foa-eta-15-07-a.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment & Training Administration

Funding Opportunity Announcement

FOA-ETA-15-07-A

Amendment Two

Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry Grants

AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor

ACTION: Amendment to FOA-ETA-15-07 and Amendment One

SUMMARY: The Employment and Training Administration announced on March 24, 2015, the availability of funds and Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry grants to be awarded through a competitive process and posted Amendment One to the FOA on April 22, 2015, to announce a second closing date for receipt of applications. This amendment updates the Funding Opportunity Number, Key Dates, Executive Summary, Section II, Section III, Section IV, and Section VI. This document amends text from both FOA-ETA-15- 07 and Amendment One. In each instance, we clarify where the Old Text is found.

The documents are hereby amended as follows:

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER – This is to update the Funding Opportunity Number throughout the FOA (new language in bold)

Old Text:

Funding Opportunity Number: FOA-ETA-15-07

New Text:

Funding Opportunity Number: FOA-ETA-15-07-A

KEY DATES (new language in bold)

Old Text (from Amendment One to FOA-ETA-15-07):

The closing dates for receipt of applications under this Announcement are May 1, 2015 and January 15, 2016. Applications must be received no later than 4:00:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Applicants may apply for either of the two closing dates or both. If an applicant wishes to apply for the January 15, 2016 closing date, please do not submit an application earlier than October 1, 2015.

ETA expects to issue an amendment in September 2015 giving further guidance related to the January 15, 2016 closing. Applications will be reviewed and selections will be made after each of these closing dates.

Applications that were submitted by the May 1, 2015 closing date but not selected for funding will not automatically be considered for the January 15, 2016 closing date. However, applicants will have the opportunity to re-submit their application or submit a new application for the competition closing on January 15, 2016.

New Text:

The closing dates for receipt of applications under this Announcement is January 15, 2016.

Applications must be received no later than 4:00:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Applications that were submitted for Funding Opportunity Number FOA-ETA-15-07 by the May 1, 2015 closing date but not selected for funding will not automatically be considered for the January 15, 2016 closing date. However, applicants may re-submit their application or submit a new application for the competition closing on January 15, 2016.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (new language in bold)

For the competition closing on May 1, 2015, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) plans to award approximately $27 million in grant funds authorized by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the Second Chance Act of 2007 for Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry.

New Text:

For the competition closing on January 15, 2016, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) plans to award approximately $20 million in grant funds authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Second Chance Act of 2007 for Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (“WIOA”, Public Law 113-128) was signed into law on July 22, 2014. Most provisions of WIOA became effective July 1, 2015, and all provisions will be effective July 1, 2016. Grants awarded under this amendment are authorized by the WIOA, and the terms of the WIOA will apply to these grants for the life of the grants. Please note that in addition to the provisions of WIOA, grantees will also be subject to WIOA’s implementing regulations when they are finalized and promulgated.

Old Text (from Amendment One to FOA-ETA-15-07):

ETA plans to award approximately 20 grants of up to $1,360,000 each to serve male and female ex-offenders, referred to in this FOA as returning citizens.

New Text:

ETA plans to award approximately 14 grants of up to $1,360,000 each to serve male and female ex-offenders, referred to in this FOA as returning citizens.

SECTION I.B – PROGRAM AUTHORITY (new language in bold)

This program is authorized by Section 171, Pilot and Demonstration Projects, of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and Section 212 of the Second Chance Act of 2007. For grants awarded after the January 2016 closing date, this program is authorized by Section 169 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (PL 113-128) and Section 212 of the Second Change Act of 2007.

New Text:

This program is authorized by Section 169 of WIOA and Section 212 of the Second Chance Act of 2007.

Most provisions of WIOA became effective July 1, 2015, and all provisions will be effective July 1, 2016. Grants awarded under this amendment are authorized by the WIOA, and the terms of the WIOA will apply to these grants for the life of the grants. Please note that in addition to the provisions of WIOA, grantees will also be subject to WIOA’s implementing regulations when they are finalized and promulgated.

SECTION II.A - AWARD TYPE AND AMOUNT (new language in bold)

Old Text (from FOA-ETA-15-07):

Funding will be provided in the form of a grant. Approximately $27 million is expected to be available to fund approximately 20 grants. You may apply for a ceiling amount of up to $1,360,000. Awards made under this Announcement are subject to the availability of Federal funds. In the event that additional funds become available, we reserve the right to use such funds to select additional grantees from applications submitted in response to this Announcement.

New Text:

Funding will be provided in the form of a grant. Approximately $20 million is expected to be available to fund approximately 14 grants. You may apply for a ceiling amount of up to $1,360,000. Awards made under this Announcement are subject to the availability of Federal funds. In the event that additional funds become available, we reserve the right to use such funds to select additional grantees from applications submitted in response to this Announcement.

Section III.C.3. – ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS (new language in bold)

Old Text (from FOA-ETA-15-07):

NOTE: Male participants age 18 or older are required to register for selective service before services can be provided. If they turn 18 while participating, they must be registered at that time.

Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) 11-11, Change 2 clarifies the implementation of the Selective Service registration requirements of Section 189(h) of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 for grantees funded or authorized by Title I of WIA, located at http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEGL/TEGL_11-11_change2.pdf.

New Text:

NOTE: Under section 189(h) of WIOA, male participants age 18 or older are required to register for selective service before services can be provided. If they turn 18 while participating, they must be registered at that time.

Section IV.B.1 – SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance” (new language in bold)

In addition, the applicant’s Authorized Representative’s signature in block 21 of the SF-424 form constitutes assurance by the applicant of compliance with the following requirements in accordance with 29 CFR 37.20.

As a condition to the award of financial assistance from the Department of Labor under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA), the grant applicant assures that it will comply fully with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of the following laws: Section 188 of the WIA, which prohibits discrimination against all individuals in the United States on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and against beneficiaries on the basis of either citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States or participation in any WIA Title I—financially assisted program or activity; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the bases of race, color and national origin; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities; The Age

Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age; and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs. The grant applicant also assures that it will comply with 29 CFR part 37 and all other regulations implementing the laws listed above. This assurance applies to the grant applicant's operation of the WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity, and to all agreements the grant applicant makes to carry out the WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity. The grant applicant understands that the United States has the right to seek judicial enforcement of this assurance.

New Text:

In addition, the applicant’s Authorized Representative’s signature in block 21 of the SF-424 form constitutes assurance by the applicant of compliance with the following requirements in accordance with 29 CFR 38.20.

As a condition to the award of financial assistance from the Department of Labor under Title I of WIOA, the grant applicant assures that it will comply fully with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of the following laws: Section 188 of the WIOA, which prohibits discrimination against all individuals in the United States on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and against beneficiaries on the basis of either citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States or participation in any WIOA Title I—financially assisted program or activity; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the bases of race, color and national origin; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities; The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age; and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs. The grant applicant also assures that it will comply with 29 CFR part 38 and all other regulations implementing the laws listed above. (29 CFR part 38 implements Section 188 of WIOA.) This assurance applies to the grant applicant's operation of the WIOA Title I-financially assisted program or activity, and to all agreements the grant applicant makes to carry out the WIOA Title I-financially assisted program or activity. The grant applicant understands that the United States has the right to seek judicial enforcement of this assurance.

Section IV.B. 3.1 – PROJECT NARRATIVE (new language in bold)

1) Statement of Need

• Demonstrate that the geographic area to be served is an urbanized area or urban cluster, as determined by the U.S. Census Bureau in the most recently available census;

New Text:

1) Statement of Need

• Demonstrate that the geographic area to be served is an urbanized area or urban cluster with high poverty, high crime, as determined by the U.S. Census Bureau in the most recently available census;

Section IV.E.2. – ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS (new language in bold)

Under this FOA, an entity that receives a grant to carry out a project or program may not use more than 10 percent of the amount of the grant to pay administrative costs associated with the program or project. Administrative costs could be direct or indirect costs, and are defined at 20 CFR 667.220.

New Text:

Under this FOA, an entity that receives a grant to carry out a project or program may not use more than 10 percent of the amount of the grant to pay administrative costs associated with the program or project. Administrative costs are for the performance of administrative functions in carrying out activities under Title I of WIOA that are not related to the direct provision of workforce investment services (including services to participants and employers). Such costs include both personnel and nonpersonnel costs and both direct and indirect costs.

Section VI.B.1 – ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (new language in bold)

Old Text (from FOA-ETA-15-07):

c. All recipients must comply with the applicable provisions of The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Public Law No. 105-220, 112 Stat. 936 (codified as amended at 29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) and the applicable provisions of the regulations at 20 CFR 660 et seq. Note that 20 CFR part 667 (general fiscal and administrative rules) includes unsuccessful applicant appeal information.

j. 29 CFR Part 37 – Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

New Text:

c. All recipients must comply with the applicable provisions of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (codified at 29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.). In addition to the provisions of WIOA, grantees will also be subject to WIOA’s implementing regulations when they are finalized and promulgated.

j. 29 CFR Part 38 – Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Brinda Ruggles, Grants Management Specialist, Office of Grants Management, at (202) 693-3437 or T2W3@dol.gov.

Signed October 28, 2015 in Washington, D.C. by:

Melissa Abdullah Grant Officer, Employment & Training Administration

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment & Training Administration

Funding Opportunity Announcement

FOA-ETA-15-07

Amendment One

Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry Grants

AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor

ACTION: Amendment to FOA-ETA-15-07

SUMMARY: The Employment and Training Administration announced on March 24, 2015, the availability of funds and Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Training to Work 3 –

Adult Reentry grants to be awarded through a competitive process. This amendment to the FOA amends the language in the Key Dates, Executive Summary, and Sections I, II, III, and IV.

The document is hereby amended as follows:

Key Dates (new language in bold)

Old Text:

The closing date for receipt of applications under this Announcement is May 1, 2015. Applications must be received no later than 4:00:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

New Text:

The closing dates for receipt of applications under this Announcement are May 1, 2015 and

January 15, 2016. Applications must be received no later than 4:00:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Applicants may apply for either of the two closing dates or both. If an applicant wishes to apply for the January 15, 2016 closing date, please do not submit an application earlier than

October 1, 2015. ETA expects to issue an amendment in September 2015 giving further guidance related to the January 15, 2016 closing. Applications will be reviewed and selections will be made after each of these closing dates.

Applications that were submitted by the May 1, 2015 closing date but not selected for funding will not automatically be considered for the January 15, 2016 closing date. However, applicants will have the opportunity to re-submit their application or submit a new application for the competition closing on January 15, 2016.

Executive Summary (new language in bold)

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor, announces the availability of approximately $27 million in grant funds authorized by the Workforce Investment

Act (WIA) and the Second Chance Act of 2007 for Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry (T2W3).

ETA plans to award approximately 20 grants of up to $1,360,000 each to serve male and female ex-offenders, referred to in the FOA as returning citizens.

For the competition closing on May 1, 2015, the Employment and Training Administration

(ETA) plans to award approximately $27 million in grant funds authorized by the Workforce

Investment Act (WIA) and the Second Chance Act of 2007 for Training to Work 3 – Adult

Reentry. ETA plans to award approximately 20 grants of up to $1,360,000 each to serve male and female ex-offenders, referred to in this FOA as returning citizens. The awards available for the competition closing in January 2016 will depend on available funds. Applicants may only submit one application for each closing date in response to this solicitation. .

Section I.B Program Authority (new language in bold)

This program is authorized by Section 171, Pilot and Demonstration Projects, of the Workforce

Investment Act (WIA), and Section 212 of the Second Chance Act of 2007.

This program is authorized by Section 171, Pilot and Demonstration Projects, of the Workforce

Investment Act (WIA), and Section 212 of the Second Chance Act of 2007. For grants awarded after the January 2016 closing date, this program is authorized by Section 169 of the

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (PL 113-128) and Section 212 of the Second

Change Act of 2007.

Section II.A – Award Type and Amount (new language in bold)

Awards made under this Announcement are subject to the availability of Federal funds. In the event that additional funds become available, we reserve the right to use such funds to select additional grantees from applications submitted in response to this Announcement.

Awards made under this Announcement are subject to the availability of Federal funds. In the event that additional funds become available, we reserve the right to use such funds to select additional grantees from applications submitted in response to this Announcement.

Funds made available for this program in Program Year (PY) 15 and PY 16 will be used to select additional grantees from applications submitted in accordance with the criteria and procedures described in this FOA. The second closing date will be January 15, 2016. Under this second closing date, we will accept applications for funding under this solicitation and award grants from PY 15 and PY 16 funds.

Section III.C.2 Number of Applications to be Submitted (new language in bold)

An organization may only submit one application. Multiple applications from an organization are not allowed. If multiple applications are received, the most recent application submitted will be accepted. If the most recent application is disqualified for any reason, we will not replace it with an earlier application. A single application may be submitted to serve multiple sites.

An organization may only submit one application for each closing date in response to this solicitation. Multiple applications for a single closing date from an organization are not allowed.

If multiple applications for a single closing date are received, the most recent application submitted will be accepted. If the most recent application is disqualified for any reason, we will not replace it with an earlier application. A single application for each closing date may be submitted to serve multiple sites.

Section IV.B.4 – Attachments to the Project Narrative (new language in bold)

a. Abstract:

You must submit an up to two-page abstract summarizing the proposed project, including, but not limited to, the scope of the project and proposed outcomes.

a. Abstract:

You must submit an up to two-page abstract summarizing the proposed project, including, but not limited to, the scope of the project and proposed outcomes. Applicants must indicate if they are a previously-funded or new applicant as defined in Section IV.B.3.

b. The Auditor’s Report for the most recently completed independent audit, completed within three (3) years of the application due date.

b. The Auditor’s Report

For the most recently completed independent audit, completed within three (3) years of the application due date. Omission of this document will impact scoring.

d. Documentation from the Internal Revenue Service that verifies the applicant’s non-profit

501(c)(3) status. All applicants must submit this verification even if the applicant is a current DOL grantee and documentation is assumed to be on file.

d. Documentation from the Internal Revenue Service that verifies the applicant’s non-profit

501(c)(3) status. All applicants must submit this verification even if the applicant is a current DOL grantee and documentation is assumed to be on file. This attachment does not impact scoring of the application.

g. Applicants applying for priority consideration must submit a certification (HUD Form

50153) signed by an authorized representative of the lead organization of a Promise Zone designated by HUD or the Department of Agriculture supporting the application.

g. Applicants applying for priority consideration must submit a certification (HUD Form

50153) signed by an authorized representative of the lead organization of a Promise Zone designated by HUD or the Department of Agriculture supporting the application. Omission of this document will impact scoring.

h. (For New Applicants Only) A performance chart that:

Specifies the performance goals, report timeliness, and spending rate analysis information for a previous grant.

In the chart, applicants must also provide the project grant number along with the name, title organization, e-mail address, and telephone number of an individual from the previous grantor entity or agency who has oversight for the program.

h. (For New Applicants Only) A performance chart that:

Specifies the performance goals, report timeliness, and spending rate analysis information for a previous grant.

In the chart, applicants must also provide the project grant number along with the name, title organization, e-mail address, and telephone number of an individual from the previous grantor entity or agency who has oversight for the program. Omission of this document will impact scoring.

Section IV.C Submission Date, Times and Processes (new language in bold)

The closing date for receipt of applications under this Announcement is May 1, 2015.

The closing date for receipt of applications under this Announcement is May 1, 2015 for grants expected to begin in July, 2015, and January 15, 2016 for grants expected to begin in April, 2016. For applications submitted for the January 15, 2016 closing date, DOL will accept applications from October 1, 2015 to January 15, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Brinda Ruggles, Grants Management Specialist, Office of Grants Management, at (202) 693-3437 or T2W3@dol.gov.

Signed April 22, 2015 in Washington, D.C. by:

Melissa Abdullah

Grant Officer, Employment & Training Administration

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

Notice of Availability of Funds and Funding Opportunity Announcement for Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: FOA-ETA-15-07

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.270

Key Dates: The closing date for receipt of applications under this Announcement is May 1, 2015. Applications must be received no later than 4:00:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Addresses: Mailed applications must be addressed to:

U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration, Office of Grants Management Attention: Melissa Abdullah, Grant Officer Reference FOA-ETA-15-07 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N4716 Washington, DC 20210

For complete application and submission information, including online application instructions, please refer to Section IV.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL, or the Department, or we), announces the availability of approximately $27 million in grant funds authorized by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the Second Chance Act of 2007 for Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry (T2W3).

This Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry (T2W3) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) provides the opportunity for organizations to develop and implement career pathways programs in demand sectors and occupations for men and women, including veterans, and people with disabilities, who are at least 18 years old and who are enrolled in work release programs (WRP). Additionally, grantees must provide a strategy to prioritize services to veterans that are in these WRPs. Career pathways are frameworks that help to define and map out a sequence of education, training and workforce skills training resulting in skilled workers that meet employers’ needs. Career pathways link and coordinate education and training services in ways that enable workers to attain necessary credentials and, ultimately, employment. T2W3 is aligned with the Department’s goal to make our Federal employment and training programs more job-driven.

Successful applicants will:

1) establish a committed Career Pathways Collaborative (CPC) led by the grantee (a nonprofit organization, such as a faith-based or community-based organization) and including representatives from the workforce system, WRP, and employers and/or industry associations. The CPC leadership team will create a career pathways program(s) with identified career pathways in a demand sector(s) within their community and defined, specific roles and responsibilities for each organization; and

2) provide an integrated set of critical participant-level services, such as case management and skills training, that enable participants to enter and advance along the identified career pathways as they acquire additional skills.

ETA plans to award approximately 20 grants of up to $1,360,000 each to serve male and female ex-offenders, referred to in this FOA as returning citizens.

Applicants may only submit one application in response to this FOA. Grantees may not expend more than $8,000 per participant from these grant funds. This limit does not include leveraged funds. These grants have a performance period of operation of 39-months, which includes a planning period, implementation phase, and follow-up period.

Additionally, grants will be awarded to grantees operating in areas with high-poverty and high-crime rates and have a large proportion of returning citizens that typically experience higher rates of recidivism. Priority must be given to those returning citizens that are veterans.

As a participant in the Promise Zone Initiative, DOL is cooperating with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Agriculture, and nine (9) other federal agencies to support comprehensive revitalization efforts in 20 of the highest poverty urban, rural and tribal communities across the country. Applicants that submit a certification (HUD Form 50153) signed by an authorized representative of the lead organization of a Promise Zone designated by HUD or the Department of Agriculture supporting the application will receive 2 priority consideration points. To view the list of designated Promise Zones and lead organizations please go to www.hud.gov/promisezones.

http://www.hud.gov/promisezones

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. PROGRAM PURPOSE

This Announcement solicits applications for T2W3. The purpose of this program is to assist returning citizens transition back into their communities by gaining industry-recognized credentials and securing employment.

The Department seeks to continue to emphasize programs that involve employers and industry associations in the program design, particularly in identifying the skills and credentials that meet employers’ needs in their communities that participants need to acquire to enter into and continue along career pathways.

Linking credentials to career pathways is essential to the Department’s goal of making our Federal employment and training programs more job-driven. The Department is committed to funding systemic and sustainable efforts that include the development and adoption of career pathways models to better align the goals and funding streams of organizations that provide education, training, workforce development, and supportive services (to learn more about Implementing Career Pathways visit www.doleta.gov/performance/trainingtutorials/ppt/ta_forum_career_pathways_workshop.ppt).

These grants will support a leadership team of key organizations in defining and implementing a career pathways program specifically for men and women in WRPs to improve their workforce outcomes by helping them to attain industry-recognized credentials. Investing in the skill development of individuals while they are in WRPs and transitioning back into the community helps returning citizens find work more quickly and obtain the measurable and specific skills needed to move into and continue along career pathways.

Career pathways programs provide clear sequences of coursework that leads to credentialing and potential jobs. Career pathways help individuals of varying skill levels identify and earn credentials valued by employers, enter into rewarding careers in demand sectors and occupations, and advance to increasingly higher levels of education and employment. Utilizing this approach in T2W3 will aid men and women as they navigate demand industry sectors, earn the industry-recognized credentials that employers have identified as necessary for positions within the career pathways and take advantage of additional opportunities for education and training, including work-based learning. These comprehensive education and training systems are particularly suited to meet the needs of working learners and non-traditional populations, such as returning citizens, because education and training offerings can be tailored to match each participant’s needs.

For the purpose of this Announcement, the term WRP refers to:

• Residential reentry centers (RRC), formerly called halfway houses, that are operated under contract with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP);

• Monitored home confinement; and

• Work release centers (WRC), which are typically located in areas where RRCs do not exist and may include those created by intergovernmental agreements between BOP http://www.doleta.gov/performance/trainingtutorials/ppt/ta_forum_career_pathways_workshop.ppt and state or local jails or those that are operated by or have a contract to operate under the authority of the local correctional facility. The WRCs allow participants to leave the jail to work or find employment for a specified period of time each day and return to the jail as their residence.

For more information on residential reentry centers go to:

http://www.bop.gov/about/facilities/residential_reentry_management_centers.jsp.

This FOA is an opportunity to fully leverage and align existing complementary employment and supportive services available to returning citizens through nonprofit organizations (such as faith-and-community-based organizations), the workforce system, and WRPs in local communities. Each works closely with employers, and this project will integrate their existing employer engagement efforts. These grants provide an opportunity to articulate and test career pathways for men and women in WRPs with the goal of successfully reentering their communities. Grantees must develop and implement career pathways programs at two levels, through: 1) a committed and engaged Career Pathways Collaborative (CPC) made up of employers or industry groups and organizations that serve male and female returning citizens and are able to define career pathways in demand sector(s) based on their participants’ needs, employer needs, and the needs of the local community; and 2) the actual service delivery to individual participants that puts them in and on these defined career pathways. The CPC will manage and guide the program at both a strategic and an operational level to ensure that participants are moving into and along the defined career pathways.

Career Pathways Collaborative (CPC) Collaboration is the heart of career pathways programs and essential to making them successful. Career pathways require a host of organizations to engage, leverage, and blend resources, including employers, social service providers, the workforce system, and, of particular importance, education providers, including community colleges. To ensure each T2W3 program is successful, applicants will assemble a CPC that will serve as the primary coordinating body for the career pathways program. It will consist of a leadership team as well as a mix of additional organizations that will collaborate to deliver services that match the program design and delivery.

Leadership Team The role of the leadership team is to develop a career pathways program, including the identification of a career pathway(s) in a demand sector(s) within their community.

Successful applicants will establish a committed leadership team, or leverage an existing team, made up of four types of organizations. At a minimum, the leadership team must consist of: 1) the grantee, 2) the workforce system, 3) the WRP, and 4) employers and/or industry associations. Each member must have defined, specific roles and responsibilities. The leadership team will operate as the primary coordinating body for the career pathways program.

The nonprofit organization that is the eligible applicant will serve as the chair of the leadership team and the CPC. The leadership team is encouraged to include other local http://www.bop.gov/about/facilities/residential_reentry_management_centers.jsp nonprofit organizations that serve this population and that will commit to providing quality participant services and demonstrate a commitment to a long-term, sustainable career pathways program.

The leadership team will be responsible for three key activities: 1) assembling an active and engaged CPC that develops and supports the implementation of a comprehensive career pathways program with articulated, specific roles and responsibilities for each CPC member; 2) identifying and mapping-out clear career pathways in demand sectors and occupations using real-time local labor market information and active employer involvement to ensure that the training and education programs are meeting the skills needs of employers; and 3) using evidence-based research to inform the program design and delivery of participant-level services, specifically, monitoring the effectiveness of specific services and making modifications to the program as needed.

Nonprofit Organizations A nonprofit organization, such as a faith- or community-based organization, will serve as the chair of the leadership team and the CPC, as noted above, and as the eligible applicant for this FOA and the DOL grantee, if awarded. Grantees are responsible to DOL and will coordinate all components of the program to ensure successful grant operations and outcomes for participants. The grantee is responsible for coordinating all of the activities of the leadership team in defining and implementing a career pathways program specifically for men and women in WRPs in order to improve their workforce outcomes by helping them attain industry-recognized credentials.

The grantee serves as the primary service provider due to its experience and ability in providing services to returning citizens. A successful applicant has been a service provider for hard-to-serve population such as ex-offenders and has the ability to weave the unique service needs of returning citizens together to create an integrated education and training plan. This grant will enable the grantee to offer additional services through a career pathways program(s) that is planned in partnership with the leadership team and other organizations in the CPC.

Applicants must ensure that the leadership team and additional members of the CPC are committed to providing the services and fulfilling the roles and responsibilities delineated in this FOA by providing applicable Letters of Commitment or Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) that demonstrate the organization’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the project.

Workforce System Each grantee is required to coordinate a leadership team of WRPs, employers and/or industry associations, and the workforce system, which includes Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs)1 and American Job Centers (AJCs). The workforce system helps

1 The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was passed on July 22, 2014, and it replaces the Workforce Investment Act. Most of the provisions of WIOA will go into effect on July 1, 2015. Under WIOA, Workforce Investment Boards are referred to as Workforce Development Boards and have different membership returning citizens and other job seekers by providing job search assistance, job placement services, career guidance, skills assessments, assistance with resume writing, and valuable connections to employers. In addition, WIBs are key sources of local labor market information necessary for identifying the industry sectors in demand within local workforce areas that are most likely to hire returning citizens. Some examples of demand sectors that have successfully and consistently hired returning citizens are advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, agriculture, transportation, distribution and logistics, and a variety of service sectors; however, each leadership team will select appropriate career pathways sectors and occupations based on their own local labor market data.

Work Release Programs (WRPs) WRPs are located in many local areas and are a bridge between life in a correctional facility and life in the community. Returning citizens in WRPs are responsible for finding and keeping regular jobs in the community and returning to the WRP during their non-work hours. They are expected to go to work every day, arrive at work on time, and complete required work tasks. For participants who have little steady job experience, a work release opportunity is invaluable. WRPs may engage employers, recruit and make referrals to jobs for returning citizens, and provide some supportive services. They may already be leveraging the services of AJCs and WIBs in their local communities.

WRPs are responsible for the accountability of their participants 24-hours-per-day, 7-days-per-week. Grantees must be able to account for their participants’ location at all times in order for the WRP to approve the participants’ release to participate in the grantee’s program.

Employers and/or Industry Associations Employers are critical collaborators in the development of career pathways.

Most importantly, employers define the skills needed for their positions, provide work-based learning opportunities, including vocational training, internships, and registered apprenticeships, and, ultimately, offer permanent jobs as part of a career pathways program. Employers play a primary role in determining the sectors around which to build the career pathways. Employers validate labor market research and confirm the skills and credentials required for the occupations chosen. Employers also play a role in program curriculum design and instruction.

Additional Members of the Career Pathways Collaborative (CPC) Grantees are encouraged to work with additional organizations beyond the leadership team. Below is a list of the types of organizations that could play a role in supporting the project and become members of the CPC as a member of the leadership team and/or as a provider of participant-level services. Collaboration with additional organizations and certification requirements. However, for purposes of this FOA, Workforce Development Boards fulfill the same function as Workforce Investment Boards and either type of Board would be an acceptable representative of the workforce system.

is strongly encouraged, and grantees are not limited to the types of organizations listed.

Applicants must submit letters of commitment or an MOU from each member that identifies the role and responsibility of each member.

• Educational Providers and Institutions. Grantees are encouraged to include educational organizations as members of their CPCs. They are critically important players in career pathways programs given the special needs of adult learners, particularly returning citizens who may have earned educational credentials while incarcerated and are poised to pursue post-secondary education.

o Alternative Education Providers. The letter of commitment or MOU between the grantee and education provider(s) must state how they will provide services and instruction that will help adult participants attain a high school diploma or state equivalent. Clearly describe how other collaborative organizations will be engaged to support program implementation, including their specific areas of expertise and activities for which they will be responsible. Letter(s) of Commitment or MOUs must be provided from each organization.

o Post-Secondary Education Institutions. The letter of commitment or

MOU between the grantee and the post-secondary education institution must state how the institution will provide additional instruction and education for participants that lead to career advancement.

• Housing Assistance Program Providers. The letter of commitment or MOU between the grantee and the housing assistance program provider(s) must include referrals by the grantee to collaborating organizations and outline how they will provide assistance with securing temporary or permanent housing for program participants.

• Mental Health Treatment Centers. The letter of commitment or MOU between the grantee and the mental health treatment centers must include referrals by the grantee to collaborating organizations and outline how they will provide timely assessments and mental health treatment for program participants.

• Substance Abuse Treatment Centers. The letter of commitment or MOU between the grantee and the substance abuse treatment centers must include referrals by the grantee for eligible participants to receive counseling and substance abuse treatment services.

• Child Support Enforcement Agencies. The letter of commitment or MOU between the grantee and child support enforcement agencies must include how collaborations with other agencies will assist participants with issues related to non-custodial parents.

• Legal Aid Services. The letter of commitment or MOU between the grantee and the legal aid services must include services that are used on behalf of a participant that are related to the purposes of this grant, which include: securing driver’s licenses, expunging criminal records, creating and/or modifying child support orders, helping parents in obtaining and retaining custody of their children, and helping victims of domestic violence by obtaining protective and restraining orders.

• Social Services Agencies. The letter of commitment or MOU between the grantee and social services agencies must include how they will assist participants in any of the following areas: securing food, transportation, clothing, child and family services, or medical assistance, support does not have to be limited to these areas.

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services. The letter of commitment or MOU between the grantee and vocational rehabilitation services provider must be used to refer participants with disabilities for services that assist them with participating in training and employment programs.

Participant-Level Services Grantees will provide an integrated set of critical participant-level services that enable male and female participants to enter and advance along career pathways as they acquire additional skills. The participant-level services include six core components needed to support successful reentry into the community and also ensure participant accountability to the WRPs. The core components are: 1) case management; 2) mentoring; 3) education;

4) training that leads to industry-recognized credentials in the grantee’s state or local area;

5) workforce activities that lead to employment; and 6) follow-up services. Grantees must provide all of these core services; however, not all participants have to participate in each of these activities. Additionally, applicants must develop an integrated approach to recruiting participants and should consider co-enrollment in the workforce system to provide a greater array of services for their participants; applicants are encouraged to work with their local WIBs and consider co-enrolling participants into programs authorized under WIA or under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which becomes effective July 1, 2015.

Allowable Use of Grant Funds Allowable leadership team activities and participant-level services include, but are not limited to, the following and may be performed in multiple categories of services:

Career Pathways Collaborative:

Allowable activities for the CPC include, among other things:

• Assembling a committed CPC including a leadership team and other collaborating organizations that perform function such as:

o Asset mapping to identify existing resources and organizations to support the program;

o Strategic planning to develop career pathways in a demand sector(s);

o Coordinating meetings with CPC members; and o Resource maintenance to support a strategic planning process before, during, and after the career pathways program development, implementation, and follow-up to ensure sustainability of the CPC.

• Identifying and mapping-out clear career pathways in demand sectors, which could include:

o Securing real-time labor market information data collection to identify demand sector(s);

o Convening employers and industry associations to understand their specific workforce needs in the identified demand sector(s) and occupation(s); and o Analyzing industry competency models to identify knowledge, skills, and abilities for the demand sector(s) and create occupational career pathways with this information.

• Using evidence-based research to inform program design and implementation, which could include:

o Translating evidence-based research into practice and service delivery;

o Supporting a continuous improvement process that may include assessments, staff feedback, customer feedback, and other mechanisms for capturing real-time program data; and o Examining and re-working policies across the CPC to enable greater blended funding and service delivery alignment.

Participant-Level Services:

Allowable participant-level services include, among other things:

• Case Management o Assistance with the development of Individual Career Plans (ICPs) for participants and career guidance and development, including applying for post-secondary education and financial aid;

o Assistance with obtaining supportive services, such as transportation stipends or emergency assistance payments;

o Payment for legal services related to the purposes of this grant, which include: securing driver’s licenses, expunging criminal records, creating and/or modifying child support orders, helping parents in obtaining and retaining custody of their children, and helping victims of domestic violence by obtaining protective and restraining orders; and o Referrals to the following services:

Housing programs that provide temporary or permanent housing;

Mental health counseling;

Vocational rehabilitation services needed to assist persons with disabilities;

Parenting classes and services to assist with successful family reunification; and Substance abuse treatment services.

NOTE: Grantees may not directly provide assistance with substance abuse treatment, housing services, or mental health treatment services. Such assistance may be provided only through referrals.

• Mentoring Individuals and Groups o Individual and group mentoring; and o Group mentoring models such as Job Clubs that provide assistance, networking, and peer support for job seekers.

NOTE: The Department encourages collaborating with Second Chance Act (SCA) grantees that have been awarded funds for mentoring programs where possible and with other organizations that focus on mentoring to defray the costs. A listing of Second Chance Act Mentoring Grantees can be accessed at http://csgjusticecenter.org/nrrc/second-chance-act-mentoring-grant-program.

Education o Alternative secondary school services and career awareness classes that develop lifelong career pathways;

o Language instruction programs and services and information in appropriate languages for participants with limited English proficiency;

o Basic skills instruction and remedial education; and o Tutoring and/or preparation for state high school equivalency tests.

• Training that Leads to Industry-Recognized Credentials in State or Local Areas o Vocational skills training;

o Wages in an On-the-Job Training (OJT) framework; and o Registered Apprenticeships.

• Workforce Activities that Lead to Employment o Job placement;

o Development of cognitive and soft skills that participants will need to succeed in future jobs and that support one or more workplace competency;

o Paid and unpaid work experiences, including community service activities that offer the returning citizen the opportunity to work within the his/her community;

o Payment of stipends to participants based on their performance in the program to recognize achievements/milestones;

o Payment of employment and retention bonuses to participants based on progress reached in the employment, education, and/or training components of the grant program;

o Assistance in addressing work-related problems that arise, such as conflict and anger management; and o Assistance in securing higher-paying employment, including non-traditional jobs for women.

http://csgjusticecenter.org/nrrc/second-chance-act-mentoring-grant-program

Follow-up Services o Tracking of progress made by participants in employment and training after program exit; and o Assisting participants in planning and implementing next steps that lead to upward mobility.

B. PROGRAM AUTHORITY

This program is authorized by Section 171, Pilot and Demonstration Projects, of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA)2 , and Section 212 of the Second Chance Act of 2007.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. AWARD TYPE AND AMOUNT

Funding will be provided in the form of a grant.