Title 20—Employees' Benefits--Volume 1
PART 685—NATIONAL FARMWORKER JOBS PROGRAM UNDER TITLE I OF THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT
§ 685.100   What is the purpose of the National Farmworker Jobs Program and the other services and activities established under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?
The purpose of the NFJP and the other services and activities established under WIOA sec. 167 is to strengthen the ability of eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFWs) and their dependents to obtain or retain unsubsidized employment, stabilize their unsubsidized employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency, including upgraded employment in agriculture. This part provides the regulatory requirements applicable to the expenditure of WIOA secs. 167 and 127(a)(1) funds for such programs, services, and activities.
§ 685.110   What definitions apply to this program?
In addition to the definitions found in § 675.300 of this chapter, the following definitions apply to programs under this part:
Allowances means direct payments made to participants during their enrollment to enable them to participate in the career services described in WIOA sec. 134(c)(2)(A)(xii) or training services as appropriate.
Dependent means an individual who:
(1) Was claimed as a dependent on the eligible MSFW's Federal income tax return for the previous year; or
(2) Is the spouse of the eligible MSFW; or
(3) If not claimed as a dependent for Federal income tax purposes, is able to establish:
(i) A relationship as the eligible MSFW's;
(A) Child, grandchild, great grandchild, including legally adopted children;
(B) Stepchild;
(C) Brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, stepbrother, or stepsister;
(D) Parent, grandparent, or other direct ancestor but not foster parent;
(E) Foster child;
(F) Stepfather or stepmother;
(G) Uncle or aunt;
(H) Niece or nephew;
(I) Father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law; or
(J) Daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law; and
(ii) The receipt of over half of his/her total support from the eligible MSFW's family during the eligibility determination period.
Eligibility determination period means any consecutive 12-month period within the 24-month period immediately preceding the date of application for the MSFW program by the applicant MSFW.
Eligible migrant farmworker means an eligible seasonal farmworker as defined in WIOA sec. 167(i)(3) whose agricultural labor requires travel to a job site such that the farmworker is unable to return to a permanent place of residence within the same day; and dependents of the migrant farmworker, as described in WIOA sec. 167(i)(2).
Eligible migrant and seasonal farmworker means an eligible migrant farmworker or an eligible seasonal farmworker, also referred to in this regulation as an “ eligible MSFW, ” as defined in WIOA sec. 167(i).
Eligible MSFW youth means an eligible MSFW aged 14-24 who is individually eligible or is a dependent of an eligible MSFW. The term eligible MSFW youth is a subset of the term eligible MSFW defined in this section.
Eligible seasonal farmworker means a low-income individual who for 12 consecutive months out of the 24 months prior to application for the program involved, has been primarily employed in agricultural or fish farming labor that is characterized by chronic unemployment or underemployment; and faces multiple barriers to economic self-sufficiency; and dependents of the seasonal farmworker as described in WIOA sec. 167(i)(3).
Emergency assistance is a form of “related assistance” and means assistance provided by grantees that addresses immediate needs of eligible MSFWs and their dependents. An applicant's self-certification is accepted as sufficient documentation of eligibility for emergency assistance.
Family, for the purpose of reporting housing assistance grantee indicators of performance as described in in § 685.400, means the eligible MSFW(s) and all the individuals identified under the definition of dependent in this section who are living together in one physical residence.
Farmwork means work while employed in the occupations described in § 651.10 of this chapter.
Grantee means an entity to which the Department directly awards a WIOA grant to carry out programs to serve eligible MSFWs in a service area, with funds made available under WIOA sec. 167 or 127(a)(1).
Housing assistance means housing services which contribute to safe and sanitary temporary and permanent housing constructed, supplied, or maintained with NFJP funding.
Lower living standard income level means the income level as defined in WIOA sec. 3(36)(B).
Low-income individual means an individual as defined in WIOA sec. 3(36)(A).
MOU means Memorandum of Understanding.
National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) is the Department of Labor-administered workforce investment program for eligible MSFWs established by WIOA sec. 167 as a required partner of the one-stop delivery system and includes both career services and training grants, and housing grants.
Recognized postsecondary credential means a credential as defined in WIOA sec. 3(52).
Related assistance means short-term forms of direct assistance designed to assist eligible MSFWs retain or stabilize their agricultural employment. Examples of related assistance may include, but are not limited to, services such as transportation assistance or providing work clothing.
Self-certification means an eligible MSFW's signed attestation that the information he/she submits to demonstrate eligibility for the NFJP is true and accurate.
Service area means the geographical jurisdiction, which may be comprised of one or more designated State or sub-State areas, in which a WIOA sec. 167 grantee is designated to operate.
Supportive services means the services defined in WIOA sec. 3(59).
Technical assistance means the guidance provided to grantees and grantee staff by the Department to improve the quality of the program and the delivery of program services to eligible MSFWs.
§ 685.120   How does the Department administer the National Farmworker Jobs Program?
The Department's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) administers NFJP activities required under WIOA sec. 167 for eligible MSFWs. As described in § 685.210, the Department designates grantees using procedures consistent with standard Federal government competitive procedures.
§ 685.130   How does the Department assist grantees to serve eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers?
The Department provides guidance, administrative support, technical assistance, and training to grantees for the purposes of program implementation, and program performance management to enhance services and promote continuous improvement in the employment outcomes of eligible MSFWs.
§ 685.140   What Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) regulations apply to the programs authorized under WIOA?
The regulations that apply to programs authorized under WIOA sec. 167 include but are not limited to:
(a) The regulations found in this part;
(b) The general administrative requirements found in part 683 of this chapter, including the regulations concerning Complaints, Investigations and Hearings found at part 683, subparts D through H, of this chapter, which cover programs under WIOA sec. 167;
(c) Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR part 200 and the Department's exceptions at 2 CFR part 2900 pursuant to the effective dates in 2 CFR parts 200 and 2900;
(d) The regulations on partnership responsibilities contained in parts 679 (Statewide and Local Governance) and 678 (the One-Stop System) of this chapter; and
(e) The Department's regulations at 29 CFR part 38, which implement the nondiscrimination provisions of WIOA sec. 188.
§ 685.200   Who is eligible to receive a National Farmworker Jobs Program grant?
To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity must have:
(a) An understanding of the problems of eligible MSFWs;
(b) A familiarity with the agricultural industries and the labor market needs of the proposed service area; and
(c) The ability to demonstrate a capacity to administer and deliver effectively a diversified program of workforce investment activities, including youth workforce investment activities, and related assistance for eligible MSFWs.
§ 685.210   How does an eligible entity become a grantee?
To become a grantee and receive a grant under this subpart, an applicant must respond to a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Under the FOA, grantees will be selected using standard Federal government competitive procedures. The entity's proposal must include a program plan, which is a 4-year strategy for meeting the needs of eligible MSFWs in the proposed service area, and a description of the entities experience working with the broader workforce delivery system. Unless specified otherwise in the FOA, grantees may serve eligible MSFWs, including eligible MSFW youth, under the grant. An applicant whose application for funding as a grantee under this section is denied in whole or in part may request an administrative review under § 683.800 of this chapter.
§ 685.220   What is the role of the grantee in the one-stop delivery system?
In those local areas where the grantee operates its NFJP as described in its grant agreement, the grantee is a required one-stop partner, and is subject to the provisions relating to such partners described in part 678 of this chapter. Consistent with those provisions, the grantee and Local Workforce Development Board (WDB) must develop and enter into an MOU which meets the requirements of § 678.500 of this chapter, and which sets forth their respective responsibilities for providing access to the full range of NFJP services through the one-stop delivery system to eligible MSFWs.
§ 685.230   Can a grantee's designation be terminated?
Yes, a grantee's designation may be terminated by the Department for cause:
(a) In emergency circumstances when such action is necessary to protect the integrity of Federal funds or to ensure the proper operation of the program. Any grantee so terminated will be provided with written notice and an opportunity for a hearing within 30 days after the termination; or
(b) By the Department's Grant Officer, if the recipient materially fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the award. In such a case, the Grant Officer will follow the administrative regulations at § 683.440 of this chapter.
§ 685.240   How does the Department use funds appropriated under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for the National Farmworker Jobs Program?
At least 99 percent of the funds appropriated each year for WIOA sec. 167 activities must be allocated to service areas, based on the distribution of the eligible MSFW population determined under a formula established by the Secretary. The Department will award grants pursuant to § 685.210 for the provision of services to eligible MSFWs within each service area. The Department will use a percentage of the funds allocated for State service areas for housing grants, specified in a FOA issued by the Department. The Department will use up to one percent of the appropriated funds for discretionary purposes, such as technical assistance to eligible entities and other activities prescribed by the Secretary.
§ 685.300   What are the general responsibilities of grantees?
(a) The Department awards career services and training grants and housing grants through the FOA process described in § 685.210. Career services and training grantees are responsible for providing appropriate career services, training, and related assistance to eligible MSFWs. Housing grantees are responsible for providing housing assistance to eligible MSFWs.
(b) Grantees will provide these services in accordance with the service delivery strategy meeting the requirements of § 685.310 and as described in their approved program plan described in § 685.420. These services must reflect the needs of the MSFW population in the service area and include the services that are necessary to achieve each participant's employment goals or housing needs.
(c) Grantees are responsible for coordinating services, particularly outreach to MSFWs, with the State Workforce Agency as defined in § 651.10 of this chapter and the State's Monitor Advocate.
(d) Grantees are responsible for fulfilling the responsibilities of one-stop partners described in § 678.420 of this chapter.
§ 685.310   What are the basic components of a National Farmworker Jobs Program service delivery strategy?
The NFJP service delivery strategy must include:
(a) A customer-focused case management approach;
(b) The provision of workforce investment activities to eligible MSFWs which include career services and training, as described in WIOA secs. 167(d) and 134, and part 680 of this chapter;
(c) The provision of youth workforce investment activities described in WIOA sec. 129 and part 681 of this chapter may be provided to eligible MSFW youth;
(d) The arrangements under the MOUs with the applicable Local WDBs for the delivery of the services available through the one-stop delivery system to MSFWs; and
(e) Related assistance services.
§ 685.320   Who is eligible to receive services under the National Farmworker Jobs Program?
Eligible migrant farmworkers (including eligible MSFW youth) and eligible seasonal farmworkers (including eligible MSFW youth) as defined in § 685.110 are eligible for services funded by the NFJP.
§ 685.330   How are services delivered to eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers?
To ensure that all services are focused on the customer's needs, services are provided through a case-management approach emphasizing customer choice and may include: Appropriate career services and training; related assistance, which includes emergency assistance; and supportive services, which includes allowance payments. The basic services and delivery of case-management activities are further described in §§ 685.340 through 685.390.
§ 685.340   What career services may grantees provide to eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers?
(a) Grantees may provide the career services described in WIOA secs. 167(d) and 134(c)(2), and part 680 of this chapter to eligible MSFWs.
(b) Grantees may provide other services identified in the approved program plan.
(c) The delivery of career services to eligible MSFWs by the grantee and through the one-stop delivery system must be discussed in the required MOU between the Local WDB and the grantee.
§ 685.350   What training services may grantees provide to eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers?
(a) Grantees may provide the training activities described in WIOA secs. 167(d) and 134(c)(3)(D), and part 680 of this chapter to eligible MSFWs. These activities include, but are not limited to, occupational-skills training and on-the-job training (OJT). Eligible MSFWs are not required to receive career services prior to receiving training services.
(1) When providing OJT services NFJP grantees may reimburse employers for the extraordinary costs of training by up to 50 percent of the wage rate of the participant for OJT.
(2) Grantees also may increase the OJT reimbursement rate up to 75 percent of the wage rate of a participant under certain conditions, provided that such reimbursement is being provided consistent with the reimbursement rates used under WIOA sec. 134(c)(3)(H)(i) for the local area(s) in which the grantee operates its program.
(b) Training services must be directly linked to an in-demand industry sector or occupation in the service area, or in another area to which an eligible MSFW receiving such services is willing to relocate.
(c) Training activities must encourage the attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials as defined in § 685.110 when appropriate for an eligible MSFW.
§ 685.360   What housing services may grantees provide to eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers?
(a) Housing grantees must provide housing services to eligible MSFWs.
(b) Career services and training grantees may provide housing services to eligible MSFWs as described in their program plan.
(c) Housing services may include the following:
(1) Permanent housing that is owner-occupied, or occupied on a permanent, year-round basis (notwithstanding ownership) as the eligible MSFW's primary residence to which he/she returns at the end of the work or training day.
(i) Types of permanent housing may include rental units, single family homes, duplexes, and other multi-family structures, dormitories, group homes, and other housing types that provide short-term, seasonal, or year-round housing opportunities in permanent structures. Modular structures, manufactured housing, or mobile units placed on permanent foundations and supplied with appropriate utilities, and other infrastructure also are considered permanent housing.
(ii) Permanent housing services include but are not limited to: Investments in development services, project management, and resource development to secure acquisition, construction/renovation and operating funds, property management services, and program management. New construction, purchase of existing structures, and rehabilitation of existing structures, as well as the infrastructure, utilities, and other improvements necessary to complete or maintain those structures also may be considered part of managing permanent housing.
(2) Temporary housing that is not owner-occupied and is used by MSFWs whose employment requires occasional travel outside their normal commuting area.
(i) Types of temporary housing may include: Housing units intended for temporary occupancy located in permanent structures, such as rental units in an apartment complex or in mobile structures that provide short-term, seasonal housing opportunities; temporary structures that may be moved from site to site, dismantled and re-erected when needed for farmworker occupancy, closed during the off-season, or handled through other similar arrangements; off-farm housing operated independently of employer interest in, or control of, the housing; or on-farm housing located on property owned by an agricultural employer and operated by an entity such as an agricultural employer or a nonprofit organization; and other housing types that provide short-term, seasonal, or temporary housing opportunities in temporary structures.
(ii) Temporary housing services include but are not limited to: Managing temporary housing which may involve property management of temporary housing facilities, case management, and referral services, and emergency housing payments, including vouchers and cash payments for rent/lease and utilities.
(d) Permanent housing developed with NFJP funds must be promoted and made widely available to eligible MSFWs, but occupancy is not restricted to eligible MSFWs. Temporary housing services must only be provided to eligible MSFWs.
(e) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, NFJP funds used for housing assistance must ensure the provision of safe and sanitary temporary and permanent housing that meets the Federal housing standards at part 654 of this chapter (ETA housing for farmworkers) or 29 CFR 1910.10 (OSHA housing standards).
(f) When NFJP grantees provide temporary housing assistance that allows the participant to select the housing, including vouchers and cash payments for rent, lease, and utilities, NFJP grantees are not required to ensure that such housing meets the Federal housing standards at part 654 of this chapter or 29 CFR 1910.10.
§ 685.370   What services may grantees provide to eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers youth participants aged 14-24?
(a) Based on an evaluation and assessment of the needs of eligible MSFW youth, grantees may provide activities and services that include but are not limited to:
(1) Career services and training as described in §§ 685.340 and 685.350;
(2) Youth workforce investment activities specified in WIOA sec. 129;
(3) Life skills activities which may include self- and interpersonal skills development;
(4) Community service projects; and
(5) Other activities and services that conform to the use of funds for youth activities described in part 681 of this chapter.
(b) Grantees may provide these services to any eligible MSFW youth, regardless of the participant's eligibility for WIOA title I youth activities as described in WIOA sec. 129(a).
§ 685.380   What related assistance services may be provided to eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers?
Related assistance may include short-term direct services and activities. Examples include emergency assistance, as defined in § 685.110, and those activities identified in WIOA sec. 167(d), such as: English language and literacy instruction; pesticide and worker safety training; housing (including permanent housing), as described in § 685.360 and as provided in the approved program plan; and school dropout prevention and recovery activities. Related assistance may be provided to eligible MSFWs not enrolled in career services, youth services, or training services.
§ 685.390   When may eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers receive related assistance?
Eligible MSFWs may receive related assistance services when the grantee identifies and documents the need for the related assistance, which may include a statement by the eligible MSFW.
§ 685.400   What are the indicators of performance that apply to the National Farmworker Jobs Program?
(a) For grantees providing career services and training, the Department will use the indicators of performance common to the adult and youth programs, described in WIOA sec. 116(b)(2)(A).
(b) For grantees providing career services and training, the Department will reach agreement with individual grantees on the levels of performance for each of the primary indicators of performance, taking into account economic conditions, characteristics of the individuals served, and other appropriate factors, and using, to the extent practicable, the statistical adjustment model under WIOA sec. 116(b)(3)(A)(viii). Once agreement on the levels of performance for each of the primary indicators of performance is reached with individual grantees, the Department will incorporate the adjusted levels of performance in the grant plan. For the purposes of performance reporting, eligible MSFWs who receive any career services, youth services, training, or certain related assistance are considered participants as defined in § 677.150 of this chapter and must be included in performance calculations for the indicators of performance. Eligible MSFWs who receive only those services identified in § 677.150(a)(3)(ii) or (iii) of this chapter are not included in performance calculations for the indicators of performance described in WIOA sec. 116(b)(2)(A).
(c) For grantees providing housing services only, grantees will use the total number of eligible MSFWs served and the total number of eligible MSFW families served as indicators of performance. Additionally, grantees providing permanent housing development activities will use the total number of individuals served and the total number of families served as indicators of performance.
(d) The Department may develop additional performance indicators with appropriate levels of performance for evaluating programs that serve eligible MSFWs and which reflect the State service area economy, local demographics of eligible MSFWs, and other appropriate factors. If additional performance indicators are developed, the levels of performance for these additional indicators must be negotiated with the grantee and included in the approved program plan.
(e) Grantees may develop additional performance indicators and include them in the program plan or in periodic performance reports.
§ 685.410   What planning documents must a grantee submit?
Each grantee receiving WIOA sec. 167 program funds must submit to the Department a comprehensive program plan and a projection of participant services and expenditures in accordance with instructions issued by the Secretary.
§ 685.420   What information is required in the grantee program plan?
A grantee's 4-year program plan must describe:
(a) The service area that the applicant proposes to serve;
(b) The population to be served and the education and employment needs of the MSFW population to be served;
(c) The manner in which proposed services to eligible MSFWs will strengthen their ability to obtain or retain unsubsidized employment or stabilize their unsubsidized employment, including upgraded employment in agriculture;
(d) The related assistance and supportive services to be provided and the manner in which such assistance and services are to be integrated and coordinated with other appropriate services;
(e) The performance accountability measures that will be used to assess the performance of the entity in carrying out the NFJP program activities, including the expected levels of performance for the primary indicators of performance described in § 685.400;
(f) The availability and accessibility of local resources, such as supportive services, services provided through one-stop delivery systems, and education and training activities, and how the resources can be made available to the population to be served;
(g) The plan for providing services including strategies and systems for outreach, career planning, assessment, and delivery through one-stop delivery systems;
(h) The methods the grantee will use to target its services on specific segments of the eligible population, as appropriate; and
(i) Such other information as required by the Secretary in instructions issued under § 685.410.
§ 685.430   Under what circumstances are the terms of the grantee's program plan modified by the grantee or the Department?
(a) Plans must be modified to reflect the funding level for each year of the grant. The Department will provide instructions annually on when to submit modifications for each year of funding, which will generally be no later than June 1 prior to the start of the subsequent year of the grant cycle.
(b) The grantee must submit a request to the Department for any proposed modifications to its plan to add, delete, expand, or reduce any part of the program plan or allowable activities. The Department will consider the cost principles, uniform administrative requirements, and terms and conditions of award when reviewing modifications to program plans.
(c) If the grantee is approved for a regulatory waiver under §§ 685.460 and 685.470, the grantee must submit a modification of its grant plan to reflect the effect of the waiver.
§ 685.440   How are costs classified under the National Farmworker Jobs Program?
(a) Costs are classified as follows:
(1) Administrative costs, as defined in § 683.215 of this chapter; and
(2) Program costs, which are all other costs not defined as administrative.
(b) Program costs must be classified and reported in the following categories:
(1) Related assistance (including emergency assistance);
(2) Supportive services; and
(3) All other program services.
§ 685.450   What is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act administrative cost limit for National Farmworker Jobs Program grants?
Under § 683.205(b) of this chapter, limits on administrative costs for programs operated under subtitle D of WIOA title I will be identified in the grant or contract award document. Administrative costs will not exceed 15 percent of total grantee funding.
§ 685.460   Are there regulatory and/or statutory waiver provisions that apply to the National Farmworker Jobs Program?
(a) The statutory waiver provision at WIOA sec. 189(i) and discussed in § 679.600 of this chapter does not apply to any NFJP grant under WIOA sec. 167.
(b) Grantees may request waiver of any regulatory provisions only when such regulatory provisions are:
(1) Not required by WIOA;
(2) Not related to wage and labor standards, non-displacement protection, worker rights, participation and protection of workers and participants, and eligibility of participants, grievance procedures, judicial review, nondiscrimination, allocation of funds, procedures for review and approval of plans; and
(3) Not related to the basic purposes of WIOA, described in § 675.100 of this chapter.
§ 685.470   How can grantees request a waiver?
To request a waiver, a grantee must submit to the Department a waiver plan that:
(a) Describes the goals of the waiver, the expected programmatic outcomes, and how the waiver will improve the provision of program activities;
(b) Is consistent with any guidelines the Department establishes;
(c) Describes the data that will be collected to track the impact of the waiver; and
(d) Includes a modified program plan reflecting the effect of the requested waiver.
§ 685.500   What is supplemental youth workforce investment activity funding?
Pursuant to WIOA sec. 127(a)(1), if Congress appropriates more than $925 million for WIOA youth workforce investment activities in a fiscal year, 4 percent of the excess amount must be used by the Department to provide workforce investment activities for eligible MSFW youth under WIOA sec. 167.
§ 685.510   What requirements apply to grants funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?
The requirements in subparts A through D of this part apply to grants funded by WIOA sec. 127(a)(1), except that grants described in this subpart must be used only for workforce investment activities for eligible MSFW youth, as described in § 685.370 and WIOA sec. 167(d) (including related assistance and supportive services).
§ 685.520   What is the application process for obtaining a grant funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?
The Department will issue a separate FOA for grants funded by WIOA sec. 127(a)(1). The selection will be made in accordance with the procedures described in § 685.210, except that the Department reserves the right to provide priority to applicants that are WIOA sec. 167 grantees.
§ 685.530   What planning documents are required for grants funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?
The required planning documents will be described in the FOA.
§ 685.540   How are funds allocated to grants funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?
The allocation of funds will be based on the comparative merits of the applications, in accordance with criteria set forth in the FOA.
§ 685.550   Who is eligible to receive services through grants funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?
Eligible MSFW youth as defined in § 685.110 are eligible to receive services through grants funded by WIOA sec. 127(a)(1).