[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 180 (Friday, September 17, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56082-56097]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-20953]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant 
Applications (SGA) for High-Growth Job Training Initiative Grants for 
the Healthcare and Biotechnology Industries

    Announcement Type: Notice of solicitation for grant applications
    Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA-PY 04-1.
    Catalog of Federal Assistance Number: 17.261.

SUMMARY: The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. 
Department of Labor (DOL), announces the availability of approximately 
$10 million in demonstration grant funds to address labor shortages, 
innovative training strategies, and other workforce challenges in the 
Healthcare and Biotechnology industries as identified through the 
President's High Growth Job Training Initiative.
    The President's High Growth Job Training Initiative (HGJTI) is a 
strategic effort to prepare workers for new and increasing job 
opportunities in high growth/high demand and economically vital 
industries and sectors of the American economy. The initiative provides 
national leadership for a demand-driven workforce system by identifying 
high growth/high demand industries, evaluating their skills needs, and 
leveraging the publicly funded workforce system in collaboration with 
private and public sector partners to ensure that people are being 
trained with the skills required for positions in these rapidly 
expanding or transforming industries.
    Grant funds awarded under the HGJTI should be used to develop and 
implement innovative solutions to workforce challenges identified by 
the Healthcare industry or Biotechnology industry. Each solution should 
take place in the context of a strategic partnership between the public 
workforce system, business and industry representatives, and education 
and training providers such as community colleges. It is anticipated 
that individual awards will fall within the range of $750,000 to $1 
million.

Key Dates: The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is November 2, 2004. Applications must be received at the 
address below no later than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). Grant applications 
received after this time and date will not be considered.

ADDRESSES: Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department 
of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal 
Assistance, Attention: Eric Luetkenhaus, Reference SGA/DFA-PY04-1, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N4438, Washington, DC 20210. 
Telefacsimile (FAX) applications will not be accepted. Applicants are 
advised that mail delivery in the Washington area may be delayed due to 
mail decontamination procedures. Hand delivered proposals will be 
received at the above address.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation consists of seven parts:

[[Page 56083]]

     Part I provides background information on the President's 
High Growth Job Training Initiative, describes the critical elements of 
HGJTI grants, and highlights the special emphases for this 
solicitation.
     Part II describes the size and nature of the award.
     Part III describes eligible applicants.
     Part IV provides information on the application and 
submission process.
     Part V describes the criteria against which applications 
will be reviewed and explains the proposal review process.
     Part VI provides award administration information.
     Part VII contains DOL agency contact information.
     Part VIII lists additional resources of interest to 
applicants.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Part A of this section provides background information on the 
principles and processes of the President's High Growth Job Training 
Initiative (HGJTI) and describes the specific results of the HGJTI 
process for the Healthcare and Biotechnology Industries. Part B 
describes critical elements of all HGJTI grants. Part C describes areas 
of emphasis particular to this SGA.

A. Background on the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative

    The President's High Growth Job Training Initiative is a strategic 
effort to prepare workers for new and increasing job opportunities in 
high growth/high demand and economically vital industries and sectors 
of the American economy. The initiative is designed to provide national 
leadership for a demand-driven workforce system by identifying high 
growth/high demand industries, evaluating their skills needs, and 
funding demonstration projects that provide workforce solutions to 
ensure individuals can gain the skills to get good jobs in these 
rapidly expanding or transforming industries.
    The foundation of this initiative is partnerships between the 
publicly funded workforce investment system, business and industry 
representatives, and education and training providers, such as 
community colleges. The purpose of these partnerships is to develop 
innovative solutions or replicate models that address a particular 
industry's workforce issues. These solutions demonstrate how a demand-
driven workforce system can more efficiently serve the workforce needs 
of business while effectively helping workers find good jobs with good 
wages and promising career paths.
    The HGJTI process engages each partner in its area of strength. 
Industry representatives and employers define workforce challenges 
facing the industry and identify the competencies and skills required 
for the industry's workforce. Community colleges and other education 
and training providers assist in developing competency models and 
training curricula and train new and incumbent workers. The publicly 
funded workforce investment system accesses human capital (youth, 
unemployed, underemployed, and dislocated workers), assists with 
training programs, and places trained workers in jobs.
    The publicly funded workforce investment system is a state and 
local network of resources to assist businesses in recruiting, 
training, and retaining a skilled workforce. The cornerstone of the 
system is the One-Stop Career Center, which unifies numerous training, 
education and employment programs into a single service delivery system 
at the local level. State and local governments, providing strategic 
direction through State and Local Workforce Investment Boards, have 
responsibility for the ongoing operation of the One-Stop system. The 
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) provides significant flexibility, with 
significant authority reserved for the Governor and chief elected 
officials, to implement One-Stop systems that are tailored to the 
particular needs of the local and regional labor markets. ETA, in 
collaboration with other required Federal Partners identified in WIA, 
provides general leadership and guidance to these state-driven, 
locally-operated systems.
    ETA is modeling the power of this partnership at the national level 
through investments in demonstration projects in twelve high growth/
high demand industries. Each of the 12 industries was selected because 
it meets one or more of the following criteria: (1) Is projected to add 
substantial numbers of new jobs to the economy; (2) has a significant 
impact on the economy overall; (3) impacts the growth of other 
industries; (4) is being transformed by technology and innovation 
requiring new skills sets for workers; or (5) is a new and emerging 
business that is projected to grow. The twelve industries are:

     Advanced Manufacturing
     Automotive Services
     Biotechnology
     Construction
     Energy
     Financial Services
     Geospatial Technology
     Healthcare
     Hospitality
     Information Technology (IT) & IT Business-Related Services
     Retail
     Transportation

    For each industry, ETA follows a three-step process to identify 
workforce challenges and solutions and demonstrate solutions 
nationally. First, ETA conducts an environmental scan to understand the 
economic conditions and workforce challenges facing the industry. 
Second, ETA convenes a series of meetings to offer leaders in business 
and industry an opportunity to share their current and future workforce 
needs with the workforce system. Using the information gathered at 
these meetings, ETA convenes a second round of meetings with industry 
and public workforce system representatives to verify workforce gaps 
and devise solutions. The results of these meetings are published in a 
comprehensive industry report. These reports are made available to the 
public via ETA's Web site http://www.doleta.gov/BRG/JobTrainInitiative 
as the HGJTI process is completed for each industry.
    In addition to numerous industry-specific solutions, ETA identified 
a core set of priority solution elements that are common to all 12 
target industries. These elements include:
    1. Developing a pipeline of young workers;
    2. Building competency models, career ladders, and career lattices 
for new and incumbent workers;
    3. Expanding post-secondary training alternatives including 
apprenticeships and community colleges' workforce development programs;
    4. Accessing new and/or untapped labor pools;
    5. Transitioning workers from declining industries;
    6. Developing strategies for retaining incumbent workers and 
updating their skills; and
    7. Engaging small businesses.
    The third and final step of the HGJTI process is a series of 
investments in unique, innovative, and industry-driven projects that 
reflect one or more of the seven elements outlined above and 
demonstrate training initiatives and capacity building strategies to 
address the industry's unique workforce challenges. Together, these 
projects make up a solution set tailored to each industry's specific 
needs.
    ETA has completed the three-step HGJTI process for both the 
Healthcare industry and Biotechnology industry. In the spring and 
summer of 2004, ETA announced a first round of investments in nineteen 
projects under the

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Healthcare industry and nine projects under the Biotechnology industry. 
While a brief description of industry workforce challenges is provided 
below, applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the 
full industry reports and with the current investments, which can be 
found at http://www.doleta.gov/BRG. The projects selected for funding 
under this SGA are intended to further enhance the existing solution 
sets for each industry.
Workforce Challenges in the Healthcare Industry
    The Healthcare industry is responsible for 11.5 million jobs 
nationwide, making it the country's largest industry. In 2002, the U.S. 
Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that over the next ten years, the 
Healthcare industry is projected to add 3.5 million new jobs, the 
greatest job growth for any industry in the United States. Further, ten 
of the twenty fastest growing occupations in the nation are 
concentrated in health services. For example, jobs in four key 
healthcare occupations such as medical assistants, physician 
assistants, home health aides, and medical records and health 
information technicians, will grow by over 45 percent between 2002 and 
2012.
    Despite this expected growth, significant workforce supply and 
demand gaps currently exist across the U.S., affecting health care's 
three primary sectors: acute care, long term care, and primary care. 
Many occupations for which demand is great require two-year degrees and 
certifications, making community colleges an important focal point for 
addressing this industry's workforce challenges.
    ETA hosted a series of forums in order to identify workforce 
challenges faced by the healthcare industry and developed a range of 
potential solutions to these challenges. Forum attendees identified 
thirteen critical workforce challenges:

Recruitment and Retention:

     Increasing available labor pools
     Accessing untapped diverse/non-traditional labor pools
     Reducing turnover
Skill Development:
     Entry-level worker preparation
     Incumbent worker training
     Need for targeted/specialized skill areas
Capacity of Education and Training Providers:
     Lack of academic and clinical instructors
     Lack of facilities and resources
     Lack of alignment between requirements and curriculum
Sustainability: Infrastructure, Leadership and Policy:
     Need for sustainable partnerships at all levels
     Opportunities to leverage funding
     Planning tools (data, projections, and information 
systems)
     Policy and regulatory issues

    Forum attendees also identified 1,001 potential solutions to these 
challenges. Examples of the identified solutions include, but are not 
limited to:
     Youth-related programs developed and implemented by 
partnerships that include schools, healthcare employers, post-secondary 
programs for health occupations, and public workforce system entities;
     Initiatives that meet the needs for academic and clinical 
faculty in high-demand healthcare education programs and that are 
designed to adapt to changing levels of workforce demand; and
     Programs focused on non-traditional and traditional labor 
pools for healthcare entry-level workers that both broaden approaches 
to preparation programs and enhance career mobility in healthcare and 
related industries.
Workforce Challenges in the Biotechnology Industry
    The Biotechnology industry is an emerging industry with large 
growth potential. The industry has more than tripled in size since 
1992, with revenues increasing from $8 billion in 1992 to $28.5 billion 
in 2001. Additionally, the Biotechnology industry is expected to add 
approximately 101,900 new positions between 2002 and 2007, growing from 
713,000 workers to 814,900 workers. Because of this rapid growth, 
significant workforce supply and demand gaps currently exist across the 
United States. The gaps remain consistent across Biotechnology industry 
regional cluster areas and across levels of education. For example, the 
projected growth by 2012 for Medical Scientists (doctoral degree) is 
26.9 percent; Biomedical Engineers (bachelors degree), 26.1 percent, 
and Biological Technicians (Associates Degree), 19.4 percent.
    The Biotechnology industry faces a number of workforce challenges. 
For example, because of the emerging nature of the industry, 
occupations are often difficult to classify, and the public is unaware 
of the range of employment opportunities available in the industry. 
Furthermore, employee skill upgrades are required on a regular basis to 
keep up with rapidly changing technology and skills requirements. 
Additionally, there is a need for articulated career ladders and 
lattices that allow individuals to advance from technician positions to 
engineer positions.
    ETA conducted three meetings with the biotechnology industry to 
allow business and industry an opportunity to share their current and 
future workforce challenges. Forum attendees identified the following 
six critical workforce challenges:

Pipeline Issues:
     Recruitment of new employees to the industry
     Retention

Skills, Competencies, and Training Issues:
     Developing competencies and career ladders
     Mapping occupations to other industries

Image and Outreach to the Public:
     Definition of the industry
     Image of the industry
    The forums also identified 137 potential solutions to these 
challenges. Examples of the identified solutions include, but are not 
limited to:
     Programs focused on developing an industry-validated 
definition and corresponding pipeline of characteristics that creates 
exposure and demonstrates the critical skills and attributes needed for 
employment within the industry; and
     Programs designed to better prepare educators for teaching 
the requisite skills necessary for entry into the industry, e.g., 
teacher externships.

B. Critical Elements of High Growth Grants

    HGJTI funded grants are expected to contain at least six critical 
elements. These elements consist of: (1) New and innovative solutions; 
(2) strategic partnerships; (3) leveraged resources; (4) 
sustainability; (5) replication of successful models for broad 
distribution; and (6) clear and specific outcomes. Each of these 
characteristics will be reflected in the ratings criteria in Part V and 
is described in further detail below.
    1. Innovative Solution(s) to Industry Identified Workforce 
Challenges. The HGJTI employs a solutions based approach to addressing 
the needs of the 21st Century workforce. In a solutions based approach, 
the grantee works through the cycle of (1) collecting and analyzing 
information about workforce issues; (2) incorporating a business or 
demand-driven perspective; (3) ensuring the right strategic partners 
are at the table; (4) working collaboratively to explore, frame, and 
implement solutions; and (5) assessing how the products and outcomes of 
the project

[[Page 56085]]

can be effectively deployed and replicated. Applicants are not limited 
in the strategies and approaches they may employ to implement 
solutions, provided the strategy is well developed and meets industry 
and local area workforce challenges. Examples of previously funded 
solutions include:
     An incumbent worker career acceleration program that 
provides remedial education and skills-based training programs to 
workers in a hospital setting. On-site training opportunities help the 
hospital retain workers while helping workers upgrade their skills, 
making them eligible for critical skills shortage positions.
     A program led by a local Workforce Investment Board, in 
partnership with community colleges and local employers, to develop 
career pathways in biotechnology fields through training models 
targeted at transitioning workers and entry-level workers in need of 
remedial skill training.
    2. Strategic Partnerships. ETA believes that strategic partnerships 
between the public workforce system, business and industry entities, 
economic development agencies, and community colleges or other 
education and training providers need to be in place in order to 
implement effective workforce development solutions. In order to 
maximize success of the solution and to keep pace with the rapid 
changes in the economy and the nature of the skills and competencies 
necessary for work in these industries, these partnerships need to be 
substantial and sustained. Furthermore, each partner needs to have a 
clearly defined role in the partnership. By contributing to the 
workforce system's efforts to become demand driven, these strategic 
alliances maximize the impact of the partnership on both businesses and 
the U.S. labor pool.
    3. Leveraged Funds and Resources. HGJTI investments leverage funds 
and resources from key entities in the strategic partnership. 
Leveraging resources in the context of strategic partnerships 
accomplishes three goals: (1) It allows for the pursuit of resources 
driven by the strategy; (2) it increases stakeholder investment in the 
project at all levels including design and implementation phases; and 
(3) it broadens the impact of the project itself.
    Businesses, faith-based and community organizations, and 
foundations often invest resources to support workforce development. In 
addition, other government programs, including other Employment and 
Training Administration programs, such as registered apprenticeship and 
Job Corps, as well as non-ETA One-Stop partner programs such as 
Vocational Rehabilitation and Adult Education may have resources 
available that can be integrated into the proposed project. ETA 
encourages HGJTI grantees and their partners to be entrepreneurial as 
they seek out, utilize, and sustain these resources, whether it is in-
kind or cash contributions, when creating effective solutions to the 
workforce challenges identified by the industry.
    4. Sustainability. The HGJTI investment should be considered as 
seed funding. Thus, ETA intends that the partnerships and/or solutions-
based activities be sustainable long after the federal investment has 
ended. While financial resources are important, they are not the only 
component of sustainability. Sustainability is also created through the 
partnerships formed before and during the grant term; systems, 
strategies, and processes put in place during the grant period; and the 
experience gained through implementing a HGJTI grant. All of these may 
provide the foundation for developing long-term systemic solutions to 
workforce challenges in high growth/high demand industries.
    5. Replication. The HGJTI is driving the Workforce Investment 
System to become demand-driven through the broad, national 
dissemination of the products, models, and effective approaches that 
result from HGJTI investments. Solution sets should demonstrate how a 
demand-driven workforce system can more efficiently serve the workforce 
needs of business while at the same time helping workers find good jobs 
with good wages and promising career pathways. To that end, the 
outcomes of HGJTI projects should be replicable in a variety of 
settings and, if appropriate, other industries. Learning and 
achievement resulting from HGJTI projects should be developed into 
solution models that can be shared with and implemented by the public 
workforce system, industry leaders, and education and training 
community.
    6. Outcomes. Clear and specific outcomes that are appropriate to 
the nature of the solution and the size of the project are vital 
components of HGJTI projects. However, because HGJTI grants demonstrate 
solutions-based approaches to addressing industry workforce challenges, 
ETA recognizes that specific outcomes will vary from project to project 
based on the specific solution proposed. Projects that address building 
capacity should report on the status of products and activities and 
describe the impact each outcome has on the industry. For example, a 
project with a curriculum development component would predict impact on 
ability to train and certify individuals for specific occupations. 
Proposals that contain training elements should report outcome measures 
such as how many trainees received jobs or promotions, as well as 
trainee earnings gains and retention.

C. ETA Emphases for This SGA

    In addition to the critical elements described above, ETA has 
developed three areas of emphasis for Healthcare and Biotechnology 
projects funded through this SGA: (1) The specific workforce challenges 
identified by each industry; (2) the integration of Workforce 
Investment Act funding into the project; and (3) regional approaches to 
workforce challenges.
    1. Healthcare and Biotechnology Industry-Identified Workforce 
Challenges. Based on the scope and nature of investments made during 
the first funding round, ETA has identified specific workforce 
challenges for emphasis in this SGA. Applicants are encouraged to 
develop proposals that address these challenges; however, all unique 
and innovative proposals providing solutions to identified industry 
workforce challenges will be considered and reviewed.
Healthcare
     Increasing the capacity of education and training 
providers: Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that address 
shortages of qualified academic and clinical faculty to teach nursing 
and other health care-related occupational skills in community 
colleges.
     Accessing untapped labor pools: Applicants are encouraged 
to submit projects that focus on accessing new and untapped labor pools 
to fill healthcare industry positions. Untapped labor pools may include 
women or men (depending on the occupation), minority populations, older 
workers, workers transitioning from declining industries, those with 
limited English proficiency, veterans, and persons with disabilities. 
Where appropriate, applicants are encouraged to partner with faith-
based and community organizations to deliver social services to these 
labor pools.
     Developing specialized skill sets: The demand for highly 
skilled incumbent workers as well as new workers in the healthcare 
industry is high. While this challenge is well-recognized for the 
general nursing field, ETA would like to draw attention to the needs of 
specialty nursing areas and the allied health fields (radiological and 
surgical technicians, dental hygienists, etc.).

[[Page 56086]]

    Applicants are encouraged to propose solutions that develop 
competency models for these occupations with a specific focus on career 
lattices. Career lattices articulate clear paths employees may follow 
to move horizontally, vertically, and diagonally within a single 
occupation or across occupations to advance their careers by moving 
into positions with more responsibility and increased compensation and 
benefits.
Biotechnology
     Accessing untapped labor pools: Applicants are encouraged 
to submit projects that focus on accessing new and untapped labor pools 
to fill biotechnology industry positions. Untapped labor pools may 
include women, minority populations, older workers, workers 
transitioning from declining industries, those with limited English 
proficiency, veterans, and persons with disabilities. Where 
appropriate, applicants are encouraged to partner with faith-based and 
community organizations to deliver social services to these labor 
pools.
     Increasing retention through skills training: Applicants 
are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that develop and 
implement curricula for new and incumbent workers in either community 
college or business settings for specialty skills areas such as 
bioinformatics and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
     Developing apprenticeship models for biotechnology 
occupations: Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that 
integrate apprenticeship opportunities into skill development programs 
in the biotechnology industry.
     Developing career guidance for young adults and adults: 
Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that address the 
industry-identified need for new models that help adults and youth 
understand career options and opportunities in the biotechnology 
industry.
    2. Integrated WIA Funding. Applicants are encouraged to integrate 
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding at the state and local level 
into their proposed project. Integrating WIA funds ensures that the 
full spectrum of assets available from the workforce system is 
leveraged to support the HGJTI solution. The wide variety of WIA 
programs and activities provide both breadth and depth to the proposed 
solution offered to both businesses and individuals. In addition, the 
use of WIA funds embeds the solution into the local or regional 
Workforce Investment System, which serves to strengthen the system's 
ability to become more demand-driven.
    The integration of WIA funds may take many forms. For example, 
HGJTI funds may be used for the development of curriculum and training 
materials while WIA resources for Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) 
provide training under the new curriculum, and other WIA resources fund 
supportive services (such as transportation or child care) to training 
recipients. Applicants may wish to consider the appropriateness of a 
variety of WIA funds such as Job Corps (Title 1, Subtitle C), Youth 
(section 129), Adults and Dislocated Workers (section 133), Native 
Americans (section 166), Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers, (section 
167), Youth Opportunity Grants (section 169), Trade Adjustment 
Assistance (section 170), Other Demonstrations and Pilot Projects 
(section 171), and National Emergency Grants (section 173).
    Applicants that demonstrate evidence of integration of WIA funds 
into the project will receive 5 bonus points in the final score of 
their proposal. Please note that WIA integrated funds used for the 
proposed solution may not be counted towards the match requirement. In 
addition, all federal requirements will continue to apply to WIA funds 
integrated into HGJTI projects. However, once grants are awarded, 
grantees will be encouraged to apply for waivers of statutory and 
regulatory requirements through their states as authorized under 
section 189 of WIA.
    3. Regional Approach. Often-times, addressing the critical 
challenges job seekers and employers face requires the considerable 
leveraging of efforts by the employment, education, and economic 
development systems that impact expanded labor markets. Since HGJTI 
grants are designed to provide workforce solutions that are relevant in 
a variety of geographical areas and business and education settings, 
applicants are encouraged to connect their projects to larger regional 
efforts. Regional approaches can occur at a variety of scales, ranging 
from local projects involving multiple workforce investment boards to 
state-wide or multi-state projects.

II. Award Information

A. Award Amount

    ETA intends to fund 10 to 12 projects at a range of $750,000 to $1 
million; however, this does not preclude funding grants at either a 
lower or higher amount, or funding a smaller or larger number of 
projects, based on the type and the number of quality submissions. 
Applicants are encouraged to submit budgets for quality projects at 
whatever funding level is appropriate to the project. Nevertheless, 
applicants should recognize that the limited funds available through 
this SGA are intended to supplement project budgets rather than be the 
sole source of funds for the proposal.

B. Period of Performance

    The initial period of grant performance will be up to 24 months 
from the date of execution of the grant documents. If applied for, ETA 
may elect to exercise its option to award no-cost extensions to these 
grants for an additional period based on the success of the program and 
other relevant factors.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    Applicants may be public, private for-profit, and private non-
profit organizations including faith-based and community organizations. 
The application must clearly identify the applicant and describe its 
capacity to administer the HGJTI Healthcare and/or Biotechnology grant, 
in terms of both organizational capacity and data management 
capabilities. Please note that the applicant and fiscal agent must be 
the same organization.

B. Matching Funds

    Applicants must provide resources equivalent to at least 50 percent 
of the grant award amount as matching funds. This match may be provided 
in cash or in-kind; however, at least 50% of the total grant match 
amount must be a cash match provided by business partners. Please note 
that neither prior investments nor Federal resources may be counted as 
match.
    Please note that to be allowable as part of match, a cost must be 
an allowable charge for Federal grant funds. If the cost would not be 
allowable as a grant-funded charge, then it also cannot be counted 
toward matching funds. Matching funds must be expended during the grant 
period of performance. Applicants are encouraged to leverage additional 
funds outside of the match to supplement the project as a whole.

C. Demonstrated Partnerships

    Applicants must demonstrate the existence of a partnership that 
includes at least one entity from each of three categories: (1) The 
publicly-funded Workforce Investment System, which may include state 
and local Workforce Investment Boards, State Workforce Agencies, and 
One Stop Career Centers and their partners; (2) the education and 
training community, which includes

[[Page 56087]]

community and technical colleges, four year colleges and universities, 
and other training entities; and (3) employers or industry-related 
organizations such as associations and unions. While ETA welcomes 
applications from newly formed partnerships, applicants are advised 
that grant funds may not be used for partnership development.

D. Other Eligibility Requirements

     Participants Eligible to Receive HGJTI Training. This 
element applies only to proposals with a training component. Generally, 
the scope of potential trainees is very broad. Training may be targeted 
to a wide variety of populations, including unemployed individuals and 
incumbent workers. The identification of targeted and qualified 
trainees should be part of the larger project planning process by the 
required partnership and should relate to the workforce issue that is 
being addressed by the training.
    Veterans Priority. This program is subject to the provisions of the 
``Jobs for Veterans Act,'' Public Law 107-288, which provides priority 
of service to veterans and spouses of certain veterans for the receipt 
of employment, training, and placement services in any job training 
program directly funded, in whole or in part, by the Department of 
Labor. Please note that, to obtain priority of service, a veteran must 
meet the program's eligibility requirements. ETA Training and 
Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 5-03 (September 16, 2003) 
provides general guidance on the scope of the veterans priority statute 
and its effect on current employment and training programs.
     Administrative Costs. Under the President's High Growth 
Job Training Initiative, an entity that receives a grant to carry out a 
project or program may not use more than 10 percent of the amount of 
the grant to pay administrative costs associated with the program or 
project. Administrative costs are defined at 20 CFR 667.220. Although 
there will be administrative costs associated with the managing of the 
partnership as it relates to specific grant activity, the primary use 
of funding should be to support the actual capacity building or 
training activity(ies).
     ETA Distribution Rights. Applicants should note that 
grantees must agree to give USDOL-ETA the right to use and distribute 
all training models, curricula, technical assistance products, etc. 
developed with grant funds. USDOL-ETA has the right to use, reuse, and 
modify all grant-funded products, curricula, materials, etc. 
Additionally, USDOL-ETA has the right to distribute these grant-funded 
materials and products to any interested parties, including broad 
distribution to the state and local public workforce system through 
Internet-based and other means.
     Legal rules pertaining to inherently religious activities 
by organizations that receive Federal Financial Assistance. The 
government is generally prohibited from providing direct financial 
assistance for inherently religious activities. These grants may not be 
used for religious instruction, worship, prayer, proselytizing or other 
inherently religious activities. Neutral, non-religious criteria that 
neither favor nor disfavor religion will be employed in the selection 
of grant recipients and must be employed by grantees in the selection 
of sub-recipients.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address To Request Application Package

    This SGA contains all of the information and forms needed to apply 
for grant funding.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Applicants must submit an original signed application and two hard 
copies. The proposal must consist of two (2) separate and distinct 
parts, Parts I and II. Applications that fail to adhere to the 
instructions in this section will be considered non-responsive and will 
not be considered.
    Part I of the proposal is the Cost Proposal and must include the 
following four items:
     The Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance'' (Appendix A). Upon confirmation of an award, the 
individual signing the SF 424 on behalf of the applicant shall 
represent the responsible financial and administrative entity. 
Beginning October 12, 2003, all applicants for federal grant and 
funding opportunities are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) 
number. See OMB Notice of Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR 38402 (June 27, 
2003). Applicants must supply their DUNS number in item 5 of 
the new SF-424 issued by OMB (Rev. 9-2003). The DUNS number is a nine-
digit identification number that uniquely identifies business entities. 
Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a 
DUNS number, access this Web site: http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or 
call 1-866-705-5711.
     The Budget Information Form (Appendix B). In preparing the 
Budget Information form, the applicant must provide a concise narrative 
explanation to support the request. The budget narrative should break 
down the budget and corresponding matching funds by deliverable and 
should discuss precisely how the administrative costs support the 
project goals.
     Assurances and Certifications Signature Page (Appendix C).
    Part II of the application is the Technical Proposal, which 
demonstrates the applicant's capabilities to plan and implement the 
President's High Growth Job Training Initiative grant project in 
accordance with the provisions of this solicitation. The Technical 
Proposal is limited to twenty five (25) double-spaced single-sided, 8.5 
inch x 11 inch pages with 12 point text font and one-inch margins. In 
addition, the applicant may provide resumes, a staffing pattern, 
statistical information and related material in attachments, which may 
not exceed fifteen (15) pages. Although not required, letters of 
commitment from partners providing financial resources may be submitted 
as attachments. Such letters will not count against the allowable 
maximum page total. The applicant must briefly reference any partners 
in the text of the Technical Proposal.
    No cost data or reference to prices should be included in the 
Technical Proposal. The following information is required:
     A two-page abstract summarizing the proposed project and 
applicant profile information including: applicant name, project title, 
industry focus (healthcare or biotechnology), industry workforce 
challenges addressed, partnership members, funding level requested, and 
the match amount.,
     A table of contents listing the application sections,
     A time line outlining project activities, and
     A project description as described in the Criteria section 
of this solicitation.
    Please note that the abstract, table of contents, and time line are 
not included in the twenty five page limit. Applications that do not 
meet these requirements will not be considered.

C. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses

    The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is November 2, 2004. Applications must be received at the 
address below no later than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). Applications sent by 
e-mail, telegram, for facsimile (FAX) will not be accepted. 
Applications that do not meet the conditions set forth in this notice 
will not be honored. No exceptions to the

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mailing and delivery requirements set forth in this notice will be 
granted.
    Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of 
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal 
Assistance, Attention: Eric Luetkenhaus, Reference SGA/DFA-PY04-1, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N4438, Washington, DC 20210. Applicants 
are advised that mail delivery in the Washington area may be delayed 
due to mail decontamination procedures. Hand delivered proposals will 
be received at the above address.
    Applicants may apply online at http://www.grants.gov. Applicants 
submitting proposals online are requested to refrain from mailing an 
application as well.
    Any application received after the deadline will not be considered.

D. Intergovernmental Review

    This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order (EO) 
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''

E. Funding Restrictions

    Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance with 
the applicable Federal cost principles, e.g., Non-Profit 
Organizations--OMB Circular A-122. Disallowed costs are those charges 
to a grant that the grantor agency or its representative determines not 
to be allowed in accordance with the applicable Federal Cost Principles 
or other conditions contained in the grant.

F. Other Submission Requirements

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

V. Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

    This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be 
used to evaluate the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative 
Grant proposals. These criteria and point values are:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Criterion                             Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Statement of Need..........................................        10
2. Linkages to Key Partners...................................        15
3. Leveraged Resources........................................        10
4. Innovative Solutions to Address Industry Identified                25
 Workforce Challenges.........................................
5. Outcomes, Benefits, and Impact.............................        15
6. Replication................................................        15
7. Program Management and Organization Capacity...............        10
** Bonus: Integration of WIA Funds............................         5
---------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Possible Points.......................................       105
------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Statement of Need (10 Points)
    The applicant must demonstrate a clear and specific need for the 
HGJTI investment in the proposed solution. This should be accomplished 
by describing the nature of the Healthcare or Biotechnology industry 
workforce challenge(s) addressed in the proposal with respect to the 
specific economic and workforce conditions in the area in which the 
grant activity will take place. Applicants may draw from a variety of 
resources for supporting data, including traditional labor market 
information, information from economic developers on locally projected 
growth, information collected by business organizations such as 
chambers of commerce and trade associations, and discussions with local 
businesses that make up the high growth, high demand industries. 
Scoring on this factor will be based on the extent of demonstrated 
need. Important factors for evaluation include:
     Demonstrated knowledge of the Healthcare or Biotechnology 
industry in the local area, including the impact of the industry on the 
local or regional economy.
     Demonstrated existence of the identified workforce 
challenges in the area in which the grant activity will take place.
     Identification of the sources of the data used in the 
analysis.
     If appropriate, the nature of larger strategic economic 
development or workforce investment projects with which the proposed 
project is aligned.
2. Linkages to Key Partners (15 Points)
    The application must demonstrate that the proposed project will be 
implemented by a partnership which includes at least one entity from 
each of three categories: (1) The publicly-funded Workforce Investment 
System, (2) education and training providers such as community 
colleges, and (3) employers and industry representatives. ETA 
encourages, and will be looking for, applications that go beyond the 
minimum level of partnership and demonstrate broader, substantive and 
sustainable partnerships. The applicant should identify the partners 
and explain the meaningful role each partner will play in the project.
    Scoring on this factor will be based on the comprehensiveness of 
the partnership and the degree to which each partner plays a committed 
role, either financial or non-financial, in the proposed project. 
Important factors include:
     The scope of each partner's contribution, their knowledge 
and experience concerning the proposed grant activities, and their 
ability to impact the success of the project.
     The overall completeness of the partnership, including its 
ability to manage all aspects and stages of the project and to 
coordinate individual activities with the partnership as a whole.
     Evidence that key partners have expressed a clear 
commitment to the project and understand their areas of responsibility.
     Evidence of a plan for interaction between partners at 
each stage of the project, from planning to execution.
     Evidence that the partnership has the capacity to achieve 
the outcomes of the proposed project.
3. Leveraged Resources (10 Points)
    Applicants must demonstrate their ability to provide resources 
equivalent to at least 50 percent of the grant award amount as matching 
funds. Both cash and in-kind matching funds are acceptable; however, at 
least 50% of the total grant match amount must be a cash match provided 
by employers or industry representative partners.
    Scoring on this factor will be based on the extent to which the 
applicant fully describes the size, nature, and quality of the non-
Federal match. Important elements of the explanation include:
     Which partners have contributed to the match and the 
extent of each contribution.
     The nature of the match, including an itemized description 
of each cash or in-kind contribution and a description of how each 
contribution will be used.
     The quality of the match, including the quality of each 
in-kind contribution and the extent to which each contribution furthers 
the goals of the project.
    If the applicant leverages additional non-match resources, the 
nature and quality of these resources should also be explained 
according to the guidelines described above.
    Bonus: Integration of WIA funds. Applicants who plan to integrate 
WIA funding into the implementation of the proposed project must 
describe in detail how such funds will be used and demonstrate how 
these funds will contribute to the goals of the project and ultimately, 
to the workforce investment

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system in which they reside. Applicants who demonstrate a firm 
commitment to leverage WIA funding will receive five bonus points.
4. Innovative Solutions To Address Industry Identified Workforce 
Challenges (25 Points)
    Approach/Strategy: The applicant must describe the proposed 
solution strategy in full. The description should demonstrate (1) that 
the proposed project will address one or more identified workforce 
challenges in the Healthcare or Biotechnology industries through an 
innovative solution strategy; (2) that the project will contribute to a 
demand-driven workforce investment system; and (3) that the applicant 
has a clear understanding of the tasks required to successfully meet 
the objectives of the grant.
    Scoring on this factor will be based on evidence that the applicant 
has developed an effective, innovative solutions-based approach and a 
plan of implementation that will address the three objectives described 
above. Applicants will be evaluated based on the following factors:
     The existence of a work plan that is responsive to the 
applicant's statement of need and includes specific goals, objectives, 
activities, implementation strategies, and a timeline.
     The demonstrated link between the proposed project and a 
workforce challenge identified in either the biotechnology or 
healthcare industry forums documented in the industry reports.
     The extent to which the work plan provides an 
understanding of the entire project's intended implementation and 
outcomes.
     The extent to which the approach reflects and builds on 
the applicant's core capacities.
     The feasibility and sensibility of the timeframes for the 
accomplishment of tasks.
     The extent to which the budget is justified with respect 
to the adequacy and reasonableness of resources requested.
     Whether budget line items are consistent with and tied to 
the work plan objectives.
     The existence of a sound strategy that incorporates 
outreach activities geared towards appropriate audiences, including 
disseminating information about the project, planned activities, and, 
if appropriate, recruitment of eligible participants.
     The proposed impact on the demand-driven Workforce 
Investment System.
    Innovation: Applicants should fully describe the innovative and 
creative approaches to be undertaken in the context of their solution 
strategies. Examples of innovative approaches may include creativity in 
the content of the product or training being delivered, the form and 
style with which it is delivered, and the manner of managing and 
executing its development. Innovation may also take place in the 
context of unique partnerships.
    Scoring on this element will be based on the degree to which the 
applicant demonstrates that the approaches and techniques through which 
the solutions are implemented are creative, unique, and not duplicative 
of previously funded HGJTI projects.
5. Outcomes, Benefits, and Impact (15 Points)
    Applicants must describe fully the predicted outcomes and products 
resulting from the project. Applicants should also demonstrate a 
results-oriented approach to managing and operating the project by 
describing proposed outcome measures relevant to measuring the success 
or impact of the project. For example, projects with training 
components may include as outcome measures employment placement 
numbers, and the number of certifications or degrees awarded. Projects 
with capacity building components may include the number of 
participants or entities who will benefit. Any discussion of outcome 
goals should include the methods proposed to collect and validate 
outcome data in a timely and accurate manner.
    Scoring on this factor will be based on evidence that the expected 
project outcomes are clearly identified, measurable, realistic, and 
consistent with the objectives of the project. Additional factors to be 
examined include:
     The ability of the applicant to achieve the stated 
outcomes within the time frame of the grant.
     The appropriateness of the outcomes with respect to the 
requested level of funding.
     The extent to which the products and outcomes of the grant 
will be of significant and practical use to the Workforce Investment 
System and the target industry.
6. Replication (15 Points)
    Applicants must describe how the products and outcomes of the 
solution(s), including models, curricula, career ladders and lattices, 
partnership strategies, and best practices can be replicated. Also 
important is evidence that the benefits of the project will be 
sustained. This may be demonstrated by indicating how the products and 
outcomes will become imbedded into the long-term systemic solutions and 
activities of the industry, the education and training community, and/
or the workforce system.
    Scoring on this factor will be based on the extent to which the 
applicant provides evidence that the project's products and outcomes 
can be replicated, and that the benefits of the project will be 
sustained.
7. Program Management and Organization Capacity (10 Points)
    Applicants should identify a proposed project manager, discuss the 
proposed staffing pattern and the qualifications and experience of key 
staff members, provide detailed descriptions of the roles of the 
participating partners, and give evidence of the utilization of data 
systems to track outcomes. The applicant should also include a 
description of organizational capacity and the organization's track 
record in projects similar to that described in the proposal and/or 
related activities of the primary partners.
    Scoring on this factor will be based on evidence of the following:
     The time commitment of the proposed staff is sufficient to 
ensure proper direction, management, and timely completion of the 
project.
     The roles and contribution of staff, consultants, and 
collaborative organizations are clearly defined and linked to specific 
objects and tasks.
     The background, experience, and other qualifications of 
the staff are sufficient to carry out their designated roles.
     The applicant organization has significant capacity to 
accomplish the goals and outcomes of the project, including appropriate 
systems to track outcome data.

B. Review and Selection Process

    Applications for the President's High Growth Job Training 
Initiative Grants will be accepted after the publication of this 
announcement until the closing date. A technical review panel will make 
careful evaluation of applications against the criteria. These criteria 
are based on the policy goals, priorities, and emphases set forth in 
this SGA. Up to 105 points may be awarded to an application, including 
the five point bonus for WIA integration, based on the required 
information described in Part V (1). The ranked scores will serve as 
the primary basis for selection of applications for funding, in 
conjunction with other factors such as urban, rural,

[[Page 56090]]

and geographic balance; the availability of funds; and which proposals 
are most advantageous to the Government. The panel results are advisory 
in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer. The Government may 
elect to award the grant(s) with or without discussions with the 
applicants. Should a grant be awarded without discussions, the award 
will be based on the applicant's signature on the SF 424, which 
constitutes a binding offer.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    All award notifications will be posted on the ETA homepage at 
http://www.doleta.gov.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Administrative Program Requirements
    All grantees, including faith-based organizations, will be subject 
to all applicable Federal laws (including provisions of appropriate 
laws), regulations, and the applicable Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) Circulars. The grant(s) awarded under this SGA will be subject to 
the following administrative standards and provisions, if applicable:
    a. Workforce Investment Boards--20 Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR) part 667.220. (Administrative Costs).
    b. Non-Profit Organizatioqns--Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
Circulars A-122 (Cost Principles) and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative 
Requirements).
    c. Educational Institutions--OMB Circulars A-21 (Cost Principles) 
and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
    d. State and Local Governments--OMB Circulars A-87 (Cost 
Principles) and 29 CFR part 97 (Administrative Requirements).
    e. Profit Making Commercial Firms--Federal Acquisition Regulation 
(FAR)--48 CFR part 31 (Cost Principles), and 29 CFR part 95 
(Administrative Requirements).
    f. All entities must comply with 29 CFR parts 93 and 98, and, where 
applicable, 29 CFR parts 96 and 99.
    g. 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 Internal Revenue Service Code section 501(c)(4) that 
engage in lobbying activities are not eligible to receive Federal funds 
and grants.


    Note: Except as specifically provided in this Notice, DOL/ETA's 
acceptance of a proposal and an award of Federal funds to sponsor 
any programs(s) does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements 
and/or procedures. For example, the OMB Circulars require that an 
entity's procurement procedures must ensure that all procurement 
transactions are conducted, as much as practical, to provide open 
and free competition. If a proposal identifies a specific entity to 
provide services, the DOL/ETA's award does not provide the 
justification or basis to sole source the procurement, i.e., avoid 
competition, unless the activity is regarded as the primary work of 
an official partner to the application.

2. Special Program Requirements
    Evaluation. DOL may require that the program or project participate 
in an evaluation of overall HGJTI grant performance. To measure the 
impact of grants funded under the HGJTI, ETA may arrange for or conduct 
an independent evaluation of the outcomes and benefits of the projects. 
Grantees must agree to make records on participants, employers and 
funding available and to provide access to program operating personnel 
and to participants, as specified by the evaluator(s) under the 
direction of ETA, including after the expiration date of the grant.
3. Reporting
    The grantee is required to provide the reports and documents listed 
below:
    Quarterly Financial Reports. A Quarterly Financial Status Report 
(SF 269) is required until such time as all funds have been expended or 
the grant period has expired. Quarterly reports are due 30 days after 
the end of each calendar year quarter. Grantees must use ETA's On-Line 
Electronic Reporting System.
    Quarterly Progress Reports. The grantee must submit a quarterly 
progress report to the designated Federal Project Officer within 30 
days after the end of each quarter. Two copies are to be submitted 
providing a detailed account of activities undertaken during that 
quarter. DOL may require additional data elements to be collected and 
reported on either a regular basis or special request basis. Grantees 
must agree to meet DOL reporting requirements. The quarterly progress 
report should be in narrative form and should include:
    1. In-depth information on accomplishments, including project 
success stories, upcoming grant activities, and promising approaches 
and processes.
    2. Progress toward performance outcomes, including updates on 
product, curricula, and training development.
    a. If the project includes training elements, provide employment 
placement, employment retention, and earnings gain data.
    b. If the project includes capacity building elements, provide 
project impact data (e.g., the number of participants who have 
benefited) and the status of specific deliverables.
    c. When appropriate, include employer outcomes such as increased 
productivity, Return On Investment (ROI), and/or retention rates.
    3. Challenges, barriers, or concerns regarding project progress.
    4. Lessons learned in the areas of project administration and 
management, project implementation, partnership relationships and other 
related areas.
    Final Report. A draft final report must be submitted no later than 
60 days prior to the expiration date of the grant. This report must 
summarize project activities, employment outcomes, and related results 
of the training project, and should thoroughly document the solution 
approach. After responding to DOL questions and comments on the draft 
report, three copies of the final report must be submitted no later 
than the grant expiration date. Grantees must agree to use a designated 
format specified by DOL for preparing the final report.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Any questions regarding this SGA should be faxed to Eric 
Luetkenhaus, Grant Officer, Division of Federal Assistance, fax number 
(202) 693-2705. (This is not a toll-free number). You must specifically 
address your fax to the attention of Eric Luetkenhaus and should 
include SGA/DFA PY 04-1, a contact name, fax and phone number.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Brumback, Grants Management 
Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, on (202) 693-3381. (This is 
not a toll-free number). This announcement is also being made available 
on the ETA Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm and http://www.grants.gov.

VIII. Other Information

Resources for the Applicant

    The Department of Labor maintains a number of web-based resources 
that may be of assistance to applicants. The webpage for the Employment 
and Training Administration's Business Relations Group (http://www.doleta.gov/BRG) is a valuable source of background on the 
President's High Growth Job Training Initiative. America's Service 
Locator (http://www.servicelocator.org) provides a directory of our 
nation's One-

[[Page 56091]]

Stop Career Centers. Applicants are encouraged to review 
``Understanding the Department of Labor Solicitation for Grant 
Applications and How to Write an Effective Proposal'' (http://www/
dol.gov/cfbci/sgabrochure.htm). ``Questions and Answers'' regarding 
this solicitation will be posted and updated on the Web (http://www.doleta.gov/usworkforce). For a basic understanding of the grants 
process and basic responsibilities of receiving Federal grant support, 
please see ``Guidance for Faith-Based and Community Organizations on 
Partnering with the Federal Government (http://www.fbci.gov).

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 14th day of September.
Eric D. Luetkenhaus,
Grant Officer, Employment & Training Administration.

Appendix A: (SF) 424--Application Form
Appendix B: Budget Information Form
Appendix C: Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
Appendix D: OMB Survey N. 1890-0014: Survey on Ensuring Equal 
Opportunity for Applicants
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