[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 60 (Monday, March 30, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15216-15227]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-8181]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


Job Training Program Act, Disability Grant Program Funded Under 
Title III, Section 323 and Title IV, Part D, Section 452

AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant 
Application (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, 
Employment and Training Administration (DOL/ETA), announces the 
availability of approximately $4.17 million to award competitive grants 
for multi-state employment and training projects serving people with 
disabilities. This grant program is funded using Job Training and 
Partnership Act (JTPA) Title IV Research and Demonstration funds and 
Title III National Reserve funds.

DATES: Applications for this SGA will be accepted commencing April 29, 
1998. The closing date for receipt of proposals is 2:00 (Eastern 
Standard Time) May 14, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Applications should be mailed to: Division of Acquisition 
and Assistance, Attention: Dr. David Houston, Reference SGA/DAA 98-007, 
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Rooms S-4203, Washington, D.C. 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. David Houston, Division of Acquisition and Assistance, Telephone 
(202) 219-7300 (not a toll-free number). This solicitation will also be 
published on the Internet at http://www.doleta.gov.

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

Part I. Application Process

A. Submission of Proposal

    A proposal shall consist of two (2) separate and distinct sections: 
Section I, the Technical Proposal and Section II, the Financial 
Proposal. An original and three copies of the proposal shall be 
submitted. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 17.249.
    Section I shall contain a Technical Proposal that demonstrates the 
applicant's capabilities in accordance with the Statement of Work in 
Part III of this solicitation. No cost data or reference to costs shall 
be included in the Technical Proposal. In addition, the Technical 
Proposal shall be limited to 50 double-spaced, single-side, 8.5 inch 
x  11 inch pages with 1 inch margins. Appendices shall not exceed 20 
pages. Text type shall be 12 point or larger. Applications not meeting 
these requirements may not be considered. The Technical Proposal must 
also contain participant, activity and outcome information.
    Section II, the Financial Proposal shall contain the SF-424, 
``Application for Federal Assistance'', and Budget Information Sheet 
(Attachments A & B). In addition, the budget shall include on a 
separate page a detailed cost analysis of each line item. 
Administrative costs should not exceed 15 percent of total proposed 
costs. Justification must be provided on the need for administrative 
costs that exceed this limit. Approval of a budget by DOL is not the 
same as approval of actual costs.
Hand Delivered Proposals
    Proposals may be mailed or delivered by hand. A mailed proposal 
should be mailed no later than five (5) days prior to the closing date 
for the receipt of applications. Hand delivered grant applications must 
be received at the designated place by 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard 
Time) on May 29, 1998. All overnight mail will be considered to be 
hand-delivered and must be received at the designated place by the 
specified time on the closing date. Grant applications transmitted by 
electronic mail, telegraph or facsimile will not be considered.
Late Proposals
    Any proposals received at the Office designated in the 
solicitation, after the exact time specified for receipt, will not be 
considered unless it is received before the award is made or was 
either:
    (1) Sent by U.S. Postal Service registered or Certified mail not 
later than the fifth (5th) calendar day before the date specified for 
receipt of application, or
    (2) Sent by U.S. Postal 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 by either Express Mail or U.S. Postal Service Registered, 
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.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Private non-profit entities are eligible to receive grant funds 
under this award. Entities described in Section 501(c)(4) of the 
Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities are not 
eligible to receive funds under this SGA. The Lobbying Disclosure Act 
of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. prohibits the award of federal funds to 
501(c)(4) entities engaged in lobbying activities.
    Applicants must operate or propose to operate in two or more 
states. Applicants should provide documentation of knowledge and/or 
experience in the following areas:

--Overcoming barriers to employment experienced by individuals with 
disabilities;
--Ability to conduct training, placement, and follow-up services; and
--Management and accountability structure necessary to ensure the 
integrity of the funds requested (by meeting the standards for 
financial management and participant data systems as specified in 29 
CFR, Part 95).

    Only the proposal per applicant/organization(s) is permitted. A 
proposal submitted by a consortium of two or more organizations will be 
accepted.

[[Page 15217]]

However, another proposal submitted separately by a member of the 
consortium will not be accepted.

C. Period of Performance

    The period of performance will be twelve (12) months. (Planned 
dates are July 1, 1998 through June 30, 1999).

D. Option to Extend

    Based on the availability of funds, project performance and the 
needs of the Department, grants may be extended for an additional one 
or two years of operation. The Department reserves the right to impose 
additional requirements or refinements in program design if the project 
is extended for a second and/or third year grant period.

E. Scope of Award

    DOL/ETA anticipates making awards that range from $300,000 to 
$800,000. Proposals with costs exceeding $800,000 will not be 
considered. Title III funds are included in the total funds available. 
Therefore, some awards will be funded in whole, or in part, with Title 
III funds based on the extent to which the proposal is targeted to 
disabled individuals who also qualify as dislocated worker under Title 
III (see Definitions). Awards will be made on a competitive basis.

Part II. Background and Purpose

A. Background

    DOL/ETA has provided grant awards for approximately twenty years to 
organizations providing employment and training services to individuals 
with disabilities. In the past, these grants have been awarded under 
the authority of Title IV, section 451(c)(5) of the Job Training 
Partnership Act (JTPA). Ten organizations received grant awards to 
operate programs under these provisions in Program Year (PY) 1995. 
These grants end on June 30, 1998. Several changes have occurred since 
the inception of these national disability grant programs. Societal and 
systemic changes have directly impacted individuals with disabilities 
and their opportunities in the workforce. Some of these changes were: 
the 1990 enactment of the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA), 
``mainstreaming'' of people with disabilities into schools and the 
workplace, workforce development restructuring and consolidation, 
decentralizing responsibilities to state and local levels, 
technological advances, and telecommunicating. Individuals with 
disabilities continue to experience high levels of unemployment, 
particularly those with severe disabilities. The Census Bureau Brief 
(CENBR/97-5) (December 1997) shows that the unemployment rate for those 
with severe disabilities is 74 percent, compared to 23 percent for 
those with less severe disabilities. This rate is occurring in a 
national employment environment where the overall unemployment rate is 
less than five (5) percent, the lowest level in 25 years. Executive 
Order 13078, ``Increasing Employment of Adults with Disabilities,'' was 
issued March 13, 1998 establishing a National Task Force chaired by the 
Secretary of Labor. The purpose of the task force is to address the 
significant levels of unemployment faced by individuals with 
disabilities.
    This supports DOL/ETA's decision to reconsider the purpose of ETA's 
disability grant program. Therefore, the 1998 grants awards will be 
authorized under the authority of Title IV, section 452(a) of JTPA for 
research and demonstration grants. ``To assist the Nation in expanding 
work opportunities and assuring access to those opportunities for all 
who desire it * * *''

B. Purpose

    The primary purpose of this award is to implement strategies to 
improve access to long term quality employment, employment outcomes, 
and skills that address the needs of the disabled population, 
particularly those with severe disabilities. In this program, the 
quality of employment outcomes are more important than the number of 
placements. Of particular importance are skills and employment training 
that enable individuals to move to unsubsidized employment.
    Innovation, coordination and partnerships, non-duplication of 
existing services, and leveraging of scarce resources are also 
important factors. In addition, DOL is interested in identifying 
successful project designs that can be shared and replicated as state 
workforce system changes proceed.
    DOL is seeking applications that address one or more of the 
following concerns:

--Strategies for high quality, long term employment of individuals are 
severe disabilities, including those with a specific disabling 
condition or who also may be members of a subgroup (e.g. minorities, 
youth, older workers),
--Strategies for re-employment of individuals with disabling conditions 
(e.g., brain/spinal cord injury from accident, emotional/psychiatric 
conditions, multiple sclerosis) resulting in dislocation from 
employment and a need for retraining,
--Linkages with public (national, state and local) and/or private 
delivery systems, disability consumer organizations (e.g., independent 
living centers), and other entities that address significant employment 
barriers (e.g., lack of medical coverage, transportation needs, 
personal care requirements),
--Linkages with existing service strategies that build-on and 
facilitate workforce development (e.g., One-Stop Career Centers, 
School-to-Work,) and other systemic changes impacting individuals with 
disabilities (e.g., Social Security Return-to-Work programs, Welfare-
to-Work implementation, State Medicaid waiver strategies),
--Innovative approaches utilizing technology, novel training and 
workplace strategies or other approaches (e.g., distance learning, out-
stationed work sites, entrepreneurship) which result in significant 
employment outcomes.
    DOL expects the awardee to evaluate and refine their proposed 
project as it progresses Changes impacting the agreed upon Statement of 
Work must be coordinated with ETA. A primary evaluation function will 
be performed by DOL. Therefore, proposals need not identify evaluation 
strategies.
    Grant funds are available under both Title III and IV of JTPA and 
will be used to serve disabled participants who may also qualify as 
dislocated workers.

Part III. Statement of Work

A. Project Design

    Project designs should include demonstration sites in two or more 
states. Projects should be designed to: (1) test the effectiveness of 
project strategy in diverse state systems and potential for 
replication, (2) build on a variety of National efforts involving 
individual state workforce development systems, and (3) allow for 
analysis of different state/local service structures. Minimum cost per 
site shall be $75,000.
    Each grant application shall follow the format outlined below 
providing detailed information pertinent to each demonstration site.
1. Target Population
    Participants for proposed project must be individuals with 
disabilities (i.e., physical, sensory, emotional, or mental functional 
impairments) as defined in the ADA regulations at 29 CFR, Part 1630.2. 
Describe characteristics of client population to which proposal is 
targeted including, where applicable: (1) specific type(s) of 
disability, e.g., psychiatric disorders, cerebral palsy, (2) specific 
subgroup of disabled population, e.g., minority, youth, older workers, 
(3) barriers to employment, e.g., medical

[[Page 15218]]

health coverage, (4) how project design proposes to address barriers, 
(5) why the project design will result in quality career and/or 
employment outcomes, and (6) what innovative and coordinated approaches 
will be utilized in serving the target population.
    Project designs should address the needs of individuals with 
disabilities who are unable to obtain or retain employment or who are 
underemployed. Justifications should be provided for the selected 
target group that includes specific information on inability to obtain 
or retain employment and/or underemployment.
    Proposals must also provide the following planning information on 
the participants to be served in project design, in total and by 
project site:
     The number of participants (identify reenrollments, if 
applicable),
     The number of participants who satisfy the criteria for 
JTPA Title III-funded programs,
     The age range of participants (e.g., under 22, 23-50, 51-
65),
     The number of participants who receive Supplemental 
Security Income and/or Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI),
     The number of participants to be referred by Vocational 
Rehabilitation Agencies.
    Applicants may also provide other information about participants 
considered important such as educational level, number of minority or 
ethnic, etc.
    Recruitment: Describe how target population will be recruited for 
participation at each site. Describe how outreach and recruitment 
addresses the overall design of the project. Identify how workforce 
development systems and consumer organizations are utilized in the 
recruitment process. In addition, the design should describe the 
interventions that would be undertaken to minimize periods of 
unemployment.
    Eligibility: Describe the eligibility process for project 
participants. This includes the process for determining ADA 
qualification and verification process for Title III eligibility, if 
target population includes disabled individuals who are also dislocated 
workers.
    Assessment: Describe the process for evaluating participants skill 
levels, education levels, career interests, accommodation requirements, 
training and services, and other barriers and needs. Narrative should 
identify whether assessment will be conducted by the awardee or another 
service provider.
2. Training and Supportive Services
    The design should describe training and services to be provided 
from the time of selection of participants through placement in 
unsubsidized employment and follow-up. Description should include a 
rationale for activities and services in terms of overall project 
design, overcoming employment, barriers of planned participants, and 
achieving quality employment outcomes. Narratives should provide a 
clear understanding of services and supports needed for successful 
placement and job retention. This description may include the Return-
To-Work program, Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) program, 
Medicaid waivers, and other work related incentives. The design should 
also include information on how training and service design will 
improve long-term career potential for participants.
    DOL/ETA is encouraging program designs utilizing innovative ``work-
first'' strategies providing early entry into integrated and 
competitive work-settings. This approach may include on-the-job 
training, immediate job placement, post-placement training, and/or 
services. Program design should include post-placement follow-up of 30, 
60, and 180 days.
    The design must provide information on planned activities and 
services to participants including project total and total per site. 
This must include the number of participants to be served in job search 
assistance (only) basic educational training, job skill training, on-
the-job training, work readiness and work experience, and post-
placement training and job retention services. Planned participation in 
more than one activity should be noted, where applicable. Identify 
other sources of funds to be utilized for training or services to 
participants that is a part of the overall project design but will not 
be funded by DOL/ETA.
3. Employment Outcomes
    Available Jobs: Based on labor market information, project design 
should describe jobs that are expected to be available to participants 
upon completion of training and placement services, probable wage 
levels, the potential for advancement, and career path. The design 
should, also, identify how and why job placement and retention for 
participant group will more likely occur as a result of the proposed 
project. Narrative should indicate what new employers and/or 
occupations are the focus of project design compared to applicants' 
current or previous grant programs, if applicable.
    Provide information that indicates the availability of suitable 
jobs for participants, prevailing wage levels, career potential and 
opportunities for advancement. Include information on the number and 
type of jobs and the availability of qualified workers. Sources of 
information should be identified.
    Special Wage Waivers Under Fair Labor Standards Act: Employment in 
jobs, and/or related training, approved for Special Minimum Wage 
Certificates under Part 525 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as 
amended, will not be considered as an allowable activity or outcome.
    Organizations receiving FLSA special wage certifications must 
provide assurances and verification that FLSA special wage training and 
placement are not incorporated within proposed project design.
    Planned Placements: The design must indicate how many placements in 
unsubsidized, competitive employment are expected to result from 
activities at each site. A description of the quality of these job 
placements should also be included. Because of project start-up, a high 
rate of job placement may not be a realistic outcome within the initial 
grant period. Information on participant flow from intake, assessment 
through placement should be provided indicating clearly when placement 
will occur.
    Planned outcome information should be provided, including project 
total and total per site: (1) number of terminees completing program, 
(2) number of placements in unsubsidized employment, (3) number of 
placements in full time employment (35 hours per week or more), (4) the 
number of indirect placement, (5) the average hourly wage, and 
placements with durations of 180 days and more.
    Applicants are also requested to provide an explanation, if 
applicable, on ``temporary job'' placements; and the extent to which 
program participants and/or recipients of SSDI/SSI are expected to 
transition to economic self-support in the mainstream workforce.
    Applicants are requested to describe methods of ongoing assessment 
of ``customer satisfaction'' and how results will be used in project 
operation. The DOL Government Performance and Result's Act (GPRA) 
Program Year (PY) 1998 goal for the disability grant program is an 
``entered employment rate'' of 47 percent. If applicant does not 
anticipate achieving this competitive placement level, an explanation 
should

[[Page 15219]]

be provided on why this level may not be reached.
4. Innovation
    Describe any innovations in the proposed project, including (but 
not limited to) innovations relating to the target population, delivery 
of services, training methods, job development, or job retention 
strategies. Describe new directions or approaches to address 
significant unemployment levels of people with disabilities. Explain 
how the proposed project: (1) will be applicable to disability issues 
of national scope; (2) is similar to or differs from the applicant's 
prior and current activities; and (3) does not duplicate existing 
employment and training program.
    Because the information technology industry currently represents 
close to 50 percent of the nation's economic growth, applicants should 
consider how they might initiate the development of new collaborative 
processes at the regional and local levels, thereby leveraging private 
sector, school, and local government resources in order to expand 
workplace opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
5. Coordination and Linkages
    Describe coordination with state and local utilities, consumer 
organizations, and/or others in the design and implementation of the 
proposed project. State/local One-Stop Career Center systems, School-to 
Work initiatives, Welfare-to Work programs, and Bureau of 
Apprenticeship Training programs should be included as partners, if 
applicable. Applications may also identify coordination strategies with 
Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies, educational institutions, and labor 
organizations.
    Partnership efforts should deal with major employment obstacles of 
insufficient medical coverage and/or other barriers to employment 
(e.g., transportation, personal assistance needs, job coach 
requirements). Describe coordination efforts with Social Security 
return-to-work incentives (e.g., PASS, Impairment Related Work 
Expenses) see Social Security Act, section 1619(a) and (b)). Applicants 
should indicate the impact of proposed project on system changes 
underway and how non-grant funds are being leveraged. Identify funds 
are resources to be contributed to the project by the applicant and/or 
partnership entities. Evidence should be presented that demonstrates 
cooperation of coordinating entities. The design should include a 
reasonable method of assessing and reporting on the impact of such 
coordination. Consultation with and/or review by appropriate labor 
organizations, where applicable, is encouraged and should be 
documented.

B. Management and Administration

1. Management Structure
    Describe the management structure for the proposed project, 
including a staffing plan showing each position and the percentage of 
time assigned to the project. Provide an organizational chart showing 
the relationship between the management and operational components of 
the project and the overall organization. Include staff and operations 
projected for each demonstration site. Include resumes of current key 
staff. For each of the key staff not identified at the time of 
application, provide a job description or the qualifications sought for 
the position. Provide information on business advisory councils, board 
of directors, or other administrative structures of the organization, 
including current membership.
2. Program Integrity and Public Accountability
    Describe the mechanisms to be used to ensure financial and program 
accountability in record keeping and reporting. The design must 
demonstrate oversight of project implementation, and progress 
benchmarks, for each site. Described how the project will keep records 
of activities and satisfy the administrative requirements set out under 
20 CFR 631.64, and at 29 CFR Part 95, 96, and 98.
    The designs must include a comprehensive discussion describing in 
detail, types of information to be collected, methods and frequency of 
collections, and ways information will be used to implement and manage 
the program. The following must be covered:
    (1) Program data collection and reporting systems to determine the 
achievement of project outcomes,
    (2) Financial management system to ensure fiscal accountability in 
accordance with statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements,
    (3) Communications processes and technology which will be utilized,
    (4) Administrative process for each project site, and
    (5) Grievance procedure.
3. Monitoring
    Awardee will be responsible for monitoring and oversight of all 
activities under the grant. Identify the information on project 
performance and financial management to be collected on a short-term 
basis by project staff.
    Describe the process, frequency, and rationale for frequency of on-
site monitoring of each project site, including employer site visits, 
if applicable. Also, describe monitoring in terms of on-going 
evaluation of proposed project design. 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.
4. Grievance Procedure
    Describe the grievance procedure to be used for grievances and 
complaints from participants, contractors, and other interested 
parties, consistent with requirements at 20 CFR 631.64(c)(1).
5. Previous Project Management Experience
    Provide objective evidence of the grant applicant's ability to 
manage such a project, ensure the integrity of the grant funds, and 
deliver the proposed performance. Indicate the grant applicant's past 
management experience, particularly regarding oversight and operating 
functions including financial management and relevant audit or grant 
reviews of the organization. Provide references and/or contact persons 
of former or current funding organizations.

C. Definitions

    For the purpose of this demonstration project, the following 
definitions apply to the specified terms, as used in this SGA.
    Dislocated Worker--See regulations as specified in See statutory 
definition pursuant to JTPA 301(a)1) and the regulatory eligibility 
requirements at 20 CFR 6311.3 (Federal Register September 2, 1994).
    Long-Term Unemployment--includes a period of non-work (except for 
periodic periods of subsistence jobs) of four months up to five years. 
Prior employment which does not offer the opportunity for self-
sufficiency of the individual or the individual's family will not 
preclude an individual's participation in this project under the 
requirement of ``limited opportunities for employment or reemployment 
in the same area in which such individuals reside.''
    Severe Disability--See Vocational Rehabilitation Act regulations at 
34 CFR Ch. III, Section 369.4 (7/1/97 edition).
    Basic Education--Training activities designed to enhance the 
employability of participants by upgrading basic skills (e.g., General 
Equivalency Diploma (GED), remedial education or training in English 
language proficiency).

[[Page 15220]]

    Job Skills--Training conducted in an institutional setting, and 
designed to provide individuals with technical skills and information 
required to perform a specific job or group of jobs (e.g., vocational 
technical school, community college, etc.).
    On-the-Job Training (OJT)--Training provided to an individual hired 
first by the employer while he/she is engaged in productive work which 
provides knowledge or skills essential to the full and adequate 
performance of the job (See 20 CFR 632.78(b)).
    Work Experience (WE)--A short-term or part-time work activity in 
the public or not-for-profit sector providing individuals, with 
opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge necessary to perform a 
job, including appropriate work habits and behaviors. (See 20 CFR 
632.79(B)).
    Job Search Assistance--This includes, but is not limited to:

(1) Orientation to the world of work
(2) Training/Job-related counseling and testing
(3) Employability assessment (other than that involved during intake)
(4) Job development
(5) Job search assistance
(6) Job referral and placement

    Job Placement--Placement consisting of a minimum of 20 hours during 
one week of unsubsidized funding.
    Post-Employment/Job Retention Services--Supportive services which 
may include, but is not limited to, post placement follow-up 
activities, work site evaluation and accommodation assistance, and 
training services provided following placement in unsubsidized, 
competitive employment.
    Unsubsidized/Competitive Employment--Non-grant or supported 
employment which includes, entry into the Armed Forces (including entry 
onto active duty from Reserve and National Guard units), entry into 
employment in a registered apprenticeship program, self-employment, 
etc. Employment performed on a full-time or part-time basis in an 
integrated setting in which wages/salaries are at or above minimum 
wage. Employment with special wage provisions authorized under Title 
29, Part 525 of the Fair Labor Standards Act are not considered 
unsubsidized nor competitive for the purpose of this grant.

Part IV. Government Requirements

A. Reporting Requirements

    DOL intends to develop a standard for reporting in conjunction with 
awardees and general public as required by OMB. Applicants will be 
required to submit financial, program, and participant reports on a 
quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. Grantees will complete 
Quarterly Financial Reports (OFR) SF-269 and Quarterly Progress Reports 
(QPR). The QPR shall include both a narrative and statistical format. 
Specify in the QFR's ``remarks'' section, the amount spent for Title 
III. Also include an attachment outlining expenditures in the major 
categories (e.g., personnel, travel, supplies, equipment, contractual). 
An original and two copies of the QPR and the QFR will be sent not 
later than 30 days after the end of each quarter. In addition, Annual 
Participant and/or Program Service Reports may be required to obtain 
information on: (a) types of services provided, (b) number of clients 
served by disability, race, national origin, gender, age, SSI/SSDI, 
AFDC, and (c) the number of clients with a severe disability served. 
Detailed requirements for submitting these reports will be included in 
the grant award document.

B. Evaluation

    The Department of Labor plans to conduct a quantitative and 
qualitative evaluation that provides an in-depth analysis and 
assessment of the grant program, including: (1) how project addressed 
barriers to employment by individual participants, e.g., health 
benefits, transportation, personal assistance needs, (2) improvements 
or changes to systemic linkages, (3) successful project design 
components that result in improved outcomes, and (4) the success of the 
program in achieving program objectives. The evaluation will be 
coordinated with awardees who must make available records on 
participants employers, and provide access to personnel and staff.

C. Departmental Oversight

    DOL reserves the right to conduct programmatic and financial 
oversight/monitoring of grant and project sites.

D. Use of Federal Funds

    Federal funds cannot be used to support activities which would be 
provided in the absence of these funds. Grant funds may cover only 
those costs which are appropriate and reasonable. Federal grant funds 
may only be used to acquire equipment which is necessary for the 
operation of the grant.
    Grantees must receive prior approval from the DOL/ETA Grant Officer 
for the purchase and/or lease of any property and/or equipment as 
defined in ``Grants and Agreements with Institutes of Higher Education, 
Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations'', codified at 29 CFR Part 
95. Request for prior approval, if applicable, may be included in the 
grant budget application or submitted after grant award.

Part V. Selection Criteria

    Selection of awards will be made after careful evaluation of 
proposals by a panel of specialists. Ratings will reflect the quality 
of documentation, justification, and evidence of activities included in 
the management and design of the projects. Panelists will evaluate the 
proposals for acceptability based on responsiveness to the Statement of 
Work, with emphasis on the following:

A. Project Design (40 Points)

    Proposals will be evaluated based on the extent to which the 
activities and/or services address the following:
    (1) Overcoming barriers to employment experienced by individuals in 
the target population,
    (2) Increasing the likelihood that individuals with disabilities 
will achieve sustained, quality employment at a living wage,
    (3) Providing opportunities for career advancement,
    (4) Incorporating ``work-first'' strategies,
    (5) Addressing skill shortages in the information technology 
industry,
    (6) Fulfilling a gap in current services delivery system,
    (7) Incorporating advanced skill levels or other approaches leading 
to long term employment and career potential
    (8) Incorporating innovative approaches and linkages with other 
service providers in the design of the project.

B. Management and Administration (25 Points)

    Proposals will be evaluated based upon the following:
    (1) Applicants' management structure including a staffing plan, 
organization chart, operational components, etc.,
    (2) A time-line of the proposed schedule for implementing the 
program,
    (3) A description of the mechanism used to ensure financial and 
program accountability in record keeping and reporting,
    (4) A description of the monitoring system,
    (5) The qualifications of the persons designated for key executive, 
managerial, and technical positions,
    (6) The applicants capabilities to coordinate and form linkages 
with other organizations involved in serving the target population.

C. Target Population (20 Points)

    Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:
    (1) Identification of specific group of individuals to be served 
who are

[[Page 15221]]

disabled and who face significant barriers to employment,
    (2) Demonstration that the applicant understands the needs of the 
group to be served,
    (3) Documentation that individuals in the identified target group 
are available in sufficient numbers,
    (4) Recruitment process,
    (5) Eligibility verification, and
    (6) Assessment processes.

D. Previous Experience (15 Points)

    Applicants will be evaluated on their experience in providing 
education, training and/or other employment-related services for 
individuals with disabilities. Consideration will be given to 
information regarding efforts to coordinate and form linkages with 
other organizations involved Applicants will be evaluated on their 
experience in providing education, training and/or other employment-
related services for individuals with disabilities. Consideration will 
be given to information regarding efforts to coordinate and form 
linkages with other organizations involved with the target population. 
Applicants must demonstrate, providing supporting information, that 
they have successfully organized, managed, and completed projects, and/
or that they have projects with successful audit results, and have 
received funds from federal or other sources.
    Panel results are advisory in nature to the Grant Officer who makes 
the final decision. Applicants are advised that discussions may be 
necessary to clarify any inconsistencies in their applications. The 
final decisions on awards will be based on what is most advantageous to 
the Federal Government as determined by the Grant Officer. The 
Department may elect to award a grant without discussion with the 
applicant. Such award would be based on the applicant's proposal 
without alteration. The applicant's signature on the SF-424 constitutes 
a binding offer.

    Signed at Washington, DC, March 24, 1998.
James C. De Luca,
Grant Officer, Office of Grants and Contracting Management, Division of 
Acquisition and Assistance.

Attachments

1. Appendix A--``Application for Federal Assistance'' (Standard Form 
424)
2. Part II--Budget Information
3. Financial Status Report Form (Standard Form 269)

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[FR Doc. 98-8181 Filed 3-27-98; 8:45 am]
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