[Federal Register: April 26, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 80)]
[Notices]
[Page 20874-20885]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26ap07-89]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant
Applications (SGA) for YouthBuild Grants
Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation for Grant Applications.
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY 06-08.
Catalog of Federal Assistance Number: 17.274.
DATES: Key Dates: The closing date for receipt of applications under
this announcement is July 3, 2007. Applications must be successfully
submitted through Grants.gov no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Application and submission information is explained in detail in Part
IV of this SGA. There will be a Prospective
[[Page 20875]]
Applicant Conference held for this grant competition. The date and
location for this Prospective Applicant Conference can be found at
http://www.dtiassociates.com/youthbuild.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training
Administration (ETA) announces the availability of approximately $47
million in grant funds for YouthBuild Grants.
YouthBuild Grants will be awarded through a competitive process.
Grant funds will be used to provide disadvantaged youth with: The
education and employment skills necessary to achieve economic self-
sufficiency in occupations in high demand and postsecondary education
and training opportunities; opportunities for meaningful work and
service to their communities; and opportunities to develop employment
and leadership skills and a commitment to community development among
youth in low-income communities. As part of their programming,
YouthBuild grantees will tap the energies and talents of disadvantaged
youth to increase the supply of permanent affordable housing for
homeless individuals and low-income families and to help youth develop
the leadership, learning, and high-demand occupational skills needed to
succeed in today's global economy.
ETA hopes to serve approximately 2,900 youth participants during
the first year of this initiative, with projects operating in
approximately 90-100 communities across the country. Under this
announcement, ETA will be awarding grants to organizations to oversee
the provision of education and employment services to disadvantaged
youth in their communities.
This solicitation provides background information and describes the
application submission requirements, outlines the process that eligible
entities must use to apply for funds covered by this solicitation, and
outlines the evaluation criteria used as a basis for selecting grantee.
ADDRESSES: Applications will only be accepted through the Grants.gov
application system. Applications that do not meet the conditions set
forth in this notice will not be considered. No exceptions to the
submission requirements set forth in this notice will be granted. For
detailed guidance, please refer to Section IV.C.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
This solicitation consists of eight parts:
Part I provides background information on YouthBuild, a
description of ETA's Youth Vision, YouthBuild program objectives, and
additional information on the key components of YouthBuild to consider
when preparing an application.
Part II describes the size and nature of the anticipated
awards.
Part III describes eligibility information.
Part IV provides information on the application and
submission process.
Part V describes the criteria against which applications
will be reviewed and explains the proposal review process.
Part VI provides award administration information.
Part VII contains ETA agency contact information.
Part VIII lists additional resources of interest to
applicants and other information.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
YouthBuild is a youth and community development program that
simultaneously addresses several core issues facing low-income
communities: Housing, education, employment, crime prevention, and
leadership development. Part A of this section provides a background of
the YouthBuild program. Part B provides information on the principles
underlying the Department of Labor, Employment & Training
Administration's Youth Vision and how an alternative education program
such as YouthBuild has taken on a new significance in preparing skilled
and well-trained youth to compete in a demand-driven workforce. Part C
describes the core objectives of the YouthBuild program with Part D
providing additional information on key components of YouthBuild to
consider when preparing a grant application.
A. Background on YouthBuild
The YouthBuild model balances in-school learning, geared toward a
high school diploma or GED, and construction skills training, geared
toward a career placement for the youth. The in-school component is an
alternative education program that assists youth who are often
significantly behind in basic skills to obtain a high school diploma or
GED credential. The primary target populations for YouthBuild are high
school drop-outs, adjudicated youth, youth aging out of foster care,
and other at-risk youth populations. The YouthBuild model enables these
youth to access the education they need to prosper in the 21st century
economy. There are currently over 200 YouthBuild programs operating in
the United States, funded through various Federal funding sources.
YouthBuild was started in East Harlem, New York, in 1978 to provide
education services for youth and teach construction skills while
renovating and building homes for low-income families. It was
replicated in five locations in New York City during the 1980s. In
1993, the YouthBuild program was established by Federal statute and the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was designated
as the agency responsible for administering the program.
In December 2003, the White House Task Force for Disadvantaged
Youth recommended the transfer of the YouthBuild program from HUD to
DOL because the program is ``at its core, an employment and training
program for disadvantaged youth, and will benefit from administrative
oversight in DOL within the Employment & Training Administration.''
In September 2006, the YouthBuild Transfer Act was signed by
President George W. Bush. The bill repeals the YouthBuild program's
statutory authority under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable
Housing Act (Pub. L. 102-550; 49 U.S.C. 12899 et seq.) and transfers
the statutory authority for the program, with needed modifications and
improvements, to subtitle D of Title I of the Workforce Investment Act
(WIA). The YouthBuild program is being administered as a ``national
program'' by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA).
Since its inception, a primary purpose of the YouthBuild program
has been to provide job training and employment opportunities for at-
risk youth. By transferring the program to DOL, ETA will leverage its
significant expertise and resources in the area of workforce investment
under WIA. The transfer from HUD to DOL is intended to help strengthen
YouthBuild grantees' connections to One-Stop Career Centers and the
Department's registered apprenticeship programs; leverage investments
such as the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative; improve
access to the post-secondary and community college system; and broker
connections to the workforce system's business partners.
B. ETA's Youth Vision
ETA has set an overarching priority for the entire workforce
investment system by providing adults and youth with the necessary
educational, occupational and other skills training and services needed
by business and industry in the 21st century economy. Education
initiatives, particularly
[[Page 20876]]
alternative education programs such as YouthBuild, have taken on new
importance within the workforce system. Efforts to create a skilled,
well-trained, and demand-driven workforce are important for several
reasons:
A severe crisis faces our nation's workforce: Too many
youth are leaving high school without their diplomas, unprepared for
post-secondary training and employment. The Educational Testing
Service's ``One-Third of a Nation: Rising Dropout Rates and Declining
Opportunities'' reports that one-third of all youth who begin ninth
grade will not receive a high school diploma. Eleven percent of 16-24
year olds nationally, or 3.8 million youth, are out of school and have
neither a diploma nor a GED. This problem is particularly pronounced in
urban areas: in almost half of the schools in the largest 35 central
cities, the number of twelfth graders was half or less than the number
of students enrolled in ninth grade three years earlier. These youth
represent an untapped labor pool and a valuable resource for employers.
Our economy needs these youth to be part of the economy if we are to
compete globally.
The connection between earning and learning: Income and
education are more closely linked than in any time in our history.
Eighty percent of the fastest growing jobs require education and
training beyond high school. College students earn on average 70% more
than high school students. High school dropouts are four times more
likely than college graduates to be unemployed. Low-income Americans
have far higher rates of dropping out of high school and far lower
rates of enrolling in college and obtaining a postsecondary credential
than their middle or higher income peers. The earning power of high
school drop-outs has been in almost continuous decline over the past
three decades; in 2002, the earnings of male dropouts declined 32%.
Female dropouts experienced a 14% decline.
State and regional economies are being negatively impacted
by low graduation rates: According to calculations done by the Alliance
for Excellent Education, improving state high school graduation rates
could produce significant wage increases, resulting in healthier state
economies.
A new workforce ``supply pipeline'': ETA's Youth Vision
recognizes out-of-school youth and those most at risk of dropping out
as an important part of the new workforce ``supply pipeline'' that
businesses need to fill job vacancies in the service-producing
knowledge economy. However, without re-connecting these youth to high
quality educational opportunities, they will not be adequately prepared
to participate in today's economy. ETA's Youth Vision focuses
investment of WIA resources on connecting youth with high quality
education and employment services. (http://www.doleta.gov/ryf/WhiteHouseReport/VMO.cfm
). Alternative education is an important way
for disconnected youth to re-enter the workforce supply chain and
compete for high quality jobs in a demand-driven system. YouthBuild
will serve as a ``flagship'' program to demonstrate ETA's commitment to
high quality, innovative alternative educational learning opportunities
that prepare youth for post-secondary education and employment.
C. YouthBuild Program Objectives
Funds made available through the YouthBuild grants will be used to
carry out a YouthBuild program with the following core objectives:
To enable disadvantaged youth to obtain the education and
employment skills necessary to achieve economic self-sufficiency in
occupations in demand and post-secondary education and training
opportunities;
To provide disadvantaged youth with opportunities for
meaningful work and service to their communities;
To foster the development of employment and leadership
skills and commitment to community development among youth in low-
income communities; and
To expand the supply of permanent affordable housing for
homeless individuals and low-income families by utilizing the energies
and talents of disadvantaged youth.
D. Key Components and Additional Information About the YouthBuild Grant
Application Process
What Type of Information Should be Addressed in the Design of the
Program?
Part II of the application contains the Technical Proposal which
should address specific grant requirements identified in Section A of
Part V of this SGA. Applicants applying for these grants are asked to
describe their community, the youth to be served, the need for this
Federal support, and their plan for providing education, skills
training, and leadership development services to youth. They must
describe how their efforts contribute to the overall economic
development of their community. They must also demonstrate that they
have established partnerships with--or made a good faith effort to
establish partnerships with--the K-12 public education system, local
community colleges, the juvenile justice system, registered
apprenticeship programs, Local Workforce Investment Boards, and/or the
local housing authority. Applicants are expected to identify their plan
to leverage other Federal, State, or local funding, as well as private
funding sources, to provide other ``wrap around'' supportive services
as well as to support the costs associated with their defined
construction project. Applicants are asked to describe their previous
experience operating YouthBuild or similar youth programs with
educational components. Applicants are asked to describe how
occupational safety is addressed at their worksite. They are asked to
describe their organization's ability to manage this grant.
What Size Grants Are Available?
Applicants can apply for three-year grants (two years of program
operations with a twelve-month follow-up period) that will range from
$700,000 to $1.1 million. These grants will be incrementally funded,
with half of the grant funds awarded this year, fiscal year (FY) 2007,
for the first twelve months of operations. Pending satisfactory
performance and availability of funds, the remaining funds would be
awarded next year (FY 2008) for second year operations. These awards
will support two years of core program operations (education,
occupational skills training, and youth leadership development
activities) plus an additional twelve months of follow-up support
services and tracking of participant outcomes for each cohort of youth.
Roughly 5% of total funds should be reserved for the twelve-month
follow-up period.
What Roles Might Partners Play in Partnerships?
Each collaborative partner must have a clearly defined role. These
roles must be verified through a letter of commitment (not just a
letter of support) submitted by each partner. The letter of commitment
must detail the role the partner will play in the project, including
specific responsibilities and resources committed, if appropriate.
These letters must clearly indicate the partnering organization's
unique contribution and commitment to the project.
Disadvantaged youth possess a wide range of challenges that must be
addressed by multiple strategies, organizations and agencies.
Partnerships and partnership roles will vary depending on the
applicant's strategy and participant needs. However, ETA
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expects that the applicant will make a good-faith effort to attract the
following partners and that each collaborative partner will, at a
minimum, contribute in the following ways:
Education and training providers (K-12, adult education, community
and technical colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and other
training entities) are important foundational partners to ensure the
project's activities are tied to the broader continuum of education
providers in the community. These entities assist in developing and
implementing industry-driven workforce education strategies in
partnerships with employers including competency models, curricula, and
new learning methodologies, such as technology-based learning. Whenever
possible, the YouthBuild program should strive to be connected in a
meaningful way with the K-12 system for the purpose of (1) ensuring a
wider variety of educational opportunities within the community as a
whole and (2) as a drop-out prevention strategy. YouthBuild programs
should also be connected to post-secondary training opportunities,
particularly community colleges, whenever possible to ensure the smooth
transition of YouthBuild participants into post-secondary training
opportunities available through community colleges, including the use
of articulation agreements and staff development for YouthBuild staff.
Employers (including professional organizations and associations)
should be actively engaged in the project and should participate fully
in grant activities including: defining the program strategy and goals;
identifying needed skills and competencies; designing training
approaches and curricula; contributing financial support; and, where
appropriate, hiring qualified YouthBuild graduates.
The workforce investment system (which may include State and Local
Workforce Investment Boards, State Workforce Agencies, and One-Stop
Career Centers and their cooperating partners, as such terms are
defined under the Workforce Investment Act) may play a number of roles,
including: identifying and assessing potential candidates for
YouthBuild; working collaboratively to leverage WIA investments through
co-enrollment with the Youth Formula program; referring qualified
candidates to the YouthBuild program for enrollment; providing access
to ``wrap around'' supportive services, when appropriate; providing
local labor market information to YouthBuild staff and participants;
and connecting qualified YouthBuild graduates to employers that have
existing job openings.
The juvenile justice system is an important partner in referring
potential participants to the YouthBuild program, providing support and
guidance for YouthBuild participants with court involvement, and
assisting in the reporting of recidivism rates among YouthBuild
participants. Some YouthBuild participants may be placed in the program
as a form of alternative sentencing or for re-entry services. In these
instances, police, parole and probation, detention and juvenile
correction facilities, judges, and social workers will be critically
important partners for creating a safety net to prevent recidivism and
ensure attachment to the community.
Faith-based and community organizations can be valuable partners in
the YouthBuild program. These organizations may provide a variety of
grant services, such as case management, mentoring, and English as a
Second Language (ESL) courses, and other comprehensive supportive
services, when appropriate, for YouthBuild participants.
In situations where these partnerships are not supported with
letters of commitment, the applicants should, at a minimum, demonstrate
that the potential partner was contacted and provided a sufficient
opportunity for response. It is suggested that applicants use
registered mail to demonstrate such efforts.
What If Two or More Organizations Submit Separate Applications To Serve
the Same Urban or Rural Community?
If more than one proposal to serve the same urban or rural
community is rated highly, ETA will consider whether the urban or rural
community is large enough to support more than one project.
Can a National or Regional Organization Apply To Serve Multiple Urban
or Rural Communities?
Yes, but a separate application must be submitted for each
metropolitan area that the organization proposes to serve. The
organization must demonstrate that it has an existing presence in each
urban or rural community for which it is applying. Single proposals
applying to serve multiple urban and rural areas will not be
considered. If submitting multiple applications to serve various
localities, applicants are encouraged to evaluate each community on its
own merits and ensure that each proposal supports the unique
characteristics of the community and the participants that it will be
serving. A single application may cross community boundaries.
What Is the Definition of ``Low-Income'' Family for the Purposes of
Program Eligibility?
The definition of ``low-income family'' is taken directly from the
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2)) which states:
''The term `low-income families' means those families whose
incomes do not exceed 80 per centum of the median income for the
area, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller
and larger families, except that the Secretary may establish income
ceilings higher or lower than 80 per centum of the median for the
area on the basis of the Secretary's findings that such variations
are necessary because of prevailing levels of construction costs or
unusually high or low family incomes.''
The median for the area can be found at HUD's Web site: http://www.huduser.org/datasets/il.htmlWhat
Are Allowable Uses of Grant Funds?
Allowable uses of grant funds may include:
(1) Education and Workforce Activities, such as:
Basic skills instruction and remedial education;
Language instruction educational programs for individuals
with limited English proficiency;
Secondary education services and activities, including
tutoring, study skills training, and dropout prevention activities,
designed to lead to the attainment of a secondary school diploma,
General Education Development (GED) credential, or other State-
recognized equivalent (including recognized alternative standards for
individuals with disabilities);
Counseling and assistance in obtaining post-secondary
education and required financial aid;
Alternative secondary school services;
Work experience and skills training (coordinated, to the
maximum extent feasible, with pre-apprenticeship and registered
apprenticeship programs) in housing rehabilitation and construction
activities;
Occupational skills training; and
Other paid and unpaid work experiences, including
internships and job shadowing.
(2) Counseling services and related activities, such as
comprehensive guidance and counseling on drug and alcohol abuse and
referral.
(3) Youth development activities, such as:
Community service and peer-centered activities encouraging
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responsibility and other positive social behaviors, and
Activities related to youth policy committees that allow
YouthBuild participants to engage in local policy and decision-making
related to the program.
(4) Supportive services and provision of need-based stipends
necessary to enable individuals to participate in the program.
(5) Supportive services to assist individuals, for a period not to
exceed 12 months after the completion of training, in obtaining or
retaining employment, or applying for and transitioning to post-
secondary education.
(6) Supervision and training for participants in the rehabilitation
or construction of housing, including residential housing for homeless
individuals or low-income families, or transitional housing for
homeless individuals.
(7) Supervision and training for participants in the rehabilitation
or construction of community and other public facilities.
(8) Payment of a portion of the administrative costs of the
grantee.
(9) Mentoring of participants by qualified adults.
(10) Provision of wages, stipends, or benefits to participants in
the program.
(11) Ongoing training and technical assistance for staff that are
related to developing and carrying out the program.
(12) Follow-up services.
(13) Equipment and/or supplies related to the YouthBuild activities
funded through this grant.
What Are the Limitations for Use of ETA Funds for Paid Work
Experiences, Needs-Based Stipends, Wages, and Other Supportive
Services?
If the applicant plans to use grant funds for paid work
experiences, needs-based stipends, wages, and other supportive services
for the participants, sufficient information must be provided in the
budget narrative to clearly justify the proposed amounts to be
provided.
Can Funds Be Used for Rehabilitation or Construction of Buildings Other
Than Low-Income Housing?
Yes. In training participants, up to 10 percent of grant funds may
be used in the rehabilitation or construction of community and other
public facilities. The remaining 90 percent of funds must be used to
train participants in the rehabilitation or construction of low-income
housing.
How Will Success Be Measured Under These Grants?
The three outcome measures are:
Literacy and numeracy gains.
High School diploma/GED/certification attainment rate.
Placement in employment/post-secondary education/
occupational skills training/military.
In addition, grantees may report on a number of interim indicators
that will serve as predictors of success. Interim indicators include:
Placement retention rate.
Enrollment rate.
Participation in education/training activities.
Workforce preparation.
Recidivism.
Mentoring.
Community service/leadership activities.
In applying for these grants, organizations agree to submit updated
Management Information System (MIS) data on enrollee characteristics,
services provided, placements, outcomes, and follow-up status.
II. Award Information
A. Award Amount
ETA intends to fund approximately 90-100 grants ranging from
$700,000 to $1.1 million through this competition; however, this does
not preclude ETA from funding grants at either a lower or higher
amount, or funding a smaller or larger number of projects, based on the
type and the number of quality submissions. Applicants are encouraged
to submit budgets within this range for quality projects at whatever
funding level is appropriate to their project.
B. Period of Performance
Grants will be awarded for a three-year period of performance. This
includes two years of core program operations (education, occupational
skills training, and youth leadership development activities) for two
or more cohorts of youth plus an additional twelve months of follow-up
support services and tracking of participant outcomes for each cohort
of youth.
III. Eligibility Information and Other Grant Specifications
A. Eligible Applicants
An organization is an eligible applicant for these grants if it is
a public or private nonprofit agency or organization (including a
consortium of such agencies or organizations with a designated lead
applicant), including:
Community-based organizations;
Faith-based organizations;
An entity carrying out activities under this WIA, such as
a local workforce investment board or One-Stop Career Center;
A community action agency;
A state or local housing development agency;
An Indian tribe or other agency primarily serving Indians;
A community development corporation;
A state or local youth service conservation corps; or
Any other relevant public or private non-profit entity
that provides education or employment training and can meet the
required elements of the grant.
B. Eligible Enrollees
An individual may participate in a YouthBuild program only if such
individual is:
Between the ages of 16 and 24 on the date of enrollment;
and
A member of a disadvantaged youth population such as a
member of a low-income family, a youth in foster care (including youth
aging out of foster care), a youth offender, a youth who is an
individual with a disability, a child of an incarcerated parent, or a
migrant youth; and
A school dropout.
Up to (but not more than) 25 percent of the participants in the
program may be youth who do not meet the education or disadvantaged
criteria above but are:
Basic skills deficient, despite attainment of a secondary
school diploma, General Education Development (GED) credential, or
other state-recognized equivalent (including recognized alternative
standards for individuals with disabilities); or
Have been referred by a local secondary school for
participation in a YouthBuild program leading to the attainment of a
secondary school diploma.
C. Matching Funds and Leveraged Resources
Aligning resources and leveraging funding are key components of
success under the Youthbuild grant program. Therefore, applicants must
provide cash or in-kind resources equivalent to at least 25 percent of
the grant award amount as matching funds. Please note that neither
prior investments nor Federal resources may be counted as match.
To be allowable as part of match, a cost must be an allowable
charge for Federal grant funds. Determinations of allowable costs will
be made in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles as
indicated in Part IV(E). If the cost would not be allowable as a grant-
funded charge, then it also
[[Page 20879]]
cannot be counted toward matching funds. Matching funds must be
expended during the grant period of performance.
Please note that applicants are expected to fulfill the match
amount specified on their SF-424 application and SF-424a budget form.
Upon completion of the grant, if the match amount specified by the
applicant is not met or if a portion of the matching funds are found to
be an unallowable cost, the amount of DOL grant funds may be decreased
on a dollar for dollar basis. This may result in the repayment of funds
to DOL.
Applicants are encouraged to leverage additional funds outside of
the match to supplement the project as a whole. Matching funds and
leveraged resources could come from a variety of sources including:
public sector (e.g., state or local governments); non-profit sector
(e.g., community organizations, faith-based organizations, or education
and training institutions); private sector (e.g., businesses or
industry associations); investor community (e.g., angel networks or
economic development entities); and the philanthropic community (e.g.,
foundations).
Applicants should clearly make the distinction of what will be
considered matching funds versus ``additional'' leveraged funds. Only
the matching funds shall be shown on the SF-424 and SF-424a. The amount
of funds specified on these forms will be considered by DOL as the
applicant's match. All other leverage resources should be explained in
the budget narrative separate from the explanation of match.
Applications will be evaluated on how the match and leveraged funds are
fully integrated in support of program outcomes.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Address to Request Application Package
This SGA contains all of the information and links to forms needed
to apply for grant funding.
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
The proposal will consist of three separate and distinct parts--a
cost proposal (I), a technical proposal (II), and a description of and
information on the work site (III). Applications that fail to adhere to
the instructions in this section will be considered non-responsive and
will not be considered.
Part I. The Cost Proposal. The Cost Proposal must include the
following three items:
The Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal
Assistance'' (available at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm). The SF
424 must clearly identify the applicant and be signed by an individual
with authority to enter into a grant agreement. Upon confirmation of an
award, the individual signing the SF 424 on behalf of the applicant
shall be considered the authorized representative of the applicant.
All applicants for Federal grant and funding opportunities
are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number. See Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) Notice of Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR
38402 (June 27, 2003). Applicants must supply their DUNS number on the
SF 424. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number that
uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy
and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access this Web site:
http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711. The SF 424A Budget Information Form (available at http://
http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm). In preparing the Budget Information
Form, the applicant must provide a concise narrative explanation to
support the request. The budget narrative should break down the budget,
match and leveraged resources by project activity, should discuss cost-
per-participant, and should discuss precisely how the administrative
costs support the project goals. If the applicant plans to use grant
funds for paid work experiences, needs-based stipends, wages, and other
supportive services for the participants, sufficient information must
be provided in the budget narrative to clearly justify the proposed
amounts to be provided.
Please note that applicants that fail to provide a SF 424, SF 424A
and/or a budget narrative will be removed from consideration prior to
the technical review process. Only an applicant's match amount (not
other leveraged resources) should be listed on the SF 424 (Block 18)
and SF 424A Budget Information Form (Section A & C). The amount of
Federal funding requested for the entire period of performance (i.e. 3
years) should be shown together on the SF 424 and SF 424A Budget
Information Form. Applicants are also encouraged, but not required, to
submit OMB Survey N. 1890-0014: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity
for Applicants, which can be found at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm
.
Part II. The Technical Proposal. The Technical Proposal will
demonstrate the applicant's capability to implement the YouthBuild
grant project in accordance with the provisions of this solicitation.
The guidelines for the content of the Technical Proposal are provided
in Part V Section A of this SGA. The Technical Proposal is limited to
twenty (20) double-spaced single-sided pages with 12 point text font
and one-inch margins. Any materials beyond the 20-page limit will not
be read. Also, applicants should number the Technical Proposal
beginning with page number 1.
In addition to the 20-page Technical Proposal, the applicant must
provide an organization chart that reflects how the YouthBuild program
will be staffed. In instances where the YouthBuild program is part of a
larger organization (e.g., a Housing Authority), please include a
diagram that indicates where the YouthBuild program fits within the
larger organization. Also, the applicant must provide a timeline
outlining project activities; letters of commitment from partners; and
a two-page Abstract summarizing the proposed project including
applicant name, project title, and the funding level requested. The
Abstract should note whether the application is being submitted as an
urban, rural, or Native American application. These additional
materials do not count against the 20-page limit for the Technical
Proposal, but may not exceed fifteen (15) pages. Any materials beyond
the 15-page limit will not be read.
Part III. The Work Site Description. The application must include
all of the following information relating to the planned work site for
this project. This information should be presented on official
letterhead of the presenting organization in the order outlined below,
identifying supplemental documents as applicable:
(1) Official document(s) from the Applicant (on applicant
organization's letterhead). This/these document(s) must:
Identify the location of the site(s) or property(ies)
(e.g., addresses, parcel numbers, etc.) that will be used for on-site
construction.
Include information identifying, and a description of, the
financing proposed for the (a) rehabilitation of the property involved;
(b) acquisition of the property; (c) construction of the property; and
(d) supplies. Also, fully describe how financing for the building of
the site will be supported.
Include information identifying, and a description of, the
entity that will operate and manage the property.
Include a certification that the applicant will comply
with the requirements of the Fair Housing Act
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(42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) and will affirmatively further fair housing.
Include information on how the program will provide for
inclusion of tenants who were previously homeless individuals in the
rental housing provided through this grant.
(2) Official document from the property owner or property
management company or companies allowing access to the housing site(s)
for on-site construction training. DOL will deem non-responsive any
application that fails to specifically identify the location of the on-
site construction, including evidence of site access. Guidance on
evidence of site access is as follows:
If the applicant has a contract or option to purchase the
property, include a copy of the contract or option; or
If a third party owns the property or has a contract or
option to purchase, that third party must provide a letter stating the
nature of the ownership and specifically providing access to the
property for the purposes of the program and the time frame in which
the property will be available. In the case of a contract or option,
include a copy of the document.
(3) Official certification by a public official responsible for the
housing strategy for the State or unit of general local government
within which the proposed program is located (on official agency
letterhead) that the proposed program is consistent with the housing
strategy.
C. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses
The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is July 3, 2007. Applications must be successfully
submitted through http://www.grants.gov no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Applications sent by mail, e-mail, telegram, or facsimile (fax) will
not be accepted. Applications that do not meet the conditions set forth
in this notice will not be honored. No exceptions to the requirements
set forth in this notice will be granted.
Paper applications will not be accepted. All applications must be
submitted electronically at http://www.grants.gov. Any application
received after the deadline will not be accepted. It is strongly
recommended that before the applicant begins to write the proposal,
applicants immediately initiate and complete the ''Get Started'' steps
to register at http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted. These steps may take
several days to complete and should be factored into the plans for
electronic application submission in order to avoid facing unexpected
delays that could result in the rejection of the application. To ensure
that the application is submitted on time, it is recommended that it is
submitted multiple days before the due date in order to address any
technical difficulties that may be encountered. It is the sole
responsibility of the applicant to ensure timely submission.
Applications should be submitted as a .doc or .pdf file.
D. Intergovernmental Review
This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order (EO)
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
E. Funding Restrictions
All proposal costs must be necessary and reasonable in accordance
with Federal guidelines. Determinations of allowable costs will be made
in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles, e.g., Non-
Profit Organizations--OMB Circular A-122. Disallowed costs are those
charges to a grant that the grantor agency or its representative
determines not to be allowed in accordance with the applicable Federal
Cost Principles or other conditions contained in the grant. Applicants
will not be entitled to reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by
Organizations that Receive Federal Financial Assistance. The government
is generally prohibited from providing direct financial assistance for
inherently religious activities. See 29 CFR Part 2, Subpart D.
Provision relating to the use of indirect support (such as through
vouchers) are at 29 CFR 2.33(c) and 20 CFR 667.266. These grants may
not be used to directly support religious instruction, worship, prayer,
proselytizing or other inherently religious practices. Neutral, secular
criteria that neither favor nor disfavor religion must be employed in
the selection of grant and sub-grant recipients. In addition, under the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and ETA regulations implementing the
Workforce Investment Act, a recipient may not use direct Federal
assistance to train a participant in religious activities, or employ
participants to construct, operate, or maintain any part of a facility
that is used or to be used for religious instruction or worship. See 29
CFR 37.6(f). Under WIA, ``no individual shall be excluded from
participation in, denied the benefits of, subjected to discrimination
under, or denied employment in the administration of or in connection
with, any such program or activity because of race, color, religion,
sex (except as otherwise permitted under Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972), national origin, age, disability, or political
affiliation or belief.''
Indirect Costs. As specified in OMB Circular Cost Principles,
indirect costs are those that have been incurred for common or joint
objectives and cannot be readily identified with a particular cost
objective. In order to utilize grant funds for indirect costs incurred,
the applicant must obtain an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement with its
Federal Cognizant Agency either before or shortly after the grant
award. If an applicant already has a Federal Indirect Cost Rate
Agreement, that agreement may be used.
Administrative Costs. Under the YouthBuild grants, an entity that
receives a grant to carry out a project or program may not use more
than 15 percent of the amount of the grant to pay administrative costs
associated with the program or project. Administrative costs could be
both direct and indirect costs and are defined at 20 CFR 667.220.
Administrative costs do not need to be identified separately from
program costs on the SF 424A Budget Information Form. They should be
discussed in the budget narrative and tracked through the grantee's
accounting system. To claim any administrative costs that are also
indirect costs, the applicant must obtain an indirect cost rate
agreement from its Federal Cognizant Agency as specified above.
ETA Intellectual Property Rights. Applicants should note that
grantees must agree to provide DOL/ETA a fully paid, nonexclusive and
irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use for federal
purposes all products developed or for which ownership was purchased
under an award, including but not limited to curricula, training
models, technical assistance products, and any related materials, and
to authorize them to do so. Such uses include, but are not limited to,
the right to modify and distribute such products worldwide by any
means, electronically or otherwise.
F. Withdrawal of Applications
Applications may be withdrawn by written notice or telegram
(including mailgram) received at any time before an award is made.
Applications may be withdrawn in person by the applicant or by an
authorized representative thereof, if the representative's identity is
made known and the representative signs a receipt for the proposal.
[[Page 20881]]
V. Application Review Information
A. Evaluation Criteria
This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be
used to evaluate proposals for a YouthBuild Grant. These criteria and
point values are:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criterion Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Statement of Need........................................... 10
2. Program Management and Organizational Capacity.............. 10
3. Project Design, Service Strategy, and Program Outcomes...... 40
4. Linkages to Key Partners and Leveraged Resources............ 25
5. Evidence of Past Success in YouthBuild or Other Relevant 15
Programs......................................................
--------
Total Possible Points...................................... 100
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Statement of Need (10 Points)
Please describe the community where the YouthBuild program will
operate. Identify the need for a YouthBuild program in the community
that is proposed to be served through the grant and demonstrate the
need for the project in that area. Applicants are expected to present
information on various characteristics of the community(ies) in which
they expect to operate. If there are particular neighborhoods within
the city where the grant will be focused, describe these neighborhoods
and provide available data specific to those areas. Required
information includes the population of the area, its poverty rate, the
incidence of homelessness, shortage of affordable housing, its
unemployment rate, the drop-out rate, and the number of 18-24 year olds
without a high school diploma. To obtain these indicators, applicants
can use census tract data from the 2000 census--go to http://factfinder.census.gov
and use the link on the left for People.
To find the cohort rate for dropouts in the area being served,
provide the 9th grade enrollment at each high school within the
proposed community for 2001 and the graduating class for those same
high schools in May/June 2005. All of these indicators should be
presented in chart form and the applicant must provide the sources for
the data provided.
If the organization plans to build or rehabilitate houses or
community/public facilities in a different community from that in which
youth will be recruited, present the homelessness and poverty data for
that area and the unemployment, poverty, and dropout data for the area
in which the organization will be recruiting youth participants.
Applicants will be evaluated on the clear and specific need for a
YouthBuild program in their community.
2. Program Management and Organizational Capacity (10 Points)
Please provide a description of the applicant organization and a
statement of its qualifications for running a YouthBuild program
including years of operation, current annual budget, experience of
staff and continuity of leadership and their relevant experience.
Please fully describe the organization's capacity to track and report
outcomes. Please discuss the professional development activities
available to staff, either on-site or through training funds.
Please fully describe any previous experience of the organization
in operating grants from either Federal or non-Federal sources.
Describe the fiscal controls in place in the organization for auditing
and accountability procedures.
Please describe the organization's ability to handle multiple
funding streams. As some grantees may be simultaneously managing grants
from both HUD and DOL in the next few years, it is especially important
that organizations be able to demonstrate that they have accounting
systems in place that are able to manage multiple funding streams in an
organized and delineated manner.
Applicants must describe their proposed project management
structure including, where appropriate, the identification of a
proposed project manager, discussion of the proposed staffing pattern,
and the qualifications and experience of key staff members.
Scoring under this criterion will be based on the extent to which
applicants provide evidence of the following:
The time commitment of the proposed staff is sufficient to
ensure proper direction, management, and timely completion of the
project.
The roles and contribution of staff, consultants, and
collaborative organizations are clearly defined and linked to specific
objects and tasks.
The background, experience, and other qualifications of
the staff are sufficient to carry out their designated roles.
The applicant organization has significant capacity to
accomplish the goals and outcomes of the project, including the ability
to collect and manage data in a way that allows consistent, accurate,
and expedient reporting.
3. Project Design, Service Strategy, and Program Outcomes (40 Points
Total)
a. How will youth be recruited and selected for the program? (5 points)
Please provide a description that fully demonstrates how eligible
youth will be recruited and selected as participants, including a
description of arrangements that will be made with Local Workforce
Investment Boards, One-Stop Career Centers, faith-based and community
organizations, state educational agencies or local educational agencies
(including agencies of Indian tribes), public assistance agencies, the
courts of jurisdiction, agencies operating shelters for homeless
individuals and other agencies that serve youth who are homeless
individuals, foster care agencies, and other appropriate public and
private agencies. Please provide a description that fully demonstrates
the special outreach efforts that will be undertaken to recruit
eligible young women (including young women with dependent children) as
participants.
Applicants will be evaluated on the quality and comprehensiveness
of their recruitment strategy including methods for outreach, referral,
and selection. In addition, applicants will be evaluated on the
program's unique efforts to recruit eligible young women into the
YouthBuild program.
b. How will education and occupational skills training be delivered to
youth? (15 points)
Please provide a description that fully demonstrates the
educational and job training activities (particularly construction/
building trades occupational training), work opportunities, post-
secondary education and training opportunities, and other services that
will be provided to participants, and how those activities,
opportunities, and services will prepare youth for employment in
occupations in demand in the local labor market. Given the connection
between education and earnings, it is ETA's expectation that the
academic component will be rigorous and challenging and will provide
youth with opportunities to transition to post-secondary training. The
program should be structured so that participants in the program are
offered education and related services designed to meet educational
needs for at least 50 percent of the time during which they participate
in the program. YouthBuild program participants must be offered work
and skill development activities for at least 40 percent of the time
during which they participate in the program. The proposal will be
rated on the quality of the education program, the
[[Page 20882]]
quality of the occupational skills training, and the integration of
these two components.
(1) Education
Please indicate the type of academic credential that participants
earn while in the program (GED or high school diploma). Please fully
describe the quality of the academic program and the qualifications of
the teaching staff. Fully describe any innovative and successful
strategies that the program or initiative has used to address low basic
skills of participants. If distance learning and/or credit retrieval is
used, please fully describe how this is incorporated into the overall
academic program. Please fully describe the relationship between the
program and the local school district(s).
Please fully demonstrate how the academic program is integrated
with the occupational skills training component of the program. Please
explain how academic and occupational skills training instructors work
together to reinforce and complement classroom and workplace lessons.
Please describe other innovative teaching strategies used in the
program.
Please explain how the program explicitly links participants to
local community colleges and trade schools, particularly for YouthBuild
programs that only offer GEDs to participants.
Please describe the types of college exploration, planning,
preparation, and assistance that will be provided. Describe the types
of follow-up services that will be provided to support youth as they
transition to post-secondary education and ensure that they graduate.
(2) Occupational Skills Training
Please discuss the occupational skills training component of the
program including where and how the training will be conducted, how the
curriculum is developed, the type of industry recognized credentials
that result from the training, and the involvement of industry partners
in the development of the training. Describe how the applied learning
of the construction trades will improve and enhance the academic
outcomes for the youth. Please describe the skills and qualifications
of the occupational skills training instructors.
Please provide a description of the wages or stipends structure for
participants. Provide labor market information for the community,
state, and/or region where the YouthBuild program will be implemented,
including both current data (as of the date of submission of the
application) and projections on career opportunities in growing
industries. Please explain how the YouthBuild program will prepare
youth for the local labor market in demand driven occupations that
include construction-related and other high-growth career fields.
Please describe how the organization will oversee the worksite to
identify existing and potential hazards, how youth will be trained to
protect themselves from potential worksite accidents, and how hazards
will be prevented and controlled through policies and procedures.
Provide information on how worksite supervisors will be trained to
ensure worksite safety. Please indicate the ration of adults to youth
at construction training sites.
Please note that YouthBuild projects will be required to follow
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines in the
operation of their construction projects and to submit incident reports
to ETA of injuries occurring on worksites. ETA will require that
YouthBuild grantees:
Provide comprehensive documented training on construction
safety for youth working on YouthBuild projects, including requirements
for youth to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in hazard
identification, abatement, and safe work practices.
Demonstrate compliance with federal and state child labor
laws and occupational safety and health regulations.
Provide written jobsite-specific safety plans overseen by
an on-site supervisor with the knowledge, skills, and authority to
correct safety and health hazards and enforce the site-specific safety
plan.
Provide necessary personal protective equipment to youth
working on YouthBuild projects.
Report all injuries and illnesses to youth working on
YouthBuild projects, along with documentation on remedial measures to
prevent future similar injuries and help ensure that YouthBuild is a
model program that takes active steps for participant safety and
health.
c. How will community service learning and leadership development
opportunities be provided for youth in the program? (10 points)
Please fully describe the proposed leadership curriculum,
qualifications of instructors, and the impact of the proposed
leadership activities on the target area. The application must fully
describe the leadership development training that will be offered to
participants, the expected leadership competencies with which
participants will graduate, youth committee involvement strategies,
efforts for providing the training to build group cohesion and peer
support, and opportunities for continued leadership after graduation.
Please describe how community service learning opportunities will be
implemented at the site.
Applicants will be evaluated on the quality of leadership
development and community service learning activities. In addition, the
proposal will be evaluated on how these activities are integrated with
academic, skills training, and career exploration components of the
program.
d. What types of post-program transition services will be provided?
What types of follow-up services will be provided? Post-program
transition services are defined as services offered during program
enrollment that will assist a young person in making a successful
transition from the YouthBuild program into employment and/or post-
secondary education and training programs. Follow-up services are
services provided to a YouthBuild program participant upon exit from
the program. (10 points)
Please fully describe the types of post-program transition services
that will be offered to prepare youth for career pathway opportunities
and placements and/or educational opportunities and placements. Please
fully describe how each individual's work readiness will be assessed
and how work readiness training will be provided. Also describe how an
individual's readiness for placement in post-secondary education and/or
apprenticeship programs will be assessed. Please fully demonstrate the
types of career exploration and planning activities that will be
offered by the program, particularly for high-growth, high-demand, and
high-wage occupations. For a list of the U.S. Department of Labor's
Employment and Training Administration's Targeted High-Growth
Industries, go to: http://www.doleta.gov/BRG/eta_default.cfm.
Please fully describe the program's job placement and retention
strategy including how the program will work with employers and/or One-
Stop Career Centers to identify and create job openings for the young
people served by the program.
Please fully describe the types of follow-up that will be provided
to program graduates. These supportive services should relate to
employment placement and retention, post-secondary transition and
degree attainment. Describe how appropriate
[[Page 20883]]
continued support services will be provided.
Important elements for evaluation include:
The degree to which work readiness and career exploration
are integrated into the core mission and activities of the program.
The program's consistent ability to provide post-program
planning for participants.
The structure of its participant follow-up service
strategy.
4. Linkages to Key Partners, Match and Leveraged Resources and Regional
Economic Development Strategies (25 points total)
a. Who are the key partners that will be supporting the program? (10
points)
Please describe the key partners who will be involved in the
proposed YouthBuild project. Specifically, describe in detail the
activities to be undertaken by partners, the level of commitment from
each partnering organization, and their qualifications to assist with
this project. As an attachment, the applicant should include letters of
commitment from key partners that demonstrate the strength and maturity
of the partnership including previous collaboration on projects.
Please provide a description of how the proposed program will
coordinate with Federal, state, and local agencies and Indian tribes to
access services, including local workforce investment activities,
vocational education programs, limited English proficiency instruction
programs, and activities conducted by public schools, community
colleges, and national service programs, as well as other job training
provided with funds available under this title.
Please describe the partnerships with the juvenile justice system
or housing and community development systems.
Please fully describe the specific role of employers in the
proposed program, such as their role in developing the proposed program
and assisting in service provision and in placement activities.
Please fully describe the program's relationship with local
building trade unions and their role in training, the relationship of
the proposed program to established registered apprenticeship programs
and employers, and the ability of the applicant to grant industry-
recognized skills certifications through the program.
Points for this factor will be awarded based on: (a) The
comprehensiveness of the partnership and the degree to which each key
partner plays a committed role in the proposed project; (b) their
knowledge and experience concerning the proposed grant activities, and
their ability to impact the success of the project; and (c) evidence,
including letters of commitment, that key partners have expressed a
clear dedication to the project and understand their areas of
responsibility. Applicants should provide evidence of a plan for
interaction and communication between partners and the demonstrated
ability of the lead agency to successfully manage partnerships.
b. What match and other leveraged resources are being contributed to
this project? (10 points)
Applicants should clearly describe the required matching funds and
any additional funds or resources leveraged in support of the proposed
strategies and demonstrate how these funds will be used to contribute
to the goals of the project. Important elements of the explanation
include:
Which partners and/or grant subrecipients have contributed
match and leveraged resources and the extent of each contribution,
including an itemized description of each contribution.
The quality of the match and leveraged resources,
including the extent to which each contribution will be used to further
the goals of the project.
Evidence, such as letters of commitment, that key partners
have expressed a clear commitment to provide the contribution.
Assessment of this criterion will be based on the extent to which
the application fully describes the amount, commitment, nature, and
quality of match and leveraged resources. A match in the sum of at
least 25 percent of the Federal funding request must be provided.
Matching funds may be either cash or in-kind. Both matching funds and
additional leveraged resources will be scored based on the degree to
which the source and use of those resources are clearly explained and
the extent to which all resources are fully integrated into the project
to support grant outcomes.
d. Please Describe the Organization's Involvement in Regional Economic
Development Strategies. (5 Points)
Please fully describe how the organization is serving as a catalyst
for change in the community. Applicants should be able to fully
demonstrate how they have created such changes and stimulated economic
growth in their communities and how they would continue to support
community development as a YouthBuild grantee.
Please specifically describe how the program is integrated with
local, state, and/or regional strategies to develop deep talent pools
of young workers who will serve as a ``youth supply pipeline'' to drive
and support economic growth.
Applicants will be evaluated on the following:
The extent to which they understand the local and regional
economy and the role of youth workers in shaping the economy; and
The proposed role of YouthBuild training in stimulating
economic growth in high-demand occupations.
5. Evidence of Past & Projected Success In Youthbuild or Other Relevant
Programs (15 Points)
Please fully describe and document the past accomplishments
operating YouthBuild or similar youth programs with academic components
in the community. Please explain how long the program has been in
operation and provide annual performance data on the following factors:
Number of youth recruited.
Number of youth enrolled.
Number of youth completing the program.
Number and percent of youth receiving their GED or high
school diploma (please differentiate between the two).
Rate of literacy and numeracy gains by participants.
Number and percent of youth who have entered construction-
related employment.
Number and percent of youth who have entered other
employment.
Employment retention rates.
Number and percent of youth who have entered post-
secondary training or education.
Post-secondary training or education retention rates;
where available, please indicate the number of participants who have
completed post-secondary training or education and have achieved a
credential.
Number and percent of youth who have entered registered
apprenticeship programs.
Annual cost per participant.
Please indicate the expected performance outcomes if awarded a
grant (in terms of literacy and numeracy gains; high school diploma/GED
attainment; placement in employment, post-secondary education,
occupational skills training, or the military; and employment retention
rate).
Please indicate the types of private foundation funding the
organization has secured in the past. Also, fully describe
[[Page 20884]]
long-term partnerships with organizations that have added to the
robustness of the program and how the organization has sustained these
partnerships.
Please fully describe how both the academic and skills training
curriculum were developed and how long they have been used. Important
elements to be considered with this factor are:
The degree to which the performance data is provided and
documented.
The variety and types of funding streams and long-term
partnerships that the program has been able to attract to support
YouthBuild activities.
The complexity of construction activities undertaken and
the degree to which youth are exposed and trained in a variety of
construction skills.
B. Review and Selection Process
Proposals that are timely and responsive to the requirements of
this SGA will be rated against the criteria listed above by an
independent panel comprised of representatives from DOL, HUD, U.S.
Department of Justice (DOJ), and U.S. Department of Health & Human
Services (HHS) and other peers. The ranked scores will serve as the
primary basis for selection of applications for funding, in conjunction
with other factors such as urban, rural, and geographic balance;
whether the areas to be served have previously received grants for
YouthBuild programs; the availability of funds; and which proposals are
most advantageous to the Government. The panel results are advisory in
nature and not binding on the Grant Officer, and the Grant Officer may
consider any information that comes to his/her attention. The
Government may elect to award the grant(s) with or without discussions
with the applicants. Should a grant be awarded without discussions, the
award will be based on the applicant's signature on the SF 424, which
constitutes a binding offer by the applicant (including electronic
signature via E-Authentication on http://www.grants.gov).
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
All award notifications will be posted on the ETA homepage (http://www.doleta.gov
). Applicants selected for award will be contacted
directly before the grant's execution. Applicants not selected for
award will be notified by mail.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. Administrative Program Requirements
All grantees, including faith-based organizations, will be subject
to all applicable Federal laws (including provisions of appropriation
laws), regulations, and the applicable Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) Circulars. The grant(s) awarded under this SGA must comply with
all provisions of this solicitation and will be subject to the
following administrative standards and provisions, as applicable to the
particular grantee:
1. 20 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 667.220.
(Administrative Costs).
2. Non-Profit Organizations--Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Circulars A-122 (Cost Principles) and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative
Requirements).
3. Educational Institutions--OMB Circulars A-21 (Cost Principles)
and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
4. All entities must comply with 29 CFR Parts 93 and 98 and, where
applicable, 29 CFR Parts 96 and 99.
5. In accordance with Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of
1995, Public Law 104-65 (2 U.S.C. 1611) non-profit entities
incorporated under Internal Revenue Service Code section 501(c)(4) that
engage in lobbying activities are not eligible to receive Federal funds
and grants.
6. 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;
7. 29 CFR part 30--Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship
and Training;
8. 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;
9. 29 CFR part 32--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in
Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from Federal Financial
Assistance;
10. 29 CFR part 33--Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis
of Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of
Labor;
11. 29 CFR part 35--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in
Program or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the
Department of Labor;
12. 29 CFR part 36--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial
Assistance;
13. 29 CFR part 37--Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and
Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998
(WIA).
14. 29 CFR part 1926, Safety and Health Regulations for
Construction of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).
15. 29 CFR part 570, Child Labor Regulations, Orders and Statements
of Interpretation of the Employment Standards Child Labor Provisions.
Further, as a Federal agency, DOL has a statutory duty to
affirmatively further fair housing. ETA requires the same of its
funding recipients under this solicitation. If the organization is a
successful applicant, the organization will have a duty to
affirmatively further fair housing opportunities for classes protected
under the Fair Housing Act. Protected classes include race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status.
Therefore, the application should include specific steps to:
1. Overcome the effects of impediments to fair housing choice that
were identified in the jurisdiction's Analysis of Impediments (AI) to
Fair Housing Choice;
2. Remedy discrimination in housing; or
3. Promote fair housing rights and fair housing choice.
Further, the applicant has a duty to carry out the specific
activities provided in its responses to this solicitation that address
affirmatively furthering fair housing.
Note: Except as specifically provided in this Notice, DOL/ETA's
acceptance of a proposal and an award of Federal funds to sponsor
any program(s) does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements
and/or procedures. For example, OMB Circulars require that an
entity's procurement procedures must ensure that all procurement
transactions are conducted, as much as practical, to provide open
and free competition. If a proposal identifies a specific entity to
provide services, the DOL/ETA's award does not provide the
justification or basis to sole source the procurement, i.e., avoid
competition, unless the activity is regarded as the primary work of
an official partner to the application.
C. Special Program Requirements
Evaluation. ETA may require that the program or project participate
in an evaluation of overall performance of YouthBuild grants. To
measure the impact of the YouthBuild programs, ETA may arrange for or
conduct an independent evaluation of the outcomes and benefits of the
projects. Grantees
[[Page 20885]]
must agree to make records on participants, employers and funding
available, and to provide access to program operating personnel and
participants, as specified by the evaluator(s) under the direction of
ETA, including after the expiration date of the grant.
D. Reporting
Quarterly financial reports, quarterly progress reports, and MIS
data will be submitted by the grantee electronically. The grantee is
required to provide the reports and documents listed below:
Quarterly Financial Reports. A Quarterly Financial Status Report
(SF 269) is required until such time as all funds have been expended or
the grant period has expired. Quarterly reports are due 30 days after
the end of each calendar year quarter. Grantees must use ETA's On-Line
Electronic Reporting System and information and instructions will be
provided to grantees.
Quarterly Progress Reports. The grantee must submit a quarterly
progress report to their designated Federal Project Officer within 30
days after the end of each quarter. This report should provide a
detailed account of activities undertaken during that quarter. Grantees
must agree to meet ETA reporting requirements. The quarterly progress
report should be in narrative form and should include:
1. In-depth information on accomplishments, including project
success stories, upcoming grant activities, and promising approaches
and processes.
2. Progress toward performance outcomes, including updates on
product, curricula, and training development.
Injury Incident Reports. Organizations will be required to submit
incident reports of injuries received by enrollees on the job. ETA will
provide specifications for this reporting after grant award.
MIS Reports. Organizations will be required to submit updated MIS
data on enrollment, services provided, placements, outcomes, and
follow-up status. A government-procured MIS system will be provided at
no charge to all grantees. Grantees will be required to have industry-
standard computer hardware and high-speed Internet access in order to
use the MIS system. Grant funds may be used with the prior approval of
the Grant Officer to upgrade computer hardware and Internet access to
enable projects to use the MIS system.
Final Report. A draft final report must be submitted no later than
60 days prior to the expiration date of the grant. This report must
summarize project activities, employment outcomes, and related results
of the training project, and should thoroughly document capacity
building and training approaches. The final report should also include
copies of all deliverables, e.g. curricula and competency models. After
responding to ETA questions and comments on the draft report, three
copies of the final report must be submitted no later than the grant
expiration date. Grantees must agree to use a designated format
specified by ETA for preparing the final report.
VII. Agency Contacts
For further information regarding this SGA, please contact Donna
Kelly, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, at
(202) 693-3934 (please note this is not a toll-free number). Applicants
should fax all technical questions to (202) 693-2705 and must
specifically address the fax to the attention of Donna Kelly and should
include SGA/DFA PY 06-08, a contact name, fax and phone number, and
email address. This announcement is being made available on the ETA Web
site at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm, at http://www.grants.gov,
and in the Federal Register.
VIII. Additional Resources of Interest to Applicants and Other
Information Resources for the Applicant
ETA maintains a number of web-based resources that may be of
assistance to applicants:
The Web site for the Employment and Training
Administration (http://www.doleta.gov) is a valuable source for
background information on the President's High Growth Job Training
Initiative.
The Workforce3 One Web site (http://www.workforce3one.org
) is a valuable resource for information about
demand driven projects of the workforce investment system, educators,
employers, and economic development representatives.
America's Service Locator (http://www.servicelocator.org)
provides a directory of the nation's One-Stop Career Centers.
Career Voyages (http://www.careervoyages.com), a Web site
targeted at youth, parents, counselors, and career changers, provides
information about career opportunities in high-growth/high-demand
industries.
Applicants are encouraged to review ``Help with
Solicitation for Grant Applications'' (http://www.dol.gov/cfbci/sgabrochure.htm
).
For a basic understanding of the grants process and basic
responsibilities of receiving Federal grant support, please see
``Guidance for Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering
with the Federal Government'' (http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html
).
Other Information
OMB Information Collection No.: 1205-0458.
Expires: September 30, 2009.
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are
required to respond to a collection of information unless such
collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden
for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 hours per
response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing
data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing
and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding
the burden estimated or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the
U.S. Department of Labor, the OMB Desk Officer for ETA, Office of
Management and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503. Please do not
return the completed application to the OMB. Send it to the sponsoring
agency as specified in this solicitation.
This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a
grant. The information collected through this ``Solicitation for Grant
Applications'' will be used by the Department of Labor to ensure that
grants are awarded to the applicant best suited to perform the
functions of the grant. Submission of this information is required in
order for the applicant to be considered for award of this grant.
Unless otherwise specifically noted in this announcement, information
submitted in the respondent's application is not considered to be
confidential.
Signed at Washington, DC, this 19th day of April, 2007.
Eric D. Luetkenhaus,
Employment and Training Administration, Grant Officer.
[FR Doc. E7-7974 Filed 4-25-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-FT-P