless fee collection.
• Grounds maintenance (mowing, trimming, vegetation management).
• Janitorial services and facility cleaning.
• Refuse and trash removal.
• Facility maintenance and appearance upkeep.
• Customer service and visitor assistance.
• Reservation management, day-use access, and other administrative functions.
• Capital improvements in collaboration with USACE investment strategy.
Eligible Entities
Eligible Non-Federal Public Entities include:
• States, counties, municipalities, or local governments.
• Public institutions of higher education.
• Indian Tribes.
Eligible Non-Profit Entities include organizations defined under 26 U.S.C. §501(c) and exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C. §501(a).
Benefits of Partnership
USACE Benefits
• Reduced cost of routine operations, maintenance, and management.
• Ability to redirect federal resources toward critical backlog maintenance and facility improvements.
• Continued eligibility for federal appropriations through cost-sharing.
• Reinvestment of user fees collected for local onsite use.
Partner Benefits
• Sustainable funding: Partners may retain up to 100% of user fees to offset management, operations, and maintenance costs, and reinvest retained funds into the recreation site.
• Mission enhancement: Partners gain expanded opportunities for outdoor recreation, education and outreach, public access, and quality-of-life improvements for local communities.
• Shared responsibility: Cost-sharing reduces the partner’s financial burden compared to assuming full responsibility for site operations.
Public Benefits
• Potential for longer operating seasons and enhanced recreational opportunities.
• Opportunities for improved services and enhanced customer experience.
• Reduced likelihood of recreation site closure due to limited federal resources.
• Reinvestment of user fees onsite for facilities, amenities, and visitor services.
Submittal Requirements
Interested eligible entities must submit a narrative proposal addressing the following criteria, and submissions will be ranked accordingly:
1. Experience managing recreation programs, activities, parks, or facilities.
2. Technical resources available to support recreation operations and maintenance.
3. Financial capability to manage recreation programs and sustain operations.
4. Past performance demonstrating satisfactory delivery of recreation programs or similar services.
Narratives may be accompanied by supporting documents. If documentation is already available online (e.g., Parks and Recreation Master Plans, Annual Reports, or other comprehensive materials), a link may be provided in lieu of attachments.
Submission Instructions
Submit proposal packages via email: Sylvia.T.Gentilcore@usace.army.mil
Submit email with the subject line: Philippi Park – Cooperative Joint Management
Deadline: All submissions must be received no later than 5:00 PM (PDT), May 14th, 2026.
Evaluation Method
The John Day Lock and Dam Operations Project Manager will convene an evaluation team consisting of Project staff and Portland District personnel. Proposals will be evaluated and scored against the four selection criteria identified above in submittal requirements.
The evaluation team will prepare a recommendation for consideration by the Portland District Commander, who will make the final selection.
Next Steps After Selection
Once a partner is selected and approved:
• USACE and the partner will jointly develop a Challenge Cost-Sharing Cooperative Management Agreement.
• A two-year Partner Operations Plan will be prepared, outlining roles, responsibilities, authorities, and budget details for both parties.