American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant Applications for State Labor Market Information Improvement Grants, 30128-30138 [E9-14930]

Agencies

• Employment and Training Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 120 (Wednesday, June 24, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30128-30138]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-14930]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; Notice of 
Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant Applications for State 
Labor Market Information Improvement Grants

    Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation for Grant Applications.
    Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY 08-17.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.275.

DATES: Key Dates:
    The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is August 14, 2009. Applications must be received no later 
than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) or submitted electronically by the deadline 
and in accordance with the instructions in Section IV.C. of this 
Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA). A pre-recorded Webinar will 
be online (https://www.workforce3one.org) and accessible for viewing on 
July 10, 2009 by 3 p.m. ET, and will be available for viewing anytime 
after that date. While a review of this webinar is encouraged it is not 
mandatory that you view this recording.

ADDRESSES: Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department 
of Labor, Employment & Training Administration, Division of Federal 
Assistance, Attention: Willie Harris, Grants Officer, Reference SGA/DFA 
PY-08-17, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N4716, Washington, DC 
20210. For complete ``Application and Submission Information,'' please 
refer to Section IV.
SUMMARY: The Department of Labor (DOL or the Department), Employment

[[Page 30129]]

and Training Administration (ETA) announces the availability of 
approximately $50 million in grant funds authorized by the American 
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act), Public Law 
111-5, 123 Stat. 115, Division A, Title VIII, for the Workforce 
Agencies of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. 
Territories, or a consortium of such agencies, to collect, analyze, and 
disseminate labor market information, and to enhance the labor exchange 
infrastructure for careers within the energy efficiency and renewable 
energy industries described in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Part B of 
this SGA. The eligible applicant for this grant solicitation is the 
State Workforce Agency, as States are expected to use workforce and 
labor market information and data as the foundation on which to build 
and implement effective workforce development strategies. This SGA 
encourages collaborative approaches, whereby multiple States apply as a 
consortium to conduct research that may potentially have a multi-State 
or national impact (please see Section III.A. for detailed eligibility 
information). ETA intends to fund individual State grants ranging from 
approximately $750,000 to $1,250,000. Individual grant awards to 
consortium applicants will range from $2 to $4 million, contingent upon 
an adequate justification of proposed project needs and the 
availability of resources.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Recovery Act: Competitive Grants for Green Job Training

    This section of the SGA provides general background on the American 
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), the competitive 
grants funded through the Recovery Act to prepare workers for careers 
in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, and the 
occupations and industries on which these grants should focus. On 
February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American 
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) through which 
Congress intended to preserve and create jobs, promote the nation's 
economic recovery, and assist those most impacted by the recession. 
Among other funding directed toward the Department of Labor, the 
Recovery Act provides $750 million for a program of competitive grants 
for worker training and placement in high growth and emerging 
industries. Of the $750 million allotted for competitive grants, the 
Recovery Act designates $500 million for projects that prepare workers 
for careers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors 
described in Section 171(e)(1)(B) of the Workforce Investment Act 
(WIA). DOL intends to use a portion of the $500 million for providing 
technical assistance for this program of grants.
    The purpose of these grants, which fund both green job training and 
research projects, is to teach workers the skills required in these 
emerging energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors. These efforts 
will lead program participants to job placement while leveraging other 
Recovery Act investments intended to create jobs and promote economic 
growth. This specific SGA focuses on collecting, analyzing, and 
disseminating labor market information and developing a labor exchange 
infrastructure, while other grants in this series focus on training and 
related activities. For additional information about the series of 
competitive grants for green job training and research projects, please 
refer to Training and Employment Notice (TEN) 44-08 available at https://www.doleta.gov/Recovery/legislation.cfm.

B. Green Industries and Occupations

    Through this series of grants, the Department will fund workforce 
development research and training projects that will help connect 
target populations, including auto and auto-related industry workers 
affected by significant automotive-related restructurings, to career 
pathways in green industries. Grantees will implement research and 
training programs that will help prepare individuals for careers in any 
of the seven energy efficiency and renewable energy industries defined 
in Section 171(e)(1)(B)(ii) of the WIA, which include:
     The energy-efficient building, construction, and retrofit 
industries;
     The renewable electric power industry;
     The energy efficient and advanced drive train vehicle 
industry;
     The biofuels industry;
     The deconstruction and materials use industries;
     The energy efficiency assessment industry serving 
residential, commercial, or industrial sectors; and
     Manufacturers that produce sustainable products using 
environmentally sustainable processes and materials.
    Additionally, the Department is interested in applicants 
contributing to our understanding of green industries and jobs that 
clean and enhance our environment. Initial research supported by the 
Department of Labor shows that there are ``growth, enhanced and 
emerging'' green occupations across a number of industries. Applicants 
may propose strategies that focus on training or labor market 
information and exchange related to those occupations from among the 
following industries: transportation; green construction; environmental 
protection; sustainable agriculture including healthy food production; 
forestry; and recycling and waste reduction (see O*NET report at https://www.onetcenter.org/reports/Green.html). The Department will consider 
proposals that focus on these occupations within these industries if 
applicants can offer supporting data demonstrating these are emerging 
industries which are producing jobs in their communities.
    For the purpose of these SGAs, the Department defines energy 
efficiency and renewable energy as follows. Section 203(b)(2) of the 
Energy Policy Act of 2005, Public Law 109-58, 119 Stat. 595, defines 
``renewable energy'' as ``electric energy generated from solar, wind, 
biomass, landfill gas, ocean (including tidal, wave, current, and 
thermal), geothermal, municipal solid waste, or new hydroelectric 
generation capacity achieved from increased efficiency or additions of 
new capacity at an existing hydroelectric project.'' ``Energy 
efficiency'' can be broadly defined as programs aimed at mitigating the 
use of energy, reducing harmful emissions, and decreasing overall 
energy consumption.
    The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is 
working to develop a definition for green sectors and jobs, which will 
be used to ensure that workforce development efforts identify and 
target these green jobs and their training needs. The Department has 
also supported occupational research that begins to define green jobs, 
review sectors impacted by green investments, and understand how new 
green technology and materials will affect occupational requirements. 
The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) project has drafted a 
research paper titled, Greening of the World of Work: Implications for 
O*NET-SOC and New and Emerging Occupations. This study reflects three 
general categories of occupations, based on different consequences of 
green economy activities and technologies: (1) Existing occupations 
expected to experience primarily an increase in employment demand; (2) 
existing occupations with significant change to the work and worker 
requirements; and (3) new and emerging green occupations. This research 
may be used as a starting point

[[Page 30130]]

for identifying green industries and occupations and informing the 
development of training and job placement programs. For a copy of the 
O*NET report and a listing of the identified occupations go to https://www.onetcenter.org/reports/Green.html

C. Working With Other Recovery Act Programs

    The Recovery Act made funds available to a number of other federal 
programs that will impact the creation and expansion of green jobs. DOL 
is partnering with other federal agencies to support the creation of 
jobs by developing a pipeline of skilled workers in the energy 
efficiency and renewable energy industries. Where possible, ETA 
encourages applicants to connect their workforce development strategies 
to other Recovery Act funded projects that create jobs or impact the 
skill requirements of existing jobs. ETA recommends that applicants 
review other parts of the Recovery Act, with a focus on the activities 
funded through the Department of Energy (Energy), the Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development (HUD), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the 
Department of Education (Education) and others. For additional 
resources and information about our federal partners, please see 
Section VIII, ``Additional Resources of Interest to Applicants.''

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Overview

    The Department is making available approximately $50 million in 
grant funds authorized by the Recovery Act for State Workforce 
Agencies, or a consortium of such agencies, to collect, analyze, and 
disseminate labor market information, and to enhance the labor exchange 
infrastructure for careers within the energy efficiency and renewable 
energy industries as defined in the Supplementary Information: Part B 
of this SGA. Individual grant awards to single State applicants will 
range from $750,000 to $1,250,000. Individual grant awards to 
consortium applicants will range from $2 to $4 million, contingent upon 
adequate justification of proposed project needs and the availability 
of resources (see Section III.A. for information on eligible 
applicants). Within the funding ranges specified above, applicants are 
encouraged to submit proposals for quality projects at whatever funding 
level is appropriate to the project.
    As articulated in Section V of this SGA addressing application 
review criteria, the Department is seeking proposals for research and 
analysis of labor market data to assess economic activity in energy 
efficiency and renewable energy industries and identify occupations 
within those industries, as outlined in the Supplementary Information: 
Part B of this SGA.
    The Recovery Act will stimulate the creation of green jobs through 
investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other areas. 
One goal of the Department is to obtain employment estimates of the 
number and skill characteristics of current and future (projected) jobs 
in the green economy. The Department also is interested in assessing 
the extent to which new green jobs are being created as a result of 
Recovery Act investments, as well as investments from State and local 
governments, the private sector, and community organizations in green 
technologies and methods.
    ETA is working with BLS to explore approaches to define and measure 
green jobs, including how surveys might be designed to evaluate the 
extent of green economic activity in businesses and industries, and 
identify the specific occupations of the employees who are doing such 
work. The Department intends for the labor market research efforts 
funded under this SGA to be coordinated with BLS activities, to the 
extent that such information is available within the grant timeframes, 
in order to promote consistent and comparable data across States on 
green employment impacts. Furthermore, these data collection activities 
must either conform to technical standards and methodologies 
established by BLS, or provide a sound rationale for the use of an 
alternative methodology.
    BLS is currently developing methods to identify green industries 
and occupations. These definitions will be based on, and consistent 
with, the frameworks used in the North American Industry Classification 
System (NAICS), the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, 
or the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) system (based on SOC), 
with additional details or new specializations identified as needed. 
Data collection activities proposed by applicants should be consistent 
with these classification frameworks. As applicants examine existing 
classifications of energy efficiency and renewable energy industry 
occupations, they will identify more specific industries or occupations 
for separate identification.
    Applicants should reference the activities underway at BLS and the 
list of new and emerging occupations in the O*NET study as a starting 
point for data collection research on new green occupations. For a copy 
of the O*NET report and a listing of the identified occupations go to 
https://www.onetcenter.org/reports/Green.html.
    In addition to this O*NET occupational information, ETA also 
supports the development and dissemination of industry competency 
models, available through the Competency Model Clearinghouse Web site 
within CareerOneStop.org (https://www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel/default.aspx). Some of these industry competency models, such as 
Residential Construction, and Energy, already contain certain green 
competency components that may be useful as a starting point or 
supplement for further development or customization for a State or 
regional economy.
    Funds are being made available to provide education and job 
training to prepare workers for green jobs through separate DOL grant 
solicitations and WIA funding provided by the Recovery Act. To 
facilitate the placement of workers in these jobs, the Department is 
seeking information on current and expected employment numbers, 
research to identify the skill and competency requirements of newly 
created jobs, as well as the identification of changing skill needs of 
existing occupations that will require proficiency with new green 
technologies and materials. One key goal is to ensure that the training 
efforts being funded through the public workforce investment system 
provide workers with the training that will be in demand for green 
jobs, and to ensure that a supply of trained workers will be available 
to fill the openings posted by businesses that will be hiring as a 
result of Recovery Act investments.

B. Strategies and Approaches

    Applicants must propose strategies and approaches in the following 
focus areas:
1. Data Collection and Estimation Activities Related to Green 
Industries, Occupations, and Skill Requirements
    Applicants will propose effective methods for estimating the impact 
on industry and occupational employment resulting from implementation 
of green technologies, particularly as related to projects funded by, 
but not limited to, Recovery Act investments. Successful applicants 
will conduct labor market research to assess and develop estimates of 
employment (organized by industry and/or occupation) and labor market 
data indicating green job skills

[[Page 30131]]

requirements and occupational characteristics. Such information must be 
developed for both State and, where feasible, sub-State regions, as 
well as multi-State regions. In addition, research or tools with 
potential national impact may be developed through collaborative 
approaches whereby multiple States apply as a consortium. This focus 
area is explicitly evaluated in Sections V.A.4.i. of this SGA.
2. Data Dissemination Activities
    Applicants will disseminate the research and data produced through 
these projects and include outreach strategies to inform the public 
workforce system; educational institutions; community and faith-based 
organizations that offer workers training, employment, and support 
services; job seekers; students; labor, business, and industry 
organizations; and economic development agencies of the occupational 
skills and growing needs of the energy efficiency and renewable energy 
industries. This research and data may ultimately be used by these 
groups and organizations for the purpose of establishing career 
pathways for green occupations. Publication of data or estimates may be 
through multiple modes, such as a press release, hardcopy report, PDF 
document, or Internet Web sites. Information may be provided in 
different formats for different target audiences. In addition to 
technical information, the Department strongly encourages the inclusion 
of career information, competency models, and guidance for job-seekers. 
Applicants must ensure that dissemination strategies comply with the 
accessibility requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act 
Amendments of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 794), to ensure information is available 
to individuals with disabilities. Applicants should also be aware of 
ETA's Intellectual Property Rights included in Section IV.E. of this 
SGA. This focus area is explicitly evaluated in Section V.A.4.ii. of 
this SGA.
3. Related Research Activities
    In addition to generating economic data, applicants may propose 
additional research that provides insight into the State regulatory 
environment, an understanding of current programs of study and related 
credentials, and an identification of capital investments in green 
industries. Projects may include the following State-specific summaries 
that may be used to inform strategic decision-making by project 
partners:
    i. State-specific summaries of Green Job statutes and regulations;
    ii. State-specific summaries of educational resources including 
post-secondary and higher educational institutions' courses and 
programs leading to industry-recognized credentials, certifications, or 
degrees;
    iii. State-specific summaries of linkages between identified 
occupations and related training courses or programs that prepare 
workers with the skills and competencies required in the occupations;
    iv. Identification of projects and their employment and skill needs 
that are resulting from Recovery Act or other public or private capital 
investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, or related efforts 
(such as weatherization, building retrofit, mass transit 
infrastructure) that will likely generate green jobs in the State or 
region;
    v. Estimated supply of human capital, including data on workforce 
demographics, educational attainment levels and existing skills, labor 
surpluses or shortages of a skilled workforce; and
    vi. Development of labor market information tools or systems to 
estimate or project employment and skill needs at State or sub-State 
levels, or for defined economic regions.
    This focus area is explicitly evaluated in Section V.A.4.iii. of 
this SGA.
4. Labor Exchange Activities
    Applicants will include strategies for posting job openings to 
online job banks that will be highlighted for easy recognition as green 
jobs by job seekers. These openings may include jobs created through 
public or private investments in green and clean technology, as well as 
jobs created through funding from Energy, HUD, DOT, EPA, and other 
Recovery Act investments as appropriate. Tracking or data mining of 
such posted jobs can also be one of the methods used to assess 
employment activity in these industries. DOL is looking for online 
tools and other approaches that will encourage local residents to 
prepare for and apply for jobs being created in their local area. This 
focus area is explicitly evaluated in Section V.A.4.iv. of this SGA.

II. Award Information

A. Award Amount

    The Department is making available approximately $50 million to 
fund these grants. Individual grant awards to single State applicants 
will range from $750,000 to $1,250,000. Individual grant awards to 
consortium applicants will range from $2 to $4 million, contingent upon 
an adequate justification of proposed project needs and the 
availability of resources (see Section III for information on eligible 
applicants). Within the funding ranges specified above, applicants are 
encouraged to submit budgets for quality projects at whatever funding 
level is appropriate to the project.

B. Period of Performance

    The period of grant performance will be up to 18 months from the 
date of execution of the grant documents. This performance period 
includes all necessary implementation and start-up activities. 
Applicants should plan to fully expend grant funds and submit all 
reports during the period of performance, while ensuring full 
transparency and accountability for all expenditures.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    The eligible applicant for this grant solicitation is the State 
Workforce Agency, as States are expected to use workforce and labor 
market information and data as the foundation on which to build and 
implement effective workforce development strategies. Each State 
Workforce Agency is encouraged to submit an application under this 
competitive program as either a single State or as a partner with a 
consortium of States. States may only submit one application as a 
single state. Individual State applications will focus on research and 
other eligible activities within that State. ETA also encourages 
collaborative approaches, whereby multiple States apply as a consortium 
to conduct research that may potentially have a regional, multi-State, 
or national impact.
    Applicants must clearly indicate in the required grant abstract if 
they are applying as an individual State or as a consortium. Consortium 
applications must identify each participating State and designate a 
lead State as the applicant that will have the overall responsibility 
for administering the grant. The consortium lead State will coordinate 
reporting activities and must serve as the fiscal agent. Consortium 
applications will not count against the ``single application'' per 
State limit for the partnering States, provided that the consortium 
proposal includes original strategies and is not duplicative of the 
strategies or deliverables included in the participating States' 
individual applications. For the purposes of this SGA, the term 
``State'' means each of the 50 States of the United States, the 
District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. For the purposes of this 
SGA, the term ``U.S. territories'' includes the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, as well

[[Page 30132]]

as the following outlying areas: the United States Virgin Islands, 
Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 
the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of 
Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

B. Cost Sharing

    Cost sharing or matching funds are not required as a condition for 
application, but leveraged resources are strongly encouraged.

C. Eligibility Requirements

1. Strategic Partnerships
    All applicants must demonstrate that the proposed project will be 
implemented through a robust strategic partnership that includes:
    i. State Labor Market Information and Research entities, which will 
conduct the research activities discussed in Section I of this SGA. 
Applicants may propose that data collection and research activities be 
carried out by other appropriate research organizations such as 
colleges and universities, working in consultation with the Statewide 
workforce information entity regarding DOL methods and classification 
guidelines;
    ii. The State Workforce Investment Board, which will partner to 
ensure that research and data developed by the grant inform planning 
for training efforts funded through the public workforce investment 
system; and
    iii. Applicants may include additional partners such as employers, 
industry-related organizations, trade associations, labor 
organizations, labor-management organizations, colleges and 
universities, research labs and centers, or community and faith-based 
organizations with experience in the energy efficiency and renewable 
energy industries identified in the Supplementary Information: Part B 
of this SGA . These eligible partners may be included in an application 
to provide information and a user perspective, consulting with 
researchers on green jobs and skills, advising on what information is 
needed or would be useful for their purposes, as well as advising on 
presentation formats that would be useful to the organization or its 
constituency in providing training and placement services related to 
green jobs.

D. Other Grant Specifications

1. Grantee Training
    Grantees are required to participate in all DOL/ETA training 
activities related to orientation, financial management and reporting, 
performance reporting, product dissemination, and other technical 
assistance training as appropriate during the life of the grant. These 
trainings may occur via conference call, webinar, and in-person 
meetings. For budgeting purposes, Grant recipients should allocate 
adequate staff time and travel resources to ensure participation at a 
two-day in-person event.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. How to Obtain An 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--(I) 
a cost proposal, (II) a technical proposal, and (III) attachments to 
the technical proposal. Applications that fail to adhere to the 
instructions in this section will be considered non-responsive and will 
not be considered. Please note that it is the applicant's 
responsibility to ensure that the funding amount requested is 
consistent across all parts and sub-parts of the application.
    Part I. The Cost Proposal. The Cost Proposal must include the 
following four items:
     The Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance'' (available at https://www07.grants.gov/agencies/forms_repository_information.jsp and https://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm). The SF 424 must clearly identify the applicant and be 
signed by an individual with authority to enter into a grant agreement. 
Upon confirmation of an award, the individual signing the SF 424 on 
behalf of the applicant shall be considered the authorized 
representative of the applicant.
     Applicants must supply their D-U-N-S[supreg] Number on the 
SF 424. All applicants for Federal grant and funding opportunities are 
required to have a D-U-N-S[supreg] Number (Data Universal Numbering 
System). See Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Notice of Final 
Policy Issuance, 68 FR 38402, and June 27, 2003. The D-U-N-S[supreg] 
Number is a non-indicative, nine-digit number assigned to each business 
location in the D&B database having a unique, separate, and distinct 
operation, and is maintained solely by D&B. The D-U-N-S[supreg] Number 
is used by industries and organizations around the world as a global 
standard for business identification and tracking. If you do not have a 
D-U-N-S[supreg] Number, you can get one for free through the SBS site: 
https://smallbusiness.dnb.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Glossary?fLink=glossary&footerflag=y&storeId=10001&indicator=7.
     The SF 424A Budget Information Form (available at https://www07.grants.gov/agencies/forms_repository_information.jsp and https://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm). In preparing the Budget 
Information Form, the applicant must provide a concise narrative 
explanation to support the budget request, explained in detail below.
     Budget Narrative: The budget narrative must provide a 
description of costs associated with each line item on the SF-424A. It 
should also include leveraged resources provided to support grant 
activities. In addition, the applicant should address precisely how the 
administrative costs support the project goals. The entire Federal 
grant amount requested should be included on both the SF 424 and SF 
424A (not just one year). No leveraged resources should be shown on the 
SF 424 and SF 424A. Please note that applicants that fail to provide a 
SF 424, SF 424A, a Dun and Bradstreet number, and a budget narrative 
will be removed from consideration prior to the technical review 
process.
     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 under the Grants.gov, Tips and 
Resources From Grantors, Department of Labor section at https://www07.grants.gov/applicants/tips_resources_from_grantors.jsp#13 
(also referred to as Faith Based EEO Survey PDF Form).
    Part II. The Technical Proposal. The Technical Proposal will 
demonstrate the applicant's capability to implement the grant project 
in accordance with the provisions of this solicitation. The guidelines 
for the content of the Technical Proposal are provided in Part V.A of 
this SGA. The Technical Proposal is limited to 15 double-spaced single-
sided pages with 12-point text font and 1-inch margins. Any materials 
beyond the 15-page limit will not be read. Applicants should number the 
Technical Proposal beginning with page number 1. Applicants that do not 
provide Part II the Technical Proposal of the application will be 
removed from consideration prior to the technical review process.
    Part III. Attachments to the Technical Proposal. In addition to the 
15-page Technical Proposal, the applicant must submit an Abstract, not 
to exceed one

[[Page 30133]]

page, summarizing the proposed project including applicant name, 
project title, a description of the area to be served, and the funding 
level requested. Consortium applications must also clearly specify the 
lead State and identify each State that is participating in the 
project. The abstract will not count against the 15-page limit for the 
Technical Proposal. Additional materials such as resumes, general 
letters of support, or letters of commitment are not permitted and will 
not be read.
    Applications may be submitted electronically on Grants.gov or in 
hardcopy via mail or hand delivery. These processes are described in 
further detail in Section IV.C. Applicants submitting proposals in 
hardcopy must submit an original signed application (including the SF 
424) and one (1) ``copy-ready'' version free of bindings, staples or 
protruding tabs to ease in the reproduction of the proposal by DOL. 
Applicants submitting proposals in hardcopy are also required to 
provide an identical electronic copy of the proposal on compact disc 
(CD).

C. Submission Process, Date, Times, and Addresses

    The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is August 14, 2009. As described below, applications must 
be received at the address below no later than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). 
Applications sent by e-mail, telegram, or facsimile (FAX) will not be 
accepted. Applications that do not meet the conditions set forth in 
this notice will not be considered. No exceptions to the mailing and 
delivery requirements set forth in this notice will be granted.
    Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of 
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal 
Assistance, Attention: Willie Harris, Grant Officer, Reference SGA/DFA, 
PY 08-17, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N4716, Washington, DC 
20210. Applicants are advised that mail delivery in the Washington area 
may be delayed due to mail decontamination procedures. Hand-delivered 
proposals will be received at the above address. All professional 
overnight deliveries must be considered to be hand-delivered and must 
be received at the designated place by the specified closing date and 
time.
    Applicants may apply online through Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov), however, due to the expected increase in system 
activity resulting from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 
2009, applicants are encouraged to use an alternate method to submit 
grant applications during this heightened period of demand. While not 
mandatory, DOL encourages the submission of applications thru 
professional overnight delivery service.
    Applications that are submitted thru Grants.gov must be 
successfully submitted at https://www.grants.gov no later than 4 p.m. 
(Eastern Time) on August 14, 2009, and then subsequently validated by 
Grants.gov. The submission and validation process is described in more 
detail below. The process can be complicated and time-consuming. 
Applicants are strongly advised to initiate the process as soon as 
possible and to plan for time to resolve technical problems if 
necessary.
    The Department strongly recommends that before the applicant begins 
to write the proposal, applicants should immediately initiate and 
complete the ``Get Registered'' registration steps at https://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp. These steps may take 
multiple days or weeks to complete, and this time should be factored 
into plans for electronic submission in order to avoid unexpected 
delays that could result in the rejection of an application. It is 
strongly recommends that applicants use the ``Organization Registration 
Checklist'' at https://www.grants.gov/assets/Organization_Steps_Complete_Registration.pdf to ensure the registration process is 
complete.
    Within two business days of application submission, Grants.gov will 
send the applicant two e-mail messages to provide the status of 
application progress through the system. The first e-mail, almost 
immediate, will confirm receipt of the application by Grants.gov. The 
second e-mail will indicate the application has either been 
successfully validated or has been rejected due to errors. Only 
applications that have been successfully submitted and successfully 
validated will be considered. It is the sole responsibility of the 
applicant to ensure a timely submission, therefore sufficient time 
should be allotted for submission (two business days), and if 
applicable, subsequent time to address errors and receive validation 
upon resubmission (an additional two business days for each ensuing 
submission). It is important to note that if sufficient time is not 
allotted and a rejection notice is received after the due date and 
time, the application will not be considered.
    To ensure consideration, the components of the application must be 
saved as either .doc, .xls or .pdf files. If submitted in any other 
format, the applicant bears the risk that compatibility or other issues 
will prevent our ability to consider the application. ETA will attempt 
to open the document but will not take any additional measures in the 
event of issues with opening. In such cases, the non-conforming 
application will not be considered for funding.
    Applicants are strongly advised to utilize the plethora of tools 
and documents, including FAQs, which are available on the ``Applicant 
Resources'' page at https://www.grants.gov/applicants/app_help_reso.jsp#faqs. To receive updated information about critical issues, 
new tips for users and other time sensitive updates as information is 
available, applicants may subscribe to ``Grants.gov Updates'' at https://www.grants.gov/applicants/email_subscription_signup.jsp.
    If applicants encounter a problem with Grants.gov and do not find 
an answer in any of the other resources, call 1-800-518-4726 to speak 
to a Customer Support Representative or e-mail ``support@grants.gov''.
    Late Applications: For applications submitted on Grants.gov, only 
applications that have been successfully submitted no later 4 p.m. 
(Eastern Time) on the closing date and later successfully validated 
will be considered. Applicants take a significant risk by waiting until 
the last day to submit by grants.gov. Any application received after 
the exact date and time specified for receipt at the office designated 
in this notice will not be considered, unless it is received before 
awards are made, it was properly addressed, and it was: (a) Sent by 
U.S. Postal Service mail, postmarked not later than the fifth calendar 
day before the date specified for receipt of applications (e.g., an 
application required to be received by the 20th of the month must be 
postmarked by the 15th of that month); or (b) sent by professional 
overnight delivery service to the addressee not later than one working 
day prior to the date specified for receipt of applications. 
``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. Therefore, applicants should request the postal clerk to place 
a legible hand cancellation ``bull's eye'' postmark on both the receipt 
and the package. Applicants that do not adhere to the above 
instructions will be deemed non-responsive. Evidence of timely 
submission by a professional overnight delivery service must be 
demonstrated

[[Page 30134]]

by equally reliable evidence created by the delivery service provider 
indicating the time and place of receipt.

D. Intergovernmental Review

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

E. Funding Restrictions

    Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance with 
the applicable Federal cost principles. 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. Successful 
and unsuccessful applicants will not be entitled to reimbursement of 
pre-award costs.
1. 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 final cost objective. In order 
to use 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 grant award. State agencies 
should already have such agreements in place.
2. Administrative Costs
    Under this SGA, an entity that receives a grant to carry out a 
project or program may not use more than 10 percent of the amount of 
the grant to pay administrative costs associated with the program or 
project. Administrative costs could be direct or 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.
3. Salary and Bonus Limitations
    Under Public Law 109-234 and Public Law 111-8, Section 111, none of 
the funds appropriated in Public Law 111-5 or prior Acts under the 
heading ``Employment and Training'' that are available for expenditure 
on or after June 15, 2006, shall be used by a recipient or sub-
recipient of such funds to pay the salary and bonuses of an individual, 
either as direct costs or indirect costs, at a rate in excess of 
Executive Level II. These limitations also apply to grants funded under 
this SGA. The salary and bonus limitation does not apply to vendors 
providing goods and services as defined in OMB Circular A-133. See 
Training and Employment Guidance Letter number 5-06 for further 
clarification: https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2262.
4. Intellectual Property Rights
    The Federal Government reserves a paid-up, nonexclusive and 
irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or otherwise use, and to 
authorize others to use for Federal purposes: (i) The copyright in all 
products developed under the grant, including a subgrant or contract 
under the grant or subgrant; and (ii) any rights of copyright to which 
the grantee, subgrantee or a contractor purchases ownership under an 
award (including but not limited to curricula, training models, 
technical assistance products, and any related materials). Such uses 
include, but are not limited to, the right to modify and distribute 
such products worldwide by any means, electronically or otherwise. 
Federal funds may not be used to pay any royalty or licensing fee 
associated with such copyrighted material, although they may be used to 
pay costs for obtaining a copy which are limited to the developer/
seller costs of copying and shipping. If revenues are generated through 
selling products developed with grant funds, including intellectual 
property, these revenues are program income. Program income is added to 
the grant and must be expended for allowable grant activities.
    If applicable, the following Statement must be included on all 
products developed in whole or in part with grant funds:

This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. 
Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The 
solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect 
the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The 
Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances 
of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, 
including any information on linked sites and including, but not 
limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, 
timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or 
ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that 
created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by 
an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other 
uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.

F. Other Submission Requirements

    Withdrawal of Applications: Applications may be withdrawn by 
written notice at any time before an award is made.

V. Application Review Information

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Criterion                              Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1: Statement of Need.......................................           15
2: Strategic Partnership and Organizational Capacity.......           15
3: Strategy and Project Work Plan..........................           35
4: Deliverables............................................           35
                                                            ------------
    Total Points...........................................        = 100
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Evaluation Criteria

    Applicants will be evaluated on the completeness and quality of 
their submissions. A total of 100 points may be awarded under the 
criteria articulated below. The following review criteria apply to all 
applications:
1. Statement of Need (15 points)
    Applicants must fully demonstrate a clear and specific need for the 
Federal investment in the proposed activities. Given the rapidly 
changing economic environments that many States and regions are 
currently facing, applicants should be as explicit and specific as 
possible in describing the need for specific sources of data and 
analysis. Points for this section will be awarded based on the 
following factors:
    i. The applicant provides a description of the need for Federal 
funding of the proposed project by describing the need for labor market 
research in the targeted industries, as well as the role of the 
targeted industries in the State or regional economy (10 points).
    ii. The applicant provides a description of the specific energy 
efficiency and renewable energy industries and occupations within those 
industries, and/or green occupations within the detailed list of 
industries provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Part B of this 
SGA, on which their proposed labor market research program will focus 
(5 points).
2. Strategic Partnerships and Organizational Capacity (15 points)
    The applicant must demonstrate its capacity to implement the 
proposed project and the project's management structure as either a 
single State or consortium proposal. Scoring on this criterion will be 
based on the following factors:
    i. Applicants must provide a comprehensive list of the strategic 
partners that will be included in the

[[Page 30135]]

project. A complete list will include the entities conducting the 
research and partners who will be consulted to make sure the data and 
deliverables will meet their information needs (3 points).
     The State Workforce Agency as the project lead. Consortium 
applicants must list all cooperating States and designate the State 
that will serve as the project lead;
     State Labor Market Information and Research entities, will 
conduct the research activities discussed in Section I of this SGA. 
Applicants may propose that data collection and research activities be 
carried out by other appropriate research organizations such as 
colleges and universities, working in consultation with the Statewide 
workforce information entity regarding DOL methods and classification 
guidelines;
     The State Workforce Investment Board, will ensure that the 
research and data results are used to plan green job training efforts 
being funded through the public workforce investment system; and
     Applicants may include additional partners such as 
employers, industry-related organizations, trade associations, labor 
organizations, labor-management organizations, colleges and 
universities, research labs and centers, or community-based 
organizations with experience in the energy efficiency and renewable 
energy industries identified in Section I of this SGA. These eligible 
partners may be included in an application to provide information and a 
user perspective, consulting with researchers on green jobs and skills, 
advising on what information is needed or would be useful for their 
purposes, as well as advising on presentation formats that would be 
useful to the organization or its constituency in providing training 
and placement services related to green jobs.
    ii. In order to prioritize regional approaches, five points 
automatically will be awarded to Consortium applicants only. Single 
State applicants are not eligible to receive these points. (5 points)
    iii. Applicants must provide a complete description of the 
respective roles of the partners and the strengths of the partnership 
(3 points)
     Describe the substantive role each of the partners will 
play in the project. Consortium applicants must describe the 
substantive contribution of each cooperating State; and
     Describe the extent of collaboration that already exists 
among the partners, or the steps that partners will take to develop a 
strong collaboration.
    iv. Applicants shall provide a complete description of the 
organization's capacity to implement the project, its track record in 
projects similar to the proposed solution, and related activities of 
the primary partners (4 points).
3. Strategy and Project Work Plan (35 points)
    The applicant must describe the proposed strategy in full, 
including a complete description of the research, data collection, 
estimation, and dissemination components, as well as any evidence-based 
research or methods that they considered in designing the strategy. 
Applicants must also discuss how the project will address the Statement 
of Need, as well as how the proposed approach draws on sound research 
methods, practices, and tools. Scoring for this criterion will be based 
on the following factors:
    i. A complete description of the specific methods, approaches, or 
tools that the project will use to collect and validate labor market 
data in a timely and accurate manner (15 points).
     Data collection activities must either conform to 
technical standards and methodologies established by BLS, or provide a 
sound rationale for the use of an alternative methodology.
     Data collection activities on industries or occupations 
should be consistent with the frameworks used in the North American 
Industry Classification System (NAICS), SOC systems, or O*NET system 
(based on SOC), with specialized occupations identified as needed. 
Applicants that use alternative standards and methodologies must 
describe these approaches and demonstrate why existing tools are not 
sufficient to meet the proposed needs.
     Information technology systems or applications developed 
with grant funds must adhere to industry-standard, open architecture 
principles with documentation and software made available for use by 
other organizations for Federal government purposes.
    ii. Address how the proposal will meet the needs identified in the 
Statement of Need (10 points)
     Demonstrate that the proposed information collected will 
support identification of training needs for workers and planning for 
education and training program offerings, including needed credentials 
or apprenticeship programs; and
     Demonstrate that the proposed information collection will 
identify the specific skill needs of employers in the areas in which 
the project is focusing, and how the information will support economic 
development and planning in a State, a consortium of States, or have 
national impact.
    iii. Provide a comprehensive implementation and dissemination plan 
with specific goals, objectives, activities, and feasible timelines (10 
points)
4. Deliverables (35 points)
    The applicant must specify the labor market research and data 
collection activities that will be developed, identifying the specific 
deliverables that will be produced and the dissemination strategies and 
documentation methods that will be used. Applicants are strongly 
encouraged to include: research or direct data collection activities; 
research information and data packaged in the form of a report, 
presentation, or other appropriate format; systems or tools for 
multiple users such as software applications to automate the collection 
or processing of data, to project employment or skill demands, or to 
develop estimates based on data mining of job banks or other resources; 
and dissemination strategies to serve the populations and needs 
outlined in this SGA. These strategies should provide information about 
the number, type, and location of green jobs; the appropriate training 
for such jobs; and facilitate placement of workers in green jobs. 
Scoring on this criterion will be based on the following factors:
    i. Applicant provides a thorough description of the labor market 
research to be conducted and the deliverables to be produced, such as 
estimates of employment by industry and/or occupation, labor market 
characteristics of occupations or labor force participants, and 
competency requirements information which may include, but are not 
limited to the following (10 points):
     Current employment estimates;
     Identification and analysis of job openings;
     Identification of wages and benefits;
     Identification of the energy efficiency and renewable 
energy businesses and/or green occupations within the detailed list of 
industries provided in the Supplementary Information: Part B of this 
SGA;
     Short-term and/or long-term industry and occupational 
projections of future employment needs;
     Skill or competency requirements of industries or 
occupations in energy efficiency and renewable energy businesses and/or 
green occupations within the detailed list of industries provided in 
the Supplementary Information: Part B of this SGA;
     Demographic characteristics of workers in green jobs, such 
as gender,

[[Page 30136]]

race, age, educational attainment, literacy skills, etc.; and
     Estimates of job vacancies.
    ii. Applicants must provide a comprehensive description of all 
proposed dissemination strategies and formats (10 points).
     Demonstrate that the research and data produced through 
the project will be sufficient to inform the public workforce system; 
educational institutions; community and faith-based organizations that 
offer workers training, employment, and support services; job seekers; 
students; labor, business, and industry organizations; and economic 
development agencies of the occupational skills and growing needs of 
the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries in the identified 
State or sub-national region.
     Fully describe approaches to disseminate data or estimates 
through multiple modes, such as a press release, hardcopy report, PDF 
document, or Internet web sites. Information may be provided in 
different formats for different target audiences. In addition to 
technical information, the Department strongly encourages the inclusion 
of career information, competency models, and guidance for job-seekers.
    iii. Applicant identifies all related research deliverables, which 
may include, but are not limited to the following (5 points):
     State-specific summaries of Green Job statutes and 
regulations;
     State-specific summaries of educational resources 
including post secondary and higher educational institutions' courses 
and programs leading to industry-recognized credentials, 
certifications, or degrees;
     State-specific summaries of linkages between identified 
occupations and related training courses or programs that prepare 
workers with the skills and competencies required in the occupations;
     Identification of projects and their employment and skill 
needs that are resulting from Recovery Act or other public or private 
capital investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, or related 
efforts (such as weatherization, building retrofit, mass transit 
infrastructure) that will likely generate green jobs in the State or 
region;
     Estimated supply of human capital, including data on 
workforce demographics, educational attainment levels and existing 
skills, labor surpluses or shortages of a skilled workforce; and
     Development of labor market information tools or systems 
to estimate or project employment and skill needs at State or sub-State 
levels, or for defined economic regions.
    iv. Applicants provide a comprehensive description of all proposed 
research deliverables to enhance labor exchange infrastructure, which 
may include but are not limited to (10 points):
     Development of labor market information tools or systems 
to estimate or project employment and/or skill needs at State or sub-
State levels, or for other defined economic regions;
     Demonstrate strategies to promote the posting of green job 
openings and resumes to online job banks or through other approaches, 
including methods to encourage local residents to prepare for and apply 
for jobs being created in their local area, if applicable to the 
proposed project design; and
     Tracking or data mining of posted jobs and resumes to 
assess employment demand and job applicant activity in green jobs.

B. Review and Selection Process

    Applications for grants under this solicitation will be accepted 
after the publication of this announcement and until the closing date. 
A technical review panel will make a careful evaluation of applications 
against the criteria. These criteria are based on the policy goals, 
priorities, and emphases set forth in this SGA. Up to 100 points may be 
awarded to an application, depending on the quality of the responses to 
the required information described in Section V.A. The ranked scores 
will serve as the primary basis for selection of applications for 
funding, in conjunction with other factors such as geographic balance; 
the availability of funds; and which proposals are most advantageous to 
the government. The panel results are advisory in nature and not 
binding on the Grant Officer, and the Grant Officer may consider any 
information that comes to his/her attention. The government may elect 
to award the grant(s) with or without discussions with the applicants. 
Should a grant be awarded without discussions, the award will be based 
on the applicant's signature on the SF 424, which constitutes a binding 
offer by the applicant including electronic signature via E-
Authentication on https://www.grants.gov.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    All award notifications will be posted on the ETA Homepage (https://www.doleta.gov). Applicants selected for award will be contacted 
directly before the grant's execution and non-selected applicants will 
be notified by mail. Selection of an organization as a grantee does not 
constitute approval of the grant application as submitted. Before the 
actual grant is awarded, DOL/ETA 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.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Administrative Program Requirements
    All grantees will be subject to all applicable Federal laws, 
regulations, and the applicable OMB Circulars. The grant(s) awarded 
under this SGA will be subject to the following administrative 
standards and provisions:
    i. Non-Profit Organizations-OMB Circulars A-122 (Cost Principles) 
and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
    ii. Educational Institutions--OMB Circulars A-21 (Cost Principles) 
and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
    iii. State and Local Governments--OMB Circulars A-87 (Cost 
Principles) and 29 CFR part 97 (Administrative Requirements).
    iv. Profit Making Commercial Firms--Federal Acquisition Regulation 
(FAR)--48 CFR part 31 (Cost Principles), and 29 CFR part 95 
(Administrative Requirements).
    v. All entities must comply with 29 CFR parts 93 and 98, and, where 
applicable, 29 CFR parts 96 and 99.
    vi. 29 CFR part 2, subpart D--Equal Treatment in Department of 
Labor Programs for Religious Organizations, Protection of Religious 
Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and 
Beneficiaries.
    vii. 29 CFR part 31--Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted 
Programs of the Department of Labor--Effectuation of Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964.
    viii. 29 CFR part 32--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in 
Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from Federal Financial 
Assistance.
    ix. 29 CFR part 33--Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis 
of Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of 
Labor.
    x. 29 CFR part 35--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in 
Programs or

[[Page 30137]]

Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the Department 
of Labor.
    xi. 29 CFR part 36--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in 
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial 
Assistance.
    The following administrative standards and provisions may be 
applicable:
    i. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 
111-5, 123 Stat. 115, Division A, Title VIII (February 17, 2009).
    ii. The Green Jobs Act of 2007, Public Law 110-140, 121 Stat. 1748 
(codified at 29 U.S.C. 2916).
    iii. The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Public Law 105-220, 112 
Stat. 939 (codified as amended at 29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) and 20 CFR 
part 667 (General Fiscal and Administrative Rules).
    iv. 29 CFR part 29 & 30--Apprenticeship and Equal Employment 
Opportunity in Apprenticeship and Training; and
    v. 29 CFR part 37--Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and 
Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
     The Department notes that the Religious Freedom 
Restoration Act (RFRA), 42 U.S.C. 2000bb, applies to all Federal law 
and its implementation. If your organization is a faith-based 
organization that makes hiring decisions on the basis of religious 
belief, it may be entitled to receive Federal financial assistance 
under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act and maintain that hiring 
practice even though Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act 
contains a general ban on religious discrimination in employment.
    In accordance with Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 
1995 (Pub. L. 104-65) (2 U.S.C. 1611) non-profit entities incorporated 
under Internal Revenue Service Code section 501(c)(4) that engage in 
lobbying activities are not eligible to receive Federal funds and 
grants.
    Except as specifically provided in this SGA, DOL/ETA's acceptance 
of a proposal and an award of Federal funds to sponsor any programs(s) 
does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements and/or procedures. 
For example, the OMB Circulars require that an entity's procurement 
procedures must ensure that all procurement transactions are conducted, 
as much as practical, to provide open and free competition. If a 
proposal identifies a specific entity to provide services, the DOL/
ETA's award does not provide the justification or basis to sole source 
the procurement, i.e., avoid competition, unless the activity is 
regarded as the primary work of an official partner to the application.
2. Special Program Requirements: Evaluation
    To measure the impact of grants funded under the SGA, ETA intends 
to fund one or more independent evaluations. By accepting funding, 
grantees must agree to participate in such an evaluation, should they 
be selected to participate. Grantees must agree to