FOA-ETA-19-08.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR:

Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC): A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian and Delta Regions

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Initial

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: FOA-ETA-19-08

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER: 17.280

KEY DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications under this Announcement is July 15, 2019. We must receive applications no later than 4:00:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

ADDRESSES: Address mailed applications to:

The U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration, Office of Grants Management Attention: Lynn Fraga, Grant Officer Reference FOA-ETA-19-08 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N4716 Washington, DC 20210

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. PROGRAM PURPOSE

B. PROGRAM AUTHORITY

II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. AWARD TYPE AND AMOUNT

B. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

B. COST SHARING and LEVERAGED RESOURCES

C. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Application Screening Criteria

2. Number of Applications Applicants May Submit

3. Eligible Participants

4. Eligible Activities

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. HOW TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION PACKAGE

B. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

1. SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance”

2. Project Budget

3. Project Narrative

4. Attachments to the Project Narrative

C. Submission Date, Time, Process and Address

1. Hardcopy Submission

2. Electronic Submission through Grants.gov

D. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

E. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

1. Indirect Costs

2. Salary and Bonus Limitations

3. Intellectual Property Rights

4. Use of Grant Funds for Participant Wages

F. OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

V. Application Review Information

A. CRITERIA

1. Statement of Need and Strategic Alignment

2. Expected Outcomes, Outputs and Sustainability

3. Project Description

4. Organizational, Administrative, and Fiscal Capacity

5. Budget and Budget Narrative

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

1. Merit Review and Selection Process

2. Risk Review Process

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Administrative Program Requirements

2. Other Legal Requirements

3. Other Administrative Standards and Provisions

4. Special Program Requirements

C. REPORTING

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

VIII. Other Information

A. Web-Based Resources

B. Industry Competency Models and Career Clusters

C. WorkforceGPS Resources

D. SkillsCommons Resources

IX. OMB Information Collection

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL, or the Department, or we), in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) (www.arc.gov) and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) (www.dra.gov) announce the availability of up to $29.2 million that was appropriated under Title I, Division H of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141) to award funds to carry out dislocated worker demonstration projects authorized under section 169(c) of WIOA for the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative grants for the Appalachian and Delta Regions.

This grant program design supports alignment of workforce development with existing strategies and plans for economic development and diversification in rural communities in the following areas hard hit by economic transition and recovering slowly:

• The Appalachian region, as defined in 40 U.S.C. 14102(a)(1), and

• The Lower Mississippi Delta (Delta) region, as defined in 7 U.S.C. 2009aa(2).

The WORC Initiative enables impacted communities to develop local and regional workforce development solutions aligned with existing economic development strategies and community partnerships to promote new, sustainable job opportunities and long-term economic vitality.

These grants will enable eligible applicants within the Appalachian and Delta regions to expand the impact of existing workforce development initiatives. These demonstration grant projects will provide valuable career, training, and support services to eligible individuals in counties and parishes and/or areas currently underserved by other resources. These grants support workforce development activities that prepare dislocated workers, new entrants to the workforce, and incumbent workers for good jobs in high-demand occupations aligned with a regional or community economic development strategy.

These projects will demonstrate how the assistance and expertise provided to the grantees by ARC and DRA will expand the capacity and effectiveness of grantees in administering federal funds to provide workforce services in these communities. To this end, ARC and DRA will provide technical assistance to prospective applicants in their respective regions, as well as provide assistance and support to grantees across the life of the initiative. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit www.arc.gov or www.dra.gov for more information, including dates and locations for pre-application technical assistance meetings. The Department of Labor will also hold a webinar for potential applicants and will publish the date and registration materials for the webinar on www.workforcegps.org/events.

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. PROGRAM PURPOSE

This Announcement solicits applications for the WORC Initiative for projects across the Appalachian and Delta regions. This program is designed to:

http://www.arc.gov/ http://www.dra.gov/ http://www.arc.gov/ http://www.dra.gov/ https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.workforcegps.org%2Fevents&data=02%7C01%7CFraga.Lynn%40dol.gov%7Cd879fd5d97044e7095cb08d6d93901fe%7C75a6305472044e0c9126adab971d4aca%7C0%7C0%7C636935236193876861&sdata=C0ZocVc73KXpWmeznjJ%2B8Nxfj%2BWnJcTCUc6mVCPX6pw%3D&reserved=0

• implement innovative approaches to address the economic and workforce-related impacts within each of the regions;

• provide enhanced training and support activities to dislocated workers (including displaced homemakers), new entrants in the workforce, incumbent workers, and, particularly in the Appalachian region, individuals affected by substance use disorder (i.e., opioids, meth, heroin, and other substances) who reside in the eligible areas;

• support workforce development activities that prepare eligible participants for good jobs in high-demand occupations aligned with a state, regional, or community economic development strategy; and,

• foster expanded capacity and leveraging resources to address participants’ needs through the workforce system in the Appalachian and Delta regions.

To support an American economy that provides opportunity for all, workers must have skills that align with the needs of businesses and must be readily able to adapt as business needs evolve.

WORC Initiative grantees will ensure that all activities will address the specific needs of businesses and workers in the community or areas covered by the proposed grant. The projects proposed under this funding opportunity should be strategic, regional, and industry-focused approaches to workforce and economic development that improves access to good jobs and helps communities and workers plan for, and recover from, economic transitions. One of the intended outcomes of these grants is to address the alignment and integration of economic and workforce development, along with consortia and strategic partnerships; each described below.

Economic and Workforce Development Alignment and Integration: Communities and regions building strong networks across the public, private, and non-profit sectors to address complex economic and workforce development challenges can effectively maximize economic outcomes for businesses, workers, and residents. Effective economic development efforts rely on a strong basis of economic assets, infrastructure, and workers. Communities under economic distress from economic transitions often need to find innovative ways to grow local economic opportunities that do not rely heavily on attracting outside investment. In parallel, workforce development efforts rely on a deep level of engagement and partnership with a range of employers and industry stakeholders, along with a clear strategy to address workforce needs.

Aligning and coordinating strategies and activities between economic and workforce development can reduce transaction costs and allow greater opportunities to create and fill high demand jobs more quickly than if the two efforts operate independently of each other; when done effectively, these efforts can lead to sustainable economic growth and diversification.

Effective planning and partnerships across targeted, growing, and in-demand industries will help ensure that rural communities are able to grow and diversify their economies in careful and thoughtful ways, while fostering and maintaining viable businesses. Workforce training, aligned with these plans, will help ensure that skilled workers are available for new and existing jobs in the course of economic transition.

Successful long-term economic growth strategies build upon bottom-up, community-led plans that promote economic resilience and maximize regional strengths. The WORC Initiative grants take a long-term view towards assisting eligible communities in diversifying their economies by investing in local strategies developed by regional partners. Competitive projects funded under this FOA will demonstrate the alignment of regionally driven, comprehensive approaches to addressing economic distress and the necessary workforce development activities to ensure a workforce capable of succeeding in current and future job opportunities.

Consortia and Strategic Partnerships: The WORC Initiative recognizes that a broad spectrum of economic development needs and capacity challenges exist in communities across the ARC/DRA regions. As part of the Initiative’s goal of addressing these issues, applicants must propose projects demonstrating how their vision for workforce development activities align with, and address, existing plans for economic diversification and building sustainable economic resilience, including ARC and DRA Federal and State plans. See section III.A.1 on Strategic Plans for more information.

An objective of this funding opportunity announcement is to attract and support applicants representing a strong and diverse coalition that may include, but is not limited to:

• local economic development organizations,

• local governments,

• regional planning organizations,

• labor unions,

• state and local workforce agencies,

• institutions of higher education and other job training and adult education providers,

• supportive and human services providers, and

• other relevant economic and workforce development partners.

More information about eligible applicants is included in Section III of this FOA.

B. PROGRAM AUTHORITY

WIOA sec. 169(c), as well as Title I, Division H of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141) authorizes this program.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. AWARD TYPE AND AMOUNT

Funding will be provided in the form of a grant.

We expect availability of approximately $29.2 million, and applicants may apply for an amount ranging from $150,000 up to $2.5 million. 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.

B. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for these grants will be no more than 36 months from an anticipated start date of October 1, 2019. This performance period includes all necessary implementation and start-up activities.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• State Government

• County Government

• City or Township Government

• Special District Government

• Regional Organization

• Independent School District

• Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education

• Private Institution of Higher Education

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

• Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized)

• Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized)

• Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization

• Public/Indian Housing

• Nonprofit Organizations

• Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)

Applicants must demonstrate that they are serving eligible participants who live and work in the ARC and/or DRA regions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to partner with other organizations serving the proposed community(s), including potential employers, training providers, and community-and faith-based organizations; to enhance outreach to the community;

to leverage additional resources to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of the training delivered; and to ensure the desired outcome of obtaining new or enhanced employment.

B. COST SHARING AND LEVERAGED RESOURCES

This program does not require cost sharing or matching funds. Including such funds is not one of the application screening criteria and applications that include any form of cost sharing or match will not receive additional consideration during the review process. Instead, the agency considers any resources contributed to the project beyond the funds provided by the agency as leveraged resources. We encourage projects to leverage resources with partners and other stakeholders. Should applicants include relevant information on leveraged resources, applicants will be scored on how well they demonstrate that they have leveraged resources that will aid their implementation of the program so that participants are able to receive training and obtain employment. Section IV.B.2 provides more information on leveraged resources.

C. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Application Screening Criteria

You should use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package to ensure that the application has met all of the screening criteria. Note that this checklist is only an aid for applicants and should not be included in the application package. We urge you to use this checklist to ensure that your application contains all required items. If your application does not meet all of the screening criteria, it will not move forward through the merit review process.

Application Requirement Instructions Complete?

The deadline submission requirements are met Section IV.C

Eligibility Section III.A

If submitted through Grants.gov, the components of the application are saved in any of the specified formats and are not corrupt. (We will attempt to open the document, but will not take any additional measures in the event of problems with opening.)

Section IV.C.2

Application Federal funds request does not exceed the ceiling amount of $2,500,000 Section II.A

SAM Registration Section IV.B.1

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Section IV.B.1

SF-424 includes a DUNS Number Section IV.B.1

SF-424A, Budget Information Form Section IV.B.2

Budget Narrative Section IV.B.2

Project Narrative Section IV.B.3

Project Timeline (Attachment) Section IV.B.4

Designation of ARC or DRA Region (Attachment) Section IV.B.4

2. Number of Applications Applicants May Submit

We will consider only one application from each organization. If we receive multiple applications from the same organization, we will only consider the most recently received application that met the deadline. If the most recent application is disqualified for any reason, we will not replace it with an earlier application.

3. Eligible Participants

a) Participants Eligible to Receive Training and Other Employment-Related Services One of the intended outcomes of this grant opportunity is to fund projects providing education and training services to eligible individuals to help them pursue or advance in full-time employment that are aligned with community or regionally defined priorities.

Applicants must propose a project that focuses on providing services to workers in one or more of the following three targeted categories: new entrants to the workforce, dislocated workers, and incumbent workers. These three, targeted categories of workers are defined below.

i. New Entrants to the Workforce: For the purposes of this FOA, we consider “new entrants to the workforce” to refer to those who have never worked before or who have been out of the workforce for a long enough time to make it as if they are entering the workforce for the first time. For example, this may include, but is not limited to, the long-term unemployed and formerly incarcerated individuals. Also eligible, consistent with Federal and state wage and employment laws, are youth who are enrolled in their junior or senior year of high school and who could be employed before or within six months after the end of the grant lifecycle, and youth who have dropped out of school and are seeking their first full-time job.

ii. Dislocated Workers: For the purposes of this FOA, this term refers to individuals who were terminated or laid-off or have received a notice of termination or lay-off from employment; or were self-employed but are now unemployed, as well as other individuals described at WIOA sec. 3(15).

iii. Incumbent Workers: For the purposes of this FOA, this term refers to currently employed individuals who need training to secure full-time employment, advance in their careers, or retain their current positions.

Within these categories, you may serve a wide range of individuals, such as individuals receiving public assistance, high school dropouts, high school or postsecondary students, individuals enrolled in adult basic and other education programs, individuals with disabilities, veterans, Indian and Native Americans, and individuals with Limited English Proficiency. We encourage applicants to develop plans to serve individuals who reside in economically distressed counties and parishes.

In addition, applicants applying for projects in the Appalachian region are encouraged to serve individuals affected by substance use disorder. For more information on substance use disorder, please see: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001522.htm.

https://www.congress.gov/113/bills/hr803/BILLS-113hr803enr.pdf https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001522.htm

b) Veterans’ Priority for Participants

38 U.S.C. 4215 requires grantees to provide priority of service to veterans and spouses of certain veterans for the receipt of employment, training, and placement services in any job training program directly funded, in whole or in part, by DOL. The regulations implementing this priority of service are at 20 CFR Part 1010. In circumstances where a grant recipient must choose between two qualified candidates for a service, one of whom is a veteran or eligible spouse, the veterans’ priority of service provisions require that the grant recipient give the veteran or eligible spouse priority of service by first providing him or her that service. To obtain priority of service, a veteran or spouse must meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Grantees must comply with DOL guidance on veterans’ priority. ETA’s Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 10-09 (issued November 10, 2009) provides guidance on implementing priority of service for veterans and eligible spouses in all qualified job training programs funded in whole or in part by DOL. TEGL No. 10-09 is available at https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2816. This guidance applies to programs funded under WIOA. For additional information on veteran’s priority of service and WIOA, please see TEGL 19-16. TEGL 19-16 is available at https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=3851.

4. Eligible Activities

Applicants may propose projects that provide one or more of the following services or activities:

a) Training and Work-Based Training Models

The primary focus of this grant opportunity is development of workforce training aligned with a strategic plan or economic development priorities for the community or region served by the grant. Some of the allowable training and work-based learning approaches include, but are not limited to:

• traditional classroom training; or,

• work-based learning such as apprenticeships, customized training programs, incumbent worker training, on-the-job training, internships, or other work experiences. These may occur before or after layoff, in order to help facilitate reemployment.

Note: Applicants are encouraged to investigate existing training curricula and approaches, including those housed on the Skills Commons website at www.skillscommons.org. However, if existing curricula or appropriate tools do not exist that align with, or meet the goals of, the proposed project, grant funds may be used to develop appropriate curricula.

b) Other Employment-Related Activities

Examples of allowable employment-related services include, but are not limited to:

• employability such as punctuality, personal maintenance skills, and professional conduct;

https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2816 https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=3851 http://www.skillscommons.org/

• in-depth interviewing and evaluation to identify employment barriers and development of individual employment plans; and,

• career planning (that includes a career pathway approach), job coaching, and job matching services.

c) Proposed Innovative Service Delivery Strategies

Applicants are encouraged to propose unique or innovative models for delivery of services that aim to overcome the challenges that exist in the Appalachian or Delta regions. Models might address such issues as:

• broadband access and distance learning; and/or,

• availability of mobile service units, such as custom vehicles equipped with technology, and other technology-enabled solutions to flexibly deliver training, outreach, and/or employment in remote areas.

d) Participant Support Services

Support services are those activities or resources designed to provide a participant with the resources necessary to enable their participation in career and training services or to gain or retain employment. Grant recipients may offer support services to participants directly or through partner organizations, based upon the specific needs and focus of the project plan.

Generally, customized support service strategies meet the specific needs of an individual and may include, but are not limited to:

• assistance with transportation;

• assistance with child care and dependent care;

• provision of stipends, wages, or other incentives to ensure participants are able to participate in the program or to obtain/retain employment;

• linkages to community services, including services offered by partner organizations designed to support grant participants;

• assistance with uniforms or other appropriate work attire and work-related tools, including such items as eye glasses and protective eye gear;

• assistance with laptops or tablets, books, fees, school supplies, and other necessary items for students enrolled in training, work-based learning, or other elements of the proposed grant project;

• payments and fees for employment and training-related applications, tests, and certifications;

• mental health services, including rehabilitation and treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) with inpatient treatment or intensive outpatient treatment/program (IOP) limited to 8-12 weeks;

• SUD recovery workforce strategies such as, but not limited to, recovery coaches, job/career coaches, and health navigator services; and

• training site and/or workplace substance use testing and/or drug screening for trainees.

Note: Applicants proposing to include stipends or wages for participants exceeding 20 percent of the total grant award must receive prior approval from the grant officer.

e) Outreach and Interagency Coordination

Another of the primary outcomes of these grants is to address specific, identified, workforce needs of employers in the area covered by the grant.

Applicants are encouraged to provide services to employers, particularly small and medium-sized employers, either individually or through industry-based approaches such as clusters or sectors, including but not limited to:

• designing and disseminating toolkits and training for employers to develop standards/processes that will enable recovery-friendly workplaces;

• providing peer coaches, counseling, and worksite mentoring programs;

• creating, expanding, or enhancing apprenticeships, internships, and other work experiences, including subsidies of apprentice and intern wages;

• creating customized training programs; and

• establishing school-to-work type activities.

In addition to meeting the workforce needs of these employers, applicants are encouraged to consider, and incorporate where feasible, other roles that employers may play in grant activities.

To support the goal of delivering innovative workforce development approaches, as well as to support employment opportunities for grant participants, applicants may include plans to develop new, or enhance existing, strategies or approaches to build partnerships or relationships with regional employers. These activities may include connecting to existing or planned industry cluster or clusters, or adopting sector strategies or other business engagement approaches.

Such partnerships may increase the likelihood of establishing work-based learning programs such as incumbent worker training or on-the-job training, creating apprenticeship programs, establishing internship programs, and ensuring training and other workforce development efforts evolve along with the needs of the employer community.

Employers may provide valuable insight into the development of innovative training approaches, as well as leadership in aligning/enhancing existing, strategic plans for the economic diversification and development of the region or community. Applicants may wish to include information in their application about how they will access the leadership and support of the employer community.

f) Purchasing Equipment and Making Renovations

Capital expenditures, such as the purchase of equipment or capital improvements, are allowable with prior approval from the Grant Officer, provided they are related to addressing the employment and training needs of the community the applicant would serve with their grant project. These expenditures must follow the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements at 2 CFR 200. For capital expenditures and equipment, see

2 CFR 200.439.

Possible allowable capital improvements include, but are not be limited to, improvements to buildings or equipment that would materially increase their value or useful life, including the cost to put the asset or improvement in place. For buildings, this could include the cost of upgrading, installing, or retrofitting a building’s internal systems or utilities (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC, communications) to accommodate training courses or equipment. This could also include structural improvements or upgrades, including the relocation, modification, retrofitting, or enhancement of interior load-bearing walls or interior floors to accommodate training courses or equipment. This could also include implementing and/or enhancing the information technology infrastructure used to provide education and training and related activities.

Minor alterations, renovations, or rearrangements of buildings, facilities, or equipment, if specific to the project, are also allowable with prior approval from the Grant Officer, provided they are related to addressing the employment and training needs of the community the applicant would serve with their grant project. Minor alterations, renovations, or rearrangements may include the activities and associated costs of relocating, modifying, replacing, or adding items (e.g. switches and outlets) related to internal environments (e.g.

temperature, humidity, ventilation, and acoustics), and installation of fixed equipment (including fume hoods and audio/visual equipment).

Allowable costs also include leasing space that is used for education, training, and related activities; altering or renovating facilities (in accordance with the Federal Cost Principles at 2 CFR Part 220) used for education and training and related activities (which could include ensuring that the facilities comply with Federal architectural accessibility obligations requiring facilities to be readily accessible to, and usable by, qualified individuals with disabilities).

Award of a grant under this FOA does not constitute prior approval of equipment purchase or renovations. Following grant award, grantees must submit a grant modification request to obtain formal Grant Officer approval before acquiring equipment or proceeding with proposed capital expenditures, renovation, or alteration of facilities. The Grant Officer must determine that all proposed equipment, capital improvements, and/or alterations and renovation are:

1) allocable, necessary, and reasonable;

2) tied to specific grant-related deliverables and outcomes outlined in the grantee’s statement of work (SOW) (including capacity-building and/or training outcomes);

3) consistent with the FOA; and,

4) aligned with equipment requirements as outlined in 2 CFR 200. Applicants proposing in their Statement of Work to spend grant funds on capital improvements and/or alterations and renovations must demonstrate how these expenditures will support the expansion and/or improvement of their project’s education and training programs.

Grantees must complete all activities related to capital expenditures and other alterations within the period of performance of the grant.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. HOW TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION PACKAGE

This FOA, found at www.Grants.gov and https://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm, contains all of the information and links to forms needed to apply for grant funding.

B. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Applications submitted in response to this FOA must consist of four separate and distinct parts:

1. The SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance”’

2. Project Budget composed of the SF-424A and Budget Narrative’

3. Project Narrative; and

4. Attachments to the Project Narrative

You must ensure that the funding amount requested is consistent across all parts and sub-parts of the application.

1. SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance”

You must complete the SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance” (available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1).

• In the address field, fill out the nine-digit (plus hyphen) zip code. Find nine-digit zip codes on the USPS website at https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction!input.action.

• The SF-424 must clearly identify the applicant and must be signed by an individual with authority to enter into a grant agreement. Upon confirmation of an award, the individual signing the SF-424 on behalf of the applicant is considered the Authorized Representative of the applicant. As stated in block 21 of the SF-424 form, the signature of the Authorized Representative on the SF-424 certifies that the organization is in compliance with the Assurances and Certifications form SF-424B (available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1). You do not need to submit the SF-424B with the application.

In addition, subject to the provisions of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), 42 U.S.C. Section 2000bb, 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 the WIOA Section 188 rules issued by the Department at 29 CFR 38.25 which includes: As a condition to the award of financial assistance from the Department of Labor under Title I WIOA, the grant applicant assures that it has the ability to comply fully with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of the following laws: Section 188 of the WIOA, which, as interpreted through Departmental regulations, prohibits discrimination against all individuals in the United States on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction!input.action https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 related medical conditions, transgender status, and gender identity), national origin (including limited English proficiency), age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and against beneficiaries on the basis of either citizenship status 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, subject to RFRA, that as a recipient of WIOA Title I financial assistance [as defined at 29 CFR 38.4(zz)], it will comply with 29 CFR part 38 and all other regulations implementing the laws listed above. 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.

Note that the RFRA applies to all Federal law and its implementation. If an applicant organization is a faith-based organization that makes hiring decisions on the basis of religious belief, it may be entitled to receive Federal financial assistance under this grant solicitation and maintain that hiring practice. If a faith-based organization is awarded a grant, the organization will be provided with more information.

a) Requirement for DUNS Number

All applicants for Federal grant and funding opportunities must have a DUNS number, and must supply their DUNS Number on the SF-424. The DUNS Number is a nine-digit identification number that uniquely identifies business entities. If you do not have a DUNS Number, you can get one for free through the D&B website:

https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do.

Grant recipients authorized to make subawards must meet these requirements related to DUNS Numbers:

• Grant recipients must notify potential subawardees that no entity may receive a subaward from you unless the entity has provided its DUNS number to you.

• Grant recipients may not make a subaward to an entity unless the entity has provided its DUNS number to you.

(See, Appendix A to 2 CFR section 25.)

https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do

b) Requirement for Registration with SAM

Applicants must register with the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting an application. Find instructions for registering with SAM at https://www.sam.gov.

A recipient must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration. To remain registered in the SAM database after the initial registration, the applicant is required to review and update the registration at least every 12 months from the date of initial registration or subsequently update its information in the SAM database to ensure it is current, accurate, and complete. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicant is the entity that meets the eligibility criteria and has the legal authority to apply and to receive the award. If an applicant has not fully complied with these requirements by the time the Grant Officer is ready to make a Federal award, the Grant Officer may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

2. Project Budget

You must complete the SF-424A Budget Information Form (available at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1). In preparing the Budget Information Form, you must provide a concise narrative explanation to support the budget request, explained in detail below.

Budget Narrative: The Budget Narrative must provide a description of costs associated with each line item on the SF-424A. The budget narrative must breakout each line item, showing how those costs were derived. It should also provide additional information on the basis for the costs, and the function or use of particular items. The Budget Narrative should also include a section describing any leveraged resources provided (as applicable) to support grant activities. Leveraged resources are all resources, both cash and in-kind, in excess of this award. Applicants are encouraged to leverage resources to increase stakeholder investment in the project and broaden the impact of the project itself.

Each category should include the total cost for the period of performance. Use the following guidance for preparing the Budget Narrative.

Personnel: List all staff positions by title (both current and proposed) including the roles and responsibilities. For each position, give the annual salary, the percentage of time devoted to the project and the amount of each position’s salary funded by the grant.

Example: Provide for each position:

Position Role Yearly Salary

% of Time to Grant

Number of Years Working for the Grant

Total Cost https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1

Trainer Student Instruction $50,000 50% 2 $50,000

Fringe Benefits: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement, etc.

Travel: For grantee staff only, specify the purpose, number of staff traveling, mileage, per diem, estimated number of in-state and out-of-state trips, and other costs for each type of travel. Applicants who would like to attend any post-award technical assistance events will need to request funding for travel costs under the Travel line item; ARC and DRA anticipate hosting no more than three, two-day technical assistance events through the life of these grants.

Applicants are encouraged to follow federal per diem rates when calculating costs for travel (e.g. meals, lodging, transportation, mileage.). More information on federal per diem rates can be found at https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).

Equipment: Identify each item of equipment you expect to purchase which has an estimated acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit (or if your capitalization level is less than $5,000, use your capitalization level) and a useful lifetime of more than one year (see 2 CFR 200.33 for the definition of Equipment). List the item, quantity, and the unit cost per item.

Items with a unit cost of less than $5,000 are supplies, not “equipment”. In general, we do not permit the purchase of equipment during the last funded year of the grant.

Example: The SF-424A line item for equipment is $500,000. The budget narrative must include the cost breakout (e.g. two CNC milling machines comparable to XYZ brand at $250.000 each) and must explain their role or function (e.g. These milling machines are used by area employers who require that all staff be certified in their operation; two are needed so that 12 trainees can work simultaneously, six on each machine).

Supplies: Identify categories of supplies (e.g. office supplies) in the detailed budget and list the item, quantity, and the unit cost per item. Supplies include all tangible personal property other than “equipment” (see 2 CFR 200.94 for the definition of Supplies).

Contractual: Under the Contractual line item, delineate contracts and subawards separately.

Contracts are defined according to 2 CFR 200.22 as a legal instrument by which a non-Federal entity purchases property or services needed to carry out the project or program under a Federal award. A subaward, defined by 2 CFR 200.92, means an award provided by a pass-through entity to a subrecipient for the subrecipient to carry out part of a Federal award received by the pass-through entity. It does not include payments to a contractor or payments to an individual that is a beneficiary of a Federal program.

For each proposed contract and subaward, specify the purpose and activities to be provided, and the estimated cost.

Construction: Construction costs are not allowed and this line must be left as zero. Minor alterations to adjust an existing space for grant activities (such as a classroom alteration) may https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates be allowable. We do not consider this as construction and you must show the costs on other appropriate lines such as Contractual.

Other: Provide clear and specific detail, including costs, for each item so that we are able to determine whether the costs are necessary, reasonable and allocable. List any item, such as stipends or incentives, not covered elsewhere here.

Indirect Costs: If you include an amount for indirect costs (through a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or De Minimis) on the SF-424A budget form, then include one of the following:

a) If you have a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), provide an explanation of how the indirect costs are calculated. This explanation should include which portion of each line item, along with the associated costs, are included in your cost allocation base. Also, provide a current version of the NICRA.

or

b) If you intend to claim indirect costs using the 10 percent de minimis rate, please confirm that your organization meets the requirements as described in 2 CFR 200.414(f). Clearly state that your organization has never received a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), and your organization is not one described in Appendix VII of 2 CFR 200, paragraph (D)(1)(b).

Applicants choosing to claim indirect costs using the de minimis rate must use Modified Total Direct Costs (see 2 CFR 200.68 below for definition) as their cost allocation base. Provide an explanation of which portion of each line item, along with the associated costs, are included in your cost allocation base. Note that there are various items not included in the calculation of Modified Total Direct Costs. See below the definitions to assist you in your calculation.

• 2 CFR 200.68 Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

The definition of MTDC in 2 CFR 200.68 no longer allows for any sub-contracts to be included in the calculation. You will also note that participant support costs are not included in modified total direct cost. Participant support costs are defined below.

o 2 CFR 200.75 Participant Support Cost means direct costs for items such as stipends or subsistence allowances, travel allowances, and registration fees paid to or on behalf of participants or trainees (but not employees) in connection with conferences, or training projects.

See Section IV.B.4. and Section IV.E.1 for more information. Additionally, the following link contains information regarding the negotiation of Indirect Cost Rates at DOL:

https://www.dol.gov/oasam/boc/dcd/index.htm.

Note that the SF-424, SF-424A, and Budget Narrative must include the entire Federal grant amount requested (not just one year).

Do not show leveraged resources on the SF-424 and SF-424A. You should describe leveraged resources in the Budget Narrative.

Applicants should list the same requested Federal grant amount on the SF-424, SF-424A, and Budget Narrative. If minor inconsistencies exist between the budget amounts specified on the SF-424, SF-424A, and the Budget Narrative, ETA will consider the SF-424 the official funding amount requested. However, if the amount specified on the SF-424 would render the application nonresponsive, the Grant Officer will use his or her discretion to determine whether the intended funding request (and match if applicable) is within the responsive range.

3. Project Narrative

The Project Narrative must demonstrate your capability to implement the grant project in accordance with the provisions of this Announcement. It provides a comprehensive framework and description of all aspects of the proposed project. It must be succinct, self-explanatory, and well organized so that reviewers can understand the proposed project.

The Project Narrative is limited to 10 double-spaced single-sided 8.5 x 11 inch pages with Times New Roman 12 point text font and 1-inch margins. You must number the Project Narrative beginning with page number 1.

We will not read or consider any materials beyond the specified page limit in the application review process.

The following instructions provide all of the information needed to complete the Project Narrative. Carefully read and consider each section, and include all required information in your Project Narrative. The agency will evaluate the Project Narrative using the evaluation criteria identified in Section V.A. You must use the same section headers identified below for each section of the Project Narrative:

a) Statement of Need and Strategic Alignment

The Statement of Need must explain the reason for the proposed project to exist. It must describe, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the need for assistance, the nature and scope of the challenges, and the consequences of not addressing the need.

The Statement of Need must clearly describe the project’s proposed service area, including the specific communities, counties, demographics, and any relevant current workforce https://www.dol.gov/oasam/boc/dcd/index.htm development needs or challenges. Attach any necessary support information such as maps or other data to demonstrate that the area is eligible under the terms of this grant.

Applications must include a description of the specific workforce needs faced by one or more employers in the proposed project area(s). Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a portfolio of local support letters, but no less than one letter from an employer within the area to be covered describing their specific workforce needs and their support of the grant to address these needs.

Finally, applicants must discuss the types of individuals targeted for participation in the grant, including demographic data and other information to support the proposed focus and to demonstrate the planned approach for identifying and enrolling eligible participants.

i. Strategic Plans

Applicants must identify, cite, and describe how their project aligns with any strategic or economic development plans for the geographical area the applicants propose to serve.

Alignment with these plans is crucial because these local plans most likely will have the closest, ground-level assessment of the challenges and strengths of the applicant’s proposed service areas. For the purposes of this competition, DOL will accept the inclusion of any plan published or produced by a state, local or regional commission, as well as a plan from a local or regional coalition or organization that set out appropriate economic/employment goals and strategies for a subregion of a state.

Additionally, applicants must identify, cite, and describe how their project aligns with ARC and DRA Federal and State plans. Applicants may obtain copies of the ARC and DRA Federal and state plans at the following locations:

• ARC Federal plan: https://www.arc.gov/about/arc2016-2020strategicplan.asp

• ARC State plans: https://www.arc.gov/funding/stateplansandstrategies.asp

• DRA Federal and State plans: https://www.dra.gov/funding-programs/strategic-economic-development-plans-by-state/

As some more rural areas of the Appalachian or the Delta regions may not have regional economic development coalitions or commissions, or highly detailed plans drafted by government entities to foster development in those areas, DOL will accept alternative documentation. For example, an alternative local plan for the purpose of this competition may be statements of goals and priorities provided by regional Chambers of Commerce or applicable civic organizations.

Applicants must:

• identify the local, State and Federal plan (and attach the relevant portion(s) to the application or provide a hyperlink or similarly accessible citation) and that it applies to the geographical area the applicant proposes to serve;

• identify the portions of the plan(s) stating relevant goals, components, descriptions of needs, or action items of the plan the applicant’s project would address, support, or further; and…