Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Project Competitive Grants

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training

Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Project Competitive Grants

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and

Training, Labor.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds and solicitation for grant

applications for Homeless Veterans Reintegration Projects (SGA 98-01).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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.

Under this solicitation, VETS expects to award up to twenty grants in

FY 1998.

This notice describes the background, the application process,

description of program activities, evaluation criteria, and reporting

requirements for Solicitation of Grant Applications (SGA) 98-01. VETS

anticipates that up to $2.25 million 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, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Please reference SGA 98-01.

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,

N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210, not later than 4:45 p.m., Eastern

Standard Time, February 23, 1998, or be postmarked by the U.S. Postal

Service on or before that date. 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: Lisa Harvey, Reference

SGA 98-01, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.

20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Harvey, U.S. Department of Labor, Procurement Services Center,

telephone (202) 219-6445 [not a toll free number].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

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 Title

VII, Subtitle C, Section 738 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless

Assistance Act (MHAA), 42 U.S.C. 11448. These instructions contain

general program information, requirements and forms for application for

funds to operate a 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

[[Page 3158]]

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.

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 $2.25

million of the funds available to award grants for HVRPs in selected

cities in FY 1998 under this competition. A separate competition for a

small number of demonstration grants to operate in rural areas will be

announced separately within a short time. Both types of projects, urban

and rural, have provided valuable information on approaches that work

in the different environments.

III. Application Process

A. Potential Jurisdictions to be Served

Due to the demonstration nature of the Act, the amount of funds

available, and the emphasis on establishing or strengthening existing

linkage with other recipients of funds under the MHAA, the only

potential jurisdictions which will be served through this competition

for HVRPs in FY 1998 are the metropolitan areas of the 75 U.S. cities

largest in population and the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. All

potential HVRP jurisdictions are listed in Appendix E.

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) as defined in Title I, Section

102 of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), 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.

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; 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 $2.25

million. It is anticipated that up to 20 awards will be made under this

solicitation. Awards are expected to range from $100,000 to $125,000

with an average of $112,500. The Federal government reserves the right

to negotiate the amounts to be awarded under this competition. Please

be advised that requests exceeding this range 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 March 31, 1998. Actual

start dates will be negotiated with each successful applicant.

E. Second Year Option

As stated in Section II of this Part, the Homeless Veterans

Reintegration Project was reauthorized by statute through FY 1998 only.

Should there be action by Congress to reauthorize HVRP beyond that time

and should funds be appropriated for this purpose, a second year option

may be considered. The Government does not, however, guarantee an

option year for any awardee.

The grantees' performance during the first period of operations

will be taken into consideration as follows:

1. By the end of the third quarter, has the grantee achieved at

least 60% of the first year total goals for Federal expenditures,

enrollments, and placements?

2. Has the grantee met 85% of goals for Federal expenditures,

enrollments and placements for the year if planned activity is NOT

evenly distributed in each quarter?

All instructions for modifications and announcement of fund

availability will be issued at a later date. Please note that the

Government does reserve its right to compete any subsequent funds

appropriated for this purpose in lieu of an option year.

F. 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 Office of Procurement Services at 4:45 pm

EST, February 23, 1998, 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 February 23, 1998;

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 February 23, 1998.

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

[[Page 3159]]

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.

G. Submission of Proposal

A cover letter, and 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 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 Job Training Partnership Act. Please

include a plan for followup of participants who entered employment at

age 30 and 90 days and the capacity to assist the Department of Labor

in one-year and/or multi-year followup efforts. (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 the linkages this

program will have with other providers of services to veterans and to

the homeless 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 JTPA

and State Employment Security Agencies (SESAs)] should be delineated.

Describe any linkages with Department of Housing and Urban Development

(HUD) and Department of Veterans Affairs resources and programs for the

homeless. Indicate how the applicant will coordinate with any

``continuum of care'' efforts for the homeless among agencies in the

community.

4. Organizational capability in providing required program

activities: The applicant's relevant current or prior experience in

operating employment and training programs should be delineated.

Provide information denoting outcomes of past programs in terms of

enrollments and placements. 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 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. Please show leveraged resources/matching 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 extraordinary fringe benefit

rates and associated charges (i.e., rates exceeding 35% of salaries and

wages);

(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 31 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: and

(e) Identification of all sources of leveraged or matching funds

and an

[[Page 3160]]

explanation of the derivation of the value of matching/in-kind

Services.

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 U.S.C. 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 1998 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 particularly encouraged.

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 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, JTPA Title IV, Part C

(IV-C) Veterans' Employment Program

--Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) services, including its Health

Care for Homeless Veterans, Domiciliary and other programs, including

those offering transitional housing

--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

--Job placement in unsubsidized employment

--Placement followup 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 out come, 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. 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

[[Page 3161]]

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.

Followup 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 should

be careful to budget for this activity 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.

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 in retaining participant information pertinent to

a longitudinal followup survey, i.e., at least for one year after the

grant period ends. 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 for the types of

providers listed below. Project orientation workshops conducted by HVRP

grantees have been an effective means of sharing information and

revealing the availability of other services; they are encouraged but

not mandatory. Rather, the grantee will have the flexibility to attend

service provider meetings, seminars, conferences, to outstation staff,

to develop individual service contracts, and to involve other agencies

in program planning. This list is not exhaustive. The grantee will be

responsible for providing appropriate awareness, information sharing,

and orientation activities to the following:

a. Providers of hands-on services to the homeless, such as shelter

and soup-kitchen operators, to make them fully aware of services

available to homeless veterans to make them job-ready and place them in

jobs.

b. Federal, State and local entitlement services such as the Social

Security Administration, Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), State

Employment Security Agencies (SESAs) and their local Job Service

offices, One-Stop Centers (which integrate JTPA, labor exchange and

other employment and social services), detoxification facilities, etc.,

to familiarize them with the nature and needs of homeless veterans.

c. Civic and private sector groups, and especially veterans'

service organizations, to describe homeless veterans and their needs.

2. Stand Down Support

A ``Stand Down'' as it relates to homeless veterans is an event

held in a locality usually for three days where services are provided

to homeless veterans along with shelter, meals, clothing and medical

attention. For the most part this type of event is a volunteer effort

which is organized within a community and brings service providers such

as the DVA, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists, Local

Veterans' Employment Representatives from the State Employment Service

Agencies, veteran service organization, military personnel, civic

leaders, and a variety of other interested persons and organizations.

Many services are provided on site with referrals also made for

continued assistance after the event. This can often be the catalyst

that enables the homeless veterans to get back into mainstream society.

The Department of Labor has supported replication of this event. Many

such exercises have been held throughout the nation. In areas where an

HVRP is operating, the grantees are encouraged to participate fully and

offer their services for any planned Stand Down event. Towards this

end, up to $5,000 of the currently requested HVRP MHAA grant funds may

be used to supplement the Stand Down effort where funds are not

otherwise available and should be reflected in the budget and budget

narrative.

VI. Rating Criteria for Award

Applications will be reviewed by a DOL panel using the point

scoring system specified below. Applications will be ranked based on

the score assigned by the panel after careful evaluation by each panel

member. The ranking will be the primary basis to identify approximately

20 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. The Grant Officer's determination for

award under SGA 98-01 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

[[Page 3162]]

to effectively address the employment barriers which characterize the

target population.

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), JTPA IV-C, other JTPA programs, 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. 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 ``continuum of care'' approach

to respond to homelessness and any linkages to HUD or DVA 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, etc. 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. HVRP funds may

not be used to purchase housing.

Applicants can expect that the cost proposal will be reviewed for

allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of costs, but will not

be scored.

VII. Post Award Conference

A post-award conference for those awarded FY 1998 HVRP funds is

tentatively planned for April or May, 1998. Costs associated with

attending this conference for up to three grantee representatives will

be allowed as long as they were incurred in accordance with Federal

travel regulations. Such costs shall be charged as administrative costs

and reflected in the proposed budget. The site of the conference has

not yet been determined but will likely be in Washington, DC. Please

use Washington, DC for budget planning purposes. The conference will

focus on providing information and assistance on reporting, record

keeping, and grant requirements, and will also include best practices

from past projects.

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 grant expiration.

C. Summary of Final Report Package

The grantee shall submit 90 days after the grant expiration date

the following final report package:

1. Final Financial Status Report.

2. Final Technical Performance Report.

3. Final Narrative Report--Grantees will be required to submit a

final narrative report identifying major successes of the program as

well as obstacles to success.

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:

[[Page 3163]]

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, D.C., this 14th day of January 1998.

Lawrence J. Kuss,

Grant Officer.

Appendices

Appendix A: Application for Federal Assistance SF Form 424

Appendix B: Budget Information Sheet

Appendix C: Assurances and Certifications Signature Page

Appendix D: Technical Performance Goals Form

Appendix E: List of 75 largest U.S. Cities

BILLING CODE 4510-75-M

[[Page 3164]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN21JA98.000

[[Page 3165]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN21JA98.001

[[Page 3166]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN21JA98.002

[[Page 3167]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN21JA98.003

[[Page 3168]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN21JA98.004

[[Page 3169]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN21JA98.005

[[Page 3170]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN21JA98.006

[[Page 3171]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN21JA98.007

[[Page 3172]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN21JA98.008

[[Page 3173]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN21JA98.009

[FR Doc. 98-1330 Filed 1-20-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4510-79-C