[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 35 (Thursday, February 22, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8019-8027]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-2996]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration (ETA)


Solicitation for Grant Application (SGA), Program Year 2006

    Announcement Type: New.

[[Page 8020]]

    Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for grant 
applications for Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development 
(WIRED) Initiative--Third Generation.
    Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY 06-09
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 17.268

DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications is April 13, 2007. 
A Webinar for prospective applicants will be held for this grant 
competition in February 2007. The date and access information for the 
Webinar will be posted on the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and 
Training Administration (ETA) Web site at http://www.doleta.gov.
SUMMARY: In the 21st century global economy, talent development is a 
critical component in our nation's economic competitiveness. To stay 
ahead of global competition, we must identify strategies to further 
integrate workforce development, economic development, and education at 
the regional level--where companies, workers, researchers, 
entrepreneurs and governments come together to create a competitive 
advantage. Launched in February 2006, the Workforce Innovation in 
Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Initiative focuses on the role of 
talent development in driving regional economic competitiveness, job 
growth and new opportunities for American workers. The goal of WIRED is 
to expand employment and advancement opportunities for workers and 
catalyze the creation of high-skill and high-wage opportunities in 
regional economies. The WIRED Initiative is currently providing regions 
across the country with grant funding and ongoing technical assistance 
from ETA and a cadre of experts in order to help them achieve these 
goals.
    To further support regions that are seeking to transform their 
economies and enhance their global competitiveness through talent 
development, ETA is announcing a new round of grants for the third 
generation of regions under the WIRED Initiative. The third generation 
is designed to fully engage local workforce investment boards in 
collaborative partnerships and transformational leadership within 
regional economies nationwide. The Department of Labor is making $65 
million available for this new round of grants. This round of the WIRED 
Initiative will take place over the course of three years and the 
Department anticipates that individual grant awards will total $5 
million over this period. Only Governors may apply on behalf of regions 
within their states or across state lines. Each Governor may submit up 
to two applications.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation provides background 
information on the WIRED Initiative and critical elements required of 
projects funded under the solicitation. It also describes the 
application submission requirements, the process that eligible 
applicants must use to apply for funds covered by this solicitation, 
and how grantees will be selected. This announcement consists of eight 
parts:
     Part I provides background information on the WIRED 
Initiative.
     Part II describes the size and nature of the anticipated 
awards.
     Part III describes the qualifications of an eligible 
applicant.
     Part IV provides information on the application and 
submission process.
     Part V explains the review process and rating criteria 
that will be used to evaluate applications.
     Part VI provides award administration information.
     Part VII contains ETA contact information.
     Part VIII addresses Office of Management and Budget 
information collection requirements.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Background

    The world is now witnessing one of the greatest economic 
transformations in history. Revolutions in technology and information 
have ushered in the era we know as globalization. This era is marked by 
tremendous advances in communications, travel, and trade, allowing 
individuals instant access to commerce from almost anywhere in the 
world. As a result, American businesses now compete not only with 
companies across the street, but also with companies around the globe. 
In the new global economy, talent development is a key factor in our 
nation's economic competitiveness.
    Global competition is typically seen as a national challenge. In 
reality, regions are where companies, workers, researchers, 
entrepreneurs and governments come together to create a competitive 
advantage in the global marketplace. That advantage stems from the 
ability to transform new ideas and new knowledge into advanced, high 
quality products or services--in other words, to innovate.
    Those regions that are successful in creating a competitive 
advantage demonstrate the ability to network ``innovation assets''--
people, institutions, capital and infrastructure--to generate growth 
and prosperity in the region's economy. These regions--such as San 
Diego, California; the Research Triangle in North Carolina; and the 
Greater Austin region of Texas--are successful precisely because they 
have connected three key elements: workforce skills and lifelong 
learning strategies, investment and entrepreneurship strategies, and 
regional infrastructure and economic development strategies.
    While some regions of the country have thrived as a result of 
globalization, others have struggled to compete. For example, some 
regions are seeking to transform their economies because they have been 
dependent on a single industry that is not faring well in the global 
economy and others have been negatively affected by global trade. These 
regions are being forced to revitalize and reinvent themselves.

B. WIRED Initiative

    To facilitate the growth of a regional economy requires attention 
to three critical elements. These elements were identified in a 
groundbreaking report, Innovate America, published by the Council on 
Competitiveness. The first element is infrastructure. This includes not 
only the traditional factors such as highways, bridges, and buildings, 
but also 21st century factors like access to broadband and wireless 
networks. The second is investment, including the availability of risk 
capital and the conditions that encourage the use of such capital.
    The third critical element is talent. A region may possess a strong 
infrastructure and the investment resources for success, but without 
the talented men and women to use those elements for economic growth, 
they are meaningless. Talent can also drive the other two elements 
because investment capital is smart money and it will follow the talent 
while infrastructure can be built to support a growing economy. The 
WIRED initiative was launched in recognition that this third key 
element, talent, drives prosperity. In other words, the bedrock of a 
nation's competitiveness is a well educated and skilled workforce.
    Many regions have made considerable progress in incorporating 
talent and skills development into their larger economic strategies and 
integrating workforce development, economic development, and education 
efforts into a comprehensive system that is both flexible and 
responsive to the needs of businesses and workers. However, ETA 
recognizes the importance of supporting regions that need additional 
technical

[[Page 8021]]

and financial assistance to achieve these goals.
    In response, ETA launched the WIRED Initiative in February 2006. 
The goal of the WIRED Initiative is to expand employment and 
advancement opportunities for American workers and catalyze the 
creation of high-skill and high-wage opportunities in the regional 
economies. ETA invested in 13 regional economies across the country--
the first generation of WIRED regions--and is providing these regions 
with grant funding, technical assistance, access to a cadre of experts, 
and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
    An additional 13 regions--the second generation of WIRED regions--
were invited to participate in the WIRED Initiative as ``virtual'' 
sites. These regions originally received small planning grants and the 
opportunity to be a part of the WIRED learning network. In January 
2007, ETA announced that these regions would be provided with 
additional funding to support the strategies identified to transform 
their regional economies.
    WIRED grantees have a unique opportunity to design and implement 
strategic approaches that will transform their regional economies and 
the systems that support those economies. In addition to financial 
support, ETA staff work closely with WIRED regions to provide technical 
assistance to support their development of innovative approaches to 
workforce development, economic development and education that go 
beyond traditional strategies in preparing workers to compete and 
succeed both within the United States and globally.
    A key focus for WIRED regions is to implement strategies that will 
result in their workforce investment system becoming a key component of 
their region's economic development strategy. In this vision, elements 
of a transformed workforce system are:
     The workforce investment system operates as a talent 
development system; it is no longer defined as a job training system. 
Its goal is an educated and prepared workforce--on a U.S. or global 
standard.
     Workforce investment system formula funds are transformed, 
providing tuition assistance for post-secondary education for lifelong 
learning opportunities aligned with the region's talent development 
strategy.
     The workforce investment system no longer operates as an 
array of siloed programs and services.
     The workforce investment boards are structured and operate 
on a regional basis and are composed of regional strategic partners who 
drive investments, aligning spending with a regional economic vision 
for talent development.
     Economic and workforce development regions are aligned, 
and these regions adopt common and innovative policies across the 
workforce, education and economic development systems and structures 
that support talent development and the regional economy.
     The workforce investment system is agile enough to serve 
the innovation economy, recognizing the reality that \2/3\ of all new 
jobs are created by small businesses.
     The workforce investment system actively collaborates with 
economic development, business, and education partners to gather and 
analyze a wide array of current and real time workforce and economic 
data in order to create new knowledge about regional economies and 
support strategic planning, routinely track economic conditions, 
measure outcomes, and benchmark economic competitiveness in the global 
marketplace.

C. Regional Approach

    Economic regions do not typically correspond to geographic or 
political jurisdictions such as state, county, local workforce 
investment area, or municipal boundaries. Such boundaries do not always 
match labor market areas as evidenced by Philadelphia's tri-state area 
or the greater Kansas City area, among others. The WIRED Initiative 
focuses on labor market areas that are comprised of multiple 
jurisdictions within a state or across state borders, or non-contiguous 
regional economies. Factors that contribute to the formation of a 
region include economic interdependence, such as common industries or 
sectors; assets, such as human and financial capital and 
infrastructure; and networks, such as leadership or investor networks.
    A key to success for the WIRED Initiative is the quality and 
strength of the regional partnership. The partnership should be a 
strong team composed of the organizations necessary to transform the 
regional economy, including workforce, civic, business, investor, 
education, government, entrepreneurial, and philanthropic 
organizations. To be able to drive economic transformation, the leaders 
involved in the partnership should be at the most senior level and have 
decision-making authority over their organization's activities and 
resources.
    Governors are asked to submit an application on behalf of the 
regional partnership. State officials have a critical role to play in 
this effort by providing leadership and helping to facilitate an 
environment that is conducive to innovation. At the same time, regional 
leaders from a variety of fields must invest in this process and be 
dedicated to taking the necessary action steps.

D. Technical Assistance and Learning Opportunities

    Regions in the WIRED Initiative have the opportunity to participate 
in a robust learning network focused on creating competitive advantages 
for regional economies in the global marketplace. ETA works closely 
with and provides technical assistance and support to regions 
throughout the implementation of the WIRED Initiative. Regions also 
have opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, most notably through 
WIRED Academies. The Academies are held three times per year and 
provide regions with opportunities to network and share their 
challenges and promising practices, as well as consult with experts 
from the workforce, education, and economic development communities; 
Federal departments and agencies; and the private sector. The regions 
also have access to an interactive Web site, the Collaborative 
Workspace, which facilitates the exchange of resources and information 
among the learning network. Additionally, ETA facilitates linkages 
between the WIRED regions and other key Federal agencies--such as the 
Departments of Commerce, Agriculture, Energy, Transportation, Interior, 
Defense and Education and the National Science Foundation--to further 
support WIRED regions in their efforts.
    ETA is compiling resource tool kits, such as a regional assessment 
tool and an asset mapping tool, and promising practices regarding 
workforce and economic development strategies. These resources will be 
disseminated widely to the workforce investment system and economic 
development community, so that all regions, even those not selected to 
participate, will benefit from the WIRED Initiative.

II. Award Information

A. Award Amount

    Each competitively selected project will be funded at approximately 
$5 million over a period of three years--$1 million in the first year, 
$2 million in the second year, and $2 million in the third year. 
However, this does not preclude funding decisions above or below this 
amount, based on the number and quality of submissions and

[[Page 8022]]

the availability of funds. ETA anticipates awarding a total of $65 
million in third generation WIRED grants over a three-year period.

B. Use of Funds

    The WIRED Initiative supports the transformation of regional 
economies through the development and implementation of broad, 
comprehensive, innovative approaches to workforce development, economic 
development, and education. WIRED grants will be funded with H-1B fees 
as authorized under Sec. 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and 
Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-277, title IV), as 
amended by Pub. L. 108-447 ( codified at 29 U.S.C. 2916a). These funds 
are focused on the development of the workforce, and may be used to 
provide job training and related activities for workers to assist them 
in gaining the skills and competencies needed to obtain or upgrade 
employment in industries or economic sectors projected to experience 
significant growth. Funds may also be used to enhance the provision of 
job training services and information. Activities related to training 
may include: supporting talent development related to entrepreneurship; 
supporting talent development related to small business development; 
and purchasing equipment to train job seekers and workers for high-
growth occupations. Activities to enhance training and information may 
include: development and implementation of model activities to build 
core competencies and train workers; identifying and disseminating 
career and skill information; developing or purchasing regional data 
tools or systems to deepen understanding of the regional economic 
landscape and labor market; and integrated regional planning such as 
increasing the integration of community and technical college 
activities with activities of businesses and the public workforce 
investment system to meet the training needs of business. Applicants 
are expected to leverage additional resources to support the 
transformational strategies and activities that are beyond those 
allowed by these funds.

C. Period of Performance

    The period of performance will be 36 months from the date of 
execution of the grant documents. ETA may approve a request for a no-
cost extension to grantees for an additional period of time based on 
the success of the project and other relevant factors.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    State Governors \1\ are the eligible applicants. The Governor must 
submit an application on behalf of a specific, defined multi-county 
region and a regional team of public and private partners. The 
application must clearly identify the state entity that will serve as 
the grant recipient, the state entity or local workforce investment 
board that will serve as the project's fiscal agent, and the sub-
recipient that will have responsibility for administering the project 
on the Governor's behalf. The grant application form should contain the 
information of the state agency that is serving as the grant recipient.
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    \1\ For the purpose of this application, the definition of State 
Governor includes the Governor of Puerto Rico and the Mayor of the 
District of Columbia.
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    Given that one of the significant goals for WIRED is to fully align 
the public workforce investments with a regional economic growth 
agenda, regional partnership teams must include a senior representative 
of the workforce investment system within the region as the lead, or 
co-lead with at least one other regional partner, for the region's 
WIRED grant activities. Examples of senior workforce system 
representatives include the chair or the executive director of a local 
workforce investment board or a senior representative of a regional 
workforce consortium.
    In addition to workforce investment system partners, other 
mandatory partners of a regional partnership team must include senior 
leaders from the following entities:
     Education, including K-12, community colleges, and four 
year institutions within the region;
     Regional business leadership; and
     Economic development at the regional/local level.
    Joint applications for regions that cross state lines will be 
accepted. All participating Governors of multi-state regions must 
jointly submit and sign the transmittal letter for the application. 
Applications for multi-state regions must identify the state entity 
that will be the grant recipient, the state agency or local workforce 
investment board that will serve as the project's fiscal agent, and the 
sub-recipient with responsibility for administering the project on the 
Governors' behalf.
    Regional economies are typically defined as geographically 
contiguous areas. However, a proposal that makes an innovative case for 
a non-contiguous regional economy will be considered. Non-contiguous 
areas that only share similar circumstances will not be considered.
    Each Governor is permitted to submit up to two applications. 
Governors may not submit applications for any of the 26 first and 
second generation regions that have already received a WIRED grant, as 
specified in Attachment A. However, a small overlap between the 
existing WIRED regions and an applying region will be permitted.
    Applicants are not allowed to receive assistance in developing 
their applications from organizations and individuals under contract or 
subcontract with ETA for activities related to the WIRED Initiative, 
including M.H. West & Co., Inc; The Council for Adult & Experiential 
Learning; The Council on Competitiveness; and New Economy Strategies.

B. Leveraged Resources

    Cost sharing or matching is not required for eligibility. However, 
aligning resources and leveraging funding is a key component of success 
in the WIRED Initiative. Therefore, applicants are expected to leverage 
significant resources at the Federal, state and regional levels to 
advance their proposed transformational strategies. While the failure 
to offer leveraged resources as a part of an application will not 
preclude consideration of the application, it will place the applicant 
at a significant competitive disadvantage since one of the evaluation 
criteria, worth 10 points, evaluates the quality of the leveraged 
resources. Leveraged resources are cash or in-kind contributions 
devoted to advancing the strategies described in the applicant's 
proposal. The identification of existing or planned initiatives within 
the region that can be aligned and integrated into the WIRED efforts to 
transform the regional economy are also considered to be leveraged 
resources.
    Leveraged resources could come from a variety of sources including: 
public sector (e.g., Federal, state or local governments); non-profit 
sector (e.g., community organizations, faith-based organizations, or 
education and training institutions); private sector (e.g., businesses 
or industry associations); investor community (e.g., angel networks); 
philanthropic community; and the economic development community. 
Leveraged resources should not be included on the Standard Form 424-A 
budget form. These resources should be discussed in the technical 
proposal and the budget narrative.

[[Page 8023]]

C. Other Eligibility Requirements

    1. Administrative Costs The administrative cost limit for each 
project will be negotiated at the time of award.
    2. Distribution Rights By accepting the grant, selected applicants 
agree to give ETA the right to use and distribute all materials 
developed with grant funds such as training models, curriculum and 
technical assistance products. Materials developed with grant resources 
are in the public domain; therefore, ETA has the right to use, reuse, 
modify, and distribute all grant-funded materials and products to any 
interested party, including broad distribution to the public workforce 
investment system via the Internet or other means.
    3. Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by 
Organizations that Receive Federal Financial Assistance The government 
is generally prohibited from providing direct Federal financial 
assistance for inherently religious activities. See 29 CFR part 2, 
subpart D. Grants under this solicitation 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.
    4. Orientation Grant recipients and sub-recipients designated by 
Governors to either administer the project or serve as the fiscal agent 
will be required to participate in an orientation session covering 
grant management issues.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address to Request Application Package

    This announcement includes all information and forms needed to 
apply for this funding opportunity.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

    The proposal must consist of two 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 may not be given further 
consideration.
    Part I of the proposal is the Cost Proposal and must include the 
following three items:
     The Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance'' (available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/sf424.pdf). The SF-424 must clearly identify the state applicant and be 
signed by an individual with authority to enter into a grant agreement. 
Upon confirmation of an award, the individual signing the SF 424 on 
behalf of the applicant shall be considered the representative of the 
applicant.
     Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number. All applicants for 
Federal grant and funding opportunities are required to have a DUNS 
number. See OMB Notice of Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR 38402 (June 27, 
2003). Applicants must supply their DUNS number on the SF-424. 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: www.dnb.com/us/ 
or call 1-866-705-5711.
     The SF-424-A Budget Information Form (available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/sf424a.pdf). 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 leveraged resources by the activities specified in 
the technical proposal. Applicants may choose to identify the 
organizations that would receive funding for these activities, but this 
is not required. The narrative should also discuss precisely how the 
administrative costs support the project goals.
    Please note that applicants that fail to provide a SF-424, SF-424-A 
and/or a budget narrative will be removed from consideration prior to 
the technical review process. Leveraged resources should not be listed 
on the SF-424 or SF-424-A Budget Information Form, but must be 
described in the budget narrative and in Part II of the proposal. The 
amount of Federal funding requested for the entire period of 
performance must be shown together on the SF-424 and SF-424-A Budget 
Information Form. Applicants are also encouraged, but not required, to 
submit OMB control number 1890-0014: Survey on Ensuring Equal 
Opportunity for Applicants, which can be found at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm.
    Part II of the application is the technical proposal. The technical 
proposal must demonstrate the applicant's capabilities to plan and 
implement a demonstration project under the WIRED Initiative in 
accordance with the selection criteria. The Technical Proposal is 
limited to 25 double-spaced, single-sided, 8.5-inch-by-11-inch pages 
with 12-point font and 1-inch margins. Any pages over the 25-page limit 
will not be reviewed. In addition, the applicant may provide resumes, a 
staffing pattern, statistical information, and related materials in 
attachments which may not exceed 10 pages. Letters of commitment from 
partners may be submitted as attachments and will not count against the 
allowable maximum page totals. The applicant must reference any 
participating entities in the text of the Technical Proposal.
    Except for the discussion of leveraged resources in response to the 
evaluation criteria, no cost data or reference to prices should be 
included in the technical proposal. The following information is 
required as part of the technical proposal:
     A table of contents listing the application sections.
     A 2-3 page abstract summarizing the proposed project and 
applicant profile information including: (1) applicant name; (2) 
project title; (3) identification of region; (4) overview of 
strategies; (5) regional partnership members; and (6) requested funding 
level.
     A timeline outlining project activities.
    Please note that the table of contents, the abstract, and the 
timeline are not included in the 25-page limit. Applications that do 
not meet these requirements will not be considered.
    Applications may be submitted electronically on www.grants.gov or 
in hard-copy via U.S. mail, professional delivery service, or hand 
delivery. These processes are described in further detail in Section 
IV(3). Applicants submitting proposals in hard-copy must submit an 
original signed application (including the SF 424) and one (1) ``copy-
ready'' version free of bindings, staples or protruding tabs to ease in 
the reproduction of the proposal by DOL. Applicants submitting 
proposals in hard-copy are also requested, though not required, to 
provide an electronic copy of the proposal on CD-ROM.

C. Submission Dates and Times

    The closing date for receipt of electronic and mailed applications 
under this announcement is April 13, 2007. Mailed applications must be 
received at the address below no later than 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on 
that date, except as identified in the ``Late Applications'' paragraph 
below. Applications sent by e-mail, telegram, or facsimile (fax) will 
not be honored. No exceptions to the mailing and delivery requirements 
set forth in this notice will be granted.
    Applicants may apply online at http://www.grants.gov by the date 
and time specified above. Any application received after the deadline 
will not be accepted. Please note that it may take

[[Page 8024]]

several days to complete the ``Get Started'' step to register with 
Grants.gov. It is strongly recommended that those submitting 
applications through Grants.gov immediately initiate this step in order 
to avoid unexpected delays that could result in the disqualification of 
their application. If submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov, applicants should save the application document as a 
.doc or .pdf file.
    A Webinar for prospective applicants will be held for this grant 
competition in February 2007. The date and access information for the 
Webinar will be posted on ETA's Web site at http://www.doleta.gov.

D. Addresses

    Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of 
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal 
Assistance, Attention: Ms. Laura Patton Watson, Reference SGA/DFA PY 
06-09, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-4716, 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.

E. Late Applications

    Any application received after the exact date and time specified 
for receipt at the office designated in this notice will not be 
considered, unless it is received before awards are made, was properly 
addressed, and: (a) was sent by U.S. Postal Service registered or 
certified mail not later than the fifth calendar day before the date 
specified for receipt of applications (e.g., an application required to 
be received by the 20th of the month must be postmarked by the 15th of 
that month) or (b) was sent by overnight delivery service or submitted 
on Grants.gov to the addressee not later than one working day prior to 
the date specified for receipt of applications. It is highly 
recommended that online submissions be completed one working day prior 
to the date specified for receipt of applications to ensure that the 
applicant still has the option to submit by overnight delivery service 
in the event of any electronic submission problems. ``Postmarked'' 
means a printed, stamped or otherwise placed impression (exclusive of a 
postage meter machine impression) that is readily identifiable, without 
further action, as having been supplied or affixed on the date of 
mailing by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. Therefore, 
applicants should request the postal clerk to place a legible hand 
cancellation ``bull's eye'' postmark on both the receipt and the 
package. Evidence of timely submission to an overnight delivery service 
must be demonstrated by equally reliable evidence created by an 
overnight delivery service indicating the time and place of receipt by 
the overnight delivery service. Failure to adhere to the above 
instructions will be a basis for a determination of non-responsiveness.

F. Intergovernmental Review

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

G. Funding Restrictions

    Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance with 
the applicable Federal cost principles as indicated in Part VI(2). 
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.

H. Other Submission Requirements

    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 signs a 
receipt for the proposal.

V. Application Review Information

A. Rating Criteria

    This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be 
used to evaluate the proposals for the WIRED Initiative:
    (1) Identification of Region (15 points)
    (2) Regional Labor Market and Economic Landscape (10 points)
    (3) Strength of Partnership (30 points)
    (4) Strategies for Transformation (35 points)
    (5) Leveraged Resources (10 points)
1. Identification of Region (15 points)
    Applicants must define the region of focus in the proposal and 
demonstrate why the selection comprises a regional economy. Regional 
economies are typically defined as geographically contiguous areas. 
However, a proposal that makes an innovative case for a non-contiguous 
regional economy will be considered. Non-contiguous areas that only 
share similar circumstances will not be considered.
    This discussion should include, but is not limited to, how the 
following factors contribute to the formation of the region:
     Economic interdependence (e.g., common industry or 
economic sectors).
     Assets (e.g., human capital, financial capital, research 
and development institutions, educational institutions, and 
infrastructure).
     Networks (e.g., leadership and investor networks). 
Applicants must also include a map of the region and a list of the 
counties and major cities in the region.
    Assessment of this criterion will be based on the quality of the 
information presented and the extent to which the defined area 
represents a regional economy, as demonstrated by the applicant.
2. Regional Labor Market and Economic Landscape (10 points)
    Through narrative discussion and data displays, the applicant must 
provide an overview of the labor market and economic landscape of the 
region that describes the conditions that are driving the need for 
transformation in the region. Discussion should include, but is not 
limited to, the following:
     Industries or economic sectors that are declining in the 
region, as well as those that are emerging or growing.
     Characteristics related to the regional labor force, such 
as skill and education levels, income levels, and commuting patterns.
     Indicators of impacted economic elements in the region, 
such as high unemployment rate, low average wages, and low levels of 
new job creation.
     Worker dislocations stemming from mass layoffs and/or 
natural disasters.
     The extent to which foreign trade has impacted the 
regional economy.
     Indicators of innovation such as entrepreneurial activity 
and small business development, investment capital, and patent data.
    Assessment of this criterion will be based on the quality of the 
information presented and the extent of demonstrated need for regional 
economic transformation.
3. Strength of Partnership (30 points)
    The applicant must demonstrate that the strategic partnership is a 
strong team of regional leaders. The partnership must be representative 
of the entire region and have the authority to drive a transformation 
strategy within the region. The partnership must include a senior 
representative of the workforce investment system within the region as 
the lead, or co-lead with at least one other regional partner, for the 
region's WIRED grant activities. Examples of senior workforce system 
representatives include the chair or the executive director of a local 
workforce investment

[[Page 8025]]

board or a senior representative of a regional workforce consortium.
    In addition to workforce investment system partners, other 
mandatory partners of a regional partnership team must include senior 
leaders from the following entities:
     Education, including K-12, community colleges, and four 
year institutions within the region;
     Regional business leadership; and
     Economic development at the regional/local level.
    Additional recommended partners include: local elected officials; 
the philanthropic community; other education and training providers; 
business organizations such as chambers of commerce; seed and venture 
capital organizations or individuals; investor networks; entrepreneurs; 
and faith and community-based organizations.
    The discussion must:
     Include a comprehensive list of the strategic partners 
that will be included in the WIRED Initiative and articulate each 
partner's role.
     Include the positions and/or titles of the individuals 
from each of the organizations that will be involved in the regional 
partnership.
     Demonstrate that integration or a high level of 
coordination already exists between partners. If a high level of 
integration or coordination does not exist, then the applicant must 
demonstrate that it has the capacity to quickly establish these links 
and discuss strategies for strengthening the partnership.
     Demonstrate that the administrative entity has the 
capacity to lead the regional partnership in implementing the WIRED 
Initiative. Discussion should include, but is not limited to, the 
administrative entity's leadership and staff capacity and experience 
implementing initiatives of this caliber.
    Assessment of this criterion will be based on the comprehensiveness 
of the partnership, the degree to which each partner plays a committed 
role, and the capacity of the administrative entity to lead the 
regional partnership.
4. Strategies for Transformation (35 points)
    The applicant must describe the strategies that will be undertaken 
by the regional partnership and explain how these strategies will 
transform the regional economy and how they will support the region's 
overall economic vision and goals. In addition, the applicant must 
describe how the strategies will transform the workforce development, 
economic development, and education systems in the region and result in 
more effective ways of collaboration and networking of assets and 
resources. Assessment of this criterion will be based on three areas: 
1) strength of the strategies; 2) identification of targeted industries 
and economic sectors; and 3) discussion of goals.
    Strategies. Applicants must describe how the strategies will be 
operationalized and how they will create a lasting impact on the region 
and build on and transform existing initiatives. Applicants must 
explain how the strategies will be aligned and integrated in order to 
unite the region around an economic growth agenda. In addition, in 
describing the strategies that would be undertaken with the requested 
funds, the applicant must demonstrate how the strategies will:
     Address the identified workforce and economic development 
challenges in the region.
     Increase integration and synergy among the workforce 
development, economic development and education systems.
     Increase opportunities for entrepreneurship and small 
business development and the capacity for innovation within both new 
and existing businesses.
     Create connections between research and business 
development.
     Build upon and align with current state and local 
strategic plans currently in place under the Workforce Investment Act, 
the Department of Commerce's economic development programs, the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development's community development 
programs, and other applicable federal programs.
    Targeted High Growth Industries and Economic Sectors. Applicant 
must describe the high growth industries and economic sectors that will 
be the focus of the strategies. Applicant must explain why these 
industries and economic sectors have been chosen, how the strategies 
will support the continued growth of these industries, and how 
supporting these industries will contribute to the growth of the 
regional economy.
    Goals. Applicants should demonstrate a results-oriented approach to 
managing and operating their grant. Therefore, applicants must describe 
the goals for each strategy and describe how WIRED grant resources will 
enable the partnership to accomplish its goals. Applicants should 
articulate clear outcomes for each strategy.
5. Leveraged Resources (10 points)
    Applicants must clearly describe any funds and resources leveraged 
in support of the proposed strategies and demonstrate how these funds 
will be used to contribute to the goals of the WIRED Initiative. 
Leveraged resources are cash or in-kind contributions devoted to 
advancing the strategies described in the applicant's proposal. 
Existing or planned efforts within the region that can be aligned and 
integrated into the WIRED Initiative to transform the regional economy 
may also be considered to be leveraged resources. Important elements of 
the explanation include:
     Which partners have contributed leveraged resources and 
the amount of each contribution, including an itemized description of 
each cash or in-kind contribution.
     The quality of the leveraged resources, including the 
purpose of the funds and the extent to which each contribution will be 
used to further the goals of the initiative.
     Evidence, such as letters of commitment, that key partners 
have expressed a clear commitment to provide the contribution.
    Leveraged resources could come from a variety of sources including: 
public sector (e.g., Federal, state or local governments); non-profit 
sector (e.g., community organizations, faith-based organizations, or 
education and training institutions); private sector (e.g., businesses 
or industry associations); investor community (e.g., angel networks); 
philanthropic community; and the economic development community.
    Assessment of this criterion will be based on the extent to which 
the application fully describes the amount, commitment, nature, and 
quality of leveraged resources. Applications will be scored based on 
the degree to which the source and use of funds is clearly explained 
and the extent to which leveraged resources are fully integrated into 
the initiative to support grant outcomes.

B. Review and Selection Process

    Applications for the WIRED Initiative will be accepted commencing 
on the date of publication of this announcement until the closing date 
and time. A technical review panel will carefully evaluate applications 
against the rating criteria described in Part V(1), which are based on 
the policy goals, priorities, and emphases set forth in this SGA. Up to 
100 points may be awarded to an application, based on the Rating 
Criteria described in Part V(1). The panel results are advisory in 
nature and not binding on the Grant Officer. The Grant Officer may 
consider any

[[Page 8026]]

information that comes to his or her attention.
    The ranked scores will serve as the primary basis for selection of 
applications for funding, in conjunction with other factors such as 
urban, rural, and geographic balance; uniqueness and innovative aspects 
of the proposal; the availability of funds; and proposals that are most 
advantageous to the government. The government reserves the right to 
award grants with or without discussions or negotiations with 
applicants. Should a grant be awarded without negotiations, the award 
will be based on the applicant's signature on the SF-424, which 
constitutes a binding offer.

VI. Award Administrative Information

A. Award Notices

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

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements--Administrative 
Program Requirements

    All grantees will be subject to all applicable Federal laws 
(including provisions in appropriations law), regulations, and the 
applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars. The 
applicants selected under the SGA will be subject to the following 
administrative standards and provisions, if applicable:
     Workforce Investment Act--20 Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR) part 667.200 (General Fiscal and Administrative Rules).
     Non-Profit Organizations--2 CFR part 230 (Cost Principles, 
formerly Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-122) and 29 
CFR part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
     Educational Institutions--2 CFR part 220 (Cost Principles, 
formerly OMB Circular A-21) and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative 
Requirements).
     State and Local Governments--2 CFR par 225 (Cost 
Principles, formerly OMB circular A-87) and 29 CFR part 97 
(Administrative Requirements).
     All entities must comply with 29 CFR parts 93 and 98, and 
where applicable, 29 CFR parts 96 and 99.
     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 Code Section 501(c)(4) that engage 
in lobbying activities will not be eligible for the receipt of Federal 
funds and grants.
     29 CFR part 2, subpart D--Equal Treatment in Department of 
Labor Programs for Religious Organizations; Protection of Religious 
Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and 
Beneficiaries.
     29 CFR part 30--Equal Employment Opportunity in 
Apprenticeship and Training.
     29 CFR part 31--Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted 
Programs of the Department of Labor--Effectuation of Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964.
     29 CFR part 32--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap 
in Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from Federal 
Financial Assistance.
     29 CFR part 33--Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the 
Basis of Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department 
of Labor.
     29 CFR part 35--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in 
Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the 
Department of Labor.
     29 CFR part 36--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in 
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial 
Assistance.
     29 CFR part 37--Implementation of the Nondiscrimination 
and Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 
1998 (WIA).

    (Note: Except as specifically provided in this notice, ETA's 
acceptance of a proposal and award of Federal funds to sponsor any 
program(s) does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements and/
or procedures. For example, the OMB Circulars require 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, then 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.)

C. Reporting and Evaluation Requirements

1. Evaluation
    ETA has undertaken a comprehensive evaluation of the WIRED 
Initiative. The evaluation is intended to: provide a thorough 
understanding of the implementation of WIRED strategies in the regions; 
learn about changes that occur in economic indicators such as job 
growth, average wage, tax base, reliance on public sector subsidies, 
and the unemployment rate; and ascertain to what extent these changes 
and other indicators of regional progress were influenced by WIRED 
activities. ETA will require that selected applicants participate in 
the evaluation of WIRED. Therefore, in applying for these grants, 
applicants agree to cooperate in this evaluation.
2. Performance Requirements
    WIRED grantees are required to report outcomes for the Common 
Performance Measures, which measure entry into employment, retention in 
employment, and earnings. Additional information on ETA's Common 
Measures policy can be found in Training Employment Guidance Letter No. 
17-05, Common Measures Policy for the Employment and Training 
Administration's (ETA) Performance Accountability System and Related 
Performance Issues (February 17, 2006), located on the ETA Web site at 
http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/.
3. 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 financial reports are due 30 days after the end of each 
calendar year quarter. Grantees must use ETA's Online Electronic 
Reporting System.
4. 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 
calendar year quarter that provides a detailed account of activities 
undertaken during that quarter. The Department may require additional 
data elements to be collected and reported on either a regular basis or 
special request basis. Grantees must agree to meet the Department's 
reporting requirements.
    The quarterly progress report must be in narrative form and must 
include:
    (1) In-depth information on accomplishments including success 
stories, upcoming grant activities, and promising approaches and 
processes.
    (2) Progress toward performance outcomes included in the grantee's 
statement of work, including updates on product, curricula, and 
training development.
    (3) Challenges, barriers, or concerns regarding progress.
    (4) Lessons learned in the areas of administration and management, 
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 activities, employment outcomes, and related results, and 
should thoroughly document the solution approach. After responding to 
ETA's questions and

[[Page 8027]]

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 the Department to prepare the 
final report.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Any technical questions regarding this SGA should be faxed to Ms. 
Laura Patton Watson, Chief of the Division of Federal Assistance, Fax 
number (202) 693-2705 (not a toll-free number). You must specifically 
address your fax to the attention of Ms. Laura Patton Watson and should 
include the following information: SGA/DFA PY 06-09, a contact name, 
fax, and telephone number. Answers to questions will be posted on ETA's 
Web site at http://www.doleta.gov during the SGA period.
    For further information contact Ms. Laura Patton Watson, Chief of 
the Division of Federal Assistance, at (202) 693-3961 (not a toll-free 
number). This announcement is also being made available on http://www.grants.gov.

VIII. Other Information

    OMB Information Collection No. 1205-0458. Expires September 30, 
2009.
    According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are 
required to respond to a collection of information unless such 
collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden 
for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 hours per 
response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing 
data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing 
and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding 
the burden estimated or any other aspect of this collection of 
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the 
U.S. Department of Labor, the OMB Desk Officer for ETA, Office of 
Management and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503. PLEASE DO NOT 
RETURN YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION TO THE OMB. SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS 
PROVIDED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY.
    This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a 
grant. The information collected through this ``Solicitation for Grant 
Applications'' will be used by the Department of Labor to ensure that 
grants are awarded to the applicant best suited to perform the 
functions of the grant. Submission of this information is required in 
order for the applicant to be considered for award of this grant. 
Unless otherwise specifically noted in this announcement, information 
submitted in the respondent's application is not considered to be 
confidential.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this twelfth day of February, 2007.
Laura Patton Watson,
Grant Officer, Employment and Training Administration.

Attachment A: List of Regions Currently Receiving WIRED Grants

First Generation WIRED Regions

     Coastal Maine
     Northeast Pennsylvania
     Upstate New York
     Piedmont Triad North Carolina
     Mid-Michigan
     West Michigan
     Florida's Great Northwest
     Western Alabama and Eastern Mississippi
     North Central Indiana
     Greater Kansas City
     Denver Metro Region
     Central and Eastern Montana
     California Innovation Corridor

Second Generation WIRED Regions

     Central-Eastern Puerto Rico
     Southwestern Connecticut
     Northern New Jersey
     Delaware Valley
     Appalachian Ohio
     Southeastern Michigan
     Tennessee Valley
     Southwestern Indiana
     Southeastern Wisconsin
     Arkansas Delta
     Rio Grande Valley
     Wasatch Range
     Northern California
[FR Doc. E7-2996 Filed 2-21-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-FN-P