[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 25 (Monday, February 7, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5898-5915]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-2643]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and 
Training


Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Project Competitive Grants

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

ACTION:  Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for grant 
applications for Homeless Veterans Reintegration Projects (SGA 00-01).

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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 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. 
Under this solicitation, VETS may award up to thirty-three 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) 00-01. VETS 
anticipates that up to $8.25 million 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 00-01.

DATES:  One (1) blue 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, 
March 8, 2000, or be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before 
that date. 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: Lisa Harvey, Reference 
SGA 00-01, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 
20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Lisa Harvey, U.S. Department of 
Labor, Procurement Services Center, telephone (202) 219-6445 [not a 
toll free number].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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. These instructions 
contain general program information, requirements and forms for 
application for funds to operate a Homeless Veterans Reintegration 
Project (HVRP).

[[Page 5899]]

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 $8.25 
million of the funds available to award grants for HVRPs in selected 
cities in FY 2000 under this competition. A separate competition for a 
small number of demonstration grants to operate in rural areas will be 
announced separately within a short time. Both types of projects, urban 
and rural, in the past have provided valuable information on approaches 
that work in the different environments.

III. Application Process

A. Potential Jurisdictions to be Served
    Due to the demonstration nature of the Act, the amount of funds 
available, and the emphasis on establishing or strengthening existing 
linkages with other recipients of funds under the MHAA, the only 
potential jurisdictions which will be served through this urban 
competition for HVRPs in FY 2000 are the metropolitan areas of the 75 
U.S. cities largest in population and the city of San Juan, Puerto 
Rico. All potential HVRP jurisdictions are listed in Appendix E.
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) as defined in Title I, Section 102 of the Job Training 
Partnership Act (JTPA), 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.
    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 which have 
operated an HVRP or similar employment and training program for the 
homeless or veterans; 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 $8.25 
million. It is anticipated that up to 33 awards may be made under this 
solicitation. Awards are expected to range from $100,000 to $250,000. 
The Federal government reserves the right to negotiate the amounts to 
be awarded under this competition. Please be advised that requests 
exceeding this range by 15% or more may be considered non-responsive.
D. Period of Performance
    The period of performance will be for nine months from date of 
award. It is expected that successful applicants will commence program 
operations under this solicitation on or before April 1, 2000. Actual 
start dates will be negotiated with each successful applicant.
E. Second Year Option
    As stated in Section II of this Part, the Homeless Veterans 
Reintegration Project was reauthorized and codified by statute at Title 
38, Chapter 41, Section 4111. Should there be action by Congress to 
appropriate funds for this purpose, a second year option may be 
considered. The Government does not, however, guarantee an option year 
for any awardee.
    The grantees' performance during the first period of operations 
will be taken into consideration as follows:
    1. By the end of the second quarter, has the grantee achieved at 
least 60% of the nine month total goals for Federal expenditures, 
enrollments, and placements? or
    2. Has the grantee met 85% of goals for Federal expenditures, 
enrollments and placements for the nine month period if planned 
activity is NOT evenly distributed in each quarter? and
    3. The Grantee is in compliance with all terms identified in the 
solicitation for grant applications.
    All instructions for modifications and announcement of fund 
availability will be issued at a later date. Please note that the 
Government does reserve its right to compete any subsequent funds 
appropriated for this purpose in lieu of an option year.
F. 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 Office of Procurement Services after 4:45 
pm EST, March 8, 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 March 8, 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)

[[Page 5900]]

working days, excluding weekends and Federal holidays, prior to March 
8, 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.
G. Submission of Proposal
    A cover letter, and 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. 
Resumes, charts, standard forms, exhibits, letters of support and 
letters of reference 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:
    1. Need for the project: the applicant should identify the 
geographical area to be served and 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 fill 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 Job Training Partnership Act. 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.) 
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 the linkages this 
programs will have with other providers of services to veterans and to 
the homeless 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 JTPA and 
State Employment Security Agencies (SESAs)] should be delineated. 
Describe any linkages with Department of Housing and Urban Development 
(HUD) and Department of Veterans Affairs resources and programs for the 
homeless. Indicate how the applicant will coordinate with any 
``continuum of care'' efforts for the homeless among agencies in the 
community.
    4. Organizational capability in providing required program 
activities: The applicant's relevant current or prior experience in 
operating employment and training programs 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. Applicants who have 
operated an HVRP program, or Homeless Veterans Employment and Training 
(HVET) program should include final or most recent technical 
performance reports. (This information is also 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 will 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. Please show leveraged resources/matching 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

[[Page 5901]]

percent of time of each position to be devoted to the proposed project 
(including subgrantees);
    (b) An explanation and breakout of extraordinary fringe benefit 
rates and associated charges (i.e., rates exceeding 35% of salaries and 
wages);
    (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) 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.
    (e) 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
    (f) Identification of all sources of leveraged or matching funds 
and an explanation of the derivation of the value of matching/in-kind 
Services.

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 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, VA medical centers 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, JTPA Title IV, Part C 
(IV-C) Veterans' Employment Program
--Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) services, including its Health 
Care for Homeless Veterans, Domiciliary and other programs, including 
those offering transitional housing
--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

[[Page 5902]]

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. 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. The DVOP and LVER staff must 
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 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. If the DVOP and LVER staff are not being 
utilized, the applicant must submit a written explanation explaining 
the reasons why they are not.
    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 should 
be careful to budget for this activity 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.
    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 for the types of 
providers listed below. Project orientation workshops conducted by HVRP 
grantees have been an effective means of sharing information and 
revealing the availability of other services; they are encouraged but 
not mandatory. Rather, the grantee will have the flexibility to attend 
service provider meetings, seminars, conferences, to out station staff, 
to develop individual service contracts, and to involve other agencies 
in program planning. This list is not exhaustive. The grantee will be 
responsible for providing appropriate awareness, information sharing, 
and orientation activities to the following:
    a. Providers of hands-on services to the homeless, such as shelter 
and soup-kitchen operators, to make them fully aware of services 
available to homeless veterans to make them job-ready and place them in 
jobs.
    b. Federal, State and local entitlement services such as the Social 
Security Administration, Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), State 
Employment Security Agencies (SESAs) and their local Job Service 
offices, One-Stop Centers (which integrate JTPA, labor exchange and 
other employment and social services), detoxification facilities, etc., 
to familiarize them with the nature and needs of homeless veterans.
    c. Civic and private sector groups, and especially veterans' 
service organizations, to describe homeless veterans and their needs.
2. Stand Down Support
    A ``Stand Down'' as it relates to homeless veterans is an event 
held in a locality usually for three days where services are provided 
to homeless veterans along with shelter, meals, clothing and medical 
attention. For the most part this type of event is a volunteer effort 
which is organized within a community and brings service providers such 
as the DVA, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists, Local 
Veterans' Employment Representatives from the State Employment Service 
Agencies, veteran service organization, military personnel, civic 
leaders, and a variety of other interested persons and organizations. 
Many services are provided on site with referrals also made for 
continued assistance after the event. This can often be the catalyst 
that enables the homeless veterans to get back into mainstream society. 
The Department of Labor has supported replication of this event. Many 
such exercises have been held throughout the nation. In areas where an 
HVRP is operating, the grantees are encouraged to participate fully and 
offer their services for any planned Stand Down event. Towards this 
end, up to $5,000 of the currently requested HVRP MHAA grant funds may 
be used to supplement the Stand Down effort where funds are not 
otherwise available and should be reflected in the budget and budget 
narrative.

VI. Rating Criteria for Award

    Applications will be reviewed by a DOL panel using the point 
scoring system specified below. 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 
33 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

[[Page 5903]]

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. The Grant Officer's 
determination for award under SGA 00-01 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 to effectively address the employment barriers which 
characterize the target population.
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 followup 
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 programs such 
as SESAs (DVOP and LVER Programs), JTPA IV-C, other JTPA programs, 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. 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 
``continuum of care'' approach to respond to homelessness and any 
linkages to HUD or DVA 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, etc. 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. HVRP funds may not be used to purchase housing.
    Applicants can expect that the cost proposal will be reviewed for 
allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of costs, but will not 
be scored.

VII. Post Award Conference

    A post-award conference for those awarded FY 2000 HVRP funds is 
tentatively planned for April or May, 2000. Costs associated with 
attending this conference for up to three grantee representatives will 
be allowed as long as they were incurred in accordance with Federal 
travel regulations. Such costs shall be charged as administrative costs 
and reflected in the proposed budget. The site of the conference has 
not yet been determined but will likely be for three days in 
Washington, DC. Please use Washington, DC for budget planning purposes. 
The conference will focus on providing information and assistance on 
reporting, record keeping, and grant requirements, and will also 
include best practices from past projects.

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 no 
later than 30 days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter. 
Grantee will submit to the DVET a Quarterly Technical Performance 
Report (QTPR) containing the following:
    1. A comparison of actual accomplishments to established 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: (i) identification of the 
corrective action which will be taken to meet the planned goals, and 
(ii) a 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 grant expiration.
    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.

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C. Summary of Final Report Packages
    No later than 90 days after the grant period ends, regardless of 
approval for second year funding, the grantee will submit a final 
report containing the following:
    1. Final Financial Status Report (SF-269A).
    2. Final Technical Performance Report--(Program Goals).
    3. 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 followup 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 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 
recommendations 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 1st day of February, 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. List of 75 largest U.S. Cities
Appendix F. HVRP Performance Goals Definitions
Appendix G. Direct Cost Descriptions for Applicants and Sub-
Applicants

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[FR Doc. 00-2643 Filed 2-4-00; 8:45 am]
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