[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 74 (Monday, April 18, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-9250]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: April 18, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
[SGA No. DAA 94-008]

 

Job Training Partnership Act: Learning Consortia Project

AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant 
Applications (SGA).

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration, under Title IV of the Job Training Partnership Act is 
soliciting proposals on a competitive basis to assist consortia of for-
profit organizations in addressing their workforce and workplace 
improvement needs to develop highly skilled workers and increase 
company competitiveness. The Department has set aside approximately 
$500,000 for this procurement. As a result of this solicitation, 
multiple awards will be made. All information required to submit a 
proposal is contained in this announcement.

DATES: Applications for grant awards will be accepted commencing April 
18, 1994. The closing date for receipt of applications shall be May 20, 
1994, at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

ADDRESSES: Applications shall be mailed to the Division of Acquisition 
and Assistance, Attention: Willie E. Harris, Reference: SGA/DAA 94-008, 
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Room 
S-4203, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Willie E. Harris, Division of Acquisition and Assistance. Telephone 
(202) 219-8702 (this is not a toll free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This announcement consists of five parts: 
Part I--Background, Part II--Application Process, Part III--Statement 
of Work, Part IV--Evaluation Criteria, and Part V--Reporting 
Requirements.

Part I--Background

    The Department of Labor's (DOL's) mission is to ensure that all 
Americans have access to the resources they require to successfully 
manage their job lives, and that U.S. businesses have access to the 
skilled workers and training and technical assistance resources they 
need to successfully compete in a global economy. DOL's strategy for 
accomplishing this mission involves the building of new relationships 
with state and local partners and investing federal dollars to 
strengthen the effectiveness of local labor markets.
    This solicitation represents an attempt to build such a new 
relationship through learning consortia, networks of otherwise 
unrelated for-profit organizations, particularly small businesses, 
forged to develop interfirm learning and information-sharing systems 
focused on workforce development and the changing workplace. Through 
each consortium, DOL hopes (1) to share human resource development 
tools or information about new work systems implementation, and (2) 
establish a cooperative learning system like a learning center or 
teaching factory.
    Forming a learning consortium makes sense from the individual small 
companies' standpoint because a network of small organizations are 
better positioned to facilitate cost-effective, high quality workforce 
and workplace development programs than a small business acting alone. 
A consortium enables small businesses to more accurately identify 
common training needs, to locate and coordinate the services of 
assistance providers that can effectively address those needs, and to 
share training programs and other resources among member organizations.
    From a public policy perspective, learning consortia afford 
regional, state and local workforce and economic development policy 
makers and assistance providers points of access to reach a wider 
spectrum of firms through their business outreach efforts. Dealing with 
consortia of small organizations rather than individual organizations 
allows assistance providers to leverage the investment of scarce 
resources. Learning consortia have tremendous potential to help 
alleviate this nation's growing dislocated worker problem in several 
ways:
    (1) Consortia of businesses can be effective training and technical 
assistance delivery systems to upgrade incumbent workers' skills and 
improve company productivity to prevent worker dislocations.
    (2) Consortia learning systems, like learning centers and teaching 
factories, have the potential of being effective providers for 
dislocated worker retraining.
    (3) Networks of globally competitive small businesses could create 
new jobs for the reemployment of dislocated workers.
    Currently, there are hundreds of examples of successful interfirm 
networks operating across the country. For some, a geographic cluster 
is the basis for forging the network. Others are formed as part of a 
supplier development strategy, an industry association strategy, or as 
a regional economic development strategy.

Part II--Application Process

A. Eligible Applicants

    This solicitation is open to consortia of for-profit organizations. 
A consortium whose members include non-profit organizations and other 
entities may submit an application if the majority of the consortium 
members are for-profit organizations. A consortium applicant must 
include either ``small businesses'' with 500 or fewer employees or 
small entities, such as subsidiaries or divisions of large businesses, 
with 500 or fewer employees. In addition, an application shall identify 
a ``host organization'' to represent the consortium applicant. The host 
organization need not be a member of the consortium.
    Examples of host organizations include: companies, trade 
associations, unions, economic development organizations, local 
government or state agencies, technology assistance organizations, and 
educational institutions. In addition, the host organization will 
provide for a ``Network broker,'' an individual who serves to convene 
the consortium on a regular basis, administers and coordinates 
supportive services, and assists in defining goals of the consortium. 
Any award made as a result of this solicitation will be non-fee 
bearing.

B. Submission of Proposal

    An original and three (3) copies of the proposal shall be 
submitted. The proposal shall consist of two (2) separate and distinct 
parts.
    Part I--shall contain the cost proposal, consisting of the 
following items: Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance'' (Appendix No. 1) and SF 424A, ``Budget'' (Appendix No. 2). 
The cost proposal shall also include on a separate page(s) a detailed 
cost analysis of each line item in the budget.
    Part II--shall contain a technical proposal that demonstrates the 
applicant's capabilities in accordance with the Statement of Work 
contained in this announcement. Applicants are strongly encouraged to 
submit a technical proposal of less than thirty (30) pages in length 
(exclusive of appendices) which sets forth the applicant's explanation 
of how it proposes to accomplish the elements described in the 
Statement of Work.
    No cost data or reference to price shall be included in the 
technical proposal. In order to assist applicants in preparing their 
proposals and to facilitate the expeditious evaluation by the review 
panel, proposals should be organized and presented in the same 
sequential order as the Evaluation Criteria in Part IV of this 
announcement.

C. Hand-Delivered Proposals

    Proposals should be mailed at least five (5) days prior to the 
closing date. However, if proposals are hand-delivered, they shall be 
received at the designated place by 2 p.m., Eastern Time by May 20, 
1994. All overnight mail will be considered to be hand-delivered and 
must be received at the designated place by the specified closing date. 
Telegraphed and/or faxed proposals will not be honored. Failure to 
adhere to the above instructions will be a basis for a determination of 
nonresponsiveness.

D. Late Proposals

    Any proposal received at the office designated in the solicitation 
after the exact time specified for receipt will not be considered 
unless it is received before award is made and it--
    (1) 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 application (e.g., an offer submitted in response to a 
solicitation requiring receipt of applications by the 20th of the month 
must have been mailed by the 15th); or
    (2) Was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service--
Post Office of Addresses, not later than 5 p.m. at the place of mailing 
two working day prior to the date specified for receipt of proposals. 
The term ``working days'' excludes weekends and U.S. Federal holidays.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a 
late proposal sent either by U.S. Postal Service registered or 
certified mail is the U.S. postmark both on the envelope or wrapper and 
on the original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. Both postmarks 
must show a legible date or the proposal, shall be processed as if 
mailed late. ``Postmark'' 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 and 
affixed by employees of the U.S. Postal Service on the date of mailing. 
Therefore, applicants should request the postal clerk to place a 
legible hand cancellation ``bull's eye'' postmark on both the receipt 
and the envelope or wrapper.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a 
late proposal sent by ``Express Mail Next Day Service--Post Office to 
Addressee'' is the date entered by the post office receiving clerk on 
the ``Express Mail Next Day Service--Post Office to Addressee'' label 
and the postmark on both the envelope or wrapper and on the original 
receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. ``Postmark'' has the same meaning 
as defined above. Therefore, applicants should request the postal clerk 
to place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's eye'' postmark on both 
the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.

E. Withdrawal of Proposals

    Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice or telegram (including 
mailgram) received at any time before award. Proposals may be withdrawn 
in person by an applicant or an authorized representative thereof, if 
the representative's identity is made known and the representative 
signs a receipt for the proposal before award.

F. Period of Performance

    The period of performance will be 12 months from the date of grant 
execution.

G. Funding

    DOL has set aside up to $500,000 to be disbursed. It is anticipated 
that multiple grant awards will be made with the maximum award amount 
to be $100,000.

H. Option To Extend

    Based on the availability of funds, effective program operation, 
and the needs of the Department, the grant(s) may be extended for up to 
one (1) additional year.

Part III--Statement of Work

    The Department of Labor is soliciting proposals for the development 
or enhancement of interfirm networks of companies focused on human 
resource development and related workplace practices in member small 
businesses.
    The proposals should discuss the following items:
    1. The applicant's vision of how the project will contribute to the 
Department of Labor's mission to ensure that all Americans have access 
to the resources they require to successfully manage their job lives, 
and that U.S. businesses have access to the skilled workers and 
technical assistance (training, labor-management relations, work 
restructuring, basic skills, workplace practices) resources they need 
to successfully compete in a global economy.
    2. An analysis of economic, technological and workplace trends, 
within a consortium's geographic region or industrial sector, that 
require specific skills or workers in consortium small businesses and 
demonstrate the need for the learning consortium.
    3. Clear articulation of workforce and workplace development goals 
of the consortium and its member organizations, as tied to identified 
economic, technological and workplace trends; and a justification of 
the consortium approach as the best vehicle for accomplishing these 
goals.
    4. The identification of ``best practice'' examples of successful 
learning consortia both in the U.S. and abroad and suggested 
incorporation of ``lessons learned'' from those examples in the 
proposed project.
    5. A plan for the development of a learning system for the member 
firms linked to the internal training and workplace practices needs of 
the firms as well as to the collective goals and objectives of the 
network.
    6. Identification of training and technical assistance providers 
involved in the consortium learning system, that can address member 
firms' workforce and workplace development needs.
    7. A plan for the evaluation of outcomes related to the 
consortium's workforce and workplace development and training goals.
    8. The role of the learning consortium in the development and 
implementation of broader regional economic development strategies.
    9. The role of the consortium in the retraining and reemployment of 
dislocated workers.
    10. The proposal should explain its commitment to maintaining the 
workforce and workplace development focus of the consortium through a 
contribution of resources to these activities during the grant period, 
as well as in the future.
    The role of the network broker and the host organization is key to 
successful planning and implementation of the project. The network 
broker and host organization must be able to assist the consortium in 
identifying its workforce and workplace development goals, help choose 
the targeted companies, facilitate the needs assessment, coordinate 
program development with the service providers, prepare the development 
plan, serve as a liaison between the consortium and service providers, 
monitor the training and the workplace change process, and prepare the 
evaluation and dissemination of results.

Part IV--Evaluation Criteria

    Prospective offerors are advised that the selection of the grantee 
for the award is to be made after careful evaluation of proposals by a 
panel within DOL. Each panelist will evaluate the proposals based on 
the factors enumerated below.

A. Basic Soundness of Proposal (40 Points):

    The degree to which the proposal demonstrates an understanding of, 
and incorporates, each of the following items:
    1. An explanation of the potential contribution of the learning 
consortium to the Department of Labor's mission to ensure that all 
Americans have access to the resources they require to successfully 
manage their job lives, and that U.S. businesses have access to the 
skilled workers and training and technical assistance resources they 
need to successfully compete in a global economy;
    2. An analysis of economic, technological and workplace trends, 
within a consortium's geographic region or industrial sector, that 
require specific skills of workers in consortium small businesses and 
demonstrate the need for the learning consortium;
    3.The identification of ``best practice'' examples of successful 
learning consortia both in the United States and abroad; and 
incorporation into the proposal of ``lessons learned'' from an 
examination of networks that have successfully implemented interfirm 
learning systems;
    4. An explanation of the importance of a consortium strategy for 
improving workforce development and firm performance including: a 
specification of the workforce and workplace development goals of the 
consortium and its small business members as tied to identified 
regional, technological, or workplace trends; and a proposed 
implementation plan (learning system) for providing training and 
assistance for member firms linked to internal training and workplace 
practices needs of the firms, as well as to the goals of the network;
    5. The identification of training and technical assistance 
providers involved in the consortium's learning system, that can 
address member firms' workforce and workplace development needs.
    6. An explanation of a plan for the evaluation of outcomes related 
to the consortium's workforce and workplace development and training 
goals.
    7. An explanation of the role of the learning consortium in the 
development and implementation of broader regional economic development 
strategies; and
    8. An explanation of the plan for adapting the consortium to 
retrain and reemploy dislocated workers.
    Members of each consortium submitting a proposal for funds should 
demonstrate their commitment to maintaining the workforce and workplace 
development focus of the consortium through a contribution of resources 
to these activities.

B. The Degree of Involvement and Commitment by the Individual Firms and 
Supporting Organizations (30 Points)

    The proposal should demonstrate that the learning consortium has 
the level of commitment required to ensure continuation after the one-
year grant period. Participation and involvement must be demonstrated 
in the following manner:
    1. The commitment of non-federal financial and/or other resources 
to the consortium; and
    2. The linkage of the consortium with broader economic development 
or firm assistance programs and the involvement of training providers.

C. Organizational Capabilities (30 Points)

    The proposal must demonstrate that the proposing organization 
possesses the capability to successfully manage the learning 
consortium; and has experience in interfirm cooperative efforts and 
human resource development. The level of experience and qualifications 
possessed by the network broker and key project staff will be evaluated 
and must be supplied with the proposal.
    Applicants are advised that discussions may be necessary in order 
to clarify any inconsistencies in their applications. The panel results 
are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer. The ETA 
Grant Officer will make the final decision on all grant awards based on 
what is most advantageous to the Federal Government.

Part V--Reporting Requirements

A. Quarterly Financial Reports

    The grantee shall submit to the Grant officer, within 30 days 
following the end of each quarter, three copies of a quarterly 
Financial Status Report (SF 269) until such time as all funds have been 
expended or the period of availability has expired.

B. Quarterly Progress Reports

    The grantee shall submit to the Grant officer within 30 days 
following the end of each quarter, three copies of a quarterly progress 
report. Reports shall include the following in brief narrative form:
    (1) A description of overall progress of work activities 
accomplished during the reporting period.
    (2) An indication of current problems, if any, which may delay 
performance and proposed corrective action.
    (3) Program status and financial data/information relative to 
expenditure rate versus budget, anticipated staff changes, etc.

C. Final Report

    A draft final report which summarizes project activities and 
results of the project shall be submitted 60 days before the expiration 
date of the grant award. The final report shall be submitted in 3 
copies by the expiration of the grant.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 12th day of April.
Janice E. Perry,
Grant Officer, Division of Acquisition and Assistance.

BILLING CODE 4510-30-M

TN18AP94.001


TN18AP94.002


[FR Doc. 94-9250 Filed 4-15-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-30-C