Green Jobs Innovation Fund

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant Applications for Green
Jobs Innovation Fund
AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration, Labor

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA)
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY-10-07
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.279

KEY DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is
[INSERT DATE 30 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN FEDERAL
REGISTER]. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. A
pre-recorded webinar will be on-line (http://www.workforce3one.org) and accessible
for viewing on [insert date and time] Eastern Time, and will be available for viewing
anytime after that date. While a review of this webinar is encouraged it is not
mandatory that applicants view this recording.
ADDRESSES: Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of Labor,
Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal Assistance, Attention:
Donna Kelly, Grant Officer, Reference SGA/DFA PY 10-07, 200 Constitution Avenue,
NW, Room N4716, Washington, DC 20210. For complete application and submission
information, including online application instructions, please refer to Section IV.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL or the Department), Employment
and Training Administration (ETA) announces the availability of approximately $40
million in grant funds authorized by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Title I,
Subtitle D, Section 171(d), Public Law 105-220 for the Green Jobs Innovation Fund
(GJIF). The GJIF supports two of the Department’s goals: to increase the number of
individuals completing training programs who receive industry-recognized credentials
and to increase the number of individuals completing training programs for
employment in green jobs. DOL intends to fund approximately five to eight grants to
national and statewide organizations with local affiliates with existing career training
programs to provide technical and basic skills training that lead to green job
opportunities in at least six communities per grant. Applicants are eligible under one of
three categories: 1) national labor-management organizations with local affiliates; 2)
national non-profit entities with local affiliates; or 3) statewide non-profit organizations
or state Workforce Investment Act administering agencies with local affiliates. These
funds are available to applicants who are willing to operate through local affiliates in at
least six communities to serve as the central organization that brings together the
appropriate partner organizations to ensure that participants receive comprehensive job
training and support services that move participants into and along a green career
pathway.
With these grants, the Department is emphasizing critical steps along green
career pathways by: 1) forging linkages between Registered Apprenticeship and pre-

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apprenticeship programs, and/or 2) integrating the delivery of technical and basic skills
training through community-based partnerships. In addition, the Department is
emphasizing coordinating with and leveraging the resources of other Federal, state and
local agencies, as well as directing these limited resources toward evidence-based
programs and activities.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation consists of nine (9) sections:
Section I provides a description of this funding opportunity.
Section II provides award information.
Section III provides eligibility information.
Section IV provides information on the application and submission process.
Section V describes the criteria against which applications will be reviewed and
explains the proposal review process.
Section VI describes award administration information.
Section VII provides agency contacts.
Section VIII provides additional resources of interest to applicants.
Section IX provides other information.

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Overview
President Barack Obama has called on the United States to have “the best
educated, most competitive workforce in the world,” once again leading the world in

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the percentage of Americans with postsecondary degrees and/or industry-recognized
certificates and credentials by 2020. The GJIF supports this vision as part of the
Department’s performance goal to increase the attainment of industry-recognized
credentials by American workers.
The GJIF was authorized as a Pilot and Demonstration Project under Section 171
of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 to support competitive grant
opportunities that help workers receive job training in green industry sectors and
occupations and access green career pathways (see Section V.A.1.ii for a brief discussion
of career pathways). Competitive grants funded through this GJIF solicitation are being
made available to applicants with existing career training programs, programs that are
already established and serving workers, but not necessarily funded by the Department
of Labor. The applicant must provide a complete and clear explanation of the proposed
education and training program, the proposed project work plan, and the capacity of
the applicant to sustain the project.
The Recovery Act provided $500 million for a program of competitive grants to
prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors. With
this funding, DOL awarded 189 grants across the country that support a number of
green job activities including: job training and placement services; identifying and
providing successful green career pathways for workers including those currently
living in poverty; capacity building for organizations providing job training; collection,
analysis, and dissemination of labor market information; and funds for State Workforce
Investment Boards to develop sector strategies that align with the Governor’s overall

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workforce vision. The outcomes, best practices, and lessons learned by both the
grantees and ETA to date have informed the development of this solicitation.
DOL has gathered additional information about successful workforce programs
emerging in green sectors and occupations from the public workforce system,
employers, community and technical colleges, federal agencies, foundations, and other
key stakeholders. Three important themes emerged from these stakeholders including:
1) Registered Apprenticeship is a viable and important workforce strategy that results
in job placement; 2) training solely to gain green skills is not always sufficient to ensure
job placement, equally critical is upgrading basic skills, including literacy and math
skills; and, 3) when existing workers move up and along a career pathway, new
employment opportunities are created for additional workers to enter the pathway.
Career pathways are “not a separate program, but a framework for weaving
together adult education, training and college programs…and connecting those services
to employers’ workforce needs” (Center for Law and Social Policy, May 2010).
Therefore, the Department has a specific interest in applications that emphasize the
integration of critical components along green career pathways by: 1) forging stronger
linkages between Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and 2)
integrating the delivery of technical and basic skills training through community-based
partnerships. These programs are discussed in detail in Sections I.B.1 and 2 of this SGA.
B. Green Jobs
The GJIF is designed to equip workers with the necessary knowledge, skills and
abilities (KSAs) to succeed in green industry sectors and occupations. The Department

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uses a broad framework for defining green jobs with the understanding that greenrelated KSAs are transferable across industry sectors. WIA, the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, and O*NET provide a framework for defining green jobs.
First, WIA identifies the following seven energy efficiency and renewable energy
industries in Section 171(e)(1)(B)(ii).
•

The energy-efficient building, construction, and retrofit industries;

•

The renewable electric power industry;

•

The energy efficient and advanced drive train vehicle industry;

•

The biofuels industry;

•

The deconstruction and materials use industries;

•

The energy efficiency assessment industry serving residential, commercial, or

industrial sectors; and
•

Manufacturers that produce sustainable products using environmentally

sustainable processes and materials.
Second, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) conducted considerable research on
energy efficiency and renewable energy occupations and further refined the definition
of green jobs into two broad categories:
•

Jobs in businesses that produce goods or provide services that benefit the

environment or conserve natural resources; and
•

Jobs in which workers' duties involve making their establishment's

production processes more environmentally friendly or use fewer natural resources.

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For more information on the BLS Green Jobs Definition, please visit:
http://www.bls.gov/green/#definition.
Lastly, the Department has funded O*NET research, which is published in the
February 2009 O*NET report, Greening of the World of Work: Implications for O*NETSOC and New and Emerging Occupations
(http://www.onetcenter.org/dl_files/Green.pdf). This study reflects three general
categories of occupations, based on different consequences of green economy activities
and technologies: (1) existing occupations expected to experience primarily an increase
in employment demand; (2) existing occupations with significant change to the work
and worker requirements; and (3) new and emerging green occupations. O*NET’s list
of green occupational sectors is quite comprehensive and includes:
•

Renewable Energy Generation (including power plant operators);

•

Energy Efficiency (including electrical powerline installers and repairers);

•

Energy Trading;

•

Research, Design, and Consulting;

•

Agriculture and Forestry;

•

Recycling and Waste Reduction (including solid waste and wastewater

management, treatment, and reduction, and processing recycling materials);
•

Transportation;

•

Green Construction;

•

Energy and Carbon Capture;

•

Environment Protection (including Brownfield Remediation Specialists and
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Site Managers);
•

Manufacturing; and

•

Governmental and Regulatory.

All of these reference points – WIA, BLS, and O*NET – provide a broad
framework for defining green jobs. Applicants may use any or all of these definitions in
identifying the green occupations in which they propose to provide training.
Applicants may also propose their own definition of green jobs if they can support their
definition with evidence.

C. Workforce Programs
The Department is committed to funding projects that integrate evidence-based
activities into education and training programs (Please see Attachment B for examples
of related research). This SGA will support projects that utilize at least one of the
following evidence-based programs, described below in more detail: 1) forging linkages
between Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and/or 2)
delivering integrated basic skills and occupational training through community-based
organizations. Whether applicants use one or both of these programs, they must
propose budgets commensurate with the proposed project design. ETA is interested in
funding projects that build on existing programs (e.g., those programs that are already
established and serving workers and that build on existing public, private and
philanthropic funding streams) which move participants into and along a green career
pathway. Lead applicants must serve as the central organization to develop or

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coordinate the proposed project and convene any relevant partners, and must deliver
services through local affiliates in at least six communities.

1. Forging Linkages Between Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship
Programs
Registered Apprenticeship is an effective “earn and learn” model with a long
history of providing career ladders and pathways to the middle class particularly for
the building and construction industry. ETA is interested in applications that bring
together quality pre-apprenticeship programs with innovative Registered
Apprenticeship programs as two critical components of a career pathway model that
can expand employment opportunities for under-represented populations in green
industry sectors (see Section III.D.1 for more information on participants eligible to
receive training).
For purposes of this SGA, applicants must include both pre-apprenticeship and
Registered Apprenticeship program models that meet the quality factors outlined in
this section. At a minimum, pre-apprenticeship is defined as a program or set of
services designed to expand opportunities for disadvantaged, low-skilled and/or
under-represented populations to meet entry requirements for Registered
Apprenticeship programs. Based on analysis of existing Registered Apprenticeship and
pre-apprenticeship programs, additional stakeholder consultations, and other
innovative Registered Apprenticeship initiatives, ETA may continue to develop and

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refine its approach to quality elements for pre-apprenticeship programs and will work
with grantees to implement these additional elements.
Pre-apprenticeship programs funded through this SGA will be required to
adhere to the following five quality elements that ETA has developed through
consultation with a range of stakeholders. For the purposes of this SGA, these elements
include:
•

A documented existing partnership with at least one Registered

Apprenticeship program sponsor;
•

Training and curriculum, approved by a Registered Apprenticeship program

sponsor, that will give participants the skills and competencies needed to enter the
Registered Apprenticeship program;
•

Formalized agreements with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors that enable

individuals who have successfully completed the pre-apprenticeship program to
directly enter into a Registered Apprenticeship program (including the opportunity for
advanced credit for skills and competencies already acquired);
•

A range of training services that prepare individuals for entry into a

Registered Apprenticeship program or entry-level employment (e.g., specific career and
industry awareness training, job readiness, and math skills); and
•

Supportive services (see Section IV.F.8).for the duration of the pre-

apprenticeship and a significant portion of the Registered Apprenticeship program.

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For the purposes of this SGA, innovative Registered Apprenticeship programs
are defined to include programs that incorporate at least four of the following six
features:
•

Development or use of new or modified apprenticeship program standards or

guideline standards that use competency-based or hybrid training models;
•

Use of interim credentials;

•

Adoption and use of technology–based learning strategies;

•

Partnerships with the public workforce system particularly related to the

recruitment of eligible participants into Registered Apprenticeships.
•

Partnerships with post-secondary education systems that allow apprentices to

earn college credit during their apprenticeship;
•

Partnerships with community-based organizations that have demonstrated

experience in providing quality pre-apprenticeship programs; and,

2. Integrating the Delivery of Technical and Basic Skills Training Through CommunityBased Partnerships
Community-based organizations are key providers of basic skills training,
technical skills training, supportive services, and workforce development services in
communities across the country. The current economic downturn has impacted
individuals in communities throughout the United States and has left many workers
seeking to transition into new industries and new careers. These individuals may lack
basic literacy and job readiness skills and may face other barriers to employment, such
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as the need for childcare or transportation. In order to succeed, these individuals need
to acquire the basic skills that will provide the foundation for their employability, learn
entry-level technical skills, and gain access to support systems that allow them to meet
the needs of their families while they concentrate on gaining new skills and
competencies. Community-based organizations are the key to bringing all of the
necessary resources together within a local community to better serve their participants.
Community-based organizations understand the importance of leveraging resources,
engaging employers to better understand their workforce needs and secure
employment for their participants, and providing comprehensive supportive services in
a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate, and to the extent legally
allowed, for the workers and training participants. ETA is interested in funding
projects that build on existing community-based training programs and partnerships
that are already established and serving workers through an integrated delivery of
technical and basic skills training.
Community-based partnership programs funded through this SGA will be
required to adhere to one critical quality element which is to integrate the delivery of
technical and basic skills training, which is a required element for the program. The
development of basic skills training in isolation is not encouraged, as existing training is
readily available; therefore, the development of basic skills training with grant funds is
only appropriate if existing basic skills training does not meet the needs of the eligible
participants to be served.

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For the purposes of this SGA, innovative community-based partnerships must
incorporate at least five of the six following features into their program design:
•

Development and/or delivery of new or improved curricula, including

contextualized learning, distance learning, and customized training;
•

Initial assessment of skill levels, aptitudes, abilities, competencies, and

supportive service needs;
•

Comprehensive case management services and retention strategies;

•

Supportive services that will allow individuals to participate in grant

activities;
•

Job search and placement assistance, as well as career counseling; and,

•

Outreach to prospective participants and businesses.

Section II. Award Information
A. Award Amount
DOL intends to award up to $40 million in grant funds to eligible applicants as
described in Section III.A of the SGA. Individual grant awards will range from $5 million
to $8 million, and DOL intends to fund approximately five to eight grants. ETA will
consider any grant request exceeding $8 million or lower than $5 million as nonresponsive, and such applicants will not be considered for funding. Organizations may
either apply directly to this SGA or serve as a partner organization but they may not do
both. Applicants that submit more than one application, either as the lead organization
or as a partner, will be deemed non-responsive and none of their applications will be
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considered for funding. It is ETA’s intent that no organization will be funded more than
once under this SGA. In the event additional funds become available, ETA reserves the
right to use such funds to select additional grantees from applications submitted in
response to this solicitation.

B. Period of Performance
The period of grant performance for these awards will be up to 36 months. This
performance period includes all necessary implementation and start-up activities.
Applicants should plan to fully expend grant funds during the period of performance
while ensuring full transparency and accountability for all expenditures. DOL expects
that the grant start date will be July 1, 2011, and start-up activities, such as hiring
appropriate program staff, curriculum modification or development, and specialized
equipment purchases, will begin immediately. The Department also expects that
education and training activities will begin expeditiously, but no later than January
2012. We strongly encourage grantees to develop their project work plans and timelines
accordingly.

Section III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
These funds are available to applicants with existing career training programs,
including pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs. DOL intends

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to award large grants to national and statewide organizations with local affiliates in at
least six communities per grant to ensure a broad variety of projects and broad
geographic distribution across the country. For purposes of this SGA, a community will
be defined using all or part of the applicant’s existing service areas for each of the local
affiliates participating in the training programs. It is anticipated that these service areas
will represent a single geographic area such as a neighborhood, city, or county, and the
six communities should not overlap. Eligible applicants must apply under one of three
categories and state the eligibility in the abstract: 1) national labor-management
organizations with local affiliates; 2) national non-profit organizations with local
affiliates; or 3) statewide non-profit organizations or state Workforce Investment Act
administering agencies with local affiliates. Applicants from any of the three pools
must propose training programs that operate in at least six locations. The Department
strongly encourages applicants to stretch their reach and resources to serve as many
sites and individuals as practical within the project design. Applicants under all three
categories should note the partnership requirements in Section III.C.

1. National Labor-Management Organizations with Local Affiliates
A national labor-management organization, such as a non-profit training fund,
training trust fund, or an education trust fund, with joint participation of employers
and labor organizations on its executive board or comparable governing body, may
apply under this category. This entity must have a formalized agreement between the
employer(s) and labor organization(s) to operate a joint labor-management training

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program(s) in multiple sites across the country through the State, local, or regional
affiliates associated with the labor-management organization. The national labormanagement organization is the lead applicant. However, if the national labormanagement organization is not a separate legal entity, the labor organization is the
eligible applicant. Applicants under this category must demonstrate that they have the
capacity to work in a variety of communities in more than one state.

2. National Non-Profit Organizations with Local Affiliates
Eligible applicants under this category are national or multi-state non-profit
organizations that deliver services through local affiliates, coalition members, or other
established partners. Applicants under this category must demonstrate that they have
the capacity to work in a variety of communities in more than one state.

3. Statewide Non-profit or State Workforce Investment Act Administering Agency with
Local Affiliates
Eligible applicants under this category are statewide non-profit organizations or
state Workforce Investment Act administering agencies that deliver services through
local affiliates, coalition members, or other established partners. For the purposes of
this SGA, the term “State” means each of the 50 States of the United States, the District
of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Applicants under this category must demonstrate
that they have the capacity to work in a variety of communities within one state.

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B. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing or matching funds are not required as a condition for application,
but leveraging other resources is strongly encouraged.

C. Other Eligibility Criteria
1. Required Partnerships
Applicants are required to partner with organizations in both partnership
categories – employer(s) or industry organization(s) and invested partner(s). Through
strong and diverse partnerships, projects can maximize participants’ opportunities for
training and employment in green industry sectors and occupations. Eligible applicants
must include the following organizations in their application:
i. Required Employer(s) or Industry Organization(s)
Eligible applicants must involve at least one employer or industry organization
in each of the proposed communities to be served. The employer or industry
organization must be actively engaged in the project in one or more of the following
ways: defining the program goals and activities, identifying necessary skills and
competencies, providing resources to support education/training (such as equipment,
instructors, funding, internships, or other work-based learning activities), providing
assistance with program design, and, where appropriate, hiring qualified participants
who complete grant-funded education and training programs based on real job
projections (see Section V.A.1.i). While only one employer or industry organization is
required in each community to be served, the Department strongly encourages

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applicants to collaborate with multiple employers within the targeted industry sector(s),
ensuring that program graduates will be prepared with the skills and credentials
needed by green industry employers in the applicant’s proposed communities and will
have a greater chance of obtaining employment following program completion. ETA is
particularly interested in applicants that partner with small businesses since they
represent new opportunities for green employment.
ii. Required Invested Partner(s)
Applicants must include at least one active partner that contributes resources,
products, models, and/or tools funded through other sources. These funding sources
may include the private sector; public or private philanthropic sources; Federal, state,
and local government programs (including Recovery Act initiatives); or other DOL
investments such as Community-Based Job Training grants, Recovery Act grants, and
other Workforce Investment Act funds. In addition, applicants may include recipients
of funding from other Federal agencies that are contributing experience and/or
resources – both existing and new – to the project, including Department of Energy,
Environmental Protection Agency, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban
Development, Department of Education, Department of Commerce, and other Federal
agencies (see Section V.A.2.i in the Evaluation Criteria).

2. Other Partnerships or Consultations
In addition to the required partners, eligible applicants are strongly encouraged
to partner or consult with the public workforce system (e.g., Local Workforce

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Investment Boards, One-Stop Career Centers, or State agencies that administer the
public workforce system) in developing their application and during grant
implementation. Applicants may engage the system in one or more of the following
ways: identifying, assessing, and referring candidates for training; connecting workers
with employers; providing support services for qualified individuals, where
appropriate; and, providing current green sector labor market information and data.

3. Grant Recipient Training
Grant recipients are required to participate in all ETA training activities related to
orientation, financial management and reporting, performance reporting, product
dissemination, and other technical assistance training during the life of the grant. These
trainings may occur via conference calls, through virtual events such as webinars, and inperson meetings. Applicants should budget to attend two in-person training events in
Washington, D.C. during the life of the grant.

4. Transparency
The Department is committed to conducting a transparent grant award process
and publicizing information about program outcomes. Applicants are advised their
application and information related to its review and evaluation (whether or not the
application is successful) may be made publicly available, either fully or partially. In
addition, information about grant progress and results may also be made publicly
available.

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5. Third-Party Review of Grant Deliverables
Successful applicants must identify independent, third-party subject matter
experts to conduct reviews of the deliverables produced through the grant. Applicants
must allot funds in their budget for the independent review of their deliverables by
subject matter experts. Subject matter experts are individuals with demonstrated
experience in developing and/or implementing similar deliverables. These experts could
include applicants’ peers, such as representatives from neighboring education and
training providers. The applicant must provide ETA with the results of the review and
the qualifications of the reviewer(s) at the time the deliverable is provided to ETA. ETA
reserves the right to review the deliverable and the accompanying review at the time of
submission and request changes and/or a new review to ensure that the deliverables and
reviews are appropriate for broad dissemination through a variety of media, and the
products are useful and error-free so that others may easily replicate or adopt existing
products.

D. Eligible Participants
1. Participants Eligible to Receive Training
The intent of this SGA is to fund projects that provide education and training
services to individuals to help them pursue or advance in full-time employment within
the grant period of performance. Applicants must propose projects that primarily focus
on providing services to workers in one or more of the following targeted categories:

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unemployed workers, dislocated workers, and incumbent workers. Within these
categories, grantees may serve a wide range of individuals, such as individuals
receiving public assistance, high school dropouts, new entrants to the workforce,
individuals with disabilities, veterans, Indians and Native Americans, and individuals
with Limited English Proficiency. Eligible participants must be at least 16 years of age.
If participants are 16-18 years of age, then they must be high school dropouts or out of
school youth, as provided in 20 CFR 664.300 and 664.310. Currently enrolled high
school students are not eligible participants under this SGA. Applicants who propose
innovative Registered Apprenticeship programs must make every effort to recruit
women and minorities, with the ultimate goal of increasing diversity. These three
targeted categories of workers are defined as follows:
i. Unemployed workers
For the purposes of this SGA, ETA defines “unemployed worker” as an
individual who is without a job and who wants and is available to work. This can
include the long-term unemployed, i.e., individuals who have been unemployed for six
months or more, and individuals who have dropped out of school and are seeking their
first full-time job as a new entrant into the workforce.
ii. Dislocated workers
For the purposes of this SGA, ETA defines “dislocated worker” as an individual
who has been terminated or laid-off or has received a notice of termination or lay-off
from employment; or was self-employed but are now unemployed.
iii. Incumbent workers

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For the purposes of this SGA, ETA defines “incumbent worker” as an individual
who is employed but needs training to secure full-time employment, advance in their
career, or retain their current occupation. This includes low-wage and medium-wage
workers who need to upgrade their skills to retain employment or advance in their
careers, and workers who are underemployed or currently working part-time.

2. Veterans Priority for Participants
The Jobs for Veterans Act (Public Law 107-288) requires grantees to provide
priority of service for 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 1010. In circumstances where a grant recipient
must choose between two qualified candidates for a service, 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 first providing him or
her that service. To obtain priority of service, a veteran or spouse must meet the
program’s eligibility requirements. Grantees must comply with DOL guidance on
veterans’ priority. ETA’s 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.

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Section IV. Application and Submission Information
A. How to Obtain an Application Package
This SGA contains all of the information and links to forms needed to apply for
grant funding.
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
Proposals submitted in response to this SGA must consist of three separate and
distinct parts: (I) a cost proposal; (II) a technical proposal; and (III) attachments to the
technical proposal. Applications that do not contain all of the three parts or that fail to
adhere to the instructions in this section will be deemed non-responsive and will not be
considered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the funding amount
requested is consistent across all parts and sub-parts of the application.

Part I. The Cost Proposal. The Cost Proposal must include the following items:
•

SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance” (available at

http://www07.grants.gov/agencies/forms_repository_information.jsp). The SF-424
must clearly identify the applicant and must 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. All applicants for Federal grant and funding opportunities are
required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S®) number, and must
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supply their D-U-N-S® Number on the SF-424. The D-U-N-S® Number is a nine-digit
identification number that uniquely identifies business entities. If you do not have a DU-N-S® Number, you can get one for free through the D&B website:
http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do.
•

The SF-424A Budget Information Form (available at

http://www07.grants.gov/agencies/forms_repository_information.jsp). In preparing
the Budget Information Form, the applicant must provide a concise narrative
explanation to support the budget request, explained in detail below.
•

Budget Narrative: The budget narrative must provide a description of

costs associated with each line item on the SF-424A. It should also include a description
of leveraged resources provided (as applicable) to support grant activities.
•

Note that the entire Federal grant amount requested (not just one year)

must be included on the SF-424 and SF-424A and budget narrative. No leveraged
resources should be shown on the SF-424 and SF-424A. The amount listed on the SF424, SF-424A and budget narrative must be the same. Please note, the funding amount
included on the SF-424 will be considered the official funding amount requested if any
inconsistencies are found. Applications that fail to provide an SF-424 including D-U-NS® Number, SF-424A, and a budget narrative will be considered non-responsive and
not reviewed.
•

Regardless of the method of application submission, all applicants must

register with the Federal Central Contractor Registry (CCR) before submitting an
application. Step-by-step instructions for registering with CCR can be found at
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http://www.grants.gov/applicants/org_step2.jsp. An awardee must maintain an
active CCR registration with current information at all times during which it has an
active Federal award or an application under consideration. To remain registered in
the CCR database after the initial registration, the applicant is required to review and
update on an annual basis from the date of initial registration or subsequent updates its
information in the CCR database to ensure it is current, accurate and complete. For
purposes of this paragraph, the applicant is the entity that meets the eligibility criteria
and has the legal authority to apply and to receive the award. Failure to register with
the CCR before application submission will result in your application being found nonresponsive and not being reviewed.

Part II. The Technical Proposal. The Technical Proposal must demonstrate the
applicant’s capability to implement the grant project in accordance with the provisions
of this Solicitation. The guidelines for the content of the Technical Proposal are
provided in Section V of this SGA. The Technical Proposal is limited to 25 doublespaced single-sided 8.5 x 11 inch pages with 12 point text font and 1 inch margins. Any
materials beyond the specified page limit will not be read. 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 and not reviewed.

Part III. Attachments to the Technical Proposal. In addition to the Technical Proposal,
the applicant must submit the following attachments:

25

a) The applicant must provide an Abstract, not to exceed two pages, which will
serve as a summary of the grant and will be shared publicly, and which
includes the following sections: 1) the applicant’s name and a clear
designation of the eligibility category (identified in Section III.A) the
applicant is applying under; 2) the applicant’s city/state; 3) a list of at least six
proposed communities to be served by the applicant; 4) the project name; 5)
the funding level requested; 6) a brief description of the overall proposed
project; 7) the targeted industry(ies) and/or occupations and related
credentials; 8) the populations to be served; 9) the required employers and
invested partner(s) and; 10) public contact information where grantee wants
public inquires to be addressed (may be an email, website, or phone number).
b) Each applicant must submit one signed letter of commitment from each
community that includes signatures from the employer(s)/industry
organization(s) and the invested partners(s) as required in Section III.C.1 of
the SGA . The letter must confirm the commitment of each required partner
to fulfill their responsibilities during the life of the grant as outlined in the
project work plan which is part of the technical proposal (see Section
V.A.2.ii). The letters of commitment should not reiterate the activities and
other details of the work plan. Each applicant must submit at least six
commitment letters representing each community in the proposal.

26

c) For non-profit applicants, a copy of the most recent (not older than 18
months) IRS Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax
(without attachments or schedules).
Applications that do not include these required attachments will be considered
non-responsive and will not be reviewed.
Only those attachments listed above as required attachments will be excluded
from the page limit. The required attachments must be affixed as separate, clearly
identified appendices to the application. Additional materials such as résumé or
general letters of support or commitment will not be considered.
Applicants should not send documents separately to ETA, because documents
received separately will be tracked through a different system and will not be attached
to the application for review. ETA will not accept general letters of support submitted
by organizations or individuals that are not partners in the proposed project and that do
not directly identify the specific commitment or roles of the project partners. Support
letters of this nature will not be considered in the evaluation review process.

C. Submission Date, Times, Process and Addresses
The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is [insert
date 30 days after date of publication in Federal Register]. Applications may be
submitted electronically on http://www.grants.gov or in hard copy by mail or hand
delivery (including overnight delivery). Hard copy applications must be received at

27

the address below no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications submitted on
grants.gov must also be successfully submitted (as described below) no later than 4:00
p.m. Eastern Time. Applications sent by e-mail, telegram, or facsimile (FAX) will not be
accepted.
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). If discrepancies between the hard
copy submission and CD copy are identified, the application on the CD will be
considered the official applicant submission for evaluation purposes. Failure to provide
identical applications in hard copy and CD format may have an impact on the overall
evaluation.
If an application is physically submitted by both hard copy and through
http://www.grants.gov a letter must accompany the hard copy application stating
which application to review. If no letter accompanies the hard copy, we will review the
copy submitted through http://www.grants.gov.
Applications that do not meet the conditions set forth in this notice will be
considered non-responsive. No exceptions to the mailing and delivery requirements set
forth in this notice will be granted. Further, documents submitted separately from the
application, before or after the deadline, will not be accepted as part of the application.
Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of Labor,

28

Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal Assistance, Attention:
Donna Kelly, Grant Officer, Reference SGA/DFA PY 10-07, 200 Constitution Avenue,
NW, Room N4716, Washington, DC 20210. Applicants are advised that mail delivery in
the Washington area may be delayed due to mail decontamination procedures. Handdelivered 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.
Applications that are submitted through Grants.gov must be successfully
submitted at http://www.grants.gov no later than 4:00 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 the applicant begins 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 much 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

29

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.
As described above, applicants must have a D–U–N–S® Number and must
register with the Federal Central Contractor Registry (CCR).
The next step in the registration process is creating a username and password
with Grants.gov to become an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR). AORs
will need to know the D-U-N-S® 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 email to grant the AOR permission to submit applications on behalf of their
organization. The E-Biz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and approve an applicant as
the AOR, thereby giving him or her permission 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

30

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 email messages to provide the
status of the application’s progress through the system. The first email, sent almost
immediately, will contain a tracking number and will confirm receipt of the application
by Grants.gov. The second email will indicate the application has either been
successfully validated or has been 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, additional 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.

31

To ensure consideration, the components of the application must be saved as
.doc, .xls or .pdf files. If submitted in any other format, the applicant bears the risk that
compatibility or other issues will prevent us from considering the application. ETA will
attempt to open the document but will not take any additional measures in the event of
problems with opening. In such cases, the non-conforming application will not be
considered for funding.
We strongly advise applicants to use the various tools and documents, including
FAQs, which are available on the “Applicant Resources” page at
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/resources.jsp.
ETA encourages new prospective 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.
This toolkit provides applicants with an interactive, self-paced overview of ETA’s grant
making and evaluation processes. The toolkit also includes a tutorial on the grant
application process, an annotated sample SGA, and helpful resources and tips to help
applicants develop their applications.
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 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

32

Representative or email “[email protected]”. The Contact Center is open 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. It is closed on federal holidays.
Late Applications: For applications submitted on Grants.gov, only applications
that have been successfully submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the
closing date and then successfully validated will be considered. Applicants take a
significant risk by waiting to the last day to submit by Grants.gov.
Any hard copy application received after the exact date and time specified for
receipt at the office designated in this notice will not be considered, unless it is received
before awards are made, it was properly addressed, and it was: (a) sent by U.S. Postal
Service mail, postmarked not later than the fifth calendar day before the date specified
for receipt of applications (e.g., an application required to be received by the 20th of the
month must be postmarked by the 15th of that month); or (b) sent by professional
overnight delivery service to the addressee not later than one working day 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. Failure to adhere to these instructions will be a basis
for a determination that the application was not filed timely and will not be considered.
Evidence of timely submission by a professional overnight delivery service must be
demonstrated by equally reliable evidence created by the delivery service provider

33

indicating the time and place of receipt.

D. Intergovernmental Review
This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
“Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

E. Allowable Activities
Allowable activities under this SGA are activities that support the
implementation of the two programs 1) Forging Linkages between Registered
Apprenticeship and Pre-apprenticeship, and 2) Integrating the Delivery of Technical
and Basic Skills Training through Community-Based Partnerships as identified in
Section I.C. Some of the activities lend themselves more easily to one strategy than the
other and applicants should fully discuss their rationale for selecting activities as
referenced in Section V.A.2 including:
•

Development and/or delivery of new or improved curricula, including

contextualized learning, distance learning, and customized training;
•

Development and implementation of innovative Registered Apprenticeship

and pre-apprenticeship programs;
•

Paid or unpaid work experience, paid internships, and on-the-job training

activities that lead to permanent employment (see Sections IV.F.6 and 7 for more
information);
•

Accrediting employer- and/or industry-recognized credentials;

34

•

Program development activities such as using subject matter experts from

industry, education, and other areas to assist in curriculum design including third party
review of deliverables;
•

Developing and implementing articulation agreements with universities and

other educational partners, as well as high schools (career and technical);
•

Leasing space that is used for education and training and related activities,

altering facilities that are used for education and training and related activities;
•

Initial assessment of skill levels, aptitudes, abilities, competencies, and

supportive service needs;
•

Comprehensive case management services and retention strategies;

•

Supportive services that will allow individuals to participate in grant

activities (see Section IV.F.8);
•

Basic skills training, such as adult basic education, English as a Second

Language (ESL), and job readiness training. ETA is interested in programs that
integrate basic skills training with technical skills training. Development of basic skills
training in isolation is not encouraged, as existing training is readily available.
Development of basic skills training with grant funds is only appropriate if existing
basic skills training does not meet the needs of the eligible participants to be served;
•

Job search and placement assistance, as well as career counseling;

•

Professional development and training for qualified instructors, if they are

directly related to grant-funded training;
•

Updating or replicating existing industry-recognized curriculum to support
35

direct education/training provided through the grant.
Grants funded under this SGA may produce tangible products and deliverables,
such as updates to existing curriculum. Curriculum development, modification, or
expansion are only appropriate if new curriculum is essential to support direct
education/training activities provided through this grant and is necessary to support
grant activities. The Department expects that applicants will ensure that newly
developed curriculum meets employer skill requirements.
Activities that are not directly related to the development, expansion, or
improvement of green career pathways or education/training activities are not
allowable activities under this grant.
Applicants should refer to Section VI of the SGA for a list of relevant OMB
Circulars related to cost principles, administrative and other requirements that apply to
this Solicitation.

F. Funding Restrictions
All proposal costs must be necessary and reasonable and in accordance with
Federal guidelines. 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.
Applicants, whether successful or not, will not be entitled to reimbursement of
pre-award costs.

36

1. Indirect Costs
As specified in OMB Circular Cost Principles, indirect costs are those that have
been incurred for common or joint objectives and cannot be readily identified with a
particular final cost objective. An indirect cost rate (ICR) is required when an
organization operates under more than one grant or other activity, whether Federallyassisted or not. Organizations must use the ICR supplied by the Federal Cognizant
Agency. If an organization requires a new ICR or has a pending ICR, the Grant Officer
will award a temporary billing rate for 90 days until a provisional rate can be issued.
This rate is based on the fact that an organization has not established an ICR agreement.
Within this 90-day period, the organization must submit an acceptable indirect cost
proposal to their Federal Cognizant Agency to obtain a provisional ICR.

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. However, they must be tracked through the grantee’s accounting
system. To claim any administrative costs that are also indirect costs, the applicant
must obtain an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement from its Federal Cognizant agency, as

37

specified above.

3. Equipment Costs
As with all costs charged to the grant, the costs of equipment must meet the
standards in the applicable Federal cost principles, including that the costs are
reasonable and necessary to achieve grant outcomes. While grant funds may be used to
purchase equipment that is used for training and education activities provided through
the proposed project, applicants are strongly encouraged to use leveraged resources to
support these costs to maximize the use of their grant funds for program specific
activities.
4. 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 Administration” that are
available for expenditure on or after June 15, 2006, may 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, except as provided for in
section 101 of Public Law 109-149. Public Laws 111-8 and 111-117 contain the same
limitation on funds appropriated under each of these Laws. This limitation applies 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

38

further clarification: http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2262.

5. 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 are limited to the developer/seller costs of copying and shipping. If
revenues are generated through selling products developed with grant funds, including
intellectual property, these revenues are program income. Program income is added to
the grant and must be expended for allowable grant activities.
If applicable, 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 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

39

Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any
kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information
on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its
completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.
This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an
organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is
permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.”

6. Paid Work Experience and Paid Internships
Organizations that receive grants through this SGA may not use grant funds to
pay for the wages of participants except as specified in this subsection. Grantees may
use grant funds to pay wages to participants in only two specific activities: paid work
experience and paid internships. Under the WIA regulations, work experience is
defined as a planned, structured learning experience that takes place in a workplace for
a limited period of time. Internships are listed as an allowable activity in the WIA
regulations. Additional information on work experience and internships, both paid and
unpaid, is available under the WIA regulations under the Intensive Services section at
20 CFR 663.200(a) and (b). Under WIA, labor standards apply in any work experience
where an employee/employer relationship, as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act
(FLSA), exists. For more information on the FLSA, applicants may visit
http://www.dol.gov/whd/.
A work experience or internship supports training, but is not a training activity

40

under WIA. Therefore, applicants should describe how the internship is connected to
and supports the education and training activities included in the grant. Because there
is no formal definition for internship programs in WIA, grantees have flexibility in the
design and implementation of these programs; however the internship must meet the
following parameters:
•

Provide an individual with monitored or supervised work or service

experience in his or her expected career field where the individual has intentional
learning goals and reflects actively on what he or she is learning throughout the
experience. These learning goals can include: academic learning, career development,
and skill development;
•

Are part of structured programs where the grantee established the criteria for

determining who will participate in these programs;
•

Are for a set period of time that is generally limited in duration;

•

Support the attainment of credentials in the individual’s expected career field

(where such credentials exist);
•

Relate to training provided through the grant, and help participants prepare

for the employment opportunities on which the grant focuses; and
•

May or may not carry an offer of regular employment upon successful

completion of the internship.

7. On-the-Job Training
For grants with ETA, On-the-Job Training (OJT) is a specific term defined at WIA
41

section 101(31). OJT is provided under a contract with an employer in the public,
private-nonprofit, or private sector. Through the OJT contract, occupational training is
provided for the grant participant in exchange for the reimbursement to the employer
of up to 50 percent of the wage rate to compensate for the employer’s extraordinary
costs of training the individual. The employer pays wages to the participant. The WIA
regulations specifically prohibit grant funds form being spent on payment of wages of
incumbent employees per section 667.264. For complete information on specific WIA
parameters for OJT, please refer to WIA regulations 20 CFR 663.700 – 663.710, as well as
20 CFR 663.730. Applicants should note that should their application be accepted, their
proposal will become their statement of work, and if they include the term “On-the-Job
Training” or OJT in their proposal and/or budget they will be required to follow the
parameters for OJT included in the WIA regulations. Applicants which propose OJT as
an activity will be required to provide OJT as required in the WIA regulations, except
that the grantee will perform the functions of the local WIB under 663.705(c).

8. Use of Funds for Supportive Services
Supportive services for adults and dislocated workers are defined at WIA
Sections 101(46) and 134(e)(2). They include services such as transportation, child care,
dependent care, and housing that are necessary to enable an individual to participate in
education and training activities funded through this grant. Further, under WIA
Section 134(e)(3), supportive services can include needs-related payments (NRPs) that
are necessary to enable individuals to participate in training activities funded through

42

this grant. Supportive services activities may include, but are not limited to, provision
of the actual supportive service (i.e. childcare); providing participants with a voucher
for the service (i.e. public transportation cards or tokens); or providing a stipend
directly to the participant. Applicants should note that where stipends for supportive
services are provided, the stipend amount must be for costs of a specific supportive
service (i.e. childcare), rather than simply based on an unidentified need.
For the purposes of this SGA, grantees may use up to ten percent (10%) of grant
funds to provide supportive services only to individuals in either program who are
participating in education and training activities provided through the grant when: 1)
they are unable to obtain such services through other programs, and 2) such services are
necessary to enable individuals to participate in education and training activities under
the grant. Grantees may establish limits on the provision of supportive services or
provide their subrecipients with the authority to establish such limits, including a
maximum amount of funding and maximum length of time for supportive services to
be available to participants. Grantees must ensure that their use of grant funds on
supportive services is consistent with their organization’s established written policy on
the provision of supportive services and relevant WIA regulations. Additionally, ETA
encourages grantees to leverage other sources of funding for supportive services,
including WIA Adult formula funds. WIA regulations 663.800, 663.805, 663.810,
663.825(a)(2) and 663.840 do not apply to these grants.

G. Other Submission Requirements

43

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

Section V. Application Review Information
A. Evaluation Criteria
This section identifies and describes the criteria that will be used for each
category to evaluate grant proposals. The evaluation criteria are described below:
Criterion

Points

1.

Statement of Need

30

2.

Overview of the Program, Project

50

Work Plan, Project Management and
Sustainability
Outcomes

3.

TOTAL

20
100

1. Statement of Need (30 points)
In this section, applicants must: i) demonstrate the need for the proposed
training program in at least six communities, and ii) describe the steps and gaps along
the career pathway the training program addresses.
i.

Demonstrate Need for Proposed Training Program (20 points)
Applicants should use data from a wide variety of traditional resources (e.g., BLS

reports and state labor market surveys) and non-traditional information sources

44

including consultation with industry associations, or tracking private sector and
government infrastructure investments, building permits, job postings, and business
hiring trends to demonstrate the need for the training program within the targeted
communities. Applicants should partner with employer(s) that have a strong
commitment to hiring training participants based on real job projections. Applicants
must use the green jobs framework provided in Section I.A to define the green jobs in
which they propose to provide training. Applicants must fully describe the industries
and occupations they are targeting and justify the focus on those particular industries
and occupations. Applicants may use any or all of these definitions in identifying the
green occupations in which they propose to provide training. Applicants may also
propose their own definition of green jobs if they can support their definition with
evidence.
Applicants must describe the training needs of the eligible participants in the
communities they propose to serve in the project.
Applicants may already be a part of a regional innovation cluster which is a
geographic concentration of firms, industries, and supporting organizations (including,
but not limited to, Federal, state and local government, labor organizations, venture
capitalists, private banks, workforce investment boards, community organizations, and
community colleges and universities) in a region that does business with each other and
have common needs for talent, technology, and infrastructure. By integrating
employment and training programs into collaborative regional economic development

45

strategies and aligning with key economic development investments, programs can
ensure that workers are being prepared for growth industries in the regional economy.
It is ultimately incumbent upon the applicant to define green jobs and skills
within the context of their regional and local labor market and workforce.
Scoring under this criterion will be based on the extent to which applicants in
each community proposed to be served demonstrate strong evidence and
understanding of:
•

The specific green industries and occupations targeted by the project, and

logical explanation of how the targeted industry(ies) meet the requirements of this SGA;
•

A clear understanding of the current and projected demand for employment,

as demonstrated by relevant labor market information and job projection data (from
DOL, State workforce agencies, employers, and other relevant sources);
•

A clear understanding of the knowledge, competencies, and

degrees/certificates required of workers in the targeted industries or occupations; and
•

The needed credentials, skills and competencies participants in the programs

can reasonably expect to attain.
•

The industries and/or occupations in which the eligible participants are or

were employed;
•

The current level of skills and educational attainment of the eligible

participants;
•

The additional barriers that eligible participants may face and corresponding

service needs; and,
46

•

If applicable, applicants should describe the regional cluster they are working

within and the sectors currently targeted. In addition, they should describe how this
work enhances the understanding of the local community labor market and workforce.

ii. Steps and Gaps in Career Pathways (10 points)
Career pathways are clear sequences of coursework and credentials that help
individuals, of varying skill levels, earn credentials valued by employers, enter
rewarding careers in in-demand occupations, and advance to increasingly higher levels
of education and employment. Career pathways help workers enter or advance within
a specific sector or occupational field, regardless of their skills at the point of entry.
Scoring under this criterion will be based on the extent to which applicants:
•

Clearly describe the specific education and training offerings that need to be

enhanced within their green career pathways, including the occupational focus of the
offerings, requirements to enter this type of education and training, the need for
additional instructors and infrastructure, the need for specialized equipment, the
credential that participants will receive if they successfully complete this education and
training, and the standards on which the credential(s) is based;
•

Clearly describe the assessments, participant services and tools (such as

individual career planning tools) to support participants in completing the current
education and training program and transitioning from one step of a career pathway to
the next;
•

Clearly describe the role of employers, and other appropriate organizations,
47

in the development and implementation of the existing career pathway;
•

The applicant must include a graphic display of the entire proposed career

pathway. This documentation must depict the proposed career pathway and show
multiple entry and exit points along the career pathway, and the points where
credential attainment is expected, including gaps along the pathway. The graphic
should be included within the body of the proposal and counts against the 25 page
limit.

2. Overview of the Program, Project Work Plan, Project Management and Sustainability
(50 points)
The applicant must provide a complete and clear explanation of its i) proposed
program and activities; ii) project work plan; and, iii) project management and
sustainability plans.
i. Overview of Proposed Program and Activities (25 points)
The Department is interested in funding projects in which other resources are
invested and partnerships are forged to ensure that the work begins as quickly as
possible and supports the continuation of a successful project (see Section III.C.1). For
instance, Federal programs in education, employment, income support, and social
services can be aligned and leveraged to support workers in green jobs training
programs and as they move along career pathways.
Applicants must provide an overview of the proposed training programs and
present the strongest evidence available for their particular program design or strategy

48

and also discuss any existing evidence that is mixed or negative.
Scoring under this criterion will be based on the extent to which applicants:
•

Clearly identify the program(s) to be implemented by the proposed applicant

(which are identified in Section I.C of the SGA). Applicants must address the quality
factors (i.e., discuss the five quality factors for pre-apprenticeship and the 5 out of 7
quality factors for Registered Apprenticeship; and discuss the one quality factor and the
4 out of 5 features for the integrated delivery of technical and basic skills training
through community-based partnerships) for each program proposed (see those
identified in Section I.B of the SGA);
•

Clearly describe the applicant’s existing career training program, including

an overview of the project design, key accomplishments, and outcomes. Applicants
must also discuss how GJIF grant funds will be used to develop and/or improve the
career pathway(s) for the existing training program;
•

Clearly describe how the project will use the resources of the Invested

Partner(s) (see requirements in Section III.C.1.ii), which could be Federal agencies and
other organizations already working in the energy efficiency and renewable energy
areas, and provide support for the applicant’s proposed program; and,
•

Clearly indicate whether or not the project will replicate evidence-based

programs or activities supported by research findings. Applicants proposing to
replicate evidence-based programs or activities should cite evidence from prior research
to support the fact that the proposed program or activity has had a positive impact on
employment outcomes. Applicants must include evidence citations as footnotes in
49

response to this evaluation criterion along with Web links to the location of the cited
study or report. If no strong or moderate evidence exists or an applicant is proposing a
new program or activity, the applicant should present research findings or reasonable
hypotheses that the program or activity would lead to improved education and
employment outcomes, citing related research, theories, or logic models from
education, training or other sectors. Applicants should cite existing state and local
public policies which have proven or are expected to increase employment of a local
and diverse workforce.

ii. Project Work Plan (20 points)
The applicant must present a comprehensive project work plan that begins
immediately upon grant award. The plan should follow the format described in this
section and align to the proposed program description provided in response to Section
V.A.2.i of this SGA. Points will be awarded based on how well the program meets the
needs described in Section V.A.1, not on the number of activities proposed. Applicants
must present a work plan narrative and a comprehensive table (see Attachment A) that
is included in the technical proposal (not in the attachments to the technical proposal)
which outlines:
•

Activities: The applicant must identify the specific activities that will be

funded through the grant, including a specific description of how third-party reviews of
grant deliverables will be implemented;

50

•

Implementer(s): For each activity, applicants must include the name of the

organization that will be responsible for implementing the program and any proposed
partners or subcontractor(s), if known, who may assist the organization in
implementing the program. For each program, applicants should clearly note the
specific roles and responsibilities of each required partner in each local community
which will be confirmed via signature in the letter of commitment (see Section IV.B.Part
III.b);
•

Costs: Applicants must provide and justify a budget dollar amount

associated with the activity that aligns with the cost represented in the budget narrative,
and a per participant cost estimate related to each activity as well as the overall
program;
•

Time: The applicant must include the anticipated start date and end date for

each strategy to be funded, as well as projected completion dates for key strategy
milestones (including signing of subcontracts and expeditious procurement of
equipment) and project deliverables for each year of the proposed period of
performance. Applicants must note any anticipated delays in credential attainment or
job placement due to the timing of examinations or other factors, such as the timing of
public or private job-creation investments; and
•

Deliverables: The applicant must describe any specific project deliverables

that will result from each funded strategy, such as the course materials, articulation
agreements, and online learning modules. These project deliverables must be provided

51

to ETA and made available for distribution to and used by the public (see Section
IV.F.5).
Scoring under this criterion will be based on the extent to which applicants: 1)
present a coherent and comprehensive plan detailing the proposed implementation of
activities and production of deliverables that demonstrate the applicant’s complete
understanding of all responsibilities and costs required to implement each phase of the
project within the timeframe of the grant; 2) include feasible and reasonable timeframes
for accomplishing all procurement and other necessary grant start-up activities
immediately following the anticipated grant start date of July 1, 2011; and 3) explain
how the costs in the proposed project work plan align with the proposed budget,
specifically the budget narrative, and are justified as adequate, cost-effective, and
reasonable for the resources requested.

iii. Project Management and Sustainability (5 points)
The applicant must provide an explanation of the applicant’s capacity and plan to
effectively manage and sustain the proposed investment. Scoring under this criterion
will be based on:
•

A description of all relevant leadership, program, administrative, and

advisory positions, and an explanation of how the project will be implemented through
a comprehensive management structure that allows for efficient and effective
communication between all levels of the project and across partner organizations;

52

•

A description of the applicant’s procurement processes and procedures that

demonstrates that the applicant is equipped to meet Federal, State (if applicable), and
other relevant procurement requirements; and,
•

A description of the applicant’s sustainability strategy that includes adequate

time throughout the life of the grant to conduct sustainability planning that involves the
public workforce system, employers, and other partners, where appropriate, to help
ensure that strategic partnerships and core education/training, placement, and
retention activities are sustained after the grant ends. Applicants must build in specific
meetings or activities and deliverables in the Project Work Plan that will focus on
sustainability planning and the development of a written sustainability plan, which will
be a required document submitted to ETA at the end of the grant.

3. Outcomes (20 points)
The applicant must demonstrate a results-oriented approach to managing and
operating its project by providing projections outlined below. Applicants must present
a comprehensive table (see Attachment C) that is included in the technical proposal (not
the attachments to the technical proposal) that provides the performance and skills
outcomes.

i. Projected Performance Outcomes (15 points)
The applicant must collect participant-level data on individuals who receive
education/training and other services provided through the grant. This data should be
53

the basis for reporting against the outcomes listed below, and may be required for
reporting on other employment-related outcomes in the future. An applicant must
collect and report participant-level data from the following categories: demographic
and socioeconomic characteristics; services provided; and, outcomes achieved.
Applicants should submit projections and include a breakdown of the type of
eligible participants served (see Attachment C) for each of the following metrics below
as well as information on their ability to collect participant and outcome data. Scoring
under this criterion will be based on the applicant’s description of its ability to collect
participant and outcome data, and how reasonable the proposed outcomes are in
relation to the proposed project and budget.
•

Applicants must clearly explain what systems and processes are in place at
the lead applicant level and with local affiliates to effectively collect
participant-level data on these outcomes, as well as participants’
demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and the services received;

•

Total number of participants served;

•

Total number of participants beginning education/training activities,

including the number of participants beginning pre-apprenticeship and Registered
Apprenticeship programs as well as community-based programs;
•

Total number of participants completing education/training activities;

•

Total number of participants who complete education/training activities who

receive a degree, certificate, or other type of credential, including a description of the

54

type of degree, certificate, or other type of credential the participants will receive. The
applicant should also include an explanation about the total number of credentials they
estimate the average participant will receive. Please include evidence that these
credentials will support job placement, the connection to green job occupations, and an
explanation of any time delays between the receipt of different credentials.
•

Total number of participants who complete education/training activities who

enter unsubsidized employment and the number who retain that employment in the
first and second quarters following initial placement. For incumbent workers, the
projected outcomes must reflect whether the worker entered and retained a new
position of employment that uses the competency or competencies they acquired
through education/training activities, even if the new position is with the same
employer.
ii. Process Measures (5 points)
Applicants will also be required to report on metrics that measure key aspects of
service delivery. Applicants should provide projections for each of the following
measures. Scoring under this criterion will be based on the appropriateness of the
projections based on its proposed project:
•

Total number of initial assessments, which may include assessments of basic

or occupational skills;
•

Total number of participants who receive supportive services;

55

•

Total number of innovative partnerships with education/training providers

(Secondary and Post-Secondary) and other key stakeholders;
•

Total number of participants served by technology-based learning, such as

online discussions or simulations;
•

Total number of interim credentials issued to acknowledge the skills and

competencies attained, for example by an apprentice or completer of a communitybased program;
•

Total number of new or modified standards (including Registered

Apprenticeship) that use competency-based and/or hybrid (competency/time-based)
models (if appropriate); and,
•

Total number of agreements that allow for the transfer of credit between

programs

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 representation across the programs identified in Section I.B; representation
56

among applicant types, and geographic balance; the availability of funds; balance across
green industries and occupations; 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. 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 EAuthentication on http://www.grants.gov which constitutes a binding offer by the
applicant.

Section 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. Non-selected applicants will be notified by mail or email
and may request a written debriefing on the significant weaknesses of their proposal.
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 negotiations and decline to fund the application. DOL reserves the right

57

to not fund any application related to this SGA.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. Administrative Program Requirements
All grantees will be subject to all applicable Federal laws, regulations, and the
applicable OMB Circulars. The grant(s) awarded under this SGA will be subject to the
following administrative standards and provisions:
i. Non-profit Organizations – OMB Circular A–122 (Cost Principles), relocated to
2 CFR Part 230, and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements)
ii. Educational Institutions – OMB Circular A–21 (Cost Principles), relocated to 2
CFR Part 220, and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
iii. State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments – OMB Circular A–87 (Cost
Principles), relocated to 2 CFR Part 225, and 29 CFR Part 97 (Administrative
Requirements).
iv. Profit Making Commercial Firms – Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) – 48
CFR part 31 (Cost Principles), and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
v. All Grant Recipients must comply with the applicable provisions of The
Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Public Law No. 105-220, 112 Stat. 936 (codified as
amended at 29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) and the applicable provisions of the regulations at 20
CFR 660 et seq. Note that 20 CFR part 667 (General Fiscal and Administrative Rules)
includes unsuccessful applicant appeal information.
vi. All entities must comply with 29 CFR Part 93 (New Restrictions on

58

Lobbying), 29 CFR Part 94 (Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace
(Financial Assistance)), 29 CFR 95.13 and Part 98 (Government wide Debarment and
Suspension, and drug-free workplace requirements), and, where applicable, 29 CFR
Part 96 (Audit Requirements for Grants, Contracts, and Other Agreements) and 29 CFR
Part 99 (Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-profit Organizations).
vii. 29 CFR Part 2, subpart D—Equal Treatment in Department of Labor
Programs for Religious Organizations, Protection of Religious Liberty of Department of
Labor Social Service Providers and Beneficiaries.
viii. 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.
ix. 29 CFR Part 32—Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs or
Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance.
x. 29 CFR Part 35— Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in Programs or
Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the Department of Labor.
xi. 29 CFR Part 36—Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education
Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance.
xii. 29 CFR Part 37 – Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal
Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
xiii. 29 CFR Parts 29 and 30—Labor Standards for the Registration of
Apprenticeship Programs, and Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship and
Training, as applicable.

59

2. Other Legal Requirements:
i. Religious Activities
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
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.
ii. Lobbying or Fundraising the U.S. Government with Federal Funds
In accordance with Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Public
Law 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. No activity, including awareness-raising and
advocacy activities, may include fundraising for, or lobbying of, U.S. Federal, State or
Local Governments (see OMB Circular A-122).
iii. Transparency Act Requirements
Applicants must ensure that it has the necessary processes and systems in place
to comply with the reporting requirements of the Federal Funding Accountability and
Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. Law 109-282, as amended by section 6202 of Pub. Law
110-252) (Transparency Act), as follows:

60

•

All applicants, except for those excepted from the Transparency Act under

sub-paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 below, must ensure that they have the necessary processes
and systems in place to comply with the subaward and executive total compensation
reporting requirements of the Transparency Act, should they receive funding.
•

Upon award, applicants will receive detailed information on the reporting

requirements of the Transparency Act, as described in 2 CFR Part 170, Appendix A,
which can be found at the following website:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-22705.pdf.
The following types of awards are not subject to the Federal Funding
Accountability and Transparency Act:
(1) Federal awards to individuals who apply for or receive Federal awards as
natural persons (i.e., unrelated to any business or non-profit organization
he or she may own or operate in his or her name);
(2) Federal awards to entities that had a gross income, from all sources, of less
than $300,000 in the entities' previous tax year; and
(3) Federal awards, if the required reporting would disclose classified
information.

3. Other Administrative Standards and Provisions
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

61

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.
4. Special Program Requirements
i. Evaluation
The Department is interested in determining if the activities supported through
this grant program impact workers’ future labor force outcomes and may require the
cooperation of the grantee in an evaluation of overall performance of ETA grants as a
condition of award. The Department is committed to evaluating program results to
assess whether programs meet this goal and which models are most effective, providing
a basis for future program improvements and funding decisions. By accepting grant
funds, grantees must agree to participate in such an evaluation should they be selected
to participate. The Department intends to select some portion of grantees to participate
in a rigorous evaluation, and these grantees would be required to use a lottery in
enrolling project participants. Grantees must be prepared to share individual records
on participants, employers, funding, and outcomes, and to provide access to program
operating personnel and participants, as specified by the evaluator(s) under the
direction of ETA, including after the expiration date of the grant. The Department will
make available publicly the results of the program evaluation and supporting aggregate
62

data.
Such an evaluation is separate and apart from the grantees’ responsibility to
conduct their own ongoing review and evaluation of the actions taken to improve and
expand the program that is being implemented.

C. Reporting
Grantees must agree to meet DOL reporting requirements. Quarterly financial
reports, quarterly progress reports, and MIS data must be submitted by the grantee
electronically. The grantee is required to provide the reports and documents listed
below:

1. 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’s Online
Electronic Reporting System and information and instructions will be provided to
grantees.

2. Quarterly Performance Reports
The grantee must submit a quarterly progress report within 45 days after the end
of each calendar year quarter. Grantees will be required to submit updated aggregate
level MIS data within 45 days after the end of each quarter based on a DOL template

63

that will require quarterly and program-to-date information on participant
demographics at the time of enrollment, participant services provided and both interim
and long-term participant performance outcomes. Grantees will be required to report
on post-placement outcomes for all participants, as well as on post-placement follow-up
and tracking activities for all participants. The last quarterly progress report that
grantees submit will serve as the grant’s Final Performance Report. This report should
provide both quarterly and cumulative information on the grant activities. It must
summarize project activities, employment outcomes and other deliverables, and related
results of the project, and should thoroughly document the training or labor market
information approaches used by the grantee. DOL will provide grantees with formal
guidance about the data and other information that is required to be collected and
reported on either a regular basis or special request basis, and may require that grantees
implement specific strategies provide detail on those strategies. Grantees must agree to
meet DOL reporting requirements.

3. Management Information System (MIS) Reports.
Organizations will be required to submit updated aggregate level MIS data
within 45 days after the end of each quarter based on a DOL template that will require
quarterly, year-to-date, and program-to-date information on participant demographics
at time of enrollment, participant services provided, and interim and long-term
participant outcomes listed in the SGA. This reporting will require post-placement
follow-up and tracking of participants.

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4. Record Retention
Applicants must be prepared to follow 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.
Section VII. Agency Contacts
For further information about this SGA, please contact Kia Mason, Grants
Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, at (202) 693-2606. Applicants
should e-mail all technical questions to [email protected] and must specifically
reference SGA/DFA PY 10-07, and along with question(s), include a contact name, fax
and phone number. This announcement is being made available on the ETA Web site at
http://www.doleta.gov/grants and at http://www.grants.gov.

Section VIII. Additional Resources of Interest to Applicants
A. Web-Based Resources

1. U.S. Department of Labor Web-Based Resources
DOL maintains a number of web-based resources that may be of assistance to
applicants. For example, the Career One-Stop portal (http://www.careeronestop.org),
which provides national and state career information on occupations; the Occupational
Information Network (O*NET) Online (http://online.onetcenter.org) which provides

65

occupational competency profiles; America's Service Locator
(http://www.servicelocator.org), which provides a directory of our nation's One-Stop
Career Centers; the Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/), which provides
databases, tools, publications, and raw economic data; and the Job Accommodation
Network (http://askjan.org/) which provides information on workplace
accommodations. In addition, applicants may also access Training and Employment
Notice No. 10-09, “Toolkit and White Paper on Improving Transition Outcomes of
Youth with Disabilities through Apprenticeship”
(http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2805)
i. Sustainability Toolkit
ETA supports the planning and investment of program activities beyond federal
investment and encourages applicants to view the Office of Workforce Investment
(OWI) designed Sustainability toolkit. The online toolkit includes case studies, a
planning guide as well as tips and best practices. For more detailed information and to
download the toolkit please visit
http://doleta.gov/business/sustainability_toolkit.cfm.
ii. Communities of Practice
The Green Jobs Community of Practice (CoP) serves as a platform for workforce
professionals and green job thought leaders to discuss and share promising practices, to
create partnerships for Green Job Workforce Solutions, and leverage Recovery Act
investments. The Green Jobs CoP serves as an interactive platform for providing
technical assistance through webinars, discussion boards, blogs and other online
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resources to workforce professionals, particularly those at the State and Workforce
Investment Board levels as well as green jobs grantees. For further information on the
Green Jobs CoP, please see https://greenjobs.workforce3one.org/page/home.
The Apprenticeship Community of Practice web site provides a wealth of
information about innovations in Registered Apprenticeship, successful partnerships
among workforce, education, and Apprenticeship partners, and pre-apprenticeship.
ETA encourages applicants to register on Workforce3one.org and take the 30-minute
on-line tutorial “Registered Apprenticeship 101.” To learn more about preapprenticeship, use the website’s search function to locate a report entitled
“Construction Pre-apprenticeship Programs: Results of a National Survey,” This
information can be found by accessing:
http://21stcenturyapprenticeship.workforce3one.org. Additional information about
the Office of Apprenticeship can be accessed at: http://www.doleta.gov/oa/
iii. Community-Based Job Training Grants
The Community-based Job Training programs
(http://www.doleta.gov/business/Community-BasedJobTrainingGrants.cfm) are
aimed at improving the capacity of community colleges to train workers to develop the
skills required to succeed in high growth/high demand industries.
iv. High Growth Job Training Initiative Grants
The High Growth Job Training Initiative
(http://www.doleta.gov/BRG/JobTrainInitiative/) targets worker training and career
development resources toward helping workers gain the skills they need to build

67

successful careers in these and other growing industries. This initiative is a strategic
effort to prepare workers to take advantage of new and increasing job opportunities in
high growth, high demand and economically vital sectors of the American economy.
Fields like health care, information technology, and advanced manufacturing have jobs
and solid career paths left untaken due to a lack of people qualified to fill them.
v. On-the-job Training (OJT) Toolkit
On-the-job training (OJT) is an ETA supported training strategy that provides
the workforce system a way to receive employment and training simultaneously. ETA
encourages applicants to review the On-the-job Training (OJT) toolkit for guidance on
how to implement or strengthen their existing OJT programs. The toolkit includes
customizable OJT templates and forms, including outreach materials, contracts, and
monitoring documents. The OJT toolkit is available to download via Workforce3One at:
https://ojttoolkit.workforce3one.org/.

2. Links to Other Federal Green Programs
ETA encourages and supports the partnering of other Federal green initiatives.
Information regarding several Federal green initiatives that currently support the GJIF
goals can be found at:
i. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
The Choice Neighborhoods initiative
(http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/ph/cn/) aims to collaborate with other
federal investments that can assist in revitalizing low income communities by linking

68

housing improvements with the expansion of accessible social services. Choice
Neighborhoods will build upon and complement the Hope VI program’s primary goal
to improve public housing
(http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/ph/hope6/index.cfm).
In addition, HUD’s promotion of energy efficiency will be incorporated into
various upcoming investments. For more information on HUDs Energy Efficiency and
Creating Green Jobs investments visit
http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/recovery/about
ii. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
The Brownfields initiative (http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/) provides funds
to communities with contaminated commercial properties to help assess and allocate
resources for adequate clean up and subsequent reinvestment. Training workers for
proper waste removal and other higher paying environmental jobs is just one of the
successful outcomes and potential partnership opportunities.
iii. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Job Corps Civilian Conservation
Centers:
Forest Service Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers focus on providing green
jobs training to underserved youth through a new green curriculum. For a list of some
of the occupations Job Corps will be training youth for please visit
http://recruiting.jobcorps.gov/en/benefits/careers.aspx
iv. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) – National
Institutes of Health (NIH):

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The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Recovery Act
Hazardous Material and Green Job Training initiative
(http://www.niehs.nih.gov/recovery/critical/workertraining.cfm) aims to train
targeted (underserved) populations in emerging green job sectors such as green
construction occupations and the removal of hazardous waste materials.
v. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE):
The U.S. Department of Energy supports education and workforce development
strategies that enhance energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts. To learn more
about programs, initiatives, research and technologies that support green jobs, please
visit www1.eere.energy.gov/education/.

B. Industry Competency Models and Career Clusters
ETA supports an Industry Competency Model Initiative to promote an
understanding of the skill sets and competencies that are essential to an educated and
skilled workforce. A competency model is a collection of competencies that, taken
together, define successful performance in a particular work setting. Competency
models serve as a starting point for the design and implementation of workforce and
talent development programs. To learn about the industry-validated models visit the
Competency Model Clearinghouse (CMC) at
http://www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel. The CMC site also provides tools
to build or customize industry models, as well as tools to build career ladders and
career lattices for specific regional economies.

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Career Clusters and Industry Competency Models both identify foundational
and technical competencies, but their efforts are not duplicative. The Career Clusters
link to specific career pathways in sixteen career cluster areas and place greater
emphasis on elements needed for curriculum performance objectives; measurement
criteria; scope and sequence of courses in a program of study; and development of
assessments. Information about the sixteen career cluster areas can be found by
accessing: www.careerclusters.org.

Section IX. Other Information
OMB Information Collection No. 1225-0086
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 about 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 the Departmental
Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N1301, Washington, DC 20210.
Comments may also be emailed to [email protected]. PLEASE DO NOT

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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 “Solicitation for Grant Applications” will be used by
the Department of Labor to ensure that grants are awarded to the applicant best suited
to perform the functions of the grant. Submission of this information is required in
order for the applicant to be considered for award of this grant.

Signed XXXXX, in Washington, D.C. by:
XXXXX
Grant Officer, Employment and Training Administration

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Attachment A: Sample Project Work Plan
Project Work Plan
Program

Activities
1.1:

Activities
1.2:

Implementer(s)
Costs
Strategy
Total:
Equipment:
Year 1:
Year 2:
Year 3:
Strategy
Total:
Equipment:
Year 1:
Year 2:
Year 3:

Time
$ Start Date:

Deliverables

$ End Date:
$ Milestones:
$
$
$ Start Date:
$ End Date:
$ Milestones:
$
$

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Attachment B: Annotated Bibliography
Conway, Maureen, Gerber, Allison, and Helmer, Matt. “Construction PreApprenticeship Programs: Interviews with Field Leaders.” The Aspen Institute.
August 2010
This publication shares research from interviews with leaders from 25 promising
and innovative pre-apprenticeship programs from across the country. The
interviews revealed factors that impact how programs are designed and how
they might better be utilized as part of a broader workforce development
strategy for the construction sector. The publication reviews program leaders’
perspectives on factors influencing the design of their programs, opportunities
and challenges associated with financing the work, the merits of incorporating
green elements into curricula, and other issues. WSI also makes several
recommendations designed to promote workforce development policies that
better support and assist these programs as they seek to develop a strong
pipeline of employees for the construction industry. Funded by the Annie E.
Casey Foundation, the report is part of a project investigating how preapprenticeship programs are used to train low-income and disadvantaged adults
for careers in construction.

Hollenbeck, Kevin and Wei-Jang Huang. “Net Impact and Benefit-Cost Estimates of
the Workforce Development System in Washington State.” W.E. Upjohn Institute for
Employment Research. September 2006.
This study estimates the net impacts and private and social benefits and costs of
11 workforce development programs administered in Washington State. Six of
the programs serve job-ready adults: Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title I-B
Adult programs, WIA Title I-B Dislocated Worker programs, Community and
Technical College Job Preparatory Training, Community and Technical College
Worker Retraining, Private Career Schools, and Apprenticeships. The net impact
analyses were conducted using a non-experimental methodology. A variety of
estimation techniques was used to calculate net impacts including block
matching, comparison of means, regression-adjusted comparison of means, and
difference-indifference comparison of means. We estimated short-term net
impacts that examined outcomes for individuals who exited from the education
or training programs (or from the Labor Exchange) in the fiscal year 2003/2004
and longer-term impacts for individuals who exited in the fiscal year 2001/2002.
Holzer, Harry J., “Encouraging Job Advancement Among Low-Wage Workers: A New
Approach.” The Brookings Institution, Policy Brief, Welfare Reform & Beyond #30,
pages 4-5, May 2004.

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This policy brief presents new evidence on the determinants of earnings
advances for low earners. The results are based on a new source of longitudinal
data for very large populations of workers and their employers. This brief also
considers what these results imply for a refined job advancement strategy for
welfare recipients and other low earners. The evidence strongly suggests that an
effective job advancement strategy would stress the placement of low earners
into jobs with higher-wage employers and would integrate targeted training
with private sector advancement opportunities. Policymakers should consider
designing programs to encourage the creation of higher-wage jobs. Private labor
market intermediaries—including for-profit temporary help (or "temp") agencies
as well as other non-profits—could play important roles in these efforts.
Lerman, Robert; Eyster, Lauren; and Chambers, Kate. “The Benefits and Challenges
of Registered Apprenticeship: The Sponsors’ Perspective.” The Urban Institute
Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population. March 2009.
The Urban Institute, contracted (Contract Number DOLJ61A20358) by ETA,
conducted a survey to learn more about what sponsors value, dislike, or would
like to see changed about registered apprenticeship. The survey of sponsors was
conducted in 2007 with a random stratified sample drawn from 90 percent of
eligible sponsors nationally. Sponsors were asked about characteristics of their
program and about their views on the value, benefits, and drawbacks of
registered apprenticeship, its integration with the workforce investment systems,
apprentice completion and reasons for non-completion, and suggestions for
possible improvement. As a part of the survey, the Urban Institute cited Robert
Cook’s 1989 paper, Analysis of Apprenticeship Training from the National
Longitudinal Study of the Class of 1972.
Maguire, Sheila, Joshua Freely, Carol Clymer, Maureen Conway and Deena
Schwartz. “Tuning In to Local Labor Markets: Findings From the Sectoral
Employment Impact Study.” Private/Public Ventures. July 2010.
This study found that participants in sector-focused education and training
programs were more likely to work, earned significantly higher wages, and were
more likely to work in jobs with benefits than control group members. The study
also found that successful sector-focused programs require strong organizational
capacity and adaptability among the involved workforce organizations; strong
links to local employers that result in an understanding of the targeted
occupations and connections to jobs; job readiness and basic skills training linked
to occupational training; recruitment screening and intake processes that result
in a good match between the applicant, the program, and the target occupation;
and individualized supportive services to encourage training completion and
success in the workplace.

75

Center for Law And Social Policy, “Funding Career Pathways and Bridge Programs”
May 2010
Ideally, career pathways are not a separate program, but a framework for
weaving together adult education, training, and college programs that are
currently separated into silos and connecting those services to employers’
workforce needs.

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Attachment C: Sample Performance Outcomes Table
Projected Performance Outcomes
Measure

Performance
Outcomes

Total Number of Participants Served
Total Number of Participants
Beginning Education/Training
Activities

Additional Information
Subtotal for
Participants Placed in
pre-apprenticeship
and Registered
Apprenticeship
Programs
Subtotal for
Participants Placed in
Community-Based
Programs

Total Number of Participants
Completing Education/Training
Activities
Total Number of Participants Who
Complete Education/Training
Activities that Receive a Degree,
Certificate, or Other Credential

Total Number of
Credentials Each
Participant is
Expected to Receive

Total Number of Participants Who
Complete Education/Training
Activities who Enter Unsubsidized
Employment

Subtotal for each type
of eligible population
served (e.g.
unemployed,
dislocated, and
incumbent workers)
Subtotal for each type
of eligible population
served (e.g.
unemployed,
dislocated, and
incumbent workers)

Total Number of Participants Who
Retain Unsubsidized Employment in
the First and Second Quarters
Following Initial Placement

Process Measures
Measure
Total Number of Initial Assessments
Total Number of Participants who
Receive Supportive Services
Total Number of Innovative
Partnerships
Total Number of Participants Served
by Technology-Based Learning
Total Number of Interim Credentials
Issued

Skills and Process
Outcomes

Additional Information

Subtotal for
Apprenticeship
Programs
Subtotal for
Participants Placed in
Community-Based
Programs

Total Number of New or Modified
Standards
Total Number of Agreements that
allow for Transfer of Credit between
Programs

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78

Billing Code: 4510-FN-P

79