[Federal Register: May 29, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 103)]
[Notices]
[Page 32090-32106]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29my03-151]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Office of Disability Employment Policy
[SGA 03-08]
Home Modification Grants
AGENCY: Office of Disability Employment Policy, Department of Labor.
ACTION: Notice of availability of funds; solicitation for grant
applications (SGA).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
This notice contains all of the necessary information and forms
needed to apply for grant funding. (SGA 03-08).
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the Office of Disability
Employment Policy (ODEP) announces the availability of $500,000 to
award up to ten competitive grants in the amount of $50,000 to $100,000
each to provide home modifications as a means of further expanding the
community integration of individuals with disabilities, and
particularly those seeking employment. Grants will be awarded for a 12-
month period of performance. After one year of support, it is
anticipated that the grantees will have identified and developed the
funds and resources needed to continue the expansion of such home
modification programs within their respective localities.
For people with disabilities and older Americans, an often-cited
barrier to participation in work and community life is the lack of
affordable home modifications, such as ramps, widened doorways, lowered
countertops and cabinetry accessible to those who use wheelchairs. Such
modifications can often mean the difference between working and being
unemployed, between being a taxpayer and a recipient of public
assistance, and between true presence and participation in one's
community and living in a nursing home. In Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S.
581, 119 S.Ct. 2176 (1999) (the ``Olmstead decision''), the Supreme
Court construed Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
to require states to place qualified individuals with mental
disabilities in community settings, rather than in institutions,
whenever treatment professionals determine that such placement is
appropriate, the affected persons do not oppose such placement, and the
state can reasonably accommodate the placement, taking into account the
resources available to the state and the needs of others with
disabilities.
In Olmstead, the Supreme Court stated that institutional placements
of people with disabilities who can live in, and benefit from,
community settings perpetuates the unwarranted assumptions that persons
so isolated are incapable or unworthy of participating in community
life. The Supreme Court stated that ``recognition that unjustified
institutional isolation of persons with disabilities is a form of
discrimination reflect[ed] two evident judgements'': (1)
``institutional placements of people with disabilities who can live in,
and benefit from, community settings perpetuates the unwarranted
assumptions that persons so isolated are incapable or unworthy of
participating in community life''; and (2) ``confinement in an
institution severely diminishes everyday life activities of
individuals, including family relations, social contacts, work options,
economic independence, educational advancement, and cultural
enrichment.'' Olmstead, 119 S.Ct. 2176, 2179, 2187 [emphasis added].
This decision affects not only all persons in institutions and
segregated settings, but also people with disabilities who are at risk
of institutionalization, including people with disabilities on waiting
lists to receive community based services and supports. The President
has made it very clear, through his New Freedom
[[Page 32091]]
Initiative and through his Executive Order to Federal Agencies on the
implementation of the Olmstead decision, that every effort should be
expended to ensure that people can live and work in their communities
and are not forced to live in congregate facilities and to give up any
hope of employment.
The purpose of these grants, therefore, is to encourage the
development of home modifications as a means to support individuals
with disabilities as they seek and maintain employment.
DATES: Applications will be accepted May 29, 2003. The closing date for
receipt of applications under this announcement is July 14, 2003.
Applications must be received by 4:45 p.m. (ET) at the address below.
No exceptions to the mailing and hand-delivery conditions set forth in
this notice will be granted. Applications that do not meet the
conditions set forth in this notice will be considered non-responsive.
ADDRESSES: Applications shall be mailed to: U.S. Department of Labor,
Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra Willis, Reference SGA
03-08, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210.
Telefacsimile (Fax) applications will not be accepted. Applicants are
advised that mail delivery in the Washington area may be delayed due to
mail decontamination procedures.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cassandra Willis, U.S. Department of
Labor, Procurement Services Center, telephone (202) 693-4570 (this is
not a toll-free number), prior to the closing deadline. Persons who are
deaf or hard of hearing may contact DOL via the Federal Relay Service,
(800) 877-8339. This announcement will also be published on the
Internet on the ODEP's online Home Page at: http://www2.dol.gov/odep.
Award notifications will also be published on the ODEP Homepage.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Part I. Delivery of Applications
1. Late Applications
Any application received after the exact date and time specified
for receipt at the office designated in this notice will be considered
non-responsive, unless it is received before awards are made and it (a)
is determined that its late receipt was caused by DOL error; (b) was
sent by U.S. Postal Service registered or certified mail not later than
the fifth calendar day before the date specified for receipt of
applications (e.g., an application submitted in response to a
solicitation requiring receipt of applications by the 20th of the month
must have been post marked by the 15th of that month); or (c) was sent
by the U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service to addressee
not later than 5 p.m. at the place of mailing two working days prior to
the date specified for receipt of applications. The term ``working
days'' excludes weekends and Federal holidays. ``Post marked'' means a
printed, stamped or otherwise placed impression (exclusive of a postage
meter machine impression) that is readily identifiable, without further
action, as having been supplied or affixed on the date of mailing by an
employee of the U.S. Postal Service.
2. Withdrawal of Applications
Applications may be withdrawn by written notice or telegram
(including mail gram) received at any time before an award is made.
Applications may be withdrawn in person by the applicant or by an
authorized representative thereof, if the representative's identity is
made known and the representative signs a receipt of the proposal.
3. Hand-Delivered Proposals
It is preferred that applications be mailed at least five days
prior to the closing date. To be considered for funding, hand-delivered
applications must be received by 4:45 p.m., ET, at the specified
address. Failure to adhere to the above instructions will be basis for
a determination of non-responsiveness. Overnight express mail from
carriers other than the U.S. Postal Service will be considered hand-
delivered applications and must be received by the above specified date
and time.
Part II. Authority
Omnibus Appropriations Resolution, 2003, Public Law 1087;
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001, Public Law 106-554, 29 U.S.C.
557b.
Part III. Background and Purpose
Background
Based on the 1995 American Housing Survey, almost 8.9 million
housing units in the United States had at least one occupant who had a
physical activity limitation--approximately 9.1 percent of the 97.7
million occupied housing units that year. It is estimated that as many
as 3.4 million (38.4 percent) of homes with at least one occupant with
activity limitations had some type of home modification (such as grab
bars and ramps). In 3.3 million (36.9 percent) of the homes, an
occupant with activity limitations received help from another person.
Canes, walkers, or crutches were used in 3.4 million (37.9 percent) of
the homes; wheelchairs, 1.4 million (15.3 percent); motorized or
electric carts, 161,000 (1.8 percent); and other devices, 462,000 (5.2
percent). Approximately 5.1 million (57.4 percent) of the households in
which a member had an activity limitation had no home modifications
present.
In general, funding to meet this significant home modification need
is scarce nationally and eligibility is often limited for the few
programs available that help an individual in need of home
modifications. Assistance through the Veterans Administration for some
modifications, for example, is only available to eligible veterans.
Some Centers for Independent Living provide funds for such purposes,
but the funding is extremely limited and not widely available,
particularly in rural areas. The Social Security Administration may
allow deductions for the cost of certain modifications from earned
income, but only to participants in certain work programs and if the
modifications are deemed required for employment outcomes. Vocational
Rehabilitation may also provide funding for some home modifications,
but only for those eligible individuals seeking employment. The Fair
Housing Act mandates that the landlord allow a tenant to make
modifications, but usually at their own expense and with the
responsibility to return the rental property to its original state upon
termination of the lease. The Department of Housing and Urban
Development's (HUD) Section 203(b) loan program allows funding to be
used for home modifications, but many simply cannot afford such loans.
In many communities across the country, older Americans and people
with disabilities must rely on faith-based and community organizations
as well as charitable associations for such assistance. In many cases,
such funding is simply not available at all. Often, individuals are, in
essence, ``forced'' to leave their homes for nursing homes or assisted
living facilities, or prevented from moving into otherwise affordable
housing, due to such inaccessibility. Just as often, opportunities for
employment must go unrealized due to an inability to leave one's house
without great effort.
Purpose
Through the President's Faith-Based and Community Initiative
(FBCI), local faith-based and community organizations can take a
leadership role in assisting individuals with disabilities to remain in
their homes, or to move into accessible homes. To coordinate this
effort, DOL is partnering with the Corporation for National and
[[Page 32092]]
Community Service (CNCS) and HUD to promote the development of home
modifications as a means to encourage the employment of individuals
with disabilities. This unique partnership will allow the Federal
government to promote both the spirit and the responsibilities of both
the New Freedom Initiative and the Olmstead Executive Order, while
concurrently recognizing the valuable community roles played by
America's faith-based and community organizations. Moreover, it is the
intention of this solicitation to assist individuals with disabilities
to remain in their homes or move into accessible housing and thereby
directly facilitate and provide these employment supports to further
their opportunities to seek and retain employment and training in their
communities.
Part IV. Funding Availability and Period of Performance
The ODEP anticipates awarding approximately up to ten competitive
grants in the amount of $50,000 to $100,000 each to provide home
modifications as a means of further expanding the community integration
of individuals with disabilities, and particularly those seeking
employment. Grants will be awarded for a 12-month period of
performance. After one year of support, it is anticipated that the
grantees will have identified and developed the funds and resources
needed to continue the expansion of such home modification programs
within their respective localities.
This solicitation calls for the creation of several local programs
to provide home modifications to assist individuals with disabilities
and older Americans to live and work in their communities. Funding will
be provided for local organizations to purchase materials, analyze
accessibility, and build the necessary modifications. These
organizations are encouraged to seek donations of materials and labor
from local businesses, labor organizations, and community associations.
In addition, these organizations are also strongly encouraged to work
with their local Centers for Independent Living and other disability
advocacy organizations to determine local need and potential resources.
Part V. Eligible Applicants and Required Partnerships
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include faith-based and community organizations
that must be non-profit entities (although not 501(c)(4) entities
subject to the Lobbying Disclosure Act) that also:
(1) Have social services as a major part of their mission;
(2) Are headquartered in the local community to which they provide
these services; and
(3) Have a total annual operating budget of $300,000 or less, or
have six (6) or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
Note: For purposes of this SGA, local affiliates of national
social service organizations are not considered ``faith-based and
community organizations'' and are not eligible to apply.
Part VI. Format Requirements for Grant Application
General Requirements
Applicants must submit one (1) paper copy with an original
signature and two (2) additional paper copies of their signed proposal.
To aid with the review of applications, USDOL also encourages
Applicants to submit an electronic copy of their proposal on a disc or
CD using Microsoft Word. Applicants who do not provide an electronic
copy will not be penalized. The Application Narrative must be double-
spaced with standard margins on 8\1/2\ x 11 papers, and be presented on
single-sided, numbered pages with the exception of format requirements
for the Executive Summary. The Executive Summary must be limited to no
more than two single-spaced, single-sided pages on 8\1/2\ x 11 papers
with standard margins throughout. A font size of at least twelve (12)
pitch is required throughout. Applications that fail to meet these
requirements will be considered non-responsive.
The three required sections of the application are:
Section I--Project Financial Plan
Section II--Executive Summary--Project Synopsis
Section III--Project Narrative (including Attachments, not to exceed 15
pages)
Mandatory requirements for each section are provided as follows in
this application package. Applications that fail to meet the stated
mandatory requirements of each section will be considered non-
responsive.
Mandatory Application Requirements
[sbull] Section I. Project Financial Plan (Budget) [The Project
Financial Plan will not count against the application page limits.]
Section I of the application must include the following three required
parts:
(1) Completed ``SF 424--Application for Federal Assistance'' (See
Appendix A of this SGA for required form)
(2) Completed ``SF 424A--Budget Information Form'' by line item for all
costs required to implement the project design effectively. (See
Appendix B of this SGA for required forms.)
(3) Budget Narrative and Justification that provides sufficient
information to support the reasonableness of the costs included in the
budget in relation to the service strategy and planned outcomes.
The application must include one SF-424 with the original
signatures of the legal entity applying for grant funding and 2
additional copies. Applicants shall indicate on the SF-424 the
organization's IRS status, if applicable. Under the Lobbying Disclosure
Act of 1995, Section 18 (29 U.S.C. 1611), an organization described in
Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engages in
lobbying activities will not be eligible for the receipt of Federal
funds constituting an award, grant, or loan. (See 2 U.S.C. 1611; 26
U.S.C. 501(c)(4).) For item 10 of the SF-424, the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for the program is 17.720.
The Budget Narrative and Justification must describe all costs
associated with implementing the project that are to be covered with
grant funds. Grantees must support the travel and associated costs with
sending at least one representative to the annual ODEP Policy
Conference for Grantees, to be held in Washington, DC, at a time and
place to be determined. Grantees must comply with the ``Uniform
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to
State and Local Governments,'' (also known as the ``Common Rule'')
codified at 29 CFR part 97, and must comply with the applicable OMB
cost principles circulars, as identified in 29 CFR 95.27 and 29 CFR
97.22(b).
In addition, the budget must include on a separate page a detailed
cost analysis of each line item. Justification for administrative costs
must be provided. Approval of a budget by the DOL is not the same as
the approval of actual costs. The individual signing the SF 424 on
behalf of the applicant must represent and be able to legally bind the
responsible financial and administrative entity for a grant should that
application result in an award. The applicant must also include the
Assurances and Certifications Signature Page (Appendix C).
[sbull] Section II. Executive Summary--Project Synopsis [The
Executive Summary is limited to no more than two single-spaced, single-
sided pages on 8\1/2\
[[Page 32093]]
x 11 papers with standard margins throughout]. Each application shall
include a project synopsis that identifies the following:
(1) The name of the applicant;
(2) The type of organization the applicant represents, the
additional consortium partners and the type of organization they
represent;
(3) The amount of funds requested;
(4) The planned period of performance;
(5) An overview of the applicant's plan accomplishing the goals of
Home Modification; and
(6) An overview of the applicant's plan for sustaining the Home
Modification program once Federal funding ceases.
[sbull] Section III. Project Narrative [The Project Narrative plus
attachments are limited to no more than fifteen (15) 8\1/2\ x 11 pages,
double-spaced with standard one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides),
and be presented on single-sided, numbered pages. Note: The Financial
Plan, the Executive Summary, and the Appendices are not included in the
fifteen (15)-page limit]. The substantive requirements for the project
narrative are described below under Part VII--Statement of Work.
All text in the application narrative, including titles, headings,
footnotes, quotations, and captions, as well as all text in charts,
tables, figures, and graphs must be double-spaced (no more than three
lines per vertical inch); and, if using a proportional computer font,
use no smaller than a 12-point font, and an average character density
no greater than 18 characters per inch (if using a non-proportional
font or a typewriter, do not use more than 12 characters per inch).
Applications that fail to meet these requirements will be considered
non-responsive.
Part VII. Government Requirements/Statement of Work [Project Narrative]
The Project Narrative, or Section III of the grant application,
should provide complete information on how the applicant will utilize
an expanded capacity through this funding, to assess the need for home
modifications for local residents with disabilities, and to arrange and
complete those modifications. This system will better serve individuals
with disabilities as they transition from facility-based residential
sites to community housing, and to the work world. The period of
performance will be 12 months from the date of execution by the
Government. Up to ten competitive grants will be awarded in the range
of $50,000 to $100,000. This grant program will target five to ten
localities to conduct this effort. Each locality will be responsible
for:
(1) Recruiting targeted recipients,
(2) Assessing the necessary modifications,
(3) Conducting the work,
(4) Arranging sufficient and appropriate press opportunities, and
(5) Submitting summaries of their respective activities.
The Project Narrative of the grant application must provide
complete information that will address the requirements of this SGA,
including significance of the proposed project. The Department,
however, does not expect the applicant to incorporate every item listed
as part of their strategy and proposal design. The Department
recognizes that the needs and requirements of each locality may be
different, and therefore, some of the options identified may be more
relevant than others in a particular locality.
1. Significance of the Proposed Project (20 Points)
The purpose of the Significance of the Proposed Project is to
assess the overall elements of the applicant's proposal; to identify
strengths and deficiencies to be addressed by the applicant's proposal;
to identify the overall scope of proposal objectives and design; and,
to present the applicant's need for Home Modification grant resources.
This criterion will be rated based upon the applicant's proposed
approach to addressing identified community needs in the context of the
grant priorities.
The Project Narrative must include:
(1) Evidence of significant previous involvement in the provision
of home modifications for persons with disabilities or older Americans;
(2) Current and anticipated linkages with local disability-related
organizations, such as Centers for Independent Living, vocational
rehabilitation agencies, local governmental entities, faith-based and
community organizations, and/or provider agencies; and
(3) Describe how individuals with disabilities from diverse
cultures will be recruited for participation in this effort;
demonstrate how special emphasis will be made on the recruitment of
individuals who are seeking employment outcomes or who are currently
working from home.
Positive press clippings and ``success stories'', if available,
should also be included.
In determining the significance of the proposed project, ODEP will
consider the following factors:
(a) The potential contribution of the proposed project to the
employment of individuals with disabilities;
(b) The current level of similar activity in the applicant's
locality and those sites commitment to work with this application;
(c) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to yield
findings that may be used by other appropriate agencies and
organizations;
(d) The extent to which the proposed project involves the
development or demonstration of promising new strategies to expand home
modification options for individuals with disabilities;
(e) The likely utility of the products (such as information,
materials, processes, or techniques) that will result from the proposed
project; and
(f) The importance or magnitude of the results likely to be
attained by the proposed project.
2. Quality of the Project Design (30 Points)
The purpose of the Quality of the Project Design criteria is to
identify the strategic plan proposed by the grantee to implement the
Home Modification program in their locality. The application must
address the proposed design for a locally based effort. The plan should
identify:
(1) Local organizations' roles within the proposed activities,
including faith-based and community organizations;
(2) How those organizations will integrate resources to advance the
effort;
(3) The proposed plan for recruiting individuals with disabilities,
especially those either seeking employment or currently working from
home;
(4) Plans, if warranted, for long term funding for the initiative;
(5) Evidence of working with their local One-Stop Career Center(s)
for purposes of outreach and referral.
(6) Provide an estimate of the type and extent of modifications, as
well as the number of expected target recipients;
(7) Identify any matching funds, including federal housing funds
(such as Community Development Block Grants and HOME Program funds),
corporate funding, local governmental funding, etc., to be utilized;
and
(8) Provide an estimate of expected donated materials as well as
in-kind contributions, including volunteer time.
In evaluating the quality of the proposed project design, the ODEP
will also consider the following factors:
(a) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved are clearly specified and measurable;
(b) The extent to which the design of the proposed project features
innovative
[[Page 32094]]
methods for developing new sites and/or strengthening existing sites;
(c) The extent to which the proposal incorporates a viable
strategic plan;
(d) The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build
capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period of this
grant;
(e) The extent to which the proposed budget and narrative
justification are adequate to support the proposed project; and
(f) The extent to which the proposed project will be coordinated
with similar or related efforts.
3. Sustainability Through Leveraging of Other Resources (25 Points)
The Project Narrative must describe a detailed plan for sustaining
this project after grant funds cease. Projects funded under this SGA
should leverage a combination of Federal, state, and local public
sector resources, as well as local non-profit sector resources for
purposes of sustainability.
The successful applicant will:
(1) Describe the strategy for gaining the support of area
employers, people with disabilities and their family members, and local
governmental and nongovernmental disability organizations;
(2) Identify federal, state, and local public sector resources, as
well as local non-profit sector resources that will be leveraged for
purposes of sustainability after the grant period ends;
(3) Document a willingness to cooperate with the ODEP and its
technical assistance efforts to provide information and advice to other
localities on how the home modifications activities can be replicated.
In evaluating the quality of the plan for sustainability, the DOL
will also consider the following factors to be of particular
importance:
(a) The extent to which public and private monies are leveraged
effectively; and
(b) The likelihood of the applicant successfully securing local
ownership and participation in these projects when these grant funds
cease.
Grantees are expected to use this grant as seed money to develop
other public and private resources in order to ensure sustainability of
grant activities following completion of the funding period. The ODEP
considers detailed commitments for specific new activities as more
important than promises of in-kind supports in showing sustained
support for the project. Grants recently received from another agency
can be discussed in the proposal, but the applicant should be precise
about which activities precede this grant and which will occur because
of this grant. In addition, the applicant should detail how public
sector commitments can contribute to the sustainability of this project
following completion of the grant. Examples of the types of public and
private sector commitments envisioned include the following:
Letters of Commitment
Applicants can include letters of support if they provide specific
commitments. Such letters can increase an applicant's score by showing
that the commitments in the text of the proposal are serious. Form
letters will not be considered.
Letter From the Mayor
A letter from the Mayor or functionally equivalent entity
reflecting support of local level participation in the Home
Modifications Program will be viewed favorably.
4. Management, Outcomes and Personnel (25 Points)
The purpose of the Management, Outcomes and Personnel criteria is
to determine whether the applicant has developed an adequate management
and personnel plan to effectively carry out the objectives and scope of
the proposed project on time and within budget, to describe the
predicted outcomes resulting from activities funded under this SGA, and
to identify the methods of evaluation that will be used by the grantee
to determine success.
Successful applicants will provide a detailed management plan for
project goals, objectives, personnel and activities that:
(1) Describes plans to report the demographic characteristics of
assisted individuals (including types if disabilities);
(2) Provides a commitment to submit ``stories'' outlining the
results of their efforts;
(3) Describes the proposed staffing of the project;
(4) Addresses staff capacity in relationship to the proposed
project design;
(5) Identifies and summarizes the qualifications of the personnel,
including the relevant training and experience of project consultants
or subcontractors, who will carry out the work of the project.
[Projects funded under this notice must demonstrate positive efforts to
employ and advance in that employment qualified individuals with
disabilities in project activities.]
In evaluating the quality of the management, outcomes and personnel
plan for the proposed project; ODEP will consider the following
factors:
(a) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved are clearly specified and measurable;
(b) The extent to which a management plan for project
implementation is likely to achieve the objectives of the proposed
project on time and within budget, including defined staff
responsibilities, and time allocated to project activities, time lines,
milestones for accomplishing project tasks and project deliverables;
(c) The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products
and services from the proposed project; and,
(d) The extent to which the time commitments of the local director
and/or and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate to
meet the objectives of the proposed project.
(e) The qualifications, including relevant education, training and
experience of key project personnel as well as the qualifications,
including relevant training and experience, of project consultants or
subcontractors.
Part VIII. Monitoring and Reporting
Monitoring
The ODEP is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation
of each competitive grant project in accordance with the provisions of
this announcement and the terms of the grant award document. The DOL
staff, or their designees may conduct on-site project reviews
periodically. Reviews will focus on timely project implementation,
performance in meeting the grant's programmatic goals and objectives,
expenditure of grant funds on allowable activities, integration and
coordination with other resources and service providers in the local
area, and project management and administration in achieving project
objectives.
Reporting
Grantees will be required to submit quarterly financial and
narrative progress reports as prescribed by OMB Circular A-102 and A-
110, as codified by 29 CFR Parts 97 and 95 respectively.
(1) A Quarterly Report will be required within thirty (30) days of
the end of each quarter beginning ninety days from the award of the
grant and is estimated to take five hours to prepare on average. The
form for the Quarterly Report will be provided by the ODEP. The ODEP
will work with the grantee to help refine the requirements of the
report, which will, among other things, include measures of ongoing
analysis for continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
[[Page 32095]]
(2) Financial reporting will be required quarterly using the on-
line electronic reporting system for the Standard Form 269--Financial
Status Report (FSR).
(3) A Final Project Report, including an assessment of project
performance and outcomes achieved will be required and is estimated to
take twenty hours to complete. This report will be submitted in hard
copy and on electronic disk using a format and following instructions
that will be provided by the ODEP. A draft of the final report is due
to the ODEP thirty (30) days before the termination of the grant. The
final report is due to the ODEP sixty (60) days following the
termination of the grant.
The ODEP may arrange for and conduct an independent evaluation of
the outcomes, impacts, and accomplishments of each funded project.
Grantees must agree to make available records on all parts of project
activity, including participant post secondary and employment data, and
to provide access to personnel, as specified by the evaluator(s), under
the direction of the ODEP. This independent evaluation is separate from
the ongoing evaluation for continuous improvement required of the
grantee for project implementation.
Grantees must also agree to work with the ODEP in its various
technical assistance efforts in order to freely share with others what
is learned about delivering customized employment services to the
Olmstead population. Grantees must agree to collaborate with other
research institutes, centers, studies, and evaluations that are
supported by DOL and other relevant Federal agencies, as appropriate.
Finally, Grantees must agree to actively utilize the programs sponsored
by the ODEP, including the Job Accommodation Network, (http://www.jan.wvu.edu
), and the Employer Assistance Referral Network (http://www.earnworks.com).
Part IX. Review Process and Evaluation Criteria
All applications will be reviewed for compliance with the
requirements of this notice. A careful evaluation of applications will
be made by a technical review panel, which will evaluate the
applications against the rating criteria listed in this SGA. The panel
results are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer.
The DOL may elect to award grants either with or without discussion
with the applicant. In situations without discussions, an award will be
based on the applicant's signature on the SF 424, which constitutes a
binding offer. The Grant Officer may consider any information that is
available and will make final award decisions based on what is most
advantageous to the Government, considering factors such as:
Panel findings;
Geographic distribution of the competitive applications; and
Availability of funds.
X. Administration Provisions
A. Administrative Standards and Provisions
Grantees are strongly encouraged to read these regulations before
submitting a proposal. The grant awarded under this SGA shall be
subject to the following as applicable:
[sbull] 29 CFR part 95--Grants and Agreements With Institutions of
Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations, and
With Commercial Organizations, Foreign Governments, Organizations Under
the Jurisdiction of Foreign Governments, and International
Organizations;
[sbull] 29 CFR part 96--Audit Requirements for Grants, Contracts,
and Other Agreements.
B. Allowable Cost
Determinations of allowable costs shall be made in accordance with
the following applicable Federal cost principles:
[sbull] Nonprofit Organizations--OMB Circular A-122
[sbull] Profit-Making Commercial Firms--48 CFR part 31
Profit will not be considered an allowable cost in any case.
C. Grant Assurances
As a condition of the award, the applicant must certify that it
will comply fully with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity
provisions of the following laws:
[sbull] 29 CFR part 31--Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted
programs of the Department of Labor, effectuation of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964.
[sbull] 29 CFR part 32-- Nondiscrimination on the Basis of
Disability in Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from
Federal Assistance. (Implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act, 29 U.S.C. 794)
[sbull] 29 CFR part 36--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial
Assistance. (Implementing title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,
20 U.S.C. 1681 et. seq.)
The applicant must include assurances and certifications that it
will comply with these laws in its grant application. The assurances
and certifications are attached as Appendix C.
Signed at Washington, DC, this 20th day of May, 2003
Lawrence J. Kuss,
Grant Officer.
Appendix A. Application for Federal Assistance, Form SF 424
Appendix B. Budget Information Sheet, Form SF 424A
Appendix C. Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
Appendix D. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity
BILLING CODE 4510-CX-P
[[Page 32096]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29MY03.033
[[Page 32097]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29MY03.034
[[Page 32098]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29MY03.035
[[Page 32099]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29MY03.036
[[Page 32100]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29MY03.037
[[Page 32101]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29MY03.038
[[Page 32102]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29MY03.039
[[Page 32103]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29MY03.040
[[Page 32104]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29MY03.041
[[Page 32105]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29MY03.042
[[Page 32106]]
[FR Doc. 03-13399 Filed 5-28-03; 8:45 am]