Disability Case Study Research Consortium on Employer Organizational Practices in Employing People With Disabilities, 27280-27289 [E6-7120]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
• Disability Employment Policy Office

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27280-27289]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-7120]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

 Office of Disability Employment Policy

[SGA 06-01]


Disability Case Study Research Consortium on Employer 
Organizational Practices in Employing People With Disabilities

AGENCY: Office of Disability Employment Policy, DOL.

ACTION: Solicitation for cooperative agreement.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcement Type: New notice of Availability of Funds and 
Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) for Disability Case Study 
Research Consortium on Employer Organizational Practices in Employing 
People with Disabilities.
    Funding Opportunity Number: SGA 06-01.
    Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.720.

Executive Summary

    The U.S. Department of Labor (``DOL'' or ``Department''), Office of 
Disability Employment Policy (``ODEP''), announces the availability of 
up to $500,000 to fund one cooperative agreement for an 18-month period 
of performance. The goal of the cooperative agreement is for a Research 
Consortium to develop a standard design methodology and conduct case 
study research to identify ways in which an organization's structures, 
values, policies and day-to-day practices, facilitate the employment of 
people with disabilities. These case studies will validate and document 
effective policies and strategies within corporations that have had 
success in recruiting, hiring, retaining and promoting people with 
disabilities.
    Researchers have identified a specific need for further study in 
this area, stating that more ``data needs to be collected in actual 
workplace settings to make accurate assessments of the impact of 
corporate culture on employees with disabilities'' (Schur, Kruse, & 
Blanck, 2005, p. 15) and that

    [i]t also would be valuable to compile detailed case studies of 
companies that have made concerted efforts to increase the hiring, 
retention and promotion of employees with disabilities. This would 
allow comparisons to be made of policies in different corporate 
settings, help identify ``what works'' in companies that have been 
successful in employing individuals with disabilities, and 
facilitate the development of ``best practices'' that serve as 
models for other employers. (Schur, Kruse, & Blanck, 2005, p. 15)

    The purpose of this Research Consortium is to conduct this much

[[Page 27281]]

needed research. A critical element of this endeavor is the development 
and application of a standard research design that will be used by the 
Research Consortium members to conduct multiple case studies of 
companies that have been successful in employing people with 
disabilities and assess how these organizations created an atmosphere 
that benefited people with disabilities and the organization as a 
whole. A multi-case analysis will identify strategies utilized by 
successful companies that promote employment of people with 
disabilities, allow comparative analysis across different corporate 
settings, and facilitate the development and dissemination of model 
practices and policy recommendations.
    The information generated will result in individual case studies 
that can serve as models for other employers. The case studies, cross-
case comparative analysis, and topical research briefs will be 
disseminated through employer and industry associations and used in 
academic settings such as business school curriculums and professional 
development courses to educate future business leaders.

DATES: Key Date: Applications must be received by June 9, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to: U.S. 
Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra 
Mitchell, Reference SGA 06-01, Room N5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, 
NW., Washington, DC 20210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice contains all of the necessary 
information and forms needed to apply for the cooperative agreement 
described below. Additional forms can be obtained from the following 
OMB Web site address: https://www.whitehouse.gov/OMB/grants/forms.html.

I. Funding Opportunity Description and Authority

A. Description and Purpose

    ODEP will award one cooperative agreement to a Research Consortium 
that will develop a standard case study research design, and conduct 
case study research to assess how corporate structures, values, 
policies and day-to-day practices facilitate the employment, retention 
and promotion of people with disabilities within the studied 
organization. These case studies will validate and document effective 
policies and strategies within corporations that have had success in 
recruiting, hiring, and retaining people with disabilities.
    This SGA seeks to fill a gap in existing research. Researchers have 
acknowledged the importance of better understanding how an 
organization's values, policies, and practices impact employees with 
disabilities and that it ``would be valuable to compile detailed case 
studies of companies that have made concerted efforts to increase the 
hiring, retention and promotion of employees with disabilities.'' 
(Schur, Kruse, & Blanck, 2005, p. 15)
    A critical aspect of this project is the development and 
application of a standard research design that will be used by the 
Research Consortium members to conduct multiple case studies of 
companies that have been successful in employing people with 
disabilities and assess how these organizations created an atmosphere 
that benefited people with disabilities and the organization as a 
whole. Each Research Consortium member will be responsible for 
conducting at least one company case study. The information generated 
will result in individual case studies that can serve as models for 
other employers. The lead entity in the Research Consortium will be 
responsible for conducting a cross-case analysis to identify strategies 
utilized by successful companies that promote employment of people with 
disabilities, allow comparative analysis across different corporate 
settings, and facilitate the development and dissemination of model 
practices and policy recommendations.
    The lead entity will coordinate a product development and 
dissemination plan to produce reports for the individual case studies, 
a cross-case analysis report, and a series of topical research briefs 
that will be disseminated to employer and industry associations and 
used in academic settings such as business school curriculums and 
professional development courses to educate future business leaders.

B. Background

    The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) provides national 
leadership by developing and influencing disability-related employment 
policies and practices. A five-year strategic plan guides ODEP in 
achieving its mission by identifying long-term strategic and outcome 
goals as well as shorter-term intermediate and performance goals. In 
addition to measuring agency performance, as required by the Government 
Performance and Results Act (GPRA), the strategic plan sets forth a 
road map for prioritizing the formulation and dissemination of 
innovative employment policies and practices to service delivery 
systems and employers.
    ODEP's annual goal is to build knowledge and advance disability 
employment policy that affects and promotes systems change. The 
agency's long- and short-term goals focus efforts on initiatives that 
bring about this level of change. In short, ODEP develops policies and 
strategies that will:
     Enhance the capacity of service delivery systems to 
provide appropriate and effective services and supports to youth and 
adults with disabilities;
     Increase planning and coordination within service delivery 
systems to develop and improve systems, processes, and services;
     Improve individualization of services to better assist 
youth and adults with disabilities in seeking, obtaining, and retaining 
employment or self-employment;
     Increase employer access to supports and services to meet 
their employment needs;
     Increase the quality of competency-based training for 
service delivery systems;
     Increase the adoption of universal strategies for service 
provision; and
     Develop partnerships with and among critical stakeholders 
to effectively leverage available resources and facilitate 
implementation of practices and policies that increase employment and 
self-employment opportunities and the recruitment, retention, and 
promotion of youth and adults with disabilities.
    Three measures serve to inform ODEP's annual progress: the number 
of policy-related documents; the number of formal agreements; and the 
number of effective practices. These performance results support 
achievement of the intermediate outcome goals:
     Accessible employment resources;
     Coordinated programs, processes, and services; and
     Adoption of effective practices.
    Achievement of these intermediate outcome goals, in turn, supports 
achievement of the long-term service delivery systems outcome goals, 
which are marked by increases in these areas:
     Capacity of service delivery systems;
     Planning and coordination within service delivery systems; 
and
     Employer access to supports and services for recruitment, 
retention, and promotion.
    According to the 2000 Census, people between the ages of 16 and 64 
were less likely to be employed if they were disabled. The employment 
rate of Americans with disabilities of working age in 2000 was only 
around 56 percent,

[[Page 27282]]

far below the national average. One reason for the lower employment 
rate of people with disabilities is believed to be the negative 
attitudes that still exist among employers, supervisors, and workers 
(Hernandez et al, 2000; Unger, 2002). In fact, surveys of employers 
seem to consistently cite attitudes and stereotypes as major barriers 
to employment for people with disabilities (Dixon, Kruse, & Van Horn, 
2003; Bruy[egrave]re, 2000).
    Research shows that a major contributor to attitudes or atmosphere 
in the workplace is an organization's ``culture.'' Edgar Schein (1992) 
has defined corporate culture as ``a pattern of shared basic 
assumptions that the group learned as it solved its problems of 
external adaptation and internal integration, that has worked well 
enough to be considered valid and, therefore, to be taught to new 
members as the correct way to perceive, think, and feel in relation to 
those problems'' (p.12). Stone and Collela (1996) note that, ``an 
organization's norms and values identify the types of behaviors that 
are appropriate and provide moral justification for organizational 
policies and practices'' (p. 373). The literature on disability 
employment policy has further identified the need to understand the 
``corporate culture'' of companies in order to create employment 
opportunities for people with disabilities (Schur, Kruse & Blanck, 
2005).
    In identifying a specific need for further study in this area, 
researchers have gone on to state that not only is there a need for 
``more data collected in actual workplace settings to determine the 
impact of corporate culture on employees with disabilities,'' (Schur, 
Kruse & Blanck, 2005, p. 15) but that,

    [i]t also would be valuable to compile detailed case studies of 
companies that have made concerted efforts to increase the hiring, 
retention and promotion of employees with disabilities. This would 
allow comparisons to be made of policies in different corporate 
settings, help identify ``what works'' in companies that have been 
successful in employing individuals with disabilities, and 
facilitate the development of ``best practices'' that serve as 
models for other employers. (Schur, Kruse, & Blanck, 2005, p.15)

    The purpose of this Research Consortium proposed by ODEP is to 
conduct this much needed research. A critical element of this endeavor 
is the development and application of a standard research design that 
will be used by the Research Consortium members to conduct multiple 
case studies of companies that have been successful in employing people 
with disabilities and assess how these organizations created an 
atmosphere that benefited people with disabilities and the organization 
as a whole. A multi-case analysis will identify strategies utilized by 
successful companies that promote employment of people with 
disabilities, allow comparative analysis across different corporate 
settings, and facilitate the development and dissemination of model 
practices and policy recommendations.
    Examples of individual companies that have been successful in 
employing people with disabilities can be found in both the business 
and research literature, and within the business community. For 
example, the Secretary of Labor has recognized successful businesses 
through the Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative (NFI) Award. 
Other information sources include the Business Leadership Network, 
Business Advisory Councils, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
    The information generated will result in individual case studies 
that will serve as models for other employers. The case studies, 
comparative analysis, and topical research briefs will be disseminated 
through employer and industry associations and used in academic 
settings such as business school curriculums and professional 
development courses to educate future business leaders.

II. Award Information

    The U.S. Department of Labor (``DOL'' or ``Department''), Office of 
Disability Employment Policy (``ODEP''), announces the availability of 
up to $500,000 to fund one cooperative agreement for an 18-month period 
of performance. The goal of the cooperative agreement is for a Research 
Consortium to develop a standard design and conduct case study research 
assessing the impact of an organization's structures, values, policies 
and day-to-day practices on employees with disabilities, and to 
validate and document model practices within corporations that are 
effective in increasing the recruitment, hiring, retention and 
promotion of people with disabilities.
    This ODEP Cooperative Agreement anticipates substantial involvement 
between ODEP and the awardee during the performance of this project. 
Involvement will include collaboration or participation by ODEP in the 
overall direction of the project throughout the period of the award. 
ODEP will provide expertise and guidance in decisions involving the 
research focus, approaches/methodologies, strategies, allocation of 
resources, staffing, development of public information materials, 
analysis, and dissemination of research findings, including a final 
report.
    Specifically, USDOL involvement will consist of:
     Approval of any sub-contract awarded by the grantee(s);
     Participation in site visits to project areas;
     Providing advice and consultation to the Grantee(s) on 
specific program criteria;
     Providing the Grantee(s) with technical and programmatic 
support, including training in USDOL monitoring and evaluation systems, 
and standard procedures regarding USDOL management of cooperative 
agreements;
     Reviewing, at reasonable times, all documents pertaining 
to the project, including status and technical progress reports, and 
financial reports;
     Discussing administrative and technical issues pertaining 
to the project;
     Approving candidates for all key personnel positions, and 
sub-contractors or sub-recipients;
     Approving all press releases and publicity materials 
regarding the project;
     Drafting terms of reference for, and participating in 
project evaluations; and
     Dissemination of research findings, including a final 
report.


    Note: Selection of an organization as a Grantee does not 
constitute approval of the grant application as submitted. Before 
the actual grant is awarded, USDOL may enter into negotiations about 
such items as program components, staffing and funding levels, and 
administrative systems in place to support grant implementation. If 
the negotiations do not result in a mutually acceptable submission, 
the Grant Officer reserves the right to terminate the negotiation 
and decline to fund the application.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Applications will be accepted from consortia whose members may be 
profit and non-profit organizations that may include but are not 
limited to institutions of higher education, limited liability 
organizations, State and local government entities, and faith-based and 
community organizations. The consortium must have a lead entity and at 
least two (2) additional entities, all of which have demonstrated 
knowledge of and experience in: (a) Designing and conducting 
qualitative research studies, including business case studies, and 
summarizing these findings to both academic and business sectors; (b) 
studying corporate culture from both a

[[Page 27283]]

broad perspective and in terms of its impact on employment of people 
with disabilities; and (c) building relationships or collaborating with 
or gaining access to employers.
    Applications must identify the lead entity for the agreement and 
identify members of the consortium. The named lead entity will have 
daily fiscal and operational responsibility for cooperative agreement 
activities.
    According to Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, an 
organization, as described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986, that engages in lobbying activities will not be eligible 
for the receipt of Federal funds constituting an award, grant, or loan. 
See 2 U.S.C. 1611; 26 U.S.C. 501(c) (4). Funding restrictions apply. 
See Section IV (5).

2. Cost Sharing

    Cost sharing, matching funds, and cost participation are not 
required under this SGA.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

    Legal rules pertaining to inherently religious activities by 
organizations that receive Federal Financial Assistance: Neutral, non-
religious criteria that neither favor nor disfavor religion will be 
employed in the selection of grant recipients and must be employed by 
grantees or in the selection of sub-recipients.
    The government is generally prohibited from providing direct 
financial assistance for inherently religious activities.\1\ These 
grants may not be used for religious instruction, worship, prayer, 
proselytizing or other inherently religious activities. Neutral, non-
religious criteria that neither favor nor disfavor religion must be 
employed in the selection of grant recipients and sub-recipients.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ In this context, the term direct financial assistance means 
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 knows as ``indirect'' or ``block'' grant 
assistance). The term ``direct'' has the former meaning throughout 
this SGA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While these cooperative agreements are not to provide direct 
service, if any component comes to involve veterans, then the following 
shall apply: Activities subject to the provisions of the ``Jobs for 
Veterans Act,'' Public Law 107-288, which provides priority of service 
to veterans and certain of their spouses in all Department of Labor-
funded job training programs. Please note that, to obtain priority of 
service, a veteran must meet that program's eligibility requirements. 
Comprehensive policy guidance is being developed and will be issued in 
the near future.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Addresses To Request Application Package

    This SGA contains all the information and forms needed to apply for 
this grant funding. Application announcements or forms will not be 
mailed. The Federal Register may be obtained from your nearest 
government office or library. In addition, a copy of this notice and 
the application requirements may be downloaded from ODEP's Web site at 
https://www.dol.gov/odep and at https://www.grants.gov. If additional 
copies of the standard forms are needed, they can also be downloaded 
from: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    General Requirements: Applicants must submit one (1) paper copy 
with an original signature in blue ink, and two (2) additional paper 
copies of the signed proposal. To aid with the review of applications, 
DOL also requests applicants to submit an electronic copy of their 
proposal's Sections II (Executive Summary) and III (Project Narrative) 
on disc or Compact Disc (CD) using Microsoft Word. The application (not 
to exceed 50 pages for Section III), must be double-spaced with 
standard one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides) on 8\1/2\ x 11-inch 
paper, and must be presented on single-sided and numbered pages. A font 
size of at least twelve (12) pitch is required throughout. All text in 
the application narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, 
quotations, and captions must be double-spaced (no more than three 
lines per vertical inch); and, if using a proportional computer font, 
must be in at least a 12-point font, and must have an average character 
density no greater than 18 characters per inch (if using a non-
proportional font or a typewriter, must not be more than 12 characters 
per inch). Applications that fail to meet these requirements will be 
considered non-responsive.
Cooperative Agreement Mandatory Application Requirements
    The three required sections of the application are titled below and 
described thereafter:

Section I. Project Financial Plan (Budget)--No page limit
Section II. Executive Summary (Project Synopsis)--Not to exceed two (2) 
pages
Section III. Project Narrative--Not to exceed fifty (50) pages

    The mandatory requirements for each section are set forth below. 
Applications that fail to meet the stated mandatory requirements for 
each section will be considered non-responsive.
    Section I. Project Financial Plan (Budget). The Project Financial 
Plan will not count against the application page limits. Section I of 
the application must include the following three required parts:
    (1) Completed ``SF-424--Application for Federal Assistance.'' 
Please note that, beginning October 1, 2003, all applicants for federal 
grant and funding opportunities are required to include a Dun and 
Bradstreet (DUNS) number with their application. See OMB Notice of 
Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR 38402 (June 27, 2003). The DUNS number is 
a nine-digit identification number that uniquely identifies business 
entities. There is no charge for obtaining a DUNS number (although it 
may take 14-30 days). To obtain a DUNS number, access the following Web 
site: https://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711. Requests 
for exemption from the DUNS number requirement must be made to OMB. The 
Dun and Bradstreet Number of the applicant should be entered in the 
``Applicant Information'' section of block 8(c) of the SF-424. (See 
Appendix A of this SGA for required form)
    (2) Completed SF-424 A--Budget Information Form by line item for 
all costs required to implement the project design effectively. (See 
Appendix B of this SGA for required forms)
    (3) DOL Budget Narrative and Justification that provides sufficient 
information to support the reasonableness of the costs included in the 
budget in relation to the service strategy and planned outcomes, 
including continuous improvement activities.
    The SF-424 must contain the original signatures in blue ink of the 
legal entity applying for Cooperative Agreement funding and two 
additional copies. The individual signing the SF-424 on behalf of the 
applicant must represent and be able to legally bind the responsible 
financial and administrative entity for a Cooperative Agreement should 
that application result in an award. Applicants shall indicate on the 
SF-424 the organization's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) status (e.g., 
501(c)(3) organization), if applicable.

[[Page 27284]]

    The DOL Budget Narrative and Justification must describe all costs 
associated with implementing the project that are to be covered with 
Cooperative Agreement funds. At a minimum, include breakout of all 
personnel costs by position, title, annual salary rates, and percentage 
of time of each position to be devoted to the proposed project 
(including sub-grantees). Explanation and breakout of extraordinary 
fringe benefit rates and associated charges are to be included (i.e., 
rates exceeding 35% of salaries and wages). Explanation of the purpose 
and composition of, and methodology used to derive the costs of each of 
the object class categories identified on the SF 424A are also 
expected. The budget must support the travel and associated costs of 
sending at least one representative to meetings with DOL staff in 
Washington, DC (at least once per quarter) to be held in Washington, 
DC, at a time and place to be determined. In addition to administrative 
requirements identified in Section VI (2) of this SGA, the applicant 
must comply with the ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments'' (also known 
as OMB Circular A-102), codified at 29 CFR Part 97, or ``Grants and 
Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other 
Non-Profit Organizations'' (also known as the ``Common Rule'' or OMB 
Circular A-110), codified at 2 CFR Part 215 and 29 CFR Part 95.
    In addition, the budget submitted for review by DOL must include, 
on a separate page, a detailed cost analysis of each line item. The 
costs listed in the detailed cost analysis must comply with the 
applicable OMB cost principles circulars, as identified in 29 CFR 95.27 
and 29 CFR 97.22(b). Justification for administrative costs must be 
provided. Indirect costs will be capped at 15 percent. Approval of a 
budget by DOL is not the same as the approval of actual costs. The 
applicant must also include the Assurances and Certifications Signature 
Page (Appendix C) and the Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for 
Applicants (Appendix D).
    Section II. Executive Summary (Project Synopsis). The Executive 
Summary may not be more than two single-spaced pages in length giving a 
clear summary of the project. This summary must include the following 
information:
    (1) The applicant's name and qualifications;
    (2) the planned period of performance;
    (3) a list of all consortium members and their qualifications; and
    (4) an overview of how the applicant will carry out the research 
required and present the findings.
    Section III. Project Narrative. Applications must include a Project 
Narrative that addresses the work proposed to be accomplished under the 
cooperative agreement, and the evaluation/selection criteria in Part 
V(1) that will be used by reviewers in evaluating the application.
    Applicants must limit Section III to the equivalent of not more 
than 50 pages using the following standard. This page limit does not 
apply to Section I, the Project Financial Plan (Budget), Section II, 
the Executive Summary and the Appendices (the assurances and 
certifications, resumes, a bibliography or references, and the 
documentation of commitment/formal agreement/letters of support and 
other materials relevant to the application). A page is 8.5'' x 11'' 
(on one side only) with one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). All 
text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, and captions must be double-spaced (no more than 
three lines per vertical inch); and, if using a proportional computer 
font, use no smaller than a 12-point font, and an average character 
density no greater than 18 characters per inch (if using a non-
proportional font or a typewriter, do not use more than 12 characters 
per inch.)
    The successful applicant will be a Research Consortium and will 
describe in their Project Narrative their innovative and comprehensive 
plan for accomplishing the activities described in Part I (A), 
Description and Purpose, above. The applicant must describe their 
procedures and approaches for partnering with employers.
    The Project Narrative must:
    (1) Identify members of the consortium (including the lead entity, 
a minimum of 3 consortium members is required) and provide 
documentation (such as letters of intent and memorandum of agreement 
which will be included in an Appendix) of a formal agreement of 
participation;
    (2) Demonstrate each of the consortium members' experience in 
conducting qualitative analysis in corporate settings;
    (3) Describe a proposed standard design that each member of the 
consortium will use to conduct one or more case studies of individual 
companies and produce a case study report;
    (4) Identify criteria for selection of case studies and describe 
the process for ensuring employer involvement;
    (5) Describe how each consortium member will apply the standard 
design, conduct the case study, and produce a report of its findings;
    (6) Identify how the lead entity will conduct a comprehensive 
cross-case analysis to identify strategies utilized by successful 
companies that promote employment of people with disabilities and how 
the lead entity will produce a comparative analysis report; and
    (7) Identify how the applicant proposes to disseminate research 
findings and products (including but not limited to the individual case 
studies, cross-case comparative analysis, and topical research briefs), 
using accessible formats, to employer and industry associations and to 
educational institutions for use in business school curriculums and 
professional development courses to educate future business leaders.
    Each Project Narrative must include:
    (1) A detailed 18 month management plan for project goals, 
objectives, and activities;
    (2) A detailed 18 month timeline for project activities, including 
producing and submitting a final report;
    (3) A detailed outline for an evaluation of the project (see 
Section VI, part 3 for more information);
    (4) A description of procedures and approaches that will be used to 
provide ongoing communication, collaboration with, and input from 
ODEP's Project Officer on all grant-related activities.
    Proposals are expected to include clearly defined research designs, 
which may include such options as surveys, quasi-experimental studies, 
observational research methodologies and others. To the extent surveys 
are included in the final research design the grantee will be 
responsible for designing those surveys in conjunction with ODEP and 
working with ODEP to develop an OMB clearance package and ensuring 
appropriate clearances. Surveys may be mixed mode (mail, Internet and 
phone) and should be designed to achieve an overall response rate of at 
least 80%. After selection, depending upon the type of questions 
specified and research design proposed, ODEP reserves the right to 
modify the research design, as appropriate. Investigators also will be 
required to develop outcome measures, instruments, and data analysis 
procedures so that study findings are reportable.
    The Project Narrative must describe the proposed staffing for the 
project and must identify and summarize the qualifications of the 
personnel who will carry it out. In addition, the evaluation criteria 
listed in Section V (1) include consideration of the qualifications,

[[Page 27285]]

including relevant education, training and experience of key project 
personnel, as well as the qualifications, including relevant training 
and experience, of project consultants or subcontractors. Resumes must 
be included in the appendices. Key personnel include: Principle 
Investigator, Project Director, Project Coordinator, Project Manager, 
Research analyst, etc. Minimum qualifications should be commensurate 
with the role identified in the application. In addition, the applicant 
must specify in the application, the percentages of time to be 
dedicated by each key person on the project.
    For each staff person named in the application, please provide 
documentation of all internal and external time commitments. In 
instances where a staff person is committed on a Federally supported 
project, please provide the project name, Federal office, program 
title, the project Federal award number, and the amount of committed 
time by each project year. This information (e.g., Staff: Jane Doe; 
Project Name: Succeeding in the General Curriculum; Federal office: 
Office of Special Education Programs; Program title: Field Initiated 
Research; Award number: H324C980624; Time commitments: Year 1-30%; Year 
2-25% and Year 3-40%) can be provided as an Appendix to the 
application.
    In general, ODEP will not reduce time commitments on currently 
funded grants from the time proposed in the original application. 
Therefore, we will not consider for funding any application where key 
staff are bid above a time commitment level that staff have available 
to bid. Further, the time commitments stated in newly submitted 
applications will not be negotiated down to permit the applicant to 
receive a new grant award.
    The Project Narrative should also describe how the applicant plans 
to comply with the employment discrimination and equal employment 
opportunity requirements of the various laws listed in the assurances 
section.

3. Submission Dates, Times, and Addresses

    Applications will be accepted commencing May 10, 2006. The closing 
date for receipt of applications by DOL under this announcement is June 
9, 2006.
    Applications, including those hand-delivered, must be received by 
4:45 p.m. (ET) on the closing date at the address specified below. No 
exceptions to the mailing and hand-delivery conditions set forth in 
this notice will be granted. Applications that do not meet the 
conditions set forth in this notice will be considered non-responsive.
    Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to: U.S. Department 
of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra Mitchell, 
Reference SGA 06-01, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., 
Washington, DC 20210. Applications sent by e-mail or telefacsimile 
(FAX) will not be accepted.
    Hand-Delivered Proposals: It is preferred that applications be 
mailed at least five (5) days prior to the closing date to ensure 
timely receipt. Hand-delivered applications will be considered for 
funding, but must be received by the above specified date and time. 
Overnight express delivery from carriers other than the U.S. Postal 
Service will be considered hand-delivered applications. Failure to 
adhere to the above instructions will serve as a basis for a 
determination of non-responsiveness.
    Applicants are advised that mail in the Washington, DC area may be 
delayed due to mail decontamination procedures and may wish to take 
this information into consideration when preparing to meet the 
application deadline.
    Late Applications: Any application received by the designated 
office after the exact date and time specified will be considered non-
responsive, unless it is received before awards are made and it: (a) Is 
determined that its late receipt was caused by DOL error after timely 
delivery to the Department of Labor; (b) 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 submitted in response to a solicitation requiring receipt 
of applications by the 20th of the month must have been postmarked by 
the 15th of that month); or (c) was sent by the U.S. Postal Service 
Express Mail Next Day Service to addressee not later than 5 p.m. at the 
place of mailing two (2) working days prior to the date specified for 
receipt of applications. The term ``working days'' excludes weekends 
and Federal holidays. ``Postmarked'' 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.
    Withdrawal of Applications: An application that is timely submitted 
may be withdrawn by written notice or telegram (including mailgram) 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.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12371, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''

5. Funding Restrictions

    (a) Funding Levels: The total funding available for this 
solicitation is $500,000. The Department of Labor reserves the right to 
negotiate the amount to be awarded under this competition. Please be 
advised that requests exceeding the maximum stated amount in the 
Executive Summary section of this solicitation will be considered non-
responsive. Additionally, there will be no reimbursement of pre-award 
costs.
    (b) Period of Performance: The period of performance will be for 18 
months from date of the award unless modified. It is expected that the 
successful applicant will begin program operations under this 
solicitation immediately upon receiving the ``Notice of Award.''
    (c) Option Year Funding: Not applicable.
    (d) Indirect Charges: If indirect charges are claimed in the 
proposed budget, the recipient must provide on a separate sheet, the 
following information:
    (1) Name and address of cognizant Federal Audit Agency;
    (2) Name, address and phone number (including area code) of the 
Government auditor;
    (3) Documentation from the cognizant agency indicating:
    (a) Current Indirect cost rate and the base against which the rate 
should be applied;
    (b) Effective period (dates) for the rate; and
    (c) Date last rate was computed and negotiated;
    (4) If no government audit agency computed and authorized the rate 
claimed, a proposed rate with justification may be submitted to provide 
a brief explanation of computation, who computed and the date; 
successful applicants will be required to negotiate an acceptable and 
allowable rate within 90 days of grant award with the appropriate DOL 
Regional Office of Cost Determination or with the applicant's cognizant 
agency for indirect cost rates (See Office of Management and Budget Web 
site at http//www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/

[[Page 27286]]

attach.html). The recipient shall call the Office of Cost Determination 
at 202-693-4100 for the initial contact.
    However, applications claiming an indirect cost rate greater than 
15% will not be considered.

V. Application Review Information

1. Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria, 
as further described below:
    (1) The significance of the proposed project;
    (2) the quality of the design of the research activities;
    (3) the organizational capacity and quality of key personnel;
    (4) budget and resource capacity;
    (5) the quality of the management plan; and
    (6) the quality of project evaluation.
    Maximum point values are shown for each criterion.
A. Significance of the Proposed Project (10 Points)
    In determining the significance of the proposed project, the 
Department will consider the following factors:
    1. The potential contribution of the proposed research to increase 
knowledge or understanding of the stated problems, issues, or effective 
strategies;
    2. The extent to which the research activities proposed reflect a 
coherent, sustained approach to research in the field, including a 
substantial addition to the existing literature;
    3. The extent to which the proposed research is likely to yield 
findings that can be used by other appropriate agencies and 
organizations; and
    4. The extent to which the plans for dissemination and reporting of 
results and findings are of sufficient quality and intensity, and 
account for the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities.
B. Quality of the Research Design (25 Points)
    In evaluating the quality of the proposed project design, the 
Department will consider the following factors:
    1. The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved by the proposed research are clearly specified and measurable;
    2. The extent to which the methodology of each proposed research 
activity is meritorious, including a comprehensive and informed review 
of the current literature;
    3. The extent to which the proposal provides a comprehensive 
description of a research plan that outlines specific elements of the 
anticipated research and incorporates the key activities identified in 
the Project Narrative of this SGA (IV (2), Section III) ;
    4. The extent to which the design of the proposed project 
incorporates measures adequate to facilitate ODEP's external 
evaluation;
    5. The extent to which the proposal details criteria for selection 
of case studies and describes the process for ensuring employer 
involvement and participation;
    6. The adequacy of the documentation submitted in support of the 
proposed research design to demonstrate the commitment of each 
applicant and their consortium members and the quality of the plan that 
the applicant will use to recruit, enlist, and secure cooperation of 
other experts;
    7. The extent to which the applicant encourages involvement of 
people with disabilities, relevant experts, and organizations in 
project activities; and
    8. The extent to which performance feedback and continuous 
improvement are integral to the design of the proposed project.
C. Organizational Capacity and Quality of Key Personnel (20 Points)
    Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which the 
consortium's key personnel demonstrate organizational capacity to 
conduct the proposed research, including:
    (1) Broad representation across multiple disciplines;
    (2) experience with similar projects;
    (3) qualifications and experience of the consortium's leadership;
    (4) commitment to developing and sustaining work across key 
stakeholders;
    (5) experience and commitment of any proposed consultants or 
subcontractors; and
    (6) appropriateness of the organization's structure to carry out 
the project.
D. Budget and Resource Capacity (10 Points)
    In evaluating the capacity of the applicant to carry out the 
proposed project, the Department will consider the following factors:
    1. The applicant's demonstrated experience in managing resources to 
conduct research on corporate culture and employment of people with 
disabilities;
    2. The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the 
proposed research project; and
    3. The extent to which the anticipated costs are reasonable in 
relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the 
proposed project.
E. Quality of the Management Plan (20 Points)
    In evaluating the quality of the management plan for the proposed 
project, the Department will consider the following factors:
    1. The extent to which the management plan for project 
implementation appears likely to achieve the objectives of the proposed 
project on time and within budget, and includes clearly defined staff 
responsibilities, time allocation to project activities, time lines, 
milestones for accomplishing project tasks, and project deliverables;
    2. The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products, 
including the reporting of research findings for the proposed project 
and plan for product dissemination; and
    3. The extent to which the time commitments of the project director 
and principal investigator and other key project personnel are 
appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed 
project.
F. Quality of Project Evaluation (15 Points)
    In evaluating the quality of the proposed project evaluation, the 
Department will consider the following factors:
    1. The extent to which the research methods of evaluation are 
thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, context, 
and outcomes of the proposed project;
    2. The extent to which the evaluation will provide information to 
the Federal and State governments and other employers about the impact 
of corporate culture on employment of people with disabilities; and
    3. The extent to which the methods of evaluation provide measures 
that will inform ODEP's annual performance goals and measures and 
ODEP's long-term strategic goals.

2. Review and Selection Process

    A technical review panel will objectively rate each complete 
application against the criteria described in this SGA. The panel 
recommendations to the Grant Officer, including any point scores, are 
advisory in nature. The Grant Officer may elect to award a grant either 
with or without discussion with the applicant. In situations where no 
discussion occurs, an award will be based on the signed SF-424 form 
(see Appendix A), which constitutes a binding offer. The Grant Officer 
may consider the availability of funds and any information that is 
available and will make final award

[[Page 27287]]

decisions based on what is most advantageous to the government, 
considering factors such as: the advisory recommendations from the 
grant technical evaluation panel; and the availability of funds.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    Announcement of this award is expected to occur within 30 days of 
award. The grant/cooperative agreement will be awarded by no later than 
September 30, 2006.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The Notice of Award signed by the Grant Officer is the authorizing 
document and will be provided through United States Post Office mail 
and/or by electronic means to the authorized representative listed on 
the SF-424 Grant Application. Notice that an organization has been 
selected as a grant recipient does not constitute final approval of the 
grant application as submitted. Before the actual grant award, the 
Grant Officer and/or the Grant Officer's Technical Representative may 
enter into negotiations concerning such items as program components, 
funding levels, and administrative systems. If the negotiations do not 
result in an acceptable submittal, the Grant Officer reserves the right 
to terminate the negotiation and decline to fund the proposal.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    All grantees, including faith-based and community organizations, 
will be subject to applicable Federal laws (including provisions of 
appropriations law), regulations, and the applicable Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars. The grant(s) awarded under this 
SGA will be subject to the following administrative standards and 
provisions, and requirements applicable to particular entities. The 
applicant must include assurances and certifications that it will 
comply with these laws in its grant application. The assurances and 
certifications are attached in Appendix C.
A. Regulations
     29 CFR Parts 31 and 32--Nondiscrimination in Federally 
Assisted Programs of the Department of Labor (respectively, 
effectuation of Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964, and on the Basis 
of Handicap in Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from 
Federal Financial Assistance)
     29 CFR Part 35--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in 
Programs or Activities receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the 
Department of Labor
     29 CFR Part 36--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in 
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance
     29 CFR Part 93--New Restrictions on Lobbying.
     29 CFR Part 95--Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals 
and Other Non-Profit Organizations, and with Commercial Organizations, 
Foreign Governments, Organizations Under the Jurisdiction of Foreign 
Governments and International Organizations.
     29 CFR Part 96--Federal Standards for Audit of Federally 
Funded Grants, Contracts and Agreements.
     29 CFR Part 97--Uniform Administrative Regulations for 
Grants to States, Local Governments or Tribes.
     29 CFR Part 98--Federal Standards for Governmentwide 
Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide 
Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
     29 CFR Part 99--Federal Standards for Audits of States, 
Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.
     29 CFR Part 2--General Participation in Department of 
Labor Programs by Faith-Based and Community Organizations; Equal 
Treatment of All Department of Labor Program Participants and 
Beneficiaries.
     Applicable cost principles under OMB Circulars A-21, A-87, 
A-122, or 48 CFR Part 31.
B. Travel
    Any travel undertaken in performance of this cooperative agreement 
shall be subject to and in strict accordance with Federal travel 
regulations.
C. Acknowledgement of USDOL Funding
    Printed Materials: In all circumstances, the following shall be 
displayed on printed materials prepared by the grantee while in receipt 
of DOL grant funding: ``Preparation of this item was funded by the 
United States Department of Labor under SGA 06-01.''
     All printed materials must also include the following 
notice: ``This document does not necessarily reflect the views or 
policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade 
names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the 
U.S. Government.''
    Public reference to grant: When issuing statements, press releases, 
requests for proposals, bid solicitations, and other documents 
describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with Federal 
money, all Grantees receiving Federal funds must clearly state:
     The percentage of the total costs of the program or 
project, which will be financed with Federal money;
     The dollar amount of Federal financial assistance for the 
project or program; and
     The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the 
project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.
    Use of USDOL Logo: In consultation with USDOL ODEP, the Grantee 
must acknowledge USDOL's role as described below:
     The USDOL logo may be applied to USDOL-funded material 
prepared for world-wide distribution, including posters, videos, 
pamphlets, research documents, national survey results, impact 
evaluations, best practice reports, and other publications of global 
interest. The Grantee(s) must consult with USDOL on whether the logo 
may be used on any such items prior to final draft or final preparation 
for distribution. In no event shall the USDOL logo be placed on any 
item until USDOL has given the Grantee written permission to use the 
logo on the item.
     All documents must include the following notice: ``This 
document does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. 
Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial 
products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.''
D. Intellectual Property
    Please be advised that DOL will reserve a royalty-free, 
nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, 
distribute, publicly display and perform, and create derivative works 
from, and to authorize others to use, for Federal Government purposes: 
(1) The copyright in any work developed under a grant, subgrant, or 
contract under a grant or subgrant; and (2) any rights of copyright to 
which a grantee, subgrantee or a contractor purchases ownership with 
grant support.
    In addition, the grantee will agree to notify DOL of any pre-
existing copyrighted materials it intends to incorporate into materials 
developed under the grant, and, prior to such incorporation, the 
grantee will agree that it will acquire, on behalf of DOL, any 
necessary licenses to allow DOL to exercise the rights described in the 
paragraph above.

[[Page 27288]]

E. Approval of Key Personnel and Subcontractors
    The recipient shall notify the Grant Officer at least 14 calendar 
days in advance if any key personnel are to be removed or diverted from 
the cooperative agreement, shall supply written justification as part 
of this notice as to why these persons are to be removed or diverted, 
shall provide the names(s) of the proposed substitute or replacement, 
and shall include information on each new individual, including such 
qualifications as education and work experience.
F. Reporting and Monitoring
    The selected applicant must submit on a quarterly basis, beginning 
90 days from the award of the grant, financial and activity reports 
under this program as prescribed by OMB Circular A-110 codified at 2 
CFR Part 215 and 29 CFR Part 95. Specifically the following reports 
will be required:
    1. Quarterly report: The form for the Quarterly Report will be 
provided by ODEP. The Department will work with the grantee to help 
refine the requirements of the report, which, among other things, will 
include measures of ongoing analysis for continuous improvement. This 
report will be filed using an on-line reporting system. The form will 
be submitted within 30 days of the close of the quarter;
    2. Standard Form 269 Financial Status Report Form: This form is to 
be completed and submitted on a quarterly basis using the on-line 
electronic reporting system; and
    3. Final Project Report: The Final Project Report is to include an 
assessment of project performance and outcomes achieved. This report 
will be submitted in hard copy and on electronic disk using a format, 
and following instructions, to be provided by the Department. A draft 
of the final report is due to the Department sixty (60) days before the 
end of the period of performance of the cooperative agreement. The 
final report is due to DOL ten (10) days before the end of the period 
of performance of the cooperative agreement.
    The Department will arrange for an independent evaluation of the 
outcomes, impacts, accomplishments, and benefits of the project. The 
selected applicant must make records and data available to external 
evaluation personnel, as specified by the Department. All grantees must 
agree to cooperate with this evaluation and must make available records 
on all parts of project activity and provide access to personnel, as 
specified by the evaluator(s), under the direction of the ODEP. This 
independent evaluation is separate from the ongoing evaluation for 
continuous improvement required of the grantee for project 
implementation.
    Project efforts will complement those of ODEP's technical 
assistance efforts, including: the National Center on Workforce and 
Disability for Adults (NCWD/A); the National Consortium on Workforce 
and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Y), the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), 
and the Employer Assistance Recruiting Network (EARN). Grantees must 
also agree to work with the ODEP in its other efforts in order to 
freely share with others what is learned. Grantees must agree to 
collaborate with other research institutes, centers, studies, and 
evaluations that are supported by the DOL and other relevant Federal 
agencies, as appropriate. Finally, Grantees must agree to utilize, when 
relevant, the programs sponsored by the ODEP, including the Job 
Accommodation Network, (https://www.jan.wvu.edu), and the Employer 
Assistance and Recruiting Network (https://www.earnworks.com).
G. Certification and Release by Corporate Subjects
    Grantees shall notify any person from whom they gather information 
pursuant to this study, that such information may be submitted to DOL 
and may be published. Before submitting any such information to DOL, 
Grantee will obtain from such person the following certification and 
release, and will submit it to DOL:

    On behalf of the company named below, I certify that the company 
has been advised that any information provided to the Grantee is 
being gathered pursuant to a Department of Labor (DOL) grant, and 
that such information may be disclosed to DOL and the public. I 
hereby release Grantee and DOL from any obligation or liability in 
connection therewith.
----------------------------Date

Name

Title

Company

VII. Agency Contacts

    Any questions regarding this SGA should be directed to Cassandra 
Mitchell, e-mail address: mitchell.cassandra@dol.gov, tel: 202-693-4570 
(note that this is not a toll-free number). To obtain further 
information about the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the 
U.S. Department of Labor, visit the USDOL Web site of the Office of 
Disability Employment Policy at https://www.dol.gov/odep.

VIII. Other Information

1. References

Bruyere, S.M., Erickson, W.A., & VanLooy, S. (2000). HR's role in 
managing disability in the workplace. Employment Relations Today, 27 
(3), 47-66.
Dixon, K.A., Kruse, D., & Van Horn, C.E. (2003). Restricted access: 
A survey of employers about people with disabilities and lowering 
barriers to work. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University, John J. 
Heldrich Center for Workforce Development.
Hernandez, B., Keys, C. & and Balcazar, F. (2000). Employer 
attitudes toward workers with disabilities and their ADA employment 
rights: A literature review. Journal of Rehabilitation, 66 (4), 4-
16.
Schein, E.H. (1992). Organizational culture and leadership (2nd 
ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Schur, L., Kruse, D., & Blanck, P. (2005). Corporate culture and the 
employment of people with disabilities. Behavioral Sciences and the 
Law, 23, 3-20.
Stone, D.L. & Colella, A. (1996). A model of factors affecting the 
treatment of disabled individuals in organizations. Academy of 
Management Review, 21 (2), 352-401.
Unger, D.D. (2002). Employers' attitudes toward persons with 
disabilities in the workforce: myths or realities? Focus on Autism 
and Other Developmental Disabilities, 17 (1), 2-10.

2. Appendices

    The appendices are as follows:

Appendix A.--Application for Federal Assistance, Form SF-424
Appendix B.--Budget Information Sheet, Form SF-424A
Appendix C.--Assurances and Certifications Signature Page

(Appendices D and E are not applicable)

Appendix F.--Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants

    Detailed information and document locations:

Appendix A.--Application for Federal Assistance, Form SF-424 (OMB No. 
4040-0004).
Appendix B.--Budget Information Sheet, Form SF-424A (OMB No. 0348-
0044).
    Both forms SF-424 and 424A can be obtained at the following Web 
address: https://apply.grants.gov/agency/FormLinks?family=7.
Appendix F.--Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (OMB 
No. 1890-0014).

    The Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants form can be 
obtained at the following Web address: https://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/
apply/appforms/surveyeo.pdf. (If you are viewing this in an electronic 
format and are receiving ``page not found'', please cut and paste the 
URL into your browser window.)

[[Page 27289]]

Appendix C.--Assurances and Certifications Signature Page

Certifications and Assurances

Assurances and Certifications Signature Page

    The Department of Labor will not award a grant or agreement 
where the grantee/recipient has failed to accept the assurances and 
certifications contained in this section. By signing and returning 
this signature page, the grantee/recipient is providing the 
certifications set forth below:
    A. Certification Regarding Lobbying, Debarment, Suspension, 
Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions and 
Certifications Regarding Drug-Free/Tobacco-Free Workplace,
    B. Certification of Release of Information
    C. Assurances--Non-Construction Programs
    D. Applicant is not a 501(c)(4) organization
    Applicant Name and Legal Address:
    If there is any reason why one of the assurances or 
certifications listed cannot be signed, please explain. Applicant 
need only submit and return this signature page with the grant 
application. All other instruction shall be kept on file by the 
applicant.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Authorized Certifying Official Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Applicant Organization Date Submitted

    Please Note: This signature page and any pertinent attachments 
which may be required by these assurances and certifications shall 
be attached to the applicant's Cost Proposal.


    Signed at Washington, DC this 4th day of May, 2006.
Eric Vogt,
Grant Officer.

 [FR Doc. E6-7120 Filed 5-9-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-FK-P