[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 1, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21756-21776]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-10495]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and 
Training


Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program Competitive Grants for 
FY 2002

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 Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs (SGA 
02-10).

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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 Homeless 
Veterans Reintegration Programs (HVRP) authorized under the Homeless 
Veterans' Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 (HVCAA). This notice 
contains all of the necessary information and forms needed to apply for 
grant funding. Such programs will assist eligible veterans who are 
homeless by providing employment, training and support services 
assistance. Under this solicitation, VETS anticipates that up to $5.5 
million will be available for grant awards in Program Year (PY) 2002 
and expects to award up to thirty grants. The HVRP programs are 
designed to be flexible in addressing the universal as well as local or 
regional problems barring homeless 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 homeless 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 02-10), all applicants must register 
their name and address with the Grant Officer at the following address: 
U. S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center,

[[Page 21757]]

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 31, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be directed to the U.S. Department of 
Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra Willis, 
Reference SGA 02-10, 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:

Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program Solicitation

I. Purpose

    The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service, (VETS) is requesting grant applications for the 
provision of employment and training services in accordance with the 
Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program at section 5 of the Homeless 
Veterans' Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 (HVCAA), Pub. L. No. 
107-95 (2001). These instructions contain general program information, 
requirements, and forms for application for funds to operate a Homeless 
Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP).

II. Background

    Section 5 of the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 
2001 amended the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs at 38 U.S.C. 
Sec. 2021, and provides ``the Secretary * * * shall conduct, directly 
or through grant or contract, such programs as the Secretary determines 
appropriate to provide job training, counseling, and placement services 
(including job readiness and literacy and skills training) to expedite 
the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force.''
    In accordance with the HVCAA, the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
Employment and Training (ASVET) is making approximately $5.5 million of 
the funds available to award grants for HVRPs in selected cities in PY 
2002 under this competition. The Homeless Veterans' Reintegration 
Project was the first nationwide Federal program that focused on 
placing homeless veterans into jobs. Both types of projects, urban and 
rural, in the past have provided valuable information on approaches 
that work in the different environments.

III. Application Process

A. Potential Jurisdictions To Be Served
    Due to the demonstration nature of the Act, the amount of funds 
available, and the emphasis on establishing or strengthening existing 
linkages with other recipients of funds under the HVCAA, the only 
potential jurisdictions which will be served through this urban 
competition for HVRPs in PY 2002 are the metropolitan areas of the 75 
U.S. cities largest in population and the city of San Juan, Puerto 
Rico. All potential HVRP jurisdictions are listed in Appendix G.
B. Eligible Applicants
    Applications for funds will be accepted from State and Local 
workforce investment boards, local public agencies, and nonprofit 
organizations, including faith-based and community organizations, which 
have familiarity with the area and population 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 
Section 111 and 117 of the Workforce Investment Act, are eligible 
applicants, as well as State and local public agencies.
    2. Local public agency, meaning 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-awards, 
experienced public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, and 
private businesses and faith-based and community organizations that 
have an understanding of unemployment and the barriers to employment 
unique to homeless 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 HVRP or similar employment and training program for 
the homeless or veterans and 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.
C. Funding Levels
    The total amount of funds available for this solicitation is $5.5 
million. It is anticipated that up to 30 awards may be made under this 
solicitation. Awards are expected to range from $200,000 to $250,000. 
The Department of Labor reserves the right to negotiate the amounts to 
be awarded under this competition. Please be advised that requests 
exceeding the $250,000 will be considered non-responsive.
D. Period of Performance
    The period of performance will be for twelve (12) months from date 
of award. It is expected that successful applicants will commence 
program operations under this solicitation by July 1, 2002.
E. Second-Year Option
    As stated in Section II of this Part, the Homeless Veterans' 
Reintegration Program is authorized and codified by statute at Pub. L. 
No. 107-95, Sec. 5 (2001). Should there be action by Congress to 
appropriate funds for this purpose, a second-year option may be 
considered. The Government does not, however, guarantee second year 
funding for any awardee. Should VETS decide that an option year for 
funding be exercised, the grantees' performance during the first period 
of operations will be taken into consideration as follows:
    1. By the end of the third quarter, the grantee must achieve at 
least 75% of the twelve month total goals for Federal expenditures, 
enrollments, and placements, or
    2. The grantee must meet 85% of goals for Federal expenditures, 
enrollments, and placements if planned activity is NOT evenly 
distributed in each quarter; and
    3. The grantee is in compliance with all terms identified in the 
solicitation for grant applications.

[[Page 21758]]

    4. All program and fiscal reports were submitted by the established 
due date and may be verified for accuracy.
    All instructions for modifications and announcement of fund 
availability will be issued at a later date. The HVRP 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.
F. Submission of Proposal
    A cover letter, an original 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. 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.
G. 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. ET, May 31, 2002, will not be considered unless it is received 
before the award is made and:
    1. It was sent by registered or certified mail not later than the 
fifth calendar day before May 31, 2002;
    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 31, 2002.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a 
late application sent by registered or certified mail is the U.S. 
Postal Service postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on the original 
receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. If the postmark is not legible, 
an application received after the above closing time and date shall be 
processed as if mailed late. ``Postmark'' means a printed, stamped or 
otherwise placed impression (not a postage meter machine impression) 
that is readily identifiable without further action as having been 
applied and affixed by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service on the 
date of mailing. Therefore applicants should request that the postal 
clerk place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's-eye'' postmark on both 
the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a 
late application sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day 
Service-Post Office to Addressee is the date entered by the Post Office 
receiving clerk on the ``Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to 
Addressee'' label and the postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on 
the original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. ``Postmark'' has the 
same meaning as defined above. Therefore, applicants should request 
that the postal clerk place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's-eye'' 
postmark on both the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at 
the U.S. Department of Labor is the date/time stamp of the Procurement 
Services Center on the application wrapper or other documentary 
evidence or receipt maintained by that office. Applications sent by 
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 proper consideration, even if it was 
timely mailed, the Department is not required to consider the 
application.
H. Required Content
    There are four 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;
Case Management
Job Placement and job retention follow up (at 90 and 180 days) after 
individual enters employment.

    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 homeless 
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 and faith-based 
organizations that 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 is not needed, such as intake, 
counseling, peer coaching, and follow up. This requirement applies to 
projects funded under this solicitation.
    2. Projects will be required to show linkages with other programs 
and services which provide support to homeless veterans. Coordination 
with the Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists and 
Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) in the jurisdiction 
is required.
    3. Projects will be ``employment focused''. The services provided 
will be directed toward (a)increasing the employability of homeless 
veterans through training or arranging for the provision of services 
which will enable them to work; and (b) matching homeless veterans with 
potential employers.
    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 
homeless veterans and their needs, poverty and unemployment rates in 
the area, the gaps in the local community infrastructure that 
contribute to the employment and other barriers faced by the targeted 
veterans, and how the project would respond to these needs. Include the 
outlook for job opportunities in the service area.
    2. Approach or strategy to increase employment and job retention:

[[Page 21759]]

Applicants 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 length 
of training, the training curriculum and how the training will enhance 
the eligible veterans' employment opportunities within that 
geographical area; (b) describe the specific supportive, 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 VI. D.); 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 the homeless veterans: Describe the linkages this program 
will have with other providers of services to homeless veterans outside 
of the HVRP 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 under the Workforce Investment Act; and list the 
type 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 Homeless veterans. Indicate how the 
program will be coordinated with any efforts for the homeless that are 
conducted by agencies in the community.
    4. Linkages with other federal agencies: Describe any program and 
resource linkages with Department of Housing and Urban Development 
(HUD), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of 
Veterans Affairs (DVA) for the homeless, to include the Compensated 
Work Therapy (CWT) and Per Diem programs. Indicate how the applicant 
will coordinate with any ``continuum of care'' efforts for the homeless 
among agencies in the community.
    5. Proposed supportive service strategy for veterans: Describe how 
supportive 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.
    6. Organizational capability in providing 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 HVRP or other Homeless Veterans' Employment and Training 
program, JTPA IV-C program, or VWIP program, must include final or most 
recent technical performance reports. For those applicants with no 
prior 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.
    7. Proposed housing strategy for homeless veterans: Describe how 
housing resources for homeless veterans will be obtained or accessed. 
These resources should be from linkages or sources other than the HVRP 
grant such as HUD, HHS, community housing resources, DVA leasing, or 
other programs. The applicant must explain whether HVRP resources will 
be used and why this is necessary.
    Nonprofit organizations must submit evidence of satisfactory 
financial management capability, which must include recent financial 
and/or audit statements. (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 National Office during the review of the applications).
    Note: Resumes, charts, standard forms, transmittal letters, and 
letters of support are not included in the page count. [If provided, 
include these documents as attachments to the technical proposal.]
    PART 2--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 applicants must include 
the Assurance and Certification signature page, Appendix C. Copies of 
all required forms with instructions for completion are provided as 
appendices to this SGA.

    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this 
program is 17.805. 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 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 subawardees);
    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, subawards/ contracts, and any other costs. The applicant must 
include costs of any required travel described in this Solicitation. 
Mileage charges will 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 (6) months after the program performance period ends;
    E. Description/specification of and justification for equipment 
purchases, if any. Tangible, non-expendable, personal property having a 
useful life of more than one year and a unit acquisition cost of $5,000 
or more per unit must be specifically identified; and
    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 HVRP, an individual must be 
homeless and a veteran defined as follows:
    A. The term ``homeless or homeless individual'' includes persons 
who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. It also 
includes persons whose primary nighttime residence is either a 
supervised public or private shelter designed to provide temporary 
living accommodations; an institution that provides a temporary 
residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or a 
private place not

[[Page 21760]]

designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation 
for human beings. (Reference 42 U.S.C. section 11302 (a)).
    B. 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. Section 101(2)]

VI. Project Summary

A. Program Concept and Emphasis
    The HVRP grants under Section 5 of the Homeless Veterans 
Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 are intended to address two 
objectives: (1) To provide services to assist in reintegrating homeless 
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 homeless veterans.
    These programs are designed to be flexible in addressing the 
universal as well as local or regional problems barring homeless 
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 gainful employment, and improve strategies for 
employment and retention.
B. Scope of Program Design
    The project design must provide for the following services:

--Outreach, intake, assessment, counseling to the degree practical, and 
employment services. Outreach must be provided at shelters, day 
centers, soup kitchens, VA medical centers, and other programs for the 
homeless. Program staff providing outreach services should be a veteran 
who has experience in dealing with, and an understanding of the needs 
of the homeless.

    Coordination with veterans' services programs and organizations 
such as:

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

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

--Alcohol and drug;
--Medical;
--Post Traumatic Stress Disorder;
--Mental Health;
--Coordinating with MHAA Title VI programs for health care for the 
homeless or [health care programs under the HVCAA];

    Referral to housing assistance provided by, for example:

--Local shelters;
--Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) food and shelter 
programs;
--Transitional housing programs and single room occupancy housing 
programs funded under MHAA Title IV [and under HVCAA];
--Permanent housing programs for the handicapped homeless funded under 
MHAA Title IV [and under HVCAA];
--Department of Veterans' Affairs programs that provide for leasing or 
sale of acquired homes to homeless providers; and
--Transitional housing leased by HVRP funds (HVRP funds cannot be used 
to purchase housing or vehicles);

    Employment and training services such as:

--Basic skills instruction;
--Basic literacy instruction;
--Remedial education activities;
--Job search activities, including job search workshops;
--Job counseling;
--Job preparatory training, including resume writing and interviewing 
skills;
--Subsidized trial employment (Work Experience);
--On-the-Job Training;
--Classroom Training;
--Job placement in unsubsidized employment;
--Placement follow up services; and
--Services provided under WIA Program Titles.
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 homeless veterans into the 
workforce.
    With the advent of implementing the Government Performance and 
Results Act (GPRA), Congress and the public are looking for program 
results rather than program processes. While entering employment is a 
viable outcome, it will be necessary to measure results over a longer 
term to determine the success of programs. The following program 
discussion 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 homeless 
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 social rehabilitation, 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 should be made as to whether they would benefit from 
pre-employment preparation such as resume writing, job search 
workshops, related counseling and case management, and initial entry 
into the job market through temporary jobs, sheltered work 
environments, or entry into classroom or on-the-job training. Such 
services should also be noted in an Employability Development Plan so 
that successful completion of the plan may be monitored by the staff. 
Entry into full-time employment or a specific job training program 
should follow, in keeping with the objective of HVRP 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 must 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, 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.
    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 and 180 day period after 
entering employment is required. It is important that the grantee 
maintain contact with the veterans after

[[Page 21761]]

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 need to budget for this activity so that 
follow-up can and will occur for those placed at or near the end of the 
grant performance 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 HVRP 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 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 homeless veteran, such as 
shelter and soup-kitchen operators, to make them fully aware of 
services available to homeless veterans to make them job-ready and 
place them in jobs.
    B. Federal, State and local entitlement services such as the Social 
Security Administration (SSA), Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), 
State Employment Security Agencies (SESAs) and their local Job Service 
offices, One-Stop Centers (which integrate WIA, labor exchange, and 
other employment and social services), detoxification facilities, etc., 
to familiarize them with the nature and needs of homeless veterans.
    C. Civic and private sector groups, and especially veterans' 
service and community-based organizations (including faith-based 
organizations), to describe homeless veterans and their needs.
    D. Stand Down Support
    A ``Stand Down'' as it relates to homeless veterans is an event 
held in a locality usually for three days where services are provided 
to homeless veterans along with shelter, meals, clothing, and medical 
attention. This type of event is mostly volunteer effort, which is 
organized within a community and brings service providers together such 
as the DVA, Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program Specialists, Local 
Veterans' Employment Representatives from the State Employment Service 
Agencies, veteran service organization, military personnel, civic 
leaders, and a variety of other interested persons and organizations. 
Many services are provided on-site with referrals also made for 
continued assistance after the event.
    This can often be the catalyst that enables the homeless veterans 
to get back into mainstream society. The Department of Labor has 
supported replication of this event. Many such events have been held 
throughout the nation.
    In areas where an HVRP is operating, the grantees are encouraged to 
participate fully and offer their services for any planned Stand Down 
event. Towards this end, up to $5,000 of the currently requested HVRP 
grant funds may be used to supplement the Stand Down effort where funds 
are not otherwise available, and should be reflected in the budget and 
budget narrative.

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, program and 
administrative costs e.g., cost per enrollment and placement, 
demonstration models, and geographical service areas. While points will 
not be assessed for cost issues, cost per entered employment will be 
given serious consideration in the selecting of awards. The Grant 
Officer's determination for award under SGA 02-10 is the final agency 
action. The submission of the same proposal from any prior year HVRP or 
Homeless Veterans Employment and Training (HVET) 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 homeless 
individuals and homeless 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 that 
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 and training services, including 
job training, job development, any employer commitments to hire, 
placement, and post placement follow-up services. Applicants must 
address their intent to target occupations in expanding industries, 
rather than 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 SESAs (DVOP and LVER Programs), VWIP, other 
WIA programs, and Workforce Investment or Development Boards or 
entities where in place, must be presented. Applicant must indicate how 
the activities will be tailored or responsive to the needs of homeless 
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, placement/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 plan on a six-month employment 
retention rate of 50 percent, or 15 points will be awarded to proposals 
that show a six-month

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employment retention rate of 70 percent.
    3. Quality and Extent of Linkages with Other Providers of Services 
to the Homeless and to 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 homeless veterans in the local community outside of the 
HVRP grant. 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 fit into the community's 
continuum of care approach to respond to homelessness and any linkages 
to HUD, HHS or 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 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 address its 
capacity for timely startup of the program. The applicant should 
delineate its staff capability and ability to manage the financial 
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 Housing Strategy: 15 points
    The application must demonstrate how the applicant proposes to 
obtain or access housing resources for veterans in the program and 
entering the labor force. This discussion should specify the provisions 
made to access temporary, transitional, and permanent housing for 
participants through community resources, HUD, DVA lease, or other 
means. HVRP funds will not be used to purchase housing or vehicles.
    Applicants can expect that the cost proposal will be reviewed for 
allowability, allocation of costs, and reasonableness of placement and 
enrollment costs.

IX. Post Award Conference

    A post-award conference will be held for those grantees awarded PY 
2002 HVRP 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 five days and use Washington, DC as 
the conference location. The conference will focus on providing 
information and assistance on reporting, record keeping, and grant 
requirements, and also include best practices from past projects. Costs 
associated with attending this conference for up to two grantee 
representatives will be allowed as long as they were incurred in 
accordance with Federal travel regulations. Such costs must be charged 
as administrative costs and reflected in the proposed budget.

X. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee will submit the reports and documents listed below:
A. Financial Reports
    The grantee must 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) 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 must submit a Quarterly Technical Performance Report 30 
days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter to the DVET that 
contains the following:

    1. A comparison of actual accomplishments to established goals for 
the reporting period and any findings related to monitoring efforts;
    2. An explanation for variances of plus or minus 15% of planned 
program and/or expenditure goals, to include: (i) Identification of 
corrective action which will be taken to meet the planned goals, and 
(ii) a timetable for accomplishment of the corrective action.
C. 90 Days Report Package
    The grantee must submit no later than 90 days after the grant 
expiration date a final report containing the following:
    1. Financial Status Report (SF-269A) (copy to be provided following 
grant awards).
    2. Technical Performance Report--(Program Goals).
    3. 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 
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 must 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) 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 the 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.
    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.

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

State and local government--OMB Circular A-87
Nonprofit organizations--OMB Circular A-122
C. Administrative Standards and Provisions
    Accept 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.
    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. Section 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 may 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 
667.260
    10. 29 CFR Part 97--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Government.

    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
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: List of 75 largest U.S. Cities

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[FR Doc. 02-10495 Filed 4-30-02; 8:45 am]
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