FOA-ODEP-23-10.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of Disability Employment Policy

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR: CENTER FOR ADVANCING POLICY ON EMPLOYMENT

FOR YOUTH (CAPE-YOUTH)

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Initial

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: FOA-ODEP-23-10

ASSISTANCE LISTING: 17.720

KEY DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications under this Announcement is 7/12/2023. We must receive applications no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Submit all applications in response to this solicitation through https://www.grants.gov. For complete application and submission information, including online application instructions, please refer to Section IV.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA), is responsible for the grant award process for the Office of Disability Employment Policy.

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 OR MATCHING

C. OTHER INFORMATION

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. HOW TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION PACKAGE

B. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

C. SUBMISSION DATE, TIME, AND PROCESS

D. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

E. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

F. OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. CRITERIA

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

C. REPORTING

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION

IX. OMB INFORMATION COLLECTION

APPENDIX: Definitions

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL, or the Department, or we), announces the availability of approximately $1,500,000 in grant funds for one cooperative agreement to manage and operate a policy development and technical assistance (TA) center focused on youth and young adults with disabilities (the Center). The Center will expand upon the work of the existing cooperative agreement supporting the youth TA center, the Center for Advancing Policy Employment for Youth (CAPE-Youth).

The Department expects to award a total of approximately $7,500,000 for one cooperative agreement, to be provided in annual increments of approximately $1,500,000 during a five-year period of performance. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) solicits applications for five years of funding; however, applicants must submit budget documents requesting no more than $1,500,000 for the first year of operation. Subsequent incremental awards will depend upon federal funds availability as well as progressive project expenditures and outcomes.

The Department is committed to improving access to Good Jobs for all American workers.

CAPE Youth’s research, policy development, and technical assistance center identifies and promotes the adoption of innovative and equitable evidence-based policy and practice solutions.

The Center will support connecting youth and young adults with disabilities to Good Jobs through the development, implementation, and integration of evidence-based effective practices and policies for improving transition outcomes, including those from historically underserved communities. Executive Order 14091 defines “underserved communities” as “those populations as well as geographic communities that have been systematically denied the opportunity to participate fully in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as defined in Executive Orders 13985 and 14020.” “Good Jobs” have been defined by the Departments of Labor and Commerce to be those that reflect certain Good Jobs Principals, including DEIA.

The Center will ground its work in the Guideposts for Success. This transition framework recognizes that youth, families, educators, workforce professionals, and other stakeholders must work together to increase employment and expectations for youth with disabilities. The Center will focus on improving transition outcomes and develop resources, research, and policies that integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in all aspects of its work. The Center will build capacity within and across general and disability-specific youth service delivery systems through the development of policy and TA to improve employment and post-secondary education outcomes for youth with disabilities. The Center’s work will incorporate the following program focus areas to accomplish this goal:

• Research and Policy Analysis and Development;

• Strategic Partnerships and Systems Coordination;

• Career Pathways and Work-Based Learning Experiences; and

• Professional Development.

A detailed description of each area is in the Project Narrative, Section IV.B.3.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=317248 https://www.dol.gov/general/good-jobs/principles https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/goodjobs/Good-Jobs-Summit-Principles-Factsheet.pdf https://capeyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/02/Guideposts-for-Success-2.0-1.pdf

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Program Purpose

This Announcement solicits applications under funding opportunity Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth (CAPE-Youth).

This Announcement solicits applications for one cooperative agreement to manage and operate the Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth, a youth policy development center (the Center). The purpose of the Center is to increase the capacity of national, state, and local workforce systems to improve transition and employment-related outcomes for youth and young adults with disabilities (Y&YAD) ages 16-24, particularly those from historically underserved communities such as communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities. The Center will accomplish this by identifying and promoting the adoption of evidence-based policies and practices.

The awardee will build the capacity of the youth workforce system through research, policy analysis, and development to support strategic partnerships and systems coordination. The awardee will also improve service delivery in the workforce system by supporting Y&YAD access to career pathways and work-based learning, as well as through the professional development of youth service providers focused on best practices and problem-solving strategies to improve employment outcomes for diverse learners. To be effective in addressing capacity and service delivery needs, the awardee will engage a broad range of stakeholders in conducting technical assistance (TA). Activities to accomplish this purpose include: 1) engaging with general and disability-specific youth service delivery systems to identify their most pressing needs related to the transition of Y&YAD, particularly those from historically underserved communities such as communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities; 2) identifying viable policy and practice solutions to address the barriers identified; and 3) collaborating with national, state, and local entities to develop and promote policies and user-friendly resources that address the identified needs and promote a no wrong door system for Y&YAD, in line with the Department’s Youth Employment Works Strategy.

Background

This FOA solicits innovative applications to help states increase capacity within and across general and disability-specific youth service delivery systems, leading to improved youth transition and employment outcomes particularly for youth and young adults with disabilities from historically underserved communities such as communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities.

Over the past several decades, significant progress has been made in removing barriers to education and employment for Y&YAD. Legislation such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) [see Appendix A] all play a role in addressing the physical and programmatic barriers that prevent young people with disabilities from accessing the education, transition services, and training that can increase their employment success as they move into adulthood. Research on WIOA and IDEA programs demonstrates that interagency https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/youth-employment-works-call-to-action https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326966053_CIRCLES_Building_an_interagency_network_for_transition_planning collaboration is a critical strategy for leveraging expertise from schools, communities, and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, along with other stakeholders who can provide adult supports and services to help students with disabilities achieve their postsecondary goals.

Research has shown that effective collaboration is essential for promoting innovative approaches to programming and reshaping roles and responsibilities of practitioners to improve outcomes for youth.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic radically changed the workplace, the workforce system, K-12 education systems, and postsecondary education systems across the country. The pandemic disproportionately affected individuals who have historically faced significant barriers to employment, including Y&YAD, and in particular Y&YAD from communities of color. ODEP analysis of Current Population Survey (CPS) data from the first year of the pandemic, March 2020 to February 2021, showed that the employment to population ratios were lower for youth with disabilities and youth with disabilities of color. For all youth and young adults ages 16-24, the employment to population ratio was 46.2 percent, and for Y&YAD, the ratio was 26.9 percent. The employment to population ratios for Hispanic youth and young adults were 45 percent, and for Hispanic Y&YAD, 24.1 percent. For Black youth and young adults, the employment to population ratio was 38.9 percent, and for Black Y&YAD, the rate was 23.5 percent.

More recent CPS data from September 2021 through August 2022 indicated that, while recovery is evident, great disparities for Y&YAD persist, particularly for those from underserved groups.

The employment to population ratio for all youth and young adults ages 16–24 was 52 percent and 33.9 percent for Y&YAD. The employment to population ratio was 50.9 percent for Hispanic youth and young adults and 31.3 percent for Hispanic Y&YAD. For Black youth and young adults, the employment to population ratio was 45.2 percent and 25 percent for Black Y&YAD. The data also show the unemployment rates for all Y&YAD were more than double the rates of their non-disabled peers with unemployment rates for all Y&YAD at 16.6 percent compared to 7.9 percent for their peers without disabilities. The unemployment rates were even higher for Y&YAD from underserved communities. For Hispanic Y&YAD the unemployment rate was 17.2 percent compared to 8.5 percent for their peers without disabilities and for Black Y&YAD, the unemployment rate was 29.3 percent compared to 13.2 percent for their peers without disabilities.

These disparities highlight the need for the Center to work collaboratively to implement evidence-based, innovative, and inclusive approaches to employment transitions for Y&YAD from underserved communities. Nationally, the pandemic exacerbated the need for federal and state education and workforce systems to equitably deliver services and support to improve transition services and outcomes for Y&YAD. This cooperative agreement will develop policy solutions to reduce barriers in the delivery of workforce services and improve educational and credential attainment during the transition of Y&YAD to employment. The Center will need to work strategically across all levels of the state and local workforce system to develop policies, enhance cross-system strategies, and improve outcomes for underserved and underrepresented youth.

Through this cooperative agreement, the Department will continue building capacity to improve http://www.daddcec.com/uploads/2/5/2/0/2520220/doj_6_2019_final.pdf employment and transition-related outcomes and for Y&YAD ages 16-24, with an emphasis on individuals from historically underserved communities. The work of the Center aligns with President Biden’s Executive Order 13985, which requires federal agencies to “pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved […].” Closing the employment gap for people with disabilities is essential to fulfilling the Administration’s goals of ensuring equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities, including those who are from underserved communities, such as youth of color or youth who are justice-involved.

ODEP’s previous youth-focused policy development and TA activities made progress in addressing disparities in employment and helping Y&YAD successfully transition from high school to post-secondary education and the workforce. For example, from 2019 to 2023, ODEP’s Youth Policy Development Center, CAPE-Youth, conducted research and delivered training and TA to youth-focused demonstration projects, workforce development boards, and other service delivery systems. The Center funded under this FOA will build upon CAPE-Youth’s research in Systems Collaboration, Professional Development, and Pre-Employment Transition Services.

Applications should demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) [see Appendix A] in employment and post-secondary education for Y&YAD. Applicants are encouraged to consider national and state laws and policies such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as they propose new, strategic ways to remove barriers and promote access to employment for Y&YAD [see Appendix A]. Applicants should also consider efforts to modernize the national registered apprenticeship system and the passage of the First Step Act.

The Center must update and promote the adoption of ODEP’s core youth products for the field, to include the Guideposts for Success, Skills to Pay the Bills, and other prominent products on the current CAPE-Youth and ODEP websites. Additionally, the Center will conduct research and analysis and develop national, state, and local policy and practice solutions. The Center will leverage evidence-based practices to deliver training, disseminate resources, and provide TA for state policymakers and practitioners. Through these efforts, the Center will support Y&YAD to improve transition employment outcomes. Applicants will suggest new research and policy products, and propose policy adoption strategies to expand on CAPE-Youth’s existing work.

Also, applicants should describe how they will include an equity focus on products and services produced.

The Center funded through this opportunity will build upon the Department’s and CAPE- Youth’s past work by focusing on the following four areas:

• Research and Policy Analysis and Development: Conduct research and policy analysis to identify evidence-based practices and policy solutions that address the barriers to employment for transition-aged youth, particularly those from historically underserved communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities. Provide TA to assist transition stakeholders to use analysis to improve transition and employment-related outcomes of https://capeyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/02/Guideposts-for-Success-2.0-1.pdf https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/odep/topics/youth/softskills/softskills.pdf https://capeyouth.org/resources-2/ https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/individuals/youth

Y&YAD.

• Strategic Partnerships and Systems Coordination: Collaborate with national, state, and local entities and with Y&YAD and their families to develop, disseminate, and promote the adoption of evidence-based policies and practices. Provide TA to assist stakeholders to build capacity to improve transition outcomes for Y&YAD.

• Career Pathways and Work-based Learning Experiences: Identify strategies to improve access to career pathways, such as apprenticeships, including registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, internships, and work-based learning opportunities.

Provide TA to youth workforce stakeholders and involve youth in identifying useful and effective approaches.

• Professional Development: Identify new and innovative approaches to professional development and training by providing TA that supports continuous improvement of youth service providers in the workforce system.

B. Program Authority

Title 29 U.S.C. § 557(b) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328) authorize this program.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. AWARD TYPE AND AMOUNT

Funding will be provided in the form of a CA (Cooperative Agreement)(s).

We expect availability of approximately $1,500,000 to fund approximately 1 grant. You may apply for a ceiling amount of up to $1,500,000. 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.

We anticipate total availability of approximately $7,500,000 over a 60-month period of performance. The selected recipient will receive approximately $1,500,000 annually, subject to productive program outcomes based on the CAPE Youth workplan and the availability of federal funds.

B. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance is 60 months with an anticipated start date of 09/30/2023. This performance period includes all necessary implementation and start-up activities.

The initial 24-month period of performance will award $1,500,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, s well as include the incremental funding awarded in FY 2024. A second grant number with a subsequent three-year period of performance is anticipated to be awarded for FY 2025, and the anticipated incremental funding awarded in FYs 2026 and 2027 will be added to that grant.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

06 (Public and State controlled institutions of higher education)

07 (Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized))

12 (Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education)

13 (Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education)

20 (Private institutions of higher education)

Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions

Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutes (AANAPISIs)

Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSIs)

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)

Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)

Each eligible applicant is limited to one individual application for consideration under this opportunity.

Among eligible applicants, the applicant agency or organization must demonstrate experience supporting the development, implementation, and integration of evidence-based effective practices and policies for improving transition outcomes for Y&YAD. The applicant must serve as Lead Applicant and fiscal agent responsible for the overall management of the cooperative agreement. The Lead Applicant will head a consortium consisting of at least two other partners, who must also bring transition expertise to the cooperative agreement. Collectively, the Lead Applicant and consortium partners must fulfill the roles provided under the Consortium Framework section below. The application submitted by the Lead Applicant must clearly identify all other members of the partner consortium and specify the expertise and role of each, including the mandatory submission of Memoranda of Understanding or Letters of Commitment (see Section IV.B.4).

Lead Applicants must identify their institution type in Section 9 of the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance. Please note that all elements of 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards) and 2 CFR Part 2900 (DOL’s Supplement to 2 CFR Part 200) apply to any entity that carries out a federal award as a recipient or subrecipient, including for-profit organizations. This includes the monitoring and the examination of their records.

Role of the Lead Applicant

The Lead Applicant must demonstrate experience and expertise among the consortium partners in conducting research and policy analysis, developing viable policy solutions, and sustaining collaborative relationships with national and state-level organizations focused on transition-age youth. The Lead Applicant must demonstrate having sufficient subject matter expertise and capacity to provide TA on a national level through partnership and capacity building, planning, coordination, strategic engagement, and outreach. This expertise will advance the goal of building capacity within and across general and disability-specific youth service delivery systems through the development of policy and TA to improve employment and post-secondary education outcomes for youth with disabilities, prioritizing the four program focus areas listed in Section I.A.

The Lead Applicant selected as awardee will ensure the Center utilizes multiple information dissemination and policy adoption strategies, tailored to multiple audiences. This includes creating innovative diverse outreach strategies that are linguistically and culturally competent and responsive. The awardee will also ensure the Center effectively engages Y&YAD in leadership roles, influencing the work of stakeholders, delivering training, and implementing proactive measures related to increasing employment opportunities for youth with disabilities, especially from underserved and underrepresented communities.

The Lead Applicant selected as the awardee must have overall programmatic, fiscal, and administrative responsibility for the cooperative agreement. Award recipients will serve as DOL’s counterpart in the cooperative agreement. The recipient must be the organization specified in Section 8 of the SF-424 Application Form. Additionally, the recipient must be: (1) DOL’s point of contact to receive and respond to all inquiries or communications under this FOA; (2) the entity with authority to withdraw or draw down funds through the Department of Health and Human Services - Payment Management System (HHS-PMS); (3) the entity responsible for coordinating with DOL on all deliverables, including all technical and financial reports related to the project, regardless of which partnership member performed the work; (4) the entity that may request or agree to a revision of the cooperative agreement; (5) the entity with overall responsibility for carrying out the programmatic functions of the cooperative agreement, as well as for the stewardship of all expenditures under the cooperative agreement; (6) the entity responsible for coordinating with any evaluator, including participating in an evaluation and other studies; and (7) the entity responsible for working with DOL to close out the cooperative agreement.

Role of the Partners:

Partnering organizations (at least two are required) must have broad, deep knowledge and experience in youth development and workforce systems. Additionally, partners must have proven success addressing gaps in employment and supporting improved transition outcomes for Y&YAD from underserved communities. Consortium partners must show organizational capacity to conduct required cooperative agreement activities. Consortium partners must be knowledgeable in transition, employment, and youth service and public workforce development systems to address education, workforce, and life transition for all youth with disabilities.

The Consortium Framework:

The consortium must include at least three entities (the Lead Applicant and at least two additional partners), with each fulfilling one of the roles outlined below. (The cooperative agreement, however, may include more than two partners.)

• Workforce Development Partner – The Workforce Development Partner is a private employer, an organization representing private employers, a nonprofit organization providing services relating to workforce development, or an entity identified as an eligible provider of training services under section 122(d) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3152(d)).

• Transition Partner – The Transition Partner is an organization with significant experience in delivering culturally competent and responsive support to individuals with disabilities and their families, leading to a successful transition to postsecondary education and employment.

• Equity Partner – The Equity Partner is a Community Based Organization (CBO), a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), or a MSI Organization or Association that has demonstrated experience supporting youth in underrepresented and underserved communities. MSIs are defined as HBCUs, HSIs, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges.

Additionally, including an optional partner is encouraged:

• Inclusion Partner – An Inclusion Partner is an organization with significant experience in Y&YAD transition that employs subject matter experts with lived experience in delivering and collaborating with private and public sector organizations in supporting the transition needs of Y&YAD in underrepresented and underserved communities.

B. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

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. Section IV.B.2 provides more information on leveraged resources.

C. OTHER INFORMATION

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.

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 consider only 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.

Application Requirement Instructions Complete?

The deadline submission requirements are met Section IV.C

Eligibility Section III.A

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 for federal funds does not exceed the ceiling amount of $1,500,000 for the first year of operation. Section II. A

SAM Registration Section

IV.B.1

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Section

IV.B.1

SF-424 includes a UEI 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

Abstract (including the identification of consortium partners) Section

IV.B.4

Signed Memoranda of Understanding between Lead Applicant and all consortium partners and/or Letters of Commitment for each of the identified consortium partners

Section

IV.B.4

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. HOW TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION PACKAGE

This FOA, found at www.Grants.gov 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. 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. Nine-digit zip codes can be looked up on the USPS website at https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction!input.action.

• The organization’s legal name on the SF-424 must match the name registered in the System for Award Management at https://www.sam.gov.

• 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.

a. Requirement for Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number All applicants for federal grant and funding opportunities must have a UEI and must supply their UEI on the SF-424.The UEI is a 12-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies all entities. Any entity registering to do business with the government is required to have one. UEIs are issued by SAM.gov and are a part of an entity’s record in the Entity Information section of SAM.gov. If your organization does not have a UEI, one can be obtained for free at https://sam.gov.

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

http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction!input.action https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 https://sam.gov/

• Grant recipients must notify potential subawardees that no entity may receive a subaward unless the entity has provided its UEI.

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

UEI.

(See Appendix A to 2 CFR Part 25.)

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. If you do not renew your SAM registration, it will expire. An expired registration can delay or prevent application submission in Grants.gov. Registration and renewal can take up to ten business days to 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 approve a federal award, the Grant Officer may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive the federal award and use that determination as a basis for approving 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.

a. Budget Narrative The Budget Narrative must provide a description of costs associated with each line item on the SF-424A. 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 advised that leveraging resources may increase stakeholder investment in the project and broaden the impact of the project itself.

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.

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.

Equipment: Identify each item of equipment you expect to purchase that has an estimated acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit (or if your capitalization level is less than $5,000, use https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/appendix-Appendix%20A%20to%20Part%2025 https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 your capitalization level) and a useful lifetime of more than one year (see 2 CFR 200.1for 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.

Supplies: Identify the cost categories of supplies (e.g., general office supplies, desk/chairs, laptops/printers, other specialty items) in the detailed budget, per category. Except for general office supplies (pens paper, etc.), list the item, quantity, and the unit cost per item. Supplies include all tangible personal property other than “equipment” (see 2 CFR 200.1 for the definition of Supplies).

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

Contracts are defined according to 2 CFR 200.1 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 200.1, 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 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 items, such as stipends or incentives, not covered elsewhere.

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 does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, and is not one described in 2 CFR 200, Appendix VII(D)(1)(b).

Applicants choosing to claim indirect costs using the de minimis rate must use Modified Total Direct Costs (defined by DOL below) 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 the definitions below to assist you in your calculation.

• Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC): To avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect cost, DOL defines MTDC as all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, and travel up to the first $25,000 of each subaward or subcontract (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards and subcontracts 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 or subcontract in excess of $25,000.

• 2 CFR 200.1 Participant Support Costs: These are 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/agencies/oasam/centers-offices/business-operations-center/cost-determination.

Indirect-type costs (such as top management salaries, financial oversight, human resources, payroll, personnel, auditing costs, accounting and legal, etc. used for the general oversight and administration of the organization) must not be classified as direct costs; these types of costs are recovered as part of charging the de minimis or NICRA rate.

SF-424, SF-424A and Budget Narrative: The SF-424, SF-424A, and Budget Narrative must reflect the federal funding request for the first year of the cooperative agreement, which may not exceed $1,500,000. 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 are found between the budget amounts specified on the SF-424, SF-424A, and the Budget Narrative, ODEP 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 30 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 https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/centers-offices/business-operations-center/cost-determination https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/centers-offices/business-operations-center/cost-determination 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 (up to 5 points)

In the Statement of Need section, applicants must demonstrate their understanding of the need for the cooperative agreement described in this Announcement. Scoring is based on the extent to which the applicant addresses the following:

1. The successful applicant will describe their comprehensive plan for providing the services and activities that will assist State’s with developing the capacity of their general and disability youth service systems. The plans will explain the current issues facing these systems and how their project design with help with accomplishing the goals discussed in section I.A. (Program Design) of the FOA.

b. Project Design (up to 45 points)

In the Project Design section, applicants must describe their comprehensive plan to support the Program Purpose, as outlined in Section I.A. of this FOA. The Project Design section must explain in detail how the proposed project will address the goal of building capacity within and across general and disability-specific youth service delivery systems through the development of policy and TA to improve employment and post-secondary education outcomes for youth with disabilities, prioritizing the four program focus areas listed in subsection headings 1 through 4 below. Additionally, the Project Design section must fully explain the plan for providing TA, managing a website, and dissemination and outreach, included in subsection headings 5 through 8 below.

1. Research and Policy Analysis & Development (8 points)

Applicants must explain their organization’s extensive experience and capacity to perform research and policy analysis to develop evidence-based, youth-focused policy that supports improved outcomes for Y&YAD, with an emphasis on those from historically underserved and underrepresented communities. The project narrative must include a detailed explanation of how the consortium is prepared and qualified to conduct high quality research, policy analysis, and policy development activities on a wide variety of topics related to improving employment outcomes for Y&YAD, focusing on the following areas noted below:

• Applicants must describe their experience with policy development activities such as analysis of legislation, regulations, and laws, as well as using youth voice in policy development. Relevant activities for the Center will include:

o Conducting a gap analysis of the transition to employment needs of Y&YAD, including youth from underserved and underrepresented communities.

o Developing policy briefs that address the needs of Y&YAD who are underserved.

At a minimum this includes youth who are from:

communities of color LGBTQ+ communities rural communities o Developing policy briefs that address the needs of Y&YAD who are underrepresented. At a minimum, this includes youth experiencing:

mental health crises homelessness juvenile justice or foster care involvement disconnection from education or employment services and supports membership in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19

Pandemic.

o Promoting career pathways, work-based learning, apprenticeships including, registered apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship opportunities that facilitate transition to employment and retention for Y&YAD.

• Applicants must also describe their experience conducting research and evaluation activities that include identifying effective policies, best practices, and strategies. This must include prior experience with publishing related research and policy work. Relevant activities for the Center will include:

o Conducting a minimum of three (3) rapid research responses over the course of the grant cycle.

o Conducting research to identify and analyze existing state policies and practices regarding youth transition and workforce systems coordination. This must include the impact they have on Y&YAD from underserved and underrepresented communities.

o Collaborating with ODEP to identify areas of interest and need regarding youth transition, systems collaboration, and employment.

o Establishing a group of subject matter experts (SMEs). This group will inform ODEP’s efforts and include sharing subject matter expertise and assisting in developing research questions of interest and relevance to DOL and its federal and state partners.

o Document and cite instances of inclusive policy adoption and challenges using technical assistance as a policy option and opportunity to increase the capacity of States and their associated localities to provide a coordinated workforce system and youth transition service delivery to Y&YAD.

• Additionally, the applicant must explain how it will promote adoption of practices and policies and translate research into high-quality, user-friendly resources and tools to assist workforce systems, states, and other relevant stakeholders in integrating effective policies and practices into their systems. This includes:

o Providing a detailed description of the overall strategy the consortium will use to identify, develop, and validate new and innovative policy and practice models that serve Y&YAD from diverse communities.

o Proposing new research strategies that incorporate CAPE-Youth’s existing Research, Systems Collaboration, Professional Development, and Pre-

Employment Transition Services into new products and services. Explain the basis for the new research strategies.

o Identifying research and policy development ideas that the consortium believes will improve outcomes for Y&YAD in underserved and underrepresented populations and improve the capacity of general and disability-specific youth-serving systems. Explain the basis for the research ideas.

o Developing and evaluating policies and practices that enhance the capacity of workforce systems to support Y&YAD to access career pathways, such as to create new policy resources and tools that will increase access to apprenticeships including, registered apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and other work-based learning experiences.

2. Strategic Partnerships and System Coordination (7 points)

In this section, the applicant must provide a detailed description of how they will successfully collaborate with all partners and develop policy recommendations that promote increased coordination of youth-serving education and workforce systems. Additionally, it should provide a detailed plan for carrying out each of the following activities:

• Developing a strategy for the Center to advance policy solutions and practices through stakeholder engagement activities that increase states’ and workforce systems’ knowledge of and capacity to support competitive integrated employment outcomes in a culturally competent and responsive way for Y&YAD [see Appendix A]. This strategy must address the needs of youth with barriers to employment as defined by WIOA.

• Developing strategic partnerships between workforce and disability organizations to improve coordination and delivery of transition-related services, including those provided through Pre-Employment Transition Services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act.

• Creating a Community of Practice (CoP) consisting of interested stakeholders and SMEs with expertise on transition topics. The CoP will help disseminate products and share information, experience, and ideas with interested parties.

• Incorporating input from Y&YAD through sustained engagement. This includes creating opportunities for youth to provide leadership and influence the Center’s policy development work.

• Disseminating policy and practice solutions to stakeholders.

3. Career Pathways and Work-based Learning Experiences (6 points)

In this section, the applicant must provide a detailed explanation of how they plan to increase capacity of state, regional, and local workforce areas. Additionally, the applicant must provide a detailed description of its plan to conduct each of the following activities:

• Increase Y&YAD’s access to work-based learning, such as apprenticeships, including, registered apprenticeship programs, industry-recognized apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, internships, externships, and other types of integrated work-based learning experiences.

• Increase education and workforce systems’ capacity to prepare Y&YAD for college, career readiness, and in-demand career pathways.

• Identify and develop a strategy to address systems-level gaps in knowledge about how to support Y&YAD in career exploration, management, and planning as they explore and access career pathways and other work-based learning experiences.

4. Professional Development (6 points)

In this section, the applicant must provide a detailed explanation of how they can design professional development for youth service providers, to support outcomes for all youth, including Y&YAD and those from historically underserved communities.