[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 105 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32174-32178]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-13220]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
Innovative Transit Workforce Development Program
AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of funding availability (NOFA) for innovative workforce
development program.
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SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is publishing a
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Innovative Workforce
Development Program. This NOFA seeks proposals that promote diverse and
innovative successful workforce development models and programs. FTA
has budgeted approximately $5,000,000 for providing support of these
efforts.
DATES: Complete proposals must be submitted to http://www.grants.gov no
later than 11:59 p.m. EDT, July 6, 2012.
ADDRESSES: All proposals must be submitted electronically via http://www.grants.gov. Prospective applicants are advised to initiate the
process by registering on this site immediately to ensure the
completion of the application process prior to the submission deadline.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Betty Jackson, FTA Office of Research
and Innovation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Phone: (202) 366-1730. Email: Betty.Jackson@dot.gov. TDD service is
available via 1-800-877-8339 (TDD/FIRS).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Background and Objectives
II. Award Information
a. Award Amount
b. Period of Performance
III. Eligibility Information
a. Eligible Applicants Defined
b. Strategic Partnerships
c. Cost Sharing
d. Other Eligibility Requirements
IV. Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions
V. Project Selection Criteria
VI. Award Administration Information
VII. Additional Information
I. Background and Objectives
FTA's workforce development activities are authorized by 49 U.S.C.
5322, Human Resource Programs. The Innovative Transit Workforce
Development Program is intended to exercise this authority by providing
funding to transit agencies and other entities with innovative
solutions to pressing workforce development issues.
Supporting a highly-skilled transit workforce is critical to
maintaining a competitive and efficient public transportation system.
As public transportation enjoys a resurgence in the United States and
investments continue in the physical capital of the nation's transit
systems, it is essential to build and maintain human capital as well.
Type of Workforce Development Activity
FTA will accept applications that target one or more the following
areas in the lifecycle of the transit workforce:
(1) Pre-employment training/preparation
(2) Recruitment and hiring
(3) Incumbent worker training and retention
(4) Succession planning/phased retirement
Project Focus
All workforce development activities that focus on these activity
areas in the lifecycle of the transit workforce are eligible.
FTA is soliciting applications which cover a wide range of
workforce activities--however, the following areas are of particular
interest and focus:
(a) Projects or programs that demonstrate innovative methods of
leveraging investments in public transportation infrastructure to
generate positive impacts in local employment, particularly in
underserved communities.
(b) Innovative projects or programs that support the training/
professional development needs of blue-collar operations and
maintenance workers, particularly in the area of new and emerging
technologies.
(c) Projects that support or showcase innovative methods of
encouraging youth to pursue careers in public transportation.
Competitive proposals will support products and approaches that
improve the state of the practice in workforce development.
Funding can be used for new workforce ideas and programs or to
augment an existing workforce effort. While either type of effort will
be considered, programs or approaches with an existing track record of
success are likely to receive significant consideration.
Proposals must describe the final project deliverable(s) and how
they will improve the state of the practice. Final products and project
deliverables will be made available at no cost to FTA and other parties
at the project's close.
II. Award Information
A. Award Amount
FTA has budgeted approximately $5,000,000 for the program in its
second iteration of the program. Future funding will depend on
Congressional appropriation. Proposals must have a minimum threshold of
$100,000 and a maximum of $1,000,000. FTA reserves the right to change
this amount based on the quantity and quality of applications submitted
under this Request for applications (RFA). FTA may choose to fund
programs for less than the proposed amount. Applicants are encouraged
to submit proposals for projects at the appropriate funding level for
the project, recognizing that FTA's contributions will be limited
according to the funding range specified above.
B. Period of Performance
The period of performance will be up to 18 months from the date of
execution of the grant documents. This performance period includes all
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necessary implementation and start-up activities, execution of the
program, and completion of final deliverables as specified in the
applicant's Scope of Work.
The Department intends that all recipients implement the programs
awarded as soon as possible. Applicants should plan to fully expend
grant funds during the period of performance, recognizing that full
transparency and accountability are required for all expenditures.
FTA anticipates awarding proposals for projects that will
be completed within 12 to 18 months of receipt of the funding award.
Applicants may choose to submit more than one proposal.
However, each proposal must support a new idea or program and not be
duplicative. A volume of proposals from a single entity or a consortium
will not increase that entity's chances of being awarded a grant.
FTA may choose to fund only a part of a proposed project
or none at all.
FTA will also consider projects of longer duration,
provided that the work activities and product delivery is phased in
such a way as to produce a viable product during the period of
performance specified in this RFA.
Upon award, FTA may withdraw its obligation to provide
Federal assistance if the recipient does not submit the formal
application (to be completed after selection) within 90 days following
the date of the offer.
Deadlines: Applications must be submitted through GRANTS.GOV
(http://www.grants.gov/) by July 6, 2012. FTA suggests that applicants
commence the application process well ahead of the application deadline
in case of technical difficulty or other extenuating circumstances.
Late applications will not be accepted.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants Defined
Eligible applicants are public transit agencies; state departments
of transportation (DOTs) providing public transportation services; and
Indian tribes, non-profit institutions and institutions of higher
education. Only these types of organizations are eligible to apply to
this program.
The cooperative agreement will be between FTA and the selected
organization, which must have a substantial involvement in the project
and must not simply act as a pass-through for funds.
Applicants may apply individually or in a consortium of eligible
applicants. The consortium of eligible applicants must designate a lead
applicant as the primary recipient of federal funds.
Individuals, private for-profit entities, and Federal agencies are
not eligible to apply to this program. However, personnel in private
for-profit entities may participate as a non-compensated partner or
through sub-contracts with the awardees.
B. Strategic Partnerships
To be eligible for funding under this NOFA, applicants must
demonstrate that the proposed project is supported by both the primary
applicant and at least one or more external partner(s). The permitted
external partners may differ based on the type of lead applicant, as
noted below.
a. Lead Applicant Is: Nonprofit or Institution of Higher Education
If a non-profit organization or an institution of higher education
is the lead applicant, then it must partner with a transit agency or
consortium of transit agencies, a state department of transportation
(State DOT) providing public transportation services, or an Indian
tribe providing transportation services. A particular transit agency or
other entity providing public transportation services may be a
strategic partner for more than one applicant. However, any
participation as a strategic partner must be substantial and include
significant project involvement.
Applicants should include a letter of confirmed support from each
potential partner as part of their application.
b. Lead Applicant Is: Public Transit Agency; State Departments of
Transportation (State DOT)s Providing Public Transportation Services;
or Indian Tribe
If a transit agency or other entity providing public transportation
services is the lead applicant, then they must partner with an external
strategic partner. Strategic partnerships should be clearly defined and
limited to partner entities with a substantial interest and involvement
in the project.
An external partner entity may be defined as, but not limited to:
1. Educational institutions, which includes entities providing
professional accreditation, degree, and/or certification programs, such
as universities, community colleges, or trade schools, either non-
profit or for-profit.
2. Public workforce investment systems, such as local Workforce
Investment Boards and their one-stop systems.
3. Labor organizations, such as labor unions and labor management
organizations.
4. Non-profit organizations that support the mission of transit and
transportation workforce development.
C. Cost Sharing
Cost sharing or local matching funds are not required as a
condition for application, but leveraged resources are strongly
encouraged and may affect an applicant's final score.
D. Other Eligibility Requirements
i. Allowable Activities
Projects must provide direct support to workforce development
projects. Capital expenses such as equipment purchases are not
considered to be eligible costs unless they directly relate to the
workforce development program being supported by FTA funds. Acceptable
costs can include, but are not limited to: Faculty/instructors,
including salaries and fringe benefits, support staff, classroom space,
books, materials and supplies, transportation stipends for students.
ii. Unallowable Costs
FTA funds under this program are not intended as an offset to
regular transit agency employee salaries and may not be used to cover
the regular or overtime salaries of employees at transit agencies
offering training. Funds may be used to cover the costs of staff
directly engaged in a program management or training role at an agency.
IV. Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions
Potential applicants are advised to familiarize themselves with the
application process on http://www.grants.gov well before the submission
deadline. Eligible entities must have or must secure a DUNS number for
the purposes of formal application and potential entry into a
cooperative agreement with FTA. The DUNS number is a unique nine-
character number that identifies your organization. It is a tool of the
federal government to track how federal money is distributed. Each FTA
applicant's DUNS number will be maintained as part of the applicant's
profile. This number can be obtained free through the D&B Web site
(http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/).
In addition, each entity that applies and does not have an
exemption under 2 CFR 25.110 should:
(1) Be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR)
prior to submitting an application or plan (http://www.ccr.gov), and
[[Page 32176]]
(2) Maintain an active CCR registration with current information at
all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application
or plan under consideration by an agency;
The applicant should submit a project narrative statement describing
the project objectives, proposed work tasks, outputs, and benefits of
the proposed project for which Federal assistance is being requested.
If the project is a proposal seeking support for an existing
program, it should describe the proposed FTA-supported project within
the context of the larger effort.
The narrative should also indicate whether matching funds would be
provided, the expected duration of the project, and other information
that would assist FTA to understand and evaluate the project. Each
submission for a project narrative statement should not exceed 12 pages
(single-spaced, single-sided, 12 point font on 8.5 x 11 inch paper) and
must include the information listed below:
a. Project Title, Objective(s), and Contact Person. At the top of
the document, state the title of the project and provide 2-3 sentences
describing the intended project goals and outcomes. List the contact
person for this application along with his or her address, title, phone
number, fax number, and email address.
b. Statement of the Problem(s). Provide a description of the new or
existing program to be supported by the proposed project. Characterize
the workforce issue or problem present in the public transportation
industry that the project directly addresses. Describe how the project
will specifically address the issue for the applying organization.
Explain why the specified approach is being taken as opposed to others,
and how its innovative aspects have potential for nationwide
application. In addition to innovative workforce practices, cite the
unique features of the project, such as design or technological
innovations, reductions in cost or time, environmental benefits,
benefits to riders, or social and community involvement. Finally,
identify uncertainties and external factors that could affect the
schedule, cost, or success of the program. Supporting documentation may
be provided as an attachment that will not count toward the total page
limit. Such information will be considered supplementary and will not
necessarily be considered by FTA in the project selection process.
c. Geographic Location, Target Groups, and Emphasis Areas. Give a
precise location of the project and identify the area(s), and target
group(s) to be directly served by the proposed effort. Maps or other
graphic aids may be attached as needed.
d. Strategic Partners. Provide a list of the strategic partner(s)
that will be participating in the project, as well as a description of
each organization, the unique skill sets and capacity they will bring
to the project, as well as the activities they will carry out.
e. Scope. Outline a plan of action, organized by work task,
pertaining to the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be
accomplished. List estimated milestone dates for major activities and
products.
Activities should be justified in terms of eligible program
activities and proposals should clearly demonstrate the connection
between the planned work and at least one of the specific program
activities cited.
The scope should also address supporting activities, such as
marketing plans for engaging participants and/or dissemination
strategies for sharing the results, if such are critical to the success
of the supported program.
The applicant must plan to produce at least one final deliverable
that will become available to FTA at the end of the project for
dissemination and sharing throughout the industry at no cost.
Acceptable final products include, but are not limited to, class
materials, Web sites or software, recruitment materials, flyers,
brochures and reports. This product is in addition to the performance
measurement reporting requirements described below in paragraph g.
If a phased plan is being proposed, describe the context and
additional phases on a separate page or separate pages.
e. Period of Performance. Provide a schedule for completion of
tasks assuming a total period of performance of 12-18 months. If a
proposal specifies work that will exceed 18 months from award to
delivery of outputs, the proposal must segment the work into phases and
identify discrete deliverables that will be completed during the period
of performance of this program. If a phased plan is being proposed,
describe schedule for additional phases on a separate page or separate
pages (not counted toward the page maximum).
f. Cost/Budget Proposal. Provide a cost proposal indicating
staffing levels, hours, and direct costs for the total project and
amount of funding requested from FTA. As appropriate, the cost proposal
should also show the nature and value of in-kind resources that team
members will contribute. The proposal should also describe the source,
purpose and amount of matching funds that will be used to make up any
monetary difference between FTA's contribution and the total project
cost.
If a project or program is scalable or can be phased, that should
be indicated within the budget. As funding for the Innovative Workforce
Development Program is limited, an application that can be scaled may
receive additional consideration for funding.
g. Performance Measurement. Provide an approach for demonstrating
the local and/or nationwide impact of the pilot project on the transit
industry. The proposal should include a description of the applicant's
plan for recording the outcomes and reporting at the minimum the
following to FTA at the end of the project:
The number of individuals affected by the project.
Applicants should define ``affected individuals'' in terms that make
sense for the proposed project.
[cir] For example, other common reported outcomes include:
[ssquf] Number of eligible individuals entered into program
[ssquf] Number of successful completers (completed training
program, achieved applicable credential, etc.)
[ssquf] Number of placed new workers and/or advanced incumbent
workers
[ssquf] Number of retained workers after 90 days
The costs of the project and the share of federal
investment;
At least one measure of quality; Quantitative metrics are
preferred, but qualitative metrics will be considered provided they are
based on the experiences of those affected by the program (as opposed
to the self-assessment of the applicant or partner agencies). Metrics
could include, but are not limited to, survey results; exit interviews;
longitudinal tracking of staff (during the period of performance only);
A 1-2 page project description that will state the pilot
project's initial goals and achievements against those goals. This
statement can also include ``lessons learned.''
A 1-2 page statement of applicability to other entities.
Once the program is complete, the applicant will be asked to describe
how the pilot project could be scaled and/or altered for application
elsewhere, and what types of benefits could be realized by doing so.
Any other performance measure that the applicant thinks
would describe the strengths and weaknesses of the project.
As part of the proposal, provide projections (for quantitative
measures)
[[Page 32177]]
or short hypotheses (for qualitative measures) of what type of impact/
performance FTA could expect from the project.
h. Project Management. Describe the applicant's approach for
managing and staffing the project, including the distribution of
responsibilities among partner entities and an organizational chart, if
applicable. Include responsibilities such as regular reporting,
performance measurement, and technical/management interactions with
FTA. Quarterly cost and activity progress reporting will be required
using a template provided by FTA.
i. Project Staff. List each organization, operator, consultant, or
other key individuals who will work on the project, along with short
descriptions of their appropriate technical expertise and experience
(such as past, relevant research). Attach resumes or curriculum vitae
if available. Project staff resumes or curriculum vitae will not count
towards the total page count for proposal submissions.
V. Project Selection Criteria
In addition to other FTA staff that may review the proposals, a
technical evaluation committee will review proposals under the project
selection criteria. Members of the technical evaluation committee and
other involved FTA staff reserve the right to screen and rate the
applications it receives and to seek clarification from any applicant
about any statement in its application that FTA finds ambiguous and/or
to request additional documentation to be considered during the
evaluation process to clarify information contained within the
proposal.
After consideration of the finds of the technical evaluation
committee, the FTA Administrator will determine the final selection and
amount of funding for each project. FTA may consider geographic
diversity and the applicant's receipt of other discretionary awards in
its award decisions.
In addition to the general considerations mentioned above, projects
will be selected based on the following criteria:
National Applicability
Statement of Need
Innovation
Project Management and Organizational Capacity
Strategy and Project Work Plan
Outcomes and Deliverables
Support for needs of blue collar operations and
maintenance workers
National Applicability
The project should have national or regional applicability and
provide a replicable model of workforce development practices.
Statement of Need
An applicant must fully demonstrate a clear and specific industry
need for the Federal investment in the proposed transit workforce
development activities. An applicant must submit data and provide
evidence of the industry need and value for proposed program.
Innovation
A project should identify a unique, significant, or innovative
approach to address workforce development issues in a transit agency or
state DOT.
Project Management and Organizational Capacity
An applicant must fully describe the capacity of the applicant and
its required partners to effectively staff the proposed initiative and
deliver the proposed outcomes. The application must also fully describe
the applicant's fiscal, administrative, and performance management
capacity to implement the key components of this project, and the track
record of the applicant and its required partners in implementing
projects of similar focus, size, and scope.
Strategy and Project Work Plan
An applicant must provide a comprehensive project work plan.
Factors considered in evaluating the project work plan will include:
(1) The presentation of a coherent plan that demonstrates the
applicant's complete understanding of all the activities,
responsibilities, and costs required to implement each phase of the
project and achieve projected outcomes; (2) the demonstrated
feasibility and reasonableness of the timeline for accomplishing all
necessary implementation activities, including the ability to
expeditiously begin training; and (3) the extent to which the budget
aligns with the proposed work plan and is justified with respect to the
adequacy and reasonableness of resources requested.
Deliverables
An applicant must demonstrate a results-oriented approach to
managing and operating its project by providing projections for all
applicable outcome categories relevant to measuring the success or
impact of the project, describing the products and deliverables that
will be produced as a result of the grant activities, and fully
demonstrating the appropriateness and feasibility of achieving these
results. The applicant must include projected outcomes, which will be
used as goals for the grant.
Support for the Needs of Blue Collar Operations and Maintenance Workers
Special consideration will be given to innovative projects or
programs that support the training/professional development needs of
blue-collar operations and maintenance workers, particularly in the
area of new and emerging technologies.
VI. Award Administration Information
a. Notification. After FTA has selected the proposals to be funded,
successful applicants may be notified informally by email or telephone
of their status.
A package containing a formal award letter, instructions for
entering into a cooperative agreement with FTA, copies of agreements
for execution, and an approved budget will be sent to organizations
(listed point of contact) whose submitted proposals have been selected
for funding under the program. The ``award letter'' will indicate the
date of the award and set forth any special conditions under which the
project is approved. The date of award is the date that authorizes the
recipient to incur project costs. Any activities that occur before this
award are not eligible for reimbursement.
b. Execution of the FTA Agreement. The recipient should execute and
date the copies in accordance with the instructions provided in the
award package, and return two signed copies of the FTA agreement to the
FTA Office of Chief Counsel per the instructions. FTA should be advised
promptly if the recipient is unable to execute the FTA agreement within
90 days after the obligation date, (i.e., the date on which FTA
officially approved a project).
c. Start Date and Incurred Costs. Absent special circumstances,
costs incurred prior to FTA award are not eligible as project expenses.
Absent highly unusual circumstances, FTA cannot retroactively approve a
project. The recipient may begin to incur project costs as of the date
the award letter is signed by FTA and submitted to the awardee for
signature.
VII. Additional Information
Prospective applicants may also wish to visit the following Web
sites for more information:
http://www.fta.dot.gov.
For more on managing projects in accordance with FTA
Circular 6100.1D: Transit Research and Technology Programs: Application
Instructions and Program Management Guidelines: http://fta.dot.gov/
legislation--law/
[[Page 32178]]
12349--12669.html. This includes requirements on project management and
administration including quarterly reporting, financial management, and
payment.
Issued on: May 25, 2012.
Peter Rogoff,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2012-13220 Filed 5-30-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-57-P