[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 146 (Tuesday, July 30, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45973-45981]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18209]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA).
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Announcement Type: New.
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA 13-3BS.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.603
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA), is making $550,000 available in grant funds for
educational and training programs to help identify, avoid, and prevent
unsafe working conditions in and around mines. The focus of these
grants for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 will be on training and training
materials for mine emergency preparedness and mine emergency prevention
for all underground mines. Applicants for the grants may be States and
nonprofit (private or public) entities.
The number of grants awarded will be determined by MSHA's
evaluation of grant applications. The amount of each individual grant
will be at least $50,000.00. The maximum amount for a 12-month period
of performance is $150,000. MSHA will not be awarding renewal (two-
year) grants in FY 2013 under this solicitation for grant applications
(SGA). This notice contains all of the information needed to apply for
grant funding, including for those eligible grantees which were awarded
a 2012 renewal grant.
DATES: The closing date for applications will be August 31, 2013, (no
later than 11:59 p.m. EDST). MSHA will award grants on or before
September 30, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Applications for grants submitted under this competition
must be submitted electronically using the Government-wide site at
http://www.grants.gov. If applying online poses a hardship to any
applicant, the MSHA Directorate of Educational Policy and Development
will provide assistance to help applicants submit online.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any questions regarding this
solicitation for grant applications (SGA 13-3BS) should be directed to
Robert Glatter at [email protected] or at 202-693-9570 (this is
not a toll-free number) or the Grant Officer, Nancy Sloanhoffer, at
[email protected] or at 202-693-9839 (this is not a toll-free
number).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation provides background
information and the requirements for projects funded under the
solicitation. This solicitation consists of nine parts:
Part I provides background information on the Brookwood-
Sago grants.
Part II describes the size and nature of the anticipated
awards.
Part III describes the qualifications of an eligible
applicant.
Part IV provides information on the application and
submission process for FY 2013 annual grants.
Part V explains the review process and rating criteria
that will be used to evaluate the FY 2013 applications.
Part VI provides information for FY 2012 renewal grantees
to apply for FY 2013 funding.
Part VII provides award administration information.
Part VIII contains MSHA contact information.
Part IX addresses Office of Management and Budget
information collection requirements.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Overview of the Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grant Program
Responding to several coal mine disasters, Congress enacted the
Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act).
When Congress passed the MINER Act, it expected that requirements for
new and advanced technology, e.g., fire-resistant lifelines and
increased breathable air availability in escapeways, would increase
safety in mines. The MINER Act also required that every underground
coal mine have persons trained in emergency response. Congress
emphasized its commitment to training for mine emergencies when it
strengthened the requirements for the training of mine rescue teams.
Recent events demonstrate that training is the key for proper and safe
emergency response and that all miners working underground should be
trained in emergency response.
Under Section 14 of the MINER Act, the Secretary of Labor
(Secretary) is required to establish a competitive grant program called
the ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants'' (Brookwood-Sago grants). This
program provides funding of education and training programs to better
identify, avoid, and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around
mines. This program will use grant funds to establish and implement
education and training programs or to create training materials and
programs. The MINER Act requires the Secretary to give priority to mine
safety demonstrations and pilot projects with broad applicability. It
also mandates that the Secretary emphasize programs and materials that
target miners in smaller mines, including training mine operators and
miners on new MSHA standards, high-risk activities, and other
identified safety priorities.
B. Grant Structures
MSHA has funded the Brookwood-Sago grants annually for 12 months of
performance through two types of grants. For the first type, ``annual
grants,'' MSHA requires an applicant to compete each year for the
available funds. For the second type, ``renewal
[[Page 45974]]
grants,'' MSHA awards a grant eligible for two separate years of
funding with two separate 12-month performance periods. Under this SGA,
MSHA will only fund the second-year of eligible FY 2012 renewal
grantees and will not accept applications for new renewal grants for FY
2013.
C. Educational and Training Program Priorities
MSHA priorities for the FY 2013 funding of the annual Brookwood-
Sago grants will focus on training or training materials for mine
emergency preparedness and mine emergency prevention for all
underground mines. MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago annual grantees to
develop training materials or to develop and provide mine safety
training or educational programs, recruit mine operators and miners for
the training, and conduct and evaluate the training.
MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago grantees to conduct follow-up
evaluations with the people who received training in their programs to
measure how the training promotes the Secretary's goal of ensuring a
safe and healthy workplace. The evaluation will focus on determining
how effective their training was in either reducing hazards, improving
skills for the selected training topics, or in improving the conditions
in mines. Grantees must also cooperate fully with MSHA evaluators of
their programs.
II. Award Information
A. Award Amount for FY 2013
MSHA is providing $550,000 to award new FY 2013 annual grants and
to fund the second year of eligible FY 2012 renewal grants. The number
of grants awarded will be determined by MSHA's evaluation of grant
applications. The amount of each individual grant will be no less than
$50,000.00 for a 12-month performance period; and the maximum award for
a 12-month performance period is $150,000. Applicants requesting less
than $50,000 or more than $150,000 for a 12-month performance period
will not be considered for funding.
B. Extension of Period of Performance
For annual awards, MSHA may approve a request for a one time no-
cost extension to grantees for an additional period of up to 12 months
from the expiration date of the annual award based on the success of
the project and other relevant factors. See 29 CFR 95.25(e)(2). At the
end of the second year of funding for a FY 2012 renewal grant, MSHA may
approve a request for a no-cost extension for an additional period of
performance of up to 12 months based on the success of the project and
other relevant factors.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Applicants for the grants may be States and nonprofit (private or
public) entities. Eligible entities may apply for funding independently
or in partnership with other eligible organizations. For partnerships,
a lead organization must be identified.
Applicants other than States and State-supported or local
government-supported institutions of higher education will be required
to submit evidence of nonprofit status, preferably from the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS). A nonprofit entity as described in 26 U.S.C.
501(c)(4), which engages in lobbying activities, is not eligible for a
grant award. See 2 U.S.C. 1611.
B. Cost-Sharing or Matching
Cost-sharing or matching of funds is not required for eligibility.
C. Other Eligibility Requirements
1. Data Universal Number System (DUNS)
Under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(3), every applicant for a Federal grant
funding opportunity is required to include a DUNS with its application.
The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number that uniquely
identifies business entities. An applicant's DUNS number is to be
entered into Block 8 of Standard Form (SF) 424. There is no charge for
obtaining a DUNS number. To obtain a DUNS number, call 1-866-705-5711
or access the following Web site: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do.
After receiving a DUNS number, all grant applicants must also
register as a vendor with the System for Award Management (SAM) through
the Web site at https://www.sam.gov/. Grant applicants must create a
user account and then complete and submit the online registration. Once
you have completed the registration, it will take 48 to 72 hours to
process. The applicant will receive an email notice that the
registration is active. If you had an active record in the Central
Contractor Registration (CCR), you have an active record in SAM. You do
not need to do anything in SAM at this time, unless a change in your
business circumstances requires a change in SAM in order for you to be
paid or to receive an award. SAM will send notifications to the
registered user via email 60, 30, and 15 days prior to expiration of
the record. In addition, under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(2), each grant applicant
must maintain ``an active registration with current information at all
times.'' The Grants.gov Web site, through which applicants must apply
for MSHA grants, advises that it will reject all applications that have
an expired SAM registration.
2. Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by
Organizations That Receive Federal Financial Assistance
The Government generally is prohibited from providing direct
Federal financial assistance for inherently religious activities. See
29 CFR Part 2, Subpart D. Grants under this solicitation may not be
used for religious instruction, worship, prayer, proselytizing, or
other inherently religious activities. Neutral, non-religious criteria
that neither favor nor disfavor religion will be employed in the
selection of grant recipients and must be employed by grantees in the
selection of contractors and subcontractors.
3. Non-compliant Applications
Applications for new FY 2013 annual grants that are lacking any of
the required elements or do not follow the format prescribed in IV.B
will not be reviewed.
4. Late Applications
Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed
unless it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government.
IV. Application and Submission Information for New FY 2013 Annual
Grants
A. Application Forms
This announcement includes all information and links needed to
apply for this funding opportunity. (The information regarding the
second-year funding of the FY 2012 renewal grants is located in Part
VI.) The full application is available through the Grants.gov Web site
http://www.grants.gov/ under ``Apply for Grants''. The Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number needed to locate the
appropriate application for this opportunity is 17.603. If an applicant
has problems downloading the application package from Grants.gov,
contact Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or by email at
[email protected].
The full application package is also available on-line at
www.msha.gov: Select ``Education & Training Resources,'' click on
``Courses,'' select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants,''
[[Page 45975]]
then select ``SGA 13-3BS.'' This Web site also includes all forms and
all regulations that are referenced in this SGA. Applicants, however,
must apply for this funding opportunity through the Grants.gov Web
site.
B. Content and Form of the FY 2013 Application
Each grant application must address mine emergency preparedness or
mine emergency prevention for underground mines. The application must
consist of three separate and distinct sections. The three required
sections are:
Section 1--Project Forms and Financial Plan (No page
limit).
Section 2--Executive Summary (Not to exceed two pages).
Section 3--Technical Proposal (Not to exceed 12 pages).
Illustrative material can be submitted as an attachment.
The following are mandatory requirements for each section.
1. Project Forms and Financial Plan
This section contains the forms and budget section of the
application. The Project Financial Plan will not count against the
application page limits. A person with authority to bind the applicant
must sign the grant application and forms. Applications submitted
electronically through Grants.gov do not need to be signed manually;
electronic signatures will be accepted.
(a) Completed SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' This
form is part of the application package on Grants.gov and is also
available at www.msha.gov. The SF-424 must identify the applicant
clearly and be signed by an individual with authority to enter into a
grant agreement. Upon confirmation of an award, the individual signing
the SF-424 on behalf of the applicant shall be considered the
representative of the applicant.
(b) Completed SF-424A, ``Budget Information for Non-Construction
Programs.'' The project budget should demonstrate clearly that the
total amount and distribution of funds is sufficient to cover the cost
of all major project activities identified by the applicant in its
proposal, and must comply with the Federal cost principles and the
administrative requirements set forth in this SGA. (Copies of all
regulations that are referenced in this SGA are available on-line at
http://www.msha.gov. Select ``Education & Training Resources,'' click
on ``Courses,'' then select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.'')
(c) Budget Narrative. The applicant must provide a concise
narrative explaining the request for funds. The budget narrative should
separately attribute the Federal funds to each of the activities
specified in the technical proposal and it should discuss precisely how
any administrative costs support the project goals. Administrative
costs may not exceed 15% of the total grant budget. Indirect cost
charges must be supported with a copy of an approved Indirect Cost Rate
Agreement.
If applicable, the applicant must provide a statement about its
program income.
The amount of Federal funding requested for the entire period of
performance must be shown on the SF-424 and SF-424A forms.
(d) Completed SF-424B, ``Assurances for Non-Construction
Programs.'' Each applicant for these grants must certify compliance
with a list of assurances. This form is part of the application package
on http://www.grants.gov and also is available at http://www.msha.gov.
(e) Supplemental Certification Regarding Lobbying Activities Form.
If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for
influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any
agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an
employee of a member of Congress in connection with the making of a
grant or cooperative agreement, the applicant shall complete and submit
SF-LLL, ``Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,'' in accordance with its
instructions. This form is part of the application package on http://www.grants.gov and is also available at http://www.msha.gov. Select
``Education & Training Resources,'' click on ``Courses,'' then select
``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.''
(f) Non-profit status. Applicants must provide evidence of non-
profit status, preferably from the IRS, if applicable.
(g) Accounting System Certification. An organization that receives
less than $1 million annually in Federal grants must attach a
certification stating that the organization (directly or through a
designated qualified entity) has a functioning accounting system that
meets the criteria below. The certification should attest that the
organization's accounting system provides for the following:
(1) Accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial
results of each Federally sponsored project.
(2) Records that identify adequately the source and application of
funds for Federally sponsored activities.
(3) Effective control over and accountability for all funds,
property, and other assets.
(4) Comparison of outlays with budget amounts.
(5) Written procedures to minimize the time elapsing between
transfers of funds.
(6) Written procedures for determining the reasonableness,
allocability, and allowability of cost.
(7) Accounting records, including cost accounting records that are
supported by source documentation.
(h) Attachments. The application may include attachments such as
resumes of key personnel or position descriptions, exhibits,
information on prior government grants, and signed letters of
commitment to the project.
2. Executive Summary
The executive summary is a short one-to-two page abstract that
succinctly summarizes the proposed project. MSHA will publish, as
submitted, all grantees' executive summaries on the DOL Web site. The
executive summary must include the following information:
(a) Applicant. Provide the organization's full legal name and
address.
(b) Funding requested. List how much Federal funding is being
requested.
(c) Grant Topic. List the grant topic and the location and number
of mine operators and miners that the organization has selected to
train or describe the training materials or equipment to be created
with these funds.
(d) Program Structure. Identify the type of grant as annual.
(e) Summary of the Proposed Project. Write a brief summary of the
proposed project. This summary must identify the key points of the
proposal, including an introduction describing the project activities
and the expected results.
3. Technical Proposal
The technical proposal must demonstrate the applicant's
capabilities to plan and implement a project or create educational
materials or equipment to meet the objectives of this solicitation.
MSHA's focus for these grants is on training mine operators and miners
and developing training materials for mine emergency preparedness or
mine emergency prevention for underground mines. An Agency strategic
goal is to ensure workplaces are safe and healthy for workers through
strengthening and modernizing training and education and improving mine
emergency response preparedness through training. MSHA has two program
outcome goals, described below, that will be considered indicators of
the success of the program as a whole. The following table explains
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the types of data grantees must provide and their relationship with the
Agency's program goals and performance measures for the Brookwood-Sago
grants.
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DATA Grantees provide each reporting
MSHA's Program goals MSHA's Performance measures period
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1. Agency creates more effective Increase overall number of Number of training events.
training to ensure workplaces are trainers trained. Number of trainers trained.
safe. Increase the number of mine Number of mine operators and miners
operators and miners trained. trained.
Provide quality training with Number of course days of training
clearly stated goals and provided to industry.
objectives for improving Pre- and post-assessment results of
safety. trainees.
Course evaluations of trainer and
training materials.
A description of the extent to which
others replicate (i.e., adopt or adapt)
or institutionalize and continue the
training or educational programs after
grant funding ends.
2. Agency creates training materials Increase the number of quality Pre- and post-assessment results of the
to provide more effective training to educational materials training materials.
ensure workplaces are safe. developed. Evaluation of training materials to
Provide quality training include the target audience, statement
materials with clearly stated of goals and objectives, learning
goals and objectives for level, instructions for using
improving safety. additional materials, secondary
Develop training materials purposes, adult learning principles,
that are reproducible or and usability in the mine training
adaptable. environment.
A description of the extent to which
others will replicate (i.e., adopt or
adapt) the funded training materials.
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The technical proposal narrative is not to exceed 12 single-sided,
double-spaced pages, using 12-point font, and must contain the
following sections: Program Design, Overall Qualifications of the
Applicant, and Output and Evaluation. Any pages over the 12-page limit
will not be reviewed. Attachments to the technical proposal are not
counted toward the 12-page limit. Major sections and sub-sections of
the proposal should be divided and clearly identified. And as required
in Section VII subpart I ``Transparency,'' a grantee's final technical
proposal will be posted as is on MSHA's Web site unless MSHA receives a
version redacting any proprietary, confidential business, or personally
identifiable information by October 21, 2013.
MSHA will review and rate the technical proposal in accordance with
the selection criteria specified in Part V.
(a) Program Design
(1) Statement of the Problem/Need for Funds. Applicants must
identify a clear and specific need for proposed activities. They must
identify whether they are providing a training program or creating
training materials or both. Applicants also must identify the number of
individuals expected to benefit from their training and education
program; this should include identifying the type of underground mines,
the geographic locations, and the number of mine operators and miners.
Applicants must also identify other Federal funds they receive for
similar activities.
(2) Quality of the Project Design. MSHA requires that each
applicant include a 12-month workplan that correlates with the grant
project period that will begin September 30, 2013, and end September
29, 2014.
(i) Plan Overview. Describe the plan for grant activities and the
anticipated results. The plan should describe such things as the
development of training materials, the training content, recruiting of
trainees, where or how training will take place, and the anticipated
benefits to mine operators and miners receiving the training.
(ii) Activities. Break the plan down into activities or tasks. For
each activity, explain what will be done, who will do it, when it will
be done, and the anticipated results of the activity. For training,
discuss the subjects to be taught, the length of the training sessions,
type of training (e.g., Mine Emergency Response Development exercise),
and training locations (e.g., classroom, worksites). Describe how the
applicant will recruit mine operators and miners for the training.
(Note: Any commercially developed training materials the applicant
proposes to use in its training must undergo an MSHA review before
being used.)
(iii) Quarterly Projections. For training and other quantifiable
activities, estimate the quantities involved using the table located in
Part IV.B.3 for data required to meet the grant goals. For example,
estimate how many classes will be conducted and how many mine operators
and miners will be trained each quarter of the grant (grant quarters
match calendar quarters, i.e., January to March, April to June; but the
first quarter is the date of award to December 31, 2013). Also, provide
the training number totals for the full year. Quarterly projections are
used to measure the actual performance against the plan. Applicants
planning to conduct a train-the-trainer program should estimate the
number of individuals to be trained during the grant period by those
who received the train-the-trainer training. These second-tier training
numbers should be included only if the organization is planning to
follow up with the trainers to obtain this data during the grant
period.
(iv) Materials. Describe each educational material, including any
piece of equipment (e.g., mine simulator) to be produced under the
grant. Provide a timetable for developing and producing the material.
The timetable must include provisions for an MSHA review of draft and
camera-ready products or evaluation of equipment. MSHA must review and
approve training materials or equipment for technical accuracy and
suitability of content before use in the grant program. Whether or not
an applicant's project is to develop training materials only, the
applicant should provide an overall plan that includes time for MSHA to
review any materials produced.
(b) Qualifications of the Applicant
(1) Applicant's Background. Describe the applicant, including its
mission, and a description of its membership, if any. Provide an
organizational chart (the chart may be included as a separate page
which will not count toward the page limit). Identify the following:
(i) Project Director. The Project Director is the person who will
be responsible for the day-to-day operation and administration of the
program. Provide the name, title, street address and mailing address
(if it is different from the organization's street address),
[[Page 45977]]
telephone and fax numbers, and email address of the Project Director.
(ii) Certifying Representative. The Certifying Representative is
the official in the organization who is authorized to enter into grant
agreements. Provide the name, title, street address and mailing address
(if it is different from the organization's street address), telephone
and fax numbers, and email address of the Certifying Representative.
(2) Administrative and Program Capability. Briefly describe the
organization's functions and activities, i.e., the applicant's
management and internal controls. Relate this description of functions
to the organizational chart. If the applicant has received any other
government (Federal, State or local) grant funding, the application
must have, as an attachment (which will not count towards the page
limit), information regarding these previous grants. This information
must include each organization for which the work was done and the
dollar value of each grant. If the applicant does not have previous
grant experience, it may partner with an organization that has grant
experience to manage the grant. If the organization uses this approach,
the management organization must be identified and its grant program
experience discussed. Lack of past experience with Federal grants is
not a determining factor, but an applicant should show a successful
experience relevant to the opportunity offered in the application. Such
experience could include staff members' experiences with other
organizations.
(3) Program Experience. Describe the organization's experience
conducting the proposed mine training program or other relevant
experience. Include program specifics such as program title, numbers
trained, and duration of training. If creating training materials,
include the title of other materials developed. Nonprofit
organizations, including community-based and faith-based organizations
that do not have prior experience in mine safety may partner with an
established mine safety organization to acquire safety expertise.
(4) Staff Experience. Describe the qualifications of the
professional staff you will assign to the program. Attach resumes of
staff already employed (resumes will not count towards the page limit).
If some positions are vacant, include position descriptions and minimum
hiring qualifications instead of resumes. Staff should have, at a
minimum, mine safety experience, training experience, or experience
working with the mining community.
(c) Outputs and Evaluations. There are two types of evaluations
that must be conducted. First, describe the methods, approaches, or
plans to evaluate the training sessions or training materials to meet
the data requirements listed in the table above. Second, describe plans
to assess the long-term effectiveness of the training materials or
training conducted. The type of training given will determine whether
the evaluation should include a process-related outcome or a result-
related outcome or both. This will involve following up with an
evaluation, or on-site review, if feasible, of miners trained. The
evaluation should focus on what changes the trained miners made to
abate hazards and improve workplace conditions, or to incorporate the
training in the workplace, or both.
For training materials, include an evaluation from individuals
trained on the clarity of the presentation, organization, and the
quality of the information provided on the subject matter and whether
they would continue to use the training materials. Include timetables
for follow-up and for submitting a summary of the assessment results to
MSHA.
C. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses
The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is August 31, 2013 (no later than 11:59 p.m. EDST). Grant
applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov
Web site. The Grants.gov site provides all the information about
submitting an application electronically through the site as well as
the hours of operation. Interested parties can locate the downloadable
application package by the CFDA number 17.603.
Applications received by Grants.gov are electronically date and
time stamped. An application must be fully uploaded and submitted (and
must be date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system) before the
application deadline date. Once an interested party has submitted an
application, Grants.gov will notify the interested party with an
automatic notification of receipt that contains a Grants.gov tracking
number. MSHA then will retrieve the application from Grants.gov and
send a second notification to the interested party by email.
D. Intergovernmental Review
The Brookwood-Sago grants are not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' MSHA, however,
reminds applicants that if they are not operating MSHA-approved State
training grants, they should contact the State grantees and coordinate
any training or educational program. Information about each state grant
and the entity operating the state grant is provided online at: http://www.msha.gov/TRAINING/STATES/STATES.asp.
E. Funding Restrictions
MSHA will determine whether costs are allowable under the
applicable Federal cost principles and other conditions contained in
the grant award.
1. Allowable Costs
Grant funds may be spent on conducting training, conducting
outreach and recruiting activities to increase the number of mine
operators and miners participating in the program, developing
educational materials, and on necessary expenses to support these
activities. Allowable costs are determined by the applicable Federal
cost principles identified in Part VII.B.
Program income earned during the award period shall be retained by
the recipient, added to funds committed to the award, and used for the
purposes and under the conditions applicable to the use of the grant
funds.
2. Unallowable Costs
Grant funds may not be used for the following activities under this
grant program:
(a) Any activity inconsistent with the goals and objectives of this
SGA;
(b) Training on topics that are not targeted under this SGA;
(c) Purchasing any equipment unless pre-approved and in writing by
the MSHA grant officer;
(d) Administrative costs that exceed 15% of the total grant budget;
and
(e) Any pre-award costs.
Unallowable costs also include any cost determined by MSHA as not
allowed according to the applicable cost principles or other conditions
in the grant.
V. Application Review Information for New FY 2013 Grants
A. Evaluation Criteria.
MSHA will screen all applications to determine whether all required
proposal elements are present and clearly identifiable. Those that do
not comply with mandatory requirements will not be evaluated. The
technical panels will review grant applications using the following
criteria:
1. Program Design--40 Points Total
(a) Statement of the Problem/Need for Funds. (3 points)
The proposed training and education program or training materials
must address either mine emergency
[[Page 45978]]
preparedness or mine emergency prevention.
(b) Quality of the Project Design. (25 points)
(1) The proposal to train mine operators and miners clearly
estimates the number to be trained and clearly identifies the types of
mine operators and miners to be trained.
(2) If the proposal contains a train-the-trainer program, the
following information must be provided:
What ongoing support the grantee will provide to new
trainers;
The number of individuals to be trained as trainers;
The estimated number of courses to be conducted by the new
trainers;
The estimated number of students to be trained by these
new trainers and a description of how the grantee will obtain data from
the new trainers documenting their classes and student numbers if
conducted during the grant period.
(3) The work plan activities and training are described.
The planned activities and training are tailored to the
needs and levels of the mine operators and miners to be trained. Any
special constituency to be served through the grant program is
described, e.g., smaller mines, limited English proficiency miners,
etc. Organizations proposing to develop materials in languages other
than English also will be required to provide an English version of the
materials.
If the proposal includes developing training materials,
the work plan must include time during development for MSHA to review
the educational materials for technical accuracy and suitability of
content. If commercially developed training products will be used for a
training program, applicants should also plan for MSHA to review the
materials before using the products in their grant programs.
The utility of the educational materials is described.
The outreach or process to find mine operators, miners, or
trainees to receive the training is described.
(c) Replication. (4 points)
The potential for a project to serve a variety of mine operators,
miners, or mine sites, or the extent others may replicate the project.
(d) Innovativeness. (3 points)
The originality and uniqueness of the approach used.
(e) MSHA's Performance Goals. (5 points)
The extent the proposed project will contribute to MSHA's
performance goals.
2. Budget--20 Points Total
(a) The budget presentation is clear and detailed. (15 points)
(1) The budgeted costs are reasonable.
(2) No more than 15% of the total budget is for administrative
costs.
(3) The budget complies with Federal cost principles (which can be
found in the applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars
and with MSHA budget requirements contained in the grant application
instructions).
(b) The application demonstrates that the applicant has strong
financial management and internal control systems. (5 points)
3. Overall Qualifications of the Applicant--25 Points Total.
(a) Grant Experience. (6 points)
The applicant has administered, or will work with an organization
that has administered, a number of different Federal or State grants.
The applicant may demonstrate this experience by having project staff
that has experience administering Federal or State grants.
(b) Mine Safety Training Experience. (13 points)
The applicant applying for the grant demonstrates experience with
mine safety teaching or providing mine safety educational programs.
Applicants that do not have prior experience in providing mine safety
training to mine operators or miners may partner with an established
mine safety organization to acquire mine safety expertise.
(1) Project staff has experience in mine safety, the specific topic
chosen, or in training mine operators and miners.
(2) Project staff has experience in recruiting, training, and
working with the population the organization proposes to serve.
(3) Applicant has experience in designing and developing mine
safety training materials for a mining program.
(4) Applicant has experience in managing educational programs.
(c) Management. (6 points)
Applicant demonstrates internal control and management oversight of
the project.
4. Outputs and Evaluations--15 Points Total.
The proposal should include provisions for evaluating the
organization's progress in accomplishing the grant work activities and
accomplishments, evaluating training sessions, and evaluating the
program's effectiveness and impact to determine if the safety training
and services provided resulted in workplace change or improved
workplace conditions. The proposal should include a plan to follow up
with trainees to determine the impact the program has had in abating
hazards and reducing miner injuries and illnesses.
B. Review and Selection Process for New FY 2013 Grants
A technical panel will rate each complete application against the
criteria described in this SGA. One or more applicants may be selected
as grantees on the basis of the initial application submission or a
minimally acceptable number of points may be established. MSHA may
request final revisions to the applications, and then evaluate the
revised applications. MSHA may consider any information that comes to
its attention in evaluating the applications.
The panel recommendations are advisory in nature. The Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Policy for Mine Safety and Health will make a
final selection determination based on what is most advantageous to the
government, considering factors such as panel findings, geographic
presence of the applicants or the areas to be served, Agency
priorities, and the best value to the government, cost, and other
factors. The Deputy Assistant Secretary's determination for award under
this SGA is final.
C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Announcement of these awards is expected to occur by September 29,
2013. The grant agreement will be signed no later than September 30,
2013.
VI. FY 2012 Renewal Grantees' Process For FY 2013 Funding
A. General
In this section, MSHA is providing the eligible FY 2012 renewal
grantees the procedures and required documentation that they must
submit to receive their FY 2013 funding. MSHA will notify all renewal
grantees of their eligibility. The grantees are reminded that they are
not required to apply for the second year of funding. If they do not
wish to apply for the second-year funding, the grantees may apply for a
new grant under the FY 2013 annual grant program instead.
B. The Process and Required Documentation
1. Documentation
Using its current grant number, each grantee must provide:
(a) Revised SF-424 and SF-424A forms; and
(b) If necessary, a revised workplan.
2. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses
The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement
[[Page 45979]]
is August 31, 2013 (no later than 11:59 p.m. EDST). The renewal grantee
must submit its application for FY 2013 funding electronically through
the Grants.gov Web site.
C. Award Information
Announcement of these awards is expected to occur by September 29,
2013. The amendment to the FY 2012 grant agreement will be signed no
later than September 30, 2013.
VII. Award Administration Information
A. Award Process
Before September 29, 2013, organizations selected as potential
grant recipients will be notified by a representative of the Deputy
Assistant Secretary, usually the Grant Officer or her staff. An
applicant whose proposal is not selected will be notified in writing.
The fact that an organization has been selected as a potential grant
recipient does not necessarily constitute approval of the grant
application as submitted (revisions may be required).
Before the actual grant award and the announcement of the award,
MSHA may enter into negotiations with the potential grant recipient
concerning such matters as program components, staffing and funding
levels, and administrative systems. If the negotiations do not result
in an acceptable submittal, the Deputy Assistant Secretary reserves the
right to terminate the negotiations and decline to fund the proposal.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
All grantees will be subject to applicable Federal laws and
regulations (including provisions of appropriations law) and applicable
OMB Circulars. The grants awarded under this competitive grant program
will be subject to the following administrative standards and
provisions, if applicable:
2 CFR Part 25, Universal Identifier and Central Contractor
Registration.
2 CFR Part 170, Reporting Subawards and Executive
Compensation Information.
2 CFR Part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons.
2 CFR Part 220, Cost Principles for Educational
Institutions. (OMB Circular A-21).
2 CFR Part 225, Cost Principles for State, Local, and
Indian Tribal Governments (OMB Circular A-87).
2 CFR Part 230, Cost Principles for Non-profit
Organizations (OMB Circular A-122).
29 CFR Part 2, Subpart D, Equal Treatment in Department of
Labor programs for Religious Organizations, Protection of Religious
Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and
Beneficiaries.
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.
29 CFR Part 32, Nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap
in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.
29 CFR Part 33, Enforcement of non-discrimination on the
basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by the Department
of Labor.
29 CFR Part 35, Nondiscrimination on the basis of age in
programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance from the
Department of Labor.
29 CFR Part 36, Nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in
education programs or activities receiving federal financial
assistance.
29 CFR Part 93, New Restrictions on lobbying.
29 CFR Part 94, Governmentwide requirements for drug-free
workplace (financial assistance).
29 CFR Part 95, Grants and agreements with institutions of
higher education, hospitals, and other non-profit organizations, and
with commercial organizations, foreign governments, organizations under
the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and international
organizations.
29 CFR Part 96, Audit requirements for grants, contracts,
and other agreements.
29 CFR Part 97, Uniform administrative requirements for
grants and cooperative agreements to state and local governments.
29 CFR Part 98, Governmentwide debarment and suspension
(nonprocurement).
29 CFR Part 99, Audits of states, local governments, and
non-profit organizations.
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 31.2,
Contracts cost principles and procedures (Codified at 48 CFR Part
31.2).
Administrative costs for these grants may not exceed 15%. Unless
specifically approved, MSHA's acceptance of a proposal or MSHA's award
of Federal funds to sponsor any program does not constitute a waiver of
any grant requirement or procedure. For example, if an application
identifies a specific sub-contractor to provide certain services, the
MSHA award does not provide a basis to sole-source the procurement (to
avoid competition).
C. Special Program Requirements
1. MSHA Review of Educational Materials
MSHA will review all grantee-produced educational and training
materials for technical accuracy and suitability of content during
development and before final publication. MSHA also will review
training curricula and purchased training materials for technical
accuracy and suitability of content before the materials are used.
Grantees developing training materials must follow all copyright laws
and provide written certification that their materials are free from
copyright infringement.
When grantees produce training materials, they must provide copies
of completed materials to MSHA before the end of the grant period.
Completed materials should be submitted to MSHA in hard copy and in
digital format (CD-ROM/DVD) for publication on the MSHA Web site. Two
copies of the materials must be provided to MSHA. Acceptable formats
for training materials include Microsoft XP Word, PDF, PowerPoint, and
any other format agreed upon by MSHA.
2. License
As listed in 29 CFR 95.36, the Department of Labor reserves a
royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to reproduce,
publish, or otherwise use for Federal purposes any work produced under
a grant, and to authorize others to do so. Grantees must agree to
provide the Department of Labor a paid-up, nonexclusive, and
irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use for Federal
purposes all products developed, or for which ownership was purchased,
under an award. Such products include, but are not limited to,
curricula, training models, technical assistance products, and any
related materials. Such uses include, but are not limited to, the right
to modify and distribute such products worldwide by any means,
electronic, or otherwise. Title 29 CFR 97.34 provides DOL and MSHA with
similar rights for any work produced or purchased under the grant.
3. Acknowledgement on Printed Materials
All approved grant-funded materials developed by a grantee shall
contain the following disclaimer: ``This material was produced under
grant number XXXXX from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S.
Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or
policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade
names, commercial products, or
[[Page 45980]]
organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.''
When issuing statements, press releases, request for proposals, bid
solicitations, and other documents describing projects or programs
funded in whole or in part with Federal money, all grantees receiving
Federal funds must clearly state:
(a) The percentage of the total costs of the program or project
that will be financed with Federal money;
(b) The dollar amount of Federal financial assistance for the
project or program; and
(c) The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the
project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.
4. Use of U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and MSHA Logos
The USDOL or the MSHA logo may be applied to the grant-funded
material including posters, videos, pamphlets, research documents,
national survey results, impact evaluations, best practice reports, and
other publications. The grantees must consult with MSHA on whether the
logo may be used on any such items prior to final draft or final
preparation for distribution. In no event shall the USDOL or the MSHA
logo be placed on any item until MSHA has given the grantee written
permission to use either logo on the item.
5. Reporting
Grantees are required by Departmental regulations to submit
financial and project reports, as described below, each quarter (grant
quarters match calendar quarters, i.e., January to March, April to
June).
(a) Financial Reports
All financial reports are due no later than 30 days after the end
of the quarter and shall be submitted to MSHA electronically. Grantees
will be contacted with instructions on how to submit reports.
(b) Technical Project Reports
After signing the agreement, the grantee shall submit technical
project reports to MSHA no later than 30 days after the end of each
quarter. Technical project reports provide both quantitative and
qualitative information and a narrative assessment of performance for
the preceding three-month period. See 29 CFR 95.51 and 29 CFR 97.40.
This should include the current grant progress against the overall
grant goals as provided in Part IV.B.3.
Between reporting dates, the grantee shall immediately inform MSHA
of significant developments or problems affecting the organization's
ability to accomplish the work. See 29 CFR 95.51(f) and 29 CFR
97.40(d).
(c) Final Reports
At the end of each 12-month performance period, each grantee must
provide a final financial report, a summary of its technical project
reports, and an evaluation report. These final reports are due no later
than 90 days after the end of the 12-month performance period.
H. Freedom of Information
Any information submitted in response to this SGA will be subject
to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, as appropriate.
I. Transparency in the Grant Process
DOL is committed to conducting a transparent grant award process
and publicizing information about program outcomes. Posting awardees'
grant applications on public Web sites is a means of promoting and
sharing innovative ideas. Under this SGA, DOL will publish the
awardees' Executive Summaries, selected information from their SF-424s,
and a version of awardees' Technical Proposals on the Department's Web
site or similar location. None of the Attachments to the Technical
Proposal provided with the applications will be published. The
Technical Proposals and Executive Summaries will not be published until
after the grants are awarded. In addition, information about grant
progress and results may also be made publicly available.
DOL recognizes that grant applications sometimes contain
information that an applicant may consider proprietary or business
confidential information, or may contain personally identifiable
information. Proprietary or business confidential information is
information that is not usually disclosed outside your organization and
disclosing this information is likely to cause you substantial
competitive harm.
Personally identifiable information is any information that can be
used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity, such as name,
social security number, date and place of birth, mother`s maiden name,
or biometric records; and any other information that is linked or
linkable to an individual, such as medical, educational, financial, and
employment information.\1\
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\1\ OMB Memorandum 07-16 and 06-19. GAO Report 08-536, Privacy:
Alternatives Exist for Enhancing Protection of Personally
Identifiable Information, May 2008, http://www.gao.gov/assets/280/275558.pdf.
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Executive Summaries will be published in the form originally
submitted, without any redactions. Applicants should not include any
proprietary or confidential business information or personally
identifiable information in this summary. In the event that an
applicant submits proprietary or confidential business information or
personally identifiable information in the summary, DOL is not liable
for the posting of this information contained in the Executive Summary.
The submission of the grant application constitutes a waiver of the
applicant's objection to the posting of any proprietary or confidential
business information contained in the Executive Summary. Additionally,
the applicant is responsible for obtaining all authorizations from
relevant parties for publishing all personally identifiable information
contained within the Executive Summary. In the event the Executive
Summary contains proprietary or confidential business or personally
identifiable information, the applicant is presumed to have obtained
all necessary authorizations to provide this information and may be
liable for any improper release of this information.
By submission of this grant application, the applicant agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless the United States, the U.S. Department of
Labor, its officers, employees, and agents against any liability or for
any loss or damages arising from this application. By such submission
of this grant application, the applicant further acknowledges having
the authority to execute this release of liability.
In order to ensure that proprietary or confidential business
information or personally identifiable information is properly
protected from disclosure when DOL posts the selected Technical
Proposals, applicants whose Technical Proposals will be posted will be
asked to submit a second redacted version of their Technical Proposal,
with any proprietary or confidential business information and
personally identifiable information redacted. All non-public
information about the applicant's staff or other individuals should be
removed as well.
The Department will contact the applicants whose Technical
Proposals will be published by letter or email, and provide further
directions about how and when to submit the redacted version of the
Technical Proposal.
Submission of a redacted version of the Technical Proposal will
constitute permission by the applicant for DOL to make the redacted
version publicly available. We will also assume that the applicant has
obtained the agreement to the redacted version of the applicant's
[[Page 45981]]
Technical Proposal. If an applicant fails to provide a redacted version
of the Technical Proposal by October 21, 2013, DOL will publish the
original Technical Proposal in full, after redacting only personally
identifiable information. (Note that the original, unredacted version
of the Technical Proposal will remain part of the complete application
package, including an applicant's proprietary and confidential business
information and any personally identifiable information.)
Applicants are encouraged to disclose as much of the grant
application information as possible, and to redact only information
that clearly is proprietary, confidential commercial/business
information, or capable of identifying a person. The redaction of
entire pages or sections of the Technical Proposal is not appropriate,
and will not be allowed, unless the entire portion merits such
protection. Should a dispute arise about whether redactions are
appropriate, DOL will follow the procedures outlined in the
Department's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations (29 CFR Part
70).
Redacted information in grant applications will be protected by DOL
from public disclosure in accordance with federal law, including the
Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C. 1905), FOIA, and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C.
552a). If DOL receives a FOIA request for your application, the
procedures in DOL's FOIA regulations for responding to requests for
commercial/business information submitted to the government will be
followed, as well as all FOIA exemptions and procedures. 29 CFR 70.26.
Consequently, it is possible that application of FOIA rules may result
in release of information in response to a FOIA request that an
applicant redacted in its ``redacted copy.''
VIII. Agency Contacts
Any questions regarding this solicitation for grant applications
(SGA 13-3BS) should be directed to Robert Glatter at
[email protected] or at 202-693-9570 (this is not a toll-free
number) or the Grant Officer, Nancy Sloanhoffer at
[email protected] or at 202-693-9839 (this is not a toll-free
number). MSHA's Web page at www.msha.gov is a valuable source of
background for this initiative.
IX. Office Of Management and Budget Information Collection Requirements
This SGA requests information from applicants. This collection of
information is approved under OMB Control No. 1225-0086 (expires
January 31, 2016).
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no person
is required to respond to a collection of information unless such
collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden
for the grant application is estimated to average 20 hours per
response, for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing
the collection of information. Each recipient who receives a grant
award notice will be required to submit nine progress reports to MSHA.
MSHA estimates that each report will take approximately two and one-
half hours to prepare.
Send comments regarding the burden estimated or any other aspect of
this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this
burden, to the OMB Desk Officer for MSHA, Office of Management and
Budget Room 10235, Washington DC 20503 and MSHA, electronically to
Robert Glatter at [email protected] or the Grant Officer, Nancy
Sloanhoffer at [email protected] or by mail to Robert Glatter,
Room 2148, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209.
This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a
grant. The information collected through this ``Solicitation for Grant
Applications'' will be used by the Department of Labor to ensure that
grants are awarded to the applicant best suited to perform the
functions of the grant. Submission of this information is required in
order for the applicant to be considered for award of this grant.
Unless otherwise specifically noted in this announcement, information
submitted in the respondent's application is not considered to be
confidential.
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 965.
Dated: July 24, 2013.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations, Mine Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 2013-18209 Filed 7-29-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P