[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 136 (Friday, July 16, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41531-41538]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-17395]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Solicitation for Grant Applications.

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    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: SGA 10-3BS.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.603.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration (MSHA), is making $500,000 available in grant funds for 
educational and training programs to help identify, avoid, and prevent 
unsafe working conditions in and around mines. The focus of these 
grants for the fiscal year (FY) 2010 will be on training and training 
materials for mine emergency preparedness and mine emergency prevention 
for all underground mines. Applicants for the grants may be States and 
nonprofit (private or public) entities. MSHA could award as many as 10 
separate grants with a 12-month period of performance. The amount of 
each individual grant will be at least $50,000.00. This notice contains 
all of the necessary information needed to apply for grant funding.

DATES: The closing date for applications will be August 18, 2010 (no 
later than 11:59 p.m. EDT). MSHA will award grants on or before 
September 30, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Applications for grants submitted under this competition 
must be submitted electronically using the Government-wide site at 
http://www.grants.gov. If applying online poses a hardship to any 
applicant, the MSHA Directorate of Educational Policy and Development 
will provide assistance to help applicants submit online. MSHA's Web 
page at http://www.msha.gov is a valuable source of background for this 
initiative.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any questions regarding this 
solicitation for grant applications (SGA 10-3BS) should be directed to 
Robert Glatter at [email protected] or at 202-693-9570 (this is 
not a toll-free number) or the Grant Officer, Darrell A. Cooper at 
[email protected] or at 202-693-9831 (this is not a toll-free 
number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation provides background 
information and the critical elements required of projects funded under 
the solicitation. It also describes the application submission 
requirements, the process that eligible applicants must use to apply 
for funds covered by this solicitation, and how grantees will be 
selected. Further information regarding submitting the grant 
application electronically is listed in Section IV.C., Submission Date, 
Times, and Addresses. This solicitation consists of eight parts:
     Part I provides background information on the Brookwood-
Sago grants.
     Part II describes the size and nature of the anticipated 
awards.
     Part III describes the qualifications of an eligible 
applicant.
     Part IV provides information on the application and 
submission process.
     Part V explains the review process and rating criteria 
that will be used to evaluate applications.
     Part VI provides award administration information.
     Part VII contains MSHA contact information.
     Part VIII addresses Office of Management and Budget 
information collection requirements.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Overview of the Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grant Program

    Responding to several coal mine disasters, Congress enacted the 
Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act). 
Section 14 of the MINER Act requires the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) 
to establish a discretionary competitive grant program called the 
Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants (Brookwood-Sago grants). This program 
provides funding to educate and train miners to better identify, avoid, 
and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around mines. This program 
will use grant funds to establish and implement education and training 
programs or to create training materials and programs. The MINER Act 
requires the Secretary to give priority to mine safety demonstrations 
and pilot projects with broad applicability. It also mandates that the 
Secretary emphasize programs

[[Page 41532]]

and materials that target miners in smaller mines, to include training 
on new MSHA standards, high-risk activities, and other identified 
health and safety priorities.

B. Educational and Training Program Priorities

    MSHA priorities for the FY 2010 funding of the Brookwood-Sago 
grants will focus on training and training materials for mine emergency 
preparedness and mine emergency prevention for all underground mines. 
MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago grantees to develop training materials or 
to develop and provide mine safety and health training and/or 
educational programs, recruit miners and mine operators for the 
training, and conduct and evaluate the training on one of the MSHA-
selected priorities. Grantees are also expected to conduct follow-up 
evaluations with people trained by their program. The evaluation will 
focus on determining how effective their training was in either 
reducing hazards or improving skills for the selected training topics 
and in improving the conditions in mines. Grantees must also cooperate 
fully with MSHA evaluations of the program. If the Brookwood-Sago 
applicant is not the entity operating the MSHA-approved State training 
grant, MSHA expects the applicant to contact the State grantee and 
coordinate any proposed training or educational program with the 
applicable State in order not to duplicate any training or educational 
program offered. An applicant's proposed area for the grant may cover 
more than one State.

II. Award Information

A. Award Amount for FY 2010

    MSHA is providing $500,000 total for the FY 2010 Brookwood-Sago 
grant program, which could be divided into as many as 10 separate 
grants. The amount of each individual grant will be at least 
$50,000.00. Applicants requesting less than $50,000 or more than 
$500,000 will not be considered for funding.

B. Period of Performance

    The period of performance will be 12 months from the date of 
execution of the grant documents. This performance period must include 
all necessary implementation and start-up activities as well as follow-
up for performance outcomes. A timeline clearly detailing these 
required grant activities and their expected completion dates must be 
included in the grant application. MSHA 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

    Applicants for the grants may be States and nonprofit (private or 
public) entities. Eligible entities may apply for funding independently 
or in partnership with other eligible organizations. For partnerships, 
a lead organization must be identified.
    Applicants other than States and State-supported or local 
government-supported institutions of higher education will be required 
to submit evidence of nonprofit status, preferably from the Internal 
Revenue Service. A nonprofit entity as described in 26 U.S.C. 
501(c)(4), which engages in lobbying activities, is not eligible for a 
grant award. See 2 U.S.C. 1611.

B. Cost-Sharing or Matching

    Cost-sharing or matching of funds is not required for eligibility. 
The leveraging of public and/or private resources to achieve project 
sustainability, however, is highly encouraged and may be awarded up to 
10 application evaluation points.

C. Other Eligibility Requirements

1. Dun and Bradstreet Number (DUNS)
    Since October 1, 2003, every applicant for a Federal grant funding 
opportunity is required to include a DUNS number with its application. 
An applicant's DUNS number is to be entered into Block 8 of Standard 
Form (SF) 424. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number 
that identifies business entities uniquely. There is no charge for 
obtaining a DUNS number. To obtain a DUNS number, call 1-866-705-5711 
or access the following Web site: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayhomepage.do.
    After receiving a DUNS number, all grant applicants must also 
register as a vendor with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) 
through the Web site http://www.ccr.gov. Grant applicants must create a 
user account and then complete and submit the online registration. The 
CCR site advises that this process takes about 1 hour to complete. Once 
you have completed the registration, it will take 3 to 5 business days 
to process. The applicant will receive an e-mail notice that the 
registration is active.
2. Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by 
Organizations That Receive Federal Financial Assistance
    The government generally is 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 contractors and subcontractors.
3. Non-Compliant Applications
    Applications that are lacking any of the required elements or do 
not follow the format prescribed in IV.B will not be reviewed.
4. Late Applications
    Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed 
unless it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Application Forms

    This announcement includes all information and links needed to 
apply for this funding opportunity. The full application is available 
through the Grants.gov Web site, http://www.grants.gov/, under ``Apply 
for Grants''. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 
needed to locate the appropriate application for this opportunity is 
17.603. If an applicant has problems downloading the application 
package from Grants.gov \SM\, contact Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-
800-518-4726 or by e-mail at [email protected].

B. Content and Form of the Application

    Each grant application must address mine emergency preparedness or 
mine emergency prevention for underground mines. Applicants must submit 
a separate application for each topic. The application must consist of 
three separate and distinct sections. The three required sections are:
     Section 1--Project Financial Plan and Forms (No page 
limit).
     Section 2--Project Summary (Not to exceed 2 pages).
     Section 3--Technical Proposal (Not to exceed 10 pages). 
Illustrative material can be submitted as an attachment.
    The following are mandatory requirements for each section.

[[Page 41533]]

1. Project Financial Plan and Forms
    This section contains the forms and budget section of the 
application. The Project Financial Plan will not count against the 
application page limits. A person with authority to bind the applicant 
must sign the application and forms. Applications submitted 
electronically through Grants.gov do not need to be signed manually; 
the form will automatically affix an electronic signature for the 
authorized person identified.
    (a) Completed SF 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' This 
form is part of the application package on Grants.gov and also is 
available at http://www.msha.gov. The SF 424 must identify the 
applicant clearly and be signed by an individual with authority to 
enter into a grant agreement. Upon confirmation of an award, the 
individual signing the SF 424 on behalf of the applicant shall be 
considered the representative of the applicant.
    (b) Completed SF 424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs.'' This form is part of the application package on Grants.gov 
and also is available at http://www.msha.gov. The project budget should 
demonstrate clearly that the total amount and distribution of funds is 
sufficient to cover the cost of all major project activities identified 
by the applicant in its proposal, and must comply with the Federal cost 
principles and the administrative requirements set forth in this 
solicitation for grant applications (SGA). (Copies of all regulations 
that are referenced in this SGA are available online at http://www.msha.gov. Select ``Education & Training,'' click on ``Courses and 
Programs,'' then select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.'')
    (c) Budget Narrative. The applicant must provide a concise 
narrative explaining the request for funds. The budget narrative should 
separately attribute the Federal funds and leveraged resources to each 
of the activities specified in the technical proposal and it should 
discuss precisely how any administrative costs support the project 
goals. Indirect cost charges, which are considered administrative 
costs, must be supported with a copy of an approved Indirect Cost Rate 
Agreement. Indirect Costs are those costs that are not readily 
identifiable with a particular cost objective but nevertheless are 
necessary to the general operation of an organization, e.g., personnel 
working in Accounting. Administrative costs may not exceed 15% of the 
total grant budget.
    If applicable, the applicant must provide a statement about its 
program income. Program income is gross income earned by the grantee 
directly generated by a supported activity, or earned as a result of 
the award.
    Any leveraged resources should not be listed on the SF 424 or SF 
424A Budget Information Form, but must be described in the budget 
narrative and in the technical proposal of the application (as 
described in Part IV.B.3(d) of this SGA). The amount of Federal funding 
requested for the entire period of performance must be shown on the SF 
424 and SF 424A Budget Information Form. Note: Grantees will be 
responsible for obtaining any beverage resources proposed in their 
applications. Failure to do so may result in the disallowance and 
required return of funds in the amount of the proposed beverage.
    (d) Completed SF 424B, ``Assurances, Non-Construction Programs.'' 
Each applicant for these grants must certify compliance with a list of 
assurances. This form is part of the application package on 
www.Grants.gov and also is available at http://www.msha.gov.
    (e) Supplemental Certification Regarding Lobbying Activities Form. 
If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for 
influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any 
agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an 
employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the making of a 
grant or cooperative agreement, the applicant shall complete and submit 
SF-LLL, ``Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,'' in accordance with its 
instructions. This form is part of the application package on http://
www.Grants.gov and also is available at www.msha.gov. Select 
``Education & Training,'' click on ``Courses and Programs,'' then 
select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.''
    (f) Non-profit status. Applicants must provide evidence of non-
profit status, preferably from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), if 
applicable. (This requirement does not apply to State and local 
government-supported institutions of higher education.)
    (g) Accounting System Certification. An organization that receives 
less than $1 million annually in Federal grants must attach a 
certification stating that the organization (directly or through a 
designated qualified entity) has a functioning accounting system that 
meets the criteria below. The certification should attest that the 
organization's accounting system provides for the following:
    (1) Accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial 
results of each federally sponsored project.
    (2) Records that identify adequately the source and application of 
funds for federally sponsored activities.
    (3) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, 
property and other assets.
    (4) Comparison of outlays with budget amounts.
    (5) Written procedures to minimize the time elapsing between 
transfers of funds.
    (6) Written procedures for determining the reasonableness, 
allocability, and allowability of cost.
    (7) Accounting records, including cost accounting records that are 
supported by source documentation.
    (h) Attachments. The application may include attachments such as 
resumes of key personnel or position descriptions, exhibits, 
information on prior government grants, and signed letters of 
commitment to the project.
2. Project Summary
    The project summary is a short one-to-two page abstract that 
succinctly summarizes the proposed project and provides information 
about the applicant organization. The project summary must include the 
following information:
    (a) Applicant. Provide the organization's full legal name and 
address.
    (b) Project Director. The project director is the person who will 
be responsible for the day-to-day operation and administration of the 
program. Provide the name, title, street address and mailing address 
(if it is different from the organization's street address), telephone 
and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the project director.
    (c) Certifying Representative. The certifying representative is the 
official in the organization who is authorized to enter into grant 
agreements. Provide the name, title, street address and mailing address 
if it is different from the organization's street address, telephone 
and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the certifying representative.
    (d) Funding requested. List how much Federal funding is being 
requested. If the organization is contributing non-Federal resources, 
also list the amount of non-Federal resources and the source of the 
funds.
    (e) Grant Topic. List the grant topic and the location and number 
of miners that the organization has selected to train or describe the 
training materials to be created with these funds.
    (f) Summary of the Proposed Project. Write a brief program summary 
of the

[[Page 41534]]

proposed project. This summary must identify the key points of the 
proposal including an introduction describing the project activities 
and the expected outcomes.
    (g) Applicant Background. Describe the applicant, including its 
mission, and a description of its membership, if any. Provide an 
organizational chart (the chart may be included as a separate page 
which will not count toward the page limit).
3. Technical Proposal
    The technical proposal must demonstrate the applicant's 
capabilities to plan and implement a project or create educational 
materials to meet the objectives of this solicitation. MSHA's focus for 
this SGA is on training miners and developing training materials for 
mine emergency preparedness and mine emergency prevention for 
underground mines. MSHA has two program goals that will be considered 
indicators of the success of the program as a whole. The following 
table explains the types of data grantees must provide and their 
relationship with the Agency's program goals and performance measures 
for the Brookwood-Sago grants.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Program goals                   Performance measures                 Data grantee provides
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Agency creates more effective        Increase overall number of      Number of training events during the
 training and improves safety.           trainers trained.               period.
                                        Increase overall number of      Number of trainers trained.
                                         miners trained.
                                        Provide quality training with   Number of miners trained during the
                                         clearly stated goals and        current reporting period.
                                         objectives for improving
                                         safety.
                                                                        Conduct and report pre-test and post-
                                                                         test results of trainees.
                                                                        Course evaluations of trainer and
                                                                         training materials.
                                                                        The extent to which others replicate
                                                                         (i.e., adopt or adapt) or
                                                                         institutionalize and continue the
                                                                         projects after grant funding ends.
2. Agency creates training materials    Increase number of quality      Conduct and report pre-test and post-
 and improves safety.                    educational materials           test results of the training materials.
                                         developed.
                                        Provide quality training        Evaluation of training materials to
                                         materials with clearly stated   include the target audience, statement
                                         goals and objectives for        of goals and objectives,learning level,
                                         improving safety.               instructions for using, additional
                                        Develop training materials       material requirements, secondary
                                         that are reproducible.          purposes, adult learning principles and
                                                                         usability in the mine training
                                                                         environment.
                                                                        The extent to which others replicate
                                                                         (i.e., adopt or adapt) the funded
                                                                         projects.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The technical proposal narrative is not to exceed 10 single-sided 
pages, double spaced, 12-point font, and must contain the following 
sections: Program Design, Overall Qualifications of the Applicant, 
Impact or Outcomes and Evaluation, and Leveraging of Funds. Any pages 
over the 10-page limit will not be reviewed. Major sections and sub-
sections of the proposal should be divided and clearly identified. MSHA 
will review and rate the technical proposal in accordance with the 
selection criteria specified in Part V.
    (a) Program Design.
    (1) Problem Statement/Need for Funds. Applicants must provide a 
clear and specific need for proposed activities. They must identify 
whether they are providing a training program or creating training 
materials or both. Applicants also must identify the number of 
individuals that will benefit from their training and education 
program; this should include identifying the type of underground mines, 
the geographic locations, and the number of miners and employers. 
Applicants must also identify other Federal funds they receive for 
similar activities.
    (2) Quality of the Project Design. MSHA requires that each 
applicant include a 12-month workplan that correlates with the grant 
project period that will begin September 30, 2010, and end September 
29, 2011. An outline of specific items required in the workplan 
follows.
    (i) Plan Overview. Describe the plan for grant activities and the 
anticipated outcomes. The overall plan will describe such things as the 
development of training materials, the training content, recruiting of 
trainees, where or how training will take place, and the anticipated 
benefits to miners and employers receiving the training.
    (ii) Activities. Break the overall plan down into activities or 
tasks. For each activity, explain what will be done, who will do it, 
when it will be done, and anticipated results of the activity. For 
training, discuss the subjects to be taught, the length of the training 
sessions, and training locations (classroom/worksites). Describe how 
the applicant will recruit miners and/or employers for the training.

    Note: Any commercially-developed training materials the 
applicant proposes to use in its training must undergo an MSHA 
review before being used.

    (iii) Quarterly Projections. For training and other quantifiable 
activities, estimate the quantities involved. For example, estimate how 
many classes will be conducted and miners and employers will be trained 
each quarter of the grant (grant quarters match calendar quarters, 
i.e., January to March, April to June) and also provide the training 
number totals for the full year. Quarterly projections are used to 
measure the actual performance against the plan. Applicants planning to 
conduct a train-the-trainer program should estimate the number of 
individuals to be trained during the grant period by those who received 
the train-the-trainer training. These second tier training numbers 
should be included only if the organization is planning to follow up 
with the trainers to obtain this data during the grant period.
    (iv) Materials. Describe each educational material to be produced 
under the grant. Provide a timetable for developing and producing the 
material. The timetable must include provisions for an MSHA review of 
draft and camera-ready products. MSHA must review and approve training 
materials for technical accuracy and suitability of content before 
materials may be used in the grant program. Whether or not an 
applicant's project is to develop training materials only, the 
applicant should

[[Page 41535]]

provide an overall plan that includes time for MSHA to review any 
materials produced.
    (b) Overall Qualifications of the Applicant.
    (1) Administrative and Program Capability. Briefly describe the 
organization's functions and activities, i.e., the applicant's 
management and internal controls. Relate this description of functions 
to the organizational chart. If the applicant has received within the 
last five years any other government (Federal, State or local) grant 
funding, the application must have, as an attachment (which will not 
count towards the page limit), information regarding these previous 
grants. This information must include the organization for which the 
work was done and the dollar value of the grant. If the applicant does 
not have previous grant experience, it may partner with an organization 
that has grant experience to manage the grant. If the organization uses 
this approach, the management organization must be identified and its 
grant program experience discussed.
    Lack of past experience with Federal grants is not a determining 
factor, but an applicant should show a successful experience relevant 
to the opportunity offered in the application. Such experience could 
include staff members' experience with other organizations.
    (2) Program Experience. Describe the organization's experience 
conducting the proposed mine training program or the type of program. 
Include program specifics such as program title, numbers trained, and 
duration of training. If creating training materials, include the title 
of other materials developed. Nonprofit organizations, including 
community-based and faith-based organizations that do not have prior 
experience in mine safety and health may partner with an established 
mine safety and health organization to acquire safety and health 
expertise.
    (3) Staff Experience. Describe the qualifications of the 
professional staff you will assign to the program. Include resumes of 
staff already employed as an attachment (which will not count towards 
the page limit). If some positions are vacant, include position 
descriptions and minimum hiring qualifications instead of resumes. 
Staff should have, at a minimum, mine safety and health experience, 
training experience, or experience working with the mining community.
    (c) Impact or Outcomes and Evaluations.
    There are three types of evaluations that must be conducted. First, 
describe plans to evaluate the training sessions and/or training 
materials. Second, describe plans to evaluate the applicant's progress 
in accomplishing the grant work activities listed in the application. 
This includes comparing planned and actual accomplishments. Discuss who 
is responsible for taking corrective action if plans are not being met. 
Third, describe plans to assess the effectiveness of the training the 
applicant is conducting or the training materials. This will involve 
following up with an evaluation, or on-site review, if feasible, of 
people who attended the training to find out what changes were made to 
abate hazards and improve workplace conditions, or to incorporate the 
training in the workplace. For training materials, an evaluation of 
individuals on the clarity of the presentation, organization, and the 
information on the subject matter and whether they would use training 
materials is required. Include timetables for follow-up and for 
submitting a summary of the assessment results to MSHA.
    (d) Leveraging of Funds.
    Leveraged resources are cash or in-kind contributions obtained from 
sources other than the Federal government devoted to advancing the 
strategies described in the applicant's proposal. Applicants must 
include a description of any non-Federal contribution or commitments, 
including the source of funds and the estimated amount.

C. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses

    The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is August 18, 2010 (no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT). Grant 
applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov 
Web site. The Grants.gov site provides all the information about 
submitting an application electronically through the site as well as 
the hours of operation. Interested parties can locate the downloadable 
application package by the CFDA number 17.603.
    Applications received by Grants.gov are electronically date and 
time stamped. An application must be fully uploaded and submitted (and 
must be date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system) before the 
application deadline date. Once an interested party has submitted an 
application, Grants.gov will notify the interested party with an 
automatic notification of receipt that contains a Grants.gov tracking 
number. This notification indicates receipt by Grants.gov only, not 
receipt by MSHA. MSHA then will retrieve the application from 
Grants.gov and send a second notification to the interested party by e-
mail.

D. Intergovernmental Review

    The Brookwood-Sago grants are not subject to Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' MSHA, however, 
reminds applicants that if they are not operating MSHA-approved State 
training grants, contact the State grantees and coordinate any training 
or educational program in order not to duplicate any training or 
educational program offered. Information about each state grant and the 
entity operating the state grant is provided online at: http://www.msha.gov/PROGRAMS/EPD4.HTM.

E. Funding Restrictions

    MSHA will determine whether costs are allowable under the 
applicable Federal cost principles and other conditions contained in 
the grant award.
1. Allowable Costs
    Grant funds may be spent on conducting training, conducting 
outreach and recruiting activities to increase the number of miners and 
employers participating in the program, developing educational 
materials, and on necessary expenses to support these activities. 
Allowable costs are determined by the applicable federal costs 
principles identified in Part VI.B. Program income earned during the 
award period shall be retained by the recipient, added to funds 
committed to the award, and used for the purposes and under the 
conditions applicable to the use of the grant funds.
2. Unallowable Costs
    Grant funds may not be used for the following activities under this 
grant program:
    (a) Any activity inconsistent with the goals and objectives of this 
SGA.
    (b) Training on topics that are not targeted under this SGA;
    (c) Duplicating training or services offered by MSHA or any MSHA 
State grant under section 503 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act 
of 1977;
    (d) Purchasing any equipment unless pre-approved and in writing by 
the MSHA grant officer;
    (e) Administrative costs that exceed 15% of the total grant budget; 
and
    (f) Any pre-award costs.
    Unallowable costs also include any cost determined by MSHA as not 
allowed according to the applicable cost principles or other conditions 
in the grant.

[[Page 41536]]

V. Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

    MSHA will screen all applications to determine whether all required 
proposal elements are present and clearly identifiable. Those that do 
not comply with mandatory requirements will not be evaluated. The 
technical panels will review grant applications against the criteria 
listed below on the basis of 100 maximum points. Up to 10 additional 
points may be given for leveraging non-Federal resources.
1. Program Design--40 Points Total
    (a) Problem Statement/Need for Funds. (3 points)
    The proposed training and education program or training materials 
must address the recognition and prevention of safety and health 
hazards for mine emergency preparedness and safety for mines.
    (b) Quality of the Project Design. (25 points)
    (1) The proposal to train miners and/or employers clearly estimates 
the number to be trained and clearly identifies the types of miners and 
employers to be trained.
    (2) If the proposal contains a train-the-trainer program, the 
following information must be provided:
     What ongoing support the grantee will provide to new 
trainers;
     The number of individuals to be trained as trainers;
     The estimated number of courses to be conducted by the new 
trainers;
     The estimated number of students to be trained by these 
new trainers and a description of how the grantee will obtain data from 
the new trainers documenting their classes and student numbers if 
conducted during the grant period.
    (3) The work plan activities and training are described.
     The planned activities and training are tailored to the 
needs and levels of the miners and employers to be trained. Any special 
constituency to be served through the grant program is described, e.g., 
smaller mines, limited English proficiency miners. Organizations 
proposing to develop materials in languages other than English also 
will be required to provide an English version of the materials.
     If the proposal includes developing training materials, 
the work plan must include time during development for MSHA to review 
the educational materials for technical accuracy and suitability of 
content. If commercially-developed training products will be used for a 
training program, applicants also should plan for MSHA to review the 
materials before using the products in their grant programs.
     The utility of the educational materials is described.
     The outreach or process to find miners or trainees to 
receive the training is described.
    (c) Replication. The extent a project will be replicated and the 
potential for the project to serve a variety of miners or mine sites. 
(4 points)
    (d) Innovativeness. The originality and uniqueness of the approach 
used. (3 points)
    (e) MSHA's Performance Goals. The extent the proposed project will 
contribute to MSHA's performance goals. (5 points)
2. Budget--20 Points Total
    (a) The budget presentation is clear and detailed. (15 points)
     The budgeted costs are reasonable.
     No more than 15% of the total budget is for administrative 
cost.
     The budget complies with Federal cost principles (which 
can be found in the applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
Circulars and with MSHA budget requirements contained in the grant 
application instructions).
    (b) The application demonstrates that the applicant has strong 
financial management and internal control systems. (5 points)
3. Overall Qualifications of the Applicant--25 Points Total
    (a) The applicant has administered, or will work with an 
organization that has administered, a number of different Federal and/
or State grants in the past five years. The applicant may demonstrate 
this experience by having project staff that has experience 
administering Federal and/or State grants in the past five years. (6 
points)
    (b) The applicant applying for the grant demonstrates experience 
with mine safety and health teaching or providing mine safety and 
health educational programs.
    Applicants that do not have prior experience in providing mine 
safety and health training to miners or employers may partner with an 
established mine safety and health organization to acquire mine safety 
and health expertise. (13 points)
     Project staff has experience in mine safety and health, 
the specific topic chosen, and/or in training miners.
     Project staff has experience in recruiting, training and 
working with the population the organization proposes to serve.
     Applicant has experience in designing and developing 
training materials for a mining program.
     Applicant has experience in managing educational programs.
    (c) Applicant demonstrates internal control and management 
oversight of the project. (6 points)
4. Impacts/Outcomes and Evaluations--15 Points Total
    The proposal should include provisions for evaluating the 
organization's progress in accomplishing the grant work activities and 
accomplishments, evaluating training sessions, and evaluating the 
program's effectiveness and impact to determine if the safety and 
health training and services provided resulted in workplace change and 
improved workplace conditions. The proposal should include a plan to 
follow up with trainees to determine the impact the program has had in 
abating hazards and reducing miner injuries and illnesses.
5. Leveraged Resources--10 Points Total
    MSHA will award up to 10 additional rating points to applications 
that include non-Federal resources that expand the size and scope of 
project-related activities. To be eligible for the additional points, 
the applicant must list the resources, the nature of programmatic 
activities anticipated and any partnerships, linkages, or coordination 
of activities, cooperative funding, etc., including the monetary value 
of such contributions.

B. Review and Selection Process

    A technical panel will rate each complete application against the 
criteria described in this SGA. One or more applicants may be selected 
as grantees on the basis of the initial application submission, or a 
minimally acceptable number of points may be established. MSHA may 
request final revisions to the applications, and then evaluate the 
revised applications. MSHA may consider any information that comes to 
its attention in evaluating the applications.
    The panel recommendations are advisory in nature. The Deputy 
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health (Deputy 
Assistant Secretary) will make a final selection determination based on 
what is most advantageous to the Government, considering factors such 
as panel findings, geographic presence of the applicants or the areas 
to be served, Agency priorities, and the best value to the government, 
cost and other factors. The Deputy Assistant Secretary's determination 
for award under this SGA is final.

[[Page 41537]]

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    Announcement of these awards is expected to occur by September 17, 
2010. The grant agreement will be signed no later than September 30, 
2010.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Process

    Organizations selected as potential grant recipients will be 
notified by a representative of the Deputy Assistant Secretary, usually 
the Grant Officer or his staff. An applicant whose proposal is not 
selected will be notified in writing. The fact that an organization has 
been selected as a potential grant recipient does not necessarily 
constitute approval of the grant application as submitted (revisions 
may be required).
    Before the actual grant award, MSHA may enter into negotiations 
with the potential grant recipient concerning such matters as program 
components, staffing and funding levels, and administrative systems. If 
the negotiations do not result in an acceptable submittal, the 
Assistant Secretary reserves the right to terminate the negotiations 
and decline to fund the proposal.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    All grantees will be subject to applicable Federal laws and 
regulations (including provisions of appropriations law) and applicable 
OMB Circulars. The grants awarded under this competitive grant program 
will be subject to the following administrative standards and 
provisions, if applicable:
     29 CFR part 2, subpart D, Equal Treatment for Religious 
Organizations.
     29 CFR parts 31, 32, 35 and 36, Nondiscrimination.
     29 CFR part 93, Restrictions on Lobbying.
     29 CFR part 94, Drug-free Workplace.
     29 CFR part 95, Uniform Grant Requirements for Nonprofit 
Organizations.
     29 CFR parts 96 and 99, Audits.
     29 CFR part 97, Uniform Grant Requirements for States.
     29 CFR part 98, Debarment and Suspension.
     2 CFR part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons.
     2 CFR part 220, Cost Principles for Educational 
Institutions.
     2 CFR part 225, Cost Principles for State and Local 
Governments.
     2 CFR part 230, Cost Principles for Other Nonprofit 
Organizations.
     Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 31.2, Cost 
Principles for Commercial Organizations. (Codified at 48 CFR 31.2).
    Administrative costs for these grants may not exceed 15%. Except as 
specifically provided, MSHA's acceptance of a proposal or MSHA's award 
of Federal funds to sponsor any programs does not constitute a waiver 
of any grant requirement or procedure. For example, if an application 
identifies a specific sub-contractor to provide certain services, the 
MSHA award does not provide a basis to sole-source the procurement (to 
avoid competition).

C. Special Program Requirements

1. MSHA Review of Educational Materials
    MSHA will review all grantee-produced educational and training 
materials for technical accuracy and suitability of content during 
development and before final publication. MSHA also will review 
training curricula and purchased training materials for technical 
accuracy and suitability of content before the materials are used. 
Grantees developing training materials must follow all copyright laws 
and provide written certification that their materials are free from 
copyright infringements.
    When grantees produce training materials, they must provide copies 
of completed materials to MSHA before the end of the grant period. 
Completed materials should be submitted to MSHA in hard copy and in 
digital format (CD-ROM/DVD) for publication on the MSHA Web site. Two 
copies of the materials must be provided to MSHA. Acceptable formats 
for training materials include Microsoft XP Word, PDF, PowerPoint, and 
any other format agreed upon by MSHA.
2. License
    As listed in 29 CFR 95.36, the Department of Labor reserves a 
royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to reproduce, 
publish, or otherwise use for Federal purposes any work produced under 
a grant, and to authorize others to do so. Grantees must agree to 
provide the Department of Labor 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. Such products include, but are not limited to, 
curricula, training models, technical assistance products, and any 
related materials. Such uses include, but are not limited to, the right 
to modify and distribute such products worldwide by any means, 
electronic, or otherwise.
3. Acknowledgement on Printed Materials
    All approved grant-funded materials developed by a grantee shall 
contain the following disclaimer: ``This material was produced under 
grant number XXXXX from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. 
Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or 
policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade 
names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the 
U.S. Government.''
    When issuing statements, press releases, request for proposals, bid 
solicitations, and other documents describing projects or programs 
funded in whole or in part with Federal money, all grantees receiving 
Federal funds must clearly state:
    (a) The percentage of the total costs of the program or project 
that will be financed with Federal money;
    (b) The dollar amount of federal financial assistance for the 
project or program; and
    (c) The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the 
project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.
4. Use of U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and MSHA Logos
    The USDOL or the MSHA logo may be applied to the grant-funded 
material including posters, videos, pamphlets, research documents, 
national survey results, impact evaluations, best practice reports, and 
other publications. The grantees must consult with MSHA on whether the 
logo may be used on any such items prior to final draft or final 
preparation for distribution. In no event shall the USDOL or the MSHA 
logo be placed on any item until MSHA has given the grantee written 
permission to use either logo on the item.
5. Reporting
    Grantees are required by Departmental regulations to submit 
financial and project reports, as described below, each calendar 
quarter. All reports are due no later than 30 days after the end of the 
calendar quarter and shall be submitted to MSHA. Grantees also are 
required to submit final reports 90 days after the end of the grant 
period.
    (a) Financial Reports. The grantee shall submit financial reports 
on a quarterly basis.
    (b) Technical Project Reports. After signing the agreement, the 
grantee shall submit technical project reports to MSHA at the end of 
each calendar quarter. Technical project reports provide both 
quantitative and

[[Page 41538]]

qualitative information and a narrative assessment of performance for 
the preceding three-month period.
    Between reporting dates, the grantee shall immediately inform MSHA 
of significant developments and/or problems affecting the 
organization's ability to accomplish work.
    (c) Final Reports. At the end of the grant period, each grantee 
must provide a final financial report, a summary of its technical 
project reports, and an evaluation report.

H. Freedom of Information

    Any information submitted in response to this SGA will be subject 
to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, as appropriate.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Any questions regarding this solicitation for grant applications 
(SGA 10-3BS) should be directed to Robert Glatter at 
[email protected] or at 202-693-9570 (this is not a toll-free 
number) or the Grant Officer, Darrell A. Cooper at 
[email protected] or at 202-693-9831 (this is not a toll-free 
number). MSHA's Web page at http://www.msha.gov is a valuable source of 
background for this initiative.

VIII. Office of Management and Budget Information Collection 
Requirements

    This SGA requests information from applicants. This collection of 
information is approved under OMB Control No. 1225-0086 (expires 
September 30, 2010).
    In accordance with 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 the grant application is estimated to average 20 hours per 
response, for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing 
the collection of information. Each recipient who receives a grant 
award notice will be required to submit nine progress reports to MSHA. 
Each report will take approximately five hours to prepare.
    Send comments regarding the burden estimated or any other aspect of 
this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this 
burden, to the OMB Desk Officer for MSHA, Office of Management and 
Budget Room 10235, Washington DC 20503 and MSHA, electronically to 
Robert Glatter at [email protected] or the Grant Officer, Darrell 
A. Cooper at [email protected] or by mail to Robert Glatter, Room 
2102, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209.
    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.

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 965.

Robert L. Phillips,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations, Mine Safety and 
Health.
[FR Doc. 2010-17395 Filed 7-15-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P