[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 5, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41493-41507]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-16861]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and 
Training


Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Project Competitive Grants for 
Rural Areas

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and 
Training.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for grant 
applications for Rural Homeless Veterans Reintegration Projects (SGA 
00-02).

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SUMMARY: This notice contains all of the necessary information and 
forms needed to apply for grant funding. All applicants for grant funds 
should read this notice in its entirety. The U.S. Department of Labor, 
Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) announces a grant 
competition for Rural Homeless Veterans Reintegration Projects (HVRP) 
authorized under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Such 
projects will assist eligible veterans who are homeless by providing 
employment, training, supportive and transitional housing assistance 
where possible. Under this solicitation, VETS expects to award up to 
eight grants in FY 2000.
    This notice describes the background, the application process, 
description of program activities, evaluation criteria, and reporting 
requirements for Solicitation of Grant Applications (SGA) 00-02. VETS 
anticipates that up to $1,000,000 will be available for grant awards 
under this SGA.
    The information and forms contained in the Supplementary 
Information Section of this announcement constitute the official 
application package for this Solicitation. In order to receive any 
amendments to this Solicitation which may be subsequently issued, all 
applicants must register their name and address with the Procurement 
Services Center. Please send this information as soon as possible, 
Attention: Grant Officer, to the following address: U. S. Department of 
Labor, Procurement Services Center, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution 
Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210. Please reference SGA 00-02.

DATES: One (1) ink-signed original, complete grant application (plus 
three (3) copies of the Technical Proposal and three (3) copies of the 
Cost Proposal shall be submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor, 
Procurement Services Center, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, 
Washington, DC 20210, not later than 4:45 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, 
August 4, 2000. Hand delivered applications must be received by the 
Procurement Services Center by that time.

ADDRESSES: Applications shall be mailed to the U.S. Department of 
Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Jeanette Villa, 
Reference SGA 00-02, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, 
Washington, DC 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeanette Villa, U.S. Department of 
Labor, Procurement Services Center, telephone (202) 219-9355 [not a 
toll free number].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Rural Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project Solicitation

I. Purpose

    The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service (VETS) is requesting grant applications for the 
provision of employment and training services in accordance with the 
Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (MHAA), as reauthorized and 
codified at Title 38, Chapter 41, Section 4111 (formerly 42 U.S.C 
11448). These instructions contain general program information, 
requirements and forms for application for funds to operate a Rural 
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project (HVRP).

II. Background

    The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, enacted on 
July 22, 1987, under Title VII, Subtitle C, Section 738 provides that 
``The Secretary shall conduct, directly or through grant or contract, 
such programs as the Secretary determines appropriate to expedite the 
reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force.'' This program 
was reauthorized under Section 621 of the McKinney Homeless Assistance 
Amendments Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-645) for an additional three 
years, i.e., through FY 1993. Under the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive 
Service Programs Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-590--enacted on November 
10, 1992) the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project was reauthorized 
through Fiscal Year 1995. However, the program was rescinded in FY 
1995. Public Law 104-275, dated October 9, 1996, was amended to 
reauthorize the program through FY 1998. Public Laws 105-41 and 105-
114, enacted in 1997, extend the program through FY 1999. Public Law 
106-73 dated October 19, 1999, reauthorized and codified at Title 38, 
Chapter 41, Section 4111 extends the program through FY 2003.
    The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project was the first 
nationwide Federal program that focused on placing homeless veterans 
into jobs. In accordance with the MHAA, the Assistant Secretary for 
Veterans' Employment and Training (ASVET) is making approximately 
$1,000,000 of the funds available to award grants for HVRPs in rural 
areas and all interested homeless service providers who were ineligible 
to apply for funding under the HVRP Solicitation for Grant Applications 
(SGA 00-01) that was limited to the largest 75 metropolitan areas in FY 
2000.
    Bonus points of 15 points will be applied to those proposals for 
applicants who meet the definition of a rural applicant as specified 
below in section III., Application Process. The bonus points are to 
encourage rural eligibles to apply, as homeless resources are extremely 
limited in these areas. Rural projects are expected to provide valuable 
information on approaches that work in a rural environment.

III. Application Process

A. Rural Areas
    Under this announcement, applications will be accepted from 
eligible applicants, (as defined in Section B. Of this part), to serve 
homeless veterans.

[[Page 41494]]

    The Census Bureau has defined ``urban'' for the 1990 census as 
provided below, and territory, population, and housing units not 
classified as urban constitute ``rural.'' Most specifically, ``urban'' 
consists of territory, persons, and housing units in:
    1. Places of 2,500 or more persons incorporated as cities, 
villages, boroughs (except in Alaska and New York), and towns, (except 
in the six New England States, New York, and Wisconsin), but excluding 
the rural portions of ``extended cities.''
    2. Census designated places of 2,500 or more persons.
    3. Other territory, incorporated or unincorporated, included in 
urbanized areas.
    Those not defined as ``urban'' likely fall into the rural category. 
Potential applicants are referred to the Geography Division, U.S. 
Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC 20233, for any questions or 
clarification on the Census Bureau's definition. It is expected that an 
applicant's submission under this solicitation will clearly demonstrate 
the nature of the area to be served.
B. Eligible Applicants
    Applications for funds will be accepted from State and local public 
agencies, Private Industry Councils, and nonprofit organizations as 
follows:
    1. Private Industry Councils (PICS) and/or Workforce Investment 
Boards (WIBS), Public Law 97-300, are eligible applicants, as well as 
State and local public agencies. ``Local public agency'' refers to any 
public agency of a general purpose political subdivision of a State 
which has the power to levy taxes and spend funds, as well as general 
corporate and police powers. (This typically refers to cities and 
counties). A State agency may propose in its application to serve one 
or more of the potential jurisdictions located in its State. This does 
not preclude a city or county agency from submitting an application to 
serve its own jurisdiction. (Although cities are mentioned in the above 
explanation, this solicitation is targeting cities within a rural 
jurisdiction.)
    Applicants are encouraged to utilize, through subgrants, 
experienced public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, and 
private businesses which have an understanding of the unemployment and 
homeless problems of veterans, a familiarity with the area to be 
served, and the capability to effectively provide the necessary 
services.
    2. Also eligible to apply are nonprofit organizations who have 
operated an HVRP or similar employment and training program for the 
homeless or veterans; or have proven capacity to manage Federal grants; 
and have or will provide the necessary linkages with other service 
providers. Nonprofit organizations will be required to submit with 
their application recent (within one year) financial audit statements 
that attest to the financial responsibility of the organization.
    Entities described in Section 501(c)4 of the Internal Revenue Code 
that engage in lobbying activities are not eligible to receive funds 
under this announcement. The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, Public 
Law No. 104-65, 109 Stat. 691, prohibits the award of Federal funds to 
these entities if they engage in lobbying activities.
C. Funding Levels
    The total amount of funds available for this solicitation is 
$1,000,000. It is anticipated that up to 8 awards will be made under 
this solicitation. Awards are expected to range from $75,000 to 
$125,000. The Federal government reserves the right to negotiate the 
amounts to be awarded under this competition. Please be advised that 
requests exceeding the maximum award amount of $125,000 by 15% or more 
will be considered non-responsive.
D. Period of Performance
    The period of performance will be for one year from date of award. 
It is expected that successful applicants will commence program 
operations under this solicitation on or before September 1, 2000.
E. Late Proposals
    The grant application package must be received at the designated 
place by the date and time specified or it will not be considered. Any 
application received at the Procurement Services Center after 4:45 p.m. 
EST, August 4, 2000, will not be considered unless it is received 
before the award is made and:
    1. It was sent by registered or certified mail not later than the 
fifth calendar day before August 4, 2000;
    2. 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; or
    3. It was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day 
Service-Post Office to Addressee, not later than 5:00 pm at the place 
of mailing two (2) working days, excluding weekends and Federal 
holidays, prior to August 4, 2000.
    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 
receiving 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 or receipt maintained by that office. Applications sent by 
telegram or facsimile (FAX) will not be accepted.
F. Submission of Proposal
    A cover letter, an original and three (3) copies of the proposal 
shall be submitted. The proposal shall consist of two (2) separate and 
distinct parts:
    Part I--Technical Proposal shall consist of a narrative proposal 
that demonstrates the applicant's knowledge of the need for this 
particular grant program, its understanding of the services and 
activities proposed to alleviate the need and its capabilities to 
accomplish the expected outcomes of the proposed project design. The 
technical proposal shall consist of a narrative not to exceed fifteen 
(15) pages double-spaced, typewritten on one side of the paper only. 
Charts and exhibits are not counted against the page limit. Applicants 
should be responsive to the Rating Criteria contained in Section VI and 
address all of the rating factors noted as thoroughly as possible in 
the narrative. The following format is strongly recommended:

[[Page 41495]]

    1. Need for the project: the applicant should identify the 
geographical area to be served and the characteristics of the area; 
provide an estimate of the number of homeless veterans and their needs, 
poverty and unemployment rates in the area, and gaps in the local 
community infrastructure the project would fulfill in addressing the 
employment and other barriers of the targeted veterans. Include the 
outlook for job opportunities in the service area.
    2. Approach or strategy to increase employment and job retention: 
The applicant should describe the specific supportive services and 
employment and training services to be provided under this grant and 
the sequence or flow of such services. Participant flow charts may be 
provided. Include a description of the relationship with other 
employment and training programs such as Disabled Veterans' Outreach 
Program (DVOP) and the Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) 
program, and programs under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Please 
include a plan for follow up of participants who entered employment at 
30 and 90 days and also a plan for follow up six months after the end 
of the ninety day period (See discussion on results in Section V.D.) 
Please include the chart of proposed performance goals and planned 
expenditures listed in Appendix D. Although the form itself is not 
mandatory, the information called for in Appendix D must be provided by 
the applicant.
    3. Linkages with other providers of employment and training 
services to the homeless and to veterans: Describe what linkages these 
programs will have with other providers of services to veterans and to 
the homeless in the community outside of the HVRP grant. List the types 
of services provided by each. Note the type of agreement in place if 
applicable. Linkages with the workforce development system [inclusive 
of WIA and State Employment Security Agencies (SESAs)], non-profit 
organizations and public agencies (i.e., the Department of Housing and 
Urban Development and with the Department of Veterans Affairs) 
resources should be delineated.
    4. Organizational capability in providing required program 
activities: The applicant's relevant current or prior experience in 
operating employment and training or related programs serving the 
homeless or veterans should be delineated. (For consideration by panel 
members, the Government reserves the right to have a representative of 
the Veterans' Employment and Training Service within your state provide 
programmatic and fiscal information about applicants and forward those 
findings to the National Office during the review of applications). 
Provide information denoting outcomes of past programs in terms of 
enrollments and placements or other measures of success. Applicants who 
have operated an HVRP program, or more recent Homeless Veterans 
Employment and Training (HVET) program should include final or most 
recent technical performance reports. (This information is subject to 
verification by the Veterans' Employment and Training Service.) Provide 
evidence of key staff capability. Non-profit organizations should 
submit evidence of satisfactory financial management capability 
including recent financial and/or audit statements.
    5. Proposed housing strategy for homeless veterans: Describe how 
housing resources for homeless veterans in the area may be obtained or 
accessed. These resources may be from linkages or sources other than 
the HVRP grant such as HUD, community housing resources, DVA leasing or 
other programs. The applicant should explain whether HVRP resources 
will be used and why this is necessary.
    Part II--Cost Proposal shall contain the Standard Form (SF) 424, 
``Application for Federal Assistance,'' and the Budget Information 
Sheet in Appendix B. In addition the budget shall include--on a 
separate page(s)--a detailed cost break-out of each line item on the 
Budget Information Sheet. Please label this page or pages the ``Budget 
Narrative.'' Also to be included in this Part is the Assurance and 
Certification Page, Appendix C. Copies of all required forms with 
instructions for completion are provided as appendices to this 
solicitation. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for 
this program is 17.805, which should be entered on the SF 424, Block 
10. In Block 11, please enter the following: Homeless Veterans 
Reintegration Project. Please show leveraged resources/outside funds 
and/or the value of in-kind contributions in Section B of the Budget 
Information Sheet.
    Budget Narrative Information: As an attachment to the Budget 
Information Sheet, the applicant must provide at a minimum, and on 
separate sheet(s), the following information:
    (a) 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 subgrantees);
    (b) An explanation and breakout of fringe benefit rates and 
associated charges. Rates exceeding 35% of salaries and wages require 
justification;
    (c) An explanation of the purpose and composition of, and method 
used to derive the costs of each of the following: travel, equipment, 
supplies, subgrants/ contracts and any other costs. The applicant 
should include costs of any required travel described in this 
Solicitation. Mileage charges shall not exceed 32.5 cents per mile;
    (d) 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. Applicants are 
reminded that equipment purchased is to be used for HVRP purposes only. 
(HVRP grant funds may not be used for the purchase of motor vehicles); 
and
    (e) Identification of all sources of leveraged or matching funds 
and an explanation of the derivation of the value of outside/in-kind 
Services.
    (f) In order that the Department of Labor meet legislative 
requirements, submit a plan along with all costs associated with 
retaining participant information pertinent to a longitudinal follow up 
survey for at least six months after the ninety day closeout period.

IV. Participant Eligibility

    To be eligible for participation under HVRP, an individual must be 
homeless and a veteran defined as follows:
    A. The term ``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 a 
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 USC 11302).
    B. The term ``veteran'' means a person who served in the active 
military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released 
therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. [Reference 38 USC 
101(2)]

V. Project Summary

A. Program Concept and Emphasis
    The HVRP grants under Section 738 of the Stewart B. McKinney 
Homeless Assistance Act are intended to address dual objectives:
    Provide services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into 
the

[[Page 41496]]

labor force; and stimulate the development of effective service 
delivery systems that will seek to address the complex problems facing 
homeless veterans. These programs are designed to be flexible in 
addressing the universal as well as local or regional problems barring 
homeless veterans from the workforce. The program in FY 2000 will 
continue to strengthen the provision of comprehensive services through 
a case management approach, the attainment of housing resources for 
veterans entering the labor force, and strategies for employment and 
retention.
B. Required Features
    1. The HVRP has since its inception featured an outreach component 
consisting of veterans who have experienced homelessness. In recent 
years this requirement was modified to allow the projects to utilize 
formerly homeless veterans in other positions where there is direct 
client contact if outreach was not needed extensively, such as 
counseling, peer coaching, intake and follow up. This requirement 
applies to projects funded under this solicitation.
    2. Projects will be required to show linkages with other programs 
and services which provide support to homeless veterans. Coordination 
with the Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists in the 
jurisdiction is required.
    3. Projects will be ``employment focused.'' That is, they will be 
directed towards (a) increasing the employability of homeless veterans 
through providing for or arranging for the provision of services which 
will enable them to work; and (b) matching homeless veterans with 
potential employers.
C. Scope of Program Design
    The HVRP project design should provide or arrange for the following 
services:

--Outreach, intake, assessment, counseling and employment services. 
Outreach should, to the degree practical, be provided at shelters, day 
centers, soup kitchens, and/or other locations particular to the rural 
environment, and other programs for the homeless. Program staff 
providing outreach services are to be veterans who have experienced 
homelessness.

    Coordination with veterans' services programs and organizations 
such as:

--Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists and Local 
Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) in the State Employment 
Security/Job Service Agencies (SESAs) or in the newly instituted 
workforce development system's One-Stop Centers, Veterans Workforce 
Investment Program (VWIP)
--Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) services, including its Health 
Care for Homeless Veterans, Domiciliary and other programs, including 
those offering transitional housing
--Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) services, including 
its Per Diem Grants program.
--Veteran service organizations such as The American Legion, Disabled 
American Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans 
of America, and the American Veterans (AMVETS)

    Referral to necessary treatment services, rehabilitative services, 
and counseling including, but not limited to:

--Alcohol and drug
--Medical
--Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
--Mental Health
--Coordinating with MHAA Title VI programs for health care for the 
homeless
    Referral to housing assistance provided by:

--Local shelters
--Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) food and shelter 
programs
--Transitional housing programs and single room occupancy housing 
programs funded under MHAA Title IV
--Permanent housing programs for the handicapped homeless funded under 
MHAA Title IV
--Department of Veterans' Affairs programs that provide for leasing or 
sale of acquired homes to homeless providers
--Transitional housing leased by HVRP funds (HVRP funds cannot be used 
to purchase housing)
    Employment and training services such as:

--Basic skills instruction
--Basic literacy instruction
--Remedial education activities
--Job search activities
--Job counseling
--Job preparatory training, including resume writing and interviewing 
skills
--Subsidized trial employment (Work Experience)
--On-the-Job Training
--Classroom Training
--Job placement in unsubsidized employment
--Placement follow up services
--Services provided under JTPA Program Titles
D. Results-Oriented Model
    Based on past experience of grantees working with this target 
group, a workable program model evolved which is presented for 
consideration by prospective applicants. No model is mandatory, and the 
applicant should design a program that is responsive to local needs, 
but will carry out the objectives of the HVRP to successfully 
reintegrate homeless veterans into the workforce.
    With the advent of implementing the Government Performance and 
Results Act (GPRA), Congress and the public are looking for results 
rather than process. While entering employment is a viable outcome, it 
will be necessary to measure results over a longer term to determine 
the success of programs. The following program discussion emphasizes 
that followup is an integral program component.
    The first phase of activity consists of the level of outreach that 
is necessary in the community to reach veterans who are homeless. This 
may also include establishing contact with other agencies that 
encounter homeless veterans such as shelters, soup kitchens and other 
facilities in the rural area. An assessment should be made of the 
supportive and social rehabilitation needs of the client and referral 
may take place to services such as drug or alcohol treatment or 
temporary shelter. When the individual is stabilized, the assessment 
should focus on the employability of the individual and they are 
enrolled into the program if they would benefit from pre-employment 
preparation such as resume writing, job search workshops, related 
counseling and case management, and initial entry into the job market 
through temporary jobs, sheltered work environments, or entry into 
classroom or on-the-job training. Such services should also be noted in 
an Employability Development Plan so that successful completion of the 
plan may be monitored by the staff.
    Entry into full-time employment or a specific job training program 
should follow in keeping with the objective of HVRP to bring the 
participant closer to self-sufficiency. Transitional housing may assist 
the participant at this stage or even earlier. Job development is a 
crucial part of the employability process. Wherever possible, DVOP and 
LVER staff should be utilized for job development and placement 
activities for veterans who are ready to enter employment or who are in 
need of intensive case management services. Many of these staff have 
received training in case management at the National Veterans' Training 
Institution

[[Page 41497]]

and have as a priority of focus, assisting those most at a disadvantage 
in the labor market. VETS urges working hand-in-hand with DVOP/LVER 
staff to achieve economies of resources.
    Follow up to determine if the veteran is in the same or similar job 
at the 30 day period after entering employment is required and 
important in keeping contact with the veterans and so that assistance 
in keeping the job may be provided. The 90 day followup is fundamental 
to assessing the results of the program interventions. Grantees must 
reflect the planned expenditure for this activity in the cost proposal 
so that followup can and will occur for those placed at or near the end 
of the grant period. Such results will be reported in the final 
technical performance report. If DVOPs/LVERs are responsible for 
followup, applicant must explicity state this in their proposal.
    VETS emphasizes in its Strategic Plan to implement GPRA that 
suitable outcomes involve careers, not just jobs. Successful results 
are achieved when the veteran is in the same or similar job after one 
or more years. Towards that end, VETS solicits the cooperation of 
successful applicants to budget for the activity of retaining 
participant information pertinent to a longitudinal follow up survey, 
i.e., at least for six months after the ninety day closeout period. 
Retention of records will be reflected in the Special Provisions at 
time of award.
E. Related HVRP Program Development Activities
    1. Community Awareness Activities. In order to promote linkages 
between the HVRP program and local service providers (and thereby 
eliminate gaps or duplication in services and enhance provision of 
assistance to participants), the grantee must provide project 
orientation and/or service awareness activities that it determines are 
the most feasible to local providers of hands-on services to homeless, 
Federal, State and local entitlement services (such as the Social 
Security Administration, DVA, HUD, and the local Job Service office(s), 
and civic and private sector groups to enlist their support for the 
program.

VI. Rating Criteria for Award

    Applications will be reviewed by a DOL panel using the point 
scoring system specified below in Panel Review Criteria. 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 approximately 8 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 or hold discussions, 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, demonstration 
models, and geographical service areas. While points will not be 
assessed for cost issues, cost per placement will be given serious 
consideration in the final determination in the selecting of awardees. 
The Grant Officer's determination for award under SGA 00-02 is the 
final agency action.
    The submission of the same proposal from any prior year HVRP or 
HVET competition does not guarantee an award under this Solicitation.
Panel Review Criteria
    1. Need for the Project: 15 points. The applicant shall document 
the extent of need for this project, as demonstrated by: (1) The 
potential number or concentration of homeless individuals and homeless 
veterans in the proposed project area relative to other similar areas 
of jurisdiction; (2) the high rates of poverty and/or unemployment in 
the proposed project area as determined by the census or other surveys; 
and (3) the extent of gaps in the local infrastructure the program 
would fill to effectively address the employment barriers which 
characterize the target population in the area.
    2. Overall Strategy to Increase Employment and Retention: 30 
points. The application must include a description of the proposed 
approach to providing comprehensive employment and training services, 
including job training, job development, placement and post placement 
follow up services. The supportive services to be provided as part of 
the strategy of promoting job readiness and job retention should be 
indicated. The applicant should identify the local human resources and 
sources of training to be used for participants. A description of the 
relationship, if any, with other employment and training program such 
as SESAs (DVOP and LVER Programs), Veterans Workforce Investment 
Programs (VWIP), and Workforce Development Boards or entities where in 
place, should be presented. It should be indicated how the activities 
will be tailored or responsive to the needs of homeless veterans in the 
area. A participant flow chart may be used to show the sequence and mix 
of services.

    Note: The applicant MUST complete the chart of proposed program 
outcomes to include participants served, and job retention. (See 
Appendix D)

    3. Quality and Extent of Linkages with Other Providers of Services 
to the Homeless and to Veterans: 20 points. The application should 
provide information on the quality and extent of the linkages this 
program will have with other providers of services to benefit the 
homeless or veterans in the local community outside of the HVRP grant. 
For each service, it should be specified who the provider is, the 
source of funding (if known), and the type of linkages/referral system 
established or proposed. Describe to the extent possible, how the 
project would fit into the community's approach to respond to 
homelessness and any linkages to HUD and VA programs or resources to 
benefit the proposed program.
    4. Demonstrated Capability in Providing Required Program Services: 
20 points. The applicant should describe its relevant prior experience 
in operating employment and training programs and providing services to 
participants similar to that which is proposed under this solicitation. 
Specific outcomes achieved by the applicant should be described in 
terms of clients placed in jobs, or other outcome measures of success. 
The applicant must also delineate its staff capability and ability to 
manage the financial aspects of Federal grant programs. Relevant 
documentation such as financial and/or audit statements should be 
submitted (required for applicants who are non-profit agencies). Final 
or most recent technical reports for HVRP, HVET or other relevant 
programs should be submitted as applicable. The applicant should also 
address its capacity for timely startup of the program.
    5. Quality of Overall Housing Strategy: 15 points. The application 
should demonstrate how the applicant proposes to obtain or access 
housing resources for veterans in the program and entering the labor 
force. This discussion should specify the provisions made to access 
temporary, transitional, and permanent housing for participants through 
community resources, HUD, lease, HVRP or other means unique to the 
locale. HVRP funds may not be used to purchase housing.
    6. Cost Proposal: Applicants can expect that the cost proposal will 
be

[[Page 41498]]

reviewed for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of costs. 
While points will not be assessed for cost issues, cost per placement 
will be given serious consideration in the final determination in the 
selecting of awardees.

    Note: Bonus points of 15 points will be applied to those 
proposals for applicants who meet the definition of a rural 
applicant as specified in section III., Application Process. The 
bonus points are to encourage rural eligibles to apply, as homeless 
resources are extremely limited in rural areas.

VII. Post Award Conference

    A post-award conference for those awarded FY 2000 HVRP funds will 
be held by the designated Grant Officer Technical Representative (GOTR) 
within each state. The conference will focus on providing information 
and assistance on reporting, record keeping, and grant requirements.

VIII. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee shall submit the reports and documents listed below:
A. Financial Reports
    The grantee shall report outlays, program income, and other 
financial information on a quarterly basis using SF 269A, Financial 
Status Report, Short Form. These forms shall cite the assigned grant 
number and be submitted to the appropriate State Director for Veterans' 
Employment and Training (DVET) no later than 30 days after the ending 
date of each Federal fiscal quarter during the grant period. In 
addition, a final SF 269 shall be submitted no later than 90 days after 
the end of the grant period.
B. Program Reports
    Grantees shall submit a Quarterly Technical Performance Report 30 
days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter to the DVET which 
contains the following:
    1. A comparison of actual accomplishments to established goals for 
the reporting period and any findings related to monitoring efforts;
    2. Reason for slippage if established goals are not met and 
identification of the corrective action which will be taken to meet the 
goals, and the timetable for accomplishment of the corrective action.
    A final Technical Performance Report will also be required as part 
of the final report package due 90 days after the closeout period.
    In addition, the grantees will also be required to submit a 
closeout Technical Performance Report pertinent to the longitudinal 
follow up efforts due 6 months after the 90 day closeout period.
C. Summary of Final Report Package
    The grantee shall submit 90 days after the grant closeout period 
the following final report package:
    1. Final Financial Status Report (SF 269A).
    2. Final Technical Performance Report (Program goals).
    3. Final Narrative Report--Grantees will be required to submit a 
final narrative report identifying (a) major successes of the program 
(b) obstacles encountered and actions taken (if any) to overcome such 
obstacles; (c) the total combined (directed/assisted) number of 
veterans placed during the entire grant period; (d) the number of 
veterans still employed at the end of the grant period; (e) an 
explanation regarding why those veterans placed during the grant 
period, but not employed at the end of the grant period, are not so 
employed; and (f) any recommendations to improve the program.
    No later than 6 months after the 90 day closeout period, the 
grantee will submit a follow up report containing the following:
    1. Closeout Financial Status Report (SF 269A).
    2. Closeout Narrative Report Identifying--(a) the total combined 
(directed/assisted) number of veterans placed during the entire grant 
period; (b) the number of veterans still employed during follow up; (c) 
are the veterans still employed at the same or similar job, if not what 
are the reasons; (d) was the training received 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 
recommendation to improve the program.

IX. Administrative Provisions

A. Limitation on Administrative and Indirect Costs
    1. Direct Costs for administration, plus any indirect charges 
claimed, may not exceed 20 percent of the total amount of the grant.
    2. Indirect costs claimed by the applicant shall be based on a 
federally approved rate. A copy of the negotiated, approved, and signed 
indirect cost negotiation agreement must be submitted with the 
application. (Do not submit the State cost allocation plan.)
    3. Rates traceable and trackable through the SESA Cost Accounting 
System represent an acceptable means of allocating costs to DOL and, 
therefore, can be approved for use in MHAA grants to SESAS.
    4. 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 within 90 days of grant award.
B. Allowable Costs
    Determinations of allowable costs shall be made in accordance with 
the following applicable Federal cost principles:

State and local government--OMB Circular A-87
Nonprofit organizations--OMB Circular A-122
C. Administrative Standards and Provisions
    All grants shall be subject to the following administrative 
standards and provisions:
    29 CFR Part 97--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
    29 CFR Part 95--Grants and Agreements with Institutes of Higher 
Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations.
    29 CFR Part 96--Federal Standards for Audit of Federally Funded 
Grants, Contracts and Agreements.
    29 CFR Part 30--Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship and 
Training.
    29 CFR Part 31--Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of 
the Department of Labor--Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964.

    Signed at Washington, DC this 27th day of June, 2000.
Lawrence J. Kuss,
Grant Officer.

Appendices

Appendix A: Application for Federal Assistance SF Form 424
Appendix B: Budget Information Sheet
Appendix C: Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
Appendix D. Technical Performance Goals Form
Appendix E. Direct Cost Descriptions for Applicant and Sub-
Applicants
HVRP Performance Goals Definitions
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[FR Doc. 00-16861 Filed 7-3-00; 8:45 am]
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