DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Initiative
Solicitation for Grant Applications
Announcement Type: New. Notice of solicitation for grant applications.
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY-05-04.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFDA Number: 17.261.
Key Dates: Applications are due by January 5, 2006. A Virtual Prospective Applicant
Conference will be held for this grant competition on December 7, 2005. Access
information for the Prospective Applicant Conference will be posted on the U.S.
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (DOL/ETA) Web site
at http://www.doleta.gov.
Summary: In the new global economy, talent development is a key factor in our nation’s
economic competitiveness. To stay ahead of global competition, we must identify
strategies to further integrate workforce and economic development with education at
the regional level – where companies, workers, researchers, entrepreneurs and
governments come together to create a competitive advantage.
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) fully supports the development
of a regional, integrated approach to workforce and economic development and
education. To further this goal, we are announcing the Workforce Innovation in
Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Initiative. The initiative will provide
regions with funding and ongoing technical assistance and support from a cadre of
experts to implement a transformational approach to their workforce and economic
development systems at the regional level.
The WIRED Initiative will take place over the course of three years. It is anticipated
that individual grant awards will be in the range of $5 million per year for up to three
years. The Department reserves the right to award grants at either higher or lower
amounts. Eight to ten regions will be selected to participate. Only Governors may
apply on behalf of regions within their states. Joint application submissions for regions
that cross state lines are also encouraged.
By participating in the WIRED Initiative, regions will be empowered to implement
ground-breaking strategies that will result in their workforce investment system
becoming a key component of their region’s economic development strategy. The
1
ultimate goal of the WIRED Initiative is to expand employment and advancement
opportunities for American workers and catalyze the creation of high-skill and highwage opportunities.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION – This solicitation provides background
information on the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED)
Initiative and critical elements required of projects funded under the solicitation. It also
describes the application submission requirements, the process that eligible applicants
must use to apply for funds covered by this solicitation, and how grantees will be
selected. This announcement consists of seven parts:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Part I provides background information on the WIRED Initiative.
Part II describes the size and nature of the anticipated awards.
Part III describes who qualifies as an eligible applicant.
Part IV provides information on the application and submission process.
Part V explains the review process and rating criteria that will be used to
evaluate applications for funding.
Part VI provides award administration information.
Part VII contains DOL agency contact information.
Part I. Funding Opportunity Description
Background
The world is now witnessing one of the greatest economic transformations in
history. The twin revolutions of technology and information have ushered in the
era we know as globalization. This era is marked by tremendous advances in
communications, travel, and trade allowing individuals instant access to
commerce from almost anywhere in the world.
Although global competition is typically seen as a national challenge, the front
lines of the battlefield are regional – where companies, workers, researchers,
entrepreneurs and governments come together to create a competitive advantage
in the global economy. That advantage stems from the prosperity-creating
power of innovation—the ability to transform new ideas and new knowledge
into advanced, high-quality products or services.
Regions like San Diego, California; the Research Triangle in North Carolina; and
the Greater Austin region of Texas have been successful in creating a competitive
advantage precisely because they have connected three key elements:
1) Workforce development and life-long learning strategies;
2) Investment and entrepreneurial strategies; and,
3) Regional economic development strategies.
2
While some regions of the country have thrived as a result of globalization,
others have struggled to compete, particularly those with an economy based on
manufacturing or other trade-impacted industries. These regions are being
forced to revitalize and reinvent themselves. Regions recently impacted by
hurricanes and other natural disasters will also have to rebuild and transform
their economies. Workforce development is a key driver in this process, and
innovative approaches to workforce development that go beyond traditional
strategies are needed in order for regions to adequately compete both within the
United States and globally.
Many regions have made considerable progress in integrating talent and skills
development into their larger economic strategies, and in transforming their
workforce development, economic development, and education systems into one
comprehensive system which is both flexible and responsive to the needs of
businesses and workers. However, the Department of Labor recognizes the
ongoing importance of supporting regions that need additional technical and
financial assistance to achieve these goals.
WIRED Initiative
The WIRED Initiative will help participating regions move to the next level of
system innovation and transformation by providing funding, technical
assistance, and access to a cadre of experts. The ultimate goal of the WIRED
Initiative is to expand employment and advancement opportunities for
American workers and catalyze the creation of high-skill and high-wage
opportunities in the context of regional economies.
Flexibility to design a system capable of fueling regional economic
competitiveness is a key component of the WIRED Initiative. Under current
legislative authority, states and regions have access to an array of flexibility
provisions which give them the opportunity to tailor service delivery and
program design to fit the unique characteristics of their area. Too frequently, this
flexibility is underutilized. As part of this initiative, the Department of Labor
will work with participating states and regions to maximize the potential of these
existing provisions which include waiver authority and Work-Flex authority
under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. The Department of Labor
will also facilitate appropriate and available flexibility sought from other federal
agencies.
Regional Approach
Another important component of the WIRED Initiative is the recognition that
economic regions do not typically correspond to state, county, local workforce
investment area, or municipal boundaries. Similarly, state boundaries do not
3
always match labor market areas as evidenced by New York’s tri-state area or the
greater Kansas City area, among others. The WIRED Initiative will focus on
labor market areas that are comprised of multiple jurisdictions within a state or
across state borders.
A key to success under this initiative will be the quality and strength of the
regional partnership. The regional partnership should be a strong team
composed of regional civic, business, investor, academic, entrepreneurial and
philanthropic leaders. Governors are asked to submit an application on behalf of
the regional partnership. State officials have a critical role to play in this effort by
providing leadership and helping to facilitate an environment that is conducive
to innovation. At the same time, community leaders from a variety of fields
must invest in this process and be dedicated to taking the necessary action steps.
Technical Assistance
Throughout the WIRED Initiative, participating states and regions will receive
ongoing intensive technical assistance crafted to meet their specific needs. The
WIRED Initiative will also include extensive peer to peer contact. Quarterly
meetings of all regional teams will be held to give teams the opportunity to share
challenges and best practices. At the quarterly meetings, regional teams will
work with experts from the workforce, education, and economic development
communities, in addition to leaders from the private sector and the innovation
community (e.g., high-tech business leaders, university presidents, research lab
directors). The U.S. Department of Commerce will collaborate with the
Department of Labor on this initiative. By participating in the WIRED Initiative,
economic regions will benefit from the expertise of all participating
organizations.
A report on operational best practices generated by the regions as well as
implementation tool kits for specific successful programs will be compiled and
disseminated widely to the workforce and economic development communities,
so that all regions, even those not selected to participate, will benefit from the
WIRED Initiative.
Part II. Award Information
1.
Award Amount
ETA intends to fund eight to ten projects. Each competitively selected project
will be funded at approximately $5 million per year, for up to three years.
However, this does not preclude funding decisions above or below this amount,
or funding a smaller or larger number of projects, based on the number and
quality of submissions. These grants will be funded with H-1B fees as
4
authorized under Sec. 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce
Improvement Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-277, title IV), as amended.
2.
Period of Performance
The period of performance will be 36 months from the date of execution of the
grant documents. The Department may approve a request for a no-cost
extension to grantees for an additional period of time based on the success of the
project and other relevant factors.
Part III. Eligibility Information
1.
Eligible Applicants
State Governors (for the purpose of this application the definition of State
Governor includes the Governor of Puerto Rico and the Mayor of the District of
Columbia) are the eligible applicants for the WIRED Initiative. The Governor
must submit an application on behalf of a specific, defined multi-county regional
team of public and private partners. The application must clearly identify the
entity that will be the grant recipient with responsibility for administering the
project on the Governor’s behalf and serving as the grant’s fiscal agent. The
application must also identify all project partners, specify their role, and identify
the geographic region covered.
Joint applications for regions that cross state lines will be accepted, and must be
jointly submitted by the Governors of all impacted states. All participating
Governors must sign the joint application, and the application must designate an
entity as the grant recipient. The designated government entity will be
responsible for administering the project and serving as its fiscal agent.
Each Governor is permitted to submit up to three applications for regional or
cross-state regional teams.
2.
Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not required for eligibility;
however, applicants are encouraged to leverage the resources of all strategic
partners whenever possible.
3.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Administrative Costs. The administrative cost limit for each project will be
negotiated at the time of award.
5
Distribution Rights. Selected applicants must agree to give ETA the right to use
and distribute all materials developed with grant funds such as training models,
curriculum, technical assistance products, etc. Materials developed with grant
resources are in the public domain; therefore, ETA has the right to use, reuse,
modify, and distribute all grant-funded materials and products to any interested
party, including broad distribution to the public workforce investment system
via the Internet or other means.
Legal rules pertaining to inherently religious activities by organizations that
receive Federal financial assistance. The government is generally prohibited
from providing direct Federal financial assistance for inherently religious
activities. See 29 CFR part 2, subpart D. Grants under this solicitation may not
be used for religious instruction, worship, prayer, proselytizing, or other
inherently religious activities. Neutral, non-religious criteria that neither favor
nor disfavor religion will be employed in the selection of grant recipients and
must be employed by grantees in the selection of sub-recipients.
Part IV. Application and Submission Information
1.
Address to Request Application Package
This announcement includes all information and forms needed to apply for this
funding opportunity.
2.
Content and Form of Application Submission
Each application must include the original signed application and two hard
copies. The proposal must consist of two separate and distinct parts, Part A –
Financial Proposal and Part B – Technical Proposal. Both parts must be
included in each copy of a complete application. Applications that fail to adhere
to the instructions in this section will be deemed non-responsive and will not be
considered for funding.
Part A – Financial Proposal includes the following two items:
1. Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 (available at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/sf424.pdf.) The SF-424 must clearly identify
the applicant and be signed by an individual with authority to enter into a grant
agreement on behalf of the applicant. Upon confirmation of an award, the
individual signing the SF-424 on behalf of the applicant shall represent the
responsible entity. All applications for Federal grant and funding opportunities
are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number. See OMB Notice of
6
Final Policy Issuance, 68 FR 38402 (June 27, 2003). Applicants must supply their
DUNS number in item #5 of SF-424 (Rev. 9-2003). The DUNS number is easy to
obtain and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access
www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711.
2. Budget Information Form SF-424A (available at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/sf424a.pdf.) In addition to preparing the
Budget Information form, the applicant must provide a concise narrative
explanation to support the request. The budget narrative must break down the
budget by deliverable and should discuss precisely how the administrative costs
support the project goals.
Part B – Technical Proposal
The technical proposal must demonstrate the applicant’s capabilities to plan and
implement a demonstration project under the WIRED Initiative in accordance
with the selection criteria. The Technical Proposal is limited to 20 double-spaced,
single-sided, 8.5-inch-by-11-inch pages with 12-point font and 1-inch margins. In
addition, the applicant may provide resumes, a staffing pattern, statistical
information, and related materials in attachments which may not exceed 10
pages. Letters of commitment from partners may be submitted as attachments
and will not count against the allowable maximum page totals. The applicant
must reference any participating entities in the text of the Technical Proposal.
No cost data or reference to prices should be included in the Technical Proposal.
The following information is required as part of the Technical Proposal:
•
•
•
•
A table of contents listing the application sections;
A two-page abstract summarizing the proposed project and applicant profile
information including: (1) applicant name; (2) project title; (3) key strategies
for integrating workforce development, economic development, and
education, with the end goal of transforming the regional economy; (4)
strategic partnership members; and (5) requested funding level.
A timeline outlining project activities; and
A project description addressing the WIRED selection criteria.
Please note that the table of contents, the abstract, and the timeline are not
included in the 20-page limit. Applications that do not meet these requirements
will not be considered.
7
3.
Submission Dates and Times
The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is January
5, 2006. Applications must be received at the address below no later than 5 p.m.
(Eastern Time), except as identified in the “Late Applications” paragraph below.
Applications sent by e-mail, telegram, or facsimile (fax) will not be honored. No
exceptions to the mailing and delivery requirements set forth in this notice will
be granted.
Mailed applications must be addressed to the U.S. Department of Labor,
Employment and Training Administration, Division of Federal Assistance,
Attention: Ms. Laura Patton Watson, 202-693-3961, Reference SGA/DFA PY 0504, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-4716, Washington, DC 20210.
Applicants are advised that mail delivery in the Washington area may be
delayed due to mail decontamination procedures. Hand-delivered proposals
will be received at the above address.
Applicants may apply online at http://www.grants.gov by the deadline
specified above. Any application received after the deadline will not be
accepted. For applicants submitting electronic applicants via Grants.gov, it is
strongly recommended that you immediately initiate and complete the “Get
Started” steps to register with Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted.
These steps will probably take multiple days to complete which should be
factored into the applicant’s plans for electronic application submission in order
to avoid facing unexpected delays that could result in the rejection of the
application. If submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov,
applicants should save application document as a .doc or .pdf file.
ETA will host a WIRED Virtual Prospective Applicant Conference for this grant
competition on December 7, 2005. The access information for the Prospective
Applicant Conference will be posted on ETA’s Web site at
http://www.doleta.gov.
Late Applications: Any application received after the exact date and time
specified for receipt at the office designated in this notice will not be considered,
unless it is received at the designated office before awards are made and it (a)
was sent by U.S. Postal Service registered or certified mail not later than the fifth
calendar day before the date specified for receipt of applications (e.g., an
application required to be received by the 20th of the month must be postmarked
by the 15th of that month) or (b) was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail or
online to addressee not later than 5 p.m. at the place of mailing or electronic
submission one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of
applications. It is highly recommended that online submissions be completed
8
one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of applicants to ensure
that applicant still has the option to submit by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail in
the event of any electronic submission problems. “Postmarked” means a
printed, stamped, or otherwise placed impression (exclusive of a postage meter
machine impression) that is readily identifiable, without further action, as having
been supplied or affixed on the date of mailing by an employee of the U.S. Postal
Service. Therefore, applicants should request the postal clerk to place a legible
hand cancellation “bull’s eye” postmark on both the receipt and the package.
Failure to adhere to the above instructions will be a basis for a determination of
nonresponsiveness.
4.
Intergovernmental Review
This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order (EO) 12372,
“Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs”.
5.
Funding Restrictions
Determinations of allowable costs will be made in accordance with the applicable
Federal cost principles as indicated in Part VI.2. Disallowed costs are those
charges to a grant that the grantor agency or its representative determines not to
be allowed in accordance with the applicable Federal Cost Principles or other
conditions contained in the grant. As discussed above, only costs that would be
allowable with grant funds may be counted as part of the recipients’ share of
project costs.
6.
Other Submission Requirements
Withdrawal of Applications. Applications may be withdrawn by written notice
or telegram (including Mailgram) received at any time before an award is made.
Applications may be withdrawn in person by the applicant or by an authorized
representative thereof, if the representative signs a receipt for the proposal.
Part V. Application Review Information
Applications must define the region covered by the proposal, describe the
region’s specific economic challenges, demonstrate regional leadership
commitment to the project (top down and bottom up), and propose an integrated
approach to workforce and economic development and education. Applicants
must also demonstrate a commitment to focusing work on economic regions,
versus traditional municipal or state boundaries, and commit to engaging in
learning and best practice sharing with other participating regions across the
nation.
9
1.
Rating Criteria
This section identifies and describes the three criteria that will be used to
evaluate the proposals for the WIRED Initiative: A) Strength of Partnership (30
points); B) Statement of Need (30 points); and C) Strategies for System
Transformation (40 points).
A) Strength of Partnership (30 points) – The applicant must demonstrate that
the strategic partnership is a strong team of regional civic, business, investor,
academic, entrepreneurial and philanthropic leaders.
•
•
•
Partnerships must be representative of the entire region and inclusive enough
to drive a transformation strategy within the region. (Strategic partners
should include change agents representing an array of key interests including
government, academia, business, community development and
entrepreneurship and must have the authority to make capacity and
infrastructure development decisions.)
Applicant must include a comprehensive list of the strategic partners that will
be included in the project and articulate each partner’s role in the project.
Applicant must demonstrate that integration or a high level of coordination
already exists between partners, or that the applicant has the capacity to
quickly establish these links.
Assessment of this criterion will be based on the comprehensiveness of the
partnership and the degree to which each partner plays a committed role.
B) Statement of Need (30 points) – The applicant must articulate the need for
the investment under the WIRED Initiative by demonstrating the presence of
impacted economic elements in the region including, but not limited to: high
worker dislocations, high unemployment rate, low average wages, low high
school graduation rates, and low levels of new job creation.
•
•
•
•
Applicant must describe the economic analysis and resource mapping
conducted to date for the targeted region.
Applicant must describe the economic and labor market conditions that are
driving the need for transformation in the regional area. This description
should include both a narrative discussion of key events such as mass layoffs
and/or natural disasters as well as data displays showing recent trends in
unemployment and job growth.
Applicant must identify the extent to which foreign trade or natural disasters
have impacted the regional economy.
Applicant must identify industries that are declining in the region as well as
industries being targeted for growth and expansion.
10
•
Applicant must describe the efforts undertaken to date to revitalize the
region, including what role the identified partners have played in those
efforts.
Assessment of this criterion will be based on the extent of demonstrated
economic need in the regional area.
C) Strategies for System Transformation (40 points) – The applicant must show
how the region will be taking the current systems and structures supporting
economic growth to the next level by implementing new efforts designed to
drive system integration, innovation and transformation. Strategies should
articulate clear goals and describe how the additional grant resources will enable
the partnership to accomplish the goals. The applicant may focus on one or more
innovative approaches.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Applicant must demonstrate that they have examined strategies to increase
synergy between the workforce, economic development and education
systems.
Applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the region’s projected highgrowth industries and economic sectors.
Applicant must clearly link goals and associated strategies to addressing the
identified workforce and economic development challenges.
Applicant must demonstrate that strategies are built upon and align with
current state and local strategic plans currently in place under the Workforce
Investment Act, the Department of Commerce’s economic development
programs, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s community
development programs, and other applicable federal programs.
Applicant must describe how resources under existing federal, state and local
programs will be aligned in order to advance this effort. This description
should include any existing grants such as: (1) grants awarded under the
President’s High-Growth Job Training Initiative; (2) CommunityDevelopment Block Grants; (3) grants from the Department of Commerce’s
Economic Development Agency; (4) Empowerment Zone/Enterprise
Community designations; and (5) foundation grants focused on workforce
development or economic development.
Applicant may identify federal regulatory and statutory barriers that impede
their reform efforts and identify specific waiver requests pursuant to WIA
sections 189 and / or 192 and the relevant WIA regulations.
Applicant must describe opportunities for small business development.
Applicant must describe strategies for creating connections between research
and business development.
11
•
•
•
•
Applicant must describe how the transformation strategies will be
operationalized and how they will create a lasting impact on the region.
Episodic interventions will not be funded.
Applicant must identify mechanisms to ensure project sustainability both in
terms of financial and systemic sustainability of the reforms.
Applicant must demonstrate the use of state and local public and private,
financial and non-financial, resources that will be dedicated to the project.
Applicant must identify the types of technical assistance needed to
successfully implement reform strategies.
Assessment of this criterion will be based on how well the applicant articulates
the transformation strategies and goals, and how they provide viable solutions to
the economic and workforce challenges identified in the region.
2.
Review and Selection Process
Applications for the WIRED Initiative will be accepted commencing on the date
of publication of this announcement until the closing date and time. A technical
review panel will carefully evaluate applications against the rating criteria
described in Part V. 1, which are based on the policy goals, priorities, and
emphases set forth in this SGA. Up to 100 points may be awarded to an
application, based on the Rating Criteria described in Part V.1. The panel results
are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer. The Grant Officer
may consider any information that comes to his or her attention.
The ranked scores will serve as the primary basis for selection of applications for
funding, in conjunction with other factors such as urban, rural, and geographic
balance; the availability of funds; uniqueness and innovative aspects of the
project; and which proposals are most advantageous to the government. The
government reserves the right to award projects with or without discussions or
negotiations with applicants. Should a grant be awarded without negotiations,
the award will be based on the applicant’s signature on the SF-424, which
constitutes a binding offer.
Part VI. Award Administrative Information
1.
Award Notices
All award notifications will be posted on the ETA homepage at
http://www.doleta.gov.
12
2.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements – Administrative Program
Requirements
All grantees will be subject to all applicable Federal laws (including provisions in
appropriations law), regulations, and the applicable Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) Circulars. The applicants selected under the SGA will be subject
to the following administrative standards and provisions, if applicable:
• Workforce Investment Boards – 20 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Part 667.220 (Administrative Costs).
• Non-Profit Organizations – Office of Management and Budget (OMB
Circulars A-122 (Cost Principles) and 29 CFR Part 95 (Administrative
Requirements).
• Educational Institutions – OMB Circulars A-21 (Cost Principles) and 29
CFR Part 95 (Administrative Requirements).
• State and Local Governments – OMB circulars A-87 (Cost Principles)
and 29 CFR Part 97 (Administrative Requirements).
• All entities must comply with 29 CFR Parts 93 and 98, and where
applicable, 29 CFR Parts 96 and 99.
• 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 Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(4) that engage in lobbying
activities will not be eligible for the receipt of Federal funds and
grants.
• 29 CFR part 2, subpart D--Equal Treatment in Department of Labor
Programs for Religious Organizations; Protection of Religious Liberty
of Department of Labor Social Service Providers 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 and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from 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 or
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 Financial Assistance.
13
•
29 CFR part 37--Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal
Opportunity Provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998
(WIA).
Note: Except as specifically provided in this notice, ETA’s
acceptance of a proposal and award of Federal funds to sponsor
any program(s) does not provide a waiver of any grant
requirements and/or procedures. For example, the OMB Circulars
require that an entity’s procurement procedures must ensure that
all procurement transactions are conducted, as much as practical, to
provide open and free competition. If a proposal identifies a
specific entity to provide services, the ETA’s award does not
provide the justifications or basis to sole-source the procurement,
i.e., avoid competition, unless the activity is regarded as the
primary work of an official partner to the application.
Evaluation Requirements
The Department of Labor will require that selected applicants participate in an
overall evaluation of the WIRED Initiative. The Department will fund a
comprehensive evaluation that will take place throughout the three-year
initiative implementation period. In applying for these grants, states agree to
cooperate in this evaluation. The evaluation will assess the impact of the
initiative on regional prosperity. Impacts will be measured through performance
based outcome metrics and recommendations for ongoing action will be
presented to participating regions based on the performance results.
The following outcomes will be used to assess the impact of the WIRED Initiative
on participating regions:
Improved performance under the Workforce Investment Act and the Trade
Adjustment Assistance Act
Increased training capacity
Increased number of students enrolled in training
Increased job growth
Increased average wage
Reduced unemployment rate
Reduced “Brain Drain”
Increased High School graduation rate
Employer satisfaction
14
As part of the WIRED evaluation, a set of system-based outcomes will also be
tracked throughout the three year implementation period. These will include:
Elimination of redundancies between programs
Elimination of barriers to innovation
Increased efficiency
Increased interdisciplinary collaboration
Increased regional collaboration
Reporting Requirements
As a condition of participation in the WIRED Initiative, successful applicants will
be required to submit performance information as well as Quarterly Financial
Reports, Progress Reports and Final Reports.
Quarterly Financial Reports. A Quarterly Financial Status Report (SF 269) is
required until such time as all funds have been expended or the grant period has
expired. Quarterly financial reports are due 30 days after the end of each
calendar year quarter. Grantees must use ETA’s Online Electronic Reporting
System.
Progress Reports. The grantee must submit a quarterly progress report to the
designated Federal Project Officer within 30 days after the end of each calendar
year quarter. Two copies are to be submitted providing a detailed account of
activities undertaken during that quarter. The Department may require
additional data elements to be collected and reported on either a regular basis or
special request basis. Grantees must agree to meet the Department’s reporting
requirements. The quarterly progress report must be in narrative form and must
include:
1. In-depth information on accomplishments including project success stories,
upcoming grant activities, and promising approaches and processes.
2. Progress toward performance outcomes, including updates on product,
curricula, and training development.
3. Challenges, barriers, or concerns regarding project progress.
4. Lessons learned in the areas of project administration and management,
project implementation, partnership relationships, and other related areas.
Final Report. A draft final report must be submitted no later than 60 days prior
to the expiration date of the grant. This report must summarize project activities,
employment outcomes, and related results of the project, and should thoroughly
15
document the project solution approach. After responding to ETA’s questions
and comments on the draft report, three copies of the final report must be
submitted no later than the grant expiration date. Grantees must agree to use a
designated format specified by the Department to prepare the final report.
Part VII. Agency Contacts
Any technical questions regarding this SGA should be faxed to Ms. Laura Patton
Watson, Chief of the Division of Federal Assistance, Fax number (202) 693-3362
(not a toll-free number). You must specifically address your fax to the attention
of Ms. Laura Patton Watson and should include the following: SGA/DFA PY 0504, a contact name, fax, and telephone number.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Laura Patton Watson, Chief
of the Division of Federal Assistance, at (202) 693-3961 (not a toll-free number).
This announcement is also being made available on http://www.grants.gov.
Signed at Washington, DC, this 17th day of November 2005.
Laura Patton Watson
Grant Officer
Employment and Training Administration
Attachments:
Appendix A: Application for Federal Assistance, SF-424
Appendix B: Budget Information Form, SF-424-A
Appendix C: OMB Survey N.1890-0014: Survey on Ensuring Opportunity for
Applicants
16
