Title 20—Employees' Benefits--Volume 1
PART 686—THE JOB CORPS UNDER TITLE I OF THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT
§ 686.100   What is the scope of this part?
The regulations in this part outline the requirements that apply to the Job Corps program. More detailed policies and procedures are contained in a Policy and Requirements Handbook issued by the Secretary. Throughout this part, “instructions (procedures) issued by the Secretary” and similar references refer to the Policy and Requirements Handbook and other Job Corps directives.
§ 686.110   What is the Job Corps program?
Job Corps is a national program that operates in partnership with States and communities, Local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs), Youth Standing Committees where established, one-stop centers and partners, and other youth programs to provide academic, career and technical education, service-learning, and social opportunities primarily in a residential setting, for low-income young people. The objective of Job Corps is to support responsible citizenship and provide young people with the skills they need to lead to successful careers that will result in economic self-sufficiency and opportunities for advancement in in-demand industry sectors or occupations or the Armed Forces, or to enrollment in postsecondary education.
§ 686.120   What definitions apply to this part?
The following definitions apply to this part:
Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) means an adverse enrollment status to which a student is assigned based on extended, unapproved absence from his/her assigned center or off-center place of duty. Students do not earn Job Corps allowances while in AWOL status.
Applicable Local WDB means a Local WDB that:
(1) Works with a Job Corps center and provides information on local employment opportunities and the job skills and credentials needed to obtain the opportunities; and
(2) Serves communities in which the graduates of the Job Corps seek employment.
Applicable one-stop center means a one-stop center that provides career transition services, such as referral, assessment, recruitment, and placement, to support the purposes of the Job Corps.
Capital improvement means any modification, addition, restoration or other improvement:
(1) Which increases the usefulness, productivity, or serviceable life of an existing site, facility, building, structure, or major item of equipment;
(2) Which is classified for accounting purposes as a “fixed asset;” and
(3) The cost of which increases the recorded value of the existing building, site, facility, structure, or major item of equipment and is subject to depreciation.
Career technical training means career and technical education and training.
Career transition service provider means an organization acting under a contract or other agreement with Job Corps to provide career transition services for graduates and, to the extent possible, for former students.
Civilian Conservation Center (CCC) means a center operated on public land under an agreement between the Department of Labor (the Department) and the Department of Agriculture, which provides, in addition to other training and assistance, programs of work-based learning to conserve, develop, or manage public natural resources or public recreational areas or to develop community projects in the public interest.
Contract center means a Job Corps center operated under a contract with the Department.
Contracting officer means an official authorized to enter into contracts or agreements on behalf of the Department.
Enrollee means an individual who has voluntarily applied for, been selected for, and enrolled in the Job Corps program, and remains with the program, but has not yet become a graduate. Enrollees also are referred to as “students” in this part.
Enrollment means the process by which an individual formally becomes a student in the Job Corps program.
Former enrollee means an individual who has voluntarily applied for, been selected for, and enrolled in the Job Corps program, but left the program prior to becoming a graduate.
Graduate means an individual who has voluntarily applied for, been selected for, and enrolled in the Job Corps program and who, as a result of participation in the program, has received a secondary school diploma or recognized equivalent, or has completed the requirements of a career technical training program that prepares individuals for employment leading to economic self-sufficiency or entrance into postsecondary education or training.
Individual with a disability means an individual with a disability as defined in sec. 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102).
Interagency agreement means a formal agreement between the Department and another Federal agency administering and operating centers. The agreement establishes procedures for the funding, administration, operation, and review of those centers as well as the resolution of any disputes.
Job Corps means the Job Corps program established within the Department of Labor and described in sec. 143 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Job Corps center means a facility and an organizational entity, including all of its parts, providing Job Corps training and designated as a Job Corps center, as described in sec. 147 of WIOA.
Job Corps Director means the chief official of the Job Corps or a person authorized to act for the Job Corps Director.
Low-income individual means an individual who meets the definition in WIOA sec. 3(36).
National Office means the national office of Job Corps.
National training contractor means a labor union, union-affiliated organization, business organization, association, or a combination of such organizations, which has a contract with the national office to provide career technical training, career transition services, or other services.
Operational support services means activities or services required to support the operation of Job Corps, including:
(1) Outreach and admissions services;
(2) Contracted career technical training and off-center training;
(3) Career transition services;
(4) Continued services for graduates;
(5) Certain health services; and
(6) Miscellaneous logistical and technical support.
Operator means a Federal, State or local agency, or a contractor selected under this subtitle to operate a Job Corps center under an agreement or contract with the Department.
Outreach and admissions provider means an organization that performs recruitment services, including outreach activities, and screens and enrolls youth under a contract or other agreement with Job Corps.
Participant, as used in this part, includes both graduates and enrollees and former enrollees that have completed their career preparation period. It also includes all enrollees and former enrollees who have remained in the program for at least 60 days.
Placement means student employment, entry into the Armed Forces, or enrollment in other training or education programs following separation from Job Corps.
Regional appeal board means the board designated by the Regional Director to consider student appeals of disciplinary discharges.
Regional Director means the chief Job Corps official of a regional office or a person authorized to act for the Regional Director.
Regional office means a regional office of Job Corps.
Regional Solicitor means the chief official of a regional office of the Department of Labor Office of the Solicitor, or a person authorized to act for the Regional Solicitor.
Separation means the action by which an individual ceases to be a student in the Job Corps program, either voluntarily or involuntarily.
Service provider means an entity selected under this subtitle to provide operational support services described in this subtitle to a Job Corps center.
Student means an individual enrolled in the Job Corps.
Unauthorized goods means:
(1) Firearms and ammunition;
(2) Explosives and incendiaries;
(3) Knives;
(4) Homemade weapons;
(5) All other weapons and instruments used primarily to inflict personal injury;
(6) Stolen property;
(7) Drugs, including alcohol, marijuana, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, tranquilizers, and drug paraphernalia except for drugs and/or paraphernalia that are prescribed for medical reasons; and
(8) Any other goods prohibited by the Secretary, center director, or center operator in a student handbook.
§ 686.200   How are Job Corps center locations and sizes determined?
(a) The Secretary must approve the location and size of all Job Corps centers based on established criteria and procedures.
(b) The Secretary establishes procedures for making decisions concerning the establishment, relocation, expansion, or closing of contract centers.
§ 686.210   How are center facility improvements and new construction handled?
The Secretary establishes procedures for requesting, approving, and initiating capital improvements and new construction on Job Corps centers.
§ 686.220   Who is responsible for the protection and maintenance of center facilities?
(a) The Secretary establishes procedures for the protection and maintenance of contract center facilities owned or leased by the Department of Labor, that are consistent with the current Federal Property Management Regulations.
(b) The U.S. Department of Agriculture, when operating Civilian Conservation Centers (CCC) on public land, is responsible for the protection and maintenance of CCC facilities.
(c) The Secretary issues procedures for conducting periodic facility surveys of centers to determine their condition and to identify needs such as correction of safety and health deficiencies, rehabilitation, and/or new construction.
§ 686.300   What entities are eligible to receive funds to operate centers and provide training and operational support services?
(a) Center operators. Entities eligible to receive funds under this subpart to operate centers include:
(1) Federal, State, and local agencies;
(2) Private organizations, including for-profit and non-profit corporations;
(3) Indian tribes and organizations; and
(4) Area career and technical education or residential career and technical schools.
(b) Service providers. Entities eligible to receive funds to provide outreach and admissions, career transition services and other operational support services are local or other entities with the necessary capacity to provide activities described in this part to a Job Corps center, including:
(1) Applicable one-stop centers and partners;
(2) Organizations that have a demonstrated record of effectiveness in serving at-risk youth and placing them into employment, including community action agencies; business organizations, including private for-profit and non-profit corporations; and labor organizations; and
(3) Child welfare agencies that are responsible for children and youth eligible for benefits and services under sec. 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677).
§ 686.310   How are entities selected to receive funding to operate centers?
(a) The Secretary selects eligible entities to operate contract centers on a competitive basis in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations. In selecting an entity, the Secretary issues requests for proposals (RFPs) for the operation of all contract centers according to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1) and Department of Labor Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 29). The Secretary develops RFPs for center operators in consultation with the Governor, the center workforce council (if established), and the Local WDB for the workforce development area in which the center is located.
(b) The RFP for each contract center describes uniform specifications and standards, as well as specifications and requirements that are unique to the operation of the specific center.
(c) The contracting officer selects and funds Job Corps contract center operators on the basis of an evaluation of the proposals received using criteria established by the Secretary, and set forth in the RFP. The criteria include the following:
(1) The offeror's ability to coordinate the activities carried out through the Job Corps center with activities carried out under the appropriate State and local workforce investment plans;
(2) The offeror's ability to offer career technical training that has been proposed by the workforce council and the degree to which the training reflects employment opportunities in the local areas in which most of the enrollees intend to seek employment;
(3) The degree to which the offeror demonstrates relationships with the surrounding communities, including employers, labor organizations, State WDBs, Local WDBs, applicable one-stop centers, and the State and region in which the center is located;
(4) The offeror's past performance, if any, relating to operating or providing activities to a Job Corps center, including information regarding the offeror in any reports developed by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Labor and the offeror's demonstrated effectiveness in assisting individuals in achieving the indicators of performance for eligible youth described in sec. 116(b)(2)(A)(ii) of WIOA, listed in § 686.1010; and
(5) The offeror's ability to demonstrate a record of successfully assisting at-risk youth to connect to the workforce, including providing them with intensive academics and career technical training.
(d) In order to be eligible to operate a Job Corps center, the offeror also must submit the following information at such time and in such manner as required by the Secretary:
(1) A description of the program activities that will be offered at the center and how the academics and career technical training reflect State and local employment opportunities, including opportunities in in-demand industry sectors and occupations recommended by the workforce council;
(2) A description of the counseling, career transition, and support activities that will be offered at the center, including a description of the strategies and procedures the offeror will use to place graduates into unsubsidized employment or education leading to a recognized postsecondary credential upon completion of the program;
(3) A description of the offeror's demonstrated record of effectiveness in placing at-risk youth into employment and postsecondary education, including past performance of operating a Job Corps center and as appropriate, the entity's demonstrated effectiveness in assisting individuals in achieving the indicators of performance for eligible youth described in sec. 116(b)(2)(A)(ii) of WIOA, listed in § 686.1010;
(4) A description of the relationships that the offeror has developed with State WDBs, Local WDBs, applicable one-stop centers, employers, labor organizations, State and local educational agencies, and the surrounding communities in which the center is located;
(5) A description of the offeror's ability to coordinate the activities carried out through the Job Corps center with activities carried out under the appropriate State Plan and local plans;
(6) A description of the strong fiscal controls the offeror has in place to ensure proper accounting of Federal funds and compliance with the Financial Management Information System established by the Secretary under sec. 159(a) of WIOA;
(7) A description of the steps to be taken to control costs in accordance with the Financial Management Information System established by the Secretary;
(8) A detailed budget of the activities that will be supported using Federal funds provided under this part and non-Federal resources;
(9) An assurance the offeror is licensed to operate in the State in which the center is located;
(10) An assurance that the offeror will comply with basic health and safety codes, including required disciplinary measures and Job Corps' Zero Tolerance Policy; and
(11) Any other information on additional selection factors required by the Secretary.
§ 686.320   What if a current center operator is deemed to be an operator of a high-performing center?
(a) If an offeror meets the requirements as an operator of a high-performing center as applied to a particular Job Corps center, that operator will be allowed to compete in any competitive selection process carried out for an award to operate that center.
(b) An offeror is considered to be an operator of a high-performing center if the Job Corps center operated by the offeror:
(1) Is ranked among the top 20 percent of Job Corps centers for the most recent preceding program year according to the rankings calculated under § 686.1060; and
(2) Meets the expected levels of performance established under § 686.1050 with respect to each of the primary indicators of performance for Job Corps centers:
(i) For the period of the most recent preceding 3 program years for which information is available at the time the determination is made, achieved an average of 100 percent, or higher, of the expected level of performance for the indicator; and
(ii) For the most recent preceding program year for which information is available at the time the determination is made, achieved 100 percent, or higher, of the expected level of performance established for the indicator.
(c) If any of the program years described in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section precedes the implementation of the establishment of the expected levels of performance under § 686.1050 and the application of the primary indicators of performance for Job Corps centers identified in § 686.1010, an entity is considered an operator of a high-performing center during that period if the Job Corps center operated by the entity:
(1) Meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this section with respect to such preceding program years using the performance of the Job Corps center regarding the national goals or targets established by the Office of the Job Corps under the previous performance accountability system for—
(i) The 6-month follow-up placement rate of graduates in employment, the military, education, or training;
(ii) The 12-month follow-up placement rate of graduates in employment, the military, education, or training;
(iii) The 6-month follow-up average weekly earnings of graduates;
(iv) The rate of attainment of secondary school diplomas or their recognized equivalent;
(v) The rate of attainment of completion certificates for career technical training;
(vi) Average literacy gains; and
(vii) Average numeracy gains; or
(2) Is ranked among the top five percent of Job Corps centers for the most recent preceding program year according to the rankings calculated under § 686.1060.
§ 686.330   What is the length of an agreement entered into by the Secretary for operation of a Job Corps center and what are the conditions for renewal of such an agreement?
(a) Agreements are for not more than a 2-year period. The Secretary may exercise any contractual option to renew the agreement in 1-year increments for not more than 3 additional years.
(b) The Secretary will establish procedures for evaluating the option to renew an agreement that includes: An assessment of the factors described in paragraph (c) of this section; a review of contract performance and financial reporting compliance; a review of the program management and performance data described in §§ 686.1000 and 686.1010; an assessment of whether the center is on a performance improvement plan as described § 686.1070 and if so, whether the center is making measureable progress in completing the actions described in the plan; and an evaluation of the factors described in paragraph (d) of this section.
(c) The Secretary only will renew the agreement of an entity to operate a Job Corps center if the entity:
(1) Has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics;
(2) Has adequate financial resources to perform the agreement;
(3) Has the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills; and
(4) Is otherwise qualified and eligible under applicable laws and regulations, including that the contractor is not under suspension or debarred from eligibility for Federal contractors.
(d) The Secretary will not renew an agreement for an entity to operate a Job Corps center for any additional 1-year period if, for both of the 2 most recent preceding program years for which information is available at the time the determination is made, or if a second program year is not available, the preceding year for which information is available, such center:
(1) Has been ranked in the lowest 10 percent of Job Corps centers according to the rankings calculated under § 686.1060; and
(2) Failed to achieve an average of 50 percent or higher of the expected level of performance established under § 686.1050 with respect to each of the primary indicators of performance for eligible youth described in sec. 116(b)(2)(A)(ii) of WIOA, listed in § 686.1010.
(e)(1) Information will be considered to be available for a program year for purposes of paragraph (d) of this section if for each of the primary indicators of performance, all of the students included in the cohort being measured either began their participation under the current center operator or, if they began their participation under the previous center operator, were on center for at least 6 months under the current operator. If an operator assumes operation of a center that meets the criteria under paragraphs (d)(1) and (2) of this section, the first contractual option year will not be denied based on the application of paragraph (d) of this section provided that the operator otherwise meets the requirements for renewal described in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section.
(2) If complete information for any of the indicators of performance described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section is not available for either of the 2 program years described in paragraph (d) of this section, the Secretary will review partial program year data from the most recent program year for those indicators, if at least two quarters of data are available, when making the determination required under paragraph (d)(2) of this section.
(f) If any of the program years described in paragraph (d) of this section precede the implementation of the establishment of the expected levels of performance under § 686.1050 and the application of the primary indicators of performance for Job Corps centers described in § 686.1010, the evaluation described in paragraph (d) of this section will be based on whether in its operation of the center the entity:
(1) Is ranked among the lowest 10 percent of Job Corps centers for the most recent preceding program year according to the ranking calculated under § 686.1060; and
(2) Meets the requirement of paragraph (d)(2) of this section with respect to such preceding program years using the performance of the Job Corps center regarding the national goals or targets established by the Office of the Job Corps under the previous performance accountability system for—
(i) The 6-month follow-up placement rate of graduates in employment, the military, education, or training;
(ii) The 12-month follow-up placement rate of graduates in employment, the military, education, or training;
(iii) The 6-month follow-up average weekly earnings of graduates;
(iv) The rate of attainment of secondary school diplomas or their recognized equivalent;
(v) The rate of attainment of completion certificates for career technical training;
(vi) Average literacy gains; and
(vii) Average numeracy gains.
(g) The Secretary can exercise an option to renew the agreement with an entity notwithstanding the requirements in paragraph (d) of this section for no more than 2 additional years if the Secretary determines that a renewal would be in the best interest of the Job Corps program, taking into account factors including:
(1) Significant improvements in program performance in carrying out a performance improvement plan;
(2) That the performance is due to circumstances beyond the control of the entity, such as an emergency or disaster;
(3) A significant disruption in the operations of the center, including in the ability to continue to provide services to students, or significant increase in the cost of such operations; or
(4) A significant disruption in the procurement process with respect to carrying out a competition for the selection of a center operator.
(h) If the Secretary does make an exception and exercises the option to renew per paragraph (g) of this section, the Secretary will provide a detailed explanation of the rationale for exercising the option to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
§ 686.340   How are entities selected to receive funding to provide outreach and admission, career transition and other operations support services?
(a) The Secretary selects eligible entities to provide outreach and admission, career transition, and operational services on a competitive basis in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations. In selecting an entity, the Secretary issues requests for proposals (RFP) for operational support services according to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1) and Department of Labor Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 29). The Secretary develops RFPs for operational support services in consultation with the Governor, the center workforce council (if established), and the Local WDB for the workforce development area in which the center is located.
(b) The RFP for each support service contract describes uniform specifications and standards, as well as specifications and requirements that are unique to the specific required operational support services.
(c) The contracting officer selects and funds operational support service contracts on the basis of an evaluation of the proposals received using criteria established by the Secretary and set forth in the RFP. The criteria may include the following, as applicable:
(1) The ability of the offeror to coordinate the activities carried out in relation to the Job Corps center with related activities carried out under the appropriate State Plan and local plans;
(2) The ability of the entity to offer career technical training that has been proposed by the workforce council and the degree to which the training reflects employment opportunities in the local areas in which most of the students intend to seek employment;
(3) The degree to which the offeror demonstrates relationships with the surrounding communities, including employers, labor organizations, State WDBs, Local WDBs, applicable one-stop centers, and the State and region in which the services are provided;
(4) The offeror's past performance, if any, relating to providing services to a Job Corps center, including information regarding the offeror in any reports developed by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Labor and the offeror's demonstrated effectiveness in assisting individuals in achieving the indicators of performance for eligible youth described in sec. 116(b)(2)(A)(ii) of WIOA, listed in § 686.1010;
(5) The offeror's ability to demonstrate a record of successfully assisting at-risk youth to connect to the workforce; and
(6) Any other information on additional selection factors required by the Secretary.
§ 686.350   What conditions apply to the operation of a Civilian Conservation Center?
(a) The Secretary of Labor may enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Agriculture to operate Job Corps centers located on public land, which are called Civilian Conservation Centers (CCCs). Located primarily in rural areas, in addition to academics, career technical training, and workforce preparation skills training, CCCs provide programs of work experience to conserve, develop, or manage public natural resources or public recreational areas or to develop community projects in the public interest.
(b) When the Secretary of Labor enters into an agreement with the Secretary of Agriculture for the funding, establishment, and operation of CCCs, provisions are included to ensure that the Department of Agriculture complies with the regulations under this part.
(c) Enrollees in CCCs may provide assistance in addressing national, State, and local disasters, consistent with current child labor laws. The Secretary of Agriculture must ensure that enrollees are properly trained, equipped, supervised, and dispatched consistent with the standards for the conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife established under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 et seq. ).
(d) The Secretary of Agriculture must designate a Job Corps National Liaison to support the agreement between the Departments of Labor and Agriculture to operate CCCs.
(e) The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, may select an entity to operate a CCC in accordance with the requirements of § 686.310 if the Secretary of Labor determines appropriate.
(f) The Secretary of Labor has the discretion to close CCCs if the Secretary determines appropriate.
§ 686.360   What are the requirements for award of contracts and payments to Federal agencies?
(a) The requirements of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended; the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977; the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1); and the Department of Labor Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 29) apply to the award of contracts and to payments to Federal agencies.
(b) Job Corps funding of Federal agencies that operate CCCs are made by a transfer of obligational authority from the Department to the respective operating agency.
§ 686.400   Who is eligible to participate in the Job Corps program?
(a) To be eligible to participate in the Job Corps, an individual must be:
(1) At least 16 and not more than 24 years of age at the time of enrollment, except that:
(i) The Job Corps Director may waive the maximum age limitation described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and the requirement in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section for an individual with a disability if he or she is otherwise eligible according to the requirements listed in this section and § 686.410; and
(ii) Not more than 20 percent of individuals enrolled nationwide may be individuals who are aged 22 to 24 years old;
(2) A low-income individual;
(3) An individual who is facing one or more of the following barriers to education and employment:
(i) Is basic skills deficient, as defined in WIOA sec. 3;
(ii) Is a school dropout;
(iii) Is homeless as defined in sec. 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e-2(6)); is a homeless child or youth, as defined in sec. 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a(2)); or is a runaway, an individual in foster care; or an individual who was in foster care and has aged out of the foster care system.
(iv) Is a parent; or
(v) Requires additional education, career technical training, or workforce preparation skills in order to obtain and retain employment that leads to economic self-sufficiency; and
(4) Meets the requirements of § 686.420, if applicable.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(2) of this section, a veteran is eligible to become an enrollee if the individual:
(1) Meets the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (3) of this section; and
(2) Does not meet the requirement of paragraph (a)(2) of this section because the military income earned by the individual within the 6-month period prior to the individual's application for Job Corps prevents the individual from meeting that requirement.
§ 686.410   Are there additional factors which are considered in selecting an eligible applicant for enrollment?
Yes, in accordance with procedures issued by the Secretary, an eligible applicant may be selected for enrollment only if:
(a) A determination is made, based on information relating to the background, needs, and interests of the applicant, that the applicant's educational and career and technical needs can best be met through the Job Corps program;
(b) A determination is made that there is a reasonable expectation the applicant can participate successfully in group situations and activities, and is not likely to engage in actions that would potentially:
(1) Prevent other students from receiving the benefit of the program;
(2) Be incompatible with the maintenance of sound discipline; or
(3) Impede satisfactory relationships between the center to which the student is assigned and surrounding local communities;
(c) The applicant is made aware of the center's rules, what the consequences are for failure to observe the rules, and agrees to comply with such rules, as described in procedures issued by the Secretary;
(d) The applicant has not been convicted of a felony consisting of murder, child abuse, or a crime involving rape or sexual assault. Other than these felony convictions, no one will be denied enrollment in Job Corps solely on the basis of contact with the criminal justice system. All applicants must submit to a background check conducted according to procedures established by the Secretary and in accordance with applicable State and local laws. If the background check finds that the applicant is on probation, parole, under a suspended sentence, or under the supervision of any agency as a result of court action or institutionalization, the court or appropriate supervising agency may certify in writing that it will approve of the applicant's participation in Job Corps, and provide full release from its supervision, and that the applicant's participation and release does not violate applicable laws and regulations; and
(e) Suitable arrangements are made for the care of any dependent children for the proposed period of enrollment.
§ 686.420   Are there any special requirements for enrollment related to the Military Selective Service Act?
(a) Yes, each male applicant 18 years of age or older must present evidence that he has complied with sec. 3 of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. App. 451 et seq. ) if required; and
(b) When a male student turns 18 years of age, he must submit evidence to the center that he has complied with the requirements of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. App. 451 et seq. ).
§ 686.430   What entities conduct outreach and admissions activities for the Job Corps program?
The Secretary makes arrangements with outreach and admissions providers to perform Job Corps recruitment, screening and admissions functions according to standards and procedures issued by the Secretary. Entities eligible to receive funds to provide outreach and admissions services are identified in § 686.300.
§ 686.440   What are the responsibilities of outreach and admissions providers?
(a) Outreach and admissions agencies are responsible for:
(1) Developing outreach and referral sources;
(2) Actively seeking out potential applicants;
(3) Conducting personal interviews with all applicants to identify their needs and eligibility status; and
(4) Identifying youth who are interested and likely Job Corps participants.
(b) Outreach and admissions providers are responsible for completing all Job Corps application forms and determining whether applicants meet the eligibility and selection criteria for participation in Job Corps as provided in §§ 686.400 and 686.410.
(c) The Secretary may decide that determinations with regard to one or more of the eligibility criteria will be made by the National Director or his or her designee.
§ 686.450   How are applicants who meet eligibility and selection criteria assigned to centers?
(a) Each applicant who meets the application and selection requirements of §§ 686.400 and 686.410 is assigned to a center based on an assignment plan developed by the Secretary in consultation with the operators of Job Corps centers. The assignment plan identifies a target for the maximum percentage of students at each center who come from the State or region nearest the center, and the regions surrounding the center. The assignment plan is based on an analysis of the following non-exclusive list of factors that will be analyzed in consultation with center operators:
(1) The number of eligible individuals in the State and region where the center is located and the regions surrounding where the center is located;
(2) The demand for enrollment in Job Corps in the State and region where the center is located and in surrounding regions;
(3) The size and enrollment level of the center, including the education, training, and supportive services provided through the center; and
(4) The performance of the Job Corps center relating to the expected levels of performance for indicators described in WIOA sec. 159(c)(1), and whether any actions have been taken with respect to the center under secs. 159(f)(2) and 159(f)(3) of WIOA.
(b) Eligible applicants are assigned to the center that offers the type of career technical training selected by the individual, and among the centers that offer such career technical training, is closest to the home of the individual. The Secretary may waive this requirement if:
(1) The enrollee would be unduly delayed in participating in the Job Corps program because the closest center is operating at full capacity; or
(2) The parent or guardian of the enrollee requests assignment of the enrollee to another Job Corps center due to circumstances in the community that would impair prospects for successful completion by the enrollee.
(c) If a parent or guardian objects to the assignment of a student under the age of 18 to a center other than the center closest to home that offers the desired career technical training, the Secretary must not make such an assignment.
§ 686.460   What restrictions are there on the assignment of eligible applicants for nonresidential enrollment in Job Corps?
No more than 20 percent of students enrolled in Job Corps nationwide may be nonresidential students.
§ 686.470   May an individual who is determined to be ineligible or an individual who is denied enrollment appeal that decision?
(a) A person who is determined to be ineligible to participate in Job Corps under § 686.400 or a person who is not selected for enrollment under § 686.410 may appeal the determination to the outreach and admissions agency within 60 days of the determination. The appeal will be resolved according to the procedures in §§ 686.960 and 686.965. If the appeal is denied by the outreach/admissions contractor or the center, the person may appeal the decision in writing to the Regional Director within 60 days of the date of the denial. The Regional Director will decide within 60 days whether to reverse or approve the appealed decision. The decision by the Regional Director is the Department's final decision.
(b) If an applicant believes that he or she has been determined ineligible or not selected for enrollment based upon a factor prohibited by sec. 188 of WIOA, the individual may proceed under the applicable Department nondiscrimination regulations implementing WIOA sec. 188 at 29 CFR part 38.
(c) An applicant who is determined to be ineligible or a person who is denied enrollment must be referred to the appropriate one-stop center or other local service provider.
§ 686.480   At what point is an applicant considered to be enrolled in Job Corps?
(a) To be considered enrolled as a Job Corps student, an applicant selected for enrollment must physically arrive at the assigned Job Corps center on the appointed date. However, applicants selected for enrollment who arrive at their assigned centers by government furnished transportation are considered to be enrolled on their dates of departure by such transportation.
(b) Center operators must document the enrollment of new students according to procedures issued by the Secretary.
§ 686.490   How long may a student be enrolled in Job Corps?
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a student may remain enrolled in Job Corps for no more than 2 years.
(b)(1) An extension of a student's enrollment may be authorized in special cases according to procedures issued by the Secretary;
(2) A student's enrollment in an advanced career training program may be extended in order to complete the program for a period not to exceed 1 year;
(3) An extension of a student's enrollment may be authorized in the case of a student with a disability who would reasonably be expected to meet the standards for a Job Corps graduate if allowed to participate in the Job Corps for not more than 1 additional year; and
(4) An enrollment extension may be granted to a student who participates in national service, as authorized by a Civilian Conservation Center, for the amount of time equal to the period of national service.
§ 686.500   What services must Job Corps centers provide?
(a) Job Corps centers must provide an intensive, well-organized, and fully supervised program including:
(1) Educational activities, including:
(i) Career technical training;
(ii) Academic instruction;
(iii) Employability and skills training; and
(iv) Independent learning and living skills development.
(2) Work-based learning and experience;
(3) Residential support services; and
(4) Other services as required by the Secretary.
(b) In addition, centers must provide students with access to the career services described in secs. 134(c)(2)(A)(i)-(xi) of WIOA.
§ 686.505   What types of training must Job Corps centers provide?
(a) Job Corps centers must provide students with a career technical training program that is:
(1) Aligned with industry-recognized standards and credentials and with program guidance; and
(2) Linked to employment opportunities in in-demand industry sectors and occupations both in the area in which the center is located and, if practicable, in the area the student plans to reside after graduation.
(b) Each center must provide education programs, including: An English language acquisition program, high school diploma or high school equivalency certification program, and academic skills training necessary for students to master skills in their chosen career technical training programs.
(c) Each center must provide programs for students to learn and practice employability and independent learning and living skills including: job search and career development, interpersonal relations, driver's education, study and critical thinking skills, financial literacy and other skills specified in program guidance.
(d) All Job Corps training programs must be based on industry and academic skills standards leading to recognized industry and academic credentials, applying evidence-based instructional approaches, and resulting in:
(1) Students' employment in unsubsidized, in-demand jobs with the potential for advancement opportunities;
(2) Enrollment in advanced education and training programs or apprenticeships, including registered apprenticeship; or
(3) Enlistment in the Armed Services.
(e) Specific career technical training programs offered by individual centers must be approved by the Regional Director according to policies issued by the Secretary.
(f) Center workforce councils described in § 686.810 must review appropriate labor market information, identify in-demand industry sectors and employment opportunities in local areas where students will look for employment, determine the skills and education necessary for those jobs, and as appropriate, recommend changes in the center's career technical training program to the Secretary.
(g) Each center must implement a system to evaluate and track the progress and achievements of each student at regular intervals.
(h) Each center must develop a training plan that must be available for review and approval by the appropriate Regional Director.
§ 686.510   Are entities other than Job Corps center operators permitted to provide academic and career technical training?
(a) The Secretary may arrange for the career technical and academic education of Job Corps students through local public or private educational agencies, career and technical educational institutions or technical institutes, or other providers such as business, union or union-affiliated organizations with demonstrated effectiveness, as long as the entity can provide education and training substantially equivalent in cost and quality to that which the Secretary could provide through other means.
(b) Entities providing these services will be selected in accordance with the requirements of § 686.310.
§ 686.515   What are advanced career training programs?
(a) The Secretary may arrange for programs of advanced career training (ACT) for selected students, which may be provided through the eligible training providers identified in WIOA sec. 122 in which the students continue to participate in the Job Corps program for a period not to exceed 1 year in addition to the period of participation to which these students would otherwise be limited.
(b) Students participating in an ACT program are eligible to receive:
(1) All of the benefits provided to a residential Job Corps student; or
(2) A monthly stipend equal to the average value of the benefits described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(c) Any operator may enroll more students than otherwise authorized by the Secretary in an ACT program if, in accordance with standards developed by the Secretary, the operator demonstrates:
(1) Participants in such a program have achieved a satisfactory rate of completion and placement in training-related jobs; and
(2) For the most recently preceding 2 program years, the operator has, on average, met or exceeded the expected levels of performance under WIOA sec. 159(c)(1) for each of the primary indicators described in WIOA sec. 116(b)(2)(A)(ii), listed in § 686.1010.
§ 686.520   What responsibilities do the center operators have in managing work-based learning?
(a) The center operator must emphasize and implement work-based learning programs for students through center program activities, including career and technical skills training, and through arrangements with employers. Work-based learning must be under actual working conditions and must be designed to enhance the employability, responsibility, and confidence of the students. Work-based learning usually occurs in tandem with students' career technical training.
(b) The center operator must ensure that students are assigned only to workplaces that meet the safety standards described in § 686.920.
§ 686.525   Are students permitted to hold jobs other than work-based learning opportunities?
Yes, a center operator may authorize a student to participate in gainful leisure time employment, as long as the employment does not interfere with required scheduled activities.
§ 686.530   What residential support services must Job Corps center operators provide?
Job Corps center operators must provide the following services according to procedures issued by the Secretary:
(a) A center-wide quality living and learning environment that supports the overall training program and includes a safe, secure, clean and attractive physical and social environment, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day;
(b) An ongoing, structured personal counseling program for students provided by qualified staff;
(c) A quality, safe and clean food service, to provide nutritious meals for students;
(d) Medical services, through provision or coordination of a wellness program which includes access to basic medical, dental and mental health services, as described in the Policy and Requirements Handbook, for all students from the date of enrollment until separation from the Job Corps program;
(e) A recreation/avocational program that meets the needs of all students;
(f) A student leadership program and an elected student government; and
(g) A student welfare association for the benefit of all students that is funded by non-appropriated funds that come from sources such as snack bars, vending machines, disciplinary fines, donations, and other fundraising activities, and is run by an elected student government, with the help of a staff advisor.
§ 686.535   Are Job Corps centers required to maintain a student accountability system?
Yes, each Job Corps center must establish and implement an effective system to account for and document the daily whereabouts, participation, and status of students during their Job Corps enrollment. The system must enable center staff to detect and respond to instances of unauthorized or unexplained student absence. Each center must operate its student accountability system according to requirements and procedures issued by the Secretary.
§ 686.540   Are Job Corps centers required to establish behavior management systems?
(a) Yes, each Job Corps center must establish and maintain its own student incentives system to encourage and reward students' accomplishments.
(b) The Job Corps center must establish and maintain a behavior management system, based on a behavior management plan, according to standards of conduct and procedures established by the Secretary. The behavior management plan must be approved by the Job Corps regional office and reviewed annually. The behavior management system must include a zero tolerance policy for violence and drugs as described in § 686.545. All criminal incidents will be promptly reported to local law enforcement.
§ 686.545   What is Job Corps' zero tolerance policy?
(a) All center operators must comply with Job Corps' zero tolerance policy as established by the Secretary. Job Corps has a zero tolerance policy for infractions including but not limited to:
(1) Acts of violence, as defined by the Secretary;
(2) Use, sale, or possession of a controlled substance, as defined at 21 U.S.C. 802;
(3) Abuse of alcohol;
(4) Possession of unauthorized goods; or
(5) Other illegal or disruptive activity.
(b) As part of this policy, all students must be tested for drugs as a condition of participation.
(c) The zero tolerance policy specifies the offenses that result in the separation of students from the Job Corps. The center director is expressly responsible for determining when there is a violation of this policy.
§ 686.550   How does Job Corps ensure that students receive due process in disciplinary actions?
The center operator must ensure that all students receive due process in disciplinary proceedings according to procedures developed by the Secretary. These procedures must include center fact-finding and behavior review boards, a code of sanctions under which the penalty of separation from Job Corps might be imposed, and procedures for students to submit an appeal to a Job Corps regional appeal board following a center's decision to discharge involuntarily the student from Job Corps.
§ 686.555   What responsibilities do Job Corps centers have in assisting students with child care needs?
(a) Job Corps centers are responsible for coordinating with outreach and admissions agencies to assist applicants, whenever feasible, with making arrangements for child care. Prior to enrollment, a program applicant with dependent children who provides primary or custodial care must certify that suitable arrangements for child care have been established for the proposed period of enrollment.
(b) Child development programs may be located at Job Corps centers with the approval of the Secretary.
§ 686.560   What are the center's responsibilities in ensuring that students' religious rights are respected?
(a) Centers must ensure that a student has the right to worship or not worship as he or she chooses.
(b) Students who believe their religious rights have been violated may file complaints under the procedures set forth in 29 CFR part 38.
(c) Requirements related to equal treatment of religious organizations in Department of Labor programs, and to protection of religious liberty of Department of Labor social service providers and beneficiaries, are found at subpart D of 29 CFR part 2. See also §§ 683.255 and 683.285 of this chapter; 29 CFR part 38.
§ 686.565   Is Job Corps authorized to conduct pilot and demonstration projects?
Yes, the Secretary may undertake experimental, research and demonstration projects related to the Job Corps program according to WIOA sec. 156(a), provided that such projects are developed, approved, and conducted in accordance with policies and procedures developed by the Secretary.
§ 686.600   Are students provided with government-paid transportation to and from Job Corps centers?
Yes, Job Corps provides for the transportation of students between their homes and centers as described in policies and procedures issued by the Secretary.
§ 686.610   When are students authorized to take leaves of absence from their Job Corps centers?
(a) Job Corps students are eligible for annual leaves, emergency leaves and other types of leaves of absence from their assigned centers according to criteria and requirements issued by the Secretary. Additionally, enrollees in Civilian Conservation Centers may take leave to provide assistance in addressing national, State, and local disasters, consistent with current laws and regulations, including child labor laws and regulations.
(b) Center operators and other service providers must account for student leave according to procedures issued by the Secretary.
§ 686.620   Are Job Corps students eligible to receive cash allowances and performance bonuses?
(a) Yes, according to criteria and rates established by the Secretary, Job Corps students receive cash living allowances, performance bonuses, and allotments for care of dependents. Graduates receive post-separation transition allowances according to § 686.750.
(b) In the event of a student's death, any amount due under this section is paid according to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 5582 governing issues such as designation of beneficiary, order of precedence, and related matters.
§ 686.630   Are student allowances subject to Federal payroll taxes?
Yes, Job Corps student allowances are subject to Federal payroll tax withholding and social security taxes. Job Corps students are considered to be Federal employees for purposes of Federal payroll taxes.
§ 686.640   Are students provided with clothing?
Yes, Job Corps students are provided cash clothing allowances and/or articles of clothing, including safety clothing, when needed for their participation in Job Corps and their successful entry into the work force. Center operators and other service providers must issue clothing and clothing assistance to students according to rates, criteria, and procedures issued by the Secretary.
§ 686.700   What are a Job Corps center's responsibilities in preparing students for career transition services?
Job Corps centers must assess and counsel students to determine their competencies, capabilities, and readiness for career transition services.
§ 686.710   What career transition services are provided for Job Corps enrollees?
Job Corps career transition services focus on placing program graduates in:
(a) Full-time jobs that are related to their career technical training and career pathway that lead to economic self-sufficiency;
(b) Postsecondary education;
(c) Advanced training programs, including registered apprenticeship programs; or
(d) The Armed Forces.
§ 686.720   Who provides career transition services?
The one-stop delivery system must be used to the maximum extent practicable in placing graduates and former enrollees in jobs. Multiple other resources also may provide post-program services, including but not limited to Job Corps career transition service providers under a contract or other agreement with the Department of Labor, and State vocational rehabilitation agencies for individuals with disabilities.
§ 686.730   What are the responsibilities of career transition service providers?
(a) Career transition service providers are responsible for:
(1) Contacting graduates;
(2) Assisting them in improving skills in resume preparation, interviewing techniques and job search strategies;
(3) Identifying job leads or educational and training opportunities through coordination with Local WDBs, one-stop operators and partners, employers, unions and industry organizations;
(4) Placing graduates in jobs, registered apprenticeship, the Armed Forces, or postsecondary education or training, or referring former students for additional services in their local communities as appropriate; and
(5) Providing placement services for former enrollees according to procedures issued by the Secretary.
(b) Career transition service providers must record and submit all Job Corps placement information according to procedures established by the Secretary.
§ 686.740   What services are provided for program graduates?
According to procedures issued by the Secretary, career transition and support services must be provided to program graduates for up to 12 months after graduation.
§ 686.750   Are graduates provided with transition allowances?
Yes, graduates receive post-separation transition allowances according to policies and procedures established by the Secretary. Transition allowances are incentive-based to reflect a graduate's attainment of academic credentials and those associated with career technical training such as industry-recognized credentials.
§ 686.760   What services are provided to former enrollees?
(a) Up to 3 months of employment services, including career services offered through a one-stop center, may be provided to former enrollees.
(b) According to procedures issued by the Secretary, other career transition services as determined appropriate may be provided to former enrollees.
§ 686.800   How do Job Corps centers and service providers become involved in their local communities?
(a) The director of each Job Corps center must ensure the establishment and development of mutually beneficial business and community relationships and networks. Establishing and developing networks includes relationships with:
(1) Local and distant employers;
(2) Applicable one-stop centers and Local WDBs:
(3) Entities offering apprenticeship opportunities, including registered apprenticeships, and youth programs;
(4) Labor-management organizations and local labor organizations;
(5) Employers and contractors that support national training programs and initiatives; and
(6) Community-based organizations, non-profit organizations, and intermediaries providing workforce development-related services.
(b) Each Job Corps center also must establish and develop relationships with members of the community in which it is located. Members of the community must be informed of the projects of the Job Corps center and changes in the rules, procedures, or activities of the center that may affect the community. Events of mutual interest to the community and the Job Corps center must be planned to create and maintain community relations and community support.
§ 686.810   What is the makeup of a workforce council and what are its responsibilities?
(a) Each Job Corps center must establish a workforce council, according to procedures established by the Secretary. The workforce council must include:
(1) Non-governmental and private sector employers;
(2) Representatives of labor organizations (where present) and of employees;
(3) Job Corps enrollees and graduates; and
(4) In the case of a single-State local area, the workforce council must include a representative of the State WDB constituted under § 679.110 of this chapter.
(b) A majority of the council members must be business owners, chief executives or chief operating officers of nongovernmental employers or other private sector employers, or their designees, who have substantial management, hiring or policy responsibility and who represent businesses with employment opportunities in the local area and the areas in which students will seek employment.
(c) The workforce council may include, or otherwise provide for consultation with, employers from outside the local area who are likely to hire a significant number of enrollees from the Job Corps center.
(d) The workforce council must:
(1) Work with all applicable Local WDBs and review labor market information to determine and provide recommendations to the Secretary regarding the center's career technical training offerings, including identification of emerging occupations suitable for training;
(2) Review all relevant labor market information, including related information in the State Plan or the local plan, to:
(i) Recommend in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the area in which the center operates;
(ii) Determine employment opportunities in the areas in which enrollees intend to seek employment;
(iii) Determine the skills and education necessary to obtain the identified employment; and
(iv) Recommend to the Secretary the type of career technical training that must be implemented at the center to enable enrollees to obtain the employment opportunities identified; and
(3) Meet at least once every 6 months to reevaluate the labor market information, and other relevant information, to determine and recommend to the Secretary any necessary changes in the career technical training provided at the center.
§ 686.820   How will Job Corps coordinate with other agencies?
(a) The Secretary issues guidelines for the national office, regional offices, Job Corps centers and operational support providers to use in developing and maintaining cooperative relationships with other agencies and institutions, including law enforcement, educational institutions, communities, and other employment and training programs and agencies.
(b) The Secretary develops polices and requirements to ensure linkages with the one-stop delivery system to the greatest extent practicable, as well as with other Federal, State, and local programs, and youth programs funded under title I of WIOA. These linkages enhance services to youth who face multiple barriers to employment and must include, where appropriate:
(1) Referrals of applicants and students;
(2) Participant assessment;
(3) Pre-employment and work maturity skills training;
(4) Work-based learning;
(5) Job search, occupational, and basic skills training; and
(6) Provision of continued services for graduates.
(c) Job Corps is identified as a required one-stop partner. Wherever practicable, Job Corps centers and operational support contractors must establish cooperative relationships and partnerships with one-stop centers and other one-stop partners, Local WDBs, and other programs for youth.
§ 686.900   Are damages caused by the acts or omissions of students eligible for payment under the Federal Tort Claims Act?
Yes, students are considered Federal employees for purposes of the FTCA. (28 U.S.C. 2671 et seq. ) Claims for such damage must be filed pursuant to the procedures found in 29 CFR part 15, subpart D.
§ 686.905   Are loss and damages that occur to persons or personal property of students at Job Corps centers eligible for reimbursement?
Yes, the Job Corps may pay students for valid claims under the procedures found in 29 CFR part 15, subpart D.
§ 686.910   If a student is injured in the performance of duty as a Job Corps student, what benefits may the student receive?
(a) Job Corps students are considered Federal employees for purposes of the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) as specified in sec. 157(a)(3) of WIOA. (29 U.S.C. 2897(a)(3))
(b) Job Corps students may be entitled to benefits under FECA as provided by 5 U.S.C. 8143 for injuries occurring in the performance of duty.
(c) Job Corps students must meet the same eligibility tests for FECA benefits that apply to all other Federal employees. The requirements for FECA benefits may be found at 5 U.S.C. 8101, et seq. and part 10 of this title. The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the FECA program; all FECA determinations are within the exclusive authority of the OWCP, subject to appeal to the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board.
(d) Whenever a student is injured, develops an occupationally related illness, or dies while in the performance of duty, the procedures of the OWCP, at part 10 of this title, must be followed. To assist OWCP in determining FECA eligibility, a thorough investigation of the circumstances and a medical evaluation must be completed and required forms must be timely filed by the center operator with the Department's OWCP. Additional information regarding Job Corps FECA claims may be found in OWCP's regulations and procedures available on the Department's Web site located at https://www.dol.gov/ .
§ 686.915   When is a Job Corps student considered to be in the performance of duty?
(a) Performance of duty is a determination that must be made by the OWCP under FECA, and is based on the individual circumstances in each claim.
(b) In general, residential students may be considered to be in the “performance of duty” when:
(1) They are on center under the supervision and control of Job Corps officials;
(2) They are engaged in any authorized Job Corps activity;
(3) They are in authorized travel status; or
(4) They are engaged in any authorized offsite activity.
(c) Non-resident students are generally considered to be “in performance of duty” as Federal employees when they are engaged in any authorized Job Corps activity, from the time they arrive at any scheduled center activity until they leave the activity. The standard rules governing coverage of Federal employees during travel to and from work apply. These rules are described in guidance issued by the Secretary.
(d) Students are generally considered to be not in the performance of duty when:
(1) They are Absent Without Leave (AWOL);
(2) They are at home, whether on pass or on leave;
(3) They are engaged in an unauthorized offsite activity; or
(4) They are injured or ill due to their own willful misconduct, intent to cause injury or death to oneself or another, or through intoxication or illegal use of drugs.
§ 686.920   How are students protected from unsafe or unhealthy situations?
(a) The Secretary establishes procedures to ensure that students are not required or permitted to work, be trained, reside in, or receive services in buildings or surroundings or under conditions that are unsanitary or hazardous. Whenever students are employed or in training for jobs, they must be assigned only to jobs or training which observe applicable Federal, State and local health and safety standards.
(b) The Secretary develops procedures to ensure compliance with applicable Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations and Wage and Hour Division regulations.
§ 686.925   What are the requirements for criminal law enforcement jurisdiction on center property?
(a) All Job Corps property which would otherwise be under exclusive Federal legislative jurisdiction is considered under concurrent jurisdiction with the appropriate State and locality with respect to criminal law enforcement. Concurrent jurisdiction extends to all portions of the property, including housing and recreational facilities, in addition to the portions of the property used for education and training activities.
(b) Centers located on property under concurrent Federal-State jurisdiction must establish agreements with Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies to enforce criminal laws.
(c) The Secretary develops procedures to ensure that any searches of a student's person, personal area, or belongings for unauthorized goods follow applicable right-to-privacy laws.
§ 686.930   Are Job Corps operators and service providers authorized to pay State or local taxes on gross receipts?
(a) A private for-profit or a non-profit Job Corps service provider is not liable, directly or indirectly, to any State or subdivision for any gross receipts taxes, business privilege taxes measured by gross receipts, or any similar taxes in connection with any payments made to or by such service provider for operating a center or other Job Corps program or activity. The service provider is not liable to any State or subdivision to collect or pay any sales, excise, use, or similar tax imposed upon the sale to or use by such deliverer of any property, service, or other item in connection with the operation of a center or other Job Corps program or activity.
(b) If a State or local authority compels a center operator or other service provider to pay such taxes, the center operator or service provider may pay the taxes with Federal funds, but must document and report the State or local requirement according to procedures issued by the Secretary.
§ 686.935   What are the financial management responsibilities of Job Corps center operators and other service providers?
(a) Center operators and other service providers must manage Job Corps funds using financial management information systems that meet the specifications and requirements of the Secretary.
(b) These financial management systems must:
(1) Provide accurate, complete, and current disclosures of the costs of their Job Corps activities;
(2) Ensure that expenditures of funds are necessary, reasonable, allocable, and allowable in accordance with applicable cost principles;
(3) Use account structures specified by the Secretary;
(4) Ensure the ability to comply with cost reporting requirements and procedures issued by the Secretary; and
(5) Maintain sufficient cost data for effective planning, monitoring, and evaluation of program activities and for determining the allowability of reported costs.
§ 686.940   Are center operators and service providers subject to Federal audits?
(a) Yes, Center operators and service providers are subject to Federal audits.
(b) The Secretary arranges for the survey, audit, or evaluation of each Job Corps center and service provider at least once every 3 years, by Federal auditors or independent public accountants. The Secretary may arrange for more frequent audits.
(c) Center operators and other service providers are responsible for giving full cooperation and access to books, documents, papers and records to duly appointed Federal auditors and evaluators.
§ 686.945   What are the procedures for management of student records?
The Secretary issues guidelines for a system for maintaining records for each student during enrollment and for disposition of such records after separation.
§ 686.950   What procedures apply to disclosure of information about Job Corps students and program activities?
(a) The Secretary develops procedures to respond to requests for information or records or other necessary disclosures pertaining to students.
(b) Department disclosure of Job Corps information must be handled according to the Freedom of Information Act and according to Department regulations at 29 CFR part 70.
(c) Job Corps contractors are not “agencies” for Freedom of Information Act purposes. Therefore, their records are not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act or 29 CFR part 70.
(d) The regulations at 29 CFR part 71 apply to a system of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 maintained by the Department or to a similar system maintained by a contractor, such as a screening agency, contract center operator, or career transition service provider on behalf of the Job Corps.
§ 686.955   What are the reporting requirements for center operators and operational support service providers?
The Secretary establishes procedures to ensure the timely and complete reporting of necessary financial and program information to maintain accountability. Center operators and operational support service providers are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of all reports and data they provide.
§ 686.960   What procedures are available to resolve complaints and disputes?
(a) Each Job Corps center operator and service provider must establish and maintain a grievance procedure for filing complaints and resolving disputes from applicants, students and/or other interested parties about its programs and activities. A hearing on each complaint or dispute must be conducted within 30 days of the filing of the complaint or dispute. A decision on the complaint must be made by the center operator or service provider, as appropriate, within 60 days after the filing of the complaint, and a copy of the decision must be immediately served, by first-class mail, on the complainant and any other party to the complaint. Except for complaints under § 686.470 or complaints alleging fraud or other criminal activity, complaints may be filed within 1 year of the occurrence that led to the complaint.
(b) The procedure established under paragraph (a) of this section must include procedures to process complaints alleging violations of sec. 188 of WIOA, consistent with Department nondiscrimination regulations implementing sec. 188 of WIOA at 29 CFR part 38 and § 686.985.
§ 686.965   How does Job Corps ensure that complaints or disputes are resolved in a timely fashion?
(a) If a complaint is not resolved by the center operator or service provider in the time frames described in § 686.960, the person making the complaint may request that the Regional Director determine whether reasonable cause exists to believe that WIOA or regulations for this part of WIOA have been violated. The request must be filed with the Regional Director within 60 days from the date that the center operator or service provider should have issued the decision.
(b) Following the receipt of a request for review under paragraph (a) of this section, the Regional Director must determine within 60 days whether there has been a violation of WIOA or the WIOA regulations. If the Regional Director determines that there has been a violation of WIOA or WIOA regulations, (s)he may direct the operator or service provider to remedy the violation or direct the service provider to issue a decision to resolve the dispute according to the service provider's grievance procedures. If the service provider does not comply with the Regional Director's decision within 30 days, the Regional Director may impose a sanction on the center operator or service provider for violating WIOA or WIOA regulations, and/or for failing to issue a decision. Decisions imposing sanctions upon a center operator or service provider may be appealed to the Department of Labor Office of Administrative Law Judges under § 683.800 or § 683.840 of this chapter.
§ 686.970   How does Job Corps ensure that centers or other service providers comply with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the WIOA regulations?
(a) If the Department receives a complaint or has reason to believe that a center or other service provider is failing to comply with the requirements of WIOA or WIOA regulations, the Regional Director must investigate the allegation and determine within 90 days after receiving the complaint or otherwise learning of the alleged violation, whether such allegation or complaint is true.
(b) As a result of such a determination, the Regional Director may:
(1) Direct the center operator or service provider to handle a complaint through the grievance procedures established under § 686.960; or
(2) Investigate and determine whether the center operator or service provider is in compliance with WIOA and WIOA regulations. If the Regional Director determines that the center or service provider is not in compliance with WIOA or WIOA regulations, the Regional Director may take action to resolve the complaint under § 686.965(b), or will report the incident to the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, as described in § 683.620 of this chapter.
§ 686.975   How does Job Corps ensure that contract disputes will be resolved?
A dispute between the Department and a Job Corps contractor will be handled according to the Contract Disputes Act and applicable regulations.
§ 686.980   How does Job Corps resolve disputes between the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the operation of Job Corps centers?
Disputes between the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding operating a center will be handled according to the interagency agreement between the two agencies.
§ 686.985   What Department of Labor equal opportunity and nondiscrimination regulations apply to Job Corps?
Nondiscrimination requirements, procedures, complaint processing, and compliance reviews are governed by, as applicable, provisions of the following Department of Labor regulations:
(a) Regulations implementing sec. 188 of WIOA for programs receiving Federal financial assistance under WIOA found at 29 CFR part 38;
(b) Title 29 CFR part 33 for programs conducted by the Department of Labor; and
(c) Title 41 CFR chapter 60 for entities that have a Federal government contract.
§ 686.1000   How is the performance of the Job Corps program assessed?
(a) The performance of the Job Corps program as a whole, and the performance of individual centers, outreach and admissions providers, and career transition service providers, is assessed in accordance with the regulations in this part and procedures and standards issued by the Secretary, through a national performance management system, including the Outcome Measurement System (OMS).
(b) The national performance management system will include measures that reflect the primary indicators of performance described in § 686.1010, the information needed to complete the Annual Report described in § 686.1040, and any other information the Secretary determines is necessary to manage and evaluate the effectiveness of the Job Corps program. The Secretary will issue annual guidance describing the performance management system and outcome measurement system.
(c) Annual performance assessments based on the measures described in paragraph (b) of this section are done for each center operator and other service providers, including outreach and admissions providers and career transition providers.
§ 686.1010   What are the primary indicators of performance for Job Corps centers and the Job Corps program?
The primary indicators of performance for eligible youth are described in sec. 116(b)(2)(A)(ii) of WIOA. They are:
(a) The percentage of program participants who are in education or training activities, or in unsubsidized employment, during the second quarter after exit from the program;
(b) The percentage of program participants who are in education or training activities, or in unsubsidized employment, during the fourth quarter after exit from the program;
(c) The median earnings of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program;
(d) The percentage of program participants who obtain a recognized postsecondary credential, or a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent during participation in or within 1 year after exit from the program. Program participants who obtain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent will be included in the percentage only if they also have obtained or retained employment, or are in an education or training program leading to a recognized postsecondary credential, within 1 year after exit from the program;
(e) The percentage of program participants who, during a program year, are in an education or training program that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential or employment and who are achieving measurable skill gains toward such a credential or employment; and
(f) The percentage of participants in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program who were employed by the same employer in the second and fourth quarters after exit.
§ 686.1020   What are the indicators of performance for Job Corps outreach and admissions providers?
The Secretary establishes performance indicators for outreach and admission service providers serving the Job Corps program. They include, but are not limited to:
(a) The number of enrollees recruited, compared to the established goals for such recruitment, and the number of enrollees who remain committed to the program for 90 days after enrollment;
(b) The percentage and number of former enrollees, including the number dismissed under the zero tolerance policy described in sec. 152(b) of WIOA and § 686.545;
(c) The maximum attainable percent of enrollees at the Job Corps center that reside in the State in which the center is located, and the maximum attainable percentage of enrollees at the Job Corps center that reside in the State in which the center is located and in surrounding regions, as compared to the percentage targets established by the Secretary for the center for each of those measures;
(d) The cost per enrollee, calculated by comparing the number of enrollees at the center in a program year to the total budget for such center in the same program year; and
(e) Additional indicators of performance, as necessary.
§ 686.1030   What are the indicators of performance for Job Corps career transition service providers?
The Secretary establishes performance indicators for career transition service providers serving the Job Corps program. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) The primary indicators of performance for eligible youth in WIOA sec. 116(b)(2)(A)(ii), as listed in § 686.1010;
(b) The number of graduates who entered the Armed Forces;
(c) The number of graduates who entered registered apprenticeship programs;
(d) The number of graduates who entered unsubsidized employment related to the career technical training received through the Job Corps program;
(e) The number of graduates who entered unsubsidized employment not related to the education and training received through the Job Corps program;
(f) The percentage and number of graduates who enter postsecondary education;
(g) The average wage of graduates who entered unsubsidized employment:
(1) On the first day of such employment; and
(2) On the day that is 6 months after such first day; and
(h) Additional indicators of performance, as necessary.
§ 686.1040   What information will be collected for use in the Annual Report?
The Secretary will collect and submit in the Annual Report described in sec. 159(c)(4) of WIOA, which will include the following information on each Job Corps center, and the Job Corps program as a whole:
(a) Information on the performance, based on the performance indicators described § 686.1010, as compared to the expected level of performance established under § 686.1050 for each performance indicator;
(b) Information on the performance of outreach service providers and career transition service providers on the performance indicators established under §§ 686.1020 and 686.1030, as compared to the expected levels of performance established under § 686.1050 for each of those indicators;
(c) The number of enrollees served;
(d) Demographic information on the enrollees served, including age, race, gender, and education and income level;
(e) The number of graduates of a Job Corps center;
(f) The number of graduates who entered the Armed Forces;
(g) The number of graduates who entered registered apprenticeship programs;
(h) The number of graduates who received a regular secondary school diploma;
(i) The number of graduates who received a State recognized equivalent of a secondary school diploma;
(j) The number of graduates who entered unsubsidized employment related to the career technical training received through the Job Corps program and the number who entered unsubsidized employment not related to the education and training received;
(k) The percentage and number of former enrollees, including the number dismissed under the zero tolerance policy described in § 686.545;
(l) The percentage and number of graduates who enter postsecondary education;
(m) The average wage of graduates who enter unsubsidized employment:
(1) On the first day of such employment; and
(2) On the day that is 6 months after such first day;
(n) The maximum attainable percent of enrollees at a Job Corps center that reside in the State in which the center is located, and the maximum attainable percentage of enrollees at a Job Corps center that reside in the State in which the center is located and in surrounding regions, as compared to the percentage targets established by the Secretary for the center for each of those measures;
(o) The cost per enrollee, which is calculated by comparing the number of enrollees at the center in a program year to the total budget for such center in the same program year;
(p) The cost per graduate, which is calculated by comparing the number of graduates of the center in a program year compared to the total budget for such center in the same program year;
(q) Information regarding the state of Job Corps buildings and facilities, including a review of requested construction, rehabilitation, and acquisition projects, by each Job Corps center, and a review of new facilities under construction;
(r) Available information regarding the national and community service activities of enrollees, particularly those enrollees at Civilian Conservation Centers; and
(s) Any additional information required by the Secretary.
§ 686.1050   How are the expected levels of performance for Job Corps centers, outreach and admissions providers and career transition service providers established?
(a) The Secretary establishes expected levels of performance for Job Corps centers, outreach and admissions providers and career transition service providers and the Job Corps program relating to each of the primary indicators of performance described in §§ 686.1010, 686.1020, and 686.1030.
(b) As described in § 686.1000, the Secretary will issue annual guidance describing the national performance management system and outcomes measurement system, which will communicate the expected levels of performance for each primary indicator of performance for each center, and each indicator of performance for each outreach and admission provider, and for each career transition service provider. Such guidance also will describe how the expected levels of performance were calculated.
§ 686.1060   How are center rankings established?
(a) The Secretary calculates annual rankings of center performance based on the performance management system described in § 686.1000 as part of the annual performance assessment described in § 686.1000(c).
(b) The Secretary will issue annual guidance that communicates the methodology for calculating the performance rankings for the year.
§ 686.1070   How and when will the Secretary use performance improvement plans?
(a) The Secretary establishes standards and procedures for developing and implementing performance improvement plans.
(1) The Secretary will develop and implement a performance improvement plan for a center when that center fails to meet the expected levels of performance described in § 686.1050.
(i) The Secretary will consider a center to have failed to meet the expected level of performance if the center:
(A) Is ranked among the lowest 10 percent of Job Corps centers for the most recent preceding program year according to the rankings calculated under § 686.1060; and
(B) The center fails to achieve an average of 90 percent of the expected level of performance for all of the primary indicators.
(ii) For any program year that precedes the implementation of the establishment of the expected levels of performance under § 686.1050 and the application of the primary indicators of performance for Job Corps centers identified in § 686.1010, the Secretary will consider a center to have failed to meet the expected levels of performance if the center:
(A) Is ranked among the lowest 10 percent of Job Corps centers for the most recent preceding program year according to the rankings calculated under § 686.1060; and
(B) The center's composite OMS score for the program year is 88 percent or less of the year's OMS national average.
(2) The Secretary also may develop and implement additional performance improvement plans, which will require improvements for a Job Corps center that fails to meet criteria established by the Secretary other than the expected levels of performance.
(b) A performance improvement plan will require action be taken to correct identified performance issues within 1 year of the implementation of the plan, and it will identify criteria that must be met for the center to complete the performance improvement plan.
(1) The center operator must implement the actions outlined in the performance improvement plan.
(2) If the center fails to take the steps outlined in the performance improvement plan or fails to meet the criteria established to complete the performance improvement plan after 1 year, the center will be considered to have failed to improve performance under a performance improvement plan detailed in paragraph (a) of this section.
(i) Such a center will remain on a performance improvement plan and the Secretary will take action as described in paragraph (c) of this section.
(ii) If a Civilian Conservation Center fails to meet expected levels of performance relating to the primary indicators of performance specified in § 686.1010, or fails to improve performance under a performance improvement plan detailed in paragraph (a) of this section after 3 program years, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, must select an entity to operate the Civilian Conservation Center on a competitive basis, in accordance with the requirements of § 686.310.
(c) Under a performance improvement plan, the Secretary may take the following actions, as necessary:
(1) Providing technical assistance to the center;
(2) Changing the management staff of a center;
(3) Changing the career technical training offered at the center;
(4) Replacing the operator of the center;
(5) Reducing the capacity of the center;
(6) Relocating the center; or
(7) Closing the center in accordance with the criteria established under § 686.200(b).