[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 190 (Friday, October 1, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58962-58983]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-22060]


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

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Veterans' Employment and Training Service


Solicitation for Grant Applications for Veterans' Workforce 
Investment Program Grants for Program Year 2004

    Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: <greek-i>04-11.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.802.
    Key Dates: Applications are to be submitted by no later than 
November 1, 2004.
    Delivery Address: U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services 
Center, Attention: Cassandra Mitchell, Reference SGA <greek-i>04-11, 
Room N5416, 200 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20210.
    Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Veterans' 
Employment and Training Service (VETS) announces a competition for the 
balance of the Veterans' Workforce

[[Page 58963]]

Investment Program (VWIP) grant funds for Program Year (PY) 2004, as 
authorized under Section 168 of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 
1998. This Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) notice contains 
all of the necessary information and forms needed to apply for grant 
funding. Selected programs will assist eligible veterans by providing 
employment, training, support services, credentialing, networking 
information, and/or other assistance. Under this SGA, VETS anticipates 
that up to $3,800,000 in PY 2004 funds will be available for grant 
awards. The awards will be in the form of 6-month grants. It is 
anticipated that funds will be made available under this solicitation 
beginning January 1, 2005, and must be obligated no later than June 30, 
2005. The VWIP programs are designed to be flexible in addressing the 
universal as well as local or regional problems that may have had a 
negative impact on veterans as they adapt to the competitive challenges 
of the 21st Century workforce. VETS, through this SGA, is seeking 
applications that take one of two approaches--either providing direct 
services to veterans that result in jobs and job training or 
credentialing opportunities, or providing outreach and public 
information activities that result in jobs and job training or 
credentialing opportunities for veterans.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Section 168 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) amended 
the training programs made available to veterans. See Sec. 168, Pub. L. 
105-220, 112 Stat. 1027 (29 U.S.C. 2913). Section 168 authorizes the 
Department of Labor to make grants to meet the needs for workforce 
investment activities of veterans with service-connected disabilities, 
veterans who have significant barriers to employment, veterans who 
served on active duty in the armed forces during a war or in a campaign 
or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, and 
recently separated veterans within 48 months of discharge. Priority of 
service for veterans in Department of Labor training programs is 
established in Chapter 42, Section 4215 of Title 38 U.S.C.
    The Department of Labor is authorized to make grants to public 
agencies and private non-profit organizations (including faith-based 
and community-based organizations) that are determined to have an 
understanding of the unemployment problems of veterans, familiarity 
with the area to be served, and the capability to administer a program 
of workforce investment activities for such veterans effectively.
    The VWIP grants under Section 168 of the WIA of 1998 are intended 
to address one or more of the following three objectives:
    <bullet> To provide the One-Stop Career Center system with new and 
creative service delivery strategies that address the complex 
employment problems facing veterans.
    <bullet> To provide services to assist in integrating veterans into 
meaningful employment within the labor force; and/or
    <bullet> To provide outreach efforts such as communication 
strategies or conferences designed to address systemic problems with 
diverse agencies sharing information or to sponsor conferences designed 
to bring systemic change in skills development recognition that are 
barriers to veterans entering the workforce.
    This SGA seeks to fund programs that are flexible, creative, 
innovative, and non-duplicative in addressing local or regional 
problems that have kept veterans from the workforce. Of particular 
interest are those addressing barriers created by non-recognition of 
military training relevant to high growth industries where a license or 
certification is involved and programs addressing the improvement of 
employment and retention of veterans.

    The project design may provide for one of the following two 
options:
    1. Employment and training services such as basic skills 
instruction, training necessary to fill gaps in academic or 
experiential requirements necessary for a license or professional 
certification, remedial education activities, job search activities 
including job search workshops, job counseling, job preparatory 
training including r[eacute]sum[eacute] writing and interviewing 
skills, subsidized trial employment, on-the-job training, classroom 
training, placement follow-up services, and other services provided 
under WIA. These services should focus on emerging high growth 
industries and target occupations where documented shortages exist. 
Some examples might include health care professions, information 
technology, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, financial services, 
or other occupations where a license or certification is either 
required or desirable.
    2. Outreach activities such as local or regional newsletters or 
other communications devices that convey important information to all 
entities involved in providing employment and training services to 
veterans, or regional or national conferences. For example, conferences 
might bring together interested parties from within and outside the 
public workforce investment system in order to share important 
information on strategies for removing credentialing barriers facing 
veterans with viable but unrecognized skills or to develop plans with a 
specified employer base for using veterans to fill existing job 
openings where a license or certification is required. Proposals 
focused on outreach activities must show how the activity to be 
undertaken will materially and positively affect the employment status 
of veterans in the geographic area where the activity is to occur. The 
positive effect should be measurable in terms of veterans placed and 
retained in careers where a license or certification is either required 
or desirable.
    No model is mandatory but the applicant must design a program that 
meets the needs of the changing workforce, is unique, creative, 
innovative and non-duplicative, and will carry out the objectives of 
the program to successfully integrate eligible veterans into the 
workforce. Under the Government Performance and Results Act, Pub. L. 
103-62, 107 Stat. 285 (31 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), Congress and the public 
are looking for program results rather than program processes.
    If the grantee contemplates training and placement activity, 
coordination with the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) and 
Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) staff at the One-Stop 
Career Center office in their jurisdiction is required. DVOP and LVER 
staff members are an integral part of the One-Stop Career Centers. 
Additionally, wherever possible, DVOP and LVER staff should be utilized 
for job development and placement activities for veterans who are ready 
to enter employment and/or who are in need of intensive case management 
services. Many of these staff members have received training in case 
management at the National Veterans Training Institute and have a 
priority of focus on assisting those veterans most at a disadvantage in 
the labor market. VETS urges working hand-in-hand with DVOP/LVER staff 
to achieve economies of resources.

II. Award Information

    Awards will be made in the form of six-month grants. The total 
amount of funds available for this solicitation is $3,800,000. Awards 
are expected to range from $75,000 to a maximum of $375,000. The 
Department of Labor reserves the right to negotiate the amounts to be 
awarded under this

[[Page 58964]]

competition. Requests exceeding $375,000 will be considered non-
responsive.
    The period of performance will be for six (6) months beginning 
January 1, 2005, unless modified by the Grant Officer. It is expected 
that successful applicants will commence program operations under this 
solicitation no later than thirty (30) days after funds become 
available.
    All program funds must be obligated within six (6) months of the 
grant award, but no later than June 30, 2005. In addition, funds may be 
obligated for limited activities after that date including participant 
follow-up activities and grant closeout.
    Successful awardees may be considered for funding for an additional 
twelve-month program year, if performance for the first quarter of the 
initial grant period is deemed satisfactory by USDOL VETS. Grant 
modifications for this additional twelve-month program year are also 
subject to the availability of congressional appropriated funds. 
Further, no additional funding will be considered beyond June 30, 2006 
under this grant award.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants. Under Section 168(a)(2) of the Workforce 
Investment Act, grants may be made to public agencies and private non-
profit organizations (including community based organizations, faith-
based organizations and those covered by Executive Orders 13256 and 
13270; see http://www.whitehouse.gov/search) that DOL determines have 
familiarity with the area and population to be served and can 
administer an effective program. Eligible applicants will fall into one 
of the following categories:
    <bullet> State and Local Workforce Investment Boards established 
under Sections 111 and 117 of the Workforce Investment Act.
    <bullet> States and State agencies. A State agency may propose in 
its application to serve one or more of the political subdivisions in 
its State. As noted below, this does not preclude a city or county 
agency from submitting an application to serve its own jurisdiction.
    <bullet> Local public agencies, meaning any public agency of a 
general purpose political subdivision of a State that has the power to 
levy taxes and spend funds, as well as general corporate and police 
powers. (This typically refers to cities and counties.)
    <bullet> Private non-profit organizations, including faith-based 
and community organizations, that have a capacity to manage grants and 
have or will provide the necessary linkages with other service 
providers. Note that entities organized under Section 501(c)(4) of the 
Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities are not 
eligible to receive funds under this announcement. Section 18 of the 
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-65, 109 Stat. 691 (2 
U.S.C. 1611) prohibits instituting an award, grant, or loan of Federal 
funds to 501 (c)(4) entities that engage in lobbying.
    Applicants for VWIP must satisfy a ``responsibility review'' that 
demonstrates an ability to administer Federal funds. See 20 CFR 
667.170.
    In accordance with 29 CFR Part 98, entities that are debarred or 
suspended shall be excluded from Federal financial assistance and are 
ineligible to receive a VWIP grant.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching. Although VETS encourages applicants to 
use cost sharing and matching funds, Veterans Workforce Investment 
Grants do not require grantees to share costs or provide matching 
funds. However, up to ten (10) additional scoring points may be added 
to the review panel score, if significant matching funds are made 
available to the grant. (See Section V (1) below).
    3. Other Eligibility Criteria. To be eligible for participation in 
a training program administered under VWIP, an individual must be a 
veteran who falls within one of the following categories: ``* * * 
veterans with service-connected disabilities, veterans who have 
significant barriers to employment, veterans who served on active duty 
in the armed forces during a war or in a campaign or expedition for 
which a campaign badge has been authorized, and recently separated 
veterans [those within 48 months of discharge].'' See Section 168 
(a)(1) of the Workforce Investment Act.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package: This SGA, together with 
its attachments, includes all information needed to apply. Additional 
application packages may be obtained from the VETS Web site at http://www.dol.gov/vets, at http://www.fedgrants.gov, and from the Federal 
Register, which may be obtained from your nearest government office or 
library. If additional copies of the standard forms are needed, they 
can be downloaded from http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html. Additional copies of this announcement or accompanying 
forms will not be mailed by DOL.
    To receive any amendments to this solicitation (please reference 
SGA 04-11), all applicants must register their name and address in 
writing with the Grant Officer at the following address: U.S. 
Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Room N-5416, 200 
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20210.
    2. Content and Form of Application: The grant application must not 
exceed a total of 75 one-sided pages, including attachments and 
exhibits and must consist of three (3) separate and distinct sections: 
the Executive Summary, the Technical Proposal, and the Cost Proposal. 
The information provided in these three (3) sections is essential to 
gain an understanding of the programmatic and fiscal contents of the 
grant proposal. A complete grant application package must include:
    <bullet> An original blue ink-signed and two (2) copies of the 
cover letter.
    <bullet> An original and two (2) copies of the Executive Summary 
(see below).
    <bullet> An original and two (2) copies of the Technical Proposal 
(see below) that includes a completed Technical Performance Goals Form 
(Appendix D).
    <bullet> An original and two (2) copies of the Cost Proposal (see 
below) that includes an original blue ink-signed Application for 
Federal Assistance, SF-424 (Appendix A), a Budget Narrative, Budget 
Information Sheet SF-424A (Appendix B), an original blue ink-signed and 
Assurances and Certifications Signature Page (Appendix C), a Direct 
Cost Description for Applicants and Sub-applicants (Appendix E), and a 
completed Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (Appendix 
F).
    SECTION 1--The Executive Summary consists of a one to two page 
``Executive Summary'' reflecting the grantee's proposed overall 
strategy, timeline, and outcomes to be achieved. The executive summary 
should include:
    <bullet> The proposed area to be served through the activities of 
this grant.
    <bullet> The grantee's experience in serving the residents in the 
proposed service area.
    <bullet> Proposed projects and activities that will expedite the 
reintegration of veterans into the workforce.
    <bullet> Summary of anticipated outcomes, benefits, and value added 
by the project.
    SECTION 2--The Technical Proposal consists of a narrative proposal 
that demonstrates: the need for this particular grant program; the 
services and activities proposed to obtain successful outcomes for the 
veterans to be served; and the applicant's capability to accomplish the 
expected outcomes of the proposed project design. Applicants

[[Page 58965]]

must be responsive to the Rating Criteria contained in Section V (1) 
and address all of the rating factors as thoroughly as possible in the 
narrative.
    The technical proposal narrative must not exceed fifteen (15) pages 
(not including forms, appendices, executive summary or other 
documentation) double-spaced, font size no less than 11 pt., and 
typewritten on one side of the paper only. The applicant also must 
complete the forms, i.e., the Technical Performance Goals chart 
provided in the SGA, or some other matrix designed to show performance 
goals (see Appendix D).
    In order to facilitate the review process, the following format for 
the technical proposal is strongly recommended:

    <bullet> Need for the program. The applicant must: identify the 
geographic area to be served; estimate the number of eligible veterans 
and their needs; indicate poverty and unemployment rates in the area; 
and identify the gaps in the local community infrastructure that 
contribute to the employment and other barriers faced by the targeted 
veterans including regulations or other restrictions on the recognition 
of relevant military training by civilian licensing or certification 
authorities. Include Labor Market Information (LMI) on the outlook for 
job opportunities in the service area. If the applications proposes 
outreach activities, the need for communications strategies such as Web 
sites, newsletters, or conferences must be fully explained.
    <bullet> Approach or strategy to obtain successful outcomes for 
veterans. The applicant must identify which of the two approaches it 
proposes to take to produce positive outcomes for veterans--direct 
services, or outreach and public information activities. This section 
of the proposal should discuss how direct services to veterans will 
meet the needs of eligible veterans, or how the outreach effort will 
implement the communications strategies described in the ``need for the 
program'' section. Regardless of which approach is proposed, this 
section should include identification of how the applicant's proposed 
approach or strategy will increase and/or solidify cooperation, 
coordination, and sharing of information between agencies in the 
community, the region, and/or in the nation.
    <bullet> Applicant's capabilities. The applicant must provide 
evidence that it has the capability and knowledge to accomplish the 
goals in the application.

    SECTION 3--The Cost Proposal consists of a completed Standard Form 
(SF) 424 ``Application for Federal Assistance'', SF 424A ``Budget 
Information Sheet'', a detailed cost breakdown of each line item on the 
SF 424A, and supporting materials. Copies of all required forms, with 
instructions for completion, are included as appendices to this SGA. 
Applicants can expect that the cost proposal will be reviewed for 
allowability, how the money is allocated, and reasonableness of 
placement and enrollment costs. DOL reserves the right to have a VETS 
representative review and verify applicant data. The cost proposal must 
include the following items:
    (i) The Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance'' (original signed in blue-ink). Please note that, beginning 
October 1, 2003, all applicants for Federal grant and funding 
opportunities are required to include a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) 
number with their application. See OMB Notice of Final Policy Issuance, 
68 FR 38402 (June 27, 2003). The DUNS number is a nine-digit 
identification number that uniquely identifies business entities. There 
is no charge for obtaining a DUNS number (although it may take 14-30 
days). To obtain a DUNS number, access the following Web site: http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711. Requests for exemption 
from the DUNS number requirement must be made to OMB. The Dun and 
Bradstreet Number of the applicant should be entered in the 
``Organizational Unit'' section of block 5 of SF 424.
    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program 
is 17.802 and it must be entered on the SF 424, Block 10.
    (ii) Standard Form (SF) 424A ``Budget Information Sheet'' in 
Appendix B.
    (iii) A detailed cost breakout of each line item on the Budget 
Information Sheet, which should be labeled as ``Budget Narrative.'' 
Please ensure that costs reported on the SF 424A correspond accurately 
with the Budget Narrative. The budget narrative must include the 
following information at a minimum:
    <bullet> A breakout of all personnel costs by position, title, 
salary rates, and percent of time of each position to be devoted to the 
proposed project (including sub-awardees);
    <bullet> An explanation and breakout of extraordinary fringe 
benefit rates and associated charges (i.e., rates exceeding 35% of 
salaries and wages);
    <bullet> An explanation of the purpose and composition of, and 
method used to derive the costs of, each of the following: travel, 
equipment, supplies, sub-awards/contracts, and any other costs. The 
applicant must include costs of any required travel described in this 
solicitation. Mileage charges may not exceed 37.5 cents per mile or the 
current federally approved rate;
    <bullet> A description/specification of and justification for 
equipment purchases, if any. Tangible, non-expendable personal property 
having a useful life of more than one year and a unit acquisition cost 
of $5,000 or more per unit must be specifically identified and approved 
by the Grant Officer.
    <bullet> Matching funds, leveraged funds, and in-kind services are 
not required for VWIP grants. However, if matching funds, leveraged 
funds or in-kind services are to be used, an identification of all 
sources of leveraged or matching funds and an explanation of the 
derivation of the value of matching/in-kind services must be provided. 
When resources such as matching funds, leveraged funds and/or the value 
of in-kind contributions are made available, please show in Section B 
of the Budget Information Sheet.
    (iv) Assurance and Certification signature page, Appendix C.
    (v) All applicants must submit evidence of satisfactory financial 
management capability, which must include recent (within 18 months) 
financial and/or audit statements.
    (vi) All applicants must include, as a separate appendix, a list of 
all employment and training grants and contracts that it has had in the 
past three (3) years, including grant/contract officer contact 
information.
    (vii) Documentation of indirect cost rates, as described in Section 
IV (5) below.
    (viii) Direct Cost Descriptions for Applicants and Sub-Applicants 
(see Appendix E.)
    (ix) Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (see 
Appendix F.)
    3. Submission Dates and Times: The grant application package must 
be received at the designated location by the date and time specified 
or it will not be considered. Any application received at the Office of 
Procurement Services after 4:45 p.m. ET, November 1, 2004, will not be 
considered unless it is received before an award is made and:
    <bullet> It is determined by the Government that the late receipt 
was due solely to mishandling by the Government after receipt at the 
U.S. Department of Labor at the address indicated; and/or
    <bullet> It was sent by registered or certified mail not later than 
the fifth calendar day before the closing date of this announcement; or
    <bullet> It was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day 
Service-Post

[[Page 58966]]

Office to Addressee, not later than 5 p.m. at the location of mailing 
two (2) working days, excluding weekends and Federal holidays, prior to 
the closing date of this announcement.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a 
late application sent by registered or certified mail is the U.S. 
Postal Service postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on the original 
receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. If the postmark is not legible, 
an application received after the above closing time and date shall be 
processed as if mailed late. ``Postmark'' means a printed, stamped or 
otherwise placed impression (not a postage meter machine impression) 
that is readily identifiable without further action as having been 
applied and affixed by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service on the 
date of mailing. Therefore, applicants should request that the postal 
clerk place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's-eye'' postmark on both 
the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a 
late application sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day 
Service-Post Office to Addressee is the date entered by the Post Office 
clerk on the ``Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee'' 
label and the postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on the original 
receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. ``Postmark'' has the same meaning 
as defined above. Therefore, applicants should request that the postal 
clerk place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's-eye'' postmark on both 
the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.
    The only acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at 
the U.S. Department of Labor is the date/time stamp of the Procurement 
Services Center on the application wrapper or other documentary 
evidence of receipt maintained by that office.
    Applications sent by other delivery services, such as Federal 
Express, UPS, etc., will also be accepted.
    All applicants are advised that U.S. mail delivery in the 
Washington, DC area has been erratic due to security. All applicants 
must take this into consideration when preparing to meet the 
application deadline, as you assume the risk for ensuring a timely 
submission.
    4. Intergovernmental Review: This funding opportunity is not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs'' [see SF 424, Block <greek-i>16].
    5. Funding Restrictions: Rules relating to allowable costs are 
addressed in 20 CFR 667.200 through 667.220. Under 20 CFR 667.210(b), 
limits on administrative costs will be negotiated with the grantee and 
identified in the grant award documents. Construction costs (as opposed 
to maintenance and/or repair costs) are generally not allowed under 
WIA. While there are no specific limits on indirect costs, the amount 
of indirect cost charged to the grant is subject to the overall 
limitation on administrative costs as negotiated in the grant 
agreement.
    Indirect costs claimed by the applicant must be based on a 
Federally approved rate. If indirect costs are indicated in the grant 
application, a copy of the approved and signed indirect cost 
negotiation agreement must be submitted with the application. If the 
applicant does not presently have an approved indirect cost rate, a 
proposed rate with justification may be submitted. Successful 
applicants will be required to negotiate an acceptable and allowable 
rate with the appropriate DOL Regional Office of Cost Determination or 
cognizant agency within 90 days of grant award. (See http://www.dol.gov/oasam/programs/boc/append5.htm.) Rates that can be tracked 
through the State Workforce Agency's Cost Accounting System represent 
an acceptable means of allocating costs to DOL and, therefore, can be 
approved for use in grants to State Workforce Agencies.
    6. Other Submission Requirements: As detailed in Section IV (2) 
above, applications may be submitted by registered or certified mail, 
U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to 
Addressee, U.S. Postal Service First Class Mail, other delivery 
services (UPS, FEDEX, etc.), or hand delivery. Applications will not be 
accepted by e-mail or facsimile machine.

V. Application Review Information

1. Panel Review Criteria

    Applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria, up 
to a maximum of 110 points:
A. Need for the Project: 30 points
    Applications will be scored on the documented extent of need for 
this project, as demonstrated by: (i) The potential number or 
concentration of veterans in the proposed project area relative to 
other similar areas; (ii) the high rates of poverty and/or unemployment 
in the proposed project area as determined by the census or other 
surveys; (iii) the extent of gaps in the local infrastructure that 
create employment barriers that hinder the target population; (iv) the 
number of service members separating from the armed forces at local 
military bases; (v) problems with coordination between service 
providers; and (vi) identification of credentialing barriers that need 
to be addressed.
B. Overall Strategy To Enhance Services Provided to Veterans, To 
Initiate Actions To Provide Employment and Training Services for 
Veterans Not Otherwise Served, or To Provide Outreach and Public 
Information Activities To Develop and Promote Maximum Job and Job 
Training Opportunities for Eligible Veterans: 40 points
    The application must include a description of the proposed approach 
to address one of the permissible--strategies, either providing direct 
services to veterans that result in job and job training or 
credentialing opportunities, or providing outreach and public 
information activities that result in job and job training or 
credentialing opportunities for veterans. Applicants should demonstrate 
how the activities will be tailored or will be responsive to the needs 
of veterans and the local employers seeking to hire veterans.
    All applications will be scored on the extent to which they 
demonstrate the following:
    (i) Is the project Unique--Has any other service provider tried the 
same approach?
    (ii) Is the project Creative--What will this project do that other 
projects won't do or haven't done?
    (iii) Is the project Innovative--Will the project equip veterans to 
adapt to the competitive challenges of the 21st Century workforce?
    (iv) As part of an outreach or service proposal, is the project 
integrated and coordinated with other job training and employment 
programs in order to maximize resources and minimize duplication of 
effort and will it provide appropriate awareness, information sharing, 
and orientation activities on veterans and their needs to the 
following: Federal, State, and local entitlement services such as the 
Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Veterans Affairs 
(DVA), State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) and their local job service 
offices or one-stop career centers, including service programs such as 
Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local Veterans' 
Employment Representatives (LVER) staff (which integrate WIA, labor 
exchange, and other employment and social services), etc.; civic and 
private groups and especially Veterans' Service Organizations such as 
The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans,

[[Page 58967]]

Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Veterans (AMVETS); Family 
Service Centers on local military bases and local managers of 
Transition Assistance Program classes (this might be accomplished by 
the publication of an assistance guide or other periodical with 
information about these services); and faith-based and community-based 
organizations?
    (v) Additionally, where the project design focuses on improved 
coordination/cooperation, community outreach, conferences and public 
information, has the narrative described a comprehensive plan for 
meeting the challenges and solving the problems associated with getting 
disparate groups talking to each other and/or getting relevant 
information to eligible veterans in a cogent, logical, and efficient 
manner on a regular basis?
C. Demonstrated Capability in Providing Required Program Services: 30 
points
    The applicant must describe its relevant prior experience in either 
operating a public information or community outreach effort or 
operating employment and training programs and providing services to 
participants targeted by this solicitation or participants similar to 
those which are targeted under this solicitation. Specific outcomes of 
the applicant's prior experience must be described, including 
percentage of enrolled participants placed into employment and cost per 
entered employment or, in the case of outreach activities, number of 
relevant parties reached or conference attendees.
    The applicant must also address its ability to provide a timely 
startup of the program. The applicant should delineate its staff 
capability to manage the programmatic and financial aspects of a grant 
program. Note that a recent (within the last 18 months) financial 
statement or audit must be submitted as part of the cost proposal (see 
Section IV (2) above. Final or most recent technical performance VWIP 
reports or other relevant programs serving the targeted population (or 
a similar population) must be submitted. Because prior VWIP grant 
experience is not a requirement to receiving funding under this SGA, 
some applicants may not have any VWIP technical reports to submit.
D. Matching or Leveraged Funds: 10 Points
    The applicant must describe the type, amount, and source of 
matching or leveraged funds that will be available, if a grant is 
awarded.

2. Review and Selection Process

    The Grant Officer, with the assistance of VETS staff, will conduct 
an initial screening to determine responsiveness, timeliness, 
completeness, and eligibility of the applicant. Following the initial 
screening, the review panel using the point scoring system specified 
above in Section V(1) will review those applications determined to have 
satisfied the initial screening. Applications will be ranked based on 
the score assigned by the panel after careful evaluation by each panel 
member. The ranking will be the primary basis to identify applicants as 
potential grantees. Although the Government reserves the right to award 
on the basis of the initial proposal submissions, the Government may 
establish a competitive range, based upon the proposal evaluation, for 
the purpose of selecting qualified applicants. The panel's conclusions 
are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer. The 
Government reserves the right to ask for clarification from applicants, 
but is not obligated to do so. The Government further reserves the 
right to select applicants out of rank order if such a selection would, 
in its opinion, result in the most effective and appropriate 
combination of funding, program and administrative costs e.g., cost per 
enrollment and placement and geographic service areas. While points 
will not be awarded for cost issues other than matching or leveraged 
funds, cost per entered employment will be given serious consideration 
in the selection of awardees. The Grant Officer's determination for 
award under SGA 04-11 is the final agency action. The submission of the 
same proposal from any prior year VWIP and/or USDOL VETS competition 
does not guarantee an award under this solicitation.

VI. Award Administration

1. Award Notices

    The Grant Officer will notify successful applicants of their 
awards. The notification letter will contain instructions on when 
performance under the terms of the award may begin. No activity 
associated with a grant application is authorized prior to official 
notification of an award by the Grant Officer. Before the actual grant 
award, the Grant Officer, in consultation with VETS staff, may enter 
into negotiations concerning such items as program components, funding 
levels, and administrative systems. If the negotiations do not result 
in an acceptable submittal, the Grant Officer reserves the right to 
terminate the negotiation and decline to fund the proposal. The Grant 
Officer will notify unsuccessful applicants of their appeal rights by 
mail.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Grantees must comply with the provisions of WIA and its 
regulations, as applicable. All successful grantees will also be 
subject to the following administrative standards and provisions, if 
applicable to the particular grantees:
    <bullet> 20 CFR Part 667--Administrative provisions for programs 
including VWIP, under Title I of WIA.
    <bullet> 29 CFR Part 2, Subpart D--Equal Treatment in Department of 
Labor Programs for Religious Organizations; Protection of Religious 
Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and 
Beneficiaries.
    <bullet> 29 CFR Parts 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, and 37--Equal 
Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship and Training; 
Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of 
Labor, Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs and Activities; 
Nondiscrimination on the basis of Age in Programs or Activities 
Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the Department of Labor; 
Non discrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs Receiving 
Federal Financial Assistance; and Implementation of the 
Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce 
Investment Act of 1988.
    <bullet> 29 CFR Part 93--Lobbying.
    <bullet> 29 CFR Part 95--Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, 
and Other Non-profit Organizations, and with Commercial Organizations.
    <bullet> 29 CFR Part 96--Federal Standards for Audit of Federally 
Funded Grants, Contracts and Agreements.
    <bullet> 29 CFR Part 97--Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and local governments.
    <bullet> 29 CFR Part 98--Federal Standards for Government-wide 
Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement) and Government-wide 
Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
    <bullet> 29 CFR Part 99--Audit of States, Local Governments, and 
Non-profit Organizations.
    <bullet> In accordance with WIA Section 195(6), programs funded 
under this SGA may not involve political activities. Additionally, in 
accordance with Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure

[[Page 58968]]

Act of 1995, Public Law 104-65 (2 U.S.C. 1611), non profit entities 
incorporated under 501(c)(4) that engage in lobbying activities are not 
eligible to receive Federal funds and grants.
    <bullet> Requirements for priority of service for veterans in 
Department of Labor training programs are identified in 38 U.S.C. 4215.

3. Reporting

    Successful grant award recipients will submit the reports and 
documents listed below:
A. Quarterly Financial Reports
    No later than 30 days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter 
(i.e., for this grant period, reports are due April 30 and July 30), 
the grantee must report outlays, program income, and other financial 
information on a Federal fiscal quarterly basis using SF-269A, 
Financial Status Report, Short Form, and submit a copy of the HHS/PMS 
272 draw down report. These reports must cite the assigned grant number 
and be submitted to the appropriate State Director for Veterans' 
Employment and Training (DVET).
B. Quarterly Program Reports
    No later than 30 days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter, 
grantees also must submit a Quarterly Technical Performance Report to 
the DVET that contains the following:
    (1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to planned goals for the 
reporting period and any findings related to monitoring efforts;
    (2) An explanation for variances of plus or minus 15% of planned 
program and/or expenditure goals, to include: identification of 
corrective action that will be taken to meet the planned goals and a 
timetable for accomplishment of the corrective action.
C. 90-Day Follow-Up Report
    No later than 120 days after the grant performance expiration date, 
the grantee must submit a follow-up report showing results and 
performance as of the 90th day after the grant period, and containing 
the following:
    (1) Final Financial Status Report SF-269A Short Form (that zeros 
out all unliquidated obligations); and
    (2) Technical Performance Report including an updated goals chart.
D. 180-Day Follow-Up Report
    No later than 210 days after the grant performance expiration date, 
the grantee must submit a follow-up report showing results and 
performance as of the 180th day after the grant period, and containing 
the following:
    (1) Final Financial Status Report SF-269A Short Form (if not 
previously submitted); and
    (2) For a Grant Involving Employment and Training Activities, a 
Final Narrative Report identifying:
    (a) The total combined (directed/assisted) number of veterans 
placed into employment during the entire grant period;
    (b) The number of veterans still employed after the 180-day follow-
up period;
    (c) If the veterans are still employed at the same or similar job, 
and if not, what are the reason(s);
    (d) Whether training received was applicable to jobs held;
    (e) Wages at placement and during follow-up period;
    (f) An explanation regarding why those veterans placed during the 
grant, but not employed at the end of the follow-up period, are not so 
employed; and
    (g) Any recommendations to improve the program.
    (3) For a Grant Involving Outreach Activities, a Final Narrative 
identifying:
    (a) Circulation data on newsletters or newspapers including number 
of distribution points and readership;
    (b) Number of conferences held with attendance figures on each 
conference;
    (c) Approximate number of veterans placed in employment due to 
outreach activities.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For answers to questions or help with problems prior to the 
application submission deadline, please contact Cassandra Mitchell, 
U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, telephone (202) 
693-4570 (this is not a toll free number). Please note that in order to 
ensure a fair and open competition, USDOL VETS staff are not authorized 
to provide technical assistance to any potential grantee while this 
funding opportunity period is open. Individuals with hearing 
impairments may call (800) 670-7008 (TTY/TDD).

VIII. Other Information

    Unless specifically provided in the grant agreement, DOL's 
acceptance of a proposal and an award of Federal funds to sponsor any 
program(s) does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements and/or 
procedures. For example, the OMB circulars require and an entity's 
procurement procedures must provide that all procurement transactions 
will be conducted, as practical, to provide open and free competition. 
If a proposal identifies a specific entity to provide services, the DOL 
award does not provide the justification or basis to sole-source the 
procurement, i.e., avoid competition.
    Resources for the Applicant: Applicants may review ``VETS' Guide to 
Competitive and Discretionary Grants'' located at http://www.dol.gov/vets/grants/Final_VETS_Guide-linked.pdf.
    Applicants may also find these resources useful: America's Service 
locator http://www.servicelocator.org/ provides a directory of our 
Nation's One-Stop Career Centers; the National Association of Workforce 
Boards maintains an Internet site at http://www.nawb.org/asp/wibdir.asp 
that contains contact information for the State and local Workforce 
Investment Boards; and the home page for the Department of Labor Center 
for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives maintains a Web site at 
http://www.dol.gov/cfbci.
    For Further Information Contact: For further information concerning 
this SGA and confirmation of receipt of a grant application, please 
contact Cassandra Mitchell, U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement 
Services Center, telephone (202) 693-4570, prior to the closing 
deadline and reference SGA <greek-i>04-11. (This is not a toll-free 
number.)

    Signed in Washington, DC, this 27th day of September, 2004.
Johnny A. Arnold, II,
Acting Grant Officer.

Appendices

Appendix A: Application for Federal Assistance SF 424
Appendix B: Budget Information Sheet SF 424A
Appendix C: Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
Appendix D: Recommended Technical Performance Goals Form
Appendix E: Direct Cost Descriptions for Applicants and Sub-
Applicants
Appendix F: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants
Appendix G: The Glossary of Terms

BILLING CODE 4510-79-P

[[Page 58969]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN01OC04.060

>
[[Page 58970]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN01OC04.061

>
[[Page 58971]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN01OC04.062

>
[[Page 58972]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN01OC04.063

>
[[Page 58973]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN01OC04.064

>
[[Page 58974]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN01OC04.065

>
[[Page 58975]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN01OC04.066

>
[[Page 58976]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN01OC04.067

>
[[Page 58977]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN01OC04.068

>
[[Page 58978]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN01OC04.069

>
[[Page 58979]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN01OC04.070

>BILLING CODE 4510-79-C

Appendix G--Glossary of Terms

    Adequate Employment--See Unsubsidized Employment.
    Administrative Costs--Administrative costs shall consist of all 
direct and indirect costs associated with the supervision and 
management of the program. These costs

[[Page 58980]]

shall include the administrative costs, both direct and indirect, of 
sub-recipients and contractors.
    Adult Basic Education--Education for adults whose inability to 
speak, read, or write the English language or to effectively reason 
mathematically, constitutes a substantial impairment of their 
ability to get or retain employment commensurate with their real 
ability, which is designed to help eliminate such inability and 
raise the level, of education of such individuals with a view to 
making them less likely to become dependent on others, to improve 
their ability to benefit from occupational training and otherwise 
increase their opportunities for more productive and profitable 
employment, and to make them better able to meet their adult 
responsibilities.
    Ancillary Services--Employment and training related activities 
other than core training that may enhance a participant's 
employability.
    Apprenticeship Training--A formal occupational training program 
that combines on-the-job training and related instruction and in 
which workers learn the practical and conceptual skills required for 
a skilled occupation, craft, or trade. It may be registered or 
unregistered.
    Assessment/Intake--A process for screening individual applicants 
for program eligibility making the level of need determinations; 
making an initial determination what services or programs can best 
benefit the applicants; providing information about services, 
program eligibility, and the availability of those services, and the 
routing or selecting individual applicants for particular service 
delivery or program participation.
    Assisted Placements Into Unsubsidized Employment--Assisted 
placements into unsubsidized employment should be recorded where the 
definition for placement with unsubsidized employment above is met, 
but the placement was arranged by an agency to which the homeless 
veteran was referred to.
    Average Hourly Wage at Placement--The average hourly wage at 
placement is the average hourly wage rates at placement of all 
assisted placements plus direct placements.
    Assurance and Certifications--The act of signifying intent to 
comply with applicable federal and State laws and regulations as a 
condition for receiving and expanding USDOL grant funds.
    Barriers to Employment--Characteristics that may hinder an 
individual's hiring promotion or participation in the labor force. 
Identification of these barriers will vary by location and labor 
market. Some examples of individuals who may face barriers to 
employment include: Single parents, women, displaced homemakers, 
youth, public assistance recipients, older workers, substance 
abusers, teenage parents, certain veterans, ethnic minorities, and 
those with limited English speaking ability or a criminal record or 
with a lack of education, work experience, credential, child care 
arrangements, transportation or alternative working parents.
    Campaign Badge Veteran--A veteran who served on active duty 
during the war (e.g., WWII), action (e.g., Korea, Vietnam), in a 
campaign, or an expedition for which a campaign badge of an 
expeditionary medal has been authorized (e.g. Afganistan, Bosnia, 
Grenada, Haiti, Iraq, Panama, Southeast Asia, (Iraq and 
Afghanistan), and Somalia, etc.).
    Case Management--A client centered approach in the delivery of 
intensive services, designed to prepare and coordinate comprehensive 
employment plans for participants, to assure access to the necessary 
training and supportive services, and to provide support during 
program participation and after job placement.
    Case Manager--One who coordinates, facilitates or provides 
direct services to a client or trainee from application through 
placement, post placement follow-up, or other case closing, 
exclusively, through periodic contact and the provision of 
appropriate assistance.
    Classroom Training--Any training of the type normally conducted 
in an institutional setting, including vocational education, which 
is designed to provide individuals with the technical skills and 
information required to perform a specific job or group of jobs. It 
may also include training designed to enhance the employability of 
individuals by upgrading basic skills, throughout the provision of 
courses such as remedial education, training in the primary language 
of persons with limited English language proficiency, or English as 
a second language training.
    Close Out--Grant close out is the process by which the Federal 
grantor agency (in the case of VETS grants, Department of Labor) 
determines that all applicable administrative actions and all 
required work of the grant have been completed by the grantee and 
the grantor.
    Cognizant Federal Agency--The Federal agency that is assigned 
audit or indirect cost rate approval responsibility for a particular 
recipient organization by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB 
Circular A-87 and A-102 [20 CFR, Part 97]).
    Community Based Organization--Means a private non-profit 
organization that is representative of a community or a significant 
segment of a community and that has demonstrated expertise and 
effectiveness in the field of workforce investment. Faith-Based 
organizations are considered a subset.
    Cost per Placement--The cost per placement into unsubsidized 
employment is obtained by dividing the total funds expended by the 
total of direct placements plus assisted placements.
    Counseling--A form of assistance which provides guidance in the 
development of a participant's vocational goals and the means to 
achieve those goals; and/or assist a participant with the solution 
to one or more individual problems which may pose a barrier(s) to 
sustained employment.
    Counselor--(Employment/Vocational): A trained and qualified 
professional authorized to provide direct assistance (beyond 
advising and informing) through planning, testing, training and 
otherwise readying an individual for sustained employment.
    Customized Training--A training program designed to meet the 
special requirements of an employer who has entered into an 
agreement with a Service Delivery Area to hire individuals who are 
trained to the employer's specifications. The training may occur at 
the employer's site or may be provided by a training vendor able to 
meet the employer's requirements. Such training usually requires a 
commitment from the employer to hire a specified number of trainees 
who satisfactorily complete the training.
    Direct Placements Into Unsubsidized Employment--A direct 
placement into unsubsidized employment must be a placement made 
directly by staff with an established employer who covers all 
employment costs for 20 or more hours per week at or above the 
minimum wage. Day labor and other very short-term placements should 
not be recorded as placements into unsubsidized employment.
    Disabled Veteran--A veteran who is entitled to compensation 
under laws administered by the Veterans Administration; or an 
individual who was medically discharged or otherwise released from 
active duty, due to service-connected disability.
    Disallowed Costs--Disallowed costs are those charges to a grant 
that the grantor agency (or its representative) determines to be 
unallowable in accordance with the applicable Federal Cost 
Principles or other conditions in the grant.
    Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP)--A program of Federal 
assistance through grants to States to staff and support in 
accordance with 38 U.S.C. 4103A, appointed to perform a number of 
duties chief among which are direct employer contact, particularly 
with Federal contractors, Federal employers using individualized job 
development techniques, and with veterans (particularly with 
disabled veterans) using a case management approach to client-
centered services.
    Economically Disadvantaged--An individual who (a) receives, or 
is a member of a family which receives, cash welfare payments under 
a Federal, State, or local welfare program; (b) has, or is a member 
of a family which has, received a total family income for the six-
month period prior to application for the program involved 
(exclusive of unemployment compensation, child support payments, and 
welfare payments) which, in relation to family size, was not in 
excess of the higher of (i) the official poverty line (as defined by 
the Office of Management and Budget, and revised annually in 
accordance with section 673 (2) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation 
Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)), or (ii) 70 percent of the lower 
living standard income level; (c) is receiving (or has been 
determined within the 6-month period prior to the application for 
program involved to be eligible to receive) food stamps pursuant to 
the Food Stamp Act of 1977; (d) qualifies as a homeless individual 
under section 103 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance 
Act; (e) is a foster child on behalf of whom State or local 
government payments are made; or (f) in cases permitted by 
regulations of the Secretary, is an individual with a disability 
whose income meets the requirements of clause (a) or (b), but who is 
a member of a

[[Page 58981]]

family whose income does not meet such requirements.
    Eligible--Meeting the minimum requisite qualifications to be 
considered for the provision of services or entry into a position 
under a funded program or as required by law.
    Employability Development Services (EDS)--This includes services 
and activities that will develop or increase the employability of 
the participant. Generally, this includes vocational counseling, 
classroom and on-the-job training, pre-employment services (such as 
job seeking skills and job search workshops), temporary or trial 
employment, sheltered work environments and other related services 
and activities. Planned services should assist the participant in 
addressing specific barriers to employment and finding a job. These 
activities may be provided by the applicant or by a Sub-grantee, 
contractor or another source such as the local Workforce Investment 
Act program or the DVOP personnel or LVERs. Such services are not 
mandatory but entries should reflect the services described in the 
application and the expected number of participants receiving or 
enrolled in such services during each quarter. Participants may be 
recorded more than once if they receive more than one service.
    Employment Development Plan (EDP)--An individualized written 
plan or intervention strategy for serving an individual which, as a 
result of an assessment of the veteran's economic needs, vocational 
interests, aptitudes, work history, etc., defines a reasonable 
vocational or employment goal and the developmental services or 
steps required to reach the goal and which documents the 
accomplishments made by the individual.
    Employment Service--The State level organization or public labor 
exchange system affiliated with the Department of Labor's United 
States Employment Service.
    Enlistments--Individuals who have expressed an interest, signed 
up for a workshop or enrollment in the program.
    Entered Employment--Applicants for service who were placed in 
jobs or otherwise obtained employment as a result of services used 
or received.
    Entered Employment Rate--This is a method used to determine the 
percentage of participants who become employed. The percentage is 
calculated by dividing the number of total participants who were 
enrolled in the program by the number of participants who were 
placed or entered employment through the program.
    Enrolled Veteran--Shall be synonymous with the term participant. 
A veteran who has been determined eligible for services at intake 
and who is receiving or scheduled to receive core training.
    Faith-Based Organization--See ``community-based organization''.
    Follow-up--The tracking of clients for a period of time up to 
180 days after initial placement, last referral date for services or 
completion of training programs to determine current status, outcome 
or whether to offer additional services (such as additional 
referral, job retention advisement, etc.).
    Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)--A personnel charge to the grant 
equal to 2,080 hours per year.
    FY--Fiscal Year. For Federal government purposes, any twelve 
month period beginning on October 1 and ending on September 30.
    General Equivalency Diploma (GED)--A high school equivalency 
diploma that is obtained by passing the General Educational Diploma 
Equivalency Test that measures the application of skills and 
knowledge generally associated with four (4) years of traditional 
high school instruction.
    Grant Officer's Technical Representative (GOTR)--An individual 
(usually the DVET) serving on behalf of the Grant Officer who 
maintains and ensures the integrity of the approved grant agreement 
by reviewing and making recommendations regarding technical matters 
not involving a change in scope, cost, or conditions.
    Homeless or Homeless Individual--Includes persons who lack a 
fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. It also includes 
persons whose primary nighttime residence is either supervised 
public or private shelter designed to provide temporary living 
accommodations; an institution that provides a temporary residence 
for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or a private place 
not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping 
accommodation for human beings. [Reference 42 U.S.C., Section 11302 
(a)].
    Indirect Cost--A cost that is incurred for a common or joint 
purpose benefiting more than one cost objective and that is not 
readily assignable to the cost objective specifically benefited.
    In-kind Services--Property or services which benefit federally 
assisted project or program and which are contributed without charge 
to the grantee.
    Institutional Skills Training--Training conducted in an 
institutional setting and designed to ensure that individuals 
acquire the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to perform a 
job or group of jobs in an occupation for which there is a demand.
    Intake--A process for screening individual applicants for 
eligibility; making an initial determination whether the program can 
benefit the applicants; providing information about the program, its 
services and the availability of those services; and selecting 
individual applicants for participation in the program.
    Intensive Services--The provision of concentrated staff services 
to clients who indicate the need for facilitation or interventions 
to secure lasting employment. The case management approach to 
service delivery is a viable model for successfully providing such 
services and obtaining the clients goals.
    Job Club Activities--A form of job search assistance provided in 
a group setting. Usually job clubs provide instruction and 
assistance in completing job applications and developing resumes and 
focus on maximizing employment opportunities in the labor market and 
developing job leads. Many job clubs use telephone banks and provide 
group support to participants before and after they interview for 
job openings.
    Job Development--The process of marketing a program participant 
to employers, including informing employers about what the 
participant can do and soliciting a job interview for that 
individual with the employer (targeted job development); and the 
development of one or more job openings or training opportunities 
with one or more employers using a variety of techniques and means 
of contact.
    Job Placement Services--Job placement services are geared 
towards placing participants in jobs and may involve activities such 
as job search assistance, training, or job development. These 
services are initiated to enhance and expedite participants' 
transition from training to employment.
    Job Search Assistance--An activity, which focuses on building 
practical skills and knowledge to identify and initiate employer 
contact and conduct successful interview with employers. Various 
approaches may be used to include participation in a job club, 
receive instruction in identifying personal strengths and goals, 
resume application preparation, learn interview techniques, and 
receive labor market information. Job search assistance is often 
self-service activity in which individuals obtain information about 
specific job openings or general jobs or occupational information.
    Labor Exchange--Refers to the services provided to job seekers 
and employers by the State Employment Services Agencies, or other 
designated entities. Preparatory services to job seekers may include 
assessment, testing, counseling, provision of labor market 
information, targeted job development, resulting in job referral and 
follow-up with former applicants and prospective employers. 
Employer-oriented services may include accepting job orders, 
screening applicants, referring qualified applicants and providing 
follow-up to foster job retention and develop additional job 
openings or training opportunities.
    Labor Exchange Delivery System (LEDS)--Describes the system of 
matching jobs and training opportunities with applicants operating 
with Federal employment and job training funds.
    Labor Force--The sum of all civilians classified as employed and 
unemployed and members of the Armed Forces stationed in the United 
States. [Bureau of Labor Statistics Bulletin 2175].
    Labor Market Area--An economically integrated geographic area 
within which individuals can reside and find employment within a 
reasonable distance or can readily change employment without 
changing their place of residence.
    Literacy and Bilingual Training--See Adult Basic Education.
    Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) Program--A 
program of Federal assistance through grants to States to staff in 
accordance with 38 U.S.C. 4104 to perform a number of duties, chief 
among which are the provision of intensive (case management) 
services to targeted eligible veterans with emphasis on VA, VR&E, 
and to functionally supervise without necessarily exercising line 
supervisor authority over the provision of services to veterans by 
SDP staff.

[[Page 58982]]

    Minimum Economic Need--The level of wages paid to a program 
participant that will enable that participant to become economically 
self-sufficient.
    Minority Veterans--For the purposes of the HVRP and VWIP 
programs, veterans who are Workforce Investment Act (WIA) eligible 
and are members of the following ethnic categories: African 
American, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian or 
Pacific Islander.
    National Veterans' Training Institute (NVTI)--An agency 
contracted with USDOL/VETS to develop and provide skills development 
and enhancement training to individuals who are determined by the 
Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training and who 
deliver or monitor the provision of employment and training services 
to veterans (38 U.S.C. 4109).
    Number Retaining Job for 90 Days--To be counted as retaining a 
job for 90 days, continuous employment with one or more employers 
for at least 90 days must be verified and the definition for either 
direct placement or assisted placement into unsubsidized employment 
above is met. This allows clients who have moved into a position 
with a different employer to be recorded as retaining the job for 90 
days as long as the client has been steadily employed for that 
length of time.
    Number Retaining Job for 180 Days--To be counted as retaining a 
job for 180 days, continuous employment with one or more employers 
for at least 180 days must be verified, and the definition for 
either placement or assisted placement into unsubsidized employment 
above is met. This allows clients who have moved into a position 
with a different employer to be recorded as retaining the job for 
180 days as long as the client has been steadily employed for that 
length of time.
    Occupational Skills Training--Includes both (1) vocational 
education which is designed to provide individuals with the 
technical skills and information required to perform a specific job 
or group of jobs, and (2) on-the-job training.
    Offender--Any adult or juvenile who has been subject to any 
stage of the criminal justice process for whom services under this 
program may be beneficial or who requires assistance in overcoming 
artificial barriers to employment resulting from a record of arrest 
or conviction.
    On-the-Job Training (OJT)--Means training by an employer that is 
provided to a paid participant while engaged in productive work in a 
job that: (a) Provides knowledge or skill essential to the full and 
adequate performance of the job; (b) provides reimbursement to the 
employer of up to 50 percent of the wage rate of the participant, 
for the extraordinary costs of providing the training and additional 
supervision related to the participant is being trained, taking into 
account the content of the training, the prior work experience of 
the participant, and the service strategy of the participant, as 
appropriate. Usually in the OJT agreement, there is a promise on the 
part of the employer to hire the trainee upon successful completion 
of the training.
    On-Site Industry-Specific Training--This is training which is 
specifically tailored to the needs of a particular employer and/or 
industry. Participants may be trained according to specifications 
developed by an employer for an occupation or group of occupations 
at a job site. Such training is usually presented to a group of 
participants in an environment or job site representative of the 
actual job/occupation, and there is often an obligation on the part 
of the employer to hire a certain number of participants who 
successfully complete the training.
    Outreach--An active effort by program staff to encourage 
individuals in the designated service delivery area to avail 
themselves of program services.
    Outside Funds--Resources pledged to the grant program that have 
a quantified dollar value. Such resources may include training funds 
from programs such as WIA Title I that are put aside for the 
exclusive use by participants enrolled in a program. Outside funds 
do not include in-kind services.
    Participant--Means an individual who has been determined to be 
eligible to participate in and who is receiving services (except 
follow-up services) under the program. Participation shall be deemed 
to commence on the first day, following determination of 
eligibility, on which the individual began receiving subsidized 
employment, training, or other services provided under the program. 
An individual who receives only outreach and/or intake assessment 
services does not meet this definition.
    Participants Enrolled--A client should be recorded as having 
been enrolled when an intake form has been completed, and services, 
referral, and/or employment has been received through the program. 
This should be an unduplicated count over the year, i.e., each 
participant is recorded only once, regardless of the number of times 
she or he receives assistance.
    Participants Services--This cost includes supportive, training, 
or social rehabilitation services, which will assist in stabilizing 
the participant. This category should reflect all costs other than 
administrative.
    Placed Into Transitional or Permanent Housing--A placement into 
transitional or permanent housing should be recorded when a veteran 
served by the program upgrades his/her housing situation during the 
reporting period from shelter/streets to transitional housing or 
permanent housing or from transitional housing to permanent housing. 
Placements resulting from referrals by staff shall be counted. This 
item is however an unduplicated count over the year, except that a 
participant may be counted once upon entering transitional housing 
and again upon obtaining permanent housing.
    Placement--The act of securing unsubsidized employment for or by 
a participant.
    Placement Rate--This is a method used to determine the 
percentage of participants who become employed. The figure is 
calculated by dividing the number of total participants who were 
registered for services or enrolled in the program by the number of 
applicants or program participants who were placed or otherwise 
entered employment.
    Pre-apprenticeship Training--Any training designed to increase 
or upgrade specific academic, or cognitive, or physical skills 
required as a prerequisite for entry into a specific trade or 
occupation.
    Pre-enrollment Assessment--The process of determining the 
employability and training needs of individuals before enrolling 
them into the program. Individual factors usually addressed during 
pre-enrollment assessment include: an evaluation and/or measurement 
of vocational interests and aptitudes, present abilities, previous 
education and work experience, income requirements, and personal 
circumstances.
    Preference--The application of priorities in the consideration 
and selection through appointment or assignment of staff to funded 
positions, or in the provision of direct services and order of 
referral to listed openings in the order designated by statute 
regulation, and grant agreement.
    Program Resources--Includes the total of both program or grant 
and outside funds.
    Program Year (PY)--The 12-month period beginning July 1 in the 
fiscal year for which the appropriation is made, and ending on the 
following June 30.
    Qualified--An individual who has been determined to possess the 
requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for positions within the 
context of the selection process used to identify and rank persons 
possessing those attributes.
    Rate of Placement Into Unsubsidized Employment--The rate of 
placement into unsubsidized employment is obtained by dividing the 
number placed into unsubsidized employment, plus the number of 
assisted placements into unsubsidized employment by the number of 
clients enrolled.
    Recently Separated Veteran--Refers to an individual who applies 
for program participation or assistance within 48 months of 
separation from active U.S. military service [29 U.S.C. 1503 (27) 
(c)].
    Remedial Education--Education instruction, particularly in basic 
skills, to raise an individual's general competency level in order 
to succeed in vocational education or skill training programs, or 
employment.
    Service Connected Disabled--Refers to (1) a veteran who is 
entitled to compensation under laws administered by the Department 
of Veterans' Affairs, or (2) an individual who was discharged or 
released from active duty because of a service-connected disability 
(38 U.S.C. 4211 (3); 29 U.S.C., Chapter 19, section 1503 (27) (C)).
    Service Delivery Point (SDP)--Includes offices of the public 
employment delivery system operated directly or by contract with the 
State Workforce Agency as grantee within a State and may include One 
``Stop Career Centers, local employment service offices, and any 
satellite or itinerant offices at which labor exchange services are 
available.
    Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA)--A document which 
provides the requirements and instructions for the submission by 
eligible applicants identified in the document's text of requests 
for Federal domestic assistance (funds) for one or more programs or 
grants-in-aid.
    State Workforce Agency (SWA)--The State level organization, as 
affiliated with the former United States Employment Service.

[[Page 58983]]

    Subgrant--An award of financial assistance in the form of money, 
or property in lieu of money, made under a grant by a grantee to an 
eligible subgrantee.
    Subgrantee--The government or other legal entity to which a 
subgrant is awarded and which is accountable to the grantee for the 
use of the funds provided.
    Suitable Employment--See ``Unsubsidized Employment''.
    Substance Abuser--An individual dependent on alcohol or drugs, 
especially narcotics, whose dependency constitutes or results in a 
substantial barrier to employment.
    Supportive Services--Means services which are necessary to 
enable an individual eligible for training, but who cannot afford to 
pay for such services, to participate in a training program funded 
under the grant. Such supportive services may include 
transportation, health care, financial assistance (except as a post-
termination service), drug and alcohol abuse counseling and 
referral, individual and family counseling, special services and 
materials for individuals with disabilities, job coaches, child care 
and dependent care, temporary shelter, financial counseling, and 
other reasonable expenses required for participation in the training 
program and may be provided in-kind or through cash assistance.
    Targeted Job Development--The identification and marketing of a 
group of qualified applicants with similar occupations or employment 
barriers requiring personal visitation/phone contact with those 
employers likely to employ these individuals.
    Total Planned Expenditures--Identified forecasted financial 
needs to accomplish programmatic objectives broken down into fiscal 
quarters.
    Unsubsidized Employment--Employment not financed from funds 
provided under the grant. In the grant program the term ``adequate'' 
or ``suitable'' employment is also used to mean placement in 
unsubsidized employment which pays an income adequate to accommodate 
the participants' minimum economic needs.
    Upgrading or Retraining--Training given to an individual who 
needs such training to advance above an entry level or dead-end 
position. This training shall include assisting veterans in 
acquiring needed State certification to be employed in the same 
field as they were trained in the military (i.e., Commercial Truck 
Driving License (CDL), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Airframe 
& Power Plant (A&P), Teaching Certificate, etc.).
    Veteran--An individual who served in the United States active 
military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released 
there from under conditions other than dishonorable (29 U.S.C. 
Chapter 19, section 1503 (27) (A) [for WIA, Section 168 (VWIP) and 
WIA, Title I training/services]).
    Veterans' Workforce Investment Program (VWIP)--Competitively 
awarded employment and training grants to meet the needs of veterans 
with significant barriers to employment; with service-connected 
disabilities; who served on active duty in the armed forces during a 
campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been 
authorized; and recently separated veterans. The U.S. Department of 
Labor, Veterans' Employment and Training Service awards VWIP grants 
as authorized under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Section 168.
    Vocational Exploration Training--Through assessments such as 
interest inventories and/or counseling, a process of identifying 
occupations or occupational areas in which a person may find 
satisfaction and potential, and for which his or her aptitudes and 
other qualifications may be appropriate.
    Vocational Guidance--The provision of information, suggestions, 
and advice through discussion with individuals who are considering a 
geographical or vocational choice or change, relating to their 
career decision.
    Wartime Veteran--See ``campaign veteran above.''
    Welfare and/or Public Assistance Recipient--An individual who, 
during the course of the program year, receives or is a member of a 
family who receives cash welfare or public assistance payments under 
a Federal, State, or local welfare program.
    Workforce Investment Act (WIA)--The purpose of this Act is to 
establish programs to prepare youth and unskilled adults for entry 
into the labor force and to afford job training to those 
economically disadvantaged individuals and other individuals, 
including veterans, who face serious barriers to employment and who 
are in need of such training to obtain prospective employment. The 
Act requires the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and 
Training to consult with the Secretary of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs to ensure that programs funded under VWIP of this Act meet 
the employment and training needs of service-connected disabled, 
Campaign, and recently separated veterans and are coordinated, to 
the maximum extent feasible, with related programs and activities.
    Work Experience--A temporary activity (six months or less) which 
provides an individual with the opportunity to acquire the skills 
and knowledge necessary to perform a job, including appropriate work 
habits and behaviors, and which may be combined with classroom or 
other training. When wages are paid to a participant on work 
experience and when such wage are wholly paid for under WIA, the 
participant may not receive this training under a private, for 
profit employer.
    Youth--An individual between 20 and 24 years of age.

[FR Doc. 04-22060 Filed 9-30-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-79-P