title
PROPOSED CONTRACT AMENDMENT
 
Department(s):  Resource Management  
 
Vendor:  Friends of the Forest Preserves, Chicago, Illinois   
 
Request:  Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Preserves”) to extend  contract  
 
Good(s) or Service(s):  Forest Preserve Leadership Corps internship program  
 
Original Contract Period:  11/18/2014 - 11/17/2015, with an initial extension approved through 12/31/2016  
 
Proposed Contract Period Extension:  1/1/2017 - 12/31/2017   
 
Total Current Contract Amount Authority:  $50,000.00
 
Original Approval:  11/18/2014
 
Previous Increase(s):  $50,000.00  
 
This Increase Requested:  $50,000.00 
 
Estimated Fiscal Impact:  FY 2017 $50,000.00 
 
Accounts:  09-6758 Intern Programs, 09-6750 Habitat Restoration, 09-6755 Habitat Enhancement, 09-6757 Potential Grant Match & Work, Grant Accounts 10-5800, 10-6750 and 10-6757 
 
Contract Number(s):  13-31-118
 
Concurrences:
The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item. 
 
District(s):  Districtwide
 
Summary:  The Forest Preserve Leadership Corps program (now referred to as the Friends Roving Crew) provides advanced conservation and leadership skills training for young adults, ages 18-20, who have successfully graduated from the Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps program. The fifty two (52) week program engages participants in hands-on ecological restoration activities centered around invasive species control and restoration of native plants. Participants receive training in prescribed fire, herbicide application, stewardship, and chainsaw operation, in addition to experience leading various community engagement and volunteer workday events promoting forest preserve awareness. The original contract was approved by the Board on 11/18/2014 and was initially extended through 12/31/2016. The Preserves would like to extend this program for an additional twelve (12) months. A new RFQ will be issued in the third quarter of 2017.
 
This program advances the goals of the Next Century Conservation Plan.