Under this PY 2009 solicitation, VETS anticipates that up to $6,900,000 will be available for grant awards up to a maximum of $500,000 for each grant award. VETS anticipates approximately 13 awards will be made under this solicitation with the possibility of additional awards contingent upon applicant funding requests.

WIA section 168 authorizes the Department of Labor to make grants to meet the needs for workforce investment activities of veterans with service-connected disabilities, veterans who have significantbarriers to employment, veterans who served on active duty in the armed forces during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, and recently separated veterans within 48 months of discharge (under conditions other than dishonorable). Priority of service for veterans in all Department of Labor funded training programs is established in 38 U.S.C. 4215.

VWIP grants are intended to address two objectives:

• to provide services to assist in reintegrating eligible veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force; and
• to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex employability problems facing eligible veterans.

Projects that support the President's commitment to "Green Energy Jobs" and propose a clear strategy for training and employment in the renewable energy economy, are considered unique and innovative and will receive priority consideration.