Workforce Investment Act-Small Grassroots Organizations Connecting With the One-Stop Delivery System, 15353-15367 [05-5907]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices to Business Connexion (Pty) Ltd., Halfway House, Gauteng, SOUTH AFRICA; GE Network Solutions has changed its name to GE Energy, Chesterton, Cambridge, UNITED KINGDOM; n Tels Co., Ltd. has changed its name to nTels Co., Ltd., Short Hills, NJ; SMA (Service Management Alliance) has changed its name to Service Management Alliance, Bellevue, WA; Staffware has changed its name to Tibco Software, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UNITED KINGDOM; Westel Mobile Company has changed its name to TMobile Hungary Communications Company Limited by Shares, Budapest, HUNGARY; and St. Paul Venture Capital has changed its name to Vesbridge Partners, Minneapolis, MN. No other changes have been made in either the membership or planned activity of the group research project. Membership in this group research project remains open, and the forum intends to file additional written notification disclosing all changes in membership. On October 21, 1988, the Forum filed its original notification pursuant to section 6(a) of the Act. The Department of Justice published a notice in the Federal Register pursuant to section 6(b) of the Act on December 8, 1988 (53 FR 49615). The last notification was filed with the Department on June 24, 2004. A notice was published in the Federal Register pursuant to section 6(b) of the Act on August 18, 2004 (69 FR 51329). Dorothy B. Fountain, Deputy Director of Operations, Antitrust Division. [FR Doc. 05–5892 Filed 3–24–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410–11–M DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Antitrust Division Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993—Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Notice is hereby given that, on September 16, 2004, pursuant to section 6(a) of the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993, 15 U.S.C. 4301 et seq. (‘‘the Act’’), Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (‘‘UL’’) has filed written notifications simultaneously with the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission disclosing (1) the name and principal place of business of the standards development organization and (2) the nature and scope of its standards development activities. The VerDate jul<14>2003 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 notifications were filed for the purpose of invoking the Act’s provisions limiting the recovery of antitrust plaintiffs to actual damages under specified circumstances. Pursuant to section 6(b) of the Act, the name and principal place of business of the standards development organization is: Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Northbrook, IL. The nature and scope of UL’s standards development activities are: development of UL Standards of Safety, which incorporate safety requirements for evaluating equipment, materials, components, products, systems, or services and address safety issues related to fire, electric shock, personal injury, and, in certain cases, environmental and public health. UL is accredited by the American National Standards Institute to develop National Standards. Dorothy B. Fountain, Deputy Director of Operations, Antitrust Division. [FR Doc. 05–5889 Filed 3–24–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410–11–M DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration Workforce Investment Act—Small Grassroots Organizations Connecting With the One-Stop Delivery System Announcement Type: New—Notice of Solicitation for Grant Application. Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/ DFA PY–04–03. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFDA Number: 17.257. Key Dates: Deadline for Application Receipt—April 28, 2005. SUMMARY: The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announces the availability of $1,000,000 to award grants to eligible ‘‘grassroots’’ organizations with the ability to connect to the local One-Stop delivery system. The term ‘‘grassroots’’ is defined under the Eligibility Criteria. DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is April 28, 2005. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). Application and submission information is explained in detail in Section IV of this SGA. Authorities: These grants are made under the following authorities: • Wagner Peyser Act, 29 U.S.C. 49 et seq. • The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, U.S.C. 2801 et seq. PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15353 • Workforce Investment Act Regulation codified at (20 CFR pts. 660– 671) • Exe. Order No. 13198, Agency responsibilities with respect to FaithBased and Community Initiatives, 66 FR 8497 (Jan. 31, 2001) • Training and Employment Guidance Letter 17–01, Incorporating and Utilizing Grassroots, CommunityBased Organizations Including FaithBased Organizations in Workforce Investment Activities and Programs (2002) • Exec. Order No. 13279, Equal Protection of the Laws for Faith-Based and Community Organizations, 67 FR 77141 (Dec. 16, 2002) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation consists of eight parts: • Part I describes an overview of the funding opportunity • Part II describes the size and nature of the award. • Part III describes who qualifies as eligible applicants. • Part IV provides information on the application and submission process. • Part V explains the review process and rating criteria that will be used to evaluate applications for funding. • Part VI provides award administration information. • Part VII contains DOL agency contact information. • Part VIII lists additional resources of interest to applicants. I. Funding Opportunity Description 1. Overview of the WIA The WIA established a comprehensive reform of existing Federal job training programs with amendments impacting service delivery under the WagnerPeyser Act, 29 U.S.C. 49 et seq. (1998), Adult Education and Literacy Act, 29 U.S.C. 9201 (1998), and the Rehabilitation Act., 29 U.S.C. 701 (1998). A number of other Federal programs are also identified as required partners in the One-Stop delivery system to provide comprehensive services for all Americans to access the information and resources available to help achieve their career goals. The intention of the One-Stop delivery system is to establish a network of programs and providers in co-located and integrated settings that are accessible for individuals and businesses alike in approximately 600 workforce investment areas established throughout the nation. There are currently over 1,900 comprehensive One Stop Centers and over 1,600 affiliated One Stop Centers across the United States. The WIA established E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 15354 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices state and local Workforce Investment Boards focused on strategic planning, policy development, and oversight of the workforce investment system, and accorded significant authority to the nation’s Governors and local chief elected officials to further implement innovative and comprehensive delivery systems. The vision, goals and objectives for workforce development under the WIA decentralized system are fully described in the state strategic plan required under Section 112 of the statute. This state strategic workforce investment plan—and the operational experience gained by all the partners to date in implementing the WIAinstituted reforms—help identify the important ‘‘unmet needs’’ and latent opportunities to expand access to OneStop delivery systems by all the population segments within the local labor market. 2. Administration Strategy Engagement of Faith-Based and Community Organizations Under the Workforce Investment Act. On January 29, 2001, President George W. Bush issued Executive Order 13198, creating the Office for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in the White House and centers for faith-based and community initiatives (CFBCI) in the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Education (ED), Justice (DOJ). President Bush charged the departmental centers with identifying statutory, regulatory, and bureaucratic barriers that stand in the way of effective faith-based and community initiatives, and to ensure, consistent with the law, that these organizations have equal opportunity to compete for federal funding and other support. In early 2002, the CFBCI and ETA developed and issued SGAs to engage intermediary and grassroots organizations in our workforce systembuilding. These SGAs were designed to involve faith-based and communitybased organizations in service delivery and to strengthen their existing partnership with the local One-Stop delivery system, while providing additional points of entry for customers into that system. These 2002 grants embodied the Department’s principal strategy for implementing the Executive Order by creating new avenues through which qualified organizations could participate more fully under the WIA, while applying their particular strengths and assets in providing services to our customers. These solicitations also proceeded from an ETA–CFBCI mutual VerDate jul<14>2003 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 premise that the involvement of community-based organizations and faith-based organizations can both complement and supplement the efforts of local workforce investment systems in being accessible to, and serving the training, job and career-support needs of, many of our citizens. Both ETA and CFBCI are committed to bringing new grassroots organizations to workforce system-building through the issuance of a new solicitation in 2005. This new solicitation draws on ‘‘lessons learned’’ in 2002, 2003 and 2004 while introducing several ‘‘promising practices’’ introduced by other ETA grantees. The new solicitation also places significant emphasis on performance outcomes—documenting and quantifying the additional value the grassroots organization brings to the One-Stop delivery system in the community. Through this competition, ETA seeks to ensure that an important WIA tenet— universal access to the programs and services offered under WIA—is further rooted in the customer-responsive delivery systems already established by the Governors, local elected officials and local Workforce Investment Boards. ETA also reaffirms its continuing commitment to those customer-focused reforms instituted by state and local governments, which help Americans access the tools they need to manage their careers through information and high quality services, and to help U.S. companies find skilled workers. Faith-based and community-based organizations present strong credentials for full partnership in our mutual system-building endeavors. Faith-based and community-based organizations are trusted institutions within our poorest neighborhoods. Faith-based and community-based organizations are home to a large number of volunteers who bring not only the transformational power of personal relationships to the provision of social service but also a sustained allegiance to the well-being and self-sufficiency of the participants they serve. Through their daily work and specific programs, these organizations strive to achieve some common purposes shared with government—reduction of welfare dependency, attainment of occupational skills, entry and retention of all our citizens in good-paying jobs. Through this solicitation, ETA and CFBCI strive to leverage these programs, resources and committed staff into the workforce investment strategies already embodied in state and local strategic plans. PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 3. Project Objectives The selected grantees will be expected to achieve the following objectives: • Help individuals enter employment with career opportunities or increase skills and education, both through (i) providing services such as education, pre- and post-job placement mentoring, life skills training, employability skills training, job coaching, and (ii) utilizing the services of the One-Stop Career Center. • Expand the access of faith-based and community-based organizations’ clients and customers to the training, job and career services offered by the local One-Stop Career Centers; • Effectively maximize the dollars invested by leveraging volunteer and inkind donations; • Thoroughly document the impact and outcomes of these grant investments through quarterly and annual reporting; and • Establish methods and mechanisms to ensure sustainability of these partnerships and participation levels beyond the life of the grant. II. Award Information 1. Funding Availability and Period of Performance ETA has identified $1,000,000 from the FY 2005 appropriation for OneStop/America’s Labor Market Information System. The agency expects to award approximately 40–50 grants. The grant amount for each grassroots organization is expected to range between $20,000 and $25,000. The period of performance will be 12 months from the date of execution by the Department. 2. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates Announcement of this award is expected to occur by June 30, 2005. III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants For purposes of this announcement, eligible grassroots organizations must be non-profit organizations which: • Have social services as a major part of their mission; • Are headquartered in the local community to which they provide these services; • (a) Have a social services budget of $350,000 or less, or (b) Have 6 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. Neutral, non-religious criteria that neither favor nor disfavor religion will be employed in the Department’s selection of grant recipients and must be employed by grantee recipients in the selection of sub-recipients. E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices The government is prohibited from providing direct financial assistance for inherently religious activity.* Therefore, as a general rule, awards may not be used for religious instruction, worship, prayer, proselytizing or other inherently religious activities, and participation in such activities must be voluntary. (If, however, an organization receives financial assistance as a result of the choice of a beneficiary, such as through a voucher, the organization may integrate religion throughout its program). *In this context, the term financial assistance that is provided directly by a government entity or an intermediate organization, as opposed to financial assistance that an organization receives as the result of the genuine and independent private choice of a beneficiary. In other contexts, the term ‘‘direct’’ financial assistance may be used to refer to financial assistance that an organization receives directly from the Federal government (also known as ‘‘discretionary’’ assistance), as opposed to assistance that it receives from a state or local government (also known as ‘‘indirect’’ or ‘‘block’’ grant assistance). The term ‘‘direct’’ has the former meaning throughout this SGA. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching 3. Other Eligibility Requirements Veterans Priority: In addition, this program is subject to the provisions of the Jobs for Veterans Act, Pub. L. 107– 288, which provides priority of services to veterans and in some cases their spouses in all DOL funded job training programs. Please note that, to obtain priority of service, a veteran or spouse must meet the program’s eligibility requirements. The directive providing policy guidance on veterans’ priority is available at https://www.doleta.gov/ programs/VETs/. IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Address To Request Application Package This SGA contains all of the information and forms needed to apply for grant funding. 2. Content & Form of Application Submission Applicants must submit one signed original and three copies of their proposal. The Statement of Work must be limited to five (5) pages. The only attachments permitted will be agreements with, or letters of support from, local Workforce Investment 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 Required Contents There are three required sections: • Section I—Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form SF–424) • Section II—Budget Information (Standard Form SF–424A) • Section III—Technical Proposal— Statement of Work Section I—Application for Federal Assistance SF–424 Form SF–424 is included in the announcement as Appendix A. (also available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/ omb/grants/sf424.pdf). It must be signed by a representative authorized by the governing body of the applicant to enter into grant agreement. All applications are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number recorded in item #5 of SF–424 (Rev. 9–2003). To obtain a DUNS number, access www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1– 866–705–5711. Section II—Budget Information (SF– 424A) This solicitation does not require grantees to share costs or provide matching funds. VerDate jul<14>2003 Boards and/or local One-Stop operators. The application must be double-spaced, and on single-sided, numbered pages. A font size of at least twelve (12) pitch is required with one-inch margins (top, bottom and sides.) The budget information form SF– 424A, is included in the announcement as Appendix B (also available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/ sf424a.pdf). The applicant must provide a concise narrative explanation to support its budget request. Section III—Technical Proposal (Statement-of-Work) (not to exceed 5 typed, double space pages) The Statement of Work sets forth a strategic plan for the use of awarded funds and establishes measurable goals for increasing organizational participation in the One-Stop delivery system to serve more fully the clientele and members of community-based and faith-based organizations. 3. Submission Dates and Times The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is April 28, 2005. Applications must be received at the address below no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). 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. PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15355 Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal Assistance, Attention: Marsha G. Daniels, Reference SGA/DFA PY04–03, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N–4438, Washington, DC 20210. Applicants are advised that mail delivery in the Washington area may be delayed due to mail decontamination procedures. Hand delivered proposals will be received at the above address. All overnight mail will be considered to be hand-delivered and must be received at the designated place by the specified closing date. Applicants may apply online at https://www.grants.gov. Any application received after the deadline will not be accepted. For applicants submitting electronic applications via Grants.gov, it is strongly recommended that you immediately initiate and complete the ‘‘Get Started’’ steps to register with Grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/ GetStarted. These steps will probably take multiple days to complete which should be factored in to your plans for electronic application submission in order to avoid facing unexpected delays that could result in the rejection of your application. Late Applications: 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 and it (a) was sent by U.S. Postal Service registered or certified mail not later than 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 U.S. Postal Service Express Mail or Online to addressee not later than 5 p.m. at the place of mailing or electronic submission one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of applications. It is highly recommended that online submissions be completed one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of applications to ensure that the applicant still has the option to submit by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail in the event of any electronic submission problems. ‘‘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 E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 15356 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices both the receipt and the package. Failure to adhere to the above instructions will be a basis for a determination of nonresponsiveness. 4. Funding Restrictions 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. Administrative Costs: The primary use of the grant funds should be used to support the actual project. Therefore, applicants receiving grant funds under this solicitation may not use more than 10 percent of the amount of the grant for administrative costs associated with the project. Administrative costs are defined at 20 CFR 667.220. Other Submission Requirements 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 1. Evaluation Criteria This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be used to evaluate grant proposals from Small Grassroots Organizations. Below are the required elements of the Statement of Work and the rating criteria that reviewers will use to evaluate the proposal. A. Organizational History and Description of Community Need (15 points) • Describe the structure of the applicant’s organization. Describe the history of the organization in meeting community needs, and include a brief listing of services provided. • Describe the overall community need. What services will your organization provide to address a need that the One-Stop Career Center is not fully addressing? (This description must include coverage of population(s) to be served and the services to be provided. Populations can include such groups as: ex-offenders, immigrants, limited English-speakers, veterans, victims of violent crime, homeless persons, and individuals with disabilities. Services can include, but are not limited to such VerDate jul<14>2003 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 activities as: education, pre and post job placement mentoring, life skills training, employability skills training, and job coaching. Other populations and services can be identified.) Scoring of this criterion will be based on the following. 1. Does the description reflect a clear understanding of a community need? (15 points) B. Description of Partnerships and Linkages (20 points) • Please describe your plans to work as a partner with the One-Stop delivery system to help the target population you described above, enter and succeed in the workforce. If you have not previously worked with a One-Stop Career Center, please describe actions you have taken to develop a relationship with a One-Stop Career Center. If you have worked with a One-Stop Career Center in the past, please describe what actions you have taken to further develop your relationship. Please attach agreements with, or letters of support from, local Workforce Investment Boards and/or local One-Stop operators with whom you are working, or with whom you have developed a relationship, as you have designed this proposal. • Please describe the relationships you have with other non-profit organizations that provide similar or complementary services. Please explain how you will leverage pre-existing relationships and partnerships to help achieve your goals for the populations you will serve and how you will avoid duplication of existing services. If you do not have relationships with other non-profit organizations, please explain the reason and how you plan to develop new relationships. Scoring of this criterion will be based on the following. 1. Does the narrative describe an approach and process by which the applicant will successfully partner with the One-Stop delivery system to address the unmet need? (6 points) 2. Does the applicant present evidence of discussions with the OneStop delivery system (e.g., a signed letter from the Local Workforce Investment Board or other One-Stop delivery system principals)? (5 points) 3. Does the applicant’s history of collaboration with other non-profit organizations in the community support the conclusion that these grant activities will be successful? (4 points) 4. Does the applicant show that it will take the appropriate steps to develop relationships with other local non-profit organizations delivering services to similar populations. (5 points) PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 C. Presentation of Strategic Plan, Goals, and Timeline (50 points) • The applicant must describe the methodology for providing services, including any educational or training curriculum or other tools to be used. Describe the staff/volunteer positions that will be providing services under this grant. • The applicant must present a timeline of major, measurable tasks and activities to be undertaken. The timeline must include how many people will receive services and/or participate and complete classes detailed in the training curriculum. • The applicant must also describe the measurable outcomes that the program participants will achieve over the life of this grant. Measurable outcomes must include how many participants will enter employment over the grant period and how many of those individuals will stay employed through the end of the grant period (retention). Outcomes also include measures such as how many participants will increase numeracy or literacy or enter an educational or training program or the average increase of wages for program participants. The Department understands that these outcomes will be achieved by bringing together the resources of the workforce system as well as the grantee. Scoring of this criterion will be based on the following. 1. Do the activities and tasks presented on the timeline appear to be achievable with the likelihood of project success given available resources? (20 points) 2. Does the applicant provide tangible outcome measures and goals that allow both the applicant and DOL to gauge the impact of the activities on meeting the community need? (15 points) 3. Do these goals include tracking employment outcomes and retention outcomes for those served? (15 points) D. Description of Measurements of Success (15 points) • Describe what mechanisms you will develop, in partnership with the OneStop delivery system, to track your success in achieving promised goals and outcomes. • Describe any other methods you will use for evaluating your project’s success. Scoring of this criterion will be based on the following. 1. Does the applicant reflect an understanding of what it would need to do in order to track progress and success? (15 points) E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices 2. Review and Selection Process A technical review panel will make a careful evaluation of applications against the rating criteria. The review panel recommendations are advisory. The ETA grant officer will fully consider the panel recommendations and take into account geographic balance to ensure the most advantageous award of these funds to accomplish the system-building purposes outlined in the Solicitation. The grant officer may consider any information that comes to his or her attention. The grant officer reserves the right to award without negotiation. The criteria in Part V, Section 1 will serve as the basis upon which submitted applications will be evaluated. that engage in lobbying activities will not be eligible for the receipt of Federal funds and grants. VI. Award Administration Information 3. Reporting Requirements 1. Award Notices Award notifications will be posted on the ETA homepage at https:// www.doleta.gov. The grantee is required to provide the reports and documents listed below: Quarterly Financial Reports. A Quarterly Financial Status Report (Form SF–269) is required until such time as all funds have been expended or the period of availability has expired. Quarterly reports are due 30 days after the end of each calendar year quarter. The grantee must use ETA’s On-line Electronic Reporting System to submit the quarterly reports. Narrative Progress Reports. The grantee must submit a quarterly financial and narrative progress report to the Federal Project Officer within 30 days following each quarter. Copies are to be submitted electronically providing a detailed account of activities undertaken during that quarter. Reports must include the following information for the grassroots grantees. • The number of participants served per quarter (new and active), noting the specific services the grantee is providing in this project. • The number of One-Stop Career Center clients referred to the grantee. • Number of grantee participants referred to the One-Stop. • The total number of volunteer hours committed to the grant program. • Number of participants placed in post-secondary education or advanced training. • Number of participants placed in a job. • Average hourly wages at the time of job placement. • Of the participants placed in a job since the beginning of the grant, how many were continuously employed for 6 months. • Of the participants placed in a job since the beginning of the grant, how many were re-employed in the last 6 months. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Administrative Program Requirements. All grantees, including faith-based organizations will be subject to all applicable Federal laws (including provisions in appropriations law), regulations, and the applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars. The applicants selected under the SGA will be subject to the following administrative standards and provisions, if applicable. a. Workforce Investment Boards—20 CFR Part 667.220 (Administrative Costs). b. Non-Profit Organizations—Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars A–122 (Cost Principles) and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements). c. Educational Institutions—OMB Circulars A–21 (Cost Principles) and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements). d. State and Local Governments— OMB Circulars A–87 (Cost Principles) and 29 CFR Part 97 (Administrative Requirements). e. Profit Making Commercial Firms— Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)– 48 CFR Part 31 (Cost Principles), and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements). f. All entities must comply with 29 CFR Parts 93 and 98, and, where applicable, 29 CFR Parts 96 and 99. g. In accordance with Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, Public Law 104–65 (2 U.S.C. 1611) nonprofit entities incorporated under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(4) VerDate jul<14>2003 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 Note: Except as specifically provided in this Notice, USDOL–ETA’s acceptance of a proposal and an award of Federal funds to sponsor any programs(s) does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements and/or procedures. For example, the 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 USDOL–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. PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15357 • List other goals submitted with the grant application or additional goals developed for the program. • List demographic information. VII. Agency Contacts Any questions regarding this SGA should be faxed to Marsha G. Daniels, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, fax number (202) 693–2705. (This is not a toll-free number.) You must specifically address your fax to the attention of Marsha G. Daniels and should include SGA/DFA PY 04–03, a contact name, fax and phone number. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marsha G. Daniels, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, on (202) 693–3504. (This is not a toll-free number.) This announcement is also being made available on the USDOL–ETA Web site at https://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm and www.grants.gov. Award notifications will also be announced on this Web page. Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal Assistance, Attention: Marsha G. Daniels, Reference SGA/DFA PY04–03, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N–4438, Washington, DC 20210. Applicants are advised that mail delivery in the Washington area may be delayed due to mail decontamination procedures. Hand delivered proposals will be received at the above address. All overnight mail will be considered to be hand-delivered and must be received at the designated place by the specified closing date. VIII. Other Information DOL maintains a number of webbased resources that may be of assistance to applicants. The webpage for the Department’s Center for FaithBased & Community Initiatives (https:// www.dol.gov/cfbci) is a valuable source of background on this initiative. America’s Service Locator (www.servicelocator.org) provides a directory of our nation’s One-Stop Career Centers. ETA has a webpage (www.doleta.gov/regions), which contains contact information for the state and local Workforce Investment Boards. Applicants are encouraged to review ‘‘Understanding the Department of Labor Solicitation for Grant Applications and How to Write an Effective Proposal’’ (https://www.dol.gov/ cfbci/sgabrochure.htm). For a basic understanding of the grants process and basic responsibilities of receiving Federal grant support, E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 15358 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices please see ‘‘Guidance for Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government (www.fbci.gov). Signed at Washington, DC, this 22nd day of March, 2005. Eric D. Luetkenhaus, Grant Officer, Employment and Training Administration. Appendix B: SF–424A Budget Form Appendix C: OMB Survey N. 1890–0014: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants Appendix A: SF–424 Application for Federal Assistance VerDate jul<14>2003 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 VerDate jul<14>2003 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 15359 EN25MR05.106</GPH> Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices VerDate jul<14>2003 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 EN25MR05.107</GPH> 15360 VerDate jul<14>2003 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 15361 EN25MR05.108</GPH> Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices VerDate jul<14>2003 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 EN25MR05.109</GPH> 15362 VerDate jul<14>2003 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 15363 EN25MR05.110</GPH> Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices VerDate jul<14>2003 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 EN25MR05.111</GPH> 15364 VerDate jul<14>2003 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 15365 EN25MR05.112</GPH> Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices VerDate jul<14>2003 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 EN25MR05.113</GPH> 15366 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 57 / Friday, March 25, 2005 / Notices [FR Doc. 05–5907 Filed 3–24–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–30–P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment Standards Administration Wage and Hour Division Minimum Wages for Federal and Federally Assisted Construction; General Wage Determination Decisions General wage determination decisions of the Secretary of Labor are issued in accordance with applicable law and are based on the information obtained by the Department of Labor from its study of local wage conditions and data made available from other sources. They specify the basic hourly wage rates and fringe benefits which are determined to be prevailing for the described classes of laborers and mechanics employed on construction projects of a similar character and in the localities specified therein. The determinations in these decisions of prevailing rates and fringe benefits have been made in accordance with 29 CFR part 1, by authority of the Secretary of Labor pursuant to the provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act of March 3, 1931, as amended (46 Stat. 1494, as amended, 40 U.S.C. 276a) and of other Federal statutes referred to in 29 CFR part 1, Appendix, as well as such additional statutes as may from time to time be enacted containing provisions for the payment of wages determined to be prevailing by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. The prevailing rates and fringe benefits determined in these decisions shall, in accordance with the provisions of the foregoing statutes, constitute the minimum wages payable on Federal and federally assisted construction projects to laborers and mechanics of the specified classes engaged on contract work of the character and in the localities described therein. Good cause is hereby found for not utilizing notice and public comment procedure thereon prior to the issuance of these determinations as prescribed in 5 U.S.C. 553 and not providing for delay in the effective date as prescribed in that section, because the necessity to issue current construction industry wage determinations frequently and in large volume causes procedures to be impractical and contrary to the public interest. General wage determination decisions, and modifications and supersedeas decisions thereto, contain no expiration dates and are effective from the date of notice in the ‘‘Federal Register’’, or on the date written notice VerDate jul<14>2003 16:11 Mar 24, 2005 Jkt 205001 is received by the agency, whichever is earlier. These decisions are to be used in accordance with the provisions of 29 CFR parts 1 and 5. Accordingly, the applicable decision, together with any modifications issued, must be made a part of every contract for performance of the described work within the geographic area indicated as required by an applicable Federal prevailing wage law and 29 CFR part 5. The wage rates and fringe benefits, notice of which is published herein, and which are contained in the Government Printing Office (GPO) document entitled ‘‘General Wage Determinations Issued Under The Davis-Bacon And Related Acts,’’ shall be the minimum paid by contractors and subcontractors to laborers and mechanics. Any person, organization, or governmental agency having an interest in the rates determined as prevailing is encouraged to submit wage rate and fringe benefit information for consideration by the Department. Further information and selfexplanatory forms for the purpose of submitting this data may be obtained by writing to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, Division of Wage Determinations, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room S–3014, Washington, DC 20210. Modification to General Wage Determination Decisions The number of decisions listed to the Government Printing Office document entitled ‘‘General Wage Determinations Issued Under the Davis-Bacon and related Acts’’ being modified are listed by Volume and State. Dates of publication in the Federal Register are in parentheses following the decision being modified. Volume I None Volume II None Volume III None Volume IV Illinois IL20030018 (Jun. 13, 2003) Michigan MI20030001 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030002 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030003 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030004 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030005 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030007 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030008 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030010 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030011 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030012 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030013 (Jun. 13, 2003) PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15367 MI20030015 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030016 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030017 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030019 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030020 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030021 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030023 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030026 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030027 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030030 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030031 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030034 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030035 (Jun. 13, 2003) MI20030040 (Jun. 13, 2003) Volume V Kansas KS20030001 (Jun. 13, 2003) Volume VI Washington WA20030001 (Jun. 13, 2003) WA20030002 (Jun. 13, 2003) WA20030005 (Jun. 13, 2003) WA20030006 (Jun. 13, 2003) WA20030008 (Jun. 13, 2003) WA20030010 (Jun. 13, 2003) WA20030023 (Jun. 13, 2003) Volume VII Nevada NV20030001 (Jun. 13, 2003) NV20030009 (Jun. 13, 2003) General Wage Determination Publication General wage determinations issued under the Davis-Bacon and related Acts, including those noted above, may be found in the Government Printing Office (GPO) document entitled ‘‘General Wage Determinations Issued Under The DavisBacon And Related Acts’’. This publication is available at each of the 50 Regional Government Depository Libraries and many of the 1,400 Government Depository Libraries across the country. General wage determinations issued under the Davis-Bacon and related Acts are available electronically at no cost on the Government Printing Office site at https://www.access.gpo.gov/davis-bacon. They are also available electronically by subscription to the Davis-Bacon Online Service (https:// davisbacon.fedworld.gov) of the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce at 1–800–363–2068. This subscription offers value-added features such as electronic delivery of modified wage decisions directly to the user’s desktop, the ability to access prior wage decisions issued during the year, extensive Help desk Support, etc. Hard-copy subscriptions may be purchased from: Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, (202) 512–1800. When ordering hard-copy subscription(s), be sure to specific the E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 57 (Friday, March 25, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15353-15367]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-5907]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


Workforce Investment Act--Small Grassroots Organizations 
Connecting With the One-Stop Delivery System

    Announcement Type: New--Notice of Solicitation for Grant 
Application.
    Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY-04-03.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFDA Number: 17.257.
    Key Dates: Deadline for Application Receipt--April 28, 2005.

SUMMARY: The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. 
Department of Labor (DOL) announces the availability of $1,000,000 to 
award grants to eligible ``grassroots'' organizations with the ability 
to connect to the local One-Stop delivery system. The term 
``grassroots'' is defined under the Eligibility Criteria.

DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is April 28, 2005. Applications must be received no later 
than 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). Application and submission information is 
explained in detail in Section IV of this SGA.
    Authorities: These grants are made under the following authorities:
     Wagner Peyser Act, 29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.
     The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, U.S.C. 2801 et seq.
     Workforce Investment Act Regulation codified at (20 CFR 
pts. 660-671)
     Exe. Order No. 13198, Agency responsibilities with respect 
to Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, 66 FR 8497 (Jan. 31, 2001)
     Training and Employment Guidance Letter 17-01, 
Incorporating and Utilizing Grassroots, Community-Based Organizations 
Including Faith-Based Organizations in Workforce Investment Activities 
and Programs (2002)
     Exec. Order No. 13279, Equal Protection of the Laws for 
Faith-Based and Community Organizations, 67 FR 77141 (Dec. 16, 2002)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    This solicitation consists of eight parts:
     Part I describes an overview of the funding opportunity
     Part II describes the size and nature of the award.
     Part III describes who qualifies as eligible applicants.
     Part IV provides information on the application and 
submission process.
     Part V explains the review process and rating criteria 
that will be used to evaluate applications for funding.
     Part VI provides award administration information.
     Part VII contains DOL agency contact information.
     Part VIII lists additional resources of interest to 
applicants.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

1. Overview of the WIA

    The WIA established a comprehensive reform of existing Federal job 
training programs with amendments impacting service delivery under the 
Wagner-Peyser Act, 29 U.S.C. 49 et seq. (1998), Adult Education and 
Literacy Act, 29 U.S.C. 9201 (1998), and the Rehabilitation Act., 29 
U.S.C. 701 (1998). A number of other Federal programs are also 
identified as required partners in the One-Stop delivery system to 
provide comprehensive services for all Americans to access the 
information and resources available to help achieve their career goals. 
The intention of the One-Stop delivery system is to establish a network 
of programs and providers in co-located and integrated settings that 
are accessible for individuals and businesses alike in approximately 
600 workforce investment areas established throughout the nation. There 
are currently over 1,900 comprehensive One Stop Centers and over 1,600 
affiliated One Stop Centers across the United States. The WIA 
established

[[Page 15354]]

state and local Workforce Investment Boards focused on strategic 
planning, policy development, and oversight of the workforce investment 
system, and accorded significant authority to the nation's Governors 
and local chief elected officials to further implement innovative and 
comprehensive delivery systems. The vision, goals and objectives for 
workforce development under the WIA decentralized system are fully 
described in the state strategic plan required under Section 112 of the 
statute. This state strategic workforce investment plan--and the 
operational experience gained by all the partners to date in 
implementing the WIA-instituted reforms--help identify the important 
``unmet needs'' and latent opportunities to expand access to One-Stop 
delivery systems by all the population segments within the local labor 
market.

2. Administration Strategy

    Engagement of Faith-Based and Community Organizations Under the 
Workforce Investment Act. On January 29, 2001, President George W. Bush 
issued Executive Order 13198, creating the Office for Faith-Based and 
Community Initiatives in the White House and centers for faith-based 
and community initiatives (CFBCI) in the Departments of Labor (DOL), 
Health and Human Services (HHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 
Education (ED), Justice (DOJ). President Bush charged the departmental 
centers with identifying statutory, regulatory, and bureaucratic 
barriers that stand in the way of effective faith-based and community 
initiatives, and to ensure, consistent with the law, that these 
organizations have equal opportunity to compete for federal funding and 
other support.
    In early 2002, the CFBCI and ETA developed and issued SGAs to 
engage intermediary and grassroots organizations in our workforce 
system-building. These SGAs were designed to involve faith-based and 
community-based organizations in service delivery and to strengthen 
their existing partnership with the local One-Stop delivery system, 
while providing additional points of entry for customers into that 
system.
    These 2002 grants embodied the Department's principal strategy for 
implementing the Executive Order by creating new avenues through which 
qualified organizations could participate more fully under the WIA, 
while applying their particular strengths and assets in providing 
services to our customers. These solicitations also proceeded from an 
ETA-CFBCI mutual premise that the involvement of community-based 
organizations and faith-based organizations can both complement and 
supplement the efforts of local workforce investment systems in being 
accessible to, and serving the training, job and career-support needs 
of, many of our citizens. Both ETA and CFBCI are committed to bringing 
new grassroots organizations to workforce system-building through the 
issuance of a new solicitation in 2005. This new solicitation draws on 
``lessons learned'' in 2002, 2003 and 2004 while introducing several 
``promising practices'' introduced by other ETA grantees. The new 
solicitation also places significant emphasis on performance outcomes--
documenting and quantifying the additional value the grassroots 
organization brings to the One-Stop delivery system in the community.
    Through this competition, ETA seeks to ensure that an important WIA 
tenet--universal access to the programs and services offered under 
WIA--is further rooted in the customer-responsive delivery systems 
already established by the Governors, local elected officials and local 
Workforce Investment Boards. ETA also reaffirms its continuing 
commitment to those customer-focused reforms instituted by state and 
local governments, which help Americans access the tools they need to 
manage their careers through information and high quality services, and 
to help U.S. companies find skilled workers.
    Faith-based and community-based organizations present strong 
credentials for full partnership in our mutual system-building 
endeavors. Faith-based and community-based organizations are trusted 
institutions within our poorest neighborhoods. Faith-based and 
community-based organizations are home to a large number of volunteers 
who bring not only the transformational power of personal relationships 
to the provision of social service but also a sustained allegiance to 
the well-being and self-sufficiency of the participants they serve. 
Through their daily work and specific programs, these organizations 
strive to achieve some common purposes shared with government--
reduction of welfare dependency, attainment of occupational skills, 
entry and retention of all our citizens in good-paying jobs. Through 
this solicitation, ETA and CFBCI strive to leverage these programs, 
resources and committed staff into the workforce investment strategies 
already embodied in state and local strategic plans.

3. Project Objectives

    The selected grantees will be expected to achieve the following 
objectives:
     Help individuals enter employment with career 
opportunities or increase skills and education, both through (i) 
providing services such as education, pre- and post-job placement 
mentoring, life skills training, employability skills training, job 
coaching, and (ii) utilizing the services of the One-Stop Career 
Center.
     Expand the access of faith-based and community-based 
organizations' clients and customers to the training, job and career 
services offered by the local One-Stop Career Centers;
     Effectively maximize the dollars invested by leveraging 
volunteer and in-kind donations;
     Thoroughly document the impact and outcomes of these grant 
investments through quarterly and annual reporting; and
     Establish methods and mechanisms to ensure sustainability 
of these partnerships and participation levels beyond the life of the 
grant.

II. Award Information

1. Funding Availability and Period of Performance

    ETA has identified $1,000,000 from the FY 2005 appropriation for 
One-Stop/America's Labor Market Information System. The agency expects 
to award approximately 40-50 grants. The grant amount for each 
grassroots organization is expected to range between $20,000 and 
$25,000. The period of performance will be 12 months from the date of 
execution by the Department.

2. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    Announcement of this award is expected to occur by June 30, 2005.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    For purposes of this announcement, eligible grassroots 
organizations must be non-profit organizations which:
     Have social services as a major part of their mission;
     Are headquartered in the local community to which they 
provide these services;
     (a) Have a social services budget of $350,000 or less, or 
(b) Have 6 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
    Neutral, non-religious criteria that neither favor nor disfavor 
religion will be employed in the Department's selection of grant 
recipients and must be employed by grantee recipients in the selection 
of sub-recipients.

[[Page 15355]]

    The government is prohibited from providing direct financial 
assistance for inherently religious activity.* Therefore, as a general 
rule, awards may not be used for religious instruction, worship, 
prayer, proselytizing or other inherently religious activities, and 
participation in such activities must be voluntary. (If, however, an 
organization receives financial assistance as a result of the choice of 
a beneficiary, such as through a voucher, the organization may 
integrate religion throughout its program).

    *In this context, the term financial assistance that is provided 
directly by a government entity or an intermediate organization, as 
opposed to financial assistance that an organization receives as the 
result of the genuine and independent private choice of a 
beneficiary. In other contexts, the term ``direct'' financial 
assistance may be used to refer to financial assistance that an 
organization receives directly from the Federal government (also 
known as ``discretionary'' assistance), as opposed to assistance 
that it receives from a state or local government (also known as 
``indirect'' or ``block'' grant assistance). The term ``direct'' has 
the former meaning throughout this SGA.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    This solicitation does not require grantees to share costs or 
provide matching funds.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

    Veterans Priority: In addition, this program is subject to the 
provisions of the Jobs for Veterans Act, Pub. L. 107-288, which 
provides priority of services to veterans and in some cases their 
spouses in all DOL funded job training programs. Please note that, to 
obtain priority of service, a veteran or spouse must meet the program's 
eligibility requirements. The directive providing policy guidance on 
veterans' priority is available at https://www.doleta.gov/programs/
VETs/.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

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

2. Content & Form of Application Submission

    Applicants must submit one signed original and three copies of 
their proposal. The Statement of Work must be limited to five (5) 
pages. The only attachments permitted will be agreements with, or 
letters of support from, local Workforce Investment Boards and/or local 
One-Stop operators. The application must be double-spaced, and on 
single-sided, numbered pages. A font size of at least twelve (12) pitch 
is required with one-inch margins (top, bottom and sides.)
Required Contents
    There are three required sections:
     Section I--Application for Federal Assistance (Standard 
Form SF-424)
     Section II--Budget Information (Standard Form SF-424A)
     Section III--Technical Proposal--Statement of Work
Section I--Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
    Form SF-424 is included in the announcement as Appendix A. (also 
available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/sf424.pdf). It must 
be signed by a representative authorized by the governing body of the 
applicant to enter into grant agreement. All applications are required 
to have a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number recorded in item 5 
of SF-424 (Rev. 9-2003). To obtain a DUNS number, access 
www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711.
Section II--Budget Information (SF-424A)
    The budget information form SF-424A, is included in the 
announcement as Appendix B (also available at https://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/sf424a.pdf).
    The applicant must provide a concise narrative explanation to 
support its budget request.
Section III--Technical Proposal (Statement-of-Work)
(not to exceed 5 typed, double space pages)
    The Statement of Work sets forth a strategic plan for the use of 
awarded funds and establishes measurable goals for increasing 
organizational participation in the One-Stop delivery system to serve 
more fully the clientele and members of community-based and faith-based 
organizations.
3. Submission Dates and Times
    The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is April 28, 2005. Applications must be received at the 
address below no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). 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. Mailed applications must be 
addressed to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration, Division of Federal Assistance, Attention: Marsha G. 
Daniels, Reference SGA/DFA PY04-03, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room 
N-4438, Washington, DC 20210. Applicants are advised that mail delivery 
in the Washington area may be delayed due to mail decontamination 
procedures. Hand delivered proposals will be received at the above 
address. All overnight mail will be considered to be hand-delivered and 
must be received at the designated place by the specified closing date.
    Applicants may apply online at https://www.grants.gov. Any 
application received after the deadline will not be accepted. For 
applicants submitting electronic applications via Grants.gov, it is 
strongly recommended that you immediately initiate and complete the 
``Get Started'' steps to register with Grants.gov at https://
www.grants.gov/GetStarted. These steps will probably take multiple days 
to complete which should be factored in to your plans for electronic 
application submission in order to avoid facing unexpected delays that 
could result in the rejection of your application.
    Late Applications: 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 
and it (a) was sent by U.S. Postal Service registered or certified mail 
not later than 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 U.S. Postal Service Express Mail or Online to 
addressee not later than 5 p.m. at the place of mailing or electronic 
submission one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of 
applications. It is highly recommended that online submissions be 
completed one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of 
applications to ensure that the applicant still has the option to 
submit by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail in the event of any 
electronic submission problems. ``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

[[Page 15356]]

both the receipt and the package. Failure to adhere to the above 
instructions will be a basis for a determination of nonresponsiveness.

4. Funding Restrictions

    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.
    Administrative Costs: The primary use of the grant funds should be 
used to support the actual project. Therefore, applicants receiving 
grant funds under this solicitation may not use more than 10 percent of 
the amount of the grant for administrative costs associated with the 
project. Administrative costs are defined at 20 CFR 667.220.
Other Submission Requirements
    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

1. Evaluation Criteria

    This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be 
used to evaluate grant proposals from Small Grassroots Organizations. 
Below are the required elements of the Statement of Work and the rating 
criteria that reviewers will use to evaluate the proposal.
A. Organizational History and Description of Community Need (15 points)
     Describe the structure of the applicant's organization. 
Describe the history of the organization in meeting community needs, 
and include a brief listing of services provided.
     Describe the overall community need. What services will 
your organization provide to address a need that the One-Stop Career 
Center is not fully addressing? (This description must include coverage 
of population(s) to be served and the services to be provided. 
Populations can include such groups as: ex-offenders, immigrants, 
limited English-speakers, veterans, victims of violent crime, homeless 
persons, and individuals with disabilities. Services can include, but 
are not limited to such activities as: education, pre and post job 
placement mentoring, life skills training, employability skills 
training, and job coaching. Other populations and services can be 
identified.)
    Scoring of this criterion will be based on the following.
    1. Does the description reflect a clear understanding of a 
community need? (15 points)
B. Description of Partnerships and Linkages (20 points)
     Please describe your plans to work as a partner with the 
One-Stop delivery system to help the target population you described 
above, enter and succeed in the workforce. If you have not previously 
worked with a One-Stop Career Center, please describe actions you have 
taken to develop a relationship with a One-Stop Career Center. If you 
have worked with a One-Stop Career Center in the past, please describe 
what actions you have taken to further develop your relationship. 
Please attach agreements with, or letters of support from, local 
Workforce Investment Boards and/or local One-Stop operators with whom 
you are working, or with whom you have developed a relationship, as you 
have designed this proposal.
     Please describe the relationships you have with other non-
profit organizations that provide similar or complementary services. 
Please explain how you will leverage pre-existing relationships and 
partnerships to help achieve your goals for the populations you will 
serve and how you will avoid duplication of existing services. If you 
do not have relationships with other non-profit organizations, please 
explain the reason and how you plan to develop new relationships.
    Scoring of this criterion will be based on the following.
    1. Does the narrative describe an approach and process by which the 
applicant will successfully partner with the One-Stop delivery system 
to address the unmet need? (6 points)
    2. Does the applicant present evidence of discussions with the One-
Stop delivery system (e.g., a signed letter from the Local Workforce 
Investment Board or other One-Stop delivery system principals)? (5 
points)
    3. Does the applicant's history of collaboration with other non-
profit organizations in the community support the conclusion that these 
grant activities will be successful? (4 points)
    4. Does the applicant show that it will take the appropriate steps 
to develop relationships with other local non-profit organizations 
delivering services to similar populations. (5 points)
C. Presentation of Strategic Plan, Goals, and Timeline (50 points)
     The applicant must describe the methodology for providing 
services, including any educational or training curriculum or other 
tools to be used. Describe the staff/volunteer positions that will be 
providing services under this grant.
     The applicant must present a timeline of major, measurable 
tasks and activities to be undertaken. The timeline must include how 
many people will receive services and/or participate and complete 
classes detailed in the training curriculum.
     The applicant must also describe the measurable outcomes 
that the program participants will achieve over the life of this grant. 
Measurable outcomes must include how many participants will enter 
employment over the grant period and how many of those individuals will 
stay employed through the end of the grant period (retention). Outcomes 
also include measures such as how many participants will increase 
numeracy or literacy or enter an educational or training program or the 
average increase of wages for program participants. The Department 
understands that these outcomes will be achieved by bringing together 
the resources of the workforce system as well as the grantee.
    Scoring of this criterion will be based on the following.
    1. Do the activities and tasks presented on the timeline appear to 
be achievable with the likelihood of project success given available 
resources? (20 points)
    2. Does the applicant provide tangible outcome measures and goals 
that allow both the applicant and DOL to gauge the impact of the 
activities on meeting the community need? (15 points)
    3. Do these goals include tracking employment outcomes and 
retention outcomes for those served? (15 points)
D. Description of Measurements of Success (15 points)
     Describe what mechanisms you will develop, in partnership 
with the One-Stop delivery system, to track your success in achieving 
promised goals and outcomes.
     Describe any other methods you will use for evaluating 
your project's success.
    Scoring of this criterion will be based on the following.
    1. Does the applicant reflect an understanding of what it would 
need to do in order to track progress and success? (15 points)

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2. Review and Selection Process

    A technical review panel will make a careful evaluation of 
applications against the rating criteria. The review panel 
recommendations are advisory. The ETA grant officer will fully consider 
the panel recommendations and take into account geographic balance to 
ensure the most advantageous award of these funds to accomplish the 
system-building purposes outlined in the Solicitation. The grant 
officer may consider any information that comes to his or her 
attention. The grant officer reserves the right to award without 
negotiation. The criteria in Part V, Section 1 will serve as the basis 
upon which submitted applications will be evaluated.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Award notifications will be posted on the ETA homepage at https://
www.doleta.gov.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Administrative Program Requirements. All grantees, including faith-
based organizations will be subject to all applicable Federal laws 
(including provisions in appropriations law), regulations, and the 
applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars. The 
applicants selected under the SGA will be subject to the following 
administrative standards and provisions, if applicable.
    a. Workforce Investment Boards--20 CFR Part 667.220 (Administrative 
Costs).
    b. Non-Profit Organizations--Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
Circulars A-122 (Cost Principles) and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative 
Requirements).
    c. Educational Institutions--OMB Circulars A-21 (Cost Principles) 
and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
    d. State and Local Governments--OMB Circulars A-87 (Cost 
Principles) and 29 CFR Part 97 (Administrative Requirements).
    e. Profit Making Commercial Firms--Federal Acquisition Regulation 
(FAR)-48 CFR Part 31 (Cost Principles), and 29 CFR Part 95 
(Administrative Requirements).
    f. All entities must comply with 29 CFR Parts 93 and 98, and, where 
applicable, 29 CFR Parts 96 and 99.
    g. In accordance with Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 
1995, Public Law 104-65 (2 U.S.C. 1611) non-profit entities 
incorporated under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(4) that engage 
in lobbying activities will not be eligible for the receipt of Federal 
funds and grants.

    Note: Except as specifically provided in this Notice, USDOL-
ETA's acceptance of a proposal and an award of Federal funds to 
sponsor any programs(s) does not provide a waiver of any grant 
requirements and/or procedures. For example, the 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 USDOL-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.

3. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee is required to provide the reports and documents listed 
below:
    Quarterly Financial Reports. A Quarterly Financial Status Report 
(Form SF-269) is required until such time as all funds have been 
expended or the period of availability has expired. Quarterly reports 
are due 30 days after the end of each calendar year quarter. The 
grantee must use ETA's On-line Electronic Reporting System to submit 
the quarterly reports.
    Narrative Progress Reports. The grantee must submit a quarterly 
financial and narrative progress report to the Federal Project Officer 
within 30 days following each quarter. Copies are to be submitted 
electronically providing a detailed account of activities undertaken 
during that quarter. Reports must include the following information for 
the grassroots grantees.
     The number of participants served per quarter (new and 
active), noting the specific services the grantee is providing in this 
project.
     The number of One-Stop Career Center clients referred to 
the grantee.
     Number of grantee participants referred to the One-Stop.
     The total number of volunteer hours committed to the grant 
program.
     Number of participants placed in post-secondary education 
or advanced training.
     Number of participants placed in a job.
     Average hourly wages at the time of job placement.
     Of the participants placed in a job since the beginning of 
the grant, how many were continuously employed for 6 months.
     Of the participants placed in a job since the beginning of 
the grant, how many were re-employed in the last 6 months.
     List other goals submitted with the grant application or 
additional goals developed for the program.
     List demographic information.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Any questions regarding this SGA should be faxed to Marsha G. 
Daniels, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, 
fax number (202) 693-2705. (This is not a toll-free number.) You must 
specifically address your fax to the attention of Marsha G. Daniels and 
should include SGA/DFA PY 04-03, a contact name, fax and phone number.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marsha G. Daniels, Grants Management 
Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, on (202) 693-3504. (This is 
not a toll-free number.) This announcement is also being made available 
on the USDOL-ETA Web site at https://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm and 
www.grants.gov. Award notifications will also be announced on this Web 
page.
    Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of 
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal 
Assistance, Attention: Marsha G. Daniels, Reference SGA/DFA PY04-03, 
200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-4438, Washington, DC 20210. 
Applicants are advised that mail delivery in the Washington area may be 
delayed due to mail decontamination procedures. Hand delivered 
proposals will be received at the above address. All overnight mail 
will be considered to be hand-delivered and must be received at the 
designated place by the specified closing date.

VIII. Other Information

    DOL maintains a number of web-based resources that may be of 
assistance to applicants. The webpage for the Department's Center for 
Faith-Based & Community Initiatives (https://www.dol.gov/cfbci) is a 
valuable source of background on this initiative. America's Service 
Locator (www.servicelocator.org) provides a directory of our nation's 
One-Stop Career Centers. ETA has a webpage (www.doleta.gov/regions), 
which contains contact information for the state and local Workforce 
Investment Boards. Applicants are encouraged to review ``Understanding 
the Department of Labor Solicitation for Grant Applications and How to 
Write an Effective Proposal'' (https://www.dol.gov/cfbci/
sgabrochure.htm).
    For a basic understanding of the grants process and basic 
responsibilities of receiving Federal grant support,

[[Page 15358]]

please see ``Guidance for Faith-Based and Community Organizations on 
Partnering with the Federal Government (www.fbci.gov).

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 22nd day of March, 2005.
Eric D. Luetkenhaus,
Grant Officer, Employment and Training Administration.

Appendix A: SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance
Appendix B: SF-424A Budget Form
Appendix C: OMB Survey N. 1890-0014: Survey on Ensuring Equal 
Opportunity for Applicants

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[FR Doc. 05-5907 Filed 3-24-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-30-P
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