[Federal Register: June 16, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 115)] [Notices]
[Page 35704-35721] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr16jn03-108]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
[SGA 03-14]
Office of Disability Employment Policy; Center for Faith-Based and
Community Initiatives; Intermediary Grants for Mentoring Youth With
Disabilities
AGENCY: Office of Disability Employment Policy, Department of Labor.
ACTION: Notice of availability of funds; solicitation for grant
applications (SGA).
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This notice contains all of the necessary information and forms needed
to apply for grant funding. (SGA 03-14).
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Disability
Employment Policy (ODEP), in collaboration with DOL's Center for Faith- Based
and Community Initiatives (CFBCI or Center), announces the availability of
approximately $450,000 to award three competitive grants funded up to $150,000
to eligible intermediary organizations that have demonstrated an ability to
assist faith-based and community organizations, particularly smaller
organizations, in promoting positive employment and transition outcomes for
youth with disabilities through mentoring activities. The activities conducted
must be consistent with effective practices and may include but are not limited
to adult and peer mentoring, e-mentoring, tutoring, job-shadowing, service
learning, leadership development, and youth development. In achieving the grant
purposes, the intermediary is expected to sub-award a substantial portion of
its award to eligible local faith- based and community organizations. Grant
funds may be used for activities that establish, implement, or support a
mentoring program for youth with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 24,
which may include:
- Hiring of mentoring coordinators and support staff;
- Recruitment, screening, and training of mentors;
- Recruitment and assessment of mentees;
- Reimbursement to schools, if appropriate, for the use of school
materials or supplies to be used in carrying out the mentoring program;
- Purchase of materials or supplies to be used in carrying out the
mentoring program;
- Dissemination of outreach materials; and
- Evaluation of the mentoring program using scientifically-based
methods.
These grants are for a one-year period at full funding and may be
renewed for a period of up to four additional years depending upon the
availability of funds and the efficacy of the project activities. See also
Parts IV, IX.
The results of this initiative will support ODEP's strategic goals of:
(1) Promoting policies to increase demand for employees with disabilities; and
(2) promoting policies to increase the capabilities of the workforce
development system to provide meaningful and effective services to youth with
disabilities.
DATES: Applications will be accepted commencing on June 16, 2003. The
closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is July 28,
2003. Applications must be received by 4:45 p.m. (ET) at the address 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.
ADDRESSES: Applications shall be mailed to: U.S. Department of Labor,
Procurement Services Center, Attention: Cassandra Willis, Reference SGA 03-14,
Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Telefascimile
(FAX) applications will not be accepted. Applicants are advised that mail
delivery in the Washington area may be delayed due to mail decontamination
procedures.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cassandra Willis, 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 DOL via the Federal Relay Service, (800) 877-8339. This
announcement will also be published on the Internet on ODEP's online Home Page
at: http://www.dol.gov/odep. Award
[[Page 35705]]
notifications will also be published on the ODEP Homepage.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Part I. Delivery of Applications
1. 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; (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 working
days prior to the date specified for receipt of applications. The term
``working days'' excludes weekends and Federal holidays. ``Post marked'' 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.
2. Withdrawal of Applications. Applications may be withdrawn by written
notice or telegram (including mail gram) received 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.
3. Hand-Delivered Proposals. It is preferred that applications be
mailed at least five days prior to the closing date. To be considered for
funding, hand-delivered applications must be received by 4:45 p.m., ET, at the
specified address. Failure to adhere to the above instructions will be basis
for a determination of non-responsiveness. Overnight express mail from carriers
other than the U.S. Postal Service will be considered hand-delivered
applications and must be received by the above specified date and time.
Part II. Authority
Omnibus Appropriations Resolution, 2003, Pub. L. 1087; Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2001, Pub. L. 106-554, 29 U.S.C. 557b.
Part III. Background
ODEP's mission 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.
Through partnerships with both public and private sector employers and with
regional and local agencies, ODEP also fosters the creation of employment
opportunities by increasing awareness of the benefits of employing people with
disabilities and disseminating information on effective employment strategies.
The CFBCI seeks to create effective partnerships between faith- based and
community-based organizations and DOL at the Federal, state, and local levels.
The purpose of these partnerships is to bring faith- based and community
organizations, which are often in closest touch with the people and problems
that are the focus of Federal social policy efforts, into DOL's employment and
training programs. The CFBCI coordinates a comprehensive departmental effort to
incorporate faith-based and other community-based organizations into DOL
programs and initiatives. CFBCI supports the creation of initiatives and
programs within DOL that utilize the strengths of faith-based and community
organizations to better address the needs of underprivileged populations. The
Center directs national outreach efforts to educate faith-based and other
community organizations about the opportunities for partnership with local
One-Stop Career Centers, State and Local Workforce Investment Boards, State
Workforce Agencies, and the U.S. Department of Labor. CFBCI also works in
conjunction with DOL agencies to remove barriers to the participation of
faith-based and community organizations in Federal programs, including, but not
limited to, the reform of regulations, procurement and other internal policies
and practices, and outreach activities.
This SGA reflects a collaborative effort between ODEP and CFBCI born
out of their commitment to promoting positive employment and transition
outcomes for youth with disabilities through mentoring. There is solid evidence
that effective mentoring programs can change the direction of the life of a
youth with a disability, improve academic performance, and help the youth
develop skills, knowledge, and motivation to successfully transition from high
school to adult life. (Moccia, Schumaker, Hazel, Vernon, & Deshler, 1989;
Rhodes, Grossman, & Resch, 2000). Accordingly, this grant program supports
the objectives of both President Bush's New Freedom Initiative and the Leave No
Child Behind Act of 2001, Pub. L.107-110.
Mentoring is defined generally as a sustained, close, developmental
relationship between an older, more experienced individual and a younger person
with the goal of building character and promoting positive, healthy youth
development. In mentoring arrangements, adults or experienced peers serve as
advisors and role models, working with youth one-on one or in groups.
Electronic mentoring, also called e- mentoring, uses a combination of e-mail
and face-to-face meetings to facilitate mentoring relationships between young
people and adults. Mentoring relationships provide valuable support to youth,
not only in offering academic and career guidance, but also in building
leadership and interpersonal skills and problem-solving skills. Mentoring can
also connect youth with important employer contacts, thereby opening doors for
networking and future employment.
The purpose of this grant program is to help build the capacity and
knowledge of faith-based and community organizations to better meet the needs
of young people with disabilities through mentoring. This will be accomplished
through the funding of intermediary organizations that have demonstrated
expertise in working with and providing technical assistance to local
faith-based and community organizations in a variety of areas including, but
not limited to: effectively operating and managing their programs; accessing
governmental and private funding sources; developing and training staff;
expanding the types and reach of services in their communities; and replicating
promising and effective practices. The funded intermediary will also issue
sub-awards to local faith-based and community organizations for start-up,
operations, or expansion of mentoring programs for youth with disabilities as
detailed previously in the Summary Section of this SGA. This SGA is for the
Intermediary Grants for Mentoring Youth with Disabilities Initiative. This
grant program is consistent with the objectives of the President's New Freedom
Initiative.
Part IV. Funding Availability and Period of Performance
ODEP anticipates awarding three competitive grants funded up to
[[Page 35706]]
$150,000 each year to eligible intermediary organizations that have
demonstrated an ability to assist faith-based and community organizations,
particularly smaller organizations, in promoting positive employment and
transition outcomes for youth with disabilities through mentoring activities.
The period of performance will be one year from the date of execution of the
grant documents by DOL. ODEP may elect to extend these grants on a yearly basis
for up to four additional years based on the availability of government funds
and acceptable performance.
Part V. Eligible Applicants and Required Partnerships
Eligible Applicants: Under this competition, eligible
``intermediaries'' are defined as non-profit, community, and/or faith- based
organizations with existing connections within the community, and a
demonstrated ability to connect smaller faith and community-based organizations
and the people they serve to youth services funded under the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-220, 29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) (WIA) and
to other youth services available in their local communities. These
intermediary organizations must possess strong financial and grant management
skills, and the ability to mentor smaller organizations to increase their
capacity to fully participate in the youth service delivery provider
network.
Partnerships: Applicants must establish strong linkages with the Local
Workforce Investment Board (WIB) in the area to be served by the activities of
the grant. The Local WIB can assist the intermediary in connecting to the
One-Stop system and other community-based youth service providers receiving WIA
funding. It is ODEP's belief that the intermediary and its sub-awardees can
complement, augment, and supplement the services currently provided through
WIA, and leverage WIA funded resources to assist them in carrying out some of
their grant activities, e.g., recruitment of youth with disabilities.
Grant recipients will broker partnerships with employers, the workforce
development system, school systems, disability service providers, non-profit
organizations, and other faith-based and community organizations to provide
mentoring experiences for youth with disabilities. Among other partners,
grantees will be required to collaborate with employer organizations such as
the Chamber of Commerce and the state Business Leadership Network where one
exists. In addition, grantees will be required to utilize broad strategies for
recruiting adult and peer mentors, including outreach to other faith- based and
community organizations, employer organizations and employers, and
organizations representing youth with disabilities such as centers for
independent living, the state's Youth Leadership Forum, and state members of
the National Youth Leadership Network. In addition, applicants are to work in
partnership with other disability- related public and private organizations.
Partners may include:
[sbull] State/local public agencies such as Special Education;
[sbull] Vocational Rehabilitation; [sbull] State Councils for Independent
Living; [sbull] Local Centers for Independent Living (CILs); [sbull]
State mental health agencies, state mental retardation and Developmental
Disability Councils; [sbull] Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
agencies; and [sbull] Private, non-profit organizations such as disability
advocacy and provider organizations, as well as federally funded disability
grant entities, including faith-based entities.
Eligible Sub-Awardees and Allowable Activities
For purposes of this announcement, the intermediary may issue sub-
awards to community or faith-based organizations that:
- Have social services as a major part of their mission;
- Are headquartered in the local community to which they provide these
services;
- Have a total annual operating budget of $300,000 or less, or
- Have 6 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
Except as specifically provided, DOL/ODEP's acceptance of a proposal
and an award of Federal funds to sponsor any programs(s) does not provide a
waiver of any grant requirement and/or procedures. For example, the OMB
circulars require that an entity's procurement procedures must require that all
procurement transactions be conducted, as practical, to provide open and free
competition. These circulars are applicable to awards made by the intermediary
to sub-awardees under the terms of this grant solicitation. If a proposal
identifies a specific entity to provide the services, the DOL/ODEP's award does
not provide the justification or basis to sole-source the procurement, i.e.,
avoid competition.
The ``$300,000 or less'' budget includes only that portion of an
organization's budget allocated to providing social services. It does not
include other portions of the budget such as salaries and expenses. For
purposes of this announcement local affiliates of national social service
organizations are not eligible for a sub-grant award.
Legal Rules That Apply to Faith-Based Organizations That Receive
Government Funds
The government is prohibited from directly funding religious
activity.\1\ These grants may not be used for religious instruction, worship,
prayer, proselytizing or other inherently religious practices. Neutral, secular
criteria that neither favor nor disfavor religion must be employed in the
selection of grant and sub-grant recipients.
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\1\ The term ``direct'' funding is used to described funds that are
provided ``directly'' by a governmental entity or an intermediate organization
with the same duties as a governmental entity, as opposed to funds that an
organization receives as the result of the genuine and independent private
choice of a beneficiary. In other contexts, the term ``direct'' funding may be
used to refer to those funds that an organization receives directly from the
Federal government (also known as ``discretionary'' funding), as opposed to
funding that it receives from a State or local government (also known as
``indirect'' or ``block grant'' funding). In this SGA, the term ``direct'' has
the former meaning.
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Nonetheless, participation by faith-based organizations in this grant
program is highly encouraged. Consistent with the Free Exercise Clause and the
Free Speech Clause of the Constitution, faith-based organizations are eligible
to compete for Federal financial assistance used to support social service
programs and to participate fully in the social service programs supported with
Federal financial assistance without impairing their independence, autonomy,
expression, or religious character. See Equal Protection of the Laws for
Faith-based and Community Organizations, Exec. Order No. 13279 (December 12,
2002).
Part VI. Format Requirements for Grant Application
General Requirements: 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 encourages Applicants to
submit an electronic copy of their proposal on a disc or CD using Microsoft
Word. Applicants who do not provide an electronic copy will not be penalized.
The Application Narrative must be double-spaced with standard margins on 8\1/2\
x 11 papers, and be presented on single-sided, numbered pages with the
exception of format requirements for the Executive
[[Page 35707]]
Summary. The Executive Summary must be limited to no more than two
single-spaced, single-sided pages on 8\1/2\ x 11 papers with standard margins
throughout. A font size of at least twelve (12) pitch is required throughout.
Applications that fail to meet these requirements will be considered
non-responsive.
The three required sections of the application are:
Section I--Project Financial Plan Section II--Executive
Summary--Project Synopsis Section III--Project Narrative (including
Attachments, not to exceed 15 pages)
Mandatory requirements for each section are provided below.
Applications that fail to meet the stated mandatory requirements of each
section will be considered non-responsive.
Mandatory Application Requirements
[sbull] 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'' (See
Appendix A of this SGA for required form) (2) Completed ``SF-424A--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)
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.
The application must include one SF-424 with the original signatures of
the legal entity applying for grant funding and 2 additional copies. Applicants
shall indicate on the SF-424 the organization's IRS Status, if applicable.
Under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, Section 18 (29 U.S.C. 1611), an
organization described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 that engages in lobbying activities will not be eligible for the receipt
of Federal funds constituting an award, grant, or loan. (See 2 U.S.C. 1611; 26
U.S.C. 501(c)(4).) For item 10 of the SF-424, the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) number for the program is 17.720. The Budget Narrative and
Justification must describe all costs associated with implementing the project
that are to be covered with grant funds. Grantees must support the travel and
associated costs with sending at least one representative to the annual ODEP
Policy Conference for Grantees, to be held in Washington, DC, at a time and
place to be determined. Grantees must comply with the ``Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local
Governments,'' (also known as the ``Common Rule'') codified at 29 CFR part 97,
and must comply with the applicable OMB cost principles circulars, as
identified in 29 CFR 95.27 and 29 CFR 97.22(b).
In addition, the budget must include on a separate page a detailed cost
analysis of each line item. Justification for administrative costs must be
provided. Approval of a budget by DOL is not the same as the approval of actual
costs. 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 grant should that application result in an award.
The applicant must also include the Assurances and Certifications Signature
Page (Appendix C).
[sbull] 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 papers with standard margins throughout). Each application shall
include a project synopsis that identifies the following:
(1) The name of the applicant; (2) The type of organization the
applicant represents, the additional consortium partners and the type of
organization they represent; (3) The amount of funds requested; (4) The
planned period of performance; (5) An overview of the applicant's plan for
building the capacity and knowledge of faith-based and community organizations
to better meet the needs of young people with disabilities through mentoring;
and (6) An overview of the applicant's plan for sustaining grant activities
being conducted by sub-awardees once Federal funding ceases.
[sbull] Section III. Project Narrative (The Project Narrative plus
attachments are limited to no more than fifteen (15) single-sided, numbered
8\1/2\ x 11 inch pages, double-spaced with standard one-inch margins (top,
bottom, and sides)). 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, use no smaller than
a 12- point font, and an average character density no greater than 18
characters per inch (if using a non-roportional font or a typewriter, do not
use more than 12 characters per inch). Applications that fail to meet these
requirements will be considered non-responsive.
Note: The Financial Plan, the Executive Summary, and the Appendices are
not included in the fifteen (15)-page limit]. The substantive requirements for
the project narrative are described below under Part VII--Statement of
Work.
Part VII. Government Requirements/Statement of Work (Project
Narrative)
The Project Narrative, or Section III of the grant application
represents the applicant's plans to address the previously documented unmet
need to provide mentoring services to young people with disabilities in the
community. ODEP expects that the intermediary and its sub-awardees will
complement, augment, supplement, and leverage services currently provided
through the WIA-assisted youth service delivery system in carrying out grant
activities.
The intermediary will assist the sub-awardees, as appropriate, in
administrative tasks so that sub-awardees can focus primarily on providing
mentoring services to their service population(s). ODEP expects that the
intermediary's staff will provide mentoring and technical assistance to build
the smaller organizations' capacity to be permanent contributors to the youth
service provider network and to compete successfully for future Federal, state
and local grants. The Project Narrative/Statement of Work must include and will
be weighed as follows:
- The applicant's Performance History with Grants Management and
Service to People with Disabilities (20 points);
- A description of the proposed plan and activities of the intermediary
and its sub-awardees (45 points); and
- An enumeration of evaluation criteria, measure(s), outcomes and
reporting and tracking mechanisms for both intermediary and sub- awardees (35
points).
Letters of Commitment: Applicants can include letters of support if
they provide specific commitments. Such letters can increase an applicant's
score under criterion 2 by showing that the commitments in the text of the
proposal are serious. Form letters will not be considered.
1. Performance History With Grants Management and Service to People With
Disabilities (20 points)
The applicant must provide a statement of its performance history
[[Page 35708]]
with the management of resources under governmental grants-in-aid
programs. DOL will evaluate applications based on the scope, strength, and
``record of achievement'' which will be demonstrated by responses to the
following requirements:
(1) Relevant history of the applicant in managing resources through
grant awards from Federal Departments (particularly those from the Departments
of Labor, Education, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human
Services), state governments, or units of local governments; (2) Recent
involvement of the intermediary as a partner or provider in the One-Stop
delivery system for employment and training services. Describe any current
working relationship with the local Workforce Investment Board(s) or steps
taken to develop this relationship for the current grant application (3)
Demonstrated history of networking with, educating, training, and mobilizing
faith-based and community organizations and their members. (Note: Include past
experience in developing other organizations' capacity for social service
delivery, managing grants, conducting information campaigns, and providing
technical assistance); and (4) Demonstrated experience in networking with
and providing services to people with disabilities. In evaluating the quality
of the applicant's performance history and management of resources, ODEP may
consider the applicant's experience, knowledge and staff skills relevant to
addressing the goals of this SGA in the context of ODEP's priorities.
2. Description of the Proposed Plan and Activities of the Intermediary
and Its Sub-Awardees (45 points)
This section of the narrative should provide the applicant's detailed
strategy for increasing the capacity and capability of faith- based and
community organizations to provide effective mentoring services to young people
with disabilities. The work plan must clearly illustrate how the project will
be completed, and identify what services will be delivered. The narrative
should explain the scope of the proposed project, and detail how the project
will be carried out. The sections that should be included in the narrative for
this section include:
[sbull] A Timeline [sbull] A Description of the Mentoring
Activities to be Conducted and the Respective Roles and Responsibilities of
Community and Faith- Based Organizations and the Grantee. [sbull] A
Description of the Approach That Will Be Used for Seeking Applications From and
Making Sub-awards to Community and Faith-Based Organizations. [sbull] A
Strategy for Coordinating Grant Activities with WIA- Assisted Youth Activities,
the One-Stop Center(s), and Other Federal Disability-Related Grant
Activities. [sbull] A Strategy for Conducting Outreach to Employers and to
the Disability Community. [sbull] A Strategy for Leveraging Available
Funding Sources to Support Grant Activities and Plan for Ensuring
Sustainability Once Federal Funding Ceases. [sbull] A Plan for Working with
Sub-awardees to Develop Outcome Measures and to Evaluate the Activities
Supported by the Sub-awards Made with Federal Funds Under This
Announcement.
The Timeline
The applicant must provide a timeline for all discrete projects and
activities to be undertaken.
A Description of the Mentoring Activities To Be Conducted and the
Respective Roles and Responsibilities of Community and Faith-Based
Organizations and the Grantee
This section of the narrative should provide the following
information:
(1) A description of how the applicant will work with community and
faith-based partner organizations in carrying out grant-related mentoring
activities, including those activities that will be solicited through
sub-awards. The specific functions/roles and responsibilities of these partner
organizations within the grant design should be included as well as an
explanation of the types of administrative and management functions which will
be performed by the grantee. (2) The young people expected to be served by
the mentoring program, how they will be recruited, and the benefits or results
> expected; (3) The method that will be used to recruit, screen, and
train prospective mentors and to match mentors with mentees; (4) An
explanation of how technology will be used in carrying out grant activities;
and (5) A listing of key positions required to carry out the project as
proposed, the key individuals proposed to fill the positions, and a detailed
description of the kind of work these individuals will perform within the
project. The application should provide evidence of the staffs' skill,
knowledge, and experience in carrying out these types of activities, and
describe their relevant training.
A Description of the Approach That Will Be Used for Seeking
Applications From and Making Sub-Awards to Community and Faith-Based
Organizations
In this section, the applicant should provide a description of the
outreach activities it will engage in to identify potential faith and
community-based organizations to act as partners in carrying out grant
activities and the methodology that will be used for making sub-awards.
Strategy for Coordinating Grant Activities with WIA-Assisted Youth
Activities, the One-Stop Center(s), and Other Federal Disability- Related Grant
Activities
In this section, the applicant should explain how grant activities will
be coordinated with the local One-Stop Center and other WIA- assisted youth
activities in the target area(s) and with other disability related grant
initiatives from DOL, the Department of Education (ED), the Department of
Health & Human Services (HHS), the Social Security Administration (SSA),
the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), and other Federal
partners.
Strategy for Conducting Outreach to Employers and to the Disability
Community
In this section, the applicant should identify the strategy that will
be used in developing relationships with and the support of area employers and
the disability community, and explain how the views and perspectives of these
partners were taken into account in developing this grant proposal.
Plan for Working With Sub-Awardees To Develop Outcome Measures and To
Evaluate the Activities Supported by the Sub-Awards Made With Federal Funds
Under This Announcement
In this section, the applicant should describe how it will work with
sub-awardees to develop outcome measures and to evaluate grant- related
activities conducted as a result of sub-awards.
Strategy for Leveraging Available Funding Sources To Support Grant
Activities and Plan for Ensuring Sustainability Once Federal Funding Ceases
In this section of the narrative, the applicant should identify
additional
[[Page 35709]]
Federal, state, and/or local funds and resources that will be used to
support the overall objectives of the grant, and articulate a plan for ensuring
the sustainability of grant activities being performed by sub- awardees once
Federal funding ceases. ODEP will evaluate the proposed plan and activities
against the following criteria:
(a) The extent to which the outreach and identification of
organizations eligible for sub-grant awards appears appropriate, reasonable and
achievable within the initial months of the grant period; (b) The extent to
which the application process that will be used in making sub-awards is
straightforward, fiscally responsible, and not overly burdensome; (c) The
extent to which the proposed plan is likely to produce positive transition
outcomes for young people with disabilities; (d) The extent to which
partnerships with outside entities and funding from additional Federal, state
and/or local resources will be effectively leveraged and utilized in carrying
out grant activities; (e) The demonstrated capability of the applicant to
effectively implement the proposed project; (f) The quality of the plan for
ensuring sustainability of grant activities being performed by sub-awardees
once Federal funding ceases; (g) The extent to which employers and the
education, workforce, and disability communities have actively participated or
will participate in the design and implementation of the proposed project;
(h) The qualifications, including relevant training and experiences of key
project personnel; (i) The quality of the plan to recruit mentors and
mentees; (j) The quality of the training that will be provided to mentors;
and (k) The quality of the mechanism that will be used to match youth with
mentors.
3. Review Process and Evaluation Criteria, Measure(s), Outcomes and
Reporting/Tracking Mechanisms for Both Intermediary and Sub-awardees (35
points)
This section of the narrative should summarize the intermediary's
evaluation criteria to thoughtfully examine progress towards project goals and
objectives.
Through this grant ODEP and CFBCI seek the following objectives:
[sbull] A positive measurable impact on transition outcomes of young
people with disabilities in those target areas who receive grant- related
mentoring services. [sbull] A significant increase in the number of
faith-based and community organizations capable of providing quality mentoring
services to young people with disabilities and capable of effectively
sustaining mentoring programs for youth with disabilities through a variety of
funding sources (e.g., Federal; state; local governments, private charitable
organizations and foundations); and
The narrative should specifically and carefully define how the
intermediary and its sub-awardees will determine success consistent with the
above objectives for all the proposed activities. The narrative should identify
an overall goal as to the number of mentees to be served under the grant, and
should identify the positive transition outcomes expected. Positive transition
outcomes may include placement and retention in employment, completion of
educational certification, graduation, skills attainment, enrollment in post-
secondary education, etc. In addition, the applicant should provide an
explanation as to how the applicant will work with its sub-awardees to
establish interim goals necessary to meet the aforementioned goal and
objectives. This section of the narrative should also address the ``methods of
evaluation'' that will be used by the intermediary to determine the success of
the technical assistance efforts provided to the intermediary's sub-awardees
(including program development) as well as the success of the mentoring
efforts. In addition, this section of the narrative should outline the strategy
for documenting and reporting the activities undertaken during the life of the
grant for ODEP and CFBCI's future use in working with other intermediaries.
ODEP will evaluate the narrative against the following criteria to determine
whether the goals and objectives, and the plans and procedures proposed for
achieving them, are innovative, worthwhile, and realistic.
(a) Do the objectives reflect the measurable outcomes of the proposed
work? (Note: The objectives must be tangible, specific, concrete, measurable,
and achievable over the life of the grant.) (b) Are the methods and activities
to achieve the objectives adequately described? (Note: These should be
consistent with the timeline required in criterion 2, and present the order and
the date of completion (month or quarter) for the accomplishment of the
intermediary and sub-awardees' tasks.) (c) How will the planned work lead
to the outcomes anticipated during the life of the grant? Are the tasks that
will be accomplished with the available resources thoroughly and cogently
outlined? (Note: Early in the planning process, applicants should list the
tasks that will have to be completed to meet the goals of the project. They can
then break these into smaller tasks and lay them out in a schedule over the
grant time period. This will provide a chance to consider what personnel,
materials, and other resources will be needed to carry out the tasks.) (d)
Is there evidence presented that the accomplishments and structures established
during the period of grant performance can be sustained beyond the life of the
grant?
Part VIII. Monitoring and Reporting
Monitoring: ODEP is responsible for ensuring the effective
implementation of each competitive grant project in accordance with the
provisions of this announcement and the terms of the grant award document. The
Department staff, or their designees may conduct on-site project reviews
periodically. Reviews will focus on timely project implementation, performance
in meeting the grant's programmatic goals and objectives, expenditure of grant
funds on allowable activities, integration and coordination with other
resources and service providers in the local area, and project management and
administration in achieving project objectives.
Reporting: Grantees will be required to submit quarterly financial and
narrative progress reports as prescribed by OMB Circular A-102 and A-110, as
codified by 29 CFR parts 97 and 95 respectively.
(1) A Quarterly Report will be required within thirty (30) days of the
end of each quarter beginning ninety days from the award of the grant and is
estimated to take five hours to prepare on average. The form for the Quarterly
Report will be provided by ODEP. ODEP will work with the grantee to help refine
the requirements of the report, which will, among other things, include
measures of ongoing analysis for continuous improvement and customer
satisfaction. (2) Financial reporting will be required quarterly using the
on- line electronic reporting system for the Standard Form 269--Financial
Status Report (FSR). (3) A Final Project Report, including an assessment of
project performance and outcomes achieved will be required and is estimated to
take twenty hours to complete. This report will be submitted
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in hard copy and on electronic disk using a format and following
instructions that will be provided by ODEP. A draft of the final report is due
to the ODEP thirty (30) days before the termination of the grant. The final
report is due to ODEP sixty (60) days following the termination of the
grant.
ODEP may arrange for and conduct an independent evaluation of the
outcomes, impacts, and accomplishments of each funded project. Grantees must
agree to make available records on all parts of project activity, including
participant post secondary and employment data, and to provide access to
personnel, as specified by the evaluator(s), under the direction of ODEP. This
independent evaluation is separate from the ongoing evaluation for continuous
improvement required of the grantee for project implementation. Grantees must
agree to collaborate with other research institutes, centers, studies, and
evaluations that are supported by DOL and other relevant Federal agencies, as
appropriate. Finally, Grantees must agree to actively utilize the programs
sponsored by the ODEP, including the Job Accommodation Network, (http://www.jan.wvu.edu),
and the Employer Assistance Referral Network (http://www.earnworks.com).
Part IX. Review Process and Evaluation Criteria
All applications will be reviewed for compliance with the requirements
of this notice. ODEP, CFBCI and other Federal agency staff are expected to
serve on the technical panel(s) that will review all applications against the
criteria listed below. ODEP also may utilize representatives from faith-based
and community organizations and others with policy expertise with faith-based
and community initiatives that have no relation to grant applicants to broaden
the perspective of review panels. The panel recommendations are advisory in
nature and not binding on the Grant Officer. The grant officer will fully
consider the panel recommendations, but take into account other factors to
ensure the most advantageous award of these funds to accomplish the system-
building purposes outlined in the Summary and Statement of Work. The grant
officer may consider any information that comes to his or her attention and may
elect to award grants either with or without discussion with the applicant. In
situations without discussions, an award will be based on the applicant's
signature on the SF 424, which constitutes a binding offer. The Grant Officer
will make final award decisions based on what is most advantageous to the
Government, considering factors such as:
Panel findings; Geographic distribution of the competitive applications;
and Availability of funds.
X. Administration Provisions
A. Administrative Standards and Provisions
Grantees are strongly encouraged to read these regulations before
submitting a proposal. The grants awarded under this SGA shall be subject to
the following as applicable:
[sbull] 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;
[sbull] 29 CFR Part 96--Audit Requirements for Grants, Contracts, and Other
Agreements. [sbull] 29 CFR Part 97--Uniform Administrative Requirement for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
B. Allowable Costs
Determinations of allowable costs shall be made in accordance with the
following applicable Federal cost principles:
[sbull] State and Local Government--OMB Circular A-87 [sbull]
Nonprofit Organizations--OMB Circular A-122 [sbull] Profit-Making
Commercial Firms--48 CFR part 31
Profit will not be considered an allowable cost in any case.
C. Grant Assurances
As a condition of the award, the applicant must certify that it will
comply fully with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of the
following laws:
[sbull] 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. [sbull] 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) [sbull] 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.) [sbull] 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 grant application. The assurances and
certifications are attached as Appendix C.
Signed at Washington, DC, this 10th day of June, 2003. Lawrence J.
Kuss, Grant Officer. Appendix A. Application for Federal Assistance,
Form SF 424 Appendix B. Budget Information Sheet, Form SF 424A Appendix
C. Assurances and Certifications Signature Page Appendix D. Survey on
Ensuring Equal Opportunity
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M
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[FR Doc. 03-15114 Filed 6-13-03; 8:45 am]
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