Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants, 45973-45981 [2013-18209]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 146 / Tuesday, July 30, 2013 / Notices
mention OMB Control Number 1219–
0140. The OMB is particularly
interested in comments that:
• Evaluate whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have
practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
• Enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and
• Minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including through the
use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology,
e.g., permitting electronic submission of
responses.
Agency: DOL–MSHA.
Title of Collection: High-Voltage
Continuous Mining Machines Standards
for Underground Coal Mines.
OMB Control Number: 1219–0140.
Affected Public: Private Sector—
businesses or other for-profits.
Total Estimated Number of
Respondents: 5.
Total Estimated Number of
Responses: 8,510.
Total Estimated Annual Burden
Hours: 384.
Total Estimated Annual Other Costs
Burden: $0.
educational and training programs to
help identify, avoid, and prevent unsafe
working conditions in and around
mines. The focus of these grants for the
Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 will be on training
and training materials for mine
emergency preparedness and mine
emergency prevention for all
underground mines. Applicants for the
grants may be States and nonprofit
(private or public) entities.
The number of grants awarded will be
determined by MSHA’s evaluation of
grant applications. The amount of each
individual grant will be at least
$50,000.00. The maximum amount for a
12-month period of performance is
$150,000. MSHA will not be awarding
renewal (two-year) grants in FY 2013
under this solicitation for grant
applications (SGA). This notice contains
all of the information needed to apply
for grant funding, including for those
eligible grantees which were awarded a
2012 renewal grant.
DATES: The closing date for applications
will be August 31, 2013, (no later than
11:59 p.m. EDST). MSHA will award
grants on or before September 30, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Applications for grants
submitted under this competition must
be submitted electronically using the
Government-wide site at https://
www.grants.gov. If applying online
poses a hardship to any applicant, the
MSHA Directorate of Educational Policy
and Development will provide
assistance to help applicants submit
online.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Any
questions regarding this solicitation for
grant applications (SGA 13–3BS) should
be directed to Robert Glatter at
glatter.robert@dol.gov or at 202–693–
9570 (this is not a toll-free number) or
the Grant Officer, Nancy Sloanhoffer, at
sloanhoffer.nancy@dol.gov or at 202–
693–9839 (this is not a toll-free
number).
Mine Safety and Health Administration
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Dated: July 24, 2013.
Michel Smyth,
Departmental Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2013–18242 Filed 7–29–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–43–P
Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants
Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Solicitation for Grant
Applications (SGA).
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AGENCY:
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA
13–3BS.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
(CFDA) Number: 17.603
The U.S. Department of
Labor, Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA), is making
$550,000 available in grant funds for
SUMMARY:
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
This
solicitation provides background
information and the requirements for
projects funded under the solicitation.
This solicitation consists of nine parts:
• Part I provides background
information on the Brookwood-Sago
grants.
• Part II describes the size and nature
of the anticipated awards.
• Part III describes the qualifications
of an eligible applicant.
• Part IV provides information on the
application and submission process for
FY 2013 annual grants.
• Part V explains the review process
and rating criteria that will be used to
evaluate the FY 2013 applications.
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• Part VI provides information for FY
2012 renewal grantees to apply for FY
2013 funding.
• Part VII provides award
administration information.
• Part VIII contains MSHA contact
information.
• Part IX addresses Office of
Management and Budget information
collection requirements.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Overview of the Brookwood-Sago
Mine Safety Grant Program
Responding to several coal mine
disasters, Congress enacted the Mine
Improvement and New Emergency
Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act).
When Congress passed the MINER Act,
it expected that requirements for new
and advanced technology, e.g., fireresistant lifelines and increased
breathable air availability in
escapeways, would increase safety in
mines. The MINER Act also required
that every underground coal mine have
persons trained in emergency response.
Congress emphasized its commitment to
training for mine emergencies when it
strengthened the requirements for the
training of mine rescue teams. Recent
events demonstrate that training is the
key for proper and safe emergency
response and that all miners working
underground should be trained in
emergency response.
Under Section 14 of the MINER Act,
the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) is
required to establish a competitive grant
program called the ‘‘Brookwood-Sago
Mine Safety Grants’’ (Brookwood-Sago
grants). This program provides funding
of education and training programs to
better identify, avoid, and prevent
unsafe working conditions in and
around mines. This program will use
grant funds to establish and implement
education and training programs or to
create training materials and programs.
The MINER Act requires the Secretary
to give priority to mine safety
demonstrations and pilot projects with
broad applicability. It also mandates
that the Secretary emphasize programs
and materials that target miners in
smaller mines, including training mine
operators and miners on new MSHA
standards, high-risk activities, and other
identified safety priorities.
B. Grant Structures
MSHA has funded the BrookwoodSago grants annually for 12 months of
performance through two types of
grants. For the first type, ‘‘annual
grants,’’ MSHA requires an applicant to
compete each year for the available
funds. For the second type, ‘‘renewal
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grants,’’ MSHA awards a grant eligible
for two separate years of funding with
two separate 12-month performance
periods. Under this SGA, MSHA will
only fund the second-year of eligible FY
2012 renewal grantees and will not
accept applications for new renewal
grants for FY 2013.
C. Educational and Training Program
Priorities
MSHA priorities for the FY 2013
funding of the annual Brookwood-Sago
grants will focus on training or training
materials for mine emergency
preparedness and mine emergency
prevention for all underground mines.
MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago annual
grantees to develop training materials or
to develop and provide mine safety
training or educational programs, recruit
mine operators and miners for the
training, and conduct and evaluate the
training.
MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago
grantees to conduct follow-up
evaluations with the people who
received training in their programs to
measure how the training promotes the
Secretary’s goal of ensuring a safe and
healthy workplace. The evaluation will
focus on determining how effective their
training was in either reducing hazards,
improving skills for the selected training
topics, or in improving the conditions in
mines. Grantees must also cooperate
fully with MSHA evaluators of their
programs.
II. Award Information
A. Award Amount for FY 2013
MSHA is providing $550,000 to award
new FY 2013 annual grants and to fund
the second year of eligible FY 2012
renewal grants. The number of grants
awarded will be determined by MSHA’s
evaluation of grant applications. The
amount of each individual grant will be
no less than $50,000.00 for a 12-month
performance period; and the maximum
award for a 12-month performance
period is $150,000. Applicants
requesting less than $50,000 or more
than $150,000 for a 12-month
performance period will not be
considered for funding.
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B. Extension of Period of Performance
For annual awards, MSHA may
approve a request for a one time no-cost
extension to grantees for an additional
period of up to 12 months from the
expiration date of the annual award
based on the success of the project and
other relevant factors. See 29 CFR
95.25(e)(2). At the end of the second
year of funding for a FY 2012 renewal
grant, MSHA may approve a request for
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a no-cost extension for an additional
period of performance of up to 12
months based on the success of the
project and other relevant factors.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Applicants for the grants may be
States and nonprofit (private or public)
entities. Eligible entities may apply for
funding independently or in partnership
with other eligible organizations. For
partnerships, a lead organization must
be identified.
Applicants other than States and
State-supported or local governmentsupported institutions of higher
education will be required to submit
evidence of nonprofit status, preferably
from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
A nonprofit entity as described in 26
U.S.C. 501(c)(4), which engages in
lobbying activities, is not eligible for a
grant award. See 2 U.S.C. 1611.
B. Cost-Sharing or Matching
Cost-sharing or matching of funds is
not required for eligibility.
C. Other Eligibility Requirements
1. Data Universal Number System
(DUNS)
Under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(3), every
applicant for a Federal grant funding
opportunity is required to include a
DUNS with its application. The DUNS
number is a nine-digit identification
number that uniquely identifies
business entities. An applicant’s DUNS
number is to be entered into Block 8 of
Standard Form (SF) 424. There is no
charge for obtaining a DUNS number.
To obtain a DUNS number, call 1–866–
705–5711 or access the following Web
site: https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/
displayHomePage.do.
After receiving a DUNS number, all
grant applicants must also register as a
vendor with the System for Award
Management (SAM) through the Web
site at https://www.sam.gov/. Grant
applicants must create a user account
and then complete and submit the
online registration. Once you have
completed the registration, it will take
48 to 72 hours to process. The applicant
will receive an email notice that the
registration is active. If you had an
active record in the Central Contractor
Registration (CCR), you have an active
record in SAM. You do not need to do
anything in SAM at this time, unless a
change in your business circumstances
requires a change in SAM in order for
you to be paid or to receive an award.
SAM will send notifications to the
registered user via email 60, 30, and 15
days prior to expiration of the record. In
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addition, under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(2), each
grant applicant must maintain ‘‘an
active registration with current
information at all times.’’ The
Grants.gov Web site, through which
applicants must apply for MSHA grants,
advises that it will reject all applications
that have an expired SAM registration.
2. Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently
Religious Activities by Organizations
That Receive Federal Financial
Assistance
The Government generally is
prohibited from providing direct
Federal financial assistance for
inherently religious activities. See 29
CFR Part 2, Subpart D. Grants under this
solicitation may not be used for
religious instruction, worship, prayer,
proselytizing, or other inherently
religious activities. Neutral, nonreligious criteria that neither favor nor
disfavor religion will be employed in
the selection of grant recipients and
must be employed by grantees in the
selection of contractors and
subcontractors.
3. Non-compliant Applications
Applications for new FY 2013 annual
grants that are lacking any of the
required elements or do not follow the
format prescribed in IV.B will not be
reviewed.
4. Late Applications
Applications received after the
deadline will not be reviewed unless it
is determined to be in the best interest
of the Government.
IV. Application and Submission
Information for New FY 2013 Annual
Grants
A. Application Forms
This announcement includes all
information and links needed to apply
for this funding opportunity. (The
information regarding the second-year
funding of the FY 2012 renewal grants
is located in Part VI.) The full
application is available through the
Grants.gov Web site https://
www.grants.gov/ under ‘‘Apply for
Grants’’. The Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number
needed to locate the appropriate
application for this opportunity is
17.603. If an applicant has problems
downloading the application package
from Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov
Contact Center at 1–800–518–4726 or by
email at support@grants.gov.
The full application package is also
available on-line at www.msha.gov:
Select ‘‘Education & Training
Resources,’’ click on ‘‘Courses,’’ select
‘‘Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants,’’
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then select ‘‘SGA 13–3BS.’’ This Web
site also includes all forms and all
regulations that are referenced in this
SGA. Applicants, however, must apply
for this funding opportunity through the
Grants.gov Web site.
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B. Content and Form of the FY 2013
Application
Each grant application must address
mine emergency preparedness or mine
emergency prevention for underground
mines. The application must consist of
three separate and distinct sections. The
three required sections are:
• Section 1—Project Forms and
Financial Plan (No page limit).
• Section 2—Executive Summary
(Not to exceed two pages).
• Section 3—Technical Proposal (Not
to exceed 12 pages). Illustrative material
can be submitted as an attachment.
The following are mandatory
requirements for each section.
1. Project Forms and Financial Plan
This section contains the forms and
budget section of the application. The
Project Financial Plan will not count
against the application page limits. A
person with authority to bind the
applicant must sign the grant
application and forms. Applications
submitted electronically through
Grants.gov do not need to be signed
manually; electronic signatures will be
accepted.
(a) Completed SF–424, ‘‘Application
for Federal Assistance.’’ This form is
part of the application package on
Grants.gov and is also available at
www.msha.gov. The SF–424 must
identify the applicant clearly 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
representative of the applicant.
(b) Completed SF–424A, ‘‘Budget
Information for Non-Construction
Programs.’’ The project budget should
demonstrate clearly that the total
amount and distribution of funds is
sufficient to cover the cost of all major
project activities identified by the
applicant in its proposal, and must
comply with the Federal cost principles
and the administrative requirements set
forth in this SGA. (Copies of all
regulations that are referenced in this
SGA are available on-line at https://
www.msha.gov. Select ‘‘Education &
Training Resources,’’ click on
‘‘Courses,’’ then select ‘‘BrookwoodSago Mine Safety Grants.’’)
(c) Budget Narrative. The applicant
must provide a concise narrative
explaining the request for funds. The
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budget narrative should separately
attribute the Federal funds to each of the
activities specified in the technical
proposal and it should discuss precisely
how any administrative costs support
the project goals. Administrative costs
may not exceed 15% of the total grant
budget. Indirect cost charges must be
supported with a copy of an approved
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.
If applicable, the applicant must
provide a statement about its program
income.
The amount of Federal funding
requested for the entire period of
performance must be shown on the SF–
424 and SF–424A forms.
(d) Completed SF–424B, ‘‘Assurances
for Non-Construction Programs.’’ Each
applicant for these grants must certify
compliance with a list of assurances.
This form is part of the application
package on https://www.grants.gov and
also is available at https://
www.msha.gov.
(e) Supplemental Certification
Regarding Lobbying Activities Form. If
any funds have been paid or will be
paid to any person for influencing or
attempting to influence an officer or
employee of any agency, a member of
Congress, an officer or employee of
Congress, or an employee of a member
of Congress in connection with the
making of a grant or cooperative
agreement, the applicant shall complete
and submit SF–LLL, ‘‘Disclosure Form
to Report Lobbying,’’ in accordance with
its instructions. This form is part of the
application package on https://
www.grants.gov and is also available at
https://www.msha.gov. Select
‘‘Education & Training Resources,’’ click
on ‘‘Courses,’’ then select ‘‘BrookwoodSago Mine Safety Grants.’’
(f) Non-profit status. Applicants must
provide evidence of non-profit status,
preferably from the IRS, if applicable.
(g) Accounting System Certification.
An organization that receives less than
$1 million annually in Federal grants
must attach a certification stating that
the organization (directly or through a
designated qualified entity) has a
functioning accounting system that
meets the criteria below. The
certification should attest that the
organization’s accounting system
provides for the following:
(1) Accurate, current and complete
disclosure of the financial results of
each Federally sponsored project.
(2) Records that identify adequately
the source and application of funds for
Federally sponsored activities.
(3) Effective control over and
accountability for all funds, property,
and other assets.
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(4) Comparison of outlays with budget
amounts.
(5) Written procedures to minimize
the time elapsing between transfers of
funds.
(6) Written procedures for
determining the reasonableness,
allocability, and allowability of cost.
(7) Accounting records, including cost
accounting records that are supported
by source documentation.
(h) Attachments. The application may
include attachments such as resumes of
key personnel or position descriptions,
exhibits, information on prior
government grants, and signed letters of
commitment to the project.
2. Executive Summary
The executive summary is a short
one-to-two page abstract that succinctly
summarizes the proposed project.
MSHA will publish, as submitted, all
grantees’ executive summaries on the
DOL Web site. The executive summary
must include the following information:
(a) Applicant. Provide the
organization’s full legal name and
address.
(b) Funding requested. List how much
Federal funding is being requested.
(c) Grant Topic. List the grant topic
and the location and number of mine
operators and miners that the
organization has selected to train or
describe the training materials or
equipment to be created with these
funds.
(d) Program Structure. Identify the
type of grant as annual.
(e) Summary of the Proposed Project.
Write a brief summary of the proposed
project. This summary must identify the
key points of the proposal, including an
introduction describing the project
activities and the expected results.
3. Technical Proposal
The technical proposal must
demonstrate the applicant’s capabilities
to plan and implement a project or
create educational materials or
equipment to meet the objectives of this
solicitation. MSHA’s focus for these
grants is on training mine operators and
miners and developing training
materials for mine emergency
preparedness or mine emergency
prevention for underground mines. An
Agency strategic goal is to ensure
workplaces are safe and healthy for
workers through strengthening and
modernizing training and education and
improving mine emergency response
preparedness through training. MSHA
has two program outcome goals,
described below, that will be considered
indicators of the success of the program
as a whole. The following table explains
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the types of data grantees must provide
and their relationship with the Agency’s
program goals and performance
measures for the Brookwood-Sago
grants.
MSHA’s Performance measures
DATA Grantees provide each reporting period
1. Agency creates more effective training
to ensure workplaces are safe.
Increase overall number of trainers
trained.
Increase the number of mine operators
and miners trained.
Provide quality training with clearly
stated goals and objectives for improving safety.
2. Agency creates training materials to
provide more effective training to ensure workplaces are safe.
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MSHA’s Program goals
Increase the number of quality educational materials developed.
Provide quality training materials with
clearly stated goals and objectives
for improving safety.
Develop training materials that are reproducible or adaptable.
Number of training events.
Number of trainers trained.
Number of mine operators and miners trained.
Number of course days of training provided to industry.
Pre- and post-assessment results of trainees.
Course evaluations of trainer and training materials.
A description of the extent to which others replicate (i.e.,
adopt or adapt) or institutionalize and continue the training or educational programs after grant funding ends.
Pre- and post-assessment results of the training materials.
Evaluation of training materials to include the target audience, statement of goals and objectives, learning level,
instructions for using additional materials, secondary purposes, adult learning principles, and usability in the mine
training environment.
A description of the extent to which others will replicate
(i.e., adopt or adapt) the funded training materials.
The technical proposal narrative is
not to exceed 12 single-sided, doublespaced pages, using 12-point font, and
must contain the following sections:
Program Design, Overall Qualifications
of the Applicant, and Output and
Evaluation. Any pages over the 12-page
limit will not be reviewed. Attachments
to the technical proposal are not
counted toward the 12-page limit. Major
sections and sub-sections of the
proposal should be divided and clearly
identified. And as required in Section
VII subpart I ‘‘Transparency,’’ a
grantee’s final technical proposal will be
posted as is on MSHA’s Web site unless
MSHA receives a version redacting any
proprietary, confidential business, or
personally identifiable information by
October 21, 2013.
MSHA will review and rate the
technical proposal in accordance with
the selection criteria specified in Part V.
(a) Program Design
(1) Statement of the Problem/Need for
Funds. Applicants must identify a clear
and specific need for proposed
activities. They must identify whether
they are providing a training program or
creating training materials or both.
Applicants also must identify the
number of individuals expected to
benefit from their training and
education program; this should include
identifying the type of underground
mines, the geographic locations, and the
number of mine operators and miners.
Applicants must also identify other
Federal funds they receive for similar
activities.
(2) Quality of the Project Design.
MSHA requires that each applicant
include a 12-month workplan that
correlates with the grant project period
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that will begin September 30, 2013, and
end September 29, 2014.
(i) Plan Overview. Describe the plan
for grant activities and the anticipated
results. The plan should describe such
things as the development of training
materials, the training content,
recruiting of trainees, where or how
training will take place, and the
anticipated benefits to mine operators
and miners receiving the training.
(ii) Activities. Break the plan down
into activities or tasks. For each activity,
explain what will be done, who will do
it, when it will be done, and the
anticipated results of the activity. For
training, discuss the subjects to be
taught, the length of the training
sessions, type of training (e.g., Mine
Emergency Response Development
exercise), and training locations (e.g.,
classroom, worksites). Describe how the
applicant will recruit mine operators
and miners for the training. (Note: Any
commercially developed training
materials the applicant proposes to use
in its training must undergo an MSHA
review before being used.)
(iii) Quarterly Projections. For
training and other quantifiable
activities, estimate the quantities
involved using the table located in Part
IV.B.3 for data required to meet the
grant goals. For example, estimate how
many classes will be conducted and
how many mine operators and miners
will be trained each quarter of the grant
(grant quarters match calendar quarters,
i.e., January to March, April to June; but
the first quarter is the date of award to
December 31, 2013). Also, provide the
training number totals for the full year.
Quarterly projections are used to
measure the actual performance against
the plan. Applicants planning to
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conduct a train-the-trainer program
should estimate the number of
individuals to be trained during the
grant period by those who received the
train-the-trainer training. These secondtier training numbers should be
included only if the organization is
planning to follow up with the trainers
to obtain this data during the grant
period.
(iv) Materials. Describe each
educational material, including any
piece of equipment (e.g., mine
simulator) to be produced under the
grant. Provide a timetable for
developing and producing the material.
The timetable must include provisions
for an MSHA review of draft and
camera-ready products or evaluation of
equipment. MSHA must review and
approve training materials or equipment
for technical accuracy and suitability of
content before use in the grant program.
Whether or not an applicant’s project is
to develop training materials only, the
applicant should provide an overall
plan that includes time for MSHA to
review any materials produced.
(b) Qualifications of the Applicant
(1) Applicant’s Background. Describe
the applicant, including its mission, and
a description of its membership, if any.
Provide an organizational chart (the
chart may be included as a separate
page which will not count toward the
page limit). Identify the following:
(i) Project Director. The Project
Director is the person who will be
responsible for the day-to-day operation
and administration of the program.
Provide the name, title, street address
and mailing address (if it is different
from the organization’s street address),
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telephone and fax numbers, and email
address of the Project Director.
(ii) Certifying Representative. The
Certifying Representative is the official
in the organization who is authorized to
enter into grant agreements. Provide the
name, title, street address and mailing
address (if it is different from the
organization’s street address), telephone
and fax numbers, and email address of
the Certifying Representative.
(2) Administrative and Program
Capability. Briefly describe the
organization’s functions and activities,
i.e., the applicant’s management and
internal controls. Relate this description
of functions to the organizational chart.
If the applicant has received any other
government (Federal, State or local)
grant funding, the application must
have, as an attachment (which will not
count towards the page limit),
information regarding these previous
grants. This information must include
each organization for which the work
was done and the dollar value of each
grant. If the applicant does not have
previous grant experience, it may
partner with an organization that has
grant experience to manage the grant. If
the organization uses this approach, the
management organization must be
identified and its grant program
experience discussed. Lack of past
experience with Federal grants is not a
determining factor, but an applicant
should show a successful experience
relevant to the opportunity offered in
the application. Such experience could
include staff members’ experiences with
other organizations.
(3) Program Experience. Describe the
organization’s experience conducting
the proposed mine training program or
other relevant experience. Include
program specifics such as program title,
numbers trained, and duration of
training. If creating training materials,
include the title of other materials
developed. Nonprofit organizations,
including community-based and faithbased organizations that do not have
prior experience in mine safety may
partner with an established mine safety
organization to acquire safety expertise.
(4) Staff Experience. Describe the
qualifications of the professional staff
you will assign to the program. Attach
resumes of staff already employed
(resumes will not count towards the
page limit). If some positions are vacant,
include position descriptions and
minimum hiring qualifications instead
of resumes. Staff should have, at a
minimum, mine safety experience,
training experience, or experience
working with the mining community.
(c) Outputs and Evaluations. There
are two types of evaluations that must
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be conducted. First, describe the
methods, approaches, or plans to
evaluate the training sessions or training
materials to meet the data requirements
listed in the table above. Second,
describe plans to assess the long-term
effectiveness of the training materials or
training conducted. The type of training
given will determine whether the
evaluation should include a processrelated outcome or a result-related
outcome or both. This will involve
following up with an evaluation, or onsite review, if feasible, of miners
trained. The evaluation should focus on
what changes the trained miners made
to abate hazards and improve workplace
conditions, or to incorporate the
training in the workplace, or both.
For training materials, include an
evaluation from individuals trained on
the clarity of the presentation,
organization, and the quality of the
information provided on the subject
matter and whether they would
continue to use the training materials.
Include timetables for follow-up and for
submitting a summary of the assessment
results to MSHA.
C. Submission Date, Times, and
Addresses
The closing date for receipt of
applications under this announcement
is August 31, 2013 (no later than 11:59
p.m. EDST). Grant applications must be
submitted electronically through the
Grants.gov Web site. The Grants.gov site
provides all the information about
submitting an application electronically
through the site as well as the hours of
operation. Interested parties can locate
the downloadable application package
by the CFDA number 17.603.
Applications received by Grants.gov
are electronically date and time
stamped. An application must be fully
uploaded and submitted (and must be
date and time stamped by the
Grants.gov system) before the
application deadline date. Once an
interested party has submitted an
application, Grants.gov will notify the
interested party with an automatic
notification of receipt that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. MSHA
then will retrieve the application from
Grants.gov and send a second
notification to the interested party by
email.
D. Intergovernmental Review
The Brookwood-Sago grants are not
subject to Executive Order 12372,
‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.’’ MSHA, however, reminds
applicants that if they are not operating
MSHA-approved State training grants,
they should contact the State grantees
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and coordinate any training or
educational program. Information about
each state grant and the entity operating
the state grant is provided online at:
https://www.msha.gov/TRAINING/
STATES/STATES.asp.
E. Funding Restrictions
MSHA will determine whether costs
are allowable under the applicable
Federal cost principles and other
conditions contained in the grant award.
1. Allowable Costs
Grant funds may be spent on
conducting training, conducting
outreach and recruiting activities to
increase the number of mine operators
and miners participating in the program,
developing educational materials, and
on necessary expenses to support these
activities. Allowable costs are
determined by the applicable Federal
cost principles identified in Part VII.B.
Program income earned during the
award period shall be retained by the
recipient, added to funds committed to
the award, and used for the purposes
and under the conditions applicable to
the use of the grant funds.
2. Unallowable Costs
Grant funds may not be used for the
following activities under this grant
program:
(a) Any activity inconsistent with the
goals and objectives of this SGA;
(b) Training on topics that are not
targeted under this SGA;
(c) Purchasing any equipment unless
pre-approved and in writing by the
MSHA grant officer;
(d) Administrative costs that exceed
15% of the total grant budget; and
(e) Any pre-award costs.
Unallowable costs also include any
cost determined by MSHA as not
allowed according to the applicable cost
principles or other conditions in the
grant.
V. Application Review Information for
New FY 2013 Grants
A. Evaluation Criteria.
MSHA will screen all applications to
determine whether all required proposal
elements are present and clearly
identifiable. Those that do not comply
with mandatory requirements will not
be evaluated. The technical panels will
review grant applications using the
following criteria:
1. Program Design—40 Points Total
(a) Statement of the Problem/Need for
Funds. (3 points)
The proposed training and education
program or training materials must
address either mine emergency
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preparedness or mine emergency
prevention.
(b) Quality of the Project Design. (25
points)
(1) The proposal to train mine
operators and miners clearly estimates
the number to be trained and clearly
identifies the types of mine operators
and miners to be trained.
(2) If the proposal contains a train-thetrainer program, the following
information must be provided:
• What ongoing support the grantee
will provide to new trainers;
• The number of individuals to be
trained as trainers;
• The estimated number of courses to
be conducted by the new trainers;
• The estimated number of students
to be trained by these new trainers and
a description of how the grantee will
obtain data from the new trainers
documenting their classes and student
numbers if conducted during the grant
period.
(3) The work plan activities and
training are described.
• The planned activities and training
are tailored to the needs and levels of
the mine operators and miners to be
trained. Any special constituency to be
served through the grant program is
described, e.g., smaller mines, limited
English proficiency miners, etc.
Organizations proposing to develop
materials in languages other than
English also will be required to provide
an English version of the materials.
• If the proposal includes developing
training materials, the work plan must
include time during development for
MSHA to review the educational
materials for technical accuracy and
suitability of content. If commercially
developed training products will be
used for a training program, applicants
should also plan for MSHA to review
the materials before using the products
in their grant programs.
• The utility of the educational
materials is described.
• The outreach or process to find
mine operators, miners, or trainees to
receive the training is described.
(c) Replication. (4 points)
The potential for a project to serve a
variety of mine operators, miners, or
mine sites, or the extent others may
replicate the project.
(d) Innovativeness. (3 points)
The originality and uniqueness of the
approach used.
(e) MSHA’s Performance Goals. (5
points)
The extent the proposed project will
contribute to MSHA’s performance
goals.
2. Budget—20 Points Total
(a) The budget presentation is clear
and detailed. (15 points)
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(1) The budgeted costs are reasonable.
(2) No more than 15% of the total
budget is for administrative costs.
(3) The budget complies with Federal
cost principles (which can be found in
the applicable Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) Circulars and with
MSHA budget requirements contained
in the grant application instructions).
(b) The application demonstrates that
the applicant has strong financial
management and internal control
systems. (5 points)
3. Overall Qualifications of the
Applicant—25 Points Total.
(a) Grant Experience. (6 points)
The applicant has administered, or
will work with an organization that has
administered, a number of different
Federal or State grants. The applicant
may demonstrate this experience by
having project staff that has experience
administering Federal or State grants.
(b) Mine Safety Training Experience.
(13 points)
The applicant applying for the grant
demonstrates experience with mine
safety teaching or providing mine safety
educational programs. Applicants that
do not have prior experience in
providing mine safety training to mine
operators or miners may partner with an
established mine safety organization to
acquire mine safety expertise.
(1) Project staff has experience in
mine safety, the specific topic chosen,
or in training mine operators and
miners.
(2) Project staff has experience in
recruiting, training, and working with
the population the organization
proposes to serve.
(3) Applicant has experience in
designing and developing mine safety
training materials for a mining program.
(4) Applicant has experience in
managing educational programs.
(c) Management. (6 points)
Applicant demonstrates internal
control and management oversight of
the project.
4. Outputs and Evaluations—15
Points Total.
The proposal should include
provisions for evaluating the
organization’s progress in
accomplishing the grant work activities
and accomplishments, evaluating
training sessions, and evaluating the
program’s effectiveness and impact to
determine if the safety training and
services provided resulted in workplace
change or improved workplace
conditions. The proposal should
include a plan to follow up with
trainees to determine the impact the
program has had in abating hazards and
reducing miner injuries and illnesses.
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B. Review and Selection Process for New
FY 2013 Grants
A technical panel will rate each
complete application against the criteria
described in this SGA. One or more
applicants may be selected as grantees
on the basis of the initial application
submission or a minimally acceptable
number of points may be established.
MSHA may request final revisions to the
applications, and then evaluate the
revised applications. MSHA may
consider any information that comes to
its attention in evaluating the
applications.
The panel recommendations are
advisory in nature. The Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Policy for Mine
Safety and Health will make a final
selection determination based on what
is most advantageous to the government,
considering factors such as panel
findings, geographic presence of the
applicants or the areas to be served,
Agency priorities, and the best value to
the government, cost, and other factors.
The Deputy Assistant Secretary’s
determination for award under this SGA
is final.
C. Anticipated Announcement and
Award Dates
Announcement of these awards is
expected to occur by September 29,
2013. The grant agreement will be
signed no later than September 30,
2013.
VI. FY 2012 Renewal Grantees’ Process
For FY 2013 Funding
A. General
In this section, MSHA is providing
the eligible FY 2012 renewal grantees
the procedures and required
documentation that they must submit to
receive their FY 2013 funding. MSHA
will notify all renewal grantees of their
eligibility. The grantees are reminded
that they are not required to apply for
the second year of funding. If they do
not wish to apply for the second-year
funding, the grantees may apply for a
new grant under the FY 2013 annual
grant program instead.
B. The Process and Required
Documentation
1. Documentation
Using its current grant number, each
grantee must provide:
(a) Revised SF–424 and SF–424A
forms; and
(b) If necessary, a revised workplan.
2. Submission Date, Times, and
Addresses
The closing date for receipt of
applications under this announcement
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is August 31, 2013 (no later than 11:59
p.m. EDST). The renewal grantee must
submit its application for FY 2013
funding electronically through the
Grants.gov Web site.
C. Award Information
Announcement of these awards is
expected to occur by September 29,
2013. The amendment to the FY 2012
grant agreement will be signed no later
than September 30, 2013.
VII. Award Administration Information
A. Award Process
Before September 29, 2013,
organizations selected as potential grant
recipients will be notified by a
representative of the Deputy Assistant
Secretary, usually the Grant Officer or
her staff. An applicant whose proposal
is not selected will be notified in
writing. The fact that an organization
has been selected as a potential grant
recipient does not necessarily constitute
approval of the grant application as
submitted (revisions may be required).
Before the actual grant award and the
announcement of the award, MSHA
may enter into negotiations with the
potential grant recipient concerning
such matters as program components,
staffing and funding levels, and
administrative systems. If the
negotiations do not result in an
acceptable submittal, the Deputy
Assistant Secretary reserves the right to
terminate the negotiations and decline
to fund the proposal.
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B. Administrative and National Policy
Requirements
All grantees will be subject to
applicable Federal laws and regulations
(including provisions of appropriations
law) and applicable OMB Circulars. The
grants awarded under this competitive
grant program will be subject to the
following administrative standards and
provisions, if applicable:
• 2 CFR Part 25, Universal Identifier
and Central Contractor Registration.
• 2 CFR Part 170, Reporting
Subawards and Executive
Compensation Information.
• 2 CFR Part 175, Award Term for
Trafficking in Persons.
• 2 CFR Part 220, Cost Principles for
Educational Institutions. (OMB Circular
A–21).
• 2 CFR Part 225, Cost Principles for
State, Local, and Indian Tribal
Governments (OMB Circular A–87).
• 2 CFR Part 230, Cost Principles for
Non-profit Organizations (OMB Circular
A–122).
• 29 CFR Part 2, Subpart D, Equal
Treatment in Department of Labor
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programs for Religious Organizations,
Protection of Religious Liberty of
Department of Labor Social Service
Providers and Beneficiaries.
• 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.
• 29 CFR Part 32, Nondiscrimination
on the basis of handicap in programs or
activities receiving federal financial
assistance.
• 29 CFR Part 33, Enforcement of
non-discrimination on the basis of
handicap in programs or activities
conducted by the Department of Labor.
• 29 CFR Part 35, Nondiscrimination
on the basis of age in programs or
activities receiving federal financial
assistance from the Department of
Labor.
• 29 CFR Part 36, Nondiscrimination
on the basis of sex in education
programs or activities receiving federal
financial assistance.
• 29 CFR Part 93, New Restrictions on
lobbying.
• 29 CFR Part 94, Governmentwide
requirements for drug-free workplace
(financial assistance).
• 29 CFR Part 95, Grants and
agreements with institutions of higher
education, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations, and with
commercial organizations, foreign
governments, organizations under the
jurisdiction of foreign governments, and
international organizations.
• 29 CFR Part 96, Audit requirements
for grants, contracts, and other
agreements.
• 29 CFR Part 97, Uniform
administrative requirements for grants
and cooperative agreements to state and
local governments.
• 29 CFR Part 98, Governmentwide
debarment and suspension
(nonprocurement).
• 29 CFR Part 99, Audits of states,
local governments, and non-profit
organizations.
• Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR) Subpart 31.2, Contracts cost
principles and procedures (Codified at
48 CFR Part 31.2).
Administrative costs for these grants
may not exceed 15%. Unless
specifically approved, MSHA’s
acceptance of a proposal or MSHA’s
award of Federal funds to sponsor any
program does not constitute a waiver of
any grant requirement or procedure. For
example, if an application identifies a
specific sub-contractor to provide
certain services, the MSHA award does
not provide a basis to sole-source the
procurement (to avoid competition).
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C. Special Program Requirements
1. MSHA Review of Educational
Materials
MSHA will review all granteeproduced educational and training
materials for technical accuracy and
suitability of content during
development and before final
publication. MSHA also will review
training curricula and purchased
training materials for technical accuracy
and suitability of content before the
materials are used. Grantees developing
training materials must follow all
copyright laws and provide written
certification that their materials are free
from copyright infringement.
When grantees produce training
materials, they must provide copies of
completed materials to MSHA before
the end of the grant period. Completed
materials should be submitted to MSHA
in hard copy and in digital format (CD–
ROM/DVD) for publication on the
MSHA Web site. Two copies of the
materials must be provided to MSHA.
Acceptable formats for training
materials include Microsoft XP Word,
PDF, PowerPoint, and any other format
agreed upon by MSHA.
2. License
As listed in 29 CFR 95.36, the
Department of Labor reserves a royaltyfree, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right
to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use
for Federal purposes any work produced
under a grant, and to authorize others to
do so. Grantees must agree to provide
the Department of Labor a paid-up,
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. Such
products include, but are 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, electronic, or otherwise.
Title 29 CFR 97.34 provides DOL and
MSHA with similar rights for any work
produced or purchased under the grant.
3. Acknowledgement on Printed
Materials
All approved grant-funded materials
developed by a grantee shall contain the
following disclaimer: ‘‘This material
was produced under grant number
XXXXX from the Mine Safety and
Health Administration, U.S. Department
of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect
the views or policies of the U.S.
Department of Labor, nor does mention
of trade names, commercial products, or
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organizations imply endorsement by the
U.S. Government.’’
When issuing statements, press
releases, request for proposals, bid
solicitations, and other documents
describing projects or programs funded
in whole or in part with Federal money,
all grantees receiving Federal funds
must clearly state:
(a) The percentage of the total costs of
the program or project that will be
financed with Federal money;
(b) The dollar amount of Federal
financial assistance for the project or
program; and
(c) The percentage and dollar amount
of the total costs of the project or
program that will be financed by nongovernmental sources.
4. Use of U.S. Department of Labor
(USDOL) and MSHA Logos
The USDOL or the MSHA logo may be
applied to the grant-funded material
including posters, videos, pamphlets,
research documents, national survey
results, impact evaluations, best practice
reports, and other publications. The
grantees must consult with MSHA on
whether the logo may be used on any
such items prior to final draft or final
preparation for distribution. In no event
shall the USDOL or the MSHA logo be
placed on any item until MSHA has
given the grantee written permission to
use either logo on the item.
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5. Reporting
Grantees are required by
Departmental regulations to submit
financial and project reports, as
described below, each quarter (grant
quarters match calendar quarters, i.e.,
January to March, April to June).
(a) Financial Reports
All financial reports are due no later
than 30 days after the end of the quarter
and shall be submitted to MSHA
electronically. Grantees will be
contacted with instructions on how to
submit reports.
(b) Technical Project Reports
After signing the agreement, the
grantee shall submit technical project
reports to MSHA no later than 30 days
after the end of each quarter. Technical
project reports provide both quantitative
and qualitative information and a
narrative assessment of performance for
the preceding three-month period. See
29 CFR 95.51 and 29 CFR 97.40. This
should include the current grant
progress against the overall grant goals
as provided in Part IV.B.3.
Between reporting dates, the grantee
shall immediately inform MSHA of
significant developments or problems
affecting the organization’s ability to
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accomplish the work. See 29 CFR
95.51(f) and 29 CFR 97.40(d).
(c) Final Reports
At the end of each 12-month
performance period, each grantee must
provide a final financial report, a
summary of its technical project reports,
and an evaluation report. These final
reports are due no later than 90 days
after the end of the 12-month
performance period.
H. Freedom of Information
Any information submitted in
response to this SGA will be subject to
the provisions of the Freedom of
Information Act, as appropriate.
I. Transparency in the Grant Process
DOL is committed to conducting a
transparent grant award process and
publicizing information about program
outcomes. Posting awardees’ grant
applications on public Web sites is a
means of promoting and sharing
innovative ideas. Under this SGA, DOL
will publish the awardees’ Executive
Summaries, selected information from
their SF–424s, and a version of
awardees’ Technical Proposals on the
Department’s Web site or similar
location. None of the Attachments to the
Technical Proposal provided with the
applications will be published. The
Technical Proposals and Executive
Summaries will not be published until
after the grants are awarded. In addition,
information about grant progress and
results may also be made publicly
available.
DOL recognizes that grant
applications sometimes contain
information that an applicant may
consider proprietary or business
confidential information, or may
contain personally identifiable
information. Proprietary or business
confidential information is information
that is not usually disclosed outside
your organization and disclosing this
information is likely to cause you
substantial competitive harm.
Personally identifiable information is
any information that can be used to
distinguish or trace an individual’s
identity, such as name, social security
number, date and place of birth,
mother‘s maiden name, or biometric
records; and any other information that
is linked or linkable to an individual,
such as medical, educational, financial,
and employment information.1
Executive Summaries will be
published in the form originally
1 OMB Memorandum 07–16 and 06–19. GAO
Report 08–536, Privacy: Alternatives Exist for
Enhancing Protection of Personally Identifiable
Information, May 2008, https://www.gao.gov/assets/
280/275558.pdf.
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submitted, without any redactions.
Applicants should not include any
proprietary or confidential business
information or personally identifiable
information in this summary. In the
event that an applicant submits
proprietary or confidential business
information or personally identifiable
information in the summary, DOL is not
liable for the posting of this information
contained in the Executive Summary.
The submission of the grant application
constitutes a waiver of the applicant’s
objection to the posting of any
proprietary or confidential business
information contained in the Executive
Summary. Additionally, the applicant is
responsible for obtaining all
authorizations from relevant parties for
publishing all personally identifiable
information contained within the
Executive Summary. In the event the
Executive Summary contains
proprietary or confidential business or
personally identifiable information, the
applicant is presumed to have obtained
all necessary authorizations to provide
this information and may be liable for
any improper release of this
information.
By submission of this grant
application, the applicant agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless the
United States, the U.S. Department of
Labor, its officers, employees, and
agents against any liability or for any
loss or damages arising from this
application. By such submission of this
grant application, the applicant further
acknowledges having the authority to
execute this release of liability.
In order to ensure that proprietary or
confidential business information or
personally identifiable information is
properly protected from disclosure
when DOL posts the selected Technical
Proposals, applicants whose Technical
Proposals will be posted will be asked
to submit a second redacted version of
their Technical Proposal, with any
proprietary or confidential business
information and personally identifiable
information redacted. All non-public
information about the applicant’s staff
or other individuals should be removed
as well.
The Department will contact the
applicants whose Technical Proposals
will be published by letter or email, and
provide further directions about how
and when to submit the redacted
version of the Technical Proposal.
Submission of a redacted version of
the Technical Proposal will constitute
permission by the applicant for DOL to
make the redacted version publicly
available. We will also assume that the
applicant has obtained the agreement to
the redacted version of the applicant’s
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Technical Proposal. If an applicant fails
to provide a redacted version of the
Technical Proposal by October 21, 2013,
DOL will publish the original Technical
Proposal in full, after redacting only
personally identifiable information.
(Note that the original, unredacted
version of the Technical Proposal will
remain part of the complete application
package, including an applicant’s
proprietary and confidential business
information and any personally
identifiable information.)
Applicants are encouraged to disclose
as much of the grant application
information as possible, and to redact
only information that clearly is
proprietary, confidential commercial/
business information, or capable of
identifying a person. The redaction of
entire pages or sections of the Technical
Proposal is not appropriate, and will not
be allowed, unless the entire portion
merits such protection. Should a
dispute arise about whether redactions
are appropriate, DOL will follow the
procedures outlined in the Department’s
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
regulations (29 CFR Part 70).
Redacted information in grant
applications will be protected by DOL
from public disclosure in accordance
with federal law, including the Trade
Secrets Act (18 U.S.C. 1905), FOIA, and
the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). If DOL
receives a FOIA request for your
application, the procedures in DOL’s
FOIA regulations for responding to
requests for commercial/business
information submitted to the
government will be followed, as well as
all FOIA exemptions and procedures. 29
CFR 70.26. Consequently, it is possible
that application of FOIA rules may
result in release of information in
response to a FOIA request that an
applicant redacted in its ‘‘redacted
copy.’’
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VIII. Agency Contacts
Any questions regarding this
solicitation for grant applications (SGA
13–3BS) should be directed to Robert
Glatter at glatter.robert@dol.gov or at
202–693–9570 (this is not a toll-free
number) or the Grant Officer, Nancy
Sloanhoffer at
sloanhoffer.nancy@dol.gov or at 202–
693–9839 (this is not a toll-free
number). MSHA’s Web page at
www.msha.gov is a valuable source of
background for this initiative.
Control No. 1225–0086 (expires January
31, 2016).
In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, no person is
required to respond to a collection of
information unless such collection
displays a valid OMB control number.
Public reporting burden for the grant
application is estimated to average 20
hours per response, for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the
data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information.
Each recipient who receives a grant
award notice will be required to submit
nine progress reports to MSHA. MSHA
estimates that each report will take
approximately two and one-half hours
to prepare.
Send comments regarding the burden
estimated or any other aspect of this
collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to
the OMB Desk Officer for MSHA, Office
of Management and Budget Room
10235, Washington DC 20503 and
MSHA, electronically to Robert Glatter
at glatter.robert@dol.gov or the Grant
Officer, Nancy Sloanhoffer at
sloanhoffer.nancy@dol.gov or by mail to
Robert Glatter, Room 2148, 1100 Wilson
Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209.
This information is being collected for
the purpose of awarding a grant. The
information collected through this
‘‘Solicitation for Grant Applications’’
will be used by the Department of Labor
to ensure that grants are awarded to the
applicant best suited to perform the
functions of the grant. Submission of
this information is required in order for
the applicant to be considered for award
of this grant. Unless otherwise
specifically noted in this
announcement, information submitted
in the respondent’s application is not
considered to be confidential.
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 965.
Dated: July 24, 2013.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations,
Mine Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 2013–18209 Filed 7–29–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–43–P
IX. Office Of Management and Budget
Information Collection Requirements
This SGA requests information from
applicants. This collection of
information is approved under OMB
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45981
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
[Docket No. OSHA–2010–0017]
Occupational Exposure to Noise
Standard; Extension of the Office of
Management and Budget’s (OMB)
Approval of Information Collection
(Paperwork) Requirements
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), Labor.
ACTION: Request for public comments.
AGENCY:
OSHA solicits public
comments concerning its proposal to
extend OMB approval of the
information collection requirements
specified in the Occupational Exposure
to Noise Standard (29 CFR 1910.95).
The information collection requirements
specified in the Noise Standard protect
workers from suffering material hearing
impairment.
DATES: Comments must be submitted
(postmarked, sent, or received) by
September 30, 2013.
ADDRESSES:
Electronically: You may submit
comments and attachments
electronically at https://
www.regulations.gov, which is the
Federal eRulemaking Portal. Follow the
instructions online for submitting
comments.
Facsimile: If your comments,
including attachments, are not longer
than 10 pages you may fax them to the
OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693–1648.
Mail, hand delivery, express mail,
messenger, or courier service: When
using this method, you must submit a
copy of your comments and attachments
to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No.
OSHA–2010–0017, U.S. Department of
Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, Room N–2625, 200
Constitution Avenue NW., Washington,
DC 20210. Deliveries (hand, express
mail, messenger, and courier service)
are accepted during the Department of
Labor’s and Docket Office’s normal
business hours, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.,
e.t.
Instructions: All submissions must
include the Agency name and OSHA
docket number for the Information
Collection Request (ICR) (OSHA–2010–
0017). All comments, including any
personal information you provide, are
placed in the public docket without
change, and may be made available
online at https://www.regulations.gov.
For further information on submitting
comments see the ‘‘Public
Participation’’ heading in the section of
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\30JYN1.SGM
30JYN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 146 (Tuesday, July 30, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45973-45981]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18209]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA 13-3BS.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.603
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA), is making $550,000 available in grant funds for
educational and training programs to help identify, avoid, and prevent
unsafe working conditions in and around mines. The focus of these
grants for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 will be on training and training
materials for mine emergency preparedness and mine emergency prevention
for all underground mines. Applicants for the grants may be States and
nonprofit (private or public) entities.
The number of grants awarded will be determined by MSHA's
evaluation of grant applications. The amount of each individual grant
will be at least $50,000.00. The maximum amount for a 12-month period
of performance is $150,000. MSHA will not be awarding renewal (two-
year) grants in FY 2013 under this solicitation for grant applications
(SGA). This notice contains all of the information needed to apply for
grant funding, including for those eligible grantees which were awarded
a 2012 renewal grant.
DATES: The closing date for applications will be August 31, 2013, (no
later than 11:59 p.m. EDST). MSHA will award grants on or before
September 30, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Applications for grants submitted under this competition
must be submitted electronically using the Government-wide site at
https://www.grants.gov. If applying online poses a hardship to any
applicant, the MSHA Directorate of Educational Policy and Development
will provide assistance to help applicants submit online.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any questions regarding this
solicitation for grant applications (SGA 13-3BS) should be directed to
Robert Glatter at glatter.robert@dol.gov or at 202-693-9570 (this is
not a toll-free number) or the Grant Officer, Nancy Sloanhoffer, at
sloanhoffer.nancy@dol.gov or at 202-693-9839 (this is not a toll-free
number).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation provides background
information and the requirements for projects funded under the
solicitation. This solicitation consists of nine parts:
Part I provides background information on the Brookwood-
Sago grants.
Part II describes the size and nature of the anticipated
awards.
Part III describes the qualifications of an eligible
applicant.
Part IV provides information on the application and
submission process for FY 2013 annual grants.
Part V explains the review process and rating criteria
that will be used to evaluate the FY 2013 applications.
Part VI provides information for FY 2012 renewal grantees
to apply for FY 2013 funding.
Part VII provides award administration information.
Part VIII contains MSHA contact information.
Part IX addresses Office of Management and Budget
information collection requirements.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Overview of the Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grant Program
Responding to several coal mine disasters, Congress enacted the
Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act).
When Congress passed the MINER Act, it expected that requirements for
new and advanced technology, e.g., fire-resistant lifelines and
increased breathable air availability in escapeways, would increase
safety in mines. The MINER Act also required that every underground
coal mine have persons trained in emergency response. Congress
emphasized its commitment to training for mine emergencies when it
strengthened the requirements for the training of mine rescue teams.
Recent events demonstrate that training is the key for proper and safe
emergency response and that all miners working underground should be
trained in emergency response.
Under Section 14 of the MINER Act, the Secretary of Labor
(Secretary) is required to establish a competitive grant program called
the ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants'' (Brookwood-Sago grants). This
program provides funding of education and training programs to better
identify, avoid, and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around
mines. This program will use grant funds to establish and implement
education and training programs or to create training materials and
programs. The MINER Act requires the Secretary to give priority to mine
safety demonstrations and pilot projects with broad applicability. It
also mandates that the Secretary emphasize programs and materials that
target miners in smaller mines, including training mine operators and
miners on new MSHA standards, high-risk activities, and other
identified safety priorities.
B. Grant Structures
MSHA has funded the Brookwood-Sago grants annually for 12 months of
performance through two types of grants. For the first type, ``annual
grants,'' MSHA requires an applicant to compete each year for the
available funds. For the second type, ``renewal
[[Page 45974]]
grants,'' MSHA awards a grant eligible for two separate years of
funding with two separate 12-month performance periods. Under this SGA,
MSHA will only fund the second-year of eligible FY 2012 renewal
grantees and will not accept applications for new renewal grants for FY
2013.
C. Educational and Training Program Priorities
MSHA priorities for the FY 2013 funding of the annual Brookwood-
Sago grants will focus on training or training materials for mine
emergency preparedness and mine emergency prevention for all
underground mines. MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago annual grantees to
develop training materials or to develop and provide mine safety
training or educational programs, recruit mine operators and miners for
the training, and conduct and evaluate the training.
MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago grantees to conduct follow-up
evaluations with the people who received training in their programs to
measure how the training promotes the Secretary's goal of ensuring a
safe and healthy workplace. The evaluation will focus on determining
how effective their training was in either reducing hazards, improving
skills for the selected training topics, or in improving the conditions
in mines. Grantees must also cooperate fully with MSHA evaluators of
their programs.
II. Award Information
A. Award Amount for FY 2013
MSHA is providing $550,000 to award new FY 2013 annual grants and
to fund the second year of eligible FY 2012 renewal grants. The number
of grants awarded will be determined by MSHA's evaluation of grant
applications. The amount of each individual grant will be no less than
$50,000.00 for a 12-month performance period; and the maximum award for
a 12-month performance period is $150,000. Applicants requesting less
than $50,000 or more than $150,000 for a 12-month performance period
will not be considered for funding.
B. Extension of Period of Performance
For annual awards, MSHA may approve a request for a one time no-
cost extension to grantees for an additional period of up to 12 months
from the expiration date of the annual award based on the success of
the project and other relevant factors. See 29 CFR 95.25(e)(2). At the
end of the second year of funding for a FY 2012 renewal grant, MSHA may
approve a request for a no-cost extension for an additional period of
performance of up to 12 months based on the success of the project and
other relevant factors.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Applicants for the grants may be States and nonprofit (private or
public) entities. Eligible entities may apply for funding independently
or in partnership with other eligible organizations. For partnerships,
a lead organization must be identified.
Applicants other than States and State-supported or local
government-supported institutions of higher education will be required
to submit evidence of nonprofit status, preferably from the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS). A nonprofit entity as described in 26 U.S.C.
501(c)(4), which engages in lobbying activities, is not eligible for a
grant award. See 2 U.S.C. 1611.
B. Cost-Sharing or Matching
Cost-sharing or matching of funds is not required for eligibility.
C. Other Eligibility Requirements
1. Data Universal Number System (DUNS)
Under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(3), every applicant for a Federal grant
funding opportunity is required to include a DUNS with its application.
The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number that uniquely
identifies business entities. An applicant's DUNS number is to be
entered into Block 8 of Standard Form (SF) 424. There is no charge for
obtaining a DUNS number. To obtain a DUNS number, call 1-866-705-5711
or access the following Web site: https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do.
After receiving a DUNS number, all grant applicants must also
register as a vendor with the System for Award Management (SAM) through
the Web site at https://www.sam.gov/. Grant applicants must create a
user account and then complete and submit the online registration. Once
you have completed the registration, it will take 48 to 72 hours to
process. The applicant will receive an email notice that the
registration is active. If you had an active record in the Central
Contractor Registration (CCR), you have an active record in SAM. You do
not need to do anything in SAM at this time, unless a change in your
business circumstances requires a change in SAM in order for you to be
paid or to receive an award. SAM will send notifications to the
registered user via email 60, 30, and 15 days prior to expiration of
the record. In addition, under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(2), each grant applicant
must maintain ``an active registration with current information at all
times.'' The Grants.gov Web site, through which applicants must apply
for MSHA grants, advises that it will reject all applications that have
an expired SAM registration.
2. Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by
Organizations That Receive Federal Financial Assistance
The Government generally is prohibited from providing direct
Federal financial assistance for inherently religious activities. See
29 CFR Part 2, Subpart D. Grants under this solicitation may not be
used for religious instruction, worship, prayer, proselytizing, or
other inherently religious activities. Neutral, non-religious criteria
that neither favor nor disfavor religion will be employed in the
selection of grant recipients and must be employed by grantees in the
selection of contractors and subcontractors.
3. Non-compliant Applications
Applications for new FY 2013 annual grants that are lacking any of
the required elements or do not follow the format prescribed in IV.B
will not be reviewed.
4. Late Applications
Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed
unless it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government.
IV. Application and Submission Information for New FY 2013 Annual
Grants
A. Application Forms
This announcement includes all information and links needed to
apply for this funding opportunity. (The information regarding the
second-year funding of the FY 2012 renewal grants is located in Part
VI.) The full application is available through the Grants.gov Web site
https://www.grants.gov/ under ``Apply for Grants''. The Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number needed to locate the
appropriate application for this opportunity is 17.603. If an applicant
has problems downloading the application package from Grants.gov,
contact Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or by email at
support@grants.gov.
The full application package is also available on-line at
www.msha.gov: Select ``Education & Training Resources,'' click on
``Courses,'' select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants,''
[[Page 45975]]
then select ``SGA 13-3BS.'' This Web site also includes all forms and
all regulations that are referenced in this SGA. Applicants, however,
must apply for this funding opportunity through the Grants.gov Web
site.
B. Content and Form of the FY 2013 Application
Each grant application must address mine emergency preparedness or
mine emergency prevention for underground mines. The application must
consist of three separate and distinct sections. The three required
sections are:
Section 1--Project Forms and Financial Plan (No page
limit).
Section 2--Executive Summary (Not to exceed two pages).
Section 3--Technical Proposal (Not to exceed 12 pages).
Illustrative material can be submitted as an attachment.
The following are mandatory requirements for each section.
1. Project Forms and Financial Plan
This section contains the forms and budget section of the
application. The Project Financial Plan will not count against the
application page limits. A person with authority to bind the applicant
must sign the grant application and forms. Applications submitted
electronically through Grants.gov do not need to be signed manually;
electronic signatures will be accepted.
(a) Completed SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' This
form is part of the application package on Grants.gov and is also
available at www.msha.gov. The SF-424 must identify the applicant
clearly 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
representative of the applicant.
(b) Completed SF-424A, ``Budget Information for Non-Construction
Programs.'' The project budget should demonstrate clearly that the
total amount and distribution of funds is sufficient to cover the cost
of all major project activities identified by the applicant in its
proposal, and must comply with the Federal cost principles and the
administrative requirements set forth in this SGA. (Copies of all
regulations that are referenced in this SGA are available on-line at
https://www.msha.gov. Select ``Education & Training Resources,'' click
on ``Courses,'' then select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.'')
(c) Budget Narrative. The applicant must provide a concise
narrative explaining the request for funds. The budget narrative should
separately attribute the Federal funds to each of the activities
specified in the technical proposal and it should discuss precisely how
any administrative costs support the project goals. Administrative
costs may not exceed 15% of the total grant budget. Indirect cost
charges must be supported with a copy of an approved Indirect Cost Rate
Agreement.
If applicable, the applicant must provide a statement about its
program income.
The amount of Federal funding requested for the entire period of
performance must be shown on the SF-424 and SF-424A forms.
(d) Completed SF-424B, ``Assurances for Non-Construction
Programs.'' Each applicant for these grants must certify compliance
with a list of assurances. This form is part of the application package
on https://www.grants.gov and also is available at https://www.msha.gov.
(e) Supplemental Certification Regarding Lobbying Activities Form.
If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for
influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any
agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an
employee of a member of Congress in connection with the making of a
grant or cooperative agreement, the applicant shall complete and submit
SF-LLL, ``Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,'' in accordance with its
instructions. This form is part of the application package on https://www.grants.gov and is also available at https://www.msha.gov. Select
``Education & Training Resources,'' click on ``Courses,'' then select
``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.''
(f) Non-profit status. Applicants must provide evidence of non-
profit status, preferably from the IRS, if applicable.
(g) Accounting System Certification. An organization that receives
less than $1 million annually in Federal grants must attach a
certification stating that the organization (directly or through a
designated qualified entity) has a functioning accounting system that
meets the criteria below. The certification should attest that the
organization's accounting system provides for the following:
(1) Accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial
results of each Federally sponsored project.
(2) Records that identify adequately the source and application of
funds for Federally sponsored activities.
(3) Effective control over and accountability for all funds,
property, and other assets.
(4) Comparison of outlays with budget amounts.
(5) Written procedures to minimize the time elapsing between
transfers of funds.
(6) Written procedures for determining the reasonableness,
allocability, and allowability of cost.
(7) Accounting records, including cost accounting records that are
supported by source documentation.
(h) Attachments. The application may include attachments such as
resumes of key personnel or position descriptions, exhibits,
information on prior government grants, and signed letters of
commitment to the project.
2. Executive Summary
The executive summary is a short one-to-two page abstract that
succinctly summarizes the proposed project. MSHA will publish, as
submitted, all grantees' executive summaries on the DOL Web site. The
executive summary must include the following information:
(a) Applicant. Provide the organization's full legal name and
address.
(b) Funding requested. List how much Federal funding is being
requested.
(c) Grant Topic. List the grant topic and the location and number
of mine operators and miners that the organization has selected to
train or describe the training materials or equipment to be created
with these funds.
(d) Program Structure. Identify the type of grant as annual.
(e) Summary of the Proposed Project. Write a brief summary of the
proposed project. This summary must identify the key points of the
proposal, including an introduction describing the project activities
and the expected results.
3. Technical Proposal
The technical proposal must demonstrate the applicant's
capabilities to plan and implement a project or create educational
materials or equipment to meet the objectives of this solicitation.
MSHA's focus for these grants is on training mine operators and miners
and developing training materials for mine emergency preparedness or
mine emergency prevention for underground mines. An Agency strategic
goal is to ensure workplaces are safe and healthy for workers through
strengthening and modernizing training and education and improving mine
emergency response preparedness through training. MSHA has two program
outcome goals, described below, that will be considered indicators of
the success of the program as a whole. The following table explains
[[Page 45976]]
the types of data grantees must provide and their relationship with the
Agency's program goals and performance measures for the Brookwood-Sago
grants.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DATA Grantees provide each reporting
MSHA's Program goals MSHA's Performance measures period
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Agency creates more effective Increase overall number of Number of training events.
training to ensure workplaces are trainers trained. Number of trainers trained.
safe. Increase the number of mine Number of mine operators and miners
operators and miners trained. trained.
Provide quality training with Number of course days of training
clearly stated goals and provided to industry.
objectives for improving Pre- and post-assessment results of
safety. trainees.
Course evaluations of trainer and
training materials.
A description of the extent to which
others replicate (i.e., adopt or adapt)
or institutionalize and continue the
training or educational programs after
grant funding ends.
2. Agency creates training materials Increase the number of quality Pre- and post-assessment results of the
to provide more effective training to educational materials training materials.
ensure workplaces are safe. developed. Evaluation of training materials to
Provide quality training include the target audience, statement
materials with clearly stated of goals and objectives, learning
goals and objectives for level, instructions for using
improving safety. additional materials, secondary
Develop training materials purposes, adult learning principles,
that are reproducible or and usability in the mine training
adaptable. environment.
A description of the extent to which
others will replicate (i.e., adopt or
adapt) the funded training materials.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The technical proposal narrative is not to exceed 12 single-sided,
double-spaced pages, using 12-point font, and must contain the
following sections: Program Design, Overall Qualifications of the
Applicant, and Output and Evaluation. Any pages over the 12-page limit
will not be reviewed. Attachments to the technical proposal are not
counted toward the 12-page limit. Major sections and sub-sections of
the proposal should be divided and clearly identified. And as required
in Section VII subpart I ``Transparency,'' a grantee's final technical
proposal will be posted as is on MSHA's Web site unless MSHA receives a
version redacting any proprietary, confidential business, or personally
identifiable information by October 21, 2013.
MSHA will review and rate the technical proposal in accordance with
the selection criteria specified in Part V.
(a) Program Design
(1) Statement of the Problem/Need for Funds. Applicants must
identify a clear and specific need for proposed activities. They must
identify whether they are providing a training program or creating
training materials or both. Applicants also must identify the number of
individuals expected to benefit from their training and education
program; this should include identifying the type of underground mines,
the geographic locations, and the number of mine operators and miners.
Applicants must also identify other Federal funds they receive for
similar activities.
(2) Quality of the Project Design. MSHA requires that each
applicant include a 12-month workplan that correlates with the grant
project period that will begin September 30, 2013, and end September
29, 2014.
(i) Plan Overview. Describe the plan for grant activities and the
anticipated results. The plan should describe such things as the
development of training materials, the training content, recruiting of
trainees, where or how training will take place, and the anticipated
benefits to mine operators and miners receiving the training.
(ii) Activities. Break the plan down into activities or tasks. For
each activity, explain what will be done, who will do it, when it will
be done, and the anticipated results of the activity. For training,
discuss the subjects to be taught, the length of the training sessions,
type of training (e.g., Mine Emergency Response Development exercise),
and training locations (e.g., classroom, worksites). Describe how the
applicant will recruit mine operators and miners for the training.
(Note: Any commercially developed training materials the applicant
proposes to use in its training must undergo an MSHA review before
being used.)
(iii) Quarterly Projections. For training and other quantifiable
activities, estimate the quantities involved using the table located in
Part IV.B.3 for data required to meet the grant goals. For example,
estimate how many classes will be conducted and how many mine operators
and miners will be trained each quarter of the grant (grant quarters
match calendar quarters, i.e., January to March, April to June; but the
first quarter is the date of award to December 31, 2013). Also, provide
the training number totals for the full year. Quarterly projections are
used to measure the actual performance against the plan. Applicants
planning to conduct a train-the-trainer program should estimate the
number of individuals to be trained during the grant period by those
who received the train-the-trainer training. These second-tier training
numbers should be included only if the organization is planning to
follow up with the trainers to obtain this data during the grant
period.
(iv) Materials. Describe each educational material, including any
piece of equipment (e.g., mine simulator) to be produced under the
grant. Provide a timetable for developing and producing the material.
The timetable must include provisions for an MSHA review of draft and
camera-ready products or evaluation of equipment. MSHA must review and
approve training materials or equipment for technical accuracy and
suitability of content before use in the grant program. Whether or not
an applicant's project is to develop training materials only, the
applicant should provide an overall plan that includes time for MSHA to
review any materials produced.
(b) Qualifications of the Applicant
(1) Applicant's Background. Describe the applicant, including its
mission, and a description of its membership, if any. Provide an
organizational chart (the chart may be included as a separate page
which will not count toward the page limit). Identify the following:
(i) Project Director. The Project Director is the person who will
be responsible for the day-to-day operation and administration of the
program. Provide the name, title, street address and mailing address
(if it is different from the organization's street address),
[[Page 45977]]
telephone and fax numbers, and email address of the Project Director.
(ii) Certifying Representative. The Certifying Representative is
the official in the organization who is authorized to enter into grant
agreements. Provide the name, title, street address and mailing address
(if it is different from the organization's street address), telephone
and fax numbers, and email address of the Certifying Representative.
(2) Administrative and Program Capability. Briefly describe the
organization's functions and activities, i.e., the applicant's
management and internal controls. Relate this description of functions
to the organizational chart. If the applicant has received any other
government (Federal, State or local) grant funding, the application
must have, as an attachment (which will not count towards the page
limit), information regarding these previous grants. This information
must include each organization for which the work was done and the
dollar value of each grant. If the applicant does not have previous
grant experience, it may partner with an organization that has grant
experience to manage the grant. If the organization uses this approach,
the management organization must be identified and its grant program
experience discussed. Lack of past experience with Federal grants is
not a determining factor, but an applicant should show a successful
experience relevant to the opportunity offered in the application. Such
experience could include staff members' experiences with other
organizations.
(3) Program Experience. Describe the organization's experience
conducting the proposed mine training program or other relevant
experience. Include program specifics such as program title, numbers
trained, and duration of training. If creating training materials,
include the title of other materials developed. Nonprofit
organizations, including community-based and faith-based organizations
that do not have prior experience in mine safety may partner with an
established mine safety organization to acquire safety expertise.
(4) Staff Experience. Describe the qualifications of the
professional staff you will assign to the program. Attach resumes of
staff already employed (resumes will not count towards the page limit).
If some positions are vacant, include position descriptions and minimum
hiring qualifications instead of resumes. Staff should have, at a
minimum, mine safety experience, training experience, or experience
working with the mining community.
(c) Outputs and Evaluations. There are two types of evaluations
that must be conducted. First, describe the methods, approaches, or
plans to evaluate the training sessions or training materials to meet
the data requirements listed in the table above. Second, describe plans
to assess the long-term effectiveness of the training materials or
training conducted. The type of training given will determine whether
the evaluation should include a process-related outcome or a result-
related outcome or both. This will involve following up with an
evaluation, or on-site review, if feasible, of miners trained. The
evaluation should focus on what changes the trained miners made to
abate hazards and improve workplace conditions, or to incorporate the
training in the workplace, or both.
For training materials, include an evaluation from individuals
trained on the clarity of the presentation, organization, and the
quality of the information provided on the subject matter and whether
they would continue to use the training materials. Include timetables
for follow-up and for submitting a summary of the assessment results to
MSHA.
C. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses
The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is August 31, 2013 (no later than 11:59 p.m. EDST). Grant
applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov
Web site. The Grants.gov site provides all the information about
submitting an application electronically through the site as well as
the hours of operation. Interested parties can locate the downloadable
application package by the CFDA number 17.603.
Applications received by Grants.gov are electronically date and
time stamped. An application must be fully uploaded and submitted (and
must be date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system) before the
application deadline date. Once an interested party has submitted an
application, Grants.gov will notify the interested party with an
automatic notification of receipt that contains a Grants.gov tracking
number. MSHA then will retrieve the application from Grants.gov and
send a second notification to the interested party by email.
D. Intergovernmental Review
The Brookwood-Sago grants are not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' MSHA, however,
reminds applicants that if they are not operating MSHA-approved State
training grants, they should contact the State grantees and coordinate
any training or educational program. Information about each state grant
and the entity operating the state grant is provided online at: https://www.msha.gov/TRAINING/STATES/STATES.asp.
E. Funding Restrictions
MSHA will determine whether costs are allowable under the
applicable Federal cost principles and other conditions contained in
the grant award.
1. Allowable Costs
Grant funds may be spent on conducting training, conducting
outreach and recruiting activities to increase the number of mine
operators and miners participating in the program, developing
educational materials, and on necessary expenses to support these
activities. Allowable costs are determined by the applicable Federal
cost principles identified in Part VII.B.
Program income earned during the award period shall be retained by
the recipient, added to funds committed to the award, and used for the
purposes and under the conditions applicable to the use of the grant
funds.
2. Unallowable Costs
Grant funds may not be used for the following activities under this
grant program:
(a) Any activity inconsistent with the goals and objectives of this
SGA;
(b) Training on topics that are not targeted under this SGA;
(c) Purchasing any equipment unless pre-approved and in writing by
the MSHA grant officer;
(d) Administrative costs that exceed 15% of the total grant budget;
and
(e) Any pre-award costs.
Unallowable costs also include any cost determined by MSHA as not
allowed according to the applicable cost principles or other conditions
in the grant.
V. Application Review Information for New FY 2013 Grants
A. Evaluation Criteria.
MSHA will screen all applications to determine whether all required
proposal elements are present and clearly identifiable. Those that do
not comply with mandatory requirements will not be evaluated. The
technical panels will review grant applications using the following
criteria:
1. Program Design--40 Points Total
(a) Statement of the Problem/Need for Funds. (3 points)
The proposed training and education program or training materials
must address either mine emergency
[[Page 45978]]
preparedness or mine emergency prevention.
(b) Quality of the Project Design. (25 points)
(1) The proposal to train mine operators and miners clearly
estimates the number to be trained and clearly identifies the types of
mine operators and miners to be trained.
(2) If the proposal contains a train-the-trainer program, the
following information must be provided:
What ongoing support the grantee will provide to new
trainers;
The number of individuals to be trained as trainers;
The estimated number of courses to be conducted by the new
trainers;
The estimated number of students to be trained by these
new trainers and a description of how the grantee will obtain data from
the new trainers documenting their classes and student numbers if
conducted during the grant period.
(3) The work plan activities and training are described.
The planned activities and training are tailored to the
needs and levels of the mine operators and miners to be trained. Any
special constituency to be served through the grant program is
described, e.g., smaller mines, limited English proficiency miners,
etc. Organizations proposing to develop materials in languages other
than English also will be required to provide an English version of the
materials.
If the proposal includes developing training materials,
the work plan must include time during development for MSHA to review
the educational materials for technical accuracy and suitability of
content. If commercially developed training products will be used for a
training program, applicants should also plan for MSHA to review the
materials before using the products in their grant programs.
The utility of the educational materials is described.
The outreach or process to find mine operators, miners, or
trainees to receive the training is described.
(c) Replication. (4 points)
The potential for a project to serve a variety of mine operators,
miners, or mine sites, or the extent others may replicate the project.
(d) Innovativeness. (3 points)
The originality and uniqueness of the approach used.
(e) MSHA's Performance Goals. (5 points)
The extent the proposed project will contribute to MSHA's
performance goals.
2. Budget--20 Points Total
(a) The budget presentation is clear and detailed. (15 points)
(1) The budgeted costs are reasonable.
(2) No more than 15% of the total budget is for administrative
costs.
(3) The budget complies with Federal cost principles (which can be
found in the applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars
and with MSHA budget requirements contained in the grant application
instructions).
(b) The application demonstrates that the applicant has strong
financial management and internal control systems. (5 points)
3. Overall Qualifications of the Applicant--25 Points Total.
(a) Grant Experience. (6 points)
The applicant has administered, or will work with an organization
that has administered, a number of different Federal or State grants.
The applicant may demonstrate this experience by having project staff
that has experience administering Federal or State grants.
(b) Mine Safety Training Experience. (13 points)
The applicant applying for the grant demonstrates experience with
mine safety teaching or providing mine safety educational programs.
Applicants that do not have prior experience in providing mine safety
training to mine operators or miners may partner with an established
mine safety organization to acquire mine safety expertise.
(1) Project staff has experience in mine safety, the specific topic
chosen, or in training mine operators and miners.
(2) Project staff has experience in recruiting, training, and
working with the population the organization proposes to serve.
(3) Applicant has experience in designing and developing mine
safety training materials for a mining program.
(4) Applicant has experience in managing educational programs.
(c) Management. (6 points)
Applicant demonstrates internal control and management oversight of
the project.
4. Outputs and Evaluations--15 Points Total.
The proposal should include provisions for evaluating the
organization's progress in accomplishing the grant work activities and
accomplishments, evaluating training sessions, and evaluating the
program's effectiveness and impact to determine if the safety training
and services provided resulted in workplace change or improved
workplace conditions. The proposal should include a plan to follow up
with trainees to determine the impact the program has had in abating
hazards and reducing miner injuries and illnesses.
B. Review and Selection Process for New FY 2013 Grants
A technical panel will rate each complete application against the
criteria described in this SGA. One or more applicants may be selected
as grantees on the basis of the initial application submission or a
minimally acceptable number of points may be established. MSHA may
request final revisions to the applications, and then evaluate the
revised applications. MSHA may consider any information that comes to
its attention in evaluating the applications.
The panel recommendations are advisory in nature. The Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Policy for Mine Safety and Health will make a
final selection determination based on what is most advantageous to the
government, considering factors such as panel findings, geographic
presence of the applicants or the areas to be served, Agency
priorities, and the best value to the government, cost, and other
factors. The Deputy Assistant Secretary's determination for award under
this SGA is final.
C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Announcement of these awards is expected to occur by September 29,
2013. The grant agreement will be signed no later than September 30,
2013.
VI. FY 2012 Renewal Grantees' Process For FY 2013 Funding
A. General
In this section, MSHA is providing the eligible FY 2012 renewal
grantees the procedures and required documentation that they must
submit to receive their FY 2013 funding. MSHA will notify all renewal
grantees of their eligibility. The grantees are reminded that they are
not required to apply for the second year of funding. If they do not
wish to apply for the second-year funding, the grantees may apply for a
new grant under the FY 2013 annual grant program instead.
B. The Process and Required Documentation
1. Documentation
Using its current grant number, each grantee must provide:
(a) Revised SF-424 and SF-424A forms; and
(b) If necessary, a revised workplan.
2. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses
The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement
[[Page 45979]]
is August 31, 2013 (no later than 11:59 p.m. EDST). The renewal grantee
must submit its application for FY 2013 funding electronically through
the Grants.gov Web site.
C. Award Information
Announcement of these awards is expected to occur by September 29,
2013. The amendment to the FY 2012 grant agreement will be signed no
later than September 30, 2013.
VII. Award Administration Information
A. Award Process
Before September 29, 2013, organizations selected as potential
grant recipients will be notified by a representative of the Deputy
Assistant Secretary, usually the Grant Officer or her staff. An
applicant whose proposal is not selected will be notified in writing.
The fact that an organization has been selected as a potential grant
recipient does not necessarily constitute approval of the grant
application as submitted (revisions may be required).
Before the actual grant award and the announcement of the award,
MSHA may enter into negotiations with the potential grant recipient
concerning such matters as program components, staffing and funding
levels, and administrative systems. If the negotiations do not result
in an acceptable submittal, the Deputy Assistant Secretary reserves the
right to terminate the negotiations and decline to fund the proposal.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
All grantees will be subject to applicable Federal laws and
regulations (including provisions of appropriations law) and applicable
OMB Circulars. The grants awarded under this competitive grant program
will be subject to the following administrative standards and
provisions, if applicable:
2 CFR Part 25, Universal Identifier and Central Contractor
Registration.
2 CFR Part 170, Reporting Subawards and Executive
Compensation Information.
2 CFR Part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons.
2 CFR Part 220, Cost Principles for Educational
Institutions. (OMB Circular A-21).
2 CFR Part 225, Cost Principles for State, Local, and
Indian Tribal Governments (OMB Circular A-87).
2 CFR Part 230, Cost Principles for Non-profit
Organizations (OMB Circular A-122).
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.
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.
29 CFR Part 32, Nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap
in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.
29 CFR Part 33, Enforcement of non-discrimination on the
basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by the Department
of Labor.
29 CFR Part 35, Nondiscrimination on the basis of age in
programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance from the
Department of Labor.
29 CFR Part 36, Nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in
education programs or activities receiving federal financial
assistance.
29 CFR Part 93, New Restrictions on lobbying.
29 CFR Part 94, Governmentwide requirements for drug-free
workplace (financial assistance).
29 CFR Part 95, Grants and agreements with institutions of
higher education, hospitals, and other non-profit organizations, and
with commercial organizations, foreign governments, organizations under
the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and international
organizations.
29 CFR Part 96, Audit requirements for grants, contracts,
and other agreements.
29 CFR Part 97, Uniform administrative requirements for
grants and cooperative agreements to state and local governments.
29 CFR Part 98, Governmentwide debarment and suspension
(nonprocurement).
29 CFR Part 99, Audits of states, local governments, and
non-profit organizations.
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 31.2,
Contracts cost principles and procedures (Codified at 48 CFR Part
31.2).
Administrative costs for these grants may not exceed 15%. Unless
specifically approved, MSHA's acceptance of a proposal or MSHA's award
of Federal funds to sponsor any program does not constitute a waiver of
any grant requirement or procedure. For example, if an application
identifies a specific sub-contractor to provide certain services, the
MSHA award does not provide a basis to sole-source the procurement (to
avoid competition).
C. Special Program Requirements
1. MSHA Review of Educational Materials
MSHA will review all grantee-produced educational and training
materials for technical accuracy and suitability of content during
development and before final publication. MSHA also will review
training curricula and purchased training materials for technical
accuracy and suitability of content before the materials are used.
Grantees developing training materials must follow all copyright laws
and provide written certification that their materials are free from
copyright infringement.
When grantees produce training materials, they must provide copies
of completed materials to MSHA before the end of the grant period.
Completed materials should be submitted to MSHA in hard copy and in
digital format (CD-ROM/DVD) for publication on the MSHA Web site. Two
copies of the materials must be provided to MSHA. Acceptable formats
for training materials include Microsoft XP Word, PDF, PowerPoint, and
any other format agreed upon by MSHA.
2. License
As listed in 29 CFR 95.36, the Department of Labor reserves a
royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to reproduce,
publish, or otherwise use for Federal purposes any work produced under
a grant, and to authorize others to do so. Grantees must agree to
provide the Department of Labor a paid-up, 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. Such products include, but are 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,
electronic, or otherwise. Title 29 CFR 97.34 provides DOL and MSHA with
similar rights for any work produced or purchased under the grant.
3. Acknowledgement on Printed Materials
All approved grant-funded materials developed by a grantee shall
contain the following disclaimer: ``This material was produced under
grant number XXXXX from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S.
Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or
policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade
names, commercial products, or
[[Page 45980]]
organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.''
When issuing statements, press releases, request for proposals, bid
solicitations, and other documents describing projects or programs
funded in whole or in part with Federal money, all grantees receiving
Federal funds must clearly state:
(a) The percentage of the total costs of the program or project
that will be financed with Federal money;
(b) The dollar amount of Federal financial assistance for the
project or program; and
(c) The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the
project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.
4. Use of U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and MSHA Logos
The USDOL or the MSHA logo may be applied to the grant-funded
material including posters, videos, pamphlets, research documents,
national survey results, impact evaluations, best practice reports, and
other publications. The grantees must consult with MSHA on whether the
logo may be used on any such items prior to final draft or final
preparation for distribution. In no event shall the USDOL or the MSHA
logo be placed on any item until MSHA has given the grantee written
permission to use either logo on the item.
5. Reporting
Grantees are required by Departmental regulations to submit
financial and project reports, as described below, each quarter (grant
quarters match calendar quarters, i.e., January to March, April to
June).
(a) Financial Reports
All financial reports are due no later than 30 days after the end
of the quarter and shall be submitted to MSHA electronically. Grantees
will be contacted with instructions on how to submit reports.
(b) Technical Project Reports
After signing the agreement, the grantee shall submit technical
project reports to MSHA no later than 30 days after the end of each
quarter. Technical project reports provide both quantitative and
qualitative information and a narrative assessment of performance for
the preceding three-month period. See 29 CFR 95.51 and 29 CFR 97.40.
This should include the current grant progress against the overall
grant goals as provided in Part IV.B.3.
Between reporting dates, the grantee shall immediately inform MSHA
of significant developments or problems affecting the organization's
ability to accomplish the work. See 29 CFR 95.51(f) and 29 CFR
97.40(d).
(c) Final Reports
At the end of each 12-month performance period, each grantee must
provide a final financial report, a summary of its technical project
reports, and an evaluation report. These final reports are due no later
than 90 days after the end of the 12-month performance period.
H. Freedom of Information
Any information submitted in response to this SGA will be subject
to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, as appropriate.
I. Transparency in the Grant Process
DOL is committed to conducting a transparent grant award process
and publicizing information about program outcomes. Posting awardees'
grant applications on public Web sites is a means of promoting and
sharing innovative ideas. Under this SGA, DOL will publish the
awardees' Executive Summaries, selected information from their SF-424s,
and a version of awardees' Technical Proposals on the Department's Web
site or similar location. None of the Attachments to the Technical
Proposal provided with the applications will be published. The
Technical Proposals and Executive Summaries will not be published until
after the grants are awarded. In addition, information about grant
progress and results may also be made publicly available.
DOL recognizes that grant applications sometimes contain
information that an applicant may consider proprietary or business
confidential information, or may contain personally identifiable
information. Proprietary or business confidential information is
information that is not usually disclosed outside your organization and
disclosing this information is likely to cause you substantial
competitive harm.
Personally identifiable information is any information that can be
used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity, such as name,
social security number, date and place of birth, mother`s maiden name,
or biometric records; and any other information that is linked or
linkable to an individual, such as medical, educational, financial, and
employment information.\1\
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\1\ OMB Memorandum 07-16 and 06-19. GAO Report 08-536, Privacy:
Alternatives Exist for Enhancing Protection of Personally
Identifiable Information, May 2008, https://www.gao.gov/assets/280/275558.pdf.
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Executive Summaries will be published in the form originally
submitted, without any redactions. Applicants should not include any
proprietary or confidential business information or personally
identifiable information in this summary. In the event that an
applicant submits proprietary or confidential business information or
personally identifiable information in the summary, DOL is not liable
for the posting of this information contained in the Executive Summary.
The submission of the grant application constitutes a waiver of the
applicant's objection to the posting of any proprietary or confidential
business information contained in the Executive Summary. Additionally,
the applicant is responsible for obtaining all authorizations from
relevant parties for publishing all personally identifiable information
contained within the Executive Summary. In the event the Executive
Summary contains proprietary or confidential business or personally
identifiable information, the applicant is presumed to have obtained
all necessary authorizations to provide this information and may be
liable for any improper release of this information.
By submission of this grant application, the applicant agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless the United States, the U.S. Department of
Labor, its officers, employees, and agents against any liability or for
any loss or damages arising from this application. By such submission
of this grant application, the applicant further acknowledges having
the authority to execute this release of liability.
In order to ensure that proprietary or confidential business
information or personally identifiable information is properly
protected from disclosure when DOL posts the selected Technical
Proposals, applicants whose Technical Proposals will be posted will be
asked to submit a second redacted version of their Technical Proposal,
with any proprietary or confidential business information and
personally identifiable information redacted. All non-public
information about the applicant's staff or other individuals should be
removed as well.
The Department will contact the applicants whose Technical
Proposals will be published by letter or email, and provide further
directions about how and when to submit the redacted version of the
Technical Proposal.
Submission of a redacted version of the Technical Proposal will
constitute permission by the applicant for DOL to make the redacted
version publicly available. We will also assume that the applicant has
obtained the agreement to the redacted version of the applicant's
[[Page 45981]]
Technical Proposal. If an applicant fails to provide a redacted version
of the Technical Proposal by October 21, 2013, DOL will publish the
original Technical Proposal in full, after redacting only personally
identifiable information. (Note that the original, unredacted version
of the Technical Proposal will remain part of the complete application
package, including an applicant's proprietary and confidential business
information and any personally identifiable information.)
Applicants are encouraged to disclose as much of the grant
application information as possible, and to redact only information
that clearly is proprietary, confidential commercial/business
information, or capable of identifying a person. The redaction of
entire pages or sections of the Technical Proposal is not appropriate,
and will not be allowed, unless the entire portion merits such
protection. Should a dispute arise about whether redactions are
appropriate, DOL will follow the procedures outlined in the
Department's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations (29 CFR Part
70).
Redacted information in grant applications will be protected by DOL
from public disclosure in accordance with federal law, including the
Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C. 1905), FOIA, and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C.
552a). If DOL receives a FOIA request for your application, the
procedures in DOL's FOIA regulations for responding to requests for
commercial/business information submitted to the government will be
followed, as well as all FOIA exemptions and procedures. 29 CFR 70.26.
Consequently, it is possible that application of FOIA rules may result
in release of information in response to a FOIA request that an
applicant redacted in its ``redacted copy.''
VIII. Agency Contacts
Any questions regarding this solicitation for grant applications
(SGA 13-3BS) should be directed to Robert Glatter at
glatter.robert@dol.gov or at 202-693-9570 (this is not a toll-free
number) or the Grant Officer, Nancy Sloanhoffer at
sloanhoffer.nancy@dol.gov or at 202-693-9839 (this is not a toll-free
number). MSHA's Web page at www.msha.gov is a valuable source of
background for this initiative.
IX. Office Of Management and Budget Information Collection Requirements
This SGA requests information from applicants. This collection of
information is approved under OMB Control No. 1225-0086 (expires
January 31, 2016).
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no person
is required to respond to a collection of information unless such
collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden
for the grant application is estimated to average 20 hours per
response, for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing
the collection of information. Each recipient who receives a grant
award notice will be required to submit nine progress reports to MSHA.
MSHA estimates that each report will take approximately two and one-
half hours to prepare.
Send comments regarding the burden estimated or any other aspect of
this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this
burden, to the OMB Desk Officer for MSHA, Office of Management and
Budget Room 10235, Washington DC 20503 and MSHA, electronically to
Robert Glatter at glatter.robert@dol.gov or the Grant Officer, Nancy
Sloanhoffer at sloanhoffer.nancy@dol.gov or by mail to Robert Glatter,
Room 2148, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209.
This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a
grant. The information collected through this ``Solicitation for Grant
Applications'' will be used by the Department of Labor to ensure that
grants are awarded to the applicant best suited to perform the
functions of the grant. Submission of this information is required in
order for the applicant to be considered for award of this grant.
Unless otherwise specifically noted in this announcement, information
submitted in the respondent's application is not considered to be
confidential.
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 965.
Dated: July 24, 2013.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations, Mine Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 2013-18209 Filed 7-29-13; 8:45 am]
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