Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) for YouthBuild Grants, 20874-20885 [E7-7974]

Agencies

• Employment and Training Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 80 (Thursday, April 26, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20874-20885]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7974]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


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

    Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation for Grant Applications.
    Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY 06-08.
    Catalog of Federal Assistance Number: 17.274.

DATES: Key Dates: The closing date for receipt of applications under 
this announcement is July 3, 2007. Applications must be successfully 
submitted through Grants.gov no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). 
Application and submission information is explained in detail in Part 
IV of this SGA. There will be a Prospective

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Applicant Conference held for this grant competition. The date and 
location for this Prospective Applicant Conference can be found at 
https://www.dtiassociates.com/youthbuild.

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training 
Administration (ETA) announces the availability of approximately $47 
million in grant funds for YouthBuild Grants.
    YouthBuild Grants will be awarded through a competitive process. 
Grant funds will be used to provide disadvantaged youth with: The 
education and employment skills necessary to achieve economic self-
sufficiency in occupations in high demand and postsecondary education 
and training opportunities; opportunities for meaningful work and 
service to their communities; and opportunities to develop employment 
and leadership skills and a commitment to community development among 
youth in low-income communities. As part of their programming, 
YouthBuild grantees will tap the energies and talents of disadvantaged 
youth to increase the supply of permanent affordable housing for 
homeless individuals and low-income families and to help youth develop 
the leadership, learning, and high-demand occupational skills needed to 
succeed in today's global economy.
    ETA hopes to serve approximately 2,900 youth participants during 
the first year of this initiative, with projects operating in 
approximately 90-100 communities across the country. Under this 
announcement, ETA will be awarding grants to organizations to oversee 
the provision of education and employment services to disadvantaged 
youth in their communities.
    This solicitation provides background information and describes the 
application submission requirements, outlines the process that eligible 
entities must use to apply for funds covered by this solicitation, and 
outlines the evaluation criteria used as a basis for selecting grantee.

ADDRESSES: Applications will only be accepted through the Grants.gov 
application system. Applications that do not meet the conditions set 
forth in this notice will not be considered. No exceptions to the 
submission requirements set forth in this notice will be granted. For 
detailed guidance, please refer to Section IV.C.

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

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    YouthBuild is a youth and community development program that 
simultaneously addresses several core issues facing low-income 
communities: Housing, education, employment, crime prevention, and 
leadership development. Part A of this section provides a background of 
the YouthBuild program. Part B provides information on the principles 
underlying the Department of Labor, Employment & Training 
Administration's Youth Vision and how an alternative education program 
such as YouthBuild has taken on a new significance in preparing skilled 
and well-trained youth to compete in a demand-driven workforce. Part C 
describes the core objectives of the YouthBuild program with Part D 
providing additional information on key components of YouthBuild to 
consider when preparing a grant application.

A. Background on YouthBuild

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

B. ETA's Youth Vision

    ETA has set an overarching priority for the entire workforce 
investment system by providing adults and youth with the necessary 
educational, occupational and other skills training and services needed 
by business and industry in the 21st century economy. Education 
initiatives, particularly

[[Page 20876]]

alternative education programs such as YouthBuild, have taken on new 
importance within the workforce system. Efforts to create a skilled, 
well-trained, and demand-driven workforce are important for several 
reasons:
     A severe crisis faces our nation's workforce: Too many 
youth are leaving high school without their diplomas, unprepared for 
post-secondary training and employment. The Educational Testing 
Service's ``One-Third of a Nation: Rising Dropout Rates and Declining 
Opportunities'' reports that one-third of all youth who begin ninth 
grade will not receive a high school diploma. Eleven percent of 16-24 
year olds nationally, or 3.8 million youth, are out of school and have 
neither a diploma nor a GED. This problem is particularly pronounced in 
urban areas: in almost half of the schools in the largest 35 central 
cities, the number of twelfth graders was half or less than the number 
of students enrolled in ninth grade three years earlier. These youth 
represent an untapped labor pool and a valuable resource for employers. 
Our economy needs these youth to be part of the economy if we are to 
compete globally.
     The connection between earning and learning: Income and 
education are more closely linked than in any time in our history. 
Eighty percent of the fastest growing jobs require education and 
training beyond high school. College students earn on average 70% more 
than high school students. High school dropouts are four times more 
likely than college graduates to be unemployed. Low-income Americans 
have far higher rates of dropping out of high school and far lower 
rates of enrolling in college and obtaining a postsecondary credential 
than their middle or higher income peers. The earning power of high 
school drop-outs has been in almost continuous decline over the past 
three decades; in 2002, the earnings of male dropouts declined 32%. 
Female dropouts experienced a 14% decline.
     State and regional economies are being negatively impacted 
by low graduation rates: According to calculations done by the Alliance 
for Excellent Education, improving state high school graduation rates 
could produce significant wage increases, resulting in healthier state 
economies.
     A new workforce ``supply pipeline'': ETA's Youth Vision 
recognizes out-of-school youth and those most at risk of dropping out 
as an important part of the new workforce ``supply pipeline'' that 
businesses need to fill job vacancies in the service-producing 
knowledge economy. However, without re-connecting these youth to high 
quality educational opportunities, they will not be adequately prepared 
to participate in today's economy. ETA's Youth Vision focuses 
investment of WIA resources on connecting youth with high quality 
education and employment services. (https://www.doleta.gov/ryf/
WhiteHouseReport/VMO.cfm). Alternative education is an important way 
for disconnected youth to re-enter the workforce supply chain and 
compete for high quality jobs in a demand-driven system. YouthBuild 
will serve as a ``flagship'' program to demonstrate ETA's commitment to 
high quality, innovative alternative educational learning opportunities 
that prepare youth for post-secondary education and employment.

C. YouthBuild Program Objectives

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

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

What Type of Information Should be Addressed in the Design of the 
Program?
    Part II of the application contains the Technical Proposal which 
should address specific grant requirements identified in Section A of 
Part V of this SGA. Applicants applying for these grants are asked to 
describe their community, the youth to be served, the need for this 
Federal support, and their plan for providing education, skills 
training, and leadership development services to youth. They must 
describe how their efforts contribute to the overall economic 
development of their community. They must also demonstrate that they 
have established partnerships with--or made a good faith effort to 
establish partnerships with--the K-12 public education system, local 
community colleges, the juvenile justice system, registered 
apprenticeship programs, Local Workforce Investment Boards, and/or the 
local housing authority. Applicants are expected to identify their plan 
to leverage other Federal, State, or local funding, as well as private 
funding sources, to provide other ``wrap around'' supportive services 
as well as to support the costs associated with their defined 
construction project. Applicants are asked to describe their previous 
experience operating YouthBuild or similar youth programs with 
educational components. Applicants are asked to describe how 
occupational safety is addressed at their worksite. They are asked to 
describe their organization's ability to manage this grant.
What Size Grants Are Available?
    Applicants can apply for three-year grants (two years of program 
operations with a twelve-month follow-up period) that will range from 
$700,000 to $1.1 million. These grants will be incrementally funded, 
with half of the grant funds awarded this year, fiscal year (FY) 2007, 
for the first twelve months of operations. Pending satisfactory 
performance and availability of funds, the remaining funds would be 
awarded next year (FY 2008) for second year operations. These awards 
will support two years of core program operations (education, 
occupational skills training, and youth leadership development 
activities) plus an additional twelve months of follow-up support 
services and tracking of participant outcomes for each cohort of youth. 
Roughly 5% of total funds should be reserved for the twelve-month 
follow-up period.
What Roles Might Partners Play in Partnerships?
    Each collaborative partner must have a clearly defined role. These 
roles must be verified through a letter of commitment (not just a 
letter of support) submitted by each partner. The letter of commitment 
must detail the role the partner will play in the project, including 
specific responsibilities and resources committed, if appropriate. 
These letters must clearly indicate the partnering organization's 
unique contribution and commitment to the project.
    Disadvantaged youth possess a wide range of challenges that must be 
addressed by multiple strategies, organizations and agencies. 
Partnerships and partnership roles will vary depending on the 
applicant's strategy and participant needs. However, ETA

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expects that the applicant will make a good-faith effort to attract the 
following partners and that each collaborative partner will, at a 
minimum, contribute in the following ways:
    Education and training providers (K-12, adult education, community 
and technical colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and other 
training entities) are important foundational partners to ensure the 
project's activities are tied to the broader continuum of education 
providers in the community. These entities assist in developing and 
implementing industry-driven workforce education strategies in 
partnerships with employers including competency models, curricula, and 
new learning methodologies, such as technology-based learning. Whenever 
possible, the YouthBuild program should strive to be connected in a 
meaningful way with the K-12 system for the purpose of (1) ensuring a 
wider variety of educational opportunities within the community as a 
whole and (2) as a drop-out prevention strategy. YouthBuild programs 
should also be connected to post-secondary training opportunities, 
particularly community colleges, whenever possible to ensure the smooth 
transition of YouthBuild participants into post-secondary training 
opportunities available through community colleges, including the use 
of articulation agreements and staff development for YouthBuild staff.
    Employers (including professional organizations and associations) 
should be actively engaged in the project and should participate fully 
in grant activities including: defining the program strategy and goals; 
identifying needed skills and competencies; designing training 
approaches and curricula; contributing financial support; and, where 
appropriate, hiring qualified YouthBuild graduates.
    The workforce investment system (which may include State and Local 
Workforce Investment Boards, State Workforce Agencies, and One-Stop 
Career Centers and their cooperating partners, as such terms are 
defined under the Workforce Investment Act) may play a number of roles, 
including: identifying and assessing potential candidates for 
YouthBuild; working collaboratively to leverage WIA investments through 
co-enrollment with the Youth Formula program; referring qualified 
candidates to the YouthBuild program for enrollment; providing access 
to ``wrap around'' supportive services, when appropriate; providing 
local labor market information to YouthBuild staff and participants; 
and connecting qualified YouthBuild graduates to employers that have 
existing job openings.
    The juvenile justice system is an important partner in referring 
potential participants to the YouthBuild program, providing support and 
guidance for YouthBuild participants with court involvement, and 
assisting in the reporting of recidivism rates among YouthBuild 
participants. Some YouthBuild participants may be placed in the program 
as a form of alternative sentencing or for re-entry services. In these 
instances, police, parole and probation, detention and juvenile 
correction facilities, judges, and social workers will be critically 
important partners for creating a safety net to prevent recidivism and 
ensure attachment to the community.
    Faith-based and community organizations can be valuable partners in 
the YouthBuild program. These organizations may provide a variety of 
grant services, such as case management, mentoring, and English as a 
Second Language (ESL) courses, and other comprehensive supportive 
services, when appropriate, for YouthBuild participants.
    In situations where these partnerships are not supported with 
letters of commitment, the applicants should, at a minimum, demonstrate 
that the potential partner was contacted and provided a sufficient 
opportunity for response. It is suggested that applicants use 
registered mail to demonstrate such efforts.
What If Two or More Organizations Submit Separate Applications To Serve 
the Same Urban or Rural Community?
    If more than one proposal to serve the same urban or rural 
community is rated highly, ETA will consider whether the urban or rural 
community is large enough to support more than one project.
Can a National or Regional Organization Apply To Serve Multiple Urban 
or Rural Communities?
    Yes, but a separate application must be submitted for each 
metropolitan area that the organization proposes to serve. The 
organization must demonstrate that it has an existing presence in each 
urban or rural community for which it is applying. Single proposals 
applying to serve multiple urban and rural areas will not be 
considered. If submitting multiple applications to serve various 
localities, applicants are encouraged to evaluate each community on its 
own merits and ensure that each proposal supports the unique 
characteristics of the community and the participants that it will be 
serving. A single application may cross community boundaries.
What Is the Definition of ``Low-Income'' Family for the Purposes of 
Program Eligibility?
    The definition of ``low-income family'' is taken directly from the 
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2)) which states:

    ''The term `low-income families' means those families whose 
incomes do not exceed 80 per centum of the median income for the 
area, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller 
and larger families, except that the Secretary may establish income 
ceilings higher or lower than 80 per centum of the median for the 
area on the basis of the Secretary's findings that such variations 
are necessary because of prevailing levels of construction costs or 
unusually high or low family incomes.''

    The median for the area can be found at HUD's Web site: https://
www.huduser.org/datasets/il.html
What Are Allowable Uses of Grant Funds?
    Allowable uses of grant funds may include:
    (1) Education and Workforce Activities, such as:
     Basic skills instruction and remedial education;
     Language instruction educational programs for individuals 
with limited English proficiency;
     Secondary education services and activities, including 
tutoring, study skills training, and dropout prevention activities, 
designed to lead to the attainment of a secondary school diploma, 
General Education Development (GED) credential, or other State-
recognized equivalent (including recognized alternative standards for 
individuals with disabilities);
     Counseling and assistance in obtaining post-secondary 
education and required financial aid;
     Alternative secondary school services;
     Work experience and skills training (coordinated, to the 
maximum extent feasible, with pre-apprenticeship and registered 
apprenticeship programs) in housing rehabilitation and construction 
activities;
     Occupational skills training; and
     Other paid and unpaid work experiences, including 
internships and job shadowing.
    (2) Counseling services and related activities, such as 
comprehensive guidance and counseling on drug and alcohol abuse and 
referral.
    (3) Youth development activities, such as:
     Community service and peer-centered activities encouraging

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responsibility and other positive social behaviors, and
     Activities related to youth policy committees that allow 
YouthBuild participants to engage in local policy and decision-making 
related to the program.
    (4) Supportive services and provision of need-based stipends 
necessary to enable individuals to participate in the program.
    (5) Supportive services to assist individuals, for a period not to 
exceed 12 months after the completion of training, in obtaining or 
retaining employment, or applying for and transitioning to post-
secondary education.
    (6) Supervision and training for participants in the rehabilitation 
or construction of housing, including residential housing for homeless 
individuals or low-income families, or transitional housing for 
homeless individuals.
    (7) Supervision and training for participants in the rehabilitation 
or construction of community and other public facilities.
    (8) Payment of a portion of the administrative costs of the 
grantee.
    (9) Mentoring of participants by qualified adults.
    (10) Provision of wages, stipends, or benefits to participants in 
the program.
    (11) Ongoing training and technical assistance for staff that are 
related to developing and carrying out the program.
    (12) Follow-up services.
    (13) Equipment and/or supplies related to the YouthBuild activities 
funded through this grant.
What Are the Limitations for Use of ETA Funds for Paid Work 
Experiences, Needs-Based Stipends, Wages, and Other Supportive 
Services?
    If the applicant plans to use grant funds for paid work 
experiences, needs-based stipends, wages, and other supportive services 
for the participants, sufficient information must be provided in the 
budget narrative to clearly justify the proposed amounts to be 
provided.
Can Funds Be Used for Rehabilitation or Construction of Buildings Other 
Than Low-Income Housing?
    Yes. In training participants, up to 10 percent of grant funds may 
be used in the rehabilitation or construction of community and other 
public facilities. The remaining 90 percent of funds must be used to 
train participants in the rehabilitation or construction of low-income 
housing.
How Will Success Be Measured Under These Grants?
    The three outcome measures are:
     Literacy and numeracy gains.
     High School diploma/GED/certification attainment rate.
     Placement in employment/post-secondary education/
occupational skills training/military.
    In addition, grantees may report on a number of interim indicators 
that will serve as predictors of success. Interim indicators include:
     Placement retention rate.
     Enrollment rate.
     Participation in education/training activities.
     Workforce preparation.
     Recidivism.
     Mentoring.
     Community service/leadership activities.
    In applying for these grants, organizations agree to submit updated 
Management Information System (MIS) data on enrollee characteristics, 
services provided, placements, outcomes, and follow-up status.

II. Award Information

A. Award Amount

    ETA intends to fund approximately 90-100 grants ranging from 
$700,000 to $1.1 million through this competition; however, this does 
not preclude ETA from funding grants at either a lower or higher 
amount, or funding a smaller or larger number of projects, based on the 
type and the number of quality submissions. Applicants are encouraged 
to submit budgets within this range for quality projects at whatever 
funding level is appropriate to their project.

B. Period of Performance

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

III. Eligibility Information and Other Grant Specifications

A. Eligible Applicants

    An organization is an eligible applicant for these grants if it is 
a public or private nonprofit agency or organization (including a 
consortium of such agencies or organizations with a designated lead 
applicant), including:
     Community-based organizations;
     Faith-based organizations;
     An entity carrying out activities under this WIA, such as 
a local workforce investment board or One-Stop Career Center;
     A community action agency;
     A state or local housing development agency;
     An Indian tribe or other agency primarily serving Indians;
     A community development corporation;
     A state or local youth service conservation corps; or
     Any other relevant public or private non-profit entity 
that provides education or employment training and can meet the 
required elements of the grant.

B. Eligible Enrollees

    An individual may participate in a YouthBuild program only if such 
individual is:
     Between the ages of 16 and 24 on the date of enrollment; 
and
     A member of a disadvantaged youth population such as a 
member of a low-income family, a youth in foster care (including youth 
aging out of foster care), a youth offender, a youth who is an 
individual with a disability, a child of an incarcerated parent, or a 
migrant youth; and
     A school dropout.
    Up to (but not more than) 25 percent of the participants in the 
program may be youth who do not meet the education or disadvantaged 
criteria above but are:
     Basic skills deficient, despite attainment of a secondary 
school diploma, General Education Development (GED) credential, or 
other state-recognized equivalent (including recognized alternative 
standards for individuals with disabilities); or
     Have been referred by a local secondary school for 
participation in a YouthBuild program leading to the attainment of a 
secondary school diploma.

C. Matching Funds and Leveraged Resources

    Aligning resources and leveraging funding are key components of 
success under the Youthbuild grant program. Therefore, applicants must 
provide cash or in-kind resources equivalent to at least 25 percent of 
the grant award amount as matching funds. Please note that neither 
prior investments nor Federal resources may be counted as match.
    To be allowable as part of match, a cost must be an allowable 
charge for Federal grant funds. Determinations of allowable costs will 
be made in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles as 
indicated in Part IV(E). If the cost would not be allowable as a grant-
funded charge, then it also

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cannot be counted toward matching funds. Matching funds must be 
expended during the grant period of performance.
    Please note that applicants are expected to fulfill the match 
amount specified on their SF-424 application and SF-424a budget form. 
Upon completion of the grant, if the match amount specified by the 
applicant is not met or if a portion of the matching funds are found to 
be an unallowable cost, the amount of DOL grant funds may be decreased 
on a dollar for dollar basis. This may result in the repayment of funds 
to DOL.
    Applicants are encouraged to leverage additional funds outside of 
the match to supplement the project as a whole. Matching funds and 
leveraged resources could come from a variety of sources including: 
public sector (e.g., state or local governments); non-profit sector 
(e.g., community organizations, faith-based organizations, or education 
and training institutions); private sector (e.g., businesses or 
industry associations); investor community (e.g., angel networks or 
economic development entities); and the philanthropic community (e.g., 
foundations).
    Applicants should clearly make the distinction of what will be 
considered matching funds versus ``additional'' leveraged funds. Only 
the matching funds shall be shown on the SF-424 and SF-424a. The amount 
of funds specified on these forms will be considered by DOL as the 
applicant's match. All other leverage resources should be explained in 
the budget narrative separate from the explanation of match. 
Applications will be evaluated on how the match and leveraged funds are 
fully integrated in support of program outcomes.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address to Request Application Package

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

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

    The proposal will consist of three separate and distinct parts--a 
cost proposal (I), a technical proposal (II), and a description of and 
information on the work site (III). Applications that fail to adhere to 
the instructions in this section will be considered non-responsive and 
will not be considered.
    Part I. The Cost Proposal. The Cost Proposal must include the 
following three items:
     The Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance'' (available at https://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm). The SF 
424 must clearly identify the applicant and be signed by an individual 
with authority to enter into a grant agreement. Upon confirmation of an 
award, the individual signing the SF 424 on behalf of the applicant 
shall be considered the authorized representative of the applicant.
     All applicants for Federal grant and funding opportunities 
are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number. See Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) Notice of Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR 
38402 (June 27, 2003). Applicants must supply their DUNS number on the 
SF 424. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number that 
uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy 
and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access this Web site: 
https://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711.
     The SF 424A Budget Information Form (available at https://
www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm). In preparing the Budget Information 
Form, the applicant must provide a concise narrative explanation to 
support the request. The budget narrative should break down the budget, 
match and leveraged resources by project activity, should discuss cost-
per-participant, and should discuss precisely how the administrative 
costs support the project goals. If the applicant plans to use grant 
funds for paid work experiences, needs-based stipends, wages, and other 
supportive services for the participants, sufficient information must 
be provided in the budget narrative to clearly justify the proposed 
amounts to be provided.
    Please note that applicants that fail to provide a SF 424, SF 424A 
and/or a budget narrative will be removed from consideration prior to 
the technical review process. Only an applicant's match amount (not 
other leveraged resources) should be listed on the SF 424 (Block 18) 
and SF 424A Budget Information Form (Section A & C). The amount of 
Federal funding requested for the entire period of performance (i.e. 3 
years) should be shown together on the SF 424 and SF 424A Budget 
Information Form. Applicants are also encouraged, but not required, to 
submit OMB Survey N. 1890-0014: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity 
for Applicants, which can be found at https://www.doleta.gov/sga/
forms.cfm.
    Part II. The Technical Proposal. The Technical Proposal will 
demonstrate the applicant's capability to implement the YouthBuild 
grant project in accordance with the provisions of this solicitation. 
The guidelines for the content of the Technical Proposal are provided 
in Part V Section A of this SGA. The Technical Proposal is limited to 
twenty (20) double-spaced single-sided pages with 12 point text font 
and one-inch margins. Any materials beyond the 20-page limit will not 
be read. Also, applicants should number the Technical Proposal 
beginning with page number 1.
    In addition to the 20-page Technical Proposal, the applicant must 
provide an organization chart that reflects how the YouthBuild program 
will be staffed. In instances where the YouthBuild program is part of a 
larger organization (e.g., a Housing Authority), please include a 
diagram that indicates where the YouthBuild program fits within the 
larger organization. Also, the applicant must provide a timeline 
outlining project activities; letters of commitment from partners; and 
a two-page Abstract summarizing the proposed project including 
applicant name, project title, and the funding level requested. The 
Abstract should note whether the application is being submitted as an 
urban, rural, or Native American application. These additional 
materials do not count against the 20-page limit for the Technical 
Proposal, but may not exceed fifteen (15) pages. Any materials beyond 
the 15-page limit will not be read.
    Part III. The Work Site Description. The application must include 
all of the following information relating to the planned work site for 
this project. This information should be presented on official 
letterhead of the presenting organization in the order outlined below, 
identifying supplemental documents as applicable:
    (1) Official document(s) from the Applicant (on applicant 
organization's letterhead). This/these document(s) must:
     Identify the location of the site(s) or property(ies) 
(e.g., addresses, parcel numbers, etc.) that will be used for on-site 
construction.
     Include information identifying, and a description of, the 
financing proposed for the (a) rehabilitation of the property involved; 
(b) acquisition of the property; (c) construction of the property; and 
(d) supplies. Also, fully describe how financing for the building of 
the site will be supported.
     Include information identifying, and a description of, the 
entity that will operate and manage the property.
     Include a certification that the applicant will comply 
with the requirements of the Fair Housing Act

[[Page 20880]]

(42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) and will affirmatively further fair housing.
     Include information on how the program will provide for 
inclusion of tenants who were previously homeless individuals in the 
rental housing provided through this grant.
    (2) Official document from the property owner or property 
management company or companies allowing access to the housing site(s) 
for on-site construction training. DOL will deem non-responsive any 
application that fails to specifically identify the location of the on-
site construction, including evidence of site access. Guidance on 
evidence of site access is as follows:
     If the applicant has a contract or option to purchase the 
property, include a copy of the contract or option; or
     If a third party owns the property or has a contract or 
option to purchase, that third party must provide a letter stating the 
nature of the ownership and specifically providing access to the 
property for the purposes of the program and the time frame in which 
the property will be available. In the case of a contract or option, 
include a copy of the document.
    (3) Official certification by a public official responsible for the 
housing strategy for the State or unit of general local government 
within which the proposed program is located (on official agency 
letterhead) that the proposed program is consistent with the housing 
strategy.

C. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses

    The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is July 3, 2007. Applications must be successfully 
submitted through www.grants.gov no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). 
Applications sent by mail, 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 requirements 
set forth in this notice will be granted.
    Paper applications will not be accepted. All applications must be 
submitted electronically at https://www.grants.gov. Any application 
received after the deadline will not be accepted. It is strongly 
recommended that before the applicant begins to write the proposal, 
applicants immediately initiate and complete the ''Get Started'' steps 
to register at https://www.grants.gov/GetStarted. These steps may take 
several days to complete and should be factored into the plans for 
electronic application submission in order to avoid facing unexpected 
delays that could result in the rejection of the application. To ensure 
that the application is submitted on time, it is recommended that it is 
submitted multiple days before the due date in order to address any 
technical difficulties that may be encountered. It is the sole 
responsibility of the applicant to ensure timely submission. 
Applications should be submitted as a .doc or .pdf file.

D. Intergovernmental Review

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

E. Funding Restrictions

    All proposal costs must be necessary and reasonable in accordance 
with Federal guidelines. Determinations of allowable costs will be made 
in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles, e.g., Non-
Profit Organizations--OMB Circular A-122. Disallowed costs are those 
charges to a grant that the grantor agency or its representative 
determines not to be allowed in accordance with the applicable Federal 
Cost Principles or other conditions contained in the grant. Applicants 
will not be entitled to reimbursement of pre-award costs.
    Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by 
Organizations that Receive Federal Financial Assistance. The government 
is generally prohibited from providing direct financial assistance for 
inherently religious activities. See 29 CFR Part 2, Subpart D. 
Provision relating to the use of indirect support (such as through 
vouchers) are at 29 CFR 2.33(c) and 20 CFR 667.266. These grants may 
not be used to directly support religious instruction, worship, prayer, 
proselytizing or other inherently religious practices. Neutral, secular 
criteria that neither favor nor disfavor religion must be employed in 
the selection of grant and sub-grant recipients. In addition, under the 
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and ETA regulations implementing the 
Workforce Investment Act, a recipient may not use direct Federal 
assistance to train a participant in religious activities, or employ 
participants to construct, operate, or maintain any part of a facility 
that is used or to be used for religious instruction or worship. See 29 
CFR 37.6(f). Under WIA, ``no individual shall be excluded from 
participation in, denied the benefits of, subjected to discrimination 
under, or denied employment in the administration of or in connection 
with, any such program or activity because of race, color, religion, 
sex (except as otherwise permitted under Title IX of the Education 
Amendments of 1972), national origin, age, disability, or political 
affiliation or belief.''
    Indirect Costs. As specified in OMB Circular Cost Principles, 
indirect costs are those that have been incurred for common or joint 
objectives and cannot be readily identified with a particular cost 
objective. In order to utilize grant funds for indirect costs incurred, 
the applicant must obtain an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement with its 
Federal Cognizant Agency either before or shortly after the grant 
award. If an applicant already has a Federal Indirect Cost Rate 
Agreement, that agreement may be used.
    Administrative Costs. Under the YouthBuild grants, an entity that 
receives a grant to carry out a project or program may not use more 
than 15 percent of the amount of the grant to pay administrative costs 
associated with the program or project. Administrative costs could be 
both direct and indirect costs and are defined at 20 CFR 667.220. 
Administrative costs do not need to be identified separately from 
program costs on the SF 424A Budget Information Form. They should be 
discussed in the budget narrative and tracked through the grantee's 
accounting system. To claim any administrative costs that are also 
indirect costs, the applicant must obtain an indirect cost rate 
agreement from its Federal Cognizant Agency as specified above.
    ETA Intellectual Property Rights. Applicants should note that 
grantees must agree to provide DOL/ETA a fully paid, nonexclusive and 
irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use for federal 
purposes all products developed or for which ownership was purchased 
under an award, including but not limited to curricula, training 
models, technical assistance products, and any related materials, and 
to authorize them to do so. Such uses include, but are not limited to, 
the right to modify and distribute such products worldwide by any 
means, electronically or otherwise.

F. Withdrawal of Applications

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

[[Page 20881]]

V. Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Criterion                              Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Statement of Need...........................................       10
2. Program Management and Organizational Capacity..............       10
3. Project Design, Service Strategy, and Program Outcomes......       40
4. Linkages to Key Partners and Leveraged Resources............       25
5. Evidence of Past Success in YouthBuild or Other Relevant           15
 Programs......................................................
                                                                --------
    Total Possible Points......................................      100
------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Statement of Need (10 Points)
    Please describe the community where the YouthBuild program will 
operate. Identify the need for a YouthBuild program in the community 
that is proposed to be served through the grant and demonstrate the 
need for the project in that area. Applicants are expected to present 
information on various characteristics of the community(ies) in which 
they expect to operate. If there are particular neighborhoods within 
the city where the grant will be focused, describe these neighborhoods 
and provide available data specific to those areas. Required 
information includes the population of the area, its poverty rate, the 
incidence of homelessness, shortage of affordable housing, its 
unemployment rate, the drop-out rate, and the number of 18-24 year olds 
without a high school diploma. To obtain these indicators, applicants 
can use census tract data from the 2000 census--go to https://
factfinder.census.gov and use the link on the left for People.
    To find the cohort rate for dropouts in the area being served, 
provide the 9th grade enrollment at each high school within the 
proposed community for 2001 and the graduating class for those same 
high schools in May/June 2005. All of these indicators should be 
presented in chart form and the applicant must provide the sources for 
the data provided.
    If the organization plans to build or rehabilitate houses or 
community/public facilities in a different community from that in which 
youth will be recruited, present the homelessness and poverty data for 
that area and the unemployment, poverty, and dropout data for the area 
in which the organization will be recruiting youth participants.
    Applicants will be evaluated on the clear and specific need for a 
YouthBuild program in their community.
2. Program Management and Organizational Capacity (10 Points)
    Please provide a description of the applicant organization and a 
statement of its qualifications for running a YouthBuild program 
including years of operation, current annual budget, experience of 
staff and continuity of leadership and their relevant experience. 
Please fully describe the organization's capacity to track and report 
outcomes. Please discuss the professional development activities 
available to staff, either on-site or through training funds.
    Please fully describe any previous experience of the organization 
in operating grants from either Federal or non-Federal sources. 
Describe the fiscal controls in place in the organization for auditing 
and accountability procedures.
    Please describe the organization's ability to handle multiple 
funding streams. As some grantees may be simultaneously managing grants 
from both HUD and DOL in the next few years, it is especially important 
that organizations be able to demonstrate that they have accounting 
systems in place that are able to manage multiple funding streams in an 
organized and delineated manner.
    Applicants must describe their proposed project management 
structure including, where appropriate, the identification of a 
proposed project manager, discussion of the proposed staffing pattern, 
and the qualifications and experience of key staff members.
    Scoring under this criterion will be based on the extent to which 
applicants provide evidence of the following:
     The time commitment of the proposed staff is sufficient to 
ensure proper direction, management, and timely completion of the 
project.
     The roles and contribution of staff, consultants, and 
collaborative organizations are clearly defined and linked to specific 
objects and tasks.
     The background, experience, and other qualifications of 
the staff are sufficient to carry out their designated roles.
     The applicant organization has significant capacity to 
accomplish the goals and outcomes of the project, including the ability 
to collect and manage data in a way that allows consistent, accurate, 
and expedient reporting.
3. Project Design, Service Strategy, and Program Outcomes (40 Points 
Total)
a. How will youth be recruited and selected for the program? (5 points)
    Please provide a description that fully demonstrates how eligible 
youth will be recruited and selected as participants, including a 
description of arrangements that will be made with Local Workforce 
Investment Boards, One-Stop Career Centers, faith-based and community 
organizations, state educational agencies or local educational agencies 
(including agencies of Indian tribes), public assistance agencies, the 
courts of jurisdiction, agencies operating shelters for homeless 
individuals and other agencies that serve youth who are homeless 
individuals, foster care agencies, and other appropriate public and 
private agencies. Please provide a description that fully demonstrates 
the special outreach efforts that will be undertaken to recruit 
eligible young women (including young women with dependent children) as 
participants.
    Applicants will be evaluated on the quality and comprehensiveness 
of their recruitment strategy including methods for outreach, referral, 
and selection. In addition, applicants will be evaluated on the 
program's unique efforts to recruit eligible young women into the 
YouthBuild program.
b. How will education and occupational skills training be delivered to 
youth? (15 points)
    Please provide a description that fully demonstrates the 
educational and job training activities (particularly construction/
building trades occupational training), work opportunities, post-
secondary education and training opportunities, and other services that 
will be provided to participants, and how those activities, 
opportunities, and services will prepare youth for employment in 
occupations in demand in the local labor market. Given the connection 
between education and earnings, it is ETA's expectation that the 
academic component will be rigorous and challenging and will provide 
youth with opportunities to transition to post-secondary training. The 
program should be structured so that participants in the program are 
offered education and related services designed to meet educational 
needs for at least 50 percent of the time during which they participate 
in the program. YouthBuild program participants must be offered work 
and skill development activities for at least 40 percent of the time 
during which they participate in the program. The proposal will be 
rated on the quality of the education program, the

[[Page 20882]]

quality of the occupational skills training, and the integration of 
these two components.
(1) Education
    Please indicate the type of academic credential that participants 
earn while in the program (GED or high school diploma). Please fully 
describe the quality of the academic program and the qualifications of 
the teaching staff. Fully describe any innovative and successful 
strategies that the program or initiative has used to address low basic 
skills of participants. If distance learning and/or credit retrieval is 
used, please fully describe how this is incorporated into the overall 
academic program. Please fully describe the relationship between the 
program and the local school district(s).
    Please fully demonstrate how the academic program is integrated 
with the occupational skills training component of the program. Please 
explain how academic and occupational skills training instructors work 
together to reinforce and complement classroom and workplace lessons. 
Please describe other innovative teaching strategies used in the 
program.
    Please explain how the program explicitly links participants to 
local community colleges and trade schools, particularly for YouthBuild 
programs that only offer GEDs to participants.
    Please describe the types of college exploration, planning, 
preparation, and assistance that will be provided. Describe the types 
of follow-up services that will be provided to support youth as they 
transition to post-secondary education and ensure that they graduate.
(2) Occupational Skills Training
    Please discuss the occupational skills training component of the 
program including where and how the training will be conducted, how the 
curriculum is developed, the type of industry recognized credentials 
that result from the training, and the involvement of industry partners 
in the development of the training. Describe how the applied learning 
of the construction trades will improve and enhance the academic 
outcomes for the youth. Please describe the skills and qualifications 
of the occupational skills training instructors.
    Please provide a description of the wages or stipends structure for 
participants. Provide labor market information for the community, 
state, and/or region where the YouthBuild program will be implemented, 
including both current data (as of the date of submission of the 
application) and projections on career opportunities in growing 
industries. Please explain how the YouthBuild program will prepare 
youth for the local labor market in demand driven occupations that 
include construction-related and other high-growth career fields.
    Please describe how the organization will oversee the worksite to 
identify existing and potential hazards, how youth will be trained to 
protect themselves from potential worksite accidents, and how hazards 
will be prevented and controlled through policies and procedures. 
Provide information on how worksite supervisors will be trained to 
ensure worksite safety. Please indicate the ration of adults to youth 
at construction training sites.
    Please note that YouthBuild projects will be required to follow 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines in the 
operation of their construction projects and to submit incident reports 
to ETA of injuries occurring on worksites. ETA will require that 
YouthBuild grantees:
     Provide comprehensive documented training on construction 
safety for youth working on YouthBuild projects, including requirements 
for youth to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in hazard 
identification, abatement, and safe work practices.
     Demonstrate compliance with federal and state child labor 
laws and occupational safety and health regulations.
     Provide written jobsite-specific safety plans overseen by 
an on-site supervisor with the knowledge, skills, and authority to 
correct safety and health hazards and enforce the site-specific safety 
plan.
     Provide necessary personal protective equipment to youth 
working on YouthBuild projects.
     Report all injuries and illnesses to youth working on 
YouthBuild projects, along with documentation on remedial measures to 
prevent future similar injuries and help ensure that YouthBuild is a 
model program that takes active steps for participant safety and 
health.
c. How will community service learning and leadership development 
opportunities be provided for youth in the program? (10 points)
    Please fully describe the proposed leadership curriculum, 
qualifications of instructors, and the impact of the proposed 
leadership activities on the target area. The application must fully 
describe the leadership development training that will be offered to 
participants, the expected leadership competencies with which 
participants will graduate, youth committee involvement strategies, 
efforts for providing the training to build group cohesion and peer 
support, and opportunities for continued leadership after graduation. 
Please describe how community service learning opportunities will be 
implemented at the site.
    Applicants will be evaluated on the quality of leadership 
development and community service learning activities. In addition, the 
proposal will be evaluated on how these activities are integrated with 
academic, skills training, and career exploration components of the 
program.
d. What types of post-program transition services will be provided? 
What types of follow-up services will be provided? Post-program 
transition services are defined as services offered during program 
enrollment that will assist a young person in making a successful 
transition from the YouthBuild program into employment and/or post-
secondary education and training programs. Follow-up services are 
services provided to a YouthBuild program participant upon exit from 
the program. (10 points)
    Please fully describe the types of post-program transition services 
that will be offered to prepare youth for career pathway opportunities 
and placements and/or educational opportunities and placements. Please 
fully describe how each individual's work readiness will be assessed 
and how work readiness training will be provided. Also describe how an 
individual's readiness for placement in post-secondary education and/or 
apprenticeship programs will be assessed. Please fully demonstrate the 
types of career exploration and planning activities that will be 
offered by the program, particularly for high-growth, high-demand, and 
high-wage occupations. For a list of the U.S. Department of Labor's 
Employment and Training Administration's Targeted High-Growth 
Industries, go to: https://www.doleta.gov/BRG/eta_default.cfm.
    Please fully describe the program's job placement and retention 
strategy including how the program will work with employers and/or One-
Stop Career Centers to identify and create job openings for the young 
people served by the program.
    Please fully describe the types of follow-up that will be provided 
to program graduates. These supportive services should relate to 
employment placement and retention, post-secondary transition and 
degree attainment. Describe how appropriate

[[Page 20883]]

continued support services will be provided.
    Important elements for evaluation include:
     The degree to which work readiness and career exploration 
are integrated into the core mission and activities of the program.
     The program's consistent ability to provide post-program 
planning for participants.
     The structure of its participant follow-up service 
strategy.
4. Linkages to Key Partners, Match and Leveraged Resources and Regional 
Economic Development Strategies (25 points total)
a. Who are the key partners that will be supporting the program? (10 
points)
    Please describe the key partners who will be involved in the 
proposed YouthBuild project. Specifically, describe in detail the 
activities to be undertaken by partners, the level of commitment from 
each partnering organization, and their qualifications to assist with 
this project. As an attachment, the applicant should include letters of 
commitment from key partners that demonstrate the strength and maturity 
of the partnership including previous collaboration on projects.
    Please provide a description of how the proposed program will 
coordinate with Federal, state, and local agencies and Indian tribes to 
access services, including local workforce investment activities, 
vocational education programs, limited English proficiency instruction 
programs, and activities conducted by public schools, community 
colleges, and national service programs, as well as other job training 
provided with funds available under this title.
    Please describe the partnerships with the juvenile justice system 
or housing and community development systems.
    Please fully describe the specific role of employers in the 
proposed program, such as their role in developing the proposed program 
and assisting in service provision and in placement activities.
    Please fully describe the program's relationship with local 
building trade unions and their role in training, the relationship of 
the proposed program to established registered apprenticeship programs 
and employers, and the ability of the applicant to grant industry-
recognized skills certifications through the program.
    Points for this factor will be awarded based on: (a) The 
comprehensiveness of the partnership and the degree to which each key 
partner plays a committed role in the proposed project; (b) their 
knowledge and experience concerning the proposed grant activities, and 
their ability to impact the success of the project; and (c) evidence, 
including letters of commitment, that key partners have expressed a 
clear dedication to the project and understand their areas of 
responsibility. Applicants should provide evidence of a plan for 
interaction and communication between partners and the demonstrated 
ability of the lead agency to successfully manage partnerships.
b. What match and other leveraged resources are being contributed to 
this project? (10 points)
    Applicants should clearly describe the required matching funds and 
any additional funds or resources leveraged in support of the proposed 
strategies and demonstrate how these funds will be used to contribute 
to the goals of the project. Important elements of the explanation 
include:
     Which partners and/or grant subrecipients have contributed 
match and leveraged resources and the extent of each contribution, 
including an itemized description of each contribution.
     The quality of the match and leveraged resources, 
including the extent to which each contribution will be used to further 
the goals of the project.
     Evidence, such as letters of commitment, that key partners 
have expressed a clear commitment to provide the contribution.
    Assessment of this criterion will be based on the extent to which 
the application fully describes the amount, commitment, nature, and 
quality of match and leveraged resources. A match in the sum of at 
least 25 percent of the Federal funding request must be provided. 
Matching funds may be either cash or in-kind. Both matching funds and 
additional leveraged resources will be scored based on the degree to 
which the source and use of those resources are clearly explained and 
the extent to which all resources are fully integrated into the project 
to support grant outcomes.
d. Please Describe the Organization's Involvement in Regional Economic 
Development Strategies. (5 Points)
    Please fully describe how the organization is serving as a catalyst 
for change in the community. Applicants should be able to fully 
demonstrate how they have created such changes and stimulated economic 
growth in their communities and how they would continue to support 
community development as a YouthBuild grantee.
    Please specifically describe how the program is integrated with 
local, state, and/or regional strategies to develop deep talent pools 
of young workers who will serve as a ``youth supply pipeline'' to drive 
and support economic growth.
    Applicants will be evaluated on the following:
     The extent to which they understand the local and regional 
economy and the role of youth workers in shaping the economy; and
     The proposed role of YouthBuild training in stimulating 
economic growth in high-demand occupations.
5. Evidence of Past & Projected Success In Youthbuild or Other Relevant 
Programs (15 Points)
    Please fully describe and document the past accomplishments 
operating YouthBuild or similar yo