[Federal Register: December 19, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 245)]
[Notices]
[Page 77844-77862]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19de08-175]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant
Applications for the Older Worker Demonstration
Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation for Grant Applications.
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY-08-06.
Catalog Federal Assistance Number: 17.268.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training
Administration (ETA) announces the availability of approximately $10
million in funds for Older Worker Demonstration Grants. These grants
will be awarded though a competitive process as a part of the High
Growth Job Training Initiative (HGJTI). The grants are intended to
address the workforce challenges facing older individuals by developing
models for talent development in regional economies that recognize
older workers as a valuable labor pool and include employment and
training strategies to retain and/or connect older workers to jobs in
high growth, high demand industries critical to the regional economy.
Grants awarded under the Older Worker Demonstration should focus on
providing training and related services for individuals age 55 and
older that result in employment and advancement opportunities in high
growth industries and economic sectors. The proposed strategies must
take place in the context of regional talent development efforts
designed to contribute to a strong regional economy, and must be
developed and implemented by a strategic regional partnership. The
preferred eligible applicants for this solicitation are entities that
represent the local workforce investment system, but other entities may
apply. It is anticipated that the number of awards will range from 10
to 13, with award amounts ranging from $750,000 to $1,000,000.
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.
Key Dates: The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is February 19, 2009. Applications must be received at the
address below no later than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). A Virtual
Prospective Applicant Conference will be held for this grant
competition in January. The date and access information for this
Virtual Prospective Applicant Conference will be posted on the ETA Web
site at: http://www.workforce3one.org/.
ADDRESSES: Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department
of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal
Assistance, Attention: Melissa Abdullah, Reference SGA/DFA PY-08-06,
200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-4716, Washington, DC 20210.
Applicants may alternatively apply on-line through Grants.gov as
discussed in Part IV(C) 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 on talent development in the global economy, the
aging of the American workforce, and the workforce challenges faced by
older individuals; provides information on the Older Worker
Demonstration; and outlines the critical elements and focus areas for
this solicitation.
Part II describes the award amount and performance period
for the award.
Part III describes the 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 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
A. Background
1. Talent Development in a Global Economy
Globalization of the economic marketplace is now well recognized,
as is the fact that American businesses must now compete not only with
companies across the street, but also with companies across the globe.
Global competition is typically seen as a national challenge. In
reality, regions are 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.
Regions 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 three key elements: workforce skills and
lifelong learning strategies, investment and entrepreneurship
strategies, and regional infrastructure and economic development
strategies.
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. A region may possess a strong
infrastructure and the investment resources for success, but without
the talented men and women to use those elements for economic growth,
they will be underutilized. Talent can also drive infrastructure and
investment because investment capital is smart money and will follow
talent, while infrastructure can be built to support a growing economy.
The aging of the American workforce will clearly impact a region's
ability to develop, attract, and retain a well educated and skilled
workforce. As regions respond to current and anticipated skills
shortages and, in some industries and occupations, to labor shortages,
they often overlook a key asset--the mature workforce. Older workers
are an experienced and highly skilled pool of labor that can help
regions meet their competitive needs.
2. Aging of the American Workforce
The United States is in the throes of a demographic metamorphosis.
Currently, 12.4 percent of the U.S.
[[Page 77845]]
population--or one in every eight persons--is over the age of 65. By
the year 2030, the percentage of those ages 65 and older in the U.S.
population is expected to jump to nearly 20 percent. Compounded with
declining birth rates, the implications of this shift are tremendous.
The graying of America will be reflected in its workforce. The
number of people in the labor force ages 55 to 64 is projected to
increase by over 36 percent between 2006 and 2016, and the number of
participants ages 65 to 74 is expected to grow by 83 percent. As the
workforce ages, greater numbers of people will leave due to disability
or retirement. More than 25 percent of the working population will
reach retirement age by 2010, resulting in a potential worker shortage
of nearly 10 million.
The United States therefore faces a significant challenge in
meeting demands for workers over the next several years. This projected
tide of retirements could significantly influence productivity and
profits. Furthermore, unless the wave of retirements is more gradual
than anticipated, employers not only will have fewer workers but will
also have fewer leaders. In many companies, younger workers remain
relatively inexperienced because of the predominance of Baby Boomers in
important management and other leadership positions. The loss of older
workers' critical organizational knowledge and expertise could be
costly to employers.
There is some disagreement among analysts about the extent to
which, or even whether, significant worker shortages will result from
the aging of the workforce. However, worker shortages have already
appeared in some industries, such as health care, energy, and
transportation. There is also considerable evidence that many employers
have not yet recognized the possible consequences of an aging
workforce. It is important that all employers, but particularly those
with an older workforce and those in high-growth, high-demand
industries, plan how they will meet their workforce and skill needs and
how they can tap into the experience and talents of the growing pool of
older workers.
Possible labor and skill shortages could offer opportunities for
the aging workforce, as well. Many older workers will maintain
employment or become reemployed for a plethora of reasons including
social interaction and a desire to achieve ``productive aging'' through
employment. However, the most compelling motives are economic in
nature. Personal savings are significantly lower than in the past,
there has been an overall trend away from defined-benefit pension plans
and towards defined-contribution annuities, and declining numbers of
employers are offering retiree health insurance. The result will be
more people continuing to work or seeking employment past traditional
retirement ages.
By capitalizing on older workers' desires for continued
participation in the workforce, employers can minimize job vacancies,
retain important skills and knowledge, and remain competitive and
productive. Such a response will place older workers in a position to
increase their personal retirement savings and realize other tangible
and intangible benefits that result from their continued participation
in the workforce. In addition, fully utilizing the mature workforce can
help regional economies maintain the educated and skilled workforce
that is a key factor in global competitiveness. Finally, the U.S.
economy will benefit and financial pressures will be eased on important
programs like Social Security and Medicare.
3. Workforce Challenges Faced by Older Individuals
While many older individuals want to or need to stay engaged in the
workforce and employers can benefit from the skills offered by aging
employees, older individuals continue to face challenges to full
participation in the labor market. These include the following:
Need to increase skills to keep pace with technological and
organizational change and limited access to training. As a result of
technological and organizational change, job requirements are
continually changing. Therefore, individuals increasingly must acquire
new skills and upgrade their existing skills. Older persons who wish to
continue working, either in their current field or in a new field, need
to remain competitive by updating their skills. In comparison to
younger workers, however, older workers are less likely to receive
skills training. One study found that the hours of training received
decline with age--while workers ages 25 to 34 participated in an
average of 37 hours of employer-provided training in a year, employees
ages 55 and older participated in 9 hours.\1\ Rates of training
accessed through the public workforce investment system also decline
with age.\2\
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\1\ Kelly S. Mikelson and Demetra Smith Nightengale, Estimating
Public and Private Expenditures on Occupational Training in the
United States, the Urban Institute and Johns Hopkins University,
December 2004.
\2\ David W. Stevens, Older Worker Flows Through Core,
Intensive, and Training Services, and Employment Status and Earnings
First Quarter After Exit, University of Baltimore Jacob France
Institute, April 2004.
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Health problems, disabilities and limited flexible work
arrangements. Some older workers may experience health problems, have
disabilities, or have physical limitations that pose challenges to
employment. The job opportunities for older workers with health
concerns may depend on the availability of critical health-related
employee benefits. Access to these benefits--e.g., health insurance,
sick leave, short- and long-term disability--varies greatly across
employers. Workplace accommodations may affect the opportunities of
older workers with health conditions, and some employers may not know
how to make such accommodations. Additionally, as workers age, they may
desire to work fewer hours or to have more flexibility in their work
arrangements to facilitate improved work-life balance. Flexibility in
work arrangements can encourage older individuals to remain working.
Lack of skills and confidence of some older individuals to search
for a new job. To appeal to employers, older workers must identify and
promote their strengths, including professional maturity, years of
experience, and work ethic.\3\ Older workers also have a higher level
of commitment and loyalty to employers, lower turnover and absenteeism
rates, and fewer on-the-job accidents.\4\ However, some older
individuals lack the skills and self-confidence to promote these
strengths or search for jobs, and may not be familiar with the public
and private resources that can aid older workers who are job hunting or
changing careers.
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\3\ Stephanie Overton, The Changing Face of Retirement, Radford
University News to Use, December 2003.
\4\ Future Work Institute, Some Facts About Older Workers: Hot
Topic Research, http://www.futureworkinstitute.com/services/
hottopic/archetypes/HotTopics_Aging.pdf.
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Lack of knowledge on how to start a business. Some older workers
have been impacted by corporate downsizing, outsourcing, and job loss.
For some aging workers exiting out of jobs prematurely, their most
viable option may be starting their own small business. Many public and
private resources are available to help individuals start their own
business, but some older workers (particularly those who have been
dislocated or who have very low income) may not know how to access such
services.
[[Page 77846]]
Employer barriers to engaging older individuals and age
discrimination in the workplace. The external barriers faced by older
workers in obtaining employment, whether related to health, skills, or
financial matters, may negatively affect employers' efforts to find
qualified older candidates. Some employers may avoid developing an
older workforce because of concerns over the costs of older workers due
to benefits, pensions, salaries and flexibility demands. Research is
beginning to show that some employers may overestimate the costs
associated with employing older workers while simultaneously
underestimating the benefits.
B. Older Worker Demonstration Description
Under the HGJTI, ETA is funding an Older Worker Demonstration with
the objectives of: (1) Developing models for talent development in
regional economies that recognize older workers as a valuable labor
pool and include employment and training strategies to retain and/or
connect older workers to jobs in high-growth, high-demand industries
critical to the regional economy; and (2) building the capacity of the
public workforce investment system to serve older individuals and
identify innovative talent development models for an aging worker
population.
The framework for the Older Worker Demonstration is based on three
ETA initiatives--the Taskforce on the Aging of the American Workforce,
the HGJTI, and the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic
Development (WIRED) Initiative.
The Taskforce on the Aging of the American Workforce is a federal
interagency effort launched by ETA in 2006 to address the aging and
retirement of the Baby Boomer generation and its impact on the
workforce. The Taskforce brought together senior representatives from
nine key federal agencies that affect the lives of older Americans and
they elected to focus on three main areas: (1) Employer response to the
aging workforce, focusing on the opportunities and needs of employers
when recruiting, hiring, training and retaining older workers; (2)
individual opportunities for employment, addressing the challenges and
identifying the opportunities for older workers to increase their
workforce participation; and (3) legal and regulatory issues regarding
work and retirement, examining laws and regulations that may function
as impediments and disincentives to continued employment.
The Taskforce worked for several months to identify and examine the
most significant issues related to the aging of the American workforce,
particularly workforce challenges facing older individuals, as well as
working to develop strategies to address those issues. The Taskforce
released its findings and recommendations in a report issued in
February 2008 (available at http://www.doleta.gov/reports/dpld_older_
worker.cfm). The Older Worker Demonstration is designed to address
issues that limit the participation of older adults in the labor
market, as identified by the Taskforce.
The HGJTI is a strategic effort to prepare workers for new and
increasing job opportunities in high-growth, high-demand industries and
economically vital industries and sectors of the American economy.
Through the initiative, ETA identifies high-growth, high-demand
industries; evaluates their skill needs; and funds local and national
partnership-based demonstration projects that: (1) Address industry-
specific workforce challenges, and (2) prepare workers for jobs with
career pathways in rapidly expanding or transforming industries.
Because of the aging workforce and potential shortages of skilled
workers for high-growth, high-demand industries, it is important to
find ways to better utilize older workers to meet the skill needs of
these industries.
Through the WIRED Initiative, ETA supports broad regional
partnerships as they expand employment and advancement opportunities
for American workers and catalyze the creation of high-skill, high-wage
opportunities in regional economies. WIRED supports innovative
approaches to workforce and economic development that go beyond
traditional strategies that prepare workers to compete and succeed. The
Initiative helps regions transform their workforce investment, economic
development, and education systems to support talent development and
overall regional economic growth. Each regional partnership undertakes
strategies customized to the particular economic challenges and
opportunities of their regions and is focused on the high growth
industries in that area. Although the impact of the aging workforce
varies from region to region, the potential labor market impacts of the
aging workforce suggest that addressing the challenges of older
individuals, and fully utilizing their skills and expertise, should be
a key component of regional talent development strategies.
Grants awarded under the Older Worker Demonstration should focus on
providing training and related activities that result in employment and
advancement opportunities in high-growth industries and economic
sectors as part of a regional talent development strategy focused on
economic growth. Examples of activities related to training include
career awareness and outreach, strategies to promote career pathways,
and activities to enhance the capacity of education and training
providers. Because the grants under this solicitation are being funded
by H-1B visa fees (as authorized under Sec. 414(c) of the American
Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998), funds may only
be used for projects that provide training in the occupations and
industries for which employers pay H-1B visa application fees that
generate these funds. (See Attachment: H-1B Industry Sectors and
Occupations.) Also, the activities related to training must be limited
to those necessary to support training in such occupations and
industries.
In alignment with the goal of building the workforce system's
capacity to serve older individuals, the preferred applicant for the
Older Worker Demonstration is a legal entity that represents the local
workforce investment system as follows: (1) A Local Workforce
Investment Board (LWIB), as established under Section 117 of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) (Pub. L. 105-220), that has been
incorporated; or (2) in areas where the LWIB is not incorporated, the
legal entity that serves as the fiscal agent for the local workforce
investment area. Other applicants for this solicitation may include:
(1) A non-LWIB entity with the concurrence from the LWIB (this would
require evidence of the board's support and involvement in the project
along with a letter of concurrence); or (2) all other applicants
without a letter of concurrence from the LWIB (such applicants must
demonstrate how the proposed activities will be connected to the
region's talent and economic development strategies, including
improvement of services to older workers through the LWIB).
Applicants are required to have established partnerships to carry
out the proposed project that could include, but are not limited to:
The public workforce investment system; national, state, or local aging
organizations, including Senior Community Service Employment Program
(SCSEP) grantees; employers, industry associations, and business
intermediaries, such as chambers of commerce; educational institutions
and training providers; apprenticeship programs; economic development
entities; local, regional, and state
[[Page 77847]]
government; Indian and Native American tribes or organizations; the
philanthropic community; and community and faith-based organizations.
To provide additional support to the Older Worker Demonstration,
ETA will make technical assistance available to grantees after the
grant awards have been made. This assistance is further described in
Part I(E) of this solicitation.
C. Critical Elements of the Older Worker Demonstration
1. Strategic Partnerships
ETA is using the Older Worker Demonstration as an opportunity to
fund strategies focused on mature workers which will help prepare them
for employment and advancement in high-demand, high-growth industries,
as well as support the talent development needs of regional economies.
While there are a range of approaches that cultivate and develop this
critical labor pool, strategic partnerships must serve as the
foundation of these solutions. Experience shows that workforce
development strategies are most robust when developed in the context of
a strategic partnership of regional leaders who have access to a range
of resources. Thus, to maximize the impact of the proposed talent
development activities, the applicant for the solicitation must partner
with a strong team composed of individuals and organizations necessary
to transform the regional economy.
Required partners for this solicitation include the public
workforce investment system; employers, industry associations, or
business intermediaries, such as chambers of commerce; and educational
institutions and training providers. The strategic partnership should
engage each required entity in its area of strength. For example, in
the 21st century global economy, it is becoming increasingly important
that the workforce system act as a strategic partner in regional
economic development. The workforce system can align resources with
regional economic growth goals by focusing on workforce and lifelong
learning strategies that are demanded by employers and based on an
understanding of future job growth in emerging, high-growth and
economically vital industries and sectors in the regional economy.
Through this strategic alignment, the workforce system can help to ward
off and respond to economic shocks, creating more stable and rewarding
employment opportunities for the workforce. Educators at all levels are
also important to a strategic partnership. Education and training
providers can assist in developing competency models and curricula and
train new and incumbent workers. Finally, employers and industry
representatives can define workforce challenges facing a specific
industry and identify the competencies and skills required for that
industry's workforce.
In addition to the required entities, applicants should think
beyond geographical and physical boundaries to ensure that the full
range of resources, knowledge, and leadership available to support
workforce solutions for older workers 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. Other partners could
include, but are not limited to, national, state, or local aging
organizations, including SCSEP grantees; local, regional, and state
government; economic development entities; apprenticeship programs;
Indian and Native American tribes or organizations; the philanthropic
community; and community and faith-based organizations.
Within the context of the strategic partnership, each partner
should have clearly defined roles. The exact roles of partners may vary
depending on the specific issue areas being addressed and the nature
and the scope of the strategies undertaken. However, ETA expects that
each partner will, at a minimum, significantly contribute to one or
more aspects of the project. For example:
The workforce system may play a number of roles, including
identifying and assessing older workers for training; providing wrap-
around support services and training funds for older workers, where
appropriate; and connecting qualified training graduates to employers
that have existing job openings.
Employers, industry associations, and business
intermediaries must be actively engaged in the project and should
contribute to many aspects of grant activities such as helping to
define the project's strategies and goals; identifying innovative and
successful approaches to succession management and flexible work
arrangements and sharing their experiences with other employers;
identifying needed skills and competencies; and, where appropriate,
hiring qualified training graduates.
Educational institutions and training providers from the
continuum of education (including 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.
Faith-based and community organizations may perform a
variety of grant services such as case management, mentoring, and
English language programs, among others. These organizations can
leverage other resources to provide wrap-around holistic and
comprehensive support services, where appropriate.
State and area agencies on aging, SCSEP grantees, and
other organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving older
workers can play a key role in the proposed strategies in numerous
ways, including lending their expertise to the planning and development
of the project, providing specific education and services as part of
the project, and offering access to key employer and other types of
partners.
Applicants must provide evidence, including letters of commitment
to carry out the activities described in the grant proposal, to
demonstrate the existence of the required partnerships as well as
additional partnerships that substantially support and strengthen the
proposed activities, especially any existing relationships with
required partners. Letters of support do not constitute partnership
commitments.
The partnership's activities should focus on creating systemic
solutions that address workforce challenges of older individuals while
simultaneously contributing to long-term talent development and
economic growth in the regional economy. The partnerships need to be
substantial and sustained and not just a by-product of this specific
grant opportunity. ETA encourages planning for the partnership's
sustainability beyond the funding period to enable ongoing assessment
of workforce needs and collaborative development of solutions on a
continual basis.
2. High-Growth and High-Demand Industries and Economic Sectors
WIA emphasizes a public workforce investment system driven by the
needs of local employers. In order for America to remain competitive in
the global economy, it is essential that ETA target its investments to
support employers in high-growth, high-demand industries. LWIBs 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.
High-growth, high-demand industries, from healthcare to
construction to
[[Page 77848]]
biotechnology, are critical to the success of regional economies across
the country. Regions are typically defined as geographically contiguous
areas and can include multiple counties and cities and cross state
lines. A range of factors contribute to the formation of a region,
including economic interdependence (such as a common industry or
industries) and shared assets (such as human capital, research and
development entities, educational institutions, and airports and other
types of infrastructure). ETA encourages applicants to define high-
growth industries in the context of their regional economy by
illustrating the industry's growth potential and how the industry can
contribute to expansion of the regional economy. In an effort to help
support the continued growth of these regional economies, while
simultaneously addressing the workforce challenges facing older
workers, this solicitation will support industry demand for training of
older workers in regional high-growth, high-demand industries.
A high-growth, high-demand industry meets one or more of the
following criteria: (1) Is projected to add substantial numbers of new
jobs to the economy; (2) has a significant impact on the economy
overall; (3) impacts the growth of other industries; (4) is being
transformed by technology and innovation requiring new skill sets for
workers; or (5) is a new and emerging business that is projected to
grow. In the case of the fifth criterion relating to new or emerging
businesses noted above, the applicant should address whether there
might be potential demand for older workers to fill skill gaps in such
businesses. The occupation or industry must be one for which employers
use H-1B visas that generate the funds that are being used to support
the training under this solicitation (see Attachment: H-1B Industry
Sectors and Occupations).
The extent of the impact of the aging population will vary across
industries. Thus, another factor to be considered in identifying high-
growth, high-demand industries, in addition to the five criteria listed
above, is whether there are (or could potentially be) retirements of a
significant share of the workforce in the industry due to the aging of
the Baby Boomer generation and whether there might be resulting skill
shortages.
Grants funded under this solicitation should demonstrate how a
demand-driven workforce system can help meet both the regional
workforce needs of employers in high-growth, high-demand industry
sectors, and at the same time help older workers obtain the skills to
find quality jobs with promising career pathways. Proposed strategies
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.
3. Connections to Regional Economic and Talent Development Strategies
A regional approach to talent development incorporates demand-
driven skills strategies into the region's larger economic development
and education efforts to form a comprehensive system that is both
flexible and responsive to the needs of business and workers. ETA has
modeled a regional approach to talent development through the WIRED
Initiative. Through WIRED, 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 regional economies. The WIRED Initiative recognizes
that, although global competition is often seen as a national
challenge, it is actually at the regional level where solutions must be
developed and the challenges met. It is in regional economies where
companies, workers, researchers, entrepreneurs, government, and others
come together to create competitive advantage and where new ideas and
new knowledge are transformed into advanced, high-quality products or
services. Therefore, WIRED focuses on labor market areas that are
comprised of multiple jurisdictions within a state or across state
borders. WIRED offers a strategic framework for regions to approach
regional talent development. (More information and tools to help
develop and implement your project using the WIRED strategic framework
can be found at: http://www.doleta.gov/WIRED.)
One of the guiding principles of WIRED is that a region's ability
to develop, attract, and retain a well educated and skilled workforce
is a key factor in being competitive in the global economy. Older
workers are an experienced and highly skilled pool of labor that can
help regions meet their workforce needs and contribute to economic
growth of the region's key industries. Therefore, fully utilizing the
mature workforce should be a key component of regional talent
development strategies.
Therefore, strategies proposed by applicants for the Older Worker
Demonstration should not be developed in isolation. Rather, partnership
activities and proposed strategies should be fully integrated into the
region's broader talent development and economic development
strategies. Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which such
alignment and integration is demonstrated. Applicants must demonstrate
in their proposal how the strategic partnership, working to design and
implement the proposed strategies, is connected to the broader regional
strategic talent and economic growth agenda for the region.
4. Clear and Specific Outcomes
HGJTI grants are results-oriented and grantees are expected to
demonstrate clear and specific outcomes that indicate progress towards
addressing the identified workforce challenges, are appropriate to the
nature of the proposed strategies and the size and scope of the
project, are achievable during the life of the grant, and can be
effectively reported to ETA on a quarterly basis. Since HGJTI grants
result in customized strategies addressing regional workforce
challenges and skill shortages, ETA recognizes that specific outcomes
will vary from project to project based on the specific activities
proposed by applicants. Standard data collected from all grantees
provides only part of the information necessary to measure the
successes of HGJTI grants effectively, so grant recipients may also
define additional outcome categories appropriate to their project.
Applicants must demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed activities by
establishing appropriate outcome projections for the project, which
will be considered baseline performance measures for the project if
awarded. Applicants should note that HGJTI grantees must report to ETA,
on a quarterly basis, their progress towards meeting the projected
training and capacity building outcomes listed in their applications.
ETA has received Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to
implement a report format for grantees under the HGJTI, as well as the
Community-Based Job Training Grants, entitled: ``High Growth and
Community-Based Job Training Grants: General Quarterly Reporting Forms
& Instructions.'' The required format and associated instructions are
available at http://www.doleta.gov/Performance/Guidance/wia.cfm#HGBIT,
and provide grantees with information on all of the training and
capacity building outcome categories described below, as well as
specific instructions regarding how grantees report their performance
in these categories on a quarterly basis.
[[Page 77849]]
ETA strongly encourages applicants to review the required report format
for detailed information on the program reporting requirements and to
ensure they will be able to track and report the information required
under the grant.
Training Outcomes. Training outcomes tracked and reported by
grantees must include those tracked by the Common Measures, which are
uniform evaluation metrics for job training and employment programs.
The Common Measures are an integral part of ETA's performance
accountability system. The Common Measures for adults are entered
employment rate, employment retention rate, and average earnings.
Applicants must include projected outcomes to be achieved during the
life of the grant for the entered employment rate Adult Common Measure.
Grantees will be required to report quarterly on their outcomes for all
three Adult Common Measures. Please note that ETA recognizes that the
reporting of certain data is contingent on the timing of the
availability of data. Data must be reported when it is available.
Additionally, tracking Common Measures requires either the collection
of four data elements (social security number, employment status at
participation, date of exit, and reason for exit) or use of
supplemental data. 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/corr_
doc.cfm?DOCN=2195). Applicants may find it useful to review this
document prior to submitting applications under this solicitation.
The Common Measures provide only part of the information necessary
to assess the success of HGJTI grants effectively. In addition to
Common Measures, applicants are required to provide projections and
track and report outcomes for each of the following outcome categories:
total number of participants served; total number of participants
beginning education/training activities; total number of participants
completing education/training activities; total number of participants
that complete education/training activities that receive a degree/
certificate; total number of participants that complete education/
training activities that enter employment; and the total number of
participants that complete education/training activities that enter
training-related employment. Grantees will be required, on a quarterly
basis, to report on their outcomes for each of these outcome
categories, as well as additional information, such as total exiters.
(The definition of ``exiter'' is provided in the General Quarterly
Reporting Forms & Instructions available at http://www.doleta.gov/
Performance/Guidance/wia.cfm#HGBIT ).
Capacity Building Outcomes. Grantees are required to report, on a
quarterly basis, the outcomes of capacity building activities, which
include impacts and other verifiable measures of participation where
appropriate. An example is grantees that engage in train-the-trainer
activities; in this example, a grant may train 25 individuals to be
``instructors'' who then each provide instruction to 20 older workers.
The impact of these train-the-trainer activities would then be a total
of 500 individuals. In their quarterly reports, grantees will be
required to track and report the following three categories: (1) The
number of instructors who participated in grant-funded capacity-
building activities; (2) the number of people subsequently trained by
those instructors; and (3) the number of other people participating
and/or benefiting from capacity building activities.
Please note that capacity building outcomes and impacts of the
proposed project should satisfactorily address the industry-identified
workforce need and capacity constraints identified by the applicant.
Applicants should also note that proposals will be evaluated based
on outcomes, per the Performance Measures and Outcomes evaluation
criterion in Part V(A)(5). It is imperative that applicants include
projections for the above-mentioned required outcome categories in
their grant proposals. Applicants that fail to include projections for
required outcome categories in their proposals will lose points during
the review process.
All outcome categories and projected outcomes in the application
will become part of the project's statement of work as the goals for
the grant, should the application be funded. It is not ETA's intent to
renegotiate performance outcomes after grant awards are made, though it
reserves the right to do so if necessary.
5. 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) Allowing for the
pursuit of resources driven by the strategy; (2) increasing stakeholder
investment in the project at all levels, including the design and
implementation phases; and (3) broadening the impact of the project
itself. Leveraged resources will be taken into consideration during
application review as one element of the ``Strength of Regional
Partnership'' evaluation criterion.
Leveraged resources include both federal and non-federal funds and
may come from many sources. Businesses, faith-based and community
organizations, economic development entities, educational institutions,
and philanthropic foundations often invest resources to support
workforce development. In addition, state and area agencies on aging,
SCSEP grantees, and other organizations serving older workers; One-Stop
partner programs; and other federal, state, and local government
programs may have resources available that can be integrated into the
proposed project. ETA encourages grantees and their partners to be
entrepreneurial as they seek out, utilize, and sustain these resources
when creating effective solutions to the workforce challenges faced by
older individuals.
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 Initiative grants,
Community-Based Job Training Grants, HGJTI funds, or WIA 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
project.
D. Focus Areas of Older Worker Demonstration Grants
While a range of strategies and approaches will be considered for
funding, ETA encourages applicants to address one or more of the
following focus areas: Innovative Training Techniques and Service
Delivery Strategies, Facilitating Self-Employment for Older Workers,
Career Pathways, Career Awareness and Outreach, Building Education and
Training Capacity, and Disadvantaged Older Worker Populations. In
addition, strategies proposed by the applicants should be well-
developed, address regional workforce challenges, and include training
to prepare or adapt the skills of unemployed or incumbent older workers
so they can be utilized in the targeted industries or economic sectors.
1. Innovative Training Techniques and Service Delivery Strategies
Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that include
innovative
[[Page 77850]]
training techniques and service delivery strategies.
Training Techniques. Based on older workers' existing expertise,
learning styles, and other factors, specific training techniques may be
particularly effective in helping prepare older individuals for
employment opportunities. Different training techniques may be more
effective for older individuals than for their younger counterparts.
Applicants are encouraged to focus on the development and distribution
of training that is targeted at mature audiences. Examples would
include, but are not limited to, contextualized learning; methods for
upgrading specific occupational skills; techniques for delivering
training in computer and technological skills; and comprehensive
training models that include wraparound services, such as assessment
and follow-up, and appropriate supportive services (provided through
leveraged resources). Applicants are also encouraged to utilize
technology-based learning (TBL) models in their training programs. 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.
TBL may be particularly appropriate for those older workers who already
possess considerable work experience and job skills, but need to update
specific skills or adapt them to new industries or occupations. TBL
also allows incumbent workers to brush up their skills during non-work
hours, at their own convenience.
Service Strategies. Applicants are encouraged to include innovative
strategies for delivering training and related services to older
workers. Such strategies might entail ways to enhance the capacity of
the One-Stop Career Center system to serve older workers, creating
partnerships that would be particularly effective in serving an older
population, and/or bundling services that would be particularly
valuable to support older worker training and employment. Examples in
this focus area would include, but are not limited to:
Affiliate One-Stop Career Centers associated with senior
centers or community and faith-based organizations that specialize in
training and placing older workers.
Models undertaken by some community colleges to develop
training and placement opportunities for older workers to meet current
local labor market needs. These colleges have created educational and
vocational training programs tailored to older peoples' learning
styles, and offer student advisor and supportive services (which could
be provided through leveraged resources) to older students. Workforce
Investment Boards often collaborate with community colleges on these
efforts to provide funding, labor market information, connections with
employers, and referrals.
Training workforce professionals within One-Stop Career
Centers on how to effectively provide employment and training services
to older individuals.
2. Facilitating Self-Employment for Older Workers
Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that focus on
entrepreneurial training for older individuals. Americans ages 55 to 64
form small businesses at the highest rate of any age group--28 percent
higher than the average for all adults. Yet, many self-employed older
individuals still face risks and challenges such as inadequate access
to capital and/or lack of information and training on developing an
effective business plan. For many older individuals who have been laid
off from their jobs, their most viable option may be starting their own
business. Applicants are encouraged to include strategies to help older
workers acquire the skills they need to successfully launch their own
enterprises. Applicants could consider collaborative efforts with Small
Business Administration programs, such as Small Business Development
Centers and Women's Business Centers, or other appropriate partners
that would provide assistance in facilitating self-employment for older
workers.
3. Career Pathways
Applicants are encouraged to include strategies that focus on
creating career pathways for older workers. Although career pathways
can take many forms, they are generally a sequence of employment
opportunities for workers who gain new skills to advance in their
careers, by either moving vertically to a more advanced position within
their occupation or industry or laterally across occupations or
industries to a position that relates to the worker's original career.
For older workers, career pathways offer opportunities to adapt their
skills and experience through lateral moves in their current
organization and industry, or to new occupations or industries.
Sometimes, such moves require minimal training to adapt skills to a new
industry or occupation (such as learning new terminology). Other times,
it may require learning new skills or retooling old skills. In either
case, the worker's years of past on-the-job experience will benefit
both the worker and his or her new employer.
Career pathways are of value to many older workers who wish to
pursue new challenges, develop new skills, seek opportunities to move
up, or transfer their skills to a different, but related, occupation.
They may also be appropriate for older individuals with disabilities or
health problems. For example, a nurse who can no longer work in that
occupation because of back injuries, may be trained for and move to a
position in medical records using knowledge of medical terminology as a
transferable skill.
4. Career Awareness and Outreach
Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that integrate career
awareness and outreach into education and training programs for older
workers, including job-readiness opportunities, job shadowing and
information sessions, and the provision of information on career
opportunities in targeted industries and economic sectors. Career
awareness and outreach components should leverage existing industry
marketing and campaign efforts, if applicable, including the
development of Web sites, videos, podcasts, print and multimedia
materials, televisions ads, and other promotional materials.
5. Building Education and Training Capacity
Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that enhance the
capacity of community colleges, proprietary training providers, labor-
management organizations, and/or other education and training providers
to provide training to older workers to upgrade their skills and
facilitate career transitions into employment in high-growth, high-
demand industries. Examples of capacity building activities include,
but are not limited to: (1) The development or adaptation of competency
models and curricula to support training of older workers; (2) the
development of innovative curricula, teaching methods, and
instructional design to maximize the impact of the initiative in
meeting the skills needs of employers; (3) innovative strategies to
ensure availability of qualified and certified instructors for older
worker training; and (4) support
[[Page 77851]]
for clinical experiences required for certification or licensure.
Capacity building activities should be directly linked to the
specific training for older workers supported under the grant. To the
greatest extent possible, applicants should leverage existing curricula
and training or certification programs that have demonstrated results
for an older worker population, or could be effectively adapted for
this population. If existing curricula or other capacity building
products and activities are not sufficient, applicants should clearly
explain why.
6. Disadvantaged Older Workers
Applicants are encouraged to include strategies in their project
that focus on the training and placement of particularly disadvantaged
and underutilized groups among the older worker population. Examples of
disadvantaged and underutilized groups include older persons ages 65
and older, older dislocated workers, older individuals with
disabilities, displaced homemakers and women re-entering the labor
force, retired veterans, older military spouses, older ex-offenders,
older minority populations, and older new Americans. Strategies focused
on these worker groups might 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 training services combined with
mentorships and supportive services (which could be provided through
leveraged resources).
E. Technical Assistance
Fund recipients under this solicitation will be provided with the
opportunity to receive technical assistance after grant awards have
been made. This may include, but is not limited to, the provision of
data profiles of their regions and tools to use the data in planning
and project implementation and participation in grantee meetings to
facilitate sharing information across demonstration projects.
Participation in any technical assistance activities by grant
recipients under this solicitation is voluntary and is not a condition
for receiving funding.
F. Use of Funds/Allowable Activities
Grants selected under this solicitation will be funded by H-1B visa
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 training and related activities to workers to assist them in
gaining the skills and competencies needed to obtain and upgrade career
ladder employment in industries and economic sectors projected to
experience significant growth. Examples of activities related to
training include career awareness and outreach, strategies to promote
career pathways, and activities to enhance the capacity of education
and training providers. Funds available under this solicitation may
only be used for projects that provide training in the occupations and
industries for which employers pay H-1B visa application fees that
generate these funds and the related activities limited to those
necessary to support training in such occupations and industries. (See
Attachment: H-1B Industry Sectors and Occupations). 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
A. Award Amount
ETA intends to fund 10 to13 grants ranging from $750,000 to
$1,000,000 through this solicitation. 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 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, ETA may enter into
negotiations about such items as program components, allowable
activities, 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. Period of Performance
The period of grant performance will be 36 months from the date of
execution of the grant documents. This performance period will include
all necessary implementation and start-up activities, participant
follow-up for 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 project and
other relevant factors.
Part III. Eligibility Information and Other Grant Specifications
A. Eligible Applicants
Given that the focus of this solicitation is to address the
workforce challenges facing older individuals by developing models for
talent development in regional economies that recognize older workers
as a valuable labor pool and include employment and training strategies
to retain and/or connect older workers to jobs in high growth, high
demand industries critical to the regional economy, the preferred
applicants are Local Workforce Investment Boards. Others may apply as
described below.
The preferred applicant for this solicitation is a legal entity
that represents the local workforce investment system as follows:
A Local Workforce Investment Board (LWIB), as established
under Section 117 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) (Pub.
L. 105-220), that has been incorporated; or
In areas where the LWIB is not incorporated, the legal
entity that serves as the fiscal agent for the local workforce
investment area.
Other applicants for this solicitation may include:
A non-LWIB entity with the concurrence from the LWIB (this
would require evidence of the board's support and involvement in the
project along with a letter of concurrence).
All other applicants without a letter of concurrence from
the LWIB (such applicants must demonstrate how the proposed activities
will be connected to the region's talent and economic development
strategies, including improvement of services to older workers through
the LWIB).
If the eligible applicant will not be the fiscal agent for the
grant, then the applicant must identify the designated entity that will
serve as the fiscal agent for the grant by clearly providing the legal
name and EIN of the fiscal agent in the abstract and on the Standard
Form (SF) 424.
B. Eligible Participants
Individuals ages 55 and older, from any income bracket (including
at or below the poverty line), including
[[Page 77852]]
unemployed individuals or incumbent workers, are eligible to
participate in the activities funded by the grants awarded under this
solicitation.
C. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not required for
eligibility. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to leverage
resources from key entities in the strategic partnership in order to
maximize the impact of the project in the region. Applicants should
describe what resources, new and existing, may support the goals of the
project. Other federal funds that are leveraged should be explicitly
identified. While the failure to offer leveraged resources as part of
an application will not preclude consideration, leveraged resources
will be taken into consideration during application review as one
element of the ``Strength of Regional Partnership'' evaluation
criterion.
D. Replication and Dissemination
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 investment 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 for older workers, 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. In
addition, grantees must provide evidence of an independent review by
subject matter experts of the deliverables produced through the grant
activity. (Applicants should allot funds in their grant applications
for the independent review of their deliverables by subject matter
experts). Subject matter experts are individuals with demonstrated
experience in developing and/or implementing similar deliverables.
These experts could include grantees' peers, such as representatives
from neighboring education and training providers. Grantees must
provide ETA with the results of the review and the qualifications of
the reviewer(s) at the time the deliverable is provided to ETA.
All of these deliverables and their independent reviews will be
made available online at http://www.workforce3one.org. Workforce3One
offers the workforce system, employers, economic development
professionals, and education professionals an innovative knowledge
network designed to create and support demand-driven communities--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.
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 the Department of
Labor. 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. Application and Submission Information
A. Address to Request Application Package
This section provides the application submission and receipt
instructions for ETA program applications. Please read the following
instructions carefully and completely. This solicitation contains all
of the information and Web site links to forms needed to apply for
grant funding.
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
The proposal must consist of two 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 may 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:
SF 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance'', available
at: http://www07.grants.gov/agencies/forms_repository_
information.jsp. 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 SF 424A Budget Information Form, available at http://
www07.grants.gov/agencies/forms_repository_information.jsp. 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 Form,
but should be described in the budget narrative. The amount of federal
grant funding (H-1B) requested for the entire period of performance (36
months) should be shown together on the SF 424 and SF 424A Budget
[[Page 77853]]
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://
www07.grants.gov/agencies/forms_repository_information.jsp.
Part II of the application is the Technical Proposal, which
demonstrates the applicant's capabilities to plan and implement the
grant in accordance with the provisions of this solicitation, and
includes a project description as described in the Evaluation Criteria
section of this solicitation. The project description is limited to 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 15 pages. Any additional information in attachments beyond the
15-page limit will not be reviewed.
The required letters of commitment from partners that help
demonstrate a firm commitment to the project through the provision of
expertise and/or resources must be submitted as attachments. These
letters of commitment will not count against the allowable maximum 35-
page total. A letter of concurrence from a LWIB that demonstrates the
board's support and involvement in the project also does 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. A table of contents listing the application sections.
b. A one-to-two page abstract summarizing the proposed project and
applicant profile information including: applicant name; industry
focus; brief description of the workforce challenges addressed; brief
description of the proposed strategies; key partners; funding amount
requested; amount of leveraged resources; and number of people trained
and other key grant outcomes.
c. A one-to-two page timeline outlining project activities,
including expected start-up, implementation, participant follow-up for
outcomes, grant close-out and other activities.
d. A summary of up to three pages listing all projected outcomes
for the project that includes the following:
1. For training-related outcomes, for participants served with
grant funds list the projected numbers for all training-related
activities provided through the grant, including but not limited to:
i. Entered Employment Rate (common measure);
ii. Total participants served;
iii. Total participants beginning education/training activities;
iv. Total participants completing education/training activities;
v. Total participants that complete education/training activities
that receive a degree/certificate;
vi. Total participants that complete education/training activities
that enter employment; and
vii. Total participants that complete education/training activities
that enter training-related employment.
2. For capacity building outcomes (for activities funded by grant
funds) include:
i. All products to be developed during the grant period.
ii. List the capacity building product (including, but not limited
to, curriculum and course materials, competency models and career
ladders, outreach materials, reports and databases, and program
management and implementation tools); and
iii. The projected date the product(s) will be completed;
A. The number of instructors projected to participate in capacity
building activities;
B. The number of students projected to be trained by these
instructors; and
C. The estimated number of other individuals (besides these
students and instructors) projected to participate and/or benefit from
capacity building activities.
Please note that the abstract, table of contents, timeline, and
listing of outcomes 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 ``copy-ready'' version free of bindings, staples or protruding
tabs to ease in the reproduction of the proposal by ETA. Applicants
submitting proposals in hard-copy are also requested, though not
required, to provide an identical electronic copy of the proposal on
CD-ROM.
C. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses
The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is February 19, 2009. Applications must be received at the
address below no later than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) if submitted by hard-
copy. Applications submitted through http://www.grants.gov must be
successfully submitted by February 19, 2009, 11:59:59 pm (Eastern
Time).
Applications sent by e-mail, telegram, or facsimile (FAX) will not
be accepted. If an application is submitted by both hard-copy and
through http://www.grants.gov a letter must accompany the hard-copy
application stating why two applications were submitted and the
differences between the two submissions. If no letter accompanies the
hard-copy we will review the copy submitted through http://
www.grants.gov. For multiple applications submitted through http://
www.grants.gov we will review the latest submittal.
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: Melissa Abdullah, Reference SGA/DFA PY-08-06,
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.
1. Electronic Delivery. ETA is participating in the Grants.gov
Initiative that provides the grant community a single site to find and
apply for grant funding opportunities. ETA encourages applicants to
submit their applications electronically through http://www.grants.gov/
Apply.
2. The following describes what to expect when applying on line
using Grants.gov/Apply:
a. Instructions. On the site, you will find step-by-step
instructions which enable you to apply for the ETA funds.
[[Page 77854]]
Grants.gov features a simple, unified application process that makes it
possible for applicants to apply for grants online. The first thing to
do if you're thinking about applying through Grants.gov is to register
with the site. There are six steps to complete the registration process
at Grants.gov. The information applicants need to understand and
execute the steps can be found at http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted.
Applicants should read these steps carefully. The site also contains a
registration checklist at http://www.grants.gov/assets/Organization_
Steps_Complete_Registration.pdf to help you walk through the process.
ETA recommends that you download the checklist and prepare the
information requested before beginning the registration process.
Reviewing and assembling required information before beginning the
registration process will make the process fast and smooth and save
time.
b. DUNS Requirement. All applicants applying for funding, including
renewal funding, must have a Dun and Bradstreet Universal Data
Numbering System (DUNS) number. The DUNS number must be included in the
data entry field labeled ``Organizational Duns'' on the form SF-424.
Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number can be found in the
instructions for registration.
c. Central Contractor Registry and Credential Provider
Registration. In addition to having a DUNS number, applicants applying
electronically through Grants.gov must register with the Federal
Central Contractor Registry and with a Credential Provider.
Instructions for registering in the Central Contractor Registry and for
registering with a credential provider can be found at http://
www.grants.gov/GetStarted. All applicants filing electronically must
register with the Central Contractor Registry and receive credentials
from the Grants.gov credential provider in order to apply on line.
Failure to register with the Central Contractor Registry and credential
provider will result in your application being rejected by the
Grants.gov portal. The registration process is a separate process from
submitting an application. Applicants are, therefore, encouraged to
register early. The registration process can take approximately two
weeks to be completed. Therefore, registration should be done in
sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet
required submission deadlines. You will be able to submit your
application online anytime after you receive your e-authentication
credentials.
d. Electronic Signature. Applications submitted through Grants.gov
constitute submission as electronically signed applications. The
registration and e-authentication process establishes the Authorized
Organization Representative (AOR). When you submit the application
through Grants.gov, the name of your AOR on file will be inserted into
the signature line of the application. Applicants must register the
individual who is able to make legally binding commitments for the
applicant organization as the AOR.
3. Instructions on how to submit an electronic application to ETA
via Grants.gov/Apply. Grants.gov has a full set of instructions on how
to apply for funds on its Web site at http://www.grants.gov/
CompleteApplication. The following provides simple guidance on what you
will find on the Grants.gov/Apply site. Applicants are encouraged to
read through the page entitled, ``Apply For Grants'' before getting
started. Grants.gov allows applicants to download the application
package, instructions and forms that are incorporated in the
instructions, and work off line. In addition to forms that are part of
the application instructions, there will be a series of electronic
forms that are provided utilizing an Adobe reader.
a. Adobe Reader. The Adobe Reader is available free for download at
http://www.grants.gov/help/download_software.jsp. The Adobe Reader
allows applicants to read the electronic files in a form format so that
they will look like any other Standard or The Employment and Training
Administration form. The Adobe forms have content sensitive help. This
engages the content sensitive help for each field you will need to
complete on the electronic form. The Adobe forms can be downloaded and
saved on your hard drive, network drive(s), or CDs. To test if your
version of Adobe Reader is compatible with Grants.gov please go to
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/AdobeVersioningTestOnly.jsp (Note: For
the Adobe Reader, Grants.gov is compatible with versions 8.1.1 and
later versions. Please do not use lower versions of the Adobe reader).
b. Mandatory Fields in Adobe Forms. In the Adobe forms you will
note fields that will appear with a background color on the data fields
to be completed. These fields are mandatory fields and they must be
completed to successfully submit your application.
c. Completion of SF-424 Fields First. The Adobe forms are designed
to fill in common required fields such as the applicant name and
address, DUNS number, etc., on all Adobe electronic forms. To trigger
this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first.
Once it is completed the information will transfer to the other forms.
d. Customer Support. The Grants.gov Web site provides customer
support via (800) 518-GRANTS (this is a toll-free number) or through e-
mail at support@grants.gov. The customer support center is open from 7
a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except federal
holidays, to address Grants.gov technology issues. For technical
assistance to program related questions for this solicitation please
contact the number listed in Part VII. Agency Contacts.
4. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission
a. Electronic Submission. All applications must be received by
http://www.grants.gov/Apply by February 19, 2009, 11:59:59 pm (Eastern
Time). Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by
Grants.gov. An electronic time stamp is generated within the system
when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. Within two
business days of application submission, Grants.gov will send the
applicant two e-mail messages to provide the status of application
progress through the system. Grants.gov will provide either an error or
a successfully received transmission message. The first e-mail, almost
immediate, will confirm receipt of the application by Grants.gov. The
second e-mail (within 48 hours of submission) will indicate the
application has either been successfully validated, and therefore
successfully submitted, or has been rejected due to errors. It is the
sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure a timely submission,
therefore sufficient time should be allotted for submission (two
business days). It is important to note that if sufficient time is not
allotted and a rejection notice is received after the due date and
time, the application will not be considered successfully submitted.
Proof of Timely submission shall be the date and time that Grants.gov
receives your successfully submitted application. Applications received
by Grants.gov, after the established due date for the program will be
considered late and will not be considered for funding by ETA. ETA
suggests that applicants submit their applications during the operating
hours of the Grants.gov Support Desk, so that if there are questions
concerning transmission, operators will be available to walk you
through the process. Submitting your application during the Support
Desk hours will also ensure
[[Page 77855]]
that you have sufficient time for the application to complete its
transmission prior to the application deadline. Applicants using dial-
up connections should be aware that transmission should take some time
before Grants.gov receives it. The Grants.gov Support desk reports that
some applicants abort the transmission because they think that nothing
is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and
give the system time to process the application. Uploading and
transmitting many files, particularly electronic forms with associated
XML schemas, will take some time to be processed.
Note: It is highly recommended that online submissions be
completed at least two business days 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. 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. Failure to adhere to the above instructions will
be a basis for a determination of nonresponsiveness.
D. Intergovernmental Review
This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
E. 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. ETA Intellectual Property Rights. The Federal Government
reserves a paid-up, nonexclusive and irrevocable license to reproduce,
publish, or otherwise use, and to authorize others to use for federal
purposes: (i) The copyright in all products developed under the grant,
including a subgrant or contract under the grant or subgrant; and (ii)
any rights of copyright to which the grantee, subgrantee or a
contractor purchases ownership under an award (including but not
limited to curricula, training models, technical assistance products,
and any related materials). Such uses include, but are not limited to,
the right to modify and distribute such products worldwide by any
means, electronically or otherwise. Federal funds may not be used to
pay any royalty or licensing fee associated with such copyrighted
material, although they may be used to pay costs for obtaining a copy
which are limited to the developer/seller costs of copying and
shipping. If revenues are generated through selling products developed
with grant funds, including intellectual property, these revenues are
program income. Program income is added to the grant and must be
expended for allowable grant activities.
4. Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by
Organizations that Receive Federal Financial Assistance. Direct Federal
grants, sub-awards, or contracts under this program shall not be used
to support inherently religious activities such as religious
instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must
take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious
activities from the services supported with DOL financial assistance
under this program. Neutral, secular criteria that neither favor nor
disfavor religion must be employed in the selection of grant and sub-
grant recipients. In addition, under the Workforce Investment Act of
1998 and DOL regulations implementing the Workforce Investment Act, a
recipient may not use direct Federal assistance to train a participant
in religious activities, or employ participants to construct, operate,
or maintain any part of a facility that is used or to be used for
religious instruction or worship. See 29 CFR 37.6(f). Under WIA, ``no
individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits
of, subjected to discrimination under, or denied employment in the
administration of or in connection with, any such program or activity
because of race, color, religion, sex (except as otherwise permitted
under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Religious
Freedom Restoration Act of 1993), national origin, age, disability, or
political affiliation or belief.'' Regulations pertaining to the Equal
Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the prohibition
against supporting inherently religious activities with direct DOL
financial assistance, can be found at 29 CFR part 2, Subpart D.
Provisions relating to the use of indirect support (such as vouchers)
are at 29 CFR 2.33(c) and 20 CFR 667.266.
A faith-based organization receiving federal financial assistance
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 supported with Federal financial
assistance without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other
religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that
receives Federal financial assistance 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 DOL-funded activities.
The Department notes that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
[[Page 77856]]
(RFRA), 42 U.S.C. sec 2000bb, applies to all Federal law and its
implementation. If your organization is a faith-based organization that
makes hiring decisions on the basis of religious belief, it may be
entitled to receive Federal financial assistance under Title I of the
Workforce Investment Act and maintain that hiring practice even though
Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act contains a general ban on
religious discrimination in employment. If you are awarded a grant, you
will be provided with the information on how to request such an
exemption.
Faith-based and community organizations may reference
``Transforming Partnerships: How to Apply the U.S. Department of
Labor's Equal Treatment and Religion-Related Regulations to Public-
Private Partnerships'' at: http://www.workforce3one.org/public/_
shared/detail.cfm?id=5566&simple=false.
5. 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 solicitation,
including funds provided through stipends for such purposes.
F. Withdrawal of Applications
Applications may be withdrawn by written notice at any time before
an award is made.
Part V. Application Review Information
A. Evaluation Criteria
This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be
used to evaluate Older Worker Demonstration proposals. These criteria
and point values are:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criterion Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Statement of Need...................... 10
2. Strength of Strategic Partnerships..... 20
3. Strategies for Older Worker 25
Demonstration Projects...................
4. Integration with Regional Economic and 10
Talent Development Strategies............
5. Outcomes............................... 15
6. Program Management and Organizational 10
Capacity.................................
7. Dissemination, Sustainability and 10
Replicability............................
-----------------------------
Total Possible Points................. 100
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Statement of Need (10 Points)
Applicants must demonstrate a clear and specific need for federal
investment in their proposed project. This should be accomplished by
identifying the industry, or multiple industries, of focus and
establishing that it satisfies ETA's criteria for high-growth, high-
demand industries in the regional economy (as described in Part I(C) of
this solicitation). Applicants should also identify how their project
will address workforce challenges specific to older workers. Finally,
applicants should explain how they will meet specific needs in their
regional economy. Applicants are encouraged to work collaboratively
with their state's labor market information directors to identify and
analyze economic and workforce data that characterize the regional
economy, provide an understanding of the high-growth industries in the
region, and provide an understanding of the available labor pool,
including data on older workers in the region. Scoring for this
criterion will be based on the following factors:
Regional and industry workforce challenges (4 points).
Applicants must describe the employment and training needs of the
regional economy and industries in that regional economy by: (1)
Identifying the specific region of focus for the proposal; (2)
identifying specific industries and occupations that are critical to
the economy in the proposed area; (3) describing the specific hiring,
retention, training and/or other workforce challenges facing employers
in the region; and (4) describing the current approaches of employers
in the region to utilizing older workers, and why a broader, regional
approach is necessary. Examples of regional and industry workforce
challenges include shortages of workers in specific occupations, unmet
demand for workers in specific occupations, and difficulty recruiting
individuals in disadvantaged or underutilized labor pools such as low-
income older workers. Applicants must discuss how these workforce
challenges affect the specific employer partners contained in their
proposal.
Challenges facing older workers (4 points). Applicants
must clearly articulate the specific workforce challenges facing older
workers to be addressed by their proposal. Applicants should specify
whether they will be addressing one or more of the challenges discussed
in Part I(A) of this solicitation or different challenges that are not
listed. Applicants must demonstrate the existence of such challenges
for the older individuals in their region and identify the scope of
these challenges. Additionally, applicants should provide evidence
demonstrating that existing models and approaches are not sufficient to
address these challenges and that there is a need for federal
investment in the proposed activities.
Resource mapping (2 points). Applicants must describe the
resource mapping that has been conducted that demonstrates that current
resources are not sufficient to address the workforce challenges.
Resource mapping entails identifying all the assets in a region that
can be used in support of workforce and economic development efforts.
Applicants may draw from a variety of resources for supporting data,
including: Traditional labor market information, such as projections;
industry data from trade or industry associations, Chambers of
Commerce, census.gov, state agencies on aging, or direct information
from the local employers or industry; information on the regional
economy from economic development agencies; and other transactional
data, such as job vacancies. If capacity building activities are
proposed as part of the project, applicants must demonstrate the
existence of a capacity constraint in addressing the workforce
challenges, in the area in which the grant activity will take place.
2. Strength of Strategic Partnerships (20 Points)
The applicant must clearly describe how the proposed project will
be implemented by a strategic partnership comprised of a strong team of
regional leaders. The proposed partnership must include at least one
entity from each of the following three categories: The public
workforce investment system; employers, industry associations, and
business intermediaries, such as chambers of commerce; and educational
institutions and training providers. Applicants must also demonstrate
that
[[Page 77857]]
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.
Additional partners could include, but are not limited to, national,
state, or local aging organizations, including SCSEP grantees; economic
development entities; apprenticeship programs; local, regional, and
state government; Indian and Native American tribes or organizations;
the philanthropic community; and community and faith-based
organizations.
The applicant must identify the partners by organizational name and
category, explain their role in the project, and document the resources
leveraged from each partner. Partners must verify their involvement in
the project through a letter of commitment detailing the roles,
responsibilities, and resources the partner will commit to the project.
The letters of commitment must be attached to the proposal, as an
appendix.
ETA encourages, and will be looking for, applications that go
beyond the minimum level of partnership and demonstrate broader,
substantive and sustainable partnerships. Scoring on this criterion
will be based on the following factors:
Evidence of partnerships and comprehensiveness of partnerships (10
points). The applicant must provide a comprehensive list of strategic
partners that will be included in the project and the articulation of
each partner's role in the project. Points for this factor will be
awarded based on:
The degree to which each partner (including all required
partners) plays a committed role (either financial or non-financial) in
the proposed project.
The breadth and depth of each partner's contribution,
including the specific services and activities of each, their knowledge
and experience concerning grant activities, and their ability to impact
the success of the project.
Evidence that key partners have expressed a clear
dedication to the project and understand their area of responsibility,
in the form of letters of commitment from required partners.
Evidence 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.
The role of the public workforce system (5 points). Applicants must
demonstrate a substantive and comprehensive role of the public
workforce system in the project. Points for this factor will be awarded
based on the following:
The level of LWIB commitment and involvement in the
project.
The degree to which the role of each partner will support
the objective of building the capacity of the workforce system to serve
older individuals.
The level of coordination that already exists between the
project's partners and the workforce system.
Partnership engagement and leveraged resources (5 points). The
applicant must demonstrate meaningful engagement of partners in project
activities. Points for this factor will be awarded based on the
following:
A high level of coordination already exists among
partners. If a high level of coordination does not exist, then the
applicant must demonstrate that it has the capacity to quickly
establish these links and discuss strategies for strengthening the
partnership.
The extent to which the applicant integrates partners'
strengths and assets into project design and implementation.
A plan for interaction and communication among partners at
each stage of the project, from planning to execution.
A full description of which partners have contributed
leveraged resources, the specific contributions (cash and/or in-kind),
the amount and nature of the contributions, and how they will
contribute to the achievement of the goals of the project including any
specific outcomes that will result from any leveraged resources the
partners contribute to the project. Applicants must provide evidence
(through letters of commitment) that their partners have expressed a
clear commitment to provide the contribution.
3. Strategies for Older Worker Demonstration Project (25 Points)
The applicant must describe the proposed project in full, including
each of the strategies, and how the strategies address the challenges
described in the statement of need. Scoring for this criterion will be
based on the following factors:
Overview of the proposed project (8 points). Points for this factor
will be awarded based on how the applicant has addressed the following:
A complete and detailed description of the specific
strategies that will be implemented through the proposed project.
A thorough description of the specific services and
activities that the workforce system will provide as part of these
strategies.
The specific skills and competencies that are targeted
through the training activities of the project and an explanation of
how they will support career pathway growth for participants.
Applicants should also note if and how the strategies will lead to
industry-recognized credentials.
Specific existing tools and approaches which the project
will utilize should be identified, or an explanation of why existing
tools and approaches are not sufficient to address the challenges.
If applicable, applicants should indicate the special
target populations of older workers to be served.
How the individual strategies proposed for the project
relate to each other and, together, represent an integrated, coherent
approach.
Addressing the needs of older workers and businesses (8 points).
Applicants should demonstrate that the proposed project addresses
specific challenges facing older workers, including those facing older
workers in the region identified in the statement of need, and outline
specific methods that will be used to recruit program participants.
Applicants should also detail how the project will address the specific
workforce challenges facing employers in the region in which the
project will operate.
Evidence that the applicant has a clear understanding of the tasks
required to successfully meet the objectives of the grant (9 points).
When assessing a proposal, weight will be given to the feasibility of a
combined work plan and timeline, as well as the soundness of the budget
justification. Points for this factor will be awarded based on how the
applicant has addressed the following:
An integrated work plan and timeline. This combined work
plan/timeline should break the project down into its multiple steps and
estimate how long each is likely to take (e.g., start-up and
implementation activities, training and related activities, participant
follow-up for outcomes, and grant closeout activities). The work plan/
timeline should be highly detailed and include specific goals,
objectives and activities.
The budget line items are consistent with and tied to the
workplan/timeline.
The extent to which the budget is justified with respect
to the adequacy
[[Page 77858]]
and reasonableness of the resources requested.
Brief explanation of the cost-per-participant for the
proposed training activities.
4. Integration With Regional Economic and Talent Development Strategies
(10 Points)
A primary focus of this solicitation is demonstrating the
connection of workforce strategies for older workers to broader talent
development strategies driving economic growth in regional economies.
Therefore, applicants must provide strong evidence of the connection of
the grant activities to the region's economic and talent development
strategies.
Scoring on this criterion will be based on the applicant's ability
to demonstrate that their project is fully integrated into the region's
economic and talent development strategy by:
Summarizing the region's strategic vision for economic and
workforce development efforts that will support regional talent
development and economic growth.
Describing how the strategies will support the regional
economy by utilizing the mature workforce in a regional talent
development strategy.
Either describing: (1) How the proposed strategies for
older workers are part of or complement existing approaches under
regional talent development and economic development plans and
initiatives; or (2) describing how their project is a catalyst for
bringing partners together to begin the analysis and strategic planning
in their region.
Describing any regional partnerships that are part of
their project and detail how the partnerships are broader and deeper in
scope than the local partnerships in place to implement the proposed
strategies.
Describing the applicant's capability, either directly or
through agreements with other entities, to implement the project on a
region-wide basis.
5. Outcomes (15 Points)
The applicant must demonstrate a results-oriented approach to
managing and operating the proposed project by fully describing the
outcome categories and projected outcomes relevant to determining the
success of the project. Scoring on this criterion will be based on the
following factors:
Description of Outcomes (8 points): Applicants may earn up to 8
points for demonstrating that the outcome categories and projected
outcomes for those categories have been identified. Applicants must
address the two categories of outcomes described below--training and
capacity building. In addition, applicants should include additional
outcome categories, and projected outcomes for those categories, that
would be appropriate for the project and/or individual strategies and
are not covered by these two categories, if necessary. Applicants must
include: (1) A description of the outcome category; and (2) a projected
outcome.
Training Outcomes. Applicants must provide projected
outcomes for the entered employment rate, Adult Common Measure, for
participants served with grant funds. Grantees must track outcomes for
all three of ETA's Adult Common Measures (entered employment rate,
employment retention rate, and average earnings) for these participants
as well. In addition, applicants must also provide projections and
track outcomes for each of the following categories for participants
served with grant funds: total participants served; total number of
participants beginning education/training activities; total number of
participants completing education/training activities; total number of
participants that complete education/training activities that receive a
degree/certificate; total number of participants that complete
education/training activities that enter employment; and total number
of participants that complete education/training activities that enter
training-related employment. Please note that applications that do not
contain projections for all these categories cannot receive full points
for this section. The required format and associated instructions that
grantees will use to report their outcomes for these measures are
available at http://www.doleta.gov/Performance/Guidance/wia.cfm#HGBIT,
and provide grantees with additional information on all of the above
referenced outcome categories. Applicants are strongly encouraged to
review these instructions. Applicants must also identify the credential
that participants will earn as a result of the proposed training, and
the employer-, industry-, or state-defined standards associated with
the credential. If the credential targeted by the training project is a
certificate or performance-based certification, applicants should
either (a) demonstrate employer engagement in the curriculum
development process, or (b) indicate that the certification will
translate into concrete job opportunities with an employer.
Capacity Building Outcomes. Applicants must clearly
describe all products, models, curricula, etc. that will be developed
or acquired with grant funds. When applicants propose to use grant
funds to develop curricula, instructional and course materials, and
other types of deliverables, applicants must demonstrate that
substantial research has been conducted to ensure that the proposed
workforce solutions are not duplicative of existing materials.
Applicants must conduct a thorough review of existing curricula,
instructional and course materials, and other types of products that
are available through and contained on ETA's Workforce\3\One Web site.
(A copy of the Workforce Solutions Catalogue may be downloaded from
Workforce\3\One at: http://www.workforce3one.org/wfsolutions/). In
addition, applicants should also examine other sources that may have
the types of materials that the applicant would like to use grant funds
to develop. For example, if the grantee is interested in developing
curricula there are a growing number of resources that house curricula
in addition to ETA's Workforce\3\One Web site such as: the U.S.
Department of Education's Web site at http://www.free.ed.gov; Curriki,
a compendium of open source curricula and other learning objects at
http://www.curriki.org; and OpenCourseWare Consortium at http://
www.opencoursewareconsortium.org. Industry association Web sites may
also be a source of training materials. In their proposal, applicants
should describe their research process for ensuring that the proposed
workforce solutions are not duplicative of existing materials,
including the specific sources that they researched, and indicate how
the deliverables that they propose to develop differ from those
materials that already exist. Finally, applicants should outline plans
for having deliverables reviewed by an independent expert.
Applicants must also indicate the impact of capacity building
activities (i.e., the number of participants or entities who will
benefit from proposed activities) provided with grant funds, where
appropriate. All applicants must include projections and track outcomes
(as applicable) for the number of instructors who will participate in
capacity building activities; the number of students trained by those
instructors; and the number of other people participating and/or
benefitting from capacity building activities. Applicants must also
describe the methodology for determining the impact of their capacity
building activities.
Additional Outcomes. Beyond the training and capacity
building outcome categories described above, applicants should also
identify outcome categories
[[Page 77859]]
and projected outcomes for any strategies to be undertaken through the
project if their impact cannot be fully reported through the outcome
categories above. These additional categories should reflect the unique
attributes of the applicant's strategies. For example, applicants
including entrepreneurial training for older individuals in their
project could identify a projected outcome for the number of those
individuals who start their own businesses. As another example,
applicants planning to implement career awareness activities could
identify projected outcomes for the number of people who participate in
these activities. This could include the number of individuals
attending a recruitment seminar, the number of user sessions on a Web
site, or the number of individuals who were provided career awareness
materials at an industry-related career awareness program.
Appropriateness of outcomes (7 points): Applicants may earn up to 7
points based on three factors: (1) The extent to which the projected
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.
6. Program Management and Organizational Capacity (10 Points)
To satisfy this criterion, applicants must describe their proposed
project management structure and organizational capacity including: (1)
Clear identification of key personnel, their qualifications, an overall
staffing pattern (with estimated time commitments for each key staff);
and (2) justification that the applicant organization has significant
capacity to accomplish the goals and outcomes of the project. Scoring
for this criterion will be based on the following factors:
Project Staff (4 points). Applicants should identify key personnel,
their roles in the proposed project, and their qualifications to
accomplish the tasks associated with their assigned role(s). This
should include the identification of a proposed project manager and a
staffing pattern. The roles of staff and consultants, if applicable,
should be clearly defined and linked to specific tasks. Applicants
should also identify the percentage of time each person will commit to
the project and ensure that it is sufficient to provide proper
direction, management and timely completion of the project. An
organizational chart may be included.
Organizational Capacity (6 points). Applicants should illustrate
their organization's capacity to accomplish the goals and outcomes of
the proposed project. This includes:
A discussion of the applicant's capacity to accomplish the
goals and outcomes of the project.
A discussion of applicant's demonstrated fiscal and
administrative capacity.
A discussion of the applicant's ability to successfully
lead and manage the partners and ensure there will be integration among
the individual project components.
A description of the applicant's ability to collect,
manage, and report data in a way that allows consistent, accurate, and
expedient reporting. Applicants should be aware that ETA has modified
an existing software system to help grantees collect and report the
performance data that is required by this grant, and expects to make
this system available to grantees at no cost. Applicants' response to
this section of the evaluation criteria could reference the use of this
software system.
A detailed description of the applicant's experience in
implementing projects similar to the one being proposed and/or related
activities of the primary partners.
7. Dissemination, Sustainability and Replicability (10 Points)
The applicant must describe how the project's models, findings, and
products will be disseminated to and through the workforce system, as
well as other entities; what aspects of the project will be sustained
beyond the life of the grant through the workforce system; and how the
project can be replicated and adapted to address the employment and
training needs of older workers and their employers across multiple
regions and industries. Scoring for this criterion will be based on the
following factors:
Dissemination strategies (3 points). Applicants should identify
specific dissemination strategies they will employ and indicate how
they will foster replication of the project. These dissemination
strategies would be in addition to those undertaken by ETA, as
described in Part III(D). This could include innovative approaches, as
well as more traditional modes such as conference presentations,
Webinars and other events, technical assistance guides, peer-reviewed
or trade publication articles, and other documents. Applicants should
include a list of specific dissemination mechanisms available to them
which are appropriate for this project.
Sustainability plan (4 points). Specific plans illustrating how the
project will be sustained through the workforce system after the grant
period has ended should be provided. Applicants should explain how
partners will continue to contribute to the project, how leveraged
resources will be maintained, and how other potential resources may be
used to sustain the project on a region-wide basis.
Replicability (3 points). Applicants should identify the specific
aspects of their project which allow it to be replicated across
multiple industries and regions. They should explicitly discuss whether
or not the challenges addressed by their project are common to other
industries and regions, if the participant skills developed by the
project are based on general standards, and what products will be
created that can be used broadly by other organizations.
B. Review and Selection Process
Applications for the grants under this solicitation will be
accepted after the publication of this announcement until the closing
date. A technical review panel will conduct a careful evaluation of
applications against the criteria. These criteria are based on the
policy goals, priorities, and emphases set forth in this solicitation.
Up to 100 points may be awarded to an application, based on the
required information described in Part V(A). 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 industries and economic 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.
[[Page 77860]]
Part VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
All award notifications will be posted on the ETA Web site (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.
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, allowable activities, 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 solicitation will be subject to the following administrative
standards and provisions:
a. Non-Profit Organizations--OMB Circulars A-122 (Cost Principles)
and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
b. Educational Institutions--OMB Circulars A-21 (Cost Principles)
and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
c. State and Local Governments--OMB Circulars A-87 (Cost
Principles) and 29 CFR Part 97 (Administrative Requirements).
d. Profit Making Commercial Firms--Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR)--48 CFR Part 31 (Cost Principles), and 29 CFR Part 95
(Administrative Requirements).
e. All entities must comply with 29 CFR Parts 93 and 98, and, where
applicable, 29 CFR Parts 96 and 99.
f. 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.
g. 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.
h. 29 CFR part 32--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in
Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from Federal Financial
Assistance.
i. 29 CFR part 33--Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of
Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of
Labor.
j. 29 CFR part 35--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in
Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the
Department of Labor.
k. 29 CFR part 36--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial
Assistance.
The following administrative standards and provisions may be
applicable:
a. Workforce Investment Act--20 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Part 667 (General Fiscal and Administrative Rules).
b. 29 CFR part 30--Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship
and Training; and
c. 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 solicitation,
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. Evaluation
ETA requires that the project participate in an evaluation of
overall performance. To measure the impact of the Older Worker
Demonstration, ETA will arrange for or conduct an independent
evaluation of the outcomes and benefits of the projects. Grantees must
make records and data on participants, employers and funding available,
and provide access to project operating personnel and participants, as
specified by the evaluator(s) under the direction of ETA, including
after the expiration date of the grant. Further information regarding
the evaluation requirements will be detailed in the grant agreements.
D. Reporting
The grantee is required to provide the reports and documents listed
below:
1. Quarterly Financial Reports
A Quarterly Financial Status Report (SF 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, including the last calendar quarter of the grant
period. Grantees must use ETA's On-Line Electronic Reporting System. A
Closeout Financial Status Report is due 90 days after the end of the
grant period.
2. Quarterly Progress Reports
Grantees must submit a Quarterly Performance Report to ETA no later
than 45 days after the end of each calendar year quarter. The Quarterly
Performance Report is explained in further detail in a standard set of
reporting requirements issued by ETA for HGJTI grants, which can be
accessed at: http://www.doleta.gov/performance/reporting.
3. Final Report
A final report must be submitted no later than 60 days after the
expiration date of the grant. This report must summarize project
activities, provide project outcomes, and thoroughly document the
training and related strategies and approaches of the project. The
final report should also include copies of any deliverables developed
with grant funds, such as curricula and competency models. Three copies
of the final report must be submitted to ETA and grantees must agree to
use a designated format specified by ETA for preparing the final
report.
E. Record Retention
Applicants should be aware of Federal guidelines on record
retention, which require grantees to maintain all records pertaining to
grant activities for a period of not less than three years from the
time of final grant close-out.
Part VII. Agency Contacts
For further information regarding this solicitation, please contact
Melissa Abdullah, Grants Management Specialist, at (202) 693-3346 (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 Melissa Abdullah and should reference SGA/DFA PY 08-06
and include a contact name and fax
[[Page 77861]]
and phone numbers. This announcement is also being made available on
the ETA Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm and
at http://www.grants.gov.
Part VIII. Resources and Other Information
A. Resources for the Applicant
DOL/ETA maintains a number of Web-based resources that may be of
assistance to applicants.
The ETA Web site is a valuable source for background
information on the HGJTI and WIRED Initiative. (http://www.doleta.gov)
The Workforce\3\One Web site is a valuable resource for
information about demand-driven projects of the workforce investment
system, educators, employers, and economic development representatives.
Additionally, current HGJTI grantees are posting their deliverables on
this Web site. (http://www.workforce3one.org)
America's Service Locator provides a directory of the
nation's One-Stop Career Centers. (http://www.servicelocator.org)
Applicants are encouraged to review ``Help with
Solicitation for Grant Applications.'' (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.whitehouse.gov/government/
fbci/guidance/index.html)
B. Other Information
OMB Information Collection No. 1225-0086. 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
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 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 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.
The Grant Officer for this procurement will be Marsha G. Daniels;
if you need additional information contact the Grants Management
Specialist, Melissa Abdullah, at (202) 693-3346 (this is not a toll
free number).
Signed at Washington, DC, this 12th day of December 2008.
James Stockton,
Grant Officer.
Attachment: H-1B Industry Sectors and Occupations
A. Industry Sectors
1. Information Technology:
Computer Systems Design and Related Services.
Software Development/Software Publishers.
Data Processing Services.
Information Services.
2. Telecommunications.
3. Scientific Research and Development Services (including
biotechnology).
4. Scientific and Technical Consulting (including biotechnology).
5. Architecture, Engineering, Surveying.
6. Specialized Design Services.
7. Construction/Skilled Trades.
8. Finance, Insurance and Real Estate and Administrative Support
Services:
Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping and Payroll
Services.
Financial Investment.
Securities and Commodity Brokerage/Contracts.
Business Support Services.
Insurance Carriers, Agencies, Brokerages, and Insurance
and Employee Benefit Funds.
Credit Intermediation.
9. Advanced Manufacturing:
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component
Manufacturing.
Computer, Electronic Product, and Peripheral Equipment
Manufacturing.
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing.
Communications Equipment Manufacturing.
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control
Instruments Manufacturing.
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing.
Aerospace Manufacturing.
Chemical and Petrochemical Manufacturing.
Motor Vehicle and Parts Manufacturing.
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing.
Metalworking Manufacturing.
Food Manufacturing.
Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing.
10. Automotive Repair/Maintenance.
11. Health Care:
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals and Other
Hospitals.
Offices of Physicians.
Offices of Dentists.
Offices of Other Health Practitioners.
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories.
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities.
Home Health Care Services.
12. Energy:
Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution.
Oil and Gas Extraction, Refining, and Production.
Mining and Support Activities for Mining.
Pipeline Transportation.
13. Transportation:
Air Transportation.
Freight and Truck Transportation.
Water Transportation.
Transportation Support.
B. Cross-Cutting Occupations
1. Computer Related Occupations:
Systems Analysis and Programming.
Data Communications and Networks.
Computer Systems Technical Support.
Computer Systems User Support.
2. Engineering and Related Technical Occupations:
Aeronautical.
Electrical.
Civil.
Ceramic.
Mechanical.
Chemical.
Mining and Petroleum.
Metallurgy and Metallurgical.
Industrial.
Agricultural.
Marine.
Nuclear.
Drafters.
[[Page 77862]]
Surveying/Cartographic.
Architectural.
3. Occupations in Mathematics and Physical Sciences:
Mathematics.
Astronomy.
Chemistry.
Physics.
Geology.
Meteorology.
4. Occupations in Life Sciences:
Agricultural Sciences.
Biological Sciences.
5. Occupations in Medicine and Health:
Physicians/Surgeons.
Osteopaths.
Dentists.
Veterinarians.
Pharmacists.
Registered Nurses.
Therapists.
Dieticians.
Medical and Dental Technology.
Other Health Care Practitioners.
6. Occupations in Financial and Administrative Fields:
Accountants/Auditors.
Bookkeepers/Payroll Services.
Budget and Management Systems Analysis.
Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate Management.
Purchasing Managers.
Agents/Appraisers.
7. Technology Related Occupations:
Process Technicians.
Mechanics/Mechanical Engineering Technicians.
[FR Doc. E8-30116 Filed 12-18-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-FN-P