[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 120 (Friday, June 20, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35155-35163]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-13967]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant
Applications (SGA) Under the Employment and Training Administration's
(ETA) Technology-Based Learning (TBL) Initiative
Announcement Type: New, Notice of Solicitation for Grant
Applications.
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY-08-04.
Catalog of Federal Assistance Number: 17.269.
Key Dates: The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is August 19, 2008. Applications must be received at the
address below no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). Application and
submission information is explained in detail in Part V of this SGA. A
Webinar for prospective applicants will be held for this grant
competition on July 29, 2008, 2 p.m. EDT. 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: ETA announces the availability of approximately $10 million in
grant funds under the TBL Initiative to be awarded through a
competitive process. The purpose of the Initiative is to expand access
to training resulting in an increased number of workers trained,
particularly in high-growth, high-demand occupations, and to meet the
needs of industry for skilled employees.
This SGA is designed to expand the vital role of TBL in helping
workers quickly acquire the training and skills they need to be
successful in today's global economy, and thereby increase the nation's
economic competitiveness and growth. Desired outcomes include an
increased amount of workforce training available online and/or enhanced
with TBL, and an increased number of people trained in high-growth jobs
through the use of TBL methods.
Funds will be awarded to public, private for-profit, and private
non-profit organizations, including educational institutions and
registered apprenticeship sponsors. Partnership with the publicly-
funded workforce investment system is required.
This solicitation provides background information and describes the
application submission requirements, outlines the process that eligible
entities must use to apply for funds covered by this solicitation, and
details how grantees will be selected.
ADDRESSES: Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department
of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal
Assistance, Attention: Mamie Williams, Reference SGA/DFA PY 08-04, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-4716, Washington, DC 20210. Facsimile
applications will not be accepted. Information about applying online
can be found in Part V.C. of this document. Applicants are advised that
mail delivery in the Washington, DC 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 nine parts:
Part I provides background information on TBL.
Part II describes award information.
Part III describes eligibility information.
Part IV describes the application and submission process.
Part V describes the applications review process.
Part VI contains award administration information.
Part VII contains DOL agency contact information.
Part VIII lists additional resources of interest to applicants.
Part I. Background Information
1. TBL in the Innovation Economy
The world is now witnessing one of the greatest technological
transformations in history. Evolutions in technology and information
have ushered in the globalization of the economic marketplace. This
globalization is marked by tremendous advances in communications,
travel, and free trade--allowing individuals unprecedented access to
commerce from almost anywhere in the world. At the same time, American
businesses now must compete in this global marketplace.
Global competition is typically seen as a national challenge. In
reality, competition lies within regions where companies, workers,
researchers, entrepreneurs and governments come together to create a
competitive advantage in the global marketplace. That advantage stems
from the ability to transform new ideas and new knowledge into
advanced, high quality products or services--in other words, to
innovate.
Areas that are successful in creating a competitive advantage
demonstrate the ability to organize ``innovation assets''--people,
institutions, capital and infrastructure--to generate growth and
prosperity in the region's economy. These regions are successful
because they have connected key elements such as workforce skills and
lifelong learning strategies; investments and entrepreneurial
strategies; and regional infrastructure and economic development
strategies.
TBL could strengthen the innovation assets of individuals by
increasing their workforce skills and supporting lifelong learning.
TBL, also commonly known as e-learning, constitutes learning via
electronic technology, including the Internet, intranet sites,
satellite broadcasts, audio and video
[[Page 35156]]
conferencing, Internet bulletin boards, chat rooms, Web casts,
simulations, gaming, podcasting, and a variety of mobile options. TBL
is an umbrella term, which also encompasses related terms, such as
distance learning, on-line learning, Web-based learning (learning that
occurs via the Internet), CDs and DVDs, and computer-based learning
(learning through the use of dedicated personal computers).
TBL can be synchronous (learning occurs when instructors and
learners meet at a specific time in a physical or virtual classroom),
or it can be asynchronous (learning does not occur at a pre-specified
time and may be self-paced). Blended learning combines aspects of
synchronous and asynchronous, as well as virtual and face-to-face
instruction.
TBL approaches and methods have expanded in recent years due to the
proliferation of computer connectivity and high speed Internet access.
Some States and local areas have embraced this transformative learning
model which can be inexpensive and conveniently mobile, and have
incorporated it into their training delivery options.
ETA launched the TBL Initiative within the workforce investment
system in 2006 to encourage a national strategy for advancing the use
of technology for training. The initiative seeks to increase the number
of people trained in high growth jobs through the broadening of
opportunities for skill and competency development through the use of
TBL methods. Through the TBL Initiative and other investments, ETA has
supported the use of TBL in demonstrations aimed to use technology to
increase access to lifelong learning.
The promise of these TBL demonstrations has prompted ETA to move to
systematically support the use of TBL nationwide. This SGA seeks to
support models of TBL to stimulate new and innovative uses of
technology for training the workforce in the skills demanded by their
regional economies and high-growth/high-demand industries and
occupations.
2. Critical Elements of TBL Grants
It is ETA's expectation that these TBL grants will contain at least
the following critical elements: (A) A focus on expanding training
opportunities to develop demand-driven skills and competencies using
TBL that are sustainable and scalable; (B) strategic partnerships with
recognized or emerging high-growth/high-demand industries, educational
and training institutions, and the public workforce investment system;
(C) robust provisions for user support in the TBL proposal framework
for all potential clients including underserved populations, and all
levels of computer and Internet technical proficiency; and (D) training
leading to an industry or occupationally recognized credential,
certificate, or qualification in a high-growth/high-demand field.
A. Expanding Training Opportunities Using TBL
TBL presents solutions to several challenges in expanding access to
post-secondary and lifelong learning because of its inherent ability to
overcome traditional obstacles to learning that include the distance
from one's home or office to the training or educational facility, the
variable nature of the time commitment required of users, the pace of
learning offered, and the accessibility to specific resources that
otherwise are not locally available.
The spread and proliferation of technology and TBL methods presents
a wide universe of options available to address training and employment
needs, including new and innovative uses of technology to enhance
existing training programs. For example, overcoming time barriers for
TBL users could entail training that is available on-demand on a
flexible or entirely user-driven schedule. Bridging the distance from
training providers to users could entail the delivery of content over
the Internet, by converting current training courses to an online and/
or TBL enhanced platform, by satellite connections, phone lines,
computer-based programs, television and radio frequencies, among other
methods.
The TBL grant awards are intended in part to identify promising
approaches that can be scalable for wider deployment after the grant
period. Successful demonstration programs are often rolled out on a
regional or national basis, and proposals should outline how their
program could be implemented on a wider scale should they be successful
in meeting their goals. This requires grantees to keep careful records
of program implementation, best practices, data collection, and to
coordinate with evaluation efforts as appropriate.
B. Demand-Driven Strategic Partnerships
Successful development and application of TBL programs in a
regional economy requires the collaboration of high-growth/high-demand
industries and/or businesses, education and training providers, and the
workforce investment system. These strategic partnerships should engage
each partner in its area of strength. For example, industry
representatives and employers can define workforce challenges facing
the industry and identify the competencies and skills required for the
industry's workforce. Education and training providers can assist in
developing competency models and curricula and train new and incumbent
workers. The workforce investment system can compile and analyze local
labor market information, access human capital (e.g. youth, unemployed,
underemployed, and dislocated workers), provide funding to support
training for qualified individuals, and connect trained workers to good
jobs.
Applicants must demonstrate the existence of a partnership that
includes at least one entity from each of three categories: (1) The
publicly funded workforce investment system, which may include State
and local Workforce Investment Boards, State Workforce Agencies, and
One-Stop Career Centers and their partners; (2) the education and
training community, which includes community and technical colleges,
four-year colleges and universities, and other training entities; and
(3) representatives from industry in high-growth/high-demand fields.
These partnerships should exist within an economic region that may
or may not fall within typical State, county, local workforce
investment area, or municipal boundaries. Applications should detail
the region in which the project will operate. In addition, grantees
will be required to match 20 percent of the grant award with monetary
or in-kind resources.
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-220) as amended
(WIA) emphasizes a workforce system driven by the needs of local
employers. Educational institutions, Workforce Investment Boards, and
One-Stop Career Centers play a vital role in this effort by
understanding the workforce needs of these industries and providing
training and other services to address those needs. Successful
applications will outline in detail the skills and competencies
demanded by employers, provide compelling evidence of their claims, and
show the impact the project will have in the target industry and/or
region.
C. Program Design, User Support, Outcomes
TBL approaches are frequently used to serve those individuals who
are perceived to be proficient in computers and technology, such as
younger workers or skilled professionals. However, projects such as the
New Jersey Online Learning Demonstration,
[[Page 35157]]
which enabled low income women to access online learning, have shown
that TBL can benefit a much wider population, and can improve and
expand access to learning for individuals frequently left behind by
technology initiatives. TBL grant projects should ensure that the
targeted participants, those who need additional education and
training, are able to access TBL opportunities. Grant applications that
reach populations typically not served by technology initiatives are
encouraged. ETA encourages applicants who are targeting disconnected
populations to partner with networks of faith- and community-based
organizations. Faith- and community-based organizations have valuable
expertise in successful strategies for working with disconnected
populations and can provide outreach and wrap around support services
as needed. For applicants choosing to partner with faith- and
community-based organizations please visit http://www.dol.gov/cfbci/accesspoints.htm for specific mechanisms and strategies for integrating
these organizations into the proposal.
In addition, potential TBL users constitute a wide range of
technology literacy levels. Successful applications will include
provisions enabling participants with varying technical skill levels to
participate in the proposed project. This may include computer and
Internet literacy programs. However, such programs should not
constitute the entirety of the proposed project, but should be used to
enable as many participants as possible to benefit from the proposed
project.
Once learners have developed basic computer and technology
proficiency, projects funded under the TBL grants should also provide
technical support to ensure participants are successful in using the
TBL application or other technologies supported under the grant
project. This support should be available to all learners served by the
grant project. Technical support would assist learners in using
relevant software, as well as assisting learners in diagnosing and
fixing hardware problems that prevent them from being able to use the
TBL supported by the grant. Support could be in the form of dedicated
user support telephone numbers, periodic refresher courses, webinars or
online learning modules, in-person consultation at a central site or a
site convenient for the learner, periodic in-person gatherings, or
other methods of support provision. Successful applications will
outline methods and techniques for user support for the proposed
training program.
D. Training Leading to Recognized Credentials
Achieving widely recognized industry credentials and qualifications
are important to employment skills training. These qualifications are
portable across companies and different parts of the country, and
provide employment flexibility and mobility to the worker. In the event
no currently recognized credential in the target industry or occupation
exists, compelling arguments backed by sufficient evidence of
competency towards meeting the needs of the target industry upon
program completion will also be considered.
Part II. Award Information
1. Award Amount
ETA anticipates awarding approximately twenty (20) grants, with
individual grants generally ranging in value from $100,000 up to
$500,000. However, this does not preclude ETA from 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 their project.
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,
participant follow-up for performance outcomes, and grant close-out
activities. ETA may elect to exercise its option to award no-cost
extensions to grants for an additional period, based on the success of
the program and other relevant factors, if the grantee requests, and
provides a significant justification for such an extension.
3. Required Matching Resources
ETA grant funds must not be the sole funding source for the
activities to be carried out under the proposal. Grantees must match 20
percent of the grant amount with monetary or in-kind contributions.
Matching must meet the definition delineated in 29 CFR Part 95.23 and
29 CFR Part 97.24. Applicants must fully describe the amount,
commitment, nature, and quality of the matched resources. Please note
that Federal resources may not be counted as match. To be allowable as
part of match, a cost must be an allowable charge for Federal grant
funds. Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance
with the applicable Federal cost principles as indicated in Part II. If
the cost would not be allowable as a grant-funded charge, then it also
cannot be counted toward matching funds. Matching funds must be
expended during the grant period of performance. Please note that
applicants are expected to fulfill the match amount specified on their
SF-424 application and SF-424a budget form. Upon completion of the
grant, if the match amount specified by the applicant is not met or if
a portion of the matching funds are found to be an unallowable cost,
the amount of DOL grant funds may be decreased on a dollar for dollar
basis. This may result in the repayment of funds to DOL.
4. Use of Funds/Allowable Activities
TBL grants will be funded by H-1B fees as authorized under Sec.
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 in industry sectors and occupations projected
to experience significant growth or significant demand for workers.
Whether the focus is on an industry sector or an occupational area,
training investments using grant funds should focus on workforce
education in high-skill occupations. 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 or those
related activities necessary to support training in such occupations
and industries.
Please see the report titled Characteristics of Specialty
Occupation Workers (H-1B): Fiscal Year 2005, especially table 13B on
page 21 of the report, from the following link for guidance on the list
of eligible occupations and industries that have been identified as
those for which employers use H-1B visas to employ foreign workers.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/H1B_FY05_Characteristics.pdf.
Activities funded under this Solicitation must be focused on
developing skills and competencies related to the fields identified in
the Attachment. Funds may also be used to enhance the provision of job
training services and information as authorized in 29 U.S.C.
2916a(2)(B).
[[Page 35158]]
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
or unsuccessful applicants will not be entitled to reimbursement of
pre-award costs.
Limitations on Cost per Participant. Since training costs may vary
considerably for different occupations in different industries on the
skills and competencies required, flexibility will be given on the cost
per-participant. However, applications for funding will be reviewed to
determine if the cost of the training is appropriate and will produce
the outcomes identified. Applicants should demonstrate that the
proposed cost per participant is aligned with existing price structures
for similar training in the local area or other areas with similar
characteristics. When calculating cost per participant, applicants must
distinguish between non-training and training costs utilizing grant
funds.
Indirect Costs. As specified in the Office of Management and Budget
Circular Cost Principles, indirect costs are those that have been
incurred for common or joint objectives and cannot be readily
identified with a particular cost objective. An indirect cost rate
(ICR) is required when an organization operates under more than one
grant or other activity whether Federally-assisted or not.
Organizations must use the indirect cost rate supplied by the cognizant
Federal agency. If an organization requires a new ICR or has a pending
ICR, the Grant Officer will award a temporary billing rate for 90 days
until a provisional rate can be issued. This rate is based on the fact
that an organization has not established an ICR agreement. Within this
90 day period, the organization must submit an acceptable indirect cost
proposal to their Federal cognizant agency to obtain a provisional ICR.
Administrative Costs. Under the TBL Initiative, an entity that
receives a grant to carry out a project or program may not use more
than 10 percent of the amount of the grant to pay administrative costs
associated with the program or project. Administrative costs could be
both direct and indirect costs and are defined at 20 CFR 667.220.
Administrative costs do not need to be identified separately from
program costs on the Standard Form 424A Budget Information Form.
Administrative costs 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 as specified above.
Use of Funds for Supportive Services. Use of grant funds for
supportive services, such as transportation and childcare, including
funds provided through stipends for such purposes, is not an allowable
cost under this Solicitation for Grant Applications.
Salary and Bonus Limitations. None of the funds awarded under this
grant 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. See sections
five through eight of the Training and Employment Guidance Letter
number 5-06 for further clarification: http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2262.
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 (please see 29 CFR Part 2, Subpart D).
These grants may not be used for religious instruction, worship,
prayer, proselytizing or other inherently religious activities except
as provided in those regulations. Therefore, organizations must take
steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious
activities from the services funded under this program. Neutral, non-
religious criteria that neither favors nor disfavors religion will be
employed in the selection of grant recipients and must be employed by
grantees in the selection of sub-recipients.
A faith-based organization receiving ETA funds retains its
independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may
continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice,
and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based
organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular
programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing
religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In
addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds
retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain
religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on
a religious basis, and include religious references in its
organization's mission statements and other governing documents in
accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other
applicable requirements governing the conduct of ETA funded activities.
Faith-based and community organizations may also reference ETA
Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 01-05 (July 6,
2005), available at http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2088 and the ``Guidance to Faith-Based and Community
Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government'' at http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html.
ETA Intellectual Property Rights. Applicants should note that
grantees must agree to provide USDOL/ETA a paid-up, nonexclusive 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.
Part III. Eligibility Information
Eligible Applicants. This SGA intends to encourage new and
continuing partnerships between: The publicly funded workforce
investment system; representatives from business, industry, and
economic development; and the continuum of education.
In order to be eligible for consideration under this solicitation,
the applicant must be either:
An accredited educational institution in partnership with
a Workforce Investment Board. The applicant must have a letter of
commitment from the Workforce Investment Board.
A private non-profit, or private provider of workforce
system services determined to be tax exempt under section 501(C) of the
Internal Revenue Code, including registered apprenticeship sponsors, in
partnership with a Workforce Investment Board. The applicant must have
a letter of commitment from the Workforce Investment Board.
A One-Stop Career Center as established under Section 121
of WIA, [29 U.S.C. 2841], in partnership with a state or local
Workforce Investment Board. The eligible applicant for One-Stop Career
Centers is the One-Stop Operator, as defined under Section 121(d) of
WIA [29 U.S.C. 2841(d)], on
[[Page 35159]]
behalf of the One-Stop Career Center. The One-Stop applicant must have
a letter of commitment from the state or local Workforce Investment
Board, and demonstrate that the Workforce Investment Board, or its
designated fiscal agent, will serve as the fiscal agent for the grant
by clearly providing the legal name and the Employer Identification
number of the fiscal agent. The Workforce Investment Board's support
and involvement in the project should be detailed in the letter of
commitment. Applications from One-Stop Career Centers without a letter
of commitment from their Workforce Investment Board will be considered
non-responsive and will not be reviewed.
An employer or industry association in partnership with a
Workforce Investment Board. The applicant must have a letter of
commitment from the Workforce Investment Board.
Private, for-profit organizations in partnership with a
Workforce Investment Board. The applicant must have a letter of
commitment from the Workforce Investment Board.
Other Eligibility Requirements
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 the Department of Labor. In circumstances where a TBL Grant
recipient must choose between two equally qualified candidates for
training, one of whom is a veteran, the Jobs for Veterans Act requires
that TBL 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.
Participants Eligible To Receive TBL 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.
Part IV. Application and Submission Process
A. Address To Request Application Package
This SGA contains all of the information and links to forms needed
to apply for grant funding.
B. 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. Applicants who wish to apply do not need to submit a
Letter of Intent. The completed application package is all that is
required.
Part I--The Cost Proposal must include the following three items:
The Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal
Assistance'' (available at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm). The SF
424 must clearly identify the applicant and be signed by an individual
with authority to enter into a grant agreement. Upon confirmation of an
award, the individual signing the SF 424 on behalf of the applicant
will be considered the Authorized Representative of the applicant.
All applicants for Federal grant and funding opportunities
are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number
provided by Dun and Bradstreet. 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 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 explain the
administrative costs and how they 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. Only an applicant's match amount should be listed
on the SF 424 (Block 18) and SF 424A Budget Information Form (Section
A, Column F and Section C). 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. The amount of
Federal funding requested for the entire period of performance 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--The Technical Proposal of the application demonstrates the
applicant's capabilities to fulfill the intention of the TBL
Initiative. The Technical Proposal is limited to twenty (20) double-
spaced, single-sided, 8.5 inch x 11 inch pages with twelve point text
font and one-inch margins. The first page of Part II--The Technical
Proposal must consist entirely of an executive summary not to exceed
one page. Applicants should number the Technical Proposal beginning
with page number one. Any pages over the 20-page limit will not be
reviewed. In addition, while the applicant may provide resumes, general
letters of support and other related material, any attachments may not
exceed an additional 10 pages. The required letter(s) of concurrence
and/or documentation of partnership must be submitted and will not
count against the first 20 allowable pages, but will count against the
10-page limitation on attachments. Please note, letters of commitment
should be sent with or attached to the application. Additionally, the
applicant must reference grant partners by organizational name in the
text of the Technical Proposal. No cost data or reference to prices
should be included in the Technical Proposal. Applications may be
submitted electronically on http://www.grants.gov or in hard-copy via
U.S. mail, professional overnight delivery service, 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 USDOL/ETA.
[[Page 35160]]
C. Submission Date, Times and Mailing Address
The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is August 19, 2008. Applications must be received at the
address below no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). Applications sent by
e-mail, telegram, or facsimile 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.
ETA will post Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about this SGA on
our Web site, http://www.doleta.gov/grants. The FAQs as well as the
dates and access information for the Prospective Applicant Conferences
will be posted on ETA's Web site at: http://www.doleta.gov/grants.
Please check these pages periodically during the application period of
the solicitation for updates.
Please submit one (1) blue-ink signed, typewritten original of the
application and two (2) signed photocopies in one package to the U.S.
Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division
of Federal Assistance, Attention: Mamie Williams, Reference SGA/DFA PY
08-04, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-4716, Washington, DC 20210.
Information about applying online through http://www.grants.gov can be
found in section IV.C of this document. Applicants are advised that
mail delivery in the Washington area is delayed due to mail
decontamination procedures. Hand delivered proposals will be received
at the above address.
Applicants may apply online through grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov). It is strongly recommended that applicants applying
online for the first time via grants.gov immediately initiate and
complete the ``Get Registered'' registration steps at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp. These steps may take
multiple days or weeks to complete, and this time should be factored
into plans for electronic application submission in order to avoid
unexpected delays that could result in the rejection of an application.
It is highly recommended that online submissions be completed at least
two (2) working days prior to the date specified for the 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. If submitting electronically through grants.gov,
the attachments of the application must be saved as either .doc, .xls
or .pdf 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,
was properly addressed, and: (a) Was sent by U.S. Postal Service
registered or certified mail not later than the fifth calendar day
before the date specified for receipt of applications (e.g., an
application required to be received by the 20th of the month must be
postmarked by the 15th of that month) or (b) was sent by professional
overnight delivery service or submitted on 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 two (2) working days prior to the date specified for receipt
of applications to ensure that the applicant still has the option to
submit by professional overnight delivery service in the event of any
electronic submission problems. Applicants take a significant risk by
waiting until the last day to submit by grants.gov. ``Postmarked''
means a printed, stamped or otherwise placed 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.
D. Intergovernmental Review
This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order (EO)
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
E. Withdrawal of Applications
Applications may be withdrawn by written notice at any time before
an award is made. Applications may be withdrawn in person by the
applicant or by an authorized representative thereof, if the
representative's identity is made known and the representative signs a
receipt for the proposal.
Part V. Applications Review Process
This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be
used to evaluate proposals for this grant program. These criteria and
point values are listed in the table below.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expanding Training Opportunities Using TBL....................... 30
Demand-Driven Strategic Partnerships............................. 20
Program Design, User Support, and Outcomes....................... 40
Training Leading to an Industry Recognized Credential............ 10
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expanding Training Opportunities Using TBL (30 Points)
As described below, the applicant must show in detail how their
proposed usage of TBL will expand and/or improve upon training
opportunities for their targeted industry or occupation and population.
Expanding Training Opportunities Using TBL (10 points)--Applicants
must clearly show how the use of TBL in their proposal will expand the
employment and training options available to consumers in their
targeted occupation and/or industry. Applications proposing expansion
of existing TBL employment and training programs must clearly show how
many more individuals will be served than are currently being served by
the program. All applications must clearly show the number of
additional individuals the proposal would allow to be trained.
Overcoming Traditional Workforce Training Barriers (10 points)--The
applicant must describe how their proposed use of TBL would overcome
barriers of distance and time for the user and capacity for the
training providers and/or users as described in Part I of this SGA.
Successful applications will show the necessity of using TBL methods to
increase the numbers of individuals trained.
Sustainability and Scalability (7 points)--ETA places a high
premium on demonstrations that can be sustainable after the grant
period has ended and that are scalable to larger roll out across the
nation. Proposals should outline plans for sustainability of the
program post-grant in regard to the program and partnerships. Also,
applications should outline the feasibility of expanding a successful
program in terms of geographic reach, industry sites served, numbers of
individuals trained, and of replicating the entire program.
Need for Federal Investment (3 points)--Applicants must clearly
outline the need for intervention in the targeted industry or
occupational field, as well as the necessity of the Federal
[[Page 35161]]
investment. Applications must describe in detail the current challenges
the proposal seeks to overcome with TBL methods, and must demonstrate
how the proposed project will increase opportunities for training in
the applicant's target population.
Demand-Driven Strategic Partnerships (20 points)
As described below, applicants must show evidence that a strong
partnership exists among educational institutions, local high-growth/
high-demand industries, and the workforce investment system. Applicants
must highlight and discuss the targeted high-growth/high-demand
occupation and/or industry and clearly show the need for the proposal
in meeting the demands of each as appropriate. Applicants must provide
letters of commitment from each partner detailing their involvement in
the proposal.
Strength of Partnerships (8 points)--The strength of the strategic
partnership is critical to the successful execution of the proposal and
the post-grant viability of the program. Applicants must clearly
explain how the strategic partners are engaged to the fullest extent
possible and articulate how each partner's area of expertise will be
utilized in the project. If disconnected or disadvantaged populations
are targeted in the grant, the applicant must show how it will foster
access to training through networks of faith- and community-based
organizations. Letters of commitment from each partner detailing their
participation in each stage of the project are required. The applicant
must discuss how the partners will interact at each stage of the
project and the ability of the lead organization to successfully manage
the partnership and project. The applicant must designate one
organization from the workforce investment or education system from
among the application's partners to act as grant recipient.
High-growth/High-demand (7 points)--Industry partners should be
chosen from high-growth/high-demand industries in the targeted regional
economy. Successful applications will provide detailed evidence of
their industry partner's position as a high-demand/high-growth industry
field or as an employer of the targeted high-growth/high-demand
occupation. Applications must also clearly and convincingly outline the
need for TBL training resources to be used to meet employment and
training demand.
Organizational Capacity (5 points)--Applications must detail each
partner's experience, expertise, and ability to fulfill their part of
the proposal and document any history of past collaborations. In
addition, expertise in TBL and the target industry and/or occupation
should be well documented.
Program Design, User Support, and Outcomes (40 points)
In evaluating the quality of the program design and management plan
for each proposal, ETA will consider the following elements.
Program Design (20 points)--Applicants must clearly outline the
training or learning program to be developed, expanded, and/or created,
and include timelines for implementation and benchmark evaluations as
appropriate. If the content already exists, the applicant shall clearly
explain how the content will be expanded through the use of TBL to meet
the occupational skill needs of industry in the targeted fields.
Applicants will also be scored on the extent to which the management
plan appears likely to achieve the objectives of the project in meeting
the goals of the TBL grant. Applicants must estimate how many more
individuals will be able to access the training program than currently
enrolled.
Outcomes (10 points)--Applications must project the increased
number of individuals that will be able to receive training under the
proposal. For existing programs, applications must show the numbers of
individuals trained in the previous training cycle. Estimations of
projected increases in individuals trained should be compelling and
fully formed, and include consideration from all appropriate factors.
User Support (5 points)--Applications must clearly outline their
plans to provide user support to program participants including
bridging the digital divide and all manners of proposed technical
support for users, including, but not limited to user support examples
outlined in Part I of this SGA.
Evaluation and Data Collection (5 points)--Measuring the
performance of pilots and demonstrations is a high priority for ETA.
Post-grant evaluations require collection of a robust set of variables.
While grantees will not be required to perform an evaluation
themselves, they will be required to participate in an evaluation of
the demonstration. Therefore, applicants must demonstrate a capacity to
gather relevant statistical, demographic, and other data as appropriate
from project participants and program performance. Grantees must
participate in and cooperate with any planned evaluation, which may
extend beyond the grant period of performance.
Data collection may include, but is not limited to:
Total enrollment in training program.
Increase in enrollment attributed to grant (number of
additional students).
Number of participants that entered employment.
Number of participants that entered employment in industry
related to training.
Participant's employment retention after six months and
advancement.
Participant's average earnings in the two quarters after
program exit.
Participant's receiving promotions and/or wage gains.
Participant's receiving industry recognized credentials or
educational certifications.
Training Leading to an Industry Recognized Credential (10 points)
Applicants must seek to train individuals towards attainment of an
industry or occupationally recognized certificate or credential.
Applications must clearly state the specific industry or occupationally
recognized credential that the TBL training will lead to and provide a
brief discussion of the credential. Foundational training can be a
component of a proposal, but the majority of the funds should be
directed towards industry-specific training. In the absence of a
defined and recognized credential for the targeted industry or
occupation, compelling evidence of occupational skill and/or competency
attainment through program completion will be considered. In every
instance possible, industry-specific training should conform to
published competency models. A link to a published competency model is
included below. http://www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel.
Review and Selection Process
Applications will be accepted after the publication of this
announcement until the closing date. A technical review panel will make
a careful evaluation of applications against the criteria set forth in
Part V of this Solicitation. 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 of this Solicitation. 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; industry balance; the availability of funds; and which
proposals are most
[[Page 35162]]
advantageous to the Government. The panel results are advisory in
nature and not binding on the Grant Officer, who may consider any
information that comes to his attention. ETA may elect to award the
grant(s) with or without prior discussions with the applicants. The
Government will consider applications rated by the evaluation panels
with a score of 80 or above to be eligible for a grant award.
Applicants that score less than 80 will not be eligible for a grant
award. 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.
Part VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
All award notifications will be posted on the ETA Web site at
http://www.doleta.gov. Applicants selected for award will be contacted
directly before the grant's execution. Applicants not selected for
award will be notified by mail as soon as possible.
Note: Selection of an organization as a grantee does not
constitute approval of the grant application as submitted. Before
the actual grant is awarded, ETA may enter into negotiations about
such items as program components, staffing, and administrative
systems in place to support grant implementation. If 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 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--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;
viii. 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 Notice, ETA's
acceptance of a proposal and an award of Federal funds to sponsor
any program(s) does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements
and/or procedures. For example, 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, 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.
C. Special Program Requirements
ETA requires that the program or project participate in an
evaluation of overall performance. To measure the impact of the TBL
demonstration grant program, ETA may arrange for or conduct an
independent evaluation of the outcomes and benefits of the projects. At
minimum, grantees will be required to track performance using the
common performance measures for any training component of their
program. Grantees must agree to make records on participants, employers
and funding available, and to provide access to program operating
personnel and participants, as specified by the evaluator(s) under the
direction of ETA, including after the expiration date of the grant.
Please see Evaluation and Data Collection under Part V. Applications
Review Process, Program Design, User Support, and Outcomes for more
details. In addition, once the grants are awarded, the evaluation team
will provide specific information on the scope of the evaluation.
D. Reporting
As a condition of participation in the TBL demonstration grant
program, successful applicants will be required to submit periodic
reports such as the Quarterly Financial Reports, Progress Reports and
Final Reports as follows:
Quarterly Financial Reports. A Quarterly Financial Status Report
(ETA 9130)/OMB Approval No. 1205-0461 is required until all funds have
been expended and/or the grant period has expired. Quarterly financial
reports are due 45 days after the end of each calendar year quarter.
Grantees must use ETA's Online Electronic Reporting System.
Quarterly Progress Reports. The grantee must submit a quarterly
progress report, Performance Progress Report, SF-PPR/OMB Approval
Number: 0970-0443, to the designated Federal Project Officer within 45
days after the end of each calendar year quarter. Two copies are to be
submitted providing a detailed account of activities undertaken during
that quarter. ETA may require additional data elements to be collected
and reported on either a regular basis or special request basis.
Grantees must agree to meet ETA's reporting requirements. The quarterly
progress report must be in narrative form and must include:
In-depth information on accomplishments including project success
stories, upcoming grant activities, promising approaches and processes,
and progress toward performance outcomes, among others.
[[Page 35163]]
Also, reports should include updates on product, curricula, training
development, challenges, barriers, or concerns regarding project
progress. Reports should also include lessons learned in the areas of
project administration and management, project implementation,
partnership relationships, and other related information. ETA will
provide grantees with guidance and tools to help develop the quarterly
reports once the grants are awarded.
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 capacity
building and training approaches. The final report should also include
copies of all deliverables, e.g. curricula and competency models. After
responding to ETA 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 ETA for preparing the final report.
Part VII. DOL Agency Contact Information
For further information regarding this SGA, please contact Mamie
Williams, Grants Management Specialist, (202) 693-3341. (Please note
this is not a toll-free number.) Applicants should fax all technical
questions to (202) 693-2879 and must specifically address the fax to
the attention of Mamie Williams and should include SGA/DFA PY 08-04, a
contact name, fax and phone number, and e-mail address. This
announcement is being made available on the ETA Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm, at http://www.grants.gov, as well as in the
Federal Register.
Part VIII. Additional Resources of Interest to Applicants
Resources for the Applicant
ETA maintains a number of Web-based resources that may be of
assistance to applicants.
The Workforce3One Web site at http://www.workforce3one.org
is a valuable resource for information about demand driven projects of
the workforce investment system, educators, employers, and economic
development representatives.
America's Service Locator at http://www.servicelocator.org
provides a directory of the nation's One-Stop Career Centers.
Career Voyages at http://www.careervoyages.com is a Web
site targeted at youth, parents, counselors, and career changers that
provides information about career opportunities in high-growth/high-
demand industries.
Applicants are encouraged to review ``Help with
Solicitation for Grant Applications'' at 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'' available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html.
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 ``Solicitation for Grant Applications'' will be
used by the Department of Labor to ensure that grants are awarded to
the applicants 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 12th day of June, 2008.
James W. Stockton,
Grant Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-13967 Filed 6-19-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-FN-P