[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 124 (Monday, June 29, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37017-37025]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15858]


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

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 15-3BS.
    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) 2015 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, including U.S. territories, 
Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities, Indian-
controlled organizations serving Indians, and Native Hawaiian 
organizations. MSHA will award no more than 20 grants. The amount of 
each individual grant will be at least $50,000.00 and the maximum 
individual award will be $250,000. This notice contains all of the 
information needed to apply for grant funding.

DATES: The closing date for applications will be August 29, 2015, (no 
later than 11:59 p.m. EDST). MSHA will award grants on or before 
September 30, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Grant applications for 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 15-3BS) should be directed to 
Janice Oates at [email protected] or 202-693-9573 (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. Program 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

[[Page 37018]]

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 2015 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. 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 to ``lmprove 
workplace safety and health'' and MSHA's goal to ``Prevent death, 
disease and injury from mining and promote safe and healthful 
workplaces for the Nation's miners.'' 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. Federal Award Information

A. Award Amount for FY 2015

    MSHA is providing $1,000,000 for the 2015 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 2 CFR 200.308(d)(2).

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    Applicants for the grants may be States and nonprofit (private or 
public) entities, including U.S. territories, Indian tribes, tribal 
organizations, Alaska Native entities, Indian-controlled organizations 
serving Indians, and Native Hawaiian organizations. 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 (including U.S. territories) 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.
    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.

B. Cost-Sharing or Matching

    Cost-sharing or matching of funds is not required for eligibility.

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, www.grants.gov. Click the 
``Applicants'' tab, then click ``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 the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or by email at 
[email protected].
    The full application package is also available online at 
www.msha.gov: Select ``Education & Training Resources,'' click on 
``Courses,'' select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants,'' then select 
``SGA 15-3BS.'' 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. You 
may request paper copies of the material by contacting the Directorate 
of Educational Policy and Development at 202-693-9570.

B. Content and Form of the FY 2015 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. 4040-0004, 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

[[Page 37019]]

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. See 2 CFR 200.80 and 200.307 and this SGA, Part 
IV.F.1(a) and (b).
    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. Under the authority of 2 CFR 
200.207, MSHA requires that a new applicant that receives less than $1 
million annually in Federal grants 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 adequately identify 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 costs.
    (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. A Department of Labor Strategic Goal 
is to ``improve workplace safety and health''. MSHA has a performance 
goal to ``prevent death, disease, and injury from mining and promote 
safe and healthful workplaces for the Nation's miners'' and supporting 
strategies to ``strengthen and modernize training and education'' and 
``improve mine emergency response preparedness.'' MSHA's award of the 
Brookwood-Sago grants supports these goals and strategies. To show how 
the grant projects promote these goals and strategies, grantees must 
report, on a quarterly basis, the following information (as 
applicable):

Number of trainers trained
Number of mine operators and miners trained
Number trained as responsible persons
Number of persons trained in smoke
Number of training events
Number of course days of training provided to industry
Course evaluations of trainer and training material
Description of training materials created, to include target audience, 
goals and objectives, and usability in the mine training environment.

    The technical proposal narrative must not 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 
Part VI subpart E ``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

[[Page 37020]]

they are providing a training program, 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 of the training, 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, 2015 and end 
no later than September 29, 2016.
(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 for data required to meet the grant goals located 
in Part IV.B.3. 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
    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 in Part 
IV.B.3. 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

[[Page 37021]]

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. Dunn and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and 
System for Award Management (SAM)--Required

    Under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(3), every applicant for a Federal grant 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 
register online. Submitted registrations will take up to 10 business 
days to process, after which the applicant will receive an email notice 
that the registration is active. Once the registration is active in SAM 
it takes an additional 24-48 hours for the registration to be active in 
grants.gov. Registrations expire after one year. SAM will send 
notifications to the registered user via email prior to expiration of 
the registration. Under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(2), each grant applicant must 
maintain an active registration with current information at all times 
during which it has an active Federal award or an application under 
active consideration.

D. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses

    The closing date for applications will be August 25, 2015, (no 
later than 11:59 p.m. EDST). MSHA will award grants on or before 
September 30, 2015.
    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.
1. Non-Compliant Applications
    (a) Applications that are lacking any of the required elements or 
do not follow the format prescribed in IV.B. will not be reviewed.
(b) Late Applications
    You are cautioned that applications should be submitted before the 
deadline to ensure that the risk of late receipt of the application is 
minimized. Applications received after the deadline will not be 
reviewed unless it is determined to be in the best interest of the 
Government.
    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 that provides the applicant 
with a tracking number and the second notifies applicants that the 
application has been validated by Grants.gov and is being prepared for 
Agency retrieval. The DOL E-Grants system then receives the application 
automatically from Grants.gov for Agency review.
    An application must be fully uploaded and validated by the 
Grants.gov system before the application deadline date.

E. 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.

F. 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 
the number of 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 ``Education & Training Resources'', click on 
``Courses'', select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants''. Paper copies 
of the material may be obtained by contacting the Directorate of 
Educational Policy and Development at 202-693-9570.
    (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 is gross income earned by the grantee which is 
directly generated by a supported activity, or earned as a result of 
the award. 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. See 2 CFR 200.80 and 200.307.
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 2015 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:
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.

[[Page 37022]]

(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) Innovation (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 2015 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, 2015. The grant agreement will be signed no later than September 
30, 2015.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Process

    Before September 29, 2015, 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 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

[[Page 37023]]

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 System of Award 
Management.
     2 CFR Part 170, Reporting Subawards and Executive 
Compensation Information.
     2 CFR Part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons.
     2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
     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 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, Government-wide requirements for drug-free 
workplace (financial assistance).
     29 CFR Part 98, Government-wide debarment and suspension 
(non-procurement).
     Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31, Subpart 
31.2, Contract 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 stated in 2 CFR 200.315, the Department of Labor has a royalty-
free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or 
otherwise use for Federal purposes any work produced, or for which 
ownership was acquired, under a grant, and to authorize others to do 
so. 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.
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)
    With written permission from MSHA, the USDOL logo may be applied to 
the grant-funded materials 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 logo be placed on any item until MSHA has given the grantee 
written permission to use the logo on the item.
5. Reporting
    Grantees are required by Departmental regulations to submit 
financial and project reports, as described below. Grantees are also 
required to submit final reports no later than 90 days after the end of 
the grant period.
(a) Financial Reports
    The grantee shall submit financial reports on a quarterly basis. 
Recipients are required to use the U.S. Department of Labor's Grantee 
Reporting Systems' electronic SF-425 (Federal Financial Report), at 
www.etareports.doleta.gov, to report the status of all funds awarded 
and, if applicable, program income received and expended, during the 
funding period. All reports are due no later than 30 days after the end 
of the reporting period.
(b) Technical Project Reports
    A grantee must submit a technical project report to MSHA no later 
than 30 days after December 31, 2015, March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016, 
and September 30, 2016, respectively. Technical project reports provide 
both quantitative and qualitative information and a narrative

[[Page 37024]]

assessment of performance for the preceding three-month period. 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 2 CFR 200.328(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.

D. 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.

E. 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.
    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 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 is protected 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, DOL will follow the 
procedures in its FOIA regulations; procedures governing commercial/
business information submitted to the government are set forth in 29 
CFR 70.26. It is possible that application of these rules may result in 
release of information that an applicant redacted.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Any questions regarding this Solicitation for Grant Applications 
(SGA 15-3BS) 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 No. 1225-0086, expiration: 01/31/
2016).

[[Page 37025]]

    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, 5th floor, 201 12th 
Street South, Arlington, VA 22202.
    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.

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 965.

    Dated: June 24, 2015.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations, Mine Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 2015-15858 Filed 6-26-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P