[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 120 (Friday, June 20, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35155-35163]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-13967]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant 
Applications (SGA) Under the Employment and Training Administration's 
(ETA) Technology-Based Learning (TBL) Initiative

    Announcement Type: New, Notice of Solicitation for Grant 
Applications.
    Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY-08-04.

Catalog of Federal Assistance Number: 17.269.

    Key Dates: The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is August 19, 2008. Applications must be received at the 
address below no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). Application and 
submission information is explained in detail in Part V of this SGA. A 
Webinar for prospective applicants will be held for this grant 
competition on July 29, 2008, 2 p.m. EDT. Access information for the 
Webinar will be posted on the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL), 
Employment and Training Administration (ETA) Web site at: http://www.workforce3one.org.
SUMMARY: ETA announces the availability of approximately $10 million in 
grant funds under the TBL Initiative to be awarded through a 
competitive process. The purpose of the Initiative is to expand access 
to training resulting in an increased number of workers trained, 
particularly in high-growth, high-demand occupations, and to meet the 
needs of industry for skilled employees.
    This SGA is designed to expand the vital role of TBL in helping 
workers quickly acquire the training and skills they need to be 
successful in today's global economy, and thereby increase the nation's 
economic competitiveness and growth. Desired outcomes include an 
increased amount of workforce training available online and/or enhanced 
with TBL, and an increased number of people trained in high-growth jobs 
through the use of TBL methods.
    Funds will be awarded to public, private for-profit, and private 
non-profit organizations, including educational institutions and 
registered apprenticeship sponsors. Partnership with the publicly-
funded workforce investment system is required.
    This solicitation provides background information and describes the 
application submission requirements, outlines the process that eligible 
entities must use to apply for funds covered by this solicitation, and 
details how grantees will be selected.

ADDRESSES: Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department 
of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal 
Assistance, Attention: Mamie Williams, Reference SGA/DFA PY 08-04, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-4716, Washington, DC 20210. Facsimile 
applications will not be accepted. Information about applying online 
can be found in Part V.C. of this document. Applicants are advised that 
mail delivery in the Washington, DC area may be delayed due to mail 
decontamination procedures. Hand delivered proposals will be received 
at the above address.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation consists of nine parts:

    Part I provides background information on TBL.
    Part II describes award information.
    Part III describes eligibility information.
    Part IV describes the application and submission process.
    Part V describes the applications review process.
    Part VI contains award administration information.
    Part VII contains DOL agency contact information.
    Part VIII lists additional resources of interest to applicants.

Part I. Background Information

1. TBL in the Innovation Economy

    The world is now witnessing one of the greatest technological 
transformations in history. Evolutions in technology and information 
have ushered in the globalization of the economic marketplace. This 
globalization is marked by tremendous advances in communications, 
travel, and free trade--allowing individuals unprecedented access to 
commerce from almost anywhere in the world. At the same time, American 
businesses now must compete in this global marketplace.
    Global competition is typically seen as a national challenge. In 
reality, competition lies within regions where companies, workers, 
researchers, entrepreneurs and governments come together to create a 
competitive advantage in the global marketplace. That advantage stems 
from the ability to transform new ideas and new knowledge into 
advanced, high quality products or services--in other words, to 
innovate.
    Areas that are successful in creating a competitive advantage 
demonstrate the ability to organize ``innovation assets''--people, 
institutions, capital and infrastructure--to generate growth and 
prosperity in the region's economy. These regions are successful 
because they have connected key elements such as workforce skills and 
lifelong learning strategies; investments and entrepreneurial 
strategies; and regional infrastructure and economic development 
strategies.
    TBL could strengthen the innovation assets of individuals by 
increasing their workforce skills and supporting lifelong learning. 
TBL, also commonly known as e-learning, constitutes learning via 
electronic technology, including the Internet, intranet sites, 
satellite broadcasts, audio and video

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conferencing, Internet bulletin boards, chat rooms, Web casts, 
simulations, gaming, podcasting, and a variety of mobile options. TBL 
is an umbrella term, which also encompasses related terms, such as 
distance learning, on-line learning, Web-based learning (learning that 
occurs via the Internet), CDs and DVDs, and computer-based learning 
(learning through the use of dedicated personal computers).
    TBL can be synchronous (learning occurs when instructors and 
learners meet at a specific time in a physical or virtual classroom), 
or it can be asynchronous (learning does not occur at a pre-specified 
time and may be self-paced). Blended learning combines aspects of 
synchronous and asynchronous, as well as virtual and face-to-face 
instruction.
    TBL approaches and methods have expanded in recent years due to the 
proliferation of computer connectivity and high speed Internet access. 
Some States and local areas have embraced this transformative learning 
model which can be inexpensive and conveniently mobile, and have 
incorporated it into their training delivery options.
    ETA launched the TBL Initiative within the workforce investment 
system in 2006 to encourage a national strategy for advancing the use 
of technology for training. The initiative seeks to increase the number 
of people trained in high growth jobs through the broadening of 
opportunities for skill and competency development through the use of 
TBL methods. Through the TBL Initiative and other investments, ETA has 
supported the use of TBL in demonstrations aimed to use technology to 
increase access to lifelong learning.
    The promise of these TBL demonstrations has prompted ETA to move to 
systematically support the use of TBL nationwide. This SGA seeks to 
support models of TBL to stimulate new and innovative uses of 
technology for training the workforce in the skills demanded by their 
regional economies and high-growth/high-demand industries and 
occupations.

2. Critical Elements of TBL Grants

    It is ETA's expectation that these TBL grants will contain at least 
the following critical elements: (A) A focus on expanding training 
opportunities to develop demand-driven skills and competencies using 
TBL that are sustainable and scalable; (B) strategic partnerships with 
recognized or emerging high-growth/high-demand industries, educational 
and training institutions, and the public workforce investment system; 
(C) robust provisions for user support in the TBL proposal framework 
for all potential clients including underserved populations, and all 
levels of computer and Internet technical proficiency; and (D) training 
leading to an industry or occupationally recognized credential, 
certificate, or qualification in a high-growth/high-demand field.
A. Expanding Training Opportunities Using TBL
    TBL presents solutions to several challenges in expanding access to 
post-secondary and lifelong learning because of its inherent ability to 
overcome traditional obstacles to learning that include the distance 
from one's home or office to the training or educational facility, the 
variable nature of the time commitment required of users, the pace of 
learning offered, and the accessibility to specific resources that 
otherwise are not locally available.
    The spread and proliferation of technology and TBL methods presents 
a wide universe of options available to address training and employment 
needs, including new and innovative uses of technology to enhance 
existing training programs. For example, overcoming time barriers for 
TBL users could entail training that is available on-demand on a 
flexible or entirely user-driven schedule. Bridging the distance from 
training providers to users could entail the delivery of content over 
the Internet, by converting current training courses to an online and/
or TBL enhanced platform, by satellite connections, phone lines, 
computer-based programs, television and radio frequencies, among other 
methods.
    The TBL grant awards are intended in part to identify promising 
approaches that can be scalable for wider deployment after the grant 
period. Successful demonstration programs are often rolled out on a 
regional or national basis, and proposals should outline how their 
program could be implemented on a wider scale should they be successful 
in meeting their goals. This requires grantees to keep careful records 
of program implementation, best practices, data collection, and to 
coordinate with evaluation efforts as appropriate.
B. Demand-Driven Strategic Partnerships
    Successful development and application of TBL programs in a 
regional economy requires the collaboration of high-growth/high-demand 
industries and/or businesses, education and training providers, and the 
workforce investment system. These strategic partnerships should engage 
each partner in its area of strength. For example, industry 
representatives and employers can define workforce challenges facing 
the industry and identify the competencies and skills required for the 
industry's workforce. Education and training providers can assist in 
developing competency models and curricula and train new and incumbent 
workers. The workforce investment system can compile and analyze local 
labor market information, access human capital (e.g. youth, unemployed, 
underemployed, and dislocated workers), provide funding to support 
training for qualified individuals, and connect trained workers to good 
jobs.
    Applicants must demonstrate the existence of a partnership that 
includes at least one entity from each of three categories: (1) The 
publicly funded workforce investment system, which may include State 
and local Workforce Investment Boards, State Workforce Agencies, and 
One-Stop Career Centers and their partners; (2) the education and 
training community, which includes community and technical colleges, 
four-year colleges and universities, and other training entities; and 
(3) representatives from industry in high-growth/high-demand fields.
    These partnerships should exist within an economic region that may 
or may not fall within typical State, county, local workforce 
investment area, or municipal boundaries. Applications should detail 
the region in which the project will operate. In addition, grantees 
will be required to match 20 percent of the grant award with monetary 
or in-kind resources.
    The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-220) as amended 
(WIA) emphasizes a workforce system driven by the needs of local 
employers. Educational institutions, Workforce Investment Boards, and 
One-Stop Career Centers play a vital role in this effort by 
understanding the workforce needs of these industries and providing 
training and other services to address those needs. Successful 
applications will outline in detail the skills and competencies 
demanded by employers, provide compelling evidence of their claims, and 
show the impact the project will have in the target industry and/or 
region.
C. Program Design, User Support, Outcomes
    TBL approaches are frequently used to serve those individuals who 
are perceived to be proficient in computers and technology, such as 
younger workers or skilled professionals. However, projects such as the 
New Jersey Online Learning Demonstration,

[[Page 35157]]

which enabled low income women to access online learning, have shown 
that TBL can benefit a much wider population, and can improve and 
expand access to learning for individuals frequently left behind by 
technology initiatives. TBL grant projects should ensure that the 
targeted participants, those who need additional education and 
training, are able to access TBL opportunities. Grant applications that 
reach populations typically not served by technology initiatives are 
encouraged. ETA encourages applicants who are targeting disconnected 
populations to partner with networks of faith- and community-based 
organizations. Faith- and community-based organizations have valuable 
expertise in successful strategies for working with disconnected 
populations and can provide outreach and wrap around support services 
as needed. For applicants choosing to partner with faith- and 
community-based organizations please visit http://www.dol.gov/cfbci/accesspoints.htm for specific mechanisms and strategies for integrating 
these organizations into the proposal.
    In addition, potential TBL users constitute a wide range of 
technology literacy levels. Successful applications will include 
provisions enabling participants with varying technical skill levels to 
participate in the proposed project. This may include computer and 
Internet literacy programs. However, such programs should not 
constitute the entirety of the proposed project, but should be used to 
enable as many participants as possible to benefit from the proposed 
project.
    Once learners have developed basic computer and technology 
proficiency, projects funded under the TBL grants should also provide 
technical support to ensure participants are successful in using the 
TBL application or other technologies supported under the grant 
project. This support should be available to all learners served by the 
grant project. Technical support would assist learners in using 
relevant software, as well as assisting learners in diagnosing and 
fixing hardware problems that prevent them from being able to use the 
TBL supported by the grant. Support could be in the form of dedicated 
user support telephone numbers, periodic refresher courses, webinars or 
online learning modules, in-person consultation at a central site or a 
site convenient for the learner, periodic in-person gatherings, or 
other methods of support provision. Successful applications will 
outline methods and techniques for user support for the proposed 
training program.
D. Training Leading to Recognized Credentials
    Achieving widely recognized industry credentials and qualifications 
are important to employment skills training. These qualifications are 
portable across companies and different parts of the country, and 
provide employment flexibility and mobility to the worker. In the event 
no currently recognized credential in the target industry or occupation 
exists, compelling arguments backed by sufficient evidence of 
competency towards meeting the needs of the target industry upon 
program completion will also be considered.

Part II. Award Information

1. Award Amount

    ETA anticipates awarding approximately twenty (20) grants, with 
individual grants generally ranging in value from $100,000 up to 
$500,000. However, this does not preclude ETA from funding grants at 
either a lower or higher amount, or funding a smaller or larger number 
of projects, based on the type and the number of quality submissions. 
Applicants are encouraged to submit budgets for quality projects at 
whatever funding level is appropriate to their project.

2. Period of Performance

    The period of grant performance will be up to 36 months from the 
date of execution of the grant documents. This performance period shall 
include all necessary implementation and start-up activities, 
participant follow-up for performance outcomes, and grant close-out 
activities. ETA may elect to exercise its option to award no-cost 
extensions to grants for an additional period, based on the success of 
the program and other relevant factors, if the grantee requests, and 
provides a significant justification for such an extension.

3. Required Matching Resources

    ETA grant funds must not be the sole funding source for the 
activities to be carried out under the proposal. Grantees must match 20 
percent of the grant amount with monetary or in-kind contributions. 
Matching must meet the definition delineated in 29 CFR Part 95.23 and 
29 CFR Part 97.24. Applicants must fully describe the amount, 
commitment, nature, and quality of the matched resources. Please note 
that Federal resources may not be counted as match. To be allowable as 
part of match, a cost must be an allowable charge for Federal grant 
funds. Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance 
with the applicable Federal cost principles as indicated in Part II. If 
the cost would not be allowable as a grant-funded charge, then it also 
cannot be counted toward matching funds. Matching funds must be 
expended during the grant period of performance. Please note that 
applicants are expected to fulfill the match amount specified on their 
SF-424 application and SF-424a budget form. Upon completion of the 
grant, if the match amount specified by the applicant is not met or if 
a portion of the matching funds are found to be an unallowable cost, 
the amount of DOL grant funds may be decreased on a dollar for dollar 
basis. This may result in the repayment of funds to DOL.

4. Use of Funds/Allowable Activities

    TBL grants will be funded by H-1B fees as authorized under Sec. 
414(c) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 
1998 (Pub. L. 105-277, title IV) as amended by Public Law 108-447 
(codified at 29 U.S.C. 2916a). These funds are focused on the 
development of the workforce and may be used to provide job training 
and related activities to workers to assist them in gaining the skills 
and competencies needed in industry sectors and occupations projected 
to experience significant growth or significant demand for workers. 
Whether the focus is on an industry sector or an occupational area, 
training investments using grant funds should focus on workforce 
education in high-skill occupations. Funds available under this 
Solicitation may only be used for projects that provide training in the 
occupations and industries for which employers use H-1B visas or those 
related activities necessary to support training in such occupations 
and industries.
    Please see the report titled Characteristics of Specialty 
Occupation Workers (H-1B): Fiscal Year 2005, especially table 13B on 
page 21 of the report, from the following link for guidance on the list 
of eligible occupations and industries that have been identified as 
those for which employers use H-1B visas to employ foreign workers. 
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/H1B_FY05_Characteristics.pdf.
    Activities funded under this Solicitation must be focused on 
developing skills and competencies related to the fields identified in 
the Attachment. Funds may also be used to enhance the provision of job 
training services and information as authorized in 29 U.S.C. 
2916a(2)(B).

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5. Funding Restrictions

    Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance with 
the applicable Federal cost principles. Disallowed costs are those 
charges to a grant that the grantor agency or its representative 
determines not to be allowed in accordance with the applicable Federal 
cost principles or other conditions contained in the grant. Successful 
or unsuccessful applicants will not be entitled to reimbursement of 
pre-award costs.
    Limitations on Cost per Participant. Since training costs may vary 
considerably for different occupations in different industries on the 
skills and competencies required, flexibility will be given on the cost 
per-participant. However, applications for funding will be reviewed to 
determine if the cost of the training is appropriate and will produce 
the outcomes identified. Applicants should demonstrate that the 
proposed cost per participant is aligned with existing price structures 
for similar training in the local area or other areas with similar 
characteristics. When calculating cost per participant, applicants must 
distinguish between non-training and training costs utilizing grant 
funds.
    Indirect Costs. As specified in the Office of Management and Budget 
Circular Cost Principles, indirect costs are those that have been 
incurred for common or joint objectives and cannot be readily 
identified with a particular cost objective. 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 indirect cost rate 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.
    Administrative Costs. Under the TBL Initiative, an entity that 
receives a grant to carry out a project or program may not use more 
than 10 percent of the amount of the grant to pay administrative costs 
associated with the program or project. Administrative costs could be 
both direct and indirect costs and are defined at 20 CFR 667.220. 
Administrative costs do not need to be identified separately from 
program costs on the Standard Form 424A Budget Information Form. 
Administrative costs should be discussed in the budget narrative and 
tracked through the grantee's accounting system.
    To claim any administrative costs that are also indirect costs, the 
applicant must obtain an indirect cost rate agreement from its Federal 
cognizant agency as specified above.
    Use of Funds for Supportive Services. Use of grant funds for 
supportive services, such as transportation and childcare, including 
funds provided through stipends for such purposes, is not an allowable 
cost under this Solicitation for Grant Applications.
    Salary and Bonus Limitations. None of the funds awarded under this 
grant shall be used by a recipient or sub-recipient of such funds to 
pay the salary and bonuses of an individual, either as direct costs or 
indirect costs, at a rate in excess of Executive Level II. See sections 
five through eight of the Training and Employment Guidance Letter 
number 5-06 for further clarification: http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2262.
    Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by 
Organizations that Receive Federal Financial Assistance. The government 
is generally prohibited from providing direct financial assistance for 
inherently religious activities (please see 29 CFR Part 2, Subpart D). 
These grants may not be used for religious instruction, worship, 
prayer, proselytizing or other inherently religious activities except 
as provided in those regulations. Therefore, organizations must take 
steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious 
activities from the services funded under this program. Neutral, non-
religious criteria that neither favors nor disfavors religion will be 
employed in the selection of grant recipients and must be employed by 
grantees in the selection of sub-recipients.
    A faith-based organization receiving ETA funds retains its 
independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may 
continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, 
and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based 
organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular 
programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing 
religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In 
addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds 
retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain 
religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on 
a religious basis, and include religious references in its 
organization's mission statements and other governing documents in 
accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other 
applicable requirements governing the conduct of ETA funded activities.
    Faith-based and community organizations may also reference ETA 
Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 01-05 (July 6, 
2005), available at http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2088 and the ``Guidance to Faith-Based and Community 
Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government'' at http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html.
    ETA Intellectual Property Rights. Applicants should note that 
grantees must agree to provide USDOL/ETA a paid-up, nonexclusive and 
irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use for Federal 
purposes all products developed or for which ownership was purchased 
under an award, including but not limited to curricula, training 
models, technical assistance products, and any related materials, and 
to authorize them to do so. Such uses include, but are not limited to, 
the right to modify and distribute such products worldwide by any 
means, electronically or otherwise.

Part III. Eligibility Information

    Eligible Applicants. This SGA intends to encourage new and 
continuing partnerships between: The publicly funded workforce 
investment system; representatives from business, industry, and 
economic development; and the continuum of education.
    In order to be eligible for consideration under this solicitation, 
the applicant must be either:
     An accredited educational institution in partnership with 
a Workforce Investment Board. The applicant must have a letter of 
commitment from the Workforce Investment Board.
     A private non-profit, or private provider of workforce 
system services determined to be tax exempt under section 501(C) of the 
Internal Revenue Code, including registered apprenticeship sponsors, in 
partnership with a Workforce Investment Board. The applicant must have 
a letter of commitment from the Workforce Investment Board.
     A One-Stop Career Center as established under Section 121 
of WIA, [29 U.S.C. 2841], in partnership with a state or local 
Workforce Investment Board. The eligible applicant for One-Stop Career 
Centers is the One-Stop Operator, as defined under Section 121(d) of 
WIA [29 U.S.C. 2841(d)], on

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behalf of the One-Stop Career Center. The One-Stop applicant must have 
a letter of commitment from the state or local Workforce Investment 
Board, and demonstrate that the Workforce Investment Board, or its 
designated fiscal agent, will serve as the fiscal agent for the grant 
by clearly providing the legal name and the Employer Identification 
number of the fiscal agent. The Workforce Investment Board's support 
and involvement in the project should be detailed in the letter of 
commitment. Applications from One-Stop Career Centers without a letter 
of commitment from their Workforce Investment Board will be considered 
non-responsive and will not be reviewed.
     An employer or industry association in partnership with a 
Workforce Investment Board. The applicant must have a letter of 
commitment from the Workforce Investment Board.
     Private, for-profit organizations in partnership with a 
Workforce Investment Board. The applicant must have a letter of 
commitment from the Workforce Investment Board.

Other Eligibility Requirements

    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 the Department of Labor. In circumstances where a TBL Grant 
recipient must choose between two equally qualified candidates for 
training, one of whom is a veteran, the Jobs for Veterans Act requires 
that TBL grant recipients give the veteran priority of service by 
admitting him or her into the program. Please note that, to obtain 
priority of service, a veteran must meet the program's eligibility 
requirements. ETA Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 5-
03 (September 16, 2003) provides general guidance on the scope of the 
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.
    Participants Eligible To Receive TBL Training. Generally, the scope 
of potential trainees is very broad. Training may be targeted to a wide 
variety of populations, including unemployed individuals and incumbent 
workers. The identification of targeted and qualified trainees should 
be part of the larger project planning process by the required 
partnership and should relate to the workforce issue that is being 
addressed by the training.

Part IV. Application and Submission Process

A. Address To Request Application Package

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

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

    The proposal must consist of two (2) separate and distinct parts, 
Part I--The Cost Proposal and Part II--The Technical Proposal. 
Applications that fail to adhere to the instructions in this section 
will be considered non-responsive and may not be given further 
consideration. Applicants who wish to apply do not need to submit a 
Letter of Intent. The completed application package is all that is 
required.
    Part I--The Cost Proposal must include the following three items:
     The Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance'' (available at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm). The SF 
424 must clearly identify the applicant and be signed by an individual 
with authority to enter into a grant agreement. Upon confirmation of an 
award, the individual signing the SF 424 on behalf of the applicant 
will be considered the Authorized Representative of the applicant.
     All applicants for Federal grant and funding opportunities 
are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number 
provided by Dun and Bradstreet. See OMB Notice of Final Policy 
Issuance, 68 FR 38402 (June 27, 2003). Applicants must supply their 
DUNS number on the SF 424. The DUNS number is a nine-digit 
identification number that uniquely identifies business entities. 
Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a 
DUNS number, access this Web site, http://www.dunandbradstreet.com, or 
call 1-866-705-5711.
     The SF 424A Budget Information Form (available at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm). In preparing the Budget Information 
Form, the applicant must provide a concise narrative explanation to 
support the request. The budget narrative should explain the 
administrative costs and how they support the project goals. All 
applicants should indicate training costs-per-participant by dividing 
the total amount of the budget designated for training by the number of 
participants trained. Only an applicant's match amount should be listed 
on the SF 424 (Block 18) and SF 424A Budget Information Form (Section 
A, Column F and Section C). Please note that applicants that fail to 
provide an SF 424, SF 424A and a budget narrative will be removed from 
consideration prior to the technical review process. The amount of 
Federal funding requested for the entire period of performance should 
be shown together on the SF 424 and SF 424A Budget Information Form. 
Applicants are also encouraged, but not required, to submit the OMB 
Survey No. 1890-0014: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for 
Applicants, which can be found at: http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm.
    Part II--The Technical Proposal of the application demonstrates the 
applicant's capabilities to fulfill the intention of the TBL 
Initiative. The Technical Proposal is limited to twenty (20) double-
spaced, single-sided, 8.5 inch x 11 inch pages with twelve point text 
font and one-inch margins. The first page of Part II--The Technical 
Proposal must consist entirely of an executive summary not to exceed 
one page. Applicants should number the Technical Proposal beginning 
with page number one. Any pages over the 20-page limit will not be 
reviewed. In addition, while the applicant may provide resumes, general 
letters of support and other related material, any attachments may not 
exceed an additional 10 pages. The required letter(s) of concurrence 
and/or documentation of partnership must be submitted and will not 
count against the first 20 allowable pages, but will count against the 
10-page limitation on attachments. Please note, letters of commitment 
should be sent with or attached to the application. Additionally, the 
applicant must reference grant partners by organizational name in the 
text of the Technical Proposal. No cost data or reference to prices 
should be included in the Technical Proposal. Applications may be 
submitted electronically on http://www.grants.gov or in hard-copy via 
U.S. mail, professional overnight delivery service, or hand delivery. 
These processes are described in further detail in Part IV.C. 
Applicants submitting proposals in hard-copy must submit an original 
signed application (including the SF 424) and one (1) ``copy-ready'' 
version free of bindings, staples or protruding tabs to ease in the 
reproduction of the proposal by USDOL/ETA.

[[Page 35160]]

C. Submission Date, Times and Mailing Address

    The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is August 19, 2008. Applications must be received at the 
address below no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). Applications sent by 
e-mail, telegram, or facsimile will not be accepted. Applications that 
do not meet the conditions set forth in this notice will not be 
honored. No exceptions to the mailing and delivery requirements set 
forth in this notice will be granted.
    ETA will post Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about this SGA on 
our Web site, http://www.doleta.gov/grants. The FAQs as well as the 
dates and access information for the Prospective Applicant Conferences 
will be posted on ETA's Web site at: http://www.doleta.gov/grants. 
Please check these pages periodically during the application period of 
the solicitation for updates.
    Please submit one (1) blue-ink signed, typewritten original of the 
application and two (2) signed photocopies in one package to the U.S. 
Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division 
of Federal Assistance, Attention: Mamie Williams, Reference SGA/DFA PY 
08-04, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-4716, Washington, DC 20210. 
Information about applying online through http://www.grants.gov can be 
found in section IV.C of this document. Applicants are advised that 
mail delivery in the Washington area is delayed due to mail 
decontamination procedures. Hand delivered proposals will be received 
at the above address.
    Applicants may apply online through grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov). It is strongly recommended that applicants applying 
online for the first time via grants.gov immediately initiate and 
complete the ``Get Registered'' registration steps at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp. These steps may take 
multiple days or weeks to complete, and this time should be factored 
into plans for electronic application submission in order to avoid 
unexpected delays that could result in the rejection of an application. 
It is highly recommended that online submissions be completed at least 
two (2) working days prior to the date specified for the 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. If submitting electronically through grants.gov, 
the attachments of the application must be saved as either .doc, .xls 
or .pdf files.
    Late Applications: Any application received after the exact date 
and time specified for receipt at the office designated in this notice 
will not be considered, unless it is received before awards are made, 
was properly addressed, and: (a) Was sent by U.S. Postal Service 
registered or certified mail not later than the fifth calendar day 
before the date specified for receipt of applications (e.g., an 
application required to be received by the 20th of the month must be 
postmarked by the 15th of that month) or (b) was sent by professional 
overnight delivery service or submitted on grants.gov to the addressee 
not later than one working day prior to the date specified for receipt 
of applications. It is highly recommended that online submissions be 
completed two (2) working days prior to the date specified for receipt 
of applications to ensure that the applicant still has the option to 
submit by professional overnight delivery service in the event of any 
electronic submission problems. Applicants take a significant risk by 
waiting until the last day to submit by grants.gov. ``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 package. Failure to adhere to the above instructions will be a 
basis for a determination of non-responsiveness. Evidence of timely 
submission by a professional overnight delivery service must be 
demonstrated by equally reliable evidence created by the delivery 
service provider indicating the time and place of receipt.

D. Intergovernmental Review

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

E. Withdrawal of Applications

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

Part V. Applications Review Process

    This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be 
used to evaluate proposals for this grant program. These criteria and 
point values are listed in the table below.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expanding Training Opportunities Using TBL.......................     30
Demand-Driven Strategic Partnerships.............................     20
Program Design, User Support, and Outcomes.......................     40
Training Leading to an Industry Recognized Credential............     10
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Expanding Training Opportunities Using TBL (30 Points)

    As described below, the applicant must show in detail how their 
proposed usage of TBL will expand and/or improve upon training 
opportunities for their targeted industry or occupation and population.
    Expanding Training Opportunities Using TBL (10 points)--Applicants 
must clearly show how the use of TBL in their proposal will expand the 
employment and training options available to consumers in their 
targeted occupation and/or industry. Applications proposing expansion 
of existing TBL employment and training programs must clearly show how 
many more individuals will be served than are currently being served by 
the program. All applications must clearly show the number of 
additional individuals the proposal would allow to be trained.
    Overcoming Traditional Workforce Training Barriers (10 points)--The 
applicant must describe how their proposed use of TBL would overcome 
barriers of distance and time for the user and capacity for the 
training providers and/or users as described in Part I of this SGA. 
Successful applications will show the necessity of using TBL methods to 
increase the numbers of individuals trained.
    Sustainability and Scalability (7 points)--ETA places a high 
premium on demonstrations that can be sustainable after the grant 
period has ended and that are scalable to larger roll out across the 
nation. Proposals should outline plans for sustainability of the 
program post-grant in regard to the program and partnerships. Also, 
applications should outline the feasibility of expanding a successful 
program in terms of geographic reach, industry sites served, numbers of 
individuals trained, and of replicating the entire program.
    Need for Federal Investment (3 points)--Applicants must clearly 
outline the need for intervention in the targeted industry or 
occupational field, as well as the necessity of the Federal

[[Page 35161]]

investment. Applications must describe in detail the current challenges 
the proposal seeks to overcome with TBL methods, and must demonstrate 
how the proposed project will increase opportunities for training in 
the applicant's target population.

Demand-Driven Strategic Partnerships (20 points)

    As described below, applicants must show evidence that a strong 
partnership exists among educational institutions, local high-growth/
high-demand industries, and the workforce investment system. Applicants 
must highlight and discuss the targeted high-growth/high-demand 
occupation and/or industry and clearly show the need for the proposal 
in meeting the demands of each as appropriate. Applicants must provide 
letters of commitment from each partner detailing their involvement in 
the proposal.
    Strength of Partnerships (8 points)--The strength of the strategic 
partnership is critical to the successful execution of the proposal and 
the post-grant viability of the program. Applicants must clearly 
explain how the strategic partners are engaged to the fullest extent 
possible and articulate how each partner's area of expertise will be 
utilized in the project. If disconnected or disadvantaged populations 
are targeted in the grant, the applicant must show how it will foster 
access to training through networks of faith- and community-based 
organizations. Letters of commitment from each partner detailing their 
participation in each stage of the project are required. The applicant 
must discuss how the partners will interact at each stage of the 
project and the ability of the lead organization to successfully manage 
the partnership and project. The applicant must designate one 
organization from the workforce investment or education system from 
among the application's partners to act as grant recipient.
    High-growth/High-demand (7 points)--Industry partners should be 
chosen from high-growth/high-demand industries in the targeted regional 
economy. Successful applications will provide detailed evidence of 
their industry partner's position as a high-demand/high-growth industry 
field or as an employer of the targeted high-growth/high-demand 
occupation. Applications must also clearly and convincingly outline the 
need for TBL training resources to be used to meet employment and 
training demand.
    Organizational Capacity (5 points)--Applications must detail each 
partner's experience, expertise, and ability to fulfill their part of 
the proposal and document any history of past collaborations. In 
addition, expertise in TBL and the target industry and/or occupation 
should be well documented.

Program Design, User Support, and Outcomes (40 points)

    In evaluating the quality of the program design and management plan 
for each proposal, ETA will consider the following elements.
    Program Design (20 points)--Applicants must clearly outline the 
training or learning program to be developed, expanded, and/or created, 
and include timelines for implementation and benchmark evaluations as 
appropriate. If the content already exists, the applicant shall clearly 
explain how the content will be expanded through the use of TBL to meet 
the occupational skill needs of industry in the targeted fields. 
Applicants will also be scored on the extent to which the management 
plan appears likely to achieve the objectives of the project in meeting 
the goals of the TBL grant. Applicants must estimate how many more 
individuals will be able to access the training program than currently 
enrolled.
    Outcomes (10 points)--Applications must project the increased 
number of individuals that will be able to receive training under the 
proposal. For existing programs, applications must show the numbers of 
individuals trained in the previous training cycle. Estimations of 
projected increases in individuals trained should be compelling and 
fully formed, and include consideration from all appropriate factors.
    User Support (5 points)--Applications must clearly outline their 
plans to provide user support to program participants including 
bridging the digital divide and all manners of proposed technical 
support for users, including, but not limited to user support examples 
outlined in Part I of this SGA.
    Evaluation and Data Collection (5 points)--Measuring the 
performance of pilots and demonstrations is a high priority for ETA. 
Post-grant evaluations require collection of a robust set of variables. 
While grantees will not be required to perform an evaluation 
themselves, they will be required to participate in an evaluation of 
the demonstration. Therefore, applicants must demonstrate a capacity to 
gather relevant statistical, demographic, and other data as appropriate 
from project participants and program performance. Grantees must 
participate in and cooperate with any planned evaluation, which may 
extend beyond the grant period of performance.
    Data collection may include, but is not limited to:
     Total enrollment in training program.
     Increase in enrollment attributed to grant (number of 
additional students).
     Number of participants that entered employment.
     Number of participants that entered employment in industry 
related to training.
     Participant's employment retention after six months and 
advancement.
     Participant's average earnings in the two quarters after 
program exit.
     Participant's receiving promotions and/or wage gains.
     Participant's receiving industry recognized credentials or 
educational certifications.

Training Leading to an Industry Recognized Credential (10 points)

    Applicants must seek to train individuals towards attainment of an 
industry or occupationally recognized certificate or credential. 
Applications must clearly state the specific industry or occupationally 
recognized credential that the TBL training will lead to and provide a 
brief discussion of the credential. Foundational training can be a 
component of a proposal, but the majority of the funds should be 
directed towards industry-specific training. In the absence of a 
defined and recognized credential for the targeted industry or 
occupation, compelling evidence of occupational skill and/or competency 
attainment through program completion will be considered. In every 
instance possible, industry-specific training should conform to 
published competency models. A link to a published competency model is 
included below. http://www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel.

Review and Selection Process

    Applications will be accepted after the publication of this 
announcement until the closing date. A technical review panel will make 
a careful evaluation of applications against the criteria set forth in 
Part V of this Solicitation. These criteria are based on the policy 
goals, priorities, and emphases set forth in this SGA. Up to 100 points 
may be awarded to an application, based on the required information 
described in Part V of this Solicitation. The ranked scores will serve 
as the primary basis for selection of applications for funding, in 
conjunction with other factors such as: Urban, rural, and geographic 
balance; industry balance; the availability of funds; and which 
proposals are most

[[Page 35162]]

advantageous to the Government. The panel results are advisory in 
nature and not binding on the Grant Officer, who may consider any 
information that comes to his attention. ETA may elect to award the 
grant(s) with or without prior discussions with the applicants. 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. 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.

Part VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    All award notifications will be posted on the ETA Web site at 
http://www.doleta.gov. Applicants selected for award will be contacted 
directly before the grant's execution. Applicants not selected for 
award will be notified by mail as soon as possible.

    Note: Selection of an organization as a grantee does not 
constitute approval of the grant application as submitted. Before 
the actual grant is awarded, ETA may enter into negotiations about 
such items as program components, staffing, and administrative 
systems in place to support grant implementation. If 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.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Administrative Program Requirements
    All grantees will be subject to all applicable Federal laws, 
regulations, and the applicable OMB Circulars. The grant(s) awarded 
under this SGA will be subject to the following administrative 
standards and provisions, if applicable:
    a. Workforce Investment Act--20 CFR Part 667 (General Fiscal and 
Administrative Rules).
    b. Non-Profit Organizations--OMB Circulars A-122 (Cost Principles) 
and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
    c. Educational Institutions--OMB Circulars A-21 (Cost Principles) 
and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
    d. State and Local Governments--OMB Circulars A-87 (Cost 
Principles) and 29 CFR Part 97 (Administrative Requirements).
    e. Profit Making Commercial Firms--FAR--48 CFR Part 31 (Cost 
Principles), and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
    f. All entities must comply with 29 CFR Parts 93 and 98, and, where 
applicable, 29 CFR Parts 96 and 99.
    g. The following administrative standards and provisions may also 
be applicable:
    i. 29 CFR Part 2, Subpart D--Equal Treatment in DePartment of Labor 
Programs for Religious Organizations, Protection of Religious Liberty 
of DePartment of Labor Social Service Providers and Beneficiaries;
    ii. 29 CFR Part 30--Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship 
and Training;
    iii. 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;
    iv. 29 CFR Part 32--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in 
Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from Federal Financial 
Assistance;
    v. 29 CFR Part 33--Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of 
Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the DePartment of 
Labor;
    vi. 29 CFR Part 35--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in 
Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the 
DePartment of Labor;
    vii. 29 CFR Part 36--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in 
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial 
Assistance;
    viii. 29 CFR Part 37--Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and 
Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. 
In accordance with Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 
(Pub. L. 104-65) (2 U.S.C. 1611) non-profit entities incorporated under 
Internal Revenue Service Code section 501(c)(4) that engage in lobbying 
activities are not eligible to receive Federal funds and grants.

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

C. Special Program Requirements

    ETA requires that the program or project participate in an 
evaluation of overall performance. To measure the impact of the TBL 
demonstration grant program, ETA may arrange for or conduct an 
independent evaluation of the outcomes and benefits of the projects. At 
minimum, grantees will be required to track performance using the 
common performance measures for any training component of their 
program. Grantees must agree to make records on participants, employers 
and funding available, and to provide access to program operating 
personnel and participants, as specified by the evaluator(s) under the 
direction of ETA, including after the expiration date of the grant. 
Please see Evaluation and Data Collection under Part V. Applications 
Review Process, Program Design, User Support, and Outcomes for more 
details. In addition, once the grants are awarded, the evaluation team 
will provide specific information on the scope of the evaluation.

D. Reporting

    As a condition of participation in the TBL demonstration grant 
program, successful applicants will be required to submit periodic 
reports such as the Quarterly Financial Reports, Progress Reports and 
Final Reports as follows:
    Quarterly Financial Reports. A Quarterly Financial Status Report 
(ETA 9130)/OMB Approval No. 1205-0461 is required until all funds have 
been expended and/or the grant period has expired. Quarterly financial 
reports are due 45 days after the end of each calendar year quarter. 
Grantees must use ETA's Online Electronic Reporting System.
    Quarterly Progress Reports. The grantee must submit a quarterly 
progress report, Performance Progress Report, SF-PPR/OMB Approval 
Number: 0970-0443, 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. 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 ETA's reporting requirements. The quarterly 
progress report must be in narrative form and must include:
    In-depth information on accomplishments including project success 
stories, upcoming grant activities, promising approaches and processes, 
and progress toward performance outcomes, among others.

[[Page 35163]]

Also, reports should include updates on product, curricula, training 
development, challenges, barriers, or concerns regarding project 
progress. Reports should also include lessons learned in the areas of 
project administration and management, project implementation, 
partnership relationships, and other related information. ETA will 
provide grantees with guidance and tools to help develop the quarterly 
reports once the grants are awarded.
    Final Report. A draft final report must be submitted no later than 
60 days prior to the expiration date of the grant. This report must 
summarize project activities, employment outcomes, and related results 
of the training project, and should thoroughly document capacity 
building and training approaches. The final report should also include 
copies of all deliverables, e.g. curricula and competency models. After 
responding to ETA questions and comments on the draft report, three 
copies of the final report must be submitted no later than the grant 
expiration date. Grantees must agree to use a designated format 
specified by ETA for preparing the final report.

Part VII. DOL Agency Contact Information

    For further information regarding this SGA, please contact Mamie 
Williams, Grants Management Specialist, (202) 693-3341. (Please note 
this is not a toll-free number.) Applicants should fax all technical 
questions to (202) 693-2879 and must specifically address the fax to 
the attention of Mamie Williams and should include SGA/DFA PY 08-04, a 
contact name, fax and phone number, and e-mail address. This 
announcement is being made available on the ETA Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm, at http://www.grants.gov, as well as in the 
Federal Register.

Part VIII. Additional Resources of Interest to Applicants

Resources for the Applicant

    ETA maintains a number of Web-based resources that may be of 
assistance to applicants.
     The Workforce3One Web site at http://www.workforce3one.org 
is a valuable resource for information about demand driven projects of 
the workforce investment system, educators, employers, and economic 
development representatives.
     America's Service Locator at http://www.servicelocator.org 
provides a directory of the nation's One-Stop Career Centers.
     Career Voyages at http://www.careervoyages.com is a Web 
site targeted at youth, parents, counselors, and career changers that 
provides information about career opportunities in high-growth/high-
demand industries.
     Applicants are encouraged to review ``Help with 
Solicitation for Grant Applications'' at http://www.dol.gov/cfbci/sgabrochure.htm.
     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'' available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html.

Other Information

OMB Information Collection No. 1205-0458.
Expires: September 30, 2009.

    According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are 
required to respond to a collection of information unless such 
collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden 
for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 hours per 
response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing 
data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing 
and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding 
the burden estimated or any other aspect of this collection of 
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the 
U.S. Department of Labor, the OMB Desk Officer for ETA, Office of 
Management and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503. Please do not 
return the 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 applicants best suited to perform the functions of the grant. 
Submission of this information is required in order for the applicant 
to be considered for award of this grant. Unless otherwise specifically 
noted in this announcement, information submitted in the respondent's 
application is not considered to be confidential.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 12th day of June, 2008.
James W. Stockton,
Grant Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-13967 Filed 6-19-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-FN-P