[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 4, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17931-17960]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-8283]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship Implementation 
Grants

AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration (ETA), Labor.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and Solicitation for Grant 
Applications (SGAs).

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training 
Administration (ETA), announces competitive grants to be awarded under 
the Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship initiative. This 
initiative targets incumbent and prospective professional youth workers 
working directly with young people. The funding available for these 
grants is $1.45 million dollars and includes three distinct categories 
for application and award. The three categories are: (1) Funds for 
Local Intermediaries to Support Local Youth Program Service Operators 
in the Implementation of Apprenticeship Programs, (2) Grants to 
National Organizations, and (3) Provider of Technical Assistance on 
Practice and Curriculum Materials. An applicant can apply for more than 
one category of grant.

DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, May 11, 
2001. Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight 
Savings Time) at the address below. No exceptions to the mailing and 
hand-delivery conditions set forth in this notice will be granted. 
Applications that do not meet the conditions set forth in this notice 
will not be honored. Telefacsimile (FAX) applications will not be 
honored.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be mailed to: U.S. Department of Labor, 
Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal Assistance, 
Attention: Mamie Williams, Reference: SGA/DFA 01-103, 200 Constitution 
Avenue, NW., Room S-4203, Washington, DC 20210.


    Note: Your application should specify on the cover which 
category you are applying for: 1, 2 or 3.


    Hand Delivered Proposals. If proposals are hand delivered, they 
must be received at the designated address by 4:00 p.m., Eastern 
Daylight Time on Friday, May 11, 2001. All overnight mail will be 
considered to be hand delivered and must be received at the designated 
place by the specified closing date and time. Telegraphed, e-mailed 
and/or fax proposals will not be honored. Failure to adhere to the 
above instructions will be a basis for determination of non-responsive.
    Late Proposals. A proposal received at the designated office after 
the exact time specified for receipt will not be considered unless it 
is received before the award is made and it:
     Was sent by U.S. Postal Service registered or certified 
mail not later than the fifth day (5th) calendar day before the closing 
date specified for receipt of applications (e.g. an offer submitted in 
response to a solicitation requiring receipt of applications by the 
20th of the month must be mailed by the 15th):
     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 deadline date specified for 
receipt of proposals in this SGA. The term ``working days'' excludes 
weekends and U.S. Federal holidays.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of an 
application received after the deadline date for the receipt of 
proposals sent by the U.S. Postal Service and on the original receipt 
from the U.S. Postal Service. The term ``post marked'' 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 employees 
of the U.S. Postal Service.
    Withdrawal of Applications. Applications may be withdrawn by 
written notice or telegram (including mailgram) received at any time 
before an award is made. 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions should be faxed to Mamie 
Williams at 202-693-2879, (this is not a toll-free number). All 
inquiries should include the SGA/DFA number 01-103, and a contact name, 
fax and phone numbers. This announcement 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 
the Home Page.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Authority

    Section 171 of the Workforce Investment Act authorizes the use for 
demonstration program funds appropriated under section 174(b) for the 
purpose of developing and implementing techniques and approaches, and 
demonstrating the effectiveness of specialized methods, in addressing 
employment and training needs. Section 171(d) of the Workforce 
Investment Act authorizes the use for dislocated worker demonstration 
programs of funds reserved under section 132(a)(2)(A) and establishes 
the administration of these funds by the Secretary for that purpose 
under section 173(b). DOL FY 2000 Appropriations Act, enacted November 
17, 1999, authorizes dislocated worker demonstration projects that 
provide assistance to new entrants in the workforce and incumbent 
workers. Apprenticeship programs are authorized

[[Page 17932]]

by The National Apprenticeship Act of 1937 Fitzgerald Act), Public Law 
75-308 and clarified in Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations Part 29.

B. Background

    This section describes the context for this initiative aimed at 
developing and supporting apprenticeship programs for professional 
youth workers.
    The enactment of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) provides a 
unique opportunity to strongly impact the youth workforce development 
system. WIA moves away from short-term, largely summer employment 
opportunities to longer-term more comprehensive services to eligible 
youth. The focus is on assisting young people to acquire the skills and 
competencies that they need to successfully transition to adulthood, 
careers and further education and training.
    Youth development recognizes that young people need a range of 
supports and opportunities for learning and for growth over a long 
period of time. Services under a youth development approach include 
opportunities for leadership development, basic supportive services as 
well as academic and occupational skills training and work experiences.
    This emphasis upon youth development along with its authorization 
of the new Youth Opportunity Grants (YOGs), a $250 million investment, 
represents an unparalleled alignment of resources committed to youth 
programming. We anticipate that the roll out of the YOGs alone will 
result in approximately 1,500 front-line staff positions nationwide.
    Success in delivering the extensive services outlined by WIA 
depends not only on the quality of program design, but on the delivery 
of services to youth by front-line staff. WIA legislates a different 
approach to serving young people. The law places youth development 
principles at the heart of serving youth. The strategy requires 
comprehensive services and moves from short-term interventions to a 
systematic, consolidated approach geared toward long-term workforce 
preparation. Because youth services operate at the local level and are 
implemented by front-line youth workers, the role of youth workers is 
critical. Youth workers develop relationships with young people and 
provide crucial expertise and support to youth as they transition to 
adulthood and careers.
    While WIA is the driving force behind our movement to create a 
youth worker occupation and apprenticeship, we see broad applicability 
for working with young people regardless of the funding source. Our 
vision over time is that this will be embraced throughout the field of 
youth work and will encourage more young adults to pursue youth work as 
a career. The long-term success of the youth workforce development 
system requires a human capital strategy. We are seeking to upgrade the 
field of youth work through accreditation, training opportunities, 
apprenticeship and certification.

C. The Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship Initiative

    This initiative targets youth workers, those professionals who work 
or will work in youth programs delivering services to young people as 
front-line staff. The vision of occupation recognition and 
apprenticeship for youth workers is to provide quality training 
opportunities for youth workers who deliver comprehensive services to 
young people in order to maximize our investment in young people, in 
youth programming and in the workforce development system. There are 
two major goals for achieving occupation recognition and apprenticeship 
for Youth Development Practitioners. The first seeks to strengthen the 
field of youth work by providing training, mentoring and a career path 
for incumbent and prospective youth workers and, consequently, improve 
retention in the field. Secondly, this undertaking attempts to improve 
the quality of youth services by providing training standards; 
upgrading incumbent youth worker skills by increasing the number of 
youth workers who receive extensive, quality training; and increasing 
the stability of programs by helping to retain caring adult staff.
    Registered apprenticeship provides a vehicle to meet the goals 
outlined above. It provides an effective time-honored way to build a 
skilled, knowledgeable and loyal workforce. The combination of 
structured OJT and related technical instruction will offer Youth 
Development Practitioners a recognizable career path that includes high 
quality training and educational opportunities, while offering the 
field recognizable occupational standards. It also provides for 
recognition through the issuance of a nationally recognized Certificate 
of Completion.
    The strategy pursued to recognize the occupation and develop the 
apprenticeship focused on creating an inclusive, far-reaching process 
that utilized and acknowledged the impressive work that already exists 
in the field. The process began with drafting on-the-job training (OJT) 
and related instruction from curriculum and materials gathered from 
individuals and groups working in the field. A focus group of 
practitioners and advocates was convened to review the OJT and related 
instruction prior to sending it out for initial comment. Forums were 
then held in each of the Employment and Training Administration's 
Regions and one in Washington DC to discuss apprenticeability of this 
occupation and included extensive input regarding the OJT and related 
instruction. A broad array of stakeholders was included in these 
forums. The concept of apprenticeship for youth workers received 
enthusiastic support.
    The Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services 
(OATELS) reviewed the final round of comments and created a final draft 
of the OJT and related instruction that was submitted to the 
administrator of OATELS to determine apprenticeability. The occupation 
was approved as apprenticeable and was formally established as an 
apprenticeship occupation on October 27, 2000. Information on this new 
apprenticeship occupation has been disseminated to both the 
apprenticeship community and the workforce development system. The 
notice announcing the recognition of the occupation, including further 
information on training plan and related instruction is contained in 
Training and Employment Information Notice No. 8-00 (includes Vision 
Paper, On-The-Job Training and Related Instruction) and is an appendix 
to this SGA.
    The Department of Labor will continue to disseminate information 
and publicize the Youth Development Practitioner occupation and 
apprenticeship. OATELS will begin the process to establish National 
Guideline Standards. The purpose of these grants are to support the 
dissemination of information, to publicize the occupation and 
apprenticeship, and to support interested communities in the 
implementation of apprenticeship programs. These funds are intended to 
stimulate, seed and support the broad implementation of these 
apprenticeship programs. The Department plans to award grants under 
three different categories: (1) to organizations or entities at the 
local community level that can serve as ``intermediaries'' to bring 
together stakeholders to establish and register apprenticeship 
programs; (2) to national organizations that have affiliate youth 
programs which employ youth development practitioners for outreach and 
capacity-building; and (3) to an organization or entity to establish a 
clearinghouse of information on practice and curriculum guides to 
support local communities in

[[Page 17933]]

developing and implementing apprenticeship programs. Details for 
applying under each category are described below. Note that a national 
organization is also eligible to apply for a category one or three 
grant.

Grant Categories

Category One: Funds for Local Intermediaries to Support Local Youth 
Program Service Operators in the Implementation of Apprenticeship 
Programs

    We intend to support the development and registration of 
apprenticeship programs at the local level by supporting an 
organization or entity to serve as an ``intermediary'' in a local area 
to bring together and provide technical assistance to potential 
apprenticeship program sponsors and providers of related training to 
develop apprenticeship training programs. Possible intermediaries 
include, but are not limited to, community-based organizations, 
employer organizations or employer consortiums, community colleges and 
other post-secondary institutions and other organizations in the field. 
We also intend to ensure that local Boards and Youth Councils are 
engaged to support registered apprenticeship programs for youth 
development practitioners as part of the youth portion of the local 
area's Workforce Investment Plan.
    Local youth program service providers (program sponsors) tend to be 
relatively small employers that are supported by government, foundation 
and/or contributions from the public or from membership fees. Their 
capacity to train staff varies greatly depending upon factors such as 
size of the program, length of operation and whether they are 
affiliated with a national program or organization. Programs with 
national affiliations are much more likely to have organized and well-
established training programs for new staff. Front-line staff at the 
Department's Youth Opportunity Grant sites are trained through a 
combination of local efforts and the nationally-sponsored Youth 
Opportunity Grant Leadership Institute. Programs that are run by 
independent, small community-based organizations are less likely to 
have the capacity to provide for formal training for new youth 
development practitioner staff.
    Regardless of size, funding source, and/or national affiliation, we 
believe that local youth program operators can benefit from using 
registered apprenticeship programs to train its front-line youth 
development practitioner staff. The extent to which programs will need 
technical assistance in establishing programs will vary greatly 
depending upon their existing capacity to provide the on-the-job 
training and the related instruction. There also may be benefit in 
bringing an established consortium of local program operators for the 
purpose of organizing and delivering the related training and for 
providing training to journey level staff in the delivery and 
assessment of on-the-job training.
    Local Youth Councils were created under WIA to coordinate youth 
activities in the local area. As determined by the Local Workforce 
Investment Board, Youth Councils may also advise the Local Board on the 
selection of eligible providers of youth activities in the area, 
develop the youth portion of the local workforce investment plan, 
oversee the quality of youth services provided under WIA, and other 
duties. Youth councils are comprised of representatives of the Local 
Board and other members of the community who have an interest or 
expertise in youth services. Registered apprenticeship is an element of 
youth service delivery and, accordingly, Youth Councils can play a role 
in supporting the implementation of registered apprenticeship programs 
through their policies and recommendations to the Local Board.
Outcomes
    Funded intermediaries are responsible for:
     Establishment of the Youth Development Practitioner 
registered apprenticeship program;
     Recruitment and retention of participating programs;
     Coordination with local Boards and Youth Councils;
     Establishment of a career path for apprentices including 
additional credentialing and necessary articulation agreements with 
post-secondary institutions; and
     Development of a mechanism for evaluation of activities 
undertaken that includes measurable results of impact;
    Specific activities to achieve these outcomes, undertaken in 
conjunction with the services of an Apprenticeship and Training 
Representative (the local Apprenticeship and Training Representative 
(ATR), a field employee of the Employment and Training Administration 
of the Department of Labor, provides technical assistance in the 
promotion, development and servicing of registered apprenticeship 
programs with qualified sponsors), under this grant include:
     Develop, articulate and implement a vision of a 
sustainable local infrastructure built upon successful registered 
apprenticeship and best practice models;
     Developing a recruitment and retention plan for 
participating programs and their apprentices;
     Engaging the local Boards and Youth Councils and working 
with Youth Council members to establish and promote implementation of 
policy for the use of registered apprenticeship;
     Convening local youth program operators for the purpose of 
outreach, sharing of practice, technical assistance and training of 
journey level staff for delivery and assessment of on-the-job training;
     Convening community advisory group to guide the 
implementation of this apprenticeship;
     Working with local providers of related instruction, 
particularly community colleges to identify potential sources of 
related instruction;
     Providing technical assistance in identifying and insuring 
the availability of instructors who are knowledgeable and experienced 
in the delivery of the related instruction course work;
     Developing a process to promote career ladder for those 
graduates of the registered apprenticeship system (i.e. articulation 
into an Associates Degree or higher);
     Demonstrating in-kind support from institutions involved 
in the process (i.e. time spent to facilitate and foster the process 
and/or free facilities to conduct related instruction);
     Developing and implementing a strategy or strategies to 
ensure inclusion of practitioners representing diversity of culture, 
ethnicity, gender as well as inclusion of persons with disabilities;
     Developing, through the local Board and Youth Council, 
policies and procedures to ensure consistency and integrity of system 
implementation and beyond;
     Developing, as an outreach strategy, a pre-apprenticeship 
program in secondary school(s) that would articulate to a post-
secondary program;
     Defining, setting and documenting measurable goals or 
benchmarks for grant activities; and
     Documenting processes, lessons learned and effective 
practices for dissemination.

Category Two: Grants to National Organizations

    We intend to support the development and registration of 
apprenticeship programs at the national and local level by supporting 
the broad implementation of the Youth Development Practitioner 
apprenticeship initiative by a national organization among its local 
affiliates. A

[[Page 17934]]

goal of this grant award is to broadly seed apprenticeship programs 
across the workforce development system. Preference will be given to 
national organizations that are able to demonstrate an ability to 
broadly implement apprenticeship program participation within their 
organization and geographically. The national organization will develop 
a Youth Development Practitioner apprenticeship program for their local 
affiliates. Additionally, they will recruit, coordinate and provide 
technical assistance to facilitate affiliate participation and provide 
ongoing support.
    Many employers are reluctant to support registered apprenticeship 
because they see no direct financial benefit or because they lack the 
capacity to train to the program standards. Youth program service 
providers, in particular, may be reluctant to embrace this form of 
training because of capacity or lack of understanding about the 
benefits of registered apprenticeship. They need to be convinced and 
know that they will have support in implementing programs.
    Thousands of local youth program service providers are affiliated 
with a national organization. This affiliation may take a number of 
forms. For example, a program may be a local chapter of a national 
organization that provides a range many types of community services, 
including youth programs. In addition, there are other national 
organizations that provide technical assistance and support to a local 
youth program provider but do not have local program affiliates.
    National organizations that are directly connected to local youth 
program providers can be of assistance in conducting outreach and in 
providing assistance to their members or affiliates in implementing 
registered Youth Development Practitioner apprenticeship programs.
Outcomes
    Funded National Organizations are responsible for:
     Coordinating broad implementation of registered Youth 
Development Practitioner apprenticeship programs among affiliates or 
members;
     Establishing an infrastructure within the national 
organization that provides ongoing support to participating programs, 
provides access to necessary training, coordinates outreach and 
recruitment, conducts evaluation, disseminates information including 
promotional materials, best practices and lessons learned, and monitors 
retention;
     Establishing a career path for apprentices including 
additional credentialing and necessary articulation agreements with 
post-secondary institutions; and
     Developing a mechanism for evaluation of activities 
undertaken that includes measurable results of impact.
    Activities that may be supported under this grant include:
     Development of a sustainable infrastructure and an 
oversight or advisory body to provide direction and guidance;
     Development of an outreach/communication plan to promote 
the apprenticeship and encourage broad affiliate participation;
     Development and dissemination of information materials on 
registered youth development practitioner programs;
     Identification of relevant curriculum for delivery of 
related instruction;
     Development of a recruitment and retention plan for 
participating apprentices and programs;
     Convening local youth program operators for the purpose of 
outreach, sharing of practice, technical assistance and training of 
journey level staff for delivery and assessment of on-the-job training;
     Adoption of or establishment of a train-the-trainer system 
that will ensure the availability of knowledgeable, experienced skilled 
instructors for delivery of on-the-job training and related instruction 
course work;
     Delivery of related instruction;
     Development of a process to promote career ladder for 
those graduates of the registered apprenticeship system (i.e., 
articulation into an Associates Degree or higher);
     Identification and dissemination of information on 
practice
     Defining, setting and documenting measurable goals or 
benchmarks for grant activities; and
     Documenting processes, lessons learned and effective 
practices.

Category Three: Provider of Technical Assistance on Practice and 
Curriculum Materials and Creation of National Clearinghouse

    We intend to support the development and registration of 
apprenticeship programs at the national level by supporting an 
organization or entity to serve as a provider of technical assistance 
who will provide technical assistance on practice and curriculum as 
well as develop a plan for technical assistance outreach. The provider 
will establish a national clearinghouse to make all relevant materials 
(OJT and related instruction and other relevant information to this 
initiative) and best practices available. Additionally, it is expected 
that the awardee of this category will develop or adapt curriculum to 
fulfill the outlined related instruction of the Youth Development 
Practitioner Apprenticeship (see Appendix C of this document).
    The Youth Development Practitioner apprenticeship requires related 
instruction to supplement the on-the-job training. The related 
instruction outline provides a suggested total of 343 hours of 
classroom instruction. The related instruction falls under three areas: 
Core Skills; Workforce Development Skills; and Administrative Skills. 
There is no presumed provider of related instruction although community 
colleges are a primary source of related instruction. Community 
colleges already are one of the leading providers of related 
instruction for apprenticeship programs through credit and non-credit 
course instruction. We also expect that the Youth Opportunity Grant 
Leadership Institute will provide a substantial amount of the related 
instruction for staff at the Department's Youth Opportunity grant 
sites.
    We expect that existing institutions and training providers will 
build upon their existing course offerings to provide the related 
instruction and may also develop new courses of instruction. In 
developing, refining and enhancing existing related instruction, 
training providers can benefit from access to existing curriculum 
materials and practice. Accordingly, we plan to test whether it is 
feasible and practical for a qualified applicant to assist local 
related training providers by providing them with information on 
practice and curriculum materials that directly supports the delivery 
of related instruction. It is intended that this assistance will enable 
training providers in putting together quality program instruction that 
addresses the related training outline, supports adult learning, 
provides methodology for assessing attainment of knowledge and skills 
and uses interactive techniques for learning. Coordination with 
representatives from post-secondary institution associations and 
organizations is required to promote the program and ensure the ability 
of local programs to enter into articulation agreements that support 
the opportunity for additional credentialing. These grantees will be 
responsible for the dissemination of lessons learned and best practices 
from grant awardees in category one and two of this SGA.
    We are interested in innovative approaches to providing technical

[[Page 17935]]

assistance and also, particularly interested in supporting an existing 
training provider that already has substantially developed and 
delivered the course work that is outlined in the related instruction 
guide. We recognize that the funds available will not support new 
curriculum development, rather they will support dissemination and 
technical assistance of existing curriculum and course information.
    Finally, we expect the grantee to actively participate in and 
support the formation of National Guideline Standards for the Youth 
Development Practitioner Occupation with OATELS.
Outcomes
     Develop and coordinate the implementation of both 
curriculum for related instruction and an outreach plan for its 
dissemination;
     Serve as a clearinghouse of materials and information for 
related instruction and the dissemination of lessons learned and best 
practices in developing Youth Development Practitioner apprenticeship 
programs;
     Develop a mechanism for evaluation of activities 
undertaken that includes an examination of the usage of curriculum 
materials you provide; and
     Work with OATELS to develop National Guideline Standards 
for the Youth Development Practitioner Occupation with OATELS.
Eligible Applicants
    Eligible applicants for these grants are not-for-profit 
organizations, established under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal 
Revenue Code, a public post-secondary educational institution, a Job 
Corps center (no fee/profit allowed), an entity of local government, or 
a local Workforce Investment Board. Any application that is received 
under Category 1 (Supporting local program operators in implement youth 
practitioner apprenticeship programs) must have the endorsement of the 
chair of the local Workforce Investment Board's Youth Council. This 
endorsement may be in a letter of support.
    Eligible applicants applying under more than one grant category 
must submit a separate application for each grant category. 

    Note: Except as specifically provided, DOL/ETA acceptance of a 
proposal and an award of federal funds to sponsor any program(s) 
does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements and/or 
procedures. For example, the OMB circulars require an entity's 
procurement procedures must require that all procurement 
transactions shall be conducted, as practical, to provide open and 
free competition. If a proposal identifies a specific entity to 
provide the services, the DOL/ETA's award does not provide the 
justification or basis to sole-source the procurement, i.e., avoid 
competition.

Number and Amount of Grant Awards
    It is anticipated that grants will be awarded by category as 
follows: Category 1--Supporting local community implementation--up to 9 
grants in amounts ranging approximately between $75,000--$100,000; 
Category 2--Supporting national organization outreach and technical 
assistance--to 4 grants, in amounts ranging approximately between 
$100,000--$125,000; and Category 3--Technical assistance on practice 
and curriculum guides--one award for the clearinghouse activities in an 
amount ranging approximately between $225,000--$250,000.
Period of Performance
    Grant awards will be made for a period of 18 months from the date 
of execution.
Application Submittal
    Applicants must submit four (4) copies of their proposal with 
original signatures. The proposal must consist of two (2) distinct 
parts, Part I and Part II. Part I of the proposal, the financial 
application, shall contain the Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application 
for Federal Assistance'' (Appendix A) and the Budget Information Form 
(Appendix B). The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA) 
is 17.268. 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 individual signing the SF 424 on behalf of 
the applicant must represent the responsible financial and 
administrative entity for a grant should that application result in an 
award. The budget must include, on a separate page, a detailed breakout 
of each line item.
    Part II--Project Narrative--will be the technical proposal, 
including attachments, not to exceed 20 double-spaced pages in 12 pitch 
type. This must be organized to follow the evaluation criteria.
Review Process
    A careful evaluation of applications will be made by a technical 
review panel who will evaluate the applications against the established 
criteria listed below. The panel results are advisory in nature and are 
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. All applications must 
include the required elements. Final award decisions will be based on 
the best interests of the government, including consideration of 
geographic area and variety among types of organizations awarded 
grants.
Evaluation Criteria

Category One: Funds for Local Intermediaries to Support Local Youth 
Program Service Operators in the Implementation of Apprenticeship 
Programs

    (1) Capacity of the organization to provide the services and 
implement the plan of activity. (30 points)

--What experience does the organization have in providing youth program 
services and promoting youth development?
--What kinds of related experience does the organization have that 
qualifies them to serve in this ``intermediary'' capacity under this 
grant?
--What is the capacity of the organization to deliver technical 
assistance to ``potential'' local youth program providers?
--What is the market for youth development providers in the geographic 
area served?

    (2) Quality and soundness of plan (40 points)

--What specific activities will be undertaken and how will they result 
in the establishment of registered apprenticeship programs? Present a 
time line of these activities.
--Identify participating partners and their roles and responsibilities 
in the plan. How will key stakeholders be utilized in the 
implementation of your plan? What has been done to secure their support 
and participation thus far? (Include discussion of an advisory board)
--How will you create an ongoing career path with additional 
credentialing opportunities?
--What is the plan for involving the local Apprenticeship and Training 
Representative?
--How will the intermediary evaluate the activities undertaken and 
measure the impact of the program? (include proposed data to be 
collected and how it will be assessed)

    (3) Sustainability: (30 points)


[[Page 17936]]


--How will this effort be supported beyond federal funding? Provide a 
chart that delineates specific resources [both monetary and other types 
of resources (staff, facilities, etc.)] that will contribute to 
sustainability of this project as well as how these resources will be 
coordinated.
--What is the local infrastructure that supports sustainability? 
Identify the stakeholders in the local community that would have an 
interest in continuing to support registered apprenticeship.
--How will the local Board and Youth Council be engaged? What is the 
proposed role of the local Board and Youth Council in providing 
oversight?

Category Two: National Organizations

    (1) Experience and capacity of the organization to reach, influence 
and support local youth program providers in development of registered 
apprenticeship programs. (35 points)

--Provide organization information: What is the mission of the 
organization? How many affiliate members are part of this organization 
and where are they located?
--What is the relationship of the national organization to its 
affiliates or members? How does the organization communicate with its 
members? What are examples of technical assistance provided to local 
affiliates or members?
--What existing and new partnerships will be utilized to increase the 
capacity of the organization to implement apprenticeship programs?

    (2) Soundness and quality of plan of activity. (35 points)

--Delineate the specific activities proposed to support the development 
of registered apprenticeship programs and their time lines. (address 
reasonableness of time lines presented)
--Outline strategies to mobilize interest among affiliates (beyond 
dissemination efforts) and replicate Youth Development Practitioner 
apprenticeship programs?
--Describe the infrastructure that will be developed to provide ongoing 
support to participating affiliates.
--How will a career path be created for additional credentialing?
--How will the organization evaluate the activities undertaken and 
measure the impact of the program? (include data to be collected)

    (3) Commitment and plans for sustaining support after federal grant 
has ended. (30 points)

--Provide a chart that delineates specific resources [including 
monetary and other types of resources (staff, facilities, etc.)] that 
will contribute to the sustainability of this project as well as how 
these resources will be coordinated. Include the organization's 
resources and external partnership commitments. Identify additional 
partnerships that will be pursued.
--How will activities to promote and support registered apprenticeship 
be incorporated into ongoing activities of the organization? How will 
the infrastructure for continuing to provide support be sustained after 
funding has ended?
--How will promising practices of affiliates or members be disseminated 
on an ongoing basis?

Category Three: Provider of Technical Assistance on Practice and 
Curriculum Materials and Creation of National Clearinghouse

    (1) Capability of the organization in related areas. (30 points)

--What is the capacity of your organization to undertake this effort?
--Organization experience: Does the organization have experience in 
providing related training for apprenticeship and/or youth development 
programs?
--Provide evidence of staff experience in adult learning and youth 
development.

    (2) Experience of the organization in delivering technical 
assistance. (35 points

--What course materials and curriculum are available for dissemination? 
Do these materials utilize a youth development framework? Are materials 
adaptable for this program and can these materials be readily accessed?
--What is the experience of the organization in delivering technical 
assistance? (include scope of previous technical assistance efforts and 
the technology utilized)

    (3) Soundness and quality of plan of activity. (35 points)

--Explain how the plan is both innovative and realistic. (address 
reasonableness of time lines presented)
--How will outreach be conducted? How will potential users of this 
service beyond the organization's network be identified and 
incorporated?
--Describe methodologies to be used. Include a description of the role 
of technology. Do the materials and methodologies promote 
sustainability?
--How will curriculum materials, lesson learned and best practices be 
disseminated?
--How do you plan to structure and plan an evaluation of your 
activities and measure impact? (include data to be collected)

    Signed at Washington, D.C., this 30th day of March, 2001.
Laura Cesario,
Grant Officer.

Appendix A

Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424)

Appendix B

Budget Information Form

Appendix C

TEIN No. 8-00 (includes Vision Paper and OJT and Related 
Instruction)

Appendix D

Cover Sheet
BILLING CODE 4510-30-P

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[FR Doc. 01-8283 Filed 4-3-01; 8:45am]
BILLING CODE 4510-30-C