[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 19 (Friday, January 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-1600]
[Federal Register: January 28, 1994]
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Availability of Funds; Employment and Training Needs of Migrant
and Seasonal Farmworkers
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training
Administration (DOL/ETA), announces the availability of funds for a
demonstration project to encourage and promote innovative responses to
the employment and training needs of migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
This notice describes the application process, possible demonstration
models, how grantees will be selected and the responsibility of the
grantee. One (1) grant, not to exceed $550,000 will be awarded on a
competitive basis. This grant will be for a 12 month period with the
possibility of 2 option years. The Department reserves the option to
fund additional demonstration projects, based on a review and
evaluation of applications received as a result of this solicitation.
Applications with proposed costs in excess of $550,000 will not be
considered.
DATES: Applications for grant awards will be accepted commencing
January 28, 1994. The closing date for receipt of applications shall be
March 14, 1994, at 2 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) at the address below.
ADDRESSES: Mail on hand deliver applications to: U.S. Department of
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Grants and
Contract Management, Division of Acquisition and Assistance, room
S4203, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Attention:
Irene Taylor-Pindle or Shirley Horton. Reference SGA/DAA-94-001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Irene Taylor-Pindle or Ms. Shirley Horton, Division of Acquisition
and Assistance. Telephone: (202) 219-8702. (This is not a toll free
number.).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation consists of four parts.
Part I provides the background and purpose of the demonstration
project(s). Part II identifies possible demonstration models. Part III
describes the application process and provides detailed guidelines for
use in applying for the demonstration grant and the selection criteria
used in reviewing the applications. Part IV describes the reporting
requirements.
Part I. Background
Studies have indicated that although large numbers of farmworkers
actively leave agricultural employment annually, equally large numbers
depend on continued long-term employment in agriculture for their
livelihood. For those seeking to leave agriculture, programs annually
funded under section 402 of the JTPA offer classroom and skill training
leading to employment opportunities.
Farmworkers opting to remain in agriculture are dependent on an
agricultural employment system that is at times affected by weather
conditions and changing local labor market needs and economic factors,
but is always constant in its unforgiving working conditions and long
term negative effect on the farmworker's health and economic well
being.
The Department is interested in aiding farmworkers seeking
employment opportunities and a future outside of agriculture, while at
the same time stabilizing the farm labor force by providing labor
market information and enhancing the skills and well being of
farmworkers (and their dependents) wishing to remain in agriculture.
The Department of Labor is focusing this solicitation on
demonstration efforts that will address issues that directly impact the
daily lives of farmworkers--both seasonal and migrant.
The Department will consider and fund one or more demonstration
project(s) that encompass (one or more) aspects of the following topic
areas: (a) A labor market information system that would provide
farmworkers with accurate and timely data concerning crop planting and
harvest conditions, employment opportunities, housing conditions and
the availability of supportive services, etc.; (b) a program model that
employs work-based learning concepts to demonstrate a new approach in
retraining farmworkers (either in upgraded farmwork employment or in
employment opportunities outside of agriculture); (c) a program model
that serves to transition farmworkers into newly emerging fields of
technology--taking into account the barriers faced by farmworkers,
while at the same time satisfying the skill and cognitive needs of the
targeted industry; (d) a program model that serves to reinvent the
manner in which the hardest of farmworkers to serve are provided
retraining and/or training in areas that will directly impact and
enhance their lives and the lives of their families; (e) a program
model that creates an information network linking farmworker service
delivery agents for the purpose of creating a data base that could be
used for sharing client information. This in turn could have the effect
of more efficiently and effectively rendering services to the
farmworker.
In calling for grant applications, the Department is not limiting
or suggesting geographic areas or regions, nor is the Department
limiting the design of projects to those suggested above. Applicants
are free to identify the geographic area in which their proposed
demonstration project will be tested. Applicants should also understand
that the Department will exercise its option of funding one or more
demonstration projects based on a review and appraisal of those
received under this SGA notice.
Demonstration projects under this initiative may try out new
approaches to serving farmworkers and in the process assess and test
new ideas that may integrate the provision of services, classroom
training and structured worksite learning. The demonstration project(s)
may establish a fundamental change in the way farmworker organizations
and agents of technical and skill training provide assistance to
migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
Part II. Statement of Work
This Statement of Work sets forth the objectives, general
specifications and conditions for submission of applications to conduct
a demonstration project for a 12-month base period. Each demonstration
project must offer services and activities, necessary to assist migrant
and seasonal farmworkers, preferably, in a combination and format not
currently found in Section 402 programs. The applicant may select one
of the models presented below or develop a different model that
addresses the specific problems faced by this target group. The desired
services sought under a demonstration grant through this SGA will
include but may not be limited to the following activities and areas of
expertise:
*Model #1. The development and dissemination of a labor market
system benefiting migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
A proposal under this model should identify the geographic area to
be targeted for this demonstration project along with the rationale for
its selection; the manner in which information and data concerning crop
planting, harvesting and related employment opportunities, availability
of temporary housing and supportive services will be gathered and
shared; the manner in which those organizations currently serving
farmworkers in the targeted area will be utilized for distribution of
information purposes; the form/media in which information will be
shared with farmworkers and the projected number to be reached.
The grantee shall establish a methodology for collecting, analyzing
and distributing information concerning crop planting and harvesting
and attendant employment opportunities; shall establish linkages with
farmworker organizations and farm labor entities and the agricultural
recruitment system within the geographic area to be covered; shall
collect and communicate pertinent information on a timely basis; shall
develop internal monitoring and evaluation instruments to gauge the
effectiveness of the distribution system and the information collected.
*Model #2. The development of a training model that would establish
a new approach to retraining farmworkers.
A proposal submitted under this model, should involve the
structuring of worksite learning (that would include innovative
approaches in combining classroom and skill training) which would be
effectuated to meet the specific learning needs of farmworkers.
This would include the geographic location in which the model would
be conducted and the rationale for its selection; the technology and
methodology to be employed; a listing of participating employers where
worksite learning would occur; an identification of the specific
learning needs to be focused upon which may be unique to farmworkers;
and a description of how coordination will take place with farmworker
organizations within the proposed service area and a listing of those
organizations. The grantee shall, after establishing a timeframe for
initiating the proposed project, commence operations within the first
four months; shall select or develop alternative and innovative
approaches to instruction and the uses of teaching techniques and
instructional materials, work relevant curricula and motivational
resources designed for participants who read at the eighth grade level;
shall conduct and provide the Department with an assessment of both
current and future local service area labor market needs with
concomitant entry-level requirements; shall structure worksite learning
(in concert with the participating employers) for participating section
402 eligible farmworkers; shall establish cooperative agreements
between selected employers (for worksite learning activities) and
service area farmworker program operators and the grantee; shall
evaluate, assess and provide the Department with a report concerning
the outcomes of the methodology employed through this effort and its
effect on the participants.
*Model #3. The development of a training model that would
incorporate new methodologies in transitioning farmworkers with limited
English-speaking ability and skills into the newly emerging and
technically demanding workplace.
The applicant should include the geographic area in which this
demonstration project will be tested along with the rationale for its
selection; the methodology to be employed; a description of the
industry(ies) selected with a focus on those aspects which now require
higher skilled entry-level workers and the manner in which farmworkers
from rural areas with limited English will be trained for these new
jobs; a description regarding how the project will coordinate with
local organizations serving farmworkers--and how this would benefit the
participants.
The grantee shall develop a methodology for transitioning
participating farmworkers from agricultural employment in rural areas
into employment training opportunities where new technology has
produced more demanding entry-level jobs and where long-term job
opportunities now exist; shall develop linkages with farmworker
organizations within and serving the designated project area for the
purpose of recruitment, selection and the provision of supportive
services to the participants; shall provide rationale for selection of
participating industries; shall provide analysis and rationale for
selection of training methods to be used and a timeframe projection for
success of project; shall provide an approach to easing the transition
process for the farmworker participants whose native language is not
English.
*Model #4. The development of a training model that would include a
methodology which may innovatively address the needs of the hardest to
serve farmworkers while at the same time imparting employability
skills.
The applicant should include an identification of the geographic
area selected and the rationale for the site selection. It should also
include a description of the following: How participants would be
identified and recruited, the instructional methodology to be employed
and how this would be tied into skill instruction (either in skill
areas outside of agricultural employment or leading to upgraded
positions within agriculture). Included would be a description of the
manner in which farmworker organizations within the designated
demonstration service area would be utilized.
The grantee shall select or develop a methodology or technique that
is reflective of addressing the unique needs of the farmworker
clientele of the section 402 programs who have been identified as the
hardest to serve--those being individuals with the disadvantage of
having limited skills, limited English and limited reading and
cognitive abilities; shall demonstrate how this methodology may prove
to be more effective--in terms of outcomes--than previously used
practices; shall identify, recruit and enroll farmworkers who satisfy
the afore-stated barriers for participation in the demonstration model;
shall provide the Department with progress assessments of the
participants at agreed upon periods during the grant; and shall
establish measurable benchmarks to determine the success and
effectiveness of the model.
*Model #5. The development of a training model that sets out a
technical approach to link farmworker service delivery agents in order
to share clientele information, and the establishment of a related data
base.
The proposal should identify the geographic region selected and the
rationale for it. It should include a description of the methodology to
be used and those organizations selected to participate. It should
describe the data to be collected, how it will be used and how it will
benefit the farmworkers--either directly or indirectly.
In the development and submission of a grant application to this
SGA, applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the farmworker
population--including socio-economic conditions and prevailing regional
and ethnic cultures of the people whom the Department is mandated to
serve; a knowledge and understanding of the migratory streams which
farmworkers travel in search of employment in agriculture and the
living and working conditions which prevail in migrant farmworker
streams; a knowledge and understanding of the methods of providing
employment and training activities and services in behalf of migrant
and seasonal farmworkers; a knowledge and understanding of the current
agricultural recruitment and employment system; a knowledge and
understanding of demonstrated expertise in the proffered activities
under the proposed effort; and finally, demonstrated support of the
community and knowledge of the labor market for which the project is
proposed.
Perhaps one of the more important goals of this initiative is
focusing attention on the unique employment and training needs of
migrant and seasonal farmworkers and bringing to bear upon this
challenge a creative and innovative approach. With this in mind, these
demonstration grants are intended to lay the foundation for a new
approach in serving farmworkers and/or providing an augmentation to
existing employment and training efforts.
The grantee shall establish cooperative arrangements with all
organizations serving farmworkers within the designated geographic
region of this demonstration model; shall develop a data base for the
collection of relevant information; shall demonstrate how this data
will be beneficial to the participating farmworker organizations, the
U.S. Department of Labor, and to the farmworkers; shall provide the
Department with periodic status reports on the progress toward the
goals of this model demonstration; shall establish a methodology for
linking all farmworker programs in the designated area so that they may
access, contribute to, and benefit from the data base.
Part III. Application Process
A. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants for these demonstration projects to be funded
under this announcement are public agencies and private nonprofit
organizations.
B. Application Procedures
1. Submission of Proposal
All instructions and forms required for submittal of applications
are included in this announcement. An original and three (3) copies of
the application shall be submitted. The application package shall
consist of two (2) separate and distinct parts. Part I, The Financial
Proposal and Part II, the Technical proposal. The Financial Proposal,
Part I, shall contain the SF-424, ``Application for Federal
assistance'' (Attachment No. 1) and SF424-A, ``Budget'' (Attachment No.
2). The budget shall include on a separate page(s) a cost analysis of
the budget, identifying in detail the amount of each budget line item
attributable to each cost category. The Technical Proposal, Part II
shall address the Statement of Work as called for in this application
along with documenting the applicants previous experience and
capability to carry out the proposed demonstration project.
Applicants should describe the proposed technical approach
including the phasing of tasks and the scheduling of time and
personnel. No cost data or reference to price shall be included in the
Technical Proposal, Part II, so that an independent evaluation can be
made solely on the basis of technical merit.
2. Late Proposals
Any proposal not reaching the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment
and Training Administration, Office of Grants and Contract Management,
Division of Acquisition and Assistance, room S4203, 200 Constitution
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210 by the specified time and date as set
forth under the section noted as DATES will not be considered, unless
postmarked five (5) days prior to the stated closing date. The term
``postmark'' means a printed, stamped or otherwise placed impression
(exclusive of postage meter-machine impression) that is readily
identifiable without further action having been supplied or affixed on
the date of mailing by employees of the U.S. Postal Service.
3. Hand-Delivered Proposals
Although it is preferred that all proposals be submitted through
the U.S. Postal Service, hand delivered proposals will be accepted if
received and time stamped by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment
and Training Administration, Office of Grants and Contract Management,
Division of Acquisition and Assistance, room S4203, 200 Constitution
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210 by 2 p.m., Eastern Standard Time by
March 14, 1994. Telegraphed and/or faxed proposals will not be
accepted. Failure to adhere to the above instructions will be a basis
for a determination of nonresponsiveness.
4. Period of Performance
The period of performance will be twelve (12) months from the date
of execution by the government.
5. Option To Extend
Depending upon the availability of funds, and the assessment of the
grantee's performance by the U.S. Department of Labor, the government
reserves the right to extend the grant for up to two (2) one year
extensions beyond the initial 12-month period of performance.
C. Proposal Format
Each application should contain the information necessary for the
Department to evaluate it in terms of the selection criteria,
identified in part III.D. The general format that should be followed is
outlined below:
1. A statement of the problem to be addressed and a brief summary
of the proposed demonstration project.
2. A historic overview of your organization and a statement of
relevant experience supporting the proposed demonstration project.
3. A full and comprehensive description of the proposed
demonstration project, methodology and design, and a summary of
personnel to be employed in carrying out the project.
4. As applicable, include information on the targeted group(s),
location of sites, numbers to be served, timelines, and expected
outcomes and goals to be achieved.
5. A description of key staff and the names and telephone numbers
of persons to be contacted for further information.
D. Rating Criteria for Award
Prospective offeror(s) are advised that the selection of grantee(s)
for award is to be made after careful evaluation of proposals by a
panel of specialists. Each panelists will evaluate the proposals for
acceptability with emphasis on the various factors enumerated below.
Evaluations will be made not only on the basis of what the proposed
offeror intends to do during the 12-month grant, but also on the
usefulness of the demonstration after the end of the grant period,
including possible extensions of the grant. The panel results are
advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer.
(1) Knowledge and Understanding of Program Population
Clear evidence of the offeror's knowledge and understanding of
migrant and seasonal farmworkers--inclusive of the socio-economic
conditions and geographic area of the demonstration project;
familiarity with the Department's Section 402 program of the JTPA; and
employment and training programs in the proposed geographic area.
This factor rates the offeror's analysis of the needs of migrant
and seasonal farmworkers, including socio-economic conditions and the
prevailing ethnic culture and mores. Applicant must demonstrate a
knowledge of the service area by providing a clear and concise
description of the proposed geographic area and the characteristics of
the clientele population. (20 points)
2. Capability of Applicant
Documentation of the offeror's capacity to develop a technical
approach to accomplish the objectives as enumerated in this SGA in
support of the demonstration model selected; furthermore, the proposal
should include staffing charts which lists names, qualifications and
experiences of key staff and the concomitant amount of time for each to
be spent on the project (if those identified are to be less than
fulltime). (20 points)
3. Project Design
Documentation of program design; which, if the applicant selects
one of the models suggested under Part II, Statement of Work, or
proposes a model other than those suggested, should (a) clearly
identify the goals to be achieved through the proposed model, along
with benchmarks by which the success of the model could be measured;
(b) demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the proposed methodology and
delineate the manner in which this methodology will be applied; (c)
provide rationale and justification for the model as it relates to the
geographic location where it will be implemented; and finally (d)
provide a rationale that would support the replication of the proposed
model in parts of the country (other than where the model is to be
implemented), to serve the targeted population. (40 points)
4. Applicant's Experience
A description of the offeror's qualifications in terms of relevant
previous experience, facilities and other resources. The offeror should
provide descriptions of one or more prior activities and expertise
which are relevant to the proposed demonstration model. The offeror
must provide the name and telephone number of any relevant reference.
(20 points)
Applicants are advised that discussions may be necessary in order
to clarify any inconsistencies in their applications. Applications may
be rejected where the information required is not provided in
sufficient detail to permit adequate assessment of the proposal. The
final decision on the award will be based on what is most advantageous
to the Federal Government as determined by the ETA Grant Officer.
Evaluations by reviewers are advisory only to the Grant Officer.
Part IV. Reporting Requirements
The Grant Recipient shall submit the following reports, at the time
and in the number of copies specified to the project officer designated
by the grant.
1. Quarterly reports (3 copies). The first such report will be due
90 days after the grant beginning date and subsequent reports will be
due quarterly thereafter.
2. Quarterly financial reports as required by the grant award
documents. (Standard Form 269., Financial Status Report form).
3. Final report (3 copies). The Grant Recipient shall provide the
project officer with a final report summarizing the activities
performed under this grant within 30 days of the close of the grant.
Should the Government exercise its option for a second one year period,
the Grant Recipient is still required to submit the final report (for
the first year's effort) thirty (30) days following the renewal of the
grant.
Signed at Washington, DC, this 19th day of January, 1994.
James C. DeLuca,
Grant Officer.
BILLING CODE 4510-10-M
TN28JA94.000
TN28JA94.001
TN28JA94.002
[FR Doc. 94-1600 Filed 1-27-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-10-C
