[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 62 (Thursday, April 1, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15819-15830]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-7831]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


Job Training Partnership Act, Title III, Demonstration Program: 
Contextual Learning 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: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training 
Administration (ETA), announces a demonstration program to test the 
viability of innovative training strategies in reducing the time 
required for individuals with low basic skills to develop the skills 
needed to qualify for quality jobs in occupations and industry settings 
with long-term growth potential. This demonstration program is 
targeting workers who have been dislocated from declining industries 
and who have not only non-transferrable, obsolete job skills, but also 
low basic skills. This demonstration program has two special emphases: 
The use of contextual learning strategies to develop basic literacy 
skills in conjunction with the development of vocational skills, and 
strategies to develop such skills with limited-English-speaking 
populations.
    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 describes the application submission requirements, the 
process that eligible entities must use to apply for funds covered by 
this solicitation, how grantees are to be selected, and the 
responsibilities of grantees. It is anticipated that up to $10 million 
will be available for funding the projects covered by this 
solicitation, that seven to twelve projects will be selected for 
funding, and that the maximum grant award will not exceed $1 million.
    All information required to submit a grant application under this 
solicitation is contained in this announcement.

DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications is May 10, 1999 at 
2 p.m. (Eastern Time) at the address below. Except as provided below, 
grant applications received after this date and time will not be 
considered.

ADDRESSES: Applications shall be mailed to: U.S. Department of Labor; 
Employment and Training Administration; Division of Federal Assistance; 
Attention: Willie E. Harris, Reference: SGA/DAA 99-008; 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S-4203; Washington, DC 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Willie E. Harris, Division of 
Federal Assistance. Telephone (202) 219-8706, extension 119 (this is 
not a toll-free number). Questions may also be faxed to Mr. Willie E. 
Harris, Grant Management Specialist, Fax Number: (202) 219-8739. All 
inquiries sent via fax should include the SGA number (DFA 99-008) and a 
contact name and phone 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. There 
is no separate application package. Part III includes the Government 
Requirement/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 describes the 
grantee's responsibilities related to program 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

[[Page 15820]]

regulations in setting up and carrying out their programs.

B. Purpose

    Global competition and expanding technology are contributing to a 
dynamism in the workplace that presents significant challenges as well 
as opportunities for many workers. Skills related to continuous 
learning, communications, and independent problem-solving are critical 
to job and career success. As never before, basic literacy skills are a 
pre-requisite for most employment opportunities, and certainly for most 
jobs that pay a reasonable wage.
    Projects funded through this solicitation are to provide retraining 
and related services--consistent with the allowable use of JPTA Title 
III funds as defined in sections 314(c), 314(d), and 314(e) of the 
Act--designed to help eligible dislocated workers with low basic skills 
transition into quality jobs with a 90 percent wage replacement rate 
for the workers. Projects must be designed to accomplish the following 
objectives:
     Develop (if necessary) and implement curricula that 
integrate the learning of basic literacy skills with the learning of 
vocational skills;
     Develop (if necessary) and implement training methods that 
accelerate the learning process and shorten the time period required to 
meet employer hiring requirements; and
     Implement training strategies for the acquisition of 
skills that are driven by the hiring requirements of local employers 
and that entail the development of skills--both basic and vocational--
in a workplace setting.
    Applications should incorporate curricula and training strategies 
that can be effectively used with limited English-speaking populations 
and that are transferrable for use in the broader workforce development 
system. Curricula should include aspects of contextual training, which 
integrates literacy into technical training in order that skills 
learned have an obvious payoff in terms of preparing workers for 
occupations. Both curricula developed and training strategies proposed 
may differ, depending upon whether basic skills combined with 
occupational training are taught to a native-English-speaking or non-
native-English-speaking population. Applicants must justify the 
selection of a particular type of curriculum based upon citations of 
sound research findings and/or demonstrated experience, and the needs 
of the target population.

C. Demonstration Policy

1. Grant Awards
    DOL anticipates awarding seven to twelve grants. Individual grant 
awards will not exceed $1 million. It is anticipated that awards will 
be made by June 30, 1999. Award decisions will be published on the 
Internet at ETA's Home Page at http://www.doleta.gov.
2. Eligible Applicants
    Subject to the provisions of this section, 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.
    Any applicant who is not a JTPA Title III substate grantee will be 
required to demonstrate evidence of partnership or coordination with 
the substate grantee(s) in the proposed service area for the delivery 
of comprehensive services to the target group. Such evidence may 
include memoranda of agreement or understanding and letters of 
commitment. Applicants are also encouraged to work with local Adult 
Basic Education providers.
3. Eligible Participants
    All individuals receiving retraining and related services 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://www.doleta.gov/regs/statutes/jtpalaw.htm.
    Proposed projects should target subgroups of the eligible 
population based on factors such as (but not limited to) occupation, 
industry, and specific barriers to reemployment. Proposed projects will 
be expected to target individuals whose basic skills are low and well 
below the hiring standards of area employers.
4. Allowable Activities
    Funds provided through this demonstration are limited to the costs 
of developing/refining training curricula in accordance with the 
requirements defined in this solicitation, providing services of the 
type described at section 314(c), (d) and (e) of JTPA, and 
administering the project. Supportive services are defined in section 
4(24) of JTPA.
    Grant funds may not be used for the cost of any services or 
activities that would have been provided in the absence of the 
requested grant. 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.
5. Coordination
    Applicants will be expected to plan and coordinate the delivery of 
services under this demonstration project with the delivery of services 
under other programs (public or private), available to all or part of 
the target group. At a minimum, projects will be expected to link or 
collaborate with any existing USDOL funded One-Stop/Career Center 
initiative and/or local JTPA Substate Grantee located within the 
project area. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with local Adult 
Basic Education providers.
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. Submission of Applications

    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.
    Each grant application must follow the format outlined in this part 
and 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.
1. Financial Application
    Part I, the Financial Proposal, shall contain the SF-424, 
``Application for

[[Page 15821]]

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.
    Applicants must justify that proposed costs are reasonable. The 
impact of innovation on costs should be explained. 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.
2. Technical Proposal
    Part II, the technical proposal, shall demonstrate the offeror's 
capabilities in accordance with the required elements of the proposal 
outlined below. The technical proposal should contain information 
sufficient to respond to the objectives of the solicitation, the 
statement of work and the evaluation criteria.
    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.
    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) S-424 constitutes a binding offer.

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 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 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 Government Requirement/Statement of Work

A. Project Service Area

    Describe the area in which the project will operate. Projects 
funded through this solicitation will be expected to be based in local 
labor markets. Provide an explanation of the economic and labor market 
circumstances in the local area that make it an appropriate candidate 
for this demonstration program.

B. Target Population

    Describe the proposed target population for the project. The 
description should include: number of individuals to be served through 
the project; date(s) of dislocation or the length of time the target 
group has been unemployed; occupations and wages of jobs from which 
they were dislocated; and specific barriers to reemployment. To the 
extent that the applicant expects to serve individuals who are not yet 
dislocated but are likely to be during the initial stages of the grant 
period, the applicant must justify why it believes that such 
dislocations are likely to occur. The description should also include 
information to support the planned level of participation in the 
project (i.e., number of eligibles within target group in the local 
area, indications of the need for assistance).

C. Available Jobs

    Identify the occupations that are targeted for job placement of 
project participants and provide a brief explanation of the 
appropriateness of these occupations given local labor market 
conditions, wage replacement potential for the target group and upward 
mobility/job retention opportunities. Identify sources of the 
occupational information or data used. Anecdotal data should not be 
used. Information from the Bureau of Labor

[[Page 15822]]

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/One-Stop Center program information may be used.

D. Project Design

    (1) Purpose. Describe the specific purpose or purposes of the 
proposed project and how these relate to the objectives of this 
solicitation. Describe how contextual learning will be integrated into 
the design of curricula and into training proposed.
    (2) Outreach and recruitment. Identify the methods that will be 
used to contact and recruit members of the target group for 
participation in this project and the organizations who will be 
responsible for the outreach/recruitment activities. Describe why the 
methods and organizations will be effective in achieving the planned 
participation levels for the project. Applicants that are not JTPA 
Title III substate grantees should partner with the appropriate JTPA 
Title III substate grantee(s) to plan and implement effective outreach 
and recruitment strategies.
    (3) Eligibility determination. Identify the organization which will 
responsible for determining the eligibility of individuals for 
participation in this project and the experience of the organization in 
determining the eligibility of individuals for JTPA Title III 
assistance. Applicants who are not JTPA Title III substate grantees 
should partner with the appropriate JTPA Title III substate grantee(s) 
to carry out eligibility determination.
    (4) Selection criteria. Identify the criteria that will be used, 
and the organization(s) that will be responsible for selecting those 
individuals to be served by the project from among the total number of 
eligible persons recruited for the project. Describe how this process 
will achieve the specific purpose(s) of the proposed project, 
including, as appropriate, targeted assistance to individuals with 
limited English-speaking ability.
    (5) Assessment. Identify assessment tools and/or methods that will 
be used to determine the skills and aptitudes of individual 
participants. Specifically identify the tools that will be used to 
measure English-speaking proficiency, and for limited English-speaking 
individuals, the basic skills levels of the individual. Describe the 
approaches or methods that will be used to relate prior experience(s) 
to employer hiring requirements. Describe the specific strategies and 
methods for measuring skills acquisition during the training process.
    (6) Services to be provided. Describe the service process to be 
used on the project. The description should include identification of 
the services to be provided from the time of selection of participants 
through placement of those participants in jobs, the sequencing of 
services in the overall process, the criteria/decision points for 
determining the appropriateness of specific services for an individual 
participant, and the organization(s) which will be responsible for 
providing specific services. The process description may be supported 
by a participant flowchart.
    (7) Contextual learning training strategies. Describe how 
experiential, integrated and other effective adult learning methods 
will be used in implementing education and training services to be 
provided to participants. Describe how these methods are expected to: 
(a) Shorten the calendar time required for individuals to acquire the 
skills needed to qualify for targeted employment opportunities; (b) 
increase the relevance/responsiveness of training to the job 
performance requirements of employers; and (c) increase the direct 
participation of employers in the training process. Specifically 
describe strategies that will be used to teach limited English-speaking 
individuals with low basic skills in their native language.
    (8) Supportive services. Identify supportive services, including 
needs-related payments, to be provided to participants. Describe how 
the need for such services will be determined on an individual basis 
and why such services are expected to be needed to facilitate 
participation in the project by the target group. Also identify any 
limits on the amount of such services that can be received by any 
individual participant.
    (9) Post-placement services. Identify any services to be provided 
subsequent to job placement. Describe the rationale for the services 
and why such services will be necessary for participants to be 
successfully placed into jobs and to retain those jobs. The 
identification should include services to be funded from sources other 
than the grant.

E. Planned Outcomes

    Identify the specific project outcome measures that will be used to 
determine the success of the project. For each measure, identify the 
planned outcome level to be achieved by the project.
    Outcome measures must include, but are not limited to:
    (1) The number of participants to receive services through the 
project;
    (2) The number of participants to receive training using contextual 
learning strategies;
    (3) The number of participants to be placed into permanent 
employment [a minimum entered employment rate of 80 percent is 
required];
    (4) The average wage at placement and the wage replacement rate for 
participants placed into permanent employment (a minimum wage 
replacement rate of 90 percent is required);
    (5) Customer satisfaction with the project services (a minimum of 
80 percent of participants must indicate satisfaction with the services 
received through the project).
    The applicant may propose additional measurable, performance-based 
outcomes that are relevant to the project and that may be readily 
assessed during the period of performance of the project. When 
proposed, the applicant must provide an explanation of how such 
additional measures are relevant to the purpose of the demonstration 
program.

F. Implementation Plan

    (1) Identify the critical activities, time frames and 
responsibilities for effectively implementing the project that will 
occur within the first 90 days after the award of the grant.
    (2) Include a completed monthly schedule that shows the cumulative 
number of participants, enrollments in education and training 
activities, enrollments in contextual learning training activities, 
permanent placements into unsubsidized employment, receiving post-
placement services, and terminations.

G. Collaboration/Leveraging of Resources

    (1) Identify other State and local organization(s) which are 
collaborating and/or contributing resources to the design and 
implementation of the proposed project. Describe the role and 
contributions of each. Contributions 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 and training facilities, equipment and 
materials at no cost to the project. Particular attention should be 
paid to the potential contributions available through adult basic 
education and Trade Adjustment Assistance programs, if applicable.
    (2) Provide evidence which indicates that the collaboration 
described can reasonably be expected to occur. Such

[[Page 15823]]

evidence could include letters of agreement, memoranda of 
understanding, or formally established advisory councils.
    (3) 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. Such activities 
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 in order to 
maximize the use of knowledge that has been gained about skills and 
their relationship to contextual learning.

H. Consultation

    The application must describe the working relationship with the 
local JTPA substate grantee(s), or One-Stop/Career Center entities 
where present. Prior to commencing operations, grant award recipients 
that are not JTPA substate grantees will be required to submit a 
jointly signed Memorandum of Understanding with substate grantees 
describing such working relationship. The application must also include 
evidence of consultation, such as a letter, on the project concept with 
applicable labor organizations where 20 percent or more of the targeted 
population is represented by one or more labor organizations, or where 
the training is for jobs in which a labor organization represents a 
substantial number of workers engaged in similar work.

I. Innovation

    Identify any elements in the proposed project design that are 
innovative. Describe why the elements are considered to be innovative 
and how they are expected to improve current methods being used to 
provide reemployment services to the target group.

J. Project Management Plan

    Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have systems 
capable of satisfying the administrative and grant management 
requirements for the use of JTPA funds as defined in 20 CFR part 627 
subpart D. The application must include the following information:
    (1) Structure. Describe the management structure for the project. 
The description must include: (a) A staffing plan that describes each 
position and the percentage of time to be assigned to this project; (b) 
an organizational chart that clearly indicates the working and 
responsibility/ accountability relationships among project management 
and operational components, including, as appropriate, those at 
multiple sites of the project.
    (2) Relationship to prior experience. Describe the specific 
experience of the applicant and other key organizations involved in the 
project with contextual learning training strategies and providing 
reemployment assistance to low skilled and/or limited English-
proficient populations. Describe how proposed training provider(s) will 
be selected. Past performance of providers, qualifications of 
instructors, accreditation of curricula, and similar matters should be 
addressed as appropriate.
    (3) Accountability systems. 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 E of this part; 
and report on participants, outcomes, and expenditures. (If the 
applicant is not a current DOL grantee, this information is subject to 
verification prior to grant award.)
    (4) Customer satisfaction measurement system. Describe the process 
and procedures that will be used to obtain feedback from individual 
participants and from employers on the responsiveness and effectiveness 
of the services provided. The description should include an 
identification of the types of information to be obtained, the 
method(s) and frequency of data collection, and how the information 
will be used in implementing and managing the project.
    (5) Monitoring and performance management. Describe the procedures 
that will be used to effectively control and management project 
performance and the use of grant funds. The description should identify 
areas to be reviewed, frequency, and responsibilities.
    (6) 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).

Part IV. Evaluation Criteria

    Selection of grantees for awards will be made after careful 
evaluation of grant applications by a panel of experts. 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. (20 points)

    The description of the characteristics and reemployment barriers of 
the target group to be served is clear and meaningful, and sufficiently 
detailed to determine the potential participants' service need. 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, including the relative literacy and numeracy deficiencies. 
Extent to which target population is characterized by limited-English-
speaking ability.

B. Service Plan and Cost. (25 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, including their 
English proficiency and other basic skill needs;
    (2) The jobs in which they are to be placed relative to targeted 
wage at placement goals;
    (3) The match between documented shortages in particular skills or 
industries 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.
    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,

[[Page 15824]]

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. Experience and Management Capability. (15 points)

    The applicant (as a part of a collaborative approach) has 
experience working with experiential and integrated learning 
strategies, specifically with a limited-English proficient population. 
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.
    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. (10 points)

    The proposal includes information describing 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 appropriate programs 
and entities for project design or provision of services. 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. Replicability. (10 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. Evidence that the 
strategies are usable in other local operating environments.

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 25th day of March 1999.
Janice E. Perry,
Grant Officer, Division of Federal Assistance.

Appendices

1. Appendix A--Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424) 
(Internet link)
2. Appendix B--Information (Internet link)
3. Appendix C--Application Checklist (Internet link)
Web site address is http://www.doleta.gov

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[FR Doc. 99-7831 Filed 3-31-99; 8:45 am]
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