[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 82 (Monday, April 29, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21018-21059]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-10496]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and 
Training


Veterans' Workforce Investment Program

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 2002 SGA (02-08).

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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 2002 
competitive grants. These grants will assist eligible veterans who: 
have service-connected disabilities; served on active duty in the armed 
forces during a war, campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge 
was authorized; are recently separated veterans; and veterans with 
significant barriers to employment, by providing training, employment 
and supportive service assistance in areas of high demand occupations.
    Under this solicitation, VETS anticipates that up to $6,500,000 
will be available for grant awards in Program Year (PY) 2002 and 
expects to award up to sixteen grants. Only one application will be 
accepted from each State's Governor. The VWIP programs are designed to 
be flexible in addressing the universal as well as local or regional 
problems barring veterans from the workforce. The program in PY 2002 
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, application process, 
description of program activities, evaluation criteria, and reporting 
requirements for this SGA. The information and forms contained in the 
Supplementary Information Section constitute the official application 
package. All necessary information and forms needed to apply for grant 
funding are included.
    Forms or Amendments: If another copy of a Standard form is needed, 
go online to http://www.nara.gov.
    To receive amendments to this Solicitation (Please reference SGA 
02-08), all applicants must register their

[[Page 21019]]

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 are to be submitted, including those 
hand delivered, to the address below by no later than 4:45 p.m., 
Eastern Standard Time, May 29, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be directed to the U.S. Department of 
Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra Willis, 
Reference SGA 02-08, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., 
Washington, DC 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: All applicants are advised that U.S. 
mail delivery in the Washington, DC area has been erratic due to the 
recent concerns involving anthrax contamination. All applicants must 
take this into consideration when preparing to meet the application 
deadline. It is recommended that you confirm receipt of your 
application by contacting Cassandra Willis, U.S. Department of Labor, 
Procurement Services Center, telephone (202) 693-4570, prior to the 
closing deadline. [This is not a toll-free number]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Veterans' Workforce Investment Program, Program Year 2002--
Veterans' Program 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 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 areas of high demand occupations. Accordingly, the 
Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training (ASVET) is 
making up to $6,500,000 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 of the geographical area in 
which the grant would be awarded.

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 who have 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 barriers to employment, to obtain gainful employment.

III. Application Process

A. Eligible Applicants

    Applications for funds will be accepted from State and local 
workforce investment boards, local public agencies, and private 
nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community 
organizations, which have familiarity with the area and populations to 
be served and can administer an effective program. Eligible applicants 
will fall into one of the following categories:
    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, meaning any public agency of a general 
purpose political subdivision of a State that 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 and community organizations that 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 eligible veterans 
and have proven a capacity to manage grants and have or will provide 
the necessary linkages with other service providers. 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 funds anticipated for this solicitation is $6,500,000. It 
is anticipated that up to sixteen awards will be made under this 
solicitation. Individual Awards will not exceed $850,000. The Federal 
Government reserves the right to negotiate the amounts to be awarded 
under this competition. Applicant requests exceeding the $850,000 will 
be considered non-responsive.

C. Period of Performance

    The VWIP funds for this competition are for a maximum period of one 
year with a second year funding option. The period of performance will 
be for twelve months from the date of the award. VETS expects that 
successful applicants will commence program operations under this 
solicitation on July 1, 2002. Program Funds must be expended by June 
30, 2003, not including the 6-month follow up period referred to in the 
budget narrative.
1. First-Year Funding
    The anticipated period of program performance is for one year 
beginning July 1, 2002 and ending June 30, 2003. (All program 
performance and budget forms should reflect this period to cover four 
(4) program year quarters). No applicant shall begin its proposed 
program operations before the grant award. Due to the competitive 
nature of the VWIP, the grantee will be held to the performance and 
funding goals in the grant award. However, cost extensions or duration 
modifications will be allowed during the first year, if the grantee 
does not receive second year funding, at USDOL's VETS sole discretion. 
Furthermore, modifications will be allowed that increase goals.
2. Second-Year Funding
    Subject to the availability of sufficient funds for PY 2003, 
funding beyond PY 2002 may be available and may be requested through a 
grant modification request, provided the applicant:
    a. Submitted all program and fiscal reports by the established due 
date and that they may be verified for accuracy.
    b. Complied with all applicable terms.
    c. Achieved by the end of the third quarter, at least 75% of the 
first year total goals for Federal expenditures, enrollments and core 
training (all training added together), or 85% of total

[[Page 21020]]

goals for the year if planned activity is NOT evenly distributed in 
each quarter.
    All instructions for modifications and announcement of funding 
availability will be issued at a later date.

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 
Services Center, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, 
DC 20210. To aid with the review of applications, USDOL also encourages 
Applicants to submit one additional paper copy of the application (four 
total). Applicants who do not provide additional copies will not be 
penalized. The proposal must consist of two (2) separate and distinct 
parts: (1) one completed, blue ink-signed original SF 424 grant 
application with two (2) copies of the Technical Proposal; and two (2) 
copies of the Cost Proposal.

E. Acceptable Methods of Submission

    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 29, 2002 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 29, 2002;
    2. 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 29, 2002; and
    3. 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
    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 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 
other delivery services, such as Federal Express, UPS, etc., will also 
be accepted; however, the applicant bears the responsibility of timely 
submission. All applicants are advised that U.S. mail delivery in the 
Washington, DC area has been erratic due to the recent concerns 
involving anthrax contamination. All applicants must take this into 
consideration when preparing to meet the application deadline, as you 
assume the risk for ensuring a timely submission; that is, if, because 
of these mail problems, the Department does not receive an application 
or receives it too late to give it proper consideration, even if it was 
timely mailed, the Department is not required to consider the 
application.

F. Proposal Content

    The proposal will consist of two (2) separate and distinct parts, a 
Technical Proposal and a Cost Proposal:
    Part 1--The 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 obtain successful outcomes for the veterans 
served; 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 Technical 
Performance Goals chart provided in the SGA.]
    1. The proposal should include an outreach component. It is 
recommended that the applicants coordinate these activities through 
veteran service providers and community-based faith-based organizations 
who have experience working and serving the veteran population. This 
requirement can be modified to allow the project to utilize veterans in 
other positions where there is direct client contact if extensive 
outreach such as intake, counseling, peer coaching, and follow up is 
not needed. This requirement applies to projects funded under this 
solicitation.
    2. Projects will be required to show linkages with other programs 
and services which provide support to eligible veterans. Coordination 
with the Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists and 
Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) in the jurisdiction 
is strongly encouraged.
    3. Projects will be ``employment focused''. The services provided 
will be directed toward increasing the employability of veterans 
through training or arranging for the provision of services which will 
enable them to work; and (b) matching veterans with potential 
employers.

G. Required Features

    There are five program activities that all applications must 
contain in order 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; 
(training does not have to be received from an eligible provider under 
WIA. (This requirement is only for formula grants covered under WIA.)
--Case Management
--Job placement and job retention follow up (at 90 and 180 days) after 
individual enters employment.

    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 employment 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: 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: (a) 
Provide the type(s) of training to be offered, the length of the 
training, the training curriculum and describe how the training will 
enhance the eligible veterans' employment opportunities within that 
geographical area; (b) 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; (c) 
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.,

[[Page 21021]]

2.); and (d) 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' Outreach 
Program (DVOP), the Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) 
program, and programs operated under the Workforce Investment Act; and 
list the types of services provided by each. Note the type of agreement 
in place, if applicable. Linkages with the workforce development system 
[including State Employment Security Agencies (State Workforce 
Agencies)] 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, local, or faith-based and community 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 all past 
programs in terms of enrollments and placements. An applicant which has 
operated a Veterans' program, JTPA IV-C program, or VWIP program, must 
include final or most recent technical performance reports. For those 
applicants with no prior VWIP grant experience, a summary narrative of 
program experience and employment and training performance outcomes is 
required. The applicant must also provide evidence of key staff 
capability.
(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 2--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 
cost 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 SF 424A correspond accurately with the 
Budget Narrative.
    In addition to the cost proposal, the applicant must include the 
Assurance and Certification signature page, Appendix C, and copies of 
all required forms with instructions for completion provided as 
appendices to this SGA.
    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program 
is 17.802. It 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 a 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 must not exceed 36.5 cents per mile;
    D. A plan, which includes all associated costs, for retaining 
participant information pertinent to a longitudinal follow up survey, 
six months after the program performance period ends;
    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

    Campaign veterans, veterans who have service-connected 
disabilities, veterans who are recently separated, or veterans with 
significant barriers to employment are eligible for participation under 
this program.
    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 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 Web site at http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vgmedal2.htm.
    C. The term ``service-connected disabled''--refers to (1) a veteran 
who is entitled to compensation under laws administered by the 
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), or (2) an individual who was 
discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected 
disability. (29 U.S.C. 1503(27)(B)).
    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 eligible 
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 eligible veterans.
    These programs are designed to be flexible in addressing the 
universal as well as local or regional problems barring eligible 
veterans from the workforce. The program in FY 2002 will continue to 
strengthen the development of effective service delivery systems, to 
provide comprehensive services through a case management approach that 
will address the complex problems facing eligible veterans trying to 
transition into

[[Page 21022]]

gainful employment, and improve strategies for employment and 
retention.
    In addition to the mandatory activities, proposed programs should 
include, if applicable, 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 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 eligibility criteria for VWIP discussed 
earlier in this SGA. 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 in their application.
    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 
participant. At least 80% of all participants 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 also be 
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 participant 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 
their proposed program to track a participant's progress and status 
after initial placement. Applicants must describe in the Program Design 
the follow up activities that participants 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 Program Design must provide or arrange for the following:
    1. Projects must show linkages with other programs and services 
which provide support to veterans, such as faith-based and community-
based organizations. Coordination with the Disabled Veterans' Outreach 
Program (DVOP) Specialists and Local Veterans' Employment 
Representatives (LVER) is strongly encouraged.
    2. Projects must be ``employment-focused.'' The services provided 
will be directed toward increasing the employability of veterans by 
providing training that will increase employment opportunities for the 
participants.
    Outreach should, to the degree practical, be provided at Veterans' 
Job Fairs, Transition Assistance Centers, or Family Service Centers at 
military installations, and other programs or events frequented by 
veterans. Coordination is encouraged with veterans' services programs 
and organizations such as:

--State Workforce Agencies, 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; and
--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

    No model is mandatory, but the applicant must design a program that 
is responsive to local needs, and will carry out the objectives of the 
program to successfully reintegrate veterans into the workforce.
    With the advent of 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 the program. The following program discussion 
must be considered in a results-oriented model. 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 
participants have been identified, an assessment must be made of their 
abilities, interests and needs. In some cases, these participants may 
require referrals to services such as drug or alcohol treatment or a 
temporary shelter before they can be enrolled into

[[Page 21023]]

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 participant 
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 
successful completion of the plan can be 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 a priority of focus in assisting those most 
disadvantaged in the labor market. VETS requires working hand-in-hand 
with DVOP/LVER staff to achieve economies of resources.
    The following program discussion emphasizes that follow up is an 
integral program component. Follow up to determine whether the veteran 
is in the same or similar job at the 90-day and 180-day period after 
entering employment is required. It is important that the applicant 
maintain contact with the veterans after placement to assure that 
employment related problems are addressed. The 90-day 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 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 referred to in the Special Grant 
Provisions provided at the time of award.

VII. Related Program Development Activities

    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 are 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:
    1. Providers of hands-on services to veterans to make veterans more 
fully aware of the services offered, job-ready and placed in jobs.
    2. Federal, State and local services such as the Department of 
Veterans' Affairs (DVA), State Workforce Agencies 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.
    3. Civic and private sector groups, and especially veterans' 
service, faith-based and community 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 DOL reserves the right to award on the 
basis of the initial proposal submissions, DOL 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. DOL reserves the right to 
ask for clarification or hold discussions, but is not obligated to do 
so. DOL 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 02-03 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 must 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 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 training, including 
job development, employer commitments to hire, placement, and post-
placement follow up services. The applicant must address its intent to 
target occupations in expanding 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 programs such 
as State Workforce Agencies (DVOP and LVER Programs), Homeless 
Veterans' Reintegration Projects (HVRP), other WIA programs, and 
Workforce Investment or Development Boards or entities where in place, 
must be presented. Applicants must indicate 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, placements/entered 
employments and job retention. (See Appendix D) Of the 40 points 
possible in the strategy to increase employment and retention, 10 
points will be awarded to grant proposals that clearly plan on a six 
month employment retention rate of 50 percent, or 15 points will be 
awarded to proposals that show a six month employment retention rate 
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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 area. For each service, the 
applicant must specify 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.]
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 those 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 address its 
capacity for timely startup of the program.] The applicant should 
delineate its staff capability and ability to manage the operational 
aspects of a grant program, including a recent (within the last 12 
months) financial statement or audit if available. Final or most recent 
technical reports for other relevant programs must be submitted if 
applicable. Because prior grant experience is not a requirement for 
this grant, some applicants may not have any technical reports to 
submit.
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 of veterans 
in the program 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. Grant funds 
cannot be used to purchase housing or vehicles. Applicants can expect 
that the cost proposal will be reviewed for allowability, proper 
allocation of costs, and reasonableness of the placement and enrollment 
costs.

IX. Post Award Conference

    A post-award conference will be held for those grantees awarded PY 
2002 VWIP funds from the competition. It is expected to be held in 
August or September 2002. Up to two grantee representatives must be 
present; a fiscal and a program representative is recommended. The site 
of the Post-Award conference has not yet been determined, for planning 
and budgeting purposes, please use Washington, DC as the conference 
location. The conference will focus on providing information and 
assistance on reporting, recordkeeping, and grant requirements, and 
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. 90 Days Report Package

    The grantee will submit, no later than 90 days after the grant 
performance period ends, a report containing the following:
    1. Interim Financial Status Report (SF-269A) (copy to be provided 
following grant awards).
    2. Interim Technical Performance Report--(Program Goals).
    3. Interim 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 Final Report

    No later than 210 days after the grant performance period ends, the 
grantee will submit a follow up report containing the following:
    1. Final Financial Status Report (SF-269A).
    2. Final Narrative Report identifying--(a) the total combined 
(directed/assisted) numbers 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 
is the reason(s); (d) was the training received, applicable to jobs 
held; (e) wages at placement and during follow up period; (f) an 
explanation of why those veterans placed during the grant period, but 
not employed at the end of the follow up period, are not so employed; 
and (g) any recommendations to improving the program.

XI. Administration Provisions

A. Limitation on Administrative and Indirect Costs

    1. Direct Costs for administration, 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 State Workforce 
Agency's Cost Accounting System represent an acceptable means of 
allocating costs to DOL and, therefore, can be approved for use in 
grants to State Workforce Agencies.

B. Allowable Costs

    Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance with 
the following applicable Federal cost principles:


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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

    Except as specifically provided, DOL 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 and an entity's procurement procedures must 
require that all procurement transactions will be conducted, as 
practical, to provide open and free competition. If a proposal 
identifies a specific entity to provide the services, the DOL award 
does not provide the justification or basis to sole-source the 
procurement, i.e., avoid competition.
    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, 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 
Nonprofit Organization.
    7. Section 168(b) of WIA--Administration of Programs. Please note 
that sections 181-195 also apply.
    8. 29 CFR Parts 37--the WIA non-discrimination regulations. These 
rules implement, for recipients of federal assistance, provisions of 
nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, and 
disabled condition, respectively.
    9. Appeals from non-designation will be handled under 20 CFR Part 
667, Subpart H.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 23rd day of April, 2002
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: The Glossary of Terms
Appendix G: General Provisions
Appendix H: Special Provisions
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[FR Doc. 02-10496 Filed 4-26-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-79-C