[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 48 (Friday, March 10, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13026-13050]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-5842]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and 
Training


Job Training Partnership Act, Title IV, Part C, Program Year 
1999--Native American Competitive Grants

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and 
Training.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for grant 
applications for Job Training Partnership Act, Title IV, Part C, 
Program Year 1999--Native American Competitive Grants (SGA 00-02).

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SUMMARY: This notice contains all of the necessary information and 
forms needed to apply for grant funding. All applicants for grant funds 
should read this notice in its entirety. The U.S. Department of Labor, 
Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) announces a grant 
competition for Job Training Partnership Act, Title IV, Part C, Program 
Year 1999--Native American Competitive Grants. Such projects will 
assist eligible veterans who are Vietnam-era, service-connected 
disabled and recently separated Native American veterans by providing 
employment, training, and supportive service assistance. Under this 
solicitation, VETS expects to award up to three grants in Program Year 
(PY) 1999.
    This notice describes the background, the application process, 
description of program activities, evaluation criteria, and reporting 
requirements for Solicitation of Grant Applications (SGA) 00-02. VETS 
anticipates that up to $450,000 will be available for grant awards 
under this SGA.
    The information and forms contained in the Supplementary 
Information Section of this announcement constitute the official 
application package for this Solicitation. In order to receive any 
amendments to this Solicitation which may be subsequently issued, all 
applicants must register their name and address with the Procurement 
Services Center. Please send this information as soon as possible, 
Attention: Grant Officer, to the following address: U.S. Department of 
Labor, Procurement Services Center, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution 
Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210. Please reference SGA 00-02.

DATES: One (1) blue ink-signed original, complete grant application 
plus three (3) copies of the Technical Proposal and three (3) copies of 
the Cost Proposal shall be submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor, 
Procurement Services Center, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, 
Washington, DC 20210, not later than 4:45 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, 
April 10, 2000. Hand delivered applications must be received by the 
Procurement Services Center by that time.

ADDRESSES: Applications shall be mailed to the U.S. Department of 
Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Lisa Harvey, Reference 
SGA 00-02, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 
20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Harvey, U.S. Department of Labor, 
Procurement Services Center, telephone (202) 219-6445 [not a toll free 
number].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Job Training Partnership Act, Title IV, Part C, Program Year 1999--
Native American Competitive Grants Solicitation

I. Purpose

    The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service (VETS) is requesting grant applications for the 
provision of employment and training services for Native American 
Veterans who meet the eligibility criteria set forth in accordance with 
the Job Training Partnership Act, Title IV, Part C (JTPA IV-C). These 
instructions contain general program information, requirements and 
forms for application for funds to operate a Native American veterans' 
employment and training program.

II. Background

    The Job Training Partnership Act, Title IV, Part C provides that 
``The Secretary shall conduct, directly or through grant or contract, 
such employment and training programs as the Secretary determines 
appropriate to assist Vietnam-era, service-connected disabled and 
recently separated veterans to obtain gainful employment.
    In accordance therewith, the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
Employment and

[[Page 13027]]

Training (ASVET) is making $450,000 of the funds available to award 
grants for unique and innovative Employment and Training programs. 
Programs should maximize the eligible veterans' military skills, 
training and experience, by effectively exploring the transitional or 
transferable occupational opportunities in the geographical area that 
the grant would be awarded. Programs may develop Licensing and 
Certification employment and training programs that target occupations 
that are essential and have a direct impact within the economic 
environment that the eligible veteran resides in.

III. Application Process

A. Potential Jurisdictions To Be Served
    Due to the limited amount of funds available, an emphasis for 
selection will be placed on in-kind match/contribution, and the 
establishing or strengthening of existing linkages with other service 
providers.
B. Eligible Applicants
    Applications for funds will be accepted from State and local public 
agencies, Private Industry Councils, and nonprofit organizations as 
follows:
    1. Private Industry Councils (PICS) and/or Workforce Investment 
Boards (WIBS) as defined in Title I, Section 102 of the Job Training 
Partnership Act (JTPA), Public Law 97-300, are eligible applicants, as 
well as State and local public agencies. ``Local public agency'' refers 
to any public agency of a general purpose political subdivision of a 
State which has the power to levy taxes and spend funds, as well as 
general corporate and police powers. (This typically refers to cities 
and counties). A State agency may propose in its application to serve 
one or more of the potential jurisdictions located in its State. This 
does not preclude a city or county agency from submitting an 
application to serve its own jurisdiction.
    Applicants are encouraged to utilize, through subgrants, 
experienced public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, and 
private businesses which have an understanding of the unemployment and 
the barriers to employment unique to Native American veterans, a 
familiarity with the area to be served, and the capability to 
effectively provide the necessary services.
    B. Also eligible to apply are nonprofit organizations who have 
operated an employment and training program for Native American 
veterans; have proven capacity to manage Federal grants; and have or 
will provide the necessary linkages with other service providers. 
Nonprofit organizations will be required to submit with their 
application recent (within one year) financial audit statements that 
attest to the financial responsibility and integrity of the 
organization. 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 announcement. The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 
1995, Public Law No. 104-65, 109 Stat. 691, prohibits the award of 
Federal funds to these entities if they engage in lobbying activities.
C. Funding Levels
    The total amount of funds available for this solicitation is 
$450,000. It is anticipated that 3 awards will be made under this 
solicitation. Awards will not exceed $150,000. The Federal government 
reserves the right to negotiate the amounts to be awarded under this 
competition. Please be advised that requests exceeding this range by 
15% or more will be considered non-responsive.
D. Period of Performance
    The period of performance will be for twelve months from date of 
award. It is expected that successful applicants will commence program 
operations under this solicitation on or before June 1, 2000. Actual 
start dates will be negotiated with each successful applicant. Because 
JTPA funds will no longer be obligated by the U.S. Department of Labor 
after June 30, 2000, second year funds/funding will in no instance be 
available from this funding source.
E. Late Proposals
    The grant application package must be received at the designated 
place by the date and time specified or it will not be considered. Any 
application received at the Office of Procurement Services after 4:45 
pm EST, April 10, 2000 will not be considered unless it is received 
before the award is made and:
    1. it was sent by registered or certified mail not later than the 
fifth calendar day before April 10, 2000;
    2. it is determined by the Government that the late receipt was due 
solely to mishandling by the Government after receipt at the U.S. 
Department of Labor at the address indicated; or
    3. it 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 (2) working days, excluding weekends and Federal holidays, 
prior to April 10, 2000.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a 
late application sent by registered or certified mail is the U.S. 
Postal Service postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on the original 
receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. If the postmark is not legible, 
an application received after the above closing time and date shall be 
processed as if mailed late. ``Postmark'' means a printed, stamped or 
otherwise placed impression (not a postage meter machine impression) 
that is readily identifiable without further action as having been 
applied and affixed by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service on the 
date of mailing. Therefore applicants should request that the postal 
clerk 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 U.S. Postal Service 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 postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on 
the original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. ``Postmark'' has the 
same meaning as defined above. Therefore, applicants should request 
that the postal clerk 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 time of receipt at 
the U.S. Department of Labor is the date/time stamp of the Procurement 
Services Center on the application wrapper or other documentary 
evidence or receipt maintained by that office. Applications sent by 
telegram or facsimile (FAX) will not be accepted.
F. Submission of Proposal
    A cover letter, and an original and three (3) copies of the 
proposal shall be submitted. The proposal shall consist of two (2) 
separate and distinct parts:
    Part I--Technical Proposal shall consist of a narrative proposal 
that demonstrates the applicant's knowledge of the need for this 
particular grant program, its understanding of the services and 
activities proposed to alleviate the need and its capabilities to 
accomplish the expected outcomes of the proposed project design. The 
technical proposal shall consist of a narrative not to exceed fifteen 
(15) pages double-spaced, typewritten on one side of the paper only. 
Charts and exhibits are not counted toward the page limit. Applicants 
should be responsive to the Rating Criteria contained in Section VI and 
address all of the rating factors noted as thoroughly as possible in 
the

[[Page 13028]]

narrative. The following format is strongly recommended:
    1. Need for the project: The applicant should identify the 
geographical area to be served and provide an estimate of the number of 
Native American veterans and their needs, poverty and unemployment 
rates in the area, and gaps in the local community infrastructure the 
project would fulfill in addressing the employment and other barriers 
of the targeted veterans. Include the outlook for job opportunities in 
the service area.
    2. Approach or strategy to increase employment and job retention: 
The applicant must show how the training will enhance the eligible 
veterans employment opportunities within that geographical area. The 
applicant should describe the specific supportive services and 
employment and training services to be provided under this grant and 
the sequence or flow of such services. Participant flow charts may be 
provided. Include a description of the relationship with other 
employment and training programs such as Disabled Veterans' Outreach 
Program (DVOP) and the Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) 
program and programs operated under the Job Training Partnership or 
Workforce Investment Act. Please include a plan for follow up after 90 
days with participants who entered employment. (See discussion on 
results in Section V. D.) Include the chart of proposed performance 
goals and planned expenditures listed in Appendix D. Although the form 
itself is not mandatory, the information in Appendix D must be provided 
by the applicant.
    3. Linkages with other providers of employment and training 
services to the Native Americans and to veterans: Describe the linkages 
this program will have with other providers of services to veterans and 
to the Native Americans outside of the grant. List the types of 
services provided by each. Note the type of agreement in place if 
applicable. Linkages with the workforce development system [inclusive 
of JTPA and State Employment Security Agencies (SESAs)] should be 
delineated. Describe any linkages with Department of Housing and Urban 
Development (HUD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resources and 
other programs for Native Americans. Indicate how the applicant will 
coordinate with any ``continuum of care'' efforts for the Native 
American among agencies in the community.
    4. Organizational capability in providing required program 
activities: The applicant's relevant current or prior experience in 
operating employment and training programs should be delineated. (For 
consideration by panel members, the government reserves the right to 
have a representative of the Veterans' Employment and Training Service 
within your state provide programmatic and fiscal information about 
applicants and forward those findings to the National Office during the 
review of applications.) Provide information denoting outcomes of past 
programs in terms of enrollments and placements. Applicants who have 
operated a Native American program or a JTPA IV-C program, should 
include final or most recent technical performance reports. (This 
information is also subject to verification by the Veterans' Employment 
and Training Service.) Provide evidence of key staff capability. Non-
profit organizations should submit evidence of satisfactory financial 
management capability including recent financial and/or audit 
statements.
    5. Proposed supportive service strategy for Native American 
veterans: Describe how supportive service resources for Native American 
veterans will be utilized, obtained or accessed. These resources may be 
from linkages or sources other than the grant such as HUD, community 
resources, VA or other programs. The applicant should explain whether 
grant resources will be used and why this is necessary.

    Note:  Resumes, charts, and standard forms, transmittal letters, 
letters of support are not included in the page count. If provided 
include these documents as attachments to the technical proposal.

    Part II--Cost Proposal shall contain the Standard Form (SF) 424, 
``Application for Federal Assistance,'' and the Budget Information 
Sheet in Appendix B. In addition the budget shall include--on a 
separate page(s)--a detailed cost break-out of each line item on the 
Budget Information Sheet. Please label this page or pages the ``Budget 
Narrative.'' Also to be included in this Part is the Assurance and 
Certification Page, Appendix C. Copies of all required forms with 
instructions for completion are provided as appendices to this 
solicitation. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for 
this program is 17.802, which should be entered on the SF 424, Block 
10. Please show leveraged resources/matching funds and/or the value of 
in-kind contributions in Section B of the Budget Information Sheet.
Budget Narrative Information
    As an attachment to the Budget Information Sheet, the applicant 
must provide at a minimum, and on separate sheet(s), the following 
information:
    (a) A breakout of all personnel costs by position, title, salary 
rates and percent of time of each position to be devoted to the 
proposed project (including subgrantees);
    (b) An explanation and breakout of extraordinary fringe benefit 
rates and associated charges (i.e., rates exceeding 35% of salaries and 
wages);
    (c) An explanation of the purpose and composition of, and method 
used to derive the costs of each of the following: travel, equipment, 
supplies, subgrants/ contracts and any other costs. The applicant 
should include costs of any required travel described in this 
Solicitation. Mileage charges shall not exceed 32.5 cents per mile;
    (d) Description/specification of and justification for equipment 
purchases, if any. Tangible, non-expendable, personal property having a 
useful life of more than one year and a unit acquisition cost of $5,000 
or more per unit must be specifically identified; and
    (e) Identification of all sources of leveraged or matching funds 
and an explanation of the derivation of the value of matching/in-kind 
Services.

IV. Participant Eligibility

    To be eligible for participation under this Native American 
program, an individual must be a Vietnam-era, service-connected 
disabled or recently separated veteran defined as follows:
    A. The term ``veteran'' means a person who served in the active 
military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released 
therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. [Reference 38 USC 
101(2)]
    B. The term ``Vietnam-era veteran''--refers to an eligible veteran 
for which any part of his or her active military service was during the 
Vietnam-era (i.e., August 5, 1964 through May 7, 1975). See 29 U.S.C. 
Sec. 1503(27)(D). In addition, ``the period beginning on February 28, 
1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, in the case of a veteran who served in 
the Republic of Vietnam during that period.''see PL. 104--275, Section 
505, enacted October 9, 1996.
    C. The term ``service-connected disabled''--refers to (1) a veteran 
who is entitled to compensation under laws administered by the 
Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA), or (2) an individual who was 
discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected 
disability. (29 U.S.C. Sec. 1503(27)(B)).
    D. The term ``recently-separated veteran''--refers to any veteran 
who applies for participation in a JTPA IV-C funded activity within 48 
months

[[Page 13029]]

after separation from military service. (29 U.S.C., 1503(27)(C))

V. Project Summary

A. Program Concept and Emphasis
    The Native American grants under this SGA are intended to address 
dual objectives: Provide services to assist in reintegrating Native 
American veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force; 
and stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems 
that will seek to address the complex problems facing Native American 
veterans.
    These programs are designed to be flexible in addressing the 
universal as well as local or regional problems barring Native American 
veterans from the workforce. The program in PY 1999 will continue to 
strengthen the provision of comprehensive services through a case 
management approach, the attainment of supportive service resources for 
veterans entering the labor force, and strategies for employment and 
retention.
B. Required Features
    1. The Native American program should feature an outreach component 
consisting of veterans who have experienced working and serving the 
Native American Veteran population. This requirement can be modified to 
allow the projects to utilize Native Americans, preferably Native 
American Veterans in other positions where there is direct client 
contact if outreach was not needed extensively, such as intake, 
counseling, peer coaching and follow up. This requirement applies to 
projects funded under this solicitation.
    2. Projects will be required to show linkages with other programs 
and services which provide support to Native American veterans. 
Coordination with the Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) 
Specialists in the jurisdiction is required.
    3. Projects will be ``employment focused.'' That is, they will be 
directed towards (a) increasing the employability of Native American 
veterans through providing for or arranging for the provision of 
services which will enable them to work; and (b) matching Native 
American veterans with potential employers.
C. Scope of Program Design
    The project design should provide or arrange for the following 
services:

--Outreach, intake, assessment, counseling and employment services. 
Outreach should, to the degree practical, be provided at Tribal 
centers, day centers, and other programs or events frequented by Native 
American veterans. Program staff providing outreach services are to be 
veterans.

    Coordination with veterans' services programs and organizations 
such as:

--Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists and Local 
Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) in the State Employment 
Security/Job Service Agencies (SESAs) or in the newly instituted 
workforce development system's One-Stop Centers, or other JTPA Title 
IV, Part C (JTPA IV-C) Veterans' Employment Programs.
--Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) services, including its Health 
Care for Veterans, Domiciliary and other programs, including those 
offering transitional housing.
--Veterans' service organizations such as The American Legion, Disabled 
American Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans 
of America, and the American Veterans (AMVETS).

    Referral to necessary treatment services, rehabilitative services, 
and counseling including, but not limited to:

--Alcohol and drug;
--Medical;
--Post Traumatic Stress Disorder;
--Mental Health;
--Coordinating with programs for health care for Native Americans.

    If applicable, Referral to housing assistance provided by:

--Local shelters;
--Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) food and shelter 
programs;
--Transitional housing programs and single room occupancy housing 
programs funded under MHAA Title IV;
--Department of Veterans' Affairs Transitional housing programs or 
Domiciliary programs;
--Transitional housing leased by JTPA funds (JTPA IV-C funds cannot be 
used to purchase housing).
    Employment and training services such as:

--Basic skills instruction;
--Basic literacy instruction;
--Remedial education activities;
--Job search activities;
--Job counseling;
--Job preparatory training, including resume writing and interviewing 
skills;
--Subsidized trial employment (Work Experience).
--On-the-Job Training.
--Classroom Training.
--Job placement in unsubsidized employment.
--Placement follow up services.
--Services provided under JTPA Program Titles.
D. Results-Oriented Model
    Based on the past experiences of grantees working with this target 
group, a workable program model evolved which is presented for 
consideration by prospective applicants. No model is mandatory, and the 
applicant should design a program that is responsive to local needs, 
but will carry out the objectives of the Native American veteran to 
successfully reintegrate eligible veterans into the workforce.
    With the advent of implementing the Government Performance and 
Results Act (GPRA), Congress and the public are looking for program 
results rather than just program processes. While entering employment 
is a viable outcome, it will be necessary to measure results over a 
longer term to determine the success of programs. The following program 
discussion emphasizes that followup is an integral program component.
    The first phase of activity consists of the level of outreach that 
is necessary in the community to reach Native American veterans. This 
may also include establishing contact with other agencies that 
encounter Native Americans veterans such as Tribal Centers, and other 
facilities. An assessment should be made of the supportive and social 
rehabilitation needs of the client and referral may take place to 
services such as drug or alcohol treatment or temporary shelter. When 
the individual is stabilized, the assessment should focus on the 
employability of the individual and they are enrolled into the program 
if they would benefit from pre-employment preparation such as resume 
writing, job search workshops, related counseling and case management, 
and initial entry into the job market through temporary jobs, sheltered 
work environments, or entry into classroom or on-the-job training. Such 
services should also be noted in an Employability Development Plan so 
that successful completion of the plan may be monitored by the staff. 
Entry into full-time employment or a specific job training program 
should follow in keeping with the objective of Native American program 
to bring the participant closer to self-sufficiency. Supportive 
Services may assist the participant at this stage or even earlier. Job 
development is a crucial part of the employability process. Wherever 
possible, DVOP and LVER staff will be utilized for job development and 
placement activities for veterans who are ready to enter employment or 
who are in need of intensive case

[[Page 13030]]

management services. Many of these staff have received training in case 
management at the National Veterans' Training Institute and have as a 
priority of focus, assisting those most at a disadvantage in the labor 
market. VETS urges working hand-in-hand with DVOP/LVER staff to achieve 
economies of resources.
    Follow up to determine whether the veteran is in the same or 
similar job at the 90 day period after entering employment is required 
and important in keeping contact with the veterans and so that 
assistance in keeping or retaining the job (job retention) may be 
provided. The 90 day follow up is fundamental to assessing the results 
of the program interventions. Grantees should be careful to budget for 
this activity so that follow up can and will occur for those placed at 
or near the end of the grant period. Such results will be reported in 
the final technical performance report.
    Retention of records will be reflected in the Special Grant 
Provisions to be provided at the time of any award.
E. Related Native American Program Development Activities
    1. Community Awareness Activities
    In order to promote linkages between the Native American program 
and local service providers (and thereby eliminate gaps or duplication 
in services and enhance provision of assistance to participants), the 
grantee must provide project orientation and/or service awareness 
activities that it determines are the most feasible for the types of 
providers listed below. Project orientation workshops conducted by the 
grantees have been an effective means of sharing information and 
revealing the availability of other services; they are encouraged but 
not mandatory. Rather, the grantee will have the flexibility to attend 
service provider meetings, seminars, conferences, to outstation staff, 
to develop individual service contracts, and to involve other agencies 
in program planning. This list is not exhaustive. The grantee will be 
responsible for providing appropriate awareness, information sharing, 
and orientation activities to the following:
    a. Providers of hands-on services to the Native American veteran, 
such as Tribal Council Elders, to make them fully aware of services 
available to Native American veterans to make them job-ready and place 
them in jobs.
    b. Federal, State and local entitlement services such as the Social 
Security Administration, Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA), State 
Employment Security Agencies (SESAs) and their local Job Service 
offices, One-Stop Centers (which integrate JTPA, labor exchange and 
other employment and social services), detoxification facilities, etc., 
to familiarize them with the nature and needs of Native American 
veterans.
    c. Civic and private sector groups, and especially veterans' 
service organizations, to describe Native American veterans and their 
needs.

VI. Rating Criteria for Award

    Applications will be reviewed by a DOL panel using the point 
scoring system specified below. Applications will be ranked based on 
the score assigned by the panel after careful evaluation by each panel 
member. The ranking will be the primary basis to identify 3 applicants 
as potential grantees. Although the Government reserves the right to 
award on the basis of the initial proposal submissions, the Government 
may establish a competitive range, based upon the proposal evaluation, 
for the purpose of selecting qualified applicants. The panel's 
conclusions are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant 
Officer. The government reserves the right to ask for clarification or 
hold discussions, but is not obligated to do so. The Government further 
reserves the right to select applicants out of rank order if such a 
selection would, in its opinion, result in the most effective and 
appropriate combination of funding, demonstration models, and 
geographical service areas. The Grant Officer's determination for award 
under SGA 00-02 is the final agency action. The submission of the same 
proposal from any prior year competition does not guarantee an award 
under this Solicitation.
Panel Review Criteria
    1. Need for the Project: 15 points.
    The applicant shall document the extent of need for this project, 
as demonstrated by: (1) The potential number or concentration of Native 
American veterans in the proposed project area relative to other 
similar areas of jurisdiction; (2) the high rates of poverty and/or 
unemployment in the proposed project area as determined by the census 
or other surveys; and (3) the extent of gaps in the local 
infrastructure to effectively address the employment barriers which 
characterize the target population.
    2. Overall Strategy to Increase Employment and Retention: 30 
points.
    The application must include a description of the proposed approach 
to providing comprehensive employment and training services, including 
job training, job development, placement and post placement follow up 
services. Applicants should address their intent to target occupations 
in expanding (e.g. High Tech; Information Technology, and related 
Service Industries), rather than on declining industries. The 
supportive services to be provided as part of the strategy of promoting 
job readiness and job retention should be indicated. The applicant 
should identify the local human resources and sources of training to be 
used for participants. A description of the relationship, if any, with 
other employment and training program such as SESAs (DVOP and LVER 
Programs), JTPA IV-C, other JTPA programs, and Workforce Investment or 
Development Boards or entities where in place, should be presented. It 
should be indicated how the activities will be tailored or responsive 
to the needs of Native American veterans. A participant flow chart may 
be used to show the sequence and mix of services.

    Note: The applicant MUST complete the chart of proposed program 
outcomes to include participants served, and job retention. (See 
Appendix D).

    3. Quality and Extent of Linkages with Other Providers of Services 
to the Native Americans and to Veterans: 20 points.
    The application should provide information on the quality and 
extent of the linkages this program will have with other providers of 
services to benefit the Native American veterans in the local community 
and/or on the reservation and outside of the grant. For each service, 
it should be specified who the provider is, the source of funding (if 
known), and the type of linkages/referral system established or 
proposed. Describe to the extent possible, how the project would fit 
into the community's continuum of care approach to respond to needs of 
the Native American Veteran and any linkages to HUD or VA programs or 
resources to benefit the proposed program.
    4. Demonstrated Capability in Providing Required Program Services: 
20 points.
    The applicant should describe its relevant prior experience in 
operating employment and training programs and providing services to 
participants similar to that which is proposed under this solicitation. 
Specific outcomes achieved by the applicant should be described in 
terms of clients placed in jobs, etc. The applicant must also delineate 
its staff capability and ability to manage the financial aspects of 
Federal grant programs. Relevant documentation such as recent (within 
the last 12 months) financial and/or audit statements should be 
submitted (required for applicants who are non-profit agencies). Final 
or most recent technical reports for other relevant

[[Page 13031]]

programs should be submitted as applicable. The applicant should also 
address its capacity for timely startup of the program.
    5. Quality of Overall Employment and Training Strategy: 15 points.
    The application should demonstrate how the applicant proposes to 
obtain or access supportive services resources for veterans in the 
program and entering the labor force. This discussion should specify 
the provisions made to access transportation, child care, temporary, 
transitional, and permanent housing for participants through community 
resources, HUD, lease, JTPA or other means. Native American Grant funds 
may not be used to purchase housing.
    Applicants can expect that the cost proposal will be reviewed for 
allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of costs, but will not 
be scored.

VII. Post Award Conference

    A post-award conference will be held in a central location for 
those awarded PY 1999 JTPA IV-C funds from the Native American 
competition. It should be planned for June or July, 2000. Costs 
associated with attending this conference for up to two grantee 
representatives will be allowed as long as they were incurred in 
accordance with Federal travel regulations. Such costs shall be charged 
as administrative costs and reflected in the proposed budget. The site 
of the Post Award conference will be at a location convenient for the 
grantee and Grant Officer Technical Representative (GOTR). Please use 
your State Capital location for budget planning purposes. The 
conference will focus on providing information and assistance on 
reporting, record keeping, and grant requirements, and will also 
include best practices from past projects.

VIII. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee shall submit the reports and documents listed below:
A. Financial Reports
    The grantee shall report outlays, program income, and other 
financial information on a quarterly basis using SF 269A, Financial 
Status Report, Short Form. These forms shall cite the assigned grant 
number and be submitted to the appropriate State Director for Veterans' 
Employment and Training (DVET), whose address will be provided, no 
later than 30 days after the ending date of each Federal fiscal quarter 
during the grant period. In addition, a final SF 269 shall be submitted 
no later than 90 days after the end of the grant period.
B. Program Reports
    Grantees shall submit a Quarterly Technical Performance Report 30 
days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter (i.e., July 30, 
October 30, January 30 and April 30) to the DVET which contains the 
following:
    1. A comparison of actual accomplishments to established goals for 
the reporting period and any findings related to monitoring efforts;
    2. An explanation for variances of plus or minus 15% of planned 
program and/or expenditure goals, to include: (i) Identification of 
corrective action which will be taken to meet the planned goals, and 
(ii) a timetable for accomplishment of the corrective action.
    A final Technical Performance Report will also be required as part 
of the final report package due 90 days after grant expiration.
C. Summary of Final Report Package
    The grantee shall submit no later than 90 days after the grant 
expiration date a final report containing the following:
    1. Final Financial Status Report (SF-269A) (copy to be provided 
following grant awards).
    (b) Final Technical Performance Report--(Program Goals).
    3. Final Narrative Report identifying--(a) major successes of the 
program; (b) obstacles encountered and actions taken (if any) to 
overcome such obstacles; (c) the total combined (directed/assisted) 
number of veterans placed during the entire grant period; (d) the 
number of veterans still employed at the end of the grant period; (e) 
an explanation regarding why those veterans placed during the grant 
period, but not employed at the end of the grant period, are not so 
employed; and (f) any recommendations to improve the program.

IX. Administrative Provisions

A. Limitation on Administrative and Indirect Costs
    1. Direct Costs for administration, plus any indirect charges 
claimed, may not exceed 20 percent of the total amount of the grant.
    2. Indirect costs claimed by the applicant shall be based on a 
federally approved rate. A copy of the negotiated, approved, and signed 
indirect cost negotiation agreement must be submitted with the 
application. (Do not submit the State cost allocation plan.)
    3. Rates traceable and trackable through the SESA Cost Accounting 
System represent an acceptable means of allocating costs to DOL and, 
therefore, can be approved for use in Native American grants to SESAS.
    4. If the applicant does not presently have an approved indirect 
cost rate, a proposed rate with justification may be submitted. 
Successful applicants will be required to negotiate an acceptable and 
allowable rate with the appropriate DOL Regional Office of Cost 
Determination within 90 days of grant award.
B. Allowable Costs
    Determinations of allowable costs shall be made in accordance with 
the following applicable Federal cost principles:

State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments--OMB Circular A-87
Nonprofit organizations--OMB Circular A-122.
C. Administrative Standards and Provisions
    All grants shall be subject to the following administrative 
standards and provisions:
    29 CFR Part 97--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
    29 CFR Part 95--Grants and Agreements with Institutes of Higher 
Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations.
    29 CFR Part 96--Federal Standards for Audit of Federally Funded 
Grants, Contracts and Agreements.
    29 CFR Part 30--Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship and 
Training.
    29 CFR Part 31--Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of 
the Department of Labor--Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964.

    Signed at Washington, DC this 3rd day of March, 2000.
Lawrence J. Kuss,
Grant Officer.

Appendices

Appendix A: Application for Federal Assistance SF Form 424
Appendix B: Budget Information Sheet, SF 424A
Appendix C: Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
Appendix D: Technical Performance Goals Form
Appendix E: Direct Cost Descriptions for Applicants and Sub-Applicants
Appendix F: Glossary of Terms

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[FR Doc. 00-5842 Filed 3-9-00; 8:45 am]
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