(Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY 09–01)

Deadline for proposals

The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is October 5, 2009.

Funding available

The Department of Labor announces the availability of approximately $220 million in grant funds authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. DOL intends to fund 45–65 grants, ranging from $2 million to $5 million. Funding grants less than $2 million may be possible based on the type and the number of quality submissions. However, grant amounts above $5 million will not be considered. Matching funds are strongly encouraged.

Eligible applicants

Eligible applicants are public entities or private nonprofit entities. Applicants must be legal entities and may include local Workforce Investment Boards and their One Stop Systems, Tribal organizations, education and training providers, labor organizations, health care providers, and faith-based and community organizations. The applicant must be the fiscal agent for the grant.

Required partners

The strategic partnership must include at least one entity from each of the following three categories: 1) The public workforce investment system, such as local Workforce Investment Boards and their One Stop systems (whose role must include identifying and referring candidates for training); 2) Public and private employers, such as health care providers when appropriate, and industry-related organizations; and 3) The education and training community. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include other partners as well.

General purpose

Grants under this SGA will fund projects that provide workers with training that will prepare them to enter and advance in the health care sector, as well as other high growth and emerging industries. Within healthcare, DOL is particularly interested in nursing, allied health, long-term care, and health information technology. DOL encourages applicants to define their own local high growth or emerging industries in the context of their state or regional economy. These industries must meet the following criteria: 1) It is projected to add substantial numbers of new jobs to the economy; 2) it is being transformed by technology and innovation requiring new skill sets for workers; or
3) it is a new and emerging industry projected to grow.

Successful training programs funded through this SGA will prepare participants for employment within the health care sector or other high growth and emerging industries, and will: (1) Target skills and competencies demanded by the industries described above, (2) support career pathways, such as an articulated career ladder or lattice; (3) result in an employer- or industry-recognized certificate or degree (which can include a license, as well as a Registered Apprenticeship certificate or degree); (4) combine supportive services with training services to help participants overcome barriers to employment, as necessary; and (5) provide training services at times and locations that are easily accessible to targeted populations.

Amounts available by targeted industry

To prioritize health care projects, ETA expects to allot approximately $125 million of the designated funds for projects in the health care sector. The remaining balance of funds will be allotted for projects in other high growth and emerging industries. Approximately $25 million of the total funds available through this solicitation will be reserved for projects serving communities impacted by automotive-related restructuring.

Allowable activities

Proposed projects must provide direct training and/or education, placement, and related activities that prepare individuals for employment in health care and other industries. Allowable activities under this SGA include: Classroom occupational training; On-the-job training activities that lead to permanent employment; Development and implementation of Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs; Contextualized learning; Internship programs; Customized training; Basic skills training, such as adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and job readiness training; Initial assessment of skill levels, aptitudes, abilities, competencies, and supportive service needs; Job search and placement assistance, and, where appropriate, career counseling; Case management services; Comprehensive retention strategies; Supportive services that will allow individuals to participate in the training provided through the grant; and Updating curriculum to support direct training provided through the grant.

Target Population

Individuals eligible to receive training include unemployed workers, dislocated workers, and incumbent workers including low-wage workers. Within these categories, grantees may serve a wide range of individuals, such as individuals on public assistance, high school dropouts, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with Limited English Proficiency. ‘‘Jobs for Veterans Priority of Service’’ requirements apply (see http://www.doleta.gov/programs/vets)


Timeline for which funding is available

The period of grant performance will be up to 36 months from the date of execution of the grant documents. This performance period includes all necessary implementation and start-up activities; the completion of training activities and the award of employer- or industry-recognized certificates or degrees; and participant follow-up.

Restrictions on use of funding

Grantees may use no more than 10% of their grant funds on supportive services. They include services such as transportation, child care, dependent care, and housing that are necessary to enable an individual to participate in activities funded through this grant.

More information

Full SGA text is available at: http://www.doleta.gov/grants/pdf/SGA-DFA-PY-09-01.pdf

Ariam Ferro, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, at (202) 693–3968 (not a toll-free number). Applicants should e-mail all technical questions to Ferro.Ariam@dol.gov and must specifically reference SGA/DFA PY 09–01, and along with question(s), include a contact name, fax and phone number.

A pre-recorded webinar is now available for viewing on-line: http://healthcareandotherhighgrowthgrants.workforce3one.org/.
 

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