[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 73 (Thursday, April 15, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20042-20073]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8557]



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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Veterans' Employment and Training Service


Solicitation for Grant Application for Veterans' Workforce 
Investment Program (VWIP) Supplementary Grants for Program Year 2003

    Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: 04-02.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.802.
    Key Dates: Applications are to be submitted by no later than May 
17, 2004.
    Delivery Address: U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services 
Center, Attention: Cassandra Mitchell, Reference SGA 04-02, Room N5416, 
200 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20210.
    Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans' 
Employment and Training Service (VETS) announces a competition for the 
balance of the Veterans' Workforce Investment Program (VWIP) grant 
funds for Program Year (PY) 2003 as authorized under section 168 of the 
Workforce Investment Act of 1998. This notice contains all of the 
necessary information and forms needed to apply for grant funding. 
Selected programs will assist eligible veterans by providing 
employment, training, support services, credentialing, networking 
information, and/or other assistance. Under this solicitation for grant 
applications (SGA), VETS anticipates that up to $400,000 in PY 2003 
funds will be available for grant awards. The awards will be in the 
form of 12-month grants. The VWIP programs are designed to be flexible 
in addressing the universal as well as local or regional problems that 
may have had a negative impact on veterans reentering the workforce, 
including lack of coordinating information between local service 
providers. VETS, through this SGA, is seeking applications that take 
one of two approaches--either providing direct services to veterans, or 
providing outreach and public information activities that result in job 
and job training opportunities for veterans.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Section 168 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) amended 
the training programs made available to veterans. See sec. 168, Public 
Law 105-220, 112 Stat. 1027 (29 U.S.C. 2913. Section 168 authorizes the 
Department of Labor to make grants to meet the needs for workforce 
investment activities of veterans with service-connected disabilities, 
veterans who have significant barriers to employment, veterans who 
served on active duty in the armed forces during a war or in a campaign 
or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, and 
recently separated veterans within 48 months of discharge. The 
Department of Labor is authorized to make grants to public agencies, 
and private non-profit organizations, and community-based organizations 
(including faith-based organizations) that are determined to have an 
understanding of the unemployment problems of veterans, familiarity 
with the area to be served, and the capability to administer a program 
of workforce investment activities for such veterans effectively.
    The VWIP grants under section 168 of the Workforce Investment Act 
of 1998 are intended to address one or more of three objectives:
     To provide new and creative service delivery 
systems that address the complex employment problems facing veterans; 
or
     To provide services to assist in integrating 
veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force; or
     To provide outreach efforts such as 
communication strategies or conferences designed to address systemic 
problems with diverse agencies sharing information or to sponsor 
conferences designed to bring systemic change in skills development 
recognition that are barriers to veterans entering the workforce.
    This SGA seeks to fund programs that are flexible, creative, 
innovative, and non-duplicative in addressing local or regional 
problems that have had a negative impact on keeping veterans from the 
workforce and improving the employment and retention of veterans.
    The project design may provide for one of the following two 
options:
    1. Employment and training services such as basic skills 
instruction, remedial education activities, job search activities 
including job search workshops, job counseling, job preparatory 
training including r[eacute]sum[eacute] writing and interviewing 
skills, subsidized trial employment, on-the-job training, classroom 
training, placement follow-up services, and other services provided 
under WIA.
    2. Outreach activities such as local or regional newsletters or 
other communications devices that convey important information to all 
entities involved in providing employment and training services to 
veterans, or regional or national conferences. For example, conferences 
might bring together interested parties from within and outside the 
public labor exchange system in order to share important information on 
strategies for removing credentialing barriers facing veterans with 
viable but unrecognized skills.
    No model is mandatory but the applicant must design a program that 
is responsive to local, regional, or national needs, is unique, 
creative, innovative and non-duplicative, and will carry out the 
objectives of the program to successfully integrate eligible veterans 
into the workforce. Under the Government Performance and Results Act, 
Public Law 103-62, 107 Stat. 285 (31 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), Congress and 
the public are looking for program results rather than program 
processes.
    If the grantee contemplates training and placement activity, 
coordination with the Disabled Veterans Employment Program Specialists 
(DVOP's) and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER's) in the 
jurisdiction is required. Additionally, wherever possible, DVOP and 
LVER staff should be utilized for job development and placement 
activities for veterans who are ready to enter employment or who are in 
need of intensive case management services. Many of these staff members 
have received training in case management at the National Veterans 
Training Institute and have a priority of focus on assisting those most 
at a disadvantage in the labor market. VETS urges working hand-in-hand 
with DVOP/LVER staff to achieve economies of resources.

II. Award Information

    Awards will be made in the form of 12-month grants. Up to five 
grant awards are anticipated. The total amount of funds available for 
this solicitation is $400,000. Awards are expected to range from 
$75,000 to a maximum of $250,000. The Department of Labor reserves the 
right to negotiate the amounts to be awarded under this competition. 
Requests exceeding $250,000 will be considered non-responsive.
    The period of performance will be for twelve (12) months from the 
date of award unless modified. It is expected that successful 
applicants will commence program operations under this solicitation not 
later than June 30, 2004. Program funds must be obligated within 12 
months of the grant award. However, funds may be reserved for limited 
activities including follow-up and grant closeout.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants. Under section 168(a)(2) of the Workforce 
Investment Act, grants may be made to public agencies, private non-
profit

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organizations, and community based organizations (including faith-based 
organizations) that DOL determines have familiarity with the area and 
population to be served and can administer an effective program. 
Entities that have already received PY 2003 grants are not eligible to 
be awarded funds under this SGA. Eligible applicants will fall into one 
of the following categories:
     State and Local Workforce Investment Boards 
established under sections 111 and 117 of the Workforce Investment Act.
     States and State agencies. A State agency may 
propose in its application to serve one or more of the political 
subdivisions in its State. As noted below, this does not preclude a 
city or county agency from submitting an application to serve its own 
jurisdiction.
     Local public agencies, meaning any public agency 
of a general purpose political subdivision of a State that has the 
power to levy taxes and spend funds, as well as general corporate and 
police powers. (This typically refers to cities and counties.)
     Private non-profit organizations, including 
faith-based and community organizations, that have a capacity to manage 
grants and have or will provide the necessary linkages with other 
service providers. Entities organized under section 501(c)(4) of the 
Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities are not 
eligible to receive funds under this announcement. Section 18 of the 
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, Public Law 104-65, 109 Stat. 691 (2 
U.S.C. 1611) prohibits instituting an award, grant, or loan of Federal 
funds to 501(c)(4) entities that engage in lobbying.
     Applicants for VWIP must satisfy a 
``responsibility review'' that demonstrates an ability to administer 
Federal funds. See 20 CFR 667.170.
    In accordance with 29 CFR part 98, entities that are debarred or 
suspended shall be excluded from Federal financial assistance and are 
ineligible to receive a VWIP grant.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching. Although VETS encourages applicants to 
use cost sharing and matching funds, Veterans Workforce Investment 
Grants do not require grantees to share costs or provide matching 
funds.
    3. Other Eligibility Criteria. To be eligible for participation in 
a training program administered under VWIP, an individual must be a 
veteran fitting one of the following categories:
     ``* * * veterans with service-connected disabilities, veterans who 
have significant barriers to employment, veterans who served on active 
duty in the armed forces during a war or in a campaign or expedition 
for which a campaign badge has been authorized, and recently separated 
veterans [those within 48 months of discharge].'' See section 168 
(a)(1) of the Workforce Investment Act.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package. Applications 
announcements or forms will not be mailed. The Federal Register may be 
obtained from your nearest government office or library. This SGA, 
together with its attachments, includes all information needed to 
apply. Additional application packages may be obtained from the VETS 
Web site at http://www.dol.gov/vets and at http://www.fedgrants.gov. If 
additional copies of the standard forms are needed, they can be 
downloaded from http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html. To receive any amendments to this solicitation (please 
reference SGA 04-02), all applicants must register their name and 
address in writing with the Grant Officer at the following address: 
U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Room N-5416, 200 
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20210.
    2. Content and Format of Application Submission. Applicants must 
submit a cover letter and an original and two (2) copies of each part 
of this proposal. The proposal consists of two separate and distinct 
parts, Part 1 is the technical proposal and Part 2 is the cost 
proposal. The information provided in these two parts is essential in 
gaining an understanding of the programmatic and fiscal contents of the 
grant application.
    Part 1--The Technical Proposal consists of a narrative proposal 
that demonstrates: the need for this particular grant program; the 
services and activities proposed to obtain successful outcomes for the 
veterans served; and the applicant's capability to accomplish the 
expected outcomes of the proposed project design. Applicants must be 
responsive to the Rating Criteria contained in section V (1) and 
address all of the rating factors as thoroughly as possible in the 
narrative.
    The technical proposal narrative must not exceed fifteen (15) pages 
double-spaced, font size no less than 11 pt., and typewritten on one 
side of the paper only. [The applicant also must complete the forms, 
i.e., the Technical Performance Goals chart provided in the SGA, or 
some other matrix designed to show performance goals. See Appendix D.]. 
Required forms and appendices/attachments are not included in the page 
count.
    In order to facilitate the review process, the following format for 
the technical proposal is strongly recommended:
     Need for the program. The applicant must 
identify the geographic area to be served; estimate the number of 
eligible veterans and their needs; indicate poverty, and unemployment 
rates in the area; and identify the gaps in the local community 
infrastructure that contribute to the employment and other barriers 
faced by the targeted veterans. Include Labor Market Information (LMI) 
on the outlook for job opportunities in the service area. In the case 
of outreach activities, the need for communications strategies such as 
Web sites, newsletters or conferences must be fully explained.
     Approach or strategy to obtain successful 
outcomes for veterans. The applicant must identify which of the two 
approaches it proposes to take to produce positive outcomes for 
veterans--direct services or outreach and public information 
activities. This section of the proposal should discuss how direct 
services to veterans will meet the needs of eligible veterans 
identified, or how the outreach effort will implement the 
communications strategies described in the ``need for the program'' 
section. Regardless of which approach proposed, this section should 
include identification of how the applicants proposed approach or 
strategy will increase or solidify cooperation, coordination, sharing 
of information between agencies in the community, the region, or in the 
nation.
     An indication that the applicant has the 
capability and knowledge to accomplish the goals in the application.
    Part 2--Cost Proposal. The cost proposal consists of a completed 
Standard Form (SF) 424 ``Application for Federal Assistance'', SF 424A 
``Budget Information Sheet'', a detailed cost breakdown of each line 
item on the SF 424A, and supporting materials. Copies of all required 
forms, with instructions for completion, are included as appendices to 
this SGA. Applicants can expect that the cost proposal will be reviewed 
for allowability, how the money is allocated, and reasonableness of 
placement and enrollment costs. VETS reserves the right to have a State 
representative review and verify all data. The cost proposal must 
include the following items:
    (i) The Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance'' (original signed in blue-ink). Please note that, beginning 
October 1, 2003, all applicants for Federal grant and funding 
opportunities are required to include a

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Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number with their application. See OMB Notice 
of Final Policy Issuance, 68 Fed. Reg. 38402 (June 27, 2003). The DUNS 
number is a nine-digit identification number that uniquely identifies 
business entities. There is no charge for obtaining a DUNS number 
(although it may take 14-30 days).
    To obtain a DUNS number, access the following Web site: http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711. Requests for exemption 
from the DUNS number requirement must be made to OMB. The Dun and 
Bradstreet Number of the applicant should be entered in the 
``Organizational Unit'' section of block 5 of SF 424. The Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program is 17.802. It must 
be entered on the SF 424, Block 10.
    (ii) Standard Form (SF) 424A ``Budget Information Sheet'' in 
Appendix B,
    (iii) A detailed cost breakout of each line item on the Budget 
Information Sheet, which should be labeled as ``Budget Narrative.'' 
Please ensure that costs reported on the SF 424A correspond accurately 
with the Budget Narrative. The budget narrative must include the 
following information at a minimum:
     A breakout of all personnel costs by position, 
title, salary rates, and percent of time of each position to be devoted 
to the proposed project (including sub-awardees);
     An explanation and breakout of extraordinary 
fringe benefit rates and associated charges (i.e., rates exceeding 35% 
of salaries and wages);
     An explanation of the purpose and composition 
of, and method used to derive the costs, of each of the following: 
travel, equipment, supplies, sub-awards/contracts, and any other costs. 
The applicant must include costs of any required travel described in 
this solicitation. Mileage charges may not exceed 36 cents per mile;
     A description/specification of and justification 
for equipment purchases, if any. Tangible, non-expendable personal 
property having a useful life of more than one year and a unit 
acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit must be specifically 
identified.
     Matching funds, leveraged funds, and in-kind 
services are not required for VWIP grants. However, if matching funds, 
leveraged funds or in-kind services are to be used, an identification 
of all sources of leveraged or matching funds and an explanation of the 
derivation of the value of matching/in-kind services must be provided. 
When resources such as matching funds, leveraged funds and/or the value 
of in-kind contributions are made available, please show in section B 
of the Budget Information Sheet.
    (iv) Assurance and Certification signature page, Appendix C.
    (v) All applicants must submit evidence of satisfactory financial 
management capability, which must include recent financial and/or audit 
statements.
    (vi) All applicants must include, as a separate appendix, a list of 
all employment and training grants and contracts that it has had in the 
past three (3) years, including grant/contract officer contact 
information.
    (vii) Documentation of indirect cost rates, as described in section 
IV (5) below.
    (viii) A copy of the applicant's most recent (within 12 months) 
audited financial statement.
    (ix) Direct Cost Descriptions for Applicants and Sub-Applicants 
(See Appendix E.)
    (x) Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (See 
Appendix F.)

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The grant application package must be received at the designated 
location by the date and time specified or it will not be considered. 
Any application received at the Office of Procurement Services after 
4:45 p.m. ET, May 17, 2004 will not be considered unless it is received 
before the award is made and:
     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;
     It was sent by registered or certified mail not 
later than the fifth calendar day before the closing date of this 
announcement; or
     It was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail 
Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee, not later than 5 p.m. at the 
location of mailing two (2) working days, excluding weekends and 
Federal holidays, prior to the closing date of this announcement. The 
only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a late 
application sent by registered or certified mail is the U.S. Postal 
Service postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on the original receipt 
from the U.S. Postal Service. If the postmark is not legible, an 
application received after the above closing time and date shall be 
processed as if mailed late. ``Postmark'' means a printed, stamped or 
otherwise placed impression (not a postage meter machine impression) 
that is readily identifiable without further action as having been 
applied and affixed by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service on the 
date of mailing. Therefore applicants should request that the postal 
clerk place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's-eye'' postmark on both 
the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a 
late application sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day 
Service-Post Office to Addressee is the date entered by the Post Office 
clerk on the ``Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee'' 
label and the postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on the original 
receipt from the U.S. Postal Service.
    ``Postmark'' has the same meaning as defined above. Therefore, 
applicants should request that the postal clerk place a legible hand 
cancellation ``bull's-eye'' postmark on both the receipt and the 
envelope or wrapper.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at 
the U.S. Department of Labor is the date/time stamp of the Procurement 
Services Center on the application wrapper or other documentary 
evidence of receipt maintained by that office.
    Applications sent by other delivery services, such as Federal 
Express, UPS, etc., will also be accepted.
    All applicants are advised that U.S. mail delivery in the 
Washington, DC area has been erratic due to security. All applicants 
must take this into consideration when preparing to meet the 
application deadline, as you assume the risk for ensuring a timely 
submission.
    4. Intergovernmental Review. This funding opportunity is not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    5. Funding Restrictions. Rules relating to allowable costs are 
addressed in 20 CFR 667.200 through 667.220. Under 20 CFR 667.210(b), 
limits on administrative costs will be negotiated with the grantee and 
identified in the grant award documents. Construction costs (as opposed 
to maintenance and/or repair costs) are generally not allowed under 
WIA. While there are no specific limits on indirect costs, the amount 
of indirect cost charged to the grant is subject to the overall 
limitation on administrative costs as negotiated in the grant 
agreement.
    Indirect costs claimed by the applicant must be based on a 
federally approved rate. A copy of the negotiated approved and signed 
indirect cost negotiation agreement must be submitted with the 
application. If the applicant does not presently have an approved 
indirect cost rate, a proposed

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rate with justification may be submitted. Successful applicants will be 
required to negotiate an acceptable and allowable rate with the 
appropriate DOL Regional Office of Cost Determination or cognizant 
agency within 90 days of grant award. (See http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/attch.html.) Rates that can be tracked through the State 
Workforce Agency's Cost Accounting System represent an acceptable means 
of allocating costs to DOL and, therefore, can be approved for use in 
grants to State Workforce Agencies.
    6. Other Submission Requirements. Applications may be submitted by 
registered or certified mail, U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day 
Service-Post Office to Addressee, U.S. Postal Service First Class Mail, 
other delivery services (UPS, FEDEX, etc.), or hand delivery in 
accordance with the submission instructions under section IV (2) above. 
Applications cannot be accepted by e-mail or facsimile machine.

V. Application Review Information

1. Panel Review Criteria

    Applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria, up 
to a maximum of 100 points:
A. Need for the Project: 30 points
    Applications will be scored on the documented extent of need for 
this project, as demonstrated by: (i) The potential number or 
concentration of veterans in the proposed project area relative to 
other similar areas of jurisdiction; (ii) the high rates of poverty 
and/or unemployment in the proposed project area as determined by the 
census or other surveys; (iii) the extent of gaps in the local 
infrastructure that create employment barriers that hinder the target 
population; (iv) the number of service members separating from the 
armed forces at local military bases; (v) problems with coordination 
between service providers; and (vi) identification of credentialing 
barriers which need to be addressed.
B. Overall Strategy To Enhance Services Provided to Veterans, To 
Initiate Actions To Provide Workforce Investment Activities for 
Veterans Not Otherwise Served, or To Provide Outreach and Public 
Information Activities To Develop and Promote Maximum Job and Job 
Training Opportunities for Eligible Veterans: 40 points
    The application must include a description of the proposed approach 
to address one of the permissible strategies--either to provide 
workforce investment activities or to provide outreach and public 
information activities. Applicants should demonstrate how the 
activities will be tailored or will be responsive to the needs of 
veterans, and the employers seeking to hire veterans. Applications will 
be scored on the extent to which they demonstrate the following:
    In the case of an application describing direct services to 
veterans:
    (i) Is the project Unique--Has any other service provider tried the 
same approach;
    (ii) Is the project Creative--What will this project do that other 
projects won't do or haven't done;
    (iii) Is the project Innovative--Are any changes made to 
traditional service delivery programs to make them more effective?
    As part of its service proposal, has the grantee planned to provide 
appropriate awareness, information sharing, and orientation activities 
on veterans and their needs to the following: Federal, State, and local 
entitlement services such as the Social Security Administration (SSA), 
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) 
and their local job service offices or one-stop-centers including 
service programs such as Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) 
Specialists, Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERS) (which 
integrate WIA, labor exchange, and other employment and social 
services), detoxification facilities, etc.; civic and private groups 
and especially veterans' service organizations such as The American 
Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and 
American Veterans (AMVETS); Family Service Centers on local military 
bases and local managers of Transition Assistance Program classes (this 
might be accomplished by the publication of an assistance guide or 
other periodical with information about these services); and faith and 
community based organizations?
    In the case of an outreach program:
    (i) Is the project Unique--Has any other service provider tried the 
same approach;
    (ii) Is the project Creative--What will this project do that other 
projects won't do or haven't done;
    (iii) Is the project Innovative--Are any changes made to 
traditional outreach programs to make them more effective?
    In its proposal for outreach, has the grantee planned to provide 
appropriate awareness, information sharing, and orientation activities 
on veterans and their needs to the following: Federal, State, and local 
entitlement services such as the Social Security Administration (SSA), 
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) 
and their local job service offices or one-stop-centers including 
service programs such as Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) 
Specialists, Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERS) (which 
integrate WIA, labor exchange, and other employment and social 
services), detoxification facilities, etc.; civic and private groups 
and especially veterans' service organizations such as The American 
Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and 
American Veterans (AMVETS); Family Service Centers on local military 
bases and local managers of Transition Assistance Program classes (this 
might be accomplished by the publication of an assistance guide or 
other periodical with information about these services); and faith and 
community based organizations?
    Additionally, where the project design focuses on improved 
coordination/cooperation, community outreach, conferences and public 
information, has the narrative described a comprehensive plan for 
meeting the challenges and solving the problems associated with getting 
disparate groups talking to each other and/or getting relevant 
information to eligible veterans in a cogent, logical, and efficient 
manner on a regular basis.
C. Demonstrated Capability in Providing Required Program Services: 30 
points
    The applicant must describe its relevant prior experience in either 
operating a public information or community outreach effort or 
operating employment and training programs and providing services to 
participants similar to those which are proposed under this 
solicitation. Specific outcomes of the applicant's prior experience 
must be described, including costs per enrollment and cost per entered 
employment or, in the case of outreach activities, number of relevant 
parties reached or conferences attended. The applicant must also 
address its capability and ability for timely startup of the program. 
The applicant should delineate its staff capability and ability to 
manage the financial aspects of a grant program, including a recent 
(within the last 12 months) financial statement or audit if available. 
Final or most recent technical reports for other relevant programs must 
be submitted if applicable and will not be scored against the page 
count. Because prior grant experience is not a requirement for this 
grant, some applicants may not have any technical reports to submit.

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2. Review and Selection Process

    The Grant Officer, with the assistance of VETS staff, will conduct 
an initial screening to determine responsiveness, timeliness, 
completeness, and eligibility of the applicant. Following the initial 
screening, the review panel using the point scoring system specified 
above in V(1) will review those applications determined to meet these 
criteria. Applications will be ranked based on the score assigned by 
the panel after careful evaluation by each panel member. The ranking 
will be the primary basis to identify applicants as potential grantees. 
Although the Government reserves the right to award on the basis of the 
initial proposal submissions, the Government may establish a 
competitive range, based upon the proposal evaluation, for the purpose 
of selecting qualified applicants. The panel's conclusions are advisory 
in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer. The Government reserves 
the right to ask for clarification or hold discussions, but is not 
obligated to do so. The Government further reserves the right to select 
applicants out of rank order if such a selection would, in its opinion, 
result in the most effective and appropriate combination of funding, 
program and administrative costs e.g., cost per enrollment and 
placement, demonstration models, and geographic service areas. While 
points will not be awarded for cost issues, cost per entered employment 
will be given serious consideration in the selection of awardees. The 
Grant Officer's determination for award under SGA 04-02 is the final 
agency action. The submission of the same proposal from any prior year 
Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Project or VWIP competition does not 
guarantee an award under this solicitation.

VI. Award Administration

1. Award Notices

    The Grant Officer will notify successful applicants of their 
awards. The notification letter will contain instructions on when 
performance under the terms of the award may begin. No activity 
associated with a grant application is authorized prior to official 
notification of an award by the Grant Officer. Before the actual grant 
award, the Grant Officer, in consultation with VETS staff, may enter 
into negotiations concerning such items as program components, funding 
levels, and administrative systems. If the negotiations do not result 
in an acceptable submittal, the Grant Officer reserves the right to 
terminate the negotiation and decline to fund the proposal.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Grantees must comply with the provisions of WIA and its 
regulations, as applicable. All grants will also be subject to the 
following administrative standards and provisions, if applicable to the 
particular grantees:
     20 CFR Part 667--Administrative provisions for 
programs including VWIP, under Title I of WIA.
     29 CFR Part 93--Lobbying.
     29 CFR Part 95--Uniform Administrative 
Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher 
Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-profit Organizations, and with 
Commercial Organizations.
     29 CFR Part 96--Federal Standards for Audit of 
Federally Funded Grants, Contracts and Agreements.
     29 CFR Part 97--Uniform Administrative 
Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and local 
Governments.
     29 CFR Part 98--Federal Standards for 
Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement) and 
Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
     29 CFR Part 99--Audit of States, Local 
Governments, and Non-profit Organizations.
     29 CFR Parts 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, and 37--Equal 
Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship and Training; 
Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of 
Labor, Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs and Activities; 
and Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs 
Receiving Federal Financial Assistance; and Implementation of the 
Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce 
Investment Act of 1988.
     In accordance with WIA section 195(6), programs 
funded under this SGA may not involve political activities. 
Additionally, in accordance with section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure 
Act of 1995, Public Law 104-65 (2 U.S.C. 1611), non profit entities 
incorporated under 501(c)(4) that engage in lobbying activities are not 
eligible to receive Federal funds and grants.
    3. Reporting Requirements. The grantees will be required to submit 
the reports and documents listed below:
A. Financial Reports
    The grantee must report outlays, program income, and other 
financial information on a quarterly basis using SF 269A, Financial 
Status Report, Short Form. This form will cite the assigned grant 
number and be submitted to the appropriate State Director for Veterans' 
Employment and Training (DVET) no later than 30 days after the ending 
date of each Federal fiscal quarter (i.e., reports are due October 30, 
January 30, April 30 and July 30) during the grant period.
B. Program Reports
    Grantees must electronically submit a Quarterly Technical 
Performance Report 30 days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter 
(i.e., reports are due October 30, January 30, April 30 and July 30) to 
the appropriate State Director of Veterans Employment and Training that 
contains the following:
     A comparison of actual accomplishments to 
established goals for the reporting period and any findings related to 
monitoring efforts;
     An explanation for variances of plus or minus 
15% of planned program and/or expenditure goals, to include: (i) 
identification of corrective action, which will be taken to meet the 
planned goals, if required by the Grant Officer's Technical 
Representative; and (ii) a timetable for accomplishment of the 
corrective action.
C. Three (3) Month Follow-Up Report
    Not later than 120 days after the grant expiration date, the 
grantee must submit a report showing/assessing program results at the 
90-day mark. The report should also contain the following:
     Financial Status Report (SF269A) (copy to be 
provided following grant awards); and
     Technical Performance Report (Program Goals).
D. Six (6) Month Follow-Up Report--Close Out
    No later than 210 days after the grant performance period ends, the 
grantee must submit a follow-up report containing the following:
     Final Financial Status Report (SF269A); and
     Final Narrative Report identifying--(a) the 
total combined (directed/assisted) number of veterans placed during the 
entire grant period; (b) the number of veterans still employed during 
follow up; (c) whether the veterans are still employed at the same or 
similar job, and if not what are the reasons; (d) whether the training 
received was applicable to jobs held; (e) wages at placement and during 
follow-up period; (f) an explanation regarding why those veterans 
placed during the grant but not employed at the end of the

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follow-up period are not so employed; and (g) any recommendations to 
improve the program. Reporting requirements under D. above will not 
apply to programs involving outreach and public information activities 
that do not involve the direct training and placement of eligible 
veterans.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For answers to questions or help with problems while the funding 
period is open contact Cassandra Willis, U.S. Department of Labor, 
Procurement Services Center, telephone (202) 693-4570.

VIII. Other Information

    Unless specifically provided in the grant agreement, DOL's 
acceptance of a proposal and an award of Federal funds to sponsor any 
program(s) do not provide a waiver of any grant requirements and/or 
procedures. For example, the OMB circulars require and an entity's 
procurement procedures must provide that all procurement transactions 
will be conducted, as practical, to provide open and free competition. 
If a proposal identifies a specific entity to provide the services, the 
DOL award does not provide the justification or basis to sole-source 
the procurement, i.e., avoid competition.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: It is recommended that you confirm 
receipt of your application by contacting Cassandra Mitchell, U.S. 
Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, telephone (202) 693-
4570, prior to the closing deadline. [This is not a toll-free number.]
    All applicants are advised that U.S. mail delivery in the 
Washington, DC area has been erratic due to security concerns. All 
applicants must take this into consideration when preparing to meet the 
application deadline.

    Signed at Washington, DC this 7th day of April, 2004.
Lisa Harvey,
Acting Grant Officer.

Appendices

Appendix A: Application for Federal Assistance SF 424
Appendix B: Budget Information Sheet SF 424A
Appendix C: Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
Appendix D: Technical Performance Goals Form
Appendix E: Direct Cost Descriptions for Applicants and Sub-
Applicants
Appendix F: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants
Appendix G: The Glossary of Terms
Appendix H: Legal Rules Applying to Faith Based Organizations

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[FR Doc. 04-8557 Filed 4-14-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-79-C