[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 103 (Thursday, May 29, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32090-32106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13399]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of Disability Employment Policy

[SGA 03-08]


Home Modification Grants

AGENCY: Office of Disability Employment Policy, Department of Labor.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds; solicitation for grant 
applications (SGA).

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    This notice contains all of the necessary information and forms 
needed to apply for grant funding. (SGA 03-08).

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the Office of Disability 
Employment Policy (ODEP) announces the availability of $500,000 to 
award up to ten competitive grants in the amount of $50,000 to $100,000 
each to provide home modifications as a means of further expanding the 
community integration of individuals with disabilities, and 
particularly those seeking employment. Grants will be awarded for a 12-
month period of performance. After one year of support, it is 
anticipated that the grantees will have identified and developed the 
funds and resources needed to continue the expansion of such home 
modification programs within their respective localities.
    For people with disabilities and older Americans, an often-cited 
barrier to participation in work and community life is the lack of 
affordable home modifications, such as ramps, widened doorways, lowered 
countertops and cabinetry accessible to those who use wheelchairs. Such 
modifications can often mean the difference between working and being 
unemployed, between being a taxpayer and a recipient of public 
assistance, and between true presence and participation in one's 
community and living in a nursing home. In Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 
581, 119 S.Ct. 2176 (1999) (the ``Olmstead decision''), the Supreme 
Court construed Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 
to require states to place qualified individuals with mental 
disabilities in community settings, rather than in institutions, 
whenever treatment professionals determine that such placement is 
appropriate, the affected persons do not oppose such placement, and the 
state can reasonably accommodate the placement, taking into account the 
resources available to the state and the needs of others with 
disabilities.
    In Olmstead, the Supreme Court stated that institutional placements 
of people with disabilities who can live in, and benefit from, 
community settings perpetuates the unwarranted assumptions that persons 
so isolated are incapable or unworthy of participating in community 
life. The Supreme Court stated that ``recognition that unjustified 
institutional isolation of persons with disabilities is a form of 
discrimination reflect[ed] two evident judgements'': (1) 
``institutional placements of people with disabilities who can live in, 
and benefit from, community settings perpetuates the unwarranted 
assumptions that persons so isolated are incapable or unworthy of 
participating in community life''; and (2) ``confinement in an 
institution severely diminishes everyday life activities of 
individuals, including family relations, social contacts, work options, 
economic independence, educational advancement, and cultural 
enrichment.'' Olmstead, 119 S.Ct. 2176, 2179, 2187 [emphasis added]. 
This decision affects not only all persons in institutions and 
segregated settings, but also people with disabilities who are at risk 
of institutionalization, including people with disabilities on waiting 
lists to receive community based services and supports. The President 
has made it very clear, through his New Freedom

[[Page 32091]]

Initiative and through his Executive Order to Federal Agencies on the 
implementation of the Olmstead decision, that every effort should be 
expended to ensure that people can live and work in their communities 
and are not forced to live in congregate facilities and to give up any 
hope of employment.
    The purpose of these grants, therefore, is to encourage the 
development of home modifications as a means to support individuals 
with disabilities as they seek and maintain employment.

DATES: Applications will be accepted May 29, 2003. The closing date for 
receipt of applications under this announcement is July 14, 2003. 
Applications must be received by 4:45 p.m. (ET) at the address below. 
No exceptions to the mailing and hand-delivery conditions set forth in 
this notice will be granted. Applications that do not meet the 
conditions set forth in this notice will be considered non-responsive.

ADDRESSES: Applications shall be mailed to: U.S. Department of Labor, 
Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra Willis, Reference SGA 
03-08, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. 
Telefacsimile (Fax) applications will not be accepted. Applicants are 
advised that mail delivery in the Washington area may be delayed due to 
mail decontamination procedures.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cassandra Willis, U.S. Department of 
Labor, Procurement Services Center, telephone (202) 693-4570 (this is 
not a toll-free number), prior to the closing deadline. Persons who are 
deaf or hard of hearing may contact DOL via the Federal Relay Service, 
(800) 877-8339. This announcement will also be published on the 
Internet on the ODEP's online Home Page at: http://www2.dol.gov/odep. 
Award notifications will also be published on the ODEP Homepage.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Part I. Delivery of Applications

1. Late Applications

    Any application received after the exact date and time specified 
for receipt at the office designated in this notice will be considered 
non-responsive, unless it is received before awards are made and it (a) 
is determined that its late receipt was caused by DOL error; (b) was 
sent by U.S. Postal Service registered or certified mail not later than 
the fifth calendar day before the date specified for receipt of 
applications (e.g., an application submitted in response to a 
solicitation requiring receipt of applications by the 20th of the month 
must have been post marked by the 15th of that month); or (c) was sent 
by the U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service to addressee 
not later than 5 p.m. at the place of mailing two working days prior to 
the date specified for receipt of applications. The term ``working 
days'' excludes weekends and Federal holidays. ``Post marked'' means a 
printed, stamped or otherwise placed impression (exclusive of a postage 
meter machine impression) that is readily identifiable, without further 
action, as having been supplied or affixed on the date of mailing by an 
employee of the U.S. Postal Service.

2. Withdrawal of Applications

    Applications may be withdrawn by written notice or telegram 
(including mail gram) received at any time before an award is made. 
Applications may be withdrawn in person by the applicant or by an 
authorized representative thereof, if the representative's identity is 
made known and the representative signs a receipt of the proposal.

3. Hand-Delivered Proposals

    It is preferred that applications be mailed at least five days 
prior to the closing date. To be considered for funding, hand-delivered 
applications must be received by 4:45 p.m., ET, at the specified 
address. Failure to adhere to the above instructions will be basis for 
a determination of non-responsiveness. Overnight express mail from 
carriers other than the U.S. Postal Service will be considered hand-
delivered applications and must be received by the above specified date 
and time.

Part II. Authority

    Omnibus Appropriations Resolution, 2003, Public Law 1087; 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001, Public Law 106-554, 29 U.S.C. 
557b.

Part III. Background and Purpose

Background

    Based on the 1995 American Housing Survey, almost 8.9 million 
housing units in the United States had at least one occupant who had a 
physical activity limitation--approximately 9.1 percent of the 97.7 
million occupied housing units that year. It is estimated that as many 
as 3.4 million (38.4 percent) of homes with at least one occupant with 
activity limitations had some type of home modification (such as grab 
bars and ramps). In 3.3 million (36.9 percent) of the homes, an 
occupant with activity limitations received help from another person. 
Canes, walkers, or crutches were used in 3.4 million (37.9 percent) of 
the homes; wheelchairs, 1.4 million (15.3 percent); motorized or 
electric carts, 161,000 (1.8 percent); and other devices, 462,000 (5.2 
percent). Approximately 5.1 million (57.4 percent) of the households in 
which a member had an activity limitation had no home modifications 
present.
    In general, funding to meet this significant home modification need 
is scarce nationally and eligibility is often limited for the few 
programs available that help an individual in need of home 
modifications. Assistance through the Veterans Administration for some 
modifications, for example, is only available to eligible veterans. 
Some Centers for Independent Living provide funds for such purposes, 
but the funding is extremely limited and not widely available, 
particularly in rural areas. The Social Security Administration may 
allow deductions for the cost of certain modifications from earned 
income, but only to participants in certain work programs and if the 
modifications are deemed required for employment outcomes. Vocational 
Rehabilitation may also provide funding for some home modifications, 
but only for those eligible individuals seeking employment. The Fair 
Housing Act mandates that the landlord allow a tenant to make 
modifications, but usually at their own expense and with the 
responsibility to return the rental property to its original state upon 
termination of the lease. The Department of Housing and Urban 
Development's (HUD) Section 203(b) loan program allows funding to be 
used for home modifications, but many simply cannot afford such loans.
    In many communities across the country, older Americans and people 
with disabilities must rely on faith-based and community organizations 
as well as charitable associations for such assistance. In many cases, 
such funding is simply not available at all. Often, individuals are, in 
essence, ``forced'' to leave their homes for nursing homes or assisted 
living facilities, or prevented from moving into otherwise affordable 
housing, due to such inaccessibility. Just as often, opportunities for 
employment must go unrealized due to an inability to leave one's house 
without great effort.

Purpose

    Through the President's Faith-Based and Community Initiative 
(FBCI), local faith-based and community organizations can take a 
leadership role in assisting individuals with disabilities to remain in 
their homes, or to move into accessible homes. To coordinate this 
effort, DOL is partnering with the Corporation for National and

[[Page 32092]]

Community Service (CNCS) and HUD to promote the development of home 
modifications as a means to encourage the employment of individuals 
with disabilities. This unique partnership will allow the Federal 
government to promote both the spirit and the responsibilities of both 
the New Freedom Initiative and the Olmstead Executive Order, while 
concurrently recognizing the valuable community roles played by 
America's faith-based and community organizations. Moreover, it is the 
intention of this solicitation to assist individuals with disabilities 
to remain in their homes or move into accessible housing and thereby 
directly facilitate and provide these employment supports to further 
their opportunities to seek and retain employment and training in their 
communities.

Part IV. Funding Availability and Period of Performance

    The ODEP anticipates awarding approximately up to ten competitive 
grants in the amount of $50,000 to $100,000 each to provide home 
modifications as a means of further expanding the community integration 
of individuals with disabilities, and particularly those seeking 
employment. Grants will be awarded for a 12-month period of 
performance. After one year of support, it is anticipated that the 
grantees will have identified and developed the funds and resources 
needed to continue the expansion of such home modification programs 
within their respective localities.
    This solicitation calls for the creation of several local programs 
to provide home modifications to assist individuals with disabilities 
and older Americans to live and work in their communities. Funding will 
be provided for local organizations to purchase materials, analyze 
accessibility, and build the necessary modifications. These 
organizations are encouraged to seek donations of materials and labor 
from local businesses, labor organizations, and community associations. 
In addition, these organizations are also strongly encouraged to work 
with their local Centers for Independent Living and other disability 
advocacy organizations to determine local need and potential resources.

Part V. Eligible Applicants and Required Partnerships

Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants include faith-based and community organizations 
that must be non-profit entities (although not 501(c)(4) entities 
subject to the Lobbying Disclosure Act) that also:
    (1) Have social services as a major part of their mission;
    (2) Are headquartered in the local community to which they provide 
these services; and
    (3) Have a total annual operating budget of $300,000 or less, or 
have six (6) or fewer full-time equivalent employees.

    Note: For purposes of this SGA, local affiliates of national 
social service organizations are not considered ``faith-based and 
community organizations'' and are not eligible to apply.

Part VI. Format Requirements for Grant Application

General Requirements

    Applicants must submit one (1) paper copy with an original 
signature and two (2) additional paper copies of their signed proposal. 
To aid with the review of applications, USDOL also encourages 
Applicants to submit an electronic copy of their proposal on a disc or 
CD using Microsoft Word. Applicants who do not provide an electronic 
copy will not be penalized. The Application Narrative must be double-
spaced with standard margins on 8\1/2\ x 11 papers, and be presented on 
single-sided, numbered pages with the exception of format requirements 
for the Executive Summary. The Executive Summary must be limited to no 
more than two single-spaced, single-sided pages on 8\1/2\ x 11 papers 
with standard margins throughout. A font size of at least twelve (12) 
pitch is required throughout. Applications that fail to meet these 
requirements will be considered non-responsive.
    The three required sections of the application are:

Section I--Project Financial Plan
Section II--Executive Summary--Project Synopsis
Section III--Project Narrative (including Attachments, not to exceed 15 
pages)

    Mandatory requirements for each section are provided as follows in 
this application package. Applications that fail to meet the stated 
mandatory requirements of each section will be considered non-
responsive.

Mandatory Application Requirements

    [sbull] Section I. Project Financial Plan (Budget) [The Project 
Financial Plan will not count against the application page limits.] 
Section I of the application must include the following three required 
parts:

(1) Completed ``SF 424--Application for Federal Assistance'' (See 
Appendix A of this SGA for required form)
(2) Completed ``SF 424A--Budget Information Form'' by line item for all 
costs required to implement the project design effectively. (See 
Appendix B of this SGA for required forms.)
(3) Budget Narrative and Justification that provides sufficient 
information to support the reasonableness of the costs included in the 
budget in relation to the service strategy and planned outcomes.

    The application must include one SF-424 with the original 
signatures of the legal entity applying for grant funding and 2 
additional copies. Applicants shall indicate on the SF-424 the 
organization's IRS status, if applicable. Under the Lobbying Disclosure 
Act of 1995, Section 18 (29 U.S.C. 1611), an organization 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. (See 2 U.S.C. 1611; 26 
U.S.C. 501(c)(4).) For item 10 of the SF-424, the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for the program is 17.720.
    The Budget Narrative and Justification must describe all costs 
associated with implementing the project that are to be covered with 
grant funds. Grantees must support the travel and associated costs with 
sending at least one representative to the annual ODEP Policy 
Conference for Grantees, to be held in Washington, DC, at a time and 
place to be determined. Grantees must comply with the ``Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to 
State and Local Governments,'' (also known as the ``Common Rule'') 
codified at 29 CFR part 97, and must comply with the applicable OMB 
cost principles circulars, as identified in 29 CFR 95.27 and 29 CFR 
97.22(b).
    In addition, the budget must include on a separate page a detailed 
cost analysis of each line item. Justification for administrative costs 
must be provided. Approval of a budget by the DOL is not the same as 
the approval of actual costs. The individual signing the SF 424 on 
behalf of the applicant must represent and be able to legally bind the 
responsible financial and administrative entity for a grant should that 
application result in an award. The applicant must also include the 
Assurances and Certifications Signature Page (Appendix C).
    [sbull] Section II. Executive Summary--Project Synopsis [The 
Executive Summary is limited to no more than two single-spaced, single-
sided pages on 8\1/2\

[[Page 32093]]

x 11 papers with standard margins throughout]. Each application shall 
include a project synopsis that identifies the following:
    (1) The name of the applicant;
    (2) The type of organization the applicant represents, the 
additional consortium partners and the type of organization they 
represent;
    (3) The amount of funds requested;
    (4) The planned period of performance;
    (5) An overview of the applicant's plan accomplishing the goals of 
Home Modification; and
    (6) An overview of the applicant's plan for sustaining the Home 
Modification program once Federal funding ceases.
    [sbull] Section III. Project Narrative [The Project Narrative plus 
attachments are limited to no more than fifteen (15) 8\1/2\ x 11 pages, 
double-spaced with standard one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides), 
and be presented on single-sided, numbered pages. Note: The Financial 
Plan, the Executive Summary, and the Appendices are not included in the 
fifteen (15)-page limit]. The substantive requirements for the project 
narrative are described below under Part VII--Statement of Work.
    All text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, and captions, as well as all text in charts, 
tables, figures, and graphs must be double-spaced (no more than three 
lines per vertical inch); and, if using a proportional computer font, 
use no smaller than a 12-point font, and an average character density 
no greater than 18 characters per inch (if using a non-proportional 
font or a typewriter, do not use more than 12 characters per inch). 
Applications that fail to meet these requirements will be considered 
non-responsive.

Part VII. Government Requirements/Statement of Work [Project Narrative]

    The Project Narrative, or Section III of the grant application, 
should provide complete information on how the applicant will utilize 
an expanded capacity through this funding, to assess the need for home 
modifications for local residents with disabilities, and to arrange and 
complete those modifications. This system will better serve individuals 
with disabilities as they transition from facility-based residential 
sites to community housing, and to the work world. The period of 
performance will be 12 months from the date of execution by the 
Government. Up to ten competitive grants will be awarded in the range 
of $50,000 to $100,000. This grant program will target five to ten 
localities to conduct this effort. Each locality will be responsible 
for:
    (1) Recruiting targeted recipients,
    (2) Assessing the necessary modifications,
    (3) Conducting the work,
    (4) Arranging sufficient and appropriate press opportunities, and
    (5) Submitting summaries of their respective activities.
    The Project Narrative of the grant application must provide 
complete information that will address the requirements of this SGA, 
including significance of the proposed project. The Department, 
however, does not expect the applicant to incorporate every item listed 
as part of their strategy and proposal design. The Department 
recognizes that the needs and requirements of each locality may be 
different, and therefore, some of the options identified may be more 
relevant than others in a particular locality.

1. Significance of the Proposed Project (20 Points)

    The purpose of the Significance of the Proposed Project is to 
assess the overall elements of the applicant's proposal; to identify 
strengths and deficiencies to be addressed by the applicant's proposal; 
to identify the overall scope of proposal objectives and design; and, 
to present the applicant's need for Home Modification grant resources. 
This criterion will be rated based upon the applicant's proposed 
approach to addressing identified community needs in the context of the 
grant priorities.
    The Project Narrative must include:
    (1) Evidence of significant previous involvement in the provision 
of home modifications for persons with disabilities or older Americans;
    (2) Current and anticipated linkages with local disability-related 
organizations, such as Centers for Independent Living, vocational 
rehabilitation agencies, local governmental entities, faith-based and 
community organizations, and/or provider agencies; and
    (3) Describe how individuals with disabilities from diverse 
cultures will be recruited for participation in this effort; 
demonstrate how special emphasis will be made on the recruitment of 
individuals who are seeking employment outcomes or who are currently 
working from home.
    Positive press clippings and ``success stories'', if available, 
should also be included.
    In determining the significance of the proposed project, ODEP will 
consider the following factors:
    (a) The potential contribution of the proposed project to the 
employment of individuals with disabilities;
    (b) The current level of similar activity in the applicant's 
locality and those sites commitment to work with this application;
    (c) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to yield 
findings that may be used by other appropriate agencies and 
organizations;
    (d) The extent to which the proposed project involves the 
development or demonstration of promising new strategies to expand home 
modification options for individuals with disabilities;
    (e) The likely utility of the products (such as information, 
materials, processes, or techniques) that will result from the proposed 
project; and
    (f) The importance or magnitude of the results likely to be 
attained by the proposed project.

2. Quality of the Project Design (30 Points)

    The purpose of the Quality of the Project Design criteria is to 
identify the strategic plan proposed by the grantee to implement the 
Home Modification program in their locality. The application must 
address the proposed design for a locally based effort. The plan should 
identify:
    (1) Local organizations' roles within the proposed activities, 
including faith-based and community organizations;
    (2) How those organizations will integrate resources to advance the 
effort;
    (3) The proposed plan for recruiting individuals with disabilities, 
especially those either seeking employment or currently working from 
home;
    (4) Plans, if warranted, for long term funding for the initiative;
    (5) Evidence of working with their local One-Stop Career Center(s) 
for purposes of outreach and referral.
    (6) Provide an estimate of the type and extent of modifications, as 
well as the number of expected target recipients;
    (7) Identify any matching funds, including federal housing funds 
(such as Community Development Block Grants and HOME Program funds), 
corporate funding, local governmental funding, etc., to be utilized; 
and
    (8) Provide an estimate of expected donated materials as well as 
in-kind contributions, including volunteer time.
    In evaluating the quality of the proposed project design, the ODEP 
will also consider the following factors:
    (a) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved are clearly specified and measurable;
    (b) The extent to which the design of the proposed project features 
innovative

[[Page 32094]]

methods for developing new sites and/or strengthening existing sites;
    (c) The extent to which the proposal incorporates a viable 
strategic plan;
    (d) The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build 
capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period of this 
grant;
    (e) The extent to which the proposed budget and narrative 
justification are adequate to support the proposed project; and
    (f) The extent to which the proposed project will be coordinated 
with similar or related efforts.

3. Sustainability Through Leveraging of Other Resources (25 Points)

    The Project Narrative must describe a detailed plan for sustaining 
this project after grant funds cease. Projects funded under this SGA 
should leverage a combination of Federal, state, and local public 
sector resources, as well as local non-profit sector resources for 
purposes of sustainability.
    The successful applicant will:
    (1) Describe the strategy for gaining the support of area 
employers, people with disabilities and their family members, and local 
governmental and nongovernmental disability organizations;
    (2) Identify federal, state, and local public sector resources, as 
well as local non-profit sector resources that will be leveraged for 
purposes of sustainability after the grant period ends;
    (3) Document a willingness to cooperate with the ODEP and its 
technical assistance efforts to provide information and advice to other 
localities on how the home modifications activities can be replicated.
    In evaluating the quality of the plan for sustainability, the DOL 
will also consider the following factors to be of particular 
importance:
    (a) The extent to which public and private monies are leveraged 
effectively; and
    (b) The likelihood of the applicant successfully securing local 
ownership and participation in these projects when these grant funds 
cease.
    Grantees are expected to use this grant as seed money to develop 
other public and private resources in order to ensure sustainability of 
grant activities following completion of the funding period. The ODEP 
considers detailed commitments for specific new activities as more 
important than promises of in-kind supports in showing sustained 
support for the project. Grants recently received from another agency 
can be discussed in the proposal, but the applicant should be precise 
about which activities precede this grant and which will occur because 
of this grant. In addition, the applicant should detail how public 
sector commitments can contribute to the sustainability of this project 
following completion of the grant. Examples of the types of public and 
private sector commitments envisioned include the following:

Letters of Commitment

    Applicants can include letters of support if they provide specific 
commitments. Such letters can increase an applicant's score by showing 
that the commitments in the text of the proposal are serious. Form 
letters will not be considered.

Letter From the Mayor

    A letter from the Mayor or functionally equivalent entity 
reflecting support of local level participation in the Home 
Modifications Program will be viewed favorably.

4. Management, Outcomes and Personnel (25 Points)

    The purpose of the Management, Outcomes and Personnel criteria is 
to determine whether the applicant has developed an adequate management 
and personnel plan to effectively carry out the objectives and scope of 
the proposed project on time and within budget, to describe the 
predicted outcomes resulting from activities funded under this SGA, and 
to identify the methods of evaluation that will be used by the grantee 
to determine success.
    Successful applicants will provide a detailed management plan for 
project goals, objectives, personnel and activities that:
    (1) Describes plans to report the demographic characteristics of 
assisted individuals (including types if disabilities);
    (2) Provides a commitment to submit ``stories'' outlining the 
results of their efforts;
    (3) Describes the proposed staffing of the project;
    (4) Addresses staff capacity in relationship to the proposed 
project design;
    (5) Identifies and summarizes the qualifications of the personnel, 
including the relevant training and experience of project consultants 
or subcontractors, who will carry out the work of the project. 
[Projects funded under this notice must demonstrate positive efforts to 
employ and advance in that employment qualified individuals with 
disabilities in project activities.]
    In evaluating the quality of the management, outcomes and personnel 
plan for the proposed project; ODEP will consider the following 
factors:
    (a) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved are clearly specified and measurable;
    (b) The extent to which a management plan for project 
implementation is likely to achieve the objectives of the proposed 
project on time and within budget, including defined staff 
responsibilities, and time allocated to project activities, time lines, 
milestones for accomplishing project tasks and project deliverables;
    (c) The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products 
and services from the proposed project; and,
    (d) The extent to which the time commitments of the local director 
and/or and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate to 
meet the objectives of the proposed project.
    (e) The qualifications, including relevant education, training and 
experience of key project personnel as well as the qualifications, 
including relevant training and experience, of project consultants or 
subcontractors.

Part VIII. Monitoring and Reporting

Monitoring

    The ODEP is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation 
of each competitive grant project in accordance with the provisions of 
this announcement and the terms of the grant award document. The DOL 
staff, or their designees may conduct on-site project reviews 
periodically. Reviews will focus on timely project implementation, 
performance in meeting the grant's programmatic goals and objectives, 
expenditure of grant funds on allowable activities, integration and 
coordination with other resources and service providers in the local 
area, and project management and administration in achieving project 
objectives.

Reporting

    Grantees will be required to submit quarterly financial and 
narrative progress reports as prescribed by OMB Circular A-102 and A-
110, as codified by 29 CFR Parts 97 and 95 respectively.
    (1) A Quarterly Report will be required within thirty (30) days of 
the end of each quarter beginning ninety days from the award of the 
grant and is estimated to take five hours to prepare on average. The 
form for the Quarterly Report will be provided by the ODEP. The ODEP 
will work with the grantee to help refine the requirements of the 
report, which will, among other things, include measures of ongoing 
analysis for continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

[[Page 32095]]

    (2) Financial reporting will be required quarterly using the on-
line electronic reporting system for the Standard Form 269--Financial 
Status Report (FSR).
    (3) A Final Project Report, including an assessment of project 
performance and outcomes achieved will be required and is estimated to 
take twenty hours to complete. This report will be submitted in hard 
copy and on electronic disk using a format and following instructions 
that will be provided by the ODEP. A draft of the final report is due 
to the ODEP thirty (30) days before the termination of the grant. The 
final report is due to the ODEP sixty (60) days following the 
termination of the grant.
    The ODEP may arrange for and conduct an independent evaluation of 
the outcomes, impacts, and accomplishments of each funded project. 
Grantees must agree to make available records on all parts of project 
activity, including participant post secondary and employment data, and 
to provide access to personnel, as specified by the evaluator(s), under 
the direction of the ODEP. This independent evaluation is separate from 
the ongoing evaluation for continuous improvement required of the 
grantee for project implementation.
    Grantees must also agree to work with the ODEP in its various 
technical assistance efforts in order to freely share with others what 
is learned about delivering customized employment services to the 
Olmstead population. Grantees must agree to collaborate with other 
research institutes, centers, studies, and evaluations that are 
supported by DOL and other relevant Federal agencies, as appropriate. 
Finally, Grantees must agree to actively utilize the programs sponsored 
by the ODEP, including the Job Accommodation Network, (http://www.jan.wvu.edu), and the Employer Assistance Referral Network (http://www.earnworks.com).

Part IX. Review Process and Evaluation Criteria

    All applications will be reviewed for compliance with the 
requirements of this notice. A careful evaluation of applications will 
be made by a technical review panel, which will evaluate the 
applications against the rating criteria listed in this SGA. The panel 
results are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer. 
The DOL may elect to award grants either with or without discussion 
with the applicant. In situations without discussions, an award will be 
based on the applicant's signature on the SF 424, which constitutes a 
binding offer. The Grant Officer may consider any information that is 
available and will make final award decisions based on what is most 
advantageous to the Government, considering factors such as:

Panel findings;
Geographic distribution of the competitive applications; and
Availability of funds.

X. Administration Provisions

A. Administrative Standards and Provisions

    Grantees are strongly encouraged to read these regulations before 
submitting a proposal. The grant awarded under this SGA shall be 
subject to the following as applicable:
    [sbull] 29 CFR part 95--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;
    [sbull] 29 CFR part 96--Audit Requirements for Grants, Contracts, 
and Other Agreements.

B. Allowable Cost

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

[sbull] Nonprofit Organizations--OMB Circular A-122
[sbull] Profit-Making Commercial Firms--48 CFR part 31

    Profit will not be considered an allowable cost in any case.

C. Grant Assurances

    As a condition of the award, the applicant must certify that it 
will comply fully with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity 
provisions of the following laws:
    [sbull] 29 CFR part 31--Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted 
programs of the Department of Labor, effectuation of Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964.
    [sbull] 29 CFR part 32-- Nondiscrimination on the Basis of 
Disability in Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from 
Federal Assistance. (Implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation 
Act, 29 U.S.C. 794)
    [sbull] 29 CFR part 36--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in 
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial 
Assistance. (Implementing title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 
20 U.S.C. 1681 et. seq.)
    The applicant must include assurances and certifications that it 
will comply with these laws in its grant application. The assurances 
and certifications are attached as Appendix C.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 20th day of May, 2003
Lawrence J. Kuss,
Grant Officer.

Appendix A. Application for Federal Assistance, Form SF 424
Appendix B. Budget Information Sheet, Form SF 424A
Appendix C. Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
Appendix D. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity
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[FR Doc. 03-13399 Filed 5-28-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-CX-C