AWD Maintenance Technical Workers NOFO.pdf

FAA

NextGen Procurement Services and Grants Management Division

Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity i

Summary Information

Federal awarding agency name: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Funding opportunity title: Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grant Program

Announcement type: Initial

Funding opportunity number (required, if applicable): NG-AWM-25-001

Assistance Listing number(s): 20.112

Key dates: February 5, 2025 iii

Table of Contents

A. Program Description

B. Federal Award Information

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

3. Other

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection

3. Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold [Required, if applicable]

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

G. Federal Aviation Administration Contact

H. Other Information iv

A. Program Description

11. Introduction

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is accepting applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 FAA Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grant Program (hereinafter referred to as “the Program”) of which 20 percent of the total amount funded will be used to carry out the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program. The purpose of the program is to expand the Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers workforce and support activities to facilitate the transition to careers in aviation maintenance throughout the United States and U.S.

territories.

2. Legislative Authority

Section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Pub. L. No. 115-254, hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) amended by Section 440 the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Pub. L. No. 118-63, hereinafter referred to as “the Acts”). Section 625 directs support to projects for education and recruitment of aviation maintenance technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance workforce.

Section 625 of the Acts shall be collectively referred to throughout this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) as the “Authorizing Legislation.”

3. Nondiscrimination Assurance

As a condition to receiving any federal financial assistance from the USDOT through the FAA, the applicant is subject to and will comply with the following in addition to all other laws, regulations, executive orders, and/or policies that apply to the grants awarded under the Program:

a. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., 78 stat. 252);

b. 49 CFR § 21 (entitled “Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation—Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964”);

c. 49 U.S.C. § 47123 (Nondiscrimination Statute);

d. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.);

a. 28 CFR § 50.3 (U.S. Department of Justice Guidelines for Enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964);

b. 49 CFR § 28 (entitled “Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Transportation”);

e. 49 CFR § 37 (entitled “Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities (ADA)”;

a. 28 CFR § 35 (entitled “Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services”); and

b. Executive Order 13985 (entitled “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government”).

4. Background

Through the award of these grants, the USDOT and the FAA will assist in expanding the U.S. aviation maintenance technical workers workforce. The Program aims to provide meaningful educational experiences to stimulate interest and encourage students throughout the nation to prepare to enter this career field. The Program also supports activities to facilitate the transition of individuals to careers in aviation maintenance, including members of the armed forces. By advancing equity across the federal government, we can create opportunities for the improvement of communities that have been historically underserved. Consistent with federal policy and the Authorizing Legislation, the Program will further benefit the public by advancing equity.

55. Program Goals

The Program is to provide grants for the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance workforce.

Per the Authorizing Legislation, the USDOT secretary may exercise discretion to ensure that the award recipients selected will allow participation from a diverse collection of applicants in rural, suburban, and urban areas.

B. Federal Award Information

1. Type of Award and Funding

The Program is a competitive discretionary grant program. The FAA estimates it will make approximately $9 million available to fund an estimated 9 recipients through this NOFO. A funded project may have a period of performance of two years, with a maximum of $1 million (inclusive of direct and indirect costs).

No less than 20 percent of the total amount funded will be used to carry out a grant program that shall be referred to as the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program. These awards must be carried out in counties containing at least one qualified opportunity zone as defined in Section 1400Z–1(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

2. Number of Awards

The FAA will determine the number of awards depending on the quality and quantity of proposals, but the FAA estimates it will make approximately 9 awards under this announcement. However, the FAA reserves the right to make more, fewer, or no awards. Submission of an application to Grants.gov is not a guarantee of award. The FAA may, at its discretion, award an entire grant, portions of a grant, or no grant based on an application.

3. Maximum Amount

Any application that exceeds the maximum amount of $1 million for two years funding under this notice will be considered ineligible .

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

EEligible Applicants

The following types of entities are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity:

a. A certified repair station that provides training defined in part 21, 121, 135, 145, or 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

b. Labor organization representing aviation maintenance workers;

c. Accredited institution of higher education (20 U.S.C. § 1001), a postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or secondary school (20 U.S.C. § 7801);

d. Aviation-related nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; or

e. A State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental entity.

Individuals are not eligible to apply under this NOFO.

Eligible Projects

Projects that fall into one or more of the below categories will be eligible for award. An eligible project is a project to:

a. Create and deliver a program or curriculum that provides high school and secondary school students and students of institutions of higher education with meaningful aviation maintenance education to become an aviation mechanic or aviation maintenance technician, including purchasing and operating equipment associated with such curriculum;

b. Establish or improve registered apprenticeship, internship, or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing employment in the aviation maintenance industry;

c. Support the transition to aviation maintenance careers, including for members and veterans of the armed forces;

d. Support robust outreach about careers in the aviation maintenance industry, including outreach to populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry; or

e. Otherwise enhance or expand the aviation maintenance technical workforce.

Proof of Eligibility

Applicants must identify how they qualify under NOFO Section C.3 by uploading proof of eligible entity as follows:

a. An air carrier must provide a copy of its certificate issued under part 21, 121, 135, 145, or 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

b. A labor organization representing aviation maintenance workers must provide a copy of an IRS-issued organization exemption letter confirming its labor organization status.

c. A postsecondary vocational institution must provide a copy of its accreditation document.

d. An aviation-related nonprofit organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 must provide a copy of an IRS-issued organization exemption letter confirming its nonprofit organization status.

e. In addition to the above proof of eligibility, all applicants, including, tribal, territorial, state, and local governments, must include in the required abstract a brief statement as to which eligibility category the applicant is applying under and how the applicant qualifies. The FAA reserves the right to validate proof of eligibility. If proof of eligibility is not provided in the application, the applicant will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

f. The government does not have the authority to award grants beyond the stated goal of the Program or to entities other than those identified above as eligible entities, nor does the government have the authority to provide scholarships or any form of financial assistance to individual applicants. However, the selected entities may offer scholarship opportunities as a funded activity, consistent with the requirements of the Act. Applicants must ensure (and be prepared to document) that all individuals supporting the proposed project possess the legal ability to work within the United States throughout the period of performance. The government will not award a grant to an applicant who already has an active award with the FAA’s Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program with a period of performance that will not overlap with the award being granted under this NOFO.

RRequirement to use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility

Unless an exemption applies throughout the period of performance for the award, when hiring any individual for employment in the United States under the “program or activity” that is funded in whole or in part under the award or sub-award, the recipient or sub-recipient must enroll (if not already enrolled) in E-Verify, use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all new hires, and take such steps as may be necessary to ensure the award and sub-award recipient comply with this award term and condition.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The Authorizing Legislation does not require cost share or matching contributions for this Program.

3. Other

All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov. Per 2 CFR § 200.206(a)(2), the FAA will check the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS). Entities found to be debarred or suspended will automatically be ineligible from participating in the Program.

Partnerships

The FAA encourages applicants to partner with others, such as trainers, consultants, and/or contractors as appropriate to satisfy program goals and to otherwise meet the requirements of the merit criteria.

This encouragement includes, without limitation, engaging in partnerships that will enhance an applicant’s ability to reach and include a diverse collection of public and private schools in rural, suburban, and urban areas, and to help the applicant provide more opportunities, assistance, and resources to ensure success and sustainability of the proposed project.

Sub-awards are prohibited under this NOFO.

Each partner may submit a letter of commitment, up to two pages per partner, to the project and a signed formal agreement outlining the responsibilities of each partner. An authorized official from the lead eligible entity must submit the proposal on behalf of the team and officially represent the members for administrative purposes. The fiscal officer identified by the lead entity will be responsible for signing or co-signing the proposal’s electronic submission, negotiating the final terms of the award with the FAA Grants Officer, accepting the grant on behalf of the team, and providing official reports, invoices, and related materials as requested.

MMultiple Applications

The FAA will accept only one application from an eligible entity serving as a single applicant or as a lead for a partnership. The eligible entity may also participate as a non-lead partner on the application(s) of other eligible entities.

An applicant entity must have its own Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to be eligible.

The FAA will accept only an applicant’s last validated electronic submission, under the correct funding opportunity number, before the Grants.gov application due date as the final and only acceptable application.

USDOT Priorities

The Department seeks to fund projects that advance the Departmental priorities of safety, equity, climate and sustainability, and workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation as described in the USDOT Strategic Plan, Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan, and in executive orders.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

See the instructions in Appendix I, Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures, for an address to request an application package.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

The applicant must complete and submit all required application package forms (see Appendix II, Application Document Checklist) and submit them online at Grants.gov under the NOFO cited herein.

Applicants should refer to Grants.gov to access instructions for the current SF-424 and other forms used to create grant application packages in Grants.gov. See Appendix II for a complete list of documentation required to be submitted with the narrative.

Be aware that the USDOT may share application information within the department or with other federal agencies if the department determines that sharing is relevant to the respective program’s objectives.

File Type

Each attachment must be submitted as a PDF file.

Format

Narratives must be written in English and with U.S. dollars. In addition, the text must be 12 point size, Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, and double-spaced. Page numbers must be placed in the lower right corner. The proposal must include the headings presented in the following order (see Appendix II – Application Document Checklist) while addressing the merit criteria stated in Section E.

Ensure that each header and/or sub-header is labeled so that sections can be easily segregated and reviewers can look at the merit of the application before reviewing the cost proposals. Applications not adhering to format requirements may be deemed ineligible.

In addition, there is a combined three-page limit for all charts and tables included in the application.

Mandatory Forms in Required Order (see Appendix II – Application Document Checklist)

Failure to complete and submit any of the forms below may render the application ineligible for an award.

a. Application for Financial Assistance Form, SF-424 is used in all federal grant applications. This form collects information, including type of applicant, applicant contact information, type of submission, award request amount, and proposed project dates.

b. Project Abstract Summary Form (use the Standard OMB-approved Project Abstract Summary Form 2.0 in the Grants.gov application package) must include:

a. A statement of which eligible applicant category (see Section C) the applicant belongs to.

b. A statement of which eligible project category(s) (see Section C) the applicant’s project proposal should be considered under.

c. A brief overview of the project, including:

i. Specific, measurable objectives that the project will accomplish.

ii. How the project objectives will be accomplished, i.e., the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” of the project.

c. Project Narrative (Use project narrative attachment form or separate sheet of paper.)

a. This section provides a comprehensive framework and description of all aspects of the proposed project. It should be succinct, self-explanatory, consistent with forms and attachments, and well-organized so that evaluators can understand the proposed project.

b. In accordance with the instructions below, applicants must attach a project narrative file (the “narrative”) to their Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) during the submission to Grants.gov to complete the proposal. As a header, the narrative must include a project title. See Appendix III, Project Narrative Sample Outline, for a sample outline.

c. Project Narrative Cover Letter: The one-page project narrative cover letter is not included in the 10-page project narrative limit. The cover letter must be on entity letterhead and signed by an authorized official representing the applicant. Applications exceeding the one-page cover letter limit will be considered ineligible.

d. Page Limit: The maximum length allowed for the project narrative is 10 pages. The cover letter is not included in this page limit. Applications exceeding the 10-page limit will be considered ineligible.

e. Description: Address evaluation Criteria 1-4 found in Section E. Ensure all acronyms, abbreviations, and initials are spelled out in the description. This description should be organized by evaluation criterion to aid the evaluation team in assigning a rating to each criterion.

f. Applicant information and Coordination with Other Entities: Identify the name(s) of the primary applicant, any other organization(s) supporting the proposed project, and any volunteers supporting the proposed project, and include any organizations to be funded by the lead entity. Describe activities to be conducted in cooperation with all entities involved.

g. Conflict of Interest (COI): If the participation of the primary applicant, a member of a proposed team, or an organization supporting the proposed project results in a real or perceived COI, the applicant must provide a detailed explanation of how the risk will be mitigated or eliminated. The FAA reserves the right to disqualify any applicant whose approach does not sufficiently mitigate the real or perceived COI. If no COI exists, a statement to that effect should be included.

a. Pursuant to USDOT workforce development discretionary grant priorities, applicants must address how their project will create good-paying jobs with free and fair choice to join a union; promote investments in high-quality workforce development programs with supportive services to help train, place, and retain people in good-paying jobs or registered apprenticeship, with a focus on women, people of color, and others that are underrepresented in infrastructure jobs (people with disabilities, convictions, etc.); and change hiring policies and workplace cultures to promote the entry and retention of underrepresented populations. Applicants should address how the project promotes local inclusive economic development and entrepreneurship, such as the use of disadvantaged business enterprises, minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, or 8(a) firms, and does not unfairly restrict workforce mobility or foreclose competitive job opportunities.

d. Budget (SF-424A, Non-Construction Programs)

a. Complete SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs form, that describes direct and indirect costs associated with a particular project. The budget is for the entire period of performance and must not exceed the maximum of $1 million for 2 years (inclusive of direct and indirect costs). A budget exceeding $1 million for 2 years will be considered ineligible.

b. Grant Funds, Sources, and Uses of Project Funds: Project budgets should show how different funding sources will share in each activity and present the data in dollars and percentages. The budget should identify other federal funds, if any, that the applicant intends to use. Funding sources should be grouped into three categories, with specific amounts noted from each funding source, if applicable: non-federal, Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program, and other federal.

c. Indirect Costs: The FAA accepts all federal negotiated indirect cost rates in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations contingent upon the applicant attaching proof of agreement with the relevant cognizant agency to the grant application per Code of Federal Regulations. When an indirect cost rate is negotiated, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the award. If the applicant is requesting a rate that is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgment that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed. Any non-federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate (except a governmental department or agency unit that receives more than $35 million in direct federal funding) may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC), which may be used indefinitely. If chosen, this methodology must be used consistently for all federal awards until the non-federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-federal entity may apply to do at any time.

e. Budget Narrative (Use budget narrative attachment form or separate sheet of paper.)

a. The budget narrative must describe by line item all proposed expenditures, including identification of any other existing or anticipated financial resources or unmet funding needs, beyond this request to the FAA. Proposed expenditures required to be itemized include costs related to contracts/sub-awards. Costs must be justified in the narrative description.

b. If the applicant includes any non-federal funds in support of the project, these costs must be identified and separated from federal funds.

c. Two-page limit. The limit for the budget narrative is two pages. Applications exceeding this limit will be considered ineligible.

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

All applicants for federal financial assistance must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) register in Grants.gov. The SAM database is the repository for standard information about federal financial assistance applicants, recipients, and sub-recipients. Applicants must update or renew their SAM registration at least once per year to maintain an active status. Therefore, it is critical to check your registration status well in advance of application deadlines. Information on how to register with SAM is available at: SAM.gov

Each applicant, unless excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the FAA under 2 CFR 25.110(d), is required to:

a. Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting an application.

b. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in the application.

c. Maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information when an active federal award or an application or plan is under consideration by the FAA. The applicant also must state that the FAA may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the FAA is ready to make a federal award, the FAA may determine that the applicant is unqualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for awarding a grant to another applicant.

d. To be eligible for an award, all applicants must complete the financial assistance representations and certifications (reps and certs) section as part of their required registration in SAM.gov. The grants certifications are a set of certifications and representations required in accordance with the grants guidance under Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.209 Certifications and Representations). Those who intend to apply for or are already recipients of federal grants or agreements must read and agree to the corresponding certifications and representations. All applicants are required to keep these certifications and representations current, accurate, and complete as part of their entity registration.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due by February 5, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. The applicant is responsible for allowing enough time to meet the Grants.gov application requirements stated at the time of this posting and to adhere to submission deadlines. Grants.gov will not accept applications after the due date and time. No other means of submission will be accepted.

5. Intergovernmental Review

An application under this NOFO is not subject to state review under Executive Order 12372.

6. Funding Restrictions

a. Pre-award costs: The FAA will not reimburse any pre-award costs or application preparation costs.

b. Construction and Research Activities: The FAA will not reimburse for facility construction in 2 CFR Part 200 (2 CFR § 200.439) or research activities.

c. Field Trips: Field trips are permissible, but costs should be kept to a minimum. Field trip-related expenses must be reflected in the budget and budget narrative using standard government rates, which can be located at GSA

d. Flight Hours: Grant funds may not be used for flight hours or aircraft gas expenses.

e. Equipment: Grant funds may not be used to purchase and/or lease heavy equipment, such as manned aircraft, that cost $100,000 or more.

b. Lobbying and Litigation: Funds may not be used for lobbying or litigation.

c. Unfair restrictions: Funds may not be tied to any contract terms such as noncompete clauses, debt obligations, or training repayment assistance programs that unfairly restrict workforce mobility or foreclose competitive job opportunities.

f. Disallowed Costs: This list is not all-inclusive and applicants should refer to 2 CFR Part 200 for other disallowed costs. The FAA will not reimburse any costs disallowed or defined as unallowable in 2 CFR Part 200 or herein.

a. Materials to build an aircraft

b. Storage costs

c. Tables and tablecloths

d. Chairs

e. Apparel or clothing

f. Purchase of non-U.S. equipment per information in Section F.2, Administrative and National Policy Requirements

7. Other Submission Requirements

Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov. Please see Appendix I of this announcement for detailed instructions on how to submit applications to Grants.gov.

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on the following merit criteria. Applicants must respond to each criterion in the project narrative (Appendix III, Project Narrative Sample Outline) in the order presented below.

a. Criterion 1 – Project Plan (up to 30 points) The extent to which the applicant has a clear and achievable plan to carry out the proposed project by including, without limitation, a clear and well-organized description of the planned activities, objective(s), performance goals and measures as shown below:

a. Concrete steps will show how the entity will implement the proposed project to meet the goals of this NOFO. The work plan describes the program performance goals, objectives, and measures; elaborates on key partners; lists deliverables; and assigns staff and timeframes to complete programmatic activities within the project period.

Performance goals and objectives must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-framed. See Appendix IV for a sample format.

b. Roles and responsibilities to be undertaken by the applicant and partners, as applicable, for the work to be performed.

c. A description of the proposed curriculum. The proposed project may use an applicant’s existing training curriculum, provided that such curriculum is consistent with the eligibility requirements set forth herein if applicable.

d. Provides a plan for project sustainability after the period of federal funding ends.

b. Criterion 2 – Applicant Resources and Capabilities (up to 20 points) The extent to which the applicant has organizational capacity to carry out the proposed project plan by demonstrating that sufficient facilities, equipment, and human and fiscal resources are available to provide for student and teacher/instructor recruitment, academic and career counseling, public outreach activities, and otherwise demonstrating that sufficient resources are available to achieve program goals as shown below:

a. Describes the Project Director’s position, role, and contribution to project costs, the latter referencing the percentage of working hours dedicated to the project and overall compensation (including in-kind benefits).

b. Deployment of an accounting system with the ability to track federal grant funds. An adequate accounting records system will separate the receipts and payments of a federal grant from the receipts and payments of their organization’s other activities.

c. Written accounting policies and procedures, in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200, and adequate internal controls.

d. A record of past activities and programs, which enhance the applicant’s capacity to carry out the proposed project.

c. Criterion 3 – Project Impact (up to 30 points) The extent of an applicant’s proposed project will support the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance workforce below:

a. Provides projected number of participants, trainees, and/or other individuals who will participate in the program.

b. Maps the benefits and outcomes of the proposed project to the program goals.

c. Provides projected number of trainees that will move into postsecondary education, registered apprenticeship, or employment depending on the goal of the project.

d. Describes proposed partnerships and collaborative strategies, which will promote the program goals.

e. Demonstrates how the project will attract and retain participants from communities underrepresented in the industry, including in disadvantaged geographic areas and rural communities, and counties within a qualified opportunity zone as defined in Section 1400Z–1(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

f. Address the workforce needs of rural and regional airports.

g. Strengthens aviation programs at a minority serving institution (as described in Section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)), a public institution of higher education, or a public postsecondary vocational institution.

h. Describes the project alignment with USDOT priorities around workforce development and job quality by providing high-quality workforce development programs such as registered apprenticeship and labor-management training partnerships. Workforce development programs may include the provision of supportive services (examples may include services like childcare and transportation) that will help to retain underrepresented populations in training and employment.

i. Provides information on the quality and type of jobs for which education and training is intended through this project, including whether jobs have the free and fair choice to join a union.

d. Criterion 4 – Project Administration and Monitoring (up to 20 points) The extent to which the applicant has demonstrated a plan to control administrative expenses and described how the project activities will be monitored, assessed, and documented to determine the extent to which performance goals and metrics will be achieved as shown below:

a. Measure and monitor project success. Identify method of tracking.

b. Self-evaluate performance. This evaluation includes a description of the evaluation plan, including necessary components (descriptions of the inputs, key processes, variables to be measured, expected outcomes of the funded activities, and how key measures will be reported), as well as a description of how the organization will collect data in such a way that allows for accurate and timely reporting, and program needs/gaps to be filled.

2. Review and Selection

IInitial Screening

Applications will go first to the Grants Officer to confirm that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements of Section C, Eligibility Information, and has all of the items specified in Section D, Application and Submission Information, in the proper format and within the page limits. If an application does not meet these requirements, the Grants Officer may deem the application ineligible.

As noted above, all applicants must be registered in SAM.gov.

Furthermore, an application will be considered eligible by meeting the following requirements:

a. Active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). A UEI is required for Grants.gov registration. The UEI is used for tracking and to validate the address and point of contact information for federal assistance applicants, recipients, and sub-recipients. Register your entity or get a UEI at SAM.gov.

b. Registered in the SAM. All applicants for federal financial assistance must be registered in the SAM.gov to be able to register in Grants.gov. The SAM database is the repository for standard information about federal financial assistance applicants, recipients, and sub-recipients.

Applicants must update or renew their SAM registration at least once per year to maintain an active status. Therefore, it is critical to check the registration status well before application deadlines. Information about how to register with SAM is found at SAM.gov.

c. No debarment or suspension. Entities found to be debarred or suspended will be automatically considered ineligible from participating in the Program.

AApplication Review

As further discussed below, if an application passes the initial screening discussed above, the application will then be reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Team. The evaluation and review are intended to assure the selecting official that each proposal being considered for an award meets or exceeds the criteria presented by the FAA in this NOFO and mandated by Congress.

The FAA reserves the right to use outside expertise to evaluate applications.

Under Section 4.5.1.2 (Applicant Risk) of the USDOT Guide to Financial Assistance, 2 CFR § 200.206, and applicable law, the government is required to assess information about an applicant to evaluate the risks before an applicant receives an award. After technical review and before award recommendations, the FAA may consider, without limitation and when applicable, the following factors for applicant eligibility:

a. Designated integrity and history of performance of past federal awards through SAM and FAPIIS (see 41 U.S.C. § 2313). Per the guidelines on government-wide suspension and debarment in 2 CFR § 180, the government will confirm that the recipient and any named partners are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal programs or activities.

b. Reports and findings from audits performed under Subpart F of 2 CFR Part 200 or the reports and findings of any other available audits.

c. The applicant’s ability to implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-federal entities.

d. Potential conflicts of interest. The applicant must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity according to applicable federal awarding agency policy 2 CFR § 200.112.

e. Any potential risks posed by the applicant’s budget.

The FAA reserves the right to request more information, including financial information, as necessary to assess financial stability.

As noted above, the FAA reserves the right to reject an application if the FAA finds, at its sole discretion, that an applicant presents an unacceptable level of risk based on the findings of this risk assessment.

Additionally, if risks are identified but can, in the FAA’s sole discretion, be sufficiently mitigated through the inclusion of special terms and conditions in the grant agreement or otherwise, the FAA reserves the right to proceed with an award subject to any other terms and conditions it deems appropriate.

Technical Evaluation Review

The Technical Evaluation Team will evaluate each application against each of the merit criteria in Section E1.

Based on the strengths, weaknesses, and risks identified, the team will assign an adjectival rating to each merit criterion as found in the adjectival rating table below.

The technical evaluation adjectival rating will be one factor among several in the ultimate selection of awardees.

AAdjectival Rating

*An applicant that receives an overall adjectival rating of Below Standards will not be considered for selection.

Merit Criterion Points

Criterion 1 – Project Plan

Below Standards = 20 points

Meets Standards = 25 points

Exceeds Standards = 30 points

Criterion 2 – Applicant Resources and Capabilities

Below Standards = 10 points

Meets Standards = 15 points

Exceeds Standards = 20 points

Criterion 3 – Project Impact

Below Standards = 20 points

Meets Standards = 25 points

Exceeds Standards = 30 points

Criterion 4 – Project Administration

Below Standards = 10 points

Meets Standards = 14 points

Exceeds Standards = 20 points

Total:

Adjectival Rating Definition

Exceeds Standards

The applicant's proposal responds to the merit criteria and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the goals of the Program. In addition, the applicant's proposal exceeds the merit criteria in a manner that benefits the goals of the program. The applicant’s response exceeds the standard requirements for a “meets standard” rating. The combined impact of the strengths outweigh the combined impact of any weaknesses and/or risks.

Weaknesses and/or risks, if any, have minimal impact.

Meets Standards

The applicant’s proposal responds to the merit criteria and demonstrates an understanding of the goals of the Program. The applicant’s proposal meets the merit criteria. There may be several weaknesses and/or risks, however, the combined impact of any strengths is almost equal to the combined impact of any weaknesses and/or risks.

Below Standards*

The applicant’s proposal inadequately responds to the merit criteria.

Therefore, the applicant’s proposal is inadequate. The proposal fails to demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the goals of the Program. The combined impact of any weaknesses and/or risks outweigh the combined impact of any strengths.

OOverall Ratings

Overall Adjectival Rating Total Points

Exceeds Standards 100-80

Meets Standards 79-61

Below Standards* 60-0

*An applicant that receives an overall adjectival rating of below standards will not be considered for selection.

The adjectival ratings will be evaluated using the following definitions for strengths, weaknesses, and risks:

Definitions

Strength

An aspect of an application that has merit or exceeds the requirements of the merit criteria and that would enhance the likelihood of the applicant successfully carrying out the proposed project, support the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance workforce.

Weakness An aspect of an application that would negatively impact the likelihood of the applicant successfully carrying out the proposed project or that fails to meet the requirements for award.

Risk An aspect of an application that presents an uncertainty as to the ability of the applicant to successfully carry out the proposed project.

The initial screening and technical evaluation review are intended to ensure the Grants Officer recommends a grant award to the selecting official in accordance with the criteria and considerations in this NOFO and mandated by Congress. The maximum score any application can receive is 100 points.

The minimum acceptable score will be 61 points. Only those applications that meet or exceed the minimum acceptable score will be considered for funding. Note that a score of 61 or more does not guarantee that the applicant will receive an award. Also, note that the ultimate technical evaluation assessment is the adjectival rating determined by the numerical score rather than the numerical score itself.

If the FAA does not award an applicant because the Grants Officer determines that the applicant failed to meet the minimum qualification standards as described in 2 CFR § 200.206, the FAA will report that determination in FAPIIS. Applicants found to be in violation of federal statutes or to have previous disbarments will automatically be considered ineligible.

OOther Review Considerations

After the technical evaluation review, the FAA may consider programmatic factors to make selections that meet the goals and objectives of the Program, including the availability of funds. Furthermore, the FAA seeks a balanced award selection and considers diverse factors, such as but not limited to the type of applicant institution and the following other factors before final selection:

a. The extent to which the project supports the policy objectives of applicable executive orders, including, without limitation,

a. Executive Order 13985 of January 20, 2021, on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.

b. Executive Order 14041 of September 3, 2021, on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

d. Executive Order 14045 of September 13, 2021, on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics.

e. Executive Order 14025, Worker Organizing and Empowerment (86 FR 22829)

f. Executive Order 14036 of July 21, 2021 on Promoting Competition in the American Economy.

b. Whether a project is in a qualified opportunity zone designated pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 1400Z-1.

c. Whether a project assures to:

a. Use grant funds to encourage the participation of populations that are under-represented in the aviation industry, including those in economically disadvantaged geographic areas and rural communities.

b. Address the workforce needs of rural and regional airports.

c. Strengthen aviation programs at a minority-serving institution (as described in Section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)), a public institution of higher education, or a public postsecondary vocational institution.

d. The geographic distribution throughout the United States and its territories of the activities of the collective group of awarded proposals.

e. Consistent with the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) initiative, the USDOT recognizes that rural transportation networks face unique challenges. To the extent that those challenges are reflected in the merit criteria listed in this section, the USDOT will consider how the activities proposed in the application will address those challenges, regardless of the location of those activities.

AAward Decision

Based on the overall adjectival rating assigned by the Technical Evaluation Team, and after accounting for the other considerations in this NOFO for award, the grants officer shall recommend applications for award to the selecting official, who will finally decide the award.

3. Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold [Required, if applicable]

The FAA, before making a federal award with a total amount of federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).

An applicant may review and respond to any information entered by the federal awarding agency in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM.

The FAA will consider applicant comments, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in judging the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards when reviewing the risk posed by applicants as described in

2 CFR 200.206.

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

The FAA expects to announce and award the grant recipients in the fourth quarter of FY 2025, which is July 1 to September 30.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

Selection Notification

a. The FAA Grants Officer will notify the recipient’s fiscal officer or designated point of contact when selected for award. The Grants Officer will sign and send award documents to the official responsible for acting on behalf of the applicant named as the designated point of contact in the proposal.

b. The Grants Officer is the individual authorized by the acquisition executive to commit the FAA to a course of action and bind the FAA to the expenditure of funds. Expenses incurred during proposal preparation are not reimbursed. The officially signed grant award, when executed, is the authorizing document that enables the recipient to begin the agreed-upon activities.

c. Awards made under this Program are subject to the 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. The terms and conditions will be incorporated into the award. Receipt of funds is contingent on the awardee executing the government’s award agreement.

NNon-Selection Notification

The FAA Grants Officer will notify applicants who were not selected and those who are ineligible, via email as soon as possible after the determination.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The applicant must adhere to all local, state, and federal laws and directives, including national policies identified in form SF-424B, Assurances Non-Construction, and those outlined in the updated Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. To review 2 CFR Part 200, last updated November 7, 2022, visit the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.

Furthermore, see Appendix V, Uniform Administrative Requirements, for additional important policy statements.

As expressed in Executive Order 14005, Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers’ (86 FR 7475), the executive branch should maximize, consistent with law, the use of goods, products, and materials produced in, and services offered in, the United States. Funds made available under this notice are subject to the domestic preference requirement, including all applicable federal and FAA Buy America provisions. The USDOT expects all applicants to comply with this requirement.

3. Reporting

The following metrics are examples of what will be used in measuring relevant outcomes for the Program. The FAA reserves the right to request other information and metrics from a grantee to ensure that performance is aligned with the program goals and requirements.

a. Recruitment and Outreach: Efforts designed to increase awareness of anticipated gaps in the aviation industry’s labor pool and encourage the high school student population to participate in the grantee’s program(s). Identify plans to allow participation from a diverse collection of public and private schools in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Document the activities, number and location of recruitment events, and number of attendees.

b. Registration and Retention: Number of those enrolled in the proposed program(s) and/or activities as measured by program registration and attendance by the high school student population.

c. Program Completion: Number of high school students completing the curriculum.

d. Certification: Number of high school students completing the application or certification requirements necessary to become licensed aircraft pilots, aerospace engineers, or unmanned aircraft systems operators.

The grant recipient is responsible for complying with the reporting requirements for eligible participants of FAA-funded projects during the term of the period of performance, as applicable to the project. The grant recipient will submit this information electronically with required quarterly and final reports.

QQuarterly Reports

At the discretion of the FAA Grants Officer, a quarterly report will be required. It must provide a narrative to include but not be limited to: noteworthy activities or events performed during the period;

a summary of accomplishments; sources of all funds and other contributions generated; fiscal expenditures; performance metrics by the recipient; obstacles and problems encountered, and remedies or proposed solutions; and a financial statement of funds expended to date to show progress.

Quarterly progress reports must include the following details about the relevant milestones and goals:

a. Detailed accounting of the activities conducted, including activities of team members and number of students reached during the reporting period

b. Plans for accomplishments in the next reporting period

c. Problems or delays that the recipient has experienced

d. Updated SF-425, Federal Financial Report 4040-0014, and SF-425A, Federal Financial Report Attachment, to document expenditures and the status of funds

Final Closeout Report

The grant recipient must prepare and electronically submit the grant closeout report to the FAA Grants Officer within 120 days after the end of the grant award period of performance. The fully inclusive closeout report must document all progress, performance metrics, and the final invoice with the federal financial report (SF-425). If a grant recipient does not expend the grant funds, the remaining amount will be de-obligated within 120 days of the end of the period of performance as part of the closeout activities in accordance with the Grants Oversight and New Efficiency (GONE) Act.

G. Federal Aviation Administration Contact

FAA…