[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 73 (Monday, April 16, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19559-19584]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-9345]



[[Page 19559]]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and 
Training


Veterans' Workforce Investment Program, Program Year 2000; 
Information Technology Competitive Grants

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

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for grant 
applications (SGA) for Veterans' Workforce Investment Program (VWIP), 
Section 168, Program Year 2000--Information Technology Competitive 
Grants (SGA 01-01)

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SUMMARY: 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 Veterans' 
Workforce Investment Program (VWIP), Section 168, Program Year 2000--
Information Technology Competitive Grants. Such programs will assist 
eligible veterans who are identified as veterans with service-connected 
disabilities, veterans who served on active duty in the armed forces 
during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge 
has been authorized, recently separated veterans and those veterans 
with significant barrier to employment by providing employment, 
training, and supportive service assistance to these individuals in the 
area of information technology (IT). VETS anticipates that up to 
$500,000 will be available for grant awards under this solicitation. 
Under this solicitation, VETS expects to award up to two grants in 
Program Year (PY) 2000. The VWIP programs are designed to be flexible 
in addressing the universal as well as local or regional problems 
barring veterans from the IT workforce. The program in PY 2000 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.
    This notice describes the background, the application process, 
description of program activities, evaluation criteria, and reporting 
requirements for this Solicitation of Grant Application.
    The information and forms contained in the Supplementary 
Information Section of this announcement constitute the official 
application package for this Solicitation. This notice contains all of 
the necessary information and forms needed to apply for grant funding. 
To receive amendments to this Solicitation (Please reference SGA 01-
01), all applicants must register their name and address with the Grant 
Officer at the following address: U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement 
Services Center, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, 
DC 20210.

CLOSING DATE: Applications and proposals are to be submitted, including 
those hand delivered, to the address below by no later than 4:45 p.m., 
Eastern Standard Time, May 16, 2001, or be postmarked or date stamped 
by the U.S. Postal Service on or before that date.

ADDRESSES: Applications will be mailed or hand-delivered to the U.S. 
Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra 
Willis, Reference SGA 01-01, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., 
Washington, DC 20210.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Veterans' Workforce Investment Program, 
Section 168, Program Year 2000--Information Technology Competitive 
Grants Solicitation

I. Purpose

    The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) VETS is requesting grant 
applications that will provide employment and training services for 
Veterans who meet the eligibility criteria set forth in accordance with 
the VWIP, Section 168 of the Workforce Investment Act, Pub. L. 105-220 
(WIA). These instructions contain general program information, 
requirements, and forms to apply for funds to operate a veterans 
employment and training program in the area of Information Technology. 
Accordingly, the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and 
Training (ASVET) is making up to $500,000 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. For example, 
programs may develop Licensing and Certification employment and 
training programs that target occupations that are essential to the 
Information Technology such as, Fiber Optics, website designers, 
computer programmer, etc., IT fields that have a direct impact within 
the economic environment that the eligible veteran resides in.

II. Background

    Section 168 of the Veterans' Workforce Investment Program, provides 
that the Secretary will conduct, directly or through grants or 
contracts, such employment and training programs as the Secretary deems 
appropriate to assist veterans with service-connected disabilities, 
veterans who served on active duty in the armed forces during a war or 
in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been 
authorized, and recently separated veterans and those veterans with 
significant barrier to employment to obtain gainful employment.

III. Application Process

A. Eligible Applicants
    Applications for funds will be accepted from State and local public 
agencies and private nonprofit organizations, including faith based 
organizations, that have familiarity with the area and populations to 
be served and can administer an effective program. The group that can 
be eligible applicants are as follows:
    1. State and Local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) as defined in 
Sections 111 and 117 of the Workforce Investment Act are eligible 
applicants.
    2. Local public agencies 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 sub grants, 
experienced public agencies, private nonprofit, private businesses and 
Faith based organizations which have an understanding of unemployment 
and the barriers to employment unique to veterans, a familiarity with 
the area to be served, and the capability to effectively provide the 
necessary services.
    3. Also eligible to apply are private nonprofit organizations, that 
have operated an employment and training program for veterans; have 
proven capacity to manage Federal grants; and have or will provide the 
necessary linkages with other service providers. All Nonprofit 
organizations will be

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required to submit with their application, a recent (within one year) 
financial audit statement that attests to the financial responsibility 
and integrity of the organization. Entities described in Section 
501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Codes that engage in lobbying 
activities are not eligible to receive funds under this announcement as 
Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, Public Law No. 104-
65, 109 Stat. 691, prohibits the award of Federal funds to these 
entities.
B. Funding Levels
    The total amount of funds anticipated for this solicitation is 
$500,000. It is anticipated that two awards will be made under this 
solicitation. Individual Awards will not exceed $250,000. The Federal 
Government reserves the right to negotiate the amounts to be awarded 
under this competition. Applicants exceeding the $250,000, will be 
considered non-responsive.
C. Period of Performance
    The VWIP funds for this competition are for a period of one year or 
twelve (12) months. The period of performance will be for twelve months 
from date of the award. VETS expects that successful applicants will 
commence program operations under this solicitation on or before June 
30, 2001. There will be no further financial commitment by the U.S. 
Department of Labor after June 29, 2002. VETS has no plans to provide 
second year funding beyond this period.
D. Requirements of Submission
    A cover letter, an original proposal, and two (2) copies of the 
proposal must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement 
Service Office, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, 
DC 20210. The proposal must consist of two (2) separate and distinct 
parts: (1) one completed, blue ink-signed original SF 424 grant 
application; plus two (2) copies of the Technical Proposal; and two (2) 
copies of the Cost Proposal.
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 
P.M. EST, May 16, 2001 will not be considered unless it is received 
before the award is made and:
    1. It was sent by registered or certified mail no later than the 
fifth calendar day before May 16, 2001;
    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 5:00 P.M. at the place 
of mailing two (2) working days, excluding weekends and Federal 
holidays, prior to May 16, 2001.
    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 will 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, electronic mail, or facsimile (FAX) will not be accepted.
F. Proposal Content
    The proposal will consist of two (2) separate and distinct parts:
    PART I--Technical Proposal will consist of a narrative proposal 
that demonstrates the applicant's knowledge of the need for this 
particular grant program; an understanding of the services and 
activities proposed to alleviate the need for such services; and the 
capability to accomplish the expected outcomes of the proposed project 
design. The technical proposal will consist of a narrative not to 
exceed fifteen (15) pages double-spaced--font size no less than 11pt. 
and typewritten on one side of the paper only. The applicant must 
complete the forms, i.e., quarterly goals chart provided or referred to 
in the SGA. Charts and exhibits are not counted toward the page limit. 
The following format is strongly recommended:
    1. Need for the project: The applicant must identify the 
geographical area to be served and provide an estimate of the number of 
veterans and their needs, poverty and unemployment rates in the area, 
the gaps in the local community infrastructure that contribute to 
employment and other barriers faced by the targeted veterans and how 
the project would respond to these needs. Also include the outlook for 
job opportunities in the service area.
    2. Approach or strategy to provide training, employment and job 
retention: REQUIRED FEATURES
    There are four program activities that all applications must 
contain to be found technically acceptable under this SGA. These 
activities are:

--Pre-Enrollment Assessments
--Employment Development Plans for all clients;
--Core Training for eighty percent (80%) or more of the clients; and
--Job Placement and 90 and 180 day Follow-up Services for all clients. 
The applicant must be responsive to the Rating Criteria contained in 
Section VIII, and address all of the rating factors as thoroughly as 
possible in the narrative. The applicant must: (1) provide the length 
of the training, the training curriculum and describe how the training 
will enhance the eligible veterans employment opportunities within that 
geographical area; (2) describe the specific supportive services and 
employment and training services to be provided under this grant and 
the sequence or flow of such services--flow charts may be provided; (3) 
provide a plan for follow up to address retention after 90 and 180 days 
with participants who entered employment. (See discussion on results in 
Section X. D., 2.); and (4) include the required chart of proposed 
performance goals and planned expenditures listed in Appendix D.

    3. Linkages with other providers of employment and training 
services to veterans: The applicant must describe the linkages this 
program will have with other providers of services to veterans outside 
of the grant; include a description of the relationship with other 
employment and training programs such as Disabled Veterans'

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Outreach Program (DVOP), the Local Veterans' Employment Representative 
(LVER) program, and programs operated under the Workforce Investment 
Act; 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 State Employment Security Agencies 
(SESA's)] must be delineated. Describe any linkages with any other 
resources and/or other programs for veterans. Indicate how the program 
will be coordinated with any efforts for veterans that are conducted by 
agencies in the community.
    4. Proposed supportive service strategy for veterans: Describe how 
supportive or ancillary service resources for veterans will be obtained 
and used. If resources are provided by other sources or linkages, such 
as Federal, State, or community-based programs, the applicant must 
fully explain the use of these resources and why they are necessary.
    5. Organization's capability to provide required program 
activities: The applicant's relevant current or prior experience in 
operating employment and training programs should be clearly described. 
The applicant must provide information showing outcomes of past 
programs in terms of enrollments and placements. An applicant who has 
operated a Veterans program, JTPA IV-C program or VWIP program, must 
include final or most recent technical performance reports. The 
applicant must also provide evidence of key staff capability. Nonprofit 
organizations must submit evidence of satisfactory financial management 
capability, which must include recent financial and/or audit 
statements.

(For consideration by panel members, this information is subject to 
verification by the government. Veterans' Employment and Training 
Service reserves the right to have a representative within each State 
provide programmatic and fiscal information about applicants and 
forward those findings to the VETS National Office during the review of 
the applications).


    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--The COST PROPOSAL must contain: (1) The Standard Form (SF) 
424, ``Application for Federal Assistance''; (2) the Standard Form 
(SF) 424A ``Budget Information Sheet'' in Appendix B; and (3) a 
detailed costs break out of each line item on the Budget Information 
Sheet. Please label this page or pages the ``Budget Narrative'' and 
ensure that costs reported on the SF424A correspond accurately with 
the Budget Narrative.

    In addition to the cost proposal, the applicants must include the 
Assurance and Certification signature page, Appendix C and 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 must be entered on the SF 424, Block 10.

IV. Budget Narrative Information

    As an attachment to the Budget Information Sheet (SF 424A), 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 sub grantees);
    (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, sub grants/contracts, and any other costs. The applicant must 
include costs of any required travel described in this Solicitation. 
Mileage charges will not exceed 34.5 cents per mile;
    (d) In order that the Department of Labor meet legislative 
requirements, the applicant must submit a plan along with all costs 
associated with retaining participant information pertinent to a 
longitudinal follow-up survey for at least six months after the ninety-
day closeout period;
    (e) Description/specification of and justification for equipment 
purchases, if any. Tangible, non-expendable, and 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
    (f) Identification of all sources of leveraged or matching funds 
and an explanation of the derivation of the value of matching/in-kind 
services. If resources/matching funds and/or the value of in-kind 
contributions are made available please show in Section B of the Budget 
Information Sheet.

V. Participant Eligibility

    To be eligible for participation under this program, an individual 
must be a veterans with service-connected disabilities, veterans who 
served on active duty in the armed forces during a war or in a campaign 
or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, and 
recently separated veterans and those veterans with significant barrier 
to employment as 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 
U.S.C. 4101(2)]
    B. The term ``Campaign veteran''--refers to any veteran who applies 
for participation in a program funded under WIA, Public Law 105-220, 
Sec. 168 and served on active duty in the United States armed forces 
during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge 
has been authorized. A list of the Wars, Campaigns and Expeditions can 
be found at the Office of Personnel Management website at http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vgmedal2.htm.
    C. The term ``service-connected disabled''--refers to an individual 
who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-
connected disability. (38 U.S.C. Sec. 4211).
    D. The term ``recently-separated veteran''--refers to any veteran 
who applies for participation in a VWIP funded activity within 48 
months after separation from military service. (29 U.S.C., 2801 (49))

VI. Project Summary

A. Program Concept and Emphasis
    The grants awarded under this SGA are intended to address two 
objectives: (1) to provide services to assist in reintegrating veterans 
into meaningful employment within the labor force; and (2) to stimulate 
the development of effective service delivery systems that will address 
the complex problems facing veterans.
    In addition to the mandatory activities, proposed programs should 
include, Optional Program Activities such as ancillary and/or support 
services, to assure that participants are placed in unsubsidized 
employment that meets their ``minimum economic need.'' Both categories 
of program activities are more fully described below.
1. Mandatory Program Activities
a. Pre-Enrollment Assessments
    The utilization of Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) and 
Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) staff for pre-
enrollment assessments is strongly encouraged.
    A definition of pre-enrollment assessment can be found in the 
Glossary of Terms. Costs are allowed for pre-enrollment assessments 
that enable grantees to determine the employability

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needs of applicants by conducting meaningful evaluations of applicant 
skills and barriers. Grantees are then able to refer those applicants 
who may not be appropriate for the services of the proposed program to 
other service providers. The assessment of applicants prior to 
enrollment is an allowable cost to VWIP provided it has been determined 
that the assessed applicants meet the legislative criteria for VWIP 
eligibility. In the Program Design, the grant applicant must identify 
the means of pre-enrollment assessment that it intends to use and the 
purpose for the information to be derived from those assessments.
b. The Employment Development Plan (EDP)
    The utilization of Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) and 
Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) staff in the EDP 
process is strongly encouraged. A definition of Employment Development 
Plan (EDP) can be found in the Glossary of Terms. The implementation of 
an EDP is required for all veterans enrolled in programs supported by 
VWIP resources. A copy of an EDP is maintained in each participant's 
file. The EDP must document a summary of the assessments conducted to 
ascertain the abilities, barriers and needs of the participant. At a 
minimum, the EDP must substantiate the participant's minimum income 
needs, identify barriers and skill deficiencies, and describe the 
services needed and the competencies to be achieved by the participant 
as a result of program participation. The applicant must also include a 
description of their proposed EDP process.
c. Core Training Activities
    A definition of Core Training Activities can be found in the 
Glossary of Terms. It refers to any training program that leads to the 
development of job skills for the client. At least 80% of all clients 
who are enrolled in VWIP must receive some form of core training. The 
Program Design narrative must identify the core training components to 
be employed in the applicant's program, and these components must agree 
in scope with the definitions found in the Glossary of Terms. Core 
training components proposed by the applicant that do not fit the 
glossary terms or definitions must be adequately described and 
justified in the Program Design narrative. Core training activities 
described in this section must include but are not limited to the 
following:

i. Classroom training;
ii. On-the-job training;
iii. Remedial education;
iv. Literacy and bilingual training;
v. Institutional skills training;
vi. Occupational skills training;
vii. On-site industry-specific training;
viii. Customized training;
ix. Apprenticeship training; and
x. Upgrading and retraining.

    Definitions of these core training activities are found in the 
Glossary of Terms.
d. Job Placement and Follow-up Services
    The utilization of Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) and 
Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) staff for Job 
Placement and Follow-up services is strongly encouraged.
    A definition of Job Placement and Follow-up Services can be also 
found in the Glossary of Terms. The ultimate objective of VWIP services 
is to place each eligible veteran into meaningful, gainful employment 
that allows the client to become economically self-sufficient. The 
applicants must describe in the Program Design how job placements will 
occur after core training activities and/or after job development or 
referral efforts are initiated. Applicants are required to include 
follow-up in their proposed program to track applicant's progress and 
status after initial placement. Applicants must describe in the Program 
Design the follow-up activities that clients will be provided; the 
description must include the nature of those services. Please note that 
follow-up is required 90 and 180 days after entering employment.
B. Scope of Program Design
    The project design must provide or arrange for the following:
    1. Projects must show linkages with other programs and services 
which provide support to veterans. Coordination with the Disabled 
Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists and Local Veterans' 
Employment Representative (LVER) is strongly encouraged.
    2. Projects will be ``employment-focused''. The services provided 
will be directed toward increasing the employability of veterans by 
providing information technology training which will increase 
employment opportunities for the participants with employment 
opportunities.
    Outreach should, to the degree practical, be provided at Veterans' 
Job Fairs, Transition Assistance centers, or Family Service Center at 
military installations, and other programs or events frequented by 
veterans.
    Coordination with veterans' services programs and organizations 
such as:
--The State Employment Security/Job Service Agencies (SESA's) or in the 
newly instituted workforce development system's One-Stop Centers, or 
other VWIP Veterans' Employment Programs
--Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) services, including its 
Education, programs.
--Veterans' service organizations, such as The American Legion, 
Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), 
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and American Veterans (AMVETS)
C. Results-Oriented Model
    Based on the past experiences of grantees working with veterans, a 
workable program model evolved which is presented for consideration by 
prospective applicants. No model is mandatory, and the applicant must 
design a program that is responsive to local needs, and will carry out 
the objectives of the veteran to successfully reintegrate 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. Although entering 
employment is a viable outcome, it will be necessary to measure results 
over a longer term to determine the success of programs. Without a 
sound program foundation, the results of program are in question which 
places the program success in jeopardy. The following program 
discussion must be considered. The first phase of activity must consist 
of the level of outreach that is necessary to reach eligible veterans. 
Such outreach will also include establishing contact with other 
agencies that encounter veterans. Once the eligible clients have been 
identified, an assessment must be made of the their abilities or 
interests and needs. In some cases these clients may require referrals 
to services such as drug or alcohol treatment or a temporary shelter 
before they can be enrolled into core training. When the individual is 
stabilized, the assessment should focus on the employability of the 
individual and their enrollment into the program. A determination must 
be made as to whether the client 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, Job development, or entry into classroom or on-
the-job training. Such services must also be noted in an Employability 
Development Plan so that successful completion of the plan can be

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monitored by the staff. Entry into full-time employment or a specific 
job training program must follow in keeping with the objective of the 
program, which is 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 need to be utilized for 
job development and placement activities for veterans who are ready to 
enter employment or who are in need of intensive case management 
services. Many of these staff members 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. If the DVOP and LVER staff are not being 
utilized, the applicant must submit a written explanation explaining 
the reasons why they are not.
    The following program discussion emphasizes that followup is an 
integral program component. Follow up to determine whether the veteran 
is in the same or similar job at the 90- and 180-day period after 
entering employment is required. It is important that the grantee 
maintain contact with the veterans after placement to assure that 
employment related problems are addressed. The 90- and 180-day follow 
up is fundamental to assessing the results of the program success. 
Grantees must 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.

VII. Related Program Development Activities

1. Community Awareness Activities
    In order to promote linkages between the 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, outstation staff, develop 
individual service contracts, and 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 veteran, to make them 
fully aware of services available to veterans to make them job-ready 
and place them in jobs.
    b. Federal, State and local entitlement services such as the 
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), State Employment Security 
Agencies (SESA's) and their local Job Service offices, and One-Stop 
Centers (which integrate WIA, labor exchange, and other employment and 
social services) to familiarize them with the nature and needs of 
veterans.
    c. Civic and private sector groups, and especially veterans' 
service organizations, to describe veterans and their needs.

VIII. 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 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, administrative costs, program costs 
e.g. cost per enrollment and placement, demonstration models, and 
geographical service areas. The Grant Officer's determination for award 
under SGA 01-01 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 will document the extent of need for this project, as 
demonstrated by: (1) The potential number or concentration of 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: 40 points

    The application must include a description of the proposed approach 
to providing comprehensive employment services and Information 
Technology training, including job development, employers' commitment 
to hire, placement, and post-placement follow up services. The 
applicant must address their intent to target occupations in expanding 
Information Technology Industries, rather than on declining industries. 
The supportive services to be provided as part of the strategy of 
promoting job readiness and job retention must be indicated. The 
applicant must 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 SESA's (DVOP and LVER Programs), VWIP, other WIA programs, and 
Workforce Investment or Development Boards or entities where in place, 
must be presented. It must be indicated how the activities will be 
tailored or responsive to the needs of 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 Veterans: 10 points

    The application must provide information on the quality and extent 
of the linkages this program will have with other providers of services 
to benefit the veterans in the local community and/or on the 
reservation and outside of the grant. For each service, it must 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 respond to the needs of 
the Veterans and any linkages to DVA programs or resources to benefit 
the proposed program.]

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4. Demonstrated Capability in Providing Required Program Services: 20 
points

    The applicant must 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 must 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 must be submitted 
(required for applicants that are nonprofit organizations). Final or 
most recent technical reports for other relevant programs must be 
submitted as applicable. The applicant must also address its capacity 
for timely startup of the program.

5. Quality of Overall Employment and Training Strategy: 15 points

    The application must demonstrate how the applicant proposes to meet 
the employment and training, and supportive services needs for veterans 
in the program and who will be entering the labor force. This 
discussion must specify the provisions made to access transportation, 
child care, temporary, transitional, and permanent housing for 
participants through community resources, HUD, lease, WIA, or other 
means. The Grant funds will not be used to purchase housing or 
vehicles.
    Applicants can expect that the cost proposal will be reviewed for 
allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of the placement and 
enrollment costs.

IX. Post Award Conference

    A post-award conference will be held for those awarded PY 2000 VWIP 
funds from the competition. It is expected to be held in July or August 
2001. It is required that up to two grantee representatives will be 
present, a fiscal and programmatic representative are recommended. The 
site of the Post-Award conference will be at a location convenient for 
the grantee and Grant Officer Technical Representative (GOTR). 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.

X. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee will submit the reports and documents listed below:
A. Financial Reports
    The grantee will report outlays, program income, and other 
financial information on a quarterly basis using SF 269A, Financial 
Status Report, Short Form. This form will 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 
(i.e., October 30, January 30, April 30, and July 30) during the grant 
period.
B. Program Reports
    Grantees will submit a Quarterly Technical Performance Report 30 
days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter 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; 
and
    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.
C. Final Report Packages
    The grantee will 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)
    2. 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 number of veterans 
placed in employment 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.
D. Six (6) Month Close Out
    No later than 6 months after the 90-day closeout period, the 
grantee will submit a follow up report containing the following:
    1. Closeout Financial Status Report (SF-269A).
    2. Closeout Narrative Report identifying--(a) the total combined 
(directed/assisted) number of veterans placed during the entire grant 
period; (b) the number of veterans still employed during follow up; (c) 
are the veterans still employed at the same or similar job, if not what 
are reasons; (d) was the training received applicable to jobs held; (e) 
wages at placement and during follow up period; (f) an explanation 
regarding why those veterans placed during the grant, but not employed 
at the end of the follow up period, are not so employed; and (g) any 
recommendations to improve the program.

XI. Administration Provisions

A. Limitation on Administrative and Indirect Costs
    1. Direct Costs for administration, plus any indirect charges 
claimed, may not exceed 10 percent of the total amount of the grant.
    2. Indirect costs claimed by the applicant must 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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 grants to SESA's.
B. Allowable Costs
    Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance with 
the following applicable Federal cost principles:
    1. State and local government--OMB Circular A-87
    2. Educational institutions--OMB Circular A-21
    3. Nonprofit organizations--OMB Circular A-122
C. Administrative Standards and Provisions
    All grants will be subject to the following administrative 
standards and provisions:
    1. 29 CFR part 93--Lobbying.
    2. 29 CFR part 95--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants 
and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and 
other Non-Profit Organizations, and with Commercial Organizations, Etc.
    3. 29 CFR part 96--Federal Standards for Audit of Federally Funded 
Grants,

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Contracts and Agreements. This rule implements, for State and local 
governments and Indian tribes that receive Federal Assistance from the 
DOL, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-128 ``Audits of 
State and Local Governments'' which was issued pursuant to the Single 
Audit Act of 1984, 31 U.S.C., Sec. 7501-7507. It also consolidates the 
audit requirements currently contained throughout the DOL regulations.
    4. 29 CFR part 97--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
    5. 29 CFR part 98--Government wide Debarment and Suspension 
(Nonprocurement) and Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free 
Workplace (Grants)
    6. 29 CFR part 99--Audit Of States, Local Governments, and Non-
profit Organization.
    7. Section 168(b) of WIA--Administration of Programs Please note 
that Sections 181-195 also apply.
    8. 29 CFR parts 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34--Equal Employment Opportunity 
in Apprenticeship and Training; Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted 
Programs of the Department of Labor, Effectuation of Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964; and Nondiscrimination on the Basis of 
Handicap in Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefitting from 
Federal Financial Assistance (Incorporated by Reference). These rules 
implement, for recipients of federal assistance, non-discrimination 
provisions on the basis of race, color, national origin, and 
handicapping condition, respectively.
    9. Appeals from non-designation will be handled under 20 CFR part 
667.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 5th day of April, 2001.
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. 01-9345 Filed 4-13-01; 8:45 am]
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