[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 126 (Tuesday, July 1, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39111-39131]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-16545]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Secretary


Colombian Trade Union Training Program

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

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for grant 
application (SGA 03-19).

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SUMMARY: This notice contains all of the necessary information and 
forms needed to apply for grant funding. The U.S. Department of Labor 
(USDOL), Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), announces the 
availability of funds to be granted by cooperative agreement (hereafter 
referred to as ``grant'') to one or more qualifying organizations. 
USDOL will award up to U.S. $700,000 through one or more grants to an 
organization or organizations to develop and implement a project(s) 
designed to contribute to the reduction of social conflict and violence 
in Colombia by improving the ability of the Colombian trade union 
movement to participate in the economic, political and social 
development of the country; protect human and worker rights; and play a 
positive role in the peace process. USDOL will competitively award a 
grant to qualified organizations that demonstrate the capacity to 
design, implement, and manage a project to:
    [sbull] Bring Colombian trade unionists to the U.S. or a third 
country to expose them to unionized workplaces with trade skills 
similar to those of the Colombian trade unionists in order to enhance 
their own skills and deepen their understanding of effective trade 
union administration and industrial relations in a workplace outside 
Colombia.
    [sbull] Improve the skills of Colombian trade union leaders in 
trade union administration, collective bargaining, dispute prevention 
and resolution, English language, communication, and using computers.

DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, August 
8, 2003. Applications must be received by 4:45

[[Page 39112]]

p.m. (Eastern Time) at the address below.

ADDRESSES: Application forms will not be mailed. They are published as 
part of this Federal Register notice and in the Federal Register, which 
may be obtained from your nearest U.S. Government office or public 
library or online at http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/index.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 03-19, 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; the applicant, however, 
bears the responsibility for timely submission. Applications that do 
not meet the conditions set forth in this notice will not be honored. 
No exceptions to the mailing and delivery requirements set forth in 
this notice will be granted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Harvey, e-mail address: 
[email protected], tel: (202) 693-4570 (this is not a toll-free 
number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The expansion of global trade and investment 
and the improvement of working conditions and protection of basic 
worker rights are best understood as mutually reinforcing, and not 
mutually exclusive objectives. In today's environment of widespread 
market reforms and economic integration, efficient and fair labor 
markets are a prerequisite for economic growth, increasing living 
standards, and promoting employment in the U.S. As political 
developments, market reforms, and the transition to a global economy 
bring significant changes to national economies, individual labor 
market systems need to change accordingly to remain viable and to 
support their populations. In addition, the inability to manage the 
development of a relatively open market economy during periods of 
political and social transition impedes the development of political 
democracy, social cohesion, and equity.
    USDOL/ILAB carries out a worldwide International Cooperation 
Program that helps address some of these difficulties by working to 
ensure that the greatest possible number of workers benefit from a more 
open world economy. The three major initiatives of the International 
Cooperation Program are:
    Improving Economic Opportunity and Income Security for Workers 
(EOIS)--Under the EOIS initiative, USDOL works to strengthen developing 
countries' abilities to build and institutionalize social safety net 
policies and programs needed to improve working conditions and foster 
economic growth. Projects under this initiative aim to increase 
employment among targeted groups, improve workplace safety and health, 
and increase access to social insurance.
    Protecting the Basic Rights of Workers (PBRW)--Under the PBRW 
initiative, USDOL works to implement the fundamental principles 
embodied in the International Labor Organization's (ILO) Declaration on 
Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, specifically working towards 
strengthening the right to freedom of association and collective 
bargaining, eliminating forced or compulsory labor, and eliminating 
employment discrimination.
    International HIV/AIDS Workplace-based Education Program (IHWEP)--
Under the IHWEP initiative, USDOL works to reduce the rate of HIV/AIDS 
infection through workplace-based prevention and education programs and 
to improve the workplace environment for workers living with HIV/AIDS. 
The IHWEP program also works to build the capacity of the tripartite 
partners to address the long-term impact of HIV/AIDS on labor markets 
and economic development.
    USDOL/ILAB manages its projects in partnership with stakeholders 
representing the government, employers, workers, and other 
organizations.

I. Authority

    ILAB is authorized to award and administer this program by the 
Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003, Pub. L. 108-7, 117 Stat. 
11 (2003).

II. Application Process

A. Eligible Applicants

    Any commercial, international, educational, or not-for-profit 
organization (including faith-based organizations) which has experience 
in trade union skills training, knowledge of the international trade 
union movement, experience working with the Colombian government, and 
Colombian worker and employer organizations, and/or has experience 
working with U.S. domestic trade unions is eligible for this grant(s). 
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, partners, and co-applicants to perform necessary 
aspects of this solicitation will be determined under Section XI--
Review and Selection of Applications for Award. All applicants are 
requested to complete the Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for 
Applicants (OMB No. 1225-0083) (see Appendix A).
    Please note that eligible grant applicants must not be classified 
under the Internal Revenue Code as a 501(c)(4) entity (see 26 U.S.C. 
501(c)(4)). According to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, as 
amended by 2 U.S.C. 1611, 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) blue ink-signed original, complete application in English 
plus two (2) copies of the application must be submitted to the U.S. 
Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, 200 Constitution 
Avenue, NW., Room N-5416, Washington, DC 20210, no later than 4:45 p.m. 
Eastern Time on the established due date. To aid with review of 
applications, USDOL also encourages applicants to submit three (3) 
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'' and sections A-F of the Budget Information 
Form SF 424A (see Appendix A). These forms are also available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants. Part II must contain a technical 
proposal that demonstrates capabilities in accordance with the 
statement of work (Section III) and the selection criteria (Section 
XI).
    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'' or A4), double-spaced, 12-point font, 
typed pages for which a response is submitted. Major sections and sub-
sections of the application should be divided and clearly identified 
(e.g. 8, with tab dividers), and all pages shall be numbered. 
Applicants are required to propose that a project address ALL of the 
project objectives identified in the Statement of Work in Section III. 
Any applications that do not conform to these standards may be deemed 
non-responsive to this solicitation and may not be evaluated. The 
application must include a table of contents and an abstract 
summarizing the application in not more than two (2) pages. Standard 
forms, attachments,

[[Page 39113]]

r[eacute]sum[eacute]s, exhibits, letters of support, and the abstract 
are not counted towards the page limit. If an applicant exceeds the 
stated page limit, the review panel has the discretion to deduct 10 
points.
    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. 
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; the applicant, however, bears the 
responsibility for timely submission. Applications that do not meet the 
conditions set forth in this notice will not be honored. No exceptions 
to the mailing, delivery, and hand-delivery conditions set forth in 
this notice will be granted.
    Any application received at the Office of Procurement Services 
after 4:45 pm Eastern Time on Friday, August 8, 2003 will not be 
considered unless it is received before the award is made and:
    [sbull] It was sent by registered or certified mail no later than 
the fifth calendar day before [Enter Date]; or
    [sbull] It was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail/Next Day 
Service from the post office to the addressee no later than 5 p.m. at 
the place of mailing two (2) working days (excluding weekends and 
Federal holidays), prior to [Enter date]; or
    [sbull] 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 from the post office to the 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 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 
Service Center on the application wrapper or other documentary evidence 
or receipt maintained by that office.
    All applicants are advised that U.S. mail delivery in the 
Washington DC area has been slow and erratic due to concerns involving 
anthrax contamination. Applicants must take this into consideration 
when preparing to meet the application deadline. It is recommended that 
you confirm receipt of your application with your delivery service.

D. Funding Levels

    Up to U.S. $700,000 is available for this project, and USDOL 
reserves the right to award more than one grant. USDOL may award one or 
more grants to one organization or several, or to a partnership of more 
than one organization. The award of any sub-contract will be subject to 
USDOL approval (see Section IV).

E. Program Duration

    The duration of the project funded by this SGA is up to two (2) 
years. The start date of program activities will be negotiated upon 
award of the grant, which will take place no later than September 30, 
2003.

III. Statement of Work

    This SGA announces the availability of funds for a project to 
contribute to the reduction of social conflict and violence in Colombia 
by improving the ability of the Colombian trade union movement to: 
participate in the economic, political and social development of the 
country; protect human and worker rights; and play a positive role in 
the peace process. Specific project objectives are identified in 
Section III.C. Applicants should submit proposals for projects that 
demonstrate the organizations' capabilities to implement a project in 
accordance with the Statement of Work and the selection criteria. USDOL 
encourages applicants to be creative in proposing innovative and cost-
effective interventions that will produce a demonstrable impact. Funds 
will be provided by grant to qualifying organizations. The grant will 
be actively managed by USDOL/ILAB to assure achievement of the stated 
project objectives.

    Note: Selection of an organization as a grant recipient does not 
constitute approval of the grant application as submitted. Before 
the actual grant is awarded, USDOL may enter into negotiations about 
such items as program components, funding levels, and administrative 
systems in place to support grant implementation. 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 application. Award is also contingent upon signature of 
a letter of agreement between USDOL and relevant ministries in 
target countries.

A. Background and Problem Statement

    Violence against trade unionists and their leaders continues to be 
a critical problem in Colombia. In the midst of an armed conflict 
between the government, guerrillas, and paramilitary forces, unions 
have played a key role in mobilizing civil society in support of peace 
negotiations. As a result, both paramilitary forces and guerilla groups 
have targeted union leaders. According to the State Department's annual 
Human Rights Report, 178 labor unionists were killed in 2002 and 1,875 
have been killed since 1991. Also in 2002, an additional 189 received 
death threats, 26 were kidnapped, 8 disappeared, and 17 members 
survived physical attempts on their life. According to former Colombian 
Labor Minister, Angelino Garzon, ``Colombia is losing an entire 
generation of labor leaders whose contribution to improving economic 
opportunities for workers through constructive dialogue with employers 
and government is invaluable.''
    Violence against trade unionists is perpetuated by a climate of 
impunity. According to the State Department's Human Rights Report, 
there were 376 criminal investigations into violations of the right to 
life of unionists from August 1986 to April 2003. Of these, 321 were in 
the preliminary stage, 24 were at the investigative stage, 3 were at 
the trial stage, 7 had been sent to military criminal courts, and 13 
were awaiting assignment. Guilty verdicts were issued in only five 
cases.
    Despite these major challenges, Colombia's trade unions continue to 
play an important role as

[[Page 39114]]

representatives of workers in collective bargaining, as protagonists in 
key national debates over economic policy (such as social security and 
public sector reform), and as leading representatives of civil society 
and supporters of peace negotiations. But the combination of physical 
violence and economic insecurity has made it extremely difficult for 
Colombian trade union leaders to develop the organizational and 
administrative skills that they need to promote effective industrial 
relations and function in a modern economy.

B. Target Population

    The grantee will establish a selection procedure to identify 
Colombian trade union leaders who could benefit from advanced training 
in trade union administration, collective bargaining, dispute 
prevention and resolution, and related skills.

C. Objectives

    The Grantee will implement, in partnership with USDOL, a project 
designed to contribute to the reduction of social conflict and violence 
in Colombia by improving the ability of the Colombian trade union 
movement to participate in the economic, political and social 
development of the country; protect human and worker rights; and play a 
positive role in the peace process. Specific project objectives 
include:
    [sbull] Improving the skills of Colombian trade union leaders in 
trade union administration, collective bargaining, dispute prevention 
and resolution, English language, communications, and using computers.
    [sbull] Bringing Colombian trade unionists to the U.S. or a third 
country to expose them to unionized workplaces with trade skills 
similar to those of the Colombian trade unionists in order to enhance 
their own skills and deepen their understanding of effective trade 
union administration and industrial relations in a workplace outside 
Colombia.
    Relationship to USDOL Strategy: By helping to improve the capacity 
of trade union leaders to contribute to the political, economic, and 
social development of Colombia, protect human and worker rights, and 
play a positive role in the peace process, the proposed project 
supports achievement of USDOL's GPRA goal (3.3b) to, ``Improve living 
standards and conditions of work for workers in developing and 
transition countries.''

D. Type of Work To Be Performed/Activities

    The selected Grantee(s) will be responsible for developing a 
strategy for successfully achieving the stated objectives of the 
project and addressing the problem(s) identified in the Background and 
Problem Statement, developing and implementing the major tasks to be 
accomplished as part of that strategy, tracking and reporting on 
progress in achieving the stated objectives, and providing any 
necessary services.
    When developing the strategy and activities, the Applicant should 
take into consideration the following issues:
    [sbull] Need to carefully select for training those trade union 
leaders who are: (a) Committed to training other trade unionists upon 
completion of their training in the U.S. or a third country, (b) most 
likely to adapt to living conditions in the U.S., (c) capable of 
learning in all skill areas, and (d) well-respected within the labor 
community for their commitment to democracy, honesty, transparency, and 
the peaceful resolution of conflict.
    [sbull] Need to effectively orient trainees prior to departure to 
U.S. or a third country for training.
    [sbull] Need to offer on-going counseling to those trainees who may 
require it throughout their training in the U.S. or third country.
    [sbull] Need to ensure that trainees are provided with 
opportunities to disseminate their learning to other trade unionists 
upon return to Colombia.

E. Expected Outcomes/Project Outputs

    By the end of the grant period, the project will have:
    [sbull] Trained at least 20 trade union leaders in trade union 
administration, collective bargaining, dispute prevention and 
resolution, English language, communication, and computer skills.
    [sbull] Established a communication network between international 
trade unions and non-governmental organizations that will provide 
continued support to the trade union leaders upon their return to 
Colombia.
    [sbull] Developed a plan to safely reintegrate the trade union 
leaders into Colombia.
    [sbull] Developed and implemented a system to ensure that the 
trained trade union leaders disseminate the information and skills that 
they learned in the U.S. or third country to their Colombian 
counterparts.
    The selected Grantee will be responsible for identifying and 
producing the activities, outputs, and deliverables that will support 
achievement of these expected outcomes.

F. Deliverables

    Following the award of the grant, the Grantee(s) shall collaborate 
with USDOL/ILAB to:
    [sbull] Develop a Project Document (including a project budget) 
that will set the technical parameters and provide guidance to the 
project. It should include all information and be prepared according to 
the standardized format outlined by USDOL. While the Applicant's 
original proposal will serve as the basis of the Project Document, in 
every case USDOL has found it advantageous to visit the field and reach 
consensus on the project strategy with host country counterparts in 
order to further inform the project design. USDOL must receive a draft 
of the Project Document 45 days after returning from travel to the 
relevant area(s). The Project Document must be finalized no later than 
30 days after receipt of USDOL comments on the draft.
    [sbull] Establish a Workplan identifying major project activities, 
deadlines for their completion, and person(s) responsible for 
completing these activities (within 60 days after the Project Document 
is finalized).
    [sbull] Set project indicators, including indicators that support 
ILAB's Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) goal, ``Improve 
living standards and conditions of work for workers in developing and 
transition countries.'' (within 90 days of finalizing the Project 
Document).
    [sbull] Create a Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) to establish the 
data needed to measure achievement of project indicators and the 
methods for collection and reporting. It should include all information 
and be prepared according to the standardized format outlined by USDOL 
(within 90 days of finalizing the Project Document).
    The Grantee(s) must submit copies of all required documents to 
USDOL by the specified due dates. Other documents that may be produced 
are to be submitted by mutually agreed-upon deadlines. The Project 
Document, Workplan, project indicators, PMP, and data collection system 
are subject to final approval by the Grant Officer's Technical 
Representative (GOTR) responsible for monitoring the grant.

G. Special Program Requirements

1. USDOL Responsibilities
    Following the award of the grant(s), USDOL shall:

[[Page 39115]]

    [sbull] Provide the Grantee(s) with programmatic support to help 
ensure effective implementation of the project, including training and 
consultation in USDOL/ILAB management, monitoring, and evaluation 
systems and standard operating procedures.
    [sbull] Provide advice and consultation to Grantee(s) on specific 
program criteria.
    [sbull] If, based upon the responses to this solicitation and 
subsequent to the award, USDOL determines that it is necessary, travel 
to the field with the Grantee(s) and other technical experts for a 
project design mission before finalizing the project design and the 
Project Document. USDOL will procure the services of technical experts 
if it determines that such expertise is necessary for the project 
design mission.
    [sbull] Fund at least two project evaluations--a mid-term 
evaluation at approximately the midpoint of the grant period and a 
final evaluation approximately two months prior to the end of the grant 
period. USDOL/ILAB--in consultation with the Grantee(s)--will be 
responsible for drafting and finalizing all evaluation Terms of 
Reference (TOR), procuring the services of an independent evaluator 
(who will write the evaluation report), and providing at least one 
representative from USDOL/ILAB to participate on the evaluation team, 
when appropriate. USDOL/ILAB may choose to perform additional 
evaluations as appropriate.
    [sbull] Have the right, at all reasonable times, to review all 
documents pertaining to the project, participate on field missions 
(including monitoring and evaluation missions), and to discuss 
administrative and technical issues pertaining to the project with the 
Grantee.
2. Grantee Responsibilities
    Following the award of the grant(s), the Grantee(s) shall:
    [sbull] Establish the institutional and management systems and 
means necessary to provide and monitor the delivery of services and 
distribute wages and material effectively.
    [sbull] If USDOL determines that it is necessary, travel to the 
field with USDOL and other technical experts for a project design 
mission before finalizing the project design and the Project Document. 
The Grantee(s) shall bear the financial costs for having its 
representative(s) participate on the project design mission.
    [sbull] Assist in project evaluations, including reviewing and 
providing comments on the evaluation Terms of Reference (TORs) drafted 
by USDOL and evaluation reports written by the lead evaluator. If 
invited to participate on an evaluation mission by USDOL, the 
Grantee(s) shall bear the financial costs for having a representative 
of the Grantee(s) participate on an evaluation team (e.g., travel, per 
diem).
    [sbull] Submit trip reports to USDOL within fourteen (14) calendar 
days of project-related travel. If the implementing partner travels 
with a USDOL staff member, the implementing organization will submit a 
draft trip report to the staff member within fourteen (14) calendar 
days of project-related travel for comments. The format for the trip 
report will be provided by USDOL.
    [sbull] Inform USDOL/ILAB at least one (1) month prior to 
scheduling any major public events or ceremonies regarding the project.
    [sbull] Submit to USDOL all media-related and educational materials 
developed by it or its sub-contractors under this Grant(s), including 
relevant press releases, for use in this project 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 its International Cooperation Program. USDOL considers brochures, 
pamphlets, videotapes, slide-tape shows, curricula, and any other 
training materials used in the project to be 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 
grant. All materials produced by Grantee(s) must be provided to USDOL 
in digital format for possible publication on the Internet by USDOL.

IV. Key Personnel and Sub-Contractors

    USDOL expects all key personnel to work full-time on the project. 
All key personnel must be fluent in both written and spoken Spanish and 
English. The Grant Officer must approve candidates for all key 
personnel positions. USDOL's Grant Officer's Technical Representative 
(GOTR) shall review candidates' qualifications and provide 
recommendations to the Grant Officer regarding the selection of 
candidates for all key personnel positions. The Grantee(s) shall submit 
resumes, curricula vitae, and other relevant information to the GOTR 
and receive approval from the Grant Officer before extending an offer 
of employment and before the nominated individual conducts any 
activities.
    Key personnel may only be changed with the approval of the Grant 
Officer. The Grantee(s) shall not substitute or replace key personnel 
unless new personnel are at least equal in qualifications to those 
personnel who are replaced. If a need to find new key personnel arises, 
the Grantee(s) shall notify the GOTR as soon as the need becomes known. 
If the Grant Officer is unable to approve the personnel change, he/she 
reserves the right to terminate the grant.
    Organizations may apply for funding in partnership with other 
organizations, but in such a case, a lead organization must be 
identified. Use of sub-contractors is subject to Federal laws and 
regulations, including OMB circulars requiring free and open 
competition for procurement transactions.
    The Grant Officer must approve all sub-contractors. USDOL's Grant 
Officer's Technical Representative (GOTR) shall review candidates' 
qualifications and provide recommendations to the Grant Officer 
regarding the selection of candidates for all sub-contractors. The lead 
organization shall submit a list of previous projects implemented by 
the proposed sub-contractor, along with a description of 
qualifications, resumes, curricula vitae, and other relevant 
information to the GOTR and receive approval from the Grant Officer 
before extending a sub-contract. The lead organization shall not 
substitute or replace sub-contractors unless new sub-contractors are at 
least equal in qualifications to those that are replaced. Sub-
contractors may only be changed with the approval of the Grant Officer. 
If a need to find new sub-contractors arises, the lead organization 
shall notify the GOTR as soon as the need becomes known.

    Note: Except as specifically provided, USDOL/ILAB acceptance of 
a proposal and an award of federal funds to sponsor any program(s) 
does not provide a waiver of any grant requirement and/or 
procedures. For example, if an application identifies a specific 
sub-contractor to provide the services, the USDOL/ILAB award does 
not provide the justification or basis to sole-source the 
procurement, i.e., to avoid competition.

V. Reporting Requirements

    All reports (see Appendix B) are due no later than 30 days after 
the end of a fiscal quarter and shall be submitted in English. USDOL/
ILAB and the Grantee(s) should work together to resolve any issues 
within 30 days of receipt of a report.

[[Page 39116]]

A. Financial Reports

    The Grantee(s) shall submit financial reports on a quarterly basis. 
The first reporting period shall end on the last day of the fiscal 
quarter (December 31, March 31, June 30, or September 30) during which 
the grant was signed.
    The Grantee(s) shall use Standard Form (SF) 269A, Financial Status 
Report, to report the status of the funds, at the project level, during 
the grant period. A final SF269A shall be submitted no later than 90 
days following completion of the grant period.
    If the Grantee(s) uses the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services Payment Management System (HHS PMS), they shall also send 
USDOL copies of the PSC 272 that it submits to HHS, on the same 
schedule. Otherwise, the Grantee(s) shall submit Standard Form (SF) 
272, Federal Cash Transactions Report, on the same schedule as the 
SF269A.
    Financial reports are due within 30 days of the end of the 
reporting period (i.e., by April 30, July 30, October 30, and January 
30).

B. Technical Reporting Requirements

    After signing the agreement, the Grantee(s) shall submit progress 
reports to USDOL/ILAB at the end of each fiscal quarter. The first 
reporting period shall end on the last day of the fiscal quarter 
(December 31, March 31, June 30, or September 30) during which the 
Grant was signed. Between reporting dates, the Grantee(s) shall also 
immediately inform USDOL/ILAB of significant developments and/or 
problems affecting the organization's ability to accomplish work.
    The Grantee(s) shall submit two types of progress reports according 
to the standardized format used by USDOL/ILAB:
1. Status Reports
    Status Reports compare actual and planned activities during the 
reporting period, which consists of one quarter (January--March and 
July--September). Its purpose is to provide an update on the Workplan, 
problems/solutions, major achievements, or modifications. The Status 
Report should be brief and include an attached project Workplan 
indicating the status of Workplan activities: ``completed,'' ``on 
schedule,'' ``delayed,'' ``cancelled.'' The body of report should 
provide a summary explanation of any deviation from the Workplan and 
recommended actions.
    Status Reports are due within 30 days of the end of the reporting 
period (i.e., by April 30 and October 30).
2. Technical Progress Reports
    Technical Progress Reports provide information on how the project 
is progressing in achieving its stated objectives. Technical Progress 
Reports will be based on the project's stated objectives, indicators, 
and Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) and will provide both 
quantitative and qualitative information and a narrative assessment of 
performance for the preceding six-month period (January--June and 
July--December). Data measuring achievement of the project's indicators 
will be attached to the narrative, which will provide a composite 
overview of progress, trends, problems, new proposals, lessons learned, 
and expenditures. The body of the Technical Progress Report should be 
2-3 pages in length, stressing major points related to strategy.
    Technical Progress Reports are due within 30 days of the end of the 
reporting period (i.e., by July 30 and January 30).

C. Instructions for Submitting Reports

    All reports shall cite the assigned grant number. The Grantee(s) 
shall submit hard copy of all financial reports to each of the 
following persons:

Lawrence Kuss, Grant Officer, Procurement Services Center, U.S. 
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW., Room N-5416, 
Washington, DC 20210.
Laura Buffo, Grant Officer's Technical Representative, Office of 
Foreign Relations, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., 
NW., Room S-5303, Washington, DC 20210.
Gene Contee, Financial Management Services Center, U.S. Department of 
Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW., Room S-5526, Washington, DC 20210.

    The Grantee(s) shall submit one hard copy of all technical reports 
to each of the following persons:

Lawrence Kuss, Grant Officer, Procurement Services Center, U.S. 
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW., Room N-5416, 
Washington, DC 20210.
Laura Buffo, Grant Officer's Technical Representative, Office of 
Foreign Relations, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., 
NW., Room S-5303, Washington, DC 20210.

VI. Travel Procedures

    The Grantee(s) shall submit a quarterly travel plan to the GOTR. 
The plan shall include the following information for all individuals 
traveling for the Grantee(s) to support activities covered by this 
grant:
    [sbull] Name of the person(s) who will be traveling;
    [sbull] Destination(s);
    [sbull] Dates of travel;
    [sbull] Purpose of travel--what they will be doing and why.
    The Grantee(s) should submit the quarterly travel plan no later 
than four weeks prior to the start of each subsequent fiscal quarter 
(e.g., By May 31, the GOTR should have travel plans for all Grantee 
travel occurring July 1 through September 30). For a trip beginning 
later than four weeks from the time the plan is submitted, dates should 
reflect a ``best guess'' (rather than simply listing ``To Be 
Determined''). The dates should, however, be finalized no later than 4 
weeks prior to departure.
    All travelers should submit finalized travel details to the GOTR no 
later than 4 weeks prior to the desired departure date. If any major 
holiday occurs during those 4 weeks, travelers should submit finalized 
details earlier.
    Individuals are not permitted to travel until USDOL/ILAB has 
received country clearance from the State Department (via e-mail or 
cable) or has received written authorization (including by e-mail) from 
the GOTR. This also applies to expatriates living abroad who go on 
personal or home leave: although they do not need clearance to enter 
the U.S., they do need clearance to re-enter the country in which they 
are stationed.
    While travelers may cancel trips at any time, USDOL/ILAB will not 
permit any amendments to a clearance cable (e.g., for changes in dates 
of travel, or changes in the identified traveler) less than four weeks 
prior to the desired date of departure, except in dire emergencies, as 
determined by the GOTR.

VII. Acknowledgment of USDOL Funding

A. Acknowledgement on Printed Materials

    In all circumstances, the following shall be displayed on printed 
materials: ``Preparation of this item was funded by the United States 
Department of Labor under Grant No. [insert the appropriate Grant 
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 must clearly state:
    [sbull] The percentage of the total costs of the program or 
project, which will be financed with Federal money;
    [sbull] The dollar amount of Federal funds for the project or 
program; and

[[Page 39117]]

    [sbull] The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the 
project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.

B. Use of the USDOL Logo

    In consultation with ILAB, the Grantee(s) will acknowledge USDOL's 
role in one of the following ways:
    [sbull] 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) must consult with USDOL on whether the logo 
may 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 on the item.
    [sbull] All documents should include the following notice: ``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.''

VIII. Administrative Requirements

A. General

    Grantees, which may include faith-based 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 grant(s) awarded under 
this SGA will be subject to the following administrative standards and 
provisions, if applicable:
    [sbull] 29 CFR Part 36--Federal Standards for Nondiscrimination on 
the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal 
Financial Assistance.
    [sbull] 29 CFR Part 93--New Restrictions on Lobbying.
    [sbull] 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.
    [sbull] 29 CFR Part 96--Federal Standards for Audit of Federally 
Funded Grants, Contracts and Agreements.
    [sbull] 29 CFR Part 98--Federal Standards for Government wide 
Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government-wide 
Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
    [sbull] 29 CFR Part 99--Federal Standards for Audits of States, 
Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.

B. Sub-Contracts

    Sub-contracts must be awarded in accordance with 29 CFR 95.40-48. 
In compliance with Executive Orders 12876 as amended, 13230, 12928, and 
13021 as amended, the Grantee(s) is strongly encouraged to provide 
subcontracting opportunities to Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges and 
Universities.

C. Encumbrance of Grant Funds

    Grant funds may not be encumbered/obligated by the Grantee(s) 
before or after the period of performance. Encumbrances/obligations 
outstanding as of the end of the grant period may be liquidated (paid 
out) after the end of the grant period. Such encumbrances/obligations 
may involve only commitments for which a need existed during the grant 
period and which are supported by approved contracts, purchase orders, 
requisitions, invoices, bills, or other evidence of liability 
consistent with the Grantee's purchasing procedures and incurred within 
the grant period. All encumbrances/ obligations incurred during the 
grant period must be liquidated within 90 days after the end of the 
grant period, if practicable.

D. 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 or a sub-contractor(s) under this grant, 
the Grantee 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 will be performed so as 
not to unduly delay the work.

IX. Grant Closeout Procedures

A. Definitions

1. Grant Closeout
    The closeout of a grant is the process by which a Federal grantor 
agency determines that all applicable administrative actions and all 
required work of the grant have been completed by the grantee and the 
grantor.
2. Date of Completion
    The date when all work under a grant is completed or the date in 
the grant award document, or any supplement or amendment thereto, on 
which Federal assistance ends, whichever comes first.
3. Disallowed Costs
    Disallowed costs are those charges to a grant that the grantor 
agency or its representative determines to not be allowed in accordance 
with the applicable Federal Cost Principles or other conditions 
contained in the grant.

B. Close-Out Procedures

    Grants shall be closed out in accordance with the following 
procedures:
    [sbull] Upon request, the Grantor shall make prompt payments to a 
Grantee for allowable reimbursable costs under the grant being closed 
out.
    [sbull] The Grantee shall immediately refund to the Grantor any 
balance of unobligated (unencumbered) cash advanced to the Grantee that 
is not authorized for retention by the Grantee for use on other grants.
    [sbull] Within 90 days after completion of the grant, the Grantee 
shall submit all financial, performance and other reports required by 
the Grant Officer to close out the grant. The Grant Officer may 
authorize extensions when requested by the grantee.
    [sbull] The Grant Officer shall make a settlement for any upward or 
downward adjustments to the Federal share of costs after these reports 
are received.
    [sbull] In the case of grants that include matching/in-kind 
contributions, the Grantee is legally required to provide the total 
amount of matching/in-kind contributions indicated on the face sheet of 
the agreement, as amended. Failure to provide this level of matching/
in-kind contribution shall result in the disallowance of all or part of 
otherwise allowable Federal share costs, equal to the total matching/
in-kind share committed to, less the share actually provided.
    [sbull] In the event that a final audit has not been performed 
prior to the closeout of the grant, the Grantor shall retain the right 
to recover an appropriate amount after fully considering the 
recommendations on disallowed costs resulting from the final audit.

X. Measuring the Performance of the Grantee

    The performance of the Grantee will be assessed based on the timely 
completion of one or more deliverables

[[Page 39118]]

that will be due to USDOL at the end of each quarter of the Grant. 
These deliverables should reflect the outcomes of the project that are 
expected to help achieve the project's objective(s). Applicants are 
requested to include in their proposal a project implementation plan 
and approach to monitor the performance of the project throughout the 
period of the grant. The implementation plan is to consist of a 
quarterly schedule of activities and list of deliverables that would be 
completed by the contractor each quarter. The defined list and schedule 
of deliverables is viewed by USDOL as a key component of the technical 
proposal.

XI. Review and Selection of Applications for Award

    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 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 best value to the government, cost, and other factors. The 
Grant Officer's determination for award under this SGA is final.

A. The Review Process

    The criteria below will serve as the basis upon which submitted 
applications will be evaluated. Technical aspects of the application 
will constitute 100 points of the total evaluation. Up to five (5) 
additional points will be given for leveraging non-Federal resources.
    In order to assist USDOL in assessing the efficient and effective 
allocation of project funding, the Applicant shall submit a project 
budget that clearly details the costs for performing all of the 
requirements presented in this solicitation, including producing all 
deliverables, reporting on implementation and progress, and monitoring 
progress. Applicants are reminded to budget for compliance with the 
administrative requirements set forth (copies of all regulations are 
referenced in this SGA are available at no cost, on-line, at http://www.dol.gov). This includes the costs of performing activities such as 
travel to Washington, DC to meet with USDOL/ILAB, financial audit, 
project closeout, document preparation (e.g., progress reports, project 
document), and ensuring compliance with procurement and property 
standards. The Project Budget should identify administrative costs 
separately from programmatic costs. In addition to the costs identified 
previously, administrative costs include indirect costs from the costs 
pool and the cost of activities, materials (e.g., project car), and 
personnel (e.g., administrative assistants, office drivers) that 
support the management and administration of the project but do not 
provide direct services to project beneficiaries.
    The technical panel will review grant applicants against the 
criteria listed below on the basis of 100 points.

B. Technical Approach--45 Points

    [sbull] The extent to which the application sets forth a clear and 
supportable course of action to strengthen the capacity of Colombian 
trade union leaders to: (a) More effectively support the economic, 
political and social development of Colombia, (b) promote respect for 
human and worker rights; and (c) play a positive role in the peace 
process. The Applicant will be evaluated on the clear identification 
and description of the specific strategy(s) the Applicant proposes to 
use, its effectiveness, and attainability of project objectives by the 
end of the grant period. (10 points)
    [sbull] Demonstrated familiarity with the major issues related to 
the components being addressed (e.g., general project context, key 
problems and/or needs in the relevant country/area, the specific 
problem(s) and/or need(s) that will be addressed by this project(s), 
and relevant constraints). The Applicant will be evaluated on the 
thorough and accurate assessment of the implementing environment and 
the problems that exist and clear identification of the specific 
problem(s) the Applicant proposes to address. (5 points)
    [sbull] A monitoring and evaluation plan for measuring project 
performance that includes challenging but realistic targets and 
measurable, verifiable project indicators that measure achievement of 
project objectives and performance in project implementation. (5 
points)
    [sbull] Submission of a schedule of quarterly deliverables that 
will serve to determine the level of performance of the contractor. The 
identification of deliverables that are presented in the proposal 
should be objective, verifiable, and demonstrate progress in achieving 
project objectives. (5 points)

C. Institutional Qualifications/Past Performance--25 Points

    [sbull] Prior experience working with Colombian trade unionists to 
strengthen their capacity to play a constructive role in the economic, 
political and social development of Colombia. The application shall 
include information as an attachment (which will not count towards the 
page limit) regarding previous grants, contracts, or grants, including 
(a) the organization for which the work was done, (b) a contact person 
in that organization with his/her current phone number, (c) the dollar 
value of the grant, contract, or Grant for the project(s), (d) the time 
frame and professional effort, either directly by key personnel, by 
consultants, or under contractual arrangements involved in the 
project(s), (e) a brief summary of the work performed; and (f) a brief 
summary of accomplishments. (10 points)
    [sbull] Prior experience in designing and implementing activities 
related to training in trade union administration, collective 
bargaining, industrial dispute prevention and resolution, English as a 
second language, basic computer literacy, and relocating training 
candidates for training in the U.S. or a third country. (5 points)
    [sbull] Clear organizational structure and management plan, 
illustrating experience with carrying out participatory development 
activities with organizations (i.e., government ministries, employer 
organizations, worker organizations, community organizations) and 
maintaining positive and effective relationships with partners. (5 
points)
    [sbull] Demonstration of strong financial management and internal 
control systems. (5 points)

D. Experience of Personnel--30 Points

    [sbull] Key personnel with prior experience directly related to the 
proposed work, including technical and language qualifications, 
professional competence, relevant academic background, and demonstrated 
experience. Applicants shall submit a resume for each key personnel 
proposed, which includes the individual's current employment status and 
previous work experience, including position title, duties performed, 
dates in position, employing

[[Page 39119]]

organizations, and educational background. Duties must be clearly 
defined in terms of role performed (i.e., manager, team leader, 
consultant). Resumes shall be included as attachments, which do not 
count against the page limitation. (20 points)
    [sbull] Clear management plan demonstrating the staffing 
requirements and other resources needed to implement the approach. (10 
points)

E. Leveraging of Grant Funding--5 Points

    USDOL will award up to five (5) additional rating points to 
applications that include non-Federal resources that significantly 
expand the size and scope of project-related activities. These programs 
will not be financed by the project, but can complement and enhance 
project objectives. To be eligible for the additional points, the 
applicant must list the resource(s), the nature, and possible 
activities anticipated and any partnerships, linkages, or coordination 
of activities, cooperative funding, etc.

F. Suggested Outline for Technical Proposal

    This outline is provided as a guideline. Organizations may elect a 
format of their choosing, subject to the requirements of this 
announcement.

1. Executive Summary
2. Program Description
    Goal and Objectives
    Background
    Technical Approach and Implementation Timetable (Proposed 
Intervention)
    Experience of Personnel
    Identification of Deliverables and Quarterly Schedule of their 
submission to determine contractor performance
    Staffing Pattern and Project Management Organizational Chart
    Leveraging of non-Federal Resources
3. Attachments
    Summaries of other relevant organizational experiences
    Resumes of key personnel and signed letters of commitment to the 
project

    This stated commitment will be incorporated into the text of the 
grant with the selected applicant(s).

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 25th day of June 2003.
Lawrence J. Kuss,
Grant Officer.
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[FR Doc. 03-16545 Filed 6-30-03; 8:45 am]
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