Request for Proposal: Leave No Trace …

                     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 "in-
house" 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.