[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 157 (Monday, August 17, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41328-41334]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-19720]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs

25 CFR Parts 26 and 27

RIN 1076-AE88


Job Placement and Training

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Final Rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule consolidates requirements governing the 
Employment Assistance Program and the Adult Vocational Training 
Program. These programs assist eligible Indian people to obtain job 
skills and to obtain and retain permanent employment. Combining these 
regulations is consistent with changes to the Department's budget, 
which has combined these two regulations into one line item.

DATES: This rule is effective on September 16, 2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert W. Middleton, Ph.D., Director, 
Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, either by facsimile 
at (202) 208-4564, or by mail to 1951 Constitution Avenue, NW., 
Mailstop 20-SIB, Washington, DC 20245.

[[Page 41329]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background
II. Statutory Authority
III. Discussion of Public Comments on Proposed Rule
IV. Procedural Requirements
    A. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)
    B. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)
    C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    D. Takings (Executive Order 12630)
    E. Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
    F. National Environmental Policy Act
    G. Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995
    H. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
    I. Consultation With Indian Tribes (Executive Order 13175)
    J. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)
    K. Information Quality Act
    L. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)
V. Drafting Information

I. Background

    This final rule amends 25 CFR parts 26 and 27 by consolidating 
requirements governing the Employment Assistance Program and the Adult 
Vocational Training Program into one ``Job Placement and Training 
Program.'' This revision is consistent with the Department of the 
Interior's budget, which has integrated the two programs, Adult 
Vocational Training and the Direct Employment programs, into one 
comprehensive line item: the Job Placement and Training Program. The 
revision of this regulation was previously recommended by the Public 
Law 102-477 Tribal Work Group, Indian tribes, and BIA program staff and 
is part of the President's Regulatory Reform Initiative. The purpose of 
the Department of the Interior's Job Placement and Training Program is 
to enhance employment opportunities for eligible Indians and to provide 
related services as necessary for them to gain full self-sufficiency or 
non-subsidized employment. The program services are not intended to 
duplicate or supplant other job placement or training authorities, 
resources, or services, but are designed to complement and supplement 
where there may be gaps in an individual self-sufficiency plan. This 
program's emphasis will focus on individual self-sufficiency through 
the implementation of a well-conceived plan that is designed to improve 
the individual's standard of living. The program may be administered 
through the Self-Determination or Self-Governance process, Public Law 
102-477 Tribal Plan authority, or other similar authorities.

II. Statutory Authority

    The authority to issue rules and regulations is vested in the 
Secretary of the Interior by 5 U.S.C. 301 and sections 463 and 465 of 
the Revised Statutes (25 U.S.C. 2 and 9).

III. Discussion of Public Comments on Proposed Rule

    The regulations were developed working with tribal representatives. 
During our National Public Law 102-477 conference in Reno, Nevada held 
from October 30-November 1, 2007, the proposed draft regulations and 
their effect on Job Placement and Training were discussed. Three 
hundred twenty-eight individuals attended the conference. The proposed 
regulations were also discussed at the Annual Alaska Bureau Service 
Providers conference in November 2007. We received numerous comments 
throughout a previous informal review process for more than the past 5 
years. Some comments recommended more clarity or consistency and more 
detail or additional language in order to better clarify the Job 
Placement and Training Program. The Department incorporated changes 
based on these comments into the proposed rule, published on April 9, 
2008 (73 FR 19179).
    During the public comment period we received one comment from the 
Co-Chair of the Public Law 102-477 (Indian Employment, Training and 
Related Services Demonstration Act, as amended) Tribal Work Group. 
Specifically she stated, ``As P.L. 102-477 Tribal workgroup Co-Chair 
representing over 258 federally recognized tribes or consortiums * * * 
the consensus of the group is that the proposed rules are reasonable 
and acceptable. I have personally read the proposed rules and find them 
clear, easy to understand and well worded. I concur with the consensus 
of the 477 Tribal Work Group members.'' This written comment agreed 
with the proposed draft and no corrections or revisions were 
recommended. The comment stated that the proposed regulations were 
consistent with tribal suggestions and integration of programs to 
facilitate tribal implementation.
    Given the positive response to the proposed rule, the Department 
has not made any changes to the rule beyond a few editorial changes and 
clarifications, which include:
    <bullet> Adding to the definition of ``On-the-job-training (OJT)'' 
in section 26.1 that on-the-job training activities are limited to 24 
months. This is a statutory requirement;
    <bullet> Replacing ``client'' with ``applicant'' or ``person'' in a 
few instances where those terms are more appropriate;
    <bullet> In section 26.5, clarifying that eligible applicants may 
live in an agreed contract service area;
    <bullet> In section 26.23, clarifying that only one comprehensive 
Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan (ISP) will be developed for each 
applicant;
    <bullet> In section 26.32, clarifying that an application may 
include an applicant assessment or other documents required by the 
servicing agency;
    <bullet> In section 26.35, deleting ``public'' as a modifier to 
``transportation'' to clarify that support services may include both 
public and private transportation; and
    <bullet> In section 26.38, adding a sentence to clarify that if the 
servicing agency is a tribal contractor, the appeal may be filed with 
the tribal contractor under their established procedure, rather than 
with the service provider.

IV. Procedural Requirements

A. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    The Department has certified to the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) that this proposed rule meets the applicable standards provided 
in Sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988. Specifically, 
this rule: (a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all 
regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be 
written to minimize litigation; and (b) meets the criteria of section 
3(b)(2) requiring that all regulations be written in clear language and 
contain clear legal standards.

B. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)

    This final rule is not a significant regulatory action and the OMB 
has not reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12866.
    (a) This final rule will not have an effect of $100 million or more 
on the economy. Further, this rule will not adversely affect in a 
material way the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the 
environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal 
governments or communities. This rule combines two programs into one, 
reflecting a change to the Department's budget, which consolidated 
funding for the two programs into one line item. The purpose of the 
program is to assist eligible applicants to obtain job skills and to 
find and retain a job leading to self-sufficiency. Any effect on 
productivity, competition, jobs, and tribal governments or communities 
will be positive.

[[Page 41330]]

    (b) This final rule does not create a serious inconsistency or 
otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency. 
This rule encourages coordination with other agency programs offering 
job training and placement assistance. For example, the rule states 
that the Bureau will consider other available resources, including 
those offered by other agencies, in determining financial need; allows 
the Bureau or tribal service provider to enter into agreements with 
appropriate Federal, State, or local government agencies, among other 
organizations, to provide facilities and services required for 
vocational training programs; and encourages partnering with similar 
programs and resources that may be offered by other agencies or 
organizations.
    (c) This final rule does not alter the budgetary effects of 
entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or 
obligations of their recipients. This rule does not alter any budgetary 
effects or the rights or obligations of recipients to job placement and 
training services; the rule merely consolidates programs to reflect 
consolidation into one budget line item.
    (d) This final rule does not raise novel legal or policy issues. 
The Bureau and tribal service providers have been providing the types 
of services covered by this now consolidated rule and the legal and 
policy basis for providing these services has been well established.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This rule offers job training and placement 
assistance to certain eligible individuals and will not affect small 
entities.

D. Takings (Executive Order 12630)

    The Department has determined that this final rule does not have 
significant ``takings'' implications. The final rule does not pertain 
to ``taking'' of private property interests, nor does it affect private 
property.

E. Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    The Department has determined that this final rule does not have 
significant federalism effects because it pertains solely to Federal-
tribal relations and will not interfere with the roles, rights and 
responsibilities of States. Therefore, a Federalism Assessment is not 
required.

F. National Environmental Policy Act

    The Department has determined that this final rule does not 
constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality 
of the human environment and that no detailed statement is required 
pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

G. Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995

    This final rule imposes no unfunded mandates on any governmental or 
private entity and is in compliance with the provisions of the Unfunded 
Mandates Act of 1995. Additionally, this rule does not have a 
significant or unique effect on State, local, or tribal governments or 
the private sector. The rule addresses a program that offers assistance 
to eligible individuals to obtain job skills and to find and retain a 
job leading to self-sufficiency; it does not require any action or 
service by any governmental or private entity. A statement containing 
the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.) is not required.

H. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    The information collection requirements contained in this final 
rule have been renewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
under 44 U.S.C. 3504(h). The OMB control number is 1076-0062. The 
authorization expires on March 31, 2011.

I. Consultation With Indian Tribes (Executive Order 13175)

    In accordance with Executive Order 13175, we have identified 
potential effects on federally recognized Indian tribes that will 
result from this rule. This final rule will affect those tribes that 
provide job placement and training programs by consolidating the two 
CFR parts that had previously governed the assistance they provide. 
During the week of October 27, 2007, we met with tribes at the National 
Public Law 102-477 Conference to discuss changes in the regulations. We 
also discussed proposed changes during the Annual Alaska Providers 
Service Conference in November 2007. The proposed regulations have been 
a topic of discussion with tribes for more than the past 5 years. The 
proposed changes were discussed at the annual Adult Vocational Training 
Conference sponsored by Sinte Gleska College for several years. We have 
considered tribal views in the proposed rule as they were being 
developed for over 5 years with intensive tribal consultation and 
consequently the final rule had only one public comment and that 
comment was favorable.

J. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
    (a) Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million 
or more. This rule combines two programs into one, reflecting a change 
to the Department's budget, which consolidated funding for the two 
programs into one line item.
    (b) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions. This rule will not affect costs or 
prices because it relates only to a job training and assistance program 
for eligible individuals.
    (c) Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. The 
purpose of this rule's program is to assist eligible clients to obtain 
job skills and to find and retain a job leading to self-sufficiency. 
Any effect on competition, employment, investment, productivity, 
innovation or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with 
foreign-based enterprises will be positive, by providing more 
individuals with needed skills and job experience.

K. Information Quality Act

    In developing this final rule we did not conduct or use a study, 
experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Information 
Quality Act (Pub. L. 106-554).

L. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)

    This final rule is not a significant energy action under the 
definition in Executive Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is 
not required.

V. Drafting Information

    The primary author of this document is Lynn Forcia, Chief, Division 
of Workforce Development.

List of Subjects in 25 CFR Parts 26 and 27

    Employment, Grant programs--Indians, Indians--Adult education, 
Indians--Vocational education, Manpower training programs--Occupational 
training.


[[Page 41331]]


    Dated: June 11, 2009.
Larry Echo Hawk,
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.

0
For the reasons given in the preamble under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 
301 and sections 463 and 465 of the Revised Statutes (25 U.S.C. 2 and 
9), the Department of the Interior amends part 26 and part 27 of title 
25, chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations as set forth below.

Title 25--Indians

CHAPTER I--BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

0
1. Revise part 26 to read as follows:

PART 26--JOB PLACEMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM

Subpart A--General Applicability
Sec.
26.1 What terms do I need to know?
26.2 Who authorizes this collection of information?
26.3 What is the purpose of the Job Placement and Training Program?
26.4 Who administers the Job Placement and Training Program?
26.5 Who may be eligible for Job Placement and Training?
26.6 Who is eligible to receive financial assistance?
26.7 How is financial need established?
26.8 Where do I go to apply for Job Placement and Training 
assistance?
26.9 How do I apply for assistance?
26.10 When will I find out if I have been selected for Job Placement 
and Training assistance?
26.11 What type of Job Placement and Training assistance may be 
approved?
26.12 Who provides the Job Placement and Training?
26.13 How long may I be in training and how long can I receive other 
assistance?
26.14 What or who is a service provider?
26.15 What makes an applicant eligible for Job Placement and 
Training services?
26.16 If I am awarded financial assistance, how much will I receive?
26.17 Can more than one family member be financially assisted at the 
same time?
26.18 What kind of supportive services are available?
26.19 Will I be required to contribute financially to my employment 
and training goals?
26.20 Can I be required to return portions of my grant?
26.21 Can this program be combined with other similar programs for 
maximum benefit?
26.22 May a tribe integrate Job Placement and Training funds into 
its Public Law 102-477 Plan?
26.23 What is an Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan (ISP)?
Subpart B--Job Placement Services
26.24 What is the scope of the Job Placement Program?
26.25 What constitutes a complete Job Placement Program application?
26.26 What job placement services may I receive?
26.27 What kind of job placement support services can I expect?
26.28 What follow-up services are available after I become employed?
Subpart C--Training Services
26.29 What is the scope of the Job Training Program?
26.30 Does the Job Training Program provide part-time training or 
short-term training?
26.31 May I repeat my job training?
26.32 What constitutes a complete Job Training Program application?
26.33 How do I show that I need job training?
26.34 What type of job training assistance may be approved?
26.35 What kind of support services are available to me?
26.36 What follow-up service is available after I complete training?
26.37 Are there training standards that I must follow?
Subpart D--Appeal by an Applicant
26.38 May I appeal a decision about my application?

    Authority: 25 U.S.C. 13; Sec. 1, Public Law 84-959, 70 Stat. 966 
as amended by Public Law 88-230, 77 Stat. 471 (25 U.S.C. 309)

Subpart A--General Applicability


Sec.  26.1  What terms do I need to know?

    As used in this part:
    Bureau means the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
    Department means the Department of the Interior.
    Gainful Employment means work resulting in self-sufficiency.
    Indian means any person who is a member of a federally recognized 
tribe, including Alaska Natives.
    Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan (ISP) means a written plan 
designed to meet the goal of employment through specific actions that 
meet the needs of the individual. The plan is jointly developed and is 
signed by both the applicant and the servicing office. The ISP 
addresses the client's barriers to employment and a plan of action to 
address barriers.
    Must means a mandatory act or requirement.
    On or Near Reservation means those areas or communities adjacent or 
contiguous to reservations, or service areas where Job Training and 
Placement programs are provided upon approval of the Assistant 
Secretary-Indian Affairs or his designated representative. For purposes 
of this program and services, Alaska is included in this definition.
    On-the-Job-Training (OJT) means a written agreement for an employer 
to provide training to a participant who engages in productive work 
that provides knowledge or skills essential to the full and adequate 
performance of the job. The employer receives reimbursement from the 
Job Training Program for the wage rate of the participant. OJT may be 
used to meet the goal(s) in the participant's ISP, as long as it does 
not exceed 24 months.
    Permanent Employment means a year-round job or one that re-occurs 
seasonally, lasting at least 90 days per work season.
    Service Area means a location agreed to by the tribe with the 
Bureau to provide Job Training and Placement Services.
    Servicing Office means the Bureau office or the office of the 
tribal service provider that administers the Job Training and Placement 
Program.
    Tribal Governing Body means the recognized entity empowered to 
exercise governmental authority over a federally recognized tribe.
    Tribal Service Provider means a tribe or tribal organization that 
administers the Job Training and Placement Program pursuant to Public 
Law 93-638 or Public Law 102-477.
    Tribe means any tribal entity listed in the Federal Register notice 
that the Secretary of the Interior publishes under Public Law 103-454, 
108 Stat. 4791.
    Underemployed means an individual who is working but whose income 
is insufficient to meet essential needs.
    Unemployed means an individual who is not currently working or 
employed.
    Unmet need means the difference between available resources and the 
cost associated with finding gainful employment.
    Vocational Training means technical training that leads to 
permanent and gainful employment.
    We, us, or our means the Secretary of the Interior, or an official 
in the Office of the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs, or an 
official in the Bureau of Indian Affairs to whom the Secretary has 
delegated authority.


Sec.  26.2  Who authorizes this collection of information?

    The information collection requirements contained in this part have 
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3507(d), and assigned OMB 
clearance number 1076-0062. Response is required to obtain a benefit. A 
Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to 
respond to a collection of information unless the form or regulation 
requesting the information has a currently valid OMB Control Number.

[[Page 41332]]

Sec.  26.3  What is the purpose of the Job Placement and Training 
Program?

    The purpose of the Job Placement and Training Program is to assist 
eligible applicants to obtain job skills and to find and retain a job 
leading to self-sufficiency.


Sec.  26.4  Who administers the Job Placement and Training Program?

    The Job Placement and Training Program is administered by the 
Bureau of Indian Affairs or a tribal service provider. Tribes are 
encouraged to provide services directly to Indians by either entering 
into a Public Law 93-638 contract with the Bureau or a compact with the 
Office of Self--Governance. Tribes may also consolidate Job Placement 
and Training Program funds in accordance with the provisions of the 
Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services Demonstration Act of 
1992, Public Law 102-477.


Sec.  26.5  Who may be eligible for Job Placement and Training?

    You may apply for assistance for employment or training if all of 
the following criteria are met:
    (a) You meet the definition of Indian in Sec.  26.1; and
    (b) You are residing on or near an Indian reservation or in a 
service area, or in the agreed contract service area; and
    (c) You are unemployed or underemployed or need and can benefit 
from employment assistance as determined by your servicing office; and
    (d) You complete an ISP.


Sec.  26.6  Who is eligible to receive financial assistance?

    Financial assistance is only available to persons:
    (a) Approved for training that will lead to permanent, gainful and 
meaningful employment; or
    (b) Who have obtained a job and need financial assistance to retain 
the job, as determined by the servicing office.


Sec.  26.7  How is financial need established?

    You must show that current income and other available resources are 
not sufficient to meet employment or training goals.


Sec.  26.8  Where do I go to apply for Job Placement and Training 
assistance?

    You may apply for Job Placement and Training assistance at the 
servicing office nearest to your current residence.


Sec.  26.9  How do I apply for assistance?

    (a) You should contact the BIA office or the tribal service 
provider which is nearest to your current residence to get an 
application form;
    (b) You must complete the application process as established by 
your servicing office; and
    (c) You must complete and sign a comprehensive ISP (or an 
individual development plan (IDP) or employment development plan (EDP), 
which are synonymous with an ISP).


Sec.  26.10  When will I find out if I have been selected for Job 
Placement and Training assistance?

    (a) Your servicing office will notify you in writing within 30 
calendar days once it receives a completed job training application 
request; or
    (b) Your servicing office will notify you within 5 business days 
once it has received a completed Job Placement application and written 
job offer.


Sec.  26.11  What type of Job Placement and Training assistance may be 
approved?

    Services provided may include funding for employment, training or 
supplemental assistance that supports job placement or training 
activities (see subpart B of this part for Job Placement or subpart C 
of this part for Training Services).


Sec.  26.12  Who provides the Job Placement and Training?

    The Bureau or a tribal service provider may enter into contracts or 
agreements to provide facilities and services required for vocational 
training programs with:
    (a) Indian tribal governing bodies or, when approved by the tribal 
service provider, other provider of meaningful training programs not 
currently operated by the tribe;
    (b) Appropriate Federal, State, or local government agencies;
    (c) Public or private schools with a recognized reputation in 
vocational education and successfully obtaining employment for 
graduates;
    (d) Education firms that operate residential training centers; and
    (e) Corporations and associations or small business establishments 
with apprenticeship or on-the-job training (OJT) programs leading to 
skilled employment.


Sec.  26.13  How long may I be in training and how long can I receive 
other assistance?

    (a) Your training at any approved institution, apprenticeship, and/
or OJT must not exceed 24 months of full-time actual training hours.
    (b) Registered nurse training must not exceed 36 months of full 
actual training hours.
    (c) You may receive other financial assistance under this program 
determined by your ISP that you have developed with your tribal service 
provider.


Sec.  26.14  What or who is a service provider?

    A service provider is an administrative unit of a BIA Regional 
Office, a BIA Agency Office, a BIA Field Office, a Tribal contracted 
office, or Alaska Native federally recognized tribe, or a tribal 
organization, that provides grants to help offset the cost of 
vocational or technical training (at approved places), or immediate job 
placement services. To the extent resources will allow, other kinds of 
support service may also be available.


Sec.  26.15  What makes an applicant eligible for Job Placement and 
Training services?

    You are eligible for services if:
    (a) You meet the definition of an American Indian or Alaska Native; 
and
    (b) Either:
    (1) You can demonstrate an unmet need and show a need for job 
training or placement services in order to become gainfully and 
meaningfully employed; or
    (2) You are skilled, but need financial assistance to get to a job, 
and you show an aptitude and potential to benefit from services.


Sec.  26.16  If I am awarded financial assistance, how much will I 
receive?

    (a) The amount of financial assistance you receive depends on your 
unmet needs. If applicable, you should apply for:
    (1) A Pell Grant if your training institution offers this grant; 
and
    (2) Other education grants or loans for which you may qualify.
    (b) The Bureau or tribal service provider will award financial 
assistance up to the level of your unmet need to the extent resources 
are available. It is possible that the combination of available 
financial assistance will not equal your financial need.


Sec.  26.17  Can more than one family member be financially assisted at 
the same time?

    Yes, more than one family member can be assisted, providing that 
each applicant is eligible.


Sec.  26.18  What kinds of supportive services are available?

    The BIA or tribal service provider may provide, but is not limited 
to, the following supportive services:
    (a) Assistance in completing an application and the provision of 
supporting documents;
    (b) A description of the Job Placement and Training Program and 
related services;
    (c) An assessment of eligibility;
    (d) An assessment of need for employment services (or a combination 
of training and employment services);

[[Page 41333]]

    (e) The creation of an ISP (which may include training and other 
support services);
    (f) Counseling services that address cultural differences and 
strengthen probability of client success;
    (g) Referral to other appropriate services;
    (h) Youth work experience;
    (i) Tools for employment;
    (j) Initial union dues;
    (k) Transportation of household effects;
    (l) Security and safety deposits;
    (m) Items to improve personal appearance such as professional work 
clothing;
    (n) If required, kitchen and other household effects including 
bedding and appliances; and
    (o) Childcare.


Sec.  26.19  Will I be required to contribute financially to my 
employment and training goals?

    Yes, the Job Placement and Training Program clients are required to 
seek other funding, including the use of personal resources as a 
condition of their ISP.


Sec.  26.20  Can I be required to return portions of my grant?

    Yes, grants are awarded for a specific purpose as described in the 
applicant's ISP. If the funds cannot be spent according to the ISP, the 
unused portion must be returned to the service provider's job placement 
and training budget.


Sec.  26.21  Can this program be combined with other similar programs 
for maximum benefit?

    Yes, combining this program with other programs is encouraged, to 
the extent that laws governing program services permit partnering with 
similar programs and resources.


Sec.  26.22  May a tribe integrate Job Placement and Training funds 
into its Public Law 102-477 Plan?

    Yes, Indian tribes may integrate Job Placement and Training Program 
funds into their Public Law 102-477 Plan.


Sec.  26.23  What is an Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan (ISP)?

    (a) An ISP is a document that:
    (1) Spells out the details necessary for a person to assume a 
meaningful job (usually within a reasonable period of time);
    (2) Supplements the application process and includes needed 
finances, special clothing, transportation, and support services 
necessary for employment;
    (3) Identifies all financial resources and defines the employment 
or training objective and activities planned to reach the objective; 
and
    (4) Outlines how the applicant will participate in job placement, 
where resources will allow.
    (b) The employer's job information and offer should be attached to 
the ISP, which becomes a part of the application (and supporting 
documents).
    (c) The ISP must indicate that the services received will meet the 
individual's and tribal goals.
    (d) Only one comprehensive ISP can be in effect for each applicant 
at one time. The comprehensive ISP should be coordinated and integrated 
with other programs offered by the servicing agency.

Subpart B--Job Placement Services


Sec.  26.24  What is the scope of the Job Placement Program?

    The Job Placement Program assists Indian people who have job skills 
to obtain and retain gainful employment leading to self-sufficiency.


Sec.  26.25  What constitutes a complete Job Placement Program 
application?

    To be complete, a Job Placement Program application must contain 
all of the items required by this section.
    (a) An application signed by the applicant and servicing office 
representative.
    (b) An ISP, including a list of goods and services needed to get 
the applicant to the job, signed by the applicant and servicing 
representative.
    (c) An accepted official document that shows the formal 
relationship between the applicant and a federally recognized tribe or 
a document that shows an applicant's eligibility for services.
    (d) A statement by the service provider that the applicant has been 
declared eligible for services.
    (e) A financial statement that reflects the applicant's unmet need.
    (f) An employer certification that the applicant has been hired. 
The certification must include, at a minimum:
    (1) Job title;
    (2) Beginning date;
    (3) Beginning wage;
    (4) Date first full paycheck will be issued; and
    (5) Expected duration of the job.


Sec.  26.26  What Job Placement services may I receive?

    As determined by the service provider, you may receive 
transportation to work for a limited period, funds to finalize your job 
resume, and job placement assistance.


Sec.  26.27  What kind of Job Placement support services can I expect?

    Service office representatives will make the determination of what 
support services are necessary and to be funded. Examples of job 
placement support services include, but are not limited to resume 
preparation, interview techniques, job retention, and related living 
skills.


Sec.  26.28  What follow-up services are available after I become 
employed?

    As determined by the service provider, the following type of 
services may be available: Temporary housing, transportation to work 
for a limited period of time, work clothing, and childcare.

Subpart C--Training Services


Sec.  26.29  What is the scope of the Job Training Program?

    A service provider may offer career counseling, assessment, 
recommend training institutions that properly prepare applicants for 
entry into their career field, and help prepare applicants for gainful 
employment to the extent program funding will allow and based on 
applicants' established need.


Sec.  26.30  Does the Job Training Program provide part-time training 
or short-term training?

    Yes, part-time and short-term training are allowable provided the 
training assists individuals to develop skills necessary to acquire 
gainful employment, in accordance with the ISP, and depending upon 
availability of resources. Part-time means no less than six credit 
units per semester (based on a nine-month school year).


Sec.  26.31  May I repeat my training?

    Eligibility for repeat training and other financial assistance will 
be determined by your tribal service provider.


Sec.  26.32  What constitutes a complete Job Training Program 
application?

    A request for training includes:
    (a) Intake and application data;
    (b) Feasible, comprehensive ISP;
    (c) Tribal affiliation document;
    (d) Selective Service registration;
    (e) Selected place of training;
    (f) Statement of financial need;
    (g) Statement of eligibility; and
    (h) Applicant assessment or other documents as required by the 
servicing agency.


Sec.  26.33  How do I show I need job training?

    The need for Job Placement and Training is shown by completing an 
application for training that demonstrates financial need.

[[Page 41334]]

Sec.  26.34  What type of job training assistance may be approved?

    The following types of training that lead to gainful employment may 
be approved:
    (a) Nationally accredited vocational training;
    (b) Training and non-accredited vocational courses provided by a 
tribe;
    (c) Training programs not operated by the tribe but approved by the 
service provider;
    (d) Apprenticeship training supervised by a State apprenticeship 
agency or council or by the Federal Apprenticeship Training Service 
that is provided by a corporation or association that has been training 
bona fide apprentices for at least one year or any other apprenticeship 
program approved by the service provider; or
    (e) OJT offered by a public or private business.


Sec.  26.35  What kind of support services are available to me?

    As determined by the service provider, training support services 
include, but are not limited to, stipends, transportation, and 
childcare.


Sec.  26.36  What follow-up service is available after I complete 
training?

    Job Placement assistance may follow training.


Sec.  26.37  Are there training standards that I must follow?

    Yes, students must maintain the minimum academic requirements and 
be in good standing as set forth by the training institute. If an 
applicant is separated from training for good cause, the applicant may 
be responsible for repaying any portion of misused funds.

Subpart D--Appeal by an Applicant


Sec.  26.38  May I appeal a decision about my application?

    If the servicing agency denies your application you may appeal 
under part 2 of this chapter by sending your appeal to your service 
provider. If your servicing agency is a tribal contractor, you should 
file your appeal with the tribal contractor under their established 
procedure. The letter informing you of the decision on your application 
will include information on how to appeal.

PART 27--[Removed]

0
2. Remove part 27.

[FR Doc. E9-19720 Filed 8-14-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-4M-P