PKG00261343-instructions.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-20-04

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER: 17.280

KEY DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications under this Announcement is July 29, 2020. We must receive applications no later than 4:00:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

ADDRESSES: You must submit your application electronically on https://www.grants.gov No applications submitted in hardcopy by mail or hand delivery (including overnight delivery) will be accepted for this funding opportunity.

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

https://www.grants.gov/ ii

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

1. Application Screening Criteria

2. Number of Applications an Applicant 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. The SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance”

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

3. Project Narrative or the Optional Attachment A Proposal Summary

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

iii

A. CRITERIA

1. Statement of Need and Strategic Alignment

2. Project Description

3. Expected Results and Sustainability

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), announces the availability of approximately $29.2 million in grant funds authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative demonstration grants round two. The funding, appropriated under Title I, Division B of the Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act 2019 and the Continuing Appropriations Act 2019 (Pub. L. 115-245), will fund projects supporting rural communities in aligning workforce development efforts with economic development plans, serving 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 goal of this grant opportunity is to create economic prosperity and gainful employment opportunities for eligible individuals (as identified in Section III.C.3. of this FOA) of the Appalachian and Delta regions, enabling them to remain and thrive in these communities. The WORC Initiative provides funding to eligible applicants proposing to meet this goal with a project addressing the employment and training needs of the local and regional workforce, created in collaboration with community partners and in coordination with existing economic development strategies.

Successful applicants will demonstrate clear strategies to provide needed career, training, and support services to eligible individuals in counties, parishes, and/or areas currently underserved by other resources, so they may secure good jobs in stable, high-demand occupations. Eligible individuals served under this grant include dislocated workers, new entrants to the workforce, and incumbent workers. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate strategies that support eligible individuals impacted by substance use disorder; we anticipate at least $5 million will go to grants that include support for individuals impacted by substance use disorder.

Successful applicants will demonstrate collaboration with ARC and DRA and clearly identify coordinated strategies to expand the capacity and effectiveness of the applicant 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.

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. PROGRAM PURPOSE

This Announcement solicits applications for the WORC Initiative for grants serving the Appalachian and Delta regions. The purpose of this program is to demonstrate the alignment of http://www.arc.gov/ http://www.dra.gov/ http://www.arc.gov/ http://www.dra.gov/ 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. 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 toward assisting eligible communities in diversifying their economies by investing in local strategies developed by regional partners. This long-term view also acknowledges the impact of the opioid crisis and the significant challenges it presents to a community’s workforce. To address these challenges, ETA encourages applicants to include within their applications strategies to address the employment and training needs of individuals affected by substance use disorder in their communities.

As mentioned, the goal of this grant opportunity is to create economic prosperity and gainful employment opportunities for eligible residents in impacted ARC and DRA regions, enabling them to remain and thrive in these communities. Successful applicants must demonstrate coordinated workforce strategies in the ARC and DRA regions and help the regions achieve long-term economic success. Successful applications will propose projects including all of the following Objectives:

Objective 1: Implement innovative, sustainable service delivery strategies to address economic and workforce-related impacts within each of the regions;

Objective 2: Provide or facilitate the provision of new or enhanced training, job placement and support activities to the following eligible participants: dislocated workers (including displaced homemakers), new entrants in the workforce, and incumbent workers (including eligible individuals within those cohorts that may be affected by substance use disorder [e.g., opioids, stimulants, cocaine, and other substances]) who reside in ARC and DRA regions;

Objective 3: Align and integrate workforce development activities with existing state, regional, or community economic development strategies;

Objective 4: Develop and expand partnerships, including industry partnerships that build and sustain capacity, maximize available resources, and establish community-based approaches for addressing workforce challenges and industry needs in the ARC and DRA regions; and

Objective 5: Provide or facilitate delivery of support services to assist employers and industry in meeting workforce challenges and industry needs in the ARC and DRA regions.

Please note that for projects proposing equipment purchases or capital improvement activities, applicants must address how these proposed expenditures will facilitate all WORC goals and objectives and explain how these expenditures will assist in successful employment and training activities.

B. PROGRAM AUTHORITY

WIOA sec. 169(c), as well as Title I, Division B of the Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019 (Pub. L. 115-245) 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 $1.5 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.

We encourage applications from smaller entities, as well as from entities seeking smaller funding amounts.

Additionally, we encourage applicants to include within their applications strategies to address the employment and training needs of individuals in their communities who are affected by substance use disorder and who seek reintegration into the workforce. Higher-scoring applications proposing projects identifying the intent to serve this population may be considered during the grant selection process.

B. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for these grants will be no more than 36 months from an anticipated start date of September 30, 2020. 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

• State or Local Workforce Development Board

• Independent School District

• Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education

• 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 Organization

• Nonprofit Organization with IRS 501(c)(3) Status

• Nonprofit Organization without IRS 501(c)(3) Status

• Private Institution of Higher Education

• Hispanic-serving Institution

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

• Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)

Among eligible applicants listed above, the applicant agency or organization must also demonstrate collaboration or engagement with at least two employer/industry partners and should partner with other organizations serving the economic, workforce development, and other needs of the community the application proposes to serve. These other organizations could also include local employers, as well as state or local workforce development boards, community-and faith-based organizations or academic institutions and other organizations providing job training, which can include local school systems, universities, and community colleges, among others. Such partnerships expand project capacity to reach and serve grant participants by leveraging and building upon existing community efforts, resources, and networks. Partnerships also help to sustain the delivery of effective career and training services to address workforce needs.

Applicants are also required to demonstrate that they will serve eligible participants who live in the ARC and/or DRA regions. Applicants may train eligible participants for jobs outside of either of the regions, so long as the applicant clearly demonstrates that employment in these occupations will not require participants to relocate outside the region. Such jobs must clearly align with the overall intent of the grant application and the statement of need.

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

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 for Federal funds is within the funding range of $150,000 to $1,500,000 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 Applicant Designation (Separate Attachment):

Designation of ARC or DRA Region and Service Area Map

Section IV.B.4

Applicants may choose to submit the Proposal Summary/Attachment A in lieu of the project narrative.

Applicants using this optional alternative may omit the separate submission of the requested attachments

Section IV.B.4

2. Number of Applications an Applicant 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.

3. Eligible Participants

a) Participants Eligible to Receive Training and Other Employment-Related Services The intent of this FOA is to fund projects that create economic prosperity and gainful employment opportunities for eligible residents in impacted ARC and DRA regions, enabling them to remain and thrive in these communities. This goal may be achieved through grant projects providing or facilitating the delivery of employment and training services to help eligible individuals pursue or advance in full-time employment aligned with community- or regionally-defined priorities.

Applicants must propose a project that serves workers in one or more of the following three targeted categories: new entrants to the workforce, dislocated workers, and/or incumbent workers. The definitions for each category are as follows:

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) (https://www.congress.gov/113/bills/hr803/BILLS-113hr803enr.pdf).

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 high school or postsecondary students, individuals requiring adult basic and other education programs, referenced in Section IV.B.4 , as these components are incorporated within the Proposal Summary.

https://www.congress.gov/113/bills/hr803/BILLS-113hr803enr.pdf individuals with disabilities, veterans, individuals with Limited English Proficiency, and individuals impacted by substance abuse disorder.

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 Allowable grant activities include:

a) Training and Work-Based Learning Models Workforce training strategies must align with the target community’s or region’s strategic plan or economic development priorities. Some of the allowable training and 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, applicants may propose to use grant funds to develop appropriate curricula, with supporting documentation demonstrating that such curricula does not currently exist and will align with the purpose of the project design.

b) Other Employment-Related Activities Allowable employment-related activities include, but are not limited to:

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

https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2816 https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=3851 https://ion.workforcegps.org/resources/2017/03/09/12/20/Work-Based_Learning_-_Adult_and_Dislocated_Worker_Programs https://apprenticeship.gov/ http://www.skillscommons.org/

• in-depth participant assessment and evaluation to identify employment barriers and develop individual employment plans; and

• career planning (including via a career pathway approach), job coaching, and job matching services.

c) Innovative Service Delivery Strategies Innovative Service Delivery Strategies that address economic and workforce-related impacts and aim to overcome existing challenges within ARC or DRA regions (Objective 1) might include application of new business models, products, services, or technology such as:

• expanding broadband access to provide distance learning;

• increasing 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; establishing employer models to expand onsite support services for new and existing employees recovering from substance use disorders;

• developing new, industry-specific bridging programs that assist target populations gain skills to fill short and long-term needs of local employers;

• expanding successful employer training programs that teach how to create supportive work environments for new and existing employees impacted by substance abuse disorder; and

• developing new, or enhancing existing, partnership strategies for sustainable job growth.

d) Participant Support Services Support services are necessary activities or resources that enable eligible individuals to participate 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, when required for the occupation the individual in training to enter.

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) Employer Support Services Applicants are encouraged to provide services to employers, particularly small and medium-sized employers (Objective 5). Efforts may focus on individual employers or have an industry-based approach for clusters or sectors, including but not limited to:

• designing/disseminating toolkits and training for employers to develop standards/processes for SUD 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.

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 address the employment and training needs of the community served by the proposed project. These expenditures must follow the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements at 2 CFR Part 200 and the DOL supplemental requirements at 2 CFR Part 2900. For capital expenditures and equipment, see 2 CFR 200.439. Following a WORC grant award, a grantee must seek and receive ETA approval in a subsequent modification request for all equipment purchases and renovations. The modification must demonstrate these purchases and renovations will assist in the successful employment and training of participants. Award of a grant under this FOA does not constitute prior approval of equipment purchase or renovations mentioned in the initial application.

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 address the employment and training needs of the community served by the proposed 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 the grant participant education, training, and related activities, as well as the altering or renovating of such facilities (in accordance with the Federal Cost Principles at 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E, and the DOL supplemental requirements at 2 CFR Part 2900, Subpart E). Allowable renovations include those related to federal architectural accessibility obligations requiring facilities to be readily accessible to, and usable by, qualified individuals with disabilities.

Following grant award, grantees must submit a subsequent 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 Part 200. Applicants proposing in their SOW 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

http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm

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 or the Optional Attachment A Proposal Summary; 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. The 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. § 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 188 rules issued by the Department at 29 CFR 38.25 which includes the following language:

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 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-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 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 unless the entity has provided its DUNS number.

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

(See, Appendix A to 2 CFR section 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. 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 Composed of the SF-424A and Budget Narrative 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.

https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1

Budget Narrative: The Budget Narrative must provide a description of costs associated with each line item on the SF-424A. It must separate the primary cost components of each line item, which when added together provide the line item total. It must also provide 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.

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.

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 that 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.

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.

https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates

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 has never received a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), and your organization 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 (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 the definitions below 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.

• 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/agencies/oasam/centers-offices/business-operations-center/cost-determination.

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 are found 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 or the Optional Attachment A Proposal Summary 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. Applicants may submit the optional Attachment A Proposal Summary in lieu of the Project Narrative.

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. If you choose to submit an application in narrative form, you must use the same section headers identified below for each section of the Project Narrative.

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

a) Statement of Need and Strategic Alignment

i. Need Statement The Statement of Need is the foundation of the application and must clearly explain the reason for the proposed project. It must also support the grant initiative’s goal of creating economic prosperity and gainful employment opportunities for eligible residents in impacted ARC and DRA regions so that they may remain and thrive in these communities. Any needs included in this section must be addressed by the project activities and accounted for in the subsequent Project Description section (Section 3b).

The Statement of Need must describe the need for assistance, the nature and scope of challenges to overcome, and the consequences of not addressing the need. The needs described must align with the target population served. For example, if the application proposes to serve individuals impacted by substance abuse disorder, the Statement of Need must describe and demonstrate the need for assistance among this target population. The Statement of Need must describe and demonstrate the proposed service area’s skills gap and documented employer needs; documentation of employer needs is described in section IV.4.d below. Applicants demonstrate need by providing, at a minimum, the information (with appropriate citations) on the following:

At a minimum, the application must include information with appropriate citations for the following:

• identification of specific census tracts for one or more Opportunity Zones;1

• documented challenges facing these communities, including persistent poverty;

• documented unemployment rate in the area covered by the proposed grant;

• at least two letters of engagement from local employer/industry partners;

• additional demographic information that can be tied to the project plan; and

• for applications primarily proposing to serve individuals impacted by substance use disorder, the age-adjusted mortality rate related to opioid and other drug overdose deaths and other relevant information.

1 Opportunity Zones are economically distressed communities designated under the authority of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Public Law 115-97, enacted December 22, 2017). There are over 8,700 of these highest poverty areas across the country. Designated Opportunity Zones can be found at: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-18-48.pdf.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-18-48.pdf

Applicants must provide sufficient details and citations to demonstrate the information provided above and attribute it to a verifiable source; however, applicants are not required to submit additional documentation.

Finally, applicants must identify the categories of eligible participants targeted for this project, as well as describe the recruitment strategy, including specialized approaches for identifying and enrolling their target population. Additionally, if the applicant proposes to serve individuals impacted by substance use disorder, the applicant must specifically describe the recruitment strategy and specialized approaches.

ii. Strategic Alignment WORC Initiative applicants must align their proposed project with existing economic and workforce development priorities and strategies in the area covered by the grant. Applicants must address how their proposed plan aligns with each of the following four plans:

1. Local or regional plan: Applicants must identify, cite, and describe how their project aligns with a strategic or economic development plan for the geographical area the applicants propose to serve. Demonstrating alignment with a local plan is crucial as it most likely will have the closest, ground-level assessment of the challenges and strengths of the applicant’s proposed service area. 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 establishes appropriate economic/employment goals and strategies for a subregion of a 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.

2. The relevant ARC or DRA Federal plan: Applicants must describe the elements of the relevant ARC or DRA Federal plan with which the proposed project aligns.

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

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

3. The…