[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 120 (Wednesday, June 24, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30152-30165]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-14924]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; Notice of
Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant Applications for
Energy Training Partnership Grants
Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation for Grant Applications.
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY 08-18.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.275.
DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is September 4, 2009. Applications must be received no
later than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time), or submitted electronically by the
deadline and in accordance with the instructions in Section IV.C of
this Solicitation. A Webinar for prospective applicants will be held
for this grant competition on July 13 from 2-3:30 p.m. ET. Access
information for the Webinar will be posted on the U.S. Department of
Labor's (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA) Web site
at: http://www.workforce3one.org. Potential applicants are encouraged
to participate in this webinar, but attendance is not mandatory. A
recording of the webinar will be available on http://www.workforce3one.org by 3 p.m. ET, July 17.
ADDRESSES: Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department
of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal
Assistance, Attention: Donna Kelly, Grant Officer, Reference SGA/DFA
PY-08-18, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N4716, Washington, DC
20210. For complete ``Application and Submission Information'' please
refer to Section IV.
SUMMARY: Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the
Recovery Act), DOL announces the availability of approximately $100
million in grant funds to 20-30 projects ranging from approximately $2
to $5 million each. Projects will provide training and placement
services in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries for
workers impacted by
[[Page 30153]]
national energy and environmental policy, individuals in need of
updated training related to the energy efficiency and renewable energy
industries, and unemployed workers. Proposed projects must be developed
and implemented through strategic partnerships.
National, nonprofit labor management organizations and Statewide or
local nonprofit entities are eligible to apply for grant funds under
this SGA. Detailed eligibility information can be found in Section
III.A.
A portion of the funds under this SGA will be reserved for projects
serving communities undergoing auto industry related restructurings.
Approximately $25 million of the total funds available through this
Solicitation will be awarded for projects serving communities impacted
by auto industry restructuring, though the Department reserves the
right to change this amount depending on the quantity and quality of
applications submitted under this SGA. See Attachment I for a list of
auto-impacted communities.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. Recovery Act: Competitive Grants for Green Job Training
This section of the SGA provides general background on the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), the competitive
grants funded through the Recovery Act to prepare workers for careers
in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, and the
occupations and industries on which these grants should focus.
On February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the
Recovery Act through which Congress intended to preserve and create
jobs, promote the nation's economic recovery, and assist those most
impacted by the recession. Among other funding directed toward the
Department of Labor (DOL), the Recovery Act provides $750 million for a
program of competitive grants for worker training and placement in high
growth and emerging industries. Of the $750 million allotted for
competitive grants, the Recovery Act designates $500 million for
projects that prepare workers for careers in the energy efficiency and
renewable energy sectors described in Section 171(e)(1)(B) of the
Workforce Investment Act (WIA). DOL intends to use a portion of the
$500 million for providing technical assistance for this program of
grants.
The purpose of these green job training grants is to train and
teach workers the skills required in these emerging energy efficiency
and renewable energy sectors. These efforts will lead program
participants to job placement while leveraging other Recovery Act
investments intended to create jobs and promote economic growth. For
additional information about the series of competitive grants for green
job training, please refer to Training and Employment Notice (TEN) 44-
08 available at http://www.doleta.gov/Recovery/legislation.cfm.
B. Green Industries and Occupations
The Department will award grants to workforce development projects
that focus on connecting target populations, including auto and auto-
related industry workers affected by significant automotive-related
restructurings, to career pathways in green industries. Training
programs will prepare individuals for careers in any of the seven
energy efficiency and renewable energy industries defined in Section
171(e)(1)(B)(ii) of the WIA, which include:
The energy-efficient building, construction, and retrofit
industries;
The renewable electric power industry;
The energy efficient and advanced drive train vehicle
industry;
The biofuels industry;
The deconstruction and materials use industries;
The energy efficiency assessment industry serving
residential, commercial, or industrial sectors; and
Manufacturers that produce sustainable products using
environmentally sustainable processes and materials.
Additionally, the Department is interested in applicants
contributing to our understanding of green industries and jobs that
clean and enhance our environment. Initial research supported by the
Department of Labor shows that there are ``growth, enhanced and
emerging'' green occupations across a number of industries. Applicants
may propose strategies that train for those occupations from among the
following industries: Transportation; green construction; environmental
protection; sustainable agriculture including healthy food production;
forestry; and recycling and waste reduction (see O*NET report at http://www.onetcenter.org/reports/Green.html). The Department will consider
proposals that focus on these occupations within these industries if
applicants can offer supporting data demonstrating these are emerging
industries which are producing jobs in their communities.
For the purpose of these SGAs, the Department defines energy
efficiency and renewable energy as follows. Section 203(b)(2) of the
Energy Policy Act of 2005, Public Law 109-58, 119 Stat. 595, defines
``renewable energy'' as ``electric energy generated from solar, wind,
biomass, landfill gas, ocean (including tidal, wave, current, and
thermal), geothermal, municipal solid waste, or new hydroelectric
generation capacity achieved from increased efficiency or additions of
new capacity at an existing hydroelectric project.'' ``Energy
efficiency'' can be broadly defined as programs aimed at mitigating the
use of energy, reducing harmful emissions, and decreasing overall
energy consumption.
The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is
working to develop a definition for green sectors and jobs, which will
be used to ensure that workforce development efforts identify and
target these green jobs and their training needs. The Department has
also supported occupational research that begins to define green jobs,
review sectors impacted by green investments and understand how new
green technology and materials will affect occupational requirements.
The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) project has drafted a
research paper titled, Greening of the World of Work: Implications for
O*NET-SOC and New and Emerging Occupations. This study reflects three
general categories of occupations, based on different consequences of
green economy activities and technologies: (1) Existing occupations
expected to experience primarily an increase in employment demand; (2)
existing occupations with significant change to the work and worker
requirements; and (3) new and emerging green occupations. This research
may be used as a starting point for identifying green industries and
occupations and informing the development of training and job placement
programs. For a copy of the O*NET report and a listing of the
identified occupations go to http://www.onetcenter.org/reports/Green.html.
C. Working With Other Recovery Act Programs
The Recovery Act made funds available to a number of other Federal
programs that will impact the creation and expansion of green jobs. DOL
is partnering with other Federal agencies to support the creation of
jobs by developing a pipeline of skilled workers in the energy
efficiency and renewable energy industries. Where possible, ETA
encourages applicants to connect their workforce development strategies
to other Recovery Act funded projects that create jobs or impact the
skill
[[Page 30154]]
requirements of existing jobs. ETA recommends that applicants review
other parts of the Recovery Act, with a focus on the activities funded
through the Department of Energy (Energy), the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Education
(Education) and others. For additional resources and information about
our Federal partners, please see Section VIII, Additional Resources of
Interest to Applicants.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Energy Training Partnership funds are intended to provide training
for workers that prepares them to enter the energy efficiency and
renewable energy industries, as well as green occupations within other
industries, as described in the Supplementary Information: Part B of
this SGA. Individuals eligible for training include workers impacted by
national energy and environmental policy, individuals in need of
updated training related to the energy efficiency and renewable energy
industries, and unemployed workers. A portion of the funds under this
SGA will be reserved (as described in Section II, Award Information)
for projects serving communities impacted by automotive-related
restructuring.
Projects funded through this SGA will be implemented by
partnerships made up of a diverse set of stakeholders including labor
organizations, public or private employers in the energy efficiency and
renewable energy industries, and the workforce system. Bringing to bear
the workforce expertise of these groups will allow successful
applicants to develop programs that are responsive to the needs of both
workers and employers, and that provide participants with the support
needed to successfully complete training.
The current economic downturn has had widespread effects on
individuals in communities across the United States, and has left many
workers seeking new careers. Workers impacted by national energy and
environmental policy, individuals in need of updated training related
to the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, and
unemployed workers face unique obstacles to gaining new employment.
Many need to upgrade existing skills or learn new ones to transition
into careers in high growth industries, but also need immediate
employment to continue earning wages and supporting their families.
This is particularly true of workers in communities adversely impacted
by automotive industry restructuring.
All training and placement activities funded through this grant
will be conducted at the local level. Successful applicants under
category 1 (as described in Section III.A of this SGA) will be required
to fund at least two (2) but no more than five (5) sub-grants or sub-
contracts to State or local affiliates that will deliver grant-funded
training and supportive services (where appropriate) to participants.
Grant funded activities will be undertaken in collaboration with
required partners detailed in Section III.C.1. This approach will help
to ensure that workers at multiple sites will benefit from grant-funded
training, and that sub-grantees or sub-contractors have adequate
funding to implement effective projects. It will also enhance the
coordination and efficiency of national organization-approved training
programs being delivered at the local level.
To ensure quality training within a limited timeframe, applicants
may develop and/or modify existing curricula and strategies to deliver
training. Keeping in mind the long-term needs of workers, it is
strongly recommended that training lead to portable industry degrees or
certificates that assist participants to seek employment in multiple
job markets.
II. Award Information
A. Award Amount: Under this SGA, ETA intends to fund approximately
20-30 grants ranging from $2 to $5 million. In an effort to fund the
greatest number of high-quality projects, grant awards through this SGA
will be limited to $5 million, and applicants requesting more than $5
million will be considered non-responsive. Within the funding ranges
specified above, applicants are encouraged to submit proposals for
quality projects at whatever funding level is appropriate to the
project. Approximately $25 million of the total funds available through
this Solicitation will be reserved for projects in communities impacted
by automotive-related restructuring, though the Department reserves the
right to change this amount depending on the quantity and quality of
applications submitted under this SGA. See Attachment I for a list of
counties impacted by automotive-related restructuring. The Center for
Automotive Research identified the attached list of 281 U.S. counties
that either have an automotive assembly plant or parts manufacturer
employing regional residents.
B. Period of Performance: The period of grant performance will be
up to 24 months from the date of execution of the grant documents. This
performance period shall include all necessary implementation and
start-up activities as well as participant follow-up.
Applicants should plan to fully expend grant funds during the
period of performance while ensuring full transparency and
accountability for all expenditures.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants: Under this announcement, eligible
applicants are private nonprofit organizations that must apply under
one of two categories: (1) National labor-management organizations with
local networks; or (2) Statewide or local nonprofit partnerships. All
applicants are expected to work in conjunction with partnerships
consisting of labor organizations, employers, Workforce Investment
Boards (WIBs), and other organizations as defined in section
171(e)(2)(B)(ii) of WIA. These categories create two applicant pools,
which will compete separately for funding under this SGA.
1. National Labor-Management Organizations: A national labor-
management organization is a nonprofit entity, such as a training fund,
training trust fund, or an education trust fund, with joint
participation of employers and labor organizations on its executive
board or comparable governing body. This entity must have a formalized
agreement between the employer(s) and labor organization(s) to operate
a joint labor management training program(s) in multiple sites across
the country through the State, local, or regional networks affiliated
with the nonprofit entity. The national labor-management organization
is the lead applicant. However, if the national labor-management
organization is not a separate legal entity, the labor organization is
the eligible applicant. All grant-funded worker training activities
will be delivered in the communities where project participants live
and work. Therefore, national labor-management organizations are
required to fund sub-grants or sub-contracts to local affiliates that
will deliver the training as part of a strategic partnership as defined
in Section III.C.1.
2. Statewide and Local Entities: Applicants for the State and local
category are local or Statewide non-profit entities with a joint
partnership of labor organizations, employers or industry
organizations, Workforce Investment Boards and One Stop Career Centers.
A Statewide or local entity that receives an award under category 2 of
this SGA may not receive sub-grant or
[[Page 30155]]
sub-contract funding from a national organization that receives an
award under category 1. For the purposes of this SGA, the term
``State'' means each of the 50 States of the United States, the
District of Columbia, and U.S. territories as defined in Section VI.B.
ETA expects to publish two SGAs during the summer of 2009: Energy
Training Partnerships SGA [SGA/DFA PY 08-18] and the Pathways Out of
Poverty SGA [SGA/DFA PY 08-19]. ETA will not fund any one organization
as a grantee more than once through these two SGAs. An applicant may
choose to submit an application for the Energy Training Partnerships
SGA [SGA/DFA PY 08-18] and the Pathways Out of Poverty SGA [SGA/DFA PY
08-19]; however, DOL does not encourage applicants to submit
applications to both competitions. An organization that submits an
application for one SGA is not precluded from participating as a
suggested or required partner in applications submitted in response to
the other SGA. Finally, an organization may not submit multiple
applications in response to any one SGA.
B. Cost Sharing: Cost sharing or matching funds are not required as
a condition for application, but leveraged resources are strongly
encouraged and may affect the applicant's score in section V.A.3 of the
evaluation criteria.
D. Other Eligibility Requirements
1. Strategic Partnerships: Through strong and diverse partnerships,
projects can maximize participants' opportunities for training that
ultimately results in family-supporting employment. Therefore,
successful applicants must propose partnerships that include
representatives from: Labor organizations; Local Workforce Investment
Boards and One Stop Career Centers; and employers or industry
organizations.
i. Labor Organizations: Labor organizations may contribute to many
aspects of grant activities, including identifying skills and
competencies; developing new or modifying existing curricula;
conducting occupation and skills training; and issuing industry-
recognized degrees or certificates.
ii. Employers, Industry Organizations: In addition to providing
contributions similar to those of labor organizations, employers and
industry organizations can provide on-the-job work experiences, and may
ultimately employ qualified program participants.
iii. Local Workforce Investment Boards and One Stop Career Centers:
Local Workforce Investment Boards and One Stop Career Centers must be
included as partners in all applications, but are not eligible
applicants under this SGA. Local Workforce Investment Boards and One
Stop Career Centers may provide a range of services including:
Identifying, assessing, and referring candidates for training;
connecting workers with employers; and providing support services for
qualified individuals, where appropriate.
iv. Other suggested partners: In addition to the required partners
above, applicants are strongly encouraged to include:
The education and training community which includes the
continuum of education from secondary schools to community and
technical colleges, four year colleges and universities, registered
apprenticeship training providers, technical and vocational training
institutions, and other training entities;
Federal partners such as DOL/ETA's Office of
Apprenticeship or the appropriate State Apprenticeship Agency can
assist in developing new or modifying existing training curricula and
apprenticeship program standards.
State partners including State energy offices,
weatherization offices, State Environmental Protection Agencies (or
equivalent), State Utility Boards and other State entities with
experience in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.
Faith-based and community-based organizations, which may
provide supportive services to assist participants' successful
completion of training and ultimately their employment in green jobs.
Organizations implementing projects funded by the Recovery
Act to create jobs in the energy efficiency or renewable energy
industries that are in skilled workers to fill these positions.
D. Proposed Strategies: The purpose of this SGA is to fund projects
that provide training and supportive services, as appropriate, that
lead to employment in the energy efficiency and renewable energy
industries. Projects using registered apprenticeship may provide
workers with a source of income while they gain new skills and
competencies. Therefore, applications funding registered apprenticeship
and/or pre-apprenticeship strategies are strongly encouraged.
While this funding opportunity is available through the Recovery
Act, the long term objective is to ensure that the workforce system
continues to prepare workers for emerging careers in the green economy.
1. All proposed projects must incorporate training activities that:
i. Address skills and competencies demanded by the targeted
industries;
ii. Support participants' advancement along a defined career
pathway such as an articulated career ladder and/or lattice, if such a
path exists in the targeted industry or industries;
iii. Take place at times and locations that are convenient and
easily accessible for the targeted populations. This training can be
accomplished through Distance Learning or Technology Based Learning in
cases where these strategies benefit participants and allow the grantee
to accomplish the objectives of this SGA.
iv. As appropriate, include paid work experience activities that
allow participants to learn occupational skills on the job while
earning wages, and which will lead to permanent employment in the
targeted industry or industries;
v. Integrate training activities with supportive services to ensure
that participants have the necessary support to overcome barriers to
employment; and as appropriate, result in a pre-existing industry-
recognized degree or certificate that indicates a level of mastery and
competence in a given field or function.
2. In implementing projects that meet the requirements outlined
above, applicants may propose a wide range of activities. When
designing the proposed activities, DOL encourages applicants to look at
program models with previous success in serving the priority
populations targeted through this SGA, especially those with strong
program evaluations showing positive impacts on participants. Allowable
activities include:
i. Occupational training in energy efficiency and renewable energy
industries;
ii. On-the-job and customized training in energy efficiency and
renewable energy industries;
iii. Developing Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship
programs in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries;
iv. Supportive services that will allow individuals to participate
in the direct training provided through the grant.
3. Applicants may propose projects that will use a small and
reasonable portion of grant funds on the following activities which
must support worker training and placement:
i. Instructor education and/or training for staff that will deliver
and administer registered apprenticeship programs or other training and
education programs that lead to employment;
ii. Where no appropriate curricula exist, develop or modify
existing
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curricula to deliver training. Curricula developed with grant funds
must be used during the period of performance as part of training
strategies for participants served through grant-funded activities; and
iii. Where no appropriate apprenticeship guideline standards exist,
develop or modify national guideline apprenticeship standards for
programs in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.
iv. Where no appropriate industry-recognized degrees or
certificates exist, develop processes for defining and issuing such
degrees or certificates.
E. Other Grant Specifications
1. Participants Eligible to Receive Training: Projects funded
through this SGA must give priority for training and other services to
workers impacted by national energy and environmental policy,
individuals in need of updated training related to the energy
efficiency and renewable energy industries, unemployed workers, and
veterans or past and present members of reserve components of the Armed
Forces. Projects may also serve individuals with a criminal record; and
populations that have not traditionally been employed in construction
and skilled trades occupations, such as women and minorities. For
specific definitions for these target populations, applicants must
refer to Section VI.B. As part of the overall strategy for delivering
green jobs training through the Recovery Act, ETA has issued the
Pathways out of Poverty SGA, which directly targets projects that serve
key participant populations within poverty areas such as disadvantaged
workers.
2. Veterans Priority: The Jobs for Veterans Act (Pub. L. 107-288)
provides priority of service to veterans and spouses of certain
veterans for the receipt of employment, training, and placement
services in any job training program directly funded, in whole or in
part, by DOL. Grantees are required to provide priority of services for
veterans and eligible spouses pursuant to 20 CFR part 1010, the
regulations implementing priority of service for veterans and eligible
spouses in Department of Labor job training programs under the Jobs for
Veterans Act published at 73 FR 78132 on December 19, 2008. 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. Grantees must comply with DOL
guidance on veterans' priority. Currently, 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.
3. Grantee Training: Grantees are required to participate in all
DOL/ETA training activities related to orientation, financial
management and reporting, performance reporting, product dissemination,
and other technical assistance training as appropriate during the life
of the grant. These trainings may occur via conference call, webinar,
and in-person meetings. For budgeting purposes, applicants should
include costs for three staff members to attend trainings that are each
two full days in Washington DC during the grant's period of
performance.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. How To Obtain an Application Package: This SGA contains all of
the information and links to forms needed to apply for grant funding.
B. Content and Form of Application Submission: The proposal will
consist of three separate and distinct parts--a (I) cost proposal, a
(II) technical proposal, and (III) attachments to the technical
proposal. Applications that fail to adhere to the instructions in this
section will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered.
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. The Cost Proposal. The Cost Proposal must include the
following four items:
The Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal
Assistance'' (available at http://www07.grants.gov/agencies/forms_repository_information.jsp and http://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm). The SF 424 must clearly identify the applicant and be
signed by an individual with authority to enter into a grant agreement.
Upon confirmation of an award, the individual signing the SF 424 on
behalf of the applicant shall be considered the authorized
representative of the applicant.
Applicants must supply their D-U-N-S[supreg] number on the
SF 424. All applicants for Federal grant and funding opportunities are
required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S[supreg])
number. See Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Notice of Final
Policy Issuance, 68 FR 38402, June 27, 2003. The D-U-N-S[supreg] number
is a nine-digit identification number that uniquely identifies business
entities. Obtaining a D-U-N-S[supreg] number is easy and there is no
charge. To obtain a D-U-N-S[supreg] 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 and http://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm). In preparing the Budget
Information Form, the applicant must provide a concise narrative
explanation to support the request, explained in detail below.
Budget Narrative: The budget narrative must provide a
description of costs associated with each line item on the SF-424A. It
should also include leveraged resources provided to support grant
activities. In addition, the applicant should address precisely how the
administrative costs support the project goals. The entire Federal
grant amount requested should be included on both the SF 424 and SF
424A (not just one year). No leveraged resources should be shown on the
SF 424 and SF 424A. Please note that applicants that fail to provide a
SF 424, SF 424A, a D-U-N-S[supreg] number, and a budget narrative will
be removed from consideration prior to the technical review process.
Applicants are also encouraged, but not required, to
submit OMB Survey N. 1890-0014: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity
for Applicants, which can be found under the Gramts.gov, Tips and
Resources From Grantors, Department of Labor section at http://www07.grants.gov/applicants/tips_resources_from_grantors.jsp#13
(also referred to as Faith Based EEO Survey PDF Form).
Part II. The Technical Proposal. The Technical Proposal will
demonstrate the applicant's capability to implement the grant project
in accordance with the provisions of this solicitation. The guidelines
for the content of the Technical Proposal are provided in Part V.A of
this SGA. The Technical Proposal is limited to 20 double-spaced single-
sided pages with 12 point text font and 1 inch margins. Any materials
beyond the 20-page limit will not be read. Applicants should number the
Technical Proposal beginning with page number 1. Applicants that do not
provide Part 2, the Technical Proposal of the application will be
removed from
[[Page 30157]]
consideration prior to the technical review process.
Part III. Attachments to the Technical Proposal. In addition to the
20-page Technical Proposal, the applicant must submit attachments to
the technical proposal, which include a two-page abstract and a single
letter of commitment for each local area or community where grant-
funded training activities will occur that describes the roles and
responsibilities of, and is signed by, each required partner. The
commitment letters and abstract must accompany the application. Please
note that applicants should not send letters of commitment separately
to ETA because letters are tracked through a different system and will
not be attached to the application for review. No support letters are
permitted. National labor-management organization applicants must
provide documentation clearly demonstrating participation of employers
and labor organizations in the joint administration and governance of
training programs to be funded through this SGA. The applicant must
also provide an Abstract, not to exceed two pages, summarizing the
proposed project including applicant name, project title, a description
of the area to be served, including whether this is an urban, suburban,
or rural area, the funding level requested, and the category of
applicant: National labor-management organization or Statewide or local
nonprofit entity. The abstract must also indicate whether one or more
of the counties served by the proposed project appear on the attached
list of counties impacted by automotive-related restructuring, which is
included as Attachment I of this SGA. The applicant should indicate the
total amount of grant funds that will be used for activities in those
impacted counties.
These additional materials, (commitment letters and abstract) do
not count against the 20-page limit for the Technical Proposal, but may
not exceed 15 pages. Any additional materials (commitment letters and
two-page abstract) beyond the 15-page limit will not be read.
Applications may be submitted electronically on Grants.gov or in
hardcopy via mail or hand delivery. These processes are described in
further detail in Section IV.C. Applicants submitting proposals in
hardcopy must submit an original signed application (including the SF
424) and one (1) ``copy-ready'' version free of bindings, staples or
protruding tabs to ease in the reproduction of the proposal by DOL.
Applicants submitting proposals in hardcopy are also required to
provide an identical electronic copy of the proposal on compact disc
(CD).
C. Submission Process, Date, Times, and Addresses: The closing date
for receipt of applications under this announcement is September 4,
2009. Applications must be received at the address below no later than
4 p.m. (Eastern Time). Applications sent by e-mail, telegram, or
facsimile (FAX) will not be accepted.
Applications that do not meet the conditions set forth in this
notice will not be honored. No exceptions to the mailing and delivery
requirements set forth in this notice will be granted.
Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal
Assistance, Attention: Donna Kelly, Grant Officer, Reference SGA/DFA,
PY 08-18, 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 professional
overnight delivery service will be considered to be hand-delivered and
must be received at the designated place by the specified closing date
and time.
Applicants may apply online through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov), however, due to the expected increase in system
activity resulting from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009, applicants are encouraged to use an alternate method to submit
grant applications during this heightened period of demand. While not
mandatory, DOL encourages the submission of applications thru
professional overnight delivery service.
Applications that are submitted through Grants.gov must be
successfully submitted at http://www.grants.gov no later than 4 p.m.
(Eastern Time) on September 4, 2009, and then subsequently validated by
Grants.gov. The submission and validation process is described in more
detail below. The process can be complicated and time-consuming.
Applicants are strongly advised to initiate the process as soon as
possible and to plan for time to resolve technical problems if
necessary.
It is strongly recommended that before the applicant begins to
write the proposal, applicants should immediately initiate and complete
the ``Get Registered'' registration steps at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp. These steps may take multiple days or
weeks to complete, and this time should be factored into plans for
electronic submission in order to avoid unexpected delays that could
result in the rejection of an application. It is strongly recommended
that applicants use the ``Organization Registration Checklist'' at
http://www.grants.gov/assets/Organization_Steps_Complete_Registration.pdf to ensure the registration process is complete.
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. The first e-mail, almost
immediate, will confirm receipt of the application by Grants.gov. The
second e-mail will indicate the application has either been
successfully validated or has been rejected due to errors. Only
applications that have been successfully submitted and successfully
validated will be considered. It is the sole responsibility of the
applicant to ensure a timely submission, therefore sufficient time
should be allotted for submission (two business days), and if
applicable, subsequent time to address errors and receive validation
upon resubmission (an additional two business days for each ensuing
submission). 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.
To ensure consideration, the components of the application must be
saved as either .doc, .xls or .pdf files. If submitted in any other
format, the applicant bears the risk that compatibility or other issues
will prevent our ability to consider the application. ETA will attempt
to open the document but will not take any additional measures in the
event of issues with opening. In such cases, the non-conforming
application will not be considered for funding.
Applicants are strongly advised to use the plethora of tools and
documents, including FAQs, that are available on the ``Applicant
Resources'' page at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/app_help_reso.jsp#faqs. To receive updated information about critical issues,
new tips for users and other time sensitive updates as information is
available, applicants may subscribe to ``Grants.gov Updates'' at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/e-mail_subscription_signup.jsp.
If applicants encounter a problem with Grants.gov and do not find
an answer in any of the other resources, call 1-800-518-4726 to speak
to a Customer Support Representative or e-mail ``[email protected]''.
Late Applications: For applications submitted on Grants.gov, only
[[Page 30158]]
applications that have been successfully submitted no later 4 p.m.
(Eastern Time) on the closing date and successfully validated will be
considered.
Any application received after the exact date and time specified
for receipt at the office designated in this notice will not be
considered, unless it is received before awards are made, it was
properly addressed, and it was: (a) Sent by U.S. Postal Service mail,
postmarked not later than the fifth calendar day before the date
specified for receipt of applications (e.g., an application required to
be received by the 20th of the month must be postmarked by the 15th of
that month); or (b) sent by professional overnight delivery service to
the addressee not later than one working day prior to the date
specified for receipt of applications. Applicants take a significant
risk by waiting to the last day to submit by grants.gov. ``Postmarked''
means a printed, stamped or otherwise placed impression (exclusive of a
postage meter machine impression) that is readily identifiable, without
further action, as having been supplied or affixed on the date of
mailing by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. Therefore,
applicants should request the postal clerk to place a legible hand
cancellation ``bull's eye'' postmark on both the receipt and the
package. Failure to adhere to the above instructions will be a basis
for a determination of non-responsiveness. Evidence of timely
submission by a professional overnight delivery service must be
demonstrated by equally reliable evidence created by the delivery
service provider indicating the time and place of receipt.
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 use 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 this SGA, 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. Use of Funds for Supportive Services: Supportive services for
adults and workers impacted by national energy and environmental policy
are defined at WIA sections 101(46) and 134(e)(2) and (3). They include
services such as transportation, child care, dependent care, housing,
and needs-related payments that are necessary to enable an individual
to participate in training activities funded through this grant.
Grantees may only use grant funds to provide these services to
individuals who are participating in training services provided through
the grant, that are unable to obtain services through other programs
providing such services, and when such services are necessary to enable
individuals to participate in these training activities. Grantees
should ensure that their use of grant funds on supportive services is
consistent with their established written policy regarding the
provision of supportive services. Grantees may use no more than 5
percent of their grant funds on these services.
Applicants should be aware that certain WIA formula funds provided
through the Recovery Act can be used for supportive services and
successful applicants should seek to serve eligible participants
through these sources.
4. Salary and Bonus Limitations: Under Public Law 109-234 and
Public Law 111-8, Section 111, none of the funds appropriated in Public
Law 111-5 or prior Acts under the heading ``Employment and Training''
that are available for expenditure on or after June 15, 2006, shall be
used by a recipient or sub-recipient of such funds to pay the salary
and bonuses of an individual, either as direct costs or indirect costs,
at a rate in excess of Executive Level II. These limitations also apply
to grants funded under this SGA. The salary and bonus limitation does
not apply to vendors providing goods and services as defined in OMB
Circular A-133. See Training and Employment Guidance Letter number 5-06
for further clarification: http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2262.
5. 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.
If applicable, the following needs to be on all products developed
in whole or in part with grant funds:
``This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S.
Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The
solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect
the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department
of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind,
express or implied, with respect to such information, including any
information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy
of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness,
adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is
copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an
organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial
purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization
of the copyright owner.''
F. Use of funds for wage subsidies: Grant funds awarded through
this SGA shall not be used to subsidize the wages of program
participants.
[[Page 30159]]
G. Other Submission Requirements: Withdrawal of Applications.
Applications may be withdrawn by written notice at any time before an
award is made.
V. Application Review Information
A. Evaluation Criteria: This section identifies and describes the
criteria that will be used to evaluate the grant proposals. These
criteria and point values are:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criterion Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Need.......................................... 15
Project Management and Organizational Capacity............. 15
Strategy and Project Work Plan............................. 50
Outcomes and Deliverables.................................. 15
Suitability for Evaluation................................. 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Statement of Need (15 points): Applicants must fully demonstrate
a clear and specific need for the Federal investment in the proposed
activities. Given the rapidly changing economic conditions, applicants
should use the most current and relevant sources of data available.
Applicants must submit data and provide evidence for proposed
projects in the local areas or communities where participants will be
trained and employed. If applicable, Projects proposed to serve
communities or train workers in the communities included on Attachment
I that are undergoing auto industry related restructurings must make
note of this in this section. Points for this section will be awarded
based on a comprehensive demonstration of each of the following
factors:
i. The applicant provides a complete description of the specific
industries as defined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Part B. of this
SGA, and occupations within those industries on which their proposed
training program will focus, including:
The specific energy efficiency and/or renewable energy
industry or industries;
The specific occupation in that industry or industries for
which participants will be trained, including the work performed and
its major tasks; and
The specific knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required
by the occupation.
ii. The applicant presents a strong need for Federal funding of the
proposed project by citing specific data sources and describing the
analysis that has been conducted to clearly demonstrate the need for
workforce training and the projected employment opportunities in the
specific local areas or where grant-funded activities will take place,
including:
Current and projected employment in the targeted
industries and occupations in the local area where grant-funded
activities will actually be trained and placed; Identification of
specific employers targeted to employ participants trained through
grant-funded activities; and the current and projected hiring needs of
these specific employers.
Identification of the target population to be trained and
placed in employment through grant-funded activities; in general, the
educational attainment and skills possessed by the targeted
populations; specific education, training and any other skill
requirements of the occupations that will be targeted through this SGA,
and an estimate of the skills gap between the two.
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, labor
organizations, or direct information from the local employers or
industry; information on the local and regional economy from economic
development agencies; and other transactional data, such as job
vacancies. As discussed at the beginning of this section, applications
must include strong supporting evidence and data that are current,
relevant, and specific to the local areas or communities where grant-
funded training and placement activities will be conducted.
2. Project Management and Organizational Capacity (15 points):
Applicants must fully describe the capacity of the applicant, its
required partners and, if applicable, its local affiliates, coalition
members, or other established partners, to effectively staff the
proposed initiative. The application must also fully describe the
applicant's fiscal, administrative, and performance management capacity
to implement the key components of this project, and the track record
of the applicant, its required partners, and, if applicable, its local
affiliates, coalition members, or other established partners, in
implementing projects of similar focus, size, and scope.
Scoring under this criterion will be based on the extent to which
applicants provide evidence of the following:
i. Staff Capacity (5 points): Applicants should provide strong
evidence that the applicant, its required partners, and, if applicable,
its local affiliates, coalition members, or other established partners,
will have the staff capacity to implement the proposed initiative,
including the capacity in each designated community. Discussion should
include:
The proposed staffing pattern for the project, including
program management and administrative staff, and program staff involved
in each local project, which demonstrates that the role(s) and time
commitment of the proposed staff are sufficient to ensure proper
direction, management, implementation, and timely completion of each
project.
ii. Fiscal, Administrative, and Performance Management Capacity (5
points): Strong evidence that the applicant, its required partners,
and, if applicable, its local affiliates, coalition members, or other
established partners, have the fiscal, administrative, and performance
management capacity to effectively administer this grant. Discussion
should include:
A full description of the applicant's capacity, including
its systems, processes, and administrative controls that will enable it
to comply with Federal rules and regulations related to the grant's
fiscal and administrative requirements.
A full description of the applicants capacity, including
its systems and processes that will support the grant's performance
management requirements through effective tracking of performance
outcomes. This should include an explanation of the applicant's
processes to collect and manage data in a way that allows for accurate
and timely reporting of performance outcomes. Applicants may partner
with the public workforce system, as appropriate, to assist with
performance reporting, and should describe access to specific data
management software and/or resources for performance reporting.
iii. Experience of Applicant (5 points): The applicant's
demonstrated experience leading or participating significantly in a
comprehensive partnership, and the demonstrated experience of the
applicant, its required partners, and, if applicable, its local
affiliates, coalition members, or other established partners, in
implementing and operating training, education, and job placement
initiatives of similar focus, size and scope. Discussion should
include:
Specific examples of the applicant leading or
participating significantly in a partnership that included a wide range
of stakeholders, including a description of the programmatic goals of
the project, and a demonstration of the results achieved by that
project.
[[Page 30160]]
Specific examples of the applicant's track record
administering Federal, State, and/or local grants, including the
programmatic goals and results from these projects; and
A description of the experience of the applicant, its
required partners, and, if applicable, its local affiliates, coalition
members, or other established partners, in Federal, State, and/or local
projects providing education, training, and placement services to the
specific populations noted in Section III.E.1. (unemployed individuals,
high school dropouts, individuals with criminal records, and
disadvantaged workers within areas of high poverty), including the
programmatic goals and results of the projects.
3. Strategy and Project Work Plan (50 points): This criterion is
the heart of the proposal, and a successful score in this section will
require the applicant to provide a very clear explanation of what their
proposed strategy is and how they plan to implement it. The applicant
must present a comprehensive work plan for the project, following the
format provided later in this section. Points for this criterion will
be awarded for the following factors:
i. Strategy (35 points): Up to 35 points may be awarded based on
compelling evidence that the applicant has developed an effective
project that fully addresses the needs of the workers and employers in
the industries described in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Part B. of
this SGA. Factors considered in evaluating the proposed strategies will
include: (1) Comprehensiveness of the proposed workforce development
strategies, (2) demonstrated feasibility for aligning partners to
achieve the proposed training and employment outcomes, (3)
demonstration of how the proposed project builds on existing work in
order to expeditiously begin or expand training activities, and (4) a
demonstration of how partnerships and training will be sustained beyond
the life of the grant. In this section, applicants must:
Summarize the proposed strategies and demonstrate how
strategies address the needs and challenges of one or more of the
energy efficiency and renewable energy industries and occupations
discussed in the Statement of Need (10 points).
Fully describe the specific roles of the project partners
at all levels, including services, expertise, and activities that
partners will contribute to successfully train and place workers in
employment. Applicants should provide, for each local area served, a
letter of commitment that describes the roles and responsibilities of,
and is signed by each required partner (10 points).
Fully describe proposed recruitment, training, placement,
and retention strategies (10 points).
Recruitment: The applicant must provide a comprehensive outreach
and recruitment strategy that defines a clear process for finding and
referring workers to the training programs. Projects serving
communities undergoing auto industry related restructurings must
explain specifically how incumbent workers, individuals in need of
updated training related to the energy efficiency and renewable energy
industries, and unemployed auto workers will be referred to training.
Training: DOL encourages applicants to base their training
strategies on program models that have shown promising outcomes for
serving targeted populations. The applicant must provide a full and
detailed explanation of the proposed training activities, including
integration of supportive services, how the training will address
skills and competencies demanded by the selected industries and
occupations, and may lead to an appropriate industry-recognized degree
or certificate (see definition in Section VI.B.2, Award Administration
Information). Applicants must clearly identify the types of training to
be provided (e.g. on-the-job training, customized training, pre-
apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship), and the entities that will
provide training for each specific local area where grant-funded
activities will be conducted. Keeping in mind the requirement that
training activities begin expeditiously, the applicant must fully
explain how the project will replicate, adapt, or use components of
existing curricula, or training models, including registered
apprenticeship standards, that lead to industry-recognized degrees or
certificates. Where industry-recognized degrees or certificates are not
available for the proposed training activities, applicants should
demonstrate how the project will provide participants with evidence of
the skills and experience acquired through the grant-funded activities.
Applicants proposing to develop new training curricula and strategies,
registered apprenticeship standards, or other training models must
fully articulate the need to engage in these activities as opposed to
using or adapting existing curricula, registered apprenticeship
standards, or training strategies or models, and must explain how these
products will be used during the period of performance as part of
training strategies for participants served through grant-funded
activities.
Placement: The applicant must provide a clear strategy for placing
participants into employment. The applicant should fully describe the
approaches for engaging employers, identifying specific job needs, and
referring participants to employers. Wherever possible, the applicant
should identify specific employers that have made commitments to hire
project participants that complete training. Applicants are encouraged
to discuss linkages with regional projects funded by other Federal
agencies through the Recovery Act that will generate employment
opportunities and lead to placement for workers served through grant-
funded activities.
Retention: The applicant must provide a clear retention strategy
for participants that are placed into jobs. This should include
strategies for engaging employers, as well as for identifying the
barriers to employment that participants face after placement and for
providing them with supportive services to address these barriers.
Leveraged Resources (5 points): Applicants should clearly
and fully describe any funds and other resources that will be leveraged
to support grant activities and how these funds and other resources
will be used to contribute to the proposed outcomes for the project,
including any leveraged resources related to the provision of
supportive services for program participants. This includes funds and
other resources leveraged from businesses, labor organizations,
education and training providers, and/or Federal, state, and local
government programs. Applicants will be scored based on the extent to
which they fully demonstrate the amount of leveraged resources
provided, the type(s) of leveraged resources provided, the strength of
commitment to provide these resources, the breadth and depth of the
resources provided, and how well these resources support the proposed
grant activities.
ii. Project Work Plan (15 points). Applicants can earn up to 15
points based on the presentation of a comprehensive project work plan
based on reasonable performance estimates. Factors considered in
evaluating the project work plan will include: (1) The presentation of
a full and coherent plan that demonstrates the applicant's complete
understanding of all the activities, responsibilities, and costs
required to implement each phase of the project and achieve projected
outcomes; (2) the demonstrated feasibility and reasonableness of
accomplishing all necessary implementation activities, including the
ability to begin or expand training expeditiously; and (3) the
[[Page 30161]]
extent to which the budget aligns with the proposed work plan and is
justified with respect to the adequacy and reasonableness of resources
requested. Applicants must present the work plan in a table that
includes the following information:
Project Phases: Lay out the project in four phases:
Startup (including development or modification of curriculum or
apprenticeship standards, if appropriate), Recruitment, Training,
Placement, and Retention.
Activities: Fully identify the major activities required
to implement each phase of the project. For each activity, include the
following information: Start Date; End Date; and Partner Organization
Responsibility. List the project partner(s) that will be primarily
responsible for performing each activity.
Milestones: List the target dates and associated training
outcomes projected for recruitment, training, and placement activities.
Budget Allocations: As accurately as possible, list the
total amounts for each of the four project phases, including the sub-
total budget dollar amount associated with each activity.
4. Outcomes and Deliverables (15 points): Applicants must clearly
demonstrate a results-oriented approach to managing and operating their
project by fully describing the proposed project goals. Applicants may
earn up to 15 points for fully and comprehensively addressing each of
the following areas.
i. Projected Performance Outcomes
Applicants must provide projections and track outcomes for each of
the following outcome categories for all 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 or certificate;
Total number of participants that complete education/
training activities that are placed into unsubsidized employment;
Total number of participants that complete education/
training activities that are placed into training-related unsubsidized
employment; and
Total number of participants placed in unsubsidized
employment who retain an employed status at the first and second
quarters following initial placement.
Please note that applicants will need to be prepared to collect
participant-level data on individuals who receive training and other
services provided through the grant. These data should be the basis for
reporting against the outcomes listed above, and may be required for
reporting on other employment-related outcomes in the future. ETA will
provide appropriate technical assistance to the grantees in collecting
these data, including the development of a participant tracking system
for the grantees. Please note that in some cases, the data requested
below may require appropriate partnerships with state and local
workforce investment system entities.
Applicants will be required to collect participants' social
security numbers as part of individual level data collection. Social
security numbers will be used for the calculation of employment history
and program outcomes. It is anticipated that by collecting social
security numbers of participants, ETA will be able to calculate most
employment outcomes administratively through the use of Unemployment
Insurance wage record information. Applicants must ensure that social
security numbers will be maintained in a secure and confidential
manner.
Applicants should be prepared to collect and report participant-
level data from the following categories:
Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics
Employment history
Services provided
Outcomes achieved
Applicants should describe their capacity to collect both
participant level data and aggregate outcomes.
ii. Degrees or Certificates: Project activities leading to a degree
or certificate must clearly identify the degree or certificate that
participants will earn as a result of the proposed training, and the
employer-, industry- or State-defined standards associated with the
degree or certificate. If the degree or certificate targeted by the
training project is performance-based, applicants should either (a)
demonstrate employer engagement in the curriculum development process;
or (b) demonstrate that the degree or certificate will translate into
concrete job opportunities with an employer.
iii. Appropriateness and Feasibility. The appropriateness and
feasibility of project outcomes will be assessed based on three
factors: (1) The extent to which the expected project outcomes are
clearly identified and measurable, realistic and consistent with the
objectives of the project; (2) the ability and likelihood of the
applicant to achieve the Stated outcomes and report results within the
timeframe of the grant; and (3) the appropriateness of the outcomes
with respect to the requested level of funding.
iv. Deliverables. If applicable, applicants must provide a
comprehensive list of expected deliverables consistent with the project
work plan that includes a brief description of the deliverable (such as
new or updated curriculum or apprenticeship standards), the anticipated
completion date, and an estimated timeframe and method for electronic
delivery to ETA. Electronic delivery may include e-mail for smaller
documents, DVDs or other electronic media for transmission of larger
files.
5. Suitability for Evaluation (5 points).
Under this Solicitation, the Department of Labor seeks to support
programs that will provide training that improves participants'
employment outcomes. The Department is committed to evaluating program
results to assess whether programs meet this goal and which models are
most effective, providing a basis for future program improvements and
funding decisions. The Department intends to select some portion of
grantees to participate in a rigorous evaluation. This section asks for
evidence that applicants will be able to participate productively in an
evaluation. To receive points under this section, applicants must
describe their plans for meeting the following criteria. Specifically,
the project must:
Explain a recruitment plan that could yield a large number
of qualified applicants for the program, and potentially more
applicants than the number of positions available;
Be able to collect participant-level information on
individuals who apply to participate in the program;
Have project retention strategies to minimize client
attrition and help researchers track those who leave the program before
completion;
Work collaboratively with an outside evaluator selected by
the Department of Labor;
Be willing to work with academics who are independent
researchers qualified to conduct rigorous research; and,
Provide additional information about why funding this
proposal will enhance knowledge about effective programs in a way that
has the potential to benefit individuals and communities not directly
served by the program.
B. Review and Selection Process
Applications for grants under this solicitation will be accepted
after the publication of this announcement until the closing date. A
technical review panel will make careful evaluation of applications
against the criteria. These
[[Page 30162]]
criteria are based on the policy goals, priorities, and emphases set
forth in this SGA. Up to 100 points may be awarded to an application,
based on the required information described in Section V.A. The ranked
scores will serve as the primary basis for selection of applications
for funding, in conjunction with other factors such as geographic
balance (including urban and rural balance); balance across the energy
efficiency and renewable energy industries; representation across the
two applicant pools; representation among communities impacted by
automotive industry restructuring; and 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.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices: All award notifications will be posted on the ETA
Homepage (http://www.doleta.gov). Applicants selected for award will be
contacted directly before the grant's execution and non-selected
applicants will be notified by mail.
Selection of an organization as a grantee does not constitute
approval of the grant application as submitted. Before the actual grant
is awarded, DOL/ETA may enter into negotiations about such items as
program components, staffing and funding levels, and administrative
systems in place to support grant implementation. If the negotiations
do not result in a mutually acceptable submission, the Grant Officer
reserves the right to terminate the negotiation and decline to fund the
application.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. Administrative Program Requirements: All grantees will be
subject to all applicable Federal laws, regulations, and the applicable
OMB Circulars. The grant(s) awarded under this SGA will be subject to
the following administrative standards and provisions:
i. Non-Profit Organizations--OMB Circulars A-122 (Cost Principles)
and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
ii. Educational Institutions--OMB Circulars A-21 (Cost Principles)
and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
iii. State and Local Governments--OMB Circulars A-87 (Cost
Principles) and 29 CFR part 97 (Administrative Requirements).
iv. Profit Making Commercial Firms--Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR)--48 CFR part 31 (Cost Principles), and 29 CFR part 95
(Administrative Requirements).
v. All entities must comply with 29 CFR parts 93 and 98, and, where
applicable, 29 CFR parts 96 and 99.
vi. 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.
vii. 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.
viii. 29 CFR part 32--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in
Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from Federal Financial
Assistance.
ix. 29 CFR part 33--Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis
of Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of
Labor.
x. 29 CFR part 35-- Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in
Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the
Department of Labor.
xi. 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:
i. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law
111-5, 123 Stat. 115, Division A, Title VIII (February 17, 2009).
ii. The Green Jobs Act of 2007, Public Law 110-140, 121 Stat. 1748
(codified at 29 U.S.C. 2916).
iii. The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Public Law 105-220, 112
Stat. 939 (codified as amended at 29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) and 20 CFR
part 667 (General Fiscal and Administrative Rules).
iv. 29 CFR part 29 & 30--Apprenticeship Equal Employment
Opportunity in Apprenticeship and Training; and
v. 29 CFR part 37--Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and
Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
The Department notes that the Religious Freedom
Restoration Act (RFRA), 42 U.S.C. 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 information on how
to request such an exemption.
vi. Ensuring the Health and Safety of Participants Under WIA
Section 181(a)(4)--Health and safety standards established under
Federal and State law otherwise applicable to working conditions of
employees are equally applicable to working conditions of participants
engaged in training and other activities. Applicants that are awarded
grants through this SGA are reminded that these health and safety
standards apply to participants in these grants.
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. Except as specifically provided in this SGA, DOL/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, the OMB Circulars require that an entity's
procurement procedures must ensure that all procurement transactions
are conducted, as much as practical, to provide open and free
competition. If a proposal identifies a specific entity to provide
services, the DOL/ETA's award does not provide the justification or
basis to sole source the procurement, i.e., avoid competition, unless
the activity is regarded as the primary work of an official partner to
the application.
2. Special Program Requirements.
i. Evaluation: To measure the impact of grants funded under the
SGA, ETA intends to fund one or more independent evaluations, which
could include a random-assignment impact evaluation. By accepting
funding, grantees must agree to participate in such an evaluation,
should their site(s) be selected to participate. Grantees must agree to
make records on participants, employers, and funding available and to
provide access to program personnel
[[Page 30163]]
and participants, as specified by the evaluator(s) under the direction
of ETA, including after the expiration date of the grant.
ii. Sustainability: Grantees must allow adequate time during the
period of performance to conduct sustainability planning that involves
the public workforce system and other key partners, where appropriate,
to help ensure that their strategic partnership(s) and core training,
placement, and retention activities, or labor market information and
exchange activities, are sustained after the grant ends. Grantees will
be required to submit a written sustainability plan to ETA prior to the
end of the grant. Grantees are reminded that the expenditure of any
grant funds on activities related to sustainability and sustainability
planning must be consistent with the grantees' statement of work, and
in accordance with all relevant rules and regulations that apply to
their grants. When expending grant funds on activities related to
sustainability and sustainability planning, grantees are reminded that
they must adhere to Federal rules and regulations on outreach,
fundraising, lobbying, and all other relevant and applicable rules and
regulations.
iii. Definition of Certificate:--A certificate is awarded in
recognition of an individual's attainment of measurable technical or
occupational skills necessary to gain employment or advance within an
occupation. These technical or occupational skills are based on
standards developed or endorsed by employers. Certificates awarded by
workforce investment boards are not included in this definition. Work
readiness certificates are also not included in this definition. A
certificate is awarded in recognition of an individual's attainment of
technical or occupational skills by:
A State educational agency or a State agency responsible
for administering vocational and technical education within a State.
An institution of higher education described in Section
102 of the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1002) that is qualified to
participate in the student financial assistance programs authorized by
Title IV of that Act. This includes community colleges, proprietary
schools, and all other institutions of higher education that are
eligible to participate in Federal student financial aid programs.
A professional, industry, or employer organization (e.g.,
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification,
National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc., Machining Level I
credential) or a product manufacturer or developer (e.g., Microsoft
Certified Database Administrator, Certified Novell Engineer, Sun
Certified Java Programmer) using a valid and reliable assessment of an
individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities.
A registered apprenticeship program.
A public regulatory agency, upon an individual's
fulfillment of educational, work experience, or skill requirements that
are legally necessary for an individual to use an occupational or
professional title or to practice an occupation or profession (e.g.,
FAA aviation mechanic certification, State certified asbestos
inspector).
A program that has been approved by the Department of
Veterans Affairs to offer education benefits to veterans and other
eligible persons.
Job Corps centers that issue certificates.
Institutions of higher education which are formally
controlled, or have been formally sanctioned, or chartered, by the
governing body of an Indian tribe or tribes.
iv. Definitions of Populations and Other Key Terms: Organizations
submitting an application in response to this SGA should use the
following definitions for any of the following populations and/or other
key terms that are specifically identified in this SGA.
High school drop-outs: For the purposes of this SGA, ETA
defines ``high school drop-out'' as an individual who is no longer
attending any secondary school and who has not received a secondary
school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
Individuals in need of updated training related to the
energy efficiency and renewable energy industries: For the purposes of
this SGA, this term refers to individuals who are currently employed;
or were terminated or laid-off or have received a notice of termination
or lay-off from employment; or were self-employed but are now
unemployed; and can benefit from training that will help them enter or
advance in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries
identified in WIA section 171(e)(1)(B)(ii), and/or will enable them to
acquire or enhance skills needed to enter occupations within one or
more of the ``growth, enhanced, and emerging'' green industries
referenced in Supplementary Information: Part B of this SGA.
Individuals, including at-risk youth, seeking employment
pathways out of poverty and into economic self-sufficiency: For the
purposes of this SGA, ETA defines this term as individuals who reside
in high poverty areas (which are areas where the poverty rate is 15% or
greater), have no or low incomes, and who can benefit from skill
training that will help them enter or advance in the energy efficiency
and renewable energy industries identified in WIA section
171(e)(1)(B)(ii), and/or will enable them to acquire or enhance skills
needed to enter occupations within one or more of the ``growth,
enhanced, and emerging'' green industries referenced in Supplementary
Information: Part B of this SGA.
Individuals with a criminal record: For the purposes of
this SGA, ETA defines this term as an individual who is or has been
subject to any stage of the juvenile or criminal justice process, for
whom services under this Act may be beneficial; or who requires
assistance in overcoming artificial barriers to employment resulting
from a record of arrest or conviction. ETA includes individuals with a
juvenile or criminal record in the definition for this term.
Unemployed individuals: For the purposes of this SGA, ETA
defines ``unemployed individual'' as an individual who is without a job
and who wants and is available to work.
Veterans: For the purposes of this solicitation, ETA
follows the WIA definition of veteran under 29 U.S.C. 2801(49)(A),
which defines the term ``veteran'' as ``an individual who served in the
active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or
released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable.''
Active military service includes full-time duty (other than full-time
duty for training purposes) in Reserve components ordered to active
duty, or in National Guard units called to Federal Service by the
President.
Workers impacted by national energy and environmental
policy: For the purposes of this SGA, ETA defines this term as
individuals who: (1) Are currently employed in an occupation in the
utilities; transportation and warehousing; manufacturing; construction;
mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; or other sectors that
have been adversely affected by national energy and environmental
policies; and have received a notice of termination or lay-off from
employment; or (2) were employed in an occupation in the utilities;
transportation and warehousing; manufacturing; construction; mining,
quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; or other sectors that have been
adversely affected by national energy and environmental policies; and
are now unemployed.
National labor-management organization: A national labor-
[[Page 30164]]
management organization is a nonprofit entity, such as a training fund,
training trust fund, or an education trust fund, with joint
participation of employers and labor organizations on its executive
board or comparable governing body. This entity must have a formalized
agreement between the employer(s) and labor organization(s) to operate
a joint labor management training program(s) in multiple sites across
the country through the state, local, or regional networks affiliated
with the nonprofit entity.
U.S. territories: For the purposes of this SGA, the term
``U.S. territories'' includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well
as the following outlying areas: the United States Virgin Islands,
Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,
the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of
Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
3. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111-5)
Provisions.
Prospective applicants are advised that, if they receive an award,
they must comply with all requirements of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 [Pub. L. 111-5]. Applicants are advised to
review the Act and implementing OMB guidance in the development of
their proposals. Requirements include, but are not limited to:
i. Adherence to all grant clauses and conditions as they relate to
Recovery Act activity.
ii. Prohibition on expenditure of funds for activities at any
casino or other gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course or
swimming pool.
iii. Compliance with the requirements to obtain a D-U-N-S[supreg]
number and register with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). ETA
will issue additional guidance related to this requirement shortly.
iv. Submission of required reports in accordance with Section 1512
of the Recovery Act. These reports will be due quarterly within 10 days
of the end of the reporting period and are in addition to the ETA
required reports addressed in Section VI.C of this SGA. ETA will issue
additional guidance related to these reports and their submission
requirements shortly.
Implementing OMB guidance may be found at http://www.recovery.gov.
C. Reporting: Quarterly financial reports, quarterly progress
reports, and MIS data will be submitted by the grantee electronically.
The grantee is required to provide the reports and documents listed
below:
Quarterly Financial Reports. A Quarterly Financial Status
Report (ETA 9130) is required until such time as all funds have been
expended or the grant period has expired. Quarterly reports are due 45
days after the end of each calendar year quarter. Grantees must use
DOL's On-Line Electronic Reporting System and information and
instructions will be provided to grantees.
Quarterly Performance Reports. The grantee must submit a
quarterly progress report within 45 days after the end of each calendar
year quarter. In order to submit these quarterly reports, grantees will
be expected to track participant-level data regarding the individuals
that are involved in training and other services provided through the
grant and report on participant status in a variety of fields and
outcome categories, as well as provide narrative information on the
status of the grant. The last quarterly progress report that grantees
submit will serve as the grant's Final Performance Report. This report
should provide both quarterly and cumulative information on the grant's
activities. It must summarize project activities, employment outcomes
and other deliverables, and related results of the project, and should
thoroughly document the training or labor market information approaches
used by the grantee. DOL will provide grantees with formal guidance
regarding data and other information that is required to be collected
and reported on either a regular basis or special request basis.
Grantees must agree to meet DOL reporting requirements.
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.
VII. Agency Contacts
For further information regarding this SGA, please contact Janice
Sheelor, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance,
at (202)-693-3538 (This is not a toll-free number). Applicants should
e-mail all technical questions to [email protected] and must
specifically reference SGA/DFA PY 08-18, and along with question(s),
include a contact name, fax and phone number. This announcement is
being made available on the ETA Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/grants and at http://www.grants.gov.
VIII. Additional Resources of Interest to Applicants
A. Other Web-Based Resources
DOL maintains a number of Web-based resources that may be of
assistance to applicants. America's Service Locator (http://www.servicelocator.org) provides a directory of our nation's One Stop
Career Centers.
B. Industry Competency Models
ETA supports an Industry Competency Model Initiative to promote an
understanding of the skill sets and competencies that are essential to
an educated and skilled workforce. A competency model is a collection
of competencies that taken together define successful performance in a
particular work setting. Competency models serve as a starting point
for the design and implementation of workforce and talent development
programs. To learn about the industry-validated models visit the
Competency Model Clearinghouse (CMC) at http://www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel/. The CMC site also provides tools to build or
customize industry models, as well as tools to build career ladders
and/or lattices leading to career pathways.
C. Federal Collaboration
DOL encourages other Federal partners to recommend or require,
where appropriate, that organizations receiving Recovery Act funding
list jobs created with their State public labor exchange. The
Department is developing specific strategies to link job listings,
training opportunities and placement among programs funded by the
Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Energy, and Education.
Where the grantee is not the public workforce system, they are strongly
encouraged to work with local One Stop Career Centers to make these
connections.
D. Links to Federal Recovery Sites
For specific information on a range of Federal agency Recovery Act
activities and funding opportunities, please access the following Web
sites:
Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/index.html
Department of Energy: http://www.doe.gov/recovery
Department of Housing and Urban Development: http://www.hud.gov/recovery
Department of Transportation: http://www.dot.gov/recovery/
Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/recovery
[[Page 30165]]
E. Promising Training Approaches
ETA encourages applicants to research promising training approaches
in order to inform their proposals. The following list of Web sites
provides a starting place for this research, but by no means should be
considered a complete list:
ETA's home site (http://www.doleta.gov) and the ETA
Research Publication Database (wdr.doleta.gov/research/keyword.cfm).
ETA's knowledge sharing site (http://www.workforce3one.org), including the ``workforce solutions'' section
that contains over 6,000 additional resources applicants may find
valuable in developing workforce strategies and solutions.
The National Governors Association Center for Best
Practices (http://www.nga.org).
The National Association of State Workforce Agencies
(http://www.workforceatm.org).
The National Association of Workforce Boards (http://www.nawb.org).
IX. 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 OMB
Desk Officer for ETA, Department of Labor, in the Office of Management
and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503. Please do not return the
completed application to the OMB. Send it to the sponsoring agency as
specified in this solicitation.
This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a
grant. The information collected through this SGA will be used by DOL
to ensure that grants are awarded to the applicant best suited to
perform the functions of the grant. Submission of this information is
required in order for the applicant to be considered for award of this
grant. Unless otherwise specifically noted in this announcement,
information submitted in the respondent's application is not considered
to be confidential.
Signed at Washington, DC, this 19th day of June, 2009.
Donna Kelly,
Grant Officer, Employment and Training Administration.
[FR Doc. E9-14924 Filed 6-23-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-FN-P