[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 5, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10509-10529]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-5086]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Veterans' Employment and Training Service


Non-Urban Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program Competitive 
Grants for PY 2003

AGENCY: Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Labor.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for grant 
applications (SGA) for Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs (HVRP) 
(SGA 03-03).

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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 non-urban 
grants for Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs (HVRP) authorized 
under the Homeless Veterans' Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 
(HVCAA) for HVRP grants for non-urban areas. 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, support services and assistance. 
Under this solicitation, VETS anticipates that up to $2.0 million will 
be available for grant awards in Program Year (PY) 2003 and expects to 
award up to fifteen (15) 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. VETS in Program 
Year (PY) 2003 will continue to seek applicants that provide direct 
services through a case management approach, link with Federal, State 
and Local resources for homeless veterans and have clear strategies for 
employment and retention of the homeless.

DATES: Applications are to be submitted, including those hand 
delivered, to the address below by no later than 4:45 p.m., eastern 
standard time, April 21, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be directed to the U.S. Department of 
Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra Willis, 
Reference SGA 03-03, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., 
Washington, DC 20210.
    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 
03-

[[Page 10510]]

03), all applicants must register their name and address with the Grant 
Officer at the following address: U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement 
Services Center, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, 
DC 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: All applicants are advised that U.S. 
mail delivery in the Washington, DC area has been erratic due to the 
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:

I. Background

    Section 5 of the Homeless Veterans' Comprehensive Assistance Act of 
2001 (HVCAA) amended the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs at 38 
U.S.C. 2021, (HVCAA) 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.''
    The Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Project (HVRP) was the first 
nationwide Federal program that focused on placing homeless veterans 
into jobs. Both types of programs, urban and non-urban, in the past 
have provided valuable information on approaches that work in the 
different environments.

II. Application Process

A. Potential Jurisdictions To Be Served

    This SGA is for non-urban HVRP grants. Separate SGAs for urban and 
new grantees HVRP grants have been issued at the same time. Due to 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 non-urban competition for HVRPs in PY 2003 are the areas 
outside of the 75 U.S. cities largest in population and the city of San 
Juan, Puerto Rico. The 75 U.S. cities largest in population are listed 
in Appendix G.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Applications for funds will be accepted from State and local 
workforce investment boards, local public agencies, for-profit/
commercial entities, 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 
sections 111 and 117 of the Workforce Investment Act, are eligible 
applicants, as well as State and local public agencies.
    2. Local public agencies, 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, 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 for-profit/commercial entities and 
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 $2.0 
million. It is anticipated that up to 15 awards may be made under this 
solicitation. Awards are expected to range from $150,000 to $200,000. 
The Department of Labor reserves the right to negotiate the amounts to 
be awarded under this competition. Please be advised that requests 
exceeding the $200,000 will be considered non-responsive.

D. Period of Performance

    The period of performance will be for twelve (12) months from date 
of award unless modified. It is expected that successful applicants 
will commence program operations under this solicitation by July 1, 
2003. Program funds must be obligated by June 30, 2004, however, funds 
may be reserved for limited activities of close-out.

E. Optional Year Funding

    Should there be action by Congress to appropriate funds for this 
purpose, optional year funding may be considered. The government does 
not, however, guarantee optional year funding for any awardee. Should 
VETS decide that an option year for funding be exercised, the grantees' 
performance during the previous period of operations will be taken into 
consideration as follows:
    1. The grantee must meet at minimum 85% of planned goals for 
Federal expenditures, enrollments, and placements in each quarter; and
    2. The grantee must be in compliance with all terms identified in 
the solicitation for grant application, general and special provisions.
    3. All program and fiscal reports must have been submitted by the 
established due date and must be verifiable for accuracy.
    All instructions for modifications and announcement of fund 
availability will be issued at a later date. For these competitive 
grants, only two optional years of HVRP funding may be available.

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. The proposal must consist of two (2) separate and distinct 
parts: (a) The technical proposal and (b) the cost proposal; one (1) 
completed, blue ink-signed original SF 424 grant application with an 
original and two (2) copies of the Technical Proposal; and an original 
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

[[Page 10511]]

at the Office of Procurement Services after 4:45 p.m. e.t., April 21, 
2003, 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 April 21, 2003; or
    2. It was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day 
Service-Post Office to Addressee, not later than 5 p.m. at the place of 
mailing two (2) working days, excluding weekends and Federal holidays, 
prior to April 21, 2003; and
    3. It is determined by the government that the late receipt was due 
solely to mishandling by the government after receipt at the U.S. 
Department of Labor at the address indicated.
    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.
    All applicants are advised that U.S. mail delivery in the 
Washington, DC area has been erratic due to the 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.

III. 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 designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular 
sleeping accommodation for human beings. (42 U.S.C. 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. (38 U.S.C. 101(2))

IV. 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 (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.

V. Program Summary

A. Program Concept and Emphasis

    The HVRP grants under section 5 of the Homeless Veterans' 
Comprehensive Assistance Act (HVCAA) of 2001 are intended to address 
two objectives: (1) To provide services to assist in reintegrating 
homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the

[[Page 10512]]

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 2003 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:
    1. 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 veterans 
who have experience in dealing with, and an understanding of the needs 
of the homeless.
    2. Coordination with veterans' services programs and organizations 
such as:
    [sbull] Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists, 
Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) in the State 
Employment Security/Job Service Agencies (SESAs) or in the workforce 
development system's One-Stop Centers, and Veterans' Workforce 
Investment Programs (VWIPs);
    [sbull] Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) services, including 
its Health Care for Homeless Veterans, Domiciliary, and other programs, 
including those offering transitional housing; and
    [sbull] 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);

    3. Referral to necessary treatment services, rehabilitative 
services, and counseling including, but not limited to:
    [sbull] Alcohol and drugs;
    [sbull] Medical;
    [sbull] Post Traumatic Stress Disorder;
    [sbull] Mental health;
    [sbull] Coordinating with McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (MHAA) 
title VI programs for health care for the homeless (health care 
programs under the HVCAA);
    4. Referral to housing assistance provided by, for example:
    [sbull] Local shelters;
    [sbull] Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) food and 
shelter programs;
    [sbull] Transitional housing programs and single room occupancy 
housing programs funded under MHAA title IV (and under the HVCAA);
    [sbull] Permanent housing programs for the handicapped homeless 
funded under MHAA title IV (and under the HVCAA);
    [sbull] Department of Veterans' Affairs programs that provide for 
leasing or sale of acquired homes to homeless providers; and
    5. Employment and training services such as:
    [sbull] Basic skills instruction;
    [sbull] Remedial education activities;
    [sbull] Job search activities, including job search workshops;
    [sbull] Job counseling;
    [sbull] Job preparatory training, including resume writing and 
interviewing skills;
    [sbull] Subsidized trial employment (work experience);
    [sbull] On-the-job training;
    [sbull] Classroom training;
    [sbull] Job placement in unsubsidized employment;
    [sbull] Placement follow up services; and
    [sbull] Services provided under WIA.

C. Results-Oriented Model

    No model is mandatory, but the applicant must design a program that 
is responsive to the local needs, and will carry out the objectives of 
the program to successfully reintegrate homeless veterans into the 
workforce.
    Under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), Congress 
and the public are looking for program results rather than program 
processes. The outcome measurement established for HVRP grants is for 
grantees to meet a minimum entered employment rate of 56%, e.g., number 
of entered employments divided by enrollments (these outcomes will be 
reported quarterly on Technical Performance Goals Form, Appendix D). 
While entering employment is a viable outcome, it will be necessary to 
measure results over a longer term (retention) to determine the success 
of programs.
    The following program discussion must be considered in a program 
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, needs and barrier to 
employment. 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 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. Grantees, prior to the end of the grant performance period, 
must obligate funds to ensure that follow-up activities are completed. 
Such results will be reported in the final technical performance 
report.

[[Page 10513]]

VI. Required Content

    There are seven program activities that all applications must 
contain to be found technically acceptable under this SGA. Programs 
must be ``employment focused'' and must be responsive to the rating 
criteria in section IX. These activities are:
    1. Outreach;
    2. Pre-enrollment assessments;
    3. Employment Development Plans for all clients;
    4. Case management;
    5. Job placement and job retention follow-up (at 90 and 180 days) 
after individual enters employment.
    6. Utilization of DVOP and LVER staff in service delivery.
    7. Programs must show community linkages with other programs and 
services which provide support to homeless veterans.

VII. Proposal Content

    The proposal consists of two separate and distinct parts, part 1 is 
the technical proposal and part 2 is the cost proposal. The information 
provided in these two parts is essential in gaining an understanding of 
the programmatic and fiscal contents of the grant proposal.
    A. Part 1--The Technical Proposal consists 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 narrative must 
not exceed fifteen (15) pages double-spaced, font size no less than 11 
pt., and typewritten on one side of the paper only. (The applicant also 
must complete the forms, i.e., Technical Performance Goals chart 
provided in the SGA, Appendix D.)
    The proposal must include an outreach component which uses veterans 
whenever possible to provide outreach. Coordination with the Disabled 
Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists and Local Veterans' 
Employment Representatives (LVER) in the jurisdiction is required.
    Programs must 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 for the technical proposal is strongly 
recommended:
    1. Need for the program: 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 
Labor Market Information (LMI) on the outlook for job opportunities in 
the service area.
    2. Approach or strategy to increase employment and job retention: 
Applicants must be responsive to the Rating Criteria contained in 
section IX and address all of the rating factors as thoroughly as 
possible in the narrative. The applicant must: (a) Outline the type(s) 
of training available--is training for demand occupations, 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 VII); 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 Representatives (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 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. If Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) or other 
service agreements exist with other service providers, copies should be 
provided.
    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. If Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) or 
other service agreements exist with other service providers, copies 
should be provided.
    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 to provide required program 
activities: The applicant's relevant current or prior experience in 
operating employment and training programs should be clearly described. 
The applicant must provide information showing outcomes of all past 
programs in terms of enrollments and placements. An applicant which has 
operated a HVRP or other Homeless 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 is not allowed to use HVRP resources to 
support housing needs.

    Note: Resumes, charts, standard forms, transmittal letters, 
MOUs, agreements, lists of contracts and grants, and letters of 
support are not included in the page count. (If provided include 
these documents as attachments to the technical proposal.)

    B. Part 2--Cost Proposal must contain: (1) the Standard Form (SF) 
424, ``Application for Federal Assistance'' (original, signed in blue 
ink), (2) the Standard Form (SF) 424A ``Budget Information Sheet'' in 
Appendix B, and

[[Page 10514]]

(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. All applicants must 
submit evidence of satisfactory financial management capability, which 
must include recent financial and/or audit statements.
    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program 
is 17.805. It must be entered on the SF 424, block 10.
    All applicants must include, as a separate appendix, a list of all 
government grants and contracts that it has had in the past three (3) 
years, including grant/contract officer contact information. Veterans' 
Employment and Training Service reserves the right to have a 
representative within each State review and verify this data. 
Applicants can expect that the cost proposal will be reviewed for 
allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of placement and 
enrollment costs.

VIII. The Cost Proposal Narrative Information

    As an attachment to the Budget Information Sheet (SF 424A), the 
applicant must provide, at a minimum, and on separate sheet(s), the 
following information:
    A. A breakout of all personnel costs by position, title, salary 
rates, and percent of time of each position to be devoted to the 
proposed project (including sub-awardees);
    B. An explanation and breakout of extraordinary fringe benefit 
rates and associated charges (i.e., rates exceeding 35% of salaries and 
wages);
    C. An explanation of the purpose and composition of, and method 
used to derive the costs of each of the following: travel, equipment, 
supplies, sub-awards/contracts, and any other costs. The applicant must 
include costs of any required travel described in this Solicitation. 
Mileage charges may not exceed 36 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. A 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. An 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.

IX. 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 
geographic service areas. While points will not be awarded for cost 
issues, cost per entered employment will be given serious consideration 
in the selection of awardee. The Grant Officer's determination for 
award under SGA 03-03 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: (a) The potential number or concentration of homeless 
individuals and homeless veterans in the proposed project area relative 
to other similar areas of jurisdiction; (b) the high rates of poverty 
and/or unemployment in the proposed project area as determined by the 
census or other surveys; and (c) 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 how they will 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 
services 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 (including 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, entered employment/
placements and job retention. (See Appendix D.) Of the 40 points 
possible in the strategy to increase employment and retention, 5 
points will be awarded to grant proposals that demonstrate the 
ability to maintain a six month employment retention rate of 50 
percent or greater.

    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

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providing services to participants similar to those which are 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 capability and ability 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 may not be used to purchase housing or vehicles.

X. Post-Award Conference

    A Post-Award conference will be held for those grantees awarded PY 
2003 HVRP funds from the competition. It is expected to be held in May 
or June, 2003. 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 plan on 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.

XI. 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, if 
required; and (ii) a timetable for accomplishment of the corrective 
action.

C. 90 Day Follow-Up Report

    The grantee must submit no later than 120 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); and
    2. Technical Performance Report--(Program Goals).

D. Six (6) Month Follow-Up/Closeout 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); and
    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) 
whether the veterans are still employed at the same or similar job, if 
not what are the reasons; (d) whether the training received was 
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.

XII. Administrative Provisions

A. Limitation on Administrative and Indirect Costs

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. Rates traceable and trackable through the State Workforce 
Agency's Cost Accounting System represent an acceptable means of 
allocating costs to DOL and, therefore, can be approved for use in 
grants to State Workforce Agencies.

B. Administrative Standards and Provisions

    Unless specifically provided in the grant agreement, DOL's 
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 provide 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, if applicable:
    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.
    4. 29 CFR part 97--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
    5. 29 CFR part 98--Federal standards for 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.

[[Page 10516]]

    7. 29 CFR parts 30, 31, 32, 33 and 36--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; Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in 
Programs and Activities; and Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in 
Education Programs Receiving or Benefiting from Federal Financial 
Assistance.
    Notice that an organization has been selected as a grant recipient 
does not constitute approval of the grant application as submitted. 
Before the actual grant award, VETS may enter into negotiations 
concerning such items as program components, funding levels, and 
administrative systems. If the negotiations do not result in an 
acceptable submittal, the Grant Officer reserves the right to terminate 
the negotiation and decline to fund the proposal.

    Signed in Washington, DC this 27th day of February, 2003.
Daniel P. Murphy,
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. 03-5086 Filed 3-4-03; 8:45 am]
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