[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 19 (Friday, January 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-1600]


[Federal Register: January 28, 1994]



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Availability of Funds; Employment and Training Needs of Migrant 
and Seasonal Farmworkers
ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration (DOL/ETA), announces the availability of funds for a 
demonstration project to encourage and promote innovative responses to 
the employment and training needs of migrant and seasonal farmworkers. 
This notice describes the application process, possible demonstration 
models, how grantees will be selected and the responsibility of the 
grantee. One (1) grant, not to exceed $550,000 will be awarded on a 
competitive basis. This grant will be for a 12 month period with the 
possibility of 2 option years. The Department reserves the option to 
fund additional demonstration projects, based on a review and 
evaluation of applications received as a result of this solicitation. 
Applications with proposed costs in excess of $550,000 will not be 
considered.

DATES: Applications for grant awards will be accepted commencing 
January 28, 1994. The closing date for receipt of applications shall be 
March 14, 1994, at 2 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) at the address below.

ADDRESSES: Mail on hand deliver applications to: U.S. Department of 
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Grants and 
Contract Management, Division of Acquisition and Assistance, room 
S4203, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Attention: 
Irene Taylor-Pindle or Shirley Horton. Reference SGA/DAA-94-001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Irene Taylor-Pindle or Ms. Shirley Horton, Division of Acquisition 
and Assistance. Telephone: (202) 219-8702. (This is not a toll free 
number.).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation consists of four parts. 
Part I provides the background and purpose of the demonstration 
project(s). Part II identifies possible demonstration models. Part III 
describes the application process and provides detailed guidelines for 
use in applying for the demonstration grant and the selection criteria 
used in reviewing the applications. Part IV describes the reporting 
requirements.

Part I. Background

    Studies have indicated that although large numbers of farmworkers 
actively leave agricultural employment annually, equally large numbers 
depend on continued long-term employment in agriculture for their 
livelihood. For those seeking to leave agriculture, programs annually 
funded under section 402 of the JTPA offer classroom and skill training 
leading to employment opportunities.
    Farmworkers opting to remain in agriculture are dependent on an 
agricultural employment system that is at times affected by weather 
conditions and changing local labor market needs and economic factors, 
but is always constant in its unforgiving working conditions and long 
term negative effect on the farmworker's health and economic well 
being.
    The Department is interested in aiding farmworkers seeking 
employment opportunities and a future outside of agriculture, while at 
the same time stabilizing the farm labor force by providing labor 
market information and enhancing the skills and well being of 
farmworkers (and their dependents) wishing to remain in agriculture.
    The Department of Labor is focusing this solicitation on 
demonstration efforts that will address issues that directly impact the 
daily lives of farmworkers--both seasonal and migrant.
    The Department will consider and fund one or more demonstration 
project(s) that encompass (one or more) aspects of the following topic 
areas: (a) A labor market information system that would provide 
farmworkers with accurate and timely data concerning crop planting and 
harvest conditions, employment opportunities, housing conditions and 
the availability of supportive services, etc.; (b) a program model that 
employs work-based learning concepts to demonstrate a new approach in 
retraining farmworkers (either in upgraded farmwork employment or in 
employment opportunities outside of agriculture); (c) a program model 
that serves to transition farmworkers into newly emerging fields of 
technology--taking into account the barriers faced by farmworkers, 
while at the same time satisfying the skill and cognitive needs of the 
targeted industry; (d) a program model that serves to reinvent the 
manner in which the hardest of farmworkers to serve are provided 
retraining and/or training in areas that will directly impact and 
enhance their lives and the lives of their families; (e) a program 
model that creates an information network linking farmworker service 
delivery agents for the purpose of creating a data base that could be 
used for sharing client information. This in turn could have the effect 
of more efficiently and effectively rendering services to the 
farmworker.
    In calling for grant applications, the Department is not limiting 
or suggesting geographic areas or regions, nor is the Department 
limiting the design of projects to those suggested above. Applicants 
are free to identify the geographic area in which their proposed 
demonstration project will be tested. Applicants should also understand 
that the Department will exercise its option of funding one or more 
demonstration projects based on a review and appraisal of those 
received under this SGA notice.
    Demonstration projects under this initiative may try out new 
approaches to serving farmworkers and in the process assess and test 
new ideas that may integrate the provision of services, classroom 
training and structured worksite learning. The demonstration project(s) 
may establish a fundamental change in the way farmworker organizations 
and agents of technical and skill training provide assistance to 
migrant and seasonal farmworkers.

Part II. Statement of Work

    This Statement of Work sets forth the objectives, general 
specifications and conditions for submission of applications to conduct 
a demonstration project for a 12-month base period. Each demonstration 
project must offer services and activities, necessary to assist migrant 
and seasonal farmworkers, preferably, in a combination and format not 
currently found in Section 402 programs. The applicant may select one 
of the models presented below or develop a different model that 
addresses the specific problems faced by this target group. The desired 
services sought under a demonstration grant through this SGA will 
include but may not be limited to the following activities and areas of 
expertise:
    *Model #1. The development and dissemination of a labor market 
system benefiting migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
    A proposal under this model should identify the geographic area to 
be targeted for this demonstration project along with the rationale for 
its selection; the manner in which information and data concerning crop 
planting, harvesting and related employment opportunities, availability 
of temporary housing and supportive services will be gathered and 
shared; the manner in which those organizations currently serving 
farmworkers in the targeted area will be utilized for distribution of 
information purposes; the form/media in which information will be 
shared with farmworkers and the projected number to be reached.
    The grantee shall establish a methodology for collecting, analyzing 
and distributing information concerning crop planting and harvesting 
and attendant employment opportunities; shall establish linkages with 
farmworker organizations and farm labor entities and the agricultural 
recruitment system within the geographic area to be covered; shall 
collect and communicate pertinent information on a timely basis; shall 
develop internal monitoring and evaluation instruments to gauge the 
effectiveness of the distribution system and the information collected.
    *Model #2. The development of a training model that would establish 
a new approach to retraining farmworkers.
    A proposal submitted under this model, should involve the 
structuring of worksite learning (that would include innovative 
approaches in combining classroom and skill training) which would be 
effectuated to meet the specific learning needs of farmworkers.
    This would include the geographic location in which the model would 
be conducted and the rationale for its selection; the technology and 
methodology to be employed; a listing of participating employers where 
worksite learning would occur; an identification of the specific 
learning needs to be focused upon which may be unique to farmworkers; 
and a description of how coordination will take place with farmworker 
organizations within the proposed service area and a listing of those 
organizations. The grantee shall, after establishing a timeframe for 
initiating the proposed project, commence operations within the first 
four months; shall select or develop alternative and innovative 
approaches to instruction and the uses of teaching techniques and 
instructional materials, work relevant curricula and motivational 
resources designed for participants who read at the eighth grade level; 
shall conduct and provide the Department with an assessment of both 
current and future local service area labor market needs with 
concomitant entry-level requirements; shall structure worksite learning 
(in concert with the participating employers) for participating section 
402 eligible farmworkers; shall establish cooperative agreements 
between selected employers (for worksite learning activities) and 
service area farmworker program operators and the grantee; shall 
evaluate, assess and provide the Department with a report concerning 
the outcomes of the methodology employed through this effort and its 
effect on the participants.
    *Model #3. The development of a training model that would 
incorporate new methodologies in transitioning farmworkers with limited 
English-speaking ability and skills into the newly emerging and 
technically demanding workplace.
    The applicant should include the geographic area in which this 
demonstration project will be tested along with the rationale for its 
selection; the methodology to be employed; a description of the 
industry(ies) selected with a focus on those aspects which now require 
higher skilled entry-level workers and the manner in which farmworkers 
from rural areas with limited English will be trained for these new 
jobs; a description regarding how the project will coordinate with 
local organizations serving farmworkers--and how this would benefit the 
participants.
    The grantee shall develop a methodology for transitioning 
participating farmworkers from agricultural employment in rural areas 
into employment training opportunities where new technology has 
produced more demanding entry-level jobs and where long-term job 
opportunities now exist; shall develop linkages with farmworker 
organizations within and serving the designated project area for the 
purpose of recruitment, selection and the provision of supportive 
services to the participants; shall provide rationale for selection of 
participating industries; shall provide analysis and rationale for 
selection of training methods to be used and a timeframe projection for 
success of project; shall provide an approach to easing the transition 
process for the farmworker participants whose native language is not 
English.
    *Model #4. The development of a training model that would include a 
methodology which may innovatively address the needs of the hardest to 
serve farmworkers while at the same time imparting employability 
skills.
    The applicant should include an identification of the geographic 
area selected and the rationale for the site selection. It should also 
include a description of the following: How participants would be 
identified and recruited, the instructional methodology to be employed 
and how this would be tied into skill instruction (either in skill 
areas outside of agricultural employment or leading to upgraded 
positions within agriculture). Included would be a description of the 
manner in which farmworker organizations within the designated 
demonstration service area would be utilized.
    The grantee shall select or develop a methodology or technique that 
is reflective of addressing the unique needs of the farmworker 
clientele of the section 402 programs who have been identified as the 
hardest to serve--those being individuals with the disadvantage of 
having limited skills, limited English and limited reading and 
cognitive abilities; shall demonstrate how this methodology may prove 
to be more effective--in terms of outcomes--than previously used 
practices; shall identify, recruit and enroll farmworkers who satisfy 
the afore-stated barriers for participation in the demonstration model; 
shall provide the Department with progress assessments of the 
participants at agreed upon periods during the grant; and shall 
establish measurable benchmarks to determine the success and 
effectiveness of the model.
    *Model #5. The development of a training model that sets out a 
technical approach to link farmworker service delivery agents in order 
to share clientele information, and the establishment of a related data 
base.
    The proposal should identify the geographic region selected and the 
rationale for it. It should include a description of the methodology to 
be used and those organizations selected to participate. It should 
describe the data to be collected, how it will be used and how it will 
benefit the farmworkers--either directly or indirectly.
    In the development and submission of a grant application to this 
SGA, applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the farmworker 
population--including socio-economic conditions and prevailing regional 
and ethnic cultures of the people whom the Department is mandated to 
serve; a knowledge and understanding of the migratory streams which 
farmworkers travel in search of employment in agriculture and the 
living and working conditions which prevail in migrant farmworker 
streams; a knowledge and understanding of the methods of providing 
employment and training activities and services in behalf of migrant 
and seasonal farmworkers; a knowledge and understanding of the current 
agricultural recruitment and employment system; a knowledge and 
understanding of demonstrated expertise in the proffered activities 
under the proposed effort; and finally, demonstrated support of the 
community and knowledge of the labor market for which the project is 
proposed.
    Perhaps one of the more important goals of this initiative is 
focusing attention on the unique employment and training needs of 
migrant and seasonal farmworkers and bringing to bear upon this 
challenge a creative and innovative approach. With this in mind, these 
demonstration grants are intended to lay the foundation for a new 
approach in serving farmworkers and/or providing an augmentation to 
existing employment and training efforts.
    The grantee shall establish cooperative arrangements with all 
organizations serving farmworkers within the designated geographic 
region of this demonstration model; shall develop a data base for the 
collection of relevant information; shall demonstrate how this data 
will be beneficial to the participating farmworker organizations, the 
U.S. Department of Labor, and to the farmworkers; shall provide the 
Department with periodic status reports on the progress toward the 
goals of this model demonstration; shall establish a methodology for 
linking all farmworker programs in the designated area so that they may 
access, contribute to, and benefit from the data base.

Part III. Application Process

A. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants for these demonstration projects to be funded 
under this announcement are public agencies and private nonprofit 
organizations.

B. Application Procedures

1. Submission of Proposal
    All instructions and forms required for submittal of applications 
are included in this announcement. An original and three (3) copies of 
the application shall be submitted. The application package shall 
consist of two (2) separate and distinct parts. Part I, The Financial 
Proposal and Part II, the Technical proposal. The Financial Proposal, 
Part I, shall contain the SF-424, ``Application for Federal 
assistance'' (Attachment No. 1) and SF424-A, ``Budget'' (Attachment No. 
2). The budget shall include on a separate page(s) a cost analysis of 
the budget, identifying in detail the amount of each budget line item 
attributable to each cost category. The Technical Proposal, Part II 
shall address the Statement of Work as called for in this application 
along with documenting the applicants previous experience and 
capability to carry out the proposed demonstration project.
    Applicants should describe the proposed technical approach 
including the phasing of tasks and the scheduling of time and 
personnel. No cost data or reference to price shall be included in the 
Technical Proposal, Part II, so that an independent evaluation can be 
made solely on the basis of technical merit.
2. Late Proposals
    Any proposal not reaching the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment 
and Training Administration, Office of Grants and Contract Management, 
Division of Acquisition and Assistance, room S4203, 200 Constitution 
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210 by the specified time and date as set 
forth under the section noted as DATES will not be considered, unless 
postmarked five (5) days prior to the stated closing date. The term 
``postmark'' means a printed, stamped or otherwise placed impression 
(exclusive of postage meter-machine impression) that is readily 
identifiable without further action having been supplied or affixed on 
the date of mailing by employees of the U.S. Postal Service.
3. Hand-Delivered Proposals
    Although it is preferred that all proposals be submitted through 
the U.S. Postal Service, hand delivered proposals will be accepted if 
received and time stamped by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment 
and Training Administration, Office of Grants and Contract Management, 
Division of Acquisition and Assistance, room S4203, 200 Constitution 
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210 by 2 p.m., Eastern Standard Time by 
March 14, 1994. Telegraphed and/or faxed proposals will not be 
accepted. Failure to adhere to the above instructions will be a basis 
for a determination of nonresponsiveness.
4. Period of Performance
    The period of performance will be twelve (12) months from the date 
of execution by the government.
5. Option To Extend
    Depending upon the availability of funds, and the assessment of the 
grantee's performance by the U.S. Department of Labor, the government 
reserves the right to extend the grant for up to two (2) one year 
extensions beyond the initial 12-month period of performance.

C. Proposal Format

    Each application should contain the information necessary for the 
Department to evaluate it in terms of the selection criteria, 
identified in part III.D. The general format that should be followed is 
outlined below:
    1. A statement of the problem to be addressed and a brief summary 
of the proposed demonstration project.
    2. A historic overview of your organization and a statement of 
relevant experience supporting the proposed demonstration project.
    3. A full and comprehensive description of the proposed 
demonstration project, methodology and design, and a summary of 
personnel to be employed in carrying out the project.
    4. As applicable, include information on the targeted group(s), 
location of sites, numbers to be served, timelines, and expected 
outcomes and goals to be achieved.
    5. A description of key staff and the names and telephone numbers 
of persons to be contacted for further information.

D. Rating Criteria for Award

    Prospective offeror(s) are advised that the selection of grantee(s) 
for award is to be made after careful evaluation of proposals by a 
panel of specialists. Each panelists will evaluate the proposals for 
acceptability with emphasis on the various factors enumerated below.
    Evaluations will be made not only on the basis of what the proposed 
offeror intends to do during the 12-month grant, but also on the 
usefulness of the demonstration after the end of the grant period, 
including possible extensions of the grant. The panel results are 
advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer.
(1) Knowledge and Understanding of Program Population
    Clear evidence of the offeror's knowledge and understanding of 
migrant and seasonal farmworkers--inclusive of the socio-economic 
conditions and geographic area of the demonstration project; 
familiarity with the Department's Section 402 program of the JTPA; and 
employment and training programs in the proposed geographic area.
    This factor rates the offeror's analysis of the needs of migrant 
and seasonal farmworkers, including socio-economic conditions and the 
prevailing ethnic culture and mores. Applicant must demonstrate a 
knowledge of the service area by providing a clear and concise 
description of the proposed geographic area and the characteristics of 
the clientele population. (20 points)
2. Capability of Applicant
    Documentation of the offeror's capacity to develop a technical 
approach to accomplish the objectives as enumerated in this SGA in 
support of the demonstration model selected; furthermore, the proposal 
should include staffing charts which lists names, qualifications and 
experiences of key staff and the concomitant amount of time for each to 
be spent on the project (if those identified are to be less than 
fulltime). (20 points)
3. Project Design
    Documentation of program design; which, if the applicant selects 
one of the models suggested under Part II, Statement of Work, or 
proposes a model other than those suggested, should (a) clearly 
identify the goals to be achieved through the proposed model, along 
with benchmarks by which the success of the model could be measured; 
(b) demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the proposed methodology and 
delineate the manner in which this methodology will be applied; (c) 
provide rationale and justification for the model as it relates to the 
geographic location where it will be implemented; and finally (d) 
provide a rationale that would support the replication of the proposed 
model in parts of the country (other than where the model is to be 
implemented), to serve the targeted population. (40 points)
4. Applicant's Experience
    A description of the offeror's qualifications in terms of relevant 
previous experience, facilities and other resources. The offeror should 
provide descriptions of one or more prior activities and expertise 
which are relevant to the proposed demonstration model. The offeror 
must provide the name and telephone number of any relevant reference. 
(20 points)
    Applicants are advised that discussions may be necessary in order 
to clarify any inconsistencies in their applications. Applications may 
be rejected where the information required is not provided in 
sufficient detail to permit adequate assessment of the proposal. The 
final decision on the award will be based on what is most advantageous 
to the Federal Government as determined by the ETA Grant Officer. 
Evaluations by reviewers are advisory only to the Grant Officer.

Part IV. Reporting Requirements

    The Grant Recipient shall submit the following reports, at the time 
and in the number of copies specified to the project officer designated 
by the grant.
    1. Quarterly reports (3 copies). The first such report will be due 
90 days after the grant beginning date and subsequent reports will be 
due quarterly thereafter.
    2. Quarterly financial reports as required by the grant award 
documents. (Standard Form 269., Financial Status Report form).
    3. Final report (3 copies). The Grant Recipient shall provide the 
project officer with a final report summarizing the activities 
performed under this grant within 30 days of the close of the grant. 
Should the Government exercise its option for a second one year period, 
the Grant Recipient is still required to submit the final report (for 
the first year's effort) thirty (30) days following the renewal of the 
grant.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 19th day of January, 1994.
James C. DeLuca,
Grant Officer.
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[FR Doc. 94-1600 Filed 1-27-94; 8:45 am]
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