[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 70 (Friday, April 11, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17854-17862]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-9189]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


Job Training Partnership Act: Innovative Employment and Training 
Opportunities for People With Disabilities

AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for grant 
applications (SGA).

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SUMMARY: All information required to submit a grant application by 
eligible applicants in contained in this announcement. The U.S. 
Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration 
(ETA), announces the availability of funds for locally administered 
demonstration projects with innovative employment and training 
opportunities for people with disabilities that suffered long-term 
unemployment or who have been dislocated from recent employment. The 
program will be jointly funded by Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) 
Title IV, Research and Demonstration, and Title III, National Reserve 
Funds. This notice describes the process that eligible entities must 
use to apply for demonstration funds, how grantees are to be selected, 
and the responsibilities of grantees. The Department anticipates 
awarding three (3) to five (5) grants, not to exceed $500,000 per 
grant, or a total of $1.5 million. Applications that exceed $500,000 
will not be considered. Awards will be made on a competitive basis. The 
duration of grants will be for eighteen (18) months.

DATES: The closing date for receipt of proposals is May 12, 1997, at 
2:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time).

ADDRESSES: Applications shall be mailed to: Division of Acquisition and 
Assistance, Attention: Reda Harrison, Reference: SGA/DAA 97-104, 
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Room 
S-4203, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reda Harrison, Division of Acquisition 
and Assistance, Telephone: (202) 219-8694 (This is not to toll-free 
number). This solicitation will also be published on the Internet at 
``http://www.doleta.gov.''

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and 
Training Administration is soliciting proposals on a competitive basis 
to conduct local demonstration projects utilizing advanced 
technological systems and/or other innovative approaches to provide 
employment opportunities for individuals with severe disabilities. This 
announcement consists of three parts. Part I describes the procedures 
for eligible applicants who wish to apply for grant funds. Part II 
provides the Government's Requirement/Statement of Work. Part III 
describes the selection process/criteria for award.

Part I. Application Process

A. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants--
    Entities eligible to apply for grants under this announcement are 
nonprofit organizations who are currently administering local programs 
using advanced technology systems and/or other innovative approaches in 
providing services to the disabled; and can document the following:
    (1) Extensive knowledge and experience regarding issues of concern 
to individuals with disabilities;
    (2) expertise in working with individuals with disabilities;
    (3) the ability to conduct training, provide services, and conduct 
follow-up;
    (4) inclusion and advancement of people with disabilities within 
the organization; and
    (5) management structure necessary to ensure the integrity of funds 
requested (by meeting the standard for financial management and 
participant data systems as outlined in 20 CFR 627.425).
    Only one (1) proposal per applicant/organization is permitted.
    Entities described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue 
Code who engage in lobbying activities are not eligible to receive 
funds under this SGA. The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, Public Law 
No. 104-65, 109 Stat. 691, which became effective on January 1, 1996, 
prohibits the award of federal funds to these entities if they engage 
in lobbying activities. Applicants shall indicate their IRS status on 
the Standard Form 424.
2. Eligible Participants
    Participants in these projects must be individuals aged 18 to 64 
who have a disability as defined in the implementing regulations for 
the

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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at 29 CFR, Part 1630.2 and meet 
the eligibility criteria for dislocated workers at Section 301(a) of 
the JTPA.

B. Period of Performance

    The Period of Performance will be eighteen (18) months from date of 
execution.

C. Option To Extend

    Based on the availability of funds and project performance and the 
needs of the Department, grants may be extended for an additional one 
or two year(s) of operation.

D. Page Limitation

    Applicants' technical proposal shall be limited to 25 double-
spaced, single-side pages with 1-inch margins. Appendices shall not 
exceed ten (10) pages (except for 10 pages of assessment tools 
described in Part II.B(3)(c). Text type shall be at least 10 point or 
larger. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be 
considered.

E. Submission of Proposal

    A proposal shall consist of two (2) separate and distinct parts: 
Part I, the Financial Proposal; and Part II, the Technical Proposal.
    Part I, the Financial Proposal, shall contain the SF-424, 
``Application for Federal Assistance'' (Appendix A) and ``Budget 
Information Sheet'' (Appendix B). Applicant shall indicate on the SF-
424 the organization's IRS status. The Federal Domestic Assistance 
Catalog number is 17.246.
    The budget shall include on separate pages detailed breakouts of 
each proposed budget line item, including detailed administrative 
costs, and analysis of cost. Grant funds cannot be used to provide 
training that would be provided in the absence of the requested grant. 
Grant funds cannot be used to provide salaries for program 
participants. Grant funds cannot be used for acquisition of production 
equipment.
    Part II shall contain a Technical Proposal that demonstrates the 
grant applicant's capabilities in accordance with the Statement of Work 
in Part II of this solicitation. No costs data or reference to costs 
shall be included in the Technical Proposal.

F. Hand Delivered Proposals

    Proposals may be mailed or delivered by hand. A mailed proposal 
should be mailed no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the 
closing date for the receipt of applications. Hand-delivered grant 
applications must be received at the designated place by 2:00 p.m. 
(Eastern Time) by May 12, 1997. All overnight mail shall be considered 
to be hand-delivered and must be received at the designated place by 
the specified time on the closing date. Grant applications transmitted 
by electronic mail, telegraph, or fax will not be considered.

G. Late Proposals

    A proposal received at the office designated in the Solicitation 
after the exact time specified for receipt will not be considered 
unless it is received before award is made and it--
    (1) Was sent by registered or certified mail not later than the 
fifth calendar day before the date specified for receipt of 
applications (e.g., an offer submitted in response to a solicitation 
requiring receipt of applications by the 20th of the month must be 
mailed by the 15th);
    (2) Was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service, 
Post Office to Addressee, not later than 5:00 p.m. at the place of 
mailing two working days prior to the date specified for receipt of 
proposals. The term ``working days'' excludes weekends and U.S. Federal 
holidays.
    The term ``post-mark'' means a printed, stamped, or otherwise 
placed impression (exclusive of a postage meter machine impression) 
that is readily identifiable without further action as having been 
supplied on the original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. Both 
postmarks must show a legible date, or the application shall be 
processed as though it had been mailed late. ``Post-mark'' means a 
printed, stamped, or otherwise placed impression (exclusive of a 
postage meter machine impression) that is readily identifiable without 
further action as having been supplied and affixed by an employee of 
the U.S. Postal Service on the date of mailing. Therefore, applicants 
should request the postal clerk to 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 postmarks on both the envelope or wrapper 
and the original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. (``Postmark'' 
has the same meaning given in the prior paragraph.) Therefore, a grant 
applicant should request the postal clerk to place a legible hand 
cancellation ``bull's eye'' postmark on both the receipt and the 
envelope or wrapper.

H. Withdrawal of Proposals

    A grant application may be withdrawn by written notice or telegram 
(including mailgram) received at any time before the awarding of a 
grant based on that application. An application may be withdrawn in 
person by the grant applicant, or by an authorized representative of 
the grant applicant if the representative's identity is made known and 
the representative signs a receipt for the proposal.

Part II. Government Requirement/Statement of Work

A. Purpose

    The purpose of this solicitation is to explore and demonstrate how 
advanced technological systems and/or other innovative approaches may 
provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
    The proposal may demonstrate approaches for addressing the multi-
disciplinary needs of individuals with severe disabilities, novel 
approaches to assure retention and career advancement of individuals 
with disabilities. The proposal may also demonstrate employment related 
abilities within the context of ``disability,'' workplace technology 
development, rehabilitative engineering, or systemic employment 
redesign that enhances training, employment, retention and promotional 
opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

B. Project Summary

    Each grant application shall follow the format outlined below:
1. Target Population
    Project proposals must be directed to individuals with 
disabilities, including physical, emotional, mental or other severe 
functional impairments in accordance with the definition of disability 
under the ADA who also meet definition for dislocated under JTPA. 
Projects should also target subgroups of those with disabilities such 
as those suffering recent dislocation, requiring retraining, and 
recipients of Supplemental Security Insurance or Social Security 
Disability Insurance. A full description of how target population will 
be recruited, assurance of disability for those served, and design of 
the project relative to specific disabilities.
2. Available Jobs
    Describe the jobs that will be available to project participants 
upon completion of training and placement services,

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probable salary levels, the potential for advancement, career path or 
field, and the information on which such descriptions are based. If 
specific jobs are not identifiable, provide the labor market 
information that ensures the availability of suitable jobs for 
participants, wage levels, career potential and opportunities for 
advancement. Include information about the number and type of jobs and 
the insufficiency of qualified workers to fill those positions in the 
absence of the proposed project. Identify sources of information.
3. Project Design
    Project design should identify innovative approaches to enhancing 
the employability of people with disabilities, describe the specific 
purpose(s) of the proposed project, and how the project will address 
the needs of a specific disability. Of particular interest will be 
projects that explore advance technologies in the employment of people 
with disabilities, methods for improving employability and retention of 
individuals, interventions relative to employment, workplace 
reengineering and technological redesign, and entrepreneurial 
approaches to employment of people with disabilities.
    Describe the major project components listed below, where 
applicable:
    (a) Outreach and recruitment. Describe how people with disabilities 
will be identified and recruited for participation in the project. 
Recruitment efforts may address public service communications and 
announcements, use of media, coordination with the JTPA Service 
Delivery Area, Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, Independent Living 
Centers, community based organizations and other service groups. 
Describe the applicant's experience in reaching the target population.
    (b) Eligibility and selection criteria. Describe the criteria and 
process to be used in determining eligibility and selecting those 
individuals to be served by the project from among the total number of 
eligible persons recruited for the project. Explain how the selection 
criteria relate to the specific purpose of the proposed project.
    (c) Services to be provided. Describe any services to be provided 
from the time of selection of participants through placement. Describe 
process for post-placement services and follow-up of participants for 
six months following job placement. The descriptions shall provide a 
clear understanding of the services and support that will be necessary 
for participants to be placed successfully in jobs and to retain those 
jobs, including services not funded under the grant, and ways to 
address participants' financial needs during periods of training. 
Identify necessary support areas and interagency coordination efforts 
that may be required in terms of transportation to work or housing, if 
applicable. Grant-funded activities may include any activities listed 
at Sections 314 (c), (d) and (e) of JTPA and should, at a minimum, 
including assessment, retraining, job placement, and supportive 
services.
    Identify any assessment tools proposed to be used before or after 
services are provided, and include samples of tools designed for use in 
the proposed project (samples shall be limited to 10 Pages in addition 
to the page limitation of the technical proposal and appendices). 
Assessment should be designed to facilitate evaluation of the project 
in terms of specific planned outcomes.
    Describe how training will be customized to account for 
transferable skills, previous education, and particular circumstances 
of the target population. This description should include any 
participant groupings and training methods based on particular 
characteristics of the target group. Include information to demonstrate 
that any proposed training provider is qualified to deliver training 
that meets appropriate employment standards and any applicable 
certification or licensing requirement. Past performance, 
qualifications of instructors, accreditation of curricula, and similar 
matters should be addressed if appropriate. Address the costs of 
proposed training and other services relative to the costs of similar 
training and services through other providers.
    Describe the limitations and eligibility criteria for needs-related 
payments and relocation assistance, if applicable.
    (d) Relationship to prior experience. Demonstrate the applicant's 
prior experience in working with people with disabilities, and how that 
experience affects or influences the design of the proposed project. 
Provide details on experience in employment, training, vocational 
rehabilitation, job placement, and evaluation techniques. Demonstrate 
how people with disabilities have been integral to, or consulted with, 
in the project design, administration, and evaluation.
4. Planned Outcomes
    Provide the following planned performance information for the 
project:
    (a) planned number of participants;
    (b) planned number of program completions;
    (c) planned number of placements in unsubsidized employment (number 
of participants placed in jobs related to the training or services 
funded by the grant within 60 days after completion of preplacement 
services);
    (e) planned average wage at placement;
    (f) planned number of individuals placed and average wage of 
individuals still employed at six month follow-up;
    (g) planned participant services satisfaction rate (number of 
participants who, 60 days and six months after completion of program 
services, rate program services as ``very helpful'' or ``extremely 
helpful'' when other allowable ratings are ``not at all helpful'' and 
``somewhat helpful,'' divided by the number of participants).
5. Evaluation
    Describe how an evaluation will be conducted to determine 
successful and unsuccessful methods and strategies tested by the 
project. Describe the use of the planned outcome and program 
performance data to evaluate the impacts of the project. Address how 
this evaluation may be used for replication of successful outcomes. The 
project evaluation will be a final deliverable for the project.
6. Coordination
    Describe the nature and extent of coordination between the 
applicant and other entities in the design and implementation of the 
proposed project. Include services to be provided through resources 
other than grant funds under this demonstration. Of particular interest 
to ETA is the coordination efforts in recruitment and placement to 
achieve a more holistic approach to the individual requirements of the 
participant with a disability. Coordination efforts may include 
strategies for addressing transportation needs, housing, job coaching, 
or natural supports that leverage services provided through Vocational 
Rehabilitation or other support systems. DOL encourages the 
establishment of advisory groups to provide guidance and to support 
coordination.
    With reference to the sources and amounts of project funds and in-
kind contributions identified in the financial proposal as being other 
than those requested under the grant applied for, describe the basis 
for valuation of those funds and contributions. Provide evidence that 
ensures the coordination described.
    Documentation of consultation and commitment for the project 
concept

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from applicable labor organizations must be submitted when 20 percent 
or more of the targeted worker population is represented by one or more 
labor organizations, or where the training is for jobs where a labor 
organization represents a substantial number of workers engaged in 
similar work.
7. Innovation
    Describe any innovation in the proposed project, including but not 
limited to innovations in concept to be tested, services, delivery of 
services, training methods, job development, or job retention 
strategies. Explain how the proposed project adopts or fosters a 
holistic approach to circumstances faced by the disabled. Explain how 
the proposed project is similar to the applicant's prior and current 
activities.
8. Project Management
    (a) Structure. Describe the management structure for the project, 
including a staffing plan that describes each position and the 
percentage of its time to be assigned to this project. Provide an 
organizational chart showing the relationship among project management 
and operational components, including those at multiple sites of the 
project.
    (b) Program Integrity. Describe the mechanisms to ensure financial 
accountability for grant funds and performance accountability relative 
to job placements. Explain the basis for the applicant's administrative 
authority over the management and operational components. Describe how 
information will be collected to:
    (1) determine the achievement of project outcomes as indicated in 
section 4 of this part; and
    (2) report on participants, outcomes, and expenditures.
    (c) Monitoring.
    (1) Establishment of project implementation and progress 
benchmarks. Describe how the project will keep records of its 
activities as required at 29 CFR Parts 95 and 20 CFR 631.63, as 
appropriate, including benchmarks to indicate the planned 
implementation of the project that will provide:
    a. A quarterly implementation schedule of participant activity and 
quarterly cumulative expenditure projections; and
    b. start-up implementation events for each month that are necessary 
to achieve a fully operational project status (assume accomplishments 
by the end of the month specified).
    (2) Describe how a participant's continuing participation in the 
project will be monitored.
    (3) Identify the information project performance that will be 
collected on a short-term basis (weekly, monthly, etc.) by program 
managers for internal project management to determine whether the 
project is accomplishing its objectives as planned and whether project 
adjustments are necessary.
    Describe the process and procedures to be used to obtain feedback 
from participants, employers, and any other appropriate parties on the 
responsiveness and effectiveness of the services provided throughout 
the project. The description shall identify the types of information to 
be obtained, the methods and frequency of data collection, and ways in 
which information will be used in implementing and managing the 
project. Grantees may employ focus groups and surveys, in addition to 
other methods, to collect feedback information. Technical assistance in 
the design and implementation of customer satisfaction data collection 
and analysis may be provided by DOL.
    (d) Grievance procedures. Briefly describe the grievance procedures 
to be used consistent with the requirements of the JTPA Regulations at 
20 CFR 631.64.
    (e) Previous project management experience. Provide an objective 
demonstration of the grant applicant's ability to manage the project 
based on the applicant's past experience in the management of grant-
funded projects similar to that being proposed including financial 
management.

C. Reporting Requirements

    Awardee will be required to submit quarterly and final financial 
and program reports. Detailed requirements for submitting these reports 
will be included in the grant award document.

Part III. Selection/Evaluation Criteria

    Selection of grantees for award is to be made after careful 
evaluation of grant applications by a panel selected for that purpose 
by DOL. Panel results shall be advisory in nature and not binding on 
the Grant Officer. panelists shall evaluate applications for 
acceptability based upon overall responsiveness to the Statement of 
Work, with emphasis on the factors enumerated below.

1. Target Population (15 Points)

    The description of the characteristics of the target group is clear 
and meaningful, and sufficiently detailed to determine the potential 
participant's service needs. Documentation is provided showing that a 
significant number of dislocated workers who possess these 
characteristics is available for participation in the project area. 
Sufficient information is provided to explain how the number of 
dislocated workers to be enrolled in the project was determined. The 
recruitment plan supports the number of planned enrollments. The target 
population is appropriate for the specific purpose of the proposed 
project. The target population's characteristics and circumstances are 
likely to appear nationally.

2. Service Plan (20 Points)

    The scope of services to be provided is consistent with the 
specific purpose of the proposed project. The scope of services to be 
provided is adequate to meet the needs of the target population given: 
(1) their characteristics and circumstances, (2) the jobs in which they 
are to be placed, and (3) the length of program participation planned 
prior to placement. The proposal demonstrates the applicant's ability 
to effectively assess participants' needs, using a holistic approach, 
and to effect the delivery of services to meet those needs.

3. Management Pplan (20 Points)

    The applicant has successfully managed grants in the past. The 
applicant has experience working with individuals with disabilities. 
The project work plan demonstrates the applicant's ability to 
effectively track project progress with respect to planned performance 
and expenditures. Sufficient procedures are in place to use the 
information obtained by the project operator(s) to take corrective 
action if indicated. The proposal provides for a satisfactory grievance 
process.
    Review by appropriate labor organizations, where applicable is 
documented. The proposal includes a method of assessing customer 
satisfaction and taking into account the results of such assessment in 
the operation of the project.

4. Cost (10 Points)

    Proposed costs are reasonable in relation to the characteristics 
and circumstances of the target group, the services to be provided, the 
management plan, and coordination with other entities. The impact of 
innovation on costs is explained clearly in the proposal and is 
reasonable.

5. Coordination (15 Points)

    The proposal includes coordination with other programs and entities 
for project design or provisions of services. Such coordination 
contributes to a holistic approach to identifying and addressing the 
needs of individuals in

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the target population. Evidence is presented that ensures cooperation 
of coordinating entities, as applicable, for the life of the proposed 
project. The project includes a reasonable method of assessing and 
reporting on the impact of such coordination, relative to the 
demonstration purpose and goals and the specific purpose of the 
proposed project.

6. Innovation (20 Points)

    The proposal demonstrates innovation in the concept(s) to be 
tested, the projects design, and/or the services to be provided. The 
project includes reasonable method of assessing and reporting on the 
impact of such innovation, relative to the demonstration purpose and 
goals and the specific purpose of the proposed project.
    Applicants are advised that discussions may be necessary in order 
to clarify any inconsistencies in their applications. The final 
decision on awards will be based on what is most advantageous to the 
Federal Government as determined by the ETA Grant Officer. The 
Government may elect to award grant(s) without discussion with the 
applicant(s). Such award would be based on the applicant's proposal 
without alteration. The applicant's signature on the SF-424 constitutes 
a binding offer.
    Award Announcements: Winners under this competition will be 
published on the Internet at ``http://www.doleta.gov''.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 4th day April, 1997.
Janice E. Perry,
Grant Officer, Employment and Training Administration.

Appendices

1. Appendix A--``Application for Federal Assistance'' (Standard Form 
424)
2. Appendix B--``Budget Information Sheet''

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[FR Doc. 97-9189 Filed 4-10-97; 8:45 am]
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