[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 195 (Tuesday, October 7, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58653-58667]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-23684]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant 
Applications (SGA) for YouthBuild Grants

    Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation for Grant Applications.
    Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY 08-07.
    Catalog of Federal Assistance Number: 17.274.
    Key Dates: The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is January 15, 2009. Applications must be successfully 
submitted at http://www.grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. (Eastern 
Time) and then subsequently validated by Grants.gov. Application and 
submission information is explained in detail in Part IV of this SGA. 
DOL requires applicants to submit their applications electronically 
through Grants.gov, unless prior written approval for an exception is 
granted. Requests for exceptions to the electronic submission 
requirement is explained in detail in Part IV of this SGA. A Virtual 
Prospective Applicant Conference will be held for this grant 
competition. The date and access information for this Virtual 
Prospective Applicant Conference will be posted on ETA's Web site at 
http://www.doleta.gov/youth%5Fservices/youthbuildgrantee.cfm. Please be 
advised that the appropriation funding this competition does not allow 
for funds to be obligated prior to April 1, 2009.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL or Department), Employment 
and Training Administration (ETA) announces the availability of 
approximately $47 million in grant funds for YouthBuild Grants.
    YouthBuild Grants will be awarded through a competitive process. 
Grant funds will be used to provide disadvantaged youth with: The 
education and employment skills necessary to achieve economic self-
sufficiency in occupations in high demand and postsecondary education 
and training opportunities; opportunities for meaningful work and 
service to their communities; and opportunities to develop employment 
and leadership skills and a commitment to community development among 
youth in low-income communities. As part of their programming, 
YouthBuild grantees will tap the energies and talents of disadvantaged 
youth to increase the supply of permanent affordable housing for 
homeless individuals and low-income families and to help youth develop 
the leadership, learning, and high-demand

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occupational skills needed to succeed in today's global economy.
    DOL hopes to serve approximately 2,900 youth participants during 
the first year of the grant, with projects operating in approximately 
90-100 communities across the country. Under this announcement, DOL 
will be awarding grants to organizations to oversee the provision of 
education and employment services to disadvantaged youth in their 
communities. Each applicant should indicate the proposed number of 
participants to be served based on an average annual cost of between 
$15,000--$18,000.
    This solicitation provides background information and describes the 
application submission requirements, outlines the process that eligible 
entities must use to apply for funds covered by this solicitation, and 
outlines the evaluation criteria used as a basis for selecting 
grantees.

ADDRESSES: DOL will accept electronic applications only, and they must 
be submitted through the Grants.gov portal, unless the applicant has 
received prior written approval for an exception from the Grant 
Officer, as named in this solicitation. Applicants must submit 
exception requests and, upon receiving an exception of the electronic 
submission requirements, their complete applications in paper copy to 
the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 
Division of Federal Assistance, Attention: Donna Kelly, Reference SGA/
DFA PY 08-07, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-4716, Washington, DC 
20210. Applications that do not meet the conditions set forth in this 
notice will not be considered. No exceptions to the submission 
requirements set forth in this notice will be granted.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    This solicitation consists of eight parts:
    <bullet> Part I provides background information on YouthBuild, a 
description of ETA's Youth Vision, YouthBuild program objectives, and 
additional information on the key components of YouthBuild to consider 
when preparing an application.
    <bullet> Part II describes the size and nature of the anticipated 
awards.
    <bullet> Part III describes eligibility information.
    <bullet> Part IV provides information on the application and 
submission process.
    <bullet> Part V describes the criteria against which applications 
will be reviewed and explains the proposal review process.
    <bullet> Part VI provides award administration information.
    <bullet> Part VII contains ETA agency contact information.
    <bullet> Part VIII lists additional resources of interest to 
applicants and other information.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    YouthBuild is a youth and community development program that 
simultaneously addresses several core issues facing low-income 
communities: housing, education, employment, crime prevention, and 
leadership development. Part A of this section provides a background of 
the YouthBuild program. Part B describes the core objectives of the 
YouthBuild program with Part C providing additional information on key 
components of YouthBuild to consider when preparing a grant 
application.

A. Background

    The YouthBuild model balances in-school learning, geared toward a 
high school diploma or passing the General Education Development (GED) 
test, and construction skills training, geared toward a career 
placement for the youth. The in-school component is an alternative 
education program that assists youth who are often significantly behind 
in basic skills to obtain a high school diploma or GED credential. The 
primary target populations for YouthBuild are high school dropouts that 
may also be adjudicated youth, youth aging out of foster care, and 
other at-risk youth populations. The YouthBuild model enables these 
youth to access the education they need to move on to post-secondary 
and high-growth, high demand jobs which will enable them to prosper in 
the 21st century economy. There are currently over 200 YouthBuild 
programs operating in the United States, funded through various funding 
sources.
    YouthBuild was started in East Harlem, New York in 1978 to provide 
education services for youth and teach construction skills while 
renovating and building homes for low-income families. It was 
replicated in five locations in New York City during the 1980s. In 
1993, the YouthBuild program was established by Federal statute and the 
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was designated 
as the agency responsible for administering the program.
    In December 2003, the White House Task Force for Disadvantaged 
Youth recommended the transfer of the YouthBuild program from HUD to 
DOL because the program is ``at its core, an employment and training 
program for disadvantaged youth, and will benefit from administrative 
oversight in DOL within the Employment and Training Administration.''
    In September 2006, the YouthBuild Transfer Act was signed by 
President George W. Bush. The bill repeals the YouthBuild program's 
statutory authority under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable 
Housing Act (Pub. L. 102-550; 49 U.S.C. 12899 et seq.) and transfers 
the statutory authority for the program, with needed modifications and 
improvements, to subtitle D of Title I of the Workforce Investment Act 
(WIA). The YouthBuild program is being administered as a ``national 
program'' by ETA.
    Since its inception, a primary purpose of the YouthBuild program 
has been to provide job training and employment opportunities for 
disadvantaged youth. ETA will leverage its significant expertise and 
resources in the area of workforce investment under WIA to strengthen 
YouthBuild grantees' connections to One-Stop Career Centers and the 
Department's registered apprenticeship programs; leverage investments 
such as the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative; improve 
access to the post-secondary and community college system; and broker 
connections to the workforce system's business partners.

B. Youthbuild Program Objectives

    Funds made available through the YouthBuild grants will be used to 
carry out a YouthBuild program with the following core objectives:
    <bullet> To enable disadvantaged youth to obtain the education and 
employment skills necessary to achieve economic self-sufficiency in 
occupations in demand and post-secondary education and training 
opportunities;
    <bullet> To provide disadvantaged youth with opportunities for 
meaningful work and service to their communities;
    <bullet> To foster the development of employment and leadership 
skills and commitment to community development among youth in low-
income communities; and
    <bullet> To expand the supply of permanent affordable housing for 
homeless individuals and low-income families by utilizing the energies 
and talents of disadvantaged youth.

C. Key Components and Additional Information About the YouthBuild Grant 
Application Process

What Type of Information Should Be Addressed in the Design of the 
Program?
    Part II of the application contains the Technical Proposal, which 
should address specific grant requirements identified in Section A of 
Part V of this

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SGA. Applicants applying for these grants are asked to describe their 
community, the youth to be served, the need for this Federal support, 
and their plan for providing education, skills training, and leadership 
development services to youth. They must describe how their efforts 
contribute to the overall economic development of their community. They 
must also demonstrate that they have established partnerships with--or 
made a good faith effort to establish partnerships with--Local 
Workforce Investment Boards, the public school system, local community 
colleges, the juvenile justice system, registered apprenticeship 
programs, local faith-based and community organizations that serve at-
risk and disadvantaged youth, and/or the local housing authority. 
Applicants are expected to identify their plan to leverage other 
Federal, State, or local funding, as well as private funding sources, 
to provide other ``wrap around'' supportive services as well as to 
support the costs associated with their defined construction project. 
Applicants are asked to describe their previous experience operating 
YouthBuild or similar youth programs with educational components. 
Applicants are asked to describe how occupational safety is addressed 
at their worksite. They are also asked to describe their organization's 
ability to manage this grant.
What Size Grants Are Available?
    Applicants can apply for 3 year grants (2 years of program 
operations with a 12 month follow-up period) that will range from 
$700,000 to $1.1 million. These grants will be incrementally funded, 
with half of the grant funds awarded from fiscal year (FY) 2009 
appropriations, for the first 12 months of operations. Pending 
satisfactory performance and availability of funds, the remaining funds 
would be awarded next year (FY 2010) for second year operations. These 
awards will support 2 years of core program operations (education, 
occupational skills training, and youth leadership development 
activities) plus an additional 12 months of follow-up support services 
and tracking of participant outcomes for each cohort of youth. A 
minimum of 5 percent of total funds should be reserved for the 12 month 
follow-up period.
    If an Organization was Selected to Receive a New Award in FY 2008 
(Awarded July 2008) or if an Organization has Remaining Funds from a 
Previous YouthBuild Competition Either from the Housing and Urban 
Development or the Department of Labor, are they Eligible to Apply in 
this YouthBuild Competition?
    Yes; however, the prospective applicant should demonstrate how 
funds will be expended in the period of performance outlined in this 
SGA.
What Roles Might Partners Play in Partnerships?
    Because disadvantaged youth possess a wide range of challenges that 
must be addressed through multiple strategies, prospective applicants 
must undertake an inventory of their communities to identify resources 
and services provided by faith-based and community organizations, 
government entities, and other youth serving organizations. The 
inventory will provide an opportunity for prospective applicants to do 
a fresh assessment of potential partners and resources that will 
support the YouthBuild program. Collaboration across youth serving 
agencies/organizations is critical to the success of any youth 
initiative or program. A single organization does not typically have 
the resources to respond to the myriad of issues that impact youth most 
in need. The Department understands that these inventories will vary 
from community to community and that, particularly for rural and Native 
American applicants, resources and services may be limited.
    Because of the importance of collaboration and partnership, DOL is 
a member of the Shared Youth Vision Federal Partnership. The Federal 
Partnership has a mission to collaborate and coordinate across agencies 
in order to effectively serve the youth most in need. There are a 
number of States (currently over half) who have formed Shared Youth 
Vision State teams. Please go to the ETA's Web site for a list of State 
teams and more information on the Shared Youth Vision at http://www.doleta.gov/ryf/WhiteHouseReport/VMO.cfm.
    Partnerships and partnership roles will vary depending on the 
applicant's strategy and participant needs. However, DOL expects that 
the applicant will make a good-faith effort to attract the following 
partners and that each collaborative partner will, at a minimum, 
contribute as described below.
    Education and training providers (K-12, adult education, community 
and technical colleges, 4-year colleges and universities, and other 
training entities) are important foundational partners to ensure the 
project's activities are tied to the broader continuum of education 
providers in the community. Whenever possible, the YouthBuild program 
should strive to be connected in a meaningful way with the K-12 system 
for the purpose of (1) ensuring a wider variety of educational 
opportunities within the community as a whole and (2) as a drop-out 
prevention strategy. YouthBuild programs should also be connected to 
post-secondary training opportunities, particularly community colleges, 
whenever possible to ensure the smooth transition of YouthBuild 
participants into post-secondary training opportunities available 
through community colleges, including the use of articulation 
agreements and staff development for YouthBuild staff. Programs that 
offer the GED should have explicit, well-defined pathways to post-
secondary educational opportunities such as community colleges, 
registered apprenticeship programs, and other occupational training 
programs.
    Employers (including professional organizations and trade 
associations) should be actively engaged in the project and should 
participate fully in grant activities including: defining the program 
strategy and goals; identifying needed skills and competencies; 
designing training approaches and curricula; contributing financial 
support; sponsoring apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship placements 
and activities; and, where appropriate, hiring qualified YouthBuild 
graduates.
    The workforce investment system (which may include State and Local 
Workforce Investment Boards, State Workforce Agencies, and One-Stop 
Career Centers and their cooperating partners, as such terms are 
defined under the WIA), may play a number of roles, including: 
identifying and assessing potential candidates for YouthBuild; working 
collaboratively to leverage WIA investments through co-enrollment with 
the Youth Formula program; referring qualified candidates to the 
YouthBuild program for enrollment; providing access to ``wrap-around'' 
supportive services, when appropriate; providing local labor market 
information to YouthBuild staff and participants; and connecting 
qualified YouthBuild graduates to employers that have existing job 
openings. Examples of YouthBuild programs working with the workforce 
system can be found in TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT NOTICE NO. 44-07, 
``Providing Strategies to the One-Stop Career Center System on 
Collaborating with YouthBuild Programs'' at http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2646.
    The juvenile justice system is an important partner in referring 
potential participants to the YouthBuild program, providing support and 
guidance for YouthBuild participants with court

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involvement, and assisting in the reporting of recidivism rates among 
YouthBuild participants. Some YouthBuild participants may be placed in 
the program as a form of alternative sentencing or for re-entry 
services. In these instances, police, parole and probation, detention 
and juvenile correction facilities, judges, and social workers will be 
critically important partners for creating a safety net to prevent 
recidivism and ensure attachment to the community.
    Faith-based and community organizations are valuable partners in 
the YouthBuild program. These organizations can serve as avenues of 
outreach to eligible youth and may provide a variety of grant services, 
such as case management, mentoring, and English as a Second Language 
(ESL) courses, and other comprehensive supportive services, when 
appropriate, for YouthBuild participants. Industry-related groups, such 
as ACE Mentoring (http://www.acementor.org) may also provide valuable 
work experience in construction and related fields in the context of a 
mentoring relationship.
    Each collaborative partner must have a clearly defined role. These 
roles must be verified through a letter of commitment (not just a 
letter of support) submitted by each partner. The letter of commitment 
must detail the role the partner will play in the project, including 
specific responsibilities and resources committed, if appropriate. 
These letters must clearly indicate the partnering organization's 
unique contribution and commitment to the project.
    In situations where these partnerships are not supported with 
letters of commitment, the applicants should, at a minimum, demonstrate 
that the potential partner was contacted and provided a sufficient 
opportunity for response. It is suggested that applicants use 
registered mail to demonstrate such efforts.
What if Two or More Organizations Submit Separate Applications To Serve 
the Same Urban or Rural Community?
    If more than one proposal to serve the same urban or rural 
community is rated highly, DOL will consider whether the urban or rural 
community is large enough to support more than one project.
Can I Apply for Multiple Towns in One Application?
    If a town is large enough to reasonably support a YouthBuild 
program, the grant activities should generally be focused on one town. 
If the applicant determines that the town is not large enough to 
support a YouthBuild program, it may include additional towns and 
provide justification for one larger service area. If multiple towns 
are included together in the application, applicants must limit the 
total requested grant amount to $1.1 million.
What Is the Definition of ``Low-Income'' Family for the Purposes of 
Program Eligibility?
    The definition of ``low-income family'' is taken directly from the 
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2)) which states:
    ``The term `low-income families' means those families whose incomes 
do not exceed 80 per centum of the median income for the area, as 
determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger 
families, except that the Secretary may establish income ceilings 
higher or lower than 80 per centum of the median for the area on the 
basis of the Secretary's findings that such variations are necessary 
because of prevailing levels of construction costs or unusually high or 
low family incomes.''
    The median for each applicant's proposed area of service can be 
found at HUD's Web site: http://www.huduser.org/datasets/il.html.
What Are Allowable Uses of Grant Funds?
    Allowable uses of grant funds may include:
    (1) Education and Workforce Activities, such as:
    <bullet> Basic skills instruction and remedial education;
    <bullet> Language instruction educational programs for individuals 
with limited English proficiency;
    <bullet> Secondary education services and activities, including 
tutoring, study skills training, and dropout prevention activities, 
designed to lead to the attainment of a secondary school diploma, GED 
credential, or other State-recognized equivalent (including recognized 
alternative standards for individuals with disabilities);
    <bullet> Counseling and assistance in obtaining post-secondary 
education and required financial aid;
    <bullet> Alternative secondary school services;
    <bullet> Work experience and skills training (coordinated, to the 
maximum extent feasible, with pre-apprenticeship and registered 
apprenticeship programs) in housing rehabilitation and construction 
activities;
    <bullet> Occupational skills training; and
    <bullet> Other paid and unpaid work experiences, including 
internships and job shadowing.
    (2) Counseling services and related activities, such as 
comprehensive guidance and counseling on drug and alcohol abuse and 
referral.
    (3) Youth development activities, such as:
    <bullet> Community service and peer-centered activities encouraging 
responsibility and other positive social behaviors, and
    <bullet> Leadership development activities related to youth policy 
committees that allow YouthBuild participants to engage in local policy 
and decision-making related to the program.
    (4) Supportive services and provision of need-based payments 
necessary to enable individuals to participate in the program.
    (5) Supportive services to assist individuals, for a period not to 
exceed 12 months after the completion of training, in obtaining or 
retaining employment, or applying for and transitioning to post-
secondary education.
    (6) Supervision and training for participants in the rehabilitation 
or construction of housing, including residential housing for homeless 
individuals or low-income families, or transitional housing for 
homeless individuals.
    (7) Supervision and training for participants in the rehabilitation 
or construction of community and other public facilities.
    (8) Payment of a portion of the administrative costs of the 
grantee.
    (9) Mentoring (one-on-one, group or team) of participants by adults 
who have been appropriately screened and matched to work with youth.
    (10) Provision of wages, stipends, or other benefits and incentives 
to participants in the program.
    (11) Ongoing training and technical assistance for staff that are 
related to developing and carrying out the program.
    (12) Follow-up services.
    (13) Equipment and/or supplies related to the YouthBuild activities 
funded through this grant. The Department interprets this to mean that 
the purchase of construction materials to be used as part of the direct 
training for YouthBuild participants would be an allowable use of grant 
funds.
Can Training Be Provided in Industries Other Than Construction?
    No, DOL YouthBuild funds provided under this solicitation cannot be 
used to support occupational skill training other than construction. 
Programs may offer training in other industries however, other funding 
sources must be used to support these career pathways.

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Will YouthBuild Projects Be Required To Follow Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration (OSHA) Guidelines?
    Yes, YouthBuild projects will be required to follow Occupational 
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines in the operation of 
their construction projects and to submit incident reports to DOL of 
injuries occurring on worksites. DOL will require that YouthBuild 
grantees:
    <bullet> Provide comprehensive documented training on construction 
safety for youth working on YouthBuild projects, including requirements 
for youth to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in hazard 
identification, abatement, and safe work practices;
    <bullet> Demonstrate compliance with Federal and state child labor 
laws and occupational safety and health regulations;
    <bullet> Provide written jobsite-specific safety plans overseen by 
an on-site supervisor with the knowledge, skills, and authority to 
correct safety and health hazards and enforce the site-specific safety 
plan;
    <bullet> Provide necessary personal protective equipment to youth 
working on YouthBuild projects; and
    <bullet> Report all worksite injuries and illnesses to youth 
working on YouthBuild projects, along with documentation on remedial 
measures to prevent future similar injuries and help ensure that 
YouthBuild is a model program that takes active steps for participant 
safety and health.
Can DOL Funds Be Used for Paid Work Experiences, Needs-Based Stipends, 
Wages, and Other Supportive Services?
    Payments to participants for classroom training, paid work 
experiences, and occupational skill training are allowable expenses as 
well as for other needs-based supportive services. If the applicant 
plans to use grant funds for these purposes, sufficient information 
must be provided in the budget narrative to clearly justify the 
proposed amounts to be provided. Grantees are responsible for 
consulting with an accountant or other experts to ascertain if their 
payment structure complies with IRS standards.
Is the Purchase of Food an Allowable Use of Funds?
    DOL considers food to be an allowable cost for YouthBuild when used 
as a supportive service. To qualify, the provision of food must be 
needs-based, and must be necessary to enable the recipients to 
participate in the program. The purchase of food is an unallowable cost 
for grant funds if expended for any reason other than needs-based 
supportive services. To provide food as a supportive service, grantees 
must create and consistently apply a written policy for determining 
needs-based services for participants. Grantees can provide food to 
enrollees as part of an on-site training class or work-site experience 
where access to food services and vendors is unavailable or unreliable, 
but you must document in your files that providing such food directly 
is reasonable and necessary in order to ensure continuity of training 
services.
Should Prospective Applicants Include Travel Costs Associated With 
Technical Assistance and Training in Their Budget?
    Prospective applicants should include travel funds in their budget 
to cover travel for key staff to attend at least one national meeting 
per year and at least two regional trainings per year.
How Will Success Be Measured Under These Grants?
    The three outcome measures are:
    <bullet> Literacy and numeracy gains;
    <bullet> High School diploma/GED/certification attainment rate; and
    <bullet> Placement in employment/post-secondary education/
occupational skills training program/military.
    In addition, grantees may report on a number of interim indicators 
that will serve as predictors of success. Interim indicators include:
    <bullet> Placement retention rate;
    <bullet> Enrollment rate;
    <bullet> Participation in education/training activities;
    <bullet> Workforce preparation:
    <bullet> Recidivism;
    <bullet> Mentoring; and
    <bullet> Community service/leadership activities.
    In applying for these grants, applicants agree to submit updated 
Management Information System (MIS) data on enrollee characteristics, 
services provided, placements, outcomes, and follow-up status. 
YouthBuild grantees are required to use the ETA Web-based Case 
Management and Performance System which is provided to grantees at no 
cost.
What Is the Expected Average Annual Cost per Participant?
    DOL expects the annual cost to be between $15,000 and $18,000 per 
participant.
When Is the YouthBuild Program Expected To Begin Enrolling Youth?
    Grantees must begin program operations, including the enrollment of 
youth within 6 months from the date of the award, and where possible 
align with the local academic calendar.
    Although there is no way to address every question in this 
solicitation, the following questions associated with allowable 
construction costs were frequently asked and are included for your 
information:
Can Funds Be Used for Rehabilitation or Construction of Buildings Other 
Than Low-Income Housing?
    Yes. In training participants, up to 10 percent of grant funds may 
be used in the rehabilitation or construction of community and other 
public facilities. Public facilities include health care clinics, 
schools, and community centers. The remaining 90 percent of funds must 
be used to train participants in the rehabilitation or construction of 
low-income housing.
Would Construction of a Kitchen or Shower Facility Be an Allowable Cost 
to a Public Facility?
    If it is a public facility that needs to have a kitchen or shower 
facility installed and it is done under the 10 percent limitation and 
it is used for training purposes, then it is allowable.
Does a Federally-Qualified Health Care Facility Qualify as an Allowable 
Construction Site?
    The rehabilitation of a community health facility is permissible. 
The 10 percent limitation would apply to such costs.
Are Architectural Fees an Allowable Use of Grant Funds?
    Yes, the portions of the architectural fees that are related to 
allowable YouthBuild training activities funded through this grant are 
an allowable use of funds.
Are Brokerage Fees an Allowable Use of Grant Funds?
    No, brokerage fees and other fees associated with the acquisition 
of property are not directly related to participant training and are 
not an allowable use of grant funds.
Are Subcontractor Costs and Supplies, e.g. Roofing, Landscaping, etc., 
Allowable Uses of Grant Funds?
    Non-training services and deliverables that are not directly 
related to participant training are not an allowable use of grant funds 
unless they are used in the provision of training. Property 
enhancements, such as landscaping, are not allowable grant costs.

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Can Unallowable Costs Be Used To Fulfill the 25 Percent Match 
Requirement?
    If the cost is not allowable to be paid with grant funds, it would 
also not be acceptable in fulfilling the 25 percent match requirement.
Can Funds Be Used To Purchase Land?
    Grant funds may not be used to purchase land.
Can Grant Funds Be Used To Purchase a Home To Rehabilitate for the 
Project?
    Grantees may only charge a proportion of the purchase cost, 
exclusive of land, which is reflective of the portion of the property 
that will be used for participant training.

II. Award Information

A. Award Amount

    DOL intends to fund approximately 90-100 grants ranging from 
$700,000 to $1.1 million through this competition; however, this does 
not preclude DOL from funding grants at either a lower or higher 
amount, or funding a smaller or larger number of projects, based on the 
type and the number of quality submissions. Applicants are encouraged 
to submit budgets within this range for quality projects at whatever 
funding level is appropriate to their project. The average annual cost 
per participant should be between $15,000 and $18,000.
    In the event additional funds become available, ETA reserves the 
right to use such funds to select additional grantees from applications 
submitted in response to this solicitation.

B. Period of Performance

    Grants will be awarded for a 3 year period of performance. This 
includes 2 years of core program operations (education, occupational 
skills training, and youth leadership development activities) for 2 or 
more cohorts of youth plus an additional 12 months of follow-up support 
services and tracking of participant outcomes for each cohort of youth.

III. Eligibility Information and Other Grant Specifications

A. Eligible Applicants

    An organization is an eligible applicant for these grants if it is 
a public or private non-profit agency or organization (including a 
consortium of such agencies or organizations with a designated lead 
applicant), including, but not limited to:
    <bullet> Community-based organizations, including faith-based 
organizations;
    <bullet> An entity carrying out activities under the WIA, such as a 
local workforce investment board or One-Stop Career Center;
    <bullet> A community action agency;
    <bullet> A State or local housing development agency;
    <bullet> An Indian tribe or other agency primarily serving Indians;
    <bullet> A community development corporation;
    <bullet> A State or local youth service conservation corps; or
    <bullet> Any other relevant public or private non-profit entity 
that provides education or employment training and can meet the 
required elements of the grant.

B. Eligible Enrollees

    An individual may participate in a YouthBuild program only if such 
individual:
    <bullet> Is between the ages of 16 and 24 on the date of 
enrollment; and
    <bullet> Is a member of a disadvantaged youth population such as a 
member of a low-income family, and/or a youth in foster care (including 
youth aging out of foster care), and/or a youth offender, and/or a 
youth who is an individual with a disability, and/or a child of an 
incarcerated parent, and/or a migrant youth; and
    <bullet> A school dropout.
    Organizations are not required to serve the entire age group 
population between 16 and 24, but all participants must fall within 
this range.
    Up to (but not more than) 25 percent of the participants in the 
program may be youth who do not meet the education or disadvantaged 
criteria above but:
    <bullet> Are basic skills deficient, despite attainment of a 
secondary school diploma, GED credential, or other state-recognized 
equivalent (including recognized alternative standards for individuals 
with disabilities); or
    <bullet> Have been referred by a local secondary school for 
participation in a YouthBuild program leading to the attainment of a 
secondary school diploma.

C. Matching Funds and Leveraged Resources

    Aligning resources and leveraging funding are key components of 
success under the YouthBuild grant program. Therefore, applicants must 
provide cash or in-kind resources equivalent to 25 percent of the grant 
award amount as matching funds. Please note that neither prior 
investments nor Federal resources may be counted towards the matching 
funds threshold. Construction materials that are acquired without grant 
funds and are used for approved projects as part of the training for 
YouthBuild participants may be used in fulfilling the 25 percent match 
requirement. The match may be cash or in-kind resources and must meet 
all the requirements in accordance with the applicable Federal cost 
principles.
    To be allowable as part of match, a cost must be an allowable 
charge for Federal grant funds. Determinations of allowable costs will 
be made in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles as 
indicated in Part IV(E). If the cost would not be allowable as a grant-
funded charge, then it also cannot be counted toward matching funds. 
Matching funds must be expended during the grant period of performance 
and must be reported quarterly on the ETA 9130 form.
    Any cash or in-kind resources committed beyond the 25 percent of 
the grant award amount required as matching funds may be counted as 
leveraged funds. Please note that applicants are expected to fulfill 
the match amount specified on their SF-424 application and SF-424A 
budget form. The SF-424A form is required even though the form states 
that it should only be used for non-construction. Upon completion of 
the grant, if the match amount specified by the applicant is not met or 
if a portion of the matching funds are found to be an unallowable cost, 
the amount of DOL grant funds may be decreased on a dollar for dollar 
basis. This may result in the repayment of funds to DOL. Applicants who 
fail to provide a 25 percent match will be considered non-responsive.
    Applicants are encouraged to leverage additional funds outside of 
the match to supplement the project as a whole. Matching funds and 
leveraged resources could come from a variety of sources including: 
public sector (e.g., State or local governments); non-profit sector 
(e.g., community organizations, faith-based organizations, or education 
and training institutions); private sector (e.g., businesses or 
industry associations); investor community (e.g., angel networks or 
economic development entities); and the philanthropic community (e.g., 
foundations).
    Applicants should clearly make the distinction of what will be 
considered matching funds versus ``additional'' leveraged funds. In 
addition to the Federal amount you are requesting, the matching funds 
shall be shown on the SF-424 and SF-424A. Do not include the leveraged 
funds on the SF 424 or SF 424A. The amount of funds specified on these 
forms will be considered by DOL as the applicant's match. Leveraged 
resources should be explained in the budget narrative separate from the 
explanation of match. Applications will

[[Page 58659]]

be evaluated on how the match and leveraged funds are fully integrated 
in support of program outcomes. Grantees must track and report both 
match and other non-Federal leveraged resources quarterly on Form ETA 
9130. Instructions and the form may be found at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/pdf/9130_Basic_JUL08.pdf.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address To Request Application Package

    This SGA contains all of the information and links to forms needed 
to apply for grant funding.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

    The proposal will consist of three separate and distinct parts--a 
cost proposal (I), a technical proposal (II), and a description of and 
information on the work site (III). Applications that fail to adhere to 
the instructions in this section will be considered non-responsive and 
will not be considered.
    Part I. The Cost Proposal. The Cost Proposal must include the 
following four items:
    <bullet> The Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance'' (available at http://www07.grants.gov/agencies/forms_repository_information.jsp and http://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm). The SF 424 must clearly identify the applicant and be 
signed by an individual with authority to enter into a grant agreement. 
Upon confirmation of an award, the individual signing the SF 424 on 
behalf of the applicant shall be considered the authorized 
representative of the applicant.
    <bullet> All applicants for Federal grant and funding opportunities 
are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number. See Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) Notice of Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR 
38402, Jun. 27, 2003. Applicants must supply their DUNS number on the 
SF 424. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number that 
uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy 
and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access this website: 
www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711.
    <bullet> The SF 424A Budget Information Form (available at http://www07.grants.gov/agencies/forms_repository_information.jsp and http://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm). In preparing the Budget 
Information Form, the applicant must provide a concise narrative 
explanation to support the request.
    <bullet> A Budget Narrative: The budget narrative should break down 
the budget, match and leveraged resources by project activity, should 
discuss cost-per-participant, and should discuss precisely how the 
administrative costs support the project goals. If the applicant plans 
to use grant funds for paid work experiences, needs-based payments, and 
other supportive services for the participants, sufficient information 
must be provided in the budget narrative to clearly justify the 
proposed amounts to be provided. All 3 years of proposed funding should 
be included on the SF 424A.
    Please note that applicants that fail to provide a SF 424, SF 424A, 
a Dun and Bradstreet number, and a budget narrative will be removed 
from consideration prior to the technical review process. Only an 
applicant's match amount (not other leveraged resources) should be 
listed on the SF 424 (Block 18) and SF 424A Budget Information Form 
(Section A & C). The amount of Federal funding requested for the entire 
period of performance (i.e. 3 years) should be shown together on the SF 
424 and SF 424A Budget Information Form. Applicants are also 
encouraged, but not required, to submit OMB Survey N. 1890-0014: Survey 
on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants, which can be found at 
http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm.
    Part II. The Technical Proposal. The Technical Proposal will 
demonstrate the applicant's capability to implement the YouthBuild 
grant project in accordance with the provisions of this solicitation. 
The guidelines for the content of the Technical Proposal are provided 
in Part V Section A of this SGA. The Technical Proposal is limited to 
20 double-spaced single-sided pages with 12 point text font and 1 inch 
margins. Any materials beyond the 20-page limit will not be read. 
Applicants should number the Technical Proposal beginning with page 
number 1.
    In addition to the 20-page Technical Proposal, the applicant must 
provide an organization chart that reflects how the YouthBuild program 
will be staffed. In instances where the YouthBuild program is part of a 
larger organization (e.g., a Housing Authority), please include a 
diagram that indicates where the YouthBuild program fits within the 
larger organization. Also, the applicant must provide a timeline 
outlining project activities; letters of commitment from partners; and 
a two-page Abstract summarizing the proposed project including 
applicant name, project title, a description of the area to be served, 
and the funding level requested. The Abstract must note whether the 
application is being submitted as an urban, rural, or Native American 
application. No support letters are permitted. Commitment letters must 
accompany the application electronically. Please note that applicants 
should not send letters of commitment separately to ETA because letters 
are tracked through a different system and will not be attached to the 
application for review. These additional materials (organizational 
chart, timeline, commitment letters, and two-page abstract) do not 
count against the 20-page limit for the Technical Proposal, but may not 
exceed twenty (20) pages. Any additional materials (organizational 
chart, timeline, commitment letters, and two-page abstract) beyond the 
20-page limit will not be read.
    Part III. The Work Site Description. The application must submit 
the Work Site Description Form (ETA-9143) including all requested 
attachments, which describes the planned work site that will be used 
for on-site construction training for youth participants. These forms 
can be found at http://www.doleta.gov/youth%5Fservices/youthbuildgrantee.cfm. Information on property for use in year two will 
be requested prior to receipt of 2nd year funding.
    Section 10 of ETA 9143 requests information from the property owner 
or property management company or companies allowing access to the 
housing site(s) for on-site construction training. DOL will deem non-
responsive any application that fails to specifically identify the 
location of the on-site construction, including evidence of site 
access. Guidance on evidence of site access is as follows:
    <bullet> If the applicant has a contract or option to purchase the 
property, include a copy of the contract or option; or
    <bullet> If a third party owns the property or has a contract or 
option to purchase, that third party must provide a letter stating the 
nature of the ownership and specifically providing access to the 
property for the purposes of the program and the time frame in which 
the property will be available. In the case of a contract or option, 
include a copy of the document.

C. Submission Process, Date, Times, and Addresses

    The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is January 15, 2009.
    1. Electronic Submission. DOL requires applicants to submit their 
applications electronically through Grants.gov, unless prior written 
approval for an exception is granted (see <greek-i>2 below for more 
information).

[[Page 58660]]

Applications must be successfully submitted at http://www.grants.gov no 
later than 11:59:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on January 15, 2009, and then 
subsequently validated by Grants.gov. The Grants.gov helpdesk is 
available from 7 a.m. (Eastern Time) until 9 p.m. (Eastern Time). 
Applicants should factor the unavailability of the Grants.gov helpdesk 
after 9 p.m. (Eastern Time) into plans for submitting an application. 
The submission and validation process is described in more detail 
below. The process can be complicated and time-consuming. Applicants 
are strongly advised to initiate the process as soon as possible and to 
plan for time to resolve technical problems if necessary.
    It is strongly recommended that before the applicant begins to 
write the proposal, applicants should immediately initiate and complete 
the ``Get Registered'' registration steps at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp. These steps may take multiple days or 
weeks to complete, and this time should be factored into plans for 
electronic submission in order to avoid unexpected delays that could 
result in the rejection of an application. It is highly recommended 
that applicants use the ``Organization Registration Checklist'' at 
http://www.grants.gov/assets/Organization_Steps_Complete_Registration.pdf to ensure the registration process is complete.
    Within two business days of application submission, Grants.gov will 
send the applicant two e-mail messages to provide the status of 
application progress through the system. The first e-mail, almost 
immediate, will confirm receipt of the application by Grants.gov. The 
second e-mail will indicate the application has either been 
successfully validated or has been rejected due to errors. Only 
applications that have been successfully submitted and successfully 
validated will be considered. It is the sole responsibility of the 
applicant to ensure a timely submission, therefore sufficient time 
should be allotted for submission (two business days), and if 
applicable, subsequent time to address errors and receive validation 
upon resubmission (an additional two business days for each ensuing 
submission). It is important to note that if sufficient time is not 
allotted and a rejection notice is received after the due date and 
time, the application will not be considered.
    The components of the application must be saved as either .doc, 
.xls or .pdf files. Documents received in a format other than .doc, 
.xls or .pdf will not be read.
    Applicants are strongly advised to utilize the plethora of tools 
and documents, including FAQs, that are available on the ``Applicant 
Resources'' page at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/app_help_reso.jsp#faqs. To receive updated information about critical issues, 
new tips for users and other time sensitive updates as information is 
available, applicants may subscribe to ``Grants.gov Updates'' at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/email_subscription_signup.jsp.
    If applicants encounter a problem with Grants.gov and do not find 
an answer in any of the other resources, call 1-800-518-4726 to speak 
to a Customer Support Representative or e-mail ``<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#592a2c2929362b2d193e2b38372d2a773e362f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4a393f3a3a25383e0a2d382b243e39642d253c">[email protected]</span></a>''.
    2. Exceptions to the Electronic Submission Requirement. DOL will 
accept electronic applications only, and they must be submitted through 
the Grants.gov portal, unless the applicant has received prior written 
approval for an exception from the Grant Officer, as named in this 
solicitation. An exception request must be in writing and state the 
basis for the request and explain why electronic submission is not 
possible. Exception requests must be sent to the U.S. Department of 
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal 
Assistance, Attention: Donna Kelly, Reference SGA/DFA PY 08-07, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-4716, Washington, DC 20210. The basis 
for exceptions may include, but are not limited to (a) lack of 
available Internet access in the geographic location in which the 
applicant's business office is located or (b) physical disability of 
the applicant that prevents the applicant from accessing or responding 
to the application electronically. The exception request should also 
include an email address, if available, or a name and mailing address 
where responses can be directed. Exception requests will be accepted 
beginning on the date of publication of this solicitation and must be 
received no later than December 16, 2008. DOL will not consider an 
exception request that does not conform to the above requirement (see 
<greek-i>3 below for the limited circumstances in which we will 
consider a request that arrives after that date). DOL will acknowledge 
receipt of the exception request by e-mail, if an e-mail address is 
provided, or by other available means. DOL will not make determinations 
or respond to exception requests via the telephone, and will not accept 
exception requests by email. Each exception request will be reviewed 
and a determination made. DOL will inform the applicant, whether or not 
the exception has been granted. In the event an exception is granted, 
the submission date for mailed applications will be the same as the 
electronic application submission receipt date. Applicants receiving an 
exception must follow the submission instructions as follows.
    Submission Instructions for Applicants Receiving an Exception of 
Electronic Submission. Applicants receiving an exception of the 
electronic submission requirements must submit their complete 
applications in paper copy as follows:
    (a) Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of 
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal 
Assistance, Attention: Donna Kelly, Reference SGA/DFA PY 08-07, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-4716, Washington, DC 20210. Applicants 
are advised that mail delivery in the Washington area may be delayed 
due to mail decontamination procedures. Hand delivered and overnight 
delivery proposals will be received at the above address.
    (b) Applicants submitting proposals in hard-copy must submit an 
original signed application (including the SF 424) and one (1) ``copy-
ready'' version free of bindings, staples or protruding tabs to ease in 
the reproduction of the proposal by DOL. Applicants submitting 
proposals in hard-copy are also requested, though not required, to 
provide an electronic copy of the proposal on CD-ROM. Please reference 
SGA/DFA PY 08-07 on the submittal envelope.
    (c) Applications sent by e-mail, telegram, or facsimile (fax) will 
not be accepted. Applications that do not meet the conditions set forth 
in this notice will not be honored. No exceptions to the mailing and 
delivery requirements set forth in this notice will be granted. Any 
paper applications received without prior written approval for 
exception to the requirements of electronic submission will not be 
considered.
    3. Late Applications. For applications submitted on Grants.gov, 
only applications that have been successfully submitted no later 
11:59:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the closing date and successfully 
validated will be considered. For applicants receiving an exception of 
the electronic submission requirement, any application received after 
the exact date and time specified for receipt at the office designated 
in this notice will not be considered, unless it is received before 
awards are made, was properly addressed, and: (a) was sent by U.S. 
Postal Service registered or certified mail not later than

[[Page 58661]]

the fifth calendar day before the date specified for receipt of 
applications (e.g., an application required to be received by the 20th 
of the month must be post marked by the 15th of that month) or (b) was 
sent by professional overnight delivery service to the addressee not 
later than one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of 
applications. ``Post marked'' 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 or affixed on the date of mailing by an employee of the U.S. 
Postal Service. Therefore, applicants should request the postal clerk 
to place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's eye'' postmark on both 
the receipt and the package. Failure to adhere to the above 
instructions will be a basis for a determination of nonresponsiveness. 
Evidence of timely submission by a professional overnight delivery 
service must be demonstrated by equally reliable evidence created by 
the delivery service provider indicating the time and place of receipt.

D. Intergovernmental Review

    This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order (EO) 
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''

E. Cost Principles

    All proposal costs must be necessary and reasonable in accordance 
with Federal guidelines. Determinations of allowable costs will be made 
in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles, e.g., Non-
Profit Organizations--OMB Circular A-122. Disallowed costs are those 
charges to a grant that the grantor agency or its representative 
determines not to be allowed in accordance with the applicable Federal 
Cost Principles or other conditions contained in the grant. Applicants 
will not be entitled to reimbursement of pre-award costs.
    Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by 
Organizations that Receive Federal Financial Assistance. Direct Federal 
grants, sub-awards, or contracts under this program shall not be used 
to support inherently religious activities such as religious 
instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must 
take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious 
activities from the services supported with DOL financial assistance 
under this program. Neutral, secular criteria that neither favor nor 
disfavor religion must be employed in the selection of grant and sub-
grant recipients. In addition, under the Workforce Investment Act of 
1998 and DOL regulations implementing the Workforce Investment Act, a 
recipient may not use direct Federal assistance to train a participant 
in religious activities, or employ participants to construct, operate, 
or maintain any part of a facility that is used or to be used for 
religious instruction or worship. See 29 CFR 37.6(f). Under WIA, ``no 
individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits 
of, subjected to discrimination under, or denied employment in the 
administration of or in connection with, any such program or activity 
because of race, color, religion, sex (except as otherwise permitted 
under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Religious 
Freedom Restoration Act of 1993), national origin, age, disability, or 
political affiliation or belief.'' Regulations pertaining to the Equal 
Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the prohibition 
against supporting inherently religious activities with direct DOL 
financial assistance, can be found at 29 CFR Part 2, Subpart D. 
Provisions relating to the use of indirect support (such as vouchers) 
are at 29 CFR 2.33(c) and 20 CFR 667.266.
    A faith-based organization receiving federal financial assistance 
retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, 
and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, 
practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a 
faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide 
secular programs or services supported with Federal financial 
assistance without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other 
religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that 
receives Federal financial assistance retains its authority over its 
internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its 
organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and 
include religious references in its organization's mission statements 
and other governing documents in accordance with all program 
requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the 
conduct of DOL funded activities.
    The Department notes that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act 
(RFRA), 42 U.S.C. 2000bb, applies to all Federal law and its 
implementation. If your organization is a faith-based organization that 
makes hiring decisions on the basis of religious belief, it may be 
entitled to receive Federal financial assistance under Title I of the 
Workforce Investment Act and maintain that hiring practice even though 
Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act contains a general ban on 
religious discrimination in employment. If you are awarded a grant, you 
will be provided with information on how to request such an exemption.
    Faith-based and community organizations may reference 
``Transforming Partnerships: How to Apply the U.S. Department of 
Labor's Equal Treatment and Religion-Related Regulations to Public-
Private Partnerships'' at: http://www.workforce3one.org/public/_shared/detail.cfm?id=5566&simple=false.
    Indirect Costs. As specified in OMB Circular Cost Principles, 
indirect costs are those that have been incurred for common or joint 
objectives and cannot be readily identified with a particular cost 
objective. In order to utilize grant funds for indirect costs incurred, 
the applicant must obtain an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement with its 
Federal Cognizant Agency either before or shortly after the grant 
award. If an applicant already has a Federal Indirect Cost Rate 
Agreement, that agreement may be used.
    Administrative Costs. Under the YouthBuild grants, an entity that 
receives a grant to carry out a project or program may not use more 
than 15 percent of the amount of the grant to pay administrative costs 
associated with the program or project. Administrative costs could be 
both direct and indirect costs and are defined at 20 CFR 667.220. 
Administrative costs do not need to be identified separately from 
program costs on the SF 424A Budget Information Form. They should be 
discussed in the budget narrative and tracked through the grantee's 
accounting system. To claim any administrative costs that are also 
indirect costs, the applicant must obtain an indirect cost rate 
agreement from its Federal Cognizant Agency as specified above.
    Intellectual Property Rights. The Federal Government reserves a 
paid-up, nonexclusive and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or 
otherwise use, and to authorize others to use for federal purposes: i) 
the copyright in all products developed under the grant, including a 
subgrant or contract under the grant or subgrant; and ii) any rights of 
copyright to which the grantee, subgrantee or a contractor purchases 
ownership under an award (including but not limited to curricula, 
training models, technical assistance products, and any related 
materials). Such uses include, but are not limited to, the right to 
modify and distribute such products worldwide by any means, 
electronically

[[Page 58662]]

or otherwise. Federal funds may not be used to pay any royalty or 
licensing fee associated with such copyrighted material, although they 
may be used to pay costs for obtaining a copy which are limited to the 
developer/seller costs of copying and shipping. If revenues are 
generated through selling products developed with grant funds, 
including intellectual property, these revenues are program income. 
Program income is added to the grant and must be expended for allowable 
grant activities.
    Salary and Bonus Limitations. In compliance with Public Law 109-234 
and Public Law 110-5, none of the funds appropriated in Public Law 109-
149, Public Law 110-5, or prior Acts under the heading `Employment and 
Training' that are available for expenditure on or after June 15, 2006, 
shall be used by a recipient or sub-recipient of such funds to pay the 
salary and bonuses of an individual, either as direct costs or indirect 
costs, at a rate in excess of Executive Level II, except as provided 
for under section 101 of Public Law 109-149. This limitation shall not 
apply to vendors providing goods and services as defined in OMB 
Circular A-133. See Training and Employment Guidance Letter number 5-06 
for further clarification: http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2262.

F. Withdrawal of Applications

    Applications may be withdrawn by written notice or telegram 
(including mailgram) received at any time before an award is made. 
Applications may be withdrawn in person by the applicant or by an 
authorized representative thereof, if the representative's identity is 
made known and the representative signs a receipt for the proposal.

V. Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

    This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be 
used to evaluate proposals for a YouthBuild Grant. These criteria and 
point values are:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Criterion                              Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Statement of Need...........................................        5
2. Program Management and Organizational Capacity..............       15
3. Project Design, Service Strategy, and Program Outcomes......       35
4. Linkages to Key Partners and Leveraged Resources............       25
5. Evidence of Past and Projected Success in YouthBuild or            20
 Other Relevant Programs.......................................
����������������������������������������������������������������
    Total Possible Points......................................      100
------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Statement of Need (5 points)
    Please describe the community where the YouthBuild program will 
operate. Identify the need for a YouthBuild program in the community 
that is proposed to be served through the grant and demonstrate the 
need for the project in that area. Applicants are expected to present 
information on various characteristics of the community(ies) in which 
they expect to operate. If there are particular neighborhoods within 
the city where the grant will be focused, describe these neighborhoods 
and provide available data specific to those areas. Required 
information includes the population of the area, its poverty rate, the 
incidence of homelessness, shortage of affordable housing, its 
unemployment rate, the graduation rate, and the number of 18-24 year 
olds without a high school diploma.
    To obtain these indicators, applicants can use census tract data 
from the 2000 census--go to http://factfinder.census.gov and use the 
link on the left for People. Graduation rates for every school district 
in the nation may be found at http://www.edweek.org/apps/maps/.
    All of these indicators should be presented in chart form and the 
applicant must provide the sources for the data provided. In addition, 
applicants should provide information on the economic and employment 
factors facing the community; including negative factors as well as 
promising economic and employment trends that will require an educated 
and skilled workforce.
    If the organization plans to build or rehabilitate houses or 
community/public facilities in a different community from that in which 
youth will be recruited, present the homelessness and poverty data for 
that area and the unemployment, poverty, and graduation rates for the 
area in which the organization will be recruiting youth participants.
    Applicants will be evaluated on:
    <bullet> The clear and specific need for a YouthBuild program in 
their community;
    <bullet> The graduation rate and the impact that it has on economic 
development and burdens on public systems; and
    <bullet> The degree to which other factors in distressed 
communities are negatively impacting youth and their families such as 
poverty rate, unemployment rate, etc. particularly in comparison with 
other areas of the city.
2. Program Management and Organizational Capacity (15 points)
    Please provide a description of the applicant organization and a 
statement of its qualifications for running a YouthBuild program 
including years of operation, current annual budget, experience of 
staff and continuity of leadership and their relevant experience. 
Please fully describe the organization's capacity to track and report 
outcomes. Please discuss the professional development activities 
available to staff, either on-site or through training funds.
    Please fully describe any previous experience of the organization 
in operating grants from either Federal or non-Federal sources. 
Describe the fiscal controls in place in the organization for auditing 
and accountability procedures. Grantee must also provide information on 
the overall financial stability of the organization that has financial 
oversight for this program.
    Please describe the organization's ability to handle multiple 
funding streams with appropriate accounting systems in place. The 
applicant should demonstrate how funds will be expended in the period 
of performance outlined in this SGA.
    Applicants must describe their proposed project management 
structure including, where appropriate, the identification of a 
proposed project manager, discussion of the proposed staffing pattern, 
and the qualifications and experience of key staff members or short job 
descriptions.
    Scoring under this criterion will be based on the extent to which 
applicants provide evidence of the following:
    <bullet> The overall financial stability of the organization as 
demonstrated by strong accounting systems, fiscal controls, and 
previous grants management.
    <bullet> The capacity of the applicant organization to accomplish 
the goals and outcomes of the project, including the ability to collect 
and manage data in a way that allows consistent, accurate, and 
expedient reporting.
    <bullet> The time commitment of the proposed staff dedicated to the 
YouthBuild program is sufficient to ensure proper direction, 
management, and timely completion of the project.
    <bullet> The roles and contribution of staff, consultants, and 
collaborative organizations are clearly defined and linked to specific 
objects and tasks.
    <bullet> The background, experience, and other qualifications of 
the staff are sufficient to carry out their designated roles.
    <bullet> The organization is able to begin program operations, 
including the enrollment of youth, within 6 months from the date of the 
award, and where possible align with the local academic calendar.

[[Page 58663]]

    In addition, programs with funds remaining from either HUD or DOL 
YouthBuild awards must demonstrate how additional funds will be 
integrated into the existing program, how these funds will be used to 
serve additional youth, and how the additional funds will be expended 
in the period of performance outlined in the SGA.
3. Project Design, Service Strategy, and Program Outcomes (35 points 
total)
    a. How will youth be recruited and selected for the program? (5 
points)
    Please provide a description that fully demonstrates how eligible 
youth will be recruited and selected as participants, including a 
description of arrangements that will be made with Local Workforce 
Investment Boards, One-Stop Career Centers, faith-based and community 
organizations, State educational agencies or local educational agencies 
(including agencies of Indian tribes), public assistance agencies, the 
courts of jurisdiction, agencies operating shelters for homeless 
individuals and other agencies that serve youth who are homeless 
individuals, foster care agencies, and other appropriate public and 
private agencies. Please provide a description that fully demonstrates 
the outreach efforts that will be undertaken to recruit eligible young 
women (including young women with dependent children) as participants.
    Applicants will be evaluated on:
    <bullet> The quality and comprehensiveness of their recruitment 
strategy including methods for outreach, referral, and selection.
    <bullet> The program's efforts to recruit eligible young women into 
the YouthBuild program.
    b. How will education and occupational skills training be delivered 
to youth? (15 points)
    Please provide a description that fully demonstrates the 
educational and job training activities, work opportunities, post-
secondary education and training opportunities, and other services that 
will be provided to participants, and how those activities, 
opportunities, and services will prepare youth for employment in 
occupations in demand in the local labor market. Given the connection 
between education and earnings, it is DOL's expectation that the 
academic component will be rigorous and challenging and will provide 
youth with opportunities to transition to post-secondary training. The 
program should be structured so that participants in the program are 
offered education and related services designed to meet educational 
needs for at least 50 percent of the time during which they participate 
in the program. YouthBuild program participants must be offered work 
and skill development activities for at least 40 percent of the time 
during which they participate in the program.
    As described below, the proposal will be rated on the quality of 
the education program, the quality of the occupational skills training, 
and the integration of these two components as well as other criteria 
listed in (1) and (2) below.
(1) Education
    Please indicate the type of academic credential that participants 
earn while in the program (GED or high school diploma). Please fully 
describe the quality of the academic program and the qualifications of 
the teaching staff. Fully describe any innovative and successful 
strategies that the program or initiative has used to address low basic 
skills of participants. Please describe if and how the academic portion 
of your program differs from that of a traditional comprehensive high 
school. If distance learning and/or credit retrieval is used, please 
fully describe how this is incorporated into the overall academic 
program. Please describe how student mastery is demonstrated. Please 
fully describe the relationship between the program and the local 
school district(s).
    Please fully demonstrate how the academic program is integrated 
with the occupational skills training component of the program. Please 
explain how academic and occupational skills training instructors work 
together to reinforce and complement classroom and workplace lessons. 
Please describe other innovative teaching strategies used in the 
program.
    Please explain how the program explicitly links participants to 
local community colleges and trade schools, particularly for YouthBuild 
programs that only offer GEDs to participants.
    Please describe the types of college exploration, planning, 
preparation, and assistance that will be provided. Describe the types 
of follow-up services that will be provided to support youth as they 
transition to post-secondary education and ensure that they graduate.
    Applicants will be evaluated on:
    <bullet> The use of innovative and evidence-based instructional 
strategies to address basic skill deficiencies;
    <bullet> The extent to which a challenging curriculum is provided;
    <bullet> The extent to which project-based learning is used;
    <bullet> The degree to which the occupational skill training 
provided by the program is reinforced in the academic portion of the 
program;
    <bullet> The explicit links for participants to local community 
colleges and trade schools; and
    <bullet> The degree to which career and college exploration are 
incorporated into the overall culture of the program.

(2) Occupational Skills Training

    Please discuss the occupational skills training component of the 
program including where and how the training will be conducted, how the 
curriculum is developed, the type of industry-recognized credentials 
that result from the training, and the involvement of industry partners 
in the development of the training. Describe how the applied learning 
of the construction trades will improve and enhance the academic 
outcomes for the youth. Please describe the skills and qualifications 
of the occupational skills training instructors.
    Please provide a description of the payment structure for 
participants. Provide labor market information for the community, 
State, and/or region where the YouthBuild program will be implemented, 
including both current data (as of the date of submission of the 
application) and projections on career opportunities in growing 
industries. Please explain how the YouthBuild program will prepare 
youth for employment in high-growth industries as defined by the local 
labor market.
    Please describe how the organization will oversee the worksite to 
identify existing and potential hazards, how youth will be trained to 
protect themselves from potential worksite accidents, and how hazards 
will be prevented and controlled through policies and procedures. 
Provide information on how worksite supervisors will be trained to 
ensure OSHA-approved worksite safety. Please indicate the ratio of 
adults to youth at construction training sites.
    This section of the application will be evaluated on the following 
criteria:
    <bullet> The degree to which occupational skills training is 
integrated with the academic component of the program;
    <bullet> The availability of industry-recognized credentials upon 
completion of the occupational skills training components of the 
program;
    <bullet> The strength of connections to business partners and 
apprenticeship programs;
    <bullet> The duration of the occupational skills training component 
is aligned with the legislative rule of being at least 40 percent of a 
participant's time in the program;
    <bullet> The comprehensiveness of safety plans for the occupational 
skills training worksite including the training of staff and 
participants in OSHA guidelines.

[[Page 58664]]

    c. How will community service learning and leadership development 
opportunities be provided for youth in the program? (5 points)
    Please fully describe the proposed leadership curriculum, 
qualifications of instructors, and the impact of the proposed 
leadership activities on the target area. The application must fully 
describe the leadership development training that will be offered to 
participants, the expected leadership competencies with which 
participants will graduate, youth committee involvement strategies, 
efforts for providing the training to build group cohesion and peer 
support, and opportunities for continued leadership after graduation. 
Please describe how community service learning opportunities will be 
implemented at the site.
    Applicants will be evaluated on:
    <bullet> The quality of leadership development and community 
service learning activities and
    <bullet> How these activities are integrated with academic, skills 
training, and career exploration components of the program.
    d. What types of post-program transition services will be provided? 
What types of follow-up services will be provided? Post-program 
transition services are defined as services offered during program 
enrollment that will assist a young person in making a successful 
transition from the YouthBuild program into employment and/or post-
secondary education and training programs. Follow-up services are 
services provided to a YouthBuild program participant upon exit from 
the program. (10 points)
    Please fully describe the types of post-program transition services 
that will be offered to prepare youth for career pathway opportunities 
and placements and/or educational opportunities and placements. Please 
fully describe how each individual's work readiness will be assessed 
and how work readiness training will be provided. Also describe how an 
individual's readiness for placement in post-secondary education and/or 
apprenticeship programs will be assessed. Please fully demonstrate the 
types of career exploration and planning activities that will be 
offered by the program, particularly for high-growth, high-demand, and 
high-wage occupations. For a list of the U.S. Department of Labor's 
Employment and Training Administration's Targeted High-Growth 
Industries, go to: http://www.doleta.gov/BRG/eta_default.cfm.
    Please fully describe the program's job placement and retention 
strategy including how the program will work with employers and/or One-
Stop Career Centers to identify and create job openings for the young 
people served by the program.
    Please fully describe the types of follow-up that will be provided 
to program graduates. These supportive services should relate to 
employment placement and retention, post-secondary transition and 
degree attainment. Describe how appropriate continued support services 
will be provided.
    Important elements for evaluation include:
    <bullet> The degree to which work readiness and career exploration 
are integrated into the culture, core mission and activities of the 
program;
    <bullet> The program's integrated approach to providing post-
program planning for participants; and
    <bullet> The structure of its participant follow-up service 
strategy.
4. Linkages to Key Partners, Match and Leveraged Resources (25 points 
total)
a. Who are the key partners that will be supporting the program? (15 
points)
    Please describe the key partners who will be involved in the 
proposed YouthBuild project. Specifically, describe in detail the 
activities to be undertaken by partners, the level of commitment from 
each partnering organization, and their qualifications to assist with 
this project. As an attachment, the applicant should include letters of 
commitment from key partners that demonstrate the strength and maturity 
of the partnership including previous collaboration on projects. Where 
they exist, partnerships should include existing statewide 
collaborations such as Shared Youth Vision state teams and Governor's 
Children's Cabinets. Prospective applicants should also have thorough 
knowledge of and, where possible, engage with DOL discretionary 
projects in their area to determine if collaborations can be created 
between YouthBuild and other DOL investments, particularly where those 
investments target at-risk youth and/or the training and employment 
opportunities relating to the construction industry. These investments 
include Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED)--
http://www.doleta.gov/wired/, the President's High Growth Job Training 
Inititiative (HGJTI)--http://www.doleta.gov/BRG/JobTrainInitiative/, 
and the President's Community-Based Job Training Grants (CBJTG)--http://www.doleta.gov/business/Community-BasedJobTrainingGrants.cfm.
    Please describe how the applicant conducted its inventory of 
community assets of youth-serving organizations. Such an inventory 
should include faith-based and community organizations and government 
entities that will be integrated into the network of organizations 
providing referrals to, supportive services or leveraged resources for 
youth participating in the proposed program. The Department understands 
that these inventories will vary from community to community and that, 
particularly for rural and Native American applicants, resources and 
services may be limited. The thoroughness of the applicant's process 
for inventorying available resources in the community will be 
considered as part of the evaluation of the application.
    Please provide a description of how the proposed program will 
coordinate with Federal, State, and local agencies and Indian tribes to 
access services, including local workforce investment activities, 
vocational education programs, limited English proficiency instruction 
programs, and activities conducted by public schools, community 
colleges, and national service programs, as well as other job training 
provided with funds available under this title.
    Please describe the partnerships with the juvenile justice system 
or housing and community development systems. Please fully describe the 
specific role of employers in the proposed program, such as their role 
in developing the proposed program and assisting in service provision 
and in placement activities. Please fully describe the program's 
relationship with local building trade unions and their role in 
training, the relationship of the proposed program to established 
registered apprenticeship programs and employers, and the ability of 
the applicant to grant industry-recognized skills certifications 
through the program.
    Points for this factor will be awarded based on:
    <bullet> The comprehensiveness of the partnership and the degree to 
which each key partner plays a committed role in the proposed project;
    <bullet> The partners knowledge and experience concerning the 
proposed grant activities, and their ability to impact the success of 
the project;
    <bullet> Evidence, including letters of commitment, that key 
partners have expressed a clear dedication to the project and 
understand their areas of responsibility; and
    <bullet> Evidence of a plan for interaction and communication 
between partners and the demonstrated ability of the lead

[[Page 58665]]

agency to successfully manage partnerships.
    <bullet> A description of the inventory process undertaken to 
identify partners and resources to support the program. The 
thoroughness of the process for identifying resources within the 
applicant's community, not the quantity of the resources, will be 
evaluated.
b. What match and other leveraged resources are being contributed to 
this project? (10 points)
    Applicants should clearly describe the required matching funds and 
any additional funds or resources leveraged in support of the proposed 
strategies and demonstrate how these funds contribute to the goals of 
the project. Important elements of the explanation include:
    <bullet> Which partners and/or grant sub-recipients have 
contributed match and leveraged resources and the extent of each 
contribution, including an itemized description of each contribution;
    <bullet> The quality of the match and leveraged resources, 
including the extent to which each contribution will be used to further 
the goals of the project; and
    <bullet> Evidence, such as letters of commitment, that key partners 
have expressed a clear commitment to provide the contribution.
    Assessment of this criterion will be based on the extent to which 
the application fully describes the amount, commitment, nature, and 
quality of match and leveraged resources. A match in the sum of 25 
percent of the Federal funding request must be provided. Matching funds 
may be either cash or in-kind. Both matching funds and additional 
leveraged resources will be scored based on the degree to which the 
source and use of those resources are clearly explained and the extent 
to which all resources are fully integrated into the project to support 
grant outcomes.
5. Evidence of Past and Projected Success in Youthbuild or Other 
Relevant Programs (20 points)
    Please fully describe and document past accomplishments operating a 
YouthBuild program or similar youth programs that combine academic and 
occupational skills training. Please explain how long the program has 
been in operation and provide annual performance data in a chart on the 
following factors:
    <bullet> Length of program operation;
    <bullet> Number of youth recruited;
    <bullet> Number of youth enrolled;
    <bullet> Number of youth completing the program;
    <bullet> Number and percent of youth receiving their GED and/or 
high school diploma (please differentiate between the two);
    <bullet> Rate of literacy and numeracy gains by participants;
    <bullet> Number and percent of youth who have entered construction-
related employment;
    <bullet> Number and percent of youth who have entered other 
employment;
    <bullet> Employment retention rates;
    <bullet> Number and percent of youth who have entered post-
secondary training or education;
    <bullet> Post-secondary training or education retention rates; 
where available, please indicate the number of participants who have 
completed post-secondary training or education and have achieved a 
credential;
    <bullet> Number and percent of youth who have entered registered 
apprenticeship programs; and
    <bullet> Annual cost per participant.
    Please indicate the projected enrollment per year and the expected 
performance outcomes if awarded a grant (in terms of literacy and 
numeracy gains; high school diploma/GED attainment; placement in 
employment, post-secondary education, occupational skills training, or 
the military; and employment retention rate). Please fully describe how 
both the academic and skills training curricula were developed and how 
long they have been used. Please note that performance outcomes 
described in this section are not binding. At the time of grant award, 
DOL will inform grantees of expected outcomes based on existing outcome 
data for this type of program. DOL reserves the right to set expected 
performance outcomes at a later date in the awards selection process.
    Please indicate the types of private foundation funding the 
organization has secured in the past. Also, fully describe long-term 
partnerships with organizations that have added to the robustness of 
the program and how the organization has sustained these partnerships.
    Important elements to be considered with this factor are:
    <bullet> The degree to which the performance data is provided and 
documented;
    <bullet> The variety and types of funding streams and long-term 
partnerships that the program has been able to attract to support 
YouthBuild activities;
    <bullet> The complexity of construction activities undertaken and 
the degree to which youth are exposed and trained in a variety of 
construction skills;
    <bullet> The use of occupational skills training curriculum that 
results in an industry-recognized credential; i.e., the National Center 
for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) or the Home Builder's 
Institute's (HBI) HPACT curriculum; and
    <bullet> The use of a State approved curricula for either GED or 
high school diploma.

B. Review and Selection Process

    Proposals that are timely and responsive to the requirements of 
this SGA will be rated against the criteria listed above by an 
independent panel comprised of representatives from DOL, HUD, U.S. 
Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 
and other peers. The ranked scores will serve as the primary basis for 
selection of applications for funding, in conjunction with other 
factors such as urban, rural, and geographic balance; whether the areas 
to be served have previously received grants for YouthBuild programs; 
the availability of funds; and which proposals are most advantageous to 
the Government. The panel results are advisory in nature and not 
binding on the Grant Officer, and the Grant Officer may consider any 
information that comes to his/her attention. The Government may elect 
to award the grant(s) with or without discussions with the applicants. 
Should a grant be awarded without discussions, the award will be based 
on the applicant's signature on the SF 424, which constitutes a binding 
offer by the applicant (including electronic signature via E-
Authentication on http://www.grants.gov).

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    All award notifications will be posted on the ETA homepage (http://www.doleta.gov). Applicants selected for award will be contacted 
directly before the grant's execution. Applicants not selected for 
award will be notified by mail.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Administrative Program Requirements
    All grantees will be subject to all applicable Federal laws, 
regulations, and the applicable OMB Circulars. The grant(s) awarded 
under this SGA will be subject to the following administrative 
standards and provisions:
    a. Non-Profit Organizations--OMB Circulars A-122 (Cost Principles) 
and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).

[[Page 58666]]

    b. Educational Institutions--OMB Circulars A-21 (Cost Principles) 
and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
    c. State and Local Governments--OMB Circulars A-87 (Cost 
Principles) and 29 CFR Part 97 (Administrative Requirements).
    d. Profit Making Commercial Firms--Federal Acquisition Regulation 
(FAR)--48 CFR Part 31 (Cost Principles), and 29 CFR Part 95 
(Administrative Requirements).
    e. All entities must comply with 29 CFR Parts 93 and 98, and, where 
applicable, 29 CFR Parts 96 and 99.
    f. 29 CFR Part 2, subpart D-Equal Treatment in Department of Labor 
Programs for Religious Organizations, Protection of Religious Liberty 
of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and Beneficiaries.
    g. 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.
    h. 29 CFR Part 32-Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in 
Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from Federal Financial 
Assistance.
    i. 29 CFR Part 33-Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of 
Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of 
Labor.
    j. 29 CFR Part 35-Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in Programs 
or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the 
Department of Labor.
    k. 29 CFR Part 36-Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in 
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial 
Assistance.
    The following administrative standards and provisions may be 
applicable:
    a. Workforce Investment Act--20 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 
Part 667 (General Fiscal and Administrative Rules).
    b. 29 CFR Part 30--Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship 
and Training; and
    c. 29 CFR Part 37--Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and 
Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
    In accordance with Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 
1995 (Pub. L. 104-65) (2 U.S.C. 1611) non-profit entities incorporated 
under Internal Revenue Service Code section 501(c) (4) that engage in 
lobbying activities are not eligible to receive Federal funds and 
grants.

    Note: Except as specifically provided in this Notice, DOL/ETA's 
acceptance of a proposal and an award of Federal funds to sponsor 
any program(s) does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements 
and/or procedures. For example, OMB Circulars require that an 
entity's procurement procedures must ensure that all procurement 
transactions are conducted, as much as practical, to provide open 
and free competition. If a proposal identifies a specific entity to 
provide services, the DOL/ETA's award does not provide the 
justification or basis to sole source the procurement, i.e., avoid 
competition, unless the activity is regarded as the primary work of 
an official partner to the application.

    Further, as a Federal agency, DOL has a statutory duty to 
affirmatively further fair housing. DOL requires the same of its 
funding recipients under this solicitation. If the organization is a 
successful applicant, the organization will have a duty to 
affirmatively further fair housing opportunities for classes protected 
under the Fair Housing Act. Protected classes include race, color, 
national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. 
Therefore, the application should include specific steps to:
    <bullet> Overcome the effects of impediments to fair housing choice 
that were identified in the jurisdiction's Analysis of Impediments (AI) 
to Fair Housing Choice;
    <bullet> Remedy discrimination in housing; or
    <bullet> Promote fair housing rights and fair housing choice.
    Further, the applicant has a duty to carry out the specific 
activities provided in its responses to this solicitation that address 
affirmatively furthering fair housing.

C. Special Program Requirements

    Evaluation. DOL may require that the program or project participate 
in an evaluation of overall performance of YouthBuild grants. To 
measure the impact of the YouthBuild programs, DOL may arrange for or 
conduct an independent evaluation of the outcomes and benefits of the 
projects. Grantees must agree to make and retain records on 
participants, employers and funding available, and to provide access to 
program operating personnel and participants, as specified by the 
evaluator(s) under the direction of DOL, including after the expiration 
date of the grant.

D. Reporting

    Quarterly financial reports, quarterly progress reports, and MIS 
data will be submitted by the grantee electronically. The grantee is 
required to provide the reports and documents listed below:
    <bullet> Quarterly Financial Reports. A Quarterly Financial Status 
Report (ETA 9130) is required until such time as all funds have been 
expended or the grant period has expired. Quarterly reports are due 45 
days after the end of each calendar year quarter. Grantees must use 
DOL's On-Line Electronic Reporting System and information and 
instructions will be provided to grantees.
    <bullet> Quarterly Narrative Progress Reports. The grantee must 
submit a quarterly progress report to their designated Federal Project 
Officer within 45 days after the end of each quarter. This report 
should provide a detailed account of activities undertaken during that 
quarter. Grantees must agree to meet DOL reporting requirements. The 
quarterly progress report should be in narrative form and should 
include:
    1. In-depth information on accomplishments, including project 
success stories, upcoming grant activities, and promising approaches 
and processes.
    2. Progress toward performance outcomes, including updates on 
product, curricula, and training development.
    <bullet> Quarterly Performance Reports. Organizations will be 
required to submit updated data on enrollment, services provided, 
placements, outcomes, and follow-up status within 45 days after the end 
of each quarter. A government-procured, Web-based Case Management and 
Performance system will be provided at no charge to all grantees. 
Grantees will be required to have industry-standard computer hardware 
and high-speed Internet access in order to use the MIS system. Grant 
funds may be used with the prior approval of the Grant Officer to 
upgrade computer hardware and Internet access to enable projects to use 
the MIS system.
    <bullet> Injury Incident Reports. Organizations will be required to 
submit incident reports of injuries received by enrollees during the 
training program. DOL will provide specifications for this reporting 
after grant award.
    <bullet> Final Report. A final report must be submitted no later 
than 90 days after the expiration date of the grant. This report must 
summarize project activities, employment outcomes, and related results 
of the training project, and should thoroughly document capacity 
building and training approaches. The final report should also include 
copies of all deliverables, e.g. curricula and competency models. Three 
copies of the final report must be submitted to ETA, and grantees must 
agree to use a designated format specified by DOL for preparing the 
final report.
    <bullet> A Closeout Financial Status Report is due 90 days after 
the of the grant period.

[[Page 58667]]

    <bullet> Record Retention. Applicants should be aware of Federal 
guidelines on record retention, which require grantees to maintain all 
records pertaining to grant activities for a period of not less than 
three years from the time of final grant close-out.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For further information regarding this SGA, please contact Donna 
Kelly, Grant Officer, Division of Federal Assistance, at (202) 693-3934 
(please note this is not a toll-free number). Applicants should fax all 
technical questions to (202) 693-2705 and must specifically address the 
fax to the attention of Donna Kelly and should include SGA/DFA PY 08-
07, a contact name, fax and phone number, and email address. This 
announcement is being made available on the ETA Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm, at http://www.grants.gov, and in the 
Federal Register.

VIII. Additional Resources of Interest to Applicants and Other 
Information

Resources for the Applicant

    DOL maintains a number of web-based resources that may be of 
assistance to applicants:
    <bullet> The Web site for the ETA (http://www.doleta.gov) is a 
valuable source for background information on the President's High 
Growth Job Training Initiative.
    <bullet> The Workforce \3\ One Web site (http://www.workforce3one.org) is a valuable resource for information about 
demand driven projects of the workforce investment system, educators, 
employers, and economic development representatives.
    <bullet> America's Service Locator (http://www.servicelocator.org) 
provides a directory of the nation's One-Stop Career Centers.
    <bullet> Career Voyages (http://www.careervoyages.gov), a Web site 
targeted at youth, parents, counselors, and career changers, provides 
information about career opportunities in high-growth/high-demand 
industries.
    <bullet> Applicants are encouraged to review ``Help with 
Solicitation for Grant Applications'' (http://www.doleta.gov).
    <bullet> For an understanding of the Department's Equal Treatment 
and Religion-Related regulations and the responsibilities of receiving 
Federal grant support, please see ``Transforming Partnerships: How to 
Apply the U.S. Department of Labor's Equal Treatment and Religion-
Related Regulations to Public-Private Partnerships'' at: http://www.workforce3one.org/public/_shared/detail.cfm?id=5566&simple=false.
    <bullet> TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT NOTICE NO. 44-07 ``Providing 
Strategies to the One-Stop Career Center System on Collaborating with 
YouthBuild Programs'' can be found at http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2646.
    <bullet> Information on the Shared Youth Vision can be found at 
http://www.doleta.gov/ryf/WhiteHouseReport/VMO.cfm.

IX. Other Information

    OMB Control Number 1225-0086.
    Expires September 30, 2009.
    According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are 
required to respond to a collection of information unless such 
collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden 
for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 hours per 
response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing 
data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing 
and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding 
the burden estimated or any other aspect of this collection of 
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the OMB 
Desk Officer for ETA, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, 
Washington, DC 20503. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION TO 
THE OMB. SEND IT TO THE SPONSORING AGENCY AS SPECIFIED IN THIS 
SOLICITATION.
    This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a 
grant. The information collected through this ``Solicitation for Grant 
Applications'' will be used by the DOL to ensure that grants are 
awarded to the applicant best suited to perform the functions of the 
grant. Submission of this information is required in order for the 
applicant to be considered for award of this grant. Unless otherwise 
specifically noted in this announcement, information submitted in the 
respondent's application is not considered to be confidential.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 30th day of September 2008.
Donna Kelly,
Employment and Training Administration, Grant Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-23684 Filed 10-6-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-FT-P


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