Billing Code 4510-30-M

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

Job Training Program Act, Disability Grant Program funded under Title III, Section 323 and Title IV, Part D, Section 452

AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant Application (SGA).

SUMMARY: All information required to submit a grant application is contained in this

announcement. The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration

(DOL/ETA), announces the availability of approximately $4.17 million to award competitive

grants for multi-state employment and training projects serving people with disabilities. This

grant program is funded using Job Training and Partnership Act (JTPA) Title IV Research and

Demonstration funds and Title III National Reserve funds.

DATES: Applications for this SGA will be accepted commencing April 29, 1998. The closing

date for receipt of proposals is 2:00 (Eastern Standard Time) May 14, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Applications should be mailed to: Division of Acquisition and Assistance,

Attention: Dr. David Houston, Reference SGA/DAA 98-007, 200 Constitution Avenue, N. W.,

Room S-4203 Washington, D. C. 20210

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. David Houston, Division of Acquisition

and Assistance, Telephone (202) 219-7300 ( not a toll-free number). This solicitation will also

be published on the Internet at http://www.doleta.gov

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This announcement consists of five parts: Part I -

Application Process, Part II - Background and Purpose, Part III - Statement of Work, Part IV -

Government Requirements, and Part V - Selection Criteria.

Part I. APPLICATION PROCESS

A. Submission of Proposal: A proposal shall consist of two (2) separate and distinct sections:

Section I, the Technical Proposal and Section II, the Financial Proposal. An original and three

copies of the proposal shall be submitted. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is

17.249.

Section I shall contain a Technical Proposal that demonstrates the applicant's capabilities in

accordance with the Statement of Work in Part III of this solicitation. No cost data or reference

to costs shall be included in the Technical Proposal. In addition, the Technical Proposal shall

be limited to 50 doubled-spaced, single-side, 8.5 inch x 11 inch pages with 1 inch margins.

Appendices shall not exceed 20 pages. Text type shall be 12 point or larger. Applications not

meeting these requirements may not be considered. The Technical Proposal must also contain

participant, activity and outcome information.

Section II, the Financial Proposal shall contain the SF-424, "Application for Federal

Assistance", and Budget Information Sheet (Attachments A & B). In addition, the budget shall

include on a separate page a detailed cost analysis of each line item. Administrative costs should

not exceed 15 percent of total proposed costs. Justification must be provided on the need for

administrative costs that exceed this limit. Approval of a budget by DOL is not the same as

approval of actual costs.

HAND DELIVERED PROPOSALS: Proposals may be mailed or delivered by hand. A mailed

proposal should be mailed no later than five (5) days prior to the closing date for the receipt of

applications. Hand delivered grant applications must be received at the designated place by 2:00

p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on May 14, 1998. All overnight mail will be considered to be

hand-delivered and must be received at the designated place by the specified time on the closing

date. Grant applications transmitted by electronic mail, telegraph or facsimile will not be

considered.

LATE PROPOSALS: Any proposals received at the Office designated in the solicitation, after

the exact time specified for receipt, will not be considered unless it is received before the award

is made or was either:

(1) sent by U. S. Postal Service registered or Certified mail not later than the fifth (5th) calendar

day before the date specified for receipt of application, or

(2) sent by U. S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service - Post Office to Addressee, not

later than 5 p.m. at the place of mailing two working days prior to the date specified for receipt of

proposals. The term "working days" excludes weekends and U. S. Federal holidays.

The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a late proposal sent by either

Express Mail or U. S. Postal Service Registered, Certified Mail is the U. S. Postmark both on the

envelope or wrapper and on the original receipt from the U. S. Postal Service. Both postmarks

must show a legible date or the proposal shall be processed as if mailed late. "Postmark" 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 and affixed

by employees of the U. S. Postal Service on the date of mailing.

Therefore, applicants should request the postal clerk to place a legible hand cancellation

"bull's eye" postmark on both the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.

B. Eligible Applicants Private non-profit entities are eligible to receive grant funds under this

award Entities described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in

lobbying activities are not eligible to receive funds under this SGA. The Lobbying Disclosure Act

of 1995, 2 USC 1601 et seq. prohibits the award of federal funds to 501(c)(4) entities engaged in

lobbying activities.

Applicants must operate or propose to operate in two or more states. Applicants should provide

documentation of knowledge and/or experience in the following areas:

- overcoming barriers to employment experienced by individuals with disabilities;

- ability to conduct training, placement, and follow-up services; and

- management and accountability structure necessary to ensure the integrity of the

funds requested (by meeting the standards for financial management and

participant

data systems as specified in 29 CFR, Part 95).

Only one proposal per applicant/organization(s) is permitted. A proposal submitted by a

consortium of two or more organizations will be accepted. However, another proposal

submitted separately by a member of the consortium will not be accepted.

C. Period of Performance The period of performance will be twelve (12) months. (Planned

dates are July 1, 1998 through June 30, 1999).

D. Option to Extend Based on the availability of funds, project performance and the needs of

the Department, grants may be extended for an additional one or two years of operation. The

Department reserves the right to impose additional requirements or refinements in

program design if the project is extended for a second and/or third year grant period.

E. Scope of Award DOL/ETA anticipates making awards that range from $300,000 to

$800,000. Proposals with costs exceeding $800,000 will not be considered. Title III funds are

included in the total funds available. Therefore, some awards will be funded in whole, or in part,

with Title III funds based on the extent to which the proposal is targeted to disabled individuals

who also qualify as a dislocated worker under Title III (see Definitions). Awards will be made on

a competitive basis.

Part II. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A. Background: DOL/ETA has provided grant awards for approximately twenty years to

organizations providing employment and training services to individuals with disabilities. In the

past, these grants have been awarded under the authority of Title IV, section 451 (c)(5) of the Job

Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Ten organizations received grant awards to operate programs

under these provisions in Program Year (PY) 1995. These grants end on June 30, 1998.

Several changes have occurred since the inception of these national disability grant programs.

Societal and systemic changes have directly impacted individuals with disabilities and their

opportunities in the workforce. Some of these changes were: the 1990 enactment of the

American's with Disabilities Act (ADA), "mainstreaming" of people with disabilities into schools

and the workplace, workforce development restructuring and consolidation, decentralizing

responsibilities to state and local levels, technological advances, and telecommunicating.

Individuals with disabilities continue to experience high levels of unemployment, particularly those

with severe disabilities. The Census Bureau Brief (CENBR/97-5) ( December 1997) shows that

the unemployment rate for those with severe disabilities is 74 percent, compared to 23 percent for

those with less severe disabilities. This rate is occurring in a national employment environment

where the overall unemployment rate is less than five (5) percent, the lowest level in 25 years.

Executive Order 13078, "Increasing Employment of Adults with Disabilities," was issued March

13, 1998 establishing a National Task Force chaired by the Secretary of Labor. The purpose of

the task force is to address the significant levels of unemployment faced by individuals with

disabilities.

This supports DOL/ETA's decision to reconsider the purpose of ETA's disability grant program.

Therefore, the 1998 grants awards will be authorized under the authority of Title IV, section

452(a) of JTPA for research and demonstration grants. "To assist the Nation in expanding work

opportunities and assuring access to those opportunities for all who desire it..."

B. Purpose: The primary purpose of this award is to implement strategies to improve access to

long term quality employment, employment outcomes, and skills that address the needs of the

disabled population, particularly those with severe disabilities. In this program, the quality of

employment outcomes are more important than the number of placements. Of particular

importance are skills and employment training that enable individuals to move to unsubsidized

employment.

Innovation, coordination and partnerships, non-duplication of existing services, and leveraging of

scarce resources are also important factors. In addition, DOL is interested in identifying

successful project designs that can be shared and replicated as state workforce system changes

proceed.

DOL is seeking applications that address one or more of the following concerns:

- strategies for high quality, long term employment of individuals with severe

disabilities, including those with a specific disabling condition or who also may be

members of a subgroup (e.g. minorities, youth, older workers),

- strategies for re-employment of individuals with disabling conditions (e.g.,

brain/spinal cord injury from accident, emotional/psychiatric conditions, multiple

sclerosis) resulting in dislocation from employment and a need for retraining,

- linkages with public (national, state and local) and/or private delivery systems,

disability consumer organizations (e.g., independent living centers), and other

entities that address significant employment barriers (e.g., lack of medical

coverage,

transportation needs, personal care requirements),

- linkages with existing service strategies that build-on and facilitate workforce

development (e.g., One-Stop Career Centers, School-to-Work,) and other

systemic changes impacting individuals with disabilities (e.g., Social Security

Return-to-Work programs, Welfare-to-Work implementation, State Medicaid

waiver strategies),

- innovative approaches utilizing technology, novel training and workplace strategies

or other approaches (e.g., distance learning, out-stationed work sites,

entrepreneurship) which result in significant employment outcomes.

DOL expects the awardee to evaluate and refine their proposed project as it progresses

Changes impacting the agreed upon Statement of Work must be coordinated with ETA. A

primary evaluation function will be performed by DOL. Therefore, proposals need not identify

evaluation strategies.

Grant funds are available under both Title III and IV of JTPA and will be used to serve disabled

participants who may also qualify as dislocated workers.

Part III. STATEMENT OF WORK

A. Project Design: Project designs should include demonstration sites in two or more states.

Projects should be designed to: 1) test the effectiveness of project strategy in diverse state

systems and potential for replication, 2) build on a variety of National efforts involving individual

state workforce development systems, and 3) allow for analysis of different state/local service

structures. Minimum cost per site shall be $75,000.

Each grant application shall follow the format outlined below providing detailed information

pertinent to each demonstration site.

1. Target Population: Participants for proposed project must be individuals with disabilities

(i.e., physical, sensory, emotional, or mental functional impairments) as defined in the ADA

regulations at 29 CFR, Part 1630.2. Describe characteristics of client population to which

proposal is targeted including, where applicable: 1) specific type(s) of disability, e.g., psychiatric

disorders, cerebral palsy, 2) specific subgroup of disabled population, e.g., minority, youth, older

workers, ) barriers to employment, e.g., medical health coverage, 4) how project design proposes

to address barriers, 5) why the project design will result in quality career and/or employment

outcomes, and 6) what innovative and coordinated approaches will be utilized in serving the

target population.

Project designs should address the needs of individuals with disabilities who are unable to obtain

or retain employment or who are underemployed. Justifications should be provided for the

selected target group that includes specific information on inability to obtain or retain employment

and/or underemployment.

Proposals must also provide the following planning information on the participants to be served in

project design, in total and by project site:

Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI),

Applicants may also provide other information about participants considered important such as

educational level, number of minority or ethnic, etc.

Recruitment Describe how target population will be recruited for participation at each site.

Describe how outreach and recruitment addresses the overall design of the project. Identify how

workforce development systems and consumer organizations are utilized in the recruitment

process. In addition, the design should describe the interventions that would be undertaken to

minimize periods of unemployment.

Eligibility Describe the eligibility process for project participants. This includes the process for

determining ADA qualification and verification process for Title III eligibility, if target population

includes disabled individuals who are also dislocated workers.

Assessment Describe the process for evaluating participants skill levels, education levels, career

interests, accommodation requirements, training and services, and other barriers and needs.

Narrative should identify whether assessment will be conducted by the awardee or another service

provider.

2. Training and Supportive Services The design should describe training and services to be

provided from the time of selection of participants through placement in unsubsidized employment

and follow-up. Description should include a rationale for activities and services in terms of

overall project design, overcoming employment, barriers of planned participants, and achieving

quality employment outcomes. Narratives should provide a clear understanding of services and

supports needed for successful placement and job retention. This description may include the

Return-To-Work program, Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) program, Medicaid waivers,

and other work related incentives. The design should also include information on how training

and service design will improve long-term career potential for participants.

DOL/ETA is encouraging program designs utilizing innovative "work-first" strategies providing

early entry into integrated and competitive work-settings. This approach may include on-the-job

training, immediate job placement, post-placement training, and/or services. Program design

should include post-placement follow-up of 30, 60, and 180 days.

The design must provide information on planned activities and services to participants including

project total and total per site. This must include the number of participants to be served in job

search assistance (only), basic educational training, job skill training, on-the-job training, work

readiness and work experience, and post-placement training and job retention services.

Planned participation in more than one activity should be noted, where applicable. Identify other

sources of funds to be utilized for training or services to participants that is a part of the overall

project design but will not be funded by DOL/ETA

3. Employment Outcomes

Available Jobs Based on labor market information, project design should describe jobs that are

expected to be available to participants upon completion of training and placement services,

probable wage levels, the potential for advancement, and career path. The design should, also,

identify how and why job placement and retention for participant group will more likely occur as a

result of the proposed project. Narrative should indicate what new employers and/or occupations

are the focus of project design compared to applicants' current or previous grant programs, if

applicable.

Provide information that indicates the availability of suitable jobs for participants, prevailing wage

levels, career potential and opportunities for advancement. Include information on the number

and type of jobs and the availability of qualified workers. Sources of information should be

identified.

Special Wage Waivers Under Fair Labor Standards Act Employment in jobs, and/or related

training, approved for Special Minimum Wage Certificates under Part 525 of the Fair Labor

Standards Act (FLSA) , as amended, will not be considered as an allowable activity or outcome.

Organizations receiving FLSA special wage certifications must provide assurances and

verification that FLSA special wage training and placement are not incorporated within proposed

project design.

Planned Placements The design must indicate how many placements in unsubsidized,

competitive employment are expected to result from activities at each site. A description of the

quality of these job placements should also be included. Because of project start-up, a high rate

of job placement may not be a realistic outcome within the initial grant period. Information on

participant flow from intake, assessment through placement should be provided indicating clearly

when placement will occur.

Planned outcome information should be provided, including project total and total per site: 1)

number of terminees completing program, 2) number of placements in unsubsidized employment,

3) number of placements in full time employment (35 hours per week or more), 4) the number of

indirect placement, 5) the average hourly wage, and placements with durations of 180 days and

more.

Applicants are also requested to provide an explanation, if applicable, on "temporary job"

placements; and the extent to which program participants and/or recipients of SSDI/SSI are

expected to transition to economic self-support in the mainstream workforce.

Applicants are requested to describe methods of ongoing assessment of "customer satisfaction"

and how results will be used in project operation. The DOL Government Performance and

Result's Act (GPRA) Program Year (PY) 1998 goal for the disability grant program is an "entered

employment rate" of 47 percent. If applicant does not anticipate achieving this competitive

placement level, an explanation should be provided on why this level may not be reached.

4. Innovation Describe any innovations in the proposed project, including (but not limited to)

innovations relating to the target population, delivery of services, training methods, job

development, or job retention strategies. Describe new directions or approaches to address

significant unemployment levels of people with disabilities. Explain how the proposed project:

1) will be applicable to disability issues of national scope, 2) is similar to or differs from the

applicant's prior and current activities; and 3) does not duplicate existing employment and

training programs.

Because the information technology industry currently represents close to 50 percent of the

nation's economic growth, applicants should consider how they might initiate the development of

new collaborative processes at the regional and local levels, thereby leveraging private sector,

school, and local government resources in order to expand workplace opportunities for

individuals with disabilities.

5. Coordination and Linkages Describe coordination with state and local entities, consumer

organizations, and/or others in the design and implementation of the proposed project. State/local

One-Stop Career Center systems, School-to Work initiatives, Welfare-to-Work programs, and

Bureau of Apprenticeship Training programs should be included as partners, if applicable.

Applications may also identify coordination strategies with Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies,

educational institutions, and labor organizations.

Partnership efforts should deal with major employment obstacles of insufficient medical coverage

and/or other barriers to employment (e.g, transportation, personal assistance needs, job coach

requirements). Describe coordination efforts with Social Security return-to-work incentives (e.g.,

PASS, Impairment Related Work Expenses) see Social Security Act, section 1619(a) and (b)).

Applicants should indicate the impact of proposed project on system changes underway and how

non-grant funds are being leveraged. Identify funds or resources to be contributed to the project

by the applicant and/or partnership entities. Evidence should be presented that demonstrates

cooperation of coordinating entities. The design should include a reasonable method of assessing

and reporting on the impact of such coordination. Consultation with and/or review by

appropriate labor organizations, where applicable, is encouraged and should be documented.

B. Management and Administration

1. Management Structure Describe the management structure for the proposed project,

including a staffing plan showing each position and the percentage of time assigned to the

project. Provide an organizational chart showing the relationship between the management and

operational components of the project and the overall organization. Include staff and operations

projected for each demonstration site. Include resumes of current key staff. For each of the key

staff not identified at the time of application, provide a job description or the qualifications sought

for the position. Provide information on business advisory councils, board of directors, or other

administrative structures of the organization, including current membership.

2. Program Integrity and Public Accountability Describe the mechanisms to be used to ensure

financial and program accountability in record keeping and reporting. The design must

demonstrate oversight of project implementation, and progress benchmarks, for each site.

Describe how the project will keep records of activities and satisfy the administrative

requirements set out under 20 CFR 631.64, and at 29 CFR Part 95, 96, and 98.

The design must include a comprehensive discussion describing in detail, types of information to

be collected, methods and frequency of collections, and ways information will be used to

implement and manage the program. The following must be covered:

1) program data collection and reporting systems to determine the achievement of project

outcomes,

2) financial management systems to ensure fiscal accountability in accordance with

statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements,

3) communication processes and technology which will be utilized,

4) administrative process for each project site, and

5) grievance procedure.

3. Monitoring Awardee will be responsible for monitoring and oversight of all activities under

the grant. Identify the information on project performance and financial management to be

collected on a short-term basis by project staff.

Describe the process, frequency, and rationale for frequency of on-site monitoring of each project

site, including employer site visits, if applicable. Also, describe monitoring in terms of on-going

evaluation of proposed project design. Describe the process and procedures to be used to obtain

feedback from participants, employers, and any other appropriate parties on the responsiveness

and effectiveness of the services provided.

4. Grievance Procedures. Describe the grievance procedure to be used for grievances and

complaints from participants, contractors, and other interested parties, consistent with

requirements at 20 CFR 631.64(c)(1).

5. Previous Project Management Experience Provide objective evidence of the grant

applicant's ability to manage such a project, ensure the integrity of the grant funds, and deliver the

proposed performance. Indicate the grant applicant's past management experience, particularly

regarding oversight and operating functions including financial management and relevant audit or

grant reviews of the organization. Provide references and/or contact persons of former or current

funding organizations.

C. Definitions

For the purpose of this demonstration project, the following definitions apply to the specified

terms, as used in this SGA:

Dislocated Worker - See regulations as specified inSee statutory definition pursuant to JTPA

301(a)(1) and the regulatory eligibility requirements at 20 CFR 6311.3(Federal Register.

September 2, 1994).

Long-Term Unemployment -includes a period of non-work (except for periodic periods of

subsistnece jobs) of four months up to five years. Prior employment which does not offer the

opportunity for self-sufficiency of the individual or the individual's family will not preclude an

individual's participation in this project under the requireement of "limited opportuntities for

employment or reemployment in the same area in which such individuals reside."

Severe Disability - See Vocational Rehabilitation Act regulations at 34 CFR Ch. III, Section

369.4 (7/1/97 edition).

Basic Education - Training activities designed to enhance the employability of participants by

upgrading basic skills (e.g., General Equivalency Diploma (GED), remedial education or training

in English language proficiency).

Job Skills -Training conducted in an institutional setting, and designed to provide individuals with

technical skills and information required to perform a specific job or group of jobs (e.g.,

vocational technical school, community college, etc.).

On-the-Job Training (OJT) - Training provided to an individual hired first by the employer

while he/she is engaged in productive work which provides knowledge or skills essential to the

full and adequate performance of the job (See 20 CFR 632.78(b)).

Work Experience (WE) -A short-term or part-time work activity in the public or not-for-

profit sector providing individuals, with opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge necessary

to perform a job, including appropriate work habits and behaviors. (See 20 CFR 632.79(b)).

Job Search Assistance - This includes, but is not limited to:

1) Orientation to the world of work

2) Training/Job-related counseling and testing

3) Employability assessment (other than that involved during intake)

4) Job development

5) Job search assistance

6) Job referral and placement

Job Placement - Placement consisting of a minimum of 20 hours during one week of

unsubsidized funding.

Post-Employment/Job Retention Services - Supportive services which may include, but is not

limited to, post placement follow-up activities, work site evaluation and accommodation

assistance, and training services provided following placement in unsubsidized, competitive

employment.

Unsubsidized/Competitive Employment - Non-grant or supported employment which includes,

entry into the Armed Forces (including entry onto active duty from Reserve and National Guard

units), entry into employment in a registered apprenticeship program, self-employment, etc.

Employment performed on a full-time or part-time basis in an integrated setting in which

wages/salaries are at or above minimum wage. Employment with special wage provisions

authorized under Title 29, Part 525 of the Fair Labor Standards Act are not considered

unsubsidized nor competitive for the purpose of this grant.

Part IV. GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS.

A. Reporting Requirements. DOL intends to develop a standard for reporting in conjunction

with awardees and general public as required by OMB. Applicants will be required to submit

financial, program, and participant reports on a quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. Grantees

will complete Quarterly Financial Reports (QFR) SF-269 and Quarterly Progress Reports (QPR).

The QPR shall include both a narrative and statistical format. Specify in the QFR's "remarks"

section, the amount spent for Title III. Also include an attachment outlining expenditures in the

major categories (e.g., personnel, travel, supplies, equipment, contractual). An original and two

copies of the QPR and the QFR will be sent not later than 30 days after the end of each quarter.

In addition, Annual Participant and/or Program Service Reports may be required to obtain

information on: a) types of services provided, b) number of clients served by disability, race,

national origin, gender, age, SSI/SSDI, AFDC, and c) the number of clients with a severe

disability served. Detailed requirements for submitting these reports will be included in the grant

award document.

B. Evaluation. The Department of Labor plans to conduct a quantitative and qualitative

evaluation that provides an in-depth analysis and assessment of the grant program, including:

1) how project addressed barriers to employment by individual participants, e.g., health benefits,

transportation, personal assistance needs, 2) improvements or changes to systemic linkages,

3) successful project design components that result in improved employment outcomes, and

4) the success of the program in achieving program objectives. The evaluation will be

coordinated with awardees who must make available records on participants, employers, and

provide access to personnel and staff.

C. Departmental Oversight. DOL reserves the right to conduct programmatic and financial

oversight/monitoring of grant and project sites.

D. Use of Federal Funds. Federal funds cannot be used to support activities which would be

provided in the absence of these funds. Grant funds may cover only those costs which are

appropriate and reasonable. Federal grant funds may only be used to acquire equipment which is

necessary for the operation of the grant.

Grantees must receive prior approval from the DOL/ETA Grant Officer for the purchase and/or

lease of any property and/or equipment as defined in "Grants and Agreements with Institutes of

Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations", codified at 29 CFR Part 95.

Requests for prior approval, if applicable, may be included in the grant budget application or

submitted after grant award.

PART V. SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection of awards will be made after careful evaluation of proposals by a panel of specialists.

Ratings will reflect the quality of documentation, justification, and evidence of activities

included in the management and design of the projects. Panelists will evaluate the proposals

for acceptability based on responsiveness to the Statement of Work, with emphasis on the

following:

A. Project Design (40 points)

Proposals will be evaluated based on the extent to which the activities and/or services address the

following:

1) overcoming barriers to employment experienced by individuals in the target population,

2) increasing the likelihood that individuals with disabilities will achieve sustained, quality

employment at a living wage,

3) providing opportunities for career advancement,

4) incorporating "work-first" strategies,

5) addressing skill shortages in the information technology industry,

6) fulfilling a gap in current services delivery system,

7) incorporating advanced skill levels or other approaches leading to long term employment

and career potential

8) incorporating innovative approaches and linkages with other service providers in the design

of the project.

B. Management and Administration (25 points)

Proposals will be evaluated based upon the following:

1) applicants' management structure including a staffing plan, organization

chart, operational components, etc.,

2) a time-line of the proposed schedule for implementing the program,

3) a description of the mechanism used to ensure financial and program

accountability in record keeping and reporting,

4) a description of the monitoring system,

5) the qualifications of the persons designated for key executive, managerial,

and technical positions,

6) the applicants capabilities to coordinate and form linkages with other organizations

involved in serving the target population.

C. Target Population (20 points)

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:

1) identification of specific group of individuals to be served who are disabled and who

face significant barriers to employment,

2) demonstration that the applicant understands the needs of the group to be served,

3) documentation that individuals in the identified target group are available in

sufficient numbers,

4) recruitment process,

5) eligibility verification, and

6) assessment processes.

D. Previous Experience (15 Points)

Applicants will be evaluated on their experience in providing education, training and/or other

employment-related services for individuals with disabilities. Consideration will be given to

information regarding efforts to coordinate and form linkages with other organizations involved

with the target population. Applicants must demonstrate, providing supporting information, that

they have successfully organized, managed, and completed projects, and/or that they have

projects with successful audit results, and have received funds from federal or other sources.

Panel results are advisory in nature to the Grant Officer who makes the final decision. Applicants

are advised that discussions may be necessary to clarify any inconsistencies in their applications.

The final decisions on awards will be based on what is most advantageous to the Federal

Government as determined by the Grant Officer. The Department may elect to award a grant

without discussion with the applicant. Such award would be based on the applicant's proposal

without alteration. The applicant's signature on the SF-424 constitutes a binding offer.

Signed at Washington, DC, this *** day of ***, 1998.

James C.De Luca

Grant Officer, Office of Grants and

Contracting Management, Division of

Acquisition and Assistance

Attachments

1. Appendix A--"Application for Federal Assistance" (Standard Form 424)

2. Part II - Budget Information

3. Financial Status Report Form (Standard Form 269)