[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 97 (Friday, May 19, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29172-29182]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-4669]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Office of Disability Employment Policy
[SGA 06-07]
Self-Employment for Adults and Youth With Disabilities Research
and Technical Assistance; Solicitation for Cooperative Agreements
Announcement Type: New notice of Availability of Funds and
Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) for cooperative agreements
for Self-Employment for Adults and Youth with Disabilities Research and
Technical Assistance.
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA 06-07.
Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.720.
Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of Labor (``DOL'' or
``Department''), Office of Disability Employment Policy (``ODEP''),
announces the availability of up to $5,000,000 to fund both a national
technical assistance and research cooperative agreement, and multiple
cooperative agreements for sub-national research and technical
assistance pilot projects to investigate, develop and validate systems
models likely to increase self-employment opportunities for people with
disabilities.
The national technical assistance and research cooperative
agreement award will be funded for up to $1.5 million for a 36 month
period of performance.
The sub-national research and technical assistance pilot
cooperative agreement award(s) will be funded for a total of up to $3.5
million. Awards may range from $800,000-1,200,000, with an average of
$1 million for a 36 month period of performance.
ODEP'S unique mission is to provide national leadership by
developing and influencing disability-related employment policy and
practice affecting the employment of people with disabilities. Congress
designated these monies to ODEP to further the development of self-
employment policy for individuals with disabilities. A critical element
of this endeavor will be the generation of data and information to
validate systems capacity-building strategies and systems change models
for successfully increasing self-employment opportunities for
individuals with disabilities, to document the systems-related
difficulties and challenges that may be encountered, and to develop and
test mechanisms for addressing these challenges. This data, obtained as
a result of research and technical
[[Page 29173]]
assistance efforts, will be used by ODEP and other stakeholders in
developing policy recommendations across multiple public and private
systems for increased self-employment options as an alternative to more
traditional types of employment.
DATES: Key Date: Applications must be received by July 3, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to: U.S.
Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra
Mitchell, Reference SGA 06-07, Room N5416, 200 Constitution Avenue,
NW., Washington, DC 20210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice contains all of the necessary
information and forms needed to apply for the ODEP cooperative
agreements described below. Additional forms can be obtained from the
following Web site address: http://www.whitehouse.gov/OMB/grants/forms.html
Solicitation Information Conference Call: A Solicitation
Information Conference Call will be held at 2 p.m. (ET), Wednesday,
June 1, 2006. The purpose of this conference call is to provide
interested parties an overview of this Cooperative Agreement program
and an opportunity to ask questions concerning the solicitation. A
transcript of the conference will be made available on the ODEP Web
site, http://www.dol.gov/odep shortly following the conference.
Individuals who wish to participate in this conference call must
register by contacting ODEP at 202-693-7880, no later than 4:45 p.m.
(ET) on Friday, May 26, 2006. Please ask to register for the Self
Employment SGA Conference Call. Registrations should be made as soon as
possible. At the time of registration, call-in information will be
provided.
I. Funding Opportunity Description and Authority
A. Description and Purpose
ODEP envisions two forms of research and technical assistance. ODEP
will award multiple cooperative agreements to conduct research that
will document and analyze existing agencies, policies and practices
available to assist people with disabilities in starting and operating
small businesses; identify, demonstrate, and evaluate innovative models
across public and private systems for supporting self-employment for
people with disabilities; assist relevant entities to implement
effective and accessible practices for achieving self-employment
outcomes of people with disabilities; and inform development of
policies that expand access to such practices nationally.
Priority 1: National Self Employment Technical Assistance and Research
Initiative
ODEP intends to award one national research and technical
assistance cooperative agreement for approximately $1.5 million for a
period of performance of 36 months.
This priority supports creation of a cooperative agreement to
accomplish three tasks:
(1) Provide direct technical assistance to the ODEP grantees
described in Priority 2;
(2) Provide technical assistance, training, dissemination and
informational services to a broad constituency that will include state
and local workforce development entities, including but not limited to,
State Job Training Institutions, WIA One Stops, SBA Small Business
Development Centers, the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Agencies of the Department of Veterans Affairs, State, and Tribal
Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies to implement effective and
accessible practices for achieving self-employment outcomes; and
(3) Identify and analyze the effects of existing programs on
entrepreneurship by people with disabilities.
Task 1: Task 1 consists of providing assistance to grantees funded
under Priority 2 of this solicitation based on the identified needs of
each project. Assistance provided under this task will use strategies
and information generated in Tasks 2 and 3 and additional assistance
appropriate to the needs of the grantee, including site specific
assistance.
Task 2: This task will focus on developing and implementing a
comprehensive strategy for increasing the capacity of existing systems
for providing self-employment services to people with disabilities
through training, technical assistance, research, and identification
and dissemination of successful and recommended practices . This will
include outreach to potential entrepreneurs with disabilities and to
potential financial and lending institutions. Included in the training
and technical assistance will be innovative strategies for fostering
self-employment for individuals with disabilities and guidance about
forming partnerships among agencies that have complementary expertise
and resources. In addition, this task will establish sustainable
resources for continued capacity building beyond the period of
performance of the cooperative agreement.
Task 3: Task 3 will be nationwide research and analysis of current
resources and supports available to persons with disabilities for
pursuit of entrepreneurship, and as Congress directed, ``to undertake a
thorough analysis of the structures currently in place that either
promote or impede the expansion of business ownership in the disability
community.'' Specifically, this research will:
(a) Document existing public and private programs or activities
that have the authority or responsibility for developing and supporting
entrepreneurs with or without disabilities in starting, financing and
managing a small business;
(b) Analyze the abilities and limitations of these resources for
serving people with disabilities; and
(c) Develop recommendations for modifying or developing policies
for reducing impediments and increasing the capacity of the resources,
individually or collaboratively, to respond to the entrepreneurial
training, financing and support needs of people with disabilities.
Applicants will build in methods for evaluating the effects of
their technical assistance, and develop criteria for identifying
promising practices and mechanisms for documenting and analyzing policy
related information. To the extent that surveys are included in the
final research design, the grantee will be responsible for designing
those surveys in conjunction with ODEP and working with ODEP to develop
an OMB clearance package and ensuring appropriate clearances. Surveys
may be mixed mode (mail, internet and phone) and should be designed to
achieve an overall response rate of at least 80%.
Priority 2: Sub-National Projects of Systemic Innovation and Technical
Assistance
ODEP intends to award multiple cooperative agreements for projects
of systemic innovation. ODEP anticipates awards will be in the range of
$800,000-1,200,000, with an average of $1 million, for a 36 month
period of performance. However, this does not preclude funding
decisions above or below this amount, or funding a smaller or larger
number of projects, based on the number and quality of submissions.
Under this priority, ODEP intends to fund multiple projects that
will research, test and evaluate innovative models of self-employment
service delivery that can be adopted across the country. In addition,
these projects will provide sub-national technical assistance (separate
from and unrelated to Priority 1 technical assistance) supportive of
their individual research efforts within a political or economic
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jurisdiction, such as a state, metropolitan area, rural district or
economic development zone, proposed by the Awardee. These jurisdictions
will be chosen on characteristics established by the applicants but
including the presence of numerous public and private programs,
including but not limited to, State Job Training Institutions, WIA One-
Stops, SBA Small Business Development Centers, the Vocational
Rehabilitation and Employment Agencies of the Department of Veterans
Affairs, and State, and Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies,
capable of supporting potential entrepreneurs with disabilities. The
awardees will be expected to research, test and evaluate innovative
systems models that will increase self-employment opportunities for
entrepreneurs who represent a range of disabilities, ages and life
circumstances.
Critical components of this priority will include:
(a) Detailed resource mapping of the selected jurisdiction,
documenting existing public and private programs or activities in the
local area of the project that have the authority or responsibility for
developing and supporting entrepreneurs with or without disabilities in
starting, financing and managing a small business;
(b) Analyzing the abilities and limitations of these existing
resources for serving people with disabilities;
(c) Developing recommendations and providing technical assistance
for modifying or developing policies for reducing impediments and
increasing the capacity of the resources, individually or
collaboratively, to respond to the entrepreneurial training, financing
and support needs of people with disabilities; and
(d) Developing, testing, evaluating, and disseminating innovative
models within the area of jurisdiction of the proposed project.
The resultant resource mapping, policy analysis, and innovative
systems model development must address the needs of adults, youth,
veterans and older workers with disabilities (including those with
significant physical, mental health and cognitive disabilities) who
desire entrepreneurship. It must also include generic programs
available to all potential entrepreneurs as well as those targeted
specifically to people with disabilities, and a review of relevant
regulations, policies, practices and funding mechanisms. Any
differences between rural and urban entrepreneurship must be addressed.
Outcomes for this priority will be quantitative and qualitative
documentation of the model(s), including:
(a) Strengths and weaknesses for assisting people with
disabilities;
(b) Recommendations for informing policy development and addressing
barriers and facilitators to achieving desired results; and
(c) Identification and dissemination through technical assistance
of promising and successful practices.
This information will be used by ODEP, in concert with other
Federal agencies, to develop and implement an action plan to promote
self-employment and small business development among youth and adults
with disabilities, particularly those with the most significant
disabilities.
B. Background
Congress provided $5,000,000 in the FY 2006 appropriation for ODEP
to conduct a national initiative to develop research-based policy and
provide technical assistance to related systems in implementing
effective and accessible practices for achieving sustainable self-
employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. (See Departments
of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006, Public Law 109-149, Title I, 119
Stat. 2833, 2841 (2005); H.R. Conf. Rep. No. 109-300, at 59 (2005); S.
Rep. No. 109-103, at 26 (2005)). Through this initiative, ODEP intends
to increase the knowledge base of existing practices for serving the
self-employment training and financing needs of individuals with
disabilities, and to identify, investigate and validate systems models
likely to increase self-employment opportunities for people with
disabilities.
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) provides national
leadership by developing and influencing disability-related employment
policies and practices. A five-year strategic plan guides ODEP in
achieving its mission by identifying long-term strategic and outcome
goals as well as shorter-term intermediate and performance goals. In
addition to measuring agency performance, as required by the Government
Performance and Results Act (GPRA), the strategic plan sets forth a
road map for prioritizing the formulation and dissemination of
innovative employment policies and practices to service delivery
systems and employers.
ODEP's annual goal is to build knowledge and advance disability
employment policy that affects and promotes systems change. The
agency's long- and short-term goals focus efforts on initiatives that
bring about this level of change. In short, ODEP develops policies and
strategies that will:
Enhance the capacity of service delivery systems to
provide appropriate and effective services and supports to youth and
adults with disabilities;
Increase planning and coordination within service delivery
systems to develop and improve systems, processes, and services;
Improve individualization of services to better assist
youth and adults with disabilities in seeking, obtaining, and retaining
employment or self-employment;
Increase employer access to supports and services to meet
their employment needs;
Increase the quality of competency-based training for
service delivery systems;
Increase the adoption of universal strategies for service
provision; and
Develop partnerships with and among critical stakeholders
to effectively leverage available resources and facilitate
implementation of practices and policies that increase employment and
self-employment opportunities and the recruitment, retention, and
promotion of youth and adults with disabilities.
Three measures inform ODEP's annual progress: The number of policy-
related documents; the number of formal agreements; and the number of
effective practices. These performance results support achievement of
the following intermediate outcome goals: Accessible employment
resources; coordinated programs, processes, and services; and adoption
of effective practices.
Achievement of these intermediate outcome goals, in turn, supports
achievement of the long-term service delivery systems outcome goals,
which are marked by increases in these areas: Capacity of service
delivery systems; planning and coordination within service delivery
systems; and employer access to supports and services for recruitment,
retention, and promotion.
ODEP is committed to supporting and encouraging the creative use of
alternative employment strategies, such as self-employment, through
appropriate skills development, entrepreneurial education, training
opportunities, access to funding and necessary supports, and capacity
building within systems to ensure availability of self employment
outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
People with disabilities who choose entrepreneurship as their path
to
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financial independence have historically been underserved both by the
agencies that specifically serve people with disabilities and those
that serve potential entrepreneurs who are members of the general
public. While facing the same obstacles as entrepreneurs who do not
have disabilities, entrepreneurs with disabilities must resolve
additional issues that result from their disabilities.
Government programs and private agencies have begun a groundswell
of support for encouraging people with disabilities to consider
entrepreneurship as a career option and for providing the technical and
financial assistance they need. The most recent amendments to the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Title V of the Workforce Investment Act of
1998) reemphasize the use of self-employment or small business
ownership as legitimate employment outcomes for vocational
rehabilitation clients. The Social Security Administration (SSA), which
under the new Ticket to Work Program has begun issuing ``tickets'' to
beneficiaries and recipients of its cash benefit programs, has included
the support of an individual's entrepreneurial goals as a possible use
of the ticket. SSA's PASS (Plans for Achieving Self-Support) program
provides a way for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipients to
accumulate funds necessary for business start-ups and operation without
jeopardizing the individual's cash benefits or health care coverage.
Across the Federal government, personal budget and asset-building
programs such as Individual Development Accounts, economic development
programs and housing programs are creating new opportunities for
entrepreneurs with disabilities. ODEP's Customized Employment and
WorkFORCE (Working for Freedom, Opportunity and Real Choice Through
Community Employment) Action grant initiatives are demonstrating the
feasibility of self-employment as an option for individuals with
significant disabilities who were previously considered by some systems
to be unemployable.
Across the country, private and public programs are successfully
assisting people with disabilities to become competitive members of the
small business community. Small business development centers and
microenterprise agencies have begun to open their doors to people with
disabilities. Innovative customized approaches to entrepreneurship such
as supported self-employment, use of cooperatives and development of
micro-boards show great potential but are little understood. Available
strategies to assist individuals with disabilities to develop assets to
further self-employment appear to be underutilized. Strategies for
leveraging resources across multiple systems are impeded by funding
restrictions and bureaucratic inertia.
Numerous Federal agencies and private entities are potential
resources for individuals with disabilities, such as education
agencies, state job training institutions, Workforce Investment Act
One-Stop Career Centers, Small Business Administration-sponsored Small
Business Development Centers, the vocational rehabilitation and
employment services of the Departments of Veterans Affairs, and State
and tribal vocational rehabilitation agencies, and other related
programs. Agencies that serve the employment needs of youth and adults
with disabilities, however, regularly report that their staff members
are not knowledgeable about small business procedures or resources. At
the same time, organizations that support small business development
report a lack of knowledge about how to serve people with disabilities
or what resources might be available to help those individuals. Very
little research on people with disabilities and self-employment exists,
leaving many questions unanswered for policy makers.
ODEP recognizes that creating successful self-employment models for
people with disabilities may necessitate changes to the systems in
place for promoting small business ownership or for responding to the
complex needs of individuals with disabilities. Information from ODEP
grant initiatives has identified the following critical elements for
achieving enduring systems change:
(1) Increase the capacity of system elements to achieve a goal
through staff training, modifications to policies and practices, and
improved facility accessibility;
(2) Increase the coordination and collaboration between multiple
agencies to maximize the use and effectiveness of services and
financial resources;
(3) Customize services to better fulfill the unique needs of each
individual;
(4) Implement and evaluate new and different practices;
(5) Disseminate information regarding successful changes and
lessons learned to others who might benefit; and
(6) Ensure that successful changes are institutionalized so that
they will endure.
C. Definitions
Definitions for purposes of this solicitation include:
``Self-employment'' means work by a person who owns or
operates a trade, business or profession, either by themselves or with
other owners.
``Youth with disabilities'' refers to individuals who are
ages 14 to 24.
``Significant disability'' is defined as an individual
with a disability who is receiving Social Security or Supplemental
Security Income disability benefits.
II. Award Information
Estimated Available Funds: $5,000,000.
Priority I: One Award: up to $1,500,000.
Priority II: Multiple Awards: range from $800,000--$1,200,000
(Average size of awards approximately $1,000,000).
Period of Performance: 36 months from date of award.
The U.S. Department of Labor (``DOL'' or ``Department''), Office of
Disability Employment Policy (``ODEP''), announces the availability of
up to $5,000,000 to fund :
(1) A national technical assistance and research cooperative
agreement, and
(2) Multiple sub-national cooperative agreements for research and
technical assistance pilot projects to identify, investigate and
validate innovative systems models likely to increase self-employment
opportunities for people with disabilities.
Note: Selection of an organization as a Grantee does not
constitute approval of the grant application as submitted. Before
the actual grant is awarded, USDOL 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.
Because ODEP plans to make awards in the form of a cooperative
agreement, USDOL will have substantial involvement in the
administration of the agreement. Such USDOL involvement will consist
of:
(1) Approval of any sub-contract awarded by the grantee(s);
(2) Participation in site visits to project areas;
(3) Providing advice and consultation to the Grantee(s) on specific
program criteria;
(4) Providing the Grantee(s) with technical and programmatic
support,
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including training in USDOL monitoring and evaluation systems, and
standard procedures regarding USDOL management of cooperative
agreements;
(5) Reviewing, at reasonable times, all documents pertaining to the
project, including status and technical progress reports, and financial
reports;
(6) Discussing administrative and technical issues pertaining to
the project;
(7) Approving all key personnel decisions, and sub-contractors or
sub-recipients;
(8) Approving all press releases and publicity materials regarding
the project;
(9) Approving all content for online resources developed through
project activities, including clearing concepts for material production
and final document production; and
(10) Drafting terms of reference for, and participating in project
evaluations.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Applications for Priority 1 will be accepted from both for profit
and not-for-profit entities or from consortia of such entities, which
include but are not limited to, institutions of higher education
(including state institutions) and faith-based and community
organizations, all of whom have demonstrated national experience in:
(a) Employment, self-employment and disability research and
demonstration activities;
(b) Providing technical assistance on a range of topics necessary
to achieve self-employment for people with disabilities; and
(c) Demonstrated knowledge of and technical assistance experience
working with state or local systems to promote systems change; and
In accordance with the supporting legislative language for this
effort which states:
``The Committee directs that, in making the national technical
assistance grant, priority be given to national non-profits with
experience in delivering direct consumer services as well as
training to public and private agencies,'' an additional five (5)
evaluation points will be given to such lead applicants. For further
information, see Part V, Application Review Information, Item 1.
Evaluation Criteria.''
If the applicant is a consortium, the lead for profit or non-profit
entity will be the recipient of the award and must be the responsible
financial and administrative entity for the Cooperative Agreement
should that application result in an award.
Applications for Priority 2 will be accepted from consortia led by
state or local government agencies. The consortium members may include
public and private entities, which may include but are not limited to
non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and faith-
based and community organizations. The lead government agency will be
the recipient of the award and must be the responsible financial and
administrative entity for the Cooperative Agreement should that
application result in an award.
According to section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, an
organization, as described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, that engages in lobbying activities will not be eligible
for the receipt of Federal funds constituting an award, grant, or loan.
See 2 U.S.C. 1611; 26 U.S.C. 501(c) (4). Funding restrictions apply.
See Section IV (5).
2. Cost Sharing
Cost sharing, matching funds, and cost participation are not
required under this SGA. However, leveraging of public and private
resources to achieve project sustainability is highly encouraged and
included under evaluation criteria B.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
Legal rules pertaining to inherently religious activities by
organizations that receive Federal Financial Assistance:
Neutral, non-religious criteria that neither favor nor disfavor
religion will be employed in the selection of grant recipients and must
be employed by grantees or in the selection of sub-recipients.
The government is generally prohibited from providing direct
financial assistance for inherently religious activities.\1\ These
grants may not be used for religious instruction, worship, prayer,
proselytizing or other inherently religious activities. Neutral, non-
religious criteria that neither favor nor disfavor religion must be
employed in the selection of grant recipients and sub-recipients.
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\1\ In this context, the term direct financial assistance means
financial assistance that is provided directly by a government
entity or an intermediate organization, as opposed to financial
assistance that an organization receives as the result of the
genuine and independent private choice of a beneficiary. In other
contexts, the term ``direct'' financial assistance may be used to
refer to financial assistance that an organization receives directly
from the Federal government (also known as ``discretionary''
assistance), as opposed to assistance that it receives from a State
or local government (also known as ``indirect'' or ``block'' grant
assistance). The term ``direct'' has the former meaning throughout
this SGA.
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IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Addresses To Request Application Package
This SGA contains all the information and forms needed to apply for
this grant funding. Application announcements or forms will not be
mailed. The Federal Register may be obtained from your nearest
government office or library. In addition, a copy of this notice and
the application requirements may be downloaded from ODEP's Web site at
http://www.dol.gov/odep and at http://www.grants.gov. If additional
copies of the standard forms are needed, they can also be downloaded
from: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
General Requirements: Applicants must submit one (1) paper copy
with an original signature, and two (2) additional paper copies of the
signed proposal. To aid with the review of applications, DOL also
requests applicants to submit an electronic copy of their proposal's
Sections II (Executive Summary) and III (Project Narrative) on disc or
Compact Disc (CD) using Microsoft Word. The application (not to exceed
50 pages for Section III), must be double-spaced with standard one-inch
margins (top, bottom, and sides) on 8\1/2\ x 11-inch paper, and must be
presented on single-sided and numbered pages. A font size of at least
twelve (12) pitch is required throughout. All text in the application
narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, and
captions must be double-spaced (no more than three lines per vertical
inch); and, if using a proportional computer font, must be in at least
a 12-point font, and must have an average character density no greater
than 18 characters per inch (if using a non-proportional font or a
typewriter, must not be more than 12 characters per inch). Applications
that fail to meet these requirements will be considered non-responsive.
Cooperative Agreement Mandatory Application Requirements
The three required sections of the application are titled below and
described thereafter:
Section I--Project Financial Plan (No page limit).
Section II--Executive Summary--Project Synopsis (Not to exceed two (2)
pages).
Section III--Project Narrative (Not to exceed 50 pages).
The mandatory requirements for each section are set forth below.
Applications
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that fail to meet the stated mandatory requirements for each section
will be considered non-responsive.
Section I. Project Financial Plan (Budget): The Project Financial
Plan will not count against the application page limits. Section I of
the application must include the following three required parts:
(1) Completed ``SF-424--Application for Federal Assistance.''
Please note that, beginning October 1, 2003, all applicants for federal
grant and funding opportunities are required to include a Dun and
Bradstreet (DUNS) number with their application. See OMB Notice of
Final Policy Issuance, 68 Fed. Reg. 38402 (June 27, 2003). The DUNS
number is a nine-digit identification number that uniquely identifies
business entities. There is no charge for obtaining a DUNS number
(although it may take 14-30 days). To obtain a DUNS number, access the
following Web site: http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-
5711. Requests for exemption from the DUNS number requirement must be
made to OMB. The Dun and Bradstreet Number of the applicant should be
entered in the ``Organizational Unit'' section of block 5 of the SF
424. (See Appendix A of this SGA for required form).
(2) Completed SF-424 A--Budget Information Form by line item for
all costs required to implement the project design effectively. (See
Appendix B of this SGA for required forms).
(3) DOL Budget Narrative and Justification that provides sufficient
information to support the reasonableness of the costs included in the
budget in relation to the service strategy and planned outcomes,
including continuous improvement activities.
The SF-424 must contain the original signatures of the legal entity
applying for Cooperative Agreement funding and two additional copies.
The individual signing the SF-424 on behalf of the applicant must
represent and be able to legally bind the responsible financial and
administrative entity for a Cooperative Agreement should that
application result in an award. Applicants shall indicate on the SF-424
the organization's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) status (e.g.,
501(c)(3) organization), if applicable.
The DOL Budget Narrative and Justification must describe all costs
associated with implementing the project that are to be covered with
Cooperative Agreement funds. The budget must support the travel and
associated costs of sending at least one representative to periodic
meetings with DOL staff in Washington, DC (at least once per quarter),
at a time and place to be determined. In addition to other
administrative requirements identified in section VI (2) of this SGA,
the applicant must comply with the ``Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local
Governments' (also known as OMB Circular A-102), codified at 29 CFR
part 97, or ``Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher
Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations'' (also known
as the ``Common Rule'' or OMB Circular A-110), codified at 2 CFR part
215 and 29 CFR part 95.
In addition, the budget submitted for review by DOL must include,
on a separate page, a detailed cost analysis of each line item. The
costs listed in the detailed cost analysis must comply with the
applicable OMB cost principles circulars, as identified in 29 CFR 95.27
and 29 CFR 97.22(b). Justification for administrative costs must be
provided. Approval of a budget by DOL is not the same as the approval
of actual costs. The applicant must also include the Assurances and
Certifications Signature Page (Appendix C) and the Survey on Ensuring
Equal Opportunity for Applicants (Appendix D).
Section II. Executive Summary--Project Synopsis: The Executive
Summary is limited to no more than two single-spaced, single-sided
pages on 8\1/2\ x 11-inch paper with standard margins throughout. The
project synopsis must identify the following:
(1) The lead entity;
(2) The planned period of performance;
(3) The list of consortium members, as appropriate; and
(4) An overview of how the applicant will conduct the research,
analyze the data, and present the findings associated with the priority
targeted by their application.
Section III. Project Narrative: The DOL Cooperative Agreement
Project Narrative is limited to no more than fifty (50), 8\1/2\ x 11
pages, double-spaced with standard one-inch margins (top, bottom, and
sides), and must be presented on single-sided, numbered pages.
Note: Any Appendices, including letters of cooperation, resumes,
etc., are not included in this fifty-page limit.
Successful applicants will develop and describe in their Project
Narrative innovative and comprehensive plans for accomplishing the
tasks described for Priority 1 and Priority 2 as detailed below.
Direction for all applicants is included thereafter.
1. Priority 1 applicants: Applications for Priority 1 must include:
a. Documentation (such as letters of intent and memorandum of
agreement from proposed consortium members, consultants and other key
entities) which reflects that each entity or individual is committed to
participating and working cooperatively with the applicant, shall be
included in the Appendix;
b. A description of the procedures and approaches the applicant
will use to identify and respond to the technical assistance and
training needs of the entity(ies) providing services to potential
entrepreneurs with disabilities;
c. A description of the procedures and approaches that will be used
to ensure that the target agencies receive the assistance that provides
them with the specific skills and information needed for serving people
with disabilities and accomplishing the goals of the proposed project;
d. A detailed description of how the applicant will document and
analyze existing self-employment related programs;
e. A description of the methods used to ensure that the elements of
the project's technical assistance model will be sustained following
the completion of project activities; and
f. A detailed description of procedures and materials that will
enable others to adopt the successful models developed.
2. Priority 2 applicants: Applications for Priority 2 must include:
a. Documentation (such as letters of intent and memorandum of
agreement from relevant state and local public and private agencies and
entities, consultants and other key entities) which reflects that each
agency and entity to be included in the demonstration project is
committed to participating and working cooperatively with the
applicant, shall be included in the Appendix;
b. A description of the procedures and approaches that will be used
to identify and evaluate systems models that integrate services for
people with disabilities into the existing infrastructure of any
organizations currently providing self-employment training or financing
within the jurisdiction of the project;
c. A description of the self-employment systems models to be tested
and evaluated for effectiveness, including whether they ensure customer
choice and self-direction of funds;
d. A description of the criteria and methods to be used to select
the project's political or economic jurisdiction;
[[Page 29178]]
e. A description of the methods to be used to ensure that the
elements of the project's system model will be sustained following the
completion of project activities; and
f. A detailed description of procedures and materials that will
enable others to adopt the successful models developed through
technical assistance and other means.
3. All applicants: a. Must describe the methods and procedures for
collecting, analyzing, and reporting data from the evaluation of the
project;
b. Must describe the procedures and approaches for working with
multiple Federal, state and local public and private agencies to
implement the various policy recommendations and strategies proposed in
relation to the specific situation in each agency;
c. May apply for an award in each priority category, but a separate
application must be submitted for each priority, and for each separate
jurisdiction under Priority 2. Awards will be made independently for
each of the priorities described in this SGA; and
d. Must include:
(1) A detailed 36-month management plan for project goals,
objectives, and activities;
(2) A detailed 36-month timeline for project activities including
producing and submitting a final report;
(3) A detailed outline for an evaluation research design (see
Section V (1) (F) for more information);
(4) A description of procedures and approaches that will be used to
provide ongoing communication and collaboration with, and input from
ODEP's Project Officer on all grant-related activities;
(5) A description of how performance feedback and continuous
improvement are integral to the design of the project; and
(6) Information on proposed staffing consistent with the
requirements below.
The Project Narrative must describe the proposed staffing of the
project, including consultants, and must identify and summarize the
qualifications of the personnel who will carry it out as well as time
commitments of all staff and consultants. For each staff person named
in the application, please provide documentation of all internal and
external time commitments. In instances where a staff person is
committed on a Federally supported project, please provide the project
name, Federal office, program title, the project Federal award number,
and the amount of committed time by each project year. This information
(e.g., Staff: Jane Doe; Project Name: Succeeding in the General
Curriculum; Federal office: Office of Special Education Programs;
Program title: Field Initiated Research; Award number: H324C980624;
Time commitments: Year 1--30%; Year 2--25% and Year 3--40%) can be
provided as an Appendix to the application.
In general, ODEP will not reduce time commitments on currently
funded grants from the time proposed in the original application.
Therefore, ODEP will not consider for funding any application where key
staff are bid above a time commitment level that staff have available
to bid. Further, the time commitments stated in newly submitted
applications will not be negotiated down to permit the applicant to
receive a new grant award.
The Project Narrative should also describe how the applicant plans
to comply with the employment discrimination and equal employment
opportunity requirements of the various laws listed in the assurances
section.
In addition, the evaluation criteria listed in Section V (1)
include consideration of the qualifications, including relevant
education, training and experience, of key project personnel as well as
the qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of
project consultants or subcontractors. Resumes for all staff and
consultants must be included in the Appendices.
3. Submission Dates, Times and Addresses
Applications will be accepted commencing May 19, 2006. The closing
date for receipt of applications by DOL under this announcement is July
3, 2006.
Applications, including those hand-delivered, must be received by
4:45 p.m. (ET) on the closing date at the address specified below. No
exceptions to the mailing and hand-delivery conditions set forth in
this notice will be granted. Applications that do not meet the
conditions set forth in this notice will be considered non-responsive.
Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to: U.S. Department
of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra Mitchell,
Reference SGA 06-07, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20210. Applications sent by e-mail or telefascimile
(FAX) applications will not be accepted.
Hand-Delivered Proposals: It is preferred that applications be
mailed at least five (5) days prior to the closing date to ensure
timely receipt. Hand-delivered applications will be considered for
funding, but must be received by the above specified date and time.
Overnight or express delivery from carriers other than the U.S. Postal
Service will be considered hand-delivered applications. Failure to
adhere to the above instructions will serve as a basis for a
determination of non-responsiveness.
Applicants are advised that mail in the Washington DC area may be
delayed due to mail decontamination procedures and may wish to take
this information into consideration when preparing to meet the
application deadline.
Late Applications. Any application received by the designated
office after the exact date and time specified will be considered non-
responsive, unless it is received before awards are made and it: (a) Is
determined that its late receipt was caused by DOL error after timely
delivery to the Department of Labor; (b) was sent by U.S. Postal
Service registered or certified mail not later than the fifth calendar
day before the date specified for receipt of applications (e.g., an
application submitted in response to a solicitation requiring receipt
of applications by the 20th of the month must have been post marked by
the 15th of that month); or (c) was sent by the U.S. Postal Service
Express Mail Next Day Service to addressee not later than 5 p.m. at the
place of mailing two (2) working days prior to the date specified for
receipt of applications. The term ``working days'' excludes weekends
and Federal holidays. ``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.
Withdrawal of Applications: An application that is timely submitted
may be withdrawn by written notice or telegram (including mailgram) at
any time before an award is made. Applications may be withdrawn in
person by the applicant or by an authorized representative thereof, if
the representative's identity is made known and the representative
signs a receipt for the proposal.
4. Intergovernmental Review
This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
5. Funding Restrictions
(a) Funding Levels: The total funding available for this
solicitation is $5,000,000. The Department of Labor reserves the right
to negotiate the amounts to be awarded under this competition. Please
be advised that
[[Page 29179]]
requests exceeding the maximum stated amount for each Priority in the
Executive Summary section of this solicitation will be considered non-
responsive. Additionally, there will be no reimbursement of pre-award
costs.
(b) Period of Performance: The period of performance will be for 36
months from date of the award unless modified. It is expected that the
successful applicant(s) will begin program operations under this
solicitation immediately upon receiving the ``Notice of Award.''
(c) Option Year Funding: Not applicable.
(d) Indirect Charges: If indirect charges are claimed in the
proposed budget, the recipient must provide on a separate sheet, the
following information:
(1) Name and address of cognizant Federal Audit Agency;
(2) Name, address and phone number (including area code) of the
Government auditor;
(3) Documentation from the cognizant agency indicating:
(a) Current indirect cost rate and the base against which the rate
should be applied;
(b) Effective period (dates) for the rate; and
(c) Date last rate was computed and negotiated;
(4) If no government audit agency computed and authorized the rate
claimed, a proposed rate with justification may be submitted to provide
a brief explanation of computation, who computed and the date;
successful applicants will be required to negotiate an acceptable and
allowable rate within 90 days of grant award with the appropriate DOL
Regional Office of Cost Determination or with the applicant's cognizant
agency for indirect cost rates (See Office of Management and Budget Web
site at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/attach.html). The
recipient shall call the Office of Cost Determination at 202-693-4100
for the initial contact.
However, applications claiming an indirect cost rate greater than
15% will not be considered.
V. Application Review Information
1. Evaluation Criteria
A Technical Panel will review grant applications against the
criteria listed below, on the basis of the maximum points indicated.
``In accordance with Part III of this SGA, Eligibility Information,
Item 1, entitled Eligible Applicants, sub-item (d), regarding
legislative language-driven priority directions for the national
technical assistance grant (i.e. Priority 1), an additional five (5)
scoring points will be given to applicants who are ``national non-
profits with experience in delivering direct consumer services as well
as training to public and private agencies''.
A. Significance of the Proposed Project (10 Points)
In determining the significance of the proposed research, the
Department will consider the following factors.
For all Priority areas:
(1) The potential contribution of the proposed project to increase
knowledge or understanding of problems, issues, or effective strategies
for providing self-employment options to adults and youth with
disabilities, including significant disabilities, as an alternative to
traditional types of employment;
(2) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to yield
findings that may be used by other appropriate agencies and
organizations; and
(3) The likely utility of the products (such as information,
materials, processes, or techniques) that will result from the proposed
project, including their potential for being used effectively in a
variety of other settings.
Additional Factors for Priority 2:
(1) The extent to which the proposed research identifies promising
new strategies that build upon, or are alternatives to, existing
strategies;
(2) The extent to which the promising practices of the proposed
project are to be disseminated and shared through technical assistance
in ways that will enable others to use the information or strategies;
(3) The potential replicability (national significance) of the
proposed project or strategies, including, as appropriate, the
potential for implementation in a variety of settings;
(4) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to build
sustainable capacity in the area of jurisdiction to provide, improve or
expand self-employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities;
and
(5) The importance or magnitude of the results that are likely to
be attained by the proposed project.
B. Project Design (25 Points)
In evaluating the quality of the proposed project design, the
Department will consider the following factors.
For all Priority areas:
(1) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable;
(2) The extent to which the proposal incorporates the key
activities identified for the appropriate priority in the Project
Narrative section of this SGA (section IV(2));
(3) The extent to which the proposal describes a strategic process
for designing and implementing the project;
(4) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is
appropriate to, and will successfully address the needs of, all people
with disabilities, including adults, youth, veterans, older workers and
persons with significant disabilities;
(5) The extent to which the design of the proposed project reflects
a review of disability-related literature, up-to-date knowledge of
research and effective practices relating to planning, financing and
implementing self-employment options, an in-depth understanding of
relevant economic, social, financial, institutional or other problems
and the use of appropriate methodological tools to ensure successful
achievement of project objectives;
(6) The extent to which the design of the proposed project can
identify barriers and challenges associated with providing self-
employment options to persons with disabilities;
(7) The extent to which the proposed project will effectively
contribute to increased knowledge and understanding by building upon
current theory, research, and best practices.
(8) The extent to which the applicant encourages involvement of
people with disabilities, relevant experts, and organizations in
project activities;
(9) The extent to which performance feedback and continuous
improvement are integral to the design of the proposed project; and
(10) The adequacy of the documentation submitted in support of the
proposed project to demonstrate the commitment of each entity or
individual included in project implementation.
Additional Factors for Priority 2:
(1) The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build
systemic capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period
of performance of the cooperative agreement;
(2) The extent to which the design of the proposed project utilizes
cutting-edge strategies for promoting personal choice and control in
the development of self-employment options; and
(3) The extent to which the proposed project leverages a
combination of public and private resources for purposes of
sustainability and provides other concrete evidence of sustainability,
including appropriate letters of support included in the Appendices.
[[Page 29180]]
C. Organizational Capacity and Quality of Key Personnel (25 points)
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which the
applicant demonstrates organizational capacity and quality of key
personnel to implement the proposed project, including:
(1) Demonstrated experience with similar projects in employment or
self-employment and related areas for the appropriate Priority area, as
well as in providing services related to self-employment for people
with disabilities;
(2) Experience with the target population;
(3) Qualifications and experience of the applicant's key personnel
and consultants;
(4) Commitment to developing and sustaining work across key
stakeholders;
(5) Experience and commitment of any proposed consultants or
subcontractors; and
(6) Appropriateness of the organization's structure to carry out
the project.
D. Budget and Resource Capacity (10 points)
In evaluating the capacity of the applicant to carry out the
proposed project, ODEP will consider the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the
proposed project; and
(2) The extent to which the anticipated costs are reasonable in
relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the
proposed project.
E. Quality of the Management Plan (15 points)
In evaluating the quality of the management plan for the proposed
project, ODEP will consider the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the management plan for project
implementation appears likely to achieve the objectives of the proposed
project on time and within budget, and includes clearly defined staff
responsibilities, time allocation to project activities, time lines,
milestones for accomplishing project tasks, project deliverables and
information on adequacy of other resources necessary for project
implementation;
(2) The extent to which the management plan appears likely to
result in sustaining activities beyond the period of direct federal
investment;
(3) The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products
and services relating to the scope of work for the proposed project;
and
(4) The extent to which the time commitments of the project
director and/or principal investigator and other key project personnel
are appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed
project.
F. Quality of the Project Evaluation (15 points)
In evaluating the quality of the project's evaluation design, ODEP
will consider the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough,
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, context, and
outcomes of the proposed project;
(2) The extent to which the design of the evaluation includes the
use of objective performance measures and methods that will clearly
document the project's intended outputs and outcomes and will produce
quantitative and qualitative data;
(3) The extent to which the evaluation will include methods to
validate self-employment strategies and document systems change models
in order to provide information to the Federal government and other
entities about effective self-employment and systems change strategies
suitable for replication or testing in other settings; and
(4) The extent to which the methods of evaluation provide measures
that will inform ODEP's annual performance goals and measures and
ODEP's long-term strategic goals.
2. Review and Selection Process
A technical review panel will objectively rate each complete
application against the criteria described in this SGA for the
appropriate priority as identified in the application. Each application
will only be rated for one of the priorities. Multiple applications
must be submitted if an applicant seeks funding under more than one
priority. The panel recommendations to the Grant Officer, including any
point scores, are advisory in nature. The Grant Officer may elect to
award grants either with or without discussion with the applicant. In
situations where no discussion occurs, an award will be based on the
signed SF-424 form (see Appendix A), which constitutes a binding offer.
The Grant Officer may consider the availability of funds and any
information that is available and will make final award decisions based
on what is most advantageous to the government, considering factors
such as: The advisory recommendations from the grant technical
evaluation panel, and the geographic distribution of Federally funded
grants.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Announcement of this award is expected to occur within 30 days of
award. The cooperative agreement will be awarded by no later than
September 30, 2006.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The Notice of Award signed by the Grant Officer is the authorizing
document and will be provided through postal mail and/or by electronic
means to the authorized representative listed on the SF-424 Grant
Application. Notice that an organization has been selected as a grant
recipient does not constitute final approval of the grant application
as submitted. Before the actual grant award, the Grant Officer and/or
the Grant Officer's Technical Representative may enter into
negotiations concerning such items as program components, funding
levels, and administrative systems. If the negotiations do not result
in an acceptable submittal, the Grant Officer reserves the right to
terminate the negotiation and decline to fund the proposal.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
All grantees, including faith-based organizations, will be subject
to applicable Federal laws (including provisions of appropriations
law), regulations, and the applicable Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) Circulars. The grant(s) awarded under this SGA will be subject to
the following administrative standards and provisions, and requirements
applicable to particular entities. The applicant must include
assurances and certifications that it will comply with these laws in
its grant application. The assurances and certifications are attached
as Appendix C.
A. Regulations
29 CFR parts 31 and 32--Nondiscrimination in Federally
Assisted Programs of the Department of Labor (respectively,
effectuation of Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964, and on the Basis
of Handicap in Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from
Federal Financial Assistance).
29 CFR part 35--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in
Programs or Activities receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the
Department of Labor.
[[Page 29181]]
29 CFR part 36--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial
Assistance.
29 CFR part 93--New Restrictions on Lobbying.
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,
Foreign Governments, Organizations Under the Jurisdiction of Foreign
Governments and International Organizations.
29 CFR part 96--Federal Standards for Audit of Federally
Funded Grants, Contracts and Agreements.
29 CFR part 97--Uniform Administrative Regulations for
Grants to States, Local Governments or Tribes.
29 CFR part 98--Federal Standards for Governmentwide
Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide
Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
29 CFR part 99--Federal Standards for Audits of States,
Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.
29 CFR part 2--General Participation in Department of
Labor Programs by Faith-Based and Community Organizations; Equal
Treatment of All Department of Labor Program Participants and
Beneficiaries.
Applicable cost principles under OMB Circulars A-21, A-87,
A-122, or 48 CFR part 31.
B. Travel
Any travel undertaken in performance of this cooperative agreement
shall be subject to and in strict accordance with Federal travel
regulations.
C. Acknowledgement of USDOL Funding
Printed Materials: In all circumstances, the following shall be
displayed on printed materials prepared by the grantee while in receipt
of DOL grant funding: ``Preparation of this item was funded by the
United States Department of Labor under Grant No. [insert the
appropriate Grant number].''
All printed materials must also include the following
notice: ``This document does not necessarily reflect the views or
policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade
names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the
U.S. Government.''
Public reference to grant: When issuing statements, press releases,
requests for proposals, bid solicitations, and other documents
describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with Federal
money, all Grantees receiving Federal funds must clearly state:
The percentage of the total costs of the program or
project, which will be financed with Federal money;
The dollar amount of Federal financial assistance for the
project or program; and
The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the
project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.
Use of USDOL Logo: In consultation with USDOL ODEP, the Grantee
must acknowledge USDOL's role as described below:
The USDOL logo may be applied to USDOL-funded material
prepared for world-wide distribution, including posters, videos,
pamphlets, research documents, national survey results, impact
evaluations, best practice reports, and other publications of global
interest. The Grantee(s) must consult with USDOL on whether the logo
may be used on any such items prior to final draft or final preparation
for distribution. In no event shall the USDOL logo be placed on any
item until USDOL has given the Grantee written permission to use the
logo on the item.
All documents must include the following notice: ``This
document does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S.
Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial
products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.''
D. Intellectual Property
Please be advised that DOL will reserve a royalty-free,
nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish,
distribute, publicly display and perform, and create derivative works
from, and to authorize others to use, for Federal Government purposes:
(1) The copyright in any work developed under a grant, subgrant, or
contract under a grant or subgrant; and (2) any rights of copyright to
which a grantee, subgrantee or a contractor purchases ownership with
grant support.
In addition, the grantee will agree to notify DOL of any pre-
existing copyrighted materials it intends to incorporate into materials
developed under the grant, and, prior to such incorporation, the
grantee will agree that it will acquire, on behalf of DOL, any
necessary licenses to allow DOL to exercise the rights described in the
paragraph above.
E. Approval of Key Personnel and Subcontractors
The recipient shall notify the Grant Officer at least 14 calendar
days in advance if any key personnel are to be removed or diverted from
the cooperative agreement, shall supply written justification as part
of this notice as to why these persons are to be removed or diverted,
shall provide the names(s) of the proposed substitute or replacement,
and shall include information on each new individual's qualifications
such as education and work experience.
VII. Reporting and Monitoring
ODEP is responsible for ensuring effective implementation of this
Cooperative Agreement, in accordance with the provisions of this
announcement and the terms of the Cooperative Agreement award document.
Applicants should assume that ODEP staff will conduct on-site project
reviews periodically. Reviews will focus on timely project
implementation, performance in meeting the Cooperative Agreement's
objectives, tasks and responsibilities, expenditures of Cooperative
Agreement funds on allowable activities, and administration of project
activities. Projects may be subject to other additional reviews, at the
discretion of the ODEP.
The selected applicant must submit on a quarterly basis, beginning
ninety days from the award of the grant, financial and activity reports
under this program as prescribed by OMB Circular A-110, codified at 2
CFR part 215 and 29 CFR part 95. Specifically the following reports
will be required:
(a) Quarterly report: The quarterly report is estimated to take
five hours to complete. The form for the Quarterly Report will be
provided by ODEP. The Department will work with the grantee to help
refine the requirements of the report, which, among other things, will
include measures of ongoing analysis for continuous improvement. This
report will be filed using an on-line reporting system. The form will
be submitted within 30 days of the close of the quarter.
(b) Standard Form 269: Financial Status Report Form: This form is
to be completed and submitted on a quarterly basis using the online
electronic reporting system.
(c) Final Project Report: The Final Project Report is to include an
assessment of project performance and outcomes achieved. It is
estimated that this report will take twenty (20) hours to complete.
This report will be submitted in hard copy and on electronic disk using
a format and following instructions, to be provided by the Department.
A draft of the final report is due to the Department sixty
[[Page 29182]]
(60) days before the end of the period of performance of the
cooperative agreement. The final report is due to DOL ten (10) days
before the end of the period of performance of the cooperative
agreement.
The Department will arrange for an independent evaluation of the
outcomes, impacts, accomplishments, and benefits of each funded
project. All grantees must agree to cooperate with this evaluation and
must make available records on all parts of project activity, including
available data on employment and wages of participants in the self-
employment service delivery models being studied, and provide access to
personnel, as specified by the evaluator(s), under the direction of
ODEP. This independent evaluation is separate from the ongoing
evaluation for continuous improvement required of the grantee for
project implementation.
Technical assistance efforts will be coordinated with and will
complement those of ODEP's National Center on Workforce and Disability
for Adults (NCWD/A), as well as ODEP's other technical assistance
efforts, including: The National Consortium on Workforce and Disability
for Youth (NCWD/Y), the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), the Employer
Assistance and Recruiting Network (EARN), and the Small Business and
Self-Employment Service (SBSES) (a service of ODEP implemented through
JAN which provides information, counseling, and referrals about self-
employment and small business ownership opportunities for people with
disabilities). Grantees must also agree to work with the ODEP in its
various technical assistance efforts in order to freely share with
others what is learned about delivering self-employment services to
individuals with disabilities. Grantees must agree to collaborate with
other research institutes, centers, studies, and evaluations that are
supported by the DOL and other relevant Federal agencies, as
appropriate. Finally, Grantees must agree to actively utilize the
programs sponsored by the ODEP, including the Job Accommodation Network
(http://www.jan.wvu.edu), and the Employer Assistance and Recruiting
Network (http://www.earnworks.com).
Each successful applicant will be required to prepare a strategic
plan for achieving the goals of the cooperative agreement during the
first year of the agreement and submit it to ODEP for approval.
VIII. Agency Contacts
Any questions regarding this SGA should be directed to Cassandra
Mitchell, e-mail address: [email protected], tel: 202-693-4570
(note that this is NOT a toll-free number). To obtain further
information about the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the
U.S. Department of Labor, visit the USDOL Web site of the Office of
Disability Employment Policy at http://www.dol.gov/odep.
IX. Appendices
The appendices are as follows:
Appendix A. Application for Federal Assistance, Form SF-424.
Appendix B. Budget Information Sheet, Form SF-424A.
Appendix C. Assurances and Certifications Signature Page.
(Appendices D and E are not applicable).
Appendix F. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants.
Detailed information and document locations:
Appendix A. Application for Federal Assistance, Form SF-424 (OMB
No. 4040-0004).
Appendix B. Budget Information Sheet, Form SF-424A (OMB No. 0348-
0044).
Both forms SF-424 and 424A can be obtained at the following Web
address: http://apply.grants.gov/agency/FormLinks?family=7.
Appendix F. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants
(OMB No. 1890-0014).
The Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants form can be
obtained at the following Web address: http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/surveyeo.pdf. (If you are viewing this in an electronic
format and are receiving ``page not found'', please cut and paste the
URL into your browser window)
Appendix C. Assurances and Certifications Signature Page.
Certifications and Assurances
Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
The Department of Labor will not award a grant or agreement where
the grantee/recipient has failed to accept the assurances and
certifications contained in this section. By signing and returning this
signature page, the grantee/recipient is providing the certifications
set forth below:
A. Certification Regarding Lobbying, Debarment, Suspension, Other
Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions and Certifications
Regarding Drug-Free/Tobacco-Free Workplace,
B. Certification of Release of Information,
C. Assurances--Non-Construction Programs,
D. Applicant is not a 501(c)(4) organization.
Applicant Name and Legal Address:
If there is any reason why one of the assurances or certifications
listed cannot be signed, please explain. Applicant need only submit and
return this signature page with the grant application. All other
instruction shall be kept on file by the applicant.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Authorized Certifying Official
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Applicant Organization
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Submitted
Please Note:
This signature page and any pertinent attachments which may be
required by these assurances and certifications shall be attached to
the applicant's Cost Proposal.
Signed at Washington, DC this 12th day of May, 2006.
Eric Vogt,
Grant Officer.
[FR Doc. 06-4669 Filed 5-18-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-FK-P