[Federal Register: May 29, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 103)] [Notices]
[Page 32090-32106] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr29my03-151]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Office of Disability Employment Policy
[SGA 03-08]
Home Modification Grants
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 03-08).
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the Office of Disability
Employment Policy (ODEP) announces the availability of $500,000 to award up to
ten competitive grants in the amount of $50,000 to $100,000 each to provide
home modifications as a means of further expanding the community integration of
individuals with disabilities, and particularly those seeking employment.
Grants will be awarded for a 12- month period of performance. After one year of
support, it is anticipated that the grantees will have identified and developed
the funds and resources needed to continue the expansion of such home
modification programs within their respective localities. For people with
disabilities and older Americans, an often-cited barrier to participation in
work and community life is the lack of affordable home modifications, such as
ramps, widened doorways, lowered countertops and cabinetry accessible to those
who use wheelchairs. Such modifications can often mean the difference between
working and being unemployed, between being a taxpayer and a recipient of
public assistance, and between true presence and participation in one's
community and living in a nursing home. In Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581, 119
S.Ct. 2176 (1999) (the ``Olmstead decision''), the Supreme Court construed
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to require states to
place qualified individuals with mental disabilities in community settings,
rather than in institutions, whenever treatment professionals determine that
such placement is appropriate, the affected persons do not oppose such
placement, and the state can reasonably accommodate the placement, taking into
account the resources available to the state and the needs of others with
disabilities.
In Olmstead, the Supreme Court stated that institutional placements of
people with disabilities who can live in, and benefit from, community settings
perpetuates the unwarranted assumptions that persons so isolated are incapable
or unworthy of participating in community life. The Supreme Court stated that
``recognition that unjustified institutional isolation of persons with
disabilities is a form of discrimination reflect[ed] two evident judgements'':
(1) ``institutional placements of people with disabilities who can live in, and
benefit from, community settings perpetuates the unwarranted assumptions that
persons so isolated are incapable or unworthy of participating in community
life''; and (2) ``confinement in an institution severely diminishes everyday
life activities of individuals, including family relations, social contacts,
work options, economic independence, educational advancement, and cultural
enrichment.'' Olmstead, 119 S.Ct. 2176, 2179, 2187 [emphasis added]. This
decision affects not only all persons in institutions and segregated settings,
but also people with disabilities who are at risk of institutionalization,
including people with disabilities on waiting lists to receive community based
services and supports. The President has made it very clear, through his New
Freedom
[[Page 32091]]
Initiative and through his Executive Order to Federal Agencies on the
implementation of the Olmstead decision, that every effort should be expended
to ensure that people can live and work in their communities and are not forced
to live in congregate facilities and to give up any hope of employment.
The purpose of these grants, therefore, is to encourage the development
of home modifications as a means to support individuals with disabilities as
they seek and maintain employment.
DATES: Applications will be accepted May 29, 2003. The closing date for
receipt of applications under this announcement is July 14, 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 03-08,
Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Telefacsimile
(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 the ODEP's online Home
Page at: http://www2.dol.gov/odep. Award 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, Public Law 1087; Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2001, Public Law 106-554, 29 U.S.C. 557b.
Part III. Background and Purpose
Background
Based on the 1995 American Housing Survey, almost 8.9 million housing
units in the United States had at least one occupant who had a physical
activity limitation--approximately 9.1 percent of the 97.7 million occupied
housing units that year. It is estimated that as many as 3.4 million (38.4
percent) of homes with at least one occupant with activity limitations had some
type of home modification (such as grab bars and ramps). In 3.3 million (36.9
percent) of the homes, an occupant with activity limitations received help from
another person. Canes, walkers, or crutches were used in 3.4 million (37.9
percent) of the homes; wheelchairs, 1.4 million (15.3 percent); motorized or
electric carts, 161,000 (1.8 percent); and other devices, 462,000 (5.2
percent). Approximately 5.1 million (57.4 percent) of the households in which a
member had an activity limitation had no home modifications present.
In general, funding to meet this significant home modification need is
scarce nationally and eligibility is often limited for the few programs
available that help an individual in need of home modifications. Assistance
through the Veterans Administration for some modifications, for example, is
only available to eligible veterans. Some Centers for Independent Living
provide funds for such purposes, but the funding is extremely limited and not
widely available, particularly in rural areas. The Social Security
Administration may allow deductions for the cost of certain modifications from
earned income, but only to participants in certain work programs and if the
modifications are deemed required for employment outcomes. Vocational
Rehabilitation may also provide funding for some home modifications, but only
for those eligible individuals seeking employment. The Fair Housing Act
mandates that the landlord allow a tenant to make modifications, but usually at
their own expense and with the responsibility to return the rental property to
its original state upon termination of the lease. The Department of Housing and
Urban Development's (HUD) Section 203(b) loan program allows funding to be used
for home modifications, but many simply cannot afford such loans. In many
communities across the country, older Americans and people with disabilities
must rely on faith-based and community organizations as well as charitable
associations for such assistance. In many cases, such funding is simply not
available at all. Often, individuals are, in essence, ``forced'' to leave their
homes for nursing homes or assisted living facilities, or prevented from moving
into otherwise affordable housing, due to such inaccessibility. Just as often,
opportunities for employment must go unrealized due to an inability to leave
one's house without great effort.
Purpose
Through the President's Faith-Based and Community Initiative (FBCI),
local faith-based and community organizations can take a leadership role in
assisting individuals with disabilities to remain in their homes, or to move
into accessible homes. To coordinate this effort, DOL is partnering with the
Corporation for National and
[[Page 32092]]
Community Service (CNCS) and HUD to promote the development of home
modifications as a means to encourage the employment of individuals with
disabilities. This unique partnership will allow the Federal government to
promote both the spirit and the responsibilities of both the New Freedom
Initiative and the Olmstead Executive Order, while concurrently recognizing the
valuable community roles played by America's faith-based and community
organizations. Moreover, it is the intention of this solicitation to assist
individuals with disabilities to remain in their homes or move into accessible
housing and thereby directly facilitate and provide these employment supports
to further their opportunities to seek and retain employment and training in
their communities.
Part IV. Funding Availability and Period of Performance
The ODEP anticipates awarding approximately up to ten competitive
grants in the amount of $50,000 to $100,000 each to provide home modifications
as a means of further expanding the community integration of individuals with
disabilities, and particularly those seeking employment. Grants will be awarded
for a 12-month period of performance. After one year of support, it is
anticipated that the grantees will have identified and developed the funds and
resources needed to continue the expansion of such home modification programs
within their respective localities.
This solicitation calls for the creation of several local programs to
provide home modifications to assist individuals with disabilities and older
Americans to live and work in their communities. Funding will be provided for
local organizations to purchase materials, analyze accessibility, and build the
necessary modifications. These organizations are encouraged to seek donations
of materials and labor from local businesses, labor organizations, and
community associations. In addition, these organizations are also strongly
encouraged to work with their local Centers for Independent Living and other
disability advocacy organizations to determine local need and potential
resources.
Part V. Eligible Applicants and Required Partnerships
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include faith-based and community organizations
that must be non-profit entities (although not 501(c)(4) entities subject to
the Lobbying Disclosure Act) that also: (1) Have social services as a major
part of their mission; (2) Are headquartered in the local community to which
they provide these services; and (3) Have a total annual operating budget of
$300,000 or less, or have six (6) or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
Note: For purposes of this SGA, local affiliates of national social
service organizations are not considered ``faith-based and community
organizations'' and are not eligible to apply.
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 their signed proposal. To aid with the
review of applications, USDOL 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 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 as follows in this
application package. 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 the 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\
[[Page 32093]]
x 11 papers with standard margins throughout]. Each application shall
include a project synopsis that identifies the following:
- The name of the applicant;
- The type of organization the applicant represents, the additional
consortium partners and the type of organization they represent;
- The amount of funds requested;
- The planned period of performance;
- An overview of the applicant's plan accomplishing the goals of Home
Modification; and
- An overview of the applicant's plan for sustaining the Home
Modification program once Federal funding ceases.
[sbull] Section III. Project Narrative [The Project Narrative plus
attachments are limited to no more than fifteen (15) 8\1/2\ x 11 pages,
double-spaced with standard one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides), and be
presented on single-sided, numbered pages. 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. 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-proportional 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.
Part VII. Government Requirements/Statement of Work [Project
Narrative]
The Project Narrative, or Section III of the grant application, should
provide complete information on how the applicant will utilize an expanded
capacity through this funding, to assess the need for home modifications for
local residents with disabilities, and to arrange and complete those
modifications. This system will better serve individuals with disabilities as
they transition from facility-based residential sites to community housing, and
to the work world. The period of performance will be 12 months from the date of
execution by the Government. Up to ten competitive grants will be awarded in
the range of $50,000 to $100,000. This grant program will target five to ten
localities to conduct this effort. Each locality will be responsible for:
- Recruiting targeted recipients,
- Assessing the necessary modifications,
- Conducting the work,
- Arranging sufficient and appropriate press opportunities, and
- Submitting summaries of their respective activities.
The Project Narrative of the grant application must provide complete
information that will address the requirements of this SGA, including
significance of the proposed project. The Department, however, does not expect
the applicant to incorporate every item listed as part of their strategy and
proposal design. The Department recognizes that the needs and requirements of
each locality may be different, and therefore, some of the options identified
may be more relevant than others in a particular locality.
1. Significance of the Proposed Project (20 Points)
The purpose of the Significance of the Proposed Project is to assess
the overall elements of the applicant's proposal; to identify strengths and
deficiencies to be addressed by the applicant's proposal; to identify the
overall scope of proposal objectives and design; and, to present the
applicant's need for Home Modification grant resources. This criterion will be
rated based upon the applicant's proposed approach to addressing identified
community needs in the context of the grant priorities. The Project
Narrative must include:
- Evidence of significant previous involvement in the provision of
home modifications for persons with disabilities or older Americans;
- Current and anticipated linkages with local disability-related
organizations, such as Centers for Independent Living, vocational
rehabilitation agencies, local governmental entities, faith-based and community
organizations, and/or provider agencies; and
- Describe how individuals with disabilities from diverse cultures will
be recruited for participation in this effort; demonstrate how special emphasis
will be made on the recruitment of individuals who are seeking employment
outcomes or who are currently working from home. Positive press clippings and
``success stories'', if available, should also be included. In determining the
significance of the proposed project, ODEP will consider the following factors:
- The potential contribution of the proposed project to the
employment of individuals with disabilities;
- The current level of similar activity in the applicant's
locality and those sites commitment to work with this application;
- The extent to which the proposed project is likely to yield
findings that may be used by other appropriate agencies and
organizations;
- The extent to which the proposed project involves the development
or demonstration of promising new strategies to expand home modification
options for individuals with disabilities;
- The likely utility of the products (such as information,
materials, processes, or techniques) that will result from the proposed
project; and
- The importance or magnitude of the results likely to be attained
by the proposed project.
2. Quality of the Project Design (30 Points)
The purpose of the Quality of the Project Design criteria is to
identify the strategic plan proposed by the grantee to implement the Home
Modification program in their locality. The application must address the
proposed design for a locally based effort. The plan should identify:
- Local organizations' roles within the proposed activities, including
faith-based and community organizations;
- How those organizations will integrate resources to advance the
effort;
- The proposed plan for recruiting individuals with disabilities,
especially those either seeking employment or currently working from home;
- Plans, if warranted, for long term funding for the initiative;
- Evidence of working with their local One-Stop Career Center(s) for
purposes of outreach and referral.
- Provide an estimate of the type and extent of modifications, as well
as the number of expected target recipients;
- Identify any matching funds, including federal housing funds (such as
Community Development Block Grants and HOME Program funds), corporate funding,
local governmental funding, etc., to be utilized; and
- Provide an estimate of expected donated materials as well as in-kind
contributions, including volunteer time.
In evaluating the quality of the proposed project design, the ODEP will
also consider the following factors:
(a) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved are clearly specified and measurable; (b) The extent to which the
design of the proposed project features innovative
[[Page 32094]]
methods for developing new sites and/or strengthening existing
sites; (c) The extent to which the proposal incorporates a viable strategic
plan; (d) The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build
capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period of this
grant; (e) The extent to which the proposed budget and narrative
justification are adequate to support the proposed project; and (f) The
extent to which the proposed project will be coordinated with similar or
related efforts.
3. Sustainability Through Leveraging of Other Resources (25 Points)
The Project Narrative must describe a detailed plan for sustaining this
project after grant funds cease. Projects funded under this SGA should leverage
a combination of Federal, state, and local public sector resources, as well as
local non-profit sector resources for purposes of sustainability.
The successful applicant will:
- Describe the strategy for gaining the support of area employers,
people with disabilities and their family members, and local
governmental
and nongovernmental disability organizations;
- Identify federal, state, and local public sector resources, as well
as local non-profit sector resources that will be leveraged for purposes of
sustainability after the grant period ends;
- Document a willingness to cooperate with the ODEP and its technical
assistance efforts to provide information and advice to other localities on how
the home modifications activities can be replicated.
In evaluating the quality of the plan for sustainability, the DOL will
also consider the following factors to be of particular importance:
- The extent to which public and private monies are leveraged
effectively; and
- The likelihood of the applicant successfully securing local
ownership and participation in these projects when these grant funds
cease.
Grantees are expected to use this grant as seed money to develop other
public and private resources in order to ensure sustainability of grant
activities following completion of the funding period. The ODEP considers
detailed commitments for specific new activities as more important than
promises of in-kind supports in showing sustained support for the project.
Grants recently received from another agency can be discussed in the proposal,
but the applicant should be precise about which activities precede this grant
and which will occur because of this grant. In addition, the applicant should
detail how public sector commitments can contribute to the sustainability of
this project following completion of the grant. Examples of the types of public
and private sector commitments envisioned include the following:
Letters of Commitment
Applicants can include letters of support if they provide specific
commitments. Such letters can increase an applicant's score by showing that the
commitments in the text of the proposal are serious. Form letters will not be
considered.
Letter From the Mayor
A letter from the Mayor or functionally equivalent entity reflecting
support of local level participation in the Home Modifications Program will be
viewed favorably.
4. Management, Outcomes and Personnel (25 Points)
The purpose of the Management, Outcomes and Personnel criteria is to
determine whether the applicant has developed an adequate management and
personnel plan to effectively carry out the objectives and scope of the
proposed project on time and within budget, to describe the predicted outcomes
resulting from activities funded under this SGA, and to identify the methods of
evaluation that will be used by the grantee to determine success. Successful
applicants will provide a detailed management plan for project goals,
objectives, personnel and activities that: (1) Describes plans to report the
demographic characteristics of assisted individuals (including types if
disabilities); (2) Provides a commitment to submit ``stories'' outlining the
results of their efforts; (3) Describes the proposed staffing of the project;
(4) Addresses staff capacity in relationship to the proposed project design;
(5) Identifies and summarizes the qualifications of the personnel, including
the relevant training and experience of project consultants or subcontractors,
who will carry out the work of the project. [Projects funded under this notice
must demonstrate positive efforts to employ and advance in that employment
qualified individuals with disabilities in project activities.] In
evaluating the quality of the management, outcomes and personnel plan for the
proposed project; ODEP will consider the following factors:
- The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved are clearly specified and measurable;
- The extent to which a management plan for project implementation is
likely to achieve the objectives of the proposed
project on time and
within budget, including defined staff responsibilities, and time allocated to
project activities, time lines, milestones for accomplishing project tasks
and project deliverables;
- The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products and
services from the proposed project; and,
- The extent to which the time commitments of the local director and/or
and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate to meet the
objectives of the proposed project.
- 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.
Part VIII. Monitoring and Reporting
Monitoring
The 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 DOL 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 the ODEP. The
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.
[[Page 32095]]
(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 in hard copy and on
electronic disk using a format and following instructions that will be provided
by the 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 the ODEP sixty
(60) days following the termination of the grant. The 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 the ODEP. This independent evaluation is
separate from the ongoing evaluation for continuous improvement required of the
grantee for project implementation.
Grantees must also agree to work with the ODEP in its various technical
assistance efforts in order to freely share with others what is learned about
delivering customized employment services to the Olmstead population. 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. 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 SGA. The panel results are advisory in nature and not
binding on the Grant Officer. The DOL 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 may consider any information
that is available and 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 grant 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.
B. Allowable Cost
Determinations of allowable costs shall be made in accordance with the
following applicable Federal cost principles:
[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.) 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 20th day of May, 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 4510-CX-P
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[FR Doc. 03-13399 Filed 5-28-03; 8:45 am]
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