Trade and economic transition workforce grants

CLASSIFICATION
   EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION                 DWG – Trade and Economic Transition
               ADVISORY SYSTEM                            CORRESPONDENCE SYMBOL
          U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR                        OWI - DWASWS
             Washington, D.C. 20210                       DATE
                                                          August 8, 2018


ADVISORY:       TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE LETTER NO. 2-18

TO:             STATE WORKFORCE AGENCIES
                STATE WORKFORCE ADMINISTRATORS
                STATE WORKFORCE LIAISONS
                STATE AND LOCAL WORKFORCE BOARDS AND CHAIRS
                STATE LABOR COMMISSIONERS
                INDIAN AND NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAM GRANTEES

FROM:           ROSEMARY LAHASKY /s/
                Deputy Assistant Secretary

SUBJECT:        Trade and Economic Transition National Dislocated Worker Grants

1. Purpose. To announce the availability of up to $100 million for Trade and Economic
   Transition National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs), with funding amounts of up to $8
   million for each award. This grant will enable successful applicants to address ongoing or
   emerging workforce and economic challenges by providing training and career services to
   dislocated workers seeking reentry into the workforce, and increasing their skill levels to
   become competitive for growing or high-demand employment opportunities. Available
   funds for this grant could be reduced by other, unforeseen DWG funding needs, such as
   natural disasters and national emergencies, including national health emergencies such as the
   opioid crisis.

2. References.
    Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Section 170, Pub. L. No. 113-128,
      128 STAT. 1425, 1573-1576 (July 22, 2014);
    Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (PL 115-31);
    20 CFR pt. 687;
    Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 2-15, Operational Guidance for
      National Dislocated Worker Grants, pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and
      Opportunity Act (WIOA or Opportunity Act) (July 1, 2015);
    ETA Form 9130 (OMB Control No. 1205-0461); and
    TEGL No. 19-16 – Guidance on Services Provided through the Adult and Dislocated
      Worker Programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the
      Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service (ES), as amended by title III of WIOA, and for
      Implementation of the WIOA Final Rules (March 1, 2017).

 RESCISSIONS                                             EXPIRATION DATE
 None                                                    Continuing

3. Background. Trade and Economic Transition (Economic Transition) DWGs are offered
   under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) National Dislocated Worker
   Grant program. The funding is authorized under Section 170 of WIOA and administered
   according to 20 CFR part 687.

    Under WIOA Section 170(b), Employment Recovery DWGs, such as the Economic
    Transition DWG, generally provide resources to states and other eligible applicants to
    provide employment and training assistance to workers affected by major economic
    dislocations. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (PL 115-31), which appropriates
    the funds being used for Economic Transition DWGs, includes statutory language specifying
    that these grants are available to address cases where there are worker dislocations across
    multiple sectors or across multiple local areas.

    Consistent with the appropriation, Economic Transition DWGs are intended to allow eligible
    applicants to implement innovative training and employment services to help address
    dislocations that can be traced to broader workforce needs or economic changes that could
    reach across multiple sectors, including those in reaction to changes in trade policy.
    Economic transformation has created new and exciting opportunities for American workers,
    but has also resulted in worker dislocations. For example, increased automation and global
    economic pressures have threatened traditional jobs and careers. In many cases, mature
    workers1 in the middle or later stages of their careers have been disproportionately impacted
    by these changes.

    The Economic Transition DWG allows grantees to take a holistic approach in addressing
    economic and workforce challenges that may not be limited to one employer, one industry, or
    one geographic area. Evidence shows that providing laid-off workers with intensive
    employment services can improve their re-attachment to the labor force, with positive
    outcomes in employment and earnings.2 Evidence further suggests that training is most
    effective when it is closely related to an identified job or occupation.3 Accordingly, a
    successful applicant will align with these findings by demonstrating that it has suffered
    significant worker dislocations stemming from a broader Economic Transition, and that it
    will deploy innovative career and training services that move dislocated workers into in-
    demand careers or professional areas that could improve the long-term economic or
    workforce health of the applicant’s selected geographic areas.

    The deadline for all Economic Transition DWG application packages filed in response to this
    TEGL through www.grants.gov is September 7, 2018 at 11:59:59 P.M. EDT.

4. Goals of Economic Transition DWGs. In awarding Economic Transition DWGs, the
   Employment and Training Administration (ETA) will use its discretion under WIOA to
1
 For the purposes of this TEGL, this term refers to workers 40 years of age and older
2
 Providing Public Workforce Services to Jobseekers: 15-month Impact Findings on the WIA Adult and
Dislocated Worker Programs. Mathematica. November 8, 2016. Available at
https://wdr.doleta.gov/research/FullText_Documents/ETAOP-2016-04_15-Month-Impact-
Report-%28accessible%20pdf%29.pdf
3
 What Works in Job Training: A Synthesis of the Evidence. July 22, 2014. Available at
https://www.dol.gov/asp/evaluation/jdt/jdt.pdf

   prioritize projects that respond to large-scale and largely unaddressed 21st Century economic
   and workforce challenges by helping move the workforce into 21st Century professions. This
   section provides an overview of the requirements to apply for an Economic Recovery DWG.
   Section 8 below describes how applicants will meet these requirements in submitting an
   application.

   To receive an Economic Transition DWG, applicants first must show they qualify by
   documenting that they have been affected by an Economic Transition and have significant
   worker dislocations. For the purposes of this TEGL, an “Economic Transition,” as described
   in Section 8 below, is a far-reaching economic or workforce trend or event, beyond the
   operating conditions of one employer, which has caused a significant worker dislocations in a
   stated geographic area. “Significant worker dislocation” generally is either a dislocation that
   affects 50 or more workers, or a dislocation that an applicant can demonstrate is significant
   for a particular geographic area. More information on how applicants must show significant
   worker dislocations is in Section 8 below.

   ETA has identified three types of Economic Transitions that, if appropriately documented in
   an application, qualify an applicant for DWG funds under this TEGL:
    job loss or employer/industrial reorganization due to trade or automation;
    the loss, significant decline, or major structural change/reorganization of a primary or
       legacy industry in a regional economy, such as the manufacturing downturn due to
       technological advances, impacts on the agricultural industry due to trade, or other
       economic trends; or
    other Economic Transition or stagnation that may disproportionately impact mature
       workers, putting them at risk for extended unemployment, lower wages,
       underemployment, and more.

   While not an exclusive list, the following are examples of fundable activities:
    training and employment activities that result in the preparation or placement of workers
     in professional areas in fast-developing employment sectors;
    training that prepares an applicant’s workforce to participate in infrastructure-building
     projects, including, but not limited to the development and redevelopment of
     transportation and communications system. However, Economic Transition DWG funds
     may not be used to pay for infrastructure projects or to create temporary jobs supporting
     infrastructure projects; or
    training and career activities that result from regional economic strategies.4

5. Eligibility.
   a. Eligible Applicants.
       Under 20 C.F.R. 687.120(a), the following entities are eligible for Economic Transition
       DWGs:
       i. states or outlying areas, or a consortium of states;
      ii. Local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs), or a consortium of WDBs;


         4
           While ETA encourages partnership and coordination with other organizations to achieve the goals of
         the project, funds from the Economic Transition DWG may not be used to pay the costs of strategic
         planning, partnership development, or related activities.

      iii. an entity described in Section 166(c) of WIOA (relating to Indian and Native
           American programs);
      iv. Other entities determined to be appropriate by the Governor of the state or outlying
           area involved. To demonstrate that a Governor has determined the entity appropriate
           to be a grantee under this TEGL, such an applicant must attach a signed letter from
           the Governor, on official letterhead, identifying the organization and indicating why
           the Governor has determined it appropriate to carry out an Economic Transition
           DWG. The entity must consent, in its completed Project Synopsis Form (Attachment
           A) or written proposal, that it will arrange a method of reporting performance data
           prior to the receipt of any grant funds.

       v. Other entities that demonstrate to the Secretary the capability to respond effectively to
          circumstances relating to particular dislocations. To demonstrate its capability to the
          Secretary, such an applicant must submit documentation of no more than five pages,
          not counting toward any other page limitations in this document, that the applicant
          has:
                                        1. expertise with systemic economic issues;
                                        2. expertise with workforce development or training;
                                        3. the geographic or administrative reach to handle large-scale workforce issues like
              Economic Transitions, as the term is defined in Section 3 above;
                                        4. financial and administrative capability to administer a federal grant;
                                        5. a letter of support for its Economic Transition DWG application from its state
              workforce agency and WDBs for the geographic area(s) in which it will serve;
              and
                                        6. consent in its completed Project Synopsis Form (Attachment A) or written
              proposal that, prior to receiving any grant funds, it will arrange a method of
              reporting performance data.

       Multiple entities from within the same state are eligible to submit applications for Trade
       and Economic Transition DWGs. The Department strongly encourages coordination
       among states, local workforce development boards, and other entities that may seek or
       obtain eligibility for DWG funds under 20 CFR 687.120(a), in order to avoid duplication.
       To maximize the use of these grant funds, ETA may choose not to fund multiple
       applications from different applicants within the state if those applications are
       duplicative. For the purposes of this TEGL, applications are “duplicative” if they (i)
       cover some or all of the same geographic territory and (ii) use one or more of the same
       dislocation events. In the event of duplicative applications, ETA will review the date and
       time it received each application submission and prioritize the first application received.

       Those entities proposing a regional focus are strongly encouraged to coordinate with their
       partners to ensure effective delivery of career and training services to meet the existing or
       future needs of employers in the region.

   b. Eligible Participants. The only eligible participants for this grant are dislocated workers
      as defined in 20 C.F.R. 687.170(a)(1)(i)–(iii).

6. Allowable Activities. Applicants for Economic Transition DWGs must show that the
   proposed grant activities will support the workforce in meeting the challenges of its
   Economic Transition to sustainable employment opportunities in emerging or expanding

industry sectors and give priority to training over other types of services. All activities must
be permissible under 20 CFR 687.180(a).

The types of activities and services that may be provided include the following:

a. Training and Work-Based Training Models. Some of the allowable training and
   work-based training approaches include, but are not limited to:
    traditional classroom training funded through Individual Training Accounts (ITAs)
      including apprenticeship programs on the state’s Eligible Training Provider List; or
    connecting businesses and workers to on-the-job or customized training programs and
      apprenticeships before or after layoff, in order to help facilitate reemployment.

   Note: Applicants are encouraged to investigate existing training curricula and
   approaches, including those housed on the Skills Commons (www.skillscommons.org).
   However, if existing curricula or appropriate tools do not meet the goals of the proposed
   project, Economic Transition DWG funds may be used to develop appropriate curricula
   with prior approval from the Grant Officer.

   Training and work-based training strategies included in an application must follow
   WIOA requirements as described in TEGL No. 19-16.

b. Career Services. Career services provide dislocated workers with a range of services,
   training, and job placement assistance they need to fill jobs in the identified emerging or
   high-demand sectors. Allowable career services are described in detail in TEGL No. 19-

            16. Examples of allowable career services include, but are not limited to:
    soft skills such as punctuality, personal maintenance skills, and professional conduct;
    in-depth interviewing and evaluation to identify employment barriers and
       development of individual employment plans; and
    career planning (that includes a career pathway approach), job coaching, and job
       matching services.

c. Supportive Services. Grant recipients may offer supportive services to participants
   either directly or through partner organizations, based upon the specific needs and focus
   of the project plan. Generally, supportive service strategies should align with those
   described in TEGL No. 19-16, and may include, but are not limited to:
    assistance with transportation;
    assistance with child care and dependent care;
    linkages to community services, including services offered by partner organizations
       designed to support grant participants;
    Needs-Related Payments (available only to individuals enrolled in training services
       and must be consistent with 20 CFR 680.930, 680.940, 680.950, 680.960, and
       680.970);
    assistance with uniforms or other appropriate work attire and work-related tools,
       including such items as eye glasses and protective eye gear;
    assistance with books, fees, school supplies, and other necessary items for students
       enrolled in post-secondary education classes; and
    payments and fees for employment and training-related applications, tests, and
       certifications.

7. Use of Funds.
   a. For on-the-job training (OJT), applicants may use DWG funds to reimburse up to 50
      percent of the wage rate for on-the-job training participants and up to 75 percent if certain
      criteria are met as outlined in 20 CFR 680.730. The use of DWG funds for training are
      subject to the eligible training provider provisions of WIOA 20 CFR 680.400-.530 and
      the limitations or requirements as applicable to the Dislocated Worker formula program
      delineated in WIOA regulations at 20 CFR part 680 and TEGL No. 19-16. Applicants
      may enter into OJT contracts with apprenticeship program sponsors or participating
      employers in apprenticeship programs for the OJT portion of the apprenticeship program
      consistent with 20 CFR 680.700. Depending on the length of the apprenticeship and
      State and Local WDB OJT policies, these funds may cover some or all of the duration of
      the apprenticeship.
   b. Up to 10 percent of the grant award may be used for administrative costs associated with
      operating the grant.
   c. DWGs are subject to the Uniform Guidance: Uniform Administrative Requirements,
      Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR Part 200 and
      OMB’s approved exceptions for the Department at 2 CFR Part 2900.

8. Qualifying Event, Project Purpose, and Grant Activities. As with other DWGs, DOL will
   only fund applications that are responsive to the requirements of WIOA and this TEGL. For
   an application to be considered responsive, the applicant must complete the suggested Project
   Synopsis form (see Attachment A), which contains all information and requirements set out
   in this TEGL, or submit a written proposal, not exceeding 10 pages double-spaced (this page
   limit does not apply to any additional documentation required below), containing all
   information required by this TEGL and the Project Synopsis form. Where the Project
   Synopsis and this TEGL require attachment of additional documentation, this documentation
   must be independently verifiable and not exceed more than 10 pages. This page limit does
   not count toward the 10-page limit on the proposal.

   The informational requirements of a responsive application are explained below:
    Qualifying Event; and
    Project Purpose and Description.

   a. Qualifying Event. To demonstrate eligibility for the Economic Transition DWG, an
      applicant must show: (i) that it has experienced an Economic Transition; and (ii) that this
      Economic Transition has caused significant worker dislocations. Instructions for how to
      meet both of these requirements are below:
       Demonstrating Economic Transition: Applicants must first identify and document
        the specific Economic Transition issue it is facing, as well as the geographic areas
        affected by the transition. An “Economic Transition” is a far-reaching economic or
        workforce trend or event, beyond the operating conditions of one employer, which has
        caused a significant worker dislocations in a stated geographic area.
          i. One of the following, if documented as described below, is an eligible qualifying
             event for DWG funding under this TEGL:
             1. job loss or employer/industrial reorganization due to trade or automation;
             2. the loss, significant decline, or major structural change or reorganization of a
                 primary or legacy industry in a regional economy, such as manufacturing

                 downturn due to technological advances, impacts on the agricultural industry
                 due to trade, or other economic trends; and
            3. other Economic Transition or stagnation that may disproportionately impact
                 mature workers, putting them at risk for extended unemployment, lower
                 wages, underemployment, and more.
        ii. If the Economic Transition is not one of the qualifying events listed above, the
            applicant must identify and describe a far-reaching economic workforce trend or
            event, document its existence, and connect it to the significant worker dislocations
            it includes in its application according to the directions below. The description of
            the Economic Transition must include supporting documentation of the Economic
            Transition. ETA will not fund applications providing only generalized
            discussions of job loss in the state or region.
       iii. The application must include additional documentation verifying the existence of
            the Economic Transition described. ETA places no restrictions on the type of
            documentation an applicant may use, and documentation could include labor-
            market analysis, trends in the growth or decline of types of employers or
            industrial employment opportunities, excerpts of media reports and academic
            studies, etc.

      Significant Worker Dislocations: The applicant must demonstrate that:
        i. The geographic areas that the DWG would serve have experienced a significant
           number of dislocations over the past 18 months and that these dislocations result
           from the Economic Transition it has described according to the directions above.
           For the purposes of this TEGL, a “significant worker dislocation” means either:
           1. 50 or more workers; or
           2. If fewer than 50 workers, the applicant must demonstrate that the total number
               of dislocations in particular geographic area has had a substantial enough
               economic impact that it necessitates additional assistance beyond normal
               Rapid Response or formula Dislocated Worker activities.
       ii. An applicant may document that significant worker dislocations have occurred
           through any method it deems appropriate, including but not limited to:
           1. Labor Market Information or other official data demonstrating dislocations,
               extended periods of unemployment, or other relevant information, within the
               area(s) to be covered by the grant; or
           2. layoff notifications (including Worker Adjustment and Reemployment
               Notification (WARN) Act notices) or Rapid Response data.

           Provided the identified dislocations stem from the same Economic Transition,
           dislocations may be from different, unrelated employers or in different, unrelated
           sectors. For example, unconnected dislocations in the affected area’s
           manufacturing and financial services sectors could qualify if the applicant
           successfully demonstrates both stem from increased automation in the areas the
           grant would serve.

b. Project Purpose and Description. The applicant must demonstrate that its project will
   help move its workforce toward sustainable opportunities in high-demand sectors that
   could transform the applicant’s economy. There are two components (listed below) to
   the project description and purpose of the Trade and Economic Transition DWG.

Service Delivery Strategies and Innovations

The applicant must describe the sectors or areas included in the proposed project, and the
types of services the applicant proposes to provide to eligible participants. Applicants
must address the following:
 The sector(s) to which the applicant wishes to transition workers dislocated during its
    Economic Transition, describing and documenting:
     i. why opportunities in this sector are sustainable; and
   ii. any characteristics of the applicant’s workforce, or any resources easily available
        to the applicant, that could speed or ease transition to these sector(s).
 Any innovative employment and training techniques the applicant will deploy,
    consistent with WIOA Section 134(c) and (d).
 Supportive services that will be provided by the grantee and its partners to ensure
    participant success (see Section 6 above).
 The extent to which the training activities could have broader benefit to the
    geographic areas covered by the DWG, such as by building or improving
    infrastructure or creating the capacity for the area to handle future job loss caused by
    Economic Transition without additional federal assistance.
 Where appropriate, applicants should include copies, excerpts, or descriptions of any
    connections to the WIOA State Plan or other existing sector or career pathways
    projects; statewide or regional talent or economic development initiatives, including
    existing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS); infrastructure
    improvement plans, such as state highway construction plans, approved by the U.S.
    Department of Transportation; business engagement strategies; or similar efforts. If
    an applicant attaches these materials to its application, they count toward the 10-page
    limit on additional documentation, but not the 10-page limit on the application
    proposal.

In addition, state performance goals for the WIOA Core Dislocated Worker program
serve as a basis for each DWG’s performance goals, and are based on the primary
indicators of performance found in WIOA Section 116. These goals will be utilized for
DWGs unless applicants request additional considerations in setting performance targets
for an individual grant. Native American Program Section 166 applicants should use
goals established for that program as a basis for DWG performance targets. Goals
approved in the DWG application process serve as final performance targets. Primary
indicators of performance and reporting requirements will be set out in the grant
agreement.

Community Partnerships

Applicants are encouraged to develop new or enhance existing partnerships with relevant
entities that support the goals of the project in the areas covered by the grant activities.

To ensure proper participant eligibility determinations, as well as delivery of appropriate
career, training, and supportive services, at least one local Workforce Development
Board (WDB) or American Job Center (AJC), located in the area(s) proposed to be
covered by the grant, must be a partner in the grant. Applications that do not demonstrate

   commitment from at least one WDB or AJC will not be awarded grant funds. Applicants
   will demonstrate such commitment by including at least one letter of support.

   Applications that do not demonstrate commitment from at least one AJC or local WDB
   will not be awarded grant funds. Applicants also must indicate in their application that
   they will coordinate with the chief elected officials of any local areas in which the
   proposed DWG project would operate.

   In cases where a local WDB or consortium of local boards is the applicant, the
   application must include a letter of support from the state workforce agency.

   In addition, applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate partnerships with local
   economic development organizations, unless the applicant can successfully demonstrate
   that the proposed activities fit within an existing economic development plan for a
   regional economic transition. Other partners are likely to vary based on the unique
   characteristics of each area and the specific needs of each proposed grant approach.
   Applicants may partner with additional community organizations as necessary to create
   innovative and collaborative approaches to addressing the specific challenges to be
   addressed by the grant. Such partners may include, but are not limited to:
    employers or industry organizations;
    business engagement-focused partner organizations at the state or regional level;
    community planning, development, or transportation organizations;
    faith- and community-based organizations; and
    educational institutions.

   Applicants must identify in the Project Synopsis, or written proposal, any such partners
   that may be included in the project and describe roles of each partner and how the
   partnership network may support a comprehensive approach to serving participants or
   address a particular aspect of the grant operation.

   Grant funds received under the Economic Transition DWG may not be used to pay for
   services delivered or activities carried out by partner organizations, nor for strategic
   planning or related activities.

c. Demonstration of Grant Activities. Applications must demonstrate the following about
   activities for which applicants intend to use Economic Transition DWG funds:
    Where applicable, the activities are designed to fit within any regional economic
       development visions or priorities, including the WIOA State Plan, as well as any state
       or regional economic strategies involving the Economic Transition identified in the
       application.
    The proposed career and training activities prepare eligible dislocated workers for
       employment in high-growth sectors of the economy within the area to be covered by
       the grant.
    All activities supported by the grant, including supportive services, are appropriate
       for transitioning dislocated workers into high-growth sectors, with opportunities to
       earn a family-sustaining wage.

9. Availability of Funds and Application Review and Award. The Department is making up
   to $100 million available under this TEGL, with the total available funds subject to reduction
   due to unforeseen DWG funding needs, such as natural disasters and national emergencies.
   Applicants may apply for grants of up to $8 million each. To receive funding for an
   Economic Transition DWG, applicants must meet all eligibility requirements described in
   this TEGL, as well as submit a responsive application that addresses the mandatory
   programmatic components outlined in this document and the Project Synopsis.

   ETA will fund applications that meet all requirements based on the order ETA received
   them, until all funds are depleted. If there are more responsive applications than available
   funds, ETA will fund applications based on the order of receipt until it depletes available
   funds. Available funds for this grant could be depleted by other, unforeseen DWG funding
   needs, such as natural disasters and national emergencies. ETA will not review non-
   responsive applications, which are those that do not meet all requirements in this TEGL and
   the Project Synopsis form. If an applicant initially submits a non-responsive application, and
   then later resubmits a responsive application meeting all requirements before the application
   deadline, its place in the order of receipt will be when the applicant submitted the responsive
   application.

   ETA will determine final award amounts subject to available funds. If the total requests are
   less than the available funding, or if additional funds become available, grant awards may be
   increased proportionately. The Department will negotiate the final funding amount. ETA
   may require grant recipients to revise budget documents prior to award execution to account
   for discrepancies between funding requests and actual award amounts. The period of
   performance for Economic Transition DWGs is two years. Grant funds will be available for
   expenditure through September 30, 2020. However, the Department reserves the right to
   provide period of performance extensions beyond this date, as it deems appropriate and
   necessary, to achieve the purposes of these awards.


10. Application Requirements. In an effort to achieve greater efficiency and as part of ETA’s
    ongoing effort to streamline the grant award process, grantees must submit the following
    items through Grants.gov at www.grants.gov:
     An electronically signed copy of a SF-424 - Application for Federal Assistance (OMB
        Control No. 4040-0004);
     An SF-424A - Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs (OMB Control No.
        4040-0006);
     A Budget Narrative to explain the projected costs reflected in each line item of the
        SF-424A, demonstrating how grant funds will be used. See Attachment B for
        instructions on completing the budget narrative;
     A completed Project Synopsis form (Attachment A) or written proposal;
     Documentation, not to exceed 10 pages, in support of the identified Economic Transition
        Event and worker dislocations as described in Section 8 above. These may include labor
        market analysis, academic studies, excerpts of media reports, trends in employment or
        industry growth, or other verifiable documentation;
     For applicants submitting an application under the eligibility designation of
        demonstrating to the Secretary the capability to respond effectively to circumstances
        relating to particular dislocations, the following documentation of no more than five

    pages, not counting toward any other page limitations, must be included as an attachment
    to the application:
    o expertise with systemic economic issues;
    o expertise with workforce development or training;
    o the geographic or administrative reach to handle large-scale workforce issues like
        Economic Transitions, as the term is defined in Section 3 above;
    o financial and administrative capability to administer a federal grant;
    o signoff to apply for an Economic Transition DWG from its State workforce agency
        and WDBs for the geographic area(s) in which it will serve; and
    o consent in its completed Project Synopsis Form (Attachment A) or written proposal
        that, prior to receiving any grant funds, it will arrange a method of reporting
        performance data.

   Depending on the applicant, applications will need to attach letter(s) demonstrating
    established partnerships, support, or eligibility, per the table below:
                                                         Required           Required
                              Required Letters           Letters            Letters
                              Confirming                 Confirming         Regarding
       Applicant Type         Partnerships in the        Support for        Eligibility for
                              Economic Transition        Economic           the Economic
                              DWG                        Transition         Transition
                                                         DWG                DWG
                                 Local Workforce
    State Workforce
                                Development Board               n/a               n/a
    Agency
                                    (at least one)
                                 If partnering with           State
                                   another Local            Workforce
    Local Workforce
                              Workforce Development          Agency               n/a
    Development Board
                               Board, include at least
                                 one support letter.
    Section 166 Entity           Local Workforce
    (Native American            Development Board               n/a               n/a
    Tribe)                          (at least one)
    Other entities
    demonstrating to the
                                 Local Workforce              State
    Secretary the
                                Development Board           Workforce             n/a
    capability to
                                   (at least one)            Agency
    effectively implement
    this grant
                                                                            Letter from the
                                                                              Governor in
                                                                               support of
    Entity determined
                                 Local Workforce                            eligibility. This
    eligible by the
                                Development Board               n/a          letter must be
    Governor of the state
                                   (at least one)                           from Governor,
    involved
                                                                              not the State
                                                                               Workforce
                                                                                Agency.

   If an applicant fails to provide any of the documents described above, their application will
   be deemed non-responsive and will not be reviewed or funded.

   All applicants must consent to submitting performance data through the Workforce
   Integrated Performance System (WIPS) as a condition of award and must affirm this in the
   submission of the Project Synopsis form or written proposal. If an applicant is unable to
   have the appropriate systems or partnerships in place to submit required performance data, as
   described in Section 13 (below) by the time of the first funding increment, ETA may rescind
   the grant award.

   NOTE: Grantees that are states, Outlying Areas, a consortium of states, WDBs, or a
   consortium of WDBs are required to request participants’ social security numbers (SSN), but
   these entities must not report SSNs to the Department, while any other grantee receiving a
   grant award under this funding opportunity may be required to submit participants’ SSNs to
   the Department. More information will be detailed in the grant agreement.

   An electronically submitted SF-424 through Grants.gov constitutes the official signed
   document and must reflect the total amount requested in item #18, Estimated Funding. Item
   #11 must include the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number, 17.277. ETA
   encourages application submission as soon as possible; however, applications must be
   received by 11:59:59 PM EDT on September 7, 2018. ETA plans to award these grants by
   September 30, 2018.

11. Grants.gov Submission Process. Applicants must submit the application package through
    Grants.gov. Applicants needing to register with Grants.gov may do so here:
    https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. Registration is a one-time process, and
    applicants that already have a Grants.gov account do not need to register again.

   To submit the required application package, applicants must:
   a. Select the SEARCH GRANTS tab on the Grants.gov homepage.
   b. Under the Section, BASIC SEARCH CRITERIA, enter the Funding Opportunity Number:
      ETA-TEGL-2-18-DWG.
   c. Select the link to the applicable Opportunity Number provided in the search results.
   d. Select the PACKAGE tab.
   e. Under the ACTIONS column, select APPLY.

   Submitting the SF-424 through www.grants.gov constitutes an electronically signed SF-424,
   Application for Federal Assistance. This submission process may at times be complicated
   and time-consuming. As such, the Department strongly encourages applicants to initiate the
   process as soon as possible, in order to allow time to resolve unanticipated technical
   problems.

   Submission requirements stipulate that all applicants for Federal grant and funding
   opportunities must have a Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S®) number and must
   supply their D-U-N-S® number on the SF-424.

   Before submitting, applicants must also ensure its registration with the System for Award
   Management (SAM) is current. Applicants may find instructions for registering with SAM at
   https://www.sam.gov. An awardee must maintain an active SAM registration with current
   information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under
   consideration. To remain registered in the SAM database after the initial registration, entities
   must review and update the registration at least every 12 months from the date of initial
   registration. Failure to register with SAM and maintain an active account will result in
   Grants.gov rejecting the application submission.

   For technical issues encountered during application submission, applicants may call
   800-518-4726 or 606-545-5035 to speak to a Customer Support Representative, or email
   [email protected]. The Contact Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but
   closes on federal holidays.

12. Other Award Considerations. At its discretion, ETA intends to fund applicants who
    submit responsive applications by meeting the application requirements set out in Sections 8
    and 10 above as well as any other requirements on the Project Synopsis form. ETA may
    elect to award a grant with or without discussions with the applicant. Should a grant be
    awarded without discussions, the award will be based on the applicant’s signature on the SF-
    424, including electronic signature, which constitutes a binding offer by the applicant.

   NOTE: The Department will determine if the applicant had any restriction on spending for
   any ETA grant due to adverse monitoring findings within the past three years. Depending on
   the severity of the findings, the Grant Officer may elect to not provide the applicant a grant
   award or to impose conditions on the award.

   All applications deemed to be complete and responsive by the Grant Officer will go through
   a risk review process. Before making an award, ETA will review information available
   through any OMB-designated repository of government-wide eligibility qualification or
   federal integrity information, such as the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity System
   (FAPIIS), Dun and Bradstreet, and “Do Not Pay.” Additionally, ETA will comply with the
   requirements of 2 CFR Part 180 (Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-
   Procurement)). This risk evaluation may incorporate results of the evaluation of the
   applicant’s eligibility (application screening) or the quality of its application (technical
   review). If ETA determines that an entity is responsible and an award will be made, special
   conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed may be applied to the award. Risk-
   related criteria evaluated include:

            1. Financial stability;
            2. Quality of management systems and ability to meet the management standards prescribed
      in the Uniform Grant Guidance;
            3. History of performance. The Applicant’s record in managing awards, cooperative
      agreements, or procurement awards, if it is a prior recipient of such Federal awards,
      including timeliness of compliance with applicable reporting requirements, and if
      available, the extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended prior to
      future awards;
            4. Reports and findings from audits performed under Sub-part F – Audit Requirements of
      the Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR Sections 200.500 – 200.520) or the reports and

      findings of any other available audits and monitoring reports containing finds, issues of
      non-compliance, or questioned costs; and
            5. The applicant’s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other
      requirements imposed on recipients.

   Selection of an organization as a recipient does not constitute approval of the grant
   application as submitted. Before the actual grant is awarded, the Department may enter into
   negotiations about such items as program components, staffing and funding levels, and
   administrative systems in place to support grant implementation. If the negotiations do not
   result in a mutually acceptable submission, the Grant Officer reserves the right to terminate
   the negotiations and decline to fund the application. The Department reserves the right to not
   fund any application related to this TEGL.

13. Grantee Reporting. Primary indicators of performance and reporting requirements will be
    set out in the grant agreement. Additionally, performance accountability requirements for
    Economic Transition DWGs will be described in forthcoming DOL-only performance
    guidance, “Performance Accountability Guidance Relating to Reporting Performance and
    Aligning Performance Definitions and Policies across Workforce Employment and Training
    Programs Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor.” Information on WIOA
    performance is available at https://www.doleta.gov/performance/reporting/.

   DWG grantees submit performance data using the Workforce Integrated Performance System
   (WIPS). Information on this system is available on the WIPS Resource Page:
   https://doleta.gov/performance/wips/.

   DWG grantees must submit financial reports using the ETA-9130 (G) Financial Report.
   Guidance and instructions are available at the following link:
   https://www.doleta.gov/grants/financial_reporting.cfm.

   ETA expects an applicant to have the appropriate systems or partnerships in place to submit
   required performance data as described in this section. An applicant must consent to
   submitting the required performance data to receive a grant award under this funding
   announcement.

14. Program Evaluation. As a condition of grant award, grantees are required to participate in
    evaluations if undertaken by DOL. To support DOL’s evaluations, as a condition of award,
    grantees must agree to: (1) make data, documents and records available to the evaluation
    contractor; (2) timely scheduling and participation in site visits, and providing access to
    personnel, participants, and partners; (3) timely responses to surveys, (4) encourage
    participants, partners, and other stakeholders to participate in evaluation activities, (5) follow
    evaluation procedures as specified by the evaluation contractor under the direction of DOL,
    and (6) participate in peer learning and information-sharing sessions facilitated by the
    evaluation contractor.

15. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Statement. The OMB Information Collection No 1225-
    0086 expires May 31, 2019.

   According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a
   collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number.

   Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 hours per
   response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
   gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of
   information.

   This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a grant. DOL will use the
   information collected through this solicitation to ensure that grants are awarded to the
   applicants best suited to perform the functions of the grant. This information is required to
   be considered for this grant.

16. Inquiries. Questions regarding this guidance should be directed to Grant Specialist Diane
    Easterling at [email protected].

17. Resources. More information is also available at www.doleta.gov/dwgs.

18. Attachments.
    A. Project Synopsis Form
    B. Instruction Sheet for Budget Narrative

Attachment (official PDF: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/advisories/TEGL/2018/TEGL_2-18_Attachment_A_acc.pdf)

ATTACHMENT A

         2018 Trade and Economic Transition National Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG)
                          Project Synopsis Form – Suggested Format

    This form is intended to streamline the process for completing an application for the Trade and
    Economic Transition DWG. Please complete the form below electronically and submit with the
    other required components of the application package, in accordance with the instructions in
    Section 10 of the TEGL. Instead of using this form, an applicant also may submit a written
    proposal, not to exceed 10 double-spaced pages. The written proposal must address all
    informational requirements specified in the TEGL and this suggested form.

                                APPLICANT INFORMATION

1. Applicant Organization
   Name
                                    ☐ State Workforce Agency or Outlying Area
                                    ☐ Local Workforce Development Board (WDB)
                                    ☐ WIOA Section 166 Entity
                                    ☐ Entities demonstrating to the Secretary the capability to
2. Applicant Organization           implement this grant (These entities must submit additional
   Type                             documentation supporting their eligibility, as well as additional
                                    letters of support / partnership, per Section 10 of the TEGL.)
                                    ☐ Entities determined eligible by the Governor of the state involved
                                    (These entities must provide a letter from the Governor with
                                    application submission, as well as a letter from at least one WDB.)


3. Name(s) of Required
   Partner(s)


4. Applicant Consents to
                                     ☐ Yes
   Submitting Performance
                                     ☐ No
   Data
5. Number of Projected
   Participants to be
   Served by this DWG
6. Performance Measure
   targets for this DWG, as
   described in the TEGL            ☐ Applicant acknowledges and understands required performance
   under Section 8,                 measure targets for this proposed DWG.
   Qualifying Event and
   Project Purpose

7. Applicant Commits to
   Coordinating with Local
                                       ☐ Yes
   Elected Officials or
                                       ☐ No
   Local WDBs in Areas
   Grant Would Serve.
                                       QUALIFYING EVENT
A. Demonstrating Economic Transition.
   Applicant must identify the specific economic transition issue it is facing, as well as the counties
   affected by the transition.
1. Counties Covered by the
   Economic Transition
   (enter “Statewide” if
   project will serve all
   counties)
                                       ☐ Job loss, or employer or industrial reorganization due to trade or
                                       automation.
                                       ☐ The loss, significant decline, or major structural change or
2. Type of Economic                    reorganization of a primary or legacy industry in a regional
   Transition                          economy, such as a manufacturing downturn or impacts on the
   (choose one)                        agricultural industry due to trade.
                                       ☐ Other economic transition or stagnation that may
                                       disproportionately impact mature workers, putting them at risk for
                                       extended unemployment, lower wages, underemployment, and
                                       more.
                                Identify and describe the applicable economic transition, indicating how
                                it is impacting the affected counties that the DWG would serve.

3. Other Transition
   (if not one of the options
   listed in #2 above)


B. Significant Worker Dislocation.
   Identify the worker dislocations occurring within the last 18 months in the counties proposed to be
   served by the DWG, which occurred as a result of the identified economic transition.
                                                                                        WARN Issued?
     Name of Employer               City      Layoff Date Number of Layoffs
                                                                                             Y/N

     Name of Employer          City          Layoff Date    Number of Layoffs       Warn Issued? Y/N


                               If fewer than 50 affected workers were laid off in the dislocation events
                               you have listed above, explain why the total number of dislocations has
                               had a substantial enough economic impact that it necessitates additional
                               assistance. Attach to the application supporting documentation
                               demonstrating this significance.


    Explanation of
    Significance if Fewer
    Than 50 Workers
    Dislocated


C. Linking the Economic Transition and the Identified Dislocations


Describe how the identified
layoffs are linked to the
identified economic
transition. Note that the
dislocations may be from
unrelated employers or
unrelated sectors, yet still
be the result of the same
economic transition (i.e.
increased automation).

                                      ☐ Labor Market Information data or analysis
Indicate the type of
                                      ☐ Academic Studies
documentation provided as
                                      ☐ Media Reports
an attachment to the DWG
                                      ☐ Trends in the growth or decline of types of employers / industrial
application package, by
                                      employment opportunities
which provides ETA may
verify the Economic
Transition and the worker             An applicant may submit, in addition or in place of, another form of
dislocation events listed             documentation of these events. Note other documentation attached:
above.


                                      PROJECT PROPOSAL
A. Project Purpose and Description.
   The applicant must demonstrate that its project will help move its workforce toward sustainable
   opportunities in high-demand sectors that could transform the applicant’s economy. These sectors do
   not have to be, and likely should not be, those that have suffered dislocations due to economic
   transition.
                      Sector(s) of focus to
                      which grant participants
                      will be transitioned
                      Why opportunities in
                      sector(s) of focus are
                      sustainable


                     Characteristics of

1. Sector(s) of      workforce or participants
   Focus             that could speed or ease
                     transition into sectors


                     Existing resources that
                     could speed or ease
                     transition into sector(s)
                     of focus

               Describe any innovative
               employment and training
               techniques the applicant
               will deploy, consistent
               with WIOA sec. 134(c)
               and (d)

2. Service
   Delivery    Describe any supportive
               services that may be
               provided, or method by
               which applicant will
               determine individual
               needs for supportive
               services, delivered by the
               grantee and its partners
               Describe the extent to
               which the training
               activities could have
               broader benefit to the
               geographic areas covered
               by the DWG, such as by
3. Economic    building or improving
   Benefit     infrastructure; or,
               creating the capacity for
               the area to handle future
               job loss caused by
               economic transition
               without additional federal
               assistance
               Where applicable,
               describe connections to
               the WIOA State Plan;
               other existing sector or
               career pathways projects;
               statewide or regional
               talent; economic
4. Strategic
               development initiatives;
   Alignment
               development initiatives
               including existing
               Comprehensive
               Economic Development
               Strategies (CEDS);
               infrastructure
               improvement plans such

                     as state highway
                     construction plans
                     approved by the U.S.
                     Department of
                     Transportation; business
                     engagement strategies;
                     or, other similar efforts.


B. Community Partnerships.
   Applicants are encouraged to develop new or enhance existing partnerships with relevant entities that
   support the goals of the project in the areas being covered by the grant activities.
                     If applicable, indicate
                     additional organizations,
                     other than the required
                     partners identified on
                     page 1 of this form, that
                     the applicant intends to
                     include in the project,
                     and describe their
                     anticipated roles. Include
                     how they may support a
                     comprehensive approach
                     to serving participants, or
   Optional          address a particular
   Partnerships      aspect of the grant
                     operation.

C. Required Demonstrations Related to Grant Activities.
   Applicants must demonstrate the following about activities for which applicants intend to use Trade
   and Economic Transition DWG funds. Please answer in the space given as to how this requirement is
   met by your project.


            1. Where appropriate, the activities are
      designed to fit within any regional
      economic development visions or
      priorities, including the WIOA State
      Plan, as well as any state or regional
      economic strategies involving the
      Economic Transition identified in the
      application.


            2. The proposed career and training
      activities prepare eligible dislocated
      workers for employment in high-
      growth sectors of the economy within
      the area to be covered by the grant.

            3. All activities supported by the grant,
      including supportive services, are
      appropriate for transitioning dislocated
      workers into high-growth sectors, with
      opportunities to earn a family-
      sustaining wage.

Attachment (official PDF: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/advisories/TEGL/2018/TEGL_2-18_Attachment_B_acc.pdf)

ATTACHMENT B


               General Instructions for the Completion of a Budget Information Narrative
                                 Economic Transition Dislocated Worker Grants

The budget information Narrative must include the following information:
     Each line item on the SF‐424A must be explained, and the cost provided for each. Each line item on the SF‐424A
        pertains to projected costs at the recipient level, with the exception of the Contractual line item.
        The total for each line item on the Budget Information Narrative must match the total for each line item on the
         SF‐424A.
        Although there is not a separate line item for Administrative Costs, please provide a breakout of costs in this
         category, not to exceed 10 percent of the requested funding.


    1. Personnel – List all staff positions by title. State the annual salary of each person, the percentage of each
     person’s time devoted to the project, the amount of each person’s salary funded by the grant, and the total
     personnel cost for the period of performance.

    2. Fringe Benefits – Provide the overall fringe benefit percentage which reflects the recipient’s organizational fringe,
     and list the components included, such as health insurance, FICA, retirement, etc. Provide the fringe benefit
     calculation for each staff position listed under the Personnel line item.

    3. Travel – Specify the type and purpose of the travel, the number of travelers, approximate mileage, per diem
     rates, estimated number of trips, and other associated travel costs.

    4. Equipment – Identify each item of equipment to be purchased which has an estimated acquisition cost of
     $5,000 or more per unit and a useful lifetime of more than one year. List the quantity and unit cost per item.
     Items with a unit cost of less than $5,000 are supplies.

    5. Supplies – Supplies include all tangible personal property other than “equipment.” Identify supply categories
     (e.g. office supplies, cell phones, personal tools for disaster clean‐up, etc.). List the cost associated with each
     category.

    6. Contractual – Identify each contracted entity, the funding allocation made to the organization, and a brief
     summary of services provided by each.

    7. Construction – Construction costs are not allowed and this line must be left as zero. Minor alterations to adjust
     an existing space for grant activities (such as a classroom alteration) may be allowable. DOL does not consider
     this as construction and the costs must be shown on other appropriate lines such as Contractual.

    8. Other – List each item in sufficient detail for DOL to determine whether the costs are reasonable or allowable.
     Costs included under Other should not fit into any other line item category.

    9. Indirect Charges – If charging indirect costs to the grant, this line item must be populated. Include the current
     approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, signed by the Federal cognizant agency, as an attachment
     to the grant application.