[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 123 (Wednesday, June 26, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43141-43154]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-16100]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Secretary


International HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Program

AGENCY: Bureau of International Labor Affairs, Department of Labor.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for 
cooperative agreement applications (SGA 02-11).

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    This Notice contains all of the necessary information and forms 
needed to apply for cooperative agreement funding.

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), Bureau of International 
Labor Affairs (ILAB), will award funds in one or more cooperative 
agreements to an organization or organizations to develop and implement 
HIV/AIDS/STI/TB \1\ workplace education projects in West Africa (Benin, 
Ghana and Togo), the Caribbean (Guyana and Belize), Namibia, Mozambique 
and Cambodia. USDOL will also award funds to an organization to develop 
and implement a pilot project focused on workforce development in 
Malawi aimed at improving the income generating skills of young adults 
affected by human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency 
syndrome (HIV/AIDS). USDOL is seeking applications from qualified 
organizations for the implementation of workplace HIV/AIDS prevention 
and education programs and a strategy for addressing the issue of 
stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in the 
workplace. Applicants will submit one proposal for the implementation 
of all six projects. USDOL, however, reserves the right to award more 
than one cooperative agreement for the implementation of the projects.
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    \1\ It has been widely recognized that the success of any HIV/
AIDS prevention education project is greatly enhanced by including 
information on sexually transmitted infections (STI), and 
tuberculosis (TB). Although the term ``HIV/AIDS'' will be used 
throughout this Federal Register Notice, it is expected that the 
issues of STI and TB will be addressed within the context of the 
application and implementation of the program.

DATE: The closing date for receipt of applications is August 27, 2002. 
Applications must be received by 4:45 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Savings 
Time) at the address below. No exceptions to the mailing, delivery, and 
hand-delivery conditions set forth in this notice will be granted. 
Applications that do not meet the conditions set forth in this notice 
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will not be honored.

ADDRESS: Application forms will not be mailed. They are published in 
this Federal Register Notice, and in the Federal Register which may be 
obtained from your nearest U.S. Government office, public library or 
on-line at http://www.nara.gov/fedreg/nfpubs.html. Applications must be 
delivered to: U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, 
200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-5416, Attention: Lisa Harvey, 
Reference: SGA 02-11, Washington, DC 20210. Applications sent by e-
mail, telegram, or facsimile (FAX) will not be accepted. Applications 
sent by other delivery services, such as Federal Express, UPS, etc., 
will be accepted; however, the applicant bears the responsibility for 
timely submission.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Harvey: E-mail address: [email protected]. All applicants are advised that U.S. mail delivery in the 
Washington, DC area has been slow and 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 Lisa Harvey, U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services 
Center, telephone (202) 693-4570 (this it not a toll free number), 
prior to the closing deadline. All inquiries should reference SGA 02-
11. See Section III.B for further information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ILAB's Office of Foreign Relations (OFR) 
carries out a worldwide international technical assistance program in 
support of three objectives: (1) Expanding Economic Opportunity and 
Income Security for Workers; (2) Protecting the Basic Rights of 
Workers; and (3) Reducing the Prevalence of HIV/AIDS through Workplace 
Education. This SGA seeks one or more eligible and qualified 
organizations to develop and implement projects supporting objective 
three, reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS

[[Page 43142]]

through workplace education. ILAB announces the availability of funds 
to be granted by cooperative agreement to one or more qualifying 
organizations to achieve the USDOL HIV/AIDS program objectives to: (1) 
Reduce the spread of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune 
deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and (2) eliminate discrimination in 
employment against individuals infected with HIV/AIDS through a global 
workplace prevention and education program. The cooperative 
agreement(s) will also include a pilot project aimed at improving the 
workforce development capacity in Malawi for young adults affected by 
HIV/AIDS. As young adults enter the workforce, many remain unaware of 
accurate information regarding methods of HIV/AIDS/STI/TB infections. 
Considering the need for skilled workers in future years, USDOL is 
proposing to fund through this program a pilot-project aimed at 
strengthening existing local institutions which provide young adults 
affected by HIV/AIDS with income generating skills, HIV/AIDS prevention 
information and care and support services. The project also will target 
the growing numbers of young people who are subject to increasing 
pressure to leave school and work to care for sick parents and younger 
siblings, becoming heads of households at an early age.
    The cooperative agreement(s) is to be actively managed by ILAB's 
Office of Foreign Relations to assure achievement of the stated 
objectives. Applicants are encouraged to be creative in proposing 
innovative and cost-effective interventions that will have a 
demonstrable impact on the HIV/AIDS infection rate and the level of 
discrimination in employment against individuals infected with HIV/
AIDS.

I. Background and Program Scope

A. The International HIV/AIDS Pandemic

    According to UNAIDS,\2\ more than 60 million people have been 
infected with the HIV/AIDS virus, since the epidemic began. HIV/AIDS is 
now the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa. In many parts of 
the developing world, the majority of new infections occur in young 
adults, with young women especially vulnerable. About one-third of 
those currently living with HIV/AIDS are aged 15-24. Although HIV/AIDS 
was initially viewed as strictly a health crisis, it is now 
acknowledged to have a severe impact on the economic and social 
development of the affected countries.
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    \2\ The Joint United Nation's Program on HIV/AIDS.
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    Recent studies on HIV/AIDS in the workforce warn of the 
catastrophic consequences of HIV/AIDS/STI/TB for workers and employers 
worldwide, projecting a severe decline in the size and quality of the 
workforce in a number of countries over the next 20 years. Countries 
with the most infected populations in sub-Saharan Africa could lose 29-
35% of their total labor force by 2020. Due to the disproportionate 
effect of HIV/AIDS on the 15-49 year age group, the most economically 
active segment of society is affected most severely. Moreover, the 
stigma and discrimination that surround those suffering from the 
disease contribute to the high prevalence rate by perpetuating 
misinformation and preventing people from seeking help. As a result, 
the International Labor Organization estimates that in the case of 
countries with HIV prevalence rates higher than 10% of the adult 
population, the labor force in the year 2020 will be an estimated 10-
22% smaller than it would have been if there had been no HIV/AIDS. The 
impact has already eradicated the small gains in economic growth and 
stability that some sub-Saharan African countries had experienced.
    The severity of the AIDS pandemic is generating orphans so quickly 
that family structures can no longer cope. Traditional safety nets are 
unraveling as more young adults die of AIDS related illnesses. 
Typically, half of the people with HIV become infected before they turn 
25, acquiring AIDS and dying by the time they turn 35, leaving behind a 
generation of children to be raised by their grandparents or left on 
their own in child-headed households. More than 12,100,000 children 
have been orphaned by AIDS in Africa, accounting for more than 95% of 
the world's AIDS' orphan population. The extended family network in 
sub-Saharan Africa is an age-old social safety net for such children, 
which has long proved itself resilient even to major social changes. 
Capacity and resources, however, are now stretched to the breaking 
point. Those providing the necessary care in many cases are already 
impoverished, leaving behind vulnerable children and young adults who 
are forced to leave school to fend for themselves and often become 
child heads of households. The crisis directly impacts the workforce of 
the future.\3\
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    \3\ AIDS Epidemic: Update 2000 and Report on the Global HIV/AIDS 
Epidemic, June 2000: UNAIDS, Joint Program on HIV/AIDS; Children 
Orphaned by AIDS, UNICEF, December 1999.
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II. Authority

    USDOL is authorized to award and administer this program by the 
Department of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002, Pub. L. 107-116, 115 Stat. 
2177 (2001).

III. Application Process

A. Eligible Applicants

    Any commercial, international, or non-profit organization capable 
of successfully implementing HIV/AIDS workplace prevention and 
education programs on a global scale, and successfully working with 
labor ministries, employers and labor groups to reduce the spread of 
HIV/AIDS and help eliminate discrimination in employment relating to 
HIV/AIDS is eligible for this cooperative agreement. Partnerships of 
more than one organization are also eligible, although in such a case a 
lead organization must be identified. The capability of an applicant 
and partners and co-applicants to perform necessary aspects of this 
solicitation will be determined under Section V.B Rating Criteria.
    Please Note That Eligible Cooperative Agreement Applicants Must Not 
be Classified Under The Internal Revenue Code as a Section 501(c)(4) 
Entity. See 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4). According to section 18 of the 
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, an organization, as described in 
section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, that engages in 
lobbying activities will not be eligible for the receipt of federal 
funds constituting an award, grant, or loan.

B. Submission of Applications

    One (1) ink-signed original, complete application plus two (2) 
copies of the proposal must be submitted to the U.S. Department of 
Labor, Procurement Services Center, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 
N-5416, Washington, DC 20210, not later than 4:45 p.m. EDT, August 27, 
2002. To aid with review of applications, USDOL also encourages 
applicants to submit two additional paper copies of the application 
(five total). Applicants who do not provide additional copies will not 
be penalized.
    The application must consist of two (2) separate parts. Part I of 
the application must contain the Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application 
for Federal Assistance'' (Appendix A) (The entry on SF 424 for the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA) is 17.700) and 
sections A-F of the Budget Information Form SF 424A (Appendix B). Part 
II must contain a technical

[[Page 43143]]

proposal that demonstrates capabilities in accordance with the 
Statement of Work and the selection criteria.
    To be considered responsive to this solicitation, the application 
must consist of the above-mentioned separate sections not to exceed 40 
single-sided (8\1/2\"  x  11"), double-spaced, 10 to 12 pitch typed 
pages for which a response is submitted. Any Applications That do Not 
Conform to These Standards May be Deemed Non-Responsive to This 
Solicitation and May Not be Evaluated. Standard forms and attachments 
are not included in the page limit. The application must include a 
table of contents and an abstract summarizing the application in not 
more than two (2) pages. These pages are also not included in the page 
limits.
    Upon completion of negotiations, the individual signing the SF 424 
on behalf of the applicant must be authorized to bind the applicant.

C. 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 
pm ET August 27, 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 August 27, 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 pm at the place 
of mailing two (2) working days, excluding weekends and Federal 
holidays, prior to August 27, 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.
    Applications sent by e-mail, telegram, or facsimile (FAX) will not 
be accepted. Applications sent by other delivery services, such as 
Federal Express, UPS, etc., will be accepted, however, the applicant 
bears the responsibility for timely submission. Because of delay in the 
receipt of mail in the Washington, DC area, it is recommended that you 
confirm receipt of your application by contacting Lisa Harvey, U.S. 
Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, telephone (202) 693-
4570 (this is not a toll-free number), prior to the closing deadline. 
All inquires should reference SGA 02-11.

D. Funding Levels

    Approximately U.S. $8.3 million is budgeted for this program, to 
fund projects, one in West Africa (Benin, Ghana and Togo), one in the 
Caribbean (Guyana and Belize), and one each in Namibia, Mozambique, 
Cambodia and Malawi. Although USDOL reserves the right to award more 
than one cooperative agreement, a partnership of more than one 
organization may apply to implement the program. Applicants will submit 
one application for the implementation of all six projects and are 
encouraged to utilize local NGO's to implement much of the program in 
order to institutionalize and sustain project improvements and reduce 
costs. The award of any sub-contract to a local NGO will be subject to 
USDOL approval (See Section B above).

E. Program Duration

    The duration of the project(s) funded by this SGA is four (4) 
years. The start date of project activities will be negotiated upon the 
awarding of the cooperative agreement.

IV. Requirements

A. Statement of Work

    In developing their proposals, potential cooperative agreement 
recipients should develop a strategy for implementation of the project 
objectives to reduce the spread of human immunodeficiency virus/
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and eliminate 
discrimination in employment against individuals infected with HIV/
AIDS/STI/TB through a global workplace prevention and education 
program. The strategy should take into account the implementing 
environment in the selected countries and incorporate innovative 
methodologies for targeting employers and employees. The strategy 
should also demonstrate how the applicant proposes to involve employer 
organizations, labor organizations, and Ministries of Labor in the 
implementation of the project. The applicant should draft a strategy 
demonstrating how it will meet the project objectives by the end of the 
grant period, and how the issue of sustainability will be integral to 
project implementation. The applicant must present a strategy to 
demonstrate that 80% of the target group exhibits an awareness of 
accurate information regarding HIV/AIDS/STI/TB prevention and methods 
of infection; at least 50% of the target group undertakes responsible 
behavior at the conclusion of the grant; and 60% of targeted employers 
have developed and implemented workplace policies aimed at decreasing 
discriminatory workplace practices in both public and private sectors.
    The applicant should include a basis on which the target groups 
will be established (e.g. target industries, regions or age groups), 
outline the information, education, and communication (IEC) materials 
that will be used as well as a strategy for translating HIV/AIDS/STI/TB 
awareness to responsible behavior change. The strategy should seek to 
reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS at the national, enterprise and community 
level. In addition, the applicant should develop sustainable innovative 
strategies for involving government, employers' and workers' 
organizations, and nongovernmental organizations, as appropriate, in 
the development, implementation and enforcement of appropriate 
workplace policies at the national and enterprise levels aimed at 
decreasing discriminatory workplace practices in both public and 
private sectors; and help ensure that at least 60% of targeted 
enterprises have such workplace policies and practices in place by the 
end of the grant period.

[[Page 43144]]

Workforce Development for Young Adults Affected by HIV/AIDS/STI/TB in 
Malawi

    The applicant should reflect an understanding of the challenges 
facing Malawi with regard to workforce development and HIV/AIDS/STI/TB. 
The applicants will develop an approach that will meet the overall 
development needs of the identified target beneficiaries in order to 
facilitate entrance of skilled workers into the workforce. The 
applicant will propose innovative and cost-effective strategies working 
through existing local institutions to support the following 
objectives: (1) Enable young adults affected by HIV/AIDS to obtain job 
skills training and follow-up assistance with income generation; (2) 
Mobilize a wide array of stakeholders to improve and expand the 
workforce training infrastructure; (3) Encourage responsible behavior 
change through increased awareness and correct knowledge of HIV/AIDS/
STI/TB and methods of infection among the target population; and (4) 
Provide psychosocial support for the identified target group. The 
application should also incorporate a strategy for collaborating with 
other donors to assist in the long-term sustainability of these efforts 
and illustrate methods for innovative behavior change interventions, as 
well as including young women in the workforce target group, with a 
framework for providing an enabling environment for women to obtain 
income generating skills.
    The organization awarded the cooperative agreement(s) (hereinafter 
referred to as the ``grantee'') will be required to work cooperatively 
with stakeholders in the countries, including Ministries/Departments of 
Education and Labor, trade unions, employer organizations, and other 
relevant partners to identify the number and location of target groups, 
gather and correlate knowledge, attitude, and behavior survey data, and 
assess level of capacity and infrastructure of targeted groups and 
geographic locations.

B. Deliverables

    Following the award of the cooperative agreement(s), unless 
otherwise indicated, the applicant must submit copies of all required 
reports to USDOL by the specified due dates. Other documents, such as 
project designs, are to be submitted by mutually agreed-upon deadlines.
    1. Project Designs. The grantee(s) will travel to each country with 
USDOL officials on a project design mission trip, draft the design, and 
submit a project document in the format established by USDOL, to 
include a background/justification section, project strategy 
(objectives, outputs, activities, indicators), project implementation 
timetable, project management organizational chart, project budget, 
logical framework and performance monitoring plan to systematically 
monitor project results. The document will also include sections, which 
cover coordination strategies, project management, and sustainability 
of project improvements involving government, employers' and workers' 
organizations as well as other nongovernmental organizations as 
appropriate. Each project design will be drawn, in part, from the 
proposal written in response to this solicitation.
    2. Trip Reports. Within ten (10) days of the conclusion of each 
field mission, a two-page trip report (exclusive of contact 
information) will be submitted to USDOL, including purpose of trip, 
places and dates, list of meetings, site visits, problems encountered, 
accomplishments, next steps, and an appendix of names and contact 
information of persons met.
    3. Technical Progress Reports. The grantee(s) must furnish a typed 
technical report to USDOL on a quarterly basis, no later than 15 days 
from the last date of each quarter, e.g., 31 March, 30 June, 30 
September and 31 December of each year. The second and fourth quarter 
reports are abbreviated and need only indicate whether the work plan 
was fully implemented and if not, explain why not and attach the 
amended work plan. The grantee(s) must also furnish a separate 
financial report (SF 242) to USDOL on the same quarterly basis. The 
format for the technical progress report will be the standard format 
developed by USDOL and must contain the following information:
    a. For each project objective, an accurate account of activities 
carried out under that objective during the reporting period as it 
relates to the work plan;
    b. Major trends in the project that note particular success with a 
particular activity or trends that indicate a need to re-adjust or 
expand the work plan;
    c. An account of problems, proposed solutions, actions taken or 
required regarding implementation of the project;
    d. New proposals for activities, staffing, funding, etc;
    e. Lessons learned in project implementation;
    f. Future actions planned in support of each project objective;
    g. An accounting of staff and any sub-contractor hours expended;
    h. Expenditures vs. Budget;
    i. An accounting of travel performed under the cooperative 
agreement during the reporting period, including purpose of trip, 
persons or organizations contacted, and benefits derived; and
    j. Aggregate amount of costs incurred during the reporting period.
    4. Annual Work Plan. An annual work plan for each project will be 
submitted within 45 days after the approval of the project design by 
USDOL. Subsequent annual work plans will be delivered as and when 
amended to reflect modifications in implementation, no later than one 
year following submission of previous work plan; or to reflect 
amendments based on recommendations made during mid-term evaluations, 
no later than 30 days following the mid-term evaluation.
    5. Monitoring and Evaluation. A performance monitoring plan will be 
developed in collaboration with USDOL, including beginning and ending 
dates for projects, planned and actual dates for mid-term and final 
project evaluations and included as part of the submission of the 
project document for USDOL approval. The monitoring plan will be 
prepared after completion of baseline surveys, including revision of 
indicators provided in project documents. The plan will include 
performance indicators and instruments to collect and report on 
performance data on a semi-annual basis.
    6. Evaluation Reports. The Grant Officer's Technical Representative 
(GOTR) will determine on a case-by-case basis whether mid-term 
evaluations will be conducted by an internal or external evaluation 
team. All final evaluations will be external in nature. The grantee(s) 
must respond to any comments and recommendations resulting from the 
review of the mid-term report and will submit a work plan for 
implementing the recommendations of the mid-term report within 15 days 
following formal submission of the report to the grantee(s) by USDOL.

C. Production of Deliverables

    Materials Prepared and Purchased Under the Cooperative Agreement. 
The grantee(s) must submit to USDOL all media-related and educational 
materials developed under this cooperative agreement(s), including 
relevant press releases, for use in this project(s) before they are 
reproduced, published, or used. The grantee(s) must consult with USDOL 
to ensure that materials are compatible with USDOL materials relating 
to the program, e.g., public relations material such as video and web 
site. USDOL considers brochures,

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pamphlets, videotapes, slide-tape shows, curricula, and any other 
training materials used in the program, educational materials. USDOL 
will review materials for technical accuracy. USDOL will also review 
training curricula and purchased training materials for accuracy before 
they are used. The grantee(s) must obtain prior approval from the Grant 
Officer for all materials developed or purchased under this cooperative 
agreement(s). All materials produced by grantee(s) must be provided to 
USDOL in a digital format for possible publication on the Internet by 
USDOL.
    Acknowledgment of USDOL Funding. In all circumstances, the 
following must be displayed on printed materials:
    ``Preparation of this item was funded by the United States 
Department of Labor under Cooperative Agreement No. [insert the 
appropriate cooperative agreement number].
    When issuing statements, press releases, requests for proposals, 
bid solicitations, and other documents describing projects or programs 
funded in whole or in part with Federal money, all grantees receiving 
Federal funds, including State and local governments and recipients of 
research grants, must clearly state:
    a. The percentage of the total costs of the program or project, 
which will be financed with Federal money;
    b. The dollar amount of Federal funds for the project or program; 
and
    c. The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the 
project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.
    In consultation with USDOL, identification of USDOL's role will be 
determined to be one of the following:
    a. The USDOL logo may be applied to USDOL-funded material prepared 
for world-wide distribution, including posters, videos, pamphlets, 
research documents, national survey results, impact evaluations, best 
practice reports, and other publications of global interest. The 
grantee(s) will consult with USDOL on whether the logo should be used 
on any such items prior to final draft or final preparation for 
distribution. In no event shall the USDOL logo be placed on any item 
until USDOL has given the grantee written permission to use the logo, 
after obtaining appropriate internal USDOL approval for use of the logo 
on the item.
    b. If the USDOL determines the logo is not appropriate and does not 
give written permission, the following notice must appear on the 
document:
    ``This document does not necessarily reflect the views or policies 
of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, 
commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. 
Government.''

D. Administrative Requirements

    1. General. Grantee organizations will be subject to applicable 
Federal laws (including provisions of appropriations law) and the 
applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars. 
Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance with the 
applicable Federal cost principles, e.g. Non-Profit Organizations--OMB 
Circular A-122. The cooperative agreement(s) awarded under this SGA 
will be subject to the following administrative standards and 
provisions, if applicable:
    29 CFR Part 36--Federal Standards for Nondiscrimination on the 
Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal 
Financial Assistance.
    29 CFR Part 93--New Restrictions on Lobbying.
    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, Foreign 
Governments, Organizations Under the Jurisdiction of Foreign 
Governments and International Organizations.
    29 CFR Part 96--Federal Standards for Audit of Federally Funded 
Grants, Contracts and Agreements.
    29 CFR Part 98--Federal Standards for Government wide Debarment and 
Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-
Free Workplace (Grants).
    29 CRF Part 99--Federal Standards for Audits of States, Local 
Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.
    1. Sub-contracts. Sub-contracts and contracts must be awarded in 
accordance with 29 CFR 95.40-48. In compliance with Executive Orders 
12876 as amended, 13230, 12928, 13021 as amended and 13198 as amended, 
the grantee(s) is strongly encouraged to provide sub-contracting 
opportunities to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, 
Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges and Universities.
    2. Key Personnel. The applicant must list the individual(s) who has 
(have) been designated as having primary responsibility for the conduct 
and completion of all work in project(s) it proposes. The grantee(s) 
agrees to inform the GOTR whenever it appears impossible for one or 
more of these individual(s) to continue work on the project as planned. 
The grantee(s) may nominate substitute personnel for approval of the 
GOTR; however, the grantee(s) must obtain prior approval from the Grant 
Officer for all key personnel. If the Grant Officer determines not to 
approve the personnel change, he/she reserves the right to terminate 
the cooperative agreement.
    3. Encumbrance of Cooperative Agreement Funds. Cooperative 
agreement funds may not be encumbered/obligated by the grantee(s) 
before or after the cooperative agreement period of performance. 
Encumbrances/obligations outstanding as of the end of the cooperative 
agreement period may be liquidated (paid out) after the end of the 
cooperative agreement period. Such encumbrances/obligations may involve 
only commitments for which a need existed during the cooperative 
agreement period and which are supported by approved contracts, 
purchase orders, requisitions, invoices, bills, or other evidence of 
liability consistent with the grantee(s)'s purchasing procedures and 
incurred within the cooperative agreement period. All encumbrances/
obligations incurred during the cooperative agreement period must be 
liquidated within 90 days after the end of the cooperative agreement 
period, if practicable.
    5. Site Visits. USDOL, through its authorized representatives, has 
the right, at all reasonable times, to make site visits to review 
project accomplishments and management control systems and to provide 
such technical assistance as may be required. If USDOL makes any site 
visit on the premises of the grantee(s) or a sub-contractor(s) under 
this cooperative agreement(s), the grantee(s) must provide and must 
require its sub-contractors to provide all reasonable facilities and 
assistance for the safety and convenience of the Government 
representatives in the performance of their duties. All site visits and 
evaluations must be performed in such a manner as will not unduly delay 
the work.

V. Review and Selection of Applications for Cooperative Agreement 
Award

A. The Review Process

    USDOL will screen all applications to determine whether all 
required elements are present and clearly identifiable. A technical 
panel will objectively rate each complete application against the 
criteria described in this announcement. The panel recommendations to 
the Grant Officer are advisory in nature. The Grant Officer may elect 
to select one or more

[[Page 43146]]

grantees on the basis of the initial proposal submission; or, the Grant 
Officer may establish a competitive or technically acceptable range for 
the purpose of selecting qualified applicants. If deemed appropriate, 
following the Grant Officer's call for the preparation and receipt of 
final revisions of proposals, the evaluation process described above 
will be repeated to consider such revisions. The Grant Officer will 
make a final selection determination based on what is most advantageous 
to the Government, considering factors such as panel findings, 
geographic presence of the applicants, and the availability of funds. 
The Grant Officer's determination for award under this SGA 02-11 is 
final.

    Notice: Selection of an organization as a cooperative agreement 
recipient does not constitute approval of the cooperative agreement 
application as submitted. Before the actual cooperative agreement is 
awarded, the Grant Officer will enter into negotiations concerning 
such items as program components, funding levels, and administrative 
systems. If the negotiations do not result in an acceptable 
submission, the Grant Officer reserves the right to terminate the 
negotiation and decline to fund the proposal.

B. Rating Criteria and Selection

    The technical panel will review applicants against the criteria 
listed below on the basis of 100 points with up to additional five 
points available for non-federal or leveraged resources.
    The criteria are presented in the order of emphasis that they will 
receive.
    1. Approach, Understanding of the Issue, and Budget Plan (50 
points).
    a. Overview. This section of the proposal must explain the strategy 
employed by the applicant to achieve the following results:
    (1) The applicant's proposed method for demonstrating that 80% of 
the targeted population exhibits knowledge of accurate information 
regarding HIV/AIDS/STI/TB prevention and methods of infection;
    (2) The applicant's proposed method for achieving responsible 
behavior among 50% of the targeted population in support of reducing 
the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus;
    (3) Development and implementation of workplace policies designed 
to reduce discrimination of HIV/AIDS infected workers in 60% of 
targeted worksites; and
    (4) The other expected outcomes over the period of performance for 
each of the tasks.
    The applicant must describe in detail the proposed approach to 
comply with each requirement in Section IV.A of this solicitation, 
including all tasks and methods to be utilized to implement the 
project. Also, the applicant must explain the rationale for using this 
approach. In addition, this section of the proposal must demonstrate 
the applicant's thorough knowledge and understanding of the impact of 
HIV/AIDS on the workplace, best-practice solutions to the problem, 
working with the tripartite partners, and work that has been done in 
the field as applied to the country or countries that are the focus of 
this program.
    b. Logical Framework The strategy should include an outline of the 
objectives, activities and indicators envisioned for implementation of 
the program.
    c. Implementation Plan The applicant must submit an implementation 
plan for the entire program, preferably with a visual such as a Gantt 
chart. The implementation plan should outline the approach that will be 
used to implement the program. The plan should list the activities 
envisioned for the life of the program as well as scheduling of 
activities by objective starting with the execution of the cooperative 
agreement and ending with the final report. In describing the 
implementation plan, the applicant must address the following points:
    (1) Describe the use of existing or potential infrastructure and 
use of qualified personnel, including qualified nationals, to implement 
the projects in West Africa (Benin, Ghana and Togo), the Caribbean 
(Guyana and Belize), Namibia, Mozambique, Cambodia and Malawi. One 
chart for the entire program is acceptable if the approach will be 
uniform in all project countries. The applicant also must include a 
project organizational chart, demonstrating management structure, key 
personnel positions and indicating proposed links with the relevant 
Government ministries, employer organizations, trade unions and other 
significant local actors.
    (2) Develop a list of activities and explain how each relates to 
the overall development objective of reducing the rate of HIV/AIDS 
infection through workplace prevention and education programs and 
creating a supportive workplace environment for people living with HIV/
AIDS.
    (3) Explain how appropriate IEC materials and training curriculum 
will be developed.
    (4) Explain the strategy for providing HIV/AIDS prevention and 
education program in the workplace. Outline how the tripartite partners 
will be involved in the implementation of this component.
    (5) Explain the strategy for assisting business and labor to 
develop appropriate workplace policy statements to address issues 
stemming from the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.
    (6) Demonstrate how the applicant will strengthen national 
institutions and policies on HIV/AIDS and discrimination in the 
workplace.
    (7) Demonstrate how the applicant will systematically report on 
project performance to measure the achievement of the project 
objective(s).
    (8) Demonstrate how the applicant will build the national and local 
capacity to ensure that project efforts to reduce the incidence of HIV/
AIDS in the workplace are sustained after completion of the project.
    (9) For Malawi only, describe the strategy to expand access to job 
skills training and employment for young adults affected by HIV/AIDS, 
work with local stakeholders to address the needs of young adults 
affected by HIV/AIDS in the workforce and prepare an HIV/AIDS 
prevention program for the target population in Malawi that results in 
responsible behavior change among the targeted population.
    d. Management and Staff Loading Plan. The management plan must also 
include a management and staff loading plan. The management plan should 
include the following:
    (1) A project organization chart and accompanying narrative which 
differentiates between elements of the applicant's staff and sub-
contractors or consultants who will be retained;
    (2) A description of the functional relationship between elements 
of the project's organization; and (3)The identity of the individual 
responsible for project management and the lines of authority between 
this individual and other elements of the project.
    The staff loading plan must identify all key tasks and the person-
days required to complete each task. Labor estimates for each task must 
be broken down by individuals assigned to the task, including sub-
contractors and consultants. All key tasks must be charted to show time 
required to perform them by months or weeks.
    This section will be evaluated in accordance with applicable 
Federal laws and regulations. The budget must comply with Federal cost 
principles (which can be found in the applicable OMB Circulars) and 
with ILAB budget requirements contained in the application instructions 
in Section III of this solicitation.
    e. Budget Plan The applicant must develop one proposed budget for 
implementation of projects in all six

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countries. This section of the application must explain the costs for 
performing all of the requirements presented in this solicitation and 
for producing all required reports and other deliverables presented in 
this solicitation; costs must include labor, training, material 
production and dissemination, equipment, travel and other related 
costs. The budget plan will be evaluated solely for the purpose of 
determining the efficient and effective allocation of funding for 
proposed program implementation. Preference may be given to applicants 
with low administrative costs. Administrative costs shall be reflected 
separately on the budget plan from programmatic costs.
    2. Experience and Qualifications of the Applicant (25 points)
    The evaluation criteria in this category are as follows:
    a. The applicant, including any partners or co-applicants, must 
demonstrate experience with HIV/AIDS/STI/TB prevention; working 
directly with government Ministries, employers' organizations, trade 
unionists and other local organizations e.g. community based or faith 
based groups; analyzing labor law relating to discrimination; 
developing workplace policy statements addressing issues relating to 
discrimination; and implementing workplace education programs either in 
the country or countries in which it proposes project(s) or that it has 
broad experience of working with such entities, with experience in the 
above areas. Organizations applying in partnership or as co-applicants 
must submit a signed letter of agreement between the parties verifying 
the intention of the parties to work together to implement the program. 
The partnership agreement must include a designation for the lead 
organization.
    b. The capability of the applicant(s) for the workforce development 
project may be demonstrated by one or more staff members assigned to 
oversee the project with experience in the following area:
    (1) Workforce Development or Human Capacity Development;
    (2) Coordinating with the Ministries of Labor and Education, 
Employer Organizations, non-governmental organizations and Trade Union 
officials; and
    (3) Providing HIV/AIDS prevention and HIV/AIDS psychosocial 
services to young adults.
    c. The applicant(s) must also demonstrate either that it has an 
international system of operations either by affiliates or by agreement 
in the regions identified in Section I.B or that it has an effective 
system of operations in each designated country. These contacts must 
enable the applicant(s) to demonstrate that it can perform in the 
above-mentioned countries.
    d. The applicant must include information regarding previous 
grants, contracts or cooperative agreements. This information must 
include:
    (1) The organization for whom the work was done;
    (2) A contact person in that organization with his/her current 
phone number;
    (3) The dollar value of the grant, contract or cooperative 
agreement for the project(s);
    (4) The time frame and professional effort involved in the 
project(s);
    (5) A brief summary of the work performed; and
    (6) A brief summary of accomplishments.
    This information on previous grants and contracts shall be provided 
in appendices and will not count in the 40-page maximum page 
requirement.
    3. Experience and Qualifications of Key Personnel (25 points)
    This section of the application must include sufficient information 
for judging the quality and the competence of key staff proposed to be 
assigned to the project(s) proposed to assure that they meet the 
required qualifications. Successful performance of the proposed work 
depends heavily on the qualifications of the individuals committed to 
the program. Accordingly, in its evaluation of the applicant's 
proposal, USDOL will place emphasis on the applicant's commitment of 
key personnel qualified for the work involved in accomplishing the 
assigned tasks. Information provided on the experience and educational 
background of personnel must indicate the following:
    a. The identity of key personnel assigned to the project. ``Key 
personnel'' are staff who are essential to the successful operation of 
the project and completion of the proposed work and, therefore, may not 
be replaced or have their hours reduced without the approval of the 
Grant Officer.
    b. The educational background and experience of all staff to be 
assigned to the project.
    c. The special capabilities of staff that demonstrate prior 
experience in organizing, managing and performing similar efforts.
    d. The current employment status of staff and availability for this 
project. The applicant must also indicate whether the proposed work 
will be performed by persons currently employed or is dependent upon 
planned recruitment or sub-contracting.
    Note that management and professional technical staff members 
comprising the applicant's proposed team should be individuals who have 
prior experience with organizations working in similar efforts, and are 
fully qualified to perform work specified in the Statement of Work. 
Where sub-contractors or outside assistance is proposed, organizational 
control should be clearly delineated to ensure responsiveness to the 
needs of USDOL. Key personnel must sign letters of agreement to serve 
on the project, and indicate availability to commence work within three 
weeks of grant award. The following information must be furnished:
    a. The applicant must designate a Program Director to oversee the 
project(s) and other key personnel to perform the requirements for the 
International HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Program and Malawi workforce 
development program for young adults affected by HIV/AIDS. The Program 
Director must have a minimum of three years of professional experience 
in a leadership role in implementation of complex HIV/AIDS/STI/TB 
prevention and education programs in developing countries in areas such 
as behavior change intervention, development of IEC materials, HIV/AIDS 
policy development, and monitoring and evaluation of HIV/AIDS projects.
    b. The applicant should specify other personnel proposed to carry 
out the requirements of this solicitation.
    c. An organization chart showing the applicant's proposed 
organizational structure for performing task requirements for the 
project(s) proposed, along with a description of the roles and 
responsibilities of all key personnel proposed for this project(s). The 
chart should also differentiate between elements of the applicant's 
staff and sub-contractors or consultants who will be retained.
    d. The applicant must identify all key tasks and the person-days 
required to complete each task. Labor estimates for each task must be 
broken down by individuals assigned to the task, including sub-
contractors and consultants. All key tasks must be charted to show time 
required to perform them by months or weeks.
    e. A resume for each of the key personnel to be assigned to the 
program. At a minimum, each resume must include: the individual's 
current employment status and previous work experience, including 
position title, duties performed, dates in position, employing 
organizations and educational background. Duties must be

[[Page 43148]]

clearly defined in terms of role performed, e.g., manager, team leader, 
consultant, etc. (Resumes must be included as attachments, which do not 
count against the page limitation).
    f. The special capabilities of staff that demonstrate prior 
experience in organization, managing and performing similar efforts.
    g. The current employment status of key personnel proposed for work 
under the cooperative agreement, e.g., whether personnel are currently 
employed by the organization or whether their employment depends upon 
planned recruitment or sub-contracting. Note that the key management 
and professional technical staff members comprising the applicant's 
proposed team must be individuals who have prior experience with 
organizations working in similar efforts, and must be fully qualified 
to perform work specified in the Statement of Work. Where sub-
contractors or outside assistance are proposed, organizational control 
must be clearly delineated to ensure responsiveness to the needs of the 
USDOL.
    5. Leveraging of Funding (5 points). We will give up to five (5) 
additional rating points to applications that include non-Federal 
resources that significantly expand the dollar amount, size and scope 
of the proposal. The applicant may include any leveraging or co-funding 
anticipated. To be eligible for additional points under this criterion, 
the applicant must list the source(s) of funds, the nature, and 
activities anticipated with these funds under this cooperative 
agreement, and any partnerships, linkages or coordination of 
activities, and/or cooperative funding.
    This stated commitment will be incorporated into the text of the 
cooperative agreement with the selected applicant(s).

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 20th day of June, 2002.
Lawrence J. Kuss,
Grant Officer.

Attachments:

Appendix A: SF 424--Application Form

Appendix B: Budget Information Sheet

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[FR Doc. 02-16100 Filed 6-25-02; 8:45 am]
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