FR Doc 04-20953

[Federal Register: September 17, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 180)]
[Notices]
[Page 56082-56097]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17se04-93]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant
Applications (SGA) for High-Growth Job Training Initiative Grants for
the Healthcare and Biotechnology Industries

Announcement Type: Notice of solicitation for grant applications
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA-PY 04-1.
Catalog of Federal Assistance Number: 17.261.

SUMMARY: The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S.
Department of Labor (DOL), announces the availability of approximately
$10 million in demonstration grant funds to address labor shortages,
innovative training strategies, and other workforce challenges in the
Healthcare and Biotechnology industries as identified through the
President's High Growth Job Training Initiative.
The President's High Growth Job Training Initiative (HGJTI) is a
strategic effort to prepare workers for new and increasing job
opportunities in high growth/high demand and economically vital
industries and sectors of the American economy. The initiative provides
national leadership for a demand-driven workforce system by identifying
high growth/high demand industries, evaluating their skills needs, and
leveraging the publicly funded workforce system in collaboration with
private and public sector partners to ensure that people are being
trained with the skills required for positions in these rapidly
expanding or transforming industries.
Grant funds awarded under the HGJTI should be used to develop and
implement innovative solutions to workforce challenges identified by
the Healthcare industry or Biotechnology industry. Each solution should
take place in the context of a strategic partnership between the public
workforce system, business and industry representatives, and education
and training providers such as community colleges. It is anticipated
that individual awards will fall within the range of $750,000 to $1
million.

Key Dates: The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is November 2, 2004. Applications must be received at the
address below no later than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). Grant applications
received after this time and date will not be considered.

ADDRESSES: Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department
of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal
Assistance, Attention: Eric Luetkenhaus, Reference SGA/DFA-PY04-1, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N4438, 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. Hand delivered proposals will be
received at the above address.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation consists of seven parts:

[[Page 56083]]

Part I provides background information on the President's
High Growth Job Training Initiative, describes the critical elements of
HGJTI grants, and highlights the special emphases for this
solicitation.
Part II describes the size and nature of the award.
Part III describes eligible applicants.
Part IV provides information on the application and
submission process.
Part V describes the criteria against which applications
will be reviewed and explains the proposal review process.
Part VI provides award administration information.
Part VII contains DOL agency contact information.
Part VIII lists additional resources of interest to
applicants.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Part A of this section provides background information on the
principles and processes of the President's High Growth Job Training
Initiative (HGJTI) and describes the specific results of the HGJTI
process for the Healthcare and Biotechnology Industries. Part B
describes critical elements of all HGJTI grants. Part C describes areas
of emphasis particular to this SGA.

A. Background on the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative

The President's High Growth Job Training Initiative is a strategic
effort to prepare workers for new and increasing job opportunities in
high growth/high demand and economically vital industries and sectors
of the American economy. The initiative is designed to provide national
leadership for a demand-driven workforce system by identifying high
growth/high demand industries, evaluating their skills needs, and
funding demonstration projects that provide workforce solutions to
ensure individuals can gain the skills to get good jobs in these
rapidly expanding or transforming industries.
The foundation of this initiative is partnerships between the
publicly funded workforce investment system, business and industry
representatives, and education and training providers, such as
community colleges. The purpose of these partnerships is to develop
innovative solutions or replicate models that address a particular
industry's workforce issues. These solutions demonstrate how a demand-
driven workforce system can more efficiently serve the workforce needs
of business while effectively helping workers find good jobs with good
wages and promising career paths.
The HGJTI process engages each partner in its area of strength.
Industry representatives and employers define workforce challenges
facing the industry and identify the competencies and skills required
for the industry's workforce. Community colleges and other education
and training providers assist in developing competency models and
training curricula and train new and incumbent workers. The publicly
funded workforce investment system accesses human capital (youth,
unemployed, underemployed, and dislocated workers), assists with
training programs, and places trained workers in jobs.
The publicly funded workforce investment system is a state and
local network of resources to assist businesses in recruiting,
training, and retaining a skilled workforce. The cornerstone of the
system is the One-Stop Career Center, which unifies numerous training,
education and employment programs into a single service delivery system
at the local level. State and local governments, providing strategic
direction through State and Local Workforce Investment Boards, have
responsibility for the ongoing operation of the One-Stop system. The
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) provides significant flexibility, with
significant authority reserved for the Governor and chief elected
officials, to implement One-Stop systems that are tailored to the
particular needs of the local and regional labor markets. ETA, in
collaboration with other required Federal Partners identified in WIA,
provides general leadership and guidance to these state-driven,
locally-operated systems.
ETA is modeling the power of this partnership at the national level
through investments in demonstration projects in twelve high growth/
high demand industries. Each of the 12 industries was selected because
it meets one or more of the following criteria: (1) Is projected to add
substantial numbers of new jobs to the economy; (2) has a significant
impact on the economy overall; (3) impacts the growth of other
industries; (4) is being transformed by technology and innovation
requiring new skills sets for workers; or (5) is a new and emerging
business that is projected to grow. The twelve industries are:

Advanced Manufacturing
Automotive Services
Biotechnology
Construction
Energy
Financial Services
Geospatial Technology
Healthcare
Hospitality
Information Technology (IT) & IT Business-Related Services
Retail
Transportation

For each industry, ETA follows a three-step process to identify
workforce challenges and solutions and demonstrate solutions
nationally. First, ETA conducts an environmental scan to understand the
economic conditions and workforce challenges facing the industry.
Second, ETA convenes a series of meetings to offer leaders in business
and industry an opportunity to share their current and future workforce
needs with the workforce system. Using the information gathered at
these meetings, ETA convenes a second round of meetings with industry
and public workforce system representatives to verify workforce gaps
and devise solutions. The results of these meetings are published in a
comprehensive industry report. These reports are made available to the
public via ETA's Web site http://www.doleta.gov/BRG/JobTrainInitiative

as the HGJTI process is completed for each industry.
In addition to numerous industry-specific solutions, ETA identified
a core set of priority solution elements that are common to all 12
target industries. These elements include:
1. Developing a pipeline of young workers;
2. Building competency models, career ladders, and career lattices
for new and incumbent workers;
3. Expanding post-secondary training alternatives including
apprenticeships and community colleges' workforce development programs;
4. Accessing new and/or untapped labor pools;
5. Transitioning workers from declining industries;
6. Developing strategies for retaining incumbent workers and
updating their skills; and
7. Engaging small businesses.
The third and final step of the HGJTI process is a series of
investments in unique, innovative, and industry-driven projects that
reflect one or more of the seven elements outlined above and
demonstrate training initiatives and capacity building strategies to
address the industry's unique workforce challenges. Together, these
projects make up a solution set tailored to each industry's specific
needs.
ETA has completed the three-step HGJTI process for both the
Healthcare industry and Biotechnology industry. In the spring and
summer of 2004, ETA announced a first round of investments in nineteen
projects under the

[[Page 56084]]

Healthcare industry and nine projects under the Biotechnology industry.
While a brief description of industry workforce challenges is provided
below, applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the
full industry reports and with the current investments, which can be
found at http://www.doleta.gov/BRG. The projects selected for funding

under this SGA are intended to further enhance the existing solution
sets for each industry.
Workforce Challenges in the Healthcare Industry
The Healthcare industry is responsible for 11.5 million jobs
nationwide, making it the country's largest industry. In 2002, the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that over the next ten years, the
Healthcare industry is projected to add 3.5 million new jobs, the
greatest job growth for any industry in the United States. Further, ten
of the twenty fastest growing occupations in the nation are
concentrated in health services. For example, jobs in four key
healthcare occupations such as medical assistants, physician
assistants, home health aides, and medical records and health
information technicians, will grow by over 45 percent between 2002 and
2012.
Despite this expected growth, significant workforce supply and
demand gaps currently exist across the U.S., affecting health care's
three primary sectors: acute care, long term care, and primary care.
Many occupations for which demand is great require two-year degrees and
certifications, making community colleges an important focal point for
addressing this industry's workforce challenges.
ETA hosted a series of forums in order to identify workforce
challenges faced by the healthcare industry and developed a range of
potential solutions to these challenges. Forum attendees identified
thirteen critical workforce challenges:

Recruitment and Retention:

Increasing available labor pools
Accessing untapped diverse/non-traditional labor pools
Reducing turnover
Skill Development:
Entry-level worker preparation
Incumbent worker training
Need for targeted/specialized skill areas
Capacity of Education and Training Providers:
Lack of academic and clinical instructors
Lack of facilities and resources
Lack of alignment between requirements and curriculum
Sustainability: Infrastructure, Leadership and Policy:
Need for sustainable partnerships at all levels
Opportunities to leverage funding
Planning tools (data, projections, and information
systems)
Policy and regulatory issues

Forum attendees also identified 1,001 potential solutions to these
challenges. Examples of the identified solutions include, but are not
limited to:
Youth-related programs developed and implemented by
partnerships that include schools, healthcare employers, post-secondary
programs for health occupations, and public workforce system entities;
Initiatives that meet the needs for academic and clinical
faculty in high-demand healthcare education programs and that are
designed to adapt to changing levels of workforce demand; and
Programs focused on non-traditional and traditional labor
pools for healthcare entry-level workers that both broaden approaches
to preparation programs and enhance career mobility in healthcare and
related industries.
Workforce Challenges in the Biotechnology Industry
The Biotechnology industry is an emerging industry with large
growth potential. The industry has more than tripled in size since
1992, with revenues increasing from $8 billion in 1992 to $28.5 billion
in 2001. Additionally, the Biotechnology industry is expected to add
approximately 101,900 new positions between 2002 and 2007, growing from
713,000 workers to 814,900 workers. Because of this rapid growth,
significant workforce supply and demand gaps currently exist across the
United States. The gaps remain consistent across Biotechnology industry
regional cluster areas and across levels of education. For example, the
projected growth by 2012 for Medical Scientists (doctoral degree) is
26.9 percent; Biomedical Engineers (bachelors degree), 26.1 percent,
and Biological Technicians (Associates Degree), 19.4 percent.
The Biotechnology industry faces a number of workforce challenges.
For example, because of the emerging nature of the industry,
occupations are often difficult to classify, and the public is unaware
of the range of employment opportunities available in the industry.
Furthermore, employee skill upgrades are required on a regular basis to
keep up with rapidly changing technology and skills requirements.
Additionally, there is a need for articulated career ladders and
lattices that allow individuals to advance from technician positions to
engineer positions.
ETA conducted three meetings with the biotechnology industry to
allow business and industry an opportunity to share their current and
future workforce challenges. Forum attendees identified the following
six critical workforce challenges:

Pipeline Issues:
Recruitment of new employees to the industry
Retention

Skills, Competencies, and Training Issues:
Developing competencies and career ladders
Mapping occupations to other industries

Image and Outreach to the Public:
Definition of the industry
Image of the industry
The forums also identified 137 potential solutions to these
challenges. Examples of the identified solutions include, but are not
limited to:
Programs focused on developing an industry-validated
definition and corresponding pipeline of characteristics that creates
exposure and demonstrates the critical skills and attributes needed for
employment within the industry; and
Programs designed to better prepare educators for teaching
the requisite skills necessary for entry into the industry, e.g.,
teacher externships.

B. Critical Elements of High Growth Grants

HGJTI funded grants are expected to contain at least six critical
elements. These elements consist of: (1) New and innovative solutions;
(2) strategic partnerships; (3) leveraged resources; (4)
sustainability; (5) replication of successful models for broad
distribution; and (6) clear and specific outcomes. Each of these
characteristics will be reflected in the ratings criteria in Part V and
is described in further detail below.
1. Innovative Solution(s) to Industry Identified Workforce
Challenges. The HGJTI employs a solutions based approach to addressing
the needs of the 21st Century workforce. In a solutions based approach,
the grantee works through the cycle of (1) collecting and analyzing
information about workforce issues; (2) incorporating a business or
demand-driven perspective; (3) ensuring the right strategic partners
are at the table; (4) working collaboratively to explore, frame, and
implement solutions; and (5) assessing how the products and outcomes of
the project

[[Page 56085]]

can be effectively deployed and replicated. Applicants are not limited
in the strategies and approaches they may employ to implement
solutions, provided the strategy is well developed and meets industry
and local area workforce challenges. Examples of previously funded
solutions include:
An incumbent worker career acceleration program that
provides remedial education and skills-based training programs to
workers in a hospital setting. On-site training opportunities help the
hospital retain workers while helping workers upgrade their skills,
making them eligible for critical skills shortage positions.
A program led by a local Workforce Investment Board, in
partnership with community colleges and local employers, to develop
career pathways in biotechnology fields through training models
targeted at transitioning workers and entry-level workers in need of
remedial skill training.
2. Strategic Partnerships. ETA believes that strategic partnerships
between the public workforce system, business and industry entities,
economic development agencies, and community colleges or other
education and training providers need to be in place in order to
implement effective workforce development solutions. In order to
maximize success of the solution and to keep pace with the rapid
changes in the economy and the nature of the skills and competencies
necessary for work in these industries, these partnerships need to be
substantial and sustained. Furthermore, each partner needs to have a
clearly defined role in the partnership. By contributing to the
workforce system's efforts to become demand driven, these strategic
alliances maximize the impact of the partnership on both businesses and
the U.S. labor pool.
3. Leveraged Funds and Resources. HGJTI investments leverage funds
and resources from key entities in the strategic partnership.
Leveraging resources in the context of strategic partnerships
accomplishes three goals: (1) It allows for the pursuit of resources
driven by the strategy; (2) it increases stakeholder investment in the
project at all levels including design and implementation phases; and
(3) it broadens the impact of the project itself.
Businesses, faith-based and community organizations, and
foundations often invest resources to support workforce development. In
addition, other government programs, including other Employment and
Training Administration programs, such as registered apprenticeship and
Job Corps, as well as non-ETA One-Stop partner programs such as
Vocational Rehabilitation and Adult Education may have resources
available that can be integrated into the proposed project. ETA
encourages HGJTI grantees and their partners to be entrepreneurial as
they seek out, utilize, and sustain these resources, whether it is in-
kind or cash contributions, when creating effective solutions to the
workforce challenges identified by the industry.
4. Sustainability. The HGJTI investment should be considered as
seed funding. Thus, ETA intends that the partnerships and/or solutions-
based activities be sustainable long after the federal investment has
ended. While financial resources are important, they are not the only
component of sustainability. Sustainability is also created through the
partnerships formed before and during the grant term; systems,
strategies, and processes put in place during the grant period; and the
experience gained through implementing a HGJTI grant. All of these may
provide the foundation for developing long-term systemic solutions to
workforce challenges in high growth/high demand industries.
5. Replication. The HGJTI is driving the Workforce Investment
System to become demand-driven through the broad, national
dissemination of the products, models, and effective approaches that
result from HGJTI investments. Solution sets should demonstrate how a
demand-driven workforce system can more efficiently serve the workforce
needs of business while at the same time helping workers find good jobs
with good wages and promising career pathways. To that end, the
outcomes of HGJTI projects should be replicable in a variety of
settings and, if appropriate, other industries. Learning and
achievement resulting from HGJTI projects should be developed into
solution models that can be shared with and implemented by the public
workforce system, industry leaders, and education and training
community.
6. Outcomes. Clear and specific outcomes that are appropriate to
the nature of the solution and the size of the project are vital
components of HGJTI projects. However, because HGJTI grants demonstrate
solutions-based approaches to addressing industry workforce challenges,
ETA recognizes that specific outcomes will vary from project to project
based on the specific solution proposed. Projects that address building
capacity should report on the status of products and activities and
describe the impact each outcome has on the industry. For example, a
project with a curriculum development component would predict impact on
ability to train and certify individuals for specific occupations.
Proposals that contain training elements should report outcome measures
such as how many trainees received jobs or promotions, as well as
trainee earnings gains and retention.

C. ETA Emphases for This SGA

In addition to the critical elements described above, ETA has
developed three areas of emphasis for Healthcare and Biotechnology
projects funded through this SGA: (1) The specific workforce challenges
identified by each industry; (2) the integration of Workforce
Investment Act funding into the project; and (3) regional approaches to
workforce challenges.
1. Healthcare and Biotechnology Industry-Identified Workforce
Challenges. Based on the scope and nature of investments made during
the first funding round, ETA has identified specific workforce
challenges for emphasis in this SGA. Applicants are encouraged to
develop proposals that address these challenges; however, all unique
and innovative proposals providing solutions to identified industry
workforce challenges will be considered and reviewed.
Healthcare
Increasing the capacity of education and training
providers: Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that address
shortages of qualified academic and clinical faculty to teach nursing
and other health care-related occupational skills in community
colleges.
Accessing untapped labor pools: Applicants are encouraged
to submit projects that focus on accessing new and untapped labor pools
to fill healthcare industry positions. Untapped labor pools may include
women or men (depending on the occupation), minority populations, older
workers, workers transitioning from declining industries, those with
limited English proficiency, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
Where appropriate, applicants are encouraged to partner with faith-
based and community organizations to deliver social services to these
labor pools.
Developing specialized skill sets: The demand for highly
skilled incumbent workers as well as new workers in the healthcare
industry is high. While this challenge is well-recognized for the
general nursing field, ETA would like to draw attention to the needs of
specialty nursing areas and the allied health fields (radiological and
surgical technicians, dental hygienists, etc.).

[[Page 56086]]

Applicants are encouraged to propose solutions that develop
competency models for these occupations with a specific focus on career
lattices. Career lattices articulate clear paths employees may follow
to move horizontally, vertically, and diagonally within a single
occupation or across occupations to advance their careers by moving
into positions with more responsibility and increased compensation and
benefits.
Biotechnology
Accessing untapped labor pools: Applicants are encouraged
to submit projects that focus on accessing new and untapped labor pools
to fill biotechnology industry positions. Untapped labor pools may
include women, minority populations, older workers, workers
transitioning from declining industries, those with limited English
proficiency, veterans, and persons with disabilities. Where
appropriate, applicants are encouraged to partner with faith-based and
community organizations to deliver social services to these labor
pools.
Increasing retention through skills training: Applicants
are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that develop and
implement curricula for new and incumbent workers in either community
college or business settings for specialty skills areas such as
bioinformatics and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Developing apprenticeship models for biotechnology
occupations: Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that
integrate apprenticeship opportunities into skill development programs
in the biotechnology industry.
Developing career guidance for young adults and adults:
Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that address the
industry-identified need for new models that help adults and youth
understand career options and opportunities in the biotechnology
industry.
2. Integrated WIA Funding. Applicants are encouraged to integrate
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding at the state and local level
into their proposed project. Integrating WIA funds ensures that the
full spectrum of assets available from the workforce system is
leveraged to support the HGJTI solution. The wide variety of WIA
programs and activities provide both breadth and depth to the proposed
solution offered to both businesses and individuals. In addition, the
use of WIA funds embeds the solution into the local or regional
Workforce Investment System, which serves to strengthen the system's
ability to become more demand-driven.
The integration of WIA funds may take many forms. For example,
HGJTI funds may be used for the development of curriculum and training
materials while WIA resources for Individual Training Accounts (ITAs)
provide training under the new curriculum, and other WIA resources fund
supportive services (such as transportation or child care) to training
recipients. Applicants may wish to consider the appropriateness of a
variety of WIA funds such as Job Corps (Title 1, Subtitle C), Youth
(section 129), Adults and Dislocated Workers (section 133), Native
Americans (section 166), Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers, (section
167), Youth Opportunity Grants (section 169), Trade Adjustment
Assistance (section 170), Other Demonstrations and Pilot Projects
(section 171), and National Emergency Grants (section 173).
Applicants that demonstrate evidence of integration of WIA funds
into the project will receive 5 bonus points in the final score of
their proposal. Please note that WIA integrated funds used for the
proposed solution may not be counted towards the match requirement. In
addition, all federal requirements will continue to apply to WIA funds
integrated into HGJTI projects. However, once grants are awarded,
grantees will be encouraged to apply for waivers of statutory and
regulatory requirements through their states as authorized under
section 189 of WIA.
3. Regional Approach. Often-times, addressing the critical
challenges job seekers and employers face requires the considerable
leveraging of efforts by the employment, education, and economic
development systems that impact expanded labor markets. Since HGJTI
grants are designed to provide workforce solutions that are relevant in
a variety of geographical areas and business and education settings,
applicants are encouraged to connect their projects to larger regional
efforts. Regional approaches can occur at a variety of scales, ranging
from local projects involving multiple workforce investment boards to
state-wide or multi-state projects.

II. Award Information

A. Award Amount

ETA intends to fund 10 to 12 projects at a range of $750,000 to $1
million; however, this does not preclude funding grants at either a
lower or higher amount, or funding a smaller or larger number of
projects, based on the type and the number of quality submissions.
Applicants are encouraged to submit budgets for quality projects at
whatever funding level is appropriate to the project. Nevertheless,
applicants should recognize that the limited funds available through
this SGA are intended to supplement project budgets rather than be the
sole source of funds for the proposal.

B. Period of Performance

The initial period of grant performance will be up to 24 months
from the date of execution of the grant documents. If applied for, ETA
may elect to exercise its option to award no-cost extensions to these
grants for an additional period based on the success of the program and
other relevant factors.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Applicants may be public, private for-profit, and private non-
profit organizations including faith-based and community organizations.
The application must clearly identify the applicant and describe its
capacity to administer the HGJTI Healthcare and/or Biotechnology grant,
in terms of both organizational capacity and data management
capabilities. Please note that the applicant and fiscal agent must be
the same organization.

B. Matching Funds

Applicants must provide resources equivalent to at least 50 percent
of the grant award amount as matching funds. This match may be provided
in cash or in-kind; however, at least 50% of the total grant match
amount must be a cash match provided by business partners. Please note
that neither prior investments nor Federal resources may be counted as
match.
Please note that to be allowable as part of match, a cost must be
an allowable charge for Federal grant funds. If the cost would not be
allowable as a grant-funded charge, then it also cannot be counted
toward matching funds. Matching funds must be expended during the grant
period of performance. Applicants are encouraged to leverage additional
funds outside of the match to supplement the project as a whole.

C. Demonstrated Partnerships

Applicants must demonstrate the existence of a partnership that
includes at least one entity from each of three categories: (1) The
publicly-funded Workforce Investment System, which may include state
and local Workforce Investment Boards, State Workforce Agencies, and
One Stop Career Centers and their partners; (2) the education and
training community, which includes

[[Page 56087]]

community and technical colleges, four year colleges and universities,
and other training entities; and (3) employers or industry-related
organizations such as associations and unions. While ETA welcomes
applications from newly formed partnerships, applicants are advised
that grant funds may not be used for partnership development.

D. Other Eligibility Requirements

Participants Eligible to Receive HGJTI Training. This
element applies only to proposals with a training component. Generally,
the scope of potential trainees is very broad. Training may be targeted
to a wide variety of populations, including unemployed individuals and
incumbent workers. The identification of targeted and qualified
trainees should be part of the larger project planning process by the
required partnership and should relate to the workforce issue that is
being addressed by the training.
Veterans Priority. This program is subject to the provisions of the
``Jobs for Veterans Act,'' Public Law 107-288, which provides priority
of service to veterans and spouses of certain veterans for the receipt
of employment, training, and placement services in any job training
program directly funded, in whole or in part, by the Department of
Labor. Please note that, to obtain priority of service, a veteran must
meet the program's eligibility requirements. ETA Training and
Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 5-03 (September 16, 2003)
provides general guidance on the scope of the veterans priority statute
and its effect on current employment and training programs.
Administrative Costs. Under the President's High Growth
Job Training Initiative, an entity that receives a grant to carry out a
project or program may not use more than 10 percent of the amount of
the grant to pay administrative costs associated with the program or
project. Administrative costs are defined at 20 CFR 667.220. Although
there will be administrative costs associated with the managing of the
partnership as it relates to specific grant activity, the primary use
of funding should be to support the actual capacity building or
training activity(ies).
ETA Distribution Rights. Applicants should note that
grantees must agree to give USDOL-ETA the right to use and distribute
all training models, curricula, technical assistance products, etc.
developed with grant funds. USDOL-ETA has the right to use, reuse, and
modify all grant-funded products, curricula, materials, etc.
Additionally, USDOL-ETA has the right to distribute these grant-funded
materials and products to any interested parties, including broad
distribution to the state and local public workforce system through
Internet-based and other means.
Legal rules pertaining to inherently religious activities
by organizations that receive Federal Financial Assistance. The
government is generally prohibited from providing direct financial
assistance for inherently religious activities. These grants may not be
used for religious instruction, worship, prayer, proselytizing or other
inherently religious activities. Neutral, non-religious criteria that
neither favor nor disfavor religion will be employed in the selection
of grant recipients and must be employed by grantees in the selection
of sub-recipients.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address To Request Application Package

This SGA contains all of the information and forms needed to apply
for grant funding.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

Applicants must submit an original signed application and two hard
copies. The proposal must consist of two (2) separate and distinct
parts, Parts I and II. Applications that fail to adhere to the
instructions in this section will be considered non-responsive and will
not be considered.
Part I of the proposal is the Cost Proposal and must include the
following four items:
The Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal
Assistance'' (Appendix A). Upon confirmation of an award, the
individual signing the SF 424 on behalf of the applicant shall
represent the responsible financial and administrative entity.
Beginning October 12, 2003, all applicants for federal grant and
funding opportunities are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS)
number. See OMB Notice of Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR 38402 (June 27,
2003). Applicants must supply their DUNS number in item 5 of
the new SF-424 issued by OMB (Rev. 9-2003). The DUNS number is a nine-
digit identification number that uniquely identifies business entities.
Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a
DUNS number, access this Web site: http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or

call 1-866-705-5711.
The Budget Information Form (Appendix B). In preparing the
Budget Information form, the applicant must provide a concise narrative
explanation to support the request. The budget narrative should break
down the budget and corresponding matching funds by deliverable and
should discuss precisely how the administrative costs support the
project goals.
Assurances and Certifications Signature Page (Appendix C).
Part II of the application is the Technical Proposal, which
demonstrates the applicant's capabilities to plan and implement the
President's High Growth Job Training Initiative grant project in
accordance with the provisions of this solicitation. The Technical
Proposal is limited to twenty five (25) double-spaced single-sided, 8.5
inch x 11 inch pages with 12 point text font and one-inch margins. In
addition, the applicant may provide resumes, a staffing pattern,
statistical information and related material in attachments, which may
not exceed fifteen (15) pages. Although not required, letters of
commitment from partners providing financial resources may be submitted
as attachments. Such letters will not count against the allowable
maximum page total. The applicant must briefly reference any partners
in the text of the Technical Proposal.
No cost data or reference to prices should be included in the
Technical Proposal. The following information is required:
A two-page abstract summarizing the proposed project and
applicant profile information including: applicant name, project title,
industry focus (healthcare or biotechnology), industry workforce
challenges addressed, partnership members, funding level requested, and
the match amount.,
A table of contents listing the application sections,
A time line outlining project activities, and
A project description as described in the Criteria section
of this solicitation.
Please note that the abstract, table of contents, and time line are
not included in the twenty five page limit. Applications that do not
meet these requirements will not be considered.

C. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses

The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is November 2, 2004. Applications must be received at the
address below no later than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). Applications sent by
e-mail, telegram, for facsimile (FAX) will not be accepted.
Applications that do not meet the conditions set forth in this notice
will not be honored. No exceptions to the

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mailing and delivery requirements set forth in this notice will be
granted.
Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal
Assistance, Attention: Eric Luetkenhaus, Reference SGA/DFA-PY04-1, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N4438, Washington, DC 20210. Applicants
are advised that mail delivery in the Washington area may be delayed
due to mail decontamination procedures. Hand delivered proposals will
be received at the above address.
Applicants may apply online at http://www.grants.gov. Applicants

submitting proposals online are requested to refrain from mailing an
application as well.
Any application received after the deadline will not be considered.

D. Intergovernmental Review

This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order (EO)
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''

E. Funding Restrictions

Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance with
the applicable Federal cost principles, e.g., Non-Profit
Organizations--OMB Circular A-122. Disallowed costs are those charges
to a grant that the grantor agency or its representative determines not
to be allowed in accordance with the applicable Federal Cost Principles
or other conditions contained in the grant.

F. Other Submission Requirements

Withdrawal of Applications. Applications may be withdrawn by
written notice or telegram (including mailgram) 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 for the proposal.

V. Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be
used to evaluate the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative
Grant proposals. These criteria and point values are:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criterion Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Statement of Need.......................................... 10
2. Linkages to Key Partners................................... 15
3. Leveraged Resources........................................ 10
4. Innovative Solutions to Address Industry Identified 25
Workforce Challenges.........................................
5. Outcomes, Benefits, and Impact............................. 15
6. Replication................................................ 15
7. Program Management and Organization Capacity............... 10
** Bonus: Integration of WIA Funds............................ 5
---------------------------------------------------------------
Total Possible Points....................................... 105
------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Statement of Need (10 Points)
The applicant must demonstrate a clear and specific need for the
HGJTI investment in the proposed solution. This should be accomplished
by describing the nature of the Healthcare or Biotechnology industry
workforce challenge(s) addressed in the proposal with respect to the
specific economic and workforce conditions in the area in which the
grant activity will take place. Applicants may draw from a variety of
resources for supporting data, including traditional labor market
information, information from economic developers on locally projected
growth, information collected by business organizations such as
chambers of commerce and trade associations, and discussions with local
businesses that make up the high growth, high demand industries.
Scoring on this factor will be based on the extent of demonstrated
need. Important factors for evaluation include:
Demonstrated knowledge of the Healthcare or Biotechnology
industry in the local area, including the impact of the industry on the
local or regional economy.
Demonstrated existence of the identified workforce
challenges in the area in which the grant activity will take place.
Identification of the sources of the data used in the
analysis.
If appropriate, the nature of larger strategic economic
development or workforce investment projects with which the proposed
project is aligned.
2. Linkages to Key Partners (15 Points)
The application must demonstrate that the proposed project will be
implemented by a partnership which includes at least one entity from
each of three categories: (1) The publicly-funded Workforce Investment
System, (2) education and training providers such as community
colleges, and (3) employers and industry representatives. ETA
encourages, and will be looking for, applications that go beyond the
minimum level of partnership and demonstrate broader, substantive and
sustainable partnerships. The applicant should identify the partners
and explain the meaningful role each partner will play in the project.
Scoring on this factor will be based on the comprehensiveness of
the partnership and the degree to which each partner plays a committed
role, either financial or non-financial, in the proposed project.
Important factors include:
The scope of each partner's contribution, their knowledge
and experience concerning the proposed grant activities, and their
ability to impact the success of the project.
The overall completeness of the partnership, including its
ability to manage all aspects and stages of the project and to
coordinate individual activities with the partnership as a whole.
Evidence that key partners have expressed a clear
commitment to the project and understand their areas of responsibility.
Evidence of a plan for interaction between partners at
each stage of the project, from planning to execution.
Evidence that the partnership has the capacity to achieve
the outcomes of the proposed project.
3. Leveraged Resources (10 Points)
Applicants must demonstrate their ability to provide resources
equivalent to at least 50 percent of the grant award amount as matching
funds. Both cash and in-kind matching funds are acceptable; however, at
least 50% of the total grant match amount must be a cash match provided
by employers or industry representative partners.
Scoring on this factor will be based on the extent to which the
applicant fully describes the size, nature, and quality of the non-
Federal match. Important elements of the explanation include:
Which partners have contributed to the match and the
extent of each contribution.
The nature of the match, including an itemized description
of each cash or in-kind contribution and a description of how each
contribution will be used.
The quality of the match, including the quality of each
in-kind contribution and the extent to which each contribution furthers
the goals of the project.
If the applicant leverages additional non-match resources, the
nature and quality of these resources should also be explained
according to the guidelines described above.
Bonus: Integration of WIA funds. Applicants who plan to integrate
WIA funding into the implementation of the proposed project must
describe in detail how such funds will be used and demonstrate how
these funds will contribute to the goals of the project and ultimately,
to the workforce investment

[[Page 56089]]

system in which they reside. Applicants who demonstrate a firm
commitment to leverage WIA funding will receive five bonus points.
4. Innovative Solutions To Address Industry Identified Workforce
Challenges (25 Points)
Approach/Strategy: The applicant must describe the proposed
solution strategy in full. The description should demonstrate (1) that
the proposed project will address one or more identified workforce
challenges in the Healthcare or Biotechnology industries through an
innovative solution strategy; (2) that the project will contribute to a
demand-driven workforce investment system; and (3) that the applicant
has a clear understanding of the tasks required to successfully meet
the objectives of the grant.
Scoring on this factor will be based on evidence that the applicant
has developed an effective, innovative solutions-based approach and a
plan of implementation that will address the three objectives described
above. Applicants will be evaluated based on the following factors:
The existence of a work plan that is responsive to the
applicant's statement of need and includes specific goals, objectives,
activities, implementation strategies, and a timeline.
The demonstrated link between the proposed project and a
workforce challenge identified in either the biotechnology or
healthcare industry forums documented in the industry reports.
The extent to which the work plan provides an
understanding of the entire project's intended implementation and
outcomes.
The extent to which the approach reflects and builds on
the applicant's core capacities.
The feasibility and sensibility of the timeframes for the
accomplishment of tasks.
The extent to which the budget is justified with respect
to the adequacy and reasonableness of resources requested.
Whether budget line items are consistent with and tied to
the work plan objectives.
The existence of a sound strategy that incorporates
outreach activities geared towards appropriate audiences, including
disseminating information about the project, planned activities, and,
if appropriate, recruitment of eligible participants.
The proposed impact on the demand-driven Workforce
Investment System.
Innovation: Applicants should fully describe the innovative and
creative approaches to be undertaken in the context of their solution
strategies. Examples of innovative approaches may include creativity in
the content of the product or training being delivered, the form and
style with which it is delivered, and the manner of managing and
executing its development. Innovation may also take place in the
context of unique partnerships.
Scoring on this element will be based on the degree to which the
applicant demonstrates that the approaches and techniques through which
the solutions are implemented are creative, unique, and not duplicative
of previously funded HGJTI projects.
5. Outcomes, Benefits, and Impact (15 Points)
Applicants must describe fully the predicted outcomes and products
resulting from the project. Applicants should also demonstrate a
results-oriented approach to managing and operating the project by
describing proposed outcome measures relevant to measuring the success
or impact of the project. For example, projects with training
components may include as outcome measures employment placement
numbers, and the number of certifications or degrees awarded. Projects
with capacity building components may include the number of
participants or entities who will benefit. Any discussion of outcome
goals should include the methods proposed to collect and validate
outcome data in a timely and accurate manner.
Scoring on this factor will be based on evidence that the expected
project outcomes are clearly identified, measurable, realistic, and
consistent with the objectives of the project. Additional factors to be
examined include:
The ability of the applicant to achieve the stated
outcomes within the time frame of the grant.
The appropriateness of the outcomes with respect to the
requested level of funding.
The extent to which the products and outcomes of the grant
will be of significant and practical use to the Workforce Investment
System and the target industry.
6. Replication (15 Points)
Applicants must describe how the products and outcomes of the
solution(s), including models, curricula, career ladders and lattices,
partnership strategies, and best practices can be replicated. Also
important is evidence that the benefits of the project will be
sustained. This may be demonstrated by indicating how the products and
outcomes will become imbedded into the long-term systemic solutions and
activities of the industry, the education and training community, and/
or the workforce system.
Scoring on this factor will be based on the extent to which the
applicant provides evidence that the project's products and outcomes
can be replicated, and that the benefits of the project will be
sustained.
7. Program Management and Organization Capacity (10 Points)
Applicants should identify a proposed project manager, discuss the
proposed staffing pattern and the qualifications and experience of key
staff members, provide detailed descriptions of the roles of the
participating partners, and give evidence of the utilization of data
systems to track outcomes. The applicant should also include a
description of organizational capacity and the organization's track
record in projects similar to that described in the proposal and/or
related activities of the primary partners.
Scoring on this factor will be based on evidence of the following:
The time commitment of the proposed staff is sufficient to
ensure proper direction, management, and timely completion of the
project.
The roles and contribution of staff, consultants, and
collaborative organizations are clearly defined and linked to specific
objects and tasks.
The background, experience, and other qualifications of
the staff are sufficient to carry out their designated roles.
The applicant organization has significant capacity to
accomplish the goals and outcomes of the project, including appropriate
systems to track outcome data.

B. Review and Selection Process

Applications for the President's High Growth Job Training
Initiative Grants will be accepted after the publication of this
announcement until the closing date. A technical review panel will make
careful evaluation of applications against the criteria. These criteria
are based on the policy goals, priorities, and emphases set forth in
this SGA. Up to 105 points may be awarded to an application, including
the five point bonus for WIA integration, based on the required
information described in Part V (1). The ranked scores will serve as
the primary basis for selection of applications for funding, in
conjunction with other factors such as urban, rural,

[[Page 56090]]

and geographic balance; the availability of funds; and which proposals
are most advantageous to the Government. The panel results are advisory
in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer. The Government may
elect to award the grant(s) with or without discussions with the
applicants. Should a grant be awarded without discussions, the award
will be based on the applicant's signature on the SF 424, which
constitutes a binding offer.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

All award notifications will be posted on the ETA homepage at
http://www.doleta.gov.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Administrative Program Requirements
All grantees, including faith-based organizations, will be subject
to all applicable Federal laws (including provisions of appropriate
laws), regulations, and the applicable Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) Circulars. The grant(s) awarded under this SGA will be subject to
the following administrative standards and provisions, if applicable:
a. Workforce Investment Boards--20 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) part 667.220. (Administrative Costs).
b. Non-Profit Organizatioqns--Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Circulars A-122 (Cost Principles) and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative
Requirements).
c. Educational Institutions--OMB Circulars A-21 (Cost Principles)
and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
d. State and Local Governments--OMB Circulars A-87 (Cost
Principles) and 29 CFR part 97 (Administrative Requirements).
e. Profit Making Commercial Firms--Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR)--48 CFR part 31 (Cost Principles), and 29 CFR part 95
(Administrative Requirements).
f. All entities must comply with 29 CFR parts 93 and 98, and, where
applicable, 29 CFR parts 96 and 99.
g. In accordance with Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of
1995, Public Law 104-65 (2 U.S.C. 1611) non-profit entities
incorporated under Internal Revenue Service Code section 501(c)(4) that
engage in lobbying activities are not eligible to receive Federal funds
and grants.

Note: Except as specifically provided in this Notice, DOL/ETA's
acceptance of a proposal and an award of Federal funds to sponsor
any programs(s) does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements
and/or procedures. For example, the OMB Circulars require that an
entity's procurement procedures must ensure that all procurement
transactions are conducted, as much as practical, to provide open
and free competition. If a proposal identifies a specific entity to
provide services, the DOL/ETA's award does not provide the
justification or basis to sole source the procurement, i.e., avoid
competition, unless the activity is regarded as the primary work of
an official partner to the application.

2. Special Program Requirements
Evaluation. DOL may require that the program or project participate
in an evaluation of overall HGJTI grant performance. To measure the
impact of grants funded under the HGJTI, ETA may arrange for or conduct
an independent evaluation of the outcomes and benefits of the projects.
Grantees must agree to make records on participants, employers and
funding available and to provide access to program operating personnel
and to participants, as specified by the evaluator(s) under the
direction of ETA, including after the expiration date of the grant.
3. Reporting
The grantee is required to provide the reports and documents listed
below:
Quarterly Financial Reports. A Quarterly Financial Status Report
(SF 269) is required until such time as all funds have been expended or
the grant period has expired. Quarterly reports are due 30 days after
the end of each calendar year quarter. Grantees must use ETA's On-Line
Electronic Reporting System.
Quarterly Progress Reports. The grantee must submit a quarterly
progress report to the designated Federal Project Officer within 30
days after the end of each quarter. Two copies are to be submitted
providing a detailed account of activities undertaken during that
quarter. DOL may require additional data elements to be collected and
reported on either a regular basis or special request basis. Grantees
must agree to meet DOL reporting requirements. The quarterly progress
report should be in narrative form and should include:
1. In-depth information on accomplishments, including project
success stories, upcoming grant activities, and promising approaches
and processes.
2. Progress toward performance outcomes, including updates on
product, curricula, and training development.
a. If the project includes training elements, provide employment
placement, employment retention, and earnings gain data.
b. If the project includes capacity building elements, provide
project impact data (e.g., the number of participants who have
benefited) and the status of specific deliverables.
c. When appropriate, include employer outcomes such as increased
productivity, Return On Investment (ROI), and/or retention rates.
3. Challenges, barriers, or concerns regarding project progress.
4. Lessons learned in the areas of project administration and
management, project implementation, partnership relationships and other
related areas.
Final Report. A draft final report must be submitted no later than
60 days prior to the expiration date of the grant. This report must
summarize project activities, employment outcomes, and related results
of the training project, and should thoroughly document the solution
approach. After responding to DOL questions and comments on the draft
report, three copies of the final report must be submitted no later
than the grant expiration date. Grantees must agree to use a designated
format specified by DOL for preparing the final report.

VII. Agency Contacts

Any questions regarding this SGA should be faxed to Eric
Luetkenhaus, Grant Officer, Division of Federal Assistance, fax number
(202) 693-2705. (This is not a toll-free number). You must specifically
address your fax to the attention of Eric Luetkenhaus and should
include SGA/DFA PY 04-1, a contact name, fax and phone number.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Brumback, Grants Management
Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, on (202) 693-3381. (This is
not a toll-free number). This announcement is also being made available
on the ETA Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm and http://www.grants.gov.VIII.
Other Information

Resources for the Applicant

The Department of Labor maintains a number of web-based resources
that may be of assistance to applicants. The webpage for the Employment
and Training Administration's Business Relations Group (http://www.doleta.gov/BRG
) is a valuable source of background on the

President's High Growth Job Training Initiative. America's Service
Locator (http://www.servicelocator.org) provides a directory of our

nation's One-

[[Page 56091]]

Stop Career Centers. Applicants are encouraged to review
``Understanding the Department of Labor Solicitation for Grant
Applications and How to Write an Effective Proposal'' (http://www/dol.gov/cfbci/sgabrochure.htm
). ``Questions and Answers'' regarding

this solicitation will be posted and updated on the Web (http://www.doleta.gov/usworkforce
). For a basic understanding of the grants

process and basic responsibilities of receiving Federal grant support,
please see ``Guidance for Faith-Based and Community Organizations on
Partnering with the Federal Government (http://www.fbci.gov).

Signed at Washington, DC, this 14th day of September.
Eric D. Luetkenhaus,
Grant Officer, Employment & Training Administration.

Appendix A: (SF) 424--Application Form
Appendix B: Budget Information Form
Appendix C: Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
Appendix D: OMB Survey N. 1890-0014: Survey on Ensuring Equal
Opportunity for Applicants
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[FR Doc. 04-20953 Filed 9-16-04; 8:45 am]

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