[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 20, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32171-32179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-15073]



-----------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Job Training Partnership Act, Title III, Demonstration Program: 
Specialized/Targeted Dislocated Worker Services Project

AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for grant 
application (SGA).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: All information required to submit a proposal is contained in 
this announcement. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and 
Training Administration (ETA), announces a demonstration program to 
provide specialized and/or targeted dislocated worker services to be 
funded with Secretary's National Reserve funds appropriated through 
Title III of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). This notice 
describes the process that eligible entities must use to apply for 
demonstration funds, the subject area [[Page 32172]] for which 
applications will be accepted for funding, how grantees are to be 
selected, and the responsibilities of grantees. It is anticipated that 
up to $2 million will be available for funding 8-10 demonstration 
projects covered by this solicitation with no project being awarded 
more than $400,000.

DATES: Applications for grant awards will be accepted commencing June 
20, 1995. The closing date for receipt of applications will be August 
26, 1995, at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) at the address below.

ADDRESSES: Applications shall be mailed to: Division of Acquisition and 
Assistance, Attention: Mr. Willie E. Harris, Reference: SGA/DAA 95-006, 
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Room 
S-4203, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Willie E. Harris, Division of Acquisition and Assistance, 
Telephone: (202) 219-7300 (this is not a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: This announcement consists of five parts. 
Part I describes the authorities and purpose of the demonstration 
program and identifies demonstration evaluation and oversight policy. 
Part II describes the application process and provides detailed 
guidelines for use in applying for demonstration grants. Part III 
includes the statement of work for the demonstration projects. Part IV 
identifies and defines the selection criteria which will be used in 
reviewing and evaluating applications. Part V describes the reporting 
requirements.

Part I. Background

A. Authorities

    Section 324 of the Job Training Partnership Act authorizes the use 
of funds reserved under Part B of Title III for demonstration programs 
of up to three years in length. Under section 324, the Secretary is 
required to conduct or provide for an evaluation of the success of each 
demonstration program.
    The Department relies on applicants for grants to comply with all 
Federal and State laws in setting up their programs. For example, we 
expect that grantees will comply with requirements for licensing and 
that they would obtain necessary union concurrence when working within 
a labor agreement.

B. Purpose of the Demonstration

    As authorized under Title III of JTPA, the Dislocated Worker 
Program provides a wide range of employment and training services to 
eligible dislocated workers to help them find and qualify for new jobs. 
While the overall population served by the program has received 
significant assistance, program experience indicates that a need for 
specialized services exists among those who face particular barriers to 
employment. Projects funded through this solicitation are to provide 
reemployment and retraining services--as described in Sections 314(c) 
and 314(d) of JTPA--to dislocated workers who as members of a specific 
target population may need and benefit from the receipt of specialized 
services. Participants must be eligible under Section 301(a) of JTPA 
and be members of the target population for which the project is 
designed. For purposes of this demonstration, appropriate target 
populations include those groups: (1) Who have experienced greater 
adverse labor market outcomes, and/or (2) who need more or specialized 
employment and training services, relative to the general dislocated 
worker population served by JTPA in the local area(s) of proposed 
demonstration project activity. Possible target populations could 
include dislocated workers, veterans, handicapped workers, limited-
English speaking workers, displaced homemakers, or others with a 
documented record of labor market outcomes or service needs as noted 
above.
    The purpose of this demonstration is to identify and test the 
services and service mix necessary to ensure that the following 
demonstration program goals are met for the target population: (1) At 
least 70 percent of project participants will find employment within 90 
days after leaving the project at an average wage of at least 90 
percent of their previous wage (or for those who had no previous wage, 
an average wage at least equivalent to the poverty level); and (2) at 
least 70 percent of the project participants will rate the services 
received as ``extremely'' or ``very valuable.''

C. Evaluation
    Under a separate announcement, DOL will select and fund separate 
evaluation contractors to: (1) Provide technical assistance to grantees 
in establishing appropriate data collection methods and processes; and 
(2) conduct an independent evaluation of the outcomes, impacts and 
benefits of the demonstration projects, Grantees will be expected to 
make available participant records and access to personnel, as 
specified by the evaluation contractor.
    In addition, DOL will establish, for each demonstration project 
site, and oversight group made up of federal, State and substate staff.

D. Definitions

    Unless otherwise indicated in this announcement, definitions of 
terms used herein shall be those definitions found in the Job Training 
Partnership Act, as amended, particularly at Section 4 and Section 301.

Part II. Application Process--All Information Required to Submit a 
Proposal is Contained in This Announcement

A. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants for demonstration projects funded under this 
announcement include States, Title III substate grantees, and other 
organizations and institutions that can demonstrate the ability to 
deliver the services proposed and to ensure the integrity of the funds 
requested.

B. Contents

    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, the Financial Proposal, and Part II, the Technical 
Proposal.
    1. Financial Proposal--The Financial Proposal, Part I, shall 
contain the SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance'' (Appendix 
No. 1), and SF 424-A, ``Budget'' (Appendix No. 2). The Federal Domestic 
Assistance Catalog number is 17.246. The budget shall include on 
separate pages: a cost analysis of the budget, identifying in detail 
the amount of each budget line item attributable to administrative 
costs and costs for one or more of the following categories: basic 
readjustment services [Section 314(c)(1-14, 16-18) of JTPA], supportive 
services [Section 314(c)(15)], and retraining services [Section 314(d)] 
requested through this grant [Note: Other Title III cost categories not 
mentioned are specifically excluded from grant expenditures, e.g. rapid 
response assistance and needs-related payments]; an identification of 
the amount of each budget line item which will be covered by other 
funds (if applicable), and the sources of those funds (including other 
Title III funds, employer funds, in-kind resources, secured and 
unsecured loans, grants, and other forms of assistance, public and 
private); and a justification for the average cost of service per 
placement. This is to be computed by dividing the number of proposed 
participants of the target population who will be employed within 90 
days after leaving the project into the total funds requested, and is 
to be compared to existing local dislocated worker program 
costs. [[Page 32173]] 
    Grant funds may cover only those costs which are appropriate and 
reasonable. Federal funds cannot be used to provide training which an 
employer is in a position to, and would otherwise, provide, nor can 
they be used to provide salaries for program participants.
    Federal funds may not be used for acquisition of production 
equipment. The only type of equipment that may be acquired with Federal 
funds is equipment necessary for the operation of the grant. In the 
instance of a purchase, the cost of the equipment is to be prorated 
over the projected life of the equipment to determine the cost to the 
grant. USE OF GRANT FUNDS TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT WITH A UNIT COST OF 
$5,000 OR MORE REQUIRES SPECIAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL FROM DOL PRIOR TO 
PURCHASE.
    Applicants may budget limited amounts of grant funds to work with 
technical expert(s) to provide advice and develop more complete project 
plans.
    2. Technical Proposal--The technical proposal shall demonstrate the 
offeror's capabilities in accordance with the Statement of Work/Project 
Summary in Part III of this solicitation. NO COST DATA OR REFERENCE TO 
PRICE SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL.

C. Submission

    Grant applications will be evaluated carefully by a panel convened 
by the Department after closing date of this solicitation. Incomplete 
or non-responsive proposals may be returned without evaluation. An 
application will be reviewed based upon the overall responsiveness of 
the application's content to the submission requirements and to the 
selection criteria found in Part IV, taking into consideration the 
extent to which funds are available.

D. Hand-Delivered Proposals

    Proposals should be mailed at least five (5) days prior to the 
closing date for the receipt of applications. However, if proposals are 
hand-delivered, they shall be received at the designated place by 2 
p.m., Eastern Time on the closing date for receipt of applications. All 
overnight mail will be considered to be hand-delivered and must be 
received at the designated place by the specified time and 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.

E. 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--
    (1) was sent by the U.S. Postal Service registered or certified 
mail not later than the fifth calendar day before the date specified 
for receipt of the application (e.g., an offer submitted in response to 
a solicitation requiring receipt of applications by the 30th of January 
must have been mailed by the 25th); or
    (2) was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service--
Post Office to Addressee, not later than 5 p.m. at the place of mailing 
two working days 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 the 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 and 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.

F. 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 or by an applicant or an authorized representative thereof, 
if the representative's identify is made known and the representative 
signs a receipt for the proposal before an award.

G. Period of Performance

    Project operators must be prepared to deliver services within 90 
days following award. The delivery of services will be a period of 12 
months. Grantees will be allowed up to 90 days for final reports and 
closeout. All projects must be completed not later than 18 months from 
the date of award.

H. Funding

    DOL plans to set aside up to $2 million to be disbursed for 8-10 
projects, contingent upon resources being available for this purpose. 
It is expected that no project will be awarded more than $400,000. No 
additional funds will be available under this demonstration. The 
project operator will be expected to seek continued support from funds 
distributed by formula through the JTPA system.

I. Availability of Funds

    The Government's obligation under these grants are contingent upon 
the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for grant 
purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government 
for any payment may arise until funds are available to the Grant 
Officer for these grants and until the Grantees receive notice of such 
availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Grant Officer.

J. Page Count Limit

    Applications are to be limited to 30 single-side pages 8.5 in.  x  
11 in., single-spaced, with a maximum of 15 pages of attachments.

K. Cost Limitations

    Demonstration grants are not subject to the cost limitations for 
formula-funded Title III grants at Section 315 of the JTPA. However, 
any offeror proposing administrative costs that exceed 15 percent of 
the budget and/or supportive services that exceed 25 percent of the 
funds requested in the application shall provide a narrative 
justification.

Part III. Statement of Work

    Each application should follow the format outlined here. For every 
section, A through G, the application should include: (1) information 
that responds to the requirements in this part; (2) information that 
indicates adherence to the provisions described in Parts I and II of 
this solicitation; and (3) other information the offeror believes will 
[[Page 32174]] address the selection criteria identified in Part IV.

A. Target Population

    Describe the dislocated worker target population, including the 
size, location, and the documented needs of this population for 
specialized services related to the population's labor market outcomes 
and/or the availability of JTPA services in the local area(s) to be 
served (as indicated in Part I.B.); the barriers to employment faced by 
the target population; the number of target population members to be 
served by specifically identified local area; and the criteria and 
process for selecting those individuals to be served from among the 
total number of eligible persons in each area.
B. Components of the Specialized/Targeted Dislocated Worker Service 
Demonstration

    Describe the major elements of the specialized/targeted dislocated 
worker services demonstration project, including how the project works 
in terms of the individual worker getting access to the reemployment 
and retraining services which the individual needs. Specifically:
     What specialized and other services will be covered by the 
reemployment and retraining program? Describe mechanisms to ensure 
appropriate outreach and recruitment? Explain how these services are 
relevant to the target population to be served? [Note: Such services 
must be authorized under Sections 314(c) and 314(d) of JTPA and comply 
with applicable federal regulations at 20 CFR 627 and 631.]
     How will the reemployment and retraining service needs of 
the individual worker be determined? What will be the sequence of 
services provided and the criteria/decision points used to determine 
the appropriateness of specific services for individual participants? 
[Note: Include in the description of service sequence a flowchart and 
timelines.]
     How will qualified providers of reemployment and 
retraining services be determined?
     Will workers be given the choice of optional providers of 
services? If so, how will these options be developed, and how will the 
worker be able to access this information?
     How will the amount of funds to be used for an 
individual's training be determined?
     How will a participant's continuing participation in the 
program be monitored? At what point(s) will termination occur?
     How will new job openings and opportunities for the 
project participants be identified and developed including 
opportunities for jobs in nontraditional occupations?
     What information will be available to the worker to 
identify and evaluate alternative employment opportunities? How will 
this information be developed? How will the worker be able to access 
this information?

C. Administration and Management

    Identify the management structure for the project and demonstrate 
the means to ensure accountability for funds as well as performance.
    Provide a description of the process and procedures to be used to 
obtain feedback from participants and other appropriate parties on the 
responsiveness and effectiveness of the services provided. The 
description should include an identification of the types of 
information to be obtained, the method(s) and frequency of data 
collection, and how the information will be used in implementing and 
managing the project. Specific references should be made to collecting 
information needed to determine: (1) The achievement of project 
outcomes as indicated in section F (including 90 day follow-ups of 
participants to determine demonstration program goal achievement) and 
(2) the reporting of participants, outcomes, and expenditures. It is 
expected that grantees may employ focus groups and surveys, in addition 
to other methods, to collect feedback information.
    Indicate the applicant's past experience in the management of 
projects similar to that being proposed, particularly regarding 
oversight and operating functions including financial management.

 D. Use of Existing Services and Resources

    A description of the relationship of the proposed project to the 
ongoing assistance to dislocated workers through the formula-funded 
JTPA Title III program in the service area and other existing public 
and private resources. This description must include written comments 
from the local Title III substate grantee regarding those procedures to 
be used to ensure non-duplication of services that are available to 
project participants through the formula-funded Title III program.

E. Coordinated and Linkages

    Describe the consultation with relevant parties in developing the 
project design and the role of these parties in implementing the 
project. Suggested consultation shall include: State JTPA Dislocated 
Worker Unit, Substate Title III grantee(s) and administrative 
entity(ies), and local organizations in the project service area(s) 
providing education, training and supportive services.

F. Outcomes

    Identify project outcomes and the specific measures, and planned 
achievement levels, that will be used to determine the success of the 
project.
    These outcomes and measures should include, but are not limited to:
     The number of participants to be enrolled in services, 
those successfully completing services through the project, and those 
to be placed into new jobs;
     The number of participants not successfully completing 
their specific service plans, and the reasons for the non-completion;
     Measurable effects of the services provided to project 
participants as indicated by gains in individuals' skills, 
competencies, or other outcomes;
     Average wages of participants prior to and at completion 
of project;
     Customer satisfaction with the project, and at critical 
points in the service delivery; and
     Other additional measurable, performance-based outcomes 
that are relevant to the proposed intervention and which may be readily 
assessed during the period of performance of the project.

    Note: An explanation of how such additional measures are 
relevant to the purpose of the demonstration program shall be 
included in the application.

    The proposal must also describe how outcomes achieved by 
individuals served by the project are to be related to the 
demonstration program goals identified in Part I, section B.

G. Replicability

    Describe the information to be provided on project activities that 
will allow other parties to replicate the proposed project.

Part IV. Evaluation Criteria

    Prospective offerors are advised that the selection of grantee(s) 
for award is to be made after careful evaluation of proposals by a 
panel selected by DOL. Panelists will evaluate the proposals for 
acceptability based on the various factors enumerated below. The panel 
results are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer.

A. Technical Evaluation (80 Points)

    Services and Target Group. (35 points) The responsiveness of the 
services to be provided, including the [[Page 32175]] degree to which 
the services appear to meet the documented specialized needs of the 
target population. The demonstrated relationship between the services 
to be provided and the jobs into which participants are to be placed. 
The scope of the project in terms of the number of participants to be 
served. (Relates to information requested in Part III, sections A, B, 
and F.)
    Management Structure. (15 points) The extent to which the 
management structure ensures accountability for performance, monitors 
customer satisfaction, and includes procedures for continuous quality 
improvement. The ability of the management structure to determine the 
extent to which the planned project outcomes and demonstration program 
goals have been met by the project. (Relates to information requested 
in Part III, section C.)
    Coordination and Linkages; Utilization of Resources. (10 points) 
The extent to which the project will be integrated with other existing 
public and private resources and is supported by appropriate State and 
local organizations. (Related to information requested in Part III, 
sections D and E.)
    Demonstrated Experience. (10 points) Experience in the oversight 
and operation of projects requiring management capabilities and 
experience similar to the proposed project. (Relates to information 
requested in Part III, section C.)
    Replacability. (10 points) The completeness of the information to 
be provided on project activities that will allow others to replicate 
the project. The likelihood that the approach may be applicable to a 
broad range of dislocated worker programs across the country. (Relates 
to information requested in Part III, section G.)

B. Cost Evaluation (20 Points)

    The cost effectiveness of the project as indicated by the 
relationship of proposed costs to number of participants to be served, 
the range of services to be provided and the planned outcomes, as 
compared to other service strategies available for Title III grantees. 
The extent to which the budget is justified and supports the planned 
outcomes.
    Applicants are advised that discussions may be necessary in order 
to clarify any inconsistencies in their applications. Applications may 
be rejected where the information requires 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.

Part V. Reporting Requirements

    Applicants selected as grantees will be required to provide the 
following reports:
    A. Dislocated Worker Special Project Reports as required by the 
grant award documents.
    B. Standard Form 269, Financial Status Report Form, on a quarterly 
basis.
    C. Quarterly Progress Reports.
    D. Final Project Report including an assessment of project 
performance.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 15th day of June 1995.
Janice E. Perry,
Grant Officer, Division of Acquisition and Assistance.
Appendices

No. 1--Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424)
No. 2--Budget Form--Non Construction Programs (Standard Form 424-A)

BILLING CODE 4510-30-M

[[Page 32176]]

[GRAPHIC][TIFF OMITTED]TN20JN95.002



[[Page 32177]]

[GRAPHIC][TIFF OMITTED]TN20JN95.003



[[Page 32178]]

[GRAPHIC][TIFF OMITTED]TN20JN95.004



[[Page 32179]]

[GRAPHIC][TIFF OMITTED]TN20JN95.005


[FR Doc. 95-15073 Filed 6-19-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-30-C