[Federal Register: January 23, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 15)]
[Notices]
[Page 3998-4011]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23ja08-79]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant
Applications for High Growth Job Training Initiative Grants for the
Energy Industry and Construction and Skilled Trades in the Energy
Industry
Solicitation for Grant Applications
Announcement Type: New. Notice of solicitation for grant
applications.
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY 07-07.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFDA Number: 17.268.
Key Dates: The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is March 25, 2008. Applications must be received at the
address below no later than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). A Webinar for
prospective applicants will be held for this grant competition on
February 1, 2008. Access information for the Webinar will be posted on
the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL), Employment and Training
Administration (ETA) Web site at:
http://www.workforce3one.org.
Summary: Under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative
(HGJTI), DOL/ETA, announces the availability of approximately $10
million in grant funds for high-impact regional approaches to meet the
workforce challenges of the energy industry and/or address the shortage
of construction and skilled trade workers needed to maintain and expand
the energy industry infrastructure.
The President's 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.
Through the initiative, ETA identifies high-growth, high-demand
industries, evaluates the skill needs of those industries, and funds
local and national partnership-based demonstration projects that: (a)
Address industry-specific workforce challenges within the context of
regional talent and economic development strategies; and (b) prepare
workers for good jobs with career pathways in these rapidly expanding
or transforming industries. ETA will broadly disseminate the products,
models, and effective approaches that result from HGJTI investments to
employers, education and training providers, and the workforce system,
building their capacity to respond to employers' workforce needs in
high-growth, high-demand industries that are a part of regional
economies.
Grant funds awarded under this Solicitation for Grant Applications
(SGA) should be used to implement and replicate high-impact, industry-
driven training solutions that address identified workforce challenges
in the energy industry or in the construction and skilled trade
occupations that support the energy industry. Each solution must take
place in the context of a regional talent development strategy designed
to contribute to a strong regional economy. The solutions must be
developed and implemented by a strategic regional partnership, which
includes leaders from the workforce investment system, business and
industry, and the education and training community, as well as other
public and private sector partners that bring critical assets to the
joint venture. Proposed
[[Page 3999]]
solutions should take full advantage of existing workforce development
models, promising practices, and tools. Solutions must implement an
existing promising solution, model, or approach and take it to scale in
the region, or adapt a solution that has been demonstrated to have
positive impact on the identified workforce development challenges in
another region.
Applicants may be public, private for-profit, or private non-profit
organizations. It is anticipated that average individual awards will
fall within the range of $500,000 to $1 million.
Addresses: Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S.
Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division
of Federal Assistance, Attention: Ariam Ferro, Grants Management
Specialist, Reference SGA/DFA PY-07-07, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Room N4716, Washington, DC 20210. Applicants may alternatively apply
online through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) and further
information about applying online can be found in Part IV (3) of this
solicitation. Telefacsimile (FAX) applications will not be accepted.
Applicants are advised that U.S. Postal Service 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 eight
parts:
Part I provides the funding opportunity description: It
contains background information on the HGJTI and workforce challenges
facing the energy sector, including the shortage of construction and
skilled trade workers; describes ETA's approach to talent development
in the context of regional economies; and provides a description of the
critical elements for this solicitation.
Part II describes the award amount and performance period
of the award.
Part III describes eligible applicants and other grant
specifications.
Part IV provides information on the application and
submission process and various funding restrictions.
Part V describes the criteria against which applications
will be reviewed and explains the proposal review and selection
process.
Part VI provides award administration information.
Part VII contains ETA agency contact information.
Part VIII lists additional resources of interest to
applicants and other information.
Part I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. The President's High Growth Job Training Initiative: Investing
in Regional Sector-Based Talent Development Strategies To Support
Strong Regional Economies
In the 21st Century global economy, talent development is a key
factor in our nation's economic competitiveness. While global
competition is typically seen as a national challenge, regions are
where companies, workers, researchers, entrepreneurs and governments
partner and leverage resources to create the competitive advantages
required in the global marketplace. Those advantages stem from the
ability to transform new ideas and new knowledge into advanced, high
quality products or services. Regions that are successful in creating a
competitive advantage demonstrate the ability to organize people,
institutions, capital and infrastructure in a way that generates growth
and prosperity in the region's economy. In the new global economy, a
region's ability to develop, attract, and retain a well-educated and
skilled workforce is a key factor in our nation's economic
competitiveness. This understanding of the role of talent in regional
economies is helping to shape new models of workforce development in
which the workforce system acts as a strategic partner in regional
economic development.
To maximize the impact of talent development activities requires
strong strategic partnerships composed of individuals and organizations
that act in concert to transform the regional economy, including: The
workforce investment system; employers; educators and training
providers; economic development entities; local, regional, and state
government; the philanthropic community; faith-based and community
organizations; research institutions; and other civic leaders with a
stake in economic growth and talent development. These strategic
partnerships should focus on systemic solutions that address short-term
challenges while contributing to long-term talent development and
economic growth.
A regional approach to talent development brings together all the
key players in a region to leverage their collective public and private
sector assets and resources, and to devise strategies that focus on
infrastructure, investment, and talent development. It incorporates
demand-driven skills development into the region's larger economic
development, and education efforts into a comprehensive system that is
both flexible and responsive to the needs of business and workers.
ETA has modeled the role of strategic partnerships in demand-driven
workforce investment through the HGJTI. Through the HGJTI, ETA
identifies high-growth, high-demand industries; evaluates their skill
needs; and funds local and national partnership-based demonstration
projects that provide workforce solutions to ensure that individuals
can gain the skills to get good jobs with career pathways in rapidly
expanding or transforming industries. Many early HGJTI investments
focused on individual solutions in the context of small local
partnerships. Over time, ETA has expanded that model in several ways.
Through the Community-Based Job Training Grants, ETA is building the
capacity of the nation's community college system to play a critical
role in talent development. Through the Workforce Innovation in
Regional Economic Development (WIRED) initiative, ETA supports broad
regional partnerships as they expand employment and advancement
opportunities for American workers and catalyze the creation of high-
skill and high-wage opportunities in the regional economies.
Based on lessons learned in all three of these funding initiatives,
ETA is using this funding opportunity to build on individual solutions
developed for the energy industry and related skilled trades sector and
connecting those solutions to regional economies. ETA's WIRED
initiative is currently modeling this approach to regional talent
development, through a strategic framework that provides step by step
instructions to regions. More information and tools to help implement
your project using the WIRED strategic framework can be found at:
http://www.doleta.gov/WIRED.
2. Meeting the Demand for a Skilled Workforce in the Energy Industry
The energy industry comprises 4 percent of total Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) and employs over one million workers nationwide. ETA has
identified the energy industry as a high growth industry on the basis
of projected demand for workers, the vital role it plays in the U.S.
economy, and because rapid technological change requires workers to
have increasingly sophisticated skills. Businesses involved in the
energy industry are among the most ubiquitous in our economy. They
obtain the resources
[[Page 4000]]
necessary to create energy, process or use it as necessary, and deliver
energy to all of us, whether it is fuel for our vehicles or power to
light our homes and workplaces. The energy industry's share of U.S. GDP
is only the beginning of its influence on the U.S. economy. Without
access to sufficient supplies of affordable energy, every other sector
of the U.S. economy would grind to a halt. Therefore, a well-trained
energy workforce is not an energy-industry specific problem only, but
it is also vital to the nation's economic security.
The workforce dynamics within the energy industry vary by sector.
Industry representatives typically speak of four broad sectors within
the energy industry: (1) Oil and natural gas; (2) mining; (3) electric;
and (4) renewable energy. Although renewable energy can be considered
an independent sector, renewable energy technologies are becoming
prevalent in most sectors of the energy industry as well as in other
industries such as manufacturing and construction. Likewise, nuclear
energy is often classified as a fifth sector by itself because the
regulatory framework within which it operates, among several other
factors, distinguishes it from the rest of the electric power industry.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) takes a slightly different view of
the energy industry, and differentiates utilities, mining, and oil and
gas extraction as independent industries. For the purposes of this SGA,
the term energy industry refers to all five of the sectors described
above.
The energy industry faces significant hiring and training
challenges. Impending incumbent worker retirements and other attrition,
coupled with inadequate numbers of new workers entering occupations in
the industry, necessitate the development and implementation of
effective strategies for recruiting and training new workers, and
upgrading the skills of existing workers.
To understand the workforce challenges facing the energy industry
and construction and skilled trades in the energy industry, ETA
convened a series of meetings over the past three years, working
closely with energy representatives, construction companies, education,
the public workforce system, labor management organizations, and other
Federal and state agencies. Through a series of Executive Forums, key
energy industry stakeholders identified workforce challenges in five
categories: (1) Pipeline development; (2) career awareness and
outreach; (3) availability and capacity of education and training
programs; (4) entry-level skill development; and (5) incumbent workers
skill development. The following challenges were identified as the most
critical by industry leaders:
Employers expect that up to half of their current workers
will retire over the next 5 to 10 years.
Misperception of energy careers as unstable, dirty, and
low-skilled causes qualified workers, especially youth, to be unaware
of the many highly skilled, good-paying career opportunities.
Many training programs were scaled back or closed due to a
downturn in the industry in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Programs
have not ramped up at the same rate as the industry's need has
rebounded.
Employers in all sectors of the industry need workers who
are more proficient in math, science, and, especially, technology than
workers in the past.
Creative solutions are necessary to help experienced
workers, who will be retiring, transfer their knowledge and skills to
their replacements and to help new workers gain necessary skills as
quickly as possible.
Few industry-defined, portable credentials have been
developed in the energy industry. Additionally, there is a need to
develop career ladders that clearly demonstrate the career growth
potential within the industry.
Based on solutions identified during several Executive and
Workforce Forums, ETA awarded a series of grants under the HGJTI that
addressed the above challenges through unique and innovative industry-
driven skills training, certification and career ladder development
programs. A full description of these investments, as well as a report
detailing ETA's engagement with the energy sector, is available at:
http://www.doleta.gov/BRG/Indprof/Energy.cfm. These initial investments
resulted in curricula, outreach materials, and other products, models,
and best practices that are now publicly available on the Web at:
http://www.workforce3one.org.
Growth within the energy industry is further constrained by a
shortage of construction and skilled trade workers who build new
infrastructure, install equipment, operate facilities, and make
repairs. A number of occupations and job titles are impacted by this
shortage, including the following: boilermaker, carpenter, chemistry
technician, electrician, heavy equipment operator, lineworker,
millwright, pipefitter, quality control technician, and welder.
To help improve the pipeline of construction and skilled trade
workers in the energy industry, ETA convened an Energy Skilled Trades
Summit in August, 2007. Held in conjunction with industry associations,
the summit was designed to address the workforce shortages projected
specifically for the southeastern United States over the next twenty
years. The objectives of the Summit were to: (1) Raise awareness about
the looming skilled craft shortage and its impact on the energy
industry's infrastructure improvement efforts; (2) increase synergy
among the private sector and the workforce development, economic
development, and education systems; and (3) strengthen U.S. national
economic and energy security by identifying strategies to ensure
American workers have the skills necessary to build and maintain the
next generation of energy infrastructure. State teams attended the
Summit and worked to develop action plans to address the workforce
challenges facing the industry and achieve the following:
Raise awareness about the looming construction labor
shortage and its impact on the energy industry's infrastructure
improvement efforts;
Elevate the image of skilled crafts careers;
Implement performance-based education and training
programs for skilled craft workers in high schools, post-secondary
schools, and the public workforce system;
Recruit from untapped labor pools to educate and train for
construction and energy workforce needs;
Align investments and workforce development initiatives to
ensure collaboration in the development of a national skilled trades
workforce; and
Build state partnership teams that promote talent and
economic development based on asset and resource mapping strategies.
More information about the Energy Skilled Trades Summit, including
extensive resources on workforce challenges facing the construction and
skilled trades in the energy industry, as well as a draft competency
model for the energy industry, is available at: http://www.workforce3one.org/content/public/esummit.cfm
.
This SGA is designed to help regions address workforce challenges
facing the energy industry and the construction and skilled trades in
the energy industry as discussed in this section. ETA is seeking to
fund proposals that build on demonstrated models and promising
practices and make use of existing products, models, and curricula to
meet the specific needs of regional economies through training and
other activities.
[[Page 4001]]
3. Critical Elements of High Growth Grants for the Energy Industry and
Related Skilled Trades
Grants funded under this Solicitation are expected to contain at
least six critical elements. These elements consist of: (A) Strategic
regional partnerships; (B) systemic solutions to industry-identified
workforce challenges; (C) connections to regional economic and talent
development strategies; (D) shared and leveraged resources; (E) clear
and specific outcomes; and (F) clear strategies for sustainability
beyond the Federal investment. Each of these characteristics will be
reflected in the ratings criteria in Part V and is described in further
detail below.
A. Strategic Regional Partnerships
Experience has shown--through ETA's work in WIRED regions--that
workforce development strategies are most robust when developed in the
context of a strategic partnership comprised of a strong team of
regional leaders that have access to a range of resources and assets
suited to the proposed strategy. For the purposes of this SGA, one or
more representative of the workforce system (i.e., state and/or local
workforce boards and One-Stop Career Centers), employers, and education
and training providers are required partners. In addition to the
required entities, the partnership should think beyond geographical and
physical boundaries to ensure that the full range of assets, resources,
knowledge, and leadership are engaged in the project, and that the
partnership includes entities that can act as levers of change to
identify and address barriers to success.
The basis of partnership engagement and activity should be a data-
driven analysis of workforce development challenges and the regional
assets available for solutions. While the activities proposed under
this Solicitation may be an important component of the partnership's
work, the partnership should have a broader focus on the workforce
challenges facing the energy industry and related skilled trades
sector, and should be working collaboratively to identify and implement
a wide range of solutions.
Partners should have a demonstrated record of close collaboration
and coordination. If a high level of collaboration or coordination does
not exist, applicants must demonstrate their capacity to quickly
establish these links and discuss strategies for strengthening the
partnership. Applicants are advised that grant funds may not be used
for partnership development.
In order to further support regions that are seeking to transform
their economies and enhance their global competitiveness through talent
development, these partnerships need to be substantial and sustainable.
ETA encourages partners to plan for the partnership's sustainability
beyond the HGJTI investment period to enable ongoing assessment of
industry workforce needs and collaborative development of solutions on
a continual basis.
Within the context of the broader strategic partnership and as it
relates to the HGJTI, each collaborative partner should have clearly
defined roles. The exact nature of these roles may vary depending on
the issue areas being addressed and the scope and nature of the
activities undertaken. However, ETA expects that each collaborative
partner will, at minimum, significantly contribute to one or more
aspects of the project. For example, employers must be actively engaged
in the project and may contribute to many aspects of grant activities
such as defining the program strategy and goals, identifying needed
skills and competencies, and, where appropriate, hiring qualified
training graduates. Education and training providers from the continuum
of education (including K-12, community and technical colleges, four
year colleges and universities, apprenticeship, and other training
entities) should assist in developing industry-driven workforce
education strategies in partnership with employers including competency
models, curricula, and new learning methodologies.
The workforce investment system may play a number of roles,
including identifying and assessing candidates for training, providing
wrap-around support services and training funds for qualified
individuals, where appropriate, and connecting qualified training
graduates to employers that have existing job openings.
Partnerships with faith-based and community organizations are also
encouraged. Grantees may elect to sub-award funds to faith-based and
community organizations to perform a variety of grant services such as
case management, mentoring, and English language programs, among
others. Faith-based and community organizations can also provide wrap-
around holistic and comprehensive support services, where appropriate.
Please note, however, that identifying an organization as a partner
does not waive applicable source selection requirements (See Part VI.
B, NOTE).
B. Systemic Solutions to Industry Identified Workforce Challenges
Grants funded under this SGA should demonstrate how a demand-driven
workforce system can more effectively meet the regional workforce needs
of energy and skilled trade employers while at the same time helping
workers find quality jobs with promising career pathways. Proposed
solutions should be focused and integrated, and should be driven by an
accurate and comprehensive understanding of regional, industry-
identified workforce challenges and the educational, workforce, and
other assets available to support solutions.
Applicants should note that grants under this SGA are not intended
to support the development of entirely new solutions for workforce
challenges in the energy industry and/or related skilled trade sector.
Rather, these grants are intended to support partnerships that either:
(a) Take an existing promising solution, model, or approach to scale in
the region; and/or (b) adapt a solution, model, or approach that has
been demonstrated to have positive impact on the identified workforce
challenges in another region or context. Many public and private
partners have been developing solutions to workforce challenges and
grants funded under this SGA should demonstrate an understanding of
that growing body of knowledge. Models or promising practices proposed
to be implemented must be evidence-based and supported by data-driven
results. Applicants are not limited in the strategies and approaches
they may use to implement solutions provided the strategy is well
developed, addresses industry-defined regional workforce challenges,
and includes training to prepare entry level and/or incumbent workers
for the energy industry or construction and skilled trades in the
energy industry. To the extent possible, applicants are encouraged to
design training activities that: (a) Occur within the context of
workforce education that supports long-term career growth, such as an
articulated career ladder and lattice; and (b) result in credentials
that are industry-recognized and indicate a level of mastery and
competence in a given field or function. Please note that ETA is
particularly interested in projects that focus on the workforce
challenges described in Part 1.2.
While a range of solutions will be considered for funding, ETA
encourages applicants to develop solutions that
[[Page 4002]]
address one or more of the following areas:
Career Awareness and Outreach: Applicants are encouraged
to submit projects that integrate career awareness and outreach into
education and training programs, including job-readiness opportunities,
job shadowing and information sessions, and field trips. Career
awareness and outreach components should clearly address image-related
issues associated with the industry (e.g. working conditions, pay, and
opportunities for advancement) and leverage existing industry marketing
and campaign efforts, including the development of Web sites, videos,
podcasts, print and multimedia materials, television ads, and other
promotional materials.
Building Education and Training Capacity: Applicants are
encouraged to submit projects that enhance the capacity and/or
capability of secondary schools, community colleges, proprietary
training providers, labor-management organizations, and/or other
education and training providers that serve the skilled trade
occupations related to energy and/or the energy industry. To the
greatest extent possible, applicants should leverage existing curricula
and training or certification programs that have demonstrated results.
If existing curricula do not meet regional needs, applicants should
clearly explain why. Applicants are also encouraged to submit projects
that include strategies for facilitating knowledge transfer among
incumbent workers or increasing their technical skills or soft skills,
and result in demonstrated career ladder progression during the term of
the grant. Applicants are also encouraged to utilize technology-based
and distance learning models in their education and training programs.
Technology-Based Learning (TBL) is transforming the way people learn
and can increase the geographic reach of training. TBL can be defined
as the learning of content via all electronic technology, including the
Internet, intranets, satellite broadcasts, audio and video tape, video
and audio conference, Internet conferencing, chat rooms, bulletin
boards, Web casts, computer-based instruction and CD-ROM. It
encompasses related terms, such as online learning, Web-based learning,
computer-based learning and e-learning. For example, a college may
convert industry-specific curricula typically offered in traditional
classroom settings to technology-based learning (e-learning or online)
or develop technology-based learning training programs so that
dislocated workers, incumbent workers, and/or new job entrants can
access training at any time.
Untapped Pools of Labor: Applicants are encouraged to
submit projects that address the recruitment of non-traditional labor
pools and include both outreach and preparation strategies,
partnerships with community or faith-based organizations or other
experienced providers with expertise in working with non-traditional
labor pools, and mentorships or other types of support services.
Examples of non-traditional labor pools include dislocated workers,
individuals with disabilities, women, veterans, military spouses, ex-
offenders, new Americans, and out-of-school and at-risk youth who are
eligible to work. Projects that serve youth should align with ETA's
Youth Vision, where appropriate. Information on ETA's Youth Vision can
be found in the Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 28-
05 (http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2224).
C. Connections to Regional Economic and Talent Development Strategies
Proposed solutions should not be developed in isolation. Rather, to
the greatest extent possible, partnership activities and proposed
solutions should be aligned with and integrated into the region's
broader talent development and economic development strategies and
applications will be evaluated on the extent to which such integration
is demonstrated. Applicants should clearly indicate alignment and
integration, and indicate how the regional strategic partnership
working to design and implement the proposed solution is connected to
the broader regional strategic talent and economic growth agenda for
the region.
D. Shared and Leveraged 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. Applications will be scored based on the quality and
the degree to which the source and use of leveraged funds are clearly
explained and the extent to which they are integrated into the project
in support of grant outcomes. Detailed information about the evaluation
criteria are found in Part V, 1F.
Leveraged resources include both Federal and non-federal funds and
may come from many sources. Businesses, faith-based and community
organizations, economic development entities, education systems, and
philanthropic foundations often invest resources to support workforce
development. In addition, other Federal, state, and local government
programs may have resources available that can be integrated into the
proposed project. Examples of such programs include other DOL programs
such as registered apprenticeship and Job Corps, as well as One-Stop
partner programs funded by other Federal agencies, such as Vocational
Rehabilitation and Adult Education. ETA encourages HGJTI grantees and
their partners to be entrepreneurial as they seek out, utilize, and
sustain these resources when creating effective solutions to the
workforce challenges identified by the industry.
Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that leverage existing
investments. These investments may be active within the region, such as
those from ETA funding sources, including WIRED regional funding,
Community-Based Job Training Grants and HGJTI funds, or Workforce
Investment Act formula funds, or may come from other government,
private sector, or philanthropic sources. Applicants are also
encouraged to leverage existing investments in products, models, or
tools that may be of use in the regional strategy.
E. Clear and Specific Outcomes
HGJTI grants are fundamentally results-oriented and grantees are
expected to demonstrate clear and specific outcomes that indicate
progress towards addressing the workforce challenges identified by the
partnership and that are appropriate to the nature of the solution and
the size and scope of the project. Since HGJTI grants result in
customized strategies to address local workforce challenges and skill
shortages, ETA recognizes that specific outcomes will vary from project
to project based on the specific activities proposed by applicants.
HGJTI applicants should demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed
activities by creating appropriate benchmarks and measuring against
them on a regular basis.
Training Outcomes: Training outcomes will include
quarterly and cumulative reports on the projected outcomes that
include, but are not limited to: enrollment, number completed training,
number of certificates awarded, ETA's Common
[[Page 4003]]
Measures, number entered into employment related to training; and
number receiving wage gains and promotions.
ETA's Common Measures, which are uniform evaluation metrics for job
training and employment programs and are an integral part of ETA's
performance accountability system. The Common Measures for adults
include: (1) Entered employment, (2) job retention, and (3) average
earnings increase. For youth, the Common Measures include: (1)
Placement in employment or education, (2) attainment of a degree or
certificate, and (3) measurable literacy and numeracy gains. The value
of implementing Common Measures is the ability to describe the core
performance of the workforce system and its partners: how many people
found jobs; did they stay employed; and what did they earn. In the
recent past, multiple sets of performance measures have burdened states
and grantees, as they have required the reporting of performance
outcomes based on varying definitions and methodologies. By minimizing
the different reporting and performance requirements, common
performance measures can facilitate the integration of service
delivery, reduce barriers to cooperation among programs, and enhance
the ability to assess the effectiveness and impact of the workforce
investment system across programs. A detailed description of ETA's
policy on the Common Measures can be found in the Training and
Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 17-05 (http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEGL17-05.pdf
). A basic list of Common Measures is
provided as attachment A to TEGL No. 17-05, (http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEGL17-05_AttachA.pdf
).
ETA is in the process of developing a standard set of reporting
requirements for the HGJTI. Upon issuance, ETA will require grantees to
submit standardized quarterly reports summarizing the number and types
of participants served by grantees, the number of exiters, the number
of participants engaged in training activities, and some participant
outcomes including common measures. To calculate the common measures
for each grantee and for the program as a whole, ETA will require
grantees to submit quarterly participant records for exiters that
contain the minimum number of elements needed to calculate the common
measures. By matching these records wage record information through the
Wage Record Interchange System (WRIS), ETA will compute results for
common measures on behalf of grantees. These reports and records will
help ETA gauge the effectiveness of the HGJTI, identify grantees that
could serve as useful models, and target technical assistance
appropriately. A copy of the full proposed reporting package can be
viewed at: http://www.doleta.gov/OMBCN/OMB_1205-0NEW_20070530.cfm.
Please note that the Common Measures provide only part of the
information necessary to oversee HGJTI grants effectively. In addition
to Common Measures, grantees will be required to report the number and
types of credentials awarded to trainees, if appropriate. HGJTI grant
recipients may also have additional outcome measures appropriate to
their project.
Capacity Building Outcomes: Grantees will be
required to report on the status of all capacity building activities
under the grant, if applicable; how the activity is linked to the
specific training supported under the grant; and, if appropriate, the
impact of the capacity building activity, including the exact
methodology with operational parameters of how the impact measure is
calculated. An example of a capacity building activity where it is
appropriate to report impact is for teacher professional development/
train-the-trainer activities, in which there are no employment related
outcomes for those being trained but grant activities affect other
individuals. For example, a grantee uses grant funds to train 10
teachers to work as instructors at a youth summer camp. Then, through
the summer, those 10 teachers provide instruction to 100 students. The
impact of this teacher professional development capacity building
activity is 100, representing the 100 students impacted by the 10
teachers.
Another area where it is appropriate to report impact is career
awareness activities. For example, a grantee uses grant funds to
develop a Web site to let youth and job changers know about careers in
the energy industry as well as its training program. This Web site has
100 unique user visits each month over a three month period. The impact
of the Web site for this three month period is 300, based on the total
number of unique visits to the Web site. Grantees can use a similar
methodology to calculate the impact of other types of career awareness
activities, such as the impact of a recruiting seminar attended by job
seekers and the impact of brochures distributed at an industry-related
career awareness program for youth. Please note that capacity building
outcomes and impacts of the proposed project should satisfactorily
address the industry-identified workforce need and the capacity
constraint identified by the applicant.
Applicants must clearly describe all products, models, curricula,
etc. that will be customized or acquired with federal funds through the
grant and indicate the impact of the capacity building activity (e.g.
the number of participants or entities who will benefit from the
proposed activities).
ETA will continue to collect from HGJTI grantees data on spending,
program activities, participants, and outcomes that are necessary for
program management to convey the full and accurate information on the
performance of this program to policy makers and stakeholders.
F. Clear Strategies for Sustainability Beyond the Federal Investment
The HGJTI investment should be considered seed funding. Therefore,
HGJTI grantees should develop strategies to sustain the project or
related partnership activities after the Federal investment ends.
Financial resources are an important part of any sustainability
strategy; however, they are not the only component. Sustainability is
also strengthened by 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.
4. Use of Funds/Allowable Activities
Grants funded under this SGA will be funded by H-1B fees as
authorized under Section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and
Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-277, title IV) as
amended by Public Law 108-447 (codified at 29 U.S.C. 2916a). These
funds are focused on the development of the workforce and may be used
to provide job training and related activities to workers to assist
them in gaining the skills and competencies needed to obtain and
upgrade career ladder employment in the energy industry and/or
construction and skilled trades related to the energy industry. Funds
available under this Solicitation may only be used for projects that
provide training in the occupations and industries for which employers
use H-1B visas that generate these funds and the related activities
limited to those necessary to support training in such occupations and
industries. The training investments under the SGA must focus on high
[[Page 4004]]
skilled occupations or occupations requiring significant science,
engineering, technology, and math skills. Funds may also be used to
enhance the provision of job training services and information as
authorized in 29 U.S.C. 2916(a)(2)(B).
Part II. Award Information
1. Award Amount
ETA intends to fund to projects ranging from $500,000 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 funds available through this
solicitation are designed to complement additional leveraged resources
rather than be the sole source of funds for the proposal.
Applicants should note that selection of an organization as a
grantee does not constitute approval of the grant application as
submitted. Before the actual grant is awarded, DOL may enter into
negotiations about such items as program components, staffing and
funding levels, and administrative systems in place to support grant
implementation. If the negotiations do not result in a mutually
acceptable submission, the Grant Officer reserves the right to
terminate the negotiation and decline to fund the application.
2. Period of Performance
The period of grant performance will be up to 36 months from the
date of execution of the grant documents. This performance period shall
include all necessary implementation and start-up activities as well as
participant follow-up for performance outcomes and grant close-out
activities. A timeline clearly detailing these required grant
activities and their expected completion dates must be included in the
grant application. If applied for, and with significant justification,
ETA may elect to exercise its option to award no-cost extensions to
these grants for an additional period at its own discretion, based on
the success of the program and other relevant factors.
Part III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Applicants may be public, private for-profit, or 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 grant, in terms of both organizational
capacity and data management capabilities. Please note that the
applicant and fiscal agent must be the same organization. Applications
to supplement existing projects are eligible for consideration under
this SGA; however, applications for renewal of existing projects will
not be considered. For example, a renewal of an existing project would
continue the activities and outcomes from a prior grant with no
changes. Supplementing an existing or previous project would add
substantive new activity components and outcomes.
2. Cost Sharing
Cost sharing or matching funds are not required as a condition for
application, but leveraged resources are strongly encouraged and
failure to commit and integrate leveraged resources into the project
may have a significant impact on an applicant's ability to successfully
compete for grant funds. Applications will be scored based on the
quality and the degree to which the source and use of leveraged funds
are clearly explained, and the extent to which they are integrated into
the project in support of grant outcomes. As described in Part V.1., up
to 10 points are available for this criterion.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
A. Demonstrated Partnerships
To be considered for funding under this SGA, the applicant must
demonstrate that the proposed project will be implemented by a robust
strategic partnership that is regional in nature, as defined by the
applicant, and that leveraged resources of the full partnership are in
support of the proposed strategy. The partnership must include at least
one entity from each of three categories: (1) The 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 the
continuum of education from K-12 to community and technical colleges,
four year colleges and universities, apprenticeship, and other training
entities; and (3) employers and industry-related organizations such as
trade associations and labor-management organizations. Additional
partners that reflect the character and resources of the region are
strongly encouraged.
B. Proposed Solutions
There are two requirements associated with solutions that will be
funded under this solicitation.
Building on Existing Models and Promising
Practices. This SGA is intended to support workforce development
strategies targeting the energy industry and skilled trade occupations
related to energy that take full advantage of existing solutions,
models, promising practices, and tools while meeting the specific needs
and circumstances of the identified region. Therefore applicants must
demonstrate that proposed solutions meet at least one of two criteria:
(a) The applicant proposes to take an existing promising solution,
model, or approach to scale in the region, or (b) the applicant is
implementing a solution, model or approach that has been demonstrated
to have positive impact on the identified development challenges in
another location. To the greatest extent possible, applicants are also
encouraged to integrate existing tools and curricula into their
proposed grant activities. Applicants should produce outcome
information that demonstrates that the approach or model will meet the
needs of industry as described in the statement of need.
Training Workers for Employment in High-Growth
Industries. All grants funded under this solicitation must include the
direct provision of training to individual participants. Applicants are
not limited in the strategies and approaches they may employ to
implement training activities; however, the training must: (a) Target
skills and competencies demanded by the energy industry and skilled
trade occupations related to energy; (b) support participants' long
term career growth along a defined career pathway such as an
articulated career ladder and lattice; and (c) result in an industry-
recognized certificate, degree, or license that indicates a level of
mastery and competence in a given field or function. The credential
awarded to participants should be based on the type of training
provided through the grant and the requirements of the targeted
occupation, and should be selected based on consultations with industry
partners. For example:
Customized and short-term training should result in a
performance-based certification or certificate. This certification may
be developed jointly by employers and the project partners, based on
defined knowledge and skill requirements for specific high-growth
occupations. Performance-based certifications may also be based on
[[Page 4005]]
industry recognized curriculum and standards.
Training in fields with established professional standards
and examinations should result in an industry recognized credential or
certification.
In states where licensure is required for the specific
occupation targeted by the training, the credentialing requirement
should be set accordingly.
In some instances, training provided under the HGJTI grant
may lead to a degree. In these instances, the credential will be the
degree itself or the successful completion of coursework required for
the degree.
In addition to the required training strategies, applicants may,
but are not required to, propose strategies that build capacity to
educate and train workers for jobs within the energy and skilled trades
sectors. These proposed capacity building efforts must be directly
linked to the specific training supported under the grant, and are
expected to address significant barriers that impede the ability of the
partnership to meet the energy or skilled trade occupations related to
energy industry's demand for workforce training. These strategies
should not simply address isolated deficits, but rather provide a
comprehensive solution to identified capacity challenges as they relate
to the energy industry and the skilled trade occupations related to
energy.
C. Replication
ETA is currently pursuing an aggressive national dissemination
strategy that focuses on widely and publicly distributing grantee
products through a network of stakeholders including education and
industry partners, and the public workforce system. The products
developed through the HGJTI include but are not limited to curriculum,
competency models and career ladders, distance learning tools, career
awareness and outreach materials, case studies, program management and
implementation tools, reports and databases, creation of industry skill
centers, and Web sites. HGJTI grantees are required to submit to ETA
products developed with grant funding; these products will be included
in ETA's dissemination strategy. For example, CDs with available
products will be developed and distributed to appropriate education,
workforce, and business and industry association partners. In addition,
all of these products will be available online at http://www.workforce3one.org.
Workforce3 One offers the public workforce
system, employers, economic development professionals, and education
professionals an innovative knowledge network designed to create and
support demand-driven communities; one that responds directly to
business needs and prepares workers for good jobs in the fastest
growing careers. By supporting replicable projects that can be
implemented in multiple areas and industries, ETA is able to maximize
its investment by expanding the grant's impact beyond the initial grant
site and helping additional businesses and workers in other regions.
D. Participants Eligible To Receive HGJTI Training
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.
E. Veterans Priority
The Jobs for Veterans Act (Pub. L. 107-288) 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 DOL. In circumstances
where a grant recipient must choose between two equally qualified
candidates for training, one of whom is a veteran, the Jobs for
Veterans Act requires that grant recipients give the veteran priority
of service by admitting him or her into the program. 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 Job for Veterans Act and its effect on current employment
and training programs. TEGL No. 5-03, along with additional guidance,
is available at the ``Jobs for Veterans Priority of Service'' Web site:
http://www.doleta.gov/programs/vets.
Part IV. Address To Request Application Forms
1. Address To Request Application Package
This SGA contains all of the information and links to forms needed
to apply for grant funding.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
The proposal must consist of two (2) separate and distinct parts:
Part I, the Cost Proposal and Part II, the Technical Proposal.
Applications that fail to adhere to the instructions in this section
will be considered non-responsive and may not be given further
consideration. Please note that it is the applicant's responsibility to
ensure that the funding amount requested is consistent across all parts
and sub-parts of the application.
Part I of the proposal is the Cost Proposal and must include the
following two items:
The Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal
Assistance'' available at: http://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm.
Upon confirmation of an award, the individual signing the
SF 424 on behalf of the applicant shall be considered the Authorized
Representative of the applicant. All applicants for Federal grant and
funding opportunities are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS)
number. For more information about the DUNS number, see OMB Notice of
Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR 38402 (June 27, 2003). Applicants must
supply their DUNS number on the SF 424. 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 Standard Form (SF) 424A Budget Information Form
(available at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm). 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 leveraged resources by deliverable,
making clear distinctions between training and (if any) capacity
building costs, and should discuss precisely how the administrative
costs support the project goals. All applicants should indicate
training costs-per-participant by dividing the total amount of the
budget designated for training by the number of participants trained.
Please note that applicants that fail to provide an SF 424, SF 424A and
a budget narrative will be removed from consideration prior to the
technical review process. If the proposal calls for integrating WIA or
other Federal funds or includes other leveraged resources, these funds
should not be listed on the SF 424 or SF 424A Budget Information
[[Page 4006]]
Form, but should be described in the budget narrative and in Part II of
the proposal. The amount of Federal funding requested for the entire
period of performance (up to 36 months) should be shown together on the
SF 424 and SF 424A Budget Information Form. Applicants are also
encouraged, but not required, to submit the OMB Survey No. 1890-0014:
Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants, which can be found
at: http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm.
Part II of the application is the Technical Proposal, which
demonstrates the applicant's capabilities to plan and implement the
HGJTI grant project in accordance with the provisions of this
solicitation, and includes a project description as described in the
Criteria section of this solicitation.
The project description is limited to twenty (20) double-spaced,
single-sided, 8.5 inch x 11 inch pages with 12 point text font and one-
inch margins. Any pages over the 20 page limit will not be reviewed.
The applicant may provide additional information, such as resumes, a
staffing pattern, statistical information, general letters of support
and related material in attachments, which may not exceed fifteen (15)
pages. Any additional information in attachments beyond the 15 page
limit will not be reviewed. The required letters of commitment from
partners help demonstrate a firm commitment to the project through the
provision of expertise and/or resources and must be submitted as
attachments. These letters of commitment will not count against the
allowable maximum page totals. Please note that applicants should not
send letters of commitment or support separately to ETA because letters
are tracked through a separate system and will not be attached to the
application for review. The applicant must clearly reference any
partners in the text of the Technical Proposal. Except for the
discussion of any leveraged resources to address the evaluation
criteria, no cost data or reference to prices should be included in the
Technical Proposal. The following information is required:
A one-to-two page abstract summarizing the proposed
project and applicant profile information including:
Applicant name;
Industry focus (energy and the skilled trade occupations
related to energy);
A brief description of the workforce challenges addressed
(100 words);
A brief description of the proposed solution and how it
will be different from the original model (approximately 150 words);
Key partners;
Funding amount requested;
Amount of leveraged resources; and
Number of people trained and other key grant outcomes.
A table of contents listing the application sections.
A one-to-two page timeline outlining project activities,
including expected start-up, implementation, participant follow-up for
performance outcomes, grant close-out and other activities.
Please note that the abstract, table of contents, and timeline are
not included in either of the page limits mentioned above. Applicants
that do not provide Part II of the application will be removed from
consideration prior to the technical review process.
Applications may be submitted electronically on Grants.gov or in
hardcopy via mail or hand delivery. These processes are described in
further detail in Part IV(C). Applicants submitting proposals in hard-
copy must submit an original signed application (including the SF 424)
and one (1) ''copy-ready'' version free of bindings, staples or
protruding tabs to ease in the reproduction of the proposal by DOL.
Applicants submitting proposals in hard-copy are also requested, though
not required, to provide an identical electronic copy of the proposal
on CD-ROM.
3. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses
The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is March 25, 2008. Applications must be received at the
address below no later than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). Applications sent by
e-mail, telegram, or 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 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: Ariam Ferro, Reference SGA/DFA, PY-07-07, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N4716, 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. All overnight mail will be considered
to be hand-delivered and must be received at the designated place by
the specified closing date and time.
Applicants may apply online through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov
). Any application received after the deadline will not
be accepted. It is strongly recommended that before the applicant
begins to write the proposal, applicants immediately review the
grants.gov Web site to include all frequently asked questions, and
initiate and complete the ''Get Started'' registration steps at http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted.
These steps may take multiple days to
complete, and this time should be factored into plans for electronic
application submission in order to avoid facing unexpected delays that
could result in the rejection of an application as untimely. If
submitting electronically through Grants.gov, the application must be
submitted as either .doc, .pdf, or .xls files.
Late Applications: Any application received after the exact date
and time specified for receipt at the office designated in this notice
will not be considered, unless it is received before awards are made,
it was properly addressed, and it was: (a) Sent by U.S. Postal Service
mail, postmarked not later than the fifth calendar day before the date
specified for receipt of applications (e.g., an application required to
be received by the 20th of the month must be postmarked by the 15th of
that month); or (b) sent by professional overnight delivery service or
properly submitted and accepted by Grants.gov to the addressee not
later than one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of
applications. It is highly recommended that online submissions be
completed at least one working day prior to the date specified for
receipt of applications to ensure that the applicant still has the
option to submit by overnight delivery service in the event of any
electronic submission problems. Applicants take a significant risk by
waiting to the last day to submit by grants.gov. ''Postmarked'' 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. Therefore, applicants should
request the postal clerk to place a legible hand cancellation ''bull's
eye'' postmark on both the receipt and the package. Failure to adhere
to the above instructions will be a basis for a determination of non-
responsiveness. Evidence of timely submission by a professional
overnight delivery service must be demonstrated by equally reliable
evidence created by the delivery service provider indicating the time
and place of receipt.
[[Page 4007]]
4. Intergovernmental Review
This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
5. Funding Restrictions
Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance with
the applicable Federal cost principles. 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. Successful
and unsuccessful applicants will not be entitled to reimbursement of
pre-award costs.
A. Indirect Costs. As specified in OMB circular Cost Principles,
indirect costs are those that have been incurred, for common or joint
objectives and cannot be readily identified with a particular final
cost objective. In order to utilize grant funds for indirect costs
incurred, the applicant must obtain an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement
with its Federal cognizant agency either before or shortly after grant
award.
B. Administrative Costs. Under the HGJTI, 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 could be
direct or indirect costs, and are defined at 20 CFR 667.220.
Administrative costs do not need to be identified separately from
program costs on the SF 424A Budget Information Form. They should be
discussed in the budget narrative and tracked through the grantee's
accounting system. To claim any administrative costs that are also
indirect costs, the applicant must obtain an indirect cost rate
agreement from its Federal cognizant agency.
C. ETA Distribution Rights. Applicants should note that grantees
must agree to provide DOL/ETA a paid-up, non-exclusive and irrevocable
license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use for Federal purposes
all products developed or for which ownership was purchased under an
award, including but not limited to, curricula, training models,
technical assistance products, and any related materials, and to
authorize them to do so. Such uses include, but are not limited to, the
right to modify and distribute such products worldwide by any means,
electronically or otherwise.
D. 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. See 29 CFR Part 2, Subpart D. 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.
E. Use of Funds for Supportive Services. Use of grant funds for
supportive services, such as transportation and childcare, is not an
allowable cost under this SGA, including funds provided through
stipends for such purposes.
F. Salary and Bonus Limitations. In compliance with Public Law 109-
234 and Public Law 110-5, none of the funds appropriated in Public Law
109-149, Public Law 110-5, or prior Acts under the heading ``Employment
and Training'' that are available for expenditure on or after June 15,
2006, shall be used by a recipient or sub-recipient of such funds to
pay the salary and bonuses of an individual, either as direct costs or
indirect costs, at a rate in excess of Executive Level II, except as
provided for under section 101 of Public Law 109-149. This limitation
shall not apply to vendors providing goods and services as defined in
OMB Circular A-133. See Training and Employment Guidance Letter number
5-06 for further clarification: http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2262
6. Other Submission Requirements
Withdrawal of Applications
Applications may be withdrawn by written notice at any time before
an award is made.
Part V. Application Review Information
1. Evaluation Criteria
This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be
used to evaluate the HGJTI grant proposals. These criteria and point
values are:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criterion Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Statement of Need.......................................... 10
B. Strength of Regional Partnerships.......................... 20
C. Strategies and Solutions for Addressing Industry-Identified 25
Workforce Challenges.........................................
D. Integration with Regional Economic and Talent Development 5
Strategies...................................................
E. Outcomes, Benefits, and Impact............................. 20
F. Leveraged Resources........................................ 10
G. Program Management and Organization Capacity............... 10
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Statement of Need (10 points)
Applicants must fully demonstrate a clear and specific need for the
Federal investment in the proposed activities by: (a) Describing the
role of the energy industry and skilled trade occupations related to
energy within the regional economy; (b) describing the workforce
challenges facing the industry and their impact on specific local or
regional economic and workforce conditions; and (c) describing the
resource analysis and mapping that has been conducted to date that
demonstrates that local or regional resources are not sufficient to
address the workforce challenges. If the applicant intends to include
capacity building activities as part of the proposal, this section must
also include a detailed discussion of the capacity challenges the
community or region faces that limit its ability to provide sufficient
quantity or quality of training to meet the identified workforce needs.
In addition, applicants should provide evidence that the workforce
challenges to be addressed by the grant were identified in the context
of the regional talent development strategy in support of economic
growth.
Applicants may draw from a variety of resources for supporting
data, including: Traditional labor market information, such as
projections; industry data; trade associations or direct information
from the regional industry; and information on the regional economy and
other transactional data, such as job vacancies, that are available.
Applicants may also include information collected directly from energy
industry employers and representatives. Discussion should include, but
is not limited to, the following:
Demonstrated knowledge of the energy industry and skilled
trade occupations related to the energy industry in the regional area,
including the impact of the industry on the local or regional economy.
Demonstrated through data the existence of identified
workforce challenges and, if capacity building activities are proposed,
demonstrated existence of a capacity constraint in addressing those
challenges, in the area in which the grant activity will take place.
Discussion of how the industry workforce challenges affect
the specific employer partners contained in the proposal.
[[Page 4008]]
Description of the economic analysis and resource mapping
used to demonstrate need for the Federal investment in identified
region and identification of the sources of data used in analyses.
B. Strength of Regional Partnerships (20 points)
The applicant must fully demonstrate that the proposed grant
activities were developed and will be implemented by a strategic
partnership comprised of a strong team of regional leaders. The
partnership must be representative of the entire region as defined by
the applicant and have the authority to drive the proposed investment
strategy. The proposed partnership must include at least one entity
from each of three categories: (1) The workforce investment system; (2)
education and training providers such as community colleges; and (3)
employers and industry representatives. Applicants must also
demonstrate that additional partners have been brought to the table to
ensure that the full range of assets, resources, knowledge, and
leadership are engaged in the project, and that the partnership
includes entities that can act as levers of change to identify and
address barriers to success.
Points for this criterion will be awarded based on the following
factors:
Comprehensiveness of the Partnership (15 points). The
applicant must identify the partners and explain the meaningful role
each partner will play in the project. Points for this factor will be
awarded based on:
A comprehensive list of strategic partners that will be
included in the project and the articulation of each partner's role in
the project within an overall project governance structure. Please note
that in order to receive full points applicants must fully demonstrate
that each required partner will play a well-developed and committed
role in the project. (6 points)
Demonstration that the partnership includes the key
regional assets and institutions necessary to address the identified
workforce challenges. If key regional assets and institutions are not
currently engaged in the partnership, then the applicant must clearly
identify how appropriate organizations or individuals will be brought
into the partnership quickly. (9 points)
Partnership Management (5 points). Points for this factor
will be awarded based on evidence that the applicant has the capacity
to lead the regional partnership in implementing the initiative.
Discussion should include, but is not limited to, the applicant's
leadership and staff capacity and experience implementing initiatives
of this caliber.
C. Strategies and Solutions for Addressing Industry-Identified
Workforce Challenges (25 points)
The applicant must describe the proposed workforce development
solution strategy in full, including all solution elements and
implementation strategies, how the solutions address the workforce
challenges described in the statement of need, and how the proposed
solution complements or enhances existing ETA investments in the energy
industry and skilled trade occupations related to energy, and other
activities undertaken by the partnership. Points for this criterion
will be awarded for the following factors:
Strategy (15 points). Applicants may earn up to 15 points
based on evidence that the applicant has developed an effective
solution that will address the following objectives:
The proposed project will address one or more workforce
challenges identified by the energy industry and/or skilled trade
occupations related to energy through the HGJTI, as discussed in Part
I.a of this SGA (2 points).
The solution models and workforce development approaches
that guide the proposed activities have been clearly explained, and
their source identified. The applicant explains how the partnership has
drawn upon existing tools and approaches in building its solution (2
points).
The proposed strategy is cohesive in nature and includes
training activities that target skills and competencies demanded by the
energy industry and skilled trade occupations related to energy and
support participants' long-term career growth along a defined career
pathway such as an articulated career ladder and lattice. The proposed
training activities should lead to an appropriate credential. Where
there is no standardized industry credential in place, part of the
proposed activity may include working to create such a credential. If
the credential targeted by the training project is a certificate or
performance-based certification, applicants have either: (a)
Demonstrated employer engagement in the curriculum development process;
or (b) indicated that the certification will translate into concrete
job opportunities with an employer. If there are proposed capacity
building activities, the applicant has demonstrated that these
activities are broad based, and are clearly integrated with training
activities (8 points).
The applicant has a robust strategy to sustain proposed
activities beyond the Federal investment. The approach to
sustainability includes strategies for ensuring that: (a) Partnerships
will be institutionalized or otherwise continue to be operational after
the grant period ends; (b) the systems, strategies, and solutions
created and implemented through the grant will be utilized after the
grant period ends; and (c) the project or related partnership
activities are integrated into broader state and/or local workforce
development and/or economic development activities, if appropriate. To
receive full points for this sub-element, the applicant must include a
discussion of financial resources beyond the Federal investment that
will be used to support sustained activities once the grant expires (3
points).
Implementation Strategy (10 points). Applicants can earn
up to 10 points based on evidence that the applicant has a clear
understanding of the tasks required to successfully meet the objectives
of the grant. Factors considered in evaluating this evidence include:
(1) The existence of a strategy that is responsive to the applicant's
statement of need and includes specific goals, objectives, activities,
and a timeline; (2) the demonstrated feasibility and reasonableness of
the timeline for accomplishing all necessary implementation activities,
including start-up, capacity building (if applicable) and training
activities, participant follow-up for performance outcomes, and grant
close-out activities; (3) demonstration that the budget line items are
tied to strategy objectives; and (4) the extent to which the budget is
justified with respect to the adequacy and reasonableness of resources
requested and must be demonstrated throughout the technical proposal.
D. Integration With Regional Economic and Talent Development Strategies
(5 points)
Scoring on this criterion will be based on the applicant's ability
to demonstrate that their HGJTI project is aligned with and integrated
into their region's talent development and economic development
strategy. Points for this criterion will be awarded for the following
factors:
Summarizing the region's strategic vision and workforce
education strategies in support of talent development and economic
growth; and
Either describing how their capacity building and training
solution is part of or complements existing approaches under regional
talent development and economic development plans and initiatives; or
describing how their proposed project is a catalyst for
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bringing partners together to begin the analysis and strategic planning
in their region.
E. Outcomes, Benefits, and Impact (20 points)
Applicants must demonstrate a results-oriented approach to managing
and operating the HGJTI project by fully describing the proposed
outcome measures relevant to measuring the success or impact of the
project. Scoring on this criterion will be based on the following
factors:
Outcomes (10 points). Applicants may earn up to 10 points
for indicating that appropriate outcomes will be tracked as detailed
below. Additionally, the description of outcomes must include: (1)
Baseline numbers for tracking progress; (2) benchmark outcome goals;
and (3) the methods proposed to collect and validate outcome data in a
timely and accurate manner.
Training. Applicants must track training outcome measures
that include ETA's Common Measures, such as employment placement
numbers and/or earnings gains and retention. Other outcome measures
that should be tracked include the number of individuals awarded
credentials or degrees, and any other outcome measures specific to the
proposed training project. Applications must also identify the type of
credential that participants will earn as a result of the proposed
training, and the employer-, industry-, vendor-, or state-defined
standards associated with the credential.
Capacity Building. Applicants that have capacity building
components in their projects must clearly describe all products,
models, curricula, etc., that will be developed or acquired with
Federal funds through the grant and indicate the number of participants
or entities who will benefit in either the short and/or long term, from
the proposed activities. Applicants must describe the data measures
that will be used to measure how the proposed capacity building
activities impact the ability of entities to train workers for skills
in demand by the energy industry and skilled trade occupations related
to energy.
Appropriateness of Outcomes (10 points). Applicants may
earn up to 10 points based on three factors: (1) The extent to which
the expected project outcomes are clearly identified and measurable,
realistic, and consistent with the objectives of the project; (2) the
ability of the applicant to achieve the stated outcomes within the
timeframe of the grant; and (3) the appropriateness of the outcomes
with respect to both the extent of the workforce challenge described in
the statement of need and the requested level of funding.
F. Leveraged Resources (10 points)
Applicants must clearly describe any funds and resources leveraged
in support of grant activities and demonstrate how these funds will be
used to contribute to the goals of the project. This applies to funds
leveraged from businesses, faith-based and community organizations,
economic development entities, education systems, philanthropic
foundations, and/or Federal, state, and local government programs,
including WIA, Trade Adjustment Assistance, and Wagner-Peyser.
Scoring on this factor will be based on the extent to which the
applicant fully describes the amount, commitment, nature, and quality
of leveraged resources. Important elements of the explanation include:
Evidence, such as letters of commitment or memorandums of
understanding (MOUs), that key partners have expressed a clear
commitment to provide the resource;
The nature and quality of the leveraged resources and a
description of how each contribution will support the proposed grant
activities; and
The strategic value of the leveraged resources and how
well these resources support the proposed grant activities and the goal
of this grant solicitation to demonstrate how a demand-driven workforce
system can more effectively meet the regional workforce needs of energy
and skilled trade employers while at the same time helping workers find
quality jobs with promising career pathways.
G. Program Management and Organization Capacity (10 points)
To satisfy this criterion, applicants must describe their proposed
project management structure including, where appropriate, the
identification of a proposed project manager, discussion of the
proposed staffing pattern, and the qualifications and experience of key
staff members. Applicants must also show evidence of the use of data
systems to track outcomes in a timely and accurate manner. The
applicant must 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 under this criterion will be based on the extent to which
applicants provide 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; and
The applicant organization has significant capacity to
accomplish the goals and outcomes of the project, including the ability
to collect and manage data in a way that allows consistent, accurate,
and expedient reporting.
2. Review and Selection Process
Applications for the HGJTI grants under this solicitation 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 100
points may be awarded to an application, 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, and geographic
balance; balance across industry sub-sectors; 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, and the Grant Officer may consider any information that comes
to his/her attention. 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 by the
applicant including electronic signature via E-Authentication on
http://www.grants.gov.
Part VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
All award notifications will be posted on the ETA Homepage (http://www.doleta.gov
). Applicants selected for award will be contacted
directly before the grant's execution and non-selected applicants will
be notified by mail.
Note: Selection of an organization as a grantee does not
constitute approval of the
[[Page 4010]]
grant application as submitted. Before the actual grant is awarded,
DOL/ETA may enter into negotiations about such items as program
components, staffing and funding levels, and administrative systems
in place to support grant implementation. If the negotiations do not
result in a mutually acceptable submission, the Grant Officer
reserves the right to terminate the negotiation and decline to fund
the application.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. Administrative Program Requirements
All grantees will be subject to all applicable Federal laws,
regulations, and the applicable OMB Circulars. The grant(s) awarded
under this SGA will be subject to the following administrative
standards and provisions, if applicable:
a. Workforce Investment Act--20 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
part 667. (General Fiscal and Administrative Rules).
b. Non-Profit Organizations--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. The following administrative standards and provisions may also
be applicable:
i. 29 CFR part 2, subpart D--Equal Treatment in Department of Labor
Programs for Religious Organizations, Protection of Religious Liberty
of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and Beneficiaries;
ii. 29 CFR part 30--Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship
and Training;
iii. 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;
iv. 29 CFR part 32--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in
Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from Federal Financial
Assistance;
v. 29 CFR part 33--Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of
Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of
Labor;
vi. 29 CFR part 35--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in
Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the
Department of Labor;
vii. 29 CFR part 36--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial
Assistance; and/or
vii. 29 CFR part 37--Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and
Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
In accordance with Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of
1995 (Pub. L. 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 SGA, 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.
C. Reporting
The grantee is required to provide the reports and documents listed
below:
Quarterly Financial Reports. A Quarterly Financial Status Report
(9130) is required until such time as all funds have been expended or
the grant period has expired. Quarterly reports are due 45 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 45
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 all DOL reporting requirements. The quarterly
progress report should be in narrative form and should include:
1. General grant information, including a summary of grant
activities and a status and update on leveraged resources and strategic
partner activities.
2. A grant timeline that includes the progress of grant activities,
the key deliverables for each quarter, and the products available each
quarter.
3. Grant outcomes, including information on all capacity building,
training, employer, and grant deliverable outcomes as well as the
anticipated impact of these outcomes on the education, industry,
workforce system or broader community/region; and dissemination
activities and events for grant deliverables. Training outcomes will
include quarterly and cumulative reports on the projected outcomes that
include, but are not limited to: enrollment, number completed training,
number of certificates awarded, ETA's Common Measures (which are
entered employment, employment retention, and average earnings
increase), number entered into employment related to training; and
number receiving wage gains and promotions.
4. Highlights of promising approaches and success stories.
5. Description of technical assistance needs.
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.
[[Page 4011]]
VII. Agency Contacts
For further information regarding this SGA, please contact Ariam
Ferro, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, at
(202) 693-3968 (This is not a toll-free number). Applicants should fax
all technical questions to (202) 693-2705 and must specifically address
the fax to the attention of Ariam Ferro and should include SGA/DFA PY
07-07, a contact name, fax and phone number.
This announcement is being made available on the ETA Web site at
http://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm and at http://www.grants.gov.
Part VIII. Resources and Other Information
Resources for the Applicant. DOL maintains a number of web-based
resources that may be of assistance to applicants. The webpage for the
ETA's Business Relations Group (http://www.doleta.gov/BRG) is a
valuable source of background on the HGJTI. America's Service Locator
(http://www.servicelocator.org) provides a directory of our nation's
One-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
). 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).
Other Information
OMB Information Collection No. 1205-0458
Expires September 30, 2009
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are
required to respond to a collection of information unless such
collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden
for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 hours per
response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing
data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing
and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding
the burden estimated or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the
U.S. Department of Labor, the OMB Desk Officer for ETA, Office of
Management and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503. Please do not
return the completed application to the Omb. Send it to the sponsoring
agency as specified in this solicitation.
This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a
grant. The information collected through this SGA will be used by DOL
to ensure that grants are awarded to the applicant best suited to
perform the functions of the grant. Submission of this information is
required in order for the applicant to be considered for award of this
grant. Unless otherwise specifically noted in this announcement,
information submitted in the respondent's application is not considered
to be confidential.
Signed at Washington, DC, this 15th day of January, 2008.
Eric D. Luetkenhaus,
Grant Officer, Employment and Training Administration.
[FR Doc. E8-1061 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-FN-P