[Federal Register: March 29, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 61)]
[Notices]
[Page 16658-16670]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA), H-1B Technical Skill
Training Grants
AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration (ETA), Labor.
ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for grant
applications (SGA).
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SUMMARY: This notice contains all of the necessary information and
forms needed to apply for grant funding. The Employment and Training
Administration (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), announces the
availability of grant funds for skill training programs for unemployed
and employed workers. Funding for these grants is coming from the user
fee mandated for applicants for new H-1B nonimmigrant visa workers and
established under the American Competitiveness and Workforce
Improvement Act of 1998 (ACWIA). The grants will have the longer term
goal of raising the skill levels of domestic workers so that they can
fill high skill jobs which are presently being filled by temporary
workers being admitted to the United States under the provisions of H-
1B. Eligible applicants for these grants will be private industry
councils (PICs) established under Section 102 of the Job Training
Partnership Act (JTPA), local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs)
established under section 117 of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
that will carry out such programs or projects through one-stop delivery
systems established under section 121 of WIA, or regional consortia of
PICs or local boards. Regional consortia may be interstate.
WIA provides a framework for a national workforce investment and
employment system designed to meet both the needs of the nation's
businesses and the needs of job seekers and workers who want to further
their careers. ACWIA will provide resources for skill training in
occupations that are in employer demand; one measure of this demand is
employer H-1B applications for workers. In particular, industries that
appear to generate the most H-1B demand include information technology
and health. Appendix A to this Solicitation provides information on the
kinds of occupations certified under the H-1B program by the Department
of Labor for Fiscal Year 1999 (Oct.1, 1998 to May 1999), and the number
of job openings certified in each occupation.
This notice describes the application submission requirements, the
process that eligible entities must use to apply for funds covered by
this solicitation, and how grantees will be selected. It is anticipated
that about $40 million will be available for funding the projects
covered in this second-round solicitation, that approximately fifteen
projects will be selected for funding, and that the maximum grant award
will not exceed $3.0 million.
This solicitation is one of a series. It is expected that the
third-round solicitation will be announced in early August.
DATES: Applications for grant awards will be accepted commencing
immediately. The closing date for receipt of applications shall be June
5, 2000, at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) at the address below.
ADDRESSES: Applications shall be mailed to the U.S. Department of
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal
Assistance, Attention: Diemle Phan, SGA/DFA 00-104, 200 Constitution
Avenue, NW, Room S-4203, Washington, D.C. 20210.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions should be faxed to Diemle
Phan, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, Fax
(202) 219-8739. This is not a toll free number. All inquiries should
include the SGA number (DFA 00-104) and a contact name, fax and phone
number. This solicitation will also be published on the Internet on the
Employment and Training Administration's Homepage at http://
www.doleta.gov. Award notifications will also be published on this
Homepage.
Background
This initiative will build on similar ETA initiatives that deal
with the issue of skill shortages including the June 1998 dislocated
worker technology demonstration, the new dislocated worker technology
demonstration, the regional skills consortium building awards just
announced, the individual training account demonstration grant awards
just made and the skills strategies, partnership training/system
building demonstration competitive procurement which was announced in
the Federal Register on February 28. These efforts were intended to
strengthen linkages between employers experiencing skill shortages in
specific occupations and the publicly funded workforce development
system. In June 1998, $7.5 million in JTPA Title III dislocated worker
funds was awarded to 11 organizations throughout the country to train
workers in skills related to the information technology industry. In
June 1999, over $9.57 million was awarded to 10 grantees to train
dislocated workers in the skills necessary to obtain work requiring
advanced skills in occupations in manufacturing industry settings,
including computers and electronics manufacturing, machinery and motor
vehicles, chemicals and petroleum, specialized instruments and devices,
and biomedics. On March 2, 2000, 23 awards totaling $15.2 million were
announced for the regional skills consortium competition. Finally, this
Solicitation is taking into account the experience gained from the
first round of the H-1B competition for which 9 awards totaling $12.4
million were announced on February 10, 2000.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ETA is soliciting proposals on a competitive
basis for the conduct of demonstration projects to provide technical
skills training for workers, including both employed and unemployed
workers.
This announcement consists of three parts:
<bullet> Part I Application Process.
<bullet> Part II Statement of Work/Reporting Requirements.
<bullet> Part III Review Process/Rating Criteria.
Legislative Mandate
The relevant portions of ACWIA dealing with the establishment of a
fund for implementing a program of H-1B skill training grants state:
``Section 286(s)--H-1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account
(1) In General--There is established in the general fund of the
Treasury a separate account, which shall be known as the `H-1B
Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account.' Notwithstanding any other section of
this title, there shall be deposited as offsetting receipts into the
account all fees collected under section 214(c)(9).
(2) Use of fees for job training--56.3 percent of amounts deposited
into the H-1B Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account shall remain available to
the Secretary of Labor until expended for demonstration programs and
projects described in section 104(c) of the American Competitiveness
and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998.''
``Section 104(c) Demonstration Programs and Projects to Provide
Technical Skills Training for Workers.--
(1) In general--In establishing demonstration programs under
section
[[Page 16659]]
452(c) of the Job Training Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. 1732(c)), as in
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, or demonstration
programs of projects under section 171(b) of the Workforce Investment
Act of 1998, the Secretary of Labor shall use funds available under
section 286(s) to establish demonstration programs or projects to
provide technical skills training for workers, including both employed
and unemployed workers.
(2) Grants--The Secretary of Labor shall award grants to carry out
the programs and projects described in paragraph (1) to--
(A)(i) private industry councils established under section 102 of
the Job Training Partnership Act (29 U.S.C.1512), as in effect on the
date of the enactment of this Act; or
(ii) local boards that will carry out such programs or projects
through one-stop delivery systems established under section 121 of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998; or
(B) regional consortia of councils or local boards described in
subparagraph (A).
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)(section 101(a)(15)( H)(i)
(b)) defines the ``H-1B alien as one who is coming temporarily to the
United States to perform services in a specialty occupation or as a
fashion model.''
The INA (Section 214(i)) sets criteria to define the term
``specialty occupation:''
(1) For purposes of section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) and paragraph 2, a
``specialty occupation'' means an occupation that requires--
(A) theoretical and practical application of a body of highly
specialized knowledge and,
(B) attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific
specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the
occupation in the United States
(2) For purposes of section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)), the requirements
of this paragraph with respect to a specialty occupation are--
(A) full state licensure to practice in the occupation, if such
licensure is required.
(B) completion of the degree described in paragraph (1)(B) for the
occupation, or
(C)(i) experience in the specialty equivalent to the completion of
such degree, and (ii) recognition of expertise in the specialty through
progressively responsible positions relating to the specialty.
Part I--Application Process
A. Eligible Applicants
ACWIA specifies under Section 104(c)(2) that the Secretary shall
award grants to private industry councils (PICs) established under
section 102 of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), or local boards
that will carry out such programs or projects through one-stop delivery
systems established under section 121 of the Workforce Investment Act
(WIA) of 1998, or regional consortia of councils or local boards. This
Solicitation contemplates that the local boards will designate a fiscal
agent to be the recipient of grant funds.
While the statute is quite specific about the fact that only PICs,
local boards (through their designated fiscal agents) and consortia may
apply for and receive these grant awards, it does not preempt the
participation of other concerned entities which are integral to the
process of planning for and conducting skill training in skill shortage
areas. The Department of Labor is requiring that eligible applicants
must demonstrate that they have the involvement of a wide
representation of the business community in their region. They are also
strongly encouraged to reach out widely and involve a broad spectrum of
other organizations such as labor unions, community colleges and other
postsecondary educational institutions, and community based and faith
based organizations in a partnership or consortium arrangement.
Applicants are encouraged to associate with entities which possess
a sound grasp of the job marketplace in the region and which are in a
position to address the issue of skill shortage occupations. Such
organizations would include private, for profit businesses--including
small-and medium-size businesses; business, trade, or industry
associations such as local Chambers of Commerce and small business
federations; and labor unions. Also, those entities should include
businesses and business associations which have experienced first hand
the problems of coping with skill shortages and which employ workers
engaged in skill shortage occupations. This Solicitation will not
prescriptively define the roles of individual entities within the
partnership beyond requiring, as ACWIA states, that the PICs, local
workforce investment boards, or consortia be the applicant and the
recipient of(or fiscal agent for receiving) grant funds. It is
anticipated, however, that the proposal will provide a detailed
discussion of participating organizations' respective responsibilities.
The proposal should describe a consortium of several employers that
will lead the consortium and provide matching funds and who intend to
employ workers participating in the technical skills training. Based on
Department of Labor experiences, regional partnerships that actively
engage a wide range of participation from community groups--
particularly with strong private employer involvement--appear to be
successful. In general, applicants will be encouraged to include a
broad spectrum of stakeholder groups, including such employers, in
their partnership effort. Also, PICs or local workforce investment
boards or consortia thereof representing more than one region that
share common economic goals may band together as one applicant rather
than applying individually.
The application must clearly identify who the applicant is (or in
the case of a local board, who the fiscal agent is). As part of this
certification, the applicant must identify who the grant recipient
(and/or fiscal agent) is and describe its capacity to administer this
project; it shall also indicate that the project is consistent with and
will be coordinated with the workforce investment system(s) that are
involved in technical skills activities in the region(s) encompassed by
the applicant.
Part III of this announcement enumerates and defines in depth a
series of criteria that will be utilized to rate applicant submissions.
Briefly, these criteria are:
<bullet> Statement of Need
<bullet> Service Delivery Strategy
<bullet> Target Population
<bullet> Sustainability
<bullet> Linkages with Key Partners
<bullet> Outcomes
<bullet> Cost Effectiveness
B. Submission of Proposals
Applicants must submit four (4) copies of their proposal, with
original signatures. The proposal must consist of two (2) separate and
distinct parts, Parts I and II.
<bullet> Part I of the proposal shall contain the Standard Form
(SF) 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance'' (Appendix B) and the
Budget Information Form (Appendix C). The individual signing the (SF)
424 on behalf of the applicant shall represent the responsible
financial and administrative entity for a grant should that application
result in an award. The individual who signs the application should be
the same individual who signs the certification discussed in the
previous section. According to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995,
Section 18, an organization described in
[[Page 16660]]
Section 501(c)4 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which engages in
lobbying activities shall not be eligible for the receipt of federal
funds constituting an award, grant, or loan.
In preparing the Budget Information Form, the applicant must
provide a concise narrative explanation to support the request. The
statutory language of ACWIA is specific in stating that grant resources
are to be expended for programs or projects to provide technical skills
training. Therefore, ACWIA grant resources to be utilized for the costs
of administration will be limited to no more than 10 percent of the
request and should clearly support the goals of the project.
Administrative costs include such items as project staff, travel, and
fungible supplies. In general, however, this does not contemplate or
permit the purchase of capital equipment. The budget narrative should
discuss precisely how the administrative costs support those goals.
<bullet> Part II must contain a technical proposal that
demonstrates the Offeror's capabilities in accordance with the
Statement of Work contained in this announcement. A grant application
is limited to twenty (20) double-spaced, single-side, 8.5 inch x 11
inch pages with 1-inch margins. The Offeror may provide statistical
information and related material in attachments. Attachments may not
exceed fifteen (15) pages. Letters of commitment from partners or from
those providing matching resources may be submitted as attachments;
however, letters of support are not required. Such letters will not
count against the allowable maximum page total. The Applicant must
briefly enumerate those entities in the text of the proposal. Text type
shall be 11 point or larger. Applications that do not meet these
requirements will not be considered. Each application must include a
Time Line outlining project activities and an Executive Summary not to
exceed two pages. The Time Line and the Executive Summary do not count
against the 20 page limit. No cost data or reference to price is
included in the technical proposal.
C. Hand Delivered Proposals
If proposals are hand delivered, they must be received at the
address identified above by June 5, 2000, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
All overnight mail will be considered to be hand delivered and must be
received at the designated place by 2:00 on the specified closing date.
Telegraphed and/or faxed proposals will not be honored. Failure to
adhere to the above instructions will be a basis for a determination of
nonresponsiveness.
D. Late Proposals
A proposal received at the designated office after the exact time
specified for receipt will not be considered unless it is received
before award is made and it:
<bullet> Was sent by registered or certified mail not later than
the fifth calendar day before the date specified for receipt of
applications (e.g., a proposal submitted in response to a solicitation
requiring receipt of applications by the 20th of the month must be
mailed by the 15th);
<bullet> Was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day
Service, Post Office to addressee, not later than 5 p.m. at the place
of mailing two working days prior to the date specified for proposals.
The term ``working days'' excludes weekends and U.S. Federal holidays.
The only acceptable evidence that an application was sent in accordance
with these requirements is a printed, stamped, or otherwise placed
impression (exclusive of a postage meter machine impression) that is
readily identifiable without further action as having been supplied or
affixed on the date of mailing by employees of the U.S. Postal Service.
E. Period of Performance
The initial period of performance will be up to 24 months from the
date of execution of the grant documents. It is anticipated that about
$40 million will be disbursed. Department of Labor may elect to
exercise its option to extend these grants for an additional period not
to exceed 36 months, based on the availability of funding and
successful program operation.
F. Definitions
For purposes of this solicitation:
<bullet> Technical skills training includes occupational skills
training--that may combine academic and work-place learning and related
instruction, customized training with a commitment of an employer or
group of employers to employ an individual upon successful completion
of training, and that may be tailored to meet the needs of the
individual participant. Section 134 (d)(4)(D) of WIA provides a
definition of training services that shall be viewed as generally
applicable to the term ``technical skills training'' in this
Solicitation. This definition of technical skills training specifically
allows the use of grant funds to provide necessary books.
<bullet> Region means an area which exhibits a commonality of
economic interest. Thus, a region may comprise a few labor market
areas, one large labor market, one labor market area joined together
with a couple of adjacent rural districts, a few special purpose
districts, or a few contiguous PICs or local boards. Clearly, if the
region involves multiple economic or political jurisdictions, it is
essential that they be contiguous to one another. A region may be
either intrastate or interstate. Although the rating criteria will
provide more detail, it is the applicant's responsibility to
demonstrate the regional nature of the area which that application
covers. Also, a region may be coterminous with a single PIC or local
board.
G. Sustainability
No applicant may receive a grant unless that applicant agrees to
provide resources equivalent to at least 25 percent of the grant award
amount as a match. That match may be provided in cash or in kind,
however, Federal resources may not be counted against the matching
requirement. In view of the fact that the singular focus of grant
resources is to provide skill training, ETA particularly encourages the
provision of essential capital equipment, such as computer equipment,
as part of the match. The match will not be tied to the drawdown of
funds, however, the amount and nature of it must be clearly described
in the application.
The 25 percent matching requirement should be viewed as a minimum
designed to assist grantees in developing sustainability. The
Department is particularly interested that applicants demonstrate clear
evidence through matched and/or leveraged resources (those Federal
resources which may not be counted against match but which are integral
to strengthening the quality of technical skills training provided and
which contribute materially to sustainability) that the project will
have the capacity to continue its training activities after the
expiration date of the grant.
Part II--Statement of Work/Reporting Requirements
A. Principles
Five basic key principles underlie this effort:
<bullet> Partnership Sustainability: The grant awards will be of
relatively short duration--up to 24 months. Although the primary focus
of these awards is technical skill training, ETA intends that regional
partnerships sustain themselves over the long term--well after the
federal resources from this initiative have been exhausted. The 25
percent non-Federal matching requirement is an integral part of
ensuring sustainability; matching resources will help sustain the skill
[[Page 16661]]
shortages training effort beyond the term of the grant. This concept
relates to Links with Key Partners and Sustainability (What resources
does each partner bring to the table and how does this contribution
assist in building the foundation for a permanent partnership?)
<bullet> Business Involvement: Business is an essential partner. It
articulates skill requirements, hires skilled workers, and provides
support for lifelong learning. Under WIA, business plays a critical
role in planning and overseeing training and employment activities. WIA
requires that the majority of the membership of State and local boards
be business representatives, and that the State and local board chairs
be drawn from business. For the purpose of these grants, it is
imperative that businesses represented include businesses with current
skill shortages who intend to hire graduates of the technical skills
training. This concept relates to three Rating Criteria: Statement of
Need (Assists in determining what skill shortage occupations are in
demand in the region), Linkages with Key Partners and Sustainability
(What private sector involvement is there in the partnership; what
resources does each of the partners bring to the table; how do
contributions assist in building the foundation for a permanent
partnership?), and Outcomes (Businesses involved in the partnerships
will provide a key resource in hiring/upgrading workers who have been
trained).
<bullet> Current Skills Gap: Current skill shortages are the
immediate focus of this initiative. Training investments should be
targeted in occupational areas that have been identified on the basis
of H-1B occupations as skill shortage areas. This concept relates to
Statement of Need (The most important issue to be addressed under this
section is identifying the particular skill shortages that manifest
themselves in the region.) and Service Delivery Strategy (How will
skill training meet the skill needs of the region.)
<bullet> Innovative and Effective Tools: The grantees will use
innovative or proven tools and approaches to close particular skills
gaps and provide strategies for training that promote regional
development. This concept relates to Service Delivery Strategy (There
can be innovation in the way training services are provided.) and Cost
Effectiveness (Innovative tools and approaches may more effectively
deliver training services to individual participants thereby resulting
in better employment outcomes and higher levels of skill achieved by
those participants for the same cost.)
<bullet> Target Population: The primary emphasis of the ACWIA
technical skills training will be to focus on employed and unemployed
workers who can be trained and placed directly in the highly skilled H-
1B occupations. As part of identifying people with the appropriate
backgrounds that would benefit from such training, there should be a
special outreach effort to target women, minorities, persons with
disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. This relates to the
rating criterion, Target Population (Discussion of who the targeted
workers are.)
B. Skills Shortages
Section 104(c) of ACWIA mandates that the grants awarded under this
authority be used for technical skill training to employed and
unemployed workers. The basis of the funding for the grants, however,
is a user fee paid by an employer seeking nonimmigrant alien workers
(H-1B) that possess qualifications in occupations with skill shortages
at high skill levels in American industry. Thus, training conducted
under these auspices should be in occupations that have been
demonstrated to be in short supply.
What is a skills shortage? In the simplest terms possible, such
shortages occur in a market economy when the demand for skilled workers
for a particular occupation is greater than the supply of workers who
are qualified, available, and willing to do that job. Although, some of
the explanations for why this demand or supply disequilibrium exists
are fairly complex, the basic concept is straightforward. In many
instances, labor markets adjust quickly and the skill shortage is
resolved.
Problematic skills shortages occur when there is imbalance between
worker supply and demand for an unusual period of time. The H-1B visa
program is a response to those shortages, and this skill training grant
program helps alleviate such shortages. It should be noted that the
concept of skill shortages also may include an imbalance between the
demand and supply of workers at some definable skill level.
C. Skills Standards
As noted earlier, the definition of the minimum proficiency level
required to be considered an H-1B occupation, contained in section 214
(i) of INA, speaks to a very high skill level for these ``specialty
occupations'' (8 U.S.C. 1184 (i)). To reiterate, these are occupations
that require ``theoretical and practical application of a body of
highly specialized knowledge,'' and full state licensure to practice in
the occupation (if it is required). These occupations also must require
either completion of at least a bachelor's degree or experience in the
specialty equivalent to the completion of such degree and recognition
of expertise in the specialty through progressively responsible
positions relating to the specialty.
Skill standards represent a benchmark by which an individual's
achieved competence can be measured. Much work has been done in this
area--some by private industry and trade associations, some by
registered apprenticeship training systems, some by public and private
partnerships, including local School-to-Work partnerships, and the Job
Corps. Succinctly stated, well-defined skill standards can be a useful
tool in matching training goals to targeted occupational areas.
Applicants are encouraged to survey the progress to date in developing
occupational skill standards in their communities. Do companies that
will be seeking skilled workers for H-1B occupations have a clearly
defined set of expectations for the requisite capabilities of those
workers?
D. Regional Planning
Applicants must describe the local area or region that will be
served with particular emphasis on its skill shortages. That discussion
should include an articulation of the dimensions, nature and specifics
of those skill shortages. The proposal must also identify the political
jurisdictions to be included as well as provide an enumeration of the
specific local areas under JTPA or WIA. Although comprehensive
occupational vacancy data do not exist, current H-1B applicant data
should be utilized to the extent feasible to describe occupational
shortages. Attachment A to this Solicitation is a listing by occupation
of the most current H-1B applicant data. Applicants may take into
consideration that occupations listed in high demand among those for
which H-1B visas were sought nationally also might be in short supply
in their region. However, applicants should avail themselves of all
available local data including data provided by area businesses and
business associations in making determinations as to shortages. They
are encouraged to research widely and be inclusive in utilization of
labor market information. In addition to the sources already described,
applicants are encouraged to analyze data made available by the Bureau
of Labor Statistics and through the local One-Stop delivery system.
[[Page 16662]]
E. Service Delivery and Supportive Services
Applicants should carefully describe skill training that will be
provided under the grant in context of the goals that are to be
achieved by participants. These goals should be expressed in terms of
targeted occupations. The Statement of Work should provide a detailed
discussion of the kinds of training to be provided and the mechanisms
to be used to provide it. Applicants also should build linkages to the
One-Stop system established under WIA to reach out, inform, and recruit
individuals to participate in the H-1B financed training. It is
expected that the applicant's work statement will include a discussion
of the types of skills being trained for, the necessary skill levels
that are targeted, how they will be measured, and how skill shortages
in the local area or region will be met through this training
The central role of the local boards or PICs in the planning and
policy activity surrounding these grants is critical. WIA requires the
local board to prepare a strategic workforce investment plan for the
area that it embraces. The local board also designates One-Stop service
center operators and selects eligible training providers. In short,
local boards are already engaged in much of the necessary work that
could provide a solid foundation for the training activities to be
undertaken in ACWIA. The PIC under JTPA is very much in a similar role
except that the PIC may provide direct services; under WIA however, the
presumption is that local boards only provide services under certain
circumstances and for a limited time period.
ACWIA requires that grant resources be used solely for technical
skills training. However, ETA anticipates that applicants may need to
make available a range of supportive services to enhance the quality
and effectiveness of the skill training provided under the grant. Grant
funds may not be used to provide supportive services. Appropriately
focused services, however--such as transportation or child care and
others defined by section 4(24) of JTPA and section 101(46) of WIA--
could be viewed as an important factor enhancing the technical skills
training package. To the extent that these services are provided
utilizing non-Federal resources, applicants may present them as part of
the proposed matching requirement. Federal resources such as
coenrollment in WIA or JTPA while participating in ACWIA training for
supportive services clearly cannot be counted toward the matching
requirement; however, such coordinated coenrollment and services are
clearly desirable features of these projects. Successful applicants are
encouraged to leverage such Federal resources as part of making the
technical skills training more effective.
F. Reporting Requirements
The Grantee is required to provide the reports and documents listed
below:
<bullet> Quarterly Financial Reports. The grantee must submit to
the Grant Officer's Technical Representative (GOTR) within the 30 days
following each quarter, two copies of a quarterly Financial Status
Report (SF269) until such time as all funds have been expended or the
period of availability has expired.
<bullet> Progress Reports. The grantee must submit brief narrative
quarterly reports to the GOTR within the 30 days following each
quarter. Two copies are to be submitted; the report provides a detailed
account of activities undertaken during that quarter including:
a. A discussion of occupational areas for which skill training is
being provided,
b. Job placements in skill shortage occupations, and
c. An indication of any current problems which may affect
performance and proposed corrective action.
<bullet> Final Report. A draft final report which summarizes
project activities and employment outcomes and related results of the
demonstration shall be submitted no later than the expiration date of
the grant. The final report shall be submitted in 3 copies no later
than 60 days after the grant expiration date.
G. Evaluation
ETA will arrange for or conduct an independent evaluation of the
outcomes, impacts, and benefits of the demonstration projects. Grantees
must agree to make available records on participants and employers and
to provide access to personnel, as specified by the evaluator(s) under
the direction of ETA.
Part III--Review Process & Rating Criteria
A careful evaluation of applications will be made by a technical
review panel who will evaluate the applications against the criteria
listed below. The panel results are advisory in nature and not binding
on the Grant Officer. The Government may elect to award the grant with
or without discussions with the offeror. In situations without
discussions, an award will be based on the offeror's signature on the
(SF) 424, which constitutes a binding offer. Awards will be those in
the best interest of the Government.
A. Statement of Need (15 points)
The underlying statute authorizing this competitive grant program--
ACWIA--is a response to skill shortages around the country in specific
occupations. ETA has provided the most recent H-1B application data as
an attachment to this solicitation. The most important issue to be
addressed under this section is identifying, to the extent possible,
the particular skill shortages that manifest themselves in the region
that is encompassed by the application. Applicants are encouraged to
utilize all available data resources--H-1B applications, newspaper want
ads, expressed employer consortium hiring desires, and One Stop
system's labor market information--in responding to this criterion.
To provide a focused backdrop for the discussion of skill
shortages, applicants should describe clearly the region for which
services are to be provided. What are the characteristics that make
this area a cohesive region? What are the particular characteristics of
the local political, economic and administrative jurisdictions--PICs,
local workforce investment boards, labor market areas, special district
authorities--that caused them to associate for the purpose of this
application?
There are several useful items of information that could be
provided to enhance the description of the region. A general discussion
of the region should include socioeconomic data--with a particular
focus on the general education and skill level prevalent in the area.
Also, it is useful to include such items as transportation patterns,
demographic information (such as age and general income of residents).
Judicious use of statistical information is encouraged. Other pertinent
questions that will provide greater depth of description include: What
is the general business environment? What industries and occupations
are growing, and which ones are cutting back contracting? What are the
characteristics of the major employers in the region? What is the
particular situation of the consortium member companies?
B. Service Delivery Strategy (30 points)
Applicants must lay out a comprehensive strategy for providing the
technical skills training that is mandated as the core activity of
these grant awards. Concomitantly, there needs to be a discussion of
how this skill training will meet the skill needs
[[Page 16663]]
of the region. Several specific issues must be focused on as part of
this section. Those issues include:
What is the range of potential training providers, what kinds of
skill training will be offered, how will that meet the regional skill
needs, and how will training be provided? How will the types of
training planned for project participants be determined? Also, although
there is a separate section on outcomes, it is strongly recommended
that some brief mention in context of the service delivery strategy, be
made of them here. Such outcomes would include job placements in skill
shortage occupations, increased salary, and measurable skill gains or
certificates obtained that demonstrate how the training will alleviate
skill shortages.
Supportive services, per se, are not an allowable activity with
grant funds. However, making such services available on an as needed
basis (utilizing other available resources) is encouraged. Innovation
in the context of service delivery can represent a wide variety of
items. There can be innovation in the way training services are
provided--e.g., distance learning to provide instruction, interactive
video self-instructional materials, and flexible class scheduling
(sections of the same class scheduled at different times of the day to
accommodate workers whose schedules fluctuate). Creativity in
developing the service strategy is also encouraged.
C. Target Population (10 points)
The eligibility criterion for skill training enumerated in ACWIA is
extremely broad--employed and unemployed workers. This section should
include an extensive focused discussion of who the targeted workers
are, including their characteristics, and why they are being targeted.
A discussion of what assessment procedures are to be used is integral.
In the case of employed workers, there should be some articulation
of what is to be accomplished. The applicant should address some
specific issues relating to the target employed worker population such
as:
--How many employed workers will be targeted for services and why?
--What are the technical skills training needs of those workers to
fulfill skill shortage occupations?
In the case of unemployed workers, there needs to be an extensive
discussion of criteria to be used to assess and enroll individuals. It
is true that the target occupations and specific jobs to be trained for
within the H-1B rubric are statutorily geared to a very high skill
standard. It is extremely important that the selection process for
workers be carefully described to make it clear how those individuals
will possess the capacity after the completion of training to take jobs
that previously were filled by resorting to the H-1B visa process. In
particular, the applicant should describe with precision the methods
that will be used to reach out and include minorities, women, and
individuals with disabilities who can meet these standards.
D. Sustainability (5 Points)
There is a 25 percent matching requirement. To what extent does any
of these partners provide matching funds or services and how does this
contribution assist in building the foundation for a permanent
partnership, i.e., sustainability?
As noted earlier, Federal resources cannot be counted against the
matching requirement; however, it is important that such resources be
provided as part of the project because they certainly support and
strengthen the quality of the technical skills training provided in the
project and contribute materially toward sustainability. ACWIA
resources are limited to training individuals to fill high skill H-1B
jobs, however, applicants will be given preference for enumerating
other resources--Federal and non Federal--because they can contribute
materially toward sustainability. For example, local boards could
commit through One-Stop centers such valuable participant services as
participant assessment and case management. Applicants are encouraged
to enumerate these resources under this section to support their
discussion of sustainability.. This section should also enumerate any
specific existing contractual commitments.
Briefly stated, the sustainability issue can be addressed by
providing concrete evidence that activities supported by the
demonstration grant will be continued after the expiration date of the
grant using other public or private resources.
E. Linkages With Key Partners (15 Points)
The applicant should enumerate who the partners are in this
endeavor and how they will link together--i.e., what role each will
play. In particular, this section should articulate ties to the private
sector, including ties with small-and medium-sized businesses and small
business federations.
The Service Delivery Strategy section of the Statement of Work
described the role each of the actors would play in providing services.
This section looks at the linkages from a somewhat different more
structural perspective with particular emphasis on the employers in the
consortium that are experiencing skill shortages. What resources does
each partner bring to the table? The application will specify a
management entity (together with a staffing pattern and resumes of
major staff members) and will articulate with some precision the roles
of various actors. Each application MUST designate an individual who
will serve as project director and who will devote a substantial
portion of his/her time to it. (For purposes of this requirement, a
substantial portion of time is defined as at least 40 percent.) A short
portion of this discussion should dwell upon the organizational
capacity and track record of the primary actors in the partnership.
F. Outcomes (15 Points)
Applicants must describe the predicted outcomes resulting from this
training. It is posited that the projected results will be somewhat
varied given the broad range of people that will probably be served.
For example, employed workers may be trained to achieve a higher skill
level than most unemployed workers. Their success could manifest itself
through job placements in H-1B skill shortage occupations, increased
wages, or skill attainment in H-1B occupations. There are, however,
unemployed workers who may well already possess a very high skill
level. They could receive refresher technical skills training to update
their skills. The outcomes for this group may also be projected in
terms of gaining employment and skills attainment; those outcomes would
simply be at a somewhat higher level than for those unemployed workers
who do not possess similar skills at the outset.
Ideally, the applicant's outcomes section will describe some
version of a relatively cohesive mosaic that weaves together the
outcomes for both employed and unemployed workers in the context
described in the preceding three paragraphs. Additionally, the outcomes
section should focus very specifically on the changes that occur
because of the training. Thus, an applicant might state that a certain
skill level is projected for a given group; but the applicant should
couch that outcome in context of what the initial pre-training skill
level had been for the group.
G. Cost Effectiveness (10 points)
Applicants will provide a detailed cost proposal including a
discussion of the expected cost effectiveness of their proposal in
terms of the expected cost
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per participant compared to the expected benefits for these
participants. Applicants should address the employment outcomes and the
levels of skills to be achieved (such as attaining State licensing in
an occupation) relative to the amount of training that the individual
had to receive to achieve those outcomes. Benefits can be described
both qualitatively in terms of skills attained and quantitatively in
terms of wage gains. Cost effectiveness may be demonstrated in part by
cost per participant and cost per activity in relation to services
provided and outcomes to be attained.
This section MUST contain a detailed discussion of the size,
nature, and quality of the non-Federal match. Proposals not presenting
a detailed discussion of the non-Federal match or not meeting the 25
percent match requirement will be considered nonresponsive. Applicants
are advised that discussions and/or site visits may be necessary in
order to clarify any inconsistencies in their applications. The
reviewers' evaluations are only advisory to the Grant Officer. The
final decisions for grant award will be made by the Grant Officer after
considering the panelists' scoring decisions. The Grant Officer's
decisions will be based on what he or she determines is most
advantageous to the Federal Government in terms of technical quality
and other factors.
Signed in Washington, D.C. , this 24th day of March 2000.
Laura Cesario,
Grant Officer, Division of Federal Assistance.
Appendix A: Selected H-1B Professional, Technical and Managerial
Occupations, and Fashion Models: Number of Job Openings Certified by
the U.S. Department of Labor, Fiscal Year 1999 (Oct. 1, 1998-May 31,
1999)
Appendix B: (SF) 424--Application Form
Appendix C: Budget Information Form
Appendix A--Selected H-1B Professional, Technical and Managerial Occupations, and Fashion Models: Number of Job
Openings Certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, Fiscal Year 1999
[Oct. 1, 1998--May 31, 1999]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Occupational code Occupational title openings
certified
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
030........................................... Occupations In Systems Analysis And Programming. 360,745
076........................................... Therapists...................................... 181,665
160........................................... Accountants, Auditors, And Related Occupations.. 35,665
039........................................... Other Computer-Related Occupations.............. 28,529
003........................................... Electrical/Electronic Engineering Occupations... 16,859
070........................................... Physicians And Surgeons......................... 11,264
019........................................... Other Occupations In Architecture, Engineering 11,175
And.
090........................................... Occupations In College And University Education. 9,028
199........................................... Miscellaneous Professional, Technical, And 8,964
Manager.
189........................................... Miscellaneous Managers And Officials............ 8,824
007........................................... Mechanical Engineering Occupations.............. 7,115
050........................................... Occupations In Economics........................ 5,608
163........................................... Sales And Distribution Management Occupations... 5,368
033........................................... Occupations In Computer Systems Technical 4,573
Support.
161........................................... Budget And Management Systems Analysis 4,263
Occupations.
169........................................... Other Occupations In Administrative Occupations. 4,135
031........................................... Occupations In Data Communications And Networks. 4,121
041........................................... Occupations In Biological Sciences.............. 3,981
079........................................... Other Occupations In Medicine And Health........ 3,764
012........................................... Industrial Engineering Occupations.............. 2,725
186........................................... Finance, Insurance An Real Estate Managers And 2,624
Off.
020........................................... Occupations In Mathematics...................... 2,599
001........................................... Architectural Occupations....................... 2,490
141........................................... Commercial Artists: Designers & Illustrators, 2,371
Graphics.
297........................................... Fashion Models.................................. 2,367
092........................................... Occupations In Preschool, Primary, Kindergarten 2,359
Ed..
187........................................... Service Industry Managers And Officials......... 2,347
022........................................... Occupations In Chemistry........................ 2,345
005........................................... Civil Engineering Occupations................... 2,186
032........................................... Occupations In Computer System User Support..... 1,595
091........................................... Occupations In Secondary School Education....... 1,579
110........................................... Lawyers......................................... 1,353
029........................................... Other Occupations In Mathematics And Physical 1,306
Sciences.
131........................................... Interpreters and Translators.................... 1,270
166........................................... Personnel Administration Occupations............ 1,229
165........................................... Public Relations Management Occupations......... 1,216
185........................................... Wholesale And Retail Trade Managers And 1,183
Officials.
008........................................... Chemical Engineering Occupations................ 1,075
168........................................... Inspectors And Investigators, Managerial & 974
Public.
142........................................... Environmental, Product And Related Designers.... 955
119........................................... Other Occupations In Law And Jurisprudence...... 882
099........................................... Other Occupations In Education.................. 841
023........................................... Occupations In Physics.......................... 836
010........................................... Mining And Petroleum Engineering Occupations.... 777
164........................................... Advertising Management Occupations.............. 773
132........................................... Editors: Publication, Broadcast, And Script..... 748
078........................................... Occupations In Medical And Dental Technology.... 699
183........................................... Manufacturing Industry Managers And Officials... 681
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184........................................... Transportation, Communication, And Utilities 659
Management.
049........................................... Other Occupations In Life Sciences.............. 612
162........................................... Purchasing Management Occupations............... 604
040........................................... Occupations In Agricultural Sciences............ 574
074........................................... Pharmacists..................................... 508
159........................................... Other Occupations In Entertainment And 506
Recreation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technical Note: The Immigration and Nationality Act (Act)
assigns responsibility to the Department of Labor with respect to
the temporary entry of foreign professionals to work in specialty
occupations in the U.S. under H-1B nonimmigrant status. Before the
Immigration and Naturalization Service will approve a petition for
an H-1B nonimmigrant worker, the employer must have filed and had
certified by the Department a Labor Condition Application. The
employer must indicate on the application the number of H-1B
nonimmigrant workers sought, the rate of pay offered to the
nonimmigrants, and the location where the nonimmigrants will work,
among other things.
The Act limits the number of foreign workers who may be assigned
H-1B status in each fiscal year, however, there is no limit on the
number of job openings that may be certified by the Department.
Historically, the actual number of job openings certified by the
Department each year far exceeds the number of available visas. This
excess in the number of certified openings is due to a number of
factors: extension of status filings that are not subject to the
annual cap; openings certified for anticipated employment that does
not transpire; or movement from one employer to another (again, not
subject to cap).
The occupational codes in the left-hand column represent the
three-digit occupational groups codes for professional, technical
and managerial occupations from the Dictionary of Occupational
Titles (DOT).
BILLING CODE 4510-30-P
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[FR Doc. 00-7747 Filed 3-28-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-30-C