[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 89 (Thursday, May 8, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26456-26464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-10532]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 (SGA).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcement Type: New.
    Funding Opportunity Number: SGA 14-3BS.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.603

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Mine Safety and Health 
Administration (MSHA), is making $1,000,000 available in grant funds 
for education and training programs to help identify, avoid, and 
prevent unsafe working conditions in and around mines. The focus of 
these grants for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 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. The number of grants awarded 
will be determined by MSHA's evaluation of grant applications, not to 
exceed 20 grants. The amount of each individual grant will be at least 
$50,000.00 and the maximum individual award will be $250,000. MSHA will 
not be awarding renewal (two-year) grants in FY 2014 under this 
solicitation for grant applications (SGA). This notice contains all of 
the information needed to apply for grant funding.

DATES: The closing date for applications will be June 30, 2014, (no 
later than 11:59 p.m. EDST). MSHA will award grants on or before 
September 30, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Applications for grants submitted under this competition 
must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov site at 
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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any questions regarding this 
solicitation for grant applications (SGA 14-3BS) should be directed to 
Janice Oates at [email protected] or 202-693-9570 (this is not a 
toll-free number) or Teresa Rivera at [email protected] or 202-693-
9581 (this is not a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation provides background 
information and the requirements for projects funded under the 
solicitation. 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 the applications.
     Part VI provides award administration information.
     Part VII contains MSHA contact information.
     Part VIII addresses Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) 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). 
When Congress passed the MINER Act, it expected that requirements for 
new and advanced technology, e.g., fire-resistant lifelines and 
increased breathable air availability in escapeways, would increase 
safety in mines. The MINER Act also required that every underground 
coal mine have persons trained in emergency response. Congress 
emphasized its commitment to training for mine emergencies when it 
strengthened the requirements for the training of mine rescue teams. 
Recent events demonstrate that training is the key for proper and safe 
emergency response and that all miners working in underground mines 
should be trained in emergency response.
    Under Section 14 of the MINER Act, the Secretary of Labor 
(Secretary) is required to establish a competitive grant program called 
the ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants'' (Brookwood-Sago grants). This 
program provides funding for education and training programs 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 and materials that 
target miners in smaller mines, including training mine operators and 
miners on new MSHA standards, high-risk activities, and other 
identified safety priorities.

B. Education and Training Program Priorities

    MSHA priorities for the FY 2014 funding of the annual Brookwood-
Sago grants will focus on training or training materials for mine 
emergency preparedness and mine emergency prevention for all 
underground mines.

[[Page 26457]]

MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago grantees to develop training materials or 
to develop and provide mine safety training or educational programs, 
recruit mine operators and miners for the training, and conduct and 
evaluate the training.
    MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago grantees to conduct follow-up 
evaluations with the people who received training in their programs to 
measure how the training promotes the Secretary's goal of ensuring a 
safe and healthy workplace. Evaluations will focus on determining how 
effective their training was in either reducing hazards, improving 
skills for the selected training topics, or in improving the conditions 
in mines. Grantees must also cooperate fully with MSHA evaluators of 
their programs.

II. Award Information

A. Award Amount for FY 2014

    MSHA is providing $1,000,000 for the 2014 Brookwood-Sago grant 
program which could be awarded in a maximum of 20 separate grants of no 
less than $50,000 each. Applicants requesting less than $50,000 or more 
than $250,000 for a 12-month performance period will not be considered 
for funding.

B. Period of Performance

    MSHA may approve a request for a one time no-cost extension to 
grantees for an additional period from the expiration date of the 
annual award based on the success of the project and other relevant 
factors. See 29 CFR 95.25(e)(2).

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 (IRS). 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.

C. Other Eligibility Requirements

1. Data Universal Number System (DUNS)
    Under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(3), every applicant for a Federal grant 
funding opportunity is required to include a DUNS number with its 
application. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number that 
uniquely identifies business entities. An applicant's DUNS number is to 
be entered into Block 8 of Standard Form (SF) 424. 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.
    After receiving a DUNS number, all grant applicants must register 
as a vendor with the System for Award Management (SAM) through the Web 
site www.sam.gov. Grant applicants must create a user account and then 
complete and submit the online registration. Once the registration has 
been completed, it will take up to 10 business days to process. The 
applicant will receive an email notice that the registration is active. 
If the applicant had an active record in the Central Contractor 
Registration (CCR), they should have an active record in SAM. SAM will 
send notifications to the registered user via email 60, 30, and 15 days 
prior to expiration of the record. In addition, under 2 CFR 
25.200(b)(2), each grant applicant must maintain ``an active 
registration with current information at all times.''
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 at www.grants.gov, click the 
``Applicants'' tab, then ``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, contact 
Grants.gov at 1-800-518-4726 or by email at [email protected].
    The full application package is also available on-line at 
www.msha.gov: Select ``Education & Training Resources,'' click on 
``Courses,'' select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants,'' then select 
``SGA 14-3BS.'' This Web site also includes all forms and all 
regulations that are referenced in this SGA. Applicants, however, must 
apply for this funding opportunity through the Grants.gov Web site.

B. Content and Form of the FY 2014 Application

    Each grant application must address mine emergency preparedness or 
mine emergency prevention for underground mines. The application must 
consist of three separate and distinct sections. The three required 
sections are:
     Section 1--Project Forms and Financial Plan (No page 
limit).
     Section 2--Executive Summary (Not to exceed two pages).
     Section 3--Technical Proposal (Not to exceed 12 pages). 
Illustrative material can be submitted as an attachment.
    The following are mandatory requirements for each section.
1. Project Forms and Financial Plan
    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 grant application and forms. Applications submitted 
electronically through Grants.gov do not need to be signed manually; 
electronic signatures will be accepted.
    (a) Completed SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance,''(OMB 
No. 4040-

[[Page 26458]]

0004, expiration: 8/31/2016). This form is part of the application 
package on Grants.gov and is also available at 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 for Non-Construction 
Programs,'' (OMB No. 4040-0006, expiration: 6/30/2014). 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 SGA. (Copies of all regulations that are 
referenced in this SGA are available online at www.msha.gov. Select 
``Education & Training Resources,'' click on ``Courses,'' 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 to each of the activities 
specified in the technical proposal and it should discuss precisely how 
any administrative costs support the project goals. Indirect 
administrative costs for these grants may not exceed 15%. These charges 
must be supported with a copy of an approved Indirect Cost Rate 
Agreement. Indirect costs are those that are not readily identifiable 
with a particular cost objective but nevertheless are necessary to the 
general operation of an organization.
    If applicable, the applicant must provide a statement about its 
program income. Program income is gross income earned by the grantee 
which is directly generated by a supported activity, or earned as a 
result of the award.
    The amount of Federal funding requested for the entire period of 
performance must be shown on the SF-424 and SF-424A forms.
    (d) Completed SF-424B, ``Assurances for Non-Construction 
Programs,'' (OMB No. 4040-0007, expiration: 6/30/2014). 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 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 
www.grants.gov and is also available at www.msha.gov. Select 
``Education & Training Resources,'' click on ``Courses,'' then select 
``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.''
    (f) Non-profit status. Applicants must provide evidence of non-
profit status, preferably from the IRS, if applicable.
    (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. Executive Summary
    The executive summary is a short one-to-two page abstract that 
succinctly summarizes the proposed project. MSHA will publish, as 
submitted, all grantees' executive summaries on the DOL Web site. The 
executive summary must include the following information:
    (a) Applicant. Provide the organization's full legal name and 
address.
    (b) Funding requested. List how much Federal funding is being 
requested.
    (c) Grant Topic. List the grant topic and the location and number 
of mine operators and miners that the organization has selected to 
train or describe the training materials or equipment to be created 
with these funds.
    (d) Program Structure. Identify the type of grant as annual.
    (e) Summary of the Proposed Project. Write a brief summary of the 
proposed project. This summary must identify the key points of the 
proposal, including an introduction describing the project activities 
and the expected results.
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 
these grants is on training mine operators and miners and developing 
training materials for mine emergency preparedness or mine emergency 
prevention for underground mines. An Agency strategic goal is to ensure 
workplaces are safe and healthy for workers through strengthening and 
modernizing training and education and improving mine emergency 
response preparedness through training. MSHA has two program outcome 
goals, described below, 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.

[[Page 26459]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Data grantees
      MSHA's Program goals        MSHA's Performance     provide each
                                       measures        reporting period
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Agency creates more effective  Increase overall    Number of trainers
 training to promote safe and      number of           trained.
 healthy workplaces.               trainers trained.  Number of mine
                                  Increase the         operators and
                                   number of mine      miners trained.
                                   operators and      Number trained as
                                   miners trained..    responsible
                                  Provide quality      persons.
                                   training with      Number of persons
                                   clearly stated      trained in smoke.
                                   goals and          Number of training
                                   objectives for      events.
                                   improving safety.. Number of course
                                                       days of training
                                                       provided to
                                                       industry.
2. Agency creates and             Increase the        Evaluation of
 distributes training materials    number of quality   training
 to provide more effective         educational         materials
 training to ensure workplaces     materials           created, to
 are safe and healthy.             developed.          include target
                                  Provide quality      audience, goals
                                   training            and objectives,
                                   materials with      and usability in
                                   clearly stated      the mine training
                                   goals and           environment.
                                   objectives for
                                   improving safety..
                                  Develop training
                                   materials that
                                   are reproducible
                                   or adaptable..
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The technical proposal narrative is not to exceed 12 single-sided, 
double-spaced pages, using 12-point font, and must contain the 
following sections: Program Design, Overall Qualifications of the 
Applicant, and Output and Evaluation. Any pages over the 12-page limit 
will not be reviewed. Attachments to the technical proposal are not 
counted toward the 12-page limit. Major sections and sub-sections of 
the proposal should be divided and clearly identified. As required in 
Section VI subpart I ``Transparency,'' a grantee's final technical 
proposal will be posted ``as is'' on MSHA's Web site unless MSHA 
receives a version redacting any proprietary, confidential business, or 
personally identifiable information no later than two weeks after 
receipt of the Notice of Award.
    MSHA will review and rate the technical proposal in accordance with 
the selection criteria specified in Part V.
(a) Program Design
    (1) Statement of the Problem/Need for Funds. Applicants must 
identify 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 expected to benefit from their training and education 
program; this should include identifying the type of underground mines, 
the geographic locations, and the number of mine operators and miners. 
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 no later than 
September 30, 2014 and end no later than September 29, 2015.
    (i) Plan Overview:
    Describe the plan for grant activities and the anticipated results. 
The plan should 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 mine 
operators and miners receiving the training.
    (ii) Activities:
    Break the plan down into activities or tasks. For each activity, 
explain what will be done, who will do it, when it will be done, and 
the anticipated results of the activity. For training, discuss the 
subjects to be taught, the length of the training sessions, type of 
training (e.g., Mine Emergency Response Development exercise), and 
training locations (e.g., classroom, worksites). Describe how the 
applicant will recruit mine operators and miners 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 using the table located in Part IV.B.3 for data 
required to meet the grant goals. For example, estimate how many 
classes will be conducted and how many mine operators and miners will 
be trained each quarter of the grant (grant quarters match calendar 
quarters, i.e., January to March, April to June, July to September, and 
October to December); except the first quarter is the date of award to 
the end of that calendar quarter). 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 this 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 or evaluation of equipment. MSHA must review and 
approve training materials or equipment for technical accuracy and 
suitability of content before use in the grant program. Whether or not 
an applicant's project is to develop training materials only, the 
applicant should provide an overall plan that includes time for MSHA to 
review any materials produced.
(b) Qualifications of the Applicant
    (1) Applicant's 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). Identify the following:
    (i) 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 
email address of the Project Director.
    (ii) 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 email 
address of the Certifying Representative.
    (2) Administrative and Program Capability:

[[Page 26460]]

    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 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 each organization for which the 
work was done and the dollar value of each 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' experiences 
with other organizations.
    (3) Program Experience:
    Describe the organization's experience conducting the proposed mine 
training program or other relevant experience. 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 may partner with an established mine safety organization to 
acquire safety expertise.
    (4) Staff Experience:
    Describe the qualifications of the professional staff you will 
assign to the program. Attach resumes of staff already employed 
(resumes 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 
experience, training experience, or experience working with the mining 
community.
    (c) Outputs and Evaluations:
    There are two types of evaluations that must be conducted. First, 
describe the methods, approaches, or plans to evaluate the training 
sessions or training materials to meet the data requirements listed in 
the table above. Second, describe plans to assess the long-term 
effectiveness of the training materials or training conducted. The type 
of training given will determine whether the evaluation should include 
a process-related outcome or a result-related outcome or both. This 
will involve following up with an evaluation, or on-site review, if 
feasible, of miners trained. The evaluation should focus on what 
changes the trained miners made to abate hazards and improve workplace 
conditions, or to incorporate this training in the workplace, or both.
    For training materials, include an evaluation from individuals 
trained on the clarity of the presentation, organization, and the 
quality of the information provided on the subject matter and whether 
they would continue to use the training materials. Include timetables 
for follow-up and for submitting a summary of the assessment results to 
MSHA.

C. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses

    The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is June 30, 2014 (no later than 11:59 p.m. EDST). 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 No. 17.603.
    Applications received by Grants.gov are date and time stamped 
electronically. Once an interested party has submitted an application, 
Grants.gov will notify the interested party with two emails: the first 
is an automatic notification of receipt and the second is that the 
application is validated and ready to be sent to the grantor agency or 
rejected because of errors. An application must be fully uploaded and 
validated by the Grants.gov system before the application deadline 
date. The DOL E-Grants system then receives the application from 
Grants.gov, and a third notification is sent to the interested party.

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, they should contact the State grantees and coordinate any 
training or educational program. Information about each state grant and 
the entity operating the state grant is provided online at: 
www.msha.gov/TRAINING/STATES/STATES.asp.

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 and outreach, 
developing educational materials, recruiting activities to increase 
participants in the program, and on necessary expenses to support these 
activities. Allowable costs are determined by the applicable Federal 
cost principles identified in Part VI.B, which are attachments in the 
application package, or are located online at www.msha.gov: Select 
``Educations & Training Resources'', click on ``Courses'', select 
``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants''.
    (a) If an applicant anticipates earning program income during the 
grant period, the application must include an estimate of the income 
that will be earned. Program income earned must be reported on a 
quarterly basis.
    (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) Purchasing any equipment unless pre-approved and in writing by 
the MSHA grant officer.
    (d) Indirect administrative costs that exceed 15% of the total 
grant budget.
    (e) 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.

V. Application Review Information for FY 2014 Grants

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 using the following 
criteria:

[[Page 26461]]

1. Program Design--40 Points Total
(a) Statement of the Problem/Need for Funds (3 Points)
    The proposed training and education program or training materials 
must address either mine emergency preparedness or mine emergency 
prevention.
(b) Quality of the Project Design (25 Points)
    (1) The proposal to train mine operators and miners clearly 
estimates the number to be trained and clearly identifies the types of 
mine operators and miners 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 mine operators and miners to be trained. Any 
special constituency to be served through the grant program is 
described, e.g., smaller mines, limited English proficiency miners, 
etc. 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 should also 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 mine operators, miners, or 
trainees to receive the training is described.
(c) Replication (4 Points)
    The potential for a project to serve a variety of mine operators, 
miners, or mine sites, or the extent others may replicate the project.
    (d) Innovativeness (3 Points)
    The originality and uniqueness of the approach used.
(e) MSHA's Performance Goals (5 Points)
    The extent the proposed project will contribute to MSHA's 
performance goals.
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 
costs.
     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) Grant Experience (6 Points)
    The applicant has administered, or will work with an organization 
that has administered, a number of different Federal or State grants. 
The applicant may demonstrate this experience by having project staff 
that has experience administering Federal or State grants.
(b) Mine Safety Training Experience (13 Points)
     The applicant applying for the grant demonstrates 
experience with mine safety teaching or providing mine safety 
educational programs. Applicants that do not have prior experience in 
providing mine safety training to mine operators or miners may partner 
with an established mine safety organization to acquire mine safety 
expertise.
     Project staff has experience in mine safety, the specific 
topic chosen, or in training mine operators and 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 mine 
safety training materials for a mining program.
     Applicant has experience in managing educational programs.
(c) Management (6 Points)
    Applicant demonstrates internal control and management oversight of 
the project.
4. Outputs 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 training 
and services provided resulted in workplace change or 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 illnesses and injuries.

B. Review and Selection Process for FY 2014 Grants

    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 for Operations for Mine Safety and Health 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.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    Announcement of these awards is expected to occur before September 
30, 2014. The grant agreement will be signed no later than September 
30, 2014.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Process

    Before September 29, 2014, organizations selected as potential 
grant recipients will be notified by a representative of the Deputy 
Assistant Secretary. 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

[[Page 26462]]

approval of the grant application as submitted (revisions may be 
required).
    Before the actual grant award and the announcement of the 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 Deputy 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. These requirements are attachments in the application 
package or are located online at www.msha.gov: Select ``Education & 
Training Resources'', click on ``Courses'', select ``Brookwood-Sago 
Mine Safety Grants''. The grants awarded under this competitive grant 
program will be subject to the following administrative standards and 
provisions, if applicable:

 2 CFR part 25, Universal Identifier and Central Contractor 
Registration
 2 CFR part 170, Reporting Subawards and Executive Compensation 
Information
 2 CFR part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons
 2 CFR part 220, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions 
(OMB Circular A-21)
 2 CFR part 225, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian 
Tribal Governments (OMB Circular A-87)
 2 CFR part 230, Cost Principles for Non-profit Organizations 
(OMB Circular A-122)
 29 CFR part 2, Subpart D, Equal Treatment in Department of 
Labor Programs for Religious Organizations, Protection of Religious 
Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and 
Beneficiaries
 29 CFR part 31, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted 
programs of the Department of Labor--Effectuation of Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964
 29 CFR part 32, Nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in 
programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance
 29 CFR part 33, Enforcement of non-discrimination on the basis 
of handicap in programs or activities conducted by the Department of 
Labor
 29 CFR part 35, Nondiscrimination on the basis of age in 
programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance from the 
Department of Labor
 29 CFR part 36, Nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in 
education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance
 29 CFR part 93, New restrictions on lobbying
 29 CFR part 94, Governmentwide requirements for drug-free 
workplace (financial assistance)
 29 CFR part 95, Grants and agreements with institutions of 
higher education, hospitals, and other non-profit organizations, and 
with commercial organizations, foreign governments, organizations under 
the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and international 
organizations
 29 CFR part 96, Audit requirements for grants, contracts, and 
other agreements
 29 CFR part 97, Uniform administrative requirements for grants 
and cooperative agreements to state and local governments
 29 CFR part 98, Governmentwide debarment and suspension 
(nonprocurement)
 29 CFR Part 99, Audits of states, local governments, and non-
profit organizations
 Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31, Subpart 31.2, 
Contracts cost principles and procedures (Codified at 48 CFR Subpart 
31.2)

Indirect administrative costs for these grants may not exceed 15%. 
Unless specifically approved, MSHA's acceptance of a proposal or MSHA's 
award of Federal funds to sponsor any program 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 infringement.
    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 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, 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. Title 
29 CFR 97.34 provides DOL and MSHA with similar rights for any work 
produced or purchased under the grant.
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.
    (c) The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the 
project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.

[[Page 26463]]

4. Use of DOL and MSHA Logos
    The DOL 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 DOL 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 quarter (grant 
quarters match calendar quarters, i.e., January to March, April to 
June).
(a) Financial Reports
    All financial reports are due no later than 30 days after the end 
of the quarter and shall be submitted to MSHA electronically. Grantees 
will be contacted with instructions on how to submit reports.
(b) Technical Project Reports
    After signing the agreement, the grantee shall submit technical 
project reports to MSHA no later than 30 days after the end of each 
quarter. Technical project reports provide both quantitative and 
qualitative information and a narrative assessment of performance for 
the preceding three-month period. See 29 CFR 95.51 and 29 CFR 97.40. 
This should include the current grant progress against the overall 
grant goals as provided in Part IV.B.3.
    Between reporting dates, the grantee shall immediately inform MSHA 
of significant developments or problems affecting the organization's 
ability to accomplish the work. See 29 CFR 95.51(f) and 29 CFR 
97.40(d).
(c) Final Reports
    At the end of the grant period, each grantee must provide a project 
summary of its technical project reports, an evaluation report, and a 
close-out financial report. These final reports are due no later than 
90 days after the end of the 12-month performance period.

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.

I. Transparency in the Grant Process

    DOL is committed to conducting a transparent grant award process 
and publicizing information about program outcomes. Posting awardees' 
grant applications on public Web sites is a means of promoting and 
sharing innovative ideas. Under this SGA, DOL will publish the 
awardees' Executive Summaries, selected information from their SF-424s, 
and a version of awardees' Technical Proposals on the Department's Web 
site or similar location. None of the Attachments to the Technical 
Proposal provided with the applications will be published. The 
Technical Proposals and Executive Summaries will not be published until 
after the grants are awarded. In addition, information about grant 
progress and results may also be made publicly available.
    DOL recognizes that grant applications sometimes contain 
information that an applicant may consider proprietary or business 
confidential information, or may contain personally identifiable 
information. Proprietary or business confidential information is 
information that is not usually disclosed outside your organization and 
disclosing this information is likely to cause you substantial 
competitive harm.
    Personally identifiable information is any information that can be 
used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity, such as name, 
social security number, date and place of birth, mother's maiden name, 
or biometric records; and any other information that is linked or 
linkable to an individual, such as medical, educational, financial, and 
employment information.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ OMB Memorandum 07-16 and 06-19. GAO Report 08-536, Privacy: 
Alternatives Exist for Enhancing Protection of Personally 
Identifiable Information, May 2008, www.gao.gov/assets/280/275558.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Executive Summaries will be published in the form originally 
submitted, without any redactions. Applicants should not include any 
proprietary or confidential business information or personally 
identifiable information in this summary. In the event that an 
applicant submits proprietary or confidential business information or 
personally identifiable information in the summary, DOL is not liable 
for the posting of this information contained in the Executive Summary. 
The submission of the grant application constitutes a waiver of the 
applicant's objection to the posting of any proprietary or confidential 
business information contained in the Executive Summary. Additionally, 
the applicant is responsible for obtaining all authorizations from 
relevant parties for publishing all personally identifiable information 
contained within the Executive Summary. In the event the Executive 
Summary contains proprietary or confidential business or personally 
identifiable information, the applicant is presumed to have obtained 
all necessary authorizations to provide this information and may be 
liable for any improper release of this information.
    By submission of this grant application, the applicant agrees to 
indemnify and hold harmless the United States, the U.S. Department of 
Labor, its officers, employees, and agents against any liability or for 
any loss or damages arising from this application. By such submission 
of this grant application, the applicant further acknowledges having 
the authority to execute this release of liability.
    In order to ensure that proprietary or confidential business 
information or personally identifiable information is properly 
protected from disclosure when DOL posts the selected Technical 
Proposals, applicants whose Technical Proposals will be posted will be 
asked to submit a second redacted version of their Technical Proposal, 
with any proprietary or confidential business information and 
personally identifiable information redacted. All non-public 
information about the applicant's staff or other individuals should be 
removed as well.
    The Department will contact the applicants whose Technical 
Proposals will be published by letter or email, and provide further 
directions about how and when to submit the redacted version of the 
Technical Proposal.
    Submission of a redacted version of the Technical Proposal will 
constitute permission by the applicant for DOL to make the redacted 
version publicly available. We will also assume that the applicant has 
obtained the agreement to the redacted version of the applicant's 
Technical Proposal. If an applicant fails to provide a redacted version 
of the Technical Proposal within two weeks after receipt of Notice of 
Award, DOL will publish the original Technical Proposal in full, after 
redacting only personally identifiable information. (Note that the 
original, unredacted version of the Technical Proposal will remain part 
of the complete application package, including an applicant's 
proprietary and confidential business information and any personally 
identifiable information.)
    Applicants are encouraged to disclose as much of the grant 
application information as possible, and to redact

[[Page 26464]]

only information that clearly is proprietary, confidential commercial/
business information, or capable of identifying a person. The redaction 
of entire pages or sections of the Technical Proposal is not 
appropriate, and will not be allowed, unless the entire portion merits 
such protection. Should a dispute arise about whether redactions are 
appropriate, DOL will follow the procedures outlined in the 
Department's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations (29 CFR part 
70).
    Redacted information in grant applications will be protected by DOL 
from public disclosure in accordance with federal law, including the 
Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C.1905), FOIA, and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 
552a). If DOL receives a FOIA request for your application, the 
procedures in DOL's FOIA regulations for responding to requests for 
commercial/business information submitted to the government will be 
followed, as well as all FOIA exemptions and procedures, 29 CFR 70.26. 
Consequently, it is possible that application of FOIA rules may result 
in release of information in response to a FOIA request that an 
applicant redacted in its ``redacted copy.''

VII. Agency Contacts

    Any questions regarding this Solicitation for Grant Applications 
(SGA 14-3BS) should be directed to Janice Oates at [email protected] 
or 202-693-9570 (this is not a toll-free number) or Teresa Rivera at 
[email protected] or 202-693-9581 (this is not a toll-free number). 
MSHA's Web page at 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 
January 31, 2016).
    Except as otherwise noted, in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995, no person is 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. MSHA estimates that each report will take 
approximately two and one-half 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 
Janice Oates at [email protected] or Teresa Rivera at 
[email protected] or by mail to Janice Oates, Room 2101, 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.

    Dated: May 2, 2014.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations, Mine Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 2014-10532 Filed 5-7-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P