[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 60 (Monday, March 30, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15216-15227]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-8181]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
Job Training Program Act, Disability Grant Program Funded Under
Title III, Section 323 and Title IV, Part D, Section 452
AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant
Application (SGA).
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SUMMARY: All information required to submit a grant application is
contained in this announcement. The U.S. Department of Labor,
Employment and Training Administration (DOL/ETA), announces the
availability of approximately $4.17 million to award competitive grants
for multi-state employment and training projects serving people with
disabilities. This grant program is funded using Job Training and
Partnership Act (JTPA) Title IV Research and Demonstration funds and
Title III National Reserve funds.
DATES: Applications for this SGA will be accepted commencing April 29,
1998. The closing date for receipt of proposals is 2:00 (Eastern
Standard Time) May 14, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Applications should be mailed to: Division of Acquisition
and Assistance, Attention: Dr. David Houston, Reference SGA/DAA 98-007,
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Rooms S-4203, Washington, D.C. 20210.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. David Houston, Division of Acquisition and Assistance, Telephone
(202) 219-7300 (not a toll-free number). This solicitation will also be
published on the Internet at http://www.doleta.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This announcement consists of five parts:
Part I--Application Process, Part II--Background and Purpose, Part
III--Statement of Work, Part IV--Government Requirements, and Part V--
Selection Criteria.
Part I. Application Process
A. Submission of Proposal
A proposal shall consist of two (2) separate and distinct sections:
Section I, the Technical Proposal and Section II, the Financial
Proposal. An original and three copies of the proposal shall be
submitted. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 17.249.
Section I shall contain a Technical Proposal that demonstrates the
applicant's capabilities in accordance with the Statement of Work in
Part III of this solicitation. No cost data or reference to costs shall
be included in the Technical Proposal. In addition, the Technical
Proposal shall be limited to 50 double-spaced, single-side, 8.5 inch
x 11 inch pages with 1 inch margins. Appendices shall not exceed 20
pages. Text type shall be 12 point or larger. Applications not meeting
these requirements may not be considered. The Technical Proposal must
also contain participant, activity and outcome information.
Section II, the Financial Proposal shall contain the SF-424,
``Application for Federal Assistance'', and Budget Information Sheet
(Attachments A & B). In addition, the budget shall include on a
separate page a detailed cost analysis of each line item.
Administrative costs should not exceed 15 percent of total proposed
costs. Justification must be provided on the need for administrative
costs that exceed this limit. Approval of a budget by DOL is not the
same as approval of actual costs.
Hand Delivered Proposals
Proposals may be mailed or delivered by hand. A mailed proposal
should be mailed no later than five (5) days prior to the closing date
for the receipt of applications. Hand delivered grant applications must
be received at the designated place by 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard
Time) on May 29, 1998. All overnight mail will be considered to be
hand-delivered and must be received at the designated place by the
specified time on the closing date. Grant applications transmitted by
electronic mail, telegraph or facsimile will not be considered.
Late Proposals
Any proposals received at the Office designated in the
solicitation, after the exact time specified for receipt, will not be
considered unless it is received before the award is made or was
either:
(1) Sent by U.S. Postal Service registered or Certified mail not
later than the fifth (5th) calendar day before the date specified for
receipt of application, or
(2) Sent by U.S. Postal Express Mail Next Day Service--Post Office
to Addressee, not later than 5 p.m. at the place of mailing two working
days prior to the date specified for receipt of proposals. The term
``working days'' excludes weekends and U.S. Federal holidays. The only
acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a late proposal
sent by either Express Mail or U.S. Postal Service Registered,
Certified Mail is the U.S. Postmark both on the envelope or wrapper and
on the original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. Both postmarks
must show a legible date or the proposal shall be processed as if
mailed late. ``Postmark'' means a printed, stamped, or otherwise placed
impression (exclusive of a postage meter machine impression) that is
readily identifiable without further action as having been supplied and
affixed by employees of the U.S. Postal Service on the date of mailing.
Therefore, applicants should request the postal clerk to place a
legible hand cancellation ``bull's eye'' postmark on both the receipt
and the envelope or wrapper.
B. Eligible Applicants
Private non-profit entities are eligible to receive grant funds
under this award. Entities described in Section 501(c)(4) of the
Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities are not
eligible to receive funds under this SGA. The Lobbying Disclosure Act
of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. prohibits the award of federal funds to
501(c)(4) entities engaged in lobbying activities.
Applicants must operate or propose to operate in two or more
states. Applicants should provide documentation of knowledge and/or
experience in the following areas:
--Overcoming barriers to employment experienced by individuals with
disabilities;
--Ability to conduct training, placement, and follow-up services; and
--Management and accountability structure necessary to ensure the
integrity of the funds requested (by meeting the standards for
financial management and participant data systems as specified in 29
CFR, Part 95).
Only the proposal per applicant/organization(s) is permitted. A
proposal submitted by a consortium of two or more organizations will be
accepted.
[[Page 15217]]
However, another proposal submitted separately by a member of the
consortium will not be accepted.
C. Period of Performance
The period of performance will be twelve (12) months. (Planned
dates are July 1, 1998 through June 30, 1999).
D. Option to Extend
Based on the availability of funds, project performance and the
needs of the Department, grants may be extended for an additional one
or two years of operation. The Department reserves the right to impose
additional requirements or refinements in program design if the project
is extended for a second and/or third year grant period.
E. Scope of Award
DOL/ETA anticipates making awards that range from $300,000 to
$800,000. Proposals with costs exceeding $800,000 will not be
considered. Title III funds are included in the total funds available.
Therefore, some awards will be funded in whole, or in part, with Title
III funds based on the extent to which the proposal is targeted to
disabled individuals who also qualify as dislocated worker under Title
III (see Definitions). Awards will be made on a competitive basis.
Part II. Background and Purpose
A. Background
DOL/ETA has provided grant awards for approximately twenty years to
organizations providing employment and training services to individuals
with disabilities. In the past, these grants have been awarded under
the authority of Title IV, section 451(c)(5) of the Job Training
Partnership Act (JTPA). Ten organizations received grant awards to
operate programs under these provisions in Program Year (PY) 1995.
These grants end on June 30, 1998. Several changes have occurred since
the inception of these national disability grant programs. Societal and
systemic changes have directly impacted individuals with disabilities
and their opportunities in the workforce. Some of these changes were:
the 1990 enactment of the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA),
``mainstreaming'' of people with disabilities into schools and the
workplace, workforce development restructuring and consolidation,
decentralizing responsibilities to state and local levels,
technological advances, and telecommunicating. Individuals with
disabilities continue to experience high levels of unemployment,
particularly those with severe disabilities. The Census Bureau Brief
(CENBR/97-5) (December 1997) shows that the unemployment rate for those
with severe disabilities is 74 percent, compared to 23 percent for
those with less severe disabilities. This rate is occurring in a
national employment environment where the overall unemployment rate is
less than five (5) percent, the lowest level in 25 years. Executive
Order 13078, ``Increasing Employment of Adults with Disabilities,'' was
issued March 13, 1998 establishing a National Task Force chaired by the
Secretary of Labor. The purpose of the task force is to address the
significant levels of unemployment faced by individuals with
disabilities.
This supports DOL/ETA's decision to reconsider the purpose of ETA's
disability grant program. Therefore, the 1998 grants awards will be
authorized under the authority of Title IV, section 452(a) of JTPA for
research and demonstration grants. ``To assist the Nation in expanding
work opportunities and assuring access to those opportunities for all
who desire it * * *''
B. Purpose
The primary purpose of this award is to implement strategies to
improve access to long term quality employment, employment outcomes,
and skills that address the needs of the disabled population,
particularly those with severe disabilities. In this program, the
quality of employment outcomes are more important than the number of
placements. Of particular importance are skills and employment training
that enable individuals to move to unsubsidized employment.
Innovation, coordination and partnerships, non-duplication of
existing services, and leveraging of scarce resources are also
important factors. In addition, DOL is interested in identifying
successful project designs that can be shared and replicated as state
workforce system changes proceed.
DOL is seeking applications that address one or more of the
following concerns:
--Strategies for high quality, long term employment of individuals are
severe disabilities, including those with a specific disabling
condition or who also may be members of a subgroup (e.g. minorities,
youth, older workers),
--Strategies for re-employment of individuals with disabling conditions
(e.g., brain/spinal cord injury from accident, emotional/psychiatric
conditions, multiple sclerosis) resulting in dislocation from
employment and a need for retraining,
--Linkages with public (national, state and local) and/or private
delivery systems, disability consumer organizations (e.g., independent
living centers), and other entities that address significant employment
barriers (e.g., lack of medical coverage, transportation needs,
personal care requirements),
--Linkages with existing service strategies that build-on and
facilitate workforce development (e.g., One-Stop Career Centers,
School-to-Work,) and other systemic changes impacting individuals with
disabilities (e.g., Social Security Return-to-Work programs, Welfare-
to-Work implementation, State Medicaid waiver strategies),
--Innovative approaches utilizing technology, novel training and
workplace strategies or other approaches (e.g., distance learning, out-
stationed work sites, entrepreneurship) which result in significant
employment outcomes.
DOL expects the awardee to evaluate and refine their proposed
project as it progresses Changes impacting the agreed upon Statement of
Work must be coordinated with ETA. A primary evaluation function will
be performed by DOL. Therefore, proposals need not identify evaluation
strategies.
Grant funds are available under both Title III and IV of JTPA and
will be used to serve disabled participants who may also qualify as
dislocated workers.
Part III. Statement of Work
A. Project Design
Project designs should include demonstration sites in two or more
states. Projects should be designed to: (1) test the effectiveness of
project strategy in diverse state systems and potential for
replication, (2) build on a variety of National efforts involving
individual state workforce development systems, and (3) allow for
analysis of different state/local service structures. Minimum cost per
site shall be $75,000.
Each grant application shall follow the format outlined below
providing detailed information pertinent to each demonstration site.
1. Target Population
Participants for proposed project must be individuals with
disabilities (i.e., physical, sensory, emotional, or mental functional
impairments) as defined in the ADA regulations at 29 CFR, Part 1630.2.
Describe characteristics of client population to which proposal is
targeted including, where applicable: (1) specific type(s) of
disability, e.g., psychiatric disorders, cerebral palsy, (2) specific
subgroup of disabled population, e.g., minority, youth, older workers,
(3) barriers to employment, e.g., medical
[[Page 15218]]
health coverage, (4) how project design proposes to address barriers,
(5) why the project design will result in quality career and/or
employment outcomes, and (6) what innovative and coordinated approaches
will be utilized in serving the target population.
Project designs should address the needs of individuals with
disabilities who are unable to obtain or retain employment or who are
underemployed. Justifications should be provided for the selected
target group that includes specific information on inability to obtain
or retain employment and/or underemployment.
Proposals must also provide the following planning information on
the participants to be served in project design, in total and by
project site:
The number of participants (identify reenrollments, if
applicable),
The number of participants who satisfy the criteria for
JTPA Title III-funded programs,
The age range of participants (e.g., under 22, 23-50, 51-
65),
The number of participants who receive Supplemental
Security Income and/or Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI),
The number of participants to be referred by Vocational
Rehabilitation Agencies.
Applicants may also provide other information about participants
considered important such as educational level, number of minority or
ethnic, etc.
Recruitment: Describe how target population will be recruited for
participation at each site. Describe how outreach and recruitment
addresses the overall design of the project. Identify how workforce
development systems and consumer organizations are utilized in the
recruitment process. In addition, the design should describe the
interventions that would be undertaken to minimize periods of
unemployment.
Eligibility: Describe the eligibility process for project
participants. This includes the process for determining ADA
qualification and verification process for Title III eligibility, if
target population includes disabled individuals who are also dislocated
workers.
Assessment: Describe the process for evaluating participants skill
levels, education levels, career interests, accommodation requirements,
training and services, and other barriers and needs. Narrative should
identify whether assessment will be conducted by the awardee or another
service provider.
2. Training and Supportive Services
The design should describe training and services to be provided
from the time of selection of participants through placement in
unsubsidized employment and follow-up. Description should include a
rationale for activities and services in terms of overall project
design, overcoming employment, barriers of planned participants, and
achieving quality employment outcomes. Narratives should provide a
clear understanding of services and supports needed for successful
placement and job retention. This description may include the Return-
To-Work program, Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) program,
Medicaid waivers, and other work related incentives. The design should
also include information on how training and service design will
improve long-term career potential for participants.
DOL/ETA is encouraging program designs utilizing innovative ``work-
first'' strategies providing early entry into integrated and
competitive work-settings. This approach may include on-the-job
training, immediate job placement, post-placement training, and/or
services. Program design should include post-placement follow-up of 30,
60, and 180 days.
The design must provide information on planned activities and
services to participants including project total and total per site.
This must include the number of participants to be served in job search
assistance (only) basic educational training, job skill training, on-
the-job training, work readiness and work experience, and post-
placement training and job retention services. Planned participation in
more than one activity should be noted, where applicable. Identify
other sources of funds to be utilized for training or services to
participants that is a part of the overall project design but will not
be funded by DOL/ETA.
3. Employment Outcomes
Available Jobs: Based on labor market information, project design
should describe jobs that are expected to be available to participants
upon completion of training and placement services, probable wage
levels, the potential for advancement, and career path. The design
should, also, identify how and why job placement and retention for
participant group will more likely occur as a result of the proposed
project. Narrative should indicate what new employers and/or
occupations are the focus of project design compared to applicants'
current or previous grant programs, if applicable.
Provide information that indicates the availability of suitable
jobs for participants, prevailing wage levels, career potential and
opportunities for advancement. Include information on the number and
type of jobs and the availability of qualified workers. Sources of
information should be identified.
Special Wage Waivers Under Fair Labor Standards Act: Employment in
jobs, and/or related training, approved for Special Minimum Wage
Certificates under Part 525 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as
amended, will not be considered as an allowable activity or outcome.
Organizations receiving FLSA special wage certifications must
provide assurances and verification that FLSA special wage training and
placement are not incorporated within proposed project design.
Planned Placements: The design must indicate how many placements in
unsubsidized, competitive employment are expected to result from
activities at each site. A description of the quality of these job
placements should also be included. Because of project start-up, a high
rate of job placement may not be a realistic outcome within the initial
grant period. Information on participant flow from intake, assessment
through placement should be provided indicating clearly when placement
will occur.
Planned outcome information should be provided, including project
total and total per site: (1) number of terminees completing program,
(2) number of placements in unsubsidized employment, (3) number of
placements in full time employment (35 hours per week or more), (4) the
number of indirect placement, (5) the average hourly wage, and
placements with durations of 180 days and more.
Applicants are also requested to provide an explanation, if
applicable, on ``temporary job'' placements; and the extent to which
program participants and/or recipients of SSDI/SSI are expected to
transition to economic self-support in the mainstream workforce.
Applicants are requested to describe methods of ongoing assessment
of ``customer satisfaction'' and how results will be used in project
operation. The DOL Government Performance and Result's Act (GPRA)
Program Year (PY) 1998 goal for the disability grant program is an
``entered employment rate'' of 47 percent. If applicant does not
anticipate achieving this competitive placement level, an explanation
should
[[Page 15219]]
be provided on why this level may not be reached.
4. Innovation
Describe any innovations in the proposed project, including (but
not limited to) innovations relating to the target population, delivery
of services, training methods, job development, or job retention
strategies. Describe new directions or approaches to address
significant unemployment levels of people with disabilities. Explain
how the proposed project: (1) will be applicable to disability issues
of national scope; (2) is similar to or differs from the applicant's
prior and current activities; and (3) does not duplicate existing
employment and training program.
Because the information technology industry currently represents
close to 50 percent of the nation's economic growth, applicants should
consider how they might initiate the development of new collaborative
processes at the regional and local levels, thereby leveraging private
sector, school, and local government resources in order to expand
workplace opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
5. Coordination and Linkages
Describe coordination with state and local utilities, consumer
organizations, and/or others in the design and implementation of the
proposed project. State/local One-Stop Career Center systems, School-to
Work initiatives, Welfare-to Work programs, and Bureau of
Apprenticeship Training programs should be included as partners, if
applicable. Applications may also identify coordination strategies with
Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies, educational institutions, and labor
organizations.
Partnership efforts should deal with major employment obstacles of
insufficient medical coverage and/or other barriers to employment
(e.g., transportation, personal assistance needs, job coach
requirements). Describe coordination efforts with Social Security
return-to-work incentives (e.g., PASS, Impairment Related Work
Expenses) see Social Security Act, section 1619(a) and (b)). Applicants
should indicate the impact of proposed project on system changes
underway and how non-grant funds are being leveraged. Identify funds
are resources to be contributed to the project by the applicant and/or
partnership entities. Evidence should be presented that demonstrates
cooperation of coordinating entities. The design should include a
reasonable method of assessing and reporting on the impact of such
coordination. Consultation with and/or review by appropriate labor
organizations, where applicable, is encouraged and should be
documented.
B. Management and Administration
1. Management Structure
Describe the management structure for the proposed project,
including a staffing plan showing each position and the percentage of
time assigned to the project. Provide an organizational chart showing
the relationship between the management and operational components of
the project and the overall organization. Include staff and operations
projected for each demonstration site. Include resumes of current key
staff. For each of the key staff not identified at the time of
application, provide a job description or the qualifications sought for
the position. Provide information on business advisory councils, board
of directors, or other administrative structures of the organization,
including current membership.
2. Program Integrity and Public Accountability
Describe the mechanisms to be used to ensure financial and program
accountability in record keeping and reporting. The design must
demonstrate oversight of project implementation, and progress
benchmarks, for each site. Described how the project will keep records
of activities and satisfy the administrative requirements set out under
20 CFR 631.64, and at 29 CFR Part 95, 96, and 98.
The designs must include a comprehensive discussion describing in
detail, types of information to be collected, methods and frequency of
collections, and ways information will be used to implement and manage
the program. The following must be covered:
(1) Program data collection and reporting systems to determine the
achievement of project outcomes,
(2) Financial management system to ensure fiscal accountability in
accordance with statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements,
(3) Communications processes and technology which will be utilized,
(4) Administrative process for each project site, and
(5) Grievance procedure.
3. Monitoring
Awardee will be responsible for monitoring and oversight of all
activities under the grant. Identify the information on project
performance and financial management to be collected on a short-term
basis by project staff.
Describe the process, frequency, and rationale for frequency of on-
site monitoring of each project site, including employer site visits,
if applicable. Also, describe monitoring in terms of on-going
evaluation of proposed project design. Describe the process and
procedures to be used to obtain feedback from participants, employers,
and any other appropriate parties on the responsiveness and
effectiveness of the services provided.
4. Grievance Procedure
Describe the grievance procedure to be used for grievances and
complaints from participants, contractors, and other interested
parties, consistent with requirements at 20 CFR 631.64(c)(1).
5. Previous Project Management Experience
Provide objective evidence of the grant applicant's ability to
manage such a project, ensure the integrity of the grant funds, and
deliver the proposed performance. Indicate the grant applicant's past
management experience, particularly regarding oversight and operating
functions including financial management and relevant audit or grant
reviews of the organization. Provide references and/or contact persons
of former or current funding organizations.
C. Definitions
For the purpose of this demonstration project, the following
definitions apply to the specified terms, as used in this SGA.
Dislocated Worker--See regulations as specified in See statutory
definition pursuant to JTPA 301(a)1) and the regulatory eligibility
requirements at 20 CFR 6311.3 (Federal Register September 2, 1994).
Long-Term Unemployment--includes a period of non-work (except for
periodic periods of subsistence jobs) of four months up to five years.
Prior employment which does not offer the opportunity for self-
sufficiency of the individual or the individual's family will not
preclude an individual's participation in this project under the
requirement of ``limited opportunities for employment or reemployment
in the same area in which such individuals reside.''
Severe Disability--See Vocational Rehabilitation Act regulations at
34 CFR Ch. III, Section 369.4 (7/1/97 edition).
Basic Education--Training activities designed to enhance the
employability of participants by upgrading basic skills (e.g., General
Equivalency Diploma (GED), remedial education or training in English
language proficiency).
[[Page 15220]]
Job Skills--Training conducted in an institutional setting, and
designed to provide individuals with technical skills and information
required to perform a specific job or group of jobs (e.g., vocational
technical school, community college, etc.).
On-the-Job Training (OJT)--Training provided to an individual hired
first by the employer while he/she is engaged in productive work which
provides knowledge or skills essential to the full and adequate
performance of the job (See 20 CFR 632.78(b)).
Work Experience (WE)--A short-term or part-time work activity in
the public or not-for-profit sector providing individuals, with
opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge necessary to perform a
job, including appropriate work habits and behaviors. (See 20 CFR
632.79(B)).
Job Search Assistance--This includes, but is not limited to:
(1) Orientation to the world of work
(2) Training/Job-related counseling and testing
(3) Employability assessment (other than that involved during intake)
(4) Job development
(5) Job search assistance
(6) Job referral and placement
Job Placement--Placement consisting of a minimum of 20 hours during
one week of unsubsidized funding.
Post-Employment/Job Retention Services--Supportive services which
may include, but is not limited to, post placement follow-up
activities, work site evaluation and accommodation assistance, and
training services provided following placement in unsubsidized,
competitive employment.
Unsubsidized/Competitive Employment--Non-grant or supported
employment which includes, entry into the Armed Forces (including entry
onto active duty from Reserve and National Guard units), entry into
employment in a registered apprenticeship program, self-employment,
etc. Employment performed on a full-time or part-time basis in an
integrated setting in which wages/salaries are at or above minimum
wage. Employment with special wage provisions authorized under Title
29, Part 525 of the Fair Labor Standards Act are not considered
unsubsidized nor competitive for the purpose of this grant.
Part IV. Government Requirements
A. Reporting Requirements
DOL intends to develop a standard for reporting in conjunction with
awardees and general public as required by OMB. Applicants will be
required to submit financial, program, and participant reports on a
quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. Grantees will complete
Quarterly Financial Reports (OFR) SF-269 and Quarterly Progress Reports
(QPR). The QPR shall include both a narrative and statistical format.
Specify in the QFR's ``remarks'' section, the amount spent for Title
III. Also include an attachment outlining expenditures in the major
categories (e.g., personnel, travel, supplies, equipment, contractual).
An original and two copies of the QPR and the QFR will be sent not
later than 30 days after the end of each quarter. In addition, Annual
Participant and/or Program Service Reports may be required to obtain
information on: (a) types of services provided, (b) number of clients
served by disability, race, national origin, gender, age, SSI/SSDI,
AFDC, and (c) the number of clients with a severe disability served.
Detailed requirements for submitting these reports will be included in
the grant award document.
B. Evaluation
The Department of Labor plans to conduct a quantitative and
qualitative evaluation that provides an in-depth analysis and
assessment of the grant program, including: (1) how project addressed
barriers to employment by individual participants, e.g., health
benefits, transportation, personal assistance needs, (2) improvements
or changes to systemic linkages, (3) successful project design
components that result in improved outcomes, and (4) the success of the
program in achieving program objectives. The evaluation will be
coordinated with awardees who must make available records on
participants employers, and provide access to personnel and staff.
C. Departmental Oversight
DOL reserves the right to conduct programmatic and financial
oversight/monitoring of grant and project sites.
D. Use of Federal Funds
Federal funds cannot be used to support activities which would be
provided in the absence of these funds. Grant funds may cover only
those costs which are appropriate and reasonable. Federal grant funds
may only be used to acquire equipment which is necessary for the
operation of the grant.
Grantees must receive prior approval from the DOL/ETA Grant Officer
for the purchase and/or lease of any property and/or equipment as
defined in ``Grants and Agreements with Institutes of Higher Education,
Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations'', codified at 29 CFR Part
95. Request for prior approval, if applicable, may be included in the
grant budget application or submitted after grant award.
Part V. Selection Criteria
Selection of awards will be made after careful evaluation of
proposals by a panel of specialists. Ratings will reflect the quality
of documentation, justification, and evidence of activities included in
the management and design of the projects. Panelists will evaluate the
proposals for acceptability based on responsiveness to the Statement of
Work, with emphasis on the following:
A. Project Design (40 Points)
Proposals will be evaluated based on the extent to which the
activities and/or services address the following:
(1) Overcoming barriers to employment experienced by individuals in
the target population,
(2) Increasing the likelihood that individuals with disabilities
will achieve sustained, quality employment at a living wage,
(3) Providing opportunities for career advancement,
(4) Incorporating ``work-first'' strategies,
(5) Addressing skill shortages in the information technology
industry,
(6) Fulfilling a gap in current services delivery system,
(7) Incorporating advanced skill levels or other approaches leading
to long term employment and career potential
(8) Incorporating innovative approaches and linkages with other
service providers in the design of the project.
B. Management and Administration (25 Points)
Proposals will be evaluated based upon the following:
(1) Applicants' management structure including a staffing plan,
organization chart, operational components, etc.,
(2) A time-line of the proposed schedule for implementing the
program,
(3) A description of the mechanism used to ensure financial and
program accountability in record keeping and reporting,
(4) A description of the monitoring system,
(5) The qualifications of the persons designated for key executive,
managerial, and technical positions,
(6) The applicants capabilities to coordinate and form linkages
with other organizations involved in serving the target population.
C. Target Population (20 Points)
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:
(1) Identification of specific group of individuals to be served
who are
[[Page 15221]]
disabled and who face significant barriers to employment,
(2) Demonstration that the applicant understands the needs of the
group to be served,
(3) Documentation that individuals in the identified target group
are available in sufficient numbers,
(4) Recruitment process,
(5) Eligibility verification, and
(6) Assessment processes.
D. Previous Experience (15 Points)
Applicants will be evaluated on their experience in providing
education, training and/or other employment-related services for
individuals with disabilities. Consideration will be given to
information regarding efforts to coordinate and form linkages with
other organizations involved Applicants will be evaluated on their
experience in providing education, training and/or other employment-
related services for individuals with disabilities. Consideration will
be given to information regarding efforts to coordinate and form
linkages with other organizations involved with the target population.
Applicants must demonstrate, providing supporting information, that
they have successfully organized, managed, and completed projects, and/
or that they have projects with successful audit results, and have
received funds from federal or other sources.
Panel results are advisory in nature to the Grant Officer who makes
the final decision. Applicants are advised that discussions may be
necessary to clarify any inconsistencies in their applications. The
final decisions on awards will be based on what is most advantageous to
the Federal Government as determined by the Grant Officer. The
Department may elect to award a grant without discussion with the
applicant. Such award would be based on the applicant's proposal
without alteration. The applicant's signature on the SF-424 constitutes
a binding offer.
Signed at Washington, DC, March 24, 1998.
James C. De Luca,
Grant Officer, Office of Grants and Contracting Management, Division of
Acquisition and Assistance.
Attachments
1. Appendix A--``Application for Federal Assistance'' (Standard Form
424)
2. Part II--Budget Information
3. Financial Status Report Form (Standard Form 269)
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[FR Doc. 98-8181 Filed 3-27-98; 8:45 am]
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