[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 74 (Wednesday, April 17, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18930-18937]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-9259]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

[SGA/DFA 02-108]


Grants for Small Faith-Based and Community-Based Non-Profit 
Organizations

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

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for grant 
applications (SGA). This notice contains all of the necessary 
information and forms needed to apply for grant funding.

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SUMMARY: The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. 
Department of Labor (DOL) announces the availability of funds to award 
a grant to ``grass-roots'' organizations or small faith-based and 
community-based non-profit organizations with the ability to connect to 
the nation's workforce development system. The term ``grassroots'' is 
defined under the Eligibility Criteria.
    This grant award has three important objectives:
     Increase the number of faith-based and community-based 
organizations serving as committed and active partners in the One-Stop 
delivery system .
     Expand the access of faith-based and community-based 
organizations' clients and customers to the services offered by the 
nation's One-Stops.
     Identify, document, showcase and replicate successful and 
innovative instances of faith- and community-based involvement in One-
Stop delivery system-building.
    ETA has identified $500,000 from funds authorized under Section 171 
of the Workforce Investment Act for this competition to meet the 
system-building objectives.

DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday, May 20, 
2002. Application must be received by 4 p.m. (Eastern Standard 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. 
Applicants are advised that the Department's receipt of mail has 
encountered delays because of mail screening procedures at local post 
offices.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be mailed to the U.S. Department of Labor, 
Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal Assistance, 
Attention: Ms. Linda Forman, SGA/DFA 02-108, 200 Constitution Avenue, 
NW., Room S-4203, Washington, DC 20210.
    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 an 
response to a solicitation requiring receipt of application 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 registered or certified mail 
is the U.S. postmark on the envelope or wrapper affixed 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 place 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. Application may be

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withdrawn in person by the applicant or by an authorized representative 
thereof, if the representative's identify is made known and the 
representative signs a receipt for the proposal.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions should be faxed to Linda 
Forman, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, 
Fax (202) 693-3296. This is not a toll-free number. All inquiries 
should include the SGA 02-108 and a contact name, fax and phone number. 
This solicitation will be published on the Internet on the Employment 
and Training Administration's home page at http://www.doleta.gov. Award 
notifications will also be published on this home page.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Through this grant award, ETA seeks to 
ensure that an important Workforce Investment Act tenet--universal 
access to the programs and services offered under WIA--is further 
rooted in the customer-responsive delivery systems already established 
by the Governors, local elected officials and local Workforce 
Investment Boards. Through this grant competition, ETA also reaffirms 
its continuing commitment to those customer-focused reforms instituted 
by State and local governments which help Americans access the tools 
they need to manage their careers through information and high quality 
services, and to help U.S. companies find skilled workers.
    On January 29, 2001, President George W. Bush issued Executive 
Order 13198, creating the Office for Faith-Based and Community 
Initiatives in the White House and centers in the departments of Labor, 
Health and Human Services (HHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 
Education (ED), Justice (DOJ). President Bush charged the Cabinet 
centers with identifying statutory, regulatory, and bureaucratic 
barriers that stand in the way of effective faith-based and community 
initiatives, and to ensure, consistent with the law, that these 
organizations have equal opportunity to compete for federal funding and 
other support.
    SGA/DFA 02-108 reflects the outcome of discussions between the 
Department's Center for Faith-Based and Community-Based Initiatives 
(CFBCI) and ETA to provide expanded opportunities for the Federal-
State-local partnerships under WIA to engage the faith-based and 
community-based organizations in service delivery, while providing 
additional points of entry for customers into the One-Stop system. The 
solicitation also reflects the Administration's interest in creating 
new avenues through which qualified ``grass-roots'' organizations can 
more fully participate under the Workforce Investment Act while 
bringing their particular strengths and talents in service provision to 
the customers. A Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) will be 
issued in April 2002 to state workforce agencies, worker adjustment 
liaisons, workforce liaisons, and One-Stop Center system leads. The 
TEGL will request these principals to commit to a full engagement with 
faith-based and community-based organizations. The TEGL will encourage 
local workforce boards to appoint member(s) who are familiar with the 
FBOs/CBOs that provide job training, soft skills training and 
employment services in the labor market, and work in conjunction with 
the state workforce agency's faith-based liaison to share ideas and 
collect promising practices. The TEGL also will ask the state 
principals to collaborate with the local workforce investment areas in 
creating a campaign to educate the appropriate FBOs/CBOs about the 
workforce investment system, One-Stop Centers, available grants-in-aid, 
and to invite their participation.
    Faith-based and community-based organizations present credentials 
for full partnership in our mutual system-building endeavors. FBOs/CBOs 
are often trusted institutions within our poorest neighborhood, serving 
the very hardest-to-reach constituents in a cost-effective manner. 
FBOs/CBOs are home to a large number of volunteers who not only bring 
the transformational power of personal relationships to the provision 
of social service but a sustained allegiance to the well-being of their 
participants they serve. Through their daily work and specific 
programs, FBOs/CBOs strive to achieve some common purposes shared with 
government--reduction of welfare dependency, attainment of occupational 
skills, entry and retention of all our citizens in good-paying jobs. 
With appropriate planning, the FBO/CBO programs and resources can be 
leveraged into the workforce investment strategies already embodied in 
State and local strategic plans.
    This grant is made under the following authorities:
     The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA or the Act) 
(Pub. L. 105-220, 29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.)
     WIA Final Rule, 20 CFR parts 652, 660-671 (65 FR 49294 
(August 11, 2000));
     Interim Final Rule implementing the nondiscrimination and 
equal opportunity provision (section 188) of WIA, 29 CFR part 37 (64 FR 
61692 (November 12, 1999));
     Planning Guidance and Instructions for Submission of the 
Strategic Five-Year State Plan for title I of the Workforce Investment 
Act of 1998 and the Wagner-Peyser Act (64 FR 9402 (February 25, 1999))
     Final Unified Plan Planning Guidance (65 FR 2464 (January 
14, 2000))
     Executive Order 13198; ``Rallying the Armies of 
Compassion''
     ``Report on a Unlevel Playing Field: Barriers to 
Participation by Faith-Based and Community Organization in Federal 
Service Programs''

Additional Background Information

    The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) established a 
comprehensive reform of existing Federal job training programs with 
amendments impacting service delivery under the Wagner-Peyser Act, 
Adult Education and Literacy Act, and the Rehabilitation Act. A number 
of other Federal programs are also identified as required partners in 
the One-Stop delivery system to provide comprehensive services for all 
Americans to access the information and resources available that can 
help in the achievement of their career goals. The intention of the 
One-Stop system is to establish a network of programs and providers in 
co-located and integrated settings that are accessible for individuals 
and businesses alike in over 600 workforce investment areas established 
throughout the nation.
    One of the principles of WIA is empowerment of local leaders and 
organizations to respond to community issues and needs. Under WIA, 
state and local Workforce Investment Boards are required to develop 
strategies and programs that address the workforce development needs of 
their communities and develop an awareness of the range of worker 
education, training and employment, and other services offered 
throughout the local area.
    Under WIA, services are provided to adults/dislocated workers and 
eligible youth 14-21 years of age. There are three levels of services 
for adults/dislocated workers--core services, intensive services and 
training. While these services are provided through the One-stop 
center, service providers (approved by the local board), including 
contracts with private non-profits may provide core and intensive 
services.
    Intensive Services include: Assessment of skill levels; development 
of an individual employment plan; group counseling; individual 
counseling

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and career counseling and planning; case management; and short-term 
prevocational services to prepare individuals for unsubsidized 
employment or training.
    Local boards are required to establish Youth Councils as a sub 
group. As authorized by the Board Chair, the youth Council is 
responsible for developing portions of the local plan relating to youth 
and recommending the providers of youth activities. Most youth services 
are delivered by entities that are competitively awarded a grant or 
contract by the local board to provide services. An individual 
assessment of skill levels and service needs and the development of a 
youth service strategy are required for each youth participant.
    Elements of Youth Programs Include: Tutoring; study skills training 
and instruction (leading to secondary school completion); summer 
employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational 
learning; paid and unpaid work experience, occupational skill training; 
leadership development opportunities; adult mentoring; comprehensive 
guidance and counseling including career counseling; and follow-up 
services. Further information on WIA is published at 
www.usworkforce.org.
    The provided services under this grant would supplement the 
services that local One-Stop delivery systems currently provide. The 
recipient organizations receiving grant funds will partner with the 
local Workforce Investment Boards and One-Stop operators to carry out 
various services of direct benefit to customers. The organization would 
offer, for example, ``soft-skills'' training such as communications, 
problem-solving, and time management which will allow the individual to 
function in a new work environment. Other activities can include GED 
tutoring of at-risk youth, after school programs for youth, day care 
for elders, job loss counseling, language translation services, 
``community audits'' (a resource guide to support services within the 
community), and ``cultural sensitivity'' training programs.

Funding Availability

    A total of $500,000 is reserved for small private non-profit or 
``grassroots'' organizations to provide authorized services to WIA 
participants. ETA expects to award approximately 20 to 25 grants under 
this competition. Each grant award will range from $20,000 to $25,000 
based on the proposal.

Period of Performance

    The period of performance is one year.

Application Guidelines

Eligible Applicants

    DOL will consider a ``grassroots'' or small faith-based and 
community-based non-profit organizations if:
    (a) The organization is headquartered in the local community to 
which it provides services; and,
    (i) Has a social services budget of $300,000 or less, or
    (ii) Has 6 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
    (b) Local affiliates of national organizations are not considered 
``grassroots.''
    (c) The $300,000 or less budget includes only that portion of an 
organization's budget allocated to providing social services. It does 
not include other portions of the budget such as salaries and expenses.

    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 requirement and/or 
procedures. For example, the OMB circulars require that an entity's 
procurement transaction must 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.

Application Process

    The application must clearly identify the applicant (or the fiscal 
agent), the grant recipient (and/or fiscal agent), and its capacity to 
administer this project. Applicants must submit one copy with an 
original signature and two additional copies of their proposal. The 
proposal must include the Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424A), 
signed by an authorized representative of the organization to enter 
into grant agreement.
    This application must be double-spaced, and on single-sided, 
numbered pages. There are four required sections:
Section I--Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424A);
Section II--Executive Summary;
Section III--Statement of Work;
Section IV--Budget Information (SF 424B).

    Note: ETA will not consider applications that fail to provide 
complete information in these four sections.

Format Requirements
     A ``page'' is 8.5" x 11" (on one side only) with one-inch 
margins (top, bottom, and sides).
     Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch).
     If using a proportional computer font, use no smaller than 
12-point font, and an average character density no greater than 10 
characters per inch.
    Section I--Application for Federal Assistance--See (SF-424A) Form 
included in the announcement (See APPENDIX ``A'').
    Section II--Executive Summary (not to exceed 2 single-spaced pages)
    Each applicant must submit an Executive Summary identifying the 
following:
     The applicant's capacity to administer this project 
(including affiliate organizations that will be part of the grant.
     The geographic area to be served through this grant (e.g. 
identifiable subset of local workforce investment areas within the 
state).
     The amount of funding requested and planned period of 
performance up to one year.
     Applicant must ensure that applicant and constituent 
organizations will cooperate and coordinate with all entities receiving 
funding under the Workforce Investment Act.
     Timeline for project activities to be undertaken in the 
Statement of Work.
    Section III--Statement of Work (not to exceed 3-5 double-spaced 
pages)
    The Statement of Work sets forth a strategic plan for the use of 
awarded funds, establishes measurable goals for increasing 
``organizational'' participation in the One-Stop service delivery 
system to more fully serve the clientele and members of community-based 
and faith-based organizations. Statement of Work should address plans 
for providing soft-skill training and core and intensive services as 
described in the announcement. This may include any appropriate mix of 
services for adults/dislocated workers and/or youth. The narrative will 
be evaluated in accordance with the guidance under ``Review Process and 
Evaluation Criteria'' in this announcement. The following should be 
incorporated in the Statement of Work:
     Describe the population to be served.
     Describe the services and/or soft-skills training to be 
provided.
     Describe current and/or proposed involvement with local 
Workforce Investment Boards and One-Stop Centers.
     Describe any relevant history in managing resources 
through grant awards from Federal, State or units of local governments, 
and/or from private organizations.
     Describe objectives, how project results will be measured, 
and who will

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be responsible for providing DOL financial and quarterly information.
    Section IV--Budget Information--(See APPENDIX ``B'')

    Note: Administrative Costs: Pursuant to 20 CFR 667.210(b), 
grantees are advised that there is a 10% limitation on 
administrative costs on funds administered under this grant. The 
Grant Officer may, however, approve additional administrative costs, 
up to a maximum of 15% of the total award amount, for that grantee 
providing adequate justification. In no event, may administrative 
costs exceed 15% of the total award amount. The cost of 
administration shall include those disciplines enumerated in 20 CFR 
667.220(b) and (c).

Review Process and Evaluation Criteria

    ETA, CFBCI and other Federal agency staff are expected to serve on 
the technical panel(s) that will review all applications against the 
criteria listed below. The panel recommendations are advisory. The ETA 
grant officer will fully consider the panel recommendations but take 
into account geographical balance and other factors to ensure the most 
advantageous award of these funds to accomplish the system-building 
purposes outlined in the Summary and Statement of Work. The grant 
officer may consider any information that comes to his or her attention 
The grant officer reserves the right to award without further 
negotiation. Each application will be evaluated against the following 
rating criteria.
Performance History With Grants Management (10 points)
    The applicant must provide a statement of its performance history 
with managing resources under governmental grants-in-aid programs. The 
Department will be evaluating applications based on scope, strength, 
and record of achievement. Applicant may provide a recent history of 
any involvement as a partner or provider in the Workforce Development 
system.
Strategic Plan (25 points)
    The applicant must describe how it plans to use the investments and 
activities under this grant to prepare individuals for career 
opportunities and the skills needed by employers. The applicant must 
clearly describe how unmet customer workforce needs will be 
accomplished and illustrate its ability to help bridge those needs.
``Organizational'' Involvement of the One-Stop Service Delivery System 
(40 points)
    The applicant must describe thoroughly plans to work as partners 
with the One-Stop Service Delivery system to provide clients with the 
needed skills and training in preparation for entering the workforce. 
The applicant should include plans to brief One-Stop centers in the 
local area about the purpose of this grant and the CFBCI/ETA faith- and 
community-based initiative. Applicant should include ideas for further 
strengthening these CBO and FBO relationships with the One-Stop 
delivery system.
Performance Accountability (25 points)
    The applicant must describe the methodology for measuring success 
of this project. The objectives must be clearly defined and the 
applicant must describe how it will report the number of participants 
served, (a) how many received employment, (b) training and/or services, 
(c) number of applicants that were referred to local One-Stop center 
after receiving soft skills training. The applicant should describe how 
customers and the staff who serve them are provided with opportunities 
for suitable access to One-Stop Career Centers, neighborhood centers, 
and on-line web-based applications that provide valuable information on 
services, training, jobs, career and local labor market information.

Reporting Requirement

    DOL must receive a quarterly report that addresses scope of work, 
progress under grant, and financial reporting. Further, a final report 
is required that summarizes progress, and accomplished objectives, and 
final financial report that includes expenditures.

    Signed in Washington, DC, this 10th day of April 2002.
James W. Stockton,
Grant Officer.

APPENDIX A: (SF) 424--Application Form

      

APPENDIX B: Budget Information Form

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[FR Doc. 02-9259 Filed 4-16-02; 8:45 am]
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