References: Sections 162 and 303 of the JTPA; Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 2-91 dated December 27, 1991. Background: TEGL No. 2-91 describes the reallotment process that was used to identify and reallot unexpended formula funds that were in excess of statutory limits at the end of Program Year 1991. Reallotment of funds has been based on expenditure reports submitted by the States. Action: Copies of the attachment should be distributed to appropriate staff. Equitable procedures for making funds available for reallotment, and distribution of funds requirements, are addressed in the notice.

Reference: Job Training Amendments of 1992. Background: Section 121(a)(2) of the JTPA provides that "Any State seeking financial assistance under this Act shall submit a GCSSP for two program years to the Secretary describing the use of all resources provided to the State and its service delivery areas under this Act...." Section 121(b)(7) requires that a modification to the GCSSP be submitted by the Governor to the Secretary if major changes occur in labor market conditions, funding, or other factors during the period covered by the plan. Since the States' submission in May 1992 of the GCSSP's for Program Years 1992 and 1993, the JTPA Amendments of 1992 have been enacted, requiring major changes to Title II programs for Program Year 1993. Section 104(c) states that "If changes in labor market conditions, funding, or other factors require substantial deviation from an approved job training plan, the private industry council and the appropriate chief elected official... shall submit a modification of such plan....." Accordingly, all Governors are expected to review the following sections of the Amendments and interim final regulations and, where appropriate, modify the State's GCSSP for PY 1993. Development of modifications shall proceed on the basis of the statutory language and interim final regulations. In addition, all Governors of single State service delivery areas (SDA's) must modify the State's job training plan. JTPA Amendments of 1992: Modifications to the State's current GCSSP, and, as appropriate, the Statewide Service Delivery Area Job Training Plan, are necessary as a result of the following sections of the 1992 Amendments: a. Private Industry Council Section 627.475 of the JTPA regulations provide that the Governor shall establish general standards for Private Industry Council (PIC) oversight responsibilities. The required PIC standards shall be included in the GCSSP. (20 CFR 627.475) b. Governor's Coordination and Special Services Plans Section 121 (b)(2). The GCSSP shall describe the measures taken by the State to ensure coordination and avoid duplication between agencies administering the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program and programs under Title II in the planning and delivery of services. The plan shall describe the procedures developed by the State to ensure that the State JOBS plan is consistent with the coordination criteria specified in this plan; and shall identify the procedures developed to provide for the review of the JOBS plan by the State Job Training Coordinating Council (SJTCC). Section 121(b)(3). The Plan shall describe the projected use of resources, including oversight of program performance, program administration, and program financial management, capacity building, priorities and criteria for State incentive grants, and performance goals for State-supported programs. The description of capacity building shall include the Governor's plans for technical assistance to SDA's and service providers, interstate technical assistance and training arrangements, other coordinated technical assistance arrangements undertaken pursuant to the direction of the Secretary, and as applicable, research and demonstration projects. c. State Education Coordination and Grants Section 123 requires the Governor to allocate 8 percent of the State's funds to any State education agency in accordance with a jointly agreed upon plan. Pursuant to Section 123(c), the Governor shall include in the GCSSP a description of the use of State's 8 percent funds in conformance with Section 123 of the Act and 20 CFR 628.205 and 628.315 of the regulations. d. State Human Resource Investment Council Section 701 of the JTPA, as amended, authorizes the establishment of a State Human Resource Investment Council (HRIC) to advise the Governor on coordination of Federal human resource programs within the State. The HRIC may replace existing State councils dealing with Federal human resource programs. The option for the Governor to designate the HRIC to carry out the responsibilities of the SJTCC, in lieu of establishing a SJTCC, is authorized at Section 122(d)(1) of JTPA, as amended. (20 CFR 628.215) e. Services for Older Workers Section 202(c)(1)(D) of JTPA, as amended, specifies a 5 percent set-aside to support Services to Older Individuals. Plans for the use of-such funds for PY 93 shall be developed in accordance with Section 204(d) of JTPA, as amended, and 20 CFR 628.320. f. Linkages Section 205 of JTPA, as amended, requires SDA's to establish appropriate linkages with federally authorized programs including: the Adult Education Act; the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Wagner-Peyser Act; JOBS; the Food Stamp Act; the National Apprenticeship Act; the U.S. Housing Act; the National Literacy Act of 1991; Head Start; Title V of the Older Americans Act, and other provisions of JTPA. Additionally, SDA's are required to establish other appropriate linkages with other organizations and agencies, such as State and local educational agencies, local service agencies, public housing agencies, community organizations, business and labor groups, volunteer groups working with disadvantaged adults, and other training, education, employment, economic development and social service programs. ~Section 205 and 20 CFR 627.220) Nontraditional Employment for Women: The Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) Act requires SDAs toinclude goals in their PY 92 and 93 plans. Such goals have been included in most of the GCSSPs submitted by Governors for PY 92-93. While the Amendments do not specifically require changes to the NEW goals, the general changes in program design and targeting of services may result in changes to the NEW goals included in the GCSSP for PY 93. Furthermore, Governor's staffs may find that the goals initially set warrant refinement, given the relatively short period provided for the initial goal setting. Accordingly, Governors should consider refinement of their NEW goals in the development and submission of this modification. Format: Given the wide variety of approaches taken by the States in constructing the GCSSP and the Job Training Plan, the Department believes that it would be more expeditious if a common outline was followed. Therefore, we are Re guesting that these modifications adhere to the attached outlines. Submittal: Modifications to the PY 1992/1993 GCSSP's and the Statewide Service Delivery Area Job Training Plans must be submitted for receipt by the Administrator, Office of Job Training Programs, by May 15, 1993. Also, a copy should be sent to the appropriate ETA Regional Office. Burden Hours Estimates: The National Office estimates that the burden estimate of 40 hours includes time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

References: Wagner-Peyser Act, as amended (29 U.S.C. 49); 20 CFR 652 and 20 CFR 653; Job Training Partnership Act, Sections 202, 252, 262, 302, and 601, as amended by the Job Training Reform Amendments Act of 1992; Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 4-88. Background: Title II-A was divided into two separate programs (II-A and II-C) under the JTPA Amendments of 1992. The revised Title II-A is the Adult Training Program, and the new Title II-C is the Youth Training Program. The JTPA Titles II-A, II-C and III allotments, and the Wagner-Peyser preliminary planning estimates, are for the program period July 1, 1993 through June 30, 1994. The Title II-B allotments are for the 1993 summer period ending September 30, 1993. These JTPA allotments and the Wagner-Peyser preliminary planning estimates will be published in the Federal Register. The allotments for Title II-B total $682,912,000, approximately the same as the previous year's level without the Emergency Supplemental appropriations. The Congress provided 1993 Summer Youth funds in two amounts totaling $682,912,000: $495,212,000 is from the PY 1992 appropriation and became available for obligation on July 1, 1992; and $187,700,000 was made available for obligation on October 1, 1993, thus it is a Fiscal Year 1993 appropriation. This requires that the funds be issued separately on the Notice of Obligation (NOO), and that States draw funds from the Payment Management System for each separate fund source. Separate financial reporting will not be required, however. The allotments for Titles II-A, II-C, and III, and the ES preliminary planning estimates, are part of the Fiscal Year 1993 funds appropriated by the Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 1993, P.L. 102-394, for PY 1993. These appropriations include $1,045,021,000 for Title II-A and $696,682,000 for Title II-C, a 1.79 percent reduction from the PY 1992 Title II-A level; $517,046,000 for Title III, a 1.9 percent reduction from PY 1992; and $810,960,000 for allotments to States under Wagner-Peyser, a 1.3 percent reduction from PY 1992. An additional $3,831,000 has been appropriated for Title II programs in rural concentrated employment programs (RCEPs). Distribution of funds for the RCEPs is discussed below under item 5. Attached for your information is a copy of the letter sent to each Governor (Attachment I) transmitting the allotments and planning estimates. JTPA/ES Joint planning and Coordination Provisions: Each State should develop plans in accordance with relevant statutory provisions and schedules issued by the Department. Particular attention should be given to the Governor's statement of goals and objectives for JTPA, and joint ES/JTPA planning initiatives (see Section 8(b) of the Wagner-Peyser Act, as amended). Employment Service plans should foster the delivery of quality services to job seekers and employers by providing: relevant labor market information to job seekers, employers, and other users in the local labor market; enhanced employability services, e.g., counseling, assessment, referral to training, and other needed services; and other appropriate services responsive to State economic needs and conditions. RCEP States: Additional funds are available to assure, to the maximum extent possible, that funding for RCEPs under Title II programs is maintained at prior year levels. The Department previously reserved $250,000 from PY 1992 RCEP funds to be used for this purpose in the CY 1993 summer program. The RCEP appropriation for PY 1993 is $3,831,000. Of this amount, $250,000 is being reserved for the CY 1994 summer program. Therefore, $3,581,000 will be available for PY 1993 Titles II-A and II-C programs. It will be necessary for the States of Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, and Wisconsin to provide the Department with the amount of the Titles II-A, II-B, and II-C RCEP allocations based on the allotments contained in this Training and Employment Guidance Letter. This information should be sent no later than March 5, 1993, to the following address: Mr. Hugh Davies Acting Director Office of Employment and Training Programs 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Room N-4703 Washington, D.C. 20210 Notices of Obligation (NOO): NOOs for the 1993 Title II-B summer youth program, including the additional funds for RCEPs, will be issued in April. NOOs for the PY 1993 Titles II-A, II-C, and III programs will be issued for all funds on July 1, 1993. These NOOs will include the additional Titles II-A and II-C funds for the RCEPs. A second NOO will be issued to each State after November 1 for Title III, to increase or reduce the funds available to the State to reflect the amount of reallotted funds the State gains or loses, as discussed in TEGL No. 4-88. Title II-A Allotments: Attachment II shows the PY 1993 JTPA Title II-A allotments by State. For all States, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, the following data were used in computing the allotments: -- Data for Areas of Substantial Unemployment (AS Us) are averages for the 12-month period, July 1991 through June 1992. -- The number of excess unemployed individuals or the ASU excess (depending on which is higher) are averages for this same 12-month period. -- The economically disadvantaged adult data (age 2272, excluding college students and military) are from the 1990 Census. This data will be made available on diskette to the State JTPA Liaisons. The demographics will also be rolled up to the Service Delivery Area (SDA) level. The allotments for the Insular Areas, including the Freely Associated States, are based on unemployment data from the 1990 census, or if not available, the most recent data available. A 90-percent relative share "hold-harmless" of the Title II-A PY 1992 allotments for these areas and a minimum allotment of $75,000 were also applied in determining the allotments. This minimum amount equals 60 percent of the old Title II-A minimum allotment since the JTPA Amendments of 1992 divided Title II-A into Titles II-A and II-C, and the Title II-A appropriation is 60 percent of the sum of Titles II-A and II-C. Title II-A funds are to be distributed among designated SDAs according to the statutory formula contained in Section 202(b) of JTPA, as amended by Section 701(c) of the JTPA Amendments of 1992. The formula specified by Section 701(c) of the Amendments is used since the FY 1993 appropriation level meets the conditions of that Section. This is the same formula which has been used in previous program years. In determining any necessary hold-harmless levels for SDAs, the States of Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, and Wisconsin shall not include any additional funds provided for RCEPs. Title II-B Allotments: Attachment III shows the 1993 JTPA Title II-B allotments by State and by fund source, with totals. The data used for these allotments are the same data as were used for Title II-A and II-C allotments, except for the number of economically disadvantaged. The total number of economically disadvantaged individuals (including college and military) from the 1990 census was used. This follows the "old" definition of "economically disadvantaged" rather than the definition found in the 1992 Amendments which will not be in effect until July 1, 1993, and therefore is not applicable to these Title II-B allotments. For the Insular Areas and Native Americans, the amount is based on the percentage of Title II-B funds each received during the previous summer. Title II-B funds for the 1993 Summer program are to be distributed among designated SDAs in accordance with the statutory formula contained in Section 252(b) of JTPA, prior to the Amendments of 1992. This is the same formula that has been used in previous program years. In determining any necessary hold-harmless levels for SDAs, the States of Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, and Wisconsin shall not include any additional funds provided for RCEPs. Title II-C Allotments: Attachment IV shows the 1993 JTPA Title II-C allotments by State. The data used for these allotments are the same data as were used for Title II-A allotments, except that the number of economically disadvantaged youth (age 16-21, excluding college and military) is used rather than the number of adults. The allotments for the Insular Areas, including the Freely Associated States, are based on unemployment data from the 1990 census or, if not available, the most recent data available. A 90-percent relative share "hold-harmless" of the PY 1992 Title II-A allotments for these areas and a minimum allotment of $50,000 were also applied in determining the allotments. This minimum amount equals 40 percent of the old Title II-A minimum allotment,since the JTPA Amendments of 1992 divided Title II-A into Titles II-A and II-C, and the Title II-C appropriation is 40 percent of the sum of Titles II-A and II-C. Title II-C funds are to be distributed among designated SDAs according to the statutory formula contained in Section 262(b) of JTPA, as amended by Section 701(f) of the JTPA Amendments of 1992. The formula specified by Section 701(f) of the Amendments is used since the FY 1993 appropriation level meets the conditions of that Section. In determining any necessary hold-harmless levels for SDAs, the States of Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, and Wisconsin shall not include any additional funds provided for RCEPs. Title III Allotments: Attachment V shows the PY 1993 JTPA Title III allotments by State. The total appropriation includes 80 percent allotted by formula to the States, and 20 percent for the National Reserve, including funds allotted to the Insular Areas. Title III formula funds are to be distributed to State and sub state grantees in accordance with the provisions in Section 302(c) and (d) of JTPA, as amended. The unemployment data used for computing these State allotments, relative numbers of unemployed and relative numbers of excess unemployed, are averages for the October 1991 through September 1992 period. Long-term unemployed data used were for CY 1991. Allotments for the Insular Areas are based on the PY 1993 Title II-A allotments for these areas. Reallotments: Re allotments of these published Title III formula funds, as provided for by Section 303 of JTPA, as amended, will be based on completed program year expenditure reports submitted by the States and received by October 1, 1993. Title III allotments will be adjusted upward or downward, based on whether the State is eligible to share in reallotted funds or is subject to recapture. ES Planning Estimates: Attachment VI shows ES planning estimates for PY 1993 which have been produced using the formula set forth at Section 6 of the Wagner-Peyser Act, 29 U.S.C. 49e. These preliminary estimates are based on averages for the most current 12 months ending September 1992 for each State's share of the civilian labor force (CLF) and unemployment. Final planning estimates will be published in the Federal Register within 90 days, based on Calendar Year 1992 data, as required by the Wagner-Peyser Act. The total planning estimate does not include $19,138,700 or 2.36 percent of the total amount available. This amount is withheld from distribution to States to finance postage costs associated with the conduct of Employment Service business. The Department is proposing in a Federal Register Notice, soon to be published, that it will allocate postage resources to the States effective October 1, 1993. For information purposes, Attachment VII reflects the preliminary planning estimates including postage distribution to States for three quarters of PY 1993 (October 1, 1993 - June 30, 1994). A final decision on whether to allocate postage resources to the States will be made prior to the final allocations. The Secretary of Labor has set aside 3 percent of the total available funds to assure that each State will have sufficient resources to maintain statewide employment services, as required under Section 6(b)(4) of the Wagner-Peyser Act. In accordance with this provision, $23,754,639 is set aside for the administrative formula allocation. These set aside funds are included in the total planning estimate. Set aside funds are distributed in two steps to States which have lost in relative share of resources from the prior year. In step one, States which have a CLF below one million and are below the median CLF density are maintained at 100 percent of their relative share of prior year resources. All remaining funds are distributed on a pro rat a basis in step two to all other States losing in relative share from the prior year but which do not meet the size and density criteria for step one. Ten percent of the total sums allotted to each State shall be reserved for use by the Governor to provide performance incentives for public ES offices; services for groups with special needs; and for the extra costs of exemplary models for delivering job services. Action: a. Title II-A allotments are subject to the distribution requirements contained in Sections 162(e) and 202(b) of JTPA, as amended. b. Title II-B allotments are subject to the distribution requirements contained in Sections 162(e), and 252(b) of JTPA, prior to JTPA Amendments of 1992. c. Title II-C allotments are subject to the distribution requirements contained in Sections 162(e) and 262(b) of JTPA, as amended. d. Title III funds are subject to the distribution requirements contained in Sections 302(c) and (d) of JTPA, as amended. e. RCEP States should forward the following information to the address listed in item ; above not later than March 5, 1993: (1) PY 1993 Titles II-A and II-C formula allocations for the RCEPs in Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, and Wisconsin. (2) CY 1993 Title II-B formula allocations for RCEPs in these States. f. States should initiate PY 1993 planning consistent with provisions of the Wagner-Peyser Act and Federal Regulations at 20 CFR Part 652.

References: Sections 206, 256, and 266 of Title II of Public Law 102-367; TEIN No. 16-92, transfer of 1992 Title II-B Summer Youth Funds to Title II-A. Background: The JTPA Amendments of 1992 established new criteria for operating Title II program activities, identified new Title II cost categories, and provided SDAs with the option to transfer funds between the "Parts" within Title II. Program Year 1993 will serve as a transition period for using remaining balances of prior year available funds, and initiating the SDA option of intra-Title II fund transfers. This guidance is being provided to alert States and SDAs to the options for the use of PY 1992 and earlier funds in the local planning process for PY 1993, and for PY 1993 funds to be transferred among parts in PY 1993 and in subsequent years. Using Prior Year Title II Funds: The Interim Final Rule at 20 CFR 627.903(d) provides that the balance of any available Title II-A funds as of June 30, 1993, may be used for PY 1993 activity. Any affected Title II-A funds will be governed by Section 203(b)(1). Of these funds, not less than 40 percent, or the rate approved by the Governor as established under Section 203(b)(2), must be used in PY 1993 as Title II-C funds to provide services to eligible youth. All affected amounts will be subject to the cost limitation and reporting requirements of the new JTPA Amendments and implementing regulations and will assume the identity of the Title II "Part~ receiving the funds; i.e., Title II-A or Title II-C. Accounting requirements: For accounting and record keeping purposes, all prior year funds used for PY 1993 activity will retain their appropriation year identity. Cash will continue to be drawn under the Payment Management System as Title II-A until all amounts have been expended. Residual Title II-A amounts not used for PY 1993 activity will be governed by current requirements. Prior year funds used for PY 1993 activity must be accounted for and reported separately. Reporting instructions for all JTPA funds will be issued shortly. Intra-Title II Funds Transfer: The Interim Final Rule at 20 CFR 628.550 provides SDAs with the flexibility to transfer funds within Title II, if such transfers are described in the job training plan and approved by the Governor. The three optional fund transfers include: (a) Section 206 states that a service delivery area may transfer up to 10 percent of the amounts allocated under part A to the program under part C if such transfer is described in the job training plan and the transfer is approved by the governor; (b) Section 256 states that a service delivery area may transfer up to 10 percent of the funds provided to the program under part B to the program under part C if the transfer is approved by the Governor; and (c) Section 266 states that a service delivery area may transfer up to 10 percent of the amounts allocated under part C to the program under part A if such transfer is described in the job training plan and the transfer is approved by the Governor. Beginning with the PY 1993 funding period, transferring amounts within Title II are optional for the SDAs. The Governor is responsible for determining the frequency of such transfers and ensuring that job training plans are modified as necessary. Notices of obligational authority, funding availability, or other similar documents issued by the State to the SDAs will be revised to reflect all transfers. The Department encourages all such transfers to be completed prior to the end of the affected program year. All transfers must be reflected on appropriate financial reports. Financial reporting instructions will be issued separately. Action: For the PY 1993 planning process, SDAs may use available PY 1992 and earlier Title II-A funds for Titles II-A and Title II-C purposes in PY 1993, and may also transfer PY 1993 Title II-A, II-B, and II-C funds to Titles II-A and II-C. States should ensure that prior year Title II-A funds used for PY 1993 activity and intra-Title II fund transfers are consistent with this issuance.

References: JTPA Interim Final Regulations published on December 29, 1992; TEIN No. 16-92; TEGL No. 2-92; TEGL No. 4-92; and TEGL No. 6-92. Background: Public Law 102-367, dated September 7, 1992, established major revisions to JTPA. Section 701(i) of Public Law 102-367 permits the Department to "establish such rules and procedures as may be necessary to provide for an orderly implementation of the amendments...." Interim final rules published December 29, 1992, provide policy on transition to the new requirements at 20 CFR 627 Subpart I. The JTPA Amendments of 1992 made significant enhancements to program requirements and administrative systems. The regulations state that transition activities will be accomplished during the balance of Program Year (PY) 1992 in order to fully implement the Amendments on July 1, 1993, unless otherwise stated. Comments on the interim final rule have indicated considerable concern with the transition provisions. The anticipated expansion and enrichment of the Title II-B program for the upcoming summer has also prompted a reexamination of transition provisions. Accordingly, pursuant to the authority provided by Section 701(i) of Public Law 102-367, this issuance provides rules and procedures which the Department finds necessary to provide for the orderly implementation of the Amendments. It is intended that these guidelines may be relied on by States and SDAs. The Department will issue conforming amendments to the JTPA Interim Final Regulations as soon as possible. Program Implementation: The Department recognizes that implementation by the States and SDAs of the new program design requirements, particularly objective assessment and development of the individual service strategies (ISS), may require additional time to fully implement beyond July 1, 1993. The Department intends that the program design changes be undertaken in a manner which ensures the long term quality of service delivery in JTPA. Reasonable efforts to implement the provisions of 20 CFR 628.515, 628.520, and 628.530, objective assessment, individual service strategy, and referrals of participants to non-Title II services as soon after July 1, 1993 as possible, are expected to be made. However, all new participants will not be expected to initially receive such services until January 1, 1994. The Department acknowledges that the quality of those activities is expected to be improved and refined during PY 1993, as are all aspects of the JTPA program. Monitoring of the program aspects of the Amendments during PY 1993 by all levels of the JTPA system, including the Department, should focus heavily on improving service quality. In determining compliance with the program design requirements during PY 1993, the grant officer will consider the extent to which the States and SDAs have made good faith efforts to implement the new provisions during PY 1993. Immediate action: In order to make the transition from the old to the new requirements, the JTPA Regulations at 20 CFR 627.902 identified actions that must be accomplished by the Governor prior to July 1, 1993. These actions cover four major areas: (a) Funding; (b) Participants; (c) Procurement; and (d) Reporting. a. Funding Effective July 1, 1993, PY 1993 funds must be administered in accordance with the new legislation and regulations. PY 1992 funds unexpended on June 30 may be expended after July 1 to serve "grandparented" participants under "old" rules, or they may be expended after July 1 to serve "new" or "old" participants under new rules. Whatever amount is used under the "old" rules is to be reported on the "old" reporting form. Whatever amount is used under the "new" rules is to be reported on the "new" reporting form. There will be an increase allowed in the administrative cost limitation for PY 1992 funds from 15 percent to 20 percent, with a corresponding adjustment to the other cost limitations. Specifically, not less than 80 percent of Title II-A funds may be expended for training and participant support, and not less than 65 percent may be expended for training. Any unexpended PY 1992 funds to be used after June 30, 1993, may be used according to the "old" rules (20 CFR 626 et al., published September 22, 1989) so long as these funds are used to provide training to participants who were enrolled on or before June 30, 1993. When all such participants are terminated, remaining unspent funds must be used and accounted for in accordance with the rules implementing the 1992 Amendments. States and SDAs should identify PY 1992 and earlier funds that will be used in PY 1993 for programs operating under the new Amendments. Of these funds, not less than 40 percent, or the rate approved by the Governor as established under Section 203(b)(2), must be used in PY 1993 as Title II-C funds to provide services to eligible youth. The cost limitations, cost classifications, and allowable costs requirements in the 1992 JTPA Amendments apply to these funds. The Interim Final Regulations provide that administrative cost pool funds must be allocated on the basis of benefits received, rather than the past practice in some States and SDAs of allocating costs on the basis of proportionate fund contribution to the pool. Many commentors viewed this as unduly restrictive. It is important to note that States, in setting policy in this area, may apply whatever allocation methodology is in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices and is acceptable to its auditors. Pursuant to TEGL 2-92, any available section 202(b)(3) PY 1992 or earlier "6 percent" funds may be used to develop and implement data collection and management information systems to track the program experience of participants. The JTPA Amendments of 1992 provide SDAs with the option to transfer funds between the "Parts" within Title II. For the PY 1993 planning process, SDAs may use available PY 1992 and earlier Title II-A funds for Titles II-A and Title II-C purposes in PY 1993, and may also transfer PY 1993 Title II-A, II-B, and II-C funds to Titles II-A and II-C. Guidance that address this was issued separately in TEGL No. 6-92. b. Participants "Grandparenting" Participants Participants enrolled in JTPA programs prior to July 1, 1993, may continue to be served under the "old" rules and regulations. As previously noted, all new Title II-A and II-C participants enrolled after January 1, 1994, must be served under the requirements of the 1992 JTPA Amendments, e.g., assessment, ISS, and referral. The 65 percent barrier requirement for Titles II-A and IIC, however, will apply to all participants newly enrolled after June 30, 1993. The 50 percent out-of-school participants requirement at 20 CFR 628.803(h) will not be the subject of compliance review until the period following July 1, 1994. During PY 1993, however, SDAs must show improvement in the proportion of out-of-school youth being served and ETA and States will monitor performance in increasing the proportion. The Interim Final Regulations call for all participants to come under the requirements of the Amendments as of July 1, 1994. Final Regulations will allow participants on board prior to July 1, 1993 to continue service under the old arrangements until they terminate, which may be after June 30, 1994. c. Procurement Section 627.904(e) of the Interim Final Regulations states that "All procurements initiated on or after July 1, 1993, shall be governed by and follow the requirements in 20 CFR 627.420...." Initiation of a procurement, for purposes of this section, is considered to be either the award of a sole source grant/contract, the award of a small purchase contract or the issuance of an Invitation For Bid or Request For Proposal. In accordance with 20 CFR 627.905, contracts, awards, and agreements entered into on or before June 30, 1993, are to be used to serve only participants enrolled on or before June 30, 1993, unless the contracts, awards and agreements are modified to comply with the new amendments and regulations. d. Reporting Financial Reports States/SDAs may continue to use PY 1992 money for grandparented participants under old requirements, or PY 1992 funds may be used for new participants under new requirements. PY 1992 money used to implement the 1992 Amendments will be reported on the new Title II financial report format, and will be subject to the new financial management requirements. States will continue to report on the JTPA Annual Status Report (JASR), as usual, PY 1992 and earlier money that is not used to implement the 1992 Amendments. Reporting instructions for PY 1993 are forthcoming. As soon as OMB approval has been secured, the Department will issue instructions for the new fiscal reports. PY 1992 and earlier funds used for PY 1993 activity will assume PY 1993 characteristics and cost limitations and audit requirements. They will not, however, lose their appropriation identity. These funds will be reported separately on the new financial report under new cost categories in accordance with the reporting instructions issued for PY 1993 funds. Participant Reporting All current annual and semi-annual reporting requirements for Title II and Title III will continue until full implementation of the Standardized Program Information Reporting (SPIR) system. Full SPIR implementation is required for PY 1993, beginning July 1, 1993. For PY 1992, a dual system of participant reporting will be required as follows: (1) PY 1992 aggregate data required in the JASR and Worker AdJustment Program Annual Program Report (WAPR) will be reported no later than August 15, 1993; and (2) SPIR participant reports for all individuals terminating during PY 1992 will be reported no later than November 15, 1993. Reports will contain, at a minimum, that information needed to complete the JASR and WAPR. Title II-B information will be reported on the JTPA Summer Performance Report. Additional requirements may be added, depending on the proposed summer supplemental. Other Issues of Immediate Concern: a. State Human Resource Investment Council (HRIC) Pursuant to Section 701 of the JTPA as amended, States may establish an HRIC that would supersede and replace the State Job Training Coordination Council and other State councils. Section 703(c) provides that a State electing to establish an HRIC shall certify to the Secretary such establishment at least 90 days before the beginning of the 2-program year planning period. The 2-year period for the next State and local plans begins July 1, 1994. Therefore, an HRIC may be established now, or at any time during PY 1993. The certification for the HRIC is required 90 days prior to July 1, 1994. b. Instructions necessary for SDAs to operate the 1993 summer Program There is contradictory language in the Interim Final Regulations at 20 CFR 627.902(j) and 627.904(k). The calendar year 1993 Title II-B Summer Youth Employment and Training Program will be governed by the Act and regulations in effect prior to the 1992 JTPA Amendments pursuant to 20 CFR 627.904(k). Additional guidance will follow related to the proposed summer supplemental. c. Capacity building and technical assistance The JTPA Amendments of 1992 made capacity building and technical assistance priorities at the National, State and local levels. Governors are encouraged to use Section 202(c)(1)(B) funds to develop a Statewide capacity building and technical assistance strategy, including provisions for SDAs in State planning. Funds may be used for capacity building purposes beginning July 1, 1993. Consideration should be given to directing resources and/or training directly to staff of SDAs and local service providers. Other coordinated capacity building arrangements, including cost-sharing approaches, should also be considered. d. Performance standards Consistent with the transition provisions in Section 701, implementation of new performance standards requirements will begin on July 1, 1994 (PY 1994). Until that time, current requirements pertaining to measures and applications (i.e., adjustments, incentive awards, and imposition of sanctions) will remain in effect. Therefore, for calculating PY 1992 SDA performance on the post program performance employment and earnings measures, States are to use the PY 1992 JASR follow-up information (based on the first three quarters of PY 1992 and the fourth quarter of PY 1991). A similar procedure will be used for PY 1993 (using the first three quarters of PY 1993 from the August 15, 1994 SPIR and the fourth quarter of PY 1992 derived from the November 15, 1993 SPIR). This is consistent with the procedures used since the inception of post program measures. e. Grievances The transition provisions contained in the Interim Final Regulations appear to imply that "new" grievances procedures are required at the State and SDA levels as a result of the JTPA Amendments of 1992. This is not really the case. The basic requirements at Section 144 of the Act, to have and maintain a JTPA grievance procedure for complaints and alleged violations of the Act and regulations, were not changed by the Amendments. The Amendments revised Section 144 by adding new subsections which apply to the handling of alleged Section 143 labor standards violations. The States and SDAs will need to modify their grievance procedures accordingly to cover such complaints. Complaints and grievances will continue to be handled in accordance with established grievance procedures, except as modified by the changes in the Amendments to Section 144, and other minor revisions set forth at Subparts E, F, and H of the Interim Final Regulations. f. Coordination Requirements New coordination and linkage requirements are expected to be developed during PY 1993 so as to constructively impact the planning and coordination of PY 1994-95 activities under Titles I, II and III. g. Plans Modifications The Interim Final Regulations call for the modification of State and local job training plans. The plans need to reflect only those programmatic revisions which are necessary to implement the requirements that take effect on July 1, 1993 or during PY 1993. The plans must also reflect provisions for the new coordination requirements for local adult and youth programs which must be in place during PY 1993. h. SDA redesignation Policies for the designation of SDAs need not affect SDAs prior to the designations for PY 1994. It is expected that these policies will apply to SDA designations prior to the 1994-1995 program year Period . Action: States should ensure that transition activities are consistent with this guidance.

References: TEGL No. 2-94: "Dual Enrollment of Trade-Impacted Workers in Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Title III and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Programs, and Application Procedures for Funding for Special Projects," dated August 19, 1994; GAL No. 7-94: "Operating Instructions for Implementing the Amendments to the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers Program in Title V of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Implementation Act," dated December 28, 1993 (including the Attachment, "Statement of Administrative Action" which accompanied the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Implementation Act); and TEGL No. 7-93: "Transitional Adjustment Assistance Provisions Related to the Implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)," dated April 19, 1994. Dual Enrollment: As discussed in TEGL No. 2-94, dual enrollment of dislocated workers in Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Title III programs is a valuable program practice which can provide a real opportunity to improve the quality of services and increase customer satisfaction for Trade participants. To encourage and support this program coordination, copies of every TAA and NAFTA- TAA petition received by the Department of Labor will be provided to the appropriate State Title III Dislocated Worker Unit for information and follow-up. Further, as provided for in TEGL No. 2-94 and revised in this Change 1, State JTPA Liaisons may request Title III National Reserve Account funds when needed to support establishment and/or expansion of dual enrollment efforts. NAFTA Impacted Workers: During the debates on the North American Free Trade Agreement, and as described in the "Statement of Administrative Action," the Administration had committed to provide effective readjustment assistance to workers impacted by NAFTA. This commitment for effective assistance under both NAFTA-TAA and Title III programs is discussed in GAL No. 7-94 and TEGL No. 7-93. States are encouraged to enroll all trade-impacted dislocated workers, especially those affected by NAFTA, in the Title III program to ensure that the workers have access to all the services needed to help them get a new job. This includes workers certified under TAA and NAFTA-TAA, as well as other trade-impacted workers who are not eligible for assistance under NAFTA-TAA, as explained in TEGL No. 7-93. Special Projects: In addition to broadening the dual enrollment efforts described in TEGL No. 2-94, the Department is making available Title III national reserve account funds for special projects to help workers dislocated as a result of NAFTA, as well as those being served under TAA. The original application deadline for special project funding requests under TEGL No. 2-94 of December 31, 1994 is extended until further notice. These Special Project funds can be used to: 1) improve coordination between the programs and increase the number of TAA or NAFTA-TAA certified workers being dual enrolled; 2) expand the services and benefits available for workers certified under TAA or NAFTA-TAA; or 3) provide services to NAFTA- impacted workers dislocated from secondary firms. The abbreviated application procedures, the Title III/TAA Special Project Assurances, Special Project Implementation Schedule Template, and Special Project Cumulative Quarterly Budget Projection Template which were attachments to TEGL No. 2-94 have been further streamlined and revised. The revised versions are attachments to this Change 1 and should be used to request funds for special projects described above. Action: a. Recipients of this TEGL should make it available to appropriate JTPA and TAA officials throughout the State and substate dislocated worker system, and encourage efforts aimed at dual enrollment and program coordination. b. Applications for funds for dual enrollment and/or NAFTA- impacted workers should be prepared in accordance with guidance in the attachments, and mailed to: Office of Grants and Contracts Management, Division of Acquisition and Assistance, Employment and Training Administration, U. S. Department of Labor, Room S-4203, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210, Attention: Dislocated Worker Grants, Barbara J. Carroll, Grant Officer. A copy of the application should also be submitted to the appropriate Regional Office. Applications are currently being accepted and can be submitted until further notice.

Reference: Training and Employment Guidance Letter No. 7-93 dated April 19, 1994. Background: TEGL No. 7-93 provided information on the NAFTA-Title III program and the benefits and services available for NAFTA-impacted workers who would not be eligible to receive assistance under the NAFTA-TAA program. In response to inquiries from States concerning the NAFTA-Title III program, clarifications are being provided on eligibility for needs-related payments. Discussion: Under the NAFTA-Title III program funded with National Reserve funds, the date of last layoff, rather than the initial benefit period used under NAFTA-TAA, is used to determine eligibility for income support payments. If a dislocated worker has experienced a series of layoffs and callbacks, this could result in the individual being eligible for such payments under NAFTA-Title III. The list of extenuating circumstances which would allow the additional 30-day grace period for meeting the required time for enrolling in training is the same for NAFTA-TAA and NAFTA-Title III programs. The intent in TEGL 7-93 was that the same list apply. If an individual's training enrollment date is 1) past the end of the 16th week, or the sixth week after the Secretary has issued a certification (whichever is later); and 2) past the 30 days grace period added to the 16 weeks/6 week cutoff if extenuating circumstances apply, the individual is not eligible for income support payments under either the NAFTA-TAA (using the initial UI benefit period) or NAFTA-Title III program (using the date of last layoff).

Reference: National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 1993, P.L. 102-484, section 4467; interim final JTPA regulations published in the December 29, 1992 Federal Register (57 FR 62004-62073). Background: On October 23, 1992, the President signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993. Included were amendments to Title III of JTPA. The NDAA amendments became effective immediately upon signature by the President. Discussion: The JTPA regulations that were published on December 29, 1992 include revisions required by the amendments in the NDAA. While the interim final JTPA regulations apply to JTPA programs in Program Year 1993 which begins on July 1, 1993, the relevant provisions of the interim final regulations can be useful when determining the immediate impact of the NDAA Amendments, as well. The NDAA amendments to Title III of JTPA are provided below, along with the relevant provisions of the interim final JTPA regulations. STATE PLAN A. Section 311(b)(3)(D) has been amended to read as follows: "The State unit will . . . provide technical assistance and advice to sub state grantees, including immediate notification to sub state grantees of current or projected permanent closures or substantial layoffs in the sub state area of such grantee to continue and expand the services initiated by the rapid response teams;" 631.30(a)(8) of the interim final regulations reads as follows: "The State dislocated worker unit or office shall...Immediately notify (within 48 hours) the appropriate sub state grantees following receipt of an employer notice of layoff or plant closing or of any other information that indicates a projected layoff or plant closing by an employer in the grantee's sub state area, in order to continue and expand the services initiated by the rapid response team (Section 311(b)(3)(D);" B. Section 311(b)(11) has been added and reads as follows: "the State unit will provide the Secretary with a cost breakdown of all funds made available under this title used by such unit for administrative expenditures;" 631.15 of the interim final regulations reads as follows: "Notwithstanding the requirements described in Subpart D of Part 627 of this chapter, the Governor shall report to the Secretary pursuant to instructions issued by the Secretary for programs and activities funded under this part. Such reports shall include a cost breakdown of all funds made available under this part used by the Dislocated Worker Unit for administrative expenditures, in accordance with instructions issued by the Secretary. Reports shall be provided to the Secretary within 45 calendar days after the end of the report period. (Sections 165(a)(2) and 311(b)(11))" C. Section 311(b)(12) has been added and reads as follows: "the State will not transfer the responsibility for the rapid response assistance functions of the State unit under Section 314(b) to another entity, but the State may contract with another entity to perform rapid response assistance services." ~631.30(b) of the interim final regulations reads as follows: "The dislocated worker unit shall have one or more rapid response specialists, and the capability to provide rapid response assistance, on-site, for dislocation events such as permanent closures and substantial layoffs throughout the State. The State will not transfer the responsibility for the rapid response assistance functions of the State dislocated worker unit to another entity, but the State may contract with another entity to perform rapid response assistance services. Nothing in this paragraph shall remove or diminish the dislocated worker unit's accountability for ensuring the effective delivery of rapid response assistance services throughout the State. (Section 311(b)(12))" RAPID RESPONSE D. Section 314(b)(3) has been added and reads as follows: "The Secretary shall oversee the administration by each State of the rapid response assistance services provided in such State and the effectiveness, efficiency, and timeliness of the delivery of such services. If the Secretary determines that such services are not being performed adequately, the Secretary shall implement appropriate corrective action, including, where necessary, the selection of a new rapid response assistance service provider." 631.17 of the interim final regulations reads as follows: "The Secretary shall conduct oversight of State administration of programs under this part, including the administration by each State of the rapid response assistance services provided in such State. The Secretary may review and determine the effectiveness, efficiency and timeliness of service conducted by the State in accordance with 631.30(b) of this part, and may specify any corrective actions deemed appropriate and necessary. (Section 3l4(b)(3))" E. Section 314(b)(4) has been added and reads as follows: "For purposes of rapid response assistance provided by a State dislocated worker unit, the term 'substantial layoff' means a layoff of 50 or more individuals." 631.2 of the interim final regulations includes the following: "Substantial layoff (for rapid response assistance) means any reduction-in-force which is not the result of a plant closing and which results in an employment loss at a single site of employment during any 30 day period for at least 50 employees (excluding employees regularly working less than 20 hours per week). (Section 314(b)(4))" 631.30(b)(6) of the interim final regulations reads as follows: "Notwithstanding the definition of 'substantial layoff (for rapid response assistance)' at 631.2 of this part, the Governor may, under exceptional circumstances, authorize rapid response assistance provided by a State dislocated worker unit when the layoff of 50 or more individuals is not at a single site of employment or is not during a single 30 day period. For purposes of this provision, "exceptional circumstances" include those situations in which layoffs or permanent closures would have a major impact upon the community(ies) in which they occur. (Section 314(b))" NEEDS-RELATED PAYMENTS F. Section 314(e)(1) has been amended to read as follows: "Funds allocated to a sub state grantee under section 302(D) may be used pursuant to a sub state plan under section 313 to provide needs-related payments to an eligible dislocated worker who is unemployed and does not qualify or has ceased to qualify for unemployment compensation in order to enable such worker to participate in training or education programs under this Title...." 631.20 of the interim final regulations reads as follows: "Title III funds . . . may be used to provide needs-related payments to . . . [a]n eligible worker who has ceased to qualify for unemployment compensation . . . Needs-related payments shall not be provided to any participant for the period that such individual is employed, enrolled in or receiving on-the-job training, out-of-area job search, or basic readjustment services in programs under the Act, nor to any participant receiving trade readjustment allowances, on-the-job training, out-of-area job search allowances, or relocation allowances under Chapter 2 of Title II of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2271 et seq.) or Part 617 of this chapter. (Section 314(e)(1))" CLARIFICATION OF DEFINITION OF ELIGIBLE DISLOCATED WORKERS FOR CERTAIN SERVICES. G. Section 314(h) has been added and reads as follows: "CLARIFICATION OF DEFINITION OF ELIGIBLE DISLOCATED WORKERS FOR CERTAIN SERVICES. "(1) The term 'eligible dislocated workers' includes individuals who have not received specific notice of termination or lay off and work at a facility at which the employer has made a public announcement that such facility will close (except those individuals likely to remain employed with the same employer or likely to retire instead of seeking new employment) - "(A) with respect to basic readjustment services provided under paragraphs (1) through (14), (16), and (18) of subsection (c); and "(B) with respect to services provided under this section beginning 180 days before the date on which the facility is scheduled to close. "(2) Services described in paragraph (l)(A) and provided to the individuals described in paragraph (1) shall to the extent practicable be funded under section 302(c)(1)." 631.3(b) of the interim final regulations reads as follows: "(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, workers who have not received an individual notice of termination but who are employed at a facility for which the employer has made a public announcement of planned closure shall be considered eligible dislocated workers with respect to provision of basic readjustment services specifically identified in section 314(c) of the Act with the exception of supportive services and relocation "(2) Such individuals identified in (b)(1) of this section shall be eligible to receive all services authorized in sections 314 of the Act after a date which is 180 days prior to the scheduled closure date of the facility, subject to the provisions of 631.20 of this part and other applicable provisions regarding receipt of supportive services. "(3) Paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section shall not apply to individuals who are likely to remain employed with the employer or to retire instead of seeking new employment. "(4) For the purposes of paragraph (b)(l) of this section, the Governor shall establish criteria for defining 'public announcement'. Such criteria shall include provisions that the public announcement shall be made by the employer and shall indicate a planned closure date for the facility. (Section 314(h))" 631.41(g) of the interim final regulations reads as follows: "Basic readjustment services described in 631.3(b)(1), provided to individuals who have not received a specific notice of termination or layoff and work at a facility at which the employer has made a public announcement that such facility will close, shall to the extent practicable be funded by the State with funds reserved under 631.32(c). (Section 314(h))" TERMINATION NOTICE FOR CIVILIAN DEFENSE EMPLOYEES H. Section 325(e) has been added and reads as follows: "NOTICE OF TERMINATION FOR CERTAIN DEFENSE EMPLOYEES. "(1) In General. A civilian employee of the Department of Defense employed at a military installation being closed or realigned under the laws referred to in paragraph (2) shall be eligible for training, adjustment assistance, and employment services under subsection (a) beginning on the date on which such employee receives actual notice of termination, or the date determined by the Secretary of Defense under paragraph (3), whichever occurs earlier. "(2) CERTAIN DEFENSE LAWS - The laws referred to in this paragraph are - "(A) the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of Public Law 101-510; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note); and "(B) title II of the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act (Public Law 100-526; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note). "(3) DATE. The date determined under this paragraph is the date that is 24 months before the date on which the military installation is to be closed or the realignment of the installation be completed, as the case may be." This provision is not reflected in current regulations. 5. Action Required. States should take actions necessary and appropriate to comply with the NDAA amendments to Title III of JTPA.

References: a. The Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), as amended; b. Goals 2000: The Educate America Act; c. School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; d. JTPA Final Rules, as published in the Federal Register on September 2, 1994; e. Training and Employment Guidance Letter No. 4-94 (December 19, 1994): "JTPA Titles II-A, II-C, and III Allotments for Program Year (PY) 1994; Title II-B Allotments for Calendar Year (CY) 1995; and Wagner-Peyser Preliminary Planning Estimates for PY 1994"; f. Training and Employment Guidance Letter No. 5-93 (April 11, 1994): "Summer Challenge II: A Program of Work and Learning for America's Youth"; g. Training and Employment Information Notice No. 6-93 (July 30, 1993): "Instructions for the Title II Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Quarterly Financial Status Report" and Change 1 to this TEIN (January 13, 1994); h. Training and Employment Information Notice No. 33-92 (June 1, 1993): "Child Labor Restrictions Applicable to Youth Participants in Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Funded Programs"; i. Training and Employment Information Notice No. 25-93 (November 23, 1993): "Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Youth Assessment and Program Design Options Technical Assistance Guides". Background a. Budgetary Concerns. While we recognize that the House Appropriations Committee has proposed elimination of all funding for the Title II-B Summer Youth Employment and Training Program (SYETP) for CY 1995, planning for the 1995 summer youth program needs to continue in the event that final action on Department of Labor appropriations allows the Title II-B program to go forward. A successful program requires early, orderly, and careful planning, procurement, recruitment, and negotiation of agreements with local business, public/private organizations and educational institutions, as well as staff training sessions. Therefore, consistent with our regular program cycle, we are issuing this Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) to provide necessary guidance to States and local communities to facilitate program planning and operations. Federal funds, expended prior to a notice by the Department of Labor of a rescission, which were provided to States (Service Delivery Areas) to operate the 1995 summer youth program in accordance with the SDAs' job training plans will not be deobligated by the Department of Labor.

Reference: Final JTPA Regulations, 20 CFR 627.201, published in the Federal Register on September 2, 1994. Background: One of the major changes in the above-referenced September 2, 1994, JTPA final regulations is the addition of a new section, 20 CFR 627.201, "Waivers." This section, unlike the rest of the final regulations, became effective 30 days from the date of publication of the JTPA final rule in the Federal Register-- October 3, 1994. This was intended to complement the Department's desire to enable States, service delivery areas (SDA's), and Title III substate grantees (SSG's) to implement beneficial changes in the final rule as quickly as they choose, as provided for in the final rule, and to apply for waivers of regulatory provisions to be effective before the beginning of Program Year (PY) 1995 and thereafter. The purpose of the new waiver provision was to be responsive to suggestions and comments which have stated that some of the administrative burden or unintended effect of many regulatory requirements may be reduced through the granting of waivers. In addition to receiving this type of suggestion through the formal regulations comment process, the Department also heard this belief echoed during its recent "JTPA Dialogue" and dislocated worker "Next Steps" meetings. In addition, this was also recommended in Vice President Gore's Report of the National Performance Review--From Red Tape to Results: Creating a Government that Works Better & Costs Less--which was published in September 1993. The Department believes that in order to be responsive to the needs of the JTPA system, some guidance is appropriate in order to maintain consistency in the way that waivers are handled at the Federal level. Accordingly, the Department is issuing the attached guidance to assist Governors in submitting requests for JTPA regu-latory waivers pursuant to 20 CFR 627.201. The Department expects that, as experience is gained regarding specific waiver requests, information will be created which we anticipate will be useful in future policy deliberations, including possible regulatory revisions. Also, as the waiver process evolves, it may be adjusted to respond to concerns and issues that may surface in handling such requests. The States may be contacted periodically for their views on the effectiveness of the waiver process and on the ways the process might be improved and made more responsive. Action: States are requested to share the attached information with appropriate individuals within the State, as well as with their SDA's and SSG's. States are also encouraged to develop as soon as possible standardized internal procedures/mechanisms for SDA/SSG submission of waiver requests to the State, as well as procedures/processes for State evaluation of local level waiver requests. The procedures established should conform to the provisions of 20 CFR 627.201 and the information contained herein.