[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 122 (Friday, June 25, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34271-34279]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-16226]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


Labor Participation in School-To-Work

AGENCIES: Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor.

ACTION: Notice inviting proposals to develop, identify and disseminate 
replicable models of labor participation in the development and 
implementation of School-to-Work (STW) systems in sectors of the 
economy that represent high skill, high wage employment opportunities. 
The Departments are seeking innovative approaches to utilizing the 
workplace for all learners. These awards will provide support to labor 
organizations with national memberships to undertake outreach, 
technical assistance and other activities

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to increase the number of work-based learning opportunities for 
students.

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    This notice contains all of the necessary information and forms 
needed to apply for grant funding.

SUMMARY: The Departments of Labor and Education jointly invite 
proposals for approximately 2-3 new awards in PY 1998 as authorized 
under section 403 of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 (the 
Act). These awards will provide support to national labor unions to 
undertake outreach and technical assistance to their memberships. These 
activities are intended to engage and build the capacity of their 
affiliates and private sector partners to participate in activities 
that will result in an increase in the number of work based learning 
opportunities for students. As a result of the products developed and 
activities and systems implemented, awardees will be required to 
provide clear, quantifiable evidence of increased numbers of regional 
and local unions engaged in STW activities, with supporting 
documentation that clearly illustrates an increase in the number of 
students engaged in work-based learning activities.

DATES: Applications for grant awards will be accepted commencing June 
25, 1999. The closing date for receipt of applications is August 24, 
1999 at 4 P.M. (eastern time) at the address below. Telefacsimile (FAX) 
applications will not be honored.

ADDRESSES: Applications shall be mailed to: U.S. Department of Labor, 
Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal Assistance, 
Attention: Ms. Denise Roach, Reference: SGA/DFA 99-016, 200 
Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room S-4203, Washington, D.C., 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions should be faxed to Denise 
Roach, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, 
fax: (202) 219-8739 (this is not a toll free number). All inquiries 
should include the SGA number (DFA 99-016) and a contact name, fax and 
phone number. This solicitation will also be published on the Internet, 
on the Employment and Training Administration's Home Page at http://
www.doleta.gov. Award notifications will also be published on this 
Homepage.

Labor Participation in School-To-Work System Building

I. Purpose

    Data and preliminary evidence suggest that strategic investments 
directed at national organizations to develop and disseminate 
information and provide technical assistance to their membership 
nationwide is necessary if the entire STW system is to be brought to 
scale and confidently sustained. Therefore, this solicitation is 
inviting labor unions in collaboration with business, trade 
associations, education and labor partners to identify STW practices 
within their organizations, to expand upon those practices through 
technical assistance and disseminate that information throughout their 
network. It is further expected that these practices will be replicable 
by their affiliated local organizations and information will be 
disseminated beyond their organization to the greater labor community 
and STW grantees.

II. Background

    The School-to-Work Opportunities Act was signed into law by 
President Clinton on May 4, 1994. Jointly administered by the 
Departments of Labor and Education, this Act seeks to better prepare 
all American youth for careers in high skill, high wage jobs and to 
strengthen the linkages between school and work. Under the Act, venture 
capital funds are provided to States and local communities to develop a 
STW system for transitioning youth from school to college and careers. 
STW grants are for a limited duration with the Federal investment 
declining over time. These investments are intended to support the one-
time costs of States and local communities to enhance learning 
experiences for all students. All fifty States including Puerto Rico 
and the District of Columbia have received implementation awards. The 
Act also provides a set-aside of funds for national activities to 
support School-to-Work system building, outreach and research and 
evaluation efforts. Section 403 of the Act, relating to training and 
technical assistance, specifically directs the Secretaries to assist 
STW partnerships ``* * * to increase their capacity to develop and 
implement effective school-to-work opportunities programs.''

III. Statement of Work

    Labor Participation in STW Systems. The School-to-Work 
Opportunities Act stipulates the importance of participation by key 
stakeholders at state and local levels, including labor. Labor unions 
can play a pivotal role in accessing the workplace as a learning 
environment for students. They have long standing relationships with 
employers through collective bargaining agreements in communities 
across the country. Many unions have played major roles in the 
development of training for their membership through joint labor-
management funds. Many are working in collaboration with industry 
groups in developing voluntary skill standards appropriate to their 
respective industry.
    Prior to this year, the two Departments through the National 
School-to-Work Office, have made a number of investments to support 
labor's involvement in aspects of emerging STW systems. A major 
investment included the National School-to-Work's support of efforts 
developed by the Human Resource Development Institute (HRDI), recently 
renamed the Working for America Institute (WAI). WAI developed and 
disseminated information about STW and labor's role in the development 
and implementation of STW. It has highlighted labor's STW activities 
and has helped to recruit labor representatives on State and local 
partnerships.
    In addition, the National School-to-Work Office has worked with 
members of the building and construction trades, the Bureau of 
Apprenticeship and Training at the U.S. Department of Labor and the 
National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors 
to develop and expand upon linkages to registered apprenticeship 
programs. Many local unions in collaboration with local educational 
systems are introducing students to the trades in a variety of ways 
prior to high school graduation.
    However, it is evident that in order for STW to be sustained, a 
broad range of work-based learning opportunities has to be created. 
National approaches must be developed that will assist and promote STW 
activities in communities across the country. During FY 1997, the 
Departments made awards to four entities representing the following 
industry and trade areas; manufacturing, retail, information technology 
and utilities. These competitive awards provide support to industry 
groups and trade associations to undertake outreach, technical 
assistance and other activities to engage and to build the capacity of 
employers to participate in STW systems. These investments are underway 
and appear to represent a promising strategy for increasing employer 
involvement in STW. For example, the Utility Business Education 
Coalition, Inc. (UBEC), representing the utility industry, has 
allocated much of its funding for technical assistance to be provided 
to 50 communities in 28 states to support local school-to-work systems 
and workforce development initiatives. UBEC is supporting local and 
regional efforts to raise academic achievement while integrating 
academic, technical

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and employability skills into curriculum for all students. Whereas, the 
National Retail Institute, the world's largest retail trade association 
has begun to replicate its Youth Opportunities in Retail program model 
in 4 states. The manufacturing project led by the National Association 
for Manufacturers are in the process of infusing industry skill 
standards into the manufacturing curriculum at 12 high schools. 
Finally, the Information Technology Association of America has selected 
30 national sites as Centers of Excellence. These sites represent a 
broad range of education partnerships that will identify and strengthen 
innovative approaches to increase work-based learning opportunities for 
students nationally.
    The Departments are expecting to make similar industry specific 
awards in PY 98 and are particularly interested in applications that 
focus on high growth, high wage industries in communications, 
transportation, business/finance, and health services.
    As a result of these current and future investments, including a 
more targeted approach to utilizing labor organizations, the 
Departments expect to significantly increase the number of workplaces 
offering STW activities and more specifically work-based learning 
opportunities for all learners. These strategic investments are 
necessary if the entire STW system is to be brought to scale and 
sustained.
Required Areas of Effort
    The successful applicants will assume the lead responsibility to 
coordinate and provide technical support to build the capacity of their 
organization to engage in STW activities. Information regarding the 
following activities must be described in detail:
    1. A description of at least 15 ongoing STW activities in a minimum 
of 5 regional or local unions affiliated with the applicant. These 
examples must be collaborative and include the education and business 
communities. They must encompass a broad continuum of STW activities 
that include mentoring, work-based learning, high academic standards 
and curriculum collaboration in high wage, high skill occupations. 
Applicants should describe how they will organize the task of 
identifying and selecting effective STW activities, how effectiveness 
will be assessed and how the critical common features of each will be 
identified to inform the development of a replicable framework. In 
addition, the applicant should describe how the information would be 
presented and disseminated to its membership and STW grantees.
    2. Develop a model framework for STW activities in a local union. 
Based on identified STW practices from a sample of local unions 
described above, the Departments are interested in the development of a 
replicable framework that can be disseminated to the applicant's local 
affiliates. At minimum, the framework should include a description of 
STW activities, how these activities were developed and implemented and 
the key stakeholders necessary for development and sustainability of 
the effort. Collaboration with existing STW local partnerships, 
workforce development councils or private industry councils should be 
included in the framework. In addition, the Departments are looking for 
how these STW activities fit in to a seamless system of education for 
learners.
    Post secondary education must be included in the design framework. 
Effectiveness of the activities presented and how the needs of diverse 
student populations are addressed are critical to the application.
    3. A strategic plan of how information will be disseminated to the 
applicant's membership, and the greater labor community. Include what 
formats will be utilized to distribute the design framework and STW 
activities collected under #1. The successful applicant will also be 
expected to actively disseminate the design framework including 
targeted training sessions, electronic media, publications, 
conferences, workshops, and other related means. In addition, the 
applicant should describe the target audience and describe the products 
to be developed.
    4. A description of high skill, high wage opportunities available 
for learners that includes options for education beyond secondary 
school. The successful applicant will provide detailed information 
concerning opportunities within their respective industries, including 
present trends and future forecasts and the salary range expected for 
occupations affected. In addition, the applicant shall describe the 
range of work based learning opportunities available to students. 
Include information concerning post secondary options for learners and 
examples of successful articulation agreements with post secondary 
institutions. This information should be designed for distribution to 
students.

IV. Application Process

Eligible Applicants
    National labor organizations representing employees in high skill, 
high wage occupations that have the experience and the capacity to 
build STW systems nationally. These applicants must demonstrate the 
ability to enlist the support and active participation of employers 
and/or trade associations related to the industry sector. In addition, 
key STW stakeholders, such as representatives from the education and 
labor communities, community-based organizations, parents and other 
related organizations must be included. Potential applicants however, 
should note the Departments' priority in seeking a labor organization 
or consortium with a thorough knowledge of STW and experience working 
with key STW stakeholders.
    In preparing the proposal, please use the following headings and 
respond to the information in each of the following categories.
    1. Project Description. Summarize the scope of the project, outline 
how its activities will relate to the four required areas of activity 
as described in the previous section, and provide succinct and 
measurable project objectives.
    2. Operational Plan. Provide a detailed work plan that includes a 
description of proposed activities matched to the objectives presented 
in the Project Description, with accompanying time lines and 
individuals responsible. Provide an organizational structure and clear 
management plan detailing the staff and organizational resources 
devoted to the project. The applicant should clearly and in detail show 
how the proposed work will address each of the activities that are 
described in the section entitled Required Areas of Effort. The time 
lines should indicate what activities and related results are 
anticipated for the 12-month funding period.
    3. Results. The applicant should provide specific and quantifiable 
outcomes that are anticipated from the proposed plan of activities. In 
identifying outcomes, the offeror should also explain how it will 
collect data, document results and use these results to inform its 
ongoing work plan.
    4. Capability. The applicant should demonstrate the capability of 
the organization or consortium and the key staff assigned to undertake 
the work plan, including examples of prior efforts that demonstrate 
accomplishment in developing, implementing, managing and evaluating STW 
related activities. The offeror should also show knowledge and 
experience in working with trade associations, employers or employer 
associations.

V. Application Submittal

    Applicants must submit four (4) copies of their proposal, with 
original

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signatures. The applications shall be divided into two distinct parts: 
Part I--which contains Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal 
Assistance,'' (Appendix A) and Budget Information Sheet,'' (Appendix 
B). All copies of the (SF) 424 MUST have original signatures of the 
legal entity applying for grant funding. Applicants shall indicate on 
the (SF) 424 the organization's IRS status, if applicable. According to 
the 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. The Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance number is 17.249. In addition, the budget 
shall include--on a separate page(s)--a detailed cost breakout of each 
line item on the Budget Information Sheet. Part II shall contain the 
program narrative that demonstrates the applicant's plan and 
capabilities in accordance with the evaluation criteria contained in 
this notice. Applicants MUST limit the program narrative section to no 
more than 30 double-spaced pages, on one side only. This includes any 
attachments. Applications that fail to meet the page limitation 
requirement will not be considered.

VI. Late Applications

    Any application received after the exact date and time specified 
for receipt at the office designated in this notice will not be 
considered, unless it is received before awards are made and it--(a) 
was sent by registered or certified mail not later than the fifth 
calendar day before the date specified for receipt of applications 
(e.g., an application submitted in response to a solicitation requiring 
receipt of applications by the 20th of the month must have been mailed/
postmarked by the 15th of that month); or (b) was sent by the U.S. 
Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service to addresses not later 
than 5:00 P.M. at the place of mailing two working days prior to the 
date specified for receipt of applications. The term ``working days'' 
excludes weekends and federal holidays. The term ``postmarked'' 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 or affixed on the date of mailing by an 
employee of the U.S. Postal Service.

VII. Hand Delivered Proposals

    It is preferred that applications be mailed at least five days 
prior to the closing date. To be considered for funding, hand-delivered 
applications must be received by 4:00 P.M. (Eastern Time), on the 
closing date at the specified address.
    TELEGRAPHED AND/FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE HONORED. Failure to 
adhere to the above instructions will be a basis for a determination of 
nonresponsiveness. Overnight express mail from carriers other than the 
U.S. Postal Service will be considered hand delivered applications and 
must be received by the above specified date and time.

VIII. Funding Availability and Period of Performance

    The Departments expect to make 2 to 3 awards with a total 
investment of approximately $900,000. The period of performance will be 
for 12 months from the date the grant is awarded. The Departments may 
at their option, provide additional funding for another 12 months 
depending upon fund availability and performance of the offeror.
    Estimated Range of Awards. The Departments expect the total award 
amounts to range from approximately $250,000 to $450,000, for the total 
12-month period.

IX. Review Process

    A careful evaluation of applications will be made by a technical 
review panel who will evaluate the applications against the criteria 
listed below. The panel results are advisory in nature and not binding 
on the Grant Officer. The Government may elect to award the grant with 
or without discussions with the offeror. In situations without 
discussions, an award will be based on the offeror's signature on the 
(SF) 424, which constitutes a binding offer. Awards will be those in 
the best interest of the Government.
    The criteria used to rate all proposals submitted are:
    1. The extent to which the applicant outlines a clear and detailed 
plan of operation (40 points).
     Is the plan specific as to the activities proposed and how 
these activities will result in the identification of STW practices and 
the creation of a replicable design framework in local and regional 
union affiliates that represent workers in high skill, high wage 
occupations?
     Do the activities directly relate to the 4 areas of 
required effort?
     How will the proposed activities lead to sustainability of 
the federal investment to engage employers and unions in STW systems?
     Does the applicant describe strategies to provide 
opportunities for all students, including learners with disabilities?
     Does the applicant provide a detailed work plan including 
goals, objectives, timelines, person responsible and expected outcomes 
or products?
     Does the plan have clear numerical goals for increasing 
the number of local unions who will begin to be engaged in STW and for 
increasing the number of work-based learning positions for students?
    2. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the capability 
and capacity to meet the requirements of the solicitation (30 points).
     Does the applicant represent membership in high growth 
sectors of the economy?
     Does the industry sector represented by the applicant 
offer paid work-based learning opportunities for STW learners?
     Does the industry sector represented by the applicant 
offer high skill, high wage career opportunities for STW learners?
     Does the organization provide examples and documentation 
of prior related accomplishments in developing and implementing 
training initiatives for its membership?
     Does the applicant demonstrate the capacity to perform the 
range of required activities on a national scale including a 
comprehensive dissemination strategy that reaches the applicant's 
membership, key partners and the greater labor community?
    3. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the willingness 
and ability to engage and convene other organizations that are critical 
to the success of creating workbased learning opportunities for STW 
learners. (30 points)
     Does the applicant demonstrate a history of working with 
employers on workforce development and training programs for its 
membership?
     Does the applicant propose specific activities that are 
likely to result in strategic alliances with trade associations, 
education entities, employers and employer associations representing 
the specified industry?
     Does the applicant demonstrate a history of collaborating 
with a variety of partners at the national, state and community levels?
     Does the applicant present a strategy for informing STW 
grantees of its' activities and findings?
    The grants will be awarded based on applicant response to the above 
mentioned criteria and that which is

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otherwise advantageous to the Departments.

X. Reporting Requirements

    The Departments are interested in insuring that grantees share 
lessons learned and products developed. To facilitate exchange of 
information, the Departments may occasionally convene grantees for 
meetings of approximately one-day duration. Grantees will also be asked 
to submit periodic progress reports in a format to be determined and on 
a quarterly-basis. After awards are made, identification of STW 
activities and the design framework are to be submitted to the National 
School-to-Work Office for approval before commencing activities related 
to this proposal. Conference plans and all products including 
publications shall be submitted for review to the National School-to-
Work Office to ensure alignment and collaboration with ongoing national 
activities.

    Signed in Washington, D.C., this 22nd day of June, 1999.
Laura Cesario,
Grant Officer.

APPENDIX A: (SF)424--Application Form
APPENDIX B: Budget Information Form

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[FR Doc. 99-16226 Filed 6-24-99; 8:45 am]
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