Workforce Investment Act: Job Corps Program; Selection of Sites for Centers

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Workforce Investment Act: Job Corps Program; Selection of Sites

for Centers

AGENCY: Office of Job Corps, Office of the Secretary, Labor.

SUMMARY: The Department of Labor requests assistance in identifying

sites for locating new Job Corps Centers. This notice specifies the

requirements and criteria for selection.

DATES: Proposals are requested by September 30, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Proposals shall be addressed to the National Director,

Office of Job Corps, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue,

NW., Room N4463, Washington, DC 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Esther R. Johnson, National Director,

Office of Job Corps. Telephone: (202) 693-3000 (this is not a toll-free

number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Labor (DOL) is soliciting

proposals for sites to establish new Job Corps centers. The Job Corps

program is designed to serve disadvantaged young women and men, 16

through 24, who are in need of additional educational, career technical

(vocational), and other support services in order to acquire the skills

to begin a career, return to school or enter the Armed Forces. The

program is primarily a residential program operating 24 hours per day,

7 days per week with non-resident enrollees limited by legislation to

20 percent of national enrollment. While the 20 percent level should be

used as a guideline, the percentage of non-residents can vary from

center to center, depending upon local needs.

Job Corps currently offers a comprehensive, integrated Career

Development Services System which provides services for students from

the time they apply through enrollment, career preparation and career

development activities, and post-center career transition services.

Career preparation and career development activities occur primarily

on-center and include academic, career technical (vocational),

information technology and social skills training; personal and career

counseling; medical care; meals and housing; and related support

services. Career transition services begin towards the end of the

training period and continue for up to two years after a student leaves

the center and returns home. These services include career search, job

placement and transitional support to meet individual students' needs,

such as housing, transportation and child care after they leave the Job

Corps center.

Job Corps will be implementing a new framework for building a 21st

century system of excellence. The components envisioned for a new

program delivery model include high-growth, high-demand industry/

occupational clusters; aligning program content with 21st century

workplace requirements, and involving industry, education and workforce

partners as an integral part of the Job Corps system. Training for each

[[Page 38668]]

industry cluster will involve approximately 150-200 students.

For this solicitation, the Department intends to select localities

for new Job Corps centers from the proposals submitted in response to

this solicitation. The centers will be stand-alone facilities of

sufficient size to serve about 300 students each. These centers will be

primarily residential, but may encompass a small nonresidential

component. Selection of the sites will be made based on those which

best meet the needs of the Job Corps Program. Development of the sites

selected is contingent upon additional funding by Congress.

Congress authorized this expansion and appropriated funding to

begin the expansion process in the FY 2005 and FY 2006 Department of

Labor Appropriations. The accompanying Congressional Report language

indicated that the Department should give priority in site selection to

the states which do not currently have a Job Corps center, and to sites

which can be started as a satellite (residential or non-residential) in

conjunction with an existing Job Corps Center that is serving an entire

State or region and which can later be converted to a stand-alone

facility. This solicitation is for site selection only and not for the

operation of these Job Corps centers. A competitive procurement for

selection of a center operator at each site will be initiated and

completed well after the site selection process has been completed.

The Workforce Investment Act provides authorization for the

establishment of Job Corps centers and requires that students be

assigned to Job Corps centers closest to their homes. The determination

of a locality's need for a Job Corps center will be made by analyzing

State-level poverty and unemployment rates for youth using standardized

uniform data available from Federal agencies, such as 2000 census data,

Bureau of Labor Statistics publications, and information on existing

Job Corps centers, slots, enrollment levels, and locations.

In addition to this analysis, the Department will also assess the

facilities at proposed sites. The assessment will focus on property

acquisition costs, the cost and suitability of existing structures,

environmental conditions at the site, suitability of surroundings for a

facility of this type, zoning issues, and the need for, and cost of,

new construction and renovation. Priority will be given to proposed

sites that offer no-cost or low-cost turnkey facilities (those in move-

in condition requiring little or no construction rehabilitation work)

which can quickly be made ready for use by Job Corps.

Further, the Department will assess each jurisdiction's plan to use

State and local resources, both public and private, through

contributions/linkages that reduce the Federal cost of operating a Job

Corps center. Such contributions/linkages may include, but not be

limited to, the following: the provision of work-based learning sites

and donations of training equipment or curriculum by the local employer

community and local industry; provision of academic tutors and youth

mentors; provision of child care services by local jurisdictions,

including programs such as Head Start; provision of health services;

alcohol and drug counseling; referral of eligible youth to Job Corps,

and job placement and other career transition services after students

leave Job Corps. Other linkages may include arrangements with public

school systems for high school diploma programs; resources/linkages for

credentialing of Job Corps instructors; linkages with one-stops and

other local workforce development programs and services; community

college networks; social service agencies; business and industry;

computer-based education; and other training programs to provide such

services as classroom training, high-growth career technical training,

and advanced learning opportunities. Contributions of this nature will

make maximum use of available statewide and community resources in

meeting the needs of Job Corps-eligible youth.

Eligible applicants for submitting proposals are units of State

and/or local governments.

Since Job Corps is primarily a residential program and provides

academic education, career technical (vocational) training, career

development and extensive support services, space and facilities

suitable for the following types of utilization are required for a Job

Corps center.

Residential--Adequate housing, including bath and lounge

facilities, internet access, as well as appropriate administrative

space.

Academic Education--Space for classrooms, computer labs,

video-conferencing and library resources.

Career Technical (Vocational) Training--Classroom and shop

space to satisfy the needs of specific career technical training

(career technical (vocational)) clusters (e.g., construction,

information technology, and healthcare). The configuration of career

technical areas is determined by the ultimate occupational mix offered

at the center. Industry clusters such as information technology and

finance and business will require classroom space and possibly lab

space. Some trades, such as construction and automotive may require

shop areas in addition to classroom space.

Food Services--Cafeteria, including food preparation and

food storage areas.

Medical/Dental--Medical examining rooms, nurses' station,

infirmary space for male and female students, and dental facilities.

Recreation--Gymnasium/multi-purpose recreational facility

and large level outdoor area.

Administration--General office and conference space.

Storage/Support--Warehousing and related storage including

operations and maintenance support.

Parking--Sufficient for a minimum of 70 vehicles.

Other factors that influence the suitability and cost of facilities

necessary to operate a Job Corps center include the following:

Configuration of Facility

The preferred configuration of a facility is a campus-type

environment permitting a self-contained center with all space

requirements located on-site. Low-rise buildings such as those commonly

found in public schools and college settings are preferred.

The Office of Job Corps has developed prototype designs for

selected facilities where new construction is necessary. Parties

interested in obtaining copies of these designs may do so by contacting

the Office of Job Corps at the address provided.

Location of Facilities

Facilities should be located in areas where neighbors are

supportive and no major pervasive community opposition exists. Past

experience indicates that commercial, light industrial and rural

locations are most desirable, while residential locations are the least

conducive to community acceptance. In addition, access to emergency

medical services, fire and law enforcement assistance should be within

reasonable distances. If non-residential enrollment is planned, direct

and easy access to the center by public transportation is an important

consideration. Proposed sites should be within reasonable commuting

distance of planned linkages with other programs and services, and

transportation to these linkages should be easily available. Proposed

sites should also be in full compliance with the Americans with

Disabilities Act Guidelines of 1990 (28 CFR part 36, revised July 1,

1994) or require minimal renovation to ensure full access by persons

with disabilities.

[[Page 38669]]

Locations with major environmental issues, zoning restrictions,

flood plain and storm drainage requirements, or uncertainty regarding

utility connections that cannot be resolved efficiently and in a timely

manner are less than desirable. Likewise, a facility with buildings

eligible for protection under the National Historical Preservation Act

may receive less than favorable consideration, due to restrictions on

and costs for renovation.

Communities are encouraged to hold public hearings in close

proximity to the facilities being proposed to assess the level of

community support for a Job Corps center. The Office of Job Corps has

brochures and other descriptive information about the program. Copies

may be obtained at the address provided.

Own/Lease

The Department prefers ownership over leased facilities,

particularly if a substantial investment of construction funds is

needed to make the site suitable for Job Corps utilization. Exceptions

are long-term (e.g., 25 years or longer) leases at a nominal cost

(e.g., $1/year).

Size

The following table shows the approximate gross square footage

(GSF) required for the various types of buildings needed to operate a

residential Job Corps center with 300 students. The substitution of

non-resident for resident students will decrease the dormitory space

required for a residential center but will not affect other buildings.

Gross Square Feet (GSF) Requirements by Type of Building

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

GSF per

Building type GSF per 300

student students

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

Housing........................................... 175 52,500

Education/Vocation................................ 85 25,500

Food Services..................................... 44 13,200

Recreation........................................ 82 24,600

Medical/Dental.................................... 12 3,600

Administration.................................... 26 7,800

Storage/Support................................... 57 17,100

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

Total......................................... ......... \*\144,30

0

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

*Note: The GSF space requirements for the individual functions are only

approximate but in general, the GSF needed for a new center that

accommodates a 300 person population ranges between 145,000 GSF to

150,000 GSF.

Land Requirements

Between 20 and 30 acres of land are needed for a residential center

of 300 students.

Availability of Utilities

It is critical that all basic utilities (i.e., sewer, water,

electric and gas) are available and in proximity to the site and in

accordance with EPA standards.

Safety, Health and Accessibility

Job Corps is required to comply with the requirements of the

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the Environmental Protection

Act (EPA), and the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), and

the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The cost involved in

complying with these requirements is an important factor in determining

the economic feasibility of utilizing a site. For example, a site which

contains an excessive amount of asbestos probably would not be cost-

effective due to associated removal costs. Further, sites with any

environmental hazard that cannot be corrected economically will be at a

disadvantage, as will sites requiring substantial rehabilitation to

comply with accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities.

Cost

The availability of low-cost facilities is a major consideration in

light of resource limitations. In evaluating facility costs, the major

items that must be considered are:

Site acquisition or lease costs;

Site/utility work;

Architectural and engineering services;

New construction requirements;

Rehabilitation and modifications of existing buildings,

and

Equipment requirements.

An assessment of these initial capital costs and consideration of

future repair, maintenance and replacement costs will be used in

evaluating the economic feasibility of a particular facility.

Preference will be given to existing turnkey facilities that meet Job

Corps' standards for a training facility. While not preferable,

consideration will be given to the use of raw land which is suitable

for a Job Corps center and on which facilities can be constructed

economically.

Proposal Submission

In preparing proposals, eligible applicants should identify sites

which meet the evaluation criteria and guidelines specified above.

Proposals should address each area with as much detail as practicable

to enable the Department to determine the suitability of locating a Job

Corps center at the proposed site. In this regard, proposals must

contain, at a minimum, the specific information and supporting

documentation as described below.

Facilities

Submissions must provide a full description of existing buildings,

including a building site layout, square footage, age, and general

condition of each structure. Included in the description must be a

discussion of the facility's current or previous use, the number of

years unoccupied, if applicable, and the condition of sub-systems such

as heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, plumbing, and

electrical. Documentation in the nature of photographs of the property

and/or facilities must be submitted as well. In addition, a videotaped

presentation of the site may be provided. The proposal must identify

the extent to which hazardous materials such as asbestos, PCB, and

underground storage tanks are present at the site or, if appropriate,

confirm that contaminants do not exist. The results of any

environmental assessment for the proposed site, if one has been done,

must be provided.

The proposal must also address the availability and proximity of

utilities to the proposed site, including electrical, water, gas, and

sanitary sewer and runoff connections. It must describe whether the

water and sewer utilities for existing buildings are connected to the

municipal system or operated separately. A statement on current zoning

classification and any zoning restrictions for the proposed site must

also be included. Use of the site as a Job Corps center should be

compatible with surrounding local land use and also with local zoning

ordinances. Confirmation must be provided as to whether or not any

buildings at the site are on a Federal or State Historical Preservation

Register.

The proposal must also describe the available acreage at the site,

and the nature of the surrounding environment including whether it is

commercial, industrial, light industrial, rural, or residential. In

some instances, proposed sites may be part of a substantially larger

acreage which has or contemplates having other uses. This type of joint

usage may or may not be compatible with providing a quality training

environment for young women and men.

Finally, the proposal must address the cost of acquiring the site,

which may involve transferring the site to the government at no cost,

entering into a low-cost, long-term lease agreement, or arranging for a

negotiated purchase price based on a fair market appraisal. Estimated

acquisition costs along with the basis for the estimate must be

[[Page 38670]]

included in the proposal. Any building documents, such as blueprints,

should be available for review when a site inspection is conducted by

the Department.

Contributions/Linkages

An important aspect of any proposal will be its description of how

State and local resources will be used to contribute to enhanced

services to Job Corps youth and/or to reduce Federal operating costs or

otherwise benefit the program. It is therefore essential that precise

and comprehensive information about the linkages be provided to ensure

that the proposed site receives every opportunity for a thorough and

fair evaluation. The proposal should contain the following information

for each linkage:

A comprehensive description of the service to be provided,

including projected listing of resources that will be involved such as

number of instructors/staff, types of equipment and materials, or other

specific service or contribution.

The projected number of students to be served and over

what period of time, as well as the specific benefit to Job Corps

students while in Job Corps and/or after leaving the program.

Whether the service will be provided at no cost to Job

Corps or will be available on a shared cost basis with Job Corps.

Whether the linkage will be provided on-site or off-site.

Distance to linkage/service, if off-site, and any

arrangements for transportation to off-site services, including any

cost to Job Corps.

The estimated annual value of the contribution and the

basis on which the estimate was determined (e.g., two full-time staff

devoted to Job Corps at an annual salary of $35,000 each for a total

annual value of $70,000; one hour of a professional's time per week for

52 weeks at an hourly rate of $20.00 for an annual value of $1,040; 15

computers at a cost of $1,000 each for an annual value of $22,500).

Any limitations associated with the linkage, such as

eligibility restrictions (e.g., age, in-state versus out of state

residents, etc.), limited hours of service, and availability over time

(e.g., year round versus selected months).

Long-term prospects for continuation of the commitment

(e.g., one time only, one year, ongoing). If dependent on outside

funding sources or levels which vary significantly, what is the

likelihood that the linkage will be funded?

Documentation that addresses timeframes and steps involved

in firming up the linkage, if appropriate, including obtaining State or

local legislation, State or local workforce investment board approval,

fitting into other planning cycles, or securing other agreements or

arrangements which may be necessary to ensure provision of the service.

A letter of commitment confirming each aspect of the

linkage, including the level of resources and annual value of these

resources, from the head of the agency or other entity responsible for

delivering the contribution.

Name of the agency/organizations(s), address, telephone

number and contact person.

In providing information on linkages, applicants should keep in

mind that Job Corps is an open-entry, open-exit, individualized, self-

paced career development services system that operates on a year-round

basis. This type of learning environment may have implications for the

types of linkages being offered.

In preparing the linkage/contribution part of their

proposals, eligible applicants should provide full information on each

linkage/contribution. All items listed above should be addressed for

each linkage/contribution, providing as much information as needed to

ensure that each proposed linkage receives a fair assessment.

Community Support

Information should include letters of community support from

elected officials, government agencies, local workforce investment

boards, community and business leaders and neighborhood associations;

and local academic and training providers. The letter should also

describe the availability of and access to cultural/recreation

activities in the community, and unique features in the surrounding

area which would enhance the location of a Job Corps center at that

site. Proposals should also include any other information the applicant

believes pertinent to the proposed site for consideration by the

Department. It is important that, before proposing the use of any

particular location, appropriate clearances are obtained from local and

State political leadership.

Other Information

The site selection process for new sites for Job Corps centers

normally takes 9 months to complete. This allows sufficient time for

eligible applicants to prepare and submit proposals, and for the

Department to conduct a preliminary site assessment of all proposed

facilities, as well as a comprehensive site utilization study for those

sites determined to have high potential for the establishment of a Job

Corps center, based on the preliminary assessment results.

The Department hereby requests eligible proposers to submit an

original and three copies of their proposals to be received no later

than September 30, 2006 using the guidance provided above.

Signed in Washington, DC, the 28th day of June 2006.

Esther R. Johnson,

National Director.

FR Doc. E6-10630 Filed 7-6-06; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4510-23-P