[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 141 (Monday, July 23, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34881-34889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-15685]
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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: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA).
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Announcement Type: New
Funding Opportunity Number: FOA BS-2018-1
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.603
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA), is making up to $250,000 available in grant
funds for education and training programs to help identify, avoid, and
prevent unsafe working conditions in and around mines. The focus of
these grants for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 will be training and training
materials on powered haulage safety, examinations of working places at
metal and nonmetal mines, or mine emergency prevention and
preparedness. Applicants for the grants may be States and Territories
(to include the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands) and private or public nonprofit entities, to
include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities,
Indian-controlled organizations serving Indians, and Native Hawaiian
organizations. MSHA could award as many as 5 grants. The amount of each
individual grant will be
[[Page 34882]]
at least $50,000 and the maximum individual award will be $250,000.
In addition, GSA has implemented new procedures for the System for
Award Management (SAM) registration process to prevent fraud. These
procedures, as of April 27, 2018, require new entities and entities
renewing or updating their registration to submit an original, signed
notarized letter confirming the authorized Entity Administrator before
the SAM registration will be active. All applicants need an active SAM
registration to apply for the grant under this FOA and should plan
accordingly because these procedures may increase the time before an
applicant may receive an active registration notice.
This notice contains all of the information needed to apply for
grant funding.
DATES: The closing date for applications will be 30 days after date
posted (no later than 11:59 p.m. EDST). MSHA will award grants on or
before September 28, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Grant applications for this competition must be submitted
electronically through the Grants.gov site at 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 FOA BS-
2018-1 should be directed to Janice Oates at [email protected] or
202-693-9573 (this is not a toll-free number) or Krystle Mitchell at
[email protected] or 202-693-9570 (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 eight 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.
Part V explains the review process and rating criteria
that will be used to evaluate the applications.
Part VI provides award administration information.
Part VII contains MSHA contact information.
Part VIII addresses Freedom of Information Act requests
and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) information collection
requirements.
I. Program Description
A. Overview of the Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grant Program
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). 30
U.S.C. 965. This program provides funding for 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. Education and Training Program Priorities
MSHA priorities for the FY 2018 funding of the annual Brookwood-
Sago grants will focus on powered haulage safety, examinations of
working places at metal and nonmetal mines, or mine emergency
prevention and preparedness. MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago 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 will give
special emphasis to programs and materials that target workers at
smaller mines, including training miners and employers about new MSHA
standards, high risk activities, or hazards identified by MSHA.
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 to ``promote
safe jobs and fair workplaces for all Americans'' and MSHA's goal to
``prevent fatalities, disease, and injury from mining and secure safe
and healthful working conditions for America's miners.'' Evaluations
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 which may include data
collection or provision of training curricula, materials, or
mechanisms.
II. Federal Award Information
A. Award Amount for FY 2018
MSHA is providing up to $250,000 for the 2018 Brookwood-Sago grant
program which could be awarded in a maximum of 5 separate grants of no
less than $50,000 each. Applicants requesting less than $50,000 or more
than $250,000 for a 12-month performance period will not be considered
for funding.
B. Period of Performance
The performance period for these grants is September 30, 2018,
through September 29, 2019. MSHA may approve a request for a one time
no-cost extension to grantees for an additional period from the
expiration date of the annual award based on the success of the project
and other relevant factors. See 2 CFR 200.308(d)(2).
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Applicants for the grants may be States and Territories (to include
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands) and private or public nonprofit entities, to include
Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities, Indian-
controlled organizations serving Indians, and Native Hawaiian
organizations. 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, Territories, State-supported or local
government-supported institutions of higher education, and tribal
governments and tribal-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.
[[Page 34883]]
B. 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.
C. Cost-Sharing or Matching
Cost-sharing or matching of funds is not required for eligibility.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Application Packages
This announcement includes all information, including forms,
regulations, and links needed to apply for this funding opportunity.
The full application is available through the Grants.gov website,
www.grants.gov, and the FedConnect.net portal. Applicants, however,
must apply for this funding opportunity through the Grants.gov website.
You may request paper copies of the package by contacting the
Directorate of Educational Policy and Development at 202-693-9570.
For Grants.gov, click the ``Applicants'' tab, click the ``Apply for
Grants'' tab, and enter the ``Funding Opportunity Number'' and the
Grant.gov's descriptive category, ``Opportunity Category,'' and click
the search button. The Funding Opportunity Number is BS-2018-1 and
Opportunity Category is ``discretionary.'' You may also click ``Search
Grants,'' and enter the ``Funding Opportunity Number,'' the ``Catalog
of Federal Domestic Assistance'' (CFDA), or both, and click the search
button. The CFDA number for this opportunity is 17.603. If an applicant
has problems downloading the application package from Grants.gov,
contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or by email at
[email protected].
The full application package is also available online at
FedConnect.net portal, https://www.fedconnect.net. Click the ``Search
Public Opportunities Only'' section, enter the Title or FOA number of
the document, and click search to find the application package.
If applying online poses a hardship to any applicant, please notify
the MSHA Directorate of Educational Policy and Development as early as
possible and we will provide assistance to help applicants submit
online and provide any applicable notices.
For the FedConnect.net portal, an applicant will register in
FedConnect at https://www.fedconnect.net. To create an organization
account, your organization's System Award Management (SAM) Marketing
Partner ID number (MPIN) is required. (See Section IV.C regarding new
procedures for SAM Entity Administrator.) Only the SAM Entity
Administrator for an entity may view the MPIN. For more information
about registering in FedConnect, review DOL's Grant Management System
Modernization Guide at https://www.msha.gov/sites/default/files/Training_Education/Grants%20Management%20System%20Modernization.pdf
(copy and paste link) or on MSHA's website, www.msha.gov (Select
``Training and Education,'' click ``Training Programs and Courses,''
then select ``Grant Management System Modernization'').
1. FOA Modifications
MSHA will post any modifications to this announcement on Grants.gov
and the FedConnect.net portal. FedConnect.net will provide an email
notice of a modification or an announcement message if an applicant
registers in FedConnect.net as an interested party for this FOA. If you
request paper copies of the FOA or notify MSHA regarding hardship in
applying online, MSHA will attempt to notify you timely of any
modifications with the contact information provided.
2. Questions
Questions regarding the content of the announcement must be
submitted through the FedConnect.net portal. You must register with
FedConnect to submit questions, and to view responses to questions. It
is recommended that you register as soon after release of the FOA as
possible.
Questions relating to the Grants.gov registration process, system
requirements, how an application form works, or the submittal process
must be directed to Grants.gov at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected].
If applying online poses a hardship to any applicant, please notify
the MSHA Directorate of Educational Policy and Development as early as
possible. Program questions should be submitted to the MSHA contacts
listed in Section VII of this FOA.
B. Content and Form of the FY 2018 Application
Each grant application must address powered haulage safety,
examinations of working places at metal and nonmetal mines, or other
programs to prevent unsafe conditions in and around 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. All the following forms are
part of the application package on Grants.gov and FedConnect.net portal
and on MSHA's website, www.msha.gov: (Select ``Training and
Education,'' click on ``Training Programs and Courses,'' then select
``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants'').
(a) Completed SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance,'' (OMB
No. 4040-0004, expiration: 12/31/2019). 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,'' (OMB No. 4040-0006, expiration: 01/31/2019) and budget
narrative. 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 FOA. (Copies of all regulations that are
referenced in this FOA are available online at Grants.gov,
FedConnect.net portal, and on MSHA website, www.msha.gov: (Select
``Training and Education,'' click on
[[Page 34884]]
``Training Programs and Courses,'' then select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine
Safety Grants''). 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 if charging administrative
costs as direct costs to the program, the budget narrative should
discuss precisely how any administrative costs support the project
goals. See 2 CFR 200.413(c).
If applicable, the applicant must provide a statement about its
program income. See 2 CFR 200.80 and 200.307 and this FOA, Part
IV.F.1(a) and (b).
The amount of Federal funding requested for the entire period of
performance must be shown on the SF-424 and SF-424A forms.
(c) Completed SF-424B, ``Assurances for Non-Construction
Programs,'' (OMB No. 4040-0007, expiration: 01/31/2019). Each applicant
for these grants must certify compliance with a list of assurances.
(d) Completed Supplemental Certification Regarding Lobbying
Activities Form, if applicable. 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, ``(OMB No. 4040-0013, expiration: 01/31/2019) in accordance
with its instructions.
(e) Non-profit status. Applicants must provide evidence of non-
profit status, preferably from the IRS, if applicable.
(f) Accounting System Certification. Under the authority of 2 CFR
200.207, MSHA requires that a new applicant that receives less than $1
million annually in Federal grants 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 adequately identify 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 costs.
(7) Accounting records, including cost accounting records that are
supported by source documentation.
(g) 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. 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 each milestone with 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 to meet the objectives of this solicitation. MSHA's focus for
these grants is on training mine operators and miners and developing
training materials on powered haulage safety, examinations of working
places in metal and nonmetal mines, or other programs to prevent unsafe
conditions in and around mines. MSHA shall give special emphasis to
programs and materials that target miners at smaller mines, including
training miners and employers about new MSHA standards, high risk
activities, or hazards identified by MSHA. A Department of Labor
Strategic Goal is to ``Promote Safe Jobs and Fair Workplaces for All
Americans'' through the strategic objective to ``secure safe and
healthful workplaces, particularly in high-risk industries.'' MSHA has
a performance goal to ``prevent fatalities, disease, and injury from
mining and secure safe and healthful work conditions for America's
miners.'' MSHA's award of the Brookwood-Sago grants supports these
goals and strategies. To show how the grant projects promote these
goals and strategies, grantees must report, at each quarter, the
following information (as applicable):
Number of trainers trained
Number of mine operators and miners trained
Number of training events
Number of course days of training provided to industry
Course evaluations of trainer and training material
Description of training materials created, to include target audience,
goals and objectives, and usability in the mine training environment
The technical proposal narrative must not 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.
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, 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 mines, the
geographic locations of the training, and the number of mine operators
and miners.
(i) 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 no later than
September 30, 2018 and end no later than September 29, 2019.
(ii) 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
[[Page 34885]]
training content, recruiting of trainees, where or how training will
take place, and the anticipated benefits to mine operators and miners
receiving the training.
(iii) Activities
Break the plan down into activities or tasks for each quarter. 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., powered haulage safety, examinations of working
places at metal and nonmetal mines, and mine emergency prevention and
preparedness), 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).
(iv) Quarterly Projections
For training and other quantifiable activities, estimate the
quantities involved for data required to meet the grant goals located
in Part IV.B.3. For example, estimate how many classes will be
conducted and how many mine operators and miners will be trained each
quarter of the grant. Also, provide the training number totals for the
full year. Quarterly projections are used to measure the actual
performance against the plan. A quarterly technical project report is
due 30 days after the end of each quarter. Applicants planning to
conduct a train-the-trainer program should estimate the number of
individuals to be trained during the grant 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.
(v) Materials
Describe each educational material to be produced under this grant.
Provide a timetable, including milestones, 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), telephone and fax numbers, and
email address of the Project Director.
(ii) Certifying Representative or Authorizing Organization
Representative (AOR)
The Certifying Representative or the AOR 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 or AOR.
(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 in Part
IV.B.3. 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 this 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. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and
System for Award Management (SAM)--Required
Under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(3), every applicant for a Federal grant is
required to include a DUNS number with its
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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 website: https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
After receiving a DUNS number, all grant applicants must register
as a vendor with the System for Award Management (SAM) through the
website www.sam.gov. Grant applicants must create a user account and
register online. In addition, GSA has implemented new procedures for
the SAM registration process to prevent fraud. These procedures, as of
April 27, 2018, require new entities and entities renewing or updating
their registration to submit an original, signed notarized letter
confirming the authorized Entity Administrator before the SAM
registration will be active. https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/##11. All
applicants need an active SAM registration to apply for the grant under
this FOA and should plan accordingly because these procedures may
increase the time before an applicant may receive an active
registration notice.
Submitted registrations will take up to 10 business days to
process, after which the applicant will receive an email notice that
the registration is active. Once the registration is active in SAM it
takes an additional 24-48 hours for the registration to be active in
Grants.gov. SAM registrations must be renewed annually. SAM will send
notifications to the registered user via email prior to expiration of
the registration. Under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(2), each grant applicant must
maintain an active registration with current information at all times
during which it has an active Federal award or an application under
active consideration.
D. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses
The closing date for applications will be 30 days after date posted
(no later than 11:59 p.m. EDST). MSHA will award grants on or before
September 28, 2018.
Grant applications must be submitted electronically through the
Grants.gov website. 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 FOA No. BS-2018-1 or by the
CFDA No. 17.603.
1. Non-Compliant Applications
(a) Applications that are lacking any of the required elements or
do not follow the format prescribed in IV.B. will not be reviewed.
(b) Late Applications.
You are cautioned that applications should be submitted before the
deadline to ensure that the risk of late receipt of the application is
minimized. Applications received after the deadline will not be
reviewed unless it is determined to be in the best interest of the
Government.
Applications received by Grants.gov are date and time stamped
electronically. See https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/ManageWorkspaces/Submit_a_Workspace_Package.htm.
An application must be fully uploaded and validated by the
Grants.gov system before the application deadline date.
E. Intergovernmental Review
The Brookwood-Sago grants are not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' MSHA 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: https://arlweb.msha.gov/TRAINING/STATES/STATES.asp
F. 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 and outreach,
developing educational materials, recruiting activities (to increase
the number of participants in the program), and on necessary expenses
to support these activities. Allowable costs are determined by the
applicable Federal cost principles identified in Part VI.B, which are
attachments in the application package, or are located online at
https://www.fedconnect.net. Click the search public opportunities
section, enter the Title or FOA number of the document, and click
search. These documents are also located on www.msha.gov: (Select
``Training and Education'', click on ``Training Programs and Courses'',
then select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.'') Paper copies of the
material may be obtained by contacting the Directorate of Educational
Policy and Development at 202-693-9570.
(a) If an applicant anticipates earning program income during the
grant, the application must include an estimate of the income that will
be earned. Program income earned must be reported on a quarterly basis.
(b) Program income is gross income earned by the grantee which is
directly generated by a supported activity, or earned as a result of
the award. Program income earned during the award period shall be
retained by the grantee, added to funds committed to the award, and
used for the purposes and under the conditions applicable to the use of
the grant funds. See 2 CFR 200.80 and 200.307.
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 FOA
(b) Training on topics that are not targeted under this FOA
(c) Purchasing any equipment unless pre-approved and in writing by the
MSHA grant officer
(d) Direct administrative costs that exceed 15% of the total grant
budget
(e) Indirect costs that exceed 10% of the modified total direct costs
(as defined in 2 CFR 200.68) or the grantee's federally negotiated
indirect cost rate reimbursement
(f) 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 FY 2018 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 powered haulage safety, examinations of working places at
metal and nonmetal mines, or other programs to prevent unsafe
conditions in and around mines
(b) Quality of the Project Design (25 points)
[[Page 34887]]
(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:
Name or type of 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.
(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) Innovation (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)
The budgeted costs are reasonable.
No more than 15% of the total budget is for direct
administrative costs.
Indirect costs do not exceed 10% of the modified total
direct costs (as defined in 2 CFR 200.68) or the grantee's federally
negotiated indirect cost rate reimbursement.
The budget complies with Federal cost principles (which
can be found in the applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements for Federal Awards 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.
Project staff has experience in mine safety, the specific
topic chosen, or in training mine operators and miners.
Project staff has experience in recruiting, training, and
working with the population the organization proposes to serve.
Applicant has experience in designing and developing mine
safety training materials for a mining program.
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 illnesses and injuries.
B. Review and Selection Process for FY 2018 Grants
A technical panel will rate each complete application against the
criteria described in this FOA. 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 Operations 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 FOA is final.
C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Announcement of the awards is expected to occur before September
28, 2018. The grant agreement will be signed no later than September
28, 2018.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Process
Before September 28, 2018, organizations selected as potential
grant recipients will be notified by a representative of the Deputy
Assistant Secretary. 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.
[[Page 34888]]
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
All grantees will be subject to applicable Federal laws and
regulations (including provisions of appropriations law). These
requirements are attachments in the application package or are located
online at https://www.fedconnect.net (Click the search public
opportunities section, enter the Title or FOA number of the document,
and click search.) or at www.msha.gov: (Select ``Training and
Education'', click on ``Training Programs and Courses'', then select
``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.'') 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 System for Award
Management.
2 CFR part 170, Reporting Subawards and Executive
Compensation Information.
2 CFR part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons.
2 CFR part 180, OMB Guidelines to Agencies on
Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) (Nov. 15,
2006).
2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Dec. 19, 2014).
2 CFR part 2900, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
2 CFR part 2998, Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension.
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 nondiscrimination 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, Government-wide requirements for drug-free
workplace (financial assistance).
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31, Subpart
31.2, Contract cost principles and procedures (Codified at 48 CFR
Subpart 31.2).
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. Completed
materials should be submitted to MSHA in hard copy and in digital
format for publication on the MSHA website. 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 stated in 2 CFR 200.315 and 2 CFR 2900.13, the Department of
Labor has a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to
reproduce, publish, or otherwise use for Federal purposes any work
produced, or for which ownership was acquired, under a grant, and to
authorize others to do so. Such products include, but are not limited
to, curricula, training models, 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.
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 [insert grant number] 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 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) or MSHA Logo
With written permission from MSHA, the USDOL and MSHA logos may be
applied to the grant-funded materials 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 logos may be used on any
such items prior to final draft or final preparation for distribution.
In no event shall the DOL or MSHA logo be placed on any item until MSHA
has given the grantee written permission to use the logos on the item.
5. Reporting
Grantees are required by Departmental regulations to submit
financial and project reports, as described below. Grantees are also
required to submit final reports no later than 90 days after the end of
the grant.
(a) Financial Reports
The grantee shall submit financial reports on a quarterly basis.
Recipients are required to use the U.S. Department of Labor's Grantee
Reporting Systems' electronic SF-425 (Federal Financial Report), (OMB
No. 4040-0014, expiration: 1/31/2019), at https://www.fedconnect.net,
to report the status of all funds awarded and, if applicable,
[[Page 34889]]
program income received and expended, during the funding period.
FedConnect will receive a prepopulated SF-425 form at the end of each
quarter to be filled out, saved, and uploaded to submit to MSHA. All
reports are due no later than 30 days after the end of the reporting
period.
(b) Technical Project Reports
A grantee must submit a quarterly technical project report to MSHA
no later than 30 days after December 31, 2018, March 31, 2019, June 30,
2019, and September 30, 2019, respectively. Technical project reports
provide both quantitative and qualitative information and a narrative
assessment of performance for the preceding three-month period. 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 2 CFR 200.328(d).
(c) Final Reports
At the end of the grant, each grantee must provide a project
summary of its technical project reports, an evaluation report, and a
close-out financial report. These final reports are due no later than
90 days after the end of the grant.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office
Ms. Janice Oates, Management and Program Analyst, Educational
Policy and Development, Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S.
Department of Labor, 201 12th Street South, 5th Floor Arlington,
Virginia 22202, (202) 693-9573, (202) 693-9571 (FAX),
[email protected].
Dr. Krystle A. Mitchell, Deputy Director, Educational Policy and
Development, Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of
Labor, 201 12th Street South, 5th Floor, Arlington, Virginia 22202,
(202) 693-9570, (202) 693-9571 (FAX), [email protected].
Grants Office
Mr. Travis Munnerlyn, Grants Management Specialist, Mine Safety and
Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 201 12th Street South,
4th Floor, Arlington, Virginia 22202, (202) 693-9833, (202) 693-9801
(FAX), [email protected].
Mr. Emmanuel Ekwo, Grant Officer, Mine Safety and Health
Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 201 12th Street South, 4th
Floor, Arlington, Virginia 22202, (202) 693-9635, (202) 693-9801 (FAX),
[email protected].
The telephone numbers listed above are not toll-free numbers.
VIII. Other Information
A. Freedom of Information Act
Any information submitted in response to this FOA will be subject
to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, as appropriate.
B. Office of Management and Budget Information Collection Requirements
This FOA requests information from applicants and grantees. This
collection of information is approved under OMB No. 1225-0086,
expiration: 05/31/2019.
Except as otherwise noted, 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 five
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; the U.S. Department of Labor,
OASAM-OCIO, Information Resources Program, Room N-1301, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210; and MSHA, electronically
to Janice Oates at [email protected] or by mail to Janice Oates, 5th
floor, 201 12th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202.
This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a
grant. Submission of this information is requested for the applicant to
be considered for award of this grant.
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 965.
David G. Zatezalo,
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 2018-15685 Filed 7-20-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P