65 Fed. Reg. 41493 (Jul. 5, 2000)

Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Project Competitive Grants for Rural Areas

Federal RegisterJul 5, 2000

65 Fed. Reg. 41493 (Jul. 5, 2000)

AGENCY:

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training.

ACTION:

Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for grant applications for Rural Homeless Veterans Reintegration Projects (SGA 00-02).

SUMMARY:

This notice contains all of the necessary information and forms needed to apply for grant funding. All applicants for grant funds should read this notice in its entirety. The U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) announces a grant competition for Rural Homeless Veterans Reintegration Projects (HVRP) authorized under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Such projects will assist eligible veterans who are homeless by providing employment, training, supportive and transitional housing assistance where possible. Under this solicitation, VETS expects to award up to eight grants in FY 2000.

This notice describes the background, the application process, description of program activities, evaluation criteria, and reporting requirements for Solicitation of Grant Applications (SGA) 00-02. VETS anticipates that up to $1,000,000 will be available for grant awards under this SGA.

The information and forms contained in the Supplementary Information Section of this announcement constitute the official application package for this Solicitation. In order to receive any amendments to this Solicitation which may be subsequently issued, all applicants must register their name and address with the Procurement Services Center. Please send this information as soon as possible, Attention: Grant Officer, to the following address: U. S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210. Please reference SGA 00-02.

DATES:

One (1) ink-signed original, complete grant application (plus three (3) copies of the Technical Proposal and three (3) copies of the Cost Proposal shall be submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210, not later than 4:45 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, August 4, 2000. Hand delivered applications must be received by the Procurement Services Center by that time.

ADDRESSES:

Applications shall be mailed to the U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, Attention: Jeanette Villa, Reference SGA 00-02, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jeanette Villa, U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center, telephone (202) 219-9355 [not a toll free number].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Rural Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project Solicitation

I. Purpose

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) is requesting grant applications for the provision of employment and training services in accordance with the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (MHAA), as reauthorized and codified at Title 38, Chapter 41, Section 4111 (formerly 42 U.S.C 11448 ). These instructions contain general program information, requirements and forms for application for funds to operate a Rural Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project (HVRP).

II. Background

The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, enacted on July 22, 1987, under Title VII, Subtitle C, Section 738 provides that “The Secretary shall 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.” This program was reauthorized under Section 621 of the McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-645) for an additional three years, i.e., through FY 1993. Under the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service Programs Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-590—enacted on November 10, 1992) the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project was reauthorized through Fiscal Year 1995. However, the program was rescinded in FY 1995. Public Law 104-275, dated October 9, 1996, was amended to reauthorize the program through FY 1998. Public Laws 105-41 and 105-114, enacted in 1997, extend the program through FY 1999. Public Law 106-73 dated October 19, 1999, reauthorized and codified at Title 38, Chapter 41, Section 4111 extends the program through FY 2003.

The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project was the first nationwide Federal program that focused on placing homeless veterans into jobs. In accordance with the MHAA, the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training (ASVET) is making approximately $1,000,000 of the funds available to award grants for HVRPs in rural areas and all interested homeless service providers who were ineligible to apply for funding under the HVRP Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA 00-01) that was limited to the largest 75 metropolitan areas in FY 2000.

Bonus points of 15 points will be applied to those proposals for applicants who meet the definition of a rural applicant as specified below in section III., Application Process. The bonus points are to encourage rural eligibles to apply, as homeless resources are extremely limited in these areas. Rural projects are expected to provide valuable information on approaches that work in a rural environment.

III. Application Process

A. Rural Areas

Under this announcement, applications will be accepted from eligible applicants, (as defined in Section B. Of this part), to serve homeless veterans.

The Census Bureau has defined “urban” for the 1990 census as provided below, and territory, population, and housing units not classified as urban constitute “rural.” Most specifically, “urban” consists of territory, persons, and housing units in:

1. Places of 2,500 or more persons incorporated as cities, villages, boroughs (except in Alaska and New York), and towns, (except in the six New England States, New York, and Wisconsin), but excluding the rural portions of “extended cities.”

2. Census designated places of 2,500 or more persons.

3. Other territory, incorporated or unincorporated, included in urbanized areas.

Those not defined as “urban” likely fall into the rural category. Potential applicants are referred to the Geography Division, U.S. Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC 20233, for any questions or clarification on the Census Bureau's definition. It is expected that an applicant's submission under this solicitation will clearly demonstrate the nature of the area to be served.

B. Eligible Applicants

Applications for funds will be accepted from State and local public agencies, Private Industry Councils, and nonprofit organizations as follows:

1. Private Industry Councils (PICS) and/or Workforce Investment Boards (WIBS), Public Law 97-300, are eligible applicants, as well as State and local public agencies. “Local public agency” refers to any public agency of a general purpose political subdivision of a State which has the power to levy taxes and spend funds, as well as general corporate and police powers. (This typically refers to cities and counties). A State agency may propose in its application to serve one or more of the potential jurisdictions located in its State. This does not preclude a city or county agency from submitting an application to serve its own jurisdiction. (Although cities are mentioned in the above explanation, this solicitation is targeting cities within a rural jurisdiction.)

Applicants are encouraged to utilize, through subgrants, experienced public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, and private businesses which have an understanding of the unemployment and homeless problems of veterans, a familiarity with the area to be served, and the capability to effectively provide the necessary services.

2. Also eligible to apply are nonprofit organizations who have operated an HVRP or similar employment and training program for the homeless or veterans; or have proven capacity to manage Federal grants; and have or will provide the necessary linkages with other service providers. Nonprofit organizations will be required to submit with their application recent (within one year) financial audit statements that attest to the financial responsibility of the organization.

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. The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, Public Law No. 104-65, 109 Stat. 691, prohibits the award of Federal funds to these entities if they engage in lobbying activities.

C. Funding Levels

The total amount of funds available for this solicitation is $1,000,000. It is anticipated that up to 8 awards will be made under this solicitation. Awards are expected to range from $75,000 to $125,000. The Federal government reserves the right to negotiate the amounts to be awarded under this competition. Please be advised that requests exceeding the maximum award amount of $125,000 by 15% or more will be considered non-responsive.

D. Period of Performance

The period of performance will be for one year from date of award. It is expected that successful applicants will commence program operations under this solicitation on or before September 1, 2000.

E. Late Proposals

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 Procurement Services Center after 4:45 p.m. EST, August 4, 2000, will not be considered unless it is received before the award is made and:

1. It was sent by registered or certified mail not later than the fifth calendar day before August 4, 2000;

2. 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

3. It was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee, not later than 5:00 pm at the place of mailing two (2) working days, excluding weekends and Federal holidays, prior to August 4, 2000.

The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a late application sent by registered or certified mail is the U.S. Postal Service postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on the original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. If the postmark is not legible, an application received after the above closing time and date shall be processed as if mailed late. “Postmark” means a printed, stamped or otherwise placed impression (not a postage meter machine impression) that is readily identifiable without further action as having been applied and affixed by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service on the date of mailing. Therefore applicants should request that the postal clerk place a legible hand cancellation “bull's-eye” postmark on both the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.

The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a late application sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee is the date entered by the Post Office receiving clerk on the “Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee” label and the postmark on the envelope or wrapper and on the original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. “Postmark” has the same meaning as defined above. Therefore, applicants should request that the postal clerk place a legible hand cancellation “bull's-eye” postmark on both the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.

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 telegram or facsimile (FAX) will not be accepted.

F. Submission of Proposal

A cover letter, an original and three (3) copies of the proposal shall be submitted. The proposal shall consist of two (2) separate and distinct parts:

Part I—Technical Proposal shall consist of a narrative proposal that demonstrates the applicant's knowledge of the need for this particular grant program, its understanding of the services and activities proposed to alleviate the need and its capabilities to accomplish the expected outcomes of the proposed project design. The technical proposal shall consist of a narrative not to exceed fifteen (15) pages double-spaced, typewritten on one side of the paper only. Charts and exhibits are not counted against the page limit. Applicants should be responsive to the Rating Criteria contained in Section VI and address all of the rating factors noted as thoroughly as possible in the narrative. The following format is strongly recommended:

1. Need for the project: the applicant should identify the geographical area to be served and the characteristics of the area; provide an estimate of the number of homeless veterans and their needs, poverty and unemployment rates in the area, and gaps in the local community infrastructure the project would fulfill in addressing the employment and other barriers of the targeted veterans. Include the outlook for job opportunities in the service area.

2. Approach or strategy to increase employment and job retention: The applicant should describe the specific supportive services and employment and training services to be provided under this grant and the sequence or flow of such services. Participant flow charts may be provided. Include a description of the relationship with other employment and training programs such as Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) and the Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) program, and programs under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Please include a plan for follow up of participants who entered employment at 30 and 90 days and also a plan for follow up six months after the end of the ninety day period (See discussion on results in Section V.D.) Please include the chart of proposed performance goals and planned expenditures listed in Appendix D. Although the form itself is not mandatory, the information called for in Appendix D must be provided by the applicant.

3. Linkages with other providers of employment and training services to the homeless and to veterans: Describe what linkages these programs will have with other providers of services to veterans and to the homeless in the community outside of the HVRP grant. List the types of services provided by each. Note the type of agreement in place if applicable. Linkages with the workforce development system [inclusive of WIA and State Employment Security Agencies (SESAs)], non-profit organizations and public agencies (i.e., the Department of Housing and Urban Development and with the Department of Veterans Affairs) resources should be delineated.

4. Organizational capability in providing required program activities: The applicant's relevant current or prior experience in operating employment and training or related programs serving the homeless or veterans should be delineated. (For consideration by panel members, the Government reserves the right to have a representative of the Veterans' Employment and Training Service within your state provide programmatic and fiscal information about applicants and forward those findings to the National Office during the review of applications). Provide information denoting outcomes of past programs in terms of enrollments and placements or other measures of success. Applicants who have operated an HVRP program, or more recent Homeless Veterans Employment and Training (HVET) program should include final or most recent technical performance reports. (This information is subject to verification by the Veterans' Employment and Training Service.) Provide evidence of key staff capability. Non-profit organizations should submit evidence of satisfactory financial management capability including recent financial and/or audit statements.

5. Proposed housing strategy for homeless veterans: Describe how housing resources for homeless veterans in the area may be obtained or accessed. These resources may be from linkages or sources other than the HVRP grant such as HUD, community housing resources, DVA leasing or other programs. The applicant should explain whether HVRP resources will be used and why this is necessary.

Part II—Cost Proposal shall contain the Standard Form (SF) 424, “Application for Federal Assistance,” and the Budget Information Sheet in Appendix B. In addition the budget shall include—on a separate page(s)—a detailed cost break-out of each line item on the Budget Information Sheet. Please label this page or pages the “Budget Narrative.” Also to be included in this Part is the Assurance and Certification Page, Appendix C. Copies of all required forms with instructions for completion are provided as appendices to this solicitation. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program is 17.805, which should be entered on the SF 424, Block 10. In Block 11, please enter the following: Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project. Please show leveraged resources/outside funds and/or the value of in-kind contributions in Section B of the Budget Information Sheet.

Budget Narrative Information: As an attachment to the Budget Information Sheet, the applicant must provide at a minimum, and on separate sheet(s), the following information:

(a) A breakout of all personnel costs by position, title, salary rates and percent of time of each position to be devoted to the proposed project (including subgrantees);

(b) An explanation and breakout of fringe benefit rates and associated charges. Rates exceeding 35% of salaries and wages require justification;

(c) An explanation of the purpose and composition of, and method used to derive the costs of each of the following: travel, equipment, supplies, subgrants/ contracts and any other costs. The applicant should include costs of any required travel described in this Solicitation. Mileage charges shall not exceed 32.5 cents per mile;

(d) 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. Applicants are reminded that equipment purchased is to be used for HVRP purposes only. (HVRP grant funds may not be used for the purchase of motor vehicles); and

(e) Identification of all sources of leveraged or matching funds and an explanation of the derivation of the value of outside/in-kind Services.

(f) In order that the Department of Labor meet legislative requirements, submit a plan along with all costs associated with retaining participant information pertinent to a longitudinal follow up survey for at least six months after the ninety day closeout period.

IV. Participant Eligibility

To be eligible for participation under HVRP, an individual must be homeless and a veteran defined as follows:

A. 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 either a supervised public or private shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations; an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or a private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. (Reference 42 USC 11302 ).

B. The term “veteran” means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. [Reference 38 USC 101(2)]

V. Project Summary

A. Program Concept and Emphasis

The HVRP grants under Section 738 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act are intended to address dual objectives:

Provide services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into the labor force; and stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will seek to address the complex problems facing homeless veterans. These programs are designed to be flexible in addressing the universal as well as local or regional problems barring homeless veterans from the workforce. The program in FY 2000 will continue to strengthen the provision of comprehensive services through a case management approach, the attainment of housing resources for veterans entering the labor force, and strategies for employment and retention.

B. Required Features

1. The HVRP has since its inception featured an outreach component consisting of veterans who have experienced homelessness. In recent years this requirement was modified to allow the projects to utilize formerly homeless veterans in other positions where there is direct client contact if outreach was not needed extensively, such as counseling, peer coaching, intake and follow up. This requirement applies to projects funded under this solicitation.

2. Projects will be required to show linkages with other programs and services which provide support to homeless veterans. Coordination with the Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists in the jurisdiction is required.

3. Projects will be “employment focused.” That is, they will be directed towards (a) increasing the employability of homeless veterans through providing for or arranging for the provision of services which will enable them to work; and (b) matching homeless veterans with potential employers.

C. Scope of Program Design

The HVRP project design should provide or arrange for the following services:

—Outreach, intake, assessment, counseling and employment services. Outreach should, to the degree practical, be provided at shelters, day centers, soup kitchens, and/or other locations particular to the rural environment, and other programs for the homeless. Program staff providing outreach services are to be veterans who have experienced homelessness.

Coordination with veterans' services programs and organizations such as:

—Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) in the State Employment Security/Job Service Agencies (SESAs) or in the newly instituted workforce development system's One-Stop Centers, Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP)

—Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) services, including its Health Care for Homeless Veterans, Domiciliary and other programs, including those offering transitional housing

—Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) services, including its Per Diem Grants program.

—Veteran service organizations such as The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the American Veterans (AMVETS)

Referral to necessary treatment services, rehabilitative services, and counseling including, but not limited to:

—Alcohol and drug

—Medical

—Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

—Mental Health

—Coordinating with MHAA Title VI programs for health care for the homeless

Referral to housing assistance provided by:

—Local shelters

—Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) food and shelter programs

—Transitional housing programs and single room occupancy housing programs funded under MHAA Title IV

—Permanent housing programs for the handicapped homeless funded under MHAA Title IV

—Department of Veterans' Affairs programs that provide for leasing or sale of acquired homes to homeless providers

—Transitional housing leased by HVRP funds (HVRP funds cannot be used to purchase housing)

Employment and training services such as:

—Basic skills instruction

—Basic literacy instruction

—Remedial education activities

—Job search activities

—Job counseling

—Job preparatory training, including resume writing and interviewing skills

—Subsidized trial employment (Work Experience)

—On-the-Job Training

—Classroom Training

—Job placement in unsubsidized employment

—Placement follow up services

—Services provided under JTPA Program Titles

D. Results-Oriented Model

Based on past experience of grantees working with this target group, a workable program model evolved which is presented for consideration by prospective applicants. No model is mandatory, and the applicant should design a program that is responsive to local needs, but will carry out the objectives of the HVRP to successfully reintegrate homeless veterans into the workforce.

With the advent of implementing the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), Congress and the public are looking for results rather than process. While entering employment is a viable outcome, it will be necessary to measure results over a longer term to determine the success of programs. The following program discussion emphasizes that followup is an integral program component.

The first phase of activity consists of the level of outreach that is necessary in the community to reach veterans who are homeless. This may also include establishing contact with other agencies that encounter homeless veterans such as shelters, soup kitchens and other facilities in the rural area. An assessment should be made of the supportive and social rehabilitation needs of the client and referral may take place to services such as drug or alcohol treatment or temporary shelter. When the individual is stabilized, the assessment should focus on the employability of the individual and they are enrolled into the program if they would benefit from pre-employment preparation such as resume writing, job search workshops, related counseling and case management, and initial entry into the job market through temporary jobs, sheltered work environments, or entry into classroom or on-the-job training. Such services should also be noted in an Employability Development Plan so that successful completion of the plan may be monitored by the staff.

Entry into full-time employment or a specific job training program should follow in keeping with the objective of HVRP to bring the participant closer to self-sufficiency. Transitional housing may assist the participant at this stage or even earlier. Job development is a crucial part of the employability process. Wherever possible, DVOP and LVER staff should be utilized for job development and placement activities for veterans who are ready to enter employment or who are in need of intensive case management services. Many of these staff have received training in case management at the National Veterans' Training Institution and have as a priority of focus, assisting those most at a disadvantage in the labor market. VETS urges working hand-in-hand with DVOP/LVER staff to achieve economies of resources.

Follow up to determine if the veteran is in the same or similar job at the 30 day period after entering employment is required and important in keeping contact with the veterans and so that assistance in keeping the job may be provided. The 90 day followup is fundamental to assessing the results of the program interventions. Grantees must reflect the planned expenditure for this activity in the cost proposal so that followup can and will occur for those placed at or near the end of the grant period. Such results will be reported in the final technical performance report. If DVOPs/LVERs are responsible for followup, applicant must explicity state this in their proposal.

VETS emphasizes in its Strategic Plan to implement GPRA that suitable outcomes involve careers, not just jobs. Successful results are achieved when the veteran is in the same or similar job after one or more years. Towards that end, VETS solicits the cooperation of successful applicants to budget for the activity of retaining participant information pertinent to a longitudinal follow up survey, i.e., at least for six months after the ninety day closeout period. Retention of records will be reflected in the Special Provisions at time of award.

E. Related HVRP Program Development Activities

1. Community Awareness Activities. In order to promote linkages between the HVRP program and local service providers (and thereby eliminate gaps or duplication in services and enhance provision of assistance to participants), the grantee must provide project orientation and/or service awareness activities that it determines are the most feasible to local providers of hands-on services to homeless, Federal, State and local entitlement services (such as the Social Security Administration, DVA, HUD, and the local Job Service office(s), and civic and private sector groups to enlist their support for the program.

VI. Rating Criteria for Award

Applications will be reviewed by a DOL panel using the point scoring system specified below in Panel Review Criteria. Applications will be ranked based on the score assigned by the panel after careful evaluation by each panel member. The ranking will be the primary basis to identify approximately 8 applicants as potential grantees.

Although the Government reserves the right to award on the basis of the initial proposal submissions, the Government may establish a competitive range, based upon the proposal evaluation, for the purpose of selecting qualified applicants. The panel's conclusions are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer. The Government reserves the right to ask for clarification or hold discussions, but is not obligated to do so.

The Government further reserves the right to select applicants out of rank order if such a selection would, in its opinion, result in the most effective and appropriate combination of funding, demonstration models, and geographical service areas. While points will not be assessed for cost issues, cost per placement will be given serious consideration in the final determination in the selecting of awardees. The Grant Officer's determination for award under SGA 00-02 is the final agency action.

The submission of the same proposal from any prior year HVRP or HVET competition does not guarantee an award under this Solicitation.

Panel Review Criteria

1. Need for the Project: 15 points. The applicant shall document the extent of 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 of jurisdiction; (2) the high rates of poverty and/or unemployment in the proposed project area as determined by the census or other surveys; and (3) the extent of gaps in the local infrastructure the program would fill to effectively address the employment barriers which characterize the target population in the area.

2. Overall Strategy to Increase Employment and Retention: 30 points. The application must include a description of the proposed approach to providing comprehensive employment and training services, including job training, job development, placement and post placement follow up services. The supportive services to be provided as part of the strategy of promoting job readiness and job retention should be indicated. The applicant should identify the local human resources and sources of training to be used for participants. A description of the relationship, if any, with other employment and training program such as SESAs (DVOP and LVER Programs), Veterans Workforce Investment Programs (VWIP), and Workforce Development Boards or entities where in place, should be presented. It should be indicated how the activities will be tailored or responsive to the needs of homeless veterans in the area. A participant flow chart may be used to show the sequence and mix of services.

Note:

The applicant MUST complete the chart of proposed program outcomes to include participants served, and job retention. (See Appendix D)

3. Quality and Extent of Linkages with Other Providers of Services to the Homeless and to Veterans: 20 points. The application should provide information on the quality and extent of the linkages this program will have with other providers of services to benefit the homeless or veterans in the local community outside of the HVRP grant. For each service, it should be specified who the provider is, the source of funding (if known), and the type of linkages/referral system established or proposed. Describe to the extent possible, how the project would fit into the community's approach to respond to homelessness and any linkages to HUD and VA programs or resources to benefit the proposed program.

4. Demonstrated Capability in Providing Required Program Services: 20 points. The applicant should describe its relevant prior experience in operating employment and training programs and providing services to participants similar to that which is proposed under this solicitation. Specific outcomes achieved by the applicant should be described in terms of clients placed in jobs, or other outcome measures of success. The applicant must also delineate its staff capability and ability to manage the financial aspects of Federal grant programs. Relevant documentation such as financial and/or audit statements should be submitted (required for applicants who are non-profit agencies). Final or most recent technical reports for HVRP, HVET or other relevant programs should be submitted as applicable. The applicant should also address its capacity for timely startup of the program.

5. Quality of Overall Housing Strategy: 15 points. The application should demonstrate how the applicant proposes to obtain or access housing resources for veterans in the program and entering the labor force. This discussion should specify the provisions made to access temporary, transitional, and permanent housing for participants through community resources, HUD, lease, HVRP or other means unique to the locale. HVRP funds may not be used to purchase housing.

6. Cost Proposal: Applicants can expect that the cost proposal will be reviewed for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of costs. While points will not be assessed for cost issues, cost per placement will be given serious consideration in the final determination in the selecting of awardees.

Note:

Bonus points of 15 points will be applied to those proposals for applicants who meet the definition of a rural applicant as specified in section III., Application Process. The bonus points are to encourage rural eligibles to apply, as homeless resources are extremely limited in rural areas.

VII. Post Award Conference

A post-award conference for those awarded FY 2000 HVRP funds will be held by the designated Grant Officer Technical Representative (GOTR) within each state. The conference will focus on providing information and assistance on reporting, record keeping, and grant requirements.

VIII. Reporting Requirements

The grantee shall submit the reports and documents listed below:

A. Financial Reports

The grantee shall report outlays, program income, and other financial information on a quarterly basis using SF 269A, Financial Status Report, Short Form. These forms shall cite the assigned grant number and be submitted to the appropriate State Director for Veterans' Employment and Training (DVET) no later than 30 days after the ending date of each Federal fiscal quarter during the grant period. In addition, a final SF 269 shall be submitted no later than 90 days after the end of the grant period.

B. Program Reports

Grantees shall submit a Quarterly Technical Performance Report 30 days after the end of each Federal fiscal quarter to the DVET which contains the following:

1. A comparison of actual accomplishments to established goals for the reporting period and any findings related to monitoring efforts;

2. Reason for slippage if established goals are not met and identification of the corrective action which will be taken to meet the goals, and the timetable for accomplishment of the corrective action.

A final Technical Performance Report will also be required as part of the final report package due 90 days after the closeout period.

In addition, the grantees will also be required to submit a closeout Technical Performance Report pertinent to the longitudinal follow up efforts due 6 months after the 90 day closeout period.

C. Summary of Final Report Package

The grantee shall submit 90 days after the grant closeout period the following final report package:

1. Final Financial Status Report (SF 269A).

2. Final Technical Performance Report (Program goals).

3. Final Narrative Report—Grantees will be required to submit a final narrative report identifying (a) major successes of the program (b) obstacles encountered and actions taken (if any) to overcome such obstacles; (c) the total combined (directed/assisted) number of veterans placed during the entire grant period; (d) the number of veterans still employed at the end of the grant period; (e) an explanation regarding why those veterans placed during the grant period, but not employed at the end of the grant period, are not so employed; and (f) any recommendations to improve the program.

No later than 6 months after the 90 day closeout period, the grantee will submit a follow up report containing the following:

1. Closeout Financial Status Report (SF 269A).

2. Closeout Narrative Report Identifying—(a) the total combined (directed/assisted) number of veterans placed during the entire grant period; (b) the number of veterans still employed during follow up; (c) are the veterans still employed at the same or similar job, if not what are the reasons; (d) was the training received applicable to jobs held; (e) wages at placement and during follow up period; (f) an explanation regarding why those veterans placed during the grant, but not employed at the end of the follow up period, are not so employed; and (g) any recommendation to improve the program.

IX. Administrative Provisions

A. Limitation on Administrative and Indirect Costs

1. Direct Costs for administration, plus any indirect charges claimed, may not exceed 20 percent of the total amount of the grant.

2. Indirect costs claimed by the applicant shall be based on a federally approved rate. A copy of the negotiated, approved, and signed indirect cost negotiation agreement must be submitted with the application. (Do not submit the State cost allocation plan.)

3. Rates traceable and trackable through the SESA Cost Accounting System represent an acceptable means of allocating costs to DOL and, therefore, can be approved for use in MHAA grants to SESAS.

4. If the applicant does not presently have an approved indirect cost rate, a proposed rate with justification may be submitted. Successful applicants will be required to negotiate an acceptable and allowable rate with the appropriate DOL Regional Office of Cost Determination within 90 days of grant award.

B. Allowable Costs

Determinations of allowable costs shall be made in accordance with the following applicable Federal cost principles:

State and local government—OMB Circular A-87

Nonprofit organizations—OMB Circular A-122

C. Administrative Standards and Provisions

All grants shall be subject to the following administrative standards and provisions:

29 CFR Part 97—Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.

29 CFR Part 95—Grants and Agreements with Institutes of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations.

29 CFR Part 96—Federal Standards for Audit of Federally Funded Grants, Contracts and Agreements.

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.

Signed at Washington, DC this 27th day of June, 2000.

Lawrence J. Kuss,

Grant Officer.