Round 1 SGA

FR Doc 2010-19602

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[Federal Register: August 9, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 152)]
[Notices]
[Page 47827-47839]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09au10-75]
=======================================================================
----------------------------------------------------------------------DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration

Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant
Applications (SGA) for Cooperative Agreements Under the Disability
Employment Initiative
AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of
Labor (DOL, the Department, or Labor).
Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation for Grant Applications
(SGA).
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA-DFA-PY-10-01.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 17.207.
Key Dates: The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is September 8, 2010. Applications must be received no
later than 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
SUMMARY: The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), in
coordination with DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP),
announces the availability of approximately $22 million for cooperative
agreements to state Workforce Investment Act (WIA) administering
entities. The Combined Appropriation Act of 2010, Division D of Public
Law 111-117, included $12 million in funds to ETA and $12 million to
ODEP to develop and implement a plan for improving effective and
meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the workforce.
This funding is being used to implement the Disability Employment
Initiative (DEI), under which the Department intends to make 6 to 10
grant awards that are designed to: (1) Improve educational, training,
and employment opportunities and outcomes of youth and adults with
disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed and/or receiving Social
Security disability benefits; and (2) help these individuals with
disabilities find a path into the middle class through exemplary and
model service delivery by the public workforce system. DEI grants will
be awarded for a three year period of performance. Grants will be
issued as cooperative agreements with the expectation that there will
be considerable engagement by ETA and ODEP with states and their local
workforce investment areas throughout the life of the Initiative.
Extensive technical assistance will be available to grantees and an
independent evaluation of the projects will be conducted utilizing
quantitative and qualitative data from grantees.
The Appropriation Committee Senate Report 111-66 on H.R. 3292
stated that:
``these funds * * * will improve the accessibility and
accountability of the public workforce development system for
individuals with disabilities. The Committee further expects these
funds to continue promising practices implemented by disability
program navigators, including effective deployment of staff in
selected States to: improve coordination and collaboration among

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employment and training and asset development programs carried out
at a State and local level, including the Ticket to Work program and
build effective community partnerships that leverage public and
private resources to better serve individuals with disabilities and
improve employment outcomes.''
This solicitation provides background information and describes the
application submission requirements, outlines the process that eligible
entities must use to apply for funds covered by this solicitation, and
outlines the evaluation criteria used as a basis for selecting the
grantees.
ADDRESSES: Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department
of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal
Assistance, Attention: B. Jai Johnson, Grant Officer, Reference SGA-DFA
PY 10-01, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-4716, Washington, DC
20210. For complete application and submission information, please
refer to Section IV.
Background: Previous DOL grants to improve employment outcomes of
individuals with disabilities through systems change in the public
workforce system include ETA's Work Incentive Grants, the Disability
Program Navigator Initiative, and Employment Service Models such as
ODEP's Customized Employment, Workforce Action (Olmstead), the START-UP
Initiative, and State Intermediary Youth grants. These DOL grants
demonstrated a number of promising practices that are incorporated in
this SGA. In addition, numerous other successful employment service
models have been developed in Federal, State and local systems.
Systems Change Models. From PY 2000 through 2010, DOL/ETA funded 65
Work Incentive Grants (WIG) and 51 Disability Program Navigator (DPN)
Initiative cooperative agreements to states, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands to improve services in the
One-Stop Career Center system and improve employment outcomes of
persons with disabilities. The WIGs were competitively awarded to state
and local workforce areas that addressed systemic issues in the
workforce system and resulted in the
[[Page 47828]]
development of numerous tools and protocols to improve services to job
seekers with disabilities. By 2003, DOL had focused all WIG funds on
supporting a full-time, dedicated staff person with disability
expertise because this strategy has shown promise in expanding the
capacity of the One-Stop Career Center system by providing integrated,
accessible, and comprehensive services and promoting career and
employment outcomes of individuals with disabilities. All WIG funds
were subsequently directed to the support of the DPN Initiative. The
DPNs or Navigators were located in local workforce investment areas to:
(1) Conduct outreach to the disability community; (2) promote
meaningful and effective access to the One-Stop Career Center system;
(3) establish linkages to employers to increase job opportunities; and
(4) create systemic change through ongoing partnerships and
comprehensive, wrap around services for job seekers with disabilities,
including integrated resource teams to blend, braid, and leverage
resources across workforce and disability systems. The DPN Initiative
has created innovation and transformation in the public workforce
system by: Building relationships with state and local partners;
facilitating youth transition services; promoting asset development and
financial literacy training; implementing the Ticket to Work Program;
building upon Medicaid Infrastructure Grants; and linking to other
community providers.

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Employment Service Models. A number of employment service models
are being used in Federal and state service systems, including the
traditional Vocational Rehabilitation, Supported Employment,
Transitional Employment, Self-Employment, and various forms of selfdirection that provide control and choice to the individual job seeker.
These models may be effective for job seekers and should be available
in the workforce system, and all complement and reinforce the WIG/DPN
successful strategies with One-Stop Career Centers.
For example, from 2001 through 2006, ODEP funded development and
research work on Customized Employment in the One-Stop Career Centers
through ODEP initiatives in 26 grants around the country. Overall,
these projects were expected to increase the capacity of servicedelivery systems to effectively serve people with disabilities and
other ``hard-to-serve'' populations through individualized employment
and placement services. Several key findings resulted from this
initiative: (1) Partnership and collaboration were essential to systems
change; (2) the design of environments, products, and communication
practices and the delivery of programs, services, and activities that
meet the needs of all customers of the system (``universal design
strategies'') were fundamental to improving access to the programs and
services of the workforce development system; (3) leveraging expertise
and resources across both generic and disability-specific systems
through integrating funds helped maximize opportunities for individuals
and the ultimate outcomes obtained; (4) asset development strategies
(e.g., tax incentives, financial education, work incentives) that
enhance the economic advantages of employment for people with
disabilities; (5) access to flexible dollars supported unique
employment-related needs of individual participants; and (6) the
customized approach shows promise for improving employment outcomes and
wages for individuals with significant disabilities and others with
complex barriers to employment.
The Workforce Action grants built capacity within the workforce
system to provide employment services for individuals transitioning
from institutions and other segregated environments. ODEP has also
documented the viability of self employment for people with
disabilities, including those with significant disabilities who receive
SSI or SSDI benefits, through its national self-employment initiative,
START-UP. This initiative resulted in the establishment of a range of
businesses by individuals with disabilities. Information on all of the
employment service models mentioned above is readily available to the
public.
In 2003, State Intermediary Grants, a promising youth transition
model, were awarded to eight states. These grants assisted states,
under the leadership of the State WIB, in the design, implementation,
and evaluation of systems changes needed to improve transition outcomes
for youth with disabilities at the local level. ODEP's State
Intermediary grantees focused on closing the substantial gap between
education and employment outcomes for youth with disabilities and those
of their peers without disabilities. ODEP's research indicates that all
youth, including those with disabilities, need exposure to the
following five educational and career development interventions, which
ODEP has branded as the Guideposts for Success: (1) School-based
preparatory experiences; (2) career preparation and work-based learning
experiences; (3) youth development and leadership; (4) connecting
activities, including knowledge of transportation, health care, and
financial planning; and (5) family involvement and support.
In addition to articulating the general needs of all youth,
Guideposts for Success also addresses the specific needs of youth with
disabilities within each of the five categories. As a result of the
grants, both state and local level organizations began to more

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effectively coordinate services for youth with disabilities through the
use of the Guideposts for Success. Many youth with disabilities who had
not previously received transition services through One-Stop Career
Centers and other sources were provided such services. In addition,
State and local level intermediaries provided training that enabled
many organizations and individuals to become knowledgeable about
services and resources available to youth with disabilities. The grants
demonstrated that intermediaries can serve a key function by helping to
define roles within a partnership and in deciding the level at which
issues should be addressed and problems resolved. Research indicates
that if youth are provided with these key educational and career
development interventions, they will be well prepared to enter the 21st
Century workforce. Cross-agency multi-year state plans were developed
and used to support broader educational, vocational rehabilitation, and
workforce development plans.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation consists of eight parts:
Part I provides a description of this funding opportunity.
Part II describes the size and nature of the anticipated awards.
Part III describes eligibility information.
Part IV provides information on the application and submission
process.
Part V describes the criteria against which applications will be
reviewed and explains the proposal review process.
Part VI provides award administration information.
Part VII contains DOL agency contact information.
Part VIII provides other information.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Department's prior grant initiatives have resulted in
significant improvements in the workforce delivery system. DOL is now
looking to refine and verify these delivery strategies for further
replication across the workforce system. This DEI SGA requires that
applicants develop a project plan that includes each of the Required
Project
[[Page 47829]]
Components in Section I.A. and utilizes at least two of the Strategic
Service Delivery Components in Section I.B. Due to the level of effort
expected from grantees and taking into consideration the level of
funding available, DOL is requiring applicants to focus on adults or
youth in order to develop and refine replicable models and expertise.
Almost all states and territories have received funding under ETA and/
or ODEP grant opportunities made available from PY/FY 2000 to PY/FY
2009. These grants helped identify a number of promising strategies to
improve education, training and employment outcomes for adults and
youth with disabilities. Selection of a DEI focus on adults or youth
must not preclude the provision of services to all individuals with
disabilities, regardless of age, who are accessing the workforce
system. From prior experience, the Department expects that most
customers of the public workforce system will benefit from the
implementation of the DEI cooperative agreement regardless of what
priority is the primary focus.
A. Required Project Components
The following components must be included in the state's DEI
technical proposal design:

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1. State Level DEI Project Lead--Applicants must designate a DEI
project lead at the state level to be responsible for a variety of
functions. Responsibilities of the DEI project lead include:
Identifying and coordinating with the local WIBs that are
participating in the initiative to ensure issues and challenges are
addressed and common goals are achieved;
Representing the state in administrative communications
with the designated ETA Federal Project Officer (FPO), ETA Grant
Officer, and National Office ETA and ODEP representatives;
Facilitating state and local DEI participation in training
and technical assistance activities;
Establishing and coordinating partnerships with other
state level agencies that may be critical to the success of education,
training, and employment activities, and that are often most
effectively engaged at the state level (e.g., Education, Medicaid
Agency and Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Projects, Vocational
Rehabilitation, Mental Health, Work Incentive Planning and Assistance
Projects, and Mental Retardation/Developmental Disability agencies,
among others).
Coordinating implementation of Ticket to Work
administrative activities, such as facilitating access to WIA and
Wagner-Peyser individualized records and coordination with SSA or its
representatives (e.g., MAXIMUS); and
Facilitating implementation of additional data collection
and process evaluation requirements that may be necessary for
evaluation purposes.
2. Disability Resource Coordinator--Local WIBs that participate in
the DEI cooperative agreement must commit to hiring a new or
designating an existing full-time staff person(s) as the disability
resource coordinator(s) to implement the strategic approach of the
applicant's proposal. This person or persons should have disabilityrelated skills, experience, and abilities dedicated to carrying out the
proposal design at the local level. To the extent possible, former DPNs
should be considered for employment in this role due to the extensive
training and knowledge they have acquired over the years. The
Department also encourages the state and local WIBs to hire individuals
with disabilities in these roles.
3. One-Stop Physical, Programmatic, and Communications
Accessibility--Applicants must verify that the participating local WIBs
are in compliance with physical, programmatic and communication
accessibility requirements established in non-discrimination
regulations at Section 188 of WIA as a contingent for participation in
the DEI cooperative agreement. Applicants must address the status of
the most recent accessibility survey in local workforce areas that are
participating in the DEI cooperative agreement, along with the
corrective actions identified or completed, within 90 days of grant
award. The Department expects that applicants and local WIBs will
continue to review and upgrade access to their One-Stop Career Center
system as part of their on-going administration and compliance
obligations.
4. Participation in SSA's Ticket to Work Program as an Employment
Network--Employment Network (EN) Status--Operating as an EN under SSA's
Ticket to Work program is an important strategic approach to
sustainability and collaboration in addressing the needs of people with
disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income/Social Security
Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) cash benefits. The state workforce
agency, or the local WIBs to be involved in the DEI, must be an
Employment Network under Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement
Act (TWWIIA), or stipulate their commitment to apply for EN status to
SSA within 60 days of the DEI grant award. Establishing EN status for

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workforce programs at the state level is an important factor in
successful execution of the EN role for administrative and other
reasons. However, a number of WIBs and One-Stop operators also have
become ENs and accept Tickets for the provision of training or
employment services. Full participation in the Ticket to Work Program
by workforce investment areas can provide significant resources to
workforce investment areas for increased services to individuals with
disabilities. Active participation in the Ticket Program could greatly
enhance funding and future sustainability of the DEI project. While the
Department recognizes WIBs are, in fact, serving and obtaining
employment for significant numbers of SSI/SSDI beneficiaries, there are
still challenges to the full engagement of workforce entities as ENs.
The Department will be working with states, local WIBs, and SSA to
identify and overcome administrative challenges that emerge.
Information on SSA's procedure for requesting EN status is available
at: http://www.cessi.net/ttw/EN/one_stops/onestop.asp.
5. Sustainability--The applicant agrees to make every effort to
sustain the disability resource coordinator(s) after the grant period
ends and to incorporate into state policy and procedures, as
appropriate, the promising practices that were successfully implemented
by the project.
6. Evaluation--As part of the evaluation, the Department will
compare the outcomes of WIA and Wagner-Peyser adults and youth with
disabilities in local workforce areas that receive grant funds to those
adults and youth with disabilities in local workforce areas who have
access to the standard WIA and Wagner-Peyser services but not the
interventions that are included in the applicant's proposal under this
SGA. To this end, we ask applicants to identify all the WIBs that have
the capacity to implement the pilot and are willing to be part of the
evaluation. While only half of the identified WIBs will receive funding
through the State to implement the SGA project, all would be part of
the evaluation with up to 5% of the State's grant funds available to
help offset the increased data requirements. Successful state
applicants will work with the Department and the evaluator to select
the WIBs that will participate in the DEI grant project while ensuring
that all identified WIBs and their workforce investment areas have a
fair chance at receiving funding.
The State applicant must agree to participate with DOL's data
collection and evaluation activities. The
[[Page 47830]]
Department will make maximum use of participant data from the Workforce
Investment Act Standardized Record Data (WIASRD) and Wagner-Peyser
reporting system, but additional data collection will be necessary. For
example, the evaluation contractor will conduct a series of site visits
for the purpose of documenting grantee progress and to develop case
studies. In addition, WIBs that are identified as willing to
participate in the state application (i.e., WIBs selected to
participate in the DEI plan and those that are not selected) will be
required to collect additional participant data; thereby allowing the
Department to determine how services received differ between the
enhanced and non-enhanced workforce investment areas and the extent to
which outcomes of the adults and youth with disabilities differ during
the course of the grant project, in these sites. Awardees will be
required to provide access to individualized records that contain
sufficient information to allow data matching with SSA disability
records. Please note that the Department will work with states that
receive a DEI grant award and are single state workforce investment
areas to determine an approach that is consistent with this evaluation

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design.
B. Strategic Service Delivery Components
At a minimum, applicants must identify at least two of the
following seven strategic components as significant elements of the
service delivery approach for the youth or adult population to be
served. Some of these strategies are not mutually exclusive nor are
they always distinct or separate activities. These are practices and
strategies that have been identified through both ETA and ODEP grant
initiatives in increasing education and employment outcomes of the
population to be served.
1. Integrated Resource Teams (IRT)
The IRT is a promising practice identified by the DPN Initiative
whereby a team comprised of representatives from different agencies and
service systems (both generic and disability-specific) coordinate
services and leverage funding to meet the employment needs of an
individual job seeker with a disability. The job seeker is a member of
the IRT working with providers (e.g., interpreter service, community
college, etc.) to identify and strategize how their combined services
and resources can benefit and support an individual job seeker's
education, training or employment goals. IRTs lead to improved
communication and coordination of services for those impacted by
multiple systems and benefit variables. More information on IRTs and
other DPN promising practices can be found at: http://www.doleta.gov/
disability/ and http://www.disability.workforce3one.org.
2. Integrating Resources and Services, Blending and Braiding Funds,
Leveraging Resources
Integrating services and the blending and braiding of funds from
multiple funding sources are strategies that are often incorporated
into IRT, Guideposts, Vocational Rehabilitation, customized employment,
self-employment and other employment models. Leveraging different
Federal and state program funds involve two or more agencies
contributing to the individual job seeker's education, training or
employment goals. For example, supportive services may be covered by
one provider, while training costs are covered by another agency or
program. The job seeker with a disability may have multiple challenges
that are best addressed through a diversified funding strategy. For the
purposes of this SGA, the term ``blended funding'' is used to describe
mechanisms that pool dollars from multiple sources and make them in
some ways indistinguishable. ``Braided funding'' utilizes similar
mechanisms, but the funding streams remain visible and are used in
common to produce greater strength, efficiency, and/or effectiveness.
3. Customized Employment
Customized employment involves individualizing the relationship
between job seekers and employers in ways that meet the needs of both.
It is based on an individualized determination and discovery of the
strengths, requirements, and interests of a person with multiple
challenges. The process is designed to meet the workplace needs of the
employer and the discrete tasks of the position identified for the job
seeker. When a customized relationship is developed, it results in a
shared employment alliance. Customized employment offers the chance for
a job to fit the individual, meet individual needs, and match what s/he
has to offer. Customized employment provides an avenue to employment
for job seekers who feel that traditional job search methods do not
meet their needs. More information on customized employment is at
ODEP's Web site: http://www.dol.gov/odep/CE-FWA/.
4. Self-Employment
Self-employment has long been an employment alternative for
individuals seeking a new or better career. Today, many job seekers

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with disabilities are turning to the flexibility of self-employment to
meet both their career aspirations and financial goals. Self-employed
persons have increased latitude in determining the hours they work, the
type of work they do, and how much money they make. Self-employment
strategies for youth and adults with disabilities are consistent with
ETA's policy guidance in this area. Further information on ODEP's selfemployment initiative can be found at: http://www.dol.gov/odep/
categories/workforce/self.htm#init.
5. Guideposts for Success
Based on an extensive literature review of research, demonstration
projects and effective practices covering a wide range of programs and
services, including youth development, quality education, and workforce
development programs, ODEP, in collaboration with the National
Collaborative on Workforce Disability for Youth, identified Guideposts
for Success. The Guideposts reflect what research has identified as key
educational and career development interventions that can make a
positive difference in the lives of all youth, including youth with
disabilities. For more information on the Guideposts for Success,
please visit http://www.ncwd-youth.info/guideposts.
6. Asset Development Strategies
Asset development strategies include various approaches to enhance
long-term economic self-sufficiency, including use of individual
development accounts, implementation of financial literacy training for
youth and adults, incorporation of SSA pass plans and other work
incentives, utilization of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and
other tax provisions, and self-directed benefit and resource accounts,
among others. Asset development strategies include benefits and
services that are funded through resources other than those made
available under the WIA, such as tax filing assistance, housing,
nutrition, health care, or child care assistance. Information on asset
development strategies and tax credits, including their relevance for
the workforce development system, can be found at http://www.dol.gov/
odep/fineddev.htm.
7. Partnerships and Collaboration
Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed project will include
coordination with a variety of partners
[[Page 47831]]
that impact the ability of adults and youth with disabilities to
successfully participate in education, training and employment
opportunities. A description of coordination plans and strategy for
partnerships must be provided in the project proposal. Coordination
across multiple agencies includes outreach to the partner's clients/
consumers, co-location and integration in One-Stop Career Centers, and
leveraging available funds, resources and organizational expertise.
Partnering across multiple systems/programs is often a pre-requisite to
providing employment-related supports that are needed to successfully
address multiple challenges to employment. Potential partners include,
but are not limited to: State and local Vocational Rehabilitation;
Medicaid/Medicare; Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Projects, Mental
Health; Developmental Disability/Mental Retardation Agency; State and
local Education Departments; SSA programs, such as Work Incentives
Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Projects and SSA Area Work Incentive
Coordinators (AWICs); Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF);
community colleges, colleges, and universities; community services
organizations including employment service providers; and national,
state and local financial literacy and asset development programs and
resources; among many others. Critically important to the Department is
the inclusion of DOL programs such as adult, dislocated worker and

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youth training opportunities, Veterans Employment Training Services
(VETS) programs, Job Corps, YouthBuild, ex-offender programs, Senior
Community Employment Service Program (SCSEP), registered apprenticeship
programs, American Indian and Native American education, postsecondary, vocational training, health and education programs, Migrant
and Seasonal Farm Workers Programs, and other relevant DOL Federal/
State-grant activities, as fundamental elements of the strategic
approach.
C. Allowable Uses of Grant Funds
Grant funds may be used to fulfill the requirements identified
above in the Funding Opportunity Description of this section (e.g.,
required project components, strategic service delivery components) and
may include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) Disability resource coordinators or other project staff
required to implement project design;
(2) Partnership coordination and collaboration activities or
meetings required to support the project objectives;
(3) Necessary travel to conduct activities across the state or
workforce investment area;
(4) Necessary travel to attend one national conference per year;
and
(5) Service and programmatic activities to carry-out the objectives
of the DEI cooperative agreement.
Up to 15% of grant funds are available for flexible spending
purposes which may include, but is not limited to, procurement of
software upgrades and other assistive technology equipment, supportive
or intensive services to assure availability of training and employment
needs, or other innovative approaches to meet the unique needs of an
individual participant. Travel for an ETA/ODEP sponsored conference to
be attended by the state lead and local area disability coordinators/
project leads should be included in the budget plan. All education,
training, job search activities, and supportive services should be
funded through WIA, Wagner-Peyser or other program resources to the
greatest extent possible. The leveraging of funds and resources for
education, training and other activities is critical to the success of
the DEI project and the achievement of outcomes for the youth and
adults with disabilities that will be accessing the One-Stop Career
Center system during the life of this Initiative. Up to 5% of grant
funds are available for additional data collection requirements that
may be needed.
II. Award Information
A. Award Amount
The Department expects to award approximately six to ten
cooperative agreements totaling approximately $22 million ranging from
$1.5 million to $6 million. Applicants should request an amount within
this funding range proportionate to the needs and relative size of
their project. Applications requesting funds exceeding the amount
specified above will be found non-responsive and will not be
considered.
B. Period of Performance
The period of performance will be 36 months from the date of
execution of the grant documents.

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III. Eligibility Information and Other Grant Specifications
A. Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be the state WIA administering agency. The state
workforce agency must select a minimum of four local WIBs that have the
capacity to carry-out the State's proposal under this SGA (please note
that single state WIBs and states with less than four workforce
investment areas are still eligible to apply). Half of these local WIBs
will be responsible for implementing model services applicable to the
State's selection of DEI priority areas under this SGA. The Department
will work with the state to identify the participating WIBs and will
require that other half of the WIBs that are not selected would
nevertheless participate in the evaluation component and the collection
of additional individualized data.
The Department requires that, at a minimum, the criteria for
selecting the local WIB include: (1) Demonstrated success in serving
individuals with disabilities as evidenced by their WIA and WagnerPeyser data and outcomes; (2) assurance of physical, programmatic, and
communication accessibility; (3) demonstrated commitment to prior
partner collaboration that suggests a high likelihood of success in the
implementation of the DEI cooperative agreement's goals and objectives;
(4) incorporated policies and procedures to help the One-Stop Career
Centers effectively serve persons with disabilities; and (5) conducted
outreach to the disability community and employers to facilitate the
hiring of people with disabilities.
Applicants must require that local WIBs selected to carry out the
objectives of the DEI cooperative agreement will work with the DOL
training, technical assistance, and evaluation contractors as
applicable. DEI WIBs, and those WIBs that are identified in the
application but not selected for DEI implementation, must agree to
collect/provide relevant data or other information identified as
critical to the evaluation.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
There is no cost sharing or matching requirement in the DEI SGA,
but the Department strongly encourages the leveraging of resources.
Leveraged resources can come from a variety of sources, including
public (e.g., Federal, State, or local governments) and non-profit
sectors. The level of commitment of resources by partner organizations
will be considered in the rating criteria.
C. Veterans' Priority
The Jobs for Veterans Act (Pub. L. 107-288) requires priority of
service to veterans and spouses of certain veterans for the receipt of
employment, training, and placement services in any job training
program directly funded, in whole or in part, by DOL. The regulations
implementing this priority of service can be found at 20 CFR Part
[[Page 47832]]
1010. In circumstances where a grant recipient must choose between two
qualified candidates for training, one of whom is a veteran or eligible
spouse, the Veterans Priority of Service provisions require that the
grant recipient give the veteran or eligible spouse priority of service
by admitting him or her into the training program. To obtain priority
of service, a veteran or spouse must meet the program's eligibility
requirements. Grantees must comply with DOL guidance on veterans'

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priority. Employment and Training Administration Training and
Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 10-09 (issued November 10, 2009)
provides guidance on implementing priority of service for veterans and
eligible spouses in all qualified job training programs funded in whole
or in part by DOL. TEGL No. 10-09 is available at: http://
wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2816.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. How to Obtain an Application Package
This SGA contains all the information and links to forms needed to
apply for grant funding. Additionally, all application materials are
available on the following Web sites: http://www.doleta.gov/grants/
find_grants.cfm and http://www.grants.gov.
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
The application must consist of three separate and distinct parts:
(I) The Cost Proposal, (II) the Technical Proposal, and (III)
Attachments to the Technical Proposal. Applications that fail to adhere
to the instructions in this section will be considered non-responsive
and will not be reviewed nor considered for award. Please note that it
is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the amount of funds
requested is consistent across all parts and sub-parts of the
application.
Part I. The Cost Proposal. The Cost Proposal must include the
following four items:
Application for Federal Assistance SF-424: The Standard
Form (SF)-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance'' is available at
http://www07.grants.gov/agencies/forms_repository_information.jsp and
http://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm. The SF-424 must clearly
identify the applicant and be signed by an individual with authority to
enter into a grant agreement. Upon confirmation of an award, the
individual signing the SF-424 on behalf of the applicant shall be
considered the authorized representative of the applicant.
Data Universal Number System (D-U-N-S[reg]) Number:
Applicants must supply their D-U-N-S[reg] on the SF-424. All applicants
for Federal grant and funding opportunities are required to have a D-UN-S[reg] Number. See Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Notice of
Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR 38402, Jun. 27, 2003. The D-U-N-S[reg]
Number is a non-indicative, nine-digit number assigned to each business
location in the Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) database having a unique,
separate, and distinct operation, and is maintained solely by D&B
entities. The D-U-N-S[reg] Number is used by industries and
organizations around the world as a global standard for business
identification and tracking. Obtaining a D-U-N-S[reg] Number is easy
and there is no charge. To obtain a D-U-N-S[reg] number, access this
Web site: http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711.
The SF-424A Budget Information Form: The SF-424A Budget
Information Form is available at http://www07.grants.gov/agencies/
forms_repository_information.jsp and http://www.doleta.gov/grants/
find_grants.cfm. In preparing the Budget Information Form, the
applicant must provide a concise narrative explanation to support the
request, explained in detail below.
Budget Narrative: The budget narrative must provide a
description of costs associated with each line item on the SF-424A. The
budget narrative also should include leveraged resources provided to
support the grant activities. In addition, the applicant should address
precisely how the administrative costs support the project goals. The

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entire Federal grant amount requested should be included on both the
SF-424 and SF-424A. No leveraged resources should be shown on the SF
424 and SF 424A. Please note that applicants that fail to provide a SF424, a SF-424A, a D-U-N-S[reg] Number, and a budget narrative will be
removed from consideration before the technical review process.
Applicants are also encouraged, but not required, to submit OMB
Survey N. 1890-0014: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for
Applicants, which can be found at: http://www.doleta.gov/sga/forms.cfm.
Part II. The Technical Proposal. The Technical Proposal
demonstrates the applicant's capability to implement the grant project
in accordance with the provisions of this solicitation. The guidelines
for the content of the Technical Proposal are provided in section V.A
of this SGA. The Technical Proposal is limited to 25 double-spaced,
single-sided, 8.5 x 11-inch pages with 12 point text and 1-inch
margins. Any materials beyond the 25-page limit will not be read.
Further, any tables or charts contained in the Technical Proposal are
included in the 25-page limit and should be presented on single-spaced,
single-sided, 8.5 x 11-inch pages with 12 point text and 1-inch
margins. Applicants should number the Technical Proposal beginning with
page number 1. Applications that do not include Part II, the Technical
Proposal, will be considered non-responsive.
Part III. Attachments to the Technical Proposal. In addition to the
25-page Technical Proposal, the applicant must submit the following
Required Attachments: (1) Two-page Executive Summary as an attachment
to the Technical Proposal; (2) chart displaying WIA and Wagner-Peyser
data to address evaluation criteria in Section V.A.; (3) chart
displaying state, population of state, and list of each local WIB; and
(4) graphic display of work plan implementation schedule, expected
milestones, and outcomes. The performance chart and work plan timelines
may be attached but cannot exceed four pages each. These Required
Attachments will be excluded from the 25-page limit. Required
Attachments must be affixed as separate, clearly identified appendices
to the application. Additional materials such as r[eacute]sum[eacute]s
or general letters of support or commitment will not be read.
C. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses
The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is September 8, 2010. Applications must be received at the
address below no later than 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications sent by
e-mail, telegram, or facsimile (FAX) will not be accepted. If an
application is submitted by both hard copy and through http://
www.grants.gov a letter must accompany the hard copy application
stating why two applications were submitted and the differences between
the two submissions. If no letter accompanies the hard copy, DOL will
review the copy submitted through http://www.grants.gov. For multiple
applications submitted through http://www.grants.gov, DOL will review
the latest submittal. Applications that do not meet the conditions set
forth in this notice will be considered nonresponsive. No exceptions to
the mailing and delivery requirements set forth in this notice will be
granted.
[[Page 47833]]
Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal
Assistance, Attention: B. Jai Johnson, Grant Officer, Reference SGA/
DFA, PY-10-01, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N4716, Washington, DC
20210. Applicants are advised that mail delivery in the Washington, DC
area may be delayed due to mail decontamination procedures. Hand-

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delivered proposals will be received at the above address. All
overnight mail will be considered to be hand-delivered and must be
received at the designated place by the specified closing date and
time.
Applicants may apply online through Grants.gov (http://
www.grants.gov); however due to the expected increase in system
activity, applicants are encouraged to use an alternate method to
submit grant applications during this heightened period of demand.
Applicants submitting proposals in hard copy must submit an original
signed application (including the SF-424) and one (1) ``copy ready''
version free of bindings, staples or protruding tabs to ease in the
reproduction of the proposal by DOL. Applicants submitting proposals in
hard copy are also required to provide an identical electronic copy of
the proposal on compact disc (CD). While not mandatory, DOL encourages
the submission of hard copy applications through a professional
overnight delivery service.
Applications that are submitted through Grants.gov must be
successfully submitted at http://www.grants.gov no later than 4 p.m.
Eastern Time on the closing date, and then subsequently validated by
Grants.gov. The submission and validation process is described in more
detail below. The process can be complicated and time-consuming.
Applicants are strongly advised to initiate the process as soon as
possible and to plan for time to resolve technical problems if
necessary.
The Department strongly recommends that before beginning to write
the proposal, applicants should immediately initiate and complete the
``Get Registered'' registration steps at http://www.grants.gov/
applicants/get registered.jsp. Applicants should read through the
registration process carefully before registering. These steps may take
as many as four weeks to complete, and this time should be factored
into plans for electronic submission in order to avoid unexpected
delays that could result in the rejection of an application. The site
also contains registration checklists to help you walk through the
process.
The Department strongly recommends that applicants download the
``Organization Registration Checklist'' at http://www.grants.gov/
assets/Organization Steps Complete Registration.pdf and prepare the
information requested before beginning the registration process.
Reviewing and assembling required information before beginning the
registration process will alleviate last minute searches for required
information and save time.
To register with Grants.gov, applicants applying electronically
must have a D-U-N-S[reg] Number and must register with the Federal
Central Contractor Registry (CCR). Step-by-step instructions for
registering with CCR can be found at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/
org_step2.jsp. All applicants must register with CCR in order to apply
online. Failure to register with the CCR will result in your
application being rejected by Grants.gov during the submission process.
The next step in the registration process is creating a username and
password with Grants.gov to create a profile as an Authorized
Organizational Representative (AOR). AORs will need to know the D-U-NS[reg] Number of the organization for which they will be submitting
applications to complete this process. To read more detailed
instructions for creating a profile on Grants.gov visit: http://
www.grants.gov/applicants/org_step3.jsp. After creating a profile on
Grants.gov, the E-Biz Point of Contact (E-Biz POC)--a representative
from your organization who is the contact listed for CCR--will receive
an e-mail to grant the AOR permission to submit applications on behalf
of their organization. The E-Biz POC will then log into Grants.gov and
approve an applicant as the AOR, thereby giving him or her permission

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to submit applications. To learn more about AOR Authorization visit:
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/org_step5.jsp, or to track AOR status
visit: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/org_step6.jsp. An application
submitted through Grants.gov constitutes a submission as an
electronically signed application. The registration and account
creation with Grants.gov, with E-Biz POC approval, establishes an AOR.
When you submit the application through Grants.gov, the name of your
AOR on file will be inserted into the signature line of the
application. Applicants must register the individual who is able to
make legally binding commitments for the applicant organization as the
AOR; this step is often missed and it is crucial for valid submissions.
When a registered applicant submits an application with Grants.gov,
an electronic time stamp is generated within the system when the
application is successfully received by Grants.gov. Within two business
days of application submission, Grants.gov will send the applicant two
e-mail messages to provide the status of application progress through
the system. The first e-mail, which will be received almost immediately
after submission, will contain a tracking number and confirm receipt of
the application by Grants.gov. The second e-mail will indicate the
application has either been successfully validated or rejected due to
errors. Only applications that have been successfully submitted by the
deadline and subsequently successfully validated will be considered. It
is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure a timely
submission. While it is not required that an application be
successfully validated before the deadline for submission, it is
prudent to reserve time before the deadline in case it is necessary to
resubmit an application that has not been successfully validated.
Therefore, sufficient time should be allotted for submission (two
business days) and, if applicable, subsequent time to address errors
and receive validation upon resubmission (an additional two business
days for each ensuing submission). It is important to note that if
sufficient time is not allotted and a rejection notice is received
after the due date and time, the application will not be considered.
To ensure consideration, the components of the application must be
saved as either .doc, .xls or .pdf files. If submitted in any other
format, the applicant bears the risk that compatibility or other issues
will prevent our ability to consider the application. ETA will attempt
to open the document, but will not take any additional measures in the
event of issues with opening. In such cases, the non-conforming
application will not be considered for funding. We strongly advise
applicants to use the plethora of tools and documents, including FAQs,
that are available on the ``Applicant Resources'' page at http://
www.grants.gov/applicants/resources.jsp. To receive updated information
about critical issues, new tips for users and other time sensitive
updates as information is available, applicants may subscribe to
``Grants.gov Updates'' at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/email_
subscription_signup.jsp. If applicants encounter a problem with
[[Page 47834]]
Grants.gov and do not find an answer in any of the other resources,
call 1-800-518-4726 to speak to a Customer Support Representative or email [email protected]. The Contact Center is open 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. They are closed on Federal holidays.
Late Applications: For applications submitted on Grants.gov, only
applications that have been successfully submitted no later than 4 p.m.
Eastern Time on the closing date and subsequently successfully
validated will be considered. Applicants take a significant risk by
waiting until the application due date to submit by Grants.gov. Any
application received after the exact date and time specified for

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receipt at the office designated in this notice will not be considered,
unless it is received before awards are made, it was properly
addressed, and it was: (a) Sent by U.S. Postal Service mail, postmarked
not later than the fifth calendar day before the date specified for
receipt of applications (e.g., an application required to be received
by the 20th of the month must be postmarked by the 15th of that month);
or (b) sent by professional overnight delivery service to the addressee
not later than one working day before the date specified for receipt of
applications. ``Postmarked'' means a printed, stamped or otherwise
placed impression (exclusive of a postage meter machine impression)
that is readily identifiable, without further action, as having been
supplied or affixed on the date of mailing by an employee of the U.S.
Postal Service. Therefore, applicants should request the postal clerk
to place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's eye'' postmark on both
the receipt and the package. Evidence of timely submission by a
professional overnight delivery service must be demonstrated by equally
reliable evidence created by the delivery service provider indicating
the time and place of receipt.
D. Intergovernmental Review
This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order (EO)
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
E. Other Submission Requirements
Withdrawal of Applications. Applications may be withdrawn by
written notice at any time before an award is made.
F. Funding Restrictions
Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance with
the applicable Federal cost principles. Disallowed costs are those
charges to a grant that the grantor agency or its representative
determines not to be allowed in accordance with the applicable Federal
cost principles or other conditions contained in the grant. Successful
and unsuccessful applicants will not be entitled to reimbursement of
pre-award costs.
DOL/ETA's acceptance of a proposal and award of Federal funds to
sponsor any program does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements
and/or procedures. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars
A-122 and A-87 require that an entity's procurement procedures must
ensure that all procurement transactions are conducted, as much as
practical, to provide open and free competition.
1. Indirect Cost Rate. As specified in OMB Circular Cost Principles
(A-122 and A-87), indirect costs are those that have been incurred for
common or joint objectives and cannot be readily identified with a
particular final cost objective. In order to use grant funds for
indirect costs incurred, the applicant must obtain an Indirect Cost
Rate Agreement with its Federal cognizant agency either before or
shortly after grant award.
2. Administrative Costs. Under this SGA, an entity that receives a
grant to carry out a project or program may not use more than ten
percent (10%) of the amount of the grant to pay administrative costs
associated with the program or project. Administrative costs could be
direct or indirect costs, and are defined at 20 CFR 667.220.
Administrative costs do not need to be identified separately from
program costs on the SF 424A, Budget Information Form. They should be
discussed in the budget narrative and tracked through the grantee's
accounting system. To claim any administrative costs that are also

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indirect costs, the applicant must obtain an Indirect Cost Rate
Agreement from its Federal cognizant agency. Please note that funds
used for disability resource coordinators and any service related costs
associated with carrying out the strategies outlined in the applicant's
proposal, including local travel, are not considered administrative
costs.
3. Allowable Costs. The Department determines what constitutes
allowable costs in accordance with the following Federal cost
principles, as applicable: (1) State and Local Government--OMB Circular
A-87; (2) Educational Institutions--OMB Circular A-21; (3) Nonprofit
Organizations--OMB Circular A-122; and (4) Profit-making Commercial
Firms--48 CFR Part 31.
4. Legal rules pertaining to inherently religious activities by
organizations that receive Federal financial assistance. The government
is generally 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 subrecipients.
5. Salary and Bonus Limitations. Under Public Law 109-234, none of
the funds appropriated in Public Law 109-149, or prior Acts under the
heading ``Employment and Training'' that are available for expenditure
on or after June 15, 2006, shall be used by a recipient or subrecipient of such funds to pay the salary and bonuses of an individual,
either as direct costs or indirect costs, at a rate in excess of
Executive Level II. Public Laws 111-8 and 111-117 contain the same
limitations with respect to funds appropriated under each of those
Laws. These limitations also apply to grants funded under this SGA. The
salary and bonus limitation does not apply to vendors providing goods
and services as defined in OMB Circular A-133 (codified at 29 CFR parts
96 and 99). See Training and Employment Guidance Letter number 5-06 for
further clarification: http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_
doc.cfm?DCON=2262.
6. Intellectual Property Rights. The Federal Government reserves a
paid-up, nonexclusive and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or
otherwise use, and to authorize others to use for Federal purposes: (1)
The copyright in all products developed under the grant, including a
subgrant or contract under the grant or subgrant; and (2) any rights of
copyright to which the grantee, subgrantee or a contractor purchases
ownership under an award (including but not limited to curricula,
training models, technical assistance products, and any related
materials). Such uses include, but are not limited to, the right to
modify and distribute such products worldwide by any means,
electronically or otherwise. Federal funds may not be used to pay any
royalty or licensing fee associated with such copyrighted material,
although they may be used to pay costs for obtaining a copy which is
limited to the developer/seller costs of copying and shipping. If
revenues are generated through selling products developed with grant
funds, including intellectual property, these revenues are
[[Page 47835]]
program income. Program income is added to the grant and must be
expended for allowable grant activities.
If applicable, grantees must include the following language on all
products developed in whole or in part with grant funds: ``This
workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department

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of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was
created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes
no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or
implied, with respect to such information, including any information on
linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the
information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy,
continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by
the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or
personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes are
permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the
copyright owner.''
V. Application Review Information
A. Evaluation Criteria
This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be
used to evaluate proposals. Points will be awarded based on how well an
applicant fully demonstrates its approach and/or qualifications and
clearly provides the information required.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------Total
Criterion
possible
points
-----------------------------------------------------------------------1. Program Delivery--Strategic Approach....................
40
2. Partnership Commitment and Resources....................
20
3. Demonstrated Experience.................................
15
4. Project Management......................................
15
5. Outcomes and Sustainability.............................
10
-----------------------------------------------------------------------1. Program Delivery--Strategic Approach (40 Points)
Discuss the strategic approach and how required and strategic
service delivery components set forth in Section I.A., I.B. and I.C.
will be incorporated into the project activities, including how the
strategic approach will result in increased access to, and use of, the
One-Stop Career Center system's services by adults and/or youth with
disabilities and their improved education, training, and/or employment
outcomes. Note that depending on the selected Strategic Service
Delivery Components in Section I.B., not all of the items in the
paragraphs below will apply.
The 40 possible points for this criterion will be assessed as
follows:
Adults or Youth with Disabilities (5 Points)--Discuss the primary
focus of the DEI project (i.e., adult or youth focus), the rationale
for this selection, and the overall objectives of the DEI project. For
purposes of this SGA, youth are considered to be age 14-24 (applicants
may select the full range or ages within this range). States and local
workforce areas are required to serve both adults and youth with
disabilities; however for the purpose of this SGA, DOL is requiring the
applicants to focus on one or the other for the purpose of developing
replicable models and expertise, given the level of effort that is
required with the limited funds that are currently available. Include
demographic information, the extent to which adults/youth with
disabilities from racial or ethnic minorities will be included, and
whether the project will focus on urban or rural environments. Discuss
any additional special focus of the project in terms of addressing

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veterans with disabilities, the homeless, TANF recipients, individuals
with developmental, psychiatric and/or other hidden disabilities, outof-school youth, ex-offenders or other populations with significant
disabilities. Provide information on experience to date with adults or
youth with disabilities to whom the DEI project is directed and any
special initiatives undertaken with the selected population. Identify
the extent to which the project design will be directed to SSI/SSDI
beneficiaries.
Strategies To Be Deployed (20 Points)--Discuss the overall
strategic approach to be implemented and how this will address the
unique needs of the primary population, the workforce areas that are
expected to participate, why the project design is expected to be
successful and how strategic service delivery components in Section
I.B. will be deployed to achieve the stated objectives (a minimum of
two of the strategic service delivery components must be a significant
part of the project design, but more can be included).
i. Adult Focus--Discuss the overall approach to addressing the
specific challenges and needs of adult job seekers with disabilities,
including the availability of learning and skill assessments (including
discovery), retraining options, on-the-job training, customized
employment, part-time employment, and self-employment options, among
others. Provide information on the availability of supportive services,
including assistance with transportation and other short-term
requirements for participation in training or employment. Provide
information on the state's economy, including career opportunities in
high-growth job sectors and how these may be incorporated in the
project design. Discuss outreach to the population to be served,
marketing of One-Stop services to job seekers with disabilities, and
the applicant's experience in conducting similar outreach activities.
Discuss linkages to the employer community and how engagement of
business and employers will facilitate improved outcomes and
achievement of goals. Discuss involvement of various asset development
strategies in achieving project goals. If special populations, such as
veterans with disabilities and TANF, are a significant focus of the
project, discuss what approaches will be used to improve outcomes.
Discuss early intervention strategies, including deployment of Medicaid
Buy-in, and how SSA work incentive strategies will be utilized for SSI/
SSDI beneficiaries.
or
ii. Youth Focus--Discuss the overall strategic approach to
addressing the needs of the youth to be served, including the extent to
which the focus is on transitioning into the workforce, the age range
of youth to be served, outreach to out-of-school and at-risk youth, and
how Guideposts for Success will be incorporated. Identify what basic
and vocational assessments, transition and intermediary services, and
parental involvement will occur, if applicable. Describe strategies for
linkages with middle and secondary schools and other education
components. Discuss the availability of work experience, summer youth
activities, mentoring opportunities, on-the-job training, and how other
opportunities for youth to engage in work experience will be
accomplished. Provide information on the availability of education,
training and employment opportunities that focus on career
opportunities, in particular in high-growth job sectors, and the
applicant's approach to further career pathways. Discuss the objectives
of the project design in terms of education outcomes, including access
to community college and other secondary education, and the extent to
which youth with disabilities will obtain credentials or other
certificates of accomplishments. Discuss the extent to which part-time,

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temporary and self-employment options will be available. Discuss how
the project design will address systemic barriers to education and
employment for youth on SSI, and the extent to which youth on SSI will
be included. Describe inclusion of apprenticeship training and
[[Page 47836]]
employment options, if applicable. Discuss the availability of
individual development accounts and other asset development activities.
One-Stop Career Center System (15 Points)--Discuss how the state
will incorporate the following requirements provided in Section III.A.
in the selection of at least two local WIBs: (1) Demonstrated success
in serving individuals with disabilities as evidenced by their WIA and
Wagner-Peyser data and outcomes; (2) assurance of physical,
programmatic, and communication accessibility; (3) demonstrated
commitment to prior partner collaboration that suggests a high
likelihood of success in the implementation of the DEI cooperative
agreement's goals and objectives; (4) incorporated policies and
procedures to help the One-Stop Career Centers to effectively serve
persons with disabilities; and (5) conducted outreach to the disability
community and employers to facilitate the hiring of people with
disabilities. Single state workforce areas will be evaluated based upon
the applicants addressing these factors at the state level.
Discuss any additional criteria the state will use for selecting
WIBs to participate in the DEI project, how many local areas the state
plans to include, and how the requirements set forth in Section I.A
will be met. Discuss the applicant's status as an Employment Network,
plans for becoming an EN at the state or local WIB level, and what role
this will play in the overall design and implementation of the project.
Identify whether the state currently collects SSI/SSDI status as part
of registration in WIA and Wagner-Peyser funded programs. Discuss
planned activities under the DEI project to improve physical,
programmatic and communication access, if applicable. Discuss how the
project design will impact the workforce system, expand comprehensive
service delivery, facilitate systems change, incorporate universal
design, and improve the effective and meaningful education, training,
and employment opportunities to adults or youth with disabilities.
2. Partnership Commitment and Resources (20 points)
Discuss the partners that the applicant is planning to collaborate
with in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the adult or youth
DEI project, including the extent to which the partners will be engaged
and funds and resources leveraged. Include criteria that applicant will
use to address partnerships and linkages of the WIBs participating in
the cooperative agreement.
The 20 possible points for this criterion will be assessed as
follows:
Strategic Partners (10 Points)--Discuss primary partners that will
actively participate in the DEI project in terms that demonstrate
understanding of the adult or youth focus and how these partners are
integral to the goals and objectives of the applicant's project design.
Discuss partners involved at the state level, the extent to which
strong partnerships with state-level agencies (both generic systems and
disability specific programs and systems), have been forged, what
additional systems change efforts will be sought through the DEI
cooperative agreement, and how the state-level partnerships will be
utilized at the local level to increase service delivery and outcomes.
Describe what linkages are planned to facilitate improved services and
outcomes for SSI/SSDI beneficiaries, including partnerships to address
work incentives, asset development, and SSA work provisions will be
addressed. Identify the extent to which co-location of and coordination

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amongst Vocational Rehabilitation, Area Work Incentive Coordinators,
education, TANF, Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program, Employment
Networks, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Projects, or other
organizational or community providers are a factor in the state's
workforce system.
Partner Resources (10 Points)--Discuss how partner resources and
programs will be leveraged and incorporated in the project design and
how these will improve the services and outcomes of the adults or youth
with disabilities as well as accomplish DEI objectives. Identify
resources and program dollars that are planned for education and
training of adults or youth, including resources that will be available
from WIA adult, dislocated worker, and youth programs. Discuss how
flexible funding dollars (if applicant plans to use) will augment the
available resources of individual job seekers. Discuss partner
resources to be available to the adult or youth with a disability
through individual development accounts, through IRTs, or other funds
that expand the likelihood of individual success and economic
independence, including flexible funding available through partner
systems or the flexible spending fund.
3. Demonstrated Experience (15 Points)
Provide information regarding the applicant's achievements to date
in the education, training and employment or self-employment of adults
and/or youth with disabilities, actions taken to assure physical,
programmatic and communication accessibility of the workforce system,
and the extent to which the applicant has promoted services that
addressed the needs of job seekers with disabilities. Provide criteria
the applicant will use to identify WIBs with significant
accomplishments in the areas below.
The 15 possible points for this criterion will be assessed as
follows:
Services and Outcomes of Adults and Youth With Disabilities (5
Points)--Provide data on WIA and Wagner-Peyser services for adults and
youth in PY 2008 and 2009. This information can be provided in chart
form and provided as an attachment. Applicants focusing the DEI project
on adults should include data on the: (1) Number of all exiters/
registrants, number and percent of people with disabilities; (2) total
number and percent entering employment, number and percent of people
with disabilities; (3) total number and percent retaining employment,
number and percent of people with disabilities; and (4) average wage of
all and average wage of people with disabilities. Applicants focusing
the DEI project on youth should include data on the: (1) Number of all
exiters participating in older and younger WIA youth programs; (2)
educational achievements of all youth and those with disabilities; and
(3) employment outcomes of older youth. Applicants will be rated on the
extent to which they have been providing services to adults or youth
with disabilities and achieved successful outcomes. Additional data
that may be available as a result of prior participation with ETA's DPN
and ODEP's Customized Employment or Youth demonstration grants may be
included.
Physical, Communication and Programmatic Accessibility (5 Points)-Provide detailed information on the status of physical, communication
and programmatic accessibility in the state's workforce system,
including the status of accessibility surveys, what workforce areas
were covered in the survey, corrective actions identified and their
status. Information should also include the level of commitment or
innovation that has occurred at the state level versus the local WIB
level. Discuss implementation of assistive technologies, the percent of
workforce areas covered, and what improvements are still needed.
Identify the status of communication access and strategies deployed to
meet the needs of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

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Applicants will be rated on the extent to which deliberate strategies
have been undertaken to address accessibility and the level of
[[Page 47837]]
commitment taken by the applicant to improve and assure accessibility
requirements have been met since implementation of the WIA.
Programmatic Experience and Initiative (5 Points)--Provide detailed
information on any special initiatives or projects that have been
undertaken to address the particular needs of adults or youth with
disabilities, including engagement of the workforce systems
participation as an EN at the state and/or local level. Discuss
implementation and experience with successful strategies under a DPN or
ODEP grant. Identify special projects or initiatives that have been
directed to populations that are known to often have a disability such
as veterans, TANF recipients, the homeless, and ex-offenders * * *
Applicants will be rated on the extent to which they have successfully
implemented a DPN or ODEP grant, including the identified promising
practices, and the extent to which the applicant took other initiatives
and actions to serve adults and youth with disabilities and/or other
populations with significant barriers.
4. Project Management (10 Points)
Describe the capacity of the state to effectively implement the
applicant's proposal. Disability coordinator(s) would be expected to
work full time on the initiative and former DPNs may be a valuable
resource for this position.
The 10 possible points for this criterion will be assessed as
follows:
Staff Capacity (5 Points)--Discuss the experience of the project
lead regarding workforce and disability knowledge and the plan to hire
experienced and knowledgeable disability coordinator at the local WIB
level, including the criteria that will be used to assure that
participating WIBs hire individuals with disability expertise. Discuss
the possibility of including current or former DPNs in the role of the
DEI disability resource coordinator positions. Identify the likely
employing entity (e.g., state, local WIB, One-Stop Career Center) of
disability resource coordinator position(s). Identify any utilization
of consultants anticipated during the course of DEI project.
Fiscal and Administrative Capacity (5 Points)--Describe the
capacity of the state to administer the DEI project, including fiscal
and oversight capability, the capacity for early start-up, timeliness
of WIA quarterly fiscal and program reporting, and ability to make
participant data available to the Department. Identify status of common
intake, Management Information Systems (MIS) and integrated data sets
relative to WIA, Wagner-Peyser, Vocational Rehabilitation, and nonmandated WIA programs such as TANF. Discuss audit or FPO findings and
recommendations since PY 2007 and the status of corrective action(s).
5. Outcomes and Sustainability (10 points)
The 10 possible points for this criterion will be assessed as
follows:
Outcomes (5 Points)
Identify applicable outcomes that will result from grant
activities, including goals to be achieved, individuals with
disabilities to be served, and outcomes to be achieved. Provide
information on the ability of the applicant to achieve the stated goals
and outcomes and provide data on results within the timeframe of the
grant. Describe the scope of the project in terms of adults or youth
with disabilities expected to receive core, intensive, and training

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services; education and employment outcomes expected; retention
expectations, and average wage to be achieved (employment outcomes that
result in sub-minimum wage status will be considered non-responsive).
Discuss the capacity of workforce system to capture co-enrollments
(e.g., TANF, VR, ENs, etc.), and the commitment of the state to capture
partnership involvement and contributions to outcomes. Identify whether
the state will provide access to individualized SSNs to the Department
or its contractors for evaluation purposes. Discuss applicant's
commitment to work with DOL's independent evaluator.
Sustainability (5 Points)
Discuss sustainability strategies for carrying on successful
approaches that are demonstrated to improve the education and
employment outcomes of adults and youth with disabilities beyond the
end of the DEI grant. Provide detailed information on WIA and WagnerPeyser, Ticket to Work, and other program resources that will be used
to replicate or expand the promising practices the project implemented
to other LWIBs and One-Stop Career Centers.
B. Review and Selection Process
Applications for grants under this solicitation will be accepted
after the publication of this announcement and until the closing date.
A technical review panel will carefully evaluate applications against
the selection criteria. These criteria are based on the policy goals,
priorities, and emphases set forth in this SGA. Up to 100 points may be
awarded to an application, depending on the quality of the responses to
the required information described in section V.A. The ranked scores
will serve as the primary basis for selection of applications for
funding, in conjunction with other factors such as geographic balance,
and which proposals are most advantageous to the government. The panel
results are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer.
The Grant Officer may consider any information that comes to his/her
attention, including information and prior performance of DPN and ODEP
grants which will be made available to the Grant Officer. The
government may elect to award the grant(s) with or without discussions
with the applicant. Should a grant be awarded without discussions, the
award will be based on the applicant's signature on the SF 424,
including electronic signature via E-Authentication on http://
www.grants.gov, which constitutes a binding offer by the applicant.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
All award notifications will be posted on the ETA Homepage (http://
www.doleta.gov). Applicants selected for award will be contacted
directly before the grant's execution and non-selected applicants will
be notified by mail. Selection of an organization as a grantee does not
constitute approval of the grant application as submitted. Before the
actual grant is awarded, ETA may enter into negotiations about such
items as program components, staffing and funding levels, and
administrative systems in place to support grant implementation. If the
negotiations do not result in a mutually acceptable submission, the
Grant Officer reserves the right to terminate the negotiation and
decline to fund the application.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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1. Administrative Program Requirements
All grantees will be subject to all applicable Federal laws,
regulations (available at http://gpoaccess.gov/cfr) and the applicable
OMB Circulars (available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars).
The grants awarded under this SGA are subject to the applicable
administrative standards and provisions, including, but not limited to,
the following:
Non-Profit Organizations--OMB Circulars A-122 (Cost
Principles) and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
Educational Institutions--OMB Circulars A-21 (Cost
Principles) and 29
[[Page 47838]]
CFR part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
State and Local Governments--OMB Circulars A-87 (Cost
Principles) and 29 CFR part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
Profit Making Commercial Firms--Federal Acquisition
Regulation (FAR)--48 CFR part 31 (Cost Principles), and 29 CFR part 95
(Administrative Requirements).
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Public Law 105-220, 112 Stat.
936 (codified as amended at 29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) and 20 CFR part 667
(General Fiscal and Administrative Rules). This includes unsuccessful
applicant appeal information.
29 CFR part 29 and 30--Apprenticeship and Equal Employment
Opportunity in Apprenticeship and Training; and
29 CFR part 37--Implementation of the Nondiscrimination
and Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of
1998. The Department notes that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
(RFRA), 42 U.S.C. section 2000bb, applies to all Federal law and its
implementation. If your organization is a faith-based organization that
makes hiring decisions on the basis of religious belief, it may be
entitled to receive Federal financial assistance under Title I of WIA
and maintain that hiring practice even though Section 188 of WIA
contains a general ban on religious discrimination in employment. If
you are awarded a grant, you will be provided with information on how
to request such an exemption.
Under WIA section 181(b)(4), health and safety standards
established under Federal and State law otherwise applicable to working
conditions of employees are equally applicable to working conditions of
participants engaged in training and other activities.
Applicants that are awarded grants through this SGA are reminded that
these health and safety standards apply to participants in these
grants. In accordance with section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of
1995 (Pub. L. 104-65) (2 U.S.C. 1611), non-profit entities incorporated
under Internal Revenue Service Code Section 501(c)(4) that engage in
lobbying activities are not eligible to receive Federal funds and
grants. Except as specifically provided in this SGA, DOL/ETA's
acceptance of a proposal and an award of Federal funds to sponsor any
programs(s) does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements and/or
procedures. For example, the OMB Circulars require that an entity's
procurement procedures must ensure that all procurement transactions
are conducted, as much as practical, to provide open and free
competition. If a proposal identifies a specific entity to provide
services, the DOL's award does not provide the justification or basis
to sole source the procurement, i.e., avoid competition, unless the
activity is regarded as the primary work of an official partner to the
application.
29 CFR part 2, subpart D--Equal Treatment in Department of
Labor Programs for Religious Organizations, Protection of Religious

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Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and
Beneficiaries.
29 CFR parts 29 and 30--Labor Standards for Registration
of Apprenticeship Programs, and Equal Employment Opportunity in
Apprenticeship and Training.
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 and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from Federal
Financial Assistance.
29 CFR part 33--Enforcement of Nondiscrimination 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.
All entities must comply with 29 CFR parts 37, 93, and 98,
and where applicable 29 CFR parts 96 and 99.
The Department notes that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
(RFRA), 42 U.S.C. sec. 2000bb, applies to all Federal law and its
implementation. If your organization is a faith-based organization that
makes hiring decisions on the basis of religious belief, it may be
entitled to receive Federal financial assistance under Title I of the
Workforce Investment Act and maintain that hiring practice even though
Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act contains a general ban on
religious discrimination in employment. If you are awarded a grant, you
will be provided with information on how to request such an exemption.
In accordance with section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of
1995 (Pub. L. 104-65) (2 U.S.C. 1611), non-profit entities incorporated
under Internal Revenue Service Code Section 501(c)(4) that engage in
lobbying activities are not eligible to receive Federal funds and
grants.
2. Administrative Standards and Provisions
Except as specifically provided, DOL/ETA acceptance of a proposal
and an award of Federal funds to sponsor any program(s) does not
provide a waiver of any grant requirements and/or procedures. For
example, the OMB circulars require, and an entity's procurement
procedures must require, that all procurement transactions will be
conducted, as practical, to provide full and open competition. If a
proposal identifies a specific entity to provide the services, the DOL/
ETA award does not provide the justification or basis to sole-source
the procurement, i.e., avoid competition, unless the activity is
regarded as the primary work of an official partner to the application.
C. Reporting and Accountability
Quarterly financial reports, quarterly progress reports, and MIS
data will be submitted by the grantee electronically. Grantees must
agree to meet DOL reporting requirements. The grantee is required to
provide the reports and documents listed below:
The grantee is required to provide the reports and documentation
listed below.
Quarterly Financial Reports. A Quarterly Financial Status
Report (ETA 9130) is required until such time as all funds have been
expended or the grant period has expired. Quarterly reports are due 45
days after the end of each calendar year quarter. Grantees must use DOL

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ETA's On-Line Electronic Reporting System. A Closeout Financial Status
Report is due 90 days after the end of the grant period.
Quarterly Progress Reports. The grantee must submit a
quarterly progress report to the designated Federal Project Officer
within 45 days after the end of each calendar year quarter. Two copies
must be submitted providing a detailed account of activities undertaken
during that quarter. DOL ETA may require grantees to collect and report
additional data elements on either a regular basis or special request
basis. Grantees must agree to meet DOL ETA reporting requirements. The
quarterly progress report will be in narrative form and must include:
--In-depth information on accomplishments, including project success
stories, upcoming grant activities, and promising approaches and
processes
--Progress toward meeting performance outcomes
--Challenges being faced by the grantee in implementing the project.
[[Page 47839]]
In addition, between scheduled reporting dates, the grantee(s) must
immediately inform the designated Federal Project Officer of
significant developments affecting the ability to accomplish the work.
Applicants must be aware of Federal guidelines on record retention,
which require grantees to maintain all records pertaining to grant
activities for a period of not less than three years from the time of
final grant close-out.
VII. Agency Contacts
For further information regarding this SGA, please contact Eileen
Banks, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, at
(202) 693-3401 (please note this is not a toll-free number). Applicants
should fax all technical questions to (202) 693-2879 and must
specifically address the fax to the attention of Eileen Banks and along
with SGA-DFA-PY-10-01, a contact name, fax and phone number, and an email address. Applicants may also e-mail questions to
[email protected], and include a contact name, fax and phone number,
and the applicable e-mail address.
VIII. Additional Resources of Interest to Applicants
A. DOL Web-Based Resources for the Applicant
DOL maintains a number of web-based resources that may be of
assistance to applicants. These include Workforce3One Resources. For
example, the Disability and Employment Workforce3one Web site, http://
disability.workforce3one.org provides disability and employment
resources for the workforce investment system, including promising
practices to promote the positive employment outcomes of persons with
disabilities and Disability Program Navigator (DPN) successful
strategies and promising practices. ETA encourages applicants to view
the online tutorial, ``Grant Applications 101: A Plain English Guide to
ETA Competitive Grants,'' available through Workforce3One at: http://
www.workforce3one.org/page/grants_toolkit. In addition to ODEP's webbased resources noted in other parts of this SGA, applicants may find
additional helpful information on disability and employment issues at:
http://www.dol.gov/odep.

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B. External Web-Based Resource
Applicants will find additional information on the DPN initiative
at http://www.dpnavigator.net/. The purpose of this Web site is to
build upon the DPN experience and archive materials from the past seven
years of DPN training and technical assistance activities.
C. Other Information
OMB Information Collection No. 1225-0086. Expires November 30, 2012
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are
required to respond to a collection of information unless such
collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden
for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 hours per
response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing
data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing
and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding
the burden estimated or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the
U.S. Department of Labor, to the attention of Departmental Clearance
Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-1310, Washington, DC
20210. Comments may also be e-mailed to [email protected].
Please do not return the completed application to this address. Send it
to the sponsoring agency as specified in this solicitation.
This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a
grant. The information collected through this SGA will be used by the
Department 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, and will be available to the public.
Applications filed in response to this SGA may be posted on the
Department's Web site.
Signed at Washington, DC, this 4th day of August, 2010.
B. Jai Johnson,
Grant Officer, Employment and Training Administration.
[FR Doc. 2010-19602 Filed 8-6-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-FN-P

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