[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 82 (Monday, April 29, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21018-21059]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-10496]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and
Training
Veterans' Workforce Investment Program
AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and
Training, Labor.
ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and Solicitation for Grant
Applications (SGA) for Veterans' Workforce Investment Program (VWIP),
Section 168, Program Year 2002 SGA (02-08).
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SUMMARY: All applicants for grant funds should read this notice in its
entirety. The U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans' Employment and
Training Service (VETS), announces a grant competition for Veterans'
Workforce Investment Program (VWIP), Section 168, Program Year 2002
competitive grants. These grants will assist eligible veterans who:
have service-connected disabilities; served on active duty in the armed
forces during a war, campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge
was authorized; are recently separated veterans; and veterans with
significant barriers to employment, by providing training, employment
and supportive service assistance in areas of high demand occupations.
Under this solicitation, VETS anticipates that up to $6,500,000
will be available for grant awards in Program Year (PY) 2002 and
expects to award up to sixteen grants. Only one application will be
accepted from each State's Governor. The VWIP programs are designed to
be flexible in addressing the universal as well as local or regional
problems barring veterans from the workforce. The program in PY 2002
will continue to strengthen the provision of comprehensive services
through a case management approach, the attainment of supportive
service resources for veterans entering the labor force, and strategies
for employment and retention.
This notice describes the background, application process,
description of program activities, evaluation criteria, and reporting
requirements for this SGA. The information and forms contained in the
Supplementary Information Section constitute the official application
package. All necessary information and forms needed to apply for grant
funding are included.
Forms or Amendments: If another copy of a Standard form is needed,
go online to http://www.nara.gov.
To receive amendments to this Solicitation (Please reference SGA
02-08), all applicants must register their
[[Page 21019]]
name and address with the Grant Officer at the following address: U. S.
Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Room N-5416, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210.
Closing Date: Applications are to be submitted, including those
hand delivered, to the address below by no later than 4:45 p.m.,
Eastern Standard Time, May 29, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Applications must be directed to the U.S. Department of
Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra Willis,
Reference SGA 02-08, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20210.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: All applicants are advised that U.S.
mail delivery in the Washington, DC area has been erratic due to the
recent concerns involving anthrax contamination. All applicants must
take this into consideration when preparing to meet the application
deadline. It is recommended that you confirm receipt of your
application by contacting Cassandra Willis, U.S. Department of Labor,
Procurement Services Center, telephone (202) 693-4570, prior to the
closing deadline. [This is not a toll-free number]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Veterans' Workforce Investment Program, Program Year 2002--
Veterans' Program Competitive Grants Solicitation
I. Purpose
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) VETS is requesting grant
applications that will provide employment and training services for
veterans who meet the eligibility criteria set forth in the VWIP,
Section 168 of the Workforce Investment Act, Pub.L. 105-220 (WIA).
These instructions contain general program information, requirements,
and forms to apply for funds to operate a veterans' employment and
training program in areas of high demand occupations. Accordingly, the
Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training (ASVET) is
making up to $6,500,000 of the funds available to award grants for
unique and innovative employment and training programs.
Programs should maximize the eligible veterans' military skills,
training, and experience by effectively exploring the transitional or
transferable occupational opportunities of the geographical area in
which the grant would be awarded.
II. Background
Section 168 of the Veterans' Workforce Investment Program provides
that the Secretary will conduct, directly or through grants or
contracts, such employment and training programs as the Secretary deems
appropriate to assist veterans who have service-connected disabilities,
veterans who served on active duty in the armed forces during a war or
in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been
authorized, recently separated veterans, and those veterans with
significant barriers to employment, to obtain gainful employment.
III. Application Process
A. Eligible Applicants
Applications for funds will be accepted from State and local
workforce investment boards, local public agencies, and private
nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community
organizations, which have familiarity with the area and populations to
be served and can administer an effective program. Eligible applicants
will fall into one of the following categories:
1. State and Local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs), as defined
in Sections 111 and 117 of the Workforce Investment Act, are eligible
applicants.
2. Local public agencies, meaning any public agency of a general
purpose political subdivision of a State that has the power to levy
taxes and spend funds, as well as general corporate and police powers.
(This typically refers to cities and counties). A State agency may
propose in its application to serve one or more of the potential
jurisdictions located in its State. This does not preclude a city or
county agency from submitting an application to serve its own
jurisdiction.
Applicants are encouraged to utilize, through sub-grants,
experienced public agencies, private nonprofit, private businesses and
faith-based and community organizations that have an understanding of
unemployment and the barriers to employment unique to veterans, a
familiarity with the area to be served, and the capability to
effectively provide the necessary services.
3. Also eligible to apply are private nonprofit organizations that
have operated an employment and training program for eligible veterans
and have proven a capacity to manage grants and have or will provide
the necessary linkages with other service providers. Entities described
in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Codes that engage in
lobbying activities are not eligible to receive funds under this
announcement as Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995,
Public Law No. 104-65, 109 Stat. 691, prohibits the award of Federal
funds to these entities.
B. Funding Levels
The total funds anticipated for this solicitation is $6,500,000. It
is anticipated that up to sixteen awards will be made under this
solicitation. Individual Awards will not exceed $850,000. The Federal
Government reserves the right to negotiate the amounts to be awarded
under this competition. Applicant requests exceeding the $850,000 will
be considered non-responsive.
C. Period of Performance
The VWIP funds for this competition are for a maximum period of one
year with a second year funding option. The period of performance will
be for twelve months from the date of the award. VETS expects that
successful applicants will commence program operations under this
solicitation on July 1, 2002. Program Funds must be expended by June
30, 2003, not including the 6-month follow up period referred to in the
budget narrative.
1. First-Year Funding
The anticipated period of program performance is for one year
beginning July 1, 2002 and ending June 30, 2003. (All program
performance and budget forms should reflect this period to cover four
(4) program year quarters). No applicant shall begin its proposed
program operations before the grant award. Due to the competitive
nature of the VWIP, the grantee will be held to the performance and
funding goals in the grant award. However, cost extensions or duration
modifications will be allowed during the first year, if the grantee
does not receive second year funding, at USDOL's VETS sole discretion.
Furthermore, modifications will be allowed that increase goals.
2. Second-Year Funding
Subject to the availability of sufficient funds for PY 2003,
funding beyond PY 2002 may be available and may be requested through a
grant modification request, provided the applicant:
a. Submitted all program and fiscal reports by the established due
date and that they may be verified for accuracy.
b. Complied with all applicable terms.
c. Achieved by the end of the third quarter, at least 75% of the
first year total goals for Federal expenditures, enrollments and core
training (all training added together), or 85% of total
[[Page 21020]]
goals for the year if planned activity is NOT evenly distributed in
each quarter.
All instructions for modifications and announcement of funding
availability will be issued at a later date.
D. Requirements of Submission
A cover letter, an original proposal, and two (2) copies of the
proposal must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement
Services Center, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington,
DC 20210. To aid with the review of applications, USDOL also encourages
Applicants to submit one additional paper copy of the application (four
total). Applicants who do not provide additional copies will not be
penalized. The proposal must consist of two (2) separate and distinct
parts: (1) one completed, blue ink-signed original SF 424 grant
application with two (2) copies of the Technical Proposal; and two (2)
copies of the Cost Proposal.
E. Acceptable Methods of Submission
The grant application package must be received at the designated
place by the date and time specified or it will not be considered. Any
application received at the Office of Procurement Services after 4:45
p.m. EST, May 29, 2002 will not be considered unless it is received
before the award is made and:
1. It was sent by registered or certified mail no later than the
fifth calendar day before May 29, 2002;
2. It was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day
Service-Post Office to Addressee, not later than 5:00 P.M. at the place
of mailing two (2) working days, excluding weekends and Federal
holidays, prior to May 29, 2002; and
3. It is determined by the Government that the late receipt was due
solely to mishandling by the Government after receipt at the U.S.
Department of Labor at the address indicated; or
The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a
late application sent by registered or certified mail is the U.S.
Postal Service postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on the original
receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. If the postmark is not legible,
an application received after the above closing time and date will be
processed as if mailed late. ``Postmark'' means a printed, stamped, or
otherwise placed impression (not a postage meter machine impression)
that is readily identifiable without further action as having been
applied and affixed by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service on the
date of mailing. Therefore, applicants should request that the postal
clerk place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's-eye'' postmark on both
the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.
The only acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at
the U.S. Department of Labor is the date/time stamp of the Procurement
Services Center on the application wrapper or other documentary
evidence or receipt maintained by that office. Applications sent by
other delivery services, such as Federal Express, UPS, etc., will also
be accepted; however, the applicant bears the responsibility of timely
submission. All applicants are advised that U.S. mail delivery in the
Washington, DC area has been erratic due to the recent concerns
involving anthrax contamination. All applicants must take this into
consideration when preparing to meet the application deadline, as you
assume the risk for ensuring a timely submission; that is, if, because
of these mail problems, the Department does not receive an application
or receives it too late to give it proper consideration, even if it was
timely mailed, the Department is not required to consider the
application.
F. Proposal Content
The proposal will consist of two (2) separate and distinct parts, a
Technical Proposal and a Cost Proposal:
Part 1--The Technical Proposal will consist of a narrative proposal
that demonstrates the applicant's knowledge of the need for this
particular grant program; an understanding of the services and
activities proposed to obtain successful outcomes for the veterans
served; and the capability to accomplish the expected outcomes of the
proposed project design. The technical proposal will consist of a
narrative not to exceed fifteen (15) pages double-spaced--font size no
less than 11pt., and typewritten on one side of the paper only. [The
applicant must complete the forms, i.e., Quarterly Technical
Performance Goals chart provided in the SGA.]
1. The proposal should include an outreach component. It is
recommended that the applicants coordinate these activities through
veteran service providers and community-based faith-based organizations
who have experience working and serving the veteran population. This
requirement can be modified to allow the project to utilize veterans in
other positions where there is direct client contact if extensive
outreach such as intake, counseling, peer coaching, and follow up is
not needed. This requirement applies to projects funded under this
solicitation.
2. Projects will be required to show linkages with other programs
and services which provide support to eligible veterans. Coordination
with the Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists and
Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) in the jurisdiction
is strongly encouraged.
3. Projects will be ``employment focused''. The services provided
will be directed toward increasing the employability of veterans
through training or arranging for the provision of services which will
enable them to work; and (b) matching veterans with potential
employers.
G. Required Features
There are five program activities that all applications must
contain in order to be found technically acceptable under this SGA.
These activities are:
--Pre-Enrollment Assessments;
--Employment Development Plans for all clients;
--Core Training for eighty percent (80%) or more of the clients;
(training does not have to be received from an eligible provider under
WIA. (This requirement is only for formula grants covered under WIA.)
--Case Management
--Job placement and job retention follow up (at 90 and 180 days) after
individual enters employment.
The following format is strongly recommended:
1. Need for the project: The applicant must identify the
geographical area to be served and provide an estimate of the number of
veterans and their needs, poverty and unemployment rates in the area,
the gaps in the local community infrastructure that contribute to
employment and other employment barriers faced by the targeted veterans
and how the project would respond to these needs. Also, include the
outlook for job opportunities in the service area.
2. Approach or strategy to provide training, employment and job
retention: The applicant must be responsive to the Rating Criteria
contained in Section VIII, and address all of the rating factors as
thoroughly as possible in the narrative. The applicant must: (a)
Provide the type(s) of training to be offered, the length of the
training, the training curriculum and describe how the training will
enhance the eligible veterans' employment opportunities within that
geographical area; (b) describe the specific supportive services and
employment and training services to be provided under this grant and
the sequence or flow of such services--flow charts may be provided; (c)
provide a plan for follow up to address retention after 90 and 180 days
with participants who entered employment. (See discussion on results in
Section X. D.,
[[Page 21021]]
2.); and (d) include the required chart of proposed performance goals
and planned expenditures listed in Appendix D.
3. Linkages with other providers of employment and training
services to veterans: The applicant must: describe the linkages this
program will have with other providers of services to veterans outside
of the grant; include a description of the relationship with other
employment and training programs such as Disabled Veterans' Outreach
Program (DVOP), the Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER)
program, and programs operated under the Workforce Investment Act; and
list the types of services provided by each. Note the type of agreement
in place, if applicable. Linkages with the workforce development system
[including State Employment Security Agencies (State Workforce
Agencies)] must be delineated. Describe any linkages with any other
resources and/or other programs for veterans. Indicate how the program
will be coordinated with any efforts for veterans that are conducted by
agencies in the community.
4. Proposed supportive service strategy for veterans: Describe how
supportive or ancillary service resources for veterans will be obtained
and used. If resources are provided by other sources or linkages, such
as Federal, State, local, or faith-based and community programs, the
applicant must fully explain the use of these resources and why they
are necessary.
5. Organization's capability to provide required program
activities: The applicant's relevant current or prior experience in
operating employment and training programs should be clearly described.
The applicant must provide information showing outcomes of all past
programs in terms of enrollments and placements. An applicant which has
operated a Veterans' program, JTPA IV-C program, or VWIP program, must
include final or most recent technical performance reports. For those
applicants with no prior VWIP grant experience, a summary narrative of
program experience and employment and training performance outcomes is
required. The applicant must also provide evidence of key staff
capability.
(This information is subject to verification by the government.
Veterans' Employment and Training Service reserves the right to have a
representative within each State provide programmatic and fiscal
information about applicants and forward those findings to the VETS
National Office during the review of the applications.)
Note: Resumes, charts, and standard forms, transmittal letters,
letters of support are not included in the page count. [If provided,
include these documents as attachments to the technical proposal.]
Part 2--The Cost Proposal must contain: (1) The Standard Form (SF)
424, ``Application for Federal Assistance'; (2) the Standard Form (SF)
424A ``Budget Information Sheet'' in Appendix B; and (3) a detailed
cost break out of each line item on the Budget Information Sheet.
Please label this page or pages the ``Budget Narrative'' and ensure
that costs reported on the SF 424A correspond accurately with the
Budget Narrative.
In addition to the cost proposal, the applicant must include the
Assurance and Certification signature page, Appendix C, and copies of
all required forms with instructions for completion provided as
appendices to this SGA.
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program
is 17.802. It must be entered on the SF 424, Block 10.
IV. Budget Narrative Information
As an attachment to the Budget Information Sheet (SF 424A), the
applicant must provide, at a minimum, and on a separate sheet(s), the
following information:
A. A breakout of all personnel costs by position, title, salary
rates, and percent of time of each position to be devoted to the
proposed project (including sub-grantees);
B. An explanation and breakout of extraordinary fringe benefit
rates and associated charges (i.e., rates exceeding 35% of salaries and
wages);
C. An explanation of the purpose and composition of, and method
used to derive the costs of each of the following: travel, equipment,
supplies, sub-grants/contracts, and any other costs. The applicant must
include costs of any required travel described in this Solicitation.
Mileage charges must not exceed 36.5 cents per mile;
D. A plan, which includes all associated costs, for retaining
participant information pertinent to a longitudinal follow up survey,
six months after the program performance period ends;
E. Description/specification of and justification for equipment
purchases, if any. Tangible, non-expendable, and personal property
having a useful life of more than one year and a unit acquisition cost
of $5,000 or more per unit must be specifically identified; and
F. Identification of all sources of leveraged or matching funds and
an explanation of the derivation of the value of matching/in-kind
services. If resources/matching funds and/or the value of in-kind
contributions are made available please show in Section B of the Budget
Information Sheet.
V. Participant Eligibility
Campaign veterans, veterans who have service-connected
disabilities, veterans who are recently separated, or veterans with
significant barriers to employment are eligible for participation under
this program.
A. The term ``veteran'' means a person who served in the active
military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released
therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. [Reference 38
U.S.C. 4101(2)]
B. The term ``Campaign veteran''--refers to any veteran who served
on active duty in the United States armed forces during a war or in a
campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized.
A list of the wars, campaigns and expeditions can be found at the
Office of Personnel Management Web site at http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vgmedal2.htm.
C. The term ``service-connected disabled''--refers to (1) a veteran
who is entitled to compensation under laws administered by the
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), or (2) an individual who was
discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected
disability. (29 U.S.C. 1503(27)(B)).
D. The term ``recently-separated veteran''--refers to any veteran
who applies for participation in a VWIP funded activity within 48
months after separation from military service. (29 U.S.C. 2801 (49))
VI. Project Summary
A. Program Concept and Emphasis
The grants awarded under this SGA are intended to address two
objectives: (1) To provide services to assist in reintegrating eligible
veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force; and (2) to
stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that
will address the complex problems facing eligible veterans.
These programs are designed to be flexible in addressing the
universal as well as local or regional problems barring eligible
veterans from the workforce. The program in FY 2002 will continue to
strengthen the development of effective service delivery systems, to
provide comprehensive services through a case management approach that
will address the complex problems facing eligible veterans trying to
transition into
[[Page 21022]]
gainful employment, and improve strategies for employment and
retention.
In addition to the mandatory activities, proposed programs should
include, if applicable, optional program activities, such as ancillary
and/or support services, to assure that participants are placed in
unsubsidized employment that meets their ``minimum economic need.''
Both categories of program activities are more fully described below.
1. Mandatory Program Activities
a. Pre-Enrollment Assessments. The utilization of Disabled
Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local Veterans' Employment
Representatives (LVER) staff for pre-enrollment assessments is strongly
encouraged.
A definition of pre-enrollment assessment can be found in the
Glossary of Terms. Costs are allowed for pre-enrollment assessments
that enable grantees to determine the employability needs of applicants
by conducting meaningful evaluations of applicant skills and barriers.
Grantees are then able to refer those applicants who may not be
appropriate for the services of the proposed program to other service
providers. The assessment of applicants prior to enrollment is an
allowable cost to VWIP provided it has been determined that the
assessed applicants meet the eligibility criteria for VWIP discussed
earlier in this SGA. In the Program Design, the grant applicant must
identify the means of pre-enrollment assessment that it intends to use
and the purpose for the information to be derived from those
assessments.
b. The Employment Development Plan (EDP). The utilization of
Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local Veterans'
Employment Representatives (LVER) staff in the EDP process is strongly
encouraged.
A definition of Employment Development Plan (EDP) can be found in
the Glossary of Terms.
The implementation of an EDP is required for all veterans enrolled
in programs supported by VWIP resources. A copy of an EDP is maintained
in each participant's file. The EDP must document a summary of the
assessments conducted to ascertain the abilities, barriers and needs of
the participant. At a minimum, the EDP must substantiate the
participant's minimum income needs, identify barriers and skill
deficiencies, and describe the services needed and the competencies to
be achieved by the participant as a result of program participation.
The applicant must also include a description of their proposed EDP
process in their application.
c. Core Training Activities. A definition of Core Training
Activities can be found in the Glossary of Terms. It refers to any
training program that leads to the development of job skills for the
participant. At least 80% of all participants who are enrolled in VWIP
must receive some form of core training. The Program Design narrative
must identify the core training components to be employed in the
applicant's program, and these components must agree in scope with the
definitions found in the Glossary of Terms. Core training components
proposed by the applicant that do not fit the glossary terms or
definitions must be adequately described and justified in the Program
Design narrative. Core training activities described in this section
must include, but are not limited to, the following:
i. Classroom training;
ii. On-the-job training;
iii. Remedial education;
iv. Literacy and bilingual training;
v. Institutional skills training;
vi. Occupational skills training;
vii. On-site industry-specific training;
viii. Customized training;
ix. Apprenticeship training; and
x. Upgrading and retraining.
Definitions of these core training activities are found in the
Glossary of Terms.
d. Job Placement and Follow up Services.
The utilization of Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) and
Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) staff for job
placement and follow up services is strongly encouraged.
A definition of job placement and follow up services can also be
found in the Glossary of Terms. The ultimate objective of VWIP services
is to place each eligible veteran into meaningful, gainful employment
that allows the participant to become economically self-sufficient. The
applicants must describe in the Program Design how job placements will
occur after core training activities and/or after job development or
referral efforts are initiated. Applicants are required to include
their proposed program to track a participant's progress and status
after initial placement. Applicants must describe in the Program Design
the follow up activities that participants will be provided. The
description must include the nature of those services. Please note that
follow up is required 90 and 180 days after entering employment.
B. Scope of Program Design
The Program Design must provide or arrange for the following:
1. Projects must show linkages with other programs and services
which provide support to veterans, such as faith-based and community-
based organizations. Coordination with the Disabled Veterans' Outreach
Program (DVOP) Specialists and Local Veterans' Employment
Representatives (LVER) is strongly encouraged.
2. Projects must be ``employment-focused.'' The services provided
will be directed toward increasing the employability of veterans by
providing training that will increase employment opportunities for the
participants.
Outreach should, to the degree practical, be provided at Veterans'
Job Fairs, Transition Assistance Centers, or Family Service Centers at
military installations, and other programs or events frequented by
veterans. Coordination is encouraged with veterans' services programs
and organizations such as:
--State Workforce Agencies, the newly instituted workforce development
system's One-Stop Centers, or other VWIP Veterans' Employment Programs;
--Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) services, including its
education programs; and
--Veterans' service organizations, such as The American Legion,
Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW),
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and American Veterans (AMVETS).
C. Results-Oriented Model
No model is mandatory, but the applicant must design a program that
is responsive to local needs, and will carry out the objectives of the
program to successfully reintegrate veterans into the workforce.
With the advent of the Government Performance and Results Act
(GPRA), Congress and the public are looking for program results rather
than just program processes. Although entering employment is a viable
outcome, it will be necessary to measure results over a longer term to
determine the success of the program. The following program discussion
must be considered in a results-oriented model. The first phase of
activity must consist of the level of outreach that is necessary to
reach eligible veterans. Such outreach will also include establishing
contact with other agencies that encounter veterans. Once the eligible
participants have been identified, an assessment must be made of their
abilities, interests and needs. In some cases, these participants may
require referrals to services such as drug or alcohol treatment or a
temporary shelter before they can be enrolled into
[[Page 21023]]
core training. When the individual is stabilized, the assessment should
focus on the employability of the individual and their enrollment into
the program. A determination must be made as to whether the participant
would benefit from pre-employment preparation such as resume writing,
job search workshops, related counseling and case management, and
initial entry into the job market through temporary jobs, job
development, or entry into classroom or on-the-job training. Such
services must also be noted in an Employability Development Plan so
successful completion of the plan can be monitored by the staff. Entry
into full-time employment or a specific job training program must
follow, in keeping with the objective of the program, which is to bring
the participant closer to self-sufficiency. Supportive Services may
assist the participant at this stage or even earlier. Job development
is a crucial part of the employability process. Wherever possible, DVOP
and LVER staff need to be utilized for job development and placement
activities for veterans who are ready to enter employment or who are in
need of intensive case management services. Many of these staff members
have received training in case management at the National Veterans'
Training Institute and have a priority of focus in assisting those most
disadvantaged in the labor market. VETS requires working hand-in-hand
with DVOP/LVER staff to achieve economies of resources.
The following program discussion emphasizes that follow up is an
integral program component. Follow up to determine whether the veteran
is in the same or similar job at the 90-day and 180-day period after
entering employment is required. It is important that the applicant
maintain contact with the veterans after placement to assure that
employment related problems are addressed. The 90-day and 180-day
follow up is fundamental to assessing the results of the program
success. Grantees must be careful to budget for this activity so that
follow up will occur for those placed at or near the end of the grant
period. Such results will be reported in the final technical
performance report.
Retention of records will be referred to in the Special Grant
Provisions provided at the time of award.
VII. Related Program Development Activities
Community Awareness Activities. In order to promote linkages
between the program and local service providers (and thereby eliminate
gaps or duplication in services and enhance provision of assistance to
participants), the grantee must provide project orientation and/or
service awareness activities that it determines are the most feasible
for the types of providers listed below. Project orientation workshops
conducted by the grantees have been an effective means of sharing
information and revealing the availability of other services. They are
encouraged but are not mandatory. Rather, the grantee will have the
flexibility to attend service provider meetings, seminars, conferences,
outstation staff, develop individual service contracts, and involve
other agencies in program planning. This list is not exhaustive. The
grantee will be responsible for providing appropriate awareness,
information sharing, and orientation activities to the following:
1. Providers of hands-on services to veterans to make veterans more
fully aware of the services offered, job-ready and placed in jobs.
2. Federal, State and local services such as the Department of
Veterans' Affairs (DVA), State Workforce Agencies and their local Job
Service Offices and One-Stop Centers (which integrate WIA, labor
exchange, and other employment and social services) to familiarize them
with the nature and needs of veterans.
3. Civic and private sector groups, and especially veterans'
service, faith-based and community organizations, to describe veterans
and their needs.
VIII. Rating Criteria for Award
Applications will be reviewed by a DOL panel using the point
scoring system specified below. Applications will be ranked based on
the score assigned by the panel after careful evaluation by each panel
member. The ranking will be the primary basis to identify applicants as
potential grantees. Although DOL reserves the right to award on the
basis of the initial proposal submissions, DOL may establish a
competitive range based upon the proposal evaluation for the purpose of
selecting qualified applicants. The panel's conclusions are advisory in
nature and not binding on the Grant Officer. DOL reserves the right to
ask for clarification or hold discussions, but is not obligated to do
so. DOL further reserves the right to select applicants out of rank
order if such a selection would, in its opinion, result in the most
effective and appropriate combination of funding, administrative costs,
program costs e.g., cost per enrollment and placement, demonstration
models, and geographical service areas. The Grant Officer's
determination for award under SGA 02-03 is the final agency action. The
submission of the same proposal from any prior year competition does
not guarantee an award under this Solicitation.
Panel Review Criteria
1. Need for the Project: 15 Points
The applicant must document the extent of need for this project, as
demonstrated by: (1) The potential number or concentration of veterans
in the proposed project area relative to other similar areas of
jurisdiction; (2) the rates of poverty and/or unemployment in the
proposed project area as determined by the census or other surveys; and
(3) the extent of gaps in the local infrastructure to effectively
address the employment barriers which characterize the target
population.
2. Overall Strategy To Increase Employment and Retention: 40 Points
The application must include a description of the proposed approach
to providing comprehensive employment services and training, including
job development, employer commitments to hire, placement, and post-
placement follow up services. The applicant must address its intent to
target occupations in expanding industries, rather than on declining
industries. The supportive services to be provided as part of the
strategy of promoting job readiness and job retention must be
indicated. The applicant must identify the local human resources and
sources of training to be used for participants. A description of the
relationship, if any, with other employment and training programs such
as State Workforce Agencies (DVOP and LVER Programs), Homeless
Veterans' Reintegration Projects (HVRP), other WIA programs, and
Workforce Investment or Development Boards or entities where in place,
must be presented. Applicants must indicate how the activities will be
tailored or responsive to the needs of veterans. A participant flow
chart may be used to show the sequence and mix of services.
Note: The applicant must complete the chart of proposed program
outcomes to include participants served, placements/entered
employments and job retention. (See Appendix D) Of the 40 points
possible in the strategy to increase employment and retention, 10
points will be awarded to grant proposals that clearly plan on a six
month employment retention rate of 50 percent, or 15 points will be
awarded to proposals that show a six month employment retention rate
of 70 percent.
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3. Quality and Extent of Linkages With Other Providers of Services to
the Veterans: 10 Points
The application must provide information on the quality and extent
of the linkages this program will have with other providers of services
to benefit the veterans in the local community and/or on the
reservation and outside of the grant area. For each service, the
applicant must specify who the provider is, the source of funding (if
known), and the type of linkages/referral system established or
proposed. [Describe, to the extent possible, how the project would
respond to the needs of the veterans and any linkages to DVA programs
or resources to benefit the proposed program.]
4. Demonstrated Capability in Providing Required Program Services: 20
Points
The applicant must describe its relevant prior experience in
operating employment and training programs and providing services to
participants similar to those proposed under this solicitation.
Specific outcomes achieved by the applicant must be described in terms
of clients placed in jobs, etc. [The applicant must also address its
capacity for timely startup of the program.] The applicant should
delineate its staff capability and ability to manage the operational
aspects of a grant program, including a recent (within the last 12
months) financial statement or audit if available. Final or most recent
technical reports for other relevant programs must be submitted if
applicable. Because prior grant experience is not a requirement for
this grant, some applicants may not have any technical reports to
submit.
5. Quality of Overall Employment and Training Strategy: 15 Points
The application must demonstrate how the applicant proposes to meet
the employment and training, and supportive services needs of veterans
in the program who will be entering the labor force. This discussion
must specify the provisions made to access transportation, child care,
temporary, transitional, and permanent housing for participants through
community resources, HUD, lease, WIA, or other means. Grant funds
cannot be used to purchase housing or vehicles. Applicants can expect
that the cost proposal will be reviewed for allowability, proper
allocation of costs, and reasonableness of the placement and enrollment
costs.
IX. Post Award Conference
A post-award conference will be held for those grantees awarded PY
2002 VWIP funds from the competition. It is expected to be held in
August or September 2002. Up to two grantee representatives must be
present; a fiscal and a program representative is recommended. The site
of the Post-Award conference has not yet been determined, for planning
and budgeting purposes, please use Washington, DC as the conference
location. The conference will focus on providing information and
assistance on reporting, recordkeeping, and grant requirements, and
also include best practices from past projects.
X. Reporting Requirements
The grantee will submit the reports and documents listed below:
A. Financial Reports
The grantee will report outlays, program income, and other
financial information on a quarterly basis using SF 269A, Financial
Status Report, Short Form. This form will cite the assigned grant
number and be submitted to the appropriate State Director for Veterans'
Employment and Training (DVET), whose address will be provided, no
later than 30 days after the ending date of each Federal fiscal quarter
(i.e., October 30, January 30, April 30, and July 30) during the grant
period.
B. Program Reports
Grantees will submit a Quarterly Technical Performance Report 30
days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter to the DVET which
contains the following:
1. A comparison of actual accomplishments to established goals for
the reporting period and any findings related to monitoring efforts;
and
2. An explanation for variances of plus or minus 15% of planned
program and/or expenditure goals, to include: (i) Identification of
corrective action which will be taken to meet the planned goals, and
(ii) a timetable for accomplishment of the corrective action.
C. 90 Days Report Package
The grantee will submit, no later than 90 days after the grant
performance period ends, a report containing the following:
1. Interim Financial Status Report (SF-269A) (copy to be provided
following grant awards).
2. Interim Technical Performance Report--(Program Goals).
3. Interim Narrative Report identifying--(a) major successes of the
program; (b) obstacles encountered and actions taken (if any) to
overcome such obstacles; (c) the total combined number of veterans
placed in employment during the entire grant period; (d) the number of
veterans still employed at the end of the grant period; (e) an
explanation regarding why those veterans placed during the grant
period, but not employed at the end of the grant period, are not so
employed; and (f) any recommendations to improve the program.
D. Six (6) Month Final Report
No later than 210 days after the grant performance period ends, the
grantee will submit a follow up report containing the following:
1. Final Financial Status Report (SF-269A).
2. Final Narrative Report identifying--(a) the total combined
(directed/assisted) numbers of veterans placed during the entire grant
period; (b) the number of veterans still employed during follow up; (c)
are the veterans still employed at the same or similar job, if not what
is the reason(s); (d) was the training received, applicable to jobs
held; (e) wages at placement and during follow up period; (f) an
explanation of why those veterans placed during the grant period, but
not employed at the end of the follow up period, are not so employed;
and (g) any recommendations to improving the program.
XI. Administration Provisions
A. Limitation on Administrative and Indirect Costs
1. Direct Costs for administration, may not exceed 10 percent of
the total amount of the grant.
2. Indirect costs claimed by the applicant must be based on a
federally approved rate. A copy of the negotiated, approved, and signed
indirect cost negotiation agreement must be submitted with the
application.
3. If the applicant does not presently have an approved indirect
cost rate, a proposed rate with justification may be submitted.
Successful applicants will be required to negotiate an acceptable and
allowable rate with the appropriate DOL Regional Office of Cost
Determination within 90 days of grant award.
4. Rates traceable and trackable through the State Workforce
Agency's Cost Accounting System represent an acceptable means of
allocating costs to DOL and, therefore, can be approved for use in
grants to State Workforce Agencies.
B. Allowable Costs
Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance with
the following applicable Federal cost principles:
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1. State and local government--OMB Circular A-87
2. Educational institutions--OMB Circular A-21
3. Nonprofit organizations--OMB Circular A-122
C. Administrative Standards and Provisions
Except as specifically provided, DOL 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 and an entity's procurement procedures must
require that all procurement transactions will be conducted, as
practical, to provide open and free competition. If a proposal
identifies a specific entity to provide the services, the DOL award
does not provide the justification or basis to sole-source the
procurement, i.e., avoid competition.
All grants will be subject to the following administrative
standards and provisions:
1. 29 CFR Part 93--Lobbying.
2. 29 CFR Part 95--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and
other Non-Profit Organizations, and with Commercial Organizations, etc.
3. 29 CFR Part 96--Federal Standards for Audit of Federally-funded
Grants, Contracts and Agreements. This rule implements, for State and
local governments and Indian tribes that receive Federal Assistance
from the DOL, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-128
``Audits of State and Local Governments'' which was issued pursuant to
the Single Audit Act of 1984, 31 U.S.C. Sec. 7501-7507. It also
consolidates the audit requirements currently contained throughout the
DOL regulations.
4. 29 CFR Part 97--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
5. 29 CFR Part 98--Government-wide Debarment and Suspension
(Nonprocurement) and Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free
Workplace (Grants)
6. 29 CFR Part 99--Audit of States, Local Governments, and
Nonprofit Organization.
7. Section 168(b) of WIA--Administration of Programs. Please note
that sections 181-195 also apply.
8. 29 CFR Parts 37--the WIA non-discrimination regulations. These
rules implement, for recipients of federal assistance, provisions of
nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, and
disabled condition, respectively.
9. Appeals from non-designation will be handled under 20 CFR Part
667, Subpart H.
Signed at Washington, DC, this 23rd day of April, 2002
Lawrence J. Kuss,
Grant Officer.
Appendices
Appendix A: Application for Federal Assistance SF Form 424
Appendix B: Budget Information Sheet, SF 424A
Appendix C: Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
Appendix D: Technical Performance Goals Form
Appendix E: Direct Cost Descriptions for Applicants and Sub-
Applicants
Appendix F: The Glossary of Terms
Appendix G: General Provisions
Appendix H: Special Provisions
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[FR Doc. 02-10496 Filed 4-26-02; 8:45 am]
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