21st Century CSC

1. 21st Century CSC Certification and Accountability Sub-Committee Preliminary Recommendations

2. Standard form of governance and accountability structure • Sufficient staff to manage program • Employment development and succession plans for key staff • Leaders will meet hiring/enrollment standards • Members and staff easily recognizable through uniforms and insignia Program Management

3. Implementation of generally accepted accounting principals and financial controls • Management of and compliance with government contracts • Maintenance of determined acceptable level of liability and workers compensation insurance • Regular audits (A-133 where applicable) Financial Management

4. Written Policies and Procedures • Staff and member training • Maintain insurance coverage as required by federal, state and local law Risk Management

5. Maintain either dedicated HR staff or other staff with demonstrated HR experience and expertise • Written HR policies and procedures • Payroll and stipend management systems • Maintain accurate files and records • Hiring of staff and participants adheres to applicable laws and complies with funding/contractual agreements Human Resources and Administration

6. Mission and activities focused on conserving or developing natural and cultural resources and enhancing and maintaining environmentally important lands and water • Crew based or individual placements depending on project or request of partner/sponsor • Length of program is adequate and appropriate to meet mission and provide meaningful experience for the member Program Design

7. Crews are supervised by experienced leaders and staff who have undergone training in basic outdoor education, crew management, discipline and safety (including appropriate level first aid and CPR) • Individual placements will be supervised by a staff member of the partner organization/agency and will be supported by the 21st C CSC organization • Programs serving youth will adhere to appropriate legal requirements Program Design

8. Specialized projects and trainings will be subject to an additional level of certification • Projects include but are not limited to • Chainsaw programs • Back country & spike programs • GIS programs Program Design

9. Structure • NGO- the Government will outsource the management of 21C CSC to an NGO through competitive bid • Board-experts in the field provide oversight. Make final determination • Peer Review Team-manages site visits • Government Committee-advisory Process & Management

10. Components- • Application will consist of written self-assessment followed by an on-site peer review Process and Management

11. Fee structure • Portion of the cost paid by organization • Fee based on organization size/budget and or number of programs certified • Peer review expenses • Dedicated federal funding? Process and Management

12. Length of Certification • 3 Years • Annual short form report on ‘off years’ Process and Management

13. Decertification/Appeals • Appeals regarding certification status are submitted to the Board for consideration • Certifying entity will be responsible for reviewing and managing all certified organizations for compliance • Opportunity for corrective action-probationary status Process and Management

14. Emerging Corps/Organizations • New or small existing organizations may apply for provisional certification • Managing entity will provide a compliance plan and technical assistance • Finite timeline for compliance and obtaining full certification Process and Management

15. Program collects information on its operations, services and participants • Programs establish measurable outcomes that reflect the outcomes of the 21st C CSC • Programs comply with all federal and other grant and contract reporting requirements. Evaluation and Reporting