Federal Register, Volume 72 Issue 71 (Friday, April 13, 2007)

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 71 (Friday, April 13, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18678-18690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7024]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Veterans' Employment and Training Service

Urban and Non-Urban Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program
(HVRP) Grants for Program Year (PY) 2007 Solicitation for Grant
Applications 07-07, Period of Performance Is PY 2007, July 1,
2007 Through June 30, 2008; Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
17.805

AGENCY: Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Labor.

ACTION: Notice of funding availability.

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DATES: Applications are due on May 14, 2007.
SUMMARY: (Applicants For Grant Funds Should Read This Notice In Its
Entirety): The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), Veterans' Employment
and Training Service (VETS), announces a grant competition under 38
U.S.C. Section 2021, as added by Section 5 of Public Law 107-95, the
Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 (HVCAA). Section
2021 requires the Secretary of Labor to conduct, directly or through
grant or contract, such programs as the Secretary determines
appropriate to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the
labor force.
Both Urban and Non-Urban areas serving homeless veterans will be
considered for funding under this HVRP solicitation. Urban areas are
those that serve a high concentration of homeless veterans in the
metropolitan areas of the 75 U.S. cities largest in population and the
metropolitan area of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and are listed in Appendix
G. Non-Urban areas are those areas that serve homeless veterans that
are not listed on Appendix G. Applicants must indicate whether they are
applying for an Urban or Non-Urban grant award on their grant
application.
HVRP grants are intended to address two objectives: (1) To provide
services to assist in reintegrating homeless 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 homeless veterans. Successful applicants will design
programs that assist eligible veterans by providing job placement
services, job training, counseling, supportive services, and other
assistance to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the
labor force. Successful programs will also be designed to be flexible
in addressing the universal as well as the

[[Page 18679]]

local or regional problems that have had a negative impact on homeless
veterans reentering the workforce.
Under this solicitation covering PY 2007, VETS anticipates that up
to $8,200,000 will be available, with a maximum award of $300,000 for
grants that serve Urban areas and $200,000 for grants that serve Non-
Urban areas. VETS expects to award grants in both the Urban and Non-
Urban categories. The number of grants to be awarded in each category
will be announced after selections are made as the grants are awarded
based on merit of the application and the applicants. Awards are
expected to range from $75,000 to a maximum of $200,000 for grants that
serve Non-Urban areas and from $75,000 to a maximum of $300,000 for
grants that serve Urban areas. This notice contains all of the
necessary information and forms to apply for grant funding. The period
of performance for these PY 2007 grants will be July 1, 2007 through
June 30, 2008. Two (2) optional years of additional funding may be
available, subject to the availability funding, to the agency's
decision to exercise the option year(s) of funding, and to satisfactory
grantee and sub-awardee(s) performance.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), Veterans' Employment and
Training Service (VETS), announces a grant competition under 38 U.S.C.
Section 2021, as added by Section 5 of Public Law 107-95, the Homeless
Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 (HVCAA) . Section 2021
requires the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to conduct, directly or
through grant or contract, such programs as the Secretary determines
appropriate to provide job training, counseling, and placement services
(including job readiness, literacy training, and skills training) to
expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force.

1. Program Concept and Emphasis

HVRP grants are intended to address two objectives: (a) to provide
services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful
employment within the labor force, and (b) to stimulate the development
of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex
problems facing homeless veterans.
For this Program Year (PY) 2007 grant solicitation, VETS seeks
applicants that will provide services through a client-centered case
management approach that will network with Federal, State, and local
resources for veteran support programs. Successful applicants will have
clear strategies and obtainable goals for employment and retention of
employment for homeless veterans. Successful applicants will design
programs that assist eligible veterans by providing job placement
services, job training, counseling, mentoring, supportive services, and
other assistance to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans
into the labor force. Successful applicants will also design programs
that are flexible in addressing the universal as well as the local or
regional problems that have had a negative impact on homeless veterans
reentering the workforce. The HVRP in PY 2007 will seek to continue to
strengthen development of effective service delivery systems, to
provide comprehensive services ``through a client-centered case
management approach'' that addresses complex problems facing eligible
veterans trying to transition into gainful employment, and to improve
strategies for employment and retention in employment.

2. Project Awareness Program Information and Orientation Activities

In order to promote networking between the HVRP-funded program and
local service providers (and thereby eliminate gaps or duplication in
services and enhance the provision of assistance to participants), the
grantee and sub-awardee(s) must provide project orientation workshops
and program awareness activities that it determines are the most
feasible for the types of providers listed below. Grantees and sub-
awardee(s) are encouraged to propose strategies for incorporating small
faith-based and community organizations (defined as organizations with
social services budgets of $500,000 or less and ten (10) or fewer full-
time employees) into their outreach plans. Project orientation
workshops conducted by grantees and sub-awardee(s) have been an
effective means of sharing information and informing the community of
the availability of other services; they are encouraged but it is not
mandatory. Grantees and sub-awardee(s) 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 and sub-awardee(s) will be responsible for providing
project awareness, program information, and orientation activities to
the following:
A. Direct providers of services to homeless veterans, including
shelter and soup kitchen operators, to make them aware of the services
available to homeless veterans to make them job-ready and to aid their
placement into jobs;
B. Federal, State, and local agencies such as the Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of
Veterans Affairs (DVA), State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) and local One-
Stop Career Centers (which integrate Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and
other employment and training services), mental health services, and
healthcare detoxification facilities; to familiarize them with the
nature and needs of homeless veterans; and
C. Civic and private sector groups, in particular veterans' service
organizations, support groups, job training and employment services,
and community-based organizations (including faith-based
organizations), to provide information on homeless veterans and their
needs.
The grantee and sub-awardee(s) will also be responsible for
participating in ``Stand Down'' events. A ``Stand Down'' is an event
held in a locality, usually for one (1) to three (3) days, where
services are provided to homeless veterans along with shelter, meals,
clothing, employment services, and medical attention. This type of
event is mostly a volunteer effort, which is organized within a
community and brings service providers together such as the Department
of Veterans Affairs, Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program Specialists
(DVOP) and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) staff from
the State Workforce Agencies (SWAs), Veteran Service Organizations,
military personnel, civic leaders, and a variety of other interested
persons, groups, and organizations. Many services are provided on-site
with referrals also made for continued assistance after the Stand Down
event. These events can often be the catalyst that enables homeless
veterans to get back into mainstream society. The Department of Labor
has supported replication of these events and many have been held
throughout the nation.
In areas where an HVRP is operating, grantees and sub-awardee(s)
are expected and encouraged to participate fully and offer their
services for all locally planned Stand Down event(s). Toward this end,
up to $8,000 of the requested HVRP grant funds may be used to
supplement the Stand Down efforts, where funds are not otherwise
available, and may be requested and explained in the budget narrative.

[[Page 18680]]

3. Scope of Program Design

In addition to the activities described above, the project design
must include the following services:
A. Outreach, intake, assessment, peer counseling or mentoring to
the degree practical, employment services, and follow-up support
services to enhance retention in employment. Program staff providing
outreach services should have experience in dealing with, and an
understanding of the needs of, homeless veterans. Outreach activities
must include and coordinate with the DVOP and LVER staff in the SWAs or
in the workforce investment systems' One-Stop Career Centers, Veterans'
Workforce Investment Program (VWIP), the Department of Veterans Affairs
(DVA), and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and their
local Continuum of Care.
B. Provision of or referral to employment services such as: Job
search workshops; job counseling; assessment of skills; resume writing
techniques; interviewing skills; subsidized trial employment (work
experience); job development services; job placement into unsubsidized
employment; and job placement follow-up services to enhance retention
in employment.
C. Provision of or referral to training services such as: Basic
skills instruction; remedial education activities; life skills and
money management training; on-the-job training; classroom training;
vocational training; specialized and/or licensing training programs;
and other formal training programs as deemed appropriate to benefit the
participant. At least 80% of the enrolled HVRP participants must
participate in training activities.
D. Grantees and sub-awardee(s) must perform preliminary assessment
of each participant's eligibility for DVA service-connected disability,
compensation, and/or pension benefits. As appropriate, grantees and
sub-awardee(s) will work with the veterans' service organizations or
refer the participants to DVA in order to file a claim for compensation
or pension. Grantees and sub-awardee(s) will track the progress of
claims and report outcomes in individual participant case management
records.
E. Coordination with veterans' services programs, including: DVOPs
and LVERs in the workforce investment system's One-Stop Career Centers
as well as VWIP grantees; DVA 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; and HUD and their local Continuum of Care.
F. Networking, collaborating, and coordinating efforts with
veterans' service organizations such as: The American Legion; Disabled
American Veterans; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Vietnam Veterans of
America; The American Veterans (AMVETS); etc. to ensure participants
apply for and/or receive other veterans' benefits that they may be
eligible for.
G. Referral as necessary to health care, counseling, and
rehabilitative services including, but not limited to: Alcohol and drug
rehabilitation, therapeutic services; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) services; and mental health services as well as coordination
with McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (MVHAA) programs for health
care for the homeless; and health care programs under the Homeless
Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act (HVCAA) of 2001.
H. Referral to housing assistance, as appropriate, provided by: HUD
and their local Continuum of Care; local shelters; Federal Emergency
Management Administration (FEMA) food and shelter programs;
transitional housing programs and single room occupancy housing
programs funded under MVHAA and HVCAA, and permanent housing programs
for disabled homeless persons funded under MVHAA and HVCAA.

4. Performance Measures

For purposes of assessing performance of grantees selected under
this SGA, VETS will focus on two performance measures described below.
However, grantees also will be required to report additional
performance information, as required in the provided DOL guidance on
Common Measures and as described below. All performance outcomes will
be reported quarterly using an Internet-based reporting system for
HVRP, with access provided to successful grantees after the award
process has been completed.
There are two (2) outcome measures with established performance
targets for HVRP grants. The first outcome measure is the placement
rate with a performance target for grantees and sub-awardee(s) to meet
a minimum placement (now referred to as entered employment under Common
Measures definitions) rate of 66%. This is determined by dividing the
number of participants who entered employment (or employed after their
Exit Quarter) by the number of participants exited. Under Common
Measures, a person is considered to have exited the program if they
have secured a job and/or not received job search or employment service
(other than follow-up and retention services) for at least one (1)
quarter or over 90 days. Job retention and counseling services do not
count as a ``service'' that would prevent a person from being exited
from the program. See further definitions below. While the percentage
of HVRP participants who enter employment is an important outcome, it
is also necessary to evaluate and measure the program's longer-term
results, through the 90-day, 180-day, and 270-day employment retention
follow-up periods after a HVRP participant enters employment. The
second outcome measure is retention following placement with a
performance target for grantees and sub-awardee(s) to meet a minimum
rate of retention of 59%. This is determined by dividing the number of
participants retained in employment for 180-days divided by the total
number of participants who entered employment two (2) quarters
previously. Note: For example, awardees should not have a reported
retention rate before the third quarter, since it requires at least
180-days by the definition after a person enters employment and 90-days
to be considered exited from the program for the awardee to be able to
post job retention. While there is no performance target established
for retention at 90-days following entered employment, grantees are
required to collect and report the rate of retention in employment at
that point.
The Common Measures Technical Assistance Guide for Competitive
Grantees (Appendix H) describes in detail the specific data grantees
will be required to collect and report on utilizing the Common Measures
definitions, methodologies, and reporting requirements. Appendix H and
the Recommended Format for Common Measures Planned Quarterly Technical
Performance Goals (Appendix D) are provided to assist applicants in
determining their planned goals.

5. Results-Oriented Model

No specific model is mandatory, but successful applicants will
design a program that is responsive to the needs of the local community
and achieves the HVRP objectives. The HVRP objectives are to
successfully reintegrate homeless veterans into the workforce and to
stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that
will address the complex problems facing homeless veterans. Under the
Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), Congress and the public
are looking for program results.

[[Page 18681]]

The applicant's program should be based on a results-oriented
model. The first phase of activity should consist of the level of
outreach necessary to introduce the program to eligible homeless
veterans. Outreach also includes establishing contact with other
agencies that encounter homeless veterans. Once the eligible homeless
veterans have been identified, an assessment must be made of each
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 the HVRP program. Once the eligible
homeless veteran is stabilized, the assessment must concentrate on the
employability of the individual and whether the individual is to be
enrolled into the HVRP program.
A determination should be made as to whether the HVRP participant
would benefit from pre-employment preparation such as resume writing,
job search workshops, related employment counseling, and case
management, or possibly an initial entry into the job market through
temporary jobs. Additionally, sheltered work environments such as the
Department of Veterans Affairs Compensated Work Therapy Program,
classroom training, and/or on-the-job training must be evaluated. Such
services should be noted in an Individual Employment Plan (IEP) to
facilitate the staff's successful monitoring of the participant's
progress. Entry into full-time employment or a specific job-training
program should follow, in keeping with the overall objective of HVRP,
to bring the participant closer to self-sufficiency. The grantee should
provide or arrange for these supportive services that will enable the
HVRP participant to successfully perform all the activities specified
in the IEP.
Job development, a crucial part of the employability process,
usually occurs when there are no competitive job openings that the HVRP
participant is qualified to apply for; therefore, a job opportunity
with an employer is created, developed, and customized specifically for
that HVRP participant. HVRP participants who are ready to enter
employment and are in need of intensive case management services for
employment purposes are to be referred to the DVOP and LVER staff at a
One-Stop Career Center. DVOP and LVER staff are able to provide HVRP
participants the following services: job development, employment
services, case management for employment purposes, and career
counseling. Most DVOP and LVER staff received training in case
management for employment purposes at the National Veterans' Training
Institute. All DVOP and LVER staff provides employment-related services
to veterans who are most at a disadvantage in the labor market. VETS
recommends all HVRP grantees work hand-in-hand with DVOP/LVER and other
One-Stop Career Center staff to achieve economies of resources and to
avoid duplication of services. DVOP/LVER staff may also be able to
provide grantees and sub-awardee(s) valuable assistance in tracking
participants within their State wage record management information
system for follow-up purposes at 90-, 180-, and 270-days after a
participant enters employment.
The applicant's program must include tracking of program
participants. Participant tracking should begin with the referral to
supportive services and training activities and continue at placement
into employment and through the 90-day, 180-day, and 270-day follow-up
periods after the participant enters employment. It is important that
the grantee and sub-awardee(s) maintain contact with veterans after
placement to ensure that employment-related problems are addressed. The
90-day, 180-day, and 270-day follow-ups are fundamental to assessing
program results. Grantees and sub-awardee(s) need to budget for 90-day,
180-day, and 270-day follow-up activity so that it can be performed for
those participants who enter employment at or near the end of the grant
performance period. All grantees and sub-awardee(s), prior to the end
of the grant performance period, must obligate sufficient funds to
ensure that follow-up activities are completed. Such results will be
reported in the final technical performance report.

II. Award Information

1. Type of Funding Instrument

One-year grants with optional funding for an additional two years
will be awarded.

Note: Selection of an organization as a grantee does not
constitute final approval of the grant application and budget as
submitted. Before or shortly after the actual grant is awarded,
USDOL may enter into negotiations about such items as program
components, staffing, and funding levels, and administrative systems
in place to support grant implementation. If the negotiations do not
result in a mutually acceptable submission, the Grant Officer
reserves the right to terminate the negotiation and decline to fund
the application or terminate the award.

2. Funding Levels

Under this solicitation covering Program Year (PY) 2007, VETS
anticipates that up to $8,200,000 will be available, with a maximum
award of $300,000 for grants that serve Urban areas and $200,000 for
grants that serve Non-Urban areas. VETS expects to award grants in both
the Urban and Non-Urban categories. The number of grants to be awarded
in each category will be announced after selections are made as the
grants are awarded based on merit of the application and the
applicants. Awards are expected to range from $75,000 to a maximum of
$200,000 for grants that serve Non-Urban areas and from $75,000 to a
maximum of $300,000 for grants that serve Urban areas. Applicants must
indicate in writing whether they are applying for an Urban or Non-Urban
grant award on their grant application. The Department of Labor
reserves the right to negotiate the amounts to be awarded under this
competition. Please be advised that requests exceeding $200,000 that
plan to serve Non-Urban areas and $300,000 that plan to serve Urban
areas will be considered non-responsive and will not be evaluated. If
there are any residual programmatic funds, the Department of Labor
reserves the right to select for funding the next highest scoring
applicant(s) on the competitive list developed for this SGA up to June
30, 2008.

3. Period of Performance

The period of performance will be for the twelve (12) month period
of July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008, unless modified by the Grant
Officer. It is expected that successful applicants will begin program
operations under this solicitation on July 1, 2007. All program funds
must be obligated by the grantee by June 30, 2008; a limited amount of
funds may be obligated and reserved for follow-up activities and
closeout.

4. Optional Year Funding

Should Congress appropriate additional funds for this purpose, VETS
may consider up to two (2) additional years of optional funding. The
Government does not, however, guarantee optional year funding for any
grantee or sub-awardee(s). In deciding whether to exercise any optional
year(s) of funding, VETS will consider grantee and sub-awardee(s)
performance during the previous period of operations as follows:
A. The grantee and sub-awardee(s) must meet, at minimum, 90% of
planned cumulative goals for Federal expenditures, enrollments,
placements

[[Page 18682]]

into employment, and training by the end of the third quarter; and
B. The grantee and sub-awardee(s) must have complied with all terms
identified in the Solicitation for Grant Application (SGA), grant award
document, and General and Special Grant Provisions; and
C. All program and fiscal reports must have been submitted by the
established due dates and the grantee and sub-awardee(s) must verify
these reports for accuracy purposes.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Applications for funds will be accepted from State and local
Workforce Investment Boards, local public agencies, for-profit/
commercial entities, and non-profit organizations, including faith-
based and community organizations. Applicants must have a familiarity
with the area and population to be served and the ability to administer
an effective and timely program.
Eligible applicants will generally fall into one of the following
categories:
State and local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs),
established under Sections 111 and 117 of the Workforce Investment Act.
Public agencies, meaning any public agency of a State or
of a general purpose political subdivision of a State that 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
jurisdictions located in its State. This does not preclude a city or
county agency from submitting an application to serve its own
jurisdiction.
For-profit/commercial entities.
Non-profit organizations (including faith-based and
community organizations). If claiming 501(c)(3) status, the Internal
Revenue Service statement indicating 501(c)(3) status approval must be
submitted.
Note that entities organized under Section 501(c)(4) of the
Internal Revenue Code are not eligible to receive funds under this
announcement. Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, Public
Law 104-65, 109 Stat. 691 (2 U.S.C. 1611) prohibits instituting an
award, grant, or loan of federal funds to 501(c)(4) entities that
engage in lobbying.

2. Cost Sharing

Cost sharing and matching funds are not required. However, we do
encourage grantees and sub-awardee(s) to maximize the resources
available to the HVRP program and its participants.

3. Other Eligibility Criteria

A. Both Urban and Non-Urban areas serving homeless veterans will be
considered for funding under this HVRP solicitation. Urban areas are
those that serve a high concentration of homeless veterans in the
metropolitan areas of the 75 U.S. cities largest in population and the
metropolitan area of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and are listed in Appendix
G. Non-Urban areas are those areas that serve homeless veterans that
are not listed on Appendix G.
B. The proposal must include a participant outreach component that
uses DVOP/LVER staff and/or trained outreach staff. Programs must be
``employment-focused.'' An ``employment-focused'' program is a program
directed toward: (1) Increasing the employability of homeless veterans
through training or arranging for the provision of services that will
enable them to reintegrate into the labor force and (2) matching
homeless veterans with potential employers and/or entrepreneurial
opportunities.
C. Applicants are encouraged to utilize, through partnerships or
sub-awards, experienced public agencies, private non-profit
organizations, private businesses, faith-based and community
organizations, and colleges and universities (especially those with
traditionally high enrollments of minorities) that have an
understanding of unemployment and the barriers to employment unique to
homeless veterans, a familiarity with the area to be served, linkages
with the One-Stop Career Center(s), and the capability to effectively
provide the necessary services.
D. Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by
Organizations that Receive Federal Financial Assistance: Neutral, non-
religious criteria that neither favor nor disfavor religion will be
used in the selection of grant recipients and must be employed by
Grantees or in the selection of sub-awardee(s). The U.S. Government is
generally prohibited from providing ``direct'' financial assistance for
inherently religious activities. The Grantee may be a faith-based
organization or work with a partner with religious institutions;
however, ``direct'' Federal financial assistance provided under this
grant may not be used for religious instruction, worship, prayer,
proselytizing or other inherently religious activities. In this
context, the term ``direct financial assistance'' means financial
assistance that is provided directly by a government entity or an
intermediate organization, as opposed to financial assistance that an
organization receives as the result of the genuine, independent,
private choice of a beneficiary. 29 CFR part 2, Subpart D governs the
treatment in government programs of religious organizations and
religious activities. The Grantee and sub-awardee(s) are expected to be
aware of and observe the regulations of this subpart.
E. To be eligible for enrollment as a participant under this HVRP
grant an individual must be homeless and a veteran defined as follows:
The term ``homeless or homeless individual'' includes
persons who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. It
also includes persons whose primary nighttime residence is a supervised
public or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary
living accommodations; an institution that provides a temporary
residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or a public
or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular
sleeping accommodation for human beings. [42 U.S.C. 11302(a)].
Inadequate nighttime residence examples include: sleeping in the
streets, in the woods, in public parks, in cars, on outside benches,
under bridges, in tents, in caves, under a lean-to, etc. Inadequate
nighttime residence does not include living with relatives or friends.
The term ``veteran'' means a person who served in the
active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or
released under conditions other than dishonorable. [38 U.S.C. 101(2)].

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request an Application and Amendments

This SGA, together with its attachments, includes all the
information needed to apply. Additional application packages and
amendments to this SGA may be obtained from the VETS Web site address
at www.dol.gov/vets, the Federal Grant Opportunities Web site address
at http://www.grants.gov, and from the Federal Register Web site
address at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html. The Federal Register
may also be obtained from your nearest government office or library.
Additional copies of the standard forms can be downloaded from: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html.
All mailed applications must be addressed to: Department of Labor,
Procurement Services Center, Attention:

[[Page 18683]]

Cassandra Mitchell, Reference SGA 07-07, 200 Constitution
Avenue, NW., Room S-4307, Washington, DC 20210, Phone Number: (202)
693-4570 (this is not a toll-free number).
Applicants are encouraged to apply online at
www.grants.gov. Applicants submitting proposals online are requested to
refrain from mailing a hard copy application as well. It is strongly
recommended that applicants using www.grants.gov immediately initiate
and complete the ``Get Started'' registration steps at http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted. These steps may take multiple days to
complete, and this time should be factored into plans for electronic
submission in order to avoid facing unexpected delays that could result
in the rejection of an application. If submitting electronically
through www.grants.gov it would be appreciated if the application
submitted is saved as .doc, .pdf, or .txt files.
Except as provided in Section IV.3., any application
received after the deadline (hard copy or electronic) will be
considered as non-responsive and will not be evaluated.

2. Content and Form of Application

The application must include the name, address, telephone number,
fax number, and e-mail address (if applicable) of a key contact person
(program and fiscal) at the applicant's organization in case questions
should arise. To be considered responsive to this solicitation the
application must consist of three (3) separate and distinct sections:
The Executive Summary, the Technical Proposal, and the Cost Proposal.
The information provided in these three (3) sections is essential to
demonstrate an understanding of the programmatic and fiscal contents of
the grant proposal.
A complete grant application package must not exceed 75 single-
sided pages (8\1/2\'' x 11''), double-spaced, 12-point font, typed
pages (all attachments are included in the 75 page maximum). Any pages
over the 75-page limit will not be reviewed. Major sections and sub-
sections of the application should be divided and clearly identified
(e.g. with tab dividers), and all pages must be numbered. To be
considered responsive grant applications are to include (electronic
submissions thru www.grants.gov will not require copies):
An original, blue ink-signed, and two (2) copies of the
cover letter.
An original and two (2) copies of the Executive Summary
(see below).
An original and two (2) copies of the Technical Proposal
(see below) that includes a completed Recommended Format for Common
Measures Planned Technical Performance Goals Form (Appendix D). Also
include all attachments with the technical proposal, such as the
applicant's information showing outcomes of employment and training
programs that it has had in the past three (3) years in terms of
enrollments and participants who have entered into employment. If
Appendix D or a similar form with all the required performance goals
data is not included, the application will be considered non-responsive
and will not be evaluated.
An original and two (2) copies of the Cost Proposal (see
below) that includes an original, blue ink-signed, Application for
Federal Assistance, SF-424 (Appendix A), a Budget Narrative, Budget
Information Sheet SF-424A (Appendix B), an original, blue ink-signed,
Assurances and Certifications Signature Page (Appendix C), a Direct
Cost Description for Applicants and Sub-applicants (Appendix E), a
completed Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (Appendix
F), and the applicant's grant specific financial and/or audit statement
dated within the last 18 months (audit and financial statements do not
count towards the 75 page limitation).
A. Section 1--Executive Summary: A one to two page ``Executive
Summary'' reflecting the grantee's and sub-awardee(s) proposed overall
strategy, timeline, and outcomes to be achieved in their grant proposal
is required. The Executive Summary is to include:
The proposed area to be served (Urban or Non-Urban)
through the activities of this grant application.
The grantee's experience in serving the residents in the
proposed service area.
The proposed strategy, program design, process, method,
projects, and/or statement of work with schedule or timeline that will
expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the workforce.
Describe the measures of success for the plan. A summary
of anticipated outcomes, goals, number of participants served, number
hired, increase in wages, educational degrees, cost effectiveness,
results-oriented model, benefits, and value added by the project.
B. Section 2--Technical Proposal that is not to exceed 15 single-
sided pages of double-spaced 12-pitch font and one inch left, right,
top, and bottom margins and does count towards the 75 page maximum. The
technical proposal consists of a narrative proposal that demonstrates
the need for this particular grant program, the services and activities
proposed to obtain successful outcomes for the homeless veterans to be
served; and the applicant's ability to accomplish the expected outcomes
of the proposed project design. All applications must respond to the
requirements for the program concept, required activities, and results
oriented model set forth in Section I of the SGA.
Required Content: There are program activities that all
applications must contain to be found technically acceptable under this
SGA. Programs must be ``employment-focused'' and must be responsive to
the rating criteria in Section V (1). The required program activities
are: Participant outreach and project awareness activities, pre-
enrollment assessments, individual employment plans for each
participant, case management, job placement, job retention follow-up
(at 90, 180, and 270 days) after individual enters employment,
utilization and coordination of employment services through the One-
Stop Career Center System, including the DVOP and LVER staff, and with
community linkages with other programs that provide support to homeless
veterans. All applicants must respond to the requirements for the
program concept, required activities and results-oriented model
described in Section I. of the SGA.
The following format for the technical proposal is recommended:
Need for the program: The applicant must identify the geographical
area to be served and provide an estimate of the number of homeless
veterans in the designated geographical 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. Include labor market information and
job opportunities in the employment fields and industries that are in
demand in the geographical area to be served. Applicants are to clearly
describe the proposed program awareness and participant outreach
strategies.
Approach or strategy to increase employment and job retention:
Applicants must be responsive to the Rating Criteria contained in
Section V (1) and address all of the rating factors as thoroughly as
possible in the narrative. The applicant must:
Describe the specific employment and training services to
be provided under this grant; the applicant's local employer network
that will be used to place homeless veterans into employment; and the
sequence or flow of such services;
Indicate the type(s) of training that will be provided
under the grant and how it relates to the jobs that are in demand,
length of training, training

[[Page 18684]]

curriculum, and how the training will improve the eligible veterans'
employment opportunities within that geographical area;
Provide a follow-up plan that addresses employment
retention after 90-, 180-, and 270-days for participants who have
entered employment;
Include the completed Recommended Format for Common
Measures Planned Quarterly Technical Performance Goals (and planned
expenditures) form listed in Appendix D. If the Common Measures Planned
Quarterly Technical Performance Goals form listed in Appendix D is not
submitted, the grant application package will be considered as non-
responsive and not evaluated.
Linkages with facilities that serve homeless veterans: Describe
program and resource linkages with other facilities that will be
involved in identifying potential clients for this program. Applicants
are encouraged to submit a list of their local area network of service
providers that offer and provide services to benefit HVRP participants.
Describe any networks with other related resources and/or other
programs that serve homeless veterans. Indicate how the program will be
coordinated with any efforts that are conducted by public and private
agencies in the community. Indicate how the applicant will coordinate
with any local continuum of care efforts for the homeless among
agencies in the community. If a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or
other service agreement with service providers exists, copies should be
provided.
Linkages with other providers of employment and training services
to homeless veterans: Describe the linkages, networks, and
relationships the proposed program will have with employers,
educational providers, and other providers of services to homeless
veterans; include a description of the relationship with other
employment and training programs in the One-Stop Career Centers such as
Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP), the Local Veterans'
Employment Representative (LVER) program, and programs under the
Workforce Investment Act such as the Veterans' Workforce Investment
Program (VWIP); list the type of services that will be provided by
each. Note the type of agreement in place, if applicable. Linkages with
the workforce investment system and educational providers are required.
Describe any networks with any other resources and/or other programs
for homeless veterans. If an MOU or other service agreement with other
service providers exists, copies should be provided.
Linkages with other Federal agencies: Describe program and resource
linkages with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of
Veterans Affairs (DVA), to include the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT)
and Grant and Per Diem programs. If an MOU or other service agreement
with other service providers exists, copies should be provided.
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 MOU or other service agreement with other service providers
exists, copies should be provided.
Organizational capability to provide required program activities:
The applicant must describe key staff skills, experience, biographies,
history, knowledge, qualifications, capabilities, office locations,
and/or organizational chart. It is preferred that the grantee and sub-
awardee(s) be a well established service provider and not in the
initial start-up phase or process.
The applicant's relevant current and prior experience (within the
last three year period) in operating employment and training programs
is to be clearly described, if applicable. A summary narrative of
program experience and employment and training performance outcomes is
required. The applicant must provide information showing outcomes of
employment and training programs that it has had in the past three (3)
years in terms of enrollments and participants who have entered into
employment. An applicant that has operated a HVRP, other homeless
employment and training program, or Veterans' Workforce Investment
Program must also include the final or most recent cumulative quarterly
technical performance report.
Please note that the Department of Labor grant review panel
members, who will be reviewing all grant applications submitted as a
result of this SGA, do not have access to any reporting information
systems during the review process, therefore, if final or most recent
cumulative quarterly technical performance reports are not submitted,
the grant application may be considered non-responsive.
Measures of Success--Applicants are to describe the measures of
success for the proposed plan. Applicants are to describe the proposed
outcomes, goals, number served, number hired, increased wages,
educational degrees, cost effectiveness, result-oriented model,
feedback mechanism, performance accountability, evaluation and
improvement, and/or the proposed system to monitor the implementation
of program activities and achievement of stated project objectives.
Applicants must indicate their planned level of performance utilizing
the Common Measures reporting methodology as described in Appendix H.
If the Common Measures reporting methodology is not utilized by the
applicant, the application will be considered non-responsive and not
evaluated.
Sustainability--Applicants are to describe how the proposed program
can or will outlast the federal funding.
Proposed housing strategy for homeless veterans: Describe how local
housing resources for eligible homeless veterans will be obtained or
accessed. These resources must be from linkages or sources other than
the HVRP grant such as HUD, HHS, community housing resources, DVA Grant
and Per Diem Program, or other local housing programs.
C. Section 3--The Cost Proposal must contain the following:
Applicants can expect that the cost proposal will be reviewed for
allocability, allowability, and reasonableness.
(1) Standard Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance''
(with the original signed in blue-ink) (Appendix A) must be completed;
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program
is 17.805 and it must be entered on the SF-424, in Block 11.
The organizational unit section of Block 8 of the SF-424 must
contain the Dun and Bradstreet Number (DUNS) of the applicant.
Beginning October 1, 2003, all applicants for Federal grant funding
opportunities are required to include a DUNS number with their
application. See OMB Notice of Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR 38402 (June
27, 2003). Applicants' DUNS number is to be entered into Block 8 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. To obtain a DUNS number call 1-866-705-5711 or access
the following web site: http://www.dunandbradstreet.com/.
Requests for exemption from the DUNS number requirement must be
made to the Office of Management and Budget. If no DUNS number is
provided

[[Page 18685]]

then the grant application will be considered non-responsive.
(2) Standard Form SF-424A ``Budget Information Sheet'' (Appendix B)
must be included;
(3) As an attachment to SF-424A, the applicant must provide a
detailed cost breakout 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;
The Budget Narrative must include, at a minimum:
Personnel Costs--Applicants must provide a breakout of all
personnel costs by position, title, annual salary rates, and percent of
time of each position to be devoted to the proposed project (including
sub-grantees) by completing the ``Direct Cost Descriptions for
Applicants and Sub-Applicants'' form (Appendix E);
Fringe Benefits--Applicants must provide an explanation
and breakout of extraordinary fringe benefit rates and associated
charges (i.e., rates exceeding 35% of salaries and wages);
Explanation of Costs and Methodologies--Applicants must
provide an explanation of the purpose and composition of, and
methodology used to derive the costs of each of the following:
Personnel, fringe, travel, equipment, supplies, sub-awards/contracts,
and any other costs. The applicant must include costs of any required
travel described in this Solicitation. Planned travel expenditures may
not exceed 5% of the total HVRP funds requested. Mileage charges may
not exceed 44.5 cents per mile or the current Federal rate;
Follow-Up Services--Applicants must describe all
associated costs for obtaining and retaining participant information
pertinent to the follow-up services at 90-, 180-, and 270-days after
the program performance period ends. In addition, if State Unemployment
Insurance data will be used to substantiate applicants follow-up
results, it is suggested that the applicant include any official
Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) or other formalized agreements that
enable the applicant to obtain such information.
Equipment Purchases--Applicants must provide a
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 of $5,000
or more per unit must be specifically identified.
Other Funds--Applicants are to describe other funding
sources to include matching funds, leveraged funds, and in-kind
services. Matching funds are not required for HVRP grants, however are
encouraged. When resources such as matching funds, leveraged funds,
and/or the value of in-kind contributions are made available, please
describe in Section B of the Budget Information Sheet.
(4) A completed Assurance and Certification signature page
(Appendix C) (signed in blue ink) must be submitted;
(5) All applicants must submit evidence of satisfactory financial
management capability, which must include recent (within the last 18
months) grant specific financial and/or audit statements (does not
count towards the 75 page limitation). All successful grantees and sub-
awardee(s) are required to utilize Generally Accepted Accounting
Practices (GAAP), maintain a separate accounting for these grant funds,
and have a checking account;
(6) All applicants must include, as a separate appendix, a list of
all employment and training government grants and contracts that they
have had in the past three (3) years, including grant/contract officer
contact information (this is included in the 75 page limitation). VETS
reserves the right to have a DOL representative review and verify this
data;
(7) A completed Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants
(Appendix F) must be provided.

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 5 p.m.
ET, May 14, 2007, will not be considered unless it is received before
the award is made and:
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; or
It was sent by registered or certified mail not later than
the fifth calendar day before May 14, 2007; or
It was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day
Service-Post Office to Addressee, not later than 5:00 p.m. at the place
of mailing two (2) working days, excluding weekends and Federal
holidays, prior to May 14, 2007.
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 will 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. Applications cannot be
accepted by e-mail or facsimile machine.
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
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.
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.
All applicants are advised that U.S. mail delivery in the
Washington, DC area has been erratic due to security concerns. 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.

4. Intergovernmental Review

Not Applicable.

5. Funding Restrictions

A. Proposals exceeding $200,000 that serve Non-Urban areas and
$300,000 that serve Urban areas will be considered non-responsive and
will not be evaluated.
B. There is a limit of one (1) application per submitting
organization

[[Page 18686]]

and physical location serving the same HVRP participant population. If
two (2) original applications from the same organization for the same
physical location serving the same HVRP participant population are
submitted, the application with the later date will be considered as
non-responsive. Please do not submit duplicate original grant
applications as only one (1) grant application will be considered for
funding purposes.
C. Due to the limited availability of funding, if an organization
was awarded Fiscal Year 2005 or Fiscal Year 2006 HVRP funds for a
specific physical location serving the same HVRP participant population
and will be applying for second and possible third year funding in PY
2007, then that organization at that specific physical location serving
the same HVRP participant population will be considered ineligible to
compete for a new grant using PY 2007 HVRP funds. Therefore, due to the
limited funding availability, we are unable to award more than one (1)
HVRP grant per organization at a specific physical location serving the
same HVRP participant population. A separate Director's Memorandum will
be issued for grantees that are eligible to apply for second and third
optional year funding that includes detailed instructions on how to
apply for these funds.
D. There will not be reimbursement of pre-award costs unless
specifically agreed upon in writing by the Department of Labor.
E. Entities described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue
Code that engage in lobbying activities are not eligible to receive
funds under this announcement because Section 18 of the Lobbying
Disclosure Act of 1995, Public Law No. 104-65, 109 Stat. 691, prohibits
the award of Federal funds to these entities.
F. Limitations on Administrative and Indirect Costs.
Administrative costs, which consist of all direct and indirect
costs associated with the supervision and management of the program,
are limited to and may not exceed 20% of the total grant award.
Indirect costs claimed by the applicant must be based on a
federally approved rate. A copy of the current negotiated approved and
signed indirect cost negotiation agreement must be submitted with the
application. Furthermore, indirect costs are considered a part of
administrative costs for HVRP purposes and, therefore, may not exceed
20% of the total grant award.
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 within 90 days of grant award with the
appropriate DOL Regional Office of Cost Determination or with the
applicant's cognizant agency for indirect cost rates (See Office of
Management and Budget Web site at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/attach.html.
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.

V. Application Review Information:

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

Applications may receive up to 110 total points based on the
following criteria:
A. Need for the Project: 10 Points
The applicant will document the need for this project, as
demonstrated by:
(1) The potential number or concentration of homeless individuals
and homeless veterans in the proposed project area relative to other
similar areas; (2) the rates of poverty and unemployment in the
proposed project area as determined by the census or other surveys; and
(3) the extent of the gaps in the local infrastructure to effectively
address the employment barriers that characterize the target
population.
B. Overall Strategy To Increase Employment and Retention in Employment:
35 Points [and up to 10 additional points (for a total of 45 points) if
overall strategy includes an approach for addressing barriers to
employment faced by chronically homeless veterans as described below.]
The application must include a description of the approach to
providing comprehensive employment and training services, including
outreach, pre-enrollment assessment, job training, job development,
obtaining employer commitments to hire, placement, and post-placement
follow-up services. Applicants must address how they will target
occupations that are locally in demand with career growth potential and
that will provide wages to ensure self-sufficiency for the participant.
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. At least 80% of participants must participate in training
activities. A description of the relationship with other employment and
training programs delivered through the One-Stop Career Center System
must be specified. Applicants 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 (does
not count towards the 75 page limitation). In addition, if State
Unemployment Insurance data will be used to substantiate the
applicant's follow-up results, it is suggested that the applicant
include any official MOUs or other formalized agreement that enables
the applicant to obtain such information (does not count towards the 75
page limitation).
Additional Points (referenced in the Heading to Section B): Up to
an additional 10 points under this section will be awarded to grant
proposals that focus some of their effort on addressing the barriers to
employment faced by chronically homeless veterans. A veteran who is
``chronically homeless'' is an unaccompanied homeless individual with a
``disabling condition'' who has either been continuously homeless for a
year or more, OR who has had at least four (4) episodes of homelessness
in the past three (3) years. A disabling condition is defined as a
diagnosable substance use disorder, serious mental illness,
developmental disability, or chronic physical illness or disability
including the co-occurrence of two or more of these conditions. A
``disabling condition'' limits an individual's ability to work or
perform one or more activities of daily living.

Note: The applicant must complete the Recommended Format for
Common Measures Planned Quarterly Technical Performance Goals
(Appendix D), with proposed programmatic outcomes, including
participants served, placement/entered employments and job retention
or a similar document containing the same information and if not,
the grant application will be considered non-responsive and will not
be evaluated.

C. Quality and Extent of Linkages With Other Providers of Services to
the Homeless and to Veterans: 20 Points
The application must provide information on the quality and extent
of the linkages this program will have with employers, educational
providers, and other providers of services to homeless veterans in the
local community including faith-based and community organizations. 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

[[Page 18687]]

extent possible, how the project would be incorporated into the local
community's continuum of care approach and the local community's ten
(10) year plan to end homelessness, if applicable (see Interagency
Council on Homelessness Web page at www.ich.gov for additional
information). Describe how the proposed project links to the
appropriate State Workforce Agency and One-Stop Career Center(s)
including coordination and collaboration with DVOP/LVER and other One-
Stop Career Center staff, HUD, HHS, DVA, educational institutions, and
other local community-based programs and the services that will be
provided as necessary on behalf of the homeless veteran participants to
be served.
D. Demonstrated Capability in Providing Required Program Services,
Including Programmatic 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 number of enrollments, number of
participants that entered employment, cost per placement into
employment, 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 18 months) grant specific financial statement
and/or audit (does not count towards the 75 page limitation). Final or
most recent financial and technical performance reports for other
relevant programs must be submitted, if applicable. Because prior HVRP
experience is not a requirement for this grant, applicants may have
other similar type programmatic performance reports to submit as
evidence of experience in operating other employment and training type
programs.
E. Quality of Overall Housing Strategy: 10 Points
The application must demonstrate how the applicant proposes to
obtain or access resources for participants in the program and
participants entering into the labor force. This discussion should
specify the provisions made to access temporary, transitional, and
permanent housing for participants through various community resources
such as HUD, DVA Grant and Per Diem Program, and other locally funded
housing programs. HVRP funds may not be used for emergency,
transitional, or permanent housing purposes or purchasing or leasing of
vehicles.

2. Review and Selection Process

Grant applications will be reviewed by a Department of Labor grant
review panel using the point scoring system specified above in Section
V(1). Urban and Non-Urban applications will be evaluated against the
same criteria. The grant review panel will assign a score after
objectively and carefully evaluating each responsive grant application
and all responsive grant applications will be ranked based on this
score. The ranking will be the primary basis to identify applicants as
potential grantees. The grant review panel will establish a competitive
range, based upon the proposal evaluation, for the purpose of selecting
qualified applicants. For this solicitation, the minimum acceptable
score for consideration is 70, but the competitive range may be set
higher.
The grant review panel will have the authority and expertise to
compare the goals of applications in the competitive range, to consider
any information that comes to their attention, to form an opinion on
what is most advantageous to the government and to judge allowed costs,
cost-per-placement, and other goals. The Assistant Secretary for
Veterans' Employment and Training and Grant Officer will make a final
selection based on the grant review panel findings, grant application
scores, geographical presence of the applicants, existing grants, and
the areas to be served. We reserve the right to select a lower scoring
application from one category (urban or non-urban) over a higher rated
application from the other category if the Grant Officer or Assistant
Secretary determines it is necessary to achieve an appropriate mix of
urban and non-urban projects. The grant review panel's conclusions are
advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer.
The grant review panel and Grant Officer will screen all applicant
cost proposals to ensure expenses are allocable, allowable, and
reasonable. Determinations of allowable costs will be made in
accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles, e.g. Non-Profit
Organizations--OMB Circular A-122. Unallowable costs are those charges
to a grant that a grantor agency or its representatives determined not
to be allowed in accordance with the applicable Federal Cost Principles
or other conditions contained in the grant. If the grant review panel
and Grant Officer conclude that the cost proposal contains an
expense(s) that is not allocable, allowable, and/or reasonable, the
Grant Officer may request a revision of the application for funding.
Further, the grant review panel will consider applicant information
concerning the proposed cost per placement, percentage of participants
who enter unsubsidized employment, average wage at placement, and 90-,
180-, and 270-day retention in employment percentages. The national
average cost per placement for HVRP for last year was $2,200.
The Government reserves the right to ask the applicant for
clarification on any aspect of a grant application. The Grant Officer
may consult with the Department of Labor staff on any potential grantee
and/or sub-awardee(s) concerns. The Grant Officer's determination for
award under SGA 07-07 is the final agency action. The
submission of the same proposal from any prior year HVRP competition
does not guarantee an award under this Solicitation.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Announcement of this award is expected to occur by June 20, 2007.
The grant agreement will be awarded by no later than July 1, 2007.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

A. The Notice of Award signed by the Grant Officer is the
authorizing document and will be provided through postal mail and/or by
electronic means to the authorized representative listed on the SF-424
Grant Application. Notice that an organization has been selected as a
grant recipient does not constitute final approval of the grant
application as submitted. Before the actual grant award, the Grant
Officer and/or the Grant Officer's Technical Representative 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. Please
note: Grant award occurs only after the prospective grantee and the
Grant Officer signs the Grant award document.
B. A post-award conference will be held for those grantees awarded
PY 2007 HVRP funds through this competition. The post-award conference

[[Page 18688]]

is expected to be held in August 2007 and up to two (2) grant recipient
representatives must be present. The site of the post-award conference
has not yet been determined, however, for planning and budgeting
purposes, applicants should allot four (4) days and use Denver, CO as
the conference site. The post-award conference will focus on providing
information and assistance on reporting, recordkeeping, grant
requirements, and also include networking opportunities to learn of
best practices from more experienced and successful grantees and sub-
awardee(s). Costs associated with attending this conference for up to
two (2) grantee representatives will be allowed as long as they are
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 Requirements

All grantees and sub-awardees must comply with the provisions of
Title 38 U.S.C. and its regulations, as applicable.
A. Administrative Program Requirements
All grantees and sub-awardees, including faith-based and community
organizations, will be subject to applicable Federal laws (including
provisions of appropriations law), regulations, and the applicable
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars. The grant(s) awarded
under this SGA will be subject to the following administrative
standards and provisions, if applicable:
29 CFR part 2--General Participation in Department of
Labor Programs by Faith-Based and Community Organizations; Equal
Treatment of All Department of Labor Program Participants and
Beneficiaries.
29 CFR part 30--Equal Employment Opportunity in
Apprenticeship and Training.
29 CFR part 31--Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted
Programs of the Department of Labor--Effectuation of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964.
29 CFR part 32--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap
in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance.
29 CFR part 33--Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the
Basis of Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department
of Labor.
29 CFR part 35--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age in
Programs and Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from the
Department of Labor.
29 CFR part 36--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Assistance.
29 CFR part 37--Implementation of the Nondiscrimination
and Equal Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of
1998.
29 CFR part 93--New Restrictions on Lobbying.
29 CFR part 94--Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free
Workplace (Financial Assistance).
29 CFR part 95--Grants and Agreements with Institutions of
Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non-Profit Organizations, and
with Commercial Organizations.
29 CFR part 96--Audit Requirements for Grants, Contracts
and Other Agreements.
29 CFR part 97--Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
29 CFR part 98--Government-wide Debarment and Suspension
(Non procurement).
29 CFR part 99--Audit of States, Local Governments, and
Non-Profit Organizations.
Applicable cost principles and audit requirements under
OMB Circulars A-21, A-87, A-110, A-122, A-133, and 48 CFR part 31.
In accordance with Section 18 of the Lobbying Disclosure
Act of 1995, Public Law 104-65 (2 U.S.C. 1611), non-profit entities
incorporated under 501(c)(4) that engage in lobbying activities are not
eligible to received Federal funds and grants.
38 U.S.C. Section 4215--Requirements for priority of
service for veterans in all Department of Labor training programs.

3. Electronic Reporting

All HVRP grantees will enter data and electronically attach their
quarterly technical performance, success stories, etc. into the U.S.
Department of Labor, Veterans' Employment and Training Service,
Outcomes and Performance Accountability Reporting (VOPAR) System and
SF-269 Financial Status Report data into the DOL E-Grants System
according to the reporting requirements and timetables described below.
Note: VETS has requested that the two separate reporting systems for
grantee programmatic and financial performance (VOPAR and E-Grants) be
linked for seamless grantee reporting and it is expected to be
completed during PY 2007.
A. Quarterly Financial Reports
No later than 30 days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter,
the grantee must report outlays, program income, and other financial
information on a Federal fiscal quarterly basis using SF-269, Financial
Status Report and submit a copy of the HHS/PMS 272 draw down report.
These financial reports must be data entered into the E-Grants system
and must cite the assigned grant number.
B. Quarterly Program Reports
No later than 30 days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter,
grantees must submit a Quarterly Technical Narrative Performance Report
into VOPAR that contains the following:
(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to planned 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: Identification of
corrective action that will be taken to meet the planned goals, if
required; and a timetable for accomplishment of the corrective action.
C. 90-Day Final Performance Report
No later than 120 days after the grant performance expiration date,
the grantee must electronically submit to the VOPAR and E-Grants
Reporting Systems a final report showing results and performance as of
the 90th day after the grant period, and containing the following:
(1) Final Financial Status Report SF-269 (that zeros out all
unliquidated obligations); and
(2) Final Technical Performance Report comparing goals vs. actual
performance levels.
D. 180-Day Follow-Up Report
No later than 210 days after the grant performance expiration date,
the grantee must electronically submit to the VOPAR and E-Grants
Reporting Systems a Follow-Up Report showing results and performance as
of the 180th day after the grant expiration date, and containing the
following:
(1) Final Financial Status Report SF-269 Long Form (if not
previously submitted); and
(2) 180-Day Follow-Up Report identifying:
(a) The total number of veterans who entered employment during the
entire grant period;
(b) The number of veterans who retained employment as defined under
Common Measures at the 90 and 180 day follow-up periods;
(c) If the veterans are still employed at the same or similar job,
and if not, what are the reason(s);

[[Page 18689]]

(d) Whether training received was applicable to jobs held;
(e) Participant average hourly and weekly wages at the 90- and 180-
day follow-up periods;
(f) An explanation of why those veterans entered employment 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.
E. 270-Day Follow-Up Performance Report
No later than 300 days after the grant performance expiration date,
the grantee must electronically submit to the VOPAR and E-Grants
Reporting Systems a Follow-up Report showing results and performance as
of the 270th day after the grant period, and containing the following:
(a) The total number of veterans who entered employment during the
entire grant period;
(b) The number of veterans who retained employment as defined under
Common Measures at the 90-, 180- and 270-day follow-up periods;
(c) If the veterans are still employed at the same or similar job,
and if not, what are the reason(s);
(d) Whether training received was applicable to jobs held;
(e) Participant average hourly and weekly wages at the 90-, 180-,
and 270-day follow-up periods;
(f) An explanation of why those veterans entered employment 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.
Agency Contact: All questions regarding this SGA should be directed
to Cassandra Mitchell, e-mail address: [email protected], at
tel: (202) 693-4570 (note this is not a toll-free number). To obtain
further information on the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program of
the U.S. Department of Labor, visit the USDOL website of the Veterans'
Employment and Training Service at www.dol.gov/vets. Individuals with
hearing impairments may call (800) 670-7008 (TTY/TDD).

VII. Other Information

A. Acknowledgement of USDOL Funding

1. Printed Materials: In all circumstances, the following must be
displayed on printed materials prepared by the grantee while in receipt
of DOL grant funding: ``Preparation of this item was funded by the
United States Department of Labor under Grant No. [insert the
appropriate grant number].''
All printed materials must also include the following
notice: ``This document does not necessarily reflect the views or
policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade
names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the
U.S. Government.''
2. Public references to grant: When issuing statements, press
releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations, and other
documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part
with Federal money, all grantees receiving Federal funds must clearly
state:
The percentage of the total costs of the program or
project, which will be financed with Federal money;
The dollar amount of Federal financial assistance for the
project or program; and
The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the
project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.

B. Use of USDOL Logo

Prior to the use of the USDOL Logo, the Grant Officer must approve
such use.
In addition, once approval is given the following guidance is
provided:
The USDOL logo may be applied to USDOL-funded material
prepared for distribution, including posters, videos, pamphlets,
research documents, national survey results, impact evaluations, best
practice reports, and other publications of global interest. The
grantee(s) must consult with USDOL on whether the logo may be used on
any such items prior to final draft or final preparation for
distribution. In no event will the USDOL logo be placed on any item
until USDOL has given the Grantee permission to use the logo on the
item.
All documents must include the following notice: ``This
documentation does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the
U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial
products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.''
C. OMB Information Collection No 1205-0458, Expires September 30,
2009. According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are
required to respond to a collection of information unless such
collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden
for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 hours per
response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing
data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing
and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding
the burden estimated or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the
U.S. Department of Labor, to the attention of Cassandra Mitchell, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room S-4307, Washington, DC 20210.
This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a
grant. The information collected through this ``Solicitation for Grant
Applications'' will be used by the Department of Labor to ensure that
grants are awarded to the applicant best suited to perform the
functions of the grant. Submission of this information is required in
order for the applicant to be considered for award of this grant.
Unless otherwise specifically noted in this announcement, information
submitted in the respondent's application is not considered to be
confidential.
Resources for the Applicant: The Department of Labor maintains a
number of web-based resources that may be of assistance to applicants.
The webpage for the USDOL VETS at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/main.htm is
a valuable source of information including the program highlights and
brochures, glossary of terms, frequently used acronyms, general and
special grant provisions, power point presentations on how to apply for
HVRP funding, On-Site Monitoring Visits, etc. The Interagency Council
on Homeless at webpage www.ich.gov has information from various
departments that assist homeless persons including updated information
on local community ten (10) year plans to end homelessness and
continuum of care plans. America's Service Locator webpage at
www.servicelocator.org provides a directory of our nation's One-Stop
Career Centers and www.workforce3one.org is another Department of Labor
resource site. The National Association of Workforce Boards maintains a
webpage at www.nawb.org/asp/wibdir.asp that contains contact
information for the State and local Workforce Investment Boards.
Applicants may also review ``VETS' Guide to Competitive and
Discretionary Grants'' located at webpage http://www.dol.gov/vets/grants/Final_VETS_Guide-linked.pdf. For a basic understanding of the
grants process and basic responsibilities of receiving Federal grant
support, please see ``Guidance for Faith-Based and Community
Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government'' at webpages
www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci and www.dol.gov/cfbci,

[[Page 18690]]

Also, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans webpage at
www.nchv.org.
Appendices: (Located on U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans'
Employment and Training Service webpage www.dol.gov/vets follow link
for the applicable SGA listed under announcements.)

Appendix A: Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
Appendix B: Budget Information Sheet SF-424A
Appendix C: Assurances and Certifications Signature Page
Appendix D: Recommended Format for Planned Common Measures Quarterly
Technical Performance Goals
Appendix E: Direct Cost Descriptions for Applicants and Sub-Applicants
Appendix F: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants
Appendix G: List of 75 Largest Cities Nationwide
Appendix H: Common Measures Technical Assistance Guide (TAG) for
Competitive Grantees

Lisa Harvey,
Grant Officer.
[FR Doc. E7-7024 Filed 4-12-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-79-P