Funding Opportunity: Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program

[Federal Register: December 22, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 245)]
[Notices]
[Page 71136-71171]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22de03-89]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Veterans' Employment and Training Services

Funding Opportunity: Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program
(IV-TP) Pilot Competitive Grants for FY 2004

Announcement Type: Initial announcement of availability of funds
and Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) for Incarcerated Veteran
Transition Programs.
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA 04-01.
Catalogue of Federal Assistance Number: 17-805.
Dates: Applications are due on January 21, 2004. Period of
Performance is February 24, 2004, through February 23, 2005.
Application and Amendments: If copies of the standard forms are
needed, they can be downloaded from http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html
.

To receive amendments to this solicitation (please reference SGA
04-01) all applicants must register their name and address with the
Grant Officer at below listed address.

Cassandra Willis, Department of Labor: Procurement Services Center,
Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210;
Telephone (202) 693-4570.

Summary: Applicants for grant funds should read this notice in its
entirety. The U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans' Employment and
Training Service (VETS), announces a grant competition for up to four
pilot programs that comply with the requirements of 38 U.S.C. section
2022, as added by section 5 of Pub. L. 107-95. Pub. L. 107-95, the
Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act (HVCAA) of 2001 requires
the Department of Labor and the Department of Veteran Affairs to
partner in the development, support, and operation of at least six
demonstration projects designed to support incarcerated veterans at
risk of homelessness. This demonstration is being funded under the
authority of the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, 38 U.S.C.
section 2021.
Applicants will be required to design programs which assist
eligible veterans (who are incarcerated and at risk of homelessness)
that provide career counseling, employment training, job search
assistance, and life skills support services.
Under this solicitation, VETS anticipates that up to $250,000 will
be available for each of the grant awards in fiscal year (FY) 2004 and
expects to award up to four (4) grants. Projects will be selected that
provide services to incarcerated veterans at one or more levels of the
correctional system, i.e., Federal, State and local. This notice
contains all of the necessary information and forms needed to apply for
grant funding.
The Incarcerated Veterans Transition Programs (IV-TP) are to be
designed to be flexible in addressing the national, regional, and/or
local issues that prevent previously incarcerated veterans from
reintegrating into the workforce.
VETS will seek applicants that provide direct services through a
case management approach that networks with Federal, State, and local
resources for veteran support programs that have clear strategies for
employment and retention and/or life skills treatment of the previously
incarcerated veteran.

I. Funding Opportunity Description (Background)

Section 5 of Pub. L. 107-95, the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive
Assistance Act (HVCAA) of 2001 amended title 38, United States Code,
``to revise, improve, and consolidate provisions of law providing
benefits and services for homeless veterans' and required that the
Department of Labor and Department of Veteran Affairs partner in at
least six (6) demonstration projects to serve incarcerated veterans at
risk of homelessness. The Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Project
(HVRP) was the first nationwide Federal program that concentrated on
placing homeless veterans into jobs. This extension of the HVRP
project, designed to support and evaluate programs that focus
principally on previously incarcerated veterans, will provide
invaluable information on approaches that assist in the prevention of
homelessness among that population.

II. Award Information

Under this solicitation, VETS anticipates that up to $250,000 will
be available for each grant awarded in Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 and
expects to award up to four (4) grants.
Projects will be selected that provide services to incarcerated
veterans at one or more levels of the correctional system, i.e.,
Federal, State and local, in order for the participants to transition
into the workforce. VETS will seek applicants that provide direct
services through a case management approach that networks with Federal,
State, and local resources for veteran support programs that have clear
strategies for employment and retention and/or life skills treatment of
the previously incarcerated veteran.
We anticipate awarding at least one (1) grant for each type of
correctional facility program (Federal, State, and local).

III. Eligibilty Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Applications for funds will be accepted from State and local
Workforce Investment Boards (WIBS), public agencies, for-profit/
commercial entities, and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based
and community organizations, who are familiar with the population to be
served and can demonstrate expertise in administering an effective
program. Eligible applicants will fall into one of the following
categories:
A. State and local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBS), established
under section 111 and 117 of the Workforce Investment Act.
B. Public agencies meaning any public agency of a State or of a
general purpose political subdivision of a State which has the power to
levy taxes and spend funds, as well as general corporate and police
powers. (This typically refers to cities and counties.) A State agency
may propose in its application to serve one or more of the potential
jurisdictions located in its State. This does not preclude a city or
county agency from submitting an application to serve its own
jurisdiction.
Applicants are encouraged to utilize, through partnerships or sub-
awards, experienced public agencies, private nonprofit organizations,
private businesses and faith-based and community organizations that
have an understanding of unemployment and the barriers to employment
unique to previously incarcerated veterans, a familiarity with the area
to be served, and the capability to effectively provide the necessary
services.
C. For-profit/commercial entities and private nonprofit
organizations that have operated a VWIP, HVRP or similar employment and
training program for the homeless or veterans and have a proven
competence to manage grants and have or will provide the necessary
linkages with other service providers.
D. Non-profit organizations that have received 501(c) (3) status
from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If claiming 501(c) (3) status,
the IRS statement indicating 501(c) (3) status approval must be
submitted.
Entities described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue
Codes that engage in lobbying activities are not eligible to receive
funds under this

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announcement as section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, Pub.
L. 104-65, 109 Stat. 691, prohibits the award of Federal funds to these
entities.

2. Cost Sharing

Cost sharing and matching funds are not required for this SGA.

3. Other

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application

Application announcements or forms will not be mailed. The Federal
Register may be obtained from your nearest government office or
library. In addition, a copy of this notice and the application
requirements may be downloaded from the Veterans Employment and
Training Services Web site at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.dol.gov/vets. If additional

copies of the standard forms are needed, they can also be downloaded
from: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

A. A cover letter, an original, and two (2) copies of the proposal
must be submitted to: U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services
Center, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-5416, Attn: Cassandra
Willis, Washington, DC 20210; Phone (202) 693-4570.
It is recommended that applicants confirm application receipt by
contacting the above listed point of contact prior to the closing date
(this is not a toll-free number). Applicants are advised that postal
reaction to anthrax contamination of U.S. mail occasionally caused mail
delivery delays that must be considered when taking into account the
application deadline.
B. The proposal must consist of two (2) separate and distinct
parts, the Technical Proposal and the Cost Proposal as well as the
Standard Form 424. All proposals will include:
(1) One completed, blue ink-signed original SF 424, Application for
Federal Assistance;
(2) An original and two (2) copies of the Technical Proposal;
including proposed Technical Performance Goals Form in Appendix D; and
(3) An original and two (2) copies of the Cost Proposal.
C. The information provided in these two parts is essential to gain
an understanding of the programmatic and fiscal contents of the grant
proposal.
1. Part 1--The Technical Proposal consists of a narrative proposal
that demonstrates: the applicant's knowledge of the need for this
particular grant program, an understanding of the services and
activities proposed to obtain successful outcomes for the ex-offender
veterans served; and evidence of the applicant's ability to accomplish
the expected outcomes of the proposed project design. The technical
proposal narrative must not exceed fifteen (15) pages double-spaced,
font size no less than 11 pt., and typewritten on one side of the paper
only. (The applicant also must complete the forms, i.e., Technical
Performance Goals chart provided in the SGA, Appendix D.)

Note: Resumes, charts, standard forms, transmittal letters,
MOUs, agreements, lists of contracts and grants and letters of
support are not included in the page count. If provided, include
these documents as attachments to the technical proposal.

The proposal must include an outreach component that uses either
DVOP/LVER staff or a trained outreach cadre and must include
correctional personnel to provide information and ``inreach'' within
the correctional institution. Coordination with the Department of
Veterans' Affairs Regional Benefits Office, DVOPs and LVERs in the
jurisdiction is required. Programs must be ``employment focused''. The
services provided will be directed toward: (a) Increasing the
employability of incarcerated veterans through training or arranging
for the provision of services which will enable them to work after
release; and (b) matching veteran ex-offenders with potential
employers. The following format for the technical proposal is strongly
recommended:
(a) Need for the program. The applicant must identify the
geographical area to be served and provide an estimate of the number of
incarcerated veterans in the designated area. Include poverty and
unemployment rates in the area and identify the disparities in the
local community infrastructure that exacerbate the employment barriers
faced by the targeted veterans. Indicate how the project would respond
to these obstacles and include labor market information (LMI) on the
prospect for job opportunities in emerging areas, i.e., service area.
(b) Approach or strategy to increase employment and job retention:
Applicants must be responsive to the Rating Criteria contained in
section IX and address all of the rating factors as thoroughly as
possible in the narrative. The applicant must: (a) Indicate the type(s)
of training available to include its applicability to the jobs that are
in demand, length of training, training curriculum and how the training
will improve the eligible veterans' employment opportunities within
that geographical area; (b) describe the specific supportive,
employment and training services to be provided under this grant and
the sequence or flow of such services--flow charts may be provided; (c)
provide a follow-up plan that addresses retention after 30, 90 and 180
days with participants who have entered employment (see discussion on
results in section V.c.); and (d) include the required chart of
proposed performance goals and planned expenditures listed in Appendix
D.
(c) Linkages with correctional programs, services and facilities
that serve the homeless veterans: Describe program and resource
linkages with correctional services and facilities that will be
involved in identifying potential clients for this program. Describe
any networks with other related resources and/or other programs of a
correctional nature that serves incarcerated veterans. Indicate how the
program will be coordinated with any correctional

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efforts that are conducted by public and private agencies in the
community. If a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) or other service
agreements exist with service providers, copies should be provided.
(d) Linkages with other providers of employment and training
services to the homeless veterans: Describe the networks the program
will have with other providers of services to homeless veterans other
than the IV-TP grant; include a description of the relationship with
other employment and training programs such as DVOP, the Local
Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) program, and programs under
the Workforce Investment Act; and list the type of services that will
be provided by each. Note the type of agreement in place, if
applicable. Linkages with the workforce development system must be
delineated. Describe any networks with any other resources and/or other
programs for incarcerated veterans. Indicate how the program will be
coordinated with any efforts for the homeless that are conducted by
agencies in the community. If a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) or
other service agreements exists with other service providers, copies
should be provided.
(e) Linkages with other Federal agencies: Describe program and
resource linkages with Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) for the veteran population to include the
Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) and Per Diem programs. Indicate how the
applicant will coordinate with any ``continuum of care'' efforts for
the homeless among agencies in the community. If a Memoranda of
Understanding (MOU) or other service agreements exists with other
service providers, copies should be provided.
(f) Proposed supportive service strategy for veterans: Describe how
supportive service resources for veterans will be obtained and used. If
resources are provided by other sources or linkages, such as Federal,
State, local or faith-based and community programs, the applicant must
fully explain the use of these resources and how they will be applied.
If a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) or other service agreements
exists with other service providers, copies should be provided.
(g) Organizational capability to provide required program
activities: The applicant's relevant current or prior experience in
operating employment and training programs should be clearly described.
A summary narrative of program experience and employment and training
performance outcomes is required. The applicant must provide
information showing outcomes of all past programs in terms of
enrollments and placements. An applicant that has operated a HVRP,
other Homeless Employment and Training program, or VWIP program, must
include the final or most recent technical performance reports. The
applicant must also provide evidence of key staff capability. It is
preferred that grantees be well established and not in the start-up
phase or process. If claiming 501(c)(3) status, the Internal Revenue
Service statement indicating 501(c)(3) status approval must be
submitted.
(h) Proposed housing strategy for previously incarcerated veterans:
Describe how housing resources for incarcerated veterans will be
obtained or accessed. These resources must be from linkages or sources
other than the IV-TP grant such as HUD, HHS, community housing
resources, VA leasing, or other programs.
2. Part 2--The Cost Proposal must contain:
a. Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance'',
(original and signed in blue-ink) in Appendix A; and
b. The organizational unit section of Block 5 of the SF 424 must
contain the Dun and Bradstreet number of the applicant. Please note
that beginning October 1, 2003, all applicants for Federal grant
funding opportunities are required to include a Dun and Bradstreet
(DUNS) number with their application. See OMB Notice of Final Policy
Issuance, 68 FR 38402 (June 27, 2003). Applicants' DUNS numbers should
be entered into Block 5 of SF 424. The DUNS number is a nine digit
identification number that uniquely identifies business entities. There
is no charge for obtaining a DUNS number (although it may take 14-30
days). To obtain a DUNS number, access the following Web site: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.dunandbradstreet.com/
or call 1-866-705-5711. Requests for

exemption from the DUNS number requirement must be made to OMB; and
c. Standard Form (SF) 424A ``Budget Information Sheet'' in Appendix
B; and
d. A detailed cost break out of each line item on the Budget
Information Sheet. Please label this page or pages the ``Budget
Narrative'' and ensure that costs reported on the SF 424A correspond
accurately with the Budget Narrative; and
e. Direct Cost Description for Applicants and Sub-Applicants in
Appendix E.
f. A completed Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants
in Appendix F; and
g. Assurance and Certification signature page (original signed in
blue ink) in Appendix C.
Copies of all required forms with instructions for completion are
provided as appendices to this SGA.
All applicants must submit evidence of satisfactory financial
management capability, which must include recent financial and/or audit
statements. Grantees are required to utilize Generally Accepted
Accounting Practices, maintain a separate accounting for these grant
funds, and have a checking account. The Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance number for this program is 17.805. It must be entered on the
SF 424, Block 10.
All applicants must include, as a separate appendix, a list of all
government employment and training grants and contracts that it has had
in the past three (3) years, including grant/contract officer contact
information. Veterans' Employment and Training Service reserves the
right to have a DOL representative within each State review and verify
this data. Applicants can expect that the cost proposal will be
reviewed for allocations, allowances, and reasonableness.
3. The Cost Proposal Narrative Information: As an attachment to the
Budget Information Sheet (SF 424A), the applicant must provide, at a
minimum, and on separate sheet(s), the following information:
(a) Breakout of all personnel costs by position, title, salary
rates, and percent of time of each position to be devoted to the
proposed project (including Sub-grantees) (Appendix E);
(b) Explanation and breakout of extraordinary fringe benefit rates
and associated charges (i.e., rates exceeding 35% of salaries and
wages), if necessary;
(c) Explanation of the purpose and composition of, and method used
to derive the costs of each of the following: travel, equipment,
supplies, sub-grants/ contracts, and any other costs. The applicant
must include costs of any required travel described in this
Solicitation. Mileage charges may not exceed 36 cents per mile, or the
current federal rate;
(d) All associated costs, for retaining participant information
pertinent to a follow-up survey, six (6) months after the program
performance period ends;
(e) Description/specification of and justification for equipment
purchases, if any. Tangible, non-expendable, personal property having a
useful life of more than one year and a unit acquisition cost

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of $5,000 or more per unit must be specifically identified; and
(f) Identification of all sources of leveraged or matching funds
and an explanation of the derivation of the value of matching/in-kind
services. If resources/matching funds and/or the value of in-kind
contributions are made available please show in section B of the Budget
Information Sheet.
(g) Complete the Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for
Applicants (Appendix F).

3. Submission Dates and Times (Acceptable Methods of Submission)

The grant application package must be received at the designated
place by the date and time specified or it will not be considered. Any
application received at the Office of Procurement Services after 4:45
p.m. e.s.t., January 21, 2004, will not be considered unless it is
received before the award is made and:
A. It was sent by registered or certified mail not later than the
fifth calendar day before January 21, 2004; or
B. It 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 (2) working days, excluding weekends and Federal holidays,
prior to January 21, 2004; and
C. It is determined by the government that the late receipt was due
solely to mishandling by the government after receipt at the U.S.
Department of Labor at the address indicated.

4. Intergovernmental Review

N/A.

5. Funding Restrictions

A. Funding Levels
The total funding available for this solicitation is up to
$1,000,000. It is anticipated that up to four (4) awards will be made
under this solicitation. Awards are expected to range from $200,000 to
a maximum of $250,000. The Department of Labor reserves the right to
negotiate the amounts to be awarded under this competition. Please be
advised that requests exceeding the $250,000 will be considered non-
responsive. Further, there will not be reimbursement of pre-award
costs.
B. Period of Performance
The period of performance will be for twelve (12) months from date
of award unless modified. It is expected that successful applicants
will begin program operations under this solicitation on February 24,
2004. Program funds must be obligated by February 23, 2005; however, a
limited amount of funds should be reserved for follow-up activities and
closeout.
C. Optional Year Funding
Should there be action by Congress to appropriate additional funds
for this purpose, optional year funding may be considered. The
government does not, however, guarantee optional year funding for any
Grantee. Should VETS decide that an optional year funding be exercised,
the Grantees' performance during the previous period of operations will
be taken into consideration as follows:
(1) The Grantee must meet at minimum 85% of planned goals for
Federal expenditures, enrollments, and placements in each quarter; and
(2) The Grantee must be in compliance with all terms identified in
the Solicitation for Grant Application (SGA) general and special
provisions.
(3) All program and fiscal reports must have been submitted by the
established due date and must be verifiable for accuracy.
(4) All instructions for modifications and announcement of fund
availability will be issued at a later date.
D. Limitation on Indirect Costs
(1) Indirect costs claimed by the applicant must be based on a
federally approved rate. A copy of the negotiated approved, and signed
indirect cost negotiation agreement must be submitted with the
application.
(2) If the applicant does not presently have an approved indirect
cost rate, a proposed rate with justification may be submitted.
Successful applicants will be required to negotiate an acceptable and
allowable rate with the appropriate DOL Regional Office of Cost
Determination within 90 days of grant award.
(3) Indirect cost rates traceable and trackable through the State
Workforce Agency's Cost Accounting System represent an acceptable means
of allocating costs to DOL and, therefore, can be approved for use in
grants to State Workforce Agencies.

6. Other Submission Requirements

a. The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of
a late application sent by registered or certified mail is the U.S.
Postal Service postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on the original
receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. If the postmark is not legible,
an application received after the above closing time and date shall be
processed as if mailed late. ``Postmark'' means a printed, stamped or
otherwise placed impression (not a postage meter machine impression)
that is readily identifiable without further action as having been
applied and affixed by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service on the
date of mailing. Therefore applicants should request that the postal
clerk place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's-eye'' postmark on both
the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.
b. The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of
a late application sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day
Service-Post Office to Addressee is the date entered by the Post Office
receiving clerk on the ``Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to
Addressee'' label and the postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on
the original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. ``Postmark'' has the
same meaning as defined above. Therefore, applicants should request
that the postal clerk place a legible hand cancellation ``bull's-eye''
postmark on both the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.
c. The only acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at
the U.S. Department of Labor is the date/time stamp of the Procurement
Services Center on the application wrapper or other documentary
evidence or receipt maintained by that office. Applications sent by
other delivery services, such as Federal Express, UPS, etc., will also
be accepted.
d. All applicants are advised that U.S. mail delivery in the
Washington, DC area has been erratic due to the concerns involving
anthrax contamination. All applicants must take this into consideration
when preparing to meet the application deadline, as you assume the risk
for ensuring a timely submission, that is, if, because of these mail
problems, the Department does not receive an application or receives it
too late to give proper consideration, even if it was timely mailed,
the Department is not required to consider the application.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

A. Applications will be reviewed by a DOL panel using the point
scoring system specified below. Applications will be ranked based on
the score assigned by the panel after careful evaluation by each panel
member. The ranking will be the primary basis to identify applicants as
potential Grantees. Although the government reserves the right to award
on the basis of the initial proposal submissions, the government may
establish a competitive range and/or a minimum qualifying score, based
upon the proposal evaluation, for the purpose of selecting qualified
applicants. The panel's conclusions are advisory in nature and

[[Page 71140]]

not binding on the Grant Officer. The government reserves the right to
ask for clarification or hold discussions, but is not obligated to do
so. The government further reserves the right to select applicants out
of rank order if such a selection would, in its opinion, result in the
most effective and appropriate combination of funding, program and
administrative costs, e.g., cost per enrollment and placement,
demonstration models, and geographic service areas. While points will
not be awarded for cost issues, cost per entered employment will be
given serious consideration in the selection of awardees. The Grant
Officer's determination for award under SGA 04-01 is the final agency
action.
B. Program Concept and Emphasis
The Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program (IV-TP) pilot program
grants under section 5 of the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive
Assistance Act (HVCAA) of 2001 are intended to address two objectives,
(1) To provide services to assist in reintegrating incarcerated
veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force, and (2) to
stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that
will address the complex problems facing ex-offender veterans. The
Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program (IV-TP) is designed to be
flexible in addressing the national, regional, and/or local issues that
prevent previously incarcerated veterans from reintegrating into the
workforce. VETS in Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 will seek applicants that
provide direct services through a case management approach that
networks with Federal, State, and local resources for veteran support
programs that have clear strategies for employment and retention of the
previously incarcerated.
C. Community Awareness Activities
In order to promote networking between the program and local
service providers (and thereby eliminate gaps or duplication in
services and enhance the provision of assistance to participants), the
Grantee must provide project orientation workshops and/or program
awareness activities that it determines are the most feasible for the
providers listed below. Grantees are encouraged to demonstrate
strategies for incorporating small faith-based and community
organizations (defined as organizations with social services budgets of
approximately $300,000 or 7 or fewer full-time employees) into their
outreach plans. Project orientation workshops conducted by Grantees
have been an effective means of sharing information and informing the
community of the availability of other services; they are encouraged
but not mandatory. Rather, the Grantee will have the flexibility to
attend service provider meetings, seminars, and conferences, to
outstation staff, and to develop individual service contracts as well
as to involve other agencies in program planning. The Grantee will be
responsible for providing project awareness, program information, and
orientation activities to the following:
(1) Direct providers of services to veterans and ex-offenders to
include but not be limited to inmate families, jail and prison ministry
groups, shelter and soup kitchen operators to make them aware of the
services available to incarcerated veterans to make them job-ready and
to aid their placement into jobs.
(2) Federal, State and local entitlement service such as the Social
Security Administration (SSA), Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA),
State Employment Security Agencies (SESAs) and their local Job Service
offices, One-Stop Centers (which integrate WIA, Labor Exchange, and
other employment and social services), mental health services, and
healthcare detoxification facilities to familiarize them with the
nature and needs of previously incarcerated veterans.
(3) Civic and private sector groups in particular Veterans' Service
Organizations (VSOs), inmate family support groups, job training and
employment services, and community-based organizations (including
faith-based organizations) to portray previously incarcerated veterans
and their needs.
D. Scope of Program Design
(1) Outreach, intake, assessment, peer counseling to the degree
practical, and employment services. Outreach must be provided in the
subject correctional institutions. Program staff providing outreach
services should have experience in dealing with, and an understanding
of the needs of the incarcerated and/or ex-offender veterans.
Applicants proposing to use peer counselors who are themselves veterans
will be awarded five (5) of the available points in the scoring
criteria.
(2) Coordination with veterans' services programs, including
Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPs), Local
Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) in the State Employment
Security/Job Service Agencies (SESAs) or in the workforce development
system's One-Stop Centers, as well as Veterans' Workforce Investment
Programs (VWIPs) and Homeless Veteran Reintegration Programs (HVRP),
Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) services, including its Health
Care for Homeless Veterans, Domiciliary Care, Regional Benefits
Assistance Program, and Transitional Housing under Homeless Provider
Grant and per diem programs.
(3) Grantees will perform a preliminary assessment of each
participants' eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
service connected disability, compensation, and/or pension benefits. As
appropriate, grantees will work with the Veterans Service Organizations
(VSO) or refer the participants to DVA in order to file a claim for
compensation or pension. Grantees will track progress of claim and
report outcome in case management records.
(4) Association with Veteran Service Organizations such as the
American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign
Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the American Veterans (AMVETS).
(5) Coordination with offender re-entry and transitional programs,
such as pre-release facilities, work/training release facilities,
halfway houses, community supervision, and community justice offices.
(6) Referral as necessary to health care, counseling and
rehabilitative services, including, but not limited to: Alcohol and
drug rehabilitation; Therapeutic; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder;
Mental Health Services; Coordinating with McKinney Homeless Assistance
Act (MHAA) Title VI programs for health care for the homeless or health
care programs under the HVCAA.
(7) Referral to housing assistance, as appropriate, provided by:
Local shelters; Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) food
and shelter programs; Transitional housing programs and single room
occupancy housing programs funded under MHAA Title IV (and under
HVCAA); Permanent housing programs for the handicapped homeless funded
under MHAA Title IV (and under HVCAA); and
(8) Employment and training services such as: Basic skills
instruction; Remedial education activities; Job search activities,
including job search workshops; Job counseling; Job preparatory
training, including resume writing and interviewing skills; Subsidized
trial employment (Work Experience); On-the-Job Training; Classroom
Training; Job placement in unsubsidized employment, Placement follow-up
services; and Services provided under WIA.

[[Page 71141]]

E. Panel Review Criteria
(1) Need for the project: 15 points.
The applicant will document the need for this project, as
demonstrated by: (a) the number of previously and/or current
incarcerated veterans in the proposed project area, (b) the rates of
poverty and/or unemployment in the proposed project area as determined
by the census or other surveys; and (c) the extent of the obstacles in
the local infrastructure to effectively address the employment barriers
that characterize the target population.
(2) Overall strategy to reduce recidivism by increasing employment
and retention: 30 points.
The application must include a description of the approach to
providing comprehensive employment and training services, including job
training, job development, obtaining employer commitments to hire,
placement, and post-placement follow up services. Applicants must
address how they will target occupations in emerging industries.
Supportive services provided as part of the strategy of promoting job
readiness and job retention must be indicated. The applicant must
identify the local services and sources of training to be used for
participants. A description of the relationship, if any, with other
employment and training programs such as SESAs (including DVOP and LVER
Programs), One-stops, VWIP, other WIA programs, and Workforce
Investment or Development Boards or entities where in place, must be
specified. The application must also include a description of the
relationship, if any, with correctional facilities or services to be
involved with this project, at the institutional and/or community
levels. Applicant must indicate how the activities will be tailored or
responsive to the needs of homeless veterans. A participant flow chart
may be used to show the sequence and mix of services.

Note: The applicant must complete the chart of proposed program
outcomes to include participants served, placement/entered
employments and job retention. (See Appendix D). Of the 30 points
possible in the strategy to increase employment and retention, 5
points will be awarded to grant proposals that demonstrate the
ability to maintain a six-month employment retention rate of 50
percent or greater. Applicants proposing to use peer counselors who
are themselves veterans will be awarded five (5) of the available
points in the scoring criteria.

(3) Quality and extent of linkages with other providers of services
to incarcerated veterans: 15 points.
The application must provide information on the quality and extent
of the linkages this program will have with other providers of services
to benefit previously incarcerated veterans in the local community
other than the IV-TP grant. For each service, the applicant must
specify who the provider is, the source of funding (if known), and the
type of linkages/referral system established or proposed. Describe, to
the extent possible, how the project would be incorporated into the
community's continuum of care approach to respond to homelessness and
show any linkages to HUD, HHS or VA programs that will be advantageous
to the proposed program.
(4) Demonstrated capability in providing required program services
including programmatically reporting and participant tracking: 25
points.
The applicant must describe its relevant prior experience in
operating employment and training programs and providing services to
participants similar to those that are proposed under this
solicitation. Specific outcomes previously achieved by the applicant
must be described, such as job placements, benefits secured, network
coalitions, etc. The applicant must also address its capacity for
timely startup of the program, programmatic reporting, and participant
tracking. The applicant should describe its staff experience and
ability to manage the administrative, programmatic and financial
aspects of a grant program. Include a recent (within the last 12
months), financial statement or audit. Final or most recent technical
reports for other relevant programs must be submitted if applicable.
Because prior grant experience is not a requirement for this grant,
some applicants will not have any technical reports to submit.
(5) Quality of Overall Housing Strategy: 15 points.
The application must demonstrate how the applicant proposes to
obtain or access housing resources for veterans in the program and
entering the labor force. This discussion should specify the provisions
made to access temporary, transitional, and permanent housing for
participants through community resources, HUD, VA lease, or other
means. IV-TP funds may not be used to purchase housing or vehicles.
F. Results-Oriented Model
No specific model is mandatory, but the applicant must design a
program that is responsive to the needs of the local community, and
achieves the objectives of the program--to successfully reintegrate ex-
offender veterans into the workforce and stimulate the development of
effective service delivery systems that will address the complex
problems facing ex-offender veterans.
A data management system to assess ex-offenders is an important
element of this program. Data elements to be considered for each
program participant include: health, employment and disability status,
demographics, veteran's benefits usage, type of most recent criminal
conviction, previous criminal history, system entry and discharge,
length of time in the program and recidivism measures. Factors to be
considered by the review panel are:
(1) Efficient and effective communication between agencies
(Department of Labor, Department of Veterans' Affairs, state/local
courts, police, other service providers, etc.).
(2) Effective assessment of costs, interventions offered and
services provided.
(3) Data standardization/compatibility.
(4) System flexibility, functionality, scalability and ease of use.
(5) Reporting system design and modification.
Under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), Congress
and the public are looking for program results rather than program
processes.
The suggested conceptual design of the Incarcerated Veterans
Transition Program (IV-TP) is shown in Figure 1. Definitions of the
elements and Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program (IV-TP)
performance goals follow.
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Figure 1: IV-TP Concept Flowchart

1. Inreach: The process of providing veteran benefit information to
inmates in correctional facilities to facilitate incarcerated veterans
attendance at pre-release transition workshops and/or assessment
interviews.
2. Sign-up: Initial contact with individual inmates to provide
additional information and collect information from inmates who express
interest in the program.
3. Identification: Reviewing information provided by inmates who
completed the sign-up in step two.
4. Verification: Verification of information and eligibility of
inmates who expressed interest and are attempting to sign up for the
program.
5. Notification of Workshops: Provide Incarcerated Veterans
Transition Program (IV-TP) transition schedule and information to
eligible veterans in the incarcerated population.
6. Workshops: Addresses the supportive services and employability
and training needs of individuals before enrolling them in an IV-TP
program. Includes an evaluation and/or measurement of vocational
interests and aptitudes, present abilities, previous education and work
experience, income requirements, supportive service needs, substance
abuse treatment needs, counseling needs, temporary or transitional
housing needs, personal circumstances and other related services.
7. Enrollment in IV-TP: A client is recorded as having been
enrolled when the Intake Form has been completed, and either an
Individual Support System (ISS), Employment Development Plan (EDP) or
Individual Employment Plan (IEP) has been developed with participant.
Referral of participant to One-Stop and copy of referral form to DVET
(DVET ensures referral follow-up at One-Stop to obtain 30, 90, 180 day
job progress report). There should be an unduplicated count over the
year: i.e., each participant is recorded only once, regardless of the
number of times she or he receives assistance. Other elements of
enrollment/services provided which are counted include:
A. Referral to or receiving services from the Department of
Veterans' Affairs.
B. Placement into transitional or permanent housing: permanent
housing should be recorded when a veteran served by the program
upgrades his/her housing situation during the reporting period from
shelter/streets to transitional housing or permanent housing or from
transitional housing to permanent housing. Placements resulting from
referrals by IV-TP staff shall be counted. This item is however an
unduplicated count over the year, except that a participant may be
counted once upon entering transitional housing and again upon
obtaining permanent housing.
C. Direct placements into unsubsidized employment: direct placement
into unsubsidized employment is a referral and placement made by an IV-
TP-funded staff member (or DVOP/LVER at the One-Stop office the
participant was referred to) with an established employer who covers
all employment costs for 20 or more hours per week at or above the
minimum wage. Day labor and other very short-term placements should not
be recorded as placements into unsubsidized employment.
D. Assisted placements into unsubsidized employment: assisted
placements into unsubsidized employment should be recorded when the
definition for placement with unsubsidized employment above is met, but
the placement was arranged by an agency to which the IV-TP referred the
homeless veteran, such as a One-Stop Career Center.
E. Cost per placement: the cost per placement into unsubsidized
employment is obtained by dividing the total IV-TP funds expended by
the total number of direct placements plus assisted placements.
F. Number retaining job for 30 days: to be counted as retaining a
job for 30 days, continuous employment with one or more employers for
at least 30 days must be verified and the definition for either direct
placement or assisted

[[Page 71143]]

placement into unsubsidized employment above is met. This allows
clients who have moved into a position with a different employer to be
recorded as retaining the job for 30 days as long as the client has
been steadily employed for that length of time.
G. Number retaining job for 90 days: to be counted as retaining a
job for 90 days, continuous employment with one or more employers for
at least 90 days must be verified, and the definition for either
placement or assisted placement into unsubsidized employment above is
met. This allows clients who have moved into a position with a
different employer to be recorded as retaining the job for 90 days as
long as the client has been steadily employed for that length of time.
H. Number retaining job for 180 days: to be counted as retaining a
job for 180 days, continuous employment with one or more employers for
at least 180 days must be verified, and the definition for either
placement or assisted placement into unsubsidized employment above is
met. This allows clients who have moved into a position with a
different employer to be recorded as retaining the job for 180 days as
long as the client has been steadily employed for that length of time.
I. Rate of placement into unsubsidized employment: the rate of
placement into unsubsidized employment is obtained by dividing the
number placed into unsubsidized employment plus the number of assisted
placements into unsubsidized employment by the number of clients
enrolled.
J. Average hourly wage at placement: the average hourly wage at
placement is the average hourly wage rates at placement of all assisted
placements plus direct placements.
K. Employability development services. This includes services and
activities that will develop or increase the employability of the
participant. Includes vocational counseling, classroom and on-the-job
training, pre-employment services (such as job seeking skills and job
search workshops), temporary or trial employment, sheltered work
environments and other related services and activities. Planned
services should assist the participant in addressing specific barriers
to employment and finding a job. These activities may be provided by
the applicant or by a Sub-grantee, contractor or another source such as
the local Job Partnership Training Act program or the DVOP personnel or
LVERs. Such services are not mandatory but entries should reflect the
services described in the application and the expected number of
participants receiving or enrolled in such services during each
quarter. Participants may be recorded more than once if they receive
more than one service.
L. Total planned expenditures (total funds requested):
identification of projected expenditures needed for each fiscal
quarter.
M. Administrative costs. Administrative costs shall consist of all
direct and indirect costs associated with the supervision and
management of the program. These costs shall include the administrative
costs, both direct and indirect, of Sub-grantees and contractors.
N. Participant services costs. This cost includes supportive,
training, or social rehabilitation services which will assist in
stabilizing the participant. This category should reflect all costs
other than administrative.
The outcome measurement established for IV-TP grants is for
Grantees to meet a minimum entered employment rate of 56%, determined
by dividing the number of entered employments by the number of
enrollments. (These outcomes will be reported quarterly on Technical
Performance Goals Form, Appendix D.) While entered employment is a
viable outcome, it will be necessary to measure results over a longer
term to determine the success of programs.
The following program discussion must be considered in a results-
oriented model. The first phase of activity must consist of the level
of outreach necessary to introduce the program to eligible incarcerated
veterans. This includes ``inreach'' into prisons and jails to find
eligible veterans in the inmate population. Outreach also includes
establishing contact with other agencies that encounter ex-offender
veterans.
After ``inreach'', the incarcerated veteran must sign-up for
enrollment into the program by assisting the Grantee in obtaining
verification of eligibility for said program. The program operator may
enroll participant in pre-release workshop (National Veterans' Training
Institute will provide a model if needed) then enroll in referral
program outside of facility or provide direct assessment and referral
program outside of facility.
Once the eligible participants have been identified, an assessment
must be made of the individual's abilities, interests, needs, and
barriers to employment. In some cases, participants may require
referrals to services such as rehabilitation, drug or alcohol treatment
or a temporary shelter before they can be enrolled into core training.
When the individual is ``work ready'', the assessment should
concentrate on the employability of the individual and the individual's
enrollment into the program. A determination should be made as to
whether the individual would benefit from pre-employment preparation
such as resume writing, job search workshops, related counseling and
case management, or possibly an initial entry into the job market
through temporary jobs. Additionally, sheltered work environments,
classroom training and/or on-the-job training must be evaluated. Such
services should be noted in an Employability Development Plan to
facilitate the staff's successful monitoring of the plan.
Entry into full-time employment or a specific job-training program
should follow. Supportive services may assist the participant at this
point or even earlier. Job development is a crucial part of the
employability process and IV-TP participants will be referred to a One-
Stop for career counseling and coaching.
Wherever possible, DVOP and LVER staff must be utilized for job
development and placement activities for veterans who are ready to
enter employment or who are in need of intensive case management
services. Many of these staff members have received training in case
management at the National Veterans' Training Institute and have as a
priority, assisting those most at a disadvantage in the labor market.
VETS urges working hand-in-hand with DVOP/LVER staff to achieve
economies of resources.
The subsequent program discussion emphasizes the importance of
tracking program participants. It begins with the One-Stop referral and
continues with the 30, 90, and 180-day follow-up periods after entering
employment to determine whether the veteran is in the same or similar
job. It is important that the Grantee maintain contact with the
veterans after placement to assure that employment related problems are
addressed. The 30, 90, and 180-day follow-ups are fundamental to
assessing the results of the program success. Grantees need to budget
for this activity so that follow-up can and will occur for those placed
at or near the end of the grant performance period. Grantees, prior to
the end of the grant performance period, must obligate funds to ensure
that follow-up activities are completed. Such results will be reported
in the final technical performance report.

2. Program Activity Process

There are nine program activities that all applications should
consider under this SGA. Programs must be ``employment focused'' with
emphasis on referral to counseling services to

[[Page 71144]]

address employment barriers. These activities are:
a. Marketing and Inreach;
b. Sign-up;
c. Identification;
d. Verification;
e. Notification of workshops and /or assessment interview;
f. Participation in pre-release workshop and or assessment
interview;
g. Enrollment in IV-TP including ISS/EDP/IEP development;
h. Referral to One-Stop/VA facility and copy of the referral sent
to DVET who assists the Program Operator by compiling the Quarterly
Report of participants;
i. Referral to the State Veteran Program Coordinator (who ensures
participant referral follow-up within 30 days and maintains 30, 90, and
180-day job progress reports).
Note the program activities under the flowchart provided above.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award

N/A.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

A. Notice that an organization has been selected as a grant
recipient does not constitute approval of the grant application as
submitted. Before the actual grant award, VETS may enter into
negotiations concerning such items as program components, funding
levels, and administrative systems. If the negotiations do not result
in an acceptable submittal, the Grant Officer reserves the right to
terminate the negotiation and decline to fund the proposal.
B. A Post-Award conference will be held for those Grantees awarded
FY 2004 IV-TP funds from the competition. It is expected to be held in
February or March 2004. At least two representatives must be present; a
financial and a program representative are recommended. The site of the
Post-Award conferences have not yet been determined, for planning and
budgeting purposes, please use five days and use Denver, Colorado as
the conference site. The conference will focus on providing information
and assistance on reporting, record keeping, and grant requirements,
and also include best practices from past projects. Costs associated
with attending this conference for up to two Grantee representatives
will be allowed as long as they were incurred in accordance with
Federal travel regulations. Such costs must be charged as
administrative costs and reflected in the proposed budget.

2. Administrative and National Policy

A. Limitations on Administrative and Indirect Costs
(1) Indirect costs claimed by the applicant must be based on a
federally approved rate. A copy of the negotiated, approved, and signed
indirect cost negotiation agreement must be submitted with the
application.
(2) If the applicant does not presently have an approved indirect
cost rate, a proposed rate with justification may be submitted.
Successful applicants will be required to negotiate an acceptable and
allowable rate with the appropriate DOL Regional Office of Cost
Determination within 90 days of grant award.
(3) Rates traceable and trackable through the State Workforce
Agency's Cost Accounting System represent an acceptable means of
allocating costs to DOL and, therefore, can be approved for use in
grants to State Workforce Agencies.
B. Administrative Standards and Provisions
Unless specifically provided in the grant agreement, DOL's
acceptance of a proposal and an award of Federal funds to sponsor any
program(s) does not provide a waiver of any grant requirements and/or
procedures. For example, the OMB circulars require and an entity's
procurement procedures must provide that all procurement transactions
will be conducted, as practical, to provide open and free competition.
If a proposal identifies a specific entity to provide the services, the
DOL award does not provide the justification or basis to sole-source
the procurement, i.e., avoid competition. All grants will be subject to
the following administrative standards and provisions, if applicable:
(1) 29 CFR part 93--Lobbying.
(2) 29 CFR part 95--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and
other Non-profit Organizations, and with Commercial Organizations.
(3) 29 CFR part 96--Federal Standards for Audit of Federally Funded
Grants, Contracts and Agreements.
(4) 29 CFR part 97--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
(5) 29 CFR part 98--Federal standards for Government-wide Debarment
and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government-wide Requirements for
Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
(6) 29 CFR part 99--Audit of States, Local Governments, and Non-
profit Organization.
(7) 29 CFR parts 30, 31, 32, 33 and 36--Equal Employment
Opportunity in Apprenticeship and Training; Nondiscrimination in
Federally-Assisted Programs of the Department of Labor, Effectuation of
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Nondiscrimination on the
Basis of Handicap in Programs and Activities; and Nondiscrimination on
the basis of sex in Education programs receiving or benefiting from
Federal Financial Assistance.

3. Reporting

The Grantee will submit the reports and documents listed below:
A. Financial Reports
The Grantee must report outlays, program income, and other
financial information on a quarterly basis using SF 269A, Financial
Status Report, Short Form. This form will cite the assigned grant
number and be submitted to the appropriate State Director for Veterans'
Employment and Training (DVET) no later than 30 days after the ending
date of each Federal fiscal quarter (i.e., October 30, January 30,
April 30 and July 30) during the grant period.
B. Program Reports
Grantees must submit a Quarterly Technical Performance Report 30
days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter to the DVET that
contains the following:
(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to established goals for
the reporting period and any findings related to monitoring efforts;
(2) An explanation for variances of plus or minus 15% of planned
program and/or expenditure goals, to include: (i) Identification of
corrective action that will be taken to meet the planned goals, if
required; and (ii) a timetable for accomplishment of the corrective
action.
C. 90 Day Follow-Up Report
The Grantee must submit no later than 120 days after the grant
performance expiration date a report containing the following:
(1) Financial Status Report (SF-269A) (copy to be provided
following grant awards); and
(2) Technical Performance Report--(Program Goals).
D. Six (6) Month Follow-Up/Closeout Report
(1) Final Financial Status Report (SF-269A); and
(2) Final Narrative Report identifying--(a) the total combined
(directed/assisted) number of veterans

[[Page 71145]]

placed during the entire grant period; (b) the number of veterans still
employed after the 6 month follow-up period; (c) if the veterans are
still employed at the same or similar job, if not what are the reasons;
(d) if the training received was applicable to jobs held; (e) wages at
placement and during follow up period; (f) an explanation regarding why
those veterans placed during the grant, but not employed at the end of
the follow up period, are not so employed; and (g) any recommendations
to improve the program.

VII. Agency Contacts

For questions concerning this solicitation please contact: U.S.
Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, 200 Constitution
Avenue, NW., Room N-5416, Attention: Cassandra Willis, Reference SGA
04-01, Washington, DC 20210; Phone: (202) 693-4570.

VIII. Other Information

To be eligible for participation in the Incarcerated Veterans
Transition Program (IV-TP), a veteran must be within 18 months of
release from a participating correctional facility; a veteran is
defined as follows:
A. The term ``veteran'' means a person who served in the active
military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released
there from under conditions other than dishonorable. (Title 38 U.S.C.
101(2))
B. A veteran transitioning from incarceration means a person, as
defined in A. above, who is within 18 months of release from a
correctional institution or facility.
Notice that an organization has been selected as a grant recipient
does not constitute approval of the grant application as submitted.
Before the actual grant award, VETS may enter into negotiations
concerning such items as program components, funding levels, and
administrative systems. If the negotiations do not result in an
acceptable submittal, the Grant Officer reserves the right to terminate
the negotiation and decline to fund the proposal.

Signed in Washington, DC this 12th day of December, 2003.
Lawrence J. Kuss,
Grant Officer.

Appendices

Appendix A: Application for Federal Assistance SF Form 424
Appendix B: Budget Information Sheet SF 424A
Appendix C: Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
Appendix D: Technical Performance Goals Form
Appendix E: Direct Cost Descriptions for Applicants and Sub-Applicants
Appendix F: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants
Appendix G: Glossary of Terms
Appendix H: List of Common Acronyms
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[FR Doc. 03-31201 Filed 12-19-03; 8:45 am]
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