[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 71 (Friday, April 13, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18678-18690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7024]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Veterans' Employment and Training Service


Urban and Non-Urban Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program 
(HVRP) Grants for Program Year (PY) 2007 Solicitation for Grant 
Applications 07-07, Period of Performance Is PY 2007, July 1, 
2007 Through June 30, 2008; Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
17.805

AGENCY: Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Labor.

ACTION: Notice of funding availability.

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DATES: Applications are due on May 14, 2007.
SUMMARY: (Applicants For Grant Funds Should Read This Notice In Its 
Entirety): The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), Veterans' Employment 
and Training Service (VETS), announces a grant competition under 38 
U.S.C. Section 2021, as added by Section 5 of Public Law 107-95, the 
Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 (HVCAA). Section 
2021 requires the Secretary of Labor to conduct, directly or through 
grant or contract, such programs as the Secretary determines 
appropriate to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the 
labor force.
    Both Urban and Non-Urban areas serving homeless veterans will be 
considered for funding under this HVRP solicitation. Urban areas are 
those that serve a high concentration of homeless veterans in the 
metropolitan areas of the 75 U.S. cities largest in population and the 
metropolitan area of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and are listed in Appendix 
G. Non-Urban areas are those areas that serve homeless veterans that 
are not listed on Appendix G. Applicants must indicate whether they are 
applying for an Urban or Non-Urban grant award on their grant 
application.
    HVRP grants are intended to address two objectives: (1) To provide 
services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful 
employment within the labor force, and (2) to stimulate the development 
of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex 
problems facing homeless veterans. Successful applicants will design 
programs that assist eligible veterans by providing job placement 
services, job training, counseling, supportive services, and other 
assistance to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the 
labor force. Successful programs will also be designed to be flexible 
in addressing the universal as well as the

[[Page 18679]]

local or regional problems that have had a negative impact on homeless 
veterans reentering the workforce.
    Under this solicitation covering PY 2007, VETS anticipates that up 
to $8,200,000 will be available, with a maximum award of $300,000 for 
grants that serve Urban areas and $200,000 for grants that serve Non-
Urban areas. VETS expects to award grants in both the Urban and Non-
Urban categories. The number of grants to be awarded in each category 
will be announced after selections are made as the grants are awarded 
based on merit of the application and the applicants. Awards are 
expected to range from $75,000 to a maximum of $200,000 for grants that 
serve Non-Urban areas and from $75,000 to a maximum of $300,000 for 
grants that serve Urban areas. This notice contains all of the 
necessary information and forms to apply for grant funding. The period 
of performance for these PY 2007 grants will be July 1, 2007 through 
June 30, 2008. Two (2) optional years of additional funding may be 
available, subject to the availability funding, to the agency's 
decision to exercise the option year(s) of funding, and to satisfactory 
grantee and sub-awardee(s) performance.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service (VETS), announces a grant competition under 38 U.S.C. 
Section 2021, as added by Section 5 of Public Law 107-95, the Homeless 
Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 (HVCAA) . Section 2021 
requires the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to conduct, directly or 
through grant or contract, such programs as the Secretary determines 
appropriate to provide job training, counseling, and placement services 
(including job readiness, literacy training, and skills training) to 
expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force.

1. Program Concept and Emphasis

    HVRP grants are intended to address two objectives: (a) to provide 
services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful 
employment within the labor force, and (b) to stimulate the development 
of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex 
problems facing homeless veterans.
    For this Program Year (PY) 2007 grant solicitation, VETS seeks 
applicants that will provide services through a client-centered case 
management approach that will network with Federal, State, and local 
resources for veteran support programs. Successful applicants will have 
clear strategies and obtainable goals for employment and retention of 
employment for homeless veterans. Successful applicants will design 
programs that assist eligible veterans by providing job placement 
services, job training, counseling, mentoring, supportive services, and 
other assistance to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans 
into the labor force. Successful applicants will also design programs 
that are flexible in addressing the universal as well as the local or 
regional problems that have had a negative impact on homeless veterans 
reentering the workforce. The HVRP in PY 2007 will seek to continue to 
strengthen development of effective service delivery systems, to 
provide comprehensive services ``through a client-centered case 
management approach'' that addresses complex problems facing eligible 
veterans trying to transition into gainful employment, and to improve 
strategies for employment and retention in employment.

2. Project Awareness Program Information and Orientation Activities

    In order to promote networking between the HVRP-funded program and 
local service providers (and thereby eliminate gaps or duplication in 
services and enhance the provision of assistance to participants), the 
grantee and sub-awardee(s) must provide project orientation workshops 
and program awareness activities that it determines are the most 
feasible for the types of providers listed below. Grantees and sub-
awardee(s) are encouraged to propose strategies for incorporating small 
faith-based and community organizations (defined as organizations with 
social services budgets of $500,000 or less and ten (10) or fewer full-
time employees) into their outreach plans. Project orientation 
workshops conducted by grantees and sub-awardee(s) have been an 
effective means of sharing information and informing the community of 
the availability of other services; they are encouraged but it is not 
mandatory. Grantees and sub-awardee(s) will have the flexibility to 
attend service provider meetings, seminars, and conferences, to 
outstation staff, and to develop individual service contracts as well 
as to involve other agencies in program planning.
    The grantee and sub-awardee(s) will be responsible for providing 
project awareness, program information, and orientation activities to 
the following:
    A. Direct providers of services to homeless veterans, including 
shelter and soup kitchen operators, to make them aware of the services 
available to homeless veterans to make them job-ready and to aid their 
placement into jobs;
    B. Federal, State, and local agencies such as the Housing and Urban 
Development (HUD), Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of 
Veterans Affairs (DVA), State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) and local One-
Stop Career Centers (which integrate Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and 
other employment and training services), mental health services, and 
healthcare detoxification facilities; to familiarize them with the 
nature and needs of homeless veterans; and
    C. Civic and private sector groups, in particular veterans' service 
organizations, support groups, job training and employment services, 
and community-based organizations (including faith-based 
organizations), to provide information on homeless veterans and their 
needs.
    The grantee and sub-awardee(s) will also be responsible for 
participating in ``Stand Down'' events. A ``Stand Down'' is an event 
held in a locality, usually for one (1) to three (3) days, where 
services are provided to homeless veterans along with shelter, meals, 
clothing, employment services, and medical attention. This type of 
event is mostly a volunteer effort, which is organized within a 
community and brings service providers together such as the Department 
of Veterans Affairs, Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program Specialists 
(DVOP) and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) staff from 
the State Workforce Agencies (SWAs), Veteran Service Organizations, 
military personnel, civic leaders, and a variety of other interested 
persons, groups, and organizations. Many services are provided on-site 
with referrals also made for continued assistance after the Stand Down 
event. These events can often be the catalyst that enables homeless 
veterans to get back into mainstream society. The Department of Labor 
has supported replication of these events and many have been held 
throughout the nation.
    In areas where an HVRP is operating, grantees and sub-awardee(s) 
are expected and encouraged to participate fully and offer their 
services for all locally planned Stand Down event(s). Toward this end, 
up to $8,000 of the requested HVRP grant funds may be used to 
supplement the Stand Down efforts, where funds are not otherwise 
available, and may be requested and explained in the budget narrative.

[[Page 18680]]

3. Scope of Program Design

    In addition to the activities described above, the project design 
must include the following services:
    A. Outreach, intake, assessment, peer counseling or mentoring to 
the degree practical, employment services, and follow-up support 
services to enhance retention in employment. Program staff providing 
outreach services should have experience in dealing with, and an 
understanding of the needs of, homeless veterans. Outreach activities 
must include and coordinate with the DVOP and LVER staff in the SWAs or 
in the workforce investment systems' One-Stop Career Centers, Veterans' 
Workforce Investment Program (VWIP), the Department of Veterans Affairs 
(DVA), and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and their 
local Continuum of Care.
    B. Provision of or referral to employment services such as: Job 
search workshops; job counseling; assessment of skills; resume writing 
techniques; interviewing skills; subsidized trial employment (work 
experience); job development services; job placement into unsubsidized 
employment; and job placement follow-up services to enhance retention 
in employment.
    C. Provision of or referral to training services such as: Basic 
skills instruction; remedial education activities; life skills and 
money management training; on-the-job training; classroom training; 
vocational training; specialized and/or licensing training programs; 
and other formal training programs as deemed appropriate to benefit the 
participant. At least 80% of the enrolled HVRP participants must 
participate in training activities.
    D. Grantees and sub-awardee(s) must perform preliminary assessment 
of each participant's eligibility for DVA service-connected disability, 
compensation, and/or pension benefits. As appropriate, grantees and 
sub-awardee(s) will work with the veterans' service organizations or 
refer the participants to DVA in order to file a claim for compensation 
or pension. Grantees and sub-awardee(s) will track the progress of 
claims and report outcomes in individual participant case management 
records.
    E. Coordination with veterans' services programs, including: DVOPs 
and LVERs in the workforce investment system's One-Stop Career Centers 
as well as VWIP grantees; DVA services, including its Health Care for 
Homeless Veterans, Domiciliary Care, Regional Benefits Assistance 
Program, and Transitional Housing under Homeless Provider Grant and Per 
Diem programs; and HUD and their local Continuum of Care.
    F. Networking, collaborating, and coordinating efforts with 
veterans' service organizations such as: The American Legion; Disabled 
American Veterans; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Vietnam Veterans of 
America; The American Veterans (AMVETS); etc. to ensure participants 
apply for and/or receive other veterans' benefits that they may be 
eligible for.
    G. Referral as necessary to health care, counseling, and 
rehabilitative services including, but not limited to: Alcohol and drug 
rehabilitation, therapeutic services; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 
(PTSD) services; and mental health services as well as coordination 
with McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (MVHAA) programs for health 
care for the homeless; and health care programs under the Homeless 
Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act (HVCAA) of 2001.
    H. Referral to housing assistance, as appropriate, provided by: HUD 
and their local Continuum of Care; local shelters; Federal Emergency 
Management Administration (FEMA) food and shelter programs; 
transitional housing programs and single room occupancy housing 
programs funded under MVHAA and HVCAA, and permanent housing programs 
for disabled homeless persons funded under MVHAA and HVCAA.

4. Performance Measures

    For purposes of assessing performance of grantees selected under 
this SGA, VETS will focus on two performance measures described below. 
However, grantees also will be required to report additional 
performance information, as required in the provided DOL guidance on 
Common Measures and as described below. All performance outcomes will 
be reported quarterly using an Internet-based reporting system for 
HVRP, with access provided to successful grantees after the award 
process has been completed.
    There are two (2) outcome measures with established performance 
targets for HVRP grants. The first outcome measure is the placement 
rate with a performance target for grantees and sub-awardee(s) to meet 
a minimum placement (now referred to as entered employment under Common 
Measures definitions) rate of 66%. This is determined by dividing the 
number of participants who entered employment (or employed after their 
Exit Quarter) by the number of participants exited. Under Common 
Measures, a person is considered to have exited the program if they 
have secured a job and/or not received job search or employment service 
(other than follow-up and retention services) for at least one (1) 
quarter or over 90 days. Job retention and counseling services do not 
count as a ``service'' that would prevent a person from being exited 
from the program. See further definitions below. While the percentage 
of HVRP participants who enter employment is an important outcome, it 
is also necessary to evaluate and measure the program's longer-term 
results, through the 90-day, 180-day, and 270-day employment retention 
follow-up periods after a HVRP participant enters employment. The 
second outcome measure is retention following placement with a 
performance target for grantees and sub-awardee(s) to meet a minimum 
rate of retention of 59%. This is determined by dividing the number of 
participants retained in employment for 180-days divided by the total 
number of participants who entered employment two (2) quarters 
previously. Note: For example, awardees should not have a reported 
retention rate before the third quarter, since it requires at least 
180-days by the definition after a person enters employment and 90-days 
to be considered exited from the program for the awardee to be able to 
post job retention. While there is no performance target established 
for retention at 90-days following entered employment, grantees are 
required to collect and report the rate of retention in employment at 
that point.
    The Common Measures Technical Assistance Guide for Competitive 
Grantees (Appendix H) describes in detail the specific data grantees 
will be required to collect and report on utilizing the Common Measures 
definitions, methodologies, and reporting requirements. Appendix H and 
the Recommended Format for Common Measures Planned Quarterly Technical 
Performance Goals (Appendix D) are provided to assist applicants in 
determining their planned goals.

5. Results-Oriented Model

    No specific model is mandatory, but successful applicants will 
design a program that is responsive to the needs of the local community 
and achieves the HVRP objectives. The HVRP objectives are to 
successfully reintegrate homeless veterans into the workforce and to 
stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that 
will address the complex problems facing homeless veterans. Under the 
Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), Congress and the public 
are looking for program results.

[[Page 18681]]

    The applicant's program should be based on a results-oriented 
model. The first phase of activity should consist of the level of 
outreach necessary to introduce the program to eligible homeless 
veterans. Outreach also includes establishing contact with other 
agencies that encounter homeless veterans. Once the eligible homeless 
veterans have been identified, an assessment must be made of each 
individual's abilities, interests, needs, and barriers to employment. 
In some cases, participants may require referrals to services such as 
rehabilitation, drug or alcohol treatment, or a temporary shelter 
before they can be enrolled into the HVRP program. Once the eligible 
homeless veteran is stabilized, the assessment must concentrate on the 
employability of the individual and whether the individual is to be 
enrolled into the HVRP program.
    A determination should be made as to whether the HVRP participant 
would benefit from pre-employment preparation such as resume writing, 
job search workshops, related employment counseling, and case 
management, or possibly an initial entry into the job market through 
temporary jobs. Additionally, sheltered work environments such as the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Compensated Work Therapy Program, 
classroom training, and/or on-the-job training must be evaluated. Such 
services should be noted in an Individual Employment Plan (IEP) to 
facilitate the staff's successful monitoring of the participant's 
progress. Entry into full-time employment or a specific job-training 
program should follow, in keeping with the overall objective of HVRP, 
to bring the participant closer to self-sufficiency. The grantee should 
provide or arrange for these supportive services that will enable the 
HVRP participant to successfully perform all the activities specified 
in the IEP.
    Job development, a crucial part of the employability process, 
usually occurs when there are no competitive job openings that the HVRP 
participant is qualified to apply for; therefore, a job opportunity 
with an employer is created, developed, and customized specifically for 
that HVRP participant. HVRP participants who are ready to enter 
employment and are in need of intensive case management services for 
employment purposes are to be referred to the DVOP and LVER staff at a 
One-Stop Career Center. DVOP and LVER staff are able to provide HVRP 
participants the following services: job development, employment 
services, case management for employment purposes, and career 
counseling. Most DVOP and LVER staff received training in case 
management for employment purposes at the National Veterans' Training 
Institute. All DVOP and LVER staff provides employment-related services 
to veterans who are most at a disadvantage in the labor market. VETS 
recommends all HVRP grantees work hand-in-hand with DVOP/LVER and other 
One-Stop Career Center staff to achieve economies of resources and to 
avoid duplication of services. DVOP/LVER staff may also be able to 
provide grantees and sub-awardee(s) valuable assistance in tracking 
participants within their State wage record management information 
system for follow-up purposes at 90-, 180-, and 270-days after a 
participant enters employment.
    The applicant's program must include tracking of program 
participants. Participant tracking should begin with the referral to 
supportive services and training activities and continue at placement 
into employment and through the 90-day, 180-day, and 270-day follow-up 
periods after the participant enters employment. It is important that 
the grantee and sub-awardee(s) maintain contact with veterans after 
placement to ensure that employment-related problems are addressed. The 
90-day, 180-day, and 270-day follow-ups are fundamental to assessing 
program results. Grantees and sub-awardee(s) need to budget for 90-day, 
180-day, and 270-day follow-up activity so that it can be performed for 
those participants who enter employment at or near the end of the grant 
performance period. All grantees and sub-awardee(s), prior to the end 
of the grant performance period, must obligate sufficient funds to 
ensure that follow-up activities are completed. Such results will be 
reported in the final technical performance report.

II. Award Information

1. Type of Funding Instrument

    One-year grants with optional funding for an additional two years 
will be awarded.

    Note: Selection of an organization as a grantee does not 
constitute final approval of the grant application and budget as 
submitted. Before or shortly after the actual grant is awarded, 
USDOL may enter into negotiations about such items as program 
components, staffing, and funding levels, and administrative systems 
in place to support grant implementation. If the negotiations do not 
result in a mutually acceptable submission, the Grant Officer 
reserves the right to terminate the negotiation and decline to fund 
the application or terminate the award.

2. Funding Levels

    Under this solicitation covering Program Year (PY) 2007, VETS 
anticipates that up to $8,200,000 will be available, with a maximum 
award of $300,000 for grants that serve Urban areas and $200,000 for 
grants that serve Non-Urban areas. VETS expects to award grants in both 
the Urban and Non-Urban categories. The number of grants to be awarded 
in each category will be announced after selections are made as the 
grants are awarded based on merit of the application and the 
applicants. Awards are expected to range from $75,000 to a maximum of 
$200,000 for grants that serve Non-Urban areas and from $75,000 to a 
maximum of $300,000 for grants that serve Urban areas. Applicants must 
indicate in writing whether they are applying for an Urban or Non-Urban 
grant award on their grant application. The Department of Labor 
reserves the right to negotiate the amounts to be awarded under this 
competition. Please be advised that requests exceeding $200,000 that 
plan to serve Non-Urban areas and $300,000 that plan to serve Urban 
areas will be considered non-responsive and will not be evaluated. If 
there are any residual programmatic funds, the Department of Labor 
reserves the right to select for funding the next highest scoring 
applicant(s) on the competitive list developed for this SGA up to June 
30, 2008.

3. Period of Performance

    The period of performance will be for the twelve (12) month period 
of July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008, unless modified by the Grant 
Officer. It is expected that successful applicants will begin program 
operations under this solicitation on July 1, 2007. All program funds 
must be obligated by the grantee by June 30, 2008; a limited amount of 
funds may be obligated and reserved for follow-up activities and 
closeout.

4. Optional Year Funding

    Should Congress appropriate additional funds for this purpose, VETS 
may consider up to two (2) additional years of optional funding. The 
Government does not, however, guarantee optional year funding for any 
grantee or sub-awardee(s). In deciding whether to exercise any optional 
year(s) of funding, VETS will consider grantee and sub-awardee(s) 
performance during the previous period of operations as follows:
    A. The grantee and sub-awardee(s) must meet, at minimum, 90% of 
planned cumulative goals for Federal expenditures, enrollments, 
placements

[[Page 18682]]

into employment, and training by the end of the third quarter; and
    B. The grantee and sub-awardee(s) must have complied with all terms 
identified in the Solicitation for Grant Application (SGA), grant award 
document, and General and Special Grant Provisions; and
    C. All program and fiscal reports must have been submitted by the 
established due dates and the grantee and sub-awardee(s) must verify 
these reports for accuracy purposes.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Applications for funds will be accepted from State and local 
Workforce Investment Boards, local public agencies, for-profit/
commercial entities, and non-profit organizations, including faith-
based and community organizations. Applicants must have a familiarity 
with the area and population to be served and the ability to administer 
an effective and timely program.
    Eligible applicants will generally fall into one of the following 
categories:
     State and local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs), 
established under Sections 111 and 117 of the Workforce Investment Act.
     Public agencies, meaning any public agency of a State or 
of a general purpose political subdivision of a State that has the 
power to levy taxes and spend funds, as well as general corporate and 
police powers. (This typically refers to cities and counties.) A State 
agency may propose in its application to serve one or more of the 
jurisdictions located in its State. This does not preclude a city or 
county agency from submitting an application to serve its own 
jurisdiction.
     For-profit/commercial entities.
     Non-profit organizations (including faith-based and 
community organizations). If claiming 501(c)(3) status, the Internal 
Revenue Service statement indicating 501(c)(3) status approval must be 
submitted.
    Note that entities organized under Section 501(c)(4) of the 
Internal Revenue Code are not eligible to receive funds under this 
announcement. Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, Public 
Law 104-65, 109 Stat. 691 (2 U.S.C. 1611) prohibits instituting an 
award, grant, or loan of federal funds to 501(c)(4) entities that 
engage in lobbying.

2. Cost Sharing

    Cost sharing and matching funds are not required. However, we do 
encourage grantees and sub-awardee(s) to maximize the resources 
available to the HVRP program and its participants.

3. Other Eligibility Criteria

    A. Both Urban and Non-Urban areas serving homeless veterans will be 
considered for funding under this HVRP solicitation. Urban areas are 
those that serve a high concentration of homeless veterans in the 
metropolitan areas of the 75 U.S. cities largest in population and the 
metropolitan area of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and are listed in Appendix 
G. Non-Urban areas are those areas that serve homeless veterans that 
are not listed on Appendix G.
    B. The proposal must include a participant outreach component that 
uses DVOP/LVER staff and/or trained outreach staff. Programs must be 
``employment-focused.'' An ``employment-focused'' program is a program 
directed toward: (1) Increasing the employability of homeless veterans 
through training or arranging for the provision of services that will 
enable them to reintegrate into the labor force and (2) matching 
homeless veterans with potential employers and/or entrepreneurial 
opportunities.
    C. Applicants are encouraged to utilize, through partnerships or 
sub-awards, experienced public agencies, private non-profit 
organizations, private businesses, faith-based and community 
organizations, and colleges and universities (especially those with 
traditionally high enrollments of minorities) that have an 
understanding of unemployment and the barriers to employment unique to 
homeless veterans, a familiarity with the area to be served, linkages 
with the One-Stop Career Center(s), and the capability to effectively 
provide the necessary services.
    D. Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by 
Organizations that Receive Federal Financial Assistance: Neutral, non-
religious criteria that neither favor nor disfavor religion will be 
used in the selection of grant recipients and must be employed by 
Grantees or in the selection of sub-awardee(s). The U.S. Government is 
generally prohibited from providing ``direct'' financial assistance for 
inherently religious activities. The Grantee may be a faith-based 
organization or work with a partner with religious institutions; 
however, ``direct'' Federal financial assistance provided under this 
grant may not be used for religious instruction, worship, prayer, 
proselytizing or other inherently religious activities. In this 
context, the term ``direct financial assistance'' means financial 
assistance that is provided directly by a government entity or an 
intermediate organization, as opposed to financial assistance that an 
organization receives as the result of the genuine, independent, 
private choice of a beneficiary. 29 CFR part 2, Subpart D governs the 
treatment in government programs of religious organizations and 
religious activities. The Grantee and sub-awardee(s) are expected to be 
aware of and observe the regulations of this subpart.
    E. To be eligible for enrollment as a participant under this HVRP 
grant an individual must be homeless and a veteran defined as follows:
     The term ``homeless or homeless individual'' includes 
persons who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. It 
also includes persons whose primary nighttime residence is a supervised 
public or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary 
living accommodations; an institution that provides a temporary 
residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or a public 
or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular 
sleeping accommodation for human beings. [42 U.S.C. 11302(a)]. 
Inadequate nighttime residence examples include: sleeping in the 
streets, in the woods, in public parks, in cars, on outside benches, 
under bridges, in tents, in caves, under a lean-to, etc. Inadequate 
nighttime residence does not include living with relatives or friends.
     The term ``veteran'' means a person who served in the 
active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or 
released under conditions other than dishonorable. [38 U.S.C. 101(2)].

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request an Application and Amendments

    This SGA, together with its attachments, includes all the 
information needed to apply. Additional application packages and 
amendments to this SGA may be obtained from the VETS Web site address 
at www.dol.gov/vets, the Federal Grant Opportunities Web site address 
at http://www.grants.gov, and from the Federal Register Web site 
address at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html. The Federal Register 
may also be obtained from your nearest government office or library. 
Additional copies of the standard forms can be downloaded from: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html.
    All mailed applications must be addressed to: Department of Labor, 
Procurement Services Center, Attention:

[[Page 18683]]

Cassandra Mitchell, Reference SGA 07-07, 200 Constitution 
Avenue, NW., Room S-4307, Washington, DC 20210, Phone Number: (202) 
693-4570 (this is not a toll-free number).
     Applicants are encouraged to apply online at 
www.grants.gov. Applicants submitting proposals online are requested to 
refrain from mailing a hard copy application as well. It is strongly 
recommended that applicants using www.grants.gov immediately initiate 
and complete the ``Get Started'' registration steps at http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted. These steps may take multiple days to 
complete, and this time should be factored into plans for electronic 
submission in order to avoid facing unexpected delays that could result 
in the rejection of an application. If submitting electronically 
through www.grants.gov it would be appreciated if the application 
submitted is saved as .doc, .pdf, or .txt files.
     Except as provided in Section IV.3., any application 
received after the deadline (hard copy or electronic) will be 
considered as non-responsive and will not be evaluated.

2. Content and Form of Application

    The application must include the name, address, telephone number, 
fax number, and e-mail address (if applicable) of a key contact person 
(program and fiscal) at the applicant's organization in case questions 
should arise. To be considered responsive to this solicitation the 
application must consist of three (3) separate and distinct sections: 
The Executive Summary, the Technical Proposal, and the Cost Proposal. 
The information provided in these three (3) sections is essential to 
demonstrate an understanding of the programmatic and fiscal contents of 
the grant proposal.
    A complete grant application package must not exceed 75 single-
sided pages (8\1/2\'' x 11''), double-spaced, 12-point font, typed 
pages (all attachments are included in the 75 page maximum). Any pages 
over the 75-page limit will not be reviewed. Major sections and sub-
sections of the application should be divided and clearly identified 
(e.g. with tab dividers), and all pages must be numbered. To be 
considered responsive grant applications are to include (electronic 
submissions thru www.grants.gov will not require copies):
     An original, blue ink-signed, and two (2) copies of the 
cover letter.
     An original and two (2) copies of the Executive Summary 
(see below).
     An original and two (2) copies of the Technical Proposal 
(see below) that includes a completed Recommended Format for Common 
Measures Planned Technical Performance Goals Form (Appendix D). Also 
include all attachments with the technical proposal, such as the 
applicant's information showing outcomes of employment and training 
programs that it has had in the past three (3) years in terms of 
enrollments and participants who have entered into employment. If 
Appendix D or a similar form with all the required performance goals 
data is not included, the application will be considered non-responsive 
and will not be evaluated.
     An original and two (2) copies of the Cost Proposal (see 
below) that includes an original, blue ink-signed, Application for 
Federal Assistance, SF-424 (Appendix A), a Budget Narrative, Budget 
Information Sheet SF-424A (Appendix B), an original, blue ink-signed, 
Assurances and Certifications Signature Page (Appendix C), a Direct 
Cost Description for Applicants and Sub-applicants (Appendix E), a 
completed Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (Appendix 
F), and the applicant's grant specific financial and/or audit statement 
dated within the last 18 months (audit and financial statements do not 
count towards the 75 page limitation).
    A. Section 1--Executive Summary: A one to two page ``Executive 
Summary'' reflecting the grantee's and sub-awardee(s) proposed overall 
strategy, timeline, and outcomes to be achieved in their grant proposal 
is required. The Executive Summary is to include:
     The proposed area to be served (Urban or Non-Urban) 
through the activities of this grant application.
     The grantee's experience in serving the residents in the 
proposed service area.
     The proposed strategy, program design, process, method, 
projects, and/or statement of work with schedule or timeline that will 
expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the workforce.
     Describe the measures of success for the plan. A summary 
of anticipated outcomes, goals, number of participants served, number 
hired, increase in wages, educational degrees, cost effectiveness, 
results-oriented model, benefits, and value added by the project.
    B. Section 2--Technical Proposal that is not to exceed 15 single-
sided pages of double-spaced 12-pitch font and one inch left, right, 
top, and bottom margins and does count towards the 75 page maximum. The 
technical proposal consists of a narrative proposal that demonstrates 
the need for this particular grant program, the services and activities 
proposed to obtain successful outcomes for the homeless veterans to be 
served; and the applicant's ability to accomplish the expected outcomes 
of the proposed project design. All applications must respond to the 
requirements for the program concept, required activities, and results 
oriented model set forth in Section I of the SGA.
    Required Content: There are program activities that all 
applications must contain to be found technically acceptable under this 
SGA. Programs must be ``employment-focused'' and must be responsive to 
the rating criteria in Section V (1). The required program activities 
are: Participant outreach and project awareness activities, pre-
enrollment assessments, individual employment plans for each 
participant, case management, job placement, job retention follow-up 
(at 90, 180, and 270 days) after individual enters employment, 
utilization and coordination of employment services through the One-
Stop Career Center System, including the DVOP and LVER staff, and with 
community linkages with other programs that provide support to homeless 
veterans. All applicants must respond to the requirements for the 
program concept, required activities and results-oriented model 
described in Section I. of the SGA.
    The following format for the technical proposal is recommended:
    Need for the program: The applicant must identify the geographical 
area to be served and provide an estimate of the number of homeless 
veterans in the designated geographical area. Include poverty and 
unemployment rates in the area and identify the disparities in the 
local community infrastructure that exacerbate the employment barriers 
faced by the targeted veterans. Include labor market information and 
job opportunities in the employment fields and industries that are in 
demand in the geographical area to be served. Applicants are to clearly 
describe the proposed program awareness and participant outreach 
strategies.
    Approach or strategy to increase employment and job retention: 
Applicants must be responsive to the Rating Criteria contained in 
Section V (1) and address all of the rating factors as thoroughly as 
possible in the narrative. The applicant must:
     Describe the specific employment and training services to 
be provided under this grant; the applicant's local employer network 
that will be used to place homeless veterans into employment; and the 
sequence or flow of such services;
     Indicate the type(s) of training that will be provided 
under the grant and how it relates to the jobs that are in demand, 
length of training, training

[[Page 18684]]

curriculum, and how the training will improve the eligible veterans' 
employment opportunities within that geographical area;
     Provide a follow-up plan that addresses employment 
retention after 90-, 180-, and 270-days for participants who have 
entered employment;
     Include the completed Recommended Format for Common 
Measures Planned Quarterly Technical Performance Goals (and planned 
expenditures) form listed in Appendix D. If the Common Measures Planned 
Quarterly Technical Performance Goals form listed in Appendix D is not 
submitted, the grant application package will be considered as non-
responsive and not evaluated.
    Linkages with facilities that serve homeless veterans: Describe 
program and resource linkages with other facilities that will be 
involved in identifying potential clients for this program. Applicants 
are encouraged to submit a list of their local area network of service 
providers that offer and provide services to benefit HVRP participants. 
Describe any networks with other related resources and/or other 
programs that serve homeless veterans. Indicate how the program will be 
coordinated with any efforts that are conducted by public and private 
agencies in the community. Indicate how the applicant will coordinate 
with any local continuum of care efforts for the homeless among 
agencies in the community. If a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or 
other service agreement with service providers exists, copies should be 
provided.
    Linkages with other providers of employment and training services 
to homeless veterans: Describe the linkages, networks, and 
relationships the proposed program will have with employers, 
educational providers, and other providers of services to homeless 
veterans; include a description of the relationship with other 
employment and training programs in the One-Stop Career Centers such as 
Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP), the Local Veterans' 
Employment Representative (LVER) program, and programs under the 
Workforce Investment Act such as the Veterans' Workforce Investment 
Program (VWIP); list the type of services that will be provided by 
each. Note the type of agreement in place, if applicable. Linkages with 
the workforce investment system and educational providers are required. 
Describe any networks with any other resources and/or other programs 
for homeless veterans. If an MOU or other service agreement with other 
service providers exists, copies should be provided.
    Linkages with other Federal agencies: Describe program and resource 
linkages with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of 
Veterans Affairs (DVA), to include the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) 
and Grant and Per Diem programs. If an MOU or other service agreement 
with other service providers exists, copies should be provided.
    Proposed supportive service strategy for veterans: Describe how 
supportive service resources for veterans will be obtained and used. If 
resources are provided by other sources or linkages, such as Federal, 
State, local, or faith-based and community programs, the applicant must 
fully explain the use of these resources and how they will be applied. 
If a MOU or other service agreement with other service providers 
exists, copies should be provided.
    Organizational capability to provide required program activities: 
The applicant must describe key staff skills, experience, biographies, 
history, knowledge, qualifications, capabilities, office locations, 
and/or organizational chart. It is preferred that the grantee and sub-
awardee(s) be a well established service provider and not in the 
initial start-up phase or process.
    The applicant's relevant current and prior experience (within the 
last three year period) in operating employment and training programs 
is to be clearly described, if applicable. A summary narrative of 
program experience and employment and training performance outcomes is 
required. The applicant must provide information showing outcomes of 
employment and training programs that it has had in the past three (3) 
years in terms of enrollments and participants who have entered into 
employment. An applicant that has operated a HVRP, other homeless 
employment and training program, or Veterans' Workforce Investment 
Program must also include the final or most recent cumulative quarterly 
technical performance report.
    Please note that the Department of Labor grant review panel 
members, who will be reviewing all grant applications submitted as a 
result of this SGA, do not have access to any reporting information 
systems during the review process, therefore, if final or most recent 
cumulative quarterly technical performance reports are not submitted, 
the grant application may be considered non-responsive.
    Measures of Success--Applicants are to describe the measures of 
success for the proposed plan. Applicants are to describe the proposed 
outcomes, goals, number served, number hired, increased wages, 
educational degrees, cost effectiveness, result-oriented model, 
feedback mechanism, performance accountability, evaluation and 
improvement, and/or the proposed system to monitor the implementation 
of program activities and achievement of stated project objectives. 
Applicants must indicate their planned level of performance utilizing 
the Common Measures reporting methodology as described in Appendix H. 
If the Common Measures reporting methodology is not utilized by the 
applicant, the application will be considered non-responsive and not 
evaluated.
    Sustainability--Applicants are to describe how the proposed program 
can or will outlast the federal funding.
    Proposed housing strategy for homeless veterans: Describe how local 
housing resources for eligible homeless veterans will be obtained or 
accessed. These resources must be from linkages or sources other than 
the HVRP grant such as HUD, HHS, community housing resources, DVA Grant 
and Per Diem Program, or other local housing programs.
    C. Section 3--The Cost Proposal must contain the following: 
Applicants can expect that the cost proposal will be reviewed for 
allocability, allowability, and reasonableness.
    (1) Standard Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance'' 
(with the original signed in blue-ink) (Appendix A) must be completed;
    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program 
is 17.805 and it must be entered on the SF-424, in Block 11.
    The organizational unit section of Block 8 of the SF-424 must 
contain the Dun and Bradstreet Number (DUNS) of the applicant. 
Beginning October 1, 2003, all applicants for Federal grant funding 
opportunities are required to include a DUNS number with their 
application. See OMB Notice of Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR 38402 (June 
27, 2003). Applicants' DUNS number is to be entered into Block 8 of SF-
424. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number that 
uniquely identifies business entities. There is no charge for obtaining 
a DUNS number. To obtain a DUNS number call 1-866-705-5711 or access 
the following web site: http://www.dunandbradstreet.com/.
    Requests for exemption from the DUNS number requirement must be 
made to the Office of Management and Budget. If no DUNS number is 
provided

[[Page 18685]]

then the grant application will be considered non-responsive.
    (2) Standard Form SF-424A ``Budget Information Sheet'' (Appendix B) 
must be included;
    (3) As an attachment to SF-424A, the applicant must provide a 
detailed cost breakout of each line item on the Budget Information 
Sheet. Please label this page or pages the ``Budget Narrative'' and 
ensure that costs reported on the SF-424A correspond accurately with 
the Budget Narrative;
    The Budget Narrative must include, at a minimum:
     Personnel Costs--Applicants must provide a breakout of all 
personnel costs by position, title, annual salary rates, and percent of 
time of each position to be devoted to the proposed project (including 
sub-grantees) by completing the ``Direct Cost Descriptions for 
Applicants and Sub-Applicants'' form (Appendix E);
     Fringe Benefits--Applicants must provide an explanation 
and breakout of extraordinary fringe benefit rates and associated 
charges (i.e., rates exceeding 35% of salaries and wages);
     Explanation of Costs and Methodologies--Applicants must 
provide an explanation of the purpose and composition of, and 
methodology used to derive the costs of each of the following: 
Personnel, fringe, travel, equipment, supplies, sub-awards/contracts, 
and any other costs. The applicant must include costs of any required 
travel described in this Solicitation. Planned travel expenditures may 
not exceed 5% of the total HVRP funds requested. Mileage charges may 
not exceed 44.5 cents per mile or the current Federal rate;
     Follow-Up Services--Applicants must describe all 
associated costs for obtaining and retaining participant information 
pertinent to the follow-up services at 90-, 180-, and 270-days after 
the program performance period ends. In addition, if State Unemployment 
Insurance data will be used to substantiate applicants follow-up 
results, it is suggested that the applicant include any official 
Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) or other formalized agreements that 
enable the applicant to obtain such information.
     Equipment Purchases--Applicants must provide a 
description/specification of, and justification for, equipment 
purchases, if any. Tangible, non-expendable, personal property having a 
useful life of more than one year and a unit acquisition cost of $5,000 
or more per unit must be specifically identified.
     Other Funds--Applicants are to describe other funding 
sources to include matching funds, leveraged funds, and in-kind 
services. Matching funds are not required for HVRP grants, however are 
encouraged. When resources such as matching funds, leveraged funds, 
and/or the value of in-kind contributions are made available, please 
describe in Section B of the Budget Information Sheet.
    (4) A completed Assurance and Certification signature page 
(Appendix C) (signed in blue ink) must be submitted;
    (5) All applicants must submit evidence of satisfactory financial 
management capability, which must include recent (within the last 18 
months) grant specific financial and/or audit statements (does not 
count towards the 75 page limitation). All successful grantees and sub-
awardee(s) are required to utilize Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practices (GAAP), maintain a separate accounting for these grant funds, 
and have a checking account;
    (6) All applicants must include, as a separate appendix, a list of 
all employment and training government grants and contracts that they 
have had in the past three (3) years, including grant/contract officer 
contact information (this is included in the 75 page limitation). VETS 
reserves the right to have a DOL representative review and verify this 
data;
    (7) A completed Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants 
(Appendix F) must be provided.

3. Submission Dates and Times (Acceptable Methods of Submission)

    The grant application package must be received at the designated 
place by the date and time specified or it will not be considered. Any 
application received at the Office of Procurement Services after 5 p.m. 
ET, May 14, 2007, will not be considered unless it is received before 
the award is made and:
     It is determined by the Government that the late receipt 
was due solely to mishandling by the Government after receipt at the 
U.S. Department of Labor at the address indicated; or
     It was sent by registered or certified mail not later than 
the fifth calendar day before May 14, 2007; or
     It was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day 
Service-Post Office to Addressee, not later than 5:00 p.m. at the place 
of mailing two (2) working days, excluding weekends and Federal 
holidays, prior to May 14, 2007.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a 
late application sent by registered or certified mail is the U.S. 
Postal Service postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on the original 
receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. If the postmark is not legible, 
an application received after the above closing time and date will be 
processed as if mailed late. ``Postmark'' means a printed, stamped or 
otherwise placed impression (not a postage meter machine impression) 
that is readily identifiable without further action as having been 
applied and affixed by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service on the 
date of mailing. Therefore applicants should request that the postal 
clerk place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's-eye'' postmark on both 
the receipt and the envelope or wrapper. Applications cannot be 
accepted by e-mail or facsimile machine.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a 
late application sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day 
Service-Post Office to Addressee is the date entered by the Post Office 
clerk on the ``Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee'' 
label and the postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on the original 
receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. ``Postmark'' has the same meaning 
as defined above. Therefore, applicants should request that the postal 
clerk place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's-eye'' postmark on both 
the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at 
the U.S. Department of Labor is the date/time stamp of the Procurement 
Services Center on the application wrapper or other documentary 
evidence or receipt maintained by that office. Applications sent by 
other delivery services, such as Federal Express, UPS, etc., will also 
be accepted.
    All applicants are advised that U.S. mail delivery in the 
Washington, DC area has been erratic due to security concerns. All 
applicants must take this into consideration when preparing to meet the 
application deadline, as you assume the risk for ensuring a timely 
submission, that is, if, because of these mail problems, the Department 
does not receive an application or receives it too late to give proper 
consideration, even if it was timely mailed, the Department is not 
required to consider the application.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    Not Applicable.

5. Funding Restrictions

    A. Proposals exceeding $200,000 that serve Non-Urban areas and 
$300,000 that serve Urban areas will be considered non-responsive and 
will not be evaluated.
    B. There is a limit of one (1) application per submitting 
organization

[[Page 18686]]

and physical location serving the same HVRP participant population. If 
two (2) original applications from the same organization for the same 
physical location serving the same HVRP participant population are 
submitted, the application with the later date will be considered as 
non-responsive. Please do not submit duplicate original grant 
applications as only one (1) grant application will be considered for 
funding purposes.
    C. Due to the limited availability of funding, if an organization 
was awarded Fiscal Year 2005 or Fiscal Year 2006 HVRP funds for a 
specific physical location serving the same HVRP participant population 
and will be applying for second and possible third year funding in PY 
2007, then that organization at that specific physical location serving 
the same HVRP participant population will be considered ineligible to 
compete for a new grant using PY 2007 HVRP funds. Therefore, due to the 
limited funding availability, we are unable to award more than one (1) 
HVRP grant per organization at a specific physical location serving the 
same HVRP participant population. A separate Director's Memorandum will 
be issued for grantees that are eligible to apply for second and third 
optional year funding that includes detailed instructions on how to 
apply for these funds.
    D. There will not be reimbursement of pre-award costs unless 
specifically agreed upon in writing by the Department of Labor.
    E. Entities described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue 
Code that engage in lobbying activities are not eligible to receive 
funds under this announcement because Section 18 of the Lobbying 
Disclosure Act of 1995, Public Law No. 104-65, 109 Stat. 691, prohibits 
the award of Federal funds to these entities.
    F. Limitations on Administrative and Indirect Costs.
    Administrative costs, which consist of all direct and indirect 
costs associated with the supervision and management of the program, 
are limited to and may not exceed 20% of the total grant award.
    Indirect costs claimed by the applicant must be based on a 
federally approved rate. A copy of the current negotiated approved and 
signed indirect cost negotiation agreement must be submitted with the 
application. Furthermore, indirect costs are considered a part of 
administrative costs for HVRP purposes and, therefore, may not exceed 
20% of the total grant award.
     If the applicant does not presently have an approved 
indirect cost rate, a proposed rate with justification may be 
submitted. Successful applicants will be required to negotiate an 
acceptable and allowable rate within 90 days of grant award with the 
appropriate DOL Regional Office of Cost Determination or with the 
applicant's cognizant agency for indirect cost rates (See Office of 
Management and Budget Web site at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/attach.html.
     Indirect cost rates traceable and trackable through the 
State Workforce Agency's Cost Accounting System represent an acceptable 
means of allocating costs to DOL and, therefore, can be approved for 
use in grants to State Workforce Agencies.

V. Application Review Information:

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

    Applications may receive up to 110 total points based on the 
following criteria:
A. Need for the Project: 10 Points
    The applicant will document the need for this project, as 
demonstrated by:
    (1) The potential number or concentration of homeless individuals 
and homeless veterans in the proposed project area relative to other 
similar areas; (2) the rates of poverty and unemployment in the 
proposed project area as determined by the census or other surveys; and 
(3) the extent of the gaps in the local infrastructure to effectively 
address the employment barriers that characterize the target 
population.
B. Overall Strategy To Increase Employment and Retention in Employment: 
35 Points [and up to 10 additional points (for a total of 45 points) if 
overall strategy includes an approach for addressing barriers to 
employment faced by chronically homeless veterans as described below.]
    The application must include a description of the approach to 
providing comprehensive employment and training services, including 
outreach, pre-enrollment assessment, job training, job development, 
obtaining employer commitments to hire, placement, and post-placement 
follow-up services. Applicants must address how they will target 
occupations that are locally in demand with career growth potential and 
that will provide wages to ensure self-sufficiency for the participant. 
Supportive services provided as part of the strategy of promoting job 
readiness and job retention must be indicated. The applicant must 
identify the local services and sources of training to be used for 
participants. At least 80% of participants must participate in training 
activities. A description of the relationship with other employment and 
training programs delivered through the One-Stop Career Center System 
must be specified. Applicants must indicate how the activities will be 
tailored or responsive to the needs of homeless veterans. A participant 
flow chart may be used to show the sequence and mix of services (does 
not count towards the 75 page limitation). In addition, if State 
Unemployment Insurance data will be used to substantiate the 
applicant's follow-up results, it is suggested that the applicant 
include any official MOUs or other formalized agreement that enables 
the applicant to obtain such information (does not count towards the 75 
page limitation).
    Additional Points (referenced in the Heading to Section B): Up to 
an additional 10 points under this section will be awarded to grant 
proposals that focus some of their effort on addressing the barriers to 
employment faced by chronically homeless veterans. A veteran who is 
``chronically homeless'' is an unaccompanied homeless individual with a 
``disabling condition'' who has either been continuously homeless for a 
year or more, OR who has had at least four (4) episodes of homelessness 
in the past three (3) years. A disabling condition is defined as a 
diagnosable substance use disorder, serious mental illness, 
developmental disability, or chronic physical illness or disability 
including the co-occurrence of two or more of these conditions. A 
``disabling condition'' limits an individual's ability to work or 
perform one or more activities of daily living.

    Note: The applicant must complete the Recommended Format for 
Common Measures Planned Quarterly Technical Performance Goals 
(Appendix D), with proposed programmatic outcomes, including 
participants served, placement/entered employments and job retention 
or a similar document containing the same information and if not, 
the grant application will be considered non-responsive and will not 
be evaluated.

C. Quality and Extent of Linkages With Other Providers of Services to 
the Homeless and to Veterans: 20 Points
    The application must provide information on the quality and extent 
of the linkages this program will have with employers, educational 
providers, and other providers of services to homeless veterans in the 
local community including faith-based and community organizations. For 
each service, the applicant must specify who the provider is, the 
source of funding (if known), and the type of linkages/referral system 
established or proposed. Describe, to the

[[Page 18687]]

extent possible, how the project would be incorporated into the local 
community's continuum of care approach and the local community's ten 
(10) year plan to end homelessness, if applicable (see Interagency 
Council on Homelessness Web page at www.ich.gov for additional 
information). Describe how the proposed project links to the 
appropriate State Workforce Agency and One-Stop Career Center(s) 
including coordination and collaboration with DVOP/LVER and other One-
Stop Career Center staff, HUD, HHS, DVA, educational institutions, and 
other local community-based programs and the services that will be 
provided as necessary on behalf of the homeless veteran participants to 
be served.
D. Demonstrated Capability in Providing Required Program Services, 
Including Programmatic Reporting and Participant Tracking: 25 Points
    The applicant must describe its relevant prior experience in 
operating employment and training programs and providing services to 
participants similar to those that are proposed under this 
solicitation. Specific outcomes previously achieved by the applicant 
must be described, such as number of enrollments, number of 
participants that entered employment, cost per placement into 
employment, benefits secured, network coalitions, etc. The applicant 
must also address its capacity for timely startup of the program, 
programmatic reporting, and participant tracking. The applicant should 
describe its staff experience and ability to manage the administrative, 
programmatic, and financial aspects of a grant program. Include a 
recent (within the last 18 months) grant specific financial statement 
and/or audit (does not count towards the 75 page limitation). Final or 
most recent financial and technical performance reports for other 
relevant programs must be submitted, if applicable. Because prior HVRP 
experience is not a requirement for this grant, applicants may have 
other similar type programmatic performance reports to submit as 
evidence of experience in operating other employment and training type 
programs.
E. Quality of Overall Housing Strategy: 10 Points
    The application must demonstrate how the applicant proposes to 
obtain or access resources for participants in the program and 
participants entering into the labor force. This discussion should 
specify the provisions made to access temporary, transitional, and 
permanent housing for participants through various community resources 
such as HUD, DVA Grant and Per Diem Program, and other locally funded 
housing programs. HVRP funds may not be used for emergency, 
transitional, or permanent housing purposes or purchasing or leasing of 
vehicles.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Grant applications will be reviewed by a Department of Labor grant 
review panel using the point scoring system specified above in Section 
V(1). Urban and Non-Urban applications will be evaluated against the 
same criteria. The grant review panel will assign a score after 
objectively and carefully evaluating each responsive grant application 
and all responsive grant applications will be ranked based on this 
score. The ranking will be the primary basis to identify applicants as 
potential grantees. The grant review panel will establish a competitive 
range, based upon the proposal evaluation, for the purpose of selecting 
qualified applicants. For this solicitation, the minimum acceptable 
score for consideration is 70, but the competitive range may be set 
higher.
    The grant review panel will have the authority and expertise to 
compare the goals of applications in the competitive range, to consider 
any information that comes to their attention, to form an opinion on 
what is most advantageous to the government and to judge allowed costs, 
cost-per-placement, and other goals. The Assistant Secretary for 
Veterans' Employment and Training and Grant Officer will make a final 
selection based on the grant review panel findings, grant application 
scores, geographical presence of the applicants, existing grants, and 
the areas to be served. We reserve the right to select a lower scoring 
application from one category (urban or non-urban) over a higher rated 
application from the other category if the Grant Officer or Assistant 
Secretary determines it is necessary to achieve an appropriate mix of 
urban and non-urban projects. The grant review panel's conclusions are 
advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer.
    The grant review panel and Grant Officer will screen all applicant 
cost proposals to ensure expenses are allocable, allowable, and 
reasonable. Determinations of allowable costs will be made in 
accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles, e.g. Non-Profit 
Organizations--OMB Circular A-122. Unallowable costs are those charges 
to a grant that a grantor agency or its representatives determined not 
to be allowed in accordance with the applicable Federal Cost Principles 
or other conditions contained in the grant. If the grant review panel 
and Grant Officer conclude that the cost proposal contains an 
expense(s) that is not allocable, allowable, and/or reasonable, the 
Grant Officer may request a revision of the application for funding. 
Further, the grant review panel will consider applicant information 
concerning the proposed cost per placement, percentage of participants 
who enter unsubsidized employment, average wage at placement, and 90-, 
180-, and 270-day retention in employment percentages. The national 
average cost per placement for HVRP for last year was $2,200.
    The Government reserves the right to ask the applicant for 
clarification on any aspect of a grant application. The Grant Officer 
may consult with the Department of Labor staff on any potential grantee 
and/or sub-awardee(s) concerns. The Grant Officer's determination for 
award under SGA 07-07 is the final agency action. The 
submission of the same proposal from any prior year HVRP competition 
does not guarantee an award under this Solicitation.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    Announcement of this award is expected to occur by June 20, 2007. 
The grant agreement will be awarded by no later than July 1, 2007.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    A. The Notice of Award signed by the Grant Officer is the 
authorizing document and will be provided through postal mail and/or by 
electronic means to the authorized representative listed on the SF-424 
Grant Application. Notice that an organization has been selected as a 
grant recipient does not constitute final approval of the grant 
application as submitted. Before the actual grant award, the Grant 
Officer and/or the Grant Officer's Technical Representative may enter 
into negotiations concerning such items as program components, funding 
levels, and administrative systems. If the negotiations do not result 
in an acceptable submittal, the Grant Officer reserves the right to 
terminate the negotiation and decline to fund the proposal. Please 
note: Grant award occurs only after the prospective grantee and the 
Grant Officer signs the Grant award document.
    B. A post-award conference will be held for those grantees awarded 
PY 2007 HVRP funds through this competition. The post-award conference

[[Page 18688]]

is expected to be held in August 2007 and up to two (2) grant recipient 
representatives must be present. The site of the post-award conference 
has not yet been determined, however, for planning and budgeting 
purposes, applicants should allot four (4) days and use Denver, CO as 
the conference site. The post-award conference will focus on providing 
information and assistance on reporting, recordkeeping, grant 
requirements, and also include networking opportunities to learn of 
best practices from more experienced and successful grantees and sub-
awardee(s). Costs associated with attending this conference for up to 
two (2) grantee representatives will be allowed as long as they are 
incurred in accordance with Federal travel regulations. Such costs must 
be charged as administrative costs and reflected in the proposed 
budget.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    All grantees and sub-awardees must comply with the provisions of 
Title 38 U.S.C. and its regulations, as applicable.
A. Administrative Program Requirements
    All grantees and sub-awardees, including faith-based and community 
organizations, will be subject to applicable Federal laws (including 
provisions of appropriations law), 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:
     29 CFR part 2--General Participation in Department of 
Labor Programs by Faith-Based and Community Organizations; Equal 
Treatment of All Department of Labor Program Participants 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 or Activities Receiving 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 and 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 Assistance.
     29 CFR part 37--Implementation of the Nondiscrimination 
and Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 
1998.
     29 CFR part 93--New Restrictions on Lobbying.
     29 CFR part 94--Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free 
Workplace (Financial Assistance).
     29 CFR part 95--Grants and Agreements with Institutions of 
Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non-Profit Organizations, and 
with Commercial Organizations.
     29 CFR part 96--Audit Requirements for Grants, Contracts 
and Other Agreements.
     29 CFR part 97--Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
     29 CFR part 98--Government-wide Debarment and Suspension 
(Non procurement).
     29 CFR part 99--Audit of States, Local Governments, and 
Non-Profit Organizations.
     Applicable cost principles and audit requirements under 
OMB Circulars A-21, A-87, A-110, A-122, A-133, and 48 CFR part 31.
     In accordance with Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure 
Act of 1995, Public Law 104-65 (2 U.S.C. 1611), non-profit entities 
incorporated under 501(c)(4) that engage in lobbying activities are not 
eligible to received Federal funds and grants.
     38 U.S.C. Section 4215--Requirements for priority of 
service for veterans in all Department of Labor training programs.

3. Electronic Reporting

    All HVRP grantees will enter data and electronically attach their 
quarterly technical performance, success stories, etc. into the U.S. 
Department of Labor, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, 
Outcomes and Performance Accountability Reporting (VOPAR) System and 
SF-269 Financial Status Report data into the DOL E-Grants System 
according to the reporting requirements and timetables described below. 
Note: VETS has requested that the two separate reporting systems for 
grantee programmatic and financial performance (VOPAR and E-Grants) be 
linked for seamless grantee reporting and it is expected to be 
completed during PY 2007.
A. Quarterly Financial Reports
    No later than 30 days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter, 
the grantee must report outlays, program income, and other financial 
information on a Federal fiscal quarterly basis using SF-269, Financial 
Status Report and submit a copy of the HHS/PMS 272 draw down report. 
These financial reports must be data entered into the E-Grants system 
and must cite the assigned grant number.
B. Quarterly Program Reports
    No later than 30 days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter, 
grantees must submit a Quarterly Technical Narrative Performance Report 
into VOPAR that contains the following:
    (1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to planned goals for the 
reporting period and any findings related to monitoring efforts;
    (2) An explanation for variances of plus or minus 15% of planned 
program and/or expenditure goals, to include: Identification of 
corrective action that will be taken to meet the planned goals, if 
required; and a timetable for accomplishment of the corrective action.
C. 90-Day Final Performance Report
    No later than 120 days after the grant performance expiration date, 
the grantee must electronically submit to the VOPAR and E-Grants 
Reporting Systems a final report showing results and performance as of 
the 90th day after the grant period, and containing the following:
    (1) Final Financial Status Report SF-269 (that zeros out all 
unliquidated obligations); and
    (2) Final Technical Performance Report comparing goals vs. actual 
performance levels.
D. 180-Day Follow-Up Report
    No later than 210 days after the grant performance expiration date, 
the grantee must electronically submit to the VOPAR and E-Grants 
Reporting Systems a Follow-Up Report showing results and performance as 
of the 180th day after the grant expiration date, and containing the 
following:
    (1) Final Financial Status Report SF-269 Long Form (if not 
previously submitted); and
    (2) 180-Day Follow-Up Report identifying:
    (a) The total number of veterans who entered employment during the 
entire grant period;
    (b) The number of veterans who retained employment as defined under 
Common Measures at the 90 and 180 day follow-up periods;
    (c) If the veterans are still employed at the same or similar job, 
and if not, what are the reason(s);

[[Page 18689]]

    (d) Whether training received was applicable to jobs held;
    (e) Participant average hourly and weekly wages at the 90- and 180-
day follow-up periods;
    (f) An explanation of why those veterans entered employment during 
the grant, but not employed at the end of the follow-up period, are not 
so employed; and
    (g) Any recommendations to improve the program.
E. 270-Day Follow-Up Performance Report
    No later than 300 days after the grant performance expiration date, 
the grantee must electronically submit to the VOPAR and E-Grants 
Reporting Systems a Follow-up Report showing results and performance as 
of the 270th day after the grant period, and containing the following:
    (a) The total number of veterans who entered employment during the 
entire grant period;
    (b) The number of veterans who retained employment as defined under 
Common Measures at the 90-, 180- and 270-day follow-up periods;
    (c) If the veterans are still employed at the same or similar job, 
and if not, what are the reason(s);
    (d) Whether training received was applicable to jobs held;
    (e) Participant average hourly and weekly wages at the 90-, 180-, 
and 270-day follow-up periods;
    (f) An explanation of why those veterans entered employment during 
the grant, but not employed at the end of the follow-up period, are not 
so employed; and
    (g) Any recommendations to improve the program.
    Agency Contact: All questions regarding this SGA should be directed 
to Cassandra Mitchell, e-mail address: [email protected], at 
tel: (202) 693-4570 (note this is not a toll-free number). To obtain 
further information on the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program of 
the U.S. Department of Labor, visit the USDOL website of the Veterans' 
Employment and Training Service at www.dol.gov/vets. Individuals with 
hearing impairments may call (800) 670-7008 (TTY/TDD).

VII. Other Information

A. Acknowledgement of USDOL Funding

    1. Printed Materials: In all circumstances, the following must be 
displayed on printed materials prepared by the grantee while in receipt 
of DOL grant funding: ``Preparation of this item was funded by the 
United States Department of Labor under Grant No. [insert the 
appropriate grant number].''
     All printed materials must also include the following 
notice: ``This document does not necessarily reflect the views or 
policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade 
names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the 
U.S. Government.''
    2. Public references to grant: When issuing statements, press 
releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations, and other 
documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part 
with Federal money, all grantees receiving Federal funds must clearly 
state:
     The percentage of the total costs of the program or 
project, which will be financed with Federal money;
     The dollar amount of Federal financial assistance for the 
project or program; and
     The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the 
project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.

B. Use of USDOL Logo

    Prior to the use of the USDOL Logo, the Grant Officer must approve 
such use.
    In addition, once approval is given the following guidance is 
provided:
     The USDOL logo may be applied to USDOL-funded material 
prepared for distribution, including posters, videos, pamphlets, 
research documents, national survey results, impact evaluations, best 
practice reports, and other publications of global interest. The 
grantee(s) must consult with USDOL on whether the logo may be used on 
any such items prior to final draft or final preparation for 
distribution. In no event will the USDOL logo be placed on any item 
until USDOL has given the Grantee permission to use the logo on the 
item.
     All documents must include the following notice: ``This 
documentation does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the 
U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial 
products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.''
    C. 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, to the attention of Cassandra Mitchell, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room S-4307, Washington, DC 20210.
    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.
    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 USDOL VETS at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/main.htm is 
a valuable source of information including the program highlights and 
brochures, glossary of terms, frequently used acronyms, general and 
special grant provisions, power point presentations on how to apply for 
HVRP funding, On-Site Monitoring Visits, etc. The Interagency Council 
on Homeless at webpage www.ich.gov has information from various 
departments that assist homeless persons including updated information 
on local community ten (10) year plans to end homelessness and 
continuum of care plans. America's Service Locator webpage at 
www.servicelocator.org provides a directory of our nation's One-Stop 
Career Centers and www.workforce3one.org is another Department of Labor 
resource site. The National Association of Workforce Boards maintains a 
webpage at www.nawb.org/asp/wibdir.asp that contains contact 
information for the State and local Workforce Investment Boards. 
Applicants may also review ``VETS' Guide to Competitive and 
Discretionary Grants'' located at webpage http://www.dol.gov/vets/grants/Final_VETS_Guide-linked.pdf. 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'' at webpages 
www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci and www.dol.gov/cfbci,

[[Page 18690]]

Also, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans webpage at 
www.nchv.org.
    Appendices: (Located on U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans' 
Employment and Training Service webpage www.dol.gov/vets follow link 
for the applicable SGA listed under announcements.)

Appendix A: Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
Appendix B: Budget Information Sheet SF-424A
Appendix C: Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
Appendix D: Recommended Format for Planned Common Measures Quarterly 
Technical Performance Goals
Appendix E: Direct Cost Descriptions for Applicants and Sub-Applicants
Appendix F: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants
Appendix G: List of 75 Largest Cities Nationwide
Appendix H: Common Measures Technical Assistance Guide (TAG) for 
Competitive Grantees

Lisa Harvey,
Grant Officer.
 [FR Doc. E7-7024 Filed 4-12-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-79-P