[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 52 (Wednesday, March 18, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13273-13285]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-7000]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


Job Training Partnership Act, Title III, Demonstration Program: 
Dislocated Worker Technology Demonstration Program

AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration, Labor.

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

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SUMMARY: All information required to submit a grant application is 
contained in this announcement. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), 
Employment and Training Administration (ETA), announces a demonstration 
program to test the ability of the workforce development system to 
partner with employers, training providers and others to train 
dislocated workers in the skills necessary to obtain work requiring 
high technology skills in occupations and industry settings with long-
term growth potential. The program will be funded with Secretary's 
National Reserve funds appropriated for Title III of the Job Training 
Partnership Act (JTPA) and administered in accordance with 29 CFR Part 
95 and 97 as applicable.
    This notice provides information on the process that eligible 
entities must use to apply for these demonstration funds and how 
grantees will be selected. It is anticipated that up to $6 million will 
be available for funding demonstration projects covered by this 
solicitation, with no award being more than $750,000.

DATES: The closing date for receipt of proposals is April 30, 1998 at 2 
p.m. (Eastern Time).

ADDRESSES: Applications shall be mailed to: U.S. Department of Labor; 
Employment and Training Administration; Division of Acquisition and 
Assistance; Attention: B. Yvonne Harrell, Reference: SGA/DAA 98-006; 
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room S-4203; Washington, DC 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: B. Yvonne Harrell, Division of 
Acquisition

[[Page 13274]]

and Assistance. Telephone (202) 219-8694 (this is not a toll-free 
number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This announcement consists of five parts. 
Part I describes the authorities and purpose of the demonstration 
program and identifies demonstration policy. Part II describes the 
application process and provides guidelines for use in applying for 
demonstration grants. Part III includes the statement of work for the 
demonstration projects. Part IV describes the selection process, 
including the criteria that will be used in reviewing and evaluating 
applications. Part V discusses the demonstration program's monitoring, 
reporting and evaluation.

Part I. Background

A. Authorities

    Section 323 of JTPA (29 U.S.C. 1662b) authorizes the use for 
demonstration programs of funds reserved under Section 302 of JTPA (29 
U.S.C. 1652) and provided by the Secretary for that purpose under 
Section 322 of JTPA (29 U.S.C. 1662a). Demonstration program grantees 
shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations 
in setting up and carrying out their programs.

B. Purpose

    It is now well understood that the economy has transitioned from 
the industrial age to the information age. In this age, the most valued 
commodities are the skills and knowledge possessed by the individual. 
These skills are the essential ingredient necessary to compete for jobs 
in an information-based economy. Global competition has reached an 
unprecedented level. Technology plays an increasingly important role in 
this global scenario as nations strive to build things or provide 
services that are faster, better or cheaper than their competitors.
    In this era of global competition and rapid technological advances, 
technology is the most critical driver of economic growth. The U.S. 
Department of Commerce, Office of Technology Policy, has reported 
advances in technology to be the single most important determining 
factor in sustaining economic growth, estimated to account for as much 
as half of the Nation's long-term economic growth over the past 50 
years. Traditional work environments have altered, as have the 
requisite skills needed by workers to succeed in today's workplace. 
Technology provides the tools for creating a wide array of new products 
and new services that reach well beyond the narrow confines of 
traditional labor markets. A product or service can now be provided 
from almost any community, each with the potential to reach global 
markets. The ability of a company to innovate, incorporate technology, 
improve products or services, increase market share and thus expand 
capacity and employment is the engine of economic growth.
    Information technologies are the most important enabling 
technologies in the economy today. They affect every sector and every 
industry in the United States, in terms of digitally based products, 
services, and production and work processes. The very nature of 
advanced technology lies in the ability of a business or industry to 
identify, assess, adopt and incorporate information based technologies 
into everyday business and production processes. However, too many 
Americans are not adequately prepared for work place roles in this new 
economy. The information/knowledge based workplace of today's leading 
companies requires workers to possess conceptual, analytical, 
communication, interpersonal, and self-management skills beyond the 
basic academic and technical skills of the traditional workplace. There 
is often a skills deficit experienced by employers who continuously 
push the envelop to innovate, and adopt new technology in order to stay 
ahead of competitors, both domestic and international.
    With accelerated changes in technology, America's workers often 
discover their skill base has become out of date. New approaches are 
needed to help American workers stay competitive. Workers need to know 
and understand what skills employers are looking for, and they need to 
have the means to raise their skills to match that demand.
    Our Nation's workforce development system is working to meet this 
need, but skill shortages in information and advanced technology are 
currently very high in some industry sectors and geographic areas. 
Severe shortages of workers who can apply and use information and 
advanced technologies could undermine U.S. innovation, productivity, 
and competitiveness in world markets. A steady supply of skill workers 
will help our Nation's industries remain competitive. More importantly, 
these workers need to possess the appropriate skills demanded in the 
workplace. Ideally, a system of ``just in time'' education and training 
would be able to supply skilled workers that meet industry driven 
standards and certifications.
    The purpose of this demonstration is to test the ability of the 
Nation's workforce development system to partner with employers, 
training providers and others to train dislocated workers in the skills 
necessary to obtain work requiring information and advanced technology 
skills in occupations and industries experiencing shortages of such 
workers.
    As a part of the Nation's Workforce Development System, programs 
funded under Title III of the Job Training Partnership Act annually 
provide adjustment and training assistance to over 500,000 individuals 
who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The vast 
majority of Title III funds are managed by over 600 substate grantees. 
These organizations design and operate a national system for training 
and reemployment programs based on: (1) The needs and characteristics 
of the local dislocated worker population; (2) the needs of local 
employers for skilled workers; and (3) the capabilities and capacities 
of training institutions and other local service providers. Also 
emerging is an infrastructure for a One-Stop/Career Center system to 
provide comprehensive and integrated workforce development services to 
both participants and employers. The Secretary of Labor uses a portion 
of the Title III funds to support demonstration projects to test new 
and innovative means of assisting dislocated workers.
    Under this demonstration, the Department will fund projects that 
document the existence of and respond to the widely reported shortage 
across the nation of workers in information and advanced technology 
jobs. For purposes of this solicitation, the term ``information and 
advanced technology'' may be viewed broadly as the link between people, 
information and technology in the workplace. It encompasses computers, 
communication, data and information systems' hardware and software, but 
also the personnel who design, manage, operate, support and maintain 
these systems. For example, in the manufacturing sector, the 
application of information technology for technology transfer, high 
performance management, statistical process control, quality control, 
and data management are a fundamental part of operating as a high 
performance, world class organization. More specifically, information 
technology occupations comprise computer or computer systems related 
jobs engaged in either managing, storing, transmitting, or generating 
the information that organizations use to make decisions or installing, 
repairing or supporting the computer hardware and software used to 
perform such tasks.

[[Page 13275]]

    Successful applications may be based on the use of new or 
innovative service strategies such as the involvement of new target 
groups of dislocated workers for existing training programs; the 
development and use of curricula geared specifically to eligible groups 
of dislocated workers and the needs of employers with openings in 
technology-related jobs; or the use of curriculum and skills training 
interventions designed to impart knowledge, skills and abilities of 
industry skill standards (where available). Each successful application 
will document substantive linkages with specific employers where there 
is a strong demand for workers with technology-related skills. 
Successful proposals will address the demonstration program goals of 
placement of the project participants in information and advanced 
technology jobs trained for as a part of the project. Participant 
satisfaction with project services and with their jobs, as well as 
their employer's satisfaction with project services and with the 
participants' skill level and work, should also be measured.

C. Demonstration Policy

1. Grant Awards
    DOL anticipates awarding eight to ten grants, not to exceed 
$750,000 per grant. It is anticipated that awards will be made by June 
30, 1998. Award decisions will be published on the Internet at ETA's 
Home Page at http://www.doleta.gov.
2. Eligible Applicants
    Any organization capable of fulfilling the terms and conditions of 
this solicitation may apply. Under Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, 
Section 18, an organization described in Section 501(c)(4) of the 
Internal Revenue code of 1986 which engages in lobbying activities 
shall not be eligible for the receipt of Federal funds constituting an 
award grant or loan. This is a risk free Federal program: therefore, 
all for profit organizations that apply will not be able to receive a 
fee if awarded a grant.
3. Eligible Participants
    All participants must be eligible dislocated workers as defined at 
JTPA Section 301(a)(1), and 314(h)(1) of the Job Training Partnership 
Act. These sections of the law may be viewed at http://doleta.gov/regs/
statutes/jtpalaw.htm. Proposed projects may target subgroups of the 
eligible population based on factors such as (but not limited to) 
occupation, industry, nature of dislocation, and reason for 
unemployment.
4. Allowable Activities
    Funds provided through this demonstration may be used only to 
provide services of the type described at Section 314(c) and (d) of 
JTPA. Supportive services are defined in Section 4(24) of JTPA. (Use 
ETA's web site reference above to view.)
    Grant funds may be used to reimburse employers for extraordinary 
costs associated with on-the-job training of program participants, in 
accordance with 20 CFR 627.240. Grant funds may not be used for the 
following purposes: (a) For training that an employer is in a position 
to provide and would have provided in the absence of the requested 
grant; (b) to pay salaries for program participants; and (c) for 
acquisition of production equipment. Applicants may budget limited 
amounts of grant funds to work with technical experts or consultants to 
provide advice and develop more complete project plans after a grant 
award. The level of detail in the project plan may affect the amount of 
funding provided.
    Grant activities may include: (a) Development, testing and initial 
application of curricula focused on intensive, short-term training to 
get participants into productive, high demand information or advanced 
technology employment as quickly as possible; (b) working with 
employers to utilize cutting-edge technology and equipment in worksite-
based learning strategies; (c) development of employer-based training 
programs that will take advantage of opportunities created by 
employers' needs for workers with new information and advanced 
technology skills; (d) development and initial application of 
contextual learning opportunities for participants to learn technology 
theory in a classroom setting while applying that learning in an on-
the-job setting; (e) use of curriculum and skills training programs 
that are designed to impart learning to meet employer specified or 
industry specific skill standards or certification requirements; or (f) 
innovative linkage and collaboration between employers and the local 
Substate Grantee and/or One-Stop/Career Center system to ensure a 
steady supply of high demand, high skill information or advanced 
technology workers.
    The above are illustrative examples and are not intended to be an 
exhaustive listing of possible demonstration project designs or 
approaches which may achieve the purpose of this solicitation. However, 
successful applicants must demonstrate the direct involvement by 
employers experiencing skill shortages as well as provide substantive 
documentation about the existence of skill shortages for the industry 
or occupations to be targeted by the proposed project.
5. Coordination
    In order to maximize the use of public resources and avoid 
duplication of effort, applicants will coordinate the delivery of 
services under this demonstration with the delivery of services under 
other programs (public or private), available to all or part of the 
target group. Projects linking or collaborating with an existing USDOL 
funded One-Stop/Career Center initiative and/or local JTPA Substate 
Grantee located within a project area fulfill this requirement.
6. Period of Performance
    The period of performance shall be 24 months from the date of 
execution by the Government. Delivery of services to participants shall 
commence within 90 days of execution of a grant.
7. Option To Extend
    DOL may elect to exercise its option to extend these grants for an 
additional one (1) or two (2) years of operation, based on the 
availability of funds, successful program operation, and the needs of 
the Department.

Part II. Application Process and Guidelines

A. Contents

    An original and three (3) copies of the application shall be 
submitted. The application shall consist of two (2) separate and 
distinct parts: Part I, the Financial Proposal, and Part II, the 
Technical Proposal.
1. Financial Application
    Part I, the Financial Proposal, shall contain the SF-424, 
``Application for Federal Assistance'' (Appendix A) and the ``Budget 
Information'' (Appendix B). The Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog 
number is 17.246.
    The budget shall include on separate pages detailed breakouts of 
each proposed budget line item, including detailed administrative costs 
and costs for one or more of the following categories as applicable: 
Basic readjustment services, supportive services, and retraining 
services. For each budget line item that includes funds or in-kind 
contributions from a source other than the grant funds, identify the 
source, the amount, and in-kind contributions, including any 
restrictions that may apply to these funds.

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2. Technical Proposal
    Part II, the technical proposal shall demonstrate the offeror's 
capabilities in accordance with the Statement of Work in Part III of 
this solicitation. A grant application shall be limited to twenty (20) 
double-spaced, single-side, 8.5-inch x 11-inch pages with 1-inch 
margins. Attachments shall not exceed ten (10) pages. Text type shall 
be 11 point or larger. Applications that do not meet these requirements 
will not be considered. Each application shall include the Checklist 
provided as Appendix C, a Timeline outlining project activities, and an 
Executive Summary not to exceed two pages. No cost data or reference to 
price shall be included in the technical proposal.

B. Hand-Delivered Applications

    Applications should be mailed no later than five (5) days prior to 
the closing date for the receipt of applications. However, if 
applications are hand-delivered, they must be received at the 
designated place by 2:00 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. Applications that fail to adhere to the above 
instructions will not be honored.

C. Late Applications

    Any application 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 U.S. Postal Service registered or certified mail 
not later than the fifth calendar day before the closing date specified 
for receipt of applications (e.g., an offer submitted in response to a 
solicitation requiring receipt of application 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 5:00 p.m. at the place of 
mailing two working days prior to the date specified for receipt of 
application. The term ``working days'' excludes weekends and U.S. 
Federal holidays.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a 
late application sent by U.S. Postal Service registered or certified 
mail is the U.S. postmark 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 it had been 
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 an employee 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 application 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 postmarks on both the envelope and wrapper and the 
original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. ``Postmark'' has the 
same meaning as defined above. Therefore, an applicant should request 
the postal clerk to place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's eye'' 
postmark on both the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.

D. Withdrawal of Applications

    Applications may be withdrawn by written notice or telegram 
(including mailgram) received at any time before award. 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.

Part III. Statement of Work

    Each grant application must follow the format outlined in this 
Part. For sections A through G below, each application should include:
    (1) Information that indicates adherence to the provisions 
described in Part I, Background (Authorities, Purpose, and 
Demonstration Policy) and Part II, Application Process and Guidelines, 
of this announcement; and (2) other information that the applicant 
believes will address the selection criteria identified in Part IV of 
this solicitation.
    Information required under A and B below shall be provided 
separately for each labor market area where dislocated workers will be 
served. To the extent that the project design differs for different 
geographic areas, information required under section C below shall be 
provided for each geographic area.

A. Target Population

    Describe the proposed target population for the project. If that 
population is limited to one or more subgroups of the dislocated worker 
population, explain the basis for such limitation. Describe the size, 
location, and needs of the target population relative to the services 
to be provided. Provide documentation showing there is a significant 
number of dislocated workers with the target population's 
characteristics in the project area(s).
    If the project seeks to serve under represented subgroups within a 
particular occupation, describe services to that subgroup and provide 
reliable and substantive documentation of the group's under 
representation.

B. Available Jobs

    Describe the jobs that will be available and targeted for placement 
to project participants upon completion of training and placement 
services, and the documentation on which such description is based. 
Include information about the number and type of jobs, wage information 
and the specific set of skills, knowledge or duties (including any 
industry-sponsored standards of certifications), and the insufficiency 
of qualified workers to fill those positions in the absence of the 
proposed project. Identify sources of the occupational information or 
data used. Anecdotal data should not be used. Information from the 
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) available through a variety of web 
sites including BLS, O*NET and America's Labor Market Information 
System (ALMIS), should be considered as a key source of documentation. 
In addition, State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee 
(SOICC) and JTPA Substate Grantee local job training plan may also be 
considered.

C. Project Design

    (1) Purpose. Describe the specific purpose or purposes of the 
proposed project.
    (2) Outreach and recruitment. Describe how eligible dislocated 
workers will be identified and recruited for participation in the 
project. Recruitment efforts may address public service communications 
and announcements, use of media, coordination with the JTPA Service 
Delivery Area or Substate Grantee, use of community-based organizations 
and other service groups. Describe the applicant's experience in 
reaching the target population. Non-JTPA applicants should partner with 
the appropriate JTPA Title III Substate Grantee(s) to plan and 
implement effective outreach and recruitment strategies.
    (3) Eligibility determination. Describe the criteria and process to 
be used in determining the JTPA Title III eligibility

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of potential participants in the project. Non-JTPA applicants should 
partner with the appropriate JTPA Title III substate grantee(s) to 
carry out eligibility determination.
    (4) Selection criteria. Describe the criteria and process to be 
used in selecting those individuals to be served by the project from 
among the total number of eligible persons recruited for the project. 
Explain how the selection criteria relate to the specific purpose of 
the proposed project.
    (5) Services to be provided. Describe the services to be provided 
from the time of selection of participants through placement of those 
participants in jobs. Describe any services to be provided subsequent 
to job placement. The descriptions shall provide a clear understanding 
of the services and support that will be necessary for participants to 
be placed successfully in jobs and to retain those jobs, including 
services not funded under the grant, and ways to address participants' 
financial needs during periods of training. Grant-funded activities 
should, at a minimum, include assessment, retraining, job placement, 
and supportive services.
    Identify any assessment tools proposed to be used before or after 
services are provided. Describe how training will be customized to 
account for transferable skills, previous education, and particular 
circumstances of the target population and the skill needs of the 
hiring employer(s).
    Include information to demonstrate that any proposed training 
provider is qualified to deliver training that meets appropriate 
employment standards, and any applicable certification or licensing 
requirement. Past performance, qualifications of instructors, 
accreditation of curricula, and similar matters should be addressed if 
appropriate. Address the costs of proposed training and other services 
relative to the costs of similar training and services through other 
providers.
    Describe the limitations and eligibility criteria for relocation 
assistance, if such assistance is included in the proposal.
    (6) Participant flow. Provide a flowchart with time indications to 
illustrate how the project will ensure access to necessary and 
appropriate reemployment and retraining services. Describe the sequence 
of services and the criteria to be used to determine the 
appropriateness of specific services for particular participants. Note 
if service choice options will be available to participants.
    (7) Relationship to prior experience. Show how the applicant's 
prior experience in working with dislocated individuals affects or 
influences the design of the proposed project.

D. Planned Outcomes

    A description of the project outcomes and of the specific measures, 
and planned achievement levels, that will be used to determine the 
success of the project. These outcomes and measures must include, but 
are not limited to:
    (1) The number of participants projected: to be enrolled in 
services, to successfully complete services through the project, and to 
be placed into new jobs; a minimum of 80 percent entered employment 
rate is required;
    (2) Measurable effects of the services provided to project 
participants as indicated by gains in individuals' skills, 
competencies, or other outcomes;
    (3) Wages of participants prior to, at placement and 90 days after 
placement; a minimum of 90 percent average wage replacement rate is 
required;
    (4) As part of the targeted outcome for wage at placement, each 
project should benchmark two key wage averages for the labor market in 
which each project will operate. These are: (a) The average weekly wage 
in the manufacturing sector; and (b) the average wage at placement for 
the JTPA Title III, dislocated worker program operated by the local 
Substate Grantee.
    (5) For each project, at least 80 percent of the individuals placed 
shall be placed at a wage that meets or exceeds (a) the average 
manufacturing wage in the labor market area, or (b) the average wage at 
placement for the last program year completed (currently 1996) for the 
JTPA Title III dislocated worker program operated by the local Substate 
Grantee in the targeted labor market, whichever is greater. The 
manufacturing wage for any labor market may be obtained from the 
Covered Wages and Employment Program administered by each State's 
Employment Service.
    (6) Customer satisfaction with the project services, and of 
critical points in the service delivery process;
    (7) Planned average cost per placement (amount of the grant request 
divided by the number of program-related placements); and
    (8) Other additional measurable, performance-based outcomes that 
are relevant to the project and which may be readily assessed during 
the period of performance of the project, such as cost effectiveness of 
services and comparison with other available service strategies.

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

E. Collaboration

    Describe the nature and extent of collaboration and working 
relationships between the applicant and other entities in the design 
and implementation of the proposed project. Include services to be 
provided through resources other than grant funds under this 
demonstration. Applicants are encouraged to commit matching funds to 
the implementation and management of their proposed programs. Matches 
may be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions. These may include 
but are not limited to such contributions as the development of 
training modules; payment of tuition costs for training; support for 
child care or transportation; and provision of staff time at no cost to 
the project. Sources of matching funds may include but are not limited 
to employers, employer associations, labor organizations, and training 
institutions. With reference to the sources and amounts of project 
funds and in-kind contributions identified in the financial proposal as 
being other than those requested under the grant applied for, describe 
the basis for valuation of those funds and contributions.
    Provide evidence, which ensures the collaboration described can 
reasonably be expected to occur, such as letters of agreement or 
formally established advisory councils. Because a core purpose of this 
demonstration program involves the publicly funded workforce system, 
the applicant shall describe working relationships with local Substate 
Grantee(s), including One-Stop/Career Center entities where present. 
Describe activities that may be undertaken to link activities to 
program interventions under this grant to employer, industry, or 
curriculum/learning centers currently designing and developing 
occupational/job skill standards and certifications. Collaboration 
should focus on linking employers involved in grant activities with any 
employer, industry, or trade and worker association that has already 
developed or is developing skill standards certifications.
    Documentation of consultation on the project concept from 
applicable labor organizations must be submitted when 20 percent or 
more of the targeted population is represented by one or more labor 
organizations, or where the training is for jobs when a labor 
organization represents a substantial number of workers engaged in 
similar work.

F. Innovation

    Describe any innovation in the proposed project, including (but not

[[Page 13278]]

limited to) innovations in concept to be tested, services, delivery of 
services, training methods, job development, or job retention 
strategies. Explain the impact of such innovation on project costs. 
Explain how the proposed project is similar to and differs from the 
applicant's prior and current activities.

G. Project Management

    (1) Structure. Describe the management structure for the project, 
including a staffing plan that describes each position and the 
percentage of its time to be assigned to this project. Provide an 
organizational chart showing the relationship among project management 
and operational components, including those at multiple sites of the 
project.
    (2) Program Integrity. Describe the mechanisms to ensure financial 
accountability for grant funds and performance accountability relative 
to job placements, in accordance with standards for financial 
management and participant data systems in 29 CFR Part 95 or 97, as 
appropriate, and 20 CFR 627.425. Explain the basis for the applicant's 
administrative authority over the management and operational 
components. Describe how information will be collected to determine the 
achievement of project outcomes as indicated in section D of this part; 
and report on participants, outcomes, and expenditures.
    (3) Monitoring. (a) Benchmarks. Provide a timeline of benchmarks 
covering the period of performance of the project. Include a monthly 
schedule of planned start-up events; a quarterly schedule of planned 
participant activity, showing cumulative numbers of enrollments, 
participation in training and other services, placements, and 
terminations; and quarterly cumulative expenditure projections.
    (b) Participant progress. Describe how a participant's continuing 
participation in the project will be monitored.
    (c) Project performance. Identify the information on project 
performance that will be collected on a short-term basis (e.g., weekly 
or monthly) by program managers for internal project management to 
determine whether the project is accomplishing its objectives as 
planned and whether project adjustments are necessary.
    Describe the process and procedures to be used to obtain feedback 
from participants, employers, and any other appropriate parties on the 
responsiveness and effectiveness of the services provided. The 
description shall identify the types of information to be obtained, the 
methods and frequency of data collection, and ways in which the 
information will be used in implementing and managing the project. 
Grantees may employ focus groups and surveys, in addition to other 
methods, to collect feedback information. Technical assistance in the 
design and implementation of customer satisfaction data collection and 
analysis may be provided by DOL.
    (d) Impact of Coordination and Innovation. Describe the process for 
assessing and reporting on the impact of coordination and innovation in 
the project with respect to the purpose and goals of the demonstration 
program and the specific purpose and goals of the project.
    (4) Grievance Procedure. Describe the grievance procedure to be 
used for grievances and complaints from participants, contractors, and 
other interested parties, consistent with the requirements at Section 
144 of JTPA and 20 CFR 631.64(b) and (c).
    (5) Previous Project Management Experience. Provide an objective 
demonstration of the grant applicant's ability to manage the project, 
ensure the integrity of the grant funds, and deliver the proposed 
performance. Indicate the grant applicant's past experience in the 
management of grant-funded projects similar to that being proposed, 
particularly regarding oversight and operating functions including 
financial management.

Part IV. Evaluation Criteria

    Selection of grantees for awards will be made after careful 
evaluation of grant applications by a panel selected for that purpose 
by DOL. Panel results will be advisory in nature and not binding on the 
ETA Grant Officer. Panelists shall evaluate proposals for acceptability 
based upon overall responsiveness in accordance with the factors below.

A. Target Population (10 points)

    The description of the characteristics of the target group to be 
served is clear and meaningful, and sufficiently detailed to determine 
the potential participants' service need. Documentation is provided 
showing that a significant number of eligible dislocated workers who 
possess these characteristics are available for participation within 
the project area. Sufficient information is provided to explain how the 
number of dislocated workers to be enrolled in the project was 
determined. The recruitment plan supports the number of planned 
enrollments. The target population is appropriate for the specific 
purpose of the proposed project. The project identifies 
underrepresented groups to be trained in the targeted occupation(s).

B. Service Plan and Cost (30 points)

    The scope of services to be provided is consistent with the 
demonstration program and project purposes and goals. The scope of 
services to be provided is adequate to meet the needs of the target 
population given:
    (1) Their characteristics and circumstances;
    (2) The jobs in which they are to be placed relative to targeted 
wage at placement goals;
    (3) The match between the documented skill shortage and the 
training planned;
    (4) The documentation provided specifying that training meets or is 
developed based on industry driven skill standards or certifications; 
and
    (5) The length of program participation planned prior to placement.
    Documentation and reliability of job availability is based upon 
recognized, reliable and timely sources of information.
    Proposed costs are reasonable in relation to the characteristics 
and circumstances of the target group, the services to be provided, 
planned outcomes, the management plan, and coordination/collaboration 
with other entities, including One-Stop/Career Center organizations. 
The impact of innovation on costs is explained clearly in the proposal 
and is reasonable.
    Identification is provided of the specific sources and amounts of 
other funds which will be used, in addition to funds provided through 
this grant, to implement the project. The application must include 
information on any non-JTPA resources committed to this project, 
including employer funds, grants, and other forms of assistance, public 
and private. Value and level of external resources being contributed, 
including employer contributions, to achieve program goals will be 
taken into consideration in the rating process.

C. Management (20 points)

    The applicant (as a part of a collaborative approach) has 
experience working with technology training. The management structure 
and management plan for the proposed project will ensure the integrity 
of the funds requested. The project work plan demonstrates the 
applicant's ability to effectively track project progress with respect 
to planned performance and expenditures. Sufficient procedures are in 
place to use the information obtained by the project operator(s) to 
take corrective action if indicated. In addition, review by appropriate 
labor organizations, where applicable, is documented.

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    The proposal includes a method of assessing customer feedback for 
both participants and employers involved, and establishes a mechanism 
to take into account the results of such feedback as part of a 
continuous system of management and operation of the project.

D. Collaboration (15 points)

    The proposal includes evidence of direct participation by JTPA 
SubState Grantees and One-Stop/Career Center entities (where present) 
in the planning and management of this grant. Evidence of participation 
of employers whose positions are targeted under the grant is present. 
Evidence of coordination with other programs and entities for project 
design or provision of services may also be provided. Evidence is 
presented that ensures cooperation of coordinating entities, as 
applicable, for the life of the proposed project. The project includes 
a reasonable method of assessing and reporting on the impact of such 
coordination, relative to the demonstration purpose and goals and the 
specific purpose and goals of the proposed project.

E. Innovation (20 points)

    The proposal demonstrates innovation in the concept(s) to be 
tested, the project's design, and/or the services to be provided. 
``Innovation'' refers to the degree to which such concept(s), design 
and/or services are not currently found in dislocated worker programs. 
The project includes a reasonable method of assessing and reporting on 
the impact of such innovation, relative to the demonstration program 
and project purposes and goals.

F. Sustainability (5 points)

    The proposal provides evidence that, if successful, activities 
supported by the demonstration grant will be continued after the 
expiration date of the grant, using JTPA Title III formula-allotted 
funds or other public or private resources.
    Grant applications will be evaluated for the reasonableness of 
proposed costs, considering the proposed target group, services, 
outcomes, management plan, and coordination with other entities.
    Applicants are advised that discussions may be necessary in order 
to clarify any inconsistency or ambiguity in their applications. The 
final decision on awards will be based on what is most advantageous to 
the Federal Government as determined by the ETA Grant Officer. The 
Government may elect to award grant(s) without discussion with the 
applicant(s). The applicant's signature on the Application for Federal 
Assistance (Standard Form) SF-424 constitutes a binding offer.

Part V. Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation

A. Monitoring

    The Department shall be responsible for ensuring effective 
implementation of each competitive grant project in accordance with the 
Act, the Regulations, the provisions of this announcement and the 
negotiated grant agreement. Applicants should assume that at least one 
on-site project review will be conducted by Department staff, or their 
designees. This review will focus on the project's performance in 
meeting the grant's programmatic goals and participant outcomes, 
complying with the targeting requirements regarding participants who 
are served, expenditure of grant funds on allowable activities, 
collaboration with other organizations as required, and methods for 
assessment of the responsiveness and effectiveness of the services 
being provided. Grants may be subject to their additional reviews at 
the discretion of the Department.

B. Reporting

    DOL will arrange for or provide technical assistance to grantees in 
establishing appropriate reporting and data collection methods and 
processes. An effort will be made to accommodate and provide assistance 
to grantees to be able to complete all reporting electronically.
    Applicants selected as grantees will be required to provide the 
following reports:
    1. Monthly and Quarterly Progress Reports.
    2. Standard Form 269, Financial Status Report Form, on a quarterly 
basis.
    3. Final Project Report including an assessment of project 
performance. This report will be submitted in hard copy and on 
electronic disk utilizing a format and instructions to be provided by 
the Department.

C. Evaluation

    DOL will arrange for or conduct an independent evaluation of the 
outcomes, impacts, and benefits of the demonstration projects. Grantees 
must agree to make available records on participants and employers and 
to provide access to personnel, as specified by the evaluator(s) under 
the direction of the Department.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 13th day of March 13, 1998.
Janice E. Perry,
Grant Officer, Division of Acquisition and Assistance.

Appendices

    1. Appendix A--Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 
424).
    2. Appendix B--Information.
    3. Appendix C--Application Checklist.

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[FR Doc. 98-7000 Filed 3-17-98; 8:45 am]
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