[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 78 (Tuesday, April 22, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21651-21656]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-8651]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


Office of Apprenticeship and the Women's Bureau; Notice of 
Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant Applications for Women 
in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Grants

    Announcement Type: New. Solicitation for Grant Announcement (SGA).
    Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA-PY-07-08.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 17.201

    Key Dates: The closing date for receipt of applications is June 6, 
2008.
SUMMARY: The Women's Bureau (WB) and the Employment and Training 
Administration's (ETA's) Office of Apprenticeship (OA), U.S. Department 
of Labor (DOL or Department), announce the availability of $1,000,000 
to establish a grant program for the purpose of assisting employers and 
labor unions in the placement and retention of women in apprenticeship 
and nontraditional occupations. This program year 2007 SGA is 
authorized under the WANTO Act of 1992, Pub. L. 102-530, 29 U.S.C. 2501 
et seq. To that end, the OA and the WB plan to disburse 2007 WANTO 
grant funds to three community-based organization (CBO)/registered 
apprenticeship program (RAP) consortia to conduct innovative projects 
to improve the recruitment, selection, training, employment, and 
retention of women in apprenticeships in the construction industry. 
Each CBO/RAP consortium must consist of a minimum of: (1) A 
construction industry RAP sponsor; and (2) a CBO (which may be a faith-
based organization (FBO) with demonstrated experience in providing job 
training services (soft skills and some hard skills), placement, and 
support services to women for construction industry jobs.
    It is anticipated that awards will be in the amount of 
approximately $300,000.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This SGA consists of eight (8) sections:
     Section I provides the funding opportunity description.
     Section II describes the size and nature of the 
anticipated awards.
     Section III describes applicant eligibility criteria.
     Section IV outlines the application submission and 
withdrawal requirements.
     Section V describes the application review information.
     Section VI outlines additional award administration 
information.
     Section VII lists the Agency Contact.
     Section VIII provides other information, including 
acronyms and definitions.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Background

    The WANTO Act of 1992, Pub. L. 102-530, 29 U.S.C. 2501 et seq. 
authorizes DOL to disburse technical assistance grants to promote the 
recruitment, training, and retention of women in apprenticeship and 
nontraditional occupations. The WB and OA co-administer the WANTO 
program, and have the responsibility for implementing this grant 
process.

B. Purpose

    The WANTO Act's purpose is to provide technical assistance to 
employers and labor unions (E/LU) to encourage employment of women in 
apprenticeships and nontraditional occupations (A/NTO). One of the 
means of providing technical assistance is through competitive grants 
which focus on conducting innovative projects to improve the 
recruitment, selection, training, employment, and retention of women in 
apprenticeships in the construction industry. WANTO grants are awarded 
to CBOs, which may include faith-based, union-related organizations and 
employer-related nonprofit organizations, among others, to provide 
technical assistance to RAP sponsors. DOL has found that placement and 
retention of women in A/NTO pose significant challenges. For example, 
on average, only three percent of all newly registered and active 
apprentices in construction occupations are women. Approximately 75 
percent of all registered apprenticeship programs are in the 
construction industry. Therefore, the Department is focusing this 
notice on registered apprenticeship opportunities for women in the 
construction industry. From 1994 to 2002, DOL funded WANTO grants 
annually to CBOs and FBOs that delivered technical assistance to 
employers and labor organizations to prepare them to successfully 
recruit, train, employ and retain women. The outcomes of these prior 
WANTO grants consisted largely of training and resource manuals, as 
well as recruitment videos. The numbers of women placed in registered 
apprenticeships through WANTO grant activities were lower than 
expected. Therefore, the PY 2007 WANTO grants are intended to help 
connect women with the significant employment opportunities available 
in registered apprenticeship programs in the construction industry. 
Additionally, to ensure women served by these PY 2007 WANTO grants have 
access to a full range of supportive services and training, as well as 
specific employment opportunities, this SGA requires applicants to 
demonstrate establishment of a consortium consisting of CBOs and RAP 
sponsors whereby the employers and RAP sponsors will be responsible 
partners for placing women into their programs. RAPS are any person, 
association, committee, or organization operating an apprenticeship 
program in whose name the program is registered or approved. For the 
purposes of this notice, all apprenticeable occupations in the 
construction industry meet the definition of nontraditional occupations 
(NTO).

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    In support of the DOL's strategic goals of a prepared and 
competitive workforce, and ETA's strategic focus on regional economic 
development, bonus points are being awarded to applicants that go 
beyond the minimum SGA requirements by demonstrating strong broad-based 
partnerships with multiple organizations advocating for women in 
nontraditional occupations seeking to meet regional talent development 
needs.

II. Award Information

A. Grant Awards

    The OA and WB anticipate awarding two-year grants totaling 
approximately $300,000 each to no more than three CBO/RAP consortia, 
with each consortium consisting of at least one of each: (1) A 
construction industry RAP sponsor; and (2) a CBO (which may be faith-
based) with demonstrated experience in providing job training services 
(work readiness as well as industry-specific training), placement, and 
support services to women for construction industry jobs.

B. Period of Performance

    The period of performance will be up to 24 months from the date of 
execution of the grant documents. DOL 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

    Under this announcement only CBO/RAP consortia, as defined in 
section VIII.F of this SGA, may apply for and receive a grant award. 
Current WANTO grantees are not eligible to receive funding under this 
announcement. This requirement does not prevent the participation of 
other entities which are integral to the implementation of the project.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address To Request Application Package

    Please note that this announcement includes all the information 
needed to apply for this funding opportunity. Additionally, all 
application materials will be made available on the following Web 
sites: http://www.doleta.gov/sga/ and http://www.grants.gov.

B. Content and Form of Application

    The proposal must consist of two separate and distinct parts: Part 
A, the Cost Proposal and Part B, the Technical Proposal. Applications 
that fail to adhere to the instructions in this section may be deemed 
non-responsive and may not be considered for funding.
1. Requirements for the Cost Proposal
    Application for Federal Assistance SF-424. The SF-424 must clearly 
identify the applicant and be signed by an individual with authority to 
enter into a grant agreement on behalf of the applicant. Upon 
confirmation of an award, the individual signing the SF-424 on behalf 
of the applicant shall represent the responsible entity. All 
applications for Federal grant and funding opportunities are required 
to have a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number. Applicants must supply 
their DUNS number in item 8 of SF-424. The DUNS number is easy to 
obtain and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access http://www.dnb.com or call 1-866-705-5711.
    Budget Information for SF-424A. Standard Form 424A must contain a 
detailed cost breakout on each of the expenditures under Section B. The 
budget should be accompanied by a detailed narrative. As noted in 
Section II.A, the budget should be prepared for the entire grant 
period.

    Note: The Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) is 
available at http://www.grants.gov/techlib/424_20090131.doc and the 
Budget Information Form (SF-424A) is available at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms/form424a.pdf.

    Equal Employment Opportunity Survey. Applicants are also requested 
to submit Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Survey No. 1890-0014: 
Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants, which can be found 
at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm.
    Applicants must include in their cost proposal the cost of any 
requested travel to Washington, DC.
2. Requirements for the Technical Proposal
    The technical proposal text is limited to twenty (20) double-
spaced, single-sided 8.5 inch by 11 inch pages with 12 point text font 
and one-inch margins. Pages must be numbered. Only those attachments 
listed below as ``Required Attachments'' will be excluded from the page 
limit. The ``Required Attachments'' must be affixed as separate, 
clearly identified appendices to the application. The ``Required 
Attachments'' are as follows:
    (a) A Table of Contents, listing the application sections.
    (b) Documentation of applicant eligibility, which should include 
proof of the CBO's status as a private nonprofit organization as 
defined under section 101(7) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 
(WIA), Pub. L. 105-220, 29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq. DOL ETA will verify that 
RAP sponsors are registered with DOL ETA or a DOL ETA-recognized State 
Apprenticeship Agency.
    (c) A two-page abstract summarizing the proposed project.
    (d) Documentation of the applicant's experience, capability, and 
qualifications for recruiting, training, hiring and retaining women in 
A/NTO, as described in Part V, Section A1, ``Organizational Overview'', 
of this notice.
    (e) An organizational chart, resumes and key personnel, and 
complete staffing plans. Resumes of all key staff (e.g., Executive 
Director, Project Director, etc.) must include a description of each 
individual's roles and responsibilities, his/her current employment 
status and previous work experience, including position title, duties, 
dates in position, employing organizations and educational background. 
Staffing plans must identify all key tasks, the person(s) and days 
required to complete each task and the percentage of time allocated to 
the program by individuals assigned to the task, including 
subcontractors and consultants.
    (f) A list of the activities to be performed by each participating 
organization.
    (g) The consortium of organizations must include a copy of the 
consortium agreement and must identify the consortium member that will 
act as the administrative entity for the project as well as the project 
lead. No member of a consortium shall make a separate application under 
this grant program. In addition, the agreement must specify the 
consortium's arrangements for handling the administrative and financial 
responsibilities for the program.

C. Submission Dates, Times and Addresses

    Applications may be submitted in either method described below, and 
must be received no later than 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing 
date. The application will not be considered if an applicant fails to 
adhere to the submission instructions below.
    Electronic Submissions. The Department requests that applicants 
apply online at http://www.grants.gov. The Department strongly 
recommends that applicants immediately initiate and complete the ``Get 
Started'' steps to register with grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted. Please note that these steps could take several days to 
complete, and this time should be factored into plans for electronic

[[Page 21653]]

application submission in order to avoid facing unexpected delays that 
could result in the rejection of an application. Documents should be 
saved as a .doc or .pdf file prior to electronic submission through 
grants.gov. It is highly recommended that online submissions be 
completed at least three (3) working days 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. Applicants take a significant risk by 
waiting to the last day to submit by grants.gov.
    U.S. Postal Mail and Overnight Submissions. Submit one (1) blue-ink 
signed, typewritten original of the application, and two (2) signed 
photocopies in one package to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and 
Training Administration, Attention: James Stockton, Mail Stop: N-4716, 
200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210

    Note: Applications submitted by e-mail, telegram, or facsimile 
will not be accepted.

    Late Applications. Any application received after the closing date 
will not be considered, unless it is received before awards are made 
and it was: (a) Sent by U.S. Postal Service registered or certified 
mail no later than the fifth calendar day before the closing date 
(e.g., an application required by the 20th of the month must be 
postmarked by the 15th of that month); or (b) Sent by U.S. Postal 
Service Express Mail/Next Day Service from the post office to the 
addressee no later than 4:45 pm at the place of mailing, two (2) 
working days (excluding weekends and Federal holidays and days when the 
Federal government is closed), prior to the closing date; or (c) It is 
determined by the government that the late receipt was due solely to 
the mishandling by the Federal government after receipt at DOL at the 
address indicated.
    Acceptable Evidence for Late Applications. 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 closing date and time shall be considered to have been mailed late.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a 
late application sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail/Next Day 
Service from the post office to the addressee is the date entered by 
the Post Office receiving clerk on the ``Express Mail/Next Day 
Service--Post Office to Addressee'' label, and the postmark on the 
envelope or wrapper and on the original receipt from the U.S. Postal 
Service.
    ``Postmarked'' means a printed, stamped, or otherwise placed 
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 envelope or wrapper.
    Mail Advisory in the DC Area. All applicants are advised that U.S. 
mail delivery in the Washington, DC area is erratic. Packages addressed 
to DOL are subject to radiation screening before delivery. All 
applicants must take this into consideration when preparing to meet the 
application closing date, as each applicant assumes the risk for 
ensuring a timely submission of its application. The Department 
recommends that applicants confirm receipt of their applications by 
contacting James Stockton, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and 
Training Administration, Office of Grants and Contract Management, 
telephone (202) 693-3335 before the closing date. This is not a toll-
free number.
    Applications may be withdrawn by written notice or telegram 
(including mailgram) at any time before the Department makes an award. 
An applicant may withdraw its submission in person by the applicant or 
through an authorized representative of the applicant if: (1) The 
applicant makes the representative's identity known to the Grant 
Officer; and (2) the representative signs a receipt when he or she 
receives the withdrawn application.

D. Funding Restrictions

    Administrative Costs. The primary use of grant funds should be to 
support the actual project. Therefore, applicants receiving grant funds 
under this solicitation may not use more than 10 percent of the amount 
requested for administrative costs associated with the project. 
Administrative costs are defined at 20 CFR 667.220.
    Indirect Cost Rate. An indirect cost rate (ICR) is required when an 
organization operates under more than one grant or other activity 
whether Federally-assisted or not. Organizations must use the ICR 
supplied by the cognizant Federal agency. If an organization requires a 
new ICR or has a pending ICR, the Grant Officer will award a temporary 
billing rate for 90 days until a provisional rate can be issued. This 
rate is based on the fact that an organization has not established an 
ICR agreement. Within this 90 day period, the organization must submit 
an acceptable indirect cost proposal to their Federal cognizant agency 
to obtain a provisional ICR.
    Allowable Costs. The Department determines what constitutes 
allowable costs in accordance with the following Federal cost 
principles, as applicable: (1) State and Local Government--OMB Circular 
A-87; (2) Educational Institutions--OMB Circular A-21; (3) Nonprofit 
Organizations--OMB Circular A-122; and (4) Profit-making Commercial 
Firms--48 CFR Part 31.
    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.

V. Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

    All applicants are required to use the rating criteria format when 
developing their proposals. The technical panel will review grant 
applications against the criteria listed below. Up to 135 points may be 
awarded to an application. This total is based on up to 100 points for 
the required information described in A.1, 2, and 3 below, and up to 35 
bonus points for special program emphasis described in A.4 below. In 
order to receive full credit, applicants must provide quality 
information that does more than reiterate the requirement statement or 
merely state how it will be accomplished. Therefore, responses must be 
thoughtful and reflect a strategic vision for how these requirements 
will be achieved. In addition, an applicant that describes only what 
has been accomplished in the past but lacks full description of what it 
will do during the grant period will not receive credit for the 
response.
    Points Summary:
    (1) Organizational Overview--up to 20 points.
    (2) Placement of Women in Registered Apprenticeship Programs--up to 
30 points.

[[Page 21654]]

    (3) Scope of WANTO Project and Projected Outcomes--up to 50 points.
    (4) Bonus--up to 35 points.
    (a) Incorporation of more than one RAP in the consortium--10 
points.
    (b) Incorporation of more than one construction industry discipline 
in the RAP partners and incorporation of a governing board that 
includes apprenticeship coordinators and/or labor organizations--5 
points.
    (c) Inclusive of multiple geographic areas in the consortium--10 
points.
    (d) Incorporation of Technology-Based Learning into the project to 
support and facilitate the project participants' training and 
preparation for apprenticeship--10 points. See Section VIII for a 
definition and examples of Technology-Based Learning.
    1. Organizational Overview (up to 20 points)
    The applicant must demonstrate its experience, capability and 
qualifications for administering a grant project. To be considered 
fully responsive, the applicant must address all of the following:
    (a) Describe the consortium members' experience and leadership [for 
the purpose of] recruiting, selecting, training, placing and retaining 
women in apprenticeships in the construction industry.
    (b) Describe how the management structure and staffing of the 
organization are aligned with the grant requirements, vision, and 
goals; and how the structure and staffing are designed to assure 
responsible general management of the organization.
    (c) Identify all key tasks, the hours required for the completion 
of such tasks, and the persons responsible for completing each task.
    (d) Indicate if tradeswomen or women in nontraditional occupations 
serve as active members of the consortium as either employed staff or 
as board members.
    (e) Where applicable, differentiate between the applicant 
consortium and any proposed consultants or subcontractors, providing 
information on each of the above.
    2. Placement of Women in Registered Apprenticeship Programs (up to 
30 points)
    The consortium must demonstrate how it will place 100 women in 
RAP(s) each year of the grant. For full credit under this element, the 
applicant must provide detailed information for the following:
    (a) Strategies for identifying the occupations in which RAP(s) plan 
to train and employ women.
    (b) A description of the types of construction apprenticeable 
occupations in which the RAP(s) plan to train and employ women.
    (c) The number of apprentices registered by the RAP(s) per year for 
the last five years.
    (d) A description of how the applicant will assure that there are 
or will be suitable and appropriate positions available in the 
construction industry RAP(s).
    3. Scope of WANTO Project and Projected Outcomes (up to 50 points)
    The applicant must demonstrate comprehensive, targeted, and 
effective technical assistance to be provided to the RAP(s) with WANTO 
funding. The OA and WB consider the successful placement of 100 women 
in construction industry apprenticeships the primary successful outcome 
a grantee can achieve with WANTO funding.
    To be considered fully responsive, the applicant must:
    (a) Discuss in detail the types of technical assistance (TA) that 
will be provided to the RAP(s). Examples of such TA include: (1) 
Outreach strategies and orientation sessions to recruit women into the 
RAP(s) occupations and specific openings in RAP(s); (2) pre-apprentice 
occupational skills training to prepare women for apprenticeship, 
including English as a Second Language instruction; (3) ongoing 
orientations for the RAP(s) and workers on creating a successful 
environment for women in apprenticeship; (4) support groups and 
facilitating networks for women in apprenticeship, on or off the job 
site, to improve their retention; (5) liaison services between 
tradeswomen and the RAP(s) to address workplace issues related to 
gender; and (6) conducting exit interviews with tradeswomen to evaluate 
their on-the-job experience and to assess the effectiveness of the 
program.
    (b) Document any leveraged resources or funding anticipated for the 
accomplishment of the proposed project and a description of how the 
funds will be used.
    (c) Describe the outcomes the applicant anticipates as a result of 
WANTO funding. This must include the number of women to be placed in: 
(1) Pre-apprenticeships; and (2) apprenticeships.
    4. Bonus Points (up to 35 points)
    Bonus points will be awarded for proposals that demonstrate 
experience or indicate their plans to provide one or more of the 
following:
    (a) Incorporation of more than one RAP in the consortium. (10 
points).
    (b) Incorporation of more than one construction industry discipline 
in the RAP partners and incorporation of a governing board that 
includes apprenticeship coordinators and/or labor organizations. (5 
points).
    (c) Inclusion of multiple geographical areas into the consortium. 
(10 points).
    (d) Incorporation of Technology-Based Learning to support and 
facilitate the project participants' training and preparation for 
apprenticeship. (10 points).

B. Review and Selection Process

    Selection Process. The Grant Officer will convene an evaluation 
panels to review and evaluate the applications using the point scoring 
system and Rating Criteria format specified in Section A above. The 
Grant Officer will rank applications based on the score assigned by the 
panels through the evaluation process. The ranking will be the primary 
basis used to identify applicants as potential grantees; however, the 
review panel's recommendations are advisory in nature and not binding 
on the Grant Officer. The government will consider applications rated 
by the evaluation panels with a score of 80 or above to be eligible for 
a grant award. Applicants that score less than 80 will not be eligible 
for a grant award.
    Other Evaluation Factors. Final awards will be made based on the 
best interests of the Federal government, including, but not limited 
to, such factors as technical quality, geographic balance, occupational 
and/or industrial impact, availability of funds and uniqueness of 
project. The Federal government reserves the right to ask for 
clarification or hold discussions, but may elect to award a grant 
without such discussion. Should a grant be awarded without discussions, 
the award will be based on the applicant's signature on the SF 424, 
which constitutes a binding offer by the applicant. The Grant Officer's 
determination of award under this SGA is the final agency action.

VI. Additional Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    All award notifications will be posted on the ETA Homepage (http://www.doleta.gov). The Grant Officer expects to announce the results of 
this competition approximately 60 days after the closing date for 
receipt of applications.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Administrative Program Requirements
    All grantees, including FBOs, will be subject to all applicable 
Federal laws

[[Page 21655]]

(available at http://thomas.loc.gov), regulations (available at http://gpoaccess.gov/cfr) and the applicable OMB Circulars (available at 
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars). The grants awarded under this 
SGA will be subject to administrative standards and provisions as 
applicable, including, but not limited to, the following:
     All Grant Recipients--20 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 
Part 667.220 (Administrative Costs).
     Non-Profit Organizations--OMB Circulars A-122 (Cost 
Principles) and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
     Educational Institutions--OMB Circulars A-21 (Cost 
Principles) and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
     All entities must comply with 29 CFR Parts 37, 93, and 98, 
and where applicable 29 CFR Parts 96 and 99.
2. Administrative Standards and Provisions
    Except as specifically provided, DOL ETA acceptance of a proposal 
and an 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 Grants Management circulars require, and an entity's 
procurement procedures must require, that all procurement transactions 
will be conducted, as practical, to provide full and open competition. 
If a proposal identifies a specific entity to provide the services, the 
DOL ETA award does not provide the justification or basis to sole-
source the procurement, i.e., avoid competition.

C. Reporting

    The grantee is required to provide the reports and documentation 
listed below.
    Quarterly Financial Reports. A Quarterly Financial Status Report 
(ETA 9130) is required until such time as all funds have been expended 
or the grant period has expired. Quarterly reports are due 45 days 
after the end of each calendar year quarter. Grantees must use DOL 
ETA's On-Line Electronic Reporting System.
    Quarterly Progress Reports. The grantee must submit a quarterly 
progress report to the designated Federal Project Officer within 45 
days after the end of each calendar year quarter. Two copies are to be 
submitted providing a detailed account of activities undertaken during 
that quarter. DOL ETA may require additional data elements to be 
collected and reported on either a regular basis or special request 
basis. Grantees must agree to meet DOL ETA reporting requirements. The 
quarterly progress report should be in narrative form and should 
include:
    (a) A comparison of actual accomplishments with the goals and 
objectives established for the period. This must include discussion of 
placements in pre-apprenticeship programs, apprenticeships and 
nontraditional jobs, giving the name and address of each workplace and 
company involved; and TA provided to RAP(s) as well as the nature of 
the TA provided.
    (b) Reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate.
    (c) Any problems that may impede the performance of the grant and 
the proposed corrective action.
    (d) Any changes in the proposed work to be performed during the 
next reporting period.
    In addition, between scheduled reporting dates, the grantee(s) must 
immediately inform the OA and WB of significant developments affecting 
the ability to accomplish the work.
    Final Report. No later than 90 days after the expiration of the 
grant award, the grantee must submit two copies of the camera-ready 
final report, each bound in a professional manner in a loose-leaf 
notebook. These materials must be paid for with grant funds. 
Instructions for the final report will be issued and may include 
performance data, outcome results, an assessment of the grant project, 
any employer or labor organization plans for follow-up of participants, 
and Executive Summary of no more than three (3) pages. Upon request of 
either the OA or WB, the grantee must submit a draft final report no 
more than 60 days after the expiration date of the grant. The OA and 
the WB will then review the draft report, and provide written comments 
to the grantee within 15 days of receipt.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For further information about this SGA, please contact James 
Stockton, Grant Officer of the Division of Federal Assistance, at (202) 
693-3335. This is not a toll-free number. Applicants may fax questions 
about the program or information in this SGA to (202) 693-2879, and 
must specifically address the fax to James Stockton and should include 
SGA/DFA PY-07-08, a contact name, fax and phone number, and an email 
address. The mailing address is: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment 
and Training Administration, Attention: James Stockton, Room N-4716, 
200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210.

VIII. Other Information

A. Questions About the Program or SGA

    Questions and responses submitted to the Grant Officer regarding 
this SGA will be posted on the Employment and Training Administration 
Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/grants. Questions will be received 
for one month after publication only. DOL ETA will not respond to 
duplicate questions or questions that are not within the scope of this 
SGA. Please do not direct questions to the OA or WB.

B. Post Grant Award Conference

    No later than eight (8) weeks after an award, the grantees must 
meet with the OA and the WB at the Post-Award Conference to discuss the 
project, related components and TA; timelines; TA outcomes; assessment 
comments and final approval. The grantees, the OA and WB will discuss 
and make decisions on the following program activities:
    (1) The proposed TA commitments for registered apprenticeship, and 
related skilled nontraditional occupation activities and 
responsibilities; the number of targeted RAP(s); and the number of 
women who will be placed in a registered apprenticeship program.
    (2) The methodology the proposed partnership will use to support/
change management and employee attitudes to promote female workers in 
A/NTO.
    (3) The types of systemic change anticipated by the TA strategies 
that will be incorporated into ongoing employer recruitment, hiring, 
training, and promotion of women in A/NTO.
    (4) The occupational, industrial, and geographical impact 
anticipated.
    (5) The supportive services to be provided to employers and women 
after successful placement into A/NTO.
    The OA and WB will provide further input orally or in writing, if 
necessary, within ten (10) working days after the Post-Award 
Conference.

C. Grant Plan of Action

    If revisions have been necessary, no later than ten (10) weeks 
after an award, the grantees and the OA and the WB will confirm the 
``plan of action'' and detailed time-line for program implementation.

D. Grant Implementation

    No later than twelve (12) weeks after an award, the grantee(s) must 
have begun to recruit, select, train, place, retain, and otherwise 
prepare women for registered apprenticeships in the construction 
industry, with progress to be measured in terms of placement and 
retention in registered apprenticeships.

[[Page 21656]]

E. Veterans Priority

    The Jobs for Veterans Act (Pub. L. 107-288) provides priority of 
service to veterans and spouses of certain veterans for the receipt of 
employment, training, and placement services in any job training 
program directly funded, in whole or in part, by DOL. In circumstances 
where the WANTO grant recipient must choose between two qualified 
candidates for training, one of whom is a veteran, the Jobs for 
Veterans Act requires that WANTO grant recipients give the veteran 
priority of service by admitting her into the program. Please note that 
to obtain priority of service a veteran must meet the program's 
eligibility requirement. ETA Training and Employment Guidance Letter 
(TEGL) No. 5-03 (September 16, 2003) provides guidance on the scope of 
the Job for Veterans Act and its effect on current employment and 
training programs. TEGL No. 5-03, along with additional guidance, is 
available at the ``Jobs for Veterans Priority of Service'' Web site 
(http://www.doleta.gov/programs/vets).

F. 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 SPONSORING 
AGENCY AS SPECIFIED IN THIS SOLICITATION.
    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.

G. Acronyms and Definitions

    The following terms are defined for the convenience of prospective 
applicants:
    A/NTO refers to apprenticeship and nontraditional occupations.
    CBO (Community-Based Organization) is a private nonprofit 
organization, which may be faith-based, that is representative of a 
community or a significant segment of a community, and which provides 
job training services and has demonstrated experience administering 
programs that train women for A/NTO. (A CBO, as defined in the WANTO 
Act, means a ``community-based organization as defined in section 
101(7) of WIA (29 U.S.C. 2801(7)), that has demonstrated experience 
administering programs that train women for apprenticeable occupations 
or other nontraditional occupations.'' WIA states, ``The term 
`community-based organizations' means `private nonprofit organizations 
which are representative of communities or significant segments of 
communities and which provide job training services.' '' The WIA 
definition provides examples of organizations which meet the 
definition, including ``union-related organizations'' and ``employer-
related nonprofit organizations.'')
    CBO/RAP Consortium refers to a group consisting of a minimum of: 
(1) A construction industry RAP sponsor; and (2) a CBO (which may be 
faith-based) with demonstrated experience in providing job training 
services (soft skills and some hard skills), placement and support 
services to women for construction industry jobs.
    Consortium refers to a group formed to undertake a project.
    E/LU refers to employers and labor unions.
    NTO (Nontraditional Occupations) are those where women account for 
less than 25 percent of all persons employed in a single occupational 
group. For the most recent listing of nontraditional jobs, see the WB 
Web site at http://www.dol.gov/wb/stats/main.htm.
    OA refers to the Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of 
Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
    Pre-Apprenticeship Programs are those programs that prepare 
individuals for registered apprenticeship. Depending on the 
apprenticeable occupation for which the program is preparing students, 
the curriculum would vary. For example, a curriculum for a construction 
industry occupation may include pre-vocational identification and use 
of tools, blueprint reading, basic shop skills, safety procedures, math 
skills, and physical conditioning. English as a Second Language and 
team-building skills might also be included.
    Registered Apprenticeship is a formal employment relationship 
designed to promote skill training and learning on the job. ``Hands 
on'' learning takes place in conjunction with related theoretical 
instruction (often in a classroom setting). An apprentice who 
successfully completes an OA registered program, which usually requires 
3 to 5 years, is awarded a certificate of completion of apprenticeship. 
An OA registered program is one in which employers, or groups of 
employers, and unions design, organize, manage, and finance 
apprenticeship programs under the standards developed and registered 
with OA or an OA-recognized State Apprenticeship Agency. Employers, or 
groups of employers, and unions also select apprentices who are trained 
to meet certain predetermined occupational standards. For more 
information, see the OA Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/oa/.
    RAP refers to Registered Apprenticeship Program.
    Registered Apprenticeship Program Sponsor refers to any person, 
association, committee, or organization operating an apprenticeship 
program in whose name the program is (or is to be) registered or 
approved.
    TA refers to technical assistance.
    Technology-Based Learning (TBL) is defined as the learning of 
content via all-electronic technology, including the Internet, 
intranets, satellite broadcasts, audio and video tape, video and audio 
conference, Internet conferencing, chat rooms, bulletin boards, web 
casts, computer-based instruction, and CD-ROM. It encompasses related 
terms, such as online learning, web-based learning, computer-based 
learning, and e-learning.
    WANTO refers to Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional 
Occupations.
    WB refers to the Women's Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 16th day of April, 2008.
James Stockton,
Grant Officer.
 [FR Doc. E8-8651 Filed 4-21-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-FN-P