[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 111 (Wednesday, June 10, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31755-31758]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15379]


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CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE


Availability of Funds for AmeriCorps*VISTA ``Welfare to Work'' 
Grants Nationwide

AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of Funds.

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SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service 
(hereinafter ``the Corporation'') announces the availability of funds 
for fiscal year 1999, subject to the availability of appropriations, 
for new AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program 
grants focusing on ``Welfare to Work'' strategies throughout the United 
States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. 
Project applications will be written to cover a 12-month period and 
grants will be awarded for a 12-month period with a renewal option. As 
part of this effort, the Corporation is soliciting applications from 
public or private non-profit organizations, including current 
AmeriCorps*VISTA project sponsors, which will operate programs on a 
multi-state basis. Approximately five to seven grants are expected to 
be awarded in October 1998, subject to the availability of FY 1999 
funding.

DATES: Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, July 
24, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Application instructions and kits are available from the 
Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps*VISTA, 1201 
New York Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20525, (202) 606-5000, ext. 134, 
TDD (202) 565-2799, or TTY via the Federal Information Relay Service at 
(800) 877-8339. One signed original and four copies of the application 
should be submitted to the Corporation for National and Community 
Service, 1201 New York Avenue, N.W., Mailstop 9207, Attn: Kathleen 
Dennis, Washington, DC 20525. The Corporation will not accept 
applications that are submitted via facsimile or e-mail transmission. 
Applications submitted via overnight mail that arrive after the closing 
date will be accepted if they are postmarked at least two days prior to 
the closing date. Otherwise, late applications will not be accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, contact 
Kathleen Dennis at (202) 606-5000, ext. 134.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    AmeriCorps*VISTA is authorized under the Domestic Volunteer Service 
Act of 1973, as amended (Pub. L. 93-113). The statutory mandate of 
AmeriCorps*VISTA is ``to strengthen and supplement efforts to eliminate 
and alleviate poverty and poverty-related problems in the United States 
by encouraging and enabling persons from all walks of life, all 
geographical areas, and all age groups . . . (to) assist in the 
solution of poverty and poverty-related problems, and . . . to generate 
the commitment of private sector resources, to encourage volunteer 
service at the local level, and to strengthen local agencies and 
organizations to carry out the purpose (of the program).'' (42 U.S.C. 
Sec. 4951)
    AmeriCorps*VISTA carries out its legislative mandate by assigning 
individuals 18 years and older, on a full-time, year-long basis, to 
public and private non-profit organizations whose goals are in accord 
with AmeriCorps*VISTA's legislative mission. Each AmeriCorps*VISTA 
project must focus on the mobilization of community resources, the 
transference of skills to community residents, and the expansion of the 
capacity of community-based organizations to solve local problems. 
Programming should encourage permanent, long-term solutions to problems 
confronting low-income communities rather than short-term approaches 
for handling emergency needs.
    AmeriCorps*VISTA project sponsors must actively elicit the support 
and/or participation of local public and private sector elements in 
order to enhance the chances of a project's success as well as to make 
the activities undertaken by AmeriCorps*VISTA members self-sustaining 
when the Corporation no longer provides resources.

B. Purpose of This Announcement

    The Welfare to Work initiative is a nationwide effort to create and 
expand opportunities for low-income individuals who have significant 
barriers making it difficult for them to move into jobs providing long-
term employment potential. The initiative will focus on developing 
efforts in job training, employment and self-employment to enable low-
income individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency. The 
Corporation is interested in promoting comprehensive, coordinated 
approaches to increasing low-income individuals' economic 
opportunities. All grant projects will be expected to be an integral 
part of a

[[Page 31756]]

comprehensive strategy for developing and implementing innovative 
approaches that enhance a community's ability to move eligible 
individuals into self-sustaining employment, to create upward mobility 
paths and higher earnings, and to achieve sustainable improvements in 
the community's service infrastructure for assisting low-income 
residents.
    AmeriCorps*VISTA's participation in the Welfare to Work initiative 
will focus on:
    1. National or multi-state organizations working in conjunction 
with local affiliates that share a vision of promoting economic self-
sufficiency among low-income individuals;
    2. Initiation and/or expansion of community-based economic and 
community development programs such as: microenterprise or small 
business development; community development credit unions; micro-
lending; individual development accounts; neighborhood revitalization; 
job readiness/training/counseling/placement activities; and, job-
related supportive services in areas with a substantial percentage of 
low-income residents;
    3. Promotion of partnerships and collaboration between the public 
and private sectors including businesses, community-based 
organizations; faith-based organizations and other service programs;
    4. Employment strategies which may include:
     creation of job opportunities (including self-employment) 
that allow for flexibility to address work and family needs while 
providing income levels that are adequate for self-sufficiency;
     proactive strategies to involve employers in design of 
service strategies and implementation of the project;
     activities to help individuals access nontraditional 
occupations;
     use of integrated work and learning strategies to develop 
skills; and,
     development of responsive transportation and child care 
service systems.
    Job creation should include livable wages, benefits, and long-term 
economic progress for the individual and community;
    5. Recruitment, training, and coordination of local volunteers;
    6. Mobilization of resources needed to support the project; and
    7. Development of a sustainable capacity in local communities to 
effectively move low-income residents and welfare recipients into 
permanent jobs to foster the long-term self-sufficiency of the target 
population.

C. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants for AmeriCorps*VISTA program grants supporting 
the Welfare to Work initiative must be public or private non-profit 
organizations with a regional or national constituency who operate on a 
multi-state or national basis. Such entities may include: regional or 
national non-profit organizations, tribal or territorial governments, 
or organizations representing tribal populations. Current 
AmeriCorps*VISTA sponsoring organizations may apply without affecting 
the status of their existing projects.

D. Scope of Grant

    Each grant budget will support 20 to 50 AmeriCorps*VISTA members on 
a full-time basis for one year of service. The average Federal cost of 
an AmeriCorps*VISTA service year i.e., total Federal cost divided by 
total number of members, will range from approximately $11,000 to 
$13,000 in the continental United States depending upon the location of 
the assignment(s). (Higher rates apply in Alaska and Hawaii.) Specific 
budget guidance is available in the project application kit; average 
allowance costs contained in the instructions should be used to prepare 
the budget submission.
    Each grant will include funds for the grantee to pay: a monthly 
subsistence allowance for AmeriCorps*VISTA members that is commensurate 
with the cost-of-living of the assignment area and covers the cost of 
food, housing, utilities, and incidental expenses; an end-of-service 
cash stipend payment, accrued at the rate of $100 per month, for those 
members not selecting the AmeriCorps education award; and relocation 
expenses for those AmeriCorps*VISTA members who must relocate in order 
to serve. The grant will also include funds for member in-service 
training, member supervision, and member/supervisor job-related 
transportation.
    The following costs will be covered by the Corporation: an 
AmeriCorps education award in the amount of $4725 for AmeriCorps*VISTA 
members who complete their year of service and do not elect the 
stipend, health support for all AmeriCorps*VISTA members; a child care 
allowance for eligible AmeriCorps*VISTA members; pre-service 
orientation; and, travel from home of record to training to assignment 
for all AmeriCorps*VISTA members as well as travel home at the end of 
service.
    Grant applicants should demonstrate their commitment to matching 
the Federal contribution toward the operation of the AmeriCorps*VISTA 
Welfare to Work program grant by offsetting all, or part of, the costs 
of member supervision, transportation, and training, as well as the 
basic costs of the program itself (e.g., space, telephone, etc.). This 
support can be achieved through cash or in-kind contributions.
    Grants will be awarded on a twelve-month basis with a renewal 
option subject to need, satisfactory performance, and the availability 
of Corporation resources. Publication of this announcement does not 
obligate the Corporation to award any specific number of grants or to 
obligate the entire amount of funds available, or any part thereof, for 
grants under the AmeriCorps*VISTA program.

E. Responsibilities of National Grantee

    Applicant organizations must have: national or multi-state 
networks, the existing capacity needed to monitor and support a 
national or multi-state project; and experience in operating other 
national or multi-state programs. The applicant organization must 
demonstrate a strong institutional commitment of personnel, resources, 
training and technical expertise. Applicant organizations must develop 
a strong and well-coordinated multi-site project rather than loosely 
tying together several unrelated local programs.
    The applicant organization will have several crucial roles and 
responsibilities in operating a high quality multi-site 
AmeriCorps*VISTA project. All applicant organizations must:
     identify local sites and assist them with preparation of 
Part A of the Project Application (Form 1421),
     provide on-going monitoring, training, technical 
assistance, and support to local sites,
     assist in member recruitment, and
     work with sites to develop long-term sustainability plans.
    After selection, the national grantees will be advised by the 
Corporation of specific requirements related to the AmeriCorps*VISTA 
project, including the submission of Project Progress Reports to the 
Americorps*VISTA Headquarters project manager and assistance in the 
design and delivery of training. The Corporation State Office works 
with the local project affiliates to develop Part B of the project 
application and to provide in-service training and technical assistance 
for the members. The Corporation State Office also provides training to 
AmeriCorps*VISTA supervisors through periodic site visits

[[Page 31757]]

and meetings with supervisors. A Project Progress Report is submitted 
by each local affiliate to the Corporation State Office on a quarterly 
basis.

F. Submission Requirements

    To be considered for funding, applicants must submit five copies, 
with original signatures on items 2 and 3, of the following:
    (1) A one-page narrative summary description, single-spaced, 
single-sided in 10-12 point, of the proposed AmeriCorps*VISTA Welfare 
to Work project including the name, address, telephone number, and 
contact person for the applicant organization as shown on the SF 424. 
The summary should include the major objectives and expected outcomes 
of the project. The summary will be used as a project abstract to 
provide reviewers with an introduction to the substantive parts of the 
application. Therefore, care should be taken to produce a summary which 
accurately and concisely reflects the proposal.
    (2) Application for Federal Assistance, SF 424, with a detailed 
narrative budget justification.
    (3) AmeriCorps*VISTA Project Application, Form 1421, Parts A and B. 
All project information must be contained in the space provided on the 
application form except where additional sheets may be submitted for 
the Project Work Plan and/or Member Assignment Description(s).
    (4) Current resume of potential AmeriCorps*VISTA supervisor(s), if 
available, or resume of the director of the applicant organization.
    (5) List of members of the Board of Directors including their 
professional affiliations and/or program-related activities.
    (6) Organizational chart illustrating the location of the 
AmeriCorps*VISTA project within the overall applicant organization.
    (7) Letters of support must be provided from outside organizations 
that will be collaborating in the overall project effort. Letters 
should reflect knowledge and endorsement of the specific objectives of 
the project, as well as any commitment of resources to the project if 
applicable.
    (8) For each local site that will be hosting AmeriCorps*VISTA 
member(s), Part A of the application must be included. No other 
documents pertaining to the local sites should be attached.
    National applicant organizations must also submit one copy of the 
following:
    (1) Current Articles of Incorporation.
    (2) Proof of non-profit status, or an application for non-profit 
status and related documentation.
    (3) CPA certification of accounting capability.
    (4) A copy of most recent annual report, if available.
    No additional attachments are to be included. Such attachments will 
not be read or given to reviewers.

G. Criteria for AmeriCorps*VISTA Welfare to Work Project Selection

    All of the following elements must be incorporated in the 
applicant's submission:

I. Program Design

a. Getting Things Done
    The proposed project must:
    1. Address the needs of low-income communities and otherwise comply 
with the provisions of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as 
amended (42 U.S.C. 4951 et seq.) applicable to AmeriCorps*VISTA and all 
applicable published regulations, guidelines, and Corporation policies.
    2. Be internally consistent, i.e. the problem statement that 
demonstrates need, the project work plan, the AmeriCorps*VISTA member 
assignment description, and all other components must be related 
logically to each other.
    3. Contain clear and measurable objectives/outcomes in the project 
application for a 12-month period that address the overall objectives 
of the Welfare to Work initiative. Proposed projects must show how the 
activities of the AmeriCorps*VISTA members contribute to specific 
outcomes related to increased economic opportunity for low-income 
people. It is expected that outcome objectives will reflect the 
evolution of the project over the 12-month period.
    4. Include activities and mechanisms that provide for the 
involvement of beneficiaries of the project.
    5. Indicate how the proposed project complements and/or enhances 
welfare to work activities already underway in, or planned for, the 
community(ies) which will be served by the project. To the extent 
possible, projects should seek out opportunities to collaborate with 
other Corporation programs, as well as with other community partners, 
including the business sector.
    6. Describe how the number of AmeriCorps*VISTA members requested is 
appropriate for the project goals/objectives, and how the skills 
requested are appropriate for the assignment(s).
b. Strengthening Communities
    The proposed project must:
    1. Describe how the project will develop a sustainable capacity in 
the local community to effectively create permanent employment and to 
foster the long-term self-sufficiency of the community. Project 
services should provide assistance oriented towards long-term 
solutions.
    2. Demonstrate collaboration with organizations which provide 
supportive services to enhance job creation and community development.
    3. Be designed to generate public and/or private sector resources, 
and to promote local, part-time volunteer service at the community 
level.
    4. Describe in measurable terms the anticipated self-sufficiency 
outcomes at the conclusion of the project, including outcomes related 
to the sustainability of the project activities.
c. Member Development
    The proposed project must:
    1. Clearly state how AmeriCorps*VISTA members will be trained, 
supervised, and supported to ensure the achievement of program goals 
and objectives as stated in the project work plan.
    2. Describe how AmeriCorps*VISTA assignments are designed to 
utilize the full-time AmeriCorps*VISTA member's time to the maximum 
extent.

II. Organizational Capacity

    The proposed project must:
    1. Ensure that resources needed to achieve project goals and 
objectives are available.
    2. Have the management and technical capability to implement the 
project successfully.
    3. Have a track record or experience in dealing with the issues 
addressed by the proposed project.
    4. Have systems for the evaluation and monitoring of project 
activities. Applicants must describe the methods that will be used to 
track progress toward the stated objectives, and the procedures that 
will provide the feedback needed to make adjustments and improve 
program quality. Projects must also be prepared to cooperate with the 
Corporation for National Service and its evaluation partners in all 
Corporation monitoring and evaluation efforts.

III. Budget/Cost-Effectiveness

    The proposed project must:
    1. Include a budget that adequately supports the program design.
    2. Include a budget that adheres to budget guidance provided with 
the application.
    3. Describe how the applicant organization is committing resources 
necessary for program implementation.

[[Page 31758]]

H. Application Review

Proposal Evaluation

    To ensure fairness to all applicants, the Corporation reserves the 
right to take action, up to and including disqualification, in the 
event that a proposal fails to comply with any requirements specified 
in this Notice.
    1. Program Design (60% as described below):
    The project application allows the Corporation to assess the 
capacity of the applicant organization to implement the project and 
accomplish the purpose of the Welfare to Work initiative. The overall 
quality of the application will be evaluated as follows:
    a. Responsiveness to Getting Things Done Criteria (25%).
    b. Responsiveness to Strengthening Communities Criteria (30%).
    c. Responsiveness to Member Development Criteria (5%).
    2. Organizational Capacity (25%):
    The applicant organization's capacity to direct, manage, support, 
provide technical assistance, assess the project, and promote long-term 
implementation of the project's efforts, must be reflected in the 
Project Application.
    3. Budget (15%):
    Applicants must prepare the budget according to information 
contained in Item D, Scope of Grant, above, and instructions about 
costs and allowance levels contained in the application kit. A detailed 
Budget Narrative must identify and justify each line item and cost. The 
Corporation will assess the cost-effectiveness of the proposed project 
and the project's ability to leverage significant resources from 
private and/or public sources.

I. Geographic Diversity

    After evaluating the overall quality of the proposal and its 
responsiveness to the criteria noted above, the Corporation will take 
into consideration whether funded projects are: (1) geographically 
diverse, including projects in both urban and rural areas; and (2) in 
areas of high concentration of low-income residents, including those in 
empowerment zones, enterprise communities and homeownership zones.

J. Bidders' Conferences

    An informal, technical assistance meeting and telephone conference 
call is being planned for June 24, 1998, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time for 
potential applicants. The term ``technical assistance,'' however, does 
not include advising the applicant how to make substantive improvements 
in its application that will affect ratings.
    All applicants must pre-register by faxing the names, organization 
and phone number of up to two members planning to participate, and an 
indication of whether participation will be in person or via conference 
call. This information should be faxed to Kathleen Dennis at 202-565-
2789. All reservations must be submitted by June 22, 1998.
    Questions may be submitted in advance of the meeting via fax to the 
above number. If you are unable to attend the Bidders' Conference but 
would like the conference materials and a conference transcript, submit 
your request via fax to the fax number above.

K. Program Authority

    Corporation Authority to make these grants is authorized under 
Title I, Part A of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as 
amended (Pub. L. 93-113).

    Dated: June 4, 1998.
Kenneth L. Klothen,
General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 98-15379 Filed 6-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6050-28-P