Telework/Telecommuting Pilot Research
Solicitation for Cooperative Agreements [07/08/2004]
Volume 69, Number 130, Page 41282-41299
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Office of Disability Employment Policy
[SGA 04-12]
Telework/Telecommuting Pilot Research
Solicitation for Cooperative Agreements
Announcement Type: Notice of availability of funds; solicitation
for Cooperative Agreement Applications for Telework/Telecommuting Pilot
Research.
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA 04-12.
Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.720
Key Date: Applications must be received by August 9, 2004.
Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of Labor (``DOL'' or
``Department''), Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP),
announces the availability of $2.5 million to fund up to three pilot
research projects to investigate, develop, and validate strategies
likely * * * to yield the largest number of telework positions for
people with disabilities in cooperation with Federal and State
agencies.'' See H. Conf. Rep. No. 108-401, 108th Cong., 1st Sess.
(2003). Each cooperative agreement award will range from $600,000 to
$830,000 and will be for a 36-month period of performance.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
This notice contains all of the necessary information and forms
needed to apply for the ODEP Cooperative Agreement.
I. Funding Opportunity Description and Authority
In recent years, both the Executive branch and Congress have
increasingly promoted telework to help achieve increased employment
opportunities for people with disabilities. In response to these
initiatives, the overall purpose of this research is to investigate,
develop, and validate strategies likely to yield the largest number of
telework positions for
[[Page 41283]]
people with disabilities in cooperation with Federal and State agencies
and to expand understanding of the full dimensions of telework as an
employment option for people with disabilities through rigorous
investigation and implementation of research-based comprehensive
telework models.
Authorities: H. Conf. Rep. No. 108-401, 108th Cong., 1st Sess.
(2003); Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2004.
ODEP anticipates awarding up to three cooperative agreements in the
range of $600,000 to $830,000 for a 36-month period of performance. The
competition for new awards focuses on research priorities identified as
follows:
1. Using telework as a return-to-work strategy specifically for
people with disabilities receiving Federal and State Workers'
Compensation.
2. Using telework as an alternative strategy for increasing
competitive employment for disabled veterans returning from tours of
duty.
3. To survey public (Federal and State agencies) and private
employers to identify supporting conditions and strategies that are
necessary to effectively implement and sustain telework for people with
disabilities.
This ODEP Cooperative Agreement anticipates substantial involvement
between ODEP and the awardee during the performance of this project.
Involvement will include collaboration or participation by ODEP in the
overall direction of the project throughout the period of the award.
ODEP will provide expertise and guidance in decisions involving the
research focus, approaches/methodologies, strategies, allocation of
resources, staffing, development of public information materials,
analysis, and dissemination of research findings, including a final
report.
Applicants will be required to address a minimum of two of
priorities identified above in their applications. In addition,
applicants will be required to: (1) Collaborate with Federal and State
agencies to identify positions that will yield the greatest number of
telework opportunities for people with disabilities and ensure the
recruitment of research participants so that each sample population is
appropriate and of sufficient size; (2) identify the impact of telework
on productivity, performance, and costs-benefits; (3) disseminate
research findings to stakeholders using accessible formats; (4)
evaluate the impact of the research findings on increasing employment
opportunities for people with disabilities using telework strategies
validated through the research. Finally, applicants will be required to
cooperate with ODEP's External Evaluation Contractor in order to
conduct an independent evaluation of project activities and outcomes.
Applicants are requested to address the identified priorities by
formulating research questions that are significant and relevant to the
priorities previously identified. Proposals are expected to include
clearly defined research designs including, but not limited to,
surveys, quasi-experimental studies, observational research
methodologies and others. After selection, depending upon the type of
questions specified and research design proposed, ODEP reserves the
right to modify or substitute questions or the research design, as
appropriate. Investigators also will be required to develop outcome
measures, instruments, and data analysis procedures so that study
findings are reportable. Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of:
(1) The significance of the proposed project; (2) the quality of the
design of the research activities; (3) the quality of project
personnel; (4) budget and resource capacity; (5) the quality of the
management plan; and (6) the quality of data for project evaluation.
The mission of the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is
to provide leadership to increase employment opportunities for adults
and youth with disabilities through expanded access to training,
education, employment supports, assistive technology, integrated
employment, entrepreneurial development and small business
opportunities. ODEP fosters the creation of employment opportunities by
building partnerships with both public and private sector employers,
and with regional and local agencies to: (1) Increase their awareness
and experience the benefits of employing people with disabilities,
including significant disabilities; and (2) facilitate the use of
effective strategies to accomplish this goal.
Workers with disabilities are an important and insufficiently
tapped resource for employers. As such, ODEP is committed to ensuring
appropriate skills development and training opportunities, and
supporting and encouraging the creative use of alternative employment
strategies and employment supports for people with disabilities.
In recent years, both the Executive branch and Congress have
increasingly promoted telework to help achieve increased employment
opportunities for people with disabilities. President George W. Bush
believes that the ability to telework increases available employment
options for individuals with disabilities, and his New Freedom
Initiative directs that activities be undertaken to promote the
expansion of telework options.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The President's New Freedom Initiative for People with
Disabilities: The 2004 Progress Report, March, 2004. http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom/newfreedom-report-2004.pdf
.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the Conference Report to ODEP's Fiscal Year (FY) 2002
appropriation, Congress expressed its intent to set up a program
focusing on telework to ``include in these pilots all appropriate
positions, whether the work is performed in-house, contracted, or
outsourced in the types of jobs which can be performed from home, such
as customer service/call contact centers, and claims, loan or financial
transaction processing operations.'' [H. Conf. Rep. No. 107-342, 107th
Cong., 1st Sess. (2001)]. Integral to the pilots were tailored/
individualized training, appropriate technology, and supportive
mechanisms (e.g., reasonable accommodations, job coaching, mentoring,
customized employment, etc.). Consistent with Congressional intent,
ODEP funded one cooperative agreement to establish three pilot
demonstration projects within Federal Government agencies to generate
viable models, and replication in two other Federal agencies. For each
participating agency, Federal contractors implemented the telework/
telecommuting employment models. Through its evaluation research
component, the project generated data on both the benefits and the
challenges encountered in creating home-based telework/telecommuting
options for people with significant disabilities in Federal agencies.
Final evaluation results from this project are expected by the end of
this calendar year.
House Conference Report No. 108-401, 108th Congress, 1st Session
(2003), demonstrates Congressional intent to continue pilot research
projects focusing on telework for people with disabilities. According
to the report, ``The conferees have included $2,500,000 within the
Office of Disability Employment Policy to continue the telework efforts
already initiated by ODEP. This can include expansion of pilot programs
already underway and/or initiation of new telework pilots. ODEP should
proceed in an expeditious manner to create telework positions in
cooperation with Federal and State agencies. Priority should be given
to strategies judged likely to yield the largest number of telework
positions for people with disabilities.'' House Conference Report, p.
731.
[[Page 41284]]
In general, ``telework/telecommuting'' is a collective term for a
wide variety of work arrangements. For example, teleworkers/
telecommuters may be employees or independent contractors working full-
time or part-time. In addition, teleworkers/telecommuters may work from
home or a telecenter all of the time, or may alternate between the two.
For the ODEP telework study of FY 2002, the study defined telework/
telecommuting as home-based settings only. For the purposes of this
solicitation, telework/telecommuting pilot research applicants will be
required to specify the operational definition of the telework/
telecommuting model being researched.
As a general matter, telework/telecommuting provides opportunities
for employees and employers seeking alternative employment options. For
employers, telework/telecommuting can be useful in decreasing certain
overhead costs, satisfying fluctuating demands for additional office
and parking space, and helping its employees balance work and family
demands; and thereby increasing their loyalty, productivity, and
likelihood of retention. For certain employees, telework/telecommuting
is appealing because it eliminates long commutes, allows for balancing
of work and home life, and reduces workplace distractions.
For people with significant disabilities, telework/telecommuting
sometimes provides the most viable opportunity to work, due to the lack
of reliable and available employment supports, such as transportation
and personal assistance. While telework/telecommuting is not a complete
solution to the employment barriers encountered by persons with
significant disabilities, telework/telecommuting can be an effective
way of bringing persons with disabilities into the workforce.
Effective telework/telecommuting policies are the key to successful
telework/telecommuting arrangements for persons with and without
disabilities. Accordingly, the best practices derived from these
projects are likely to have utility extending beyond the employment of
people with disabilities to the population generally.
There is also a growing interest in the Federal and State agencies
to find ways to lower the cost of workers' compensation. For example,
the cost of Federal workplace injuries, when measured by workers'
compensation losses, is more than $2 billion and 2 million lost
production days annually. In FY 2003, the Federal workforce, of almost
2.7 million, filed more than 168,000 injury claims. (Presidential
Memorandum, January 9, 2004).
On January 9, 2004, President George W. Bush announced the Safety,
Health and Return-to-Employment (SHARE) Initiative directing Federal
agencies to establish goals and track performance in four major areas.
Federal agencies are charged with lowering workplace injury and illness
case rates, lowering lost-time injury and illness case rates, timely
reporting of injuries and illnesses and reducing lost days resulting
from work injuries and illnesses. Because telework/telecommuting can
provide a viable alternative for Federal and State employees to return
to work, exploring ways and strategies to use telework/telecommuting as
an option to accelerate the return to employment of Federal and State
employees on workers' compensation through this pilot research project
will support the SHARE Initiative. (Additional information about the
SHARE Initiative can be located at: http://www.dol-esa.gov/share.)
There is further interest in the Federal Government to support
United States soldiers who are seriously wounded in combat in
Afghanistan and Iraq in their successful transition to civilian life.
According to published reports, there have been more than 12,000
soldiers injured, with more than 200 soldiers classified as ``seriously
wounded.'' Programs, such as the Department of Army and Veteran
Affairs' recently established Disabled Soldier Support System (DS3),
are designed to assist soldiers in navigating the return from war and
maneuvering through the often complex systems of services and agencies,
such as rehabilitation, housing, financial services, and employment.
Many of these soldiers will need to be re-trained for new careers and
employment opportunities. Telework/telecommuting, with the appropriate
training, assistive technology, and employment supports, can
potentially ease the transition to civilian life. ODEP is interested in
research that tests telework/telecommuting models as an alternative
strategy for increasing competitive employment for disabled veterans
returning from tours of duty.
A final research area of interest to the Federal Government is in
filling the gap in the knowledge base regarding telework/telecommuting
for people with disabilities from the employer's perspective,
particularly related to Federal and State agency employers. In a 2001
survey of over one thousand Federal managers and supervisors, Cornell
University found that when asked whether office-based full-time
positions that they currently supervised could be relocated to home-
based or other off-site facilities, approximately one-third of the
white-collar supervisors reported that this was possible. Less than six
percent of the blue-collar supervisors saw this as possible.
Supervisors of employees with disabilities were more likely to say they
would be able to make current positions either home-based or split
between the home and office.
When asked about the ability to develop full-time positions that
could be performed from home or another off-site location, respondents
indicated it would be easier to split such positions between home and
off-site, rather than to develop positions full-time that would be
dedicated to off-site employment. Supervisors of employees with
disabilities viewed the development of these new positions as easier
than those without experience with employees with disabilities.
Approximately half of the white-collar supervisors indicated that
it would be easy to accommodate an individual with a chronic illness or
disability with the ability to work at home for one or two days each
week or intermittently. Blue-collar supervisors were far less likely to
say that this arrangement would be easy or even possible. Finally,
respondents indicated that off-site technology support, with guidelines
for performance assessment of off-site workers, and formal flex place
agreements between off-site employees and supervisors, would be helpful
to them as supervisors in creating or supporting home-based or off-
site/telecommuting employee position.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Bruyere, S., Erickson, E., & Horne, R. (2002) Disability
Employment Policies and Practices in U.S. Federal Government
Agencies: EEO/HR and Supervisor Perspectives. Report by the
Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities.
Ithaca, NY: Cornell University.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The need to conduct a national survey on telework/telecommuting as
a means for increasing employment opportunities for people with
disabilities is prompted by two issues: (1) The lack of comprehensive
and credible information reflecting attributes hindering and supporting
the implementation of telework in public and private work settings; and
(2) The lack of national surveys dealing with quantitative aspects of
telework for people with disabilities. Information in the existing
literature is scant and describes experiences and future plans for
telework pilots in limited geographical areas and work settings. There
is a need to understand on the national, regional and local levels
about those the circumstances and entities
[[Page 41285]]
that have potential to successfully implement teleworking as a common
pattern of work for people with disabilities. The anticipated survey is
intended to provide an overview and a systematic analysis of the
identified experiences and schemes along with factors hindering and
supporting the implementation of telework in public and private work
settings. Also, a systematic investigation on national basis is needed
to develop models of telework/telecommuting schemes, identify the
proportion of teleworkers in various occupations, the type of work
(tasks), and the type of work arrangements that can potentially be
carried out via telework. Additional critical areas warranting further
research include benefits and barriers to telework related to
characteristics such as productivity, costs, and attitudinal and
behavioral aspects from the employer perspective. It is anticipated
that the survey results and findings will identify the perceived risks
and benefits of telework along with the obstacles and difficulties in
implementation of related policy, including insights of what it takes
to promote telework-related policy objectives in cultures of work
organizations. Finally, this effort is expected to yield an
authoritative report along with a tool kit that could be used by public
and private organizations alike.
II. Award Information
Estimated Available Funds: $2,500,000.
Estimated Range of Awards: $600,000-$830,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: approximately $830,000.
The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL), Office of Disability
Employment Policy, announces the availability of $2.5 million to fund
up to three (3) cooperative agreement awards to conduct telework/
telecommuting research pilots. Each award will be in the range of
$600,000 to $830,000 for a 36-month period of performance, beginning on
the date of award. This cooperative agreement will include substantial
involvement between ODEP and the awardee during the period of
performance. ODEP will provide project oversight throughout the period
of the award. ODEP also will be involved in decisions involving the
research focus, approaches/methodologies, strategies, allocation of
resources, staffing, development of public information materials, and
analysis and dissemination of research findings.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants for this DOL Cooperative Agreement are public/
private non-profit or for profit organizations or consortia, including
faith-based and community organizations, with appropriate capabilities,
experience, and expertise.
If the proposal includes multiple consortia members, there must be
a prime or lead member who is the responsible fiscal and programmatic
agent. All applications must: (1) Clearly identify the lead grant
recipient and fiscal agent, as well as all other members of the
consortium applying for this cooperative agreement award; (2) provide a
clear description of each member's roles and responsibilities; and (3)
provide a detailed plan for how the award money will be allocated among
the consortium. As a DOL funded initiative, it is expected that the
lead grant recipient for any such consortium shall have primary
expertise in employment-related areas.
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.
2. Cost Sharing
Cost sharing, matching funds, and cost participation are not
required under this SGA.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Addresses To Request Application Package
This SGA contains all the information and forms needed to apply for
this grant funding. Application announcements or forms will not be
mailed. The Federal Register may be obtained from your nearest
government office or library. In addition, a copy of this notice and
the application requirements may be downloaded from ODEP's Web site at
http://www.dol.gov/odep and at http://www.fedgrants.gov. If additional
copies of the standard forms are needed, they can also be downloaded
from: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
General Requirements: To be considered responsive, all applications
must be received on time to: U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement
Services Center, Attention: Cassandra Mitchell, Reference SGA 04-12,
Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210.
Applicants must submit one (1) paper copy with an original signature,
and [two (2) additional paper copies of the signed proposal. To aid
with the review of applications, DOL also requests applicants to submit
an electronic copy of their proposal's Sections II (Executive Summary)
and III (Project Narrative) on disc or Compact Disc (CD) using
Microsoft Word.] The application (not to exceed 50 pages for Section
III), must be double-spaced with standard one-inch margins (top,
bottom, and sides) on 8\1/2\ x 11-inch paper, and must be presented on
single-sided and numbered pages. A font size of at least twelve (12)
pitch is required throughout. All text in the application narrative,
including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, and captions, as
well as all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs must be double-
spaced (no more than three lines per vertical inch); and, if using a
proportional computer font, must be in at least a 12-point font, and
must have an average character density no greater than 18 characters
per inch (if using a non-proportional font or a typewriter, must not be
more than 12 characters per inch). Applications that fail to meet these
requirements will be considered non-responsive.
DOL Cooperative Agreement Requirements: The three required sections
of the application are:
Section I--Project Financial Plan (No page limit)
Section II--Executive Summary--Project Synopsis (2 pages)
Section III--Project Narrative (Not to exceed 50 pages)
The mandatory requirements for each section are set forth below.
Applications that fail to meet the stated mandatory requirements for
each section will be considered non-responsive.
Mandatory Application Requirements:
Section I. Project Financial Plan (Budget) [The Project
Financial Plan will not count against the application page limits.]
Section I of the application must include the following three required
parts:
(1) Completed ``SF-424--Application for Federal Assistance.''
Please note that, beginning October 1, 2003, all applicants for federal
grant and funding opportunities are required to include a Dun and
Bradstreet (DUNS) number with their application. See OMB Notice of
Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR 38402 (June 27, 2003). The DUNS number is
a nine-digit identification number that uniquely identifies business
entities. There is no charge for obtaining a DUNS
[[Page 41286]]
number (although it may take 14-30 days). To obtain a DUNS number,
access the following Web site: http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call
1-866-705-5711. Requests for exemption from the DUNS number requirement
must be made to OMB. The Dun and Bradstreet Number of the applicant
should be entered in the ``Organizational Unit'' section of block 5 of
the SF 424. (See Appendix A of this SGA for required form.)
(2) Completed SF-424 A--Budget Information Form by line item for
all costs required to implement the project design effectively. (See
Appendix B of this SGA for required forms)
(3) DOL Budget Narrative and Justification that provides sufficient
information to support the reasonableness of the costs included in the
budget in relation to the service strategy and planned outcomes,
including continuous improvement activities.
The DOL Cooperative Agreement application must include one SF-424
with the original signatures of the legal entity applying for
Cooperative Agreement funding and two additional copies. The individual
signing the SF-424, on behalf of the applicant, must represent and be
able to legally bind the responsible financial and administrative
entity for a Cooperative Agreement should that application result in an
award. Applicants shall indicate on the SF-424 the organization's
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Status, if applicable.
The DOL Budget Narrative and Justification must describe all costs
associated with implementing the project that are to be covered with
Cooperative Agreement funds. The applicant must support the travel and
associated costs of sending at least one representative to periodic
meetings with DOL staff in Washington, DC (at least once per quarter)
and to the annual ODEP Policy Conference for its grantees, to be held
in Washington, DC, at a time and place to be determined. [The applicant
must comply with the ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments,'' (also
known as OMB Circular A-102''), codified at 29 CFR part 97, or ``Grants
and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and
Other Non-Profit Organizations' (also known as the ``Common Rule'' or
OMB Circular A-110), codified at 29 CFR part 95.
In addition, the budget submitted for review by DOL must include,
on a separate page, a detailed cost analysis of each line item. The
costs listed in the detailed cost analysis must comply with the
applicable OMB cost principles circulars, as identified in 29 CFR 95.27
and 29 CFR 97.22(b). Justification for administrative costs must be
provided. Approval of a budget by DOL is not the same as the approval
of actual costs. The applicant must also include the Assurances and
Certifications Signature Page (Appendix C) and the Survey on Ensuring
Equal Opportunity for Applicants (Appendix D).
Section II. Executive Summary--Project Synopsis: The
Executive Summary is limited to no more than two single-spaced, single-
sided pages on 8\1/2\ x 11-inch paper with standard margins throughout.
Each application shall include a project synopsis that identifies the
following:
(1) The applicant;
(2) The planned period of performance;
(3) The list of partners, as appropriate; and,
(4) An overview of how the applicant will conduct the research,
analyze the data and present the findings.
Section III. Project Narrative: The DOL Cooperative
Agreement Project Narrative is limited to no more than fifty (50), 8\1/
2\ x 11 pages, double-spaced with standard one-inch margins (top,
bottom, and sides), and must be presented on single-sided, numbered
pages. [Note: The Financial Plan, the Executive Summary, and the
Appendices, including letters of cooperation, resumes, etc., are not
included in this fifty-page limit].
3. Submission Dates, Times, and Addresses
Applications will be accepted commencing July 8, 2004. The closing
date for receipt of applications by DOL under this announcement is
August 9, 2004.
Applications, including those hand-delivered, must be received by
4:45 p.m. (ET) at the address specified below. No exceptions to the
mailing and hand-delivery conditions set forth in this notice will be
granted. Applications that do not meet the conditions set forth in this
notice will be considered non-responsive.
Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to: U.S. Department
of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra Mitchell,
Reference SGA 04-12, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20210. Telefascimile (FAX) applications will not be
accepted.
Hand-Delivered Proposals. It is preferred that applications be
mailed at least five (5) days prior to the closing date. Hand-delivered
applications will be considered for funding, but must be at DOL by the
above specified date and time. Overnight or express delivery from
carriers other than the U.S. Postal Service will be considered hand-
delivered applications. Failure to adhere to the above instructions
will serve as a basis for a determination of non-responsiveness.
Applicants are advised that mail in the Washington area may be
delayed due to mail decontamination procedures and may wish to take
this information into consideration when preparing to meet the
application deadline.
Late Applications. Any application received after the exact date
and time specified for receipt at the office designated in this notice
will be considered non-responsive, unless it is received before awards
are made and it: (a) Is determined that its late receipt was caused by
DOL error after timely delivery to the Department of Labor; (b) was
sent by U.S. Postal Service registered or certified mail not later than
the fifth calendar day before the date specified for receipt of
applications (e.g., an application submitted in response to a
solicitation requiring receipt of applications by the 20th of the month
must have been post marked by the 15th of that month); or (c) was sent
by the U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service to addressee
not later than 5 p.m. at the place of mailing two (2) working days
prior to the date specified for receipt of applications. The term
``working days'' excludes weekends and Federal holidays. ``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.
Withdrawal of Applications. An application that is timely submitted
may be withdrawn by written notice or telegram (including mailgram) at
any time before an award is made. Applications may be withdrawn in
person by the applicant or by an authorized representative thereof, if
the representative's identity is made known and the representative
signs a receipt of the proposal.
4. Intergovernmental Review
This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
5. Funding Restrictions
A. Funding Levels
The total funding available for this solicitation is $2.5 million.
Up to three
[[Page 41287]]
(3) awards in the range of $600,000 to $830,000 each will be made. The
Department of Labor reserves the right to negotiate the amounts to be
awarded under this competition. Please be advised that requests
exceeding $830,000 will be considered non-responsive. Additionally,
there will be no reimbursement of pre-award costs.
B. Period of Performance
The period of performance will be for 36 months from date of the
award unless modified. It is expected that the successful applicant
will begin program operations under this solicitation immediately upon
receiving the ``Notice of Award.''
C. Option Year Funding
Not applicable.
D. Limitation on Indirect Costs
Indirect costs claimed by the applicant must be based on a
federally approved rate. A copy of the negotiated approved, and signed
indirect cost agreement must be submitted with the application. If the
applicant does not presently have an approved indirect cost rate, a
proposed rate with justification may be submitted. The successful
applicant will be required to negotiate an acceptable and allowable
rate with the appropriate DOL Regional Office of Cost Determination
within 90 days of the cooperative agreement award.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
In response to Executive branch and Congressional initiatives, the
main thrust of this effort is to generate knowledge and understanding
of the impact of telework/telecommuting arrangements and identify
evidence-based approaches and strategies that would enhance the
employment of people with disabilities in Federal and State agencies.
Hence, each proposal must ensure that each project has sufficient
sample size and methodological rigor to generate robust findings.
Applicants will be required to address a minimum of two (2) of the
following priorities in their applications.
1. Using telework as a return-to-work strategy specifically for
people with disabilities receiving Federal and State Workers'
Compensation.
2. Using telework as an alternative strategy for increasing
competitive employment for disabled veterans returning from tours of
duty.
3. To survey public (Federal and State agencies) and private
employers in order to identify supporting conditions and strategies
that are necessary to effectively implement and sustain telework for
people with disabilities.
In addition, applicants will be required to: (1) Collaborate with
Federal and State agencies to identify positions that will yield the
greatest number of telework opportunities for people with disabilities
and ensure the recruitment of research participants so that each sample
population is appropriate and of sufficient size; (2) identify the
impact of telework on productivity, performance, and costs-benefits;
(3) disseminate research findings to stakeholders, using accessible
formats; (4) evaluate impact of the research findings on increasing
employment opportunities for people with disabilities using telework
strategies validated through the research. Finally, applicants will be
required to cooperate with ODEP's External Evaluation Contractor in
order to conduct an independent evaluation of project activities and
outcomes.
Applicants are requested to address the identified priorities by
formulating research questions that are significant and relevant to the
stated priorities. Proposals are expected to include clearly defined
research designs, including but not limited to, surveys, quasi-
experimental studies, observational research methodologies and others.
After selection, depending upon the type of questions specified and
research design proposed, ODEP reserves the right to modify or
substitute as appropriate. Also, investigators will be required to
develop outcome measures, instruments, and data analysis procedures so
that study findings are reportable.
In review of applications, proposals will be evaluated under the
following evaluation criteria and maximum possible point scores.
A. Significance of the Proposed Project (10 Points)
In determining the significance of the proposed project, DOL
considers the following factors:
i. The potential contribution of the proposed research to increase
knowledge or understanding of the stated problems, issues, or effective
strategies;
ii. The extent to which the research activities proposed reflect a
coherent, sustained approach to research in the field, including a
substantial addition to the existing literature;
iii. The extent to which the proposed research is likely to yield
findings that may be used by other appropriate agencies and
organizations;
iv. The extent to which the proposed project involves the
development or demonstration of promising new strategies that build
upon, or are alternatives to, existing strategies;
v. The extent to which the plans for dissemination and reporting of
results and findings are of sufficient quality, intensity, and
accessible to individuals with disability;
vi. The extent to which collaboration with Federal and State
agencies, people with disabilities, other relevant stakeholders, and
ODEP's external evaluation contractor is likely to be effective in
achieving the proposed activities.
B. Quality of the Research Design (25 Points)
In evaluating the quality of the proposed research design, the
Department considers the following factors:
i. The extent to which the methodology of each proposed research
activity is meritorious, including a comprehensive and informed review
of the current literature, appropriateness of the sample population and
size;
ii. The extent to which the proposal provides a comprehensive
description of a research plan that outlines specific elements of the
anticipated research;
iii. The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved by the proposed research project are clearly specified and
measurable;
iv. The extent to which the design of the proposed project
incorporates measures adequate to facilitate external evaluation by
ODEP's external evaluation contractor;
v. The extent to which the design of the proposed project is
appropriate to, and will successfully address the needs of the target
population and other identified needs;
vi. The adequacy of the documentation submitted in support of the
proposed research design to demonstrate the commitment of each
applicant and affiliated partners and the quality of the plan that the
applicant will use to recruit, enlist, and secure cooperation of other
experts.
C. Quality of Project Personnel (15 Points)
The Project Narrative must describe the proposed staffing of the
project and must identify and summarize the qualifications of the
personnel who will carry it out. In addition, the Department considers
the qualifications, including relevant education, training and
experience of key project personnel, as well as the qualifications,
including relevant training and experience of project consultants or
subcontractors. Resumes must be included in the
[[Page 41288]]
appendices. Key personnel include positions such as: Principle
Investigator, Project Director, Project Coordinator, Project Manager,
Research Analyst, etc. Minimum qualifications should be commensurate
with the role identified in the application. In addition, the applicant
must specify the percentages of time dedicated by each key person on
the project in their application.
D. Budget and Resource Capacity (10 Points)
In evaluating the capacity of the applicant to carry out the
proposed project, DOL considers the following factors:
i. The applicant's demonstrated experience and expertise in
conducting research on telework, employment and disability issues;
ii. The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the
proposed research project; and
iii. The extent to which the anticipated costs are reasonable in
relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the
proposed project.
E. Quality of the Management Plan (25 Points)
In evaluating the quality of the management plan for the proposed
project, DOL considers the following factors:
i. The extent to which the management plan for project
implementation appears likely to achieve the objectives of the proposed
project on time and within budget, and includes clearly defined staff
responsibilities, time allocation to project activities, time lines,
milestones for accomplishing project tasks, and project deliverables;
ii. The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring the dissemination of
high-quality products, including the reporting of research findings for
the proposed project; and
iii. The extent to which the time commitments of the principal
investigator and other key project personnel are appropriate and
adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project.
F. Quality of Data for Project Evaluation (15 Points)
In evaluating the quality of data to be generated, in order to
assess the impact of the research findings, DOL considers the following
factors:
i. The extent to which the research methods include the use of
objective performance measures that are clearly related to the intended
outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and qualitative
evaluative and reportable data;
ii. The extent to which the evaluation will provide information to
the Federal and State governments and other employers about effective
telework/telecommuting strategies suitable for replication or testing
in other settings.
2. Reviews and Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed for compliance with the requirements
of this notice. A careful evaluation of applications will be made by a
technical review panel, which will evaluate the applications against
the rating criteria listed in this Solicitation for Grant Announcement.
The panel results are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant
Officer. DOL may elect to award grants with or without discussion with
the offeror. In situations without discussions, an award will be based
on the offeror's signature on the SF-424, which constitutes a binding
offer. The Grant Officer may consider any information that is available
and will make final award decisions based on what is most advantageous
to the Government, considering such factors as:
Panel findings; and,
Availability of funds.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Not applicable.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices. All awards will be posted on ODEP's Web site at
http://www2.dol.gov/odep. Successful and unsuccessful applicants will
be notified of the results.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. All awardees
will be subject to applicable Federal laws, regulations, and OMB
circulars. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the following
regulations before submitting a proposal. The Cooperative Agreement
awarded under this SGA shall be subject to the following as applicable:
29 CFR Part 95--Grants and Agreements With Institutions of
Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations, and
With Commercial Organizations, Foreign Governments, Organizations Under
the Jurisdiction of Foreign Governments, and International
Organizations;
29 CFR Part 96--Audit Requirements for Grants, Contracts,
and Other Agreements.
Allowable Costs
Determinations of allowable costs shall be made in accordance with
the following applicable federal cost principles:
Nonprofit Organizations--OMB Circular A-122
Profit-Making Commercial Firms `` 48 CFR Part 31
Profit will not be considered an allowable cost in any case.
Cooperative Agreement Assurances
As a condition of the award, the applicant must certify that it
will comply fully with the following nondiscrimination and equal
opportunity regulations:
29 CFR Part 31--Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted
programs of the Department of Labor, effectuation of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964;
29 CFR Part 32--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of
Disability in Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from
Federal Assistance (Implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act,
29 U.S.C. 794);
29 CFR Part 36--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance
(Implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C.
1681 et seq.); and
29 CFR Part 37--Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity
Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA), (Implementing
Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act, 29 U.S.C. 2938).
The applicant must include assurances and certifications that it
will comply with these laws in its Cooperative Agreement application.
The assurances and certifications are attached as Appendix C.
3. Reporting and Monitoring
ODEP is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of
this Cooperative Agreement, in accordance with the provisions of this
announcement and the terms of the Cooperative Agreement award document.
Applicants should assume that ODEP staff will conduct on-site project
reviews periodically. Reviews will focus on timely project
implementation, performance in meeting the Cooperative Agreement's
objectives, tasks and responsibilities, expenditures of Cooperative
Agreement funds on allowable activities, and administration of project
activities. Projects may be subject to other additional reviews, at the
discretion of the ODEP staff or their announced designees.
The DOL Cooperative Agreement awardee, under this competition, will
be required to submit to DOL quarterly
[[Page 41289]]
financial and narrative program progress reports for each quarter
funded. The awardee will be required to submit periodic financial and
participation reports. Specifically, the following reports will be
required:
A. Quarterly reports: The quarterly report is estimated to take ten
hours to complete. The form for the Quarterly Report will be provided
by the ODEP. The ODEP will work with the awardee to help refine the
requirements of the report, which will, among other things, include
measures of ongoing analysis for continuous improvement and customer
satisfaction. Quarterly reports will be due 30 days after the close of
the quarters of each Federal fiscal year. This report will be filed
using an on-line reporting system.
B. Standard Form 269: Financial Status Report Form (FSR) will be
completed on a quarterly basis, using the on-line electronic reporting
system.
C. Final Project Report: The final report will include an
assessment of project performance and outcomes achieved. The final
report is estimated to take twenty (20) hours to complete. This report
will be submitted in hard copy and on electronic disk complying with
format and instructions provided by the ODEP. An outline of the final
report is due to ODEP forty-five (45) days before termination of the
Cooperative Agreement with a draft of the final report due to ODEP
thirty (30) days before the termination of the Cooperative Agreement.
The final report is due to ODEP no more than thirty (30) days after the
termination of the Cooperative Agreement.
The awardee must agree to cooperate with independent evaluations to
be conducted by ODEP. ODEP or its designee will arrange for and conduct
this independent evaluation of the outcomes, impact, and
accomplishments of the project. The awardee must agree to make
available records on all parts of project activity, including
participant related data, and to provide access to personnel, as
specified by the evaluator(s), under the direction of the ODEP. This
independent evaluation is separate from any proposed ongoing evaluation
for continuous improvement commissioned by the awardee.
VII. Agency Contacts
For information on this DOL Cooperative Agreement and related items
contact Cassandra Mitchell, U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement
Services Center, telephone (202) 693-4570 (this is not a toll-free
number), prior to the closing deadline. Persons who are deaf or hard of
hearing may contact Cassandra Mitchell, via the Federal Relay Service,
(800) 877-8339. Applications, announcements, or forms will not be
mailed. The Federal Register may be obtained from your nearest
government office or library. This announcement and the award
notifications will also be published on the Internet on the ODEP's
online Home Page at: http://www.dol.gov/odep and at http://www.fedgrants.gov.
Signed at Washington, DC this 25th day of June, 2004.
Johnny A. Arnold, II,
Acting DOL Grants Officer.
Appendices:
Appendix A: Application for Federal Assistance SF 424
Appendix B: Budget Information Sheet SF 424A
Appendix C: Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
Appendix D: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants
BILLING CODE 4510-CX-P
|
