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State grants for unemployment insurance navigator programs
Summary ETA made a total of up to $15 million available for selected states' unemployment insurance navigator projects with community organizations; each state could apply for up to $3 million. The projects were intended to help workers understand, apply for and receive benefits, especially people who had faced barriers to access. States had to apply by March 31, 2022; that deadline has passed.
Document
Federal guidance
Agency
U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
Document number
UIPL No. 11-22
Date issued
January 31, 2022
Status
Active
ETA’s official listing marks this letter Active, and the PDF prints “Rescissions: None” and “Expiration Date: Continuing.” Its March 31, 2022 application deadline has passed.
Status last verified October 24, 2026
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About this page: The full text below is the official document from U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.
RESCISSIONS: None
EXPIRATION DATE: Continuing
CLASSIFICATION
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION Unemployment Insurance
ADVISORY SYSTEM CORRESPONDENCE SYMBOL
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OUI/DPM
Washington, D.C. 20210 DATE
January 31, 2022
ADVISORY: UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 11-22
TO: STATE WORKFORCE AGENCIES
FROM: ANGELA HANKS
Acting Assistant Secretary
SUBJECT: Grant Opportunity for States to Participate in the American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) Unemployment Insurance (UI) Navigator Program
1. Purpose. To notify State Workforce Agencies of the availability of up to $15 million for
selected states to participate in the ARPA UI Navigator Program. These funds will help
workers learn about, apply for, and, if eligible, receive UI benefits and related services (i.e.,
navigate the UI program) and to support state agencies in delivering timely benefits to
workers—especially individuals in groups that are historically underserved, marginalized,
and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.
2. Action Requested. The U.S. Department of Labor’s (Department) Employment and
Training Administration (ETA) requests that State Administrators:
• Review the funding opportunity to determine if the state will apply for funds under this
solicitation;
• Coordinate with appropriate state staff to develop an application under this solicitation;
• Submit the state grant application by e-mail to the appropriate ETA regional office. The
subject line of the e-mail should include the name of the state and the title “ARPA UI
Navigator Program.”
Request for Intent to Apply. Potential applicants are encouraged to notify the Department
of their intent to submit an application for this funding opportunity by emailing the
appropriate ETA regional office no later than February 28, 2022. The subject line should
read “Intent to Apply – ARPA UI Navigator Program” and the email should identify the
entity planning to submit the application for funding. These non-binding notifications will
help inform the Department’s planning for the review of applications, as well as award
issuance.
3. Summary and Background.
a. Summary – The purpose of the ARPA UI Navigator Program is to help workers learn
about, apply for, and, if eligible, receive UI benefits and related services (i.e., navigate
the UI program) and to support state agencies in delivering timely benefits to workers—
especially workers who have faced obstacles to accessing UI benefits in the past.
Selected states will partner with community-based organizations experienced in assisting
UI claimants and/or unemployed job seekers to engage in activities that include outreach,
training, education, and general assistance with completing applications for
unemployment benefits, especially individuals in groups that are historically underserved,
marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.
The Department is making up to $15 million available for selected states to participate in
the ARPA UI Navigator Program. States may apply for up to $3 million in funding for a
36-month period of performance, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2022. Awards
made under this Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) are subject to the
availability of federal funds. In the event that additional funds become available, the
Department reserves the right to use such funds to select additional grantees from
applications submitted in response to this UIPL. No cost sharing or matching is required.
Section 7 of this UIPL describes the application criteria and review process for award
selections. As indicated in Section 8, selected states will be required to report on the
quarterly progress and implementation of the ARPA UI Navigator Program to the
Department. As a condition of receiving a grant under this UIPL, selected states agree to
share any relevant studies, reports, findings and/or audits with their respective ETA
regional office. Further, as a condition of receiving a grant under this UIPL, states must
agree to participate in equity data analytics activities and an evaluation sponsored by the
Department, as described in Section 9 of this UIPL, including sharing performance and
progress reports, data related to the administration of the UI Navigator Program, and
individual-level information on participants.
b. Background – On March 11, 2021, the President signed ARPA into law (Public Law
(Pub. L.) 117-2). Section 9032, ARPA, creates a new Section 2118 of the Coronavirus
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Pub. L. 116-136), as amended, and
provides for a $2,000,000,000 appropriation to the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to
detect and prevent fraud, to promote equitable access, and to ensure timely payment of
benefits to eligible workers with respect to UI programs. Such funds may be used for
federal administrative costs; system-wide infrastructure investment and development; and
to make grants to states or territories administering UI programs for such purposes,
including the establishment of procedures or the building of infrastructure to verify or
validate identity, implement federal guidance regarding fraud detection and prevention,
and accelerate claims processing or process claims backlogs due to the pandemic.
Funds made available under this UIPL are provided in addition to the ARPA Fraud
Prevention Grant 2021 made available with UIPL No. 22-21, the UI Equity Grant 2021
made available with UIPL No. 23-21, the UI Tiger Team Grant 2021 made available with
UIPL No. 2-22, as well as the funds made available with respect to preventing and
detecting fraud and recovering overpayments for the Pandemic Unemployment
Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
programs (see UIPL Nos. 28-20; 28-20, Change 1; and 28-20, Change 2).
Reporting and Preventing Fraud. As a reminder, states must refer allegations which
they reasonably believe constitute UI fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, or
misconduct to the Department’s Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG). Additionally,
states are required to disclose confidential UI information related to the CARES Act, as
amended, to DOL-OIG for the purpose of UI fraud investigations and audits for the entire
pandemic relief period. See UIPL No. 04-17, Change 1. States should actively and
regularly share information about suspected fraud with other state UI agencies and with
local, state, and federal law enforcement, in accordance with 20 C.F.R. Part 603.
Promoting Program Equity. As states consider additional tools to incorporate into their
operations, equitable access to unemployment benefits must be at the forefront of the
decision-making process, in line with Executive Order (EO) 13985 issued in January
2021, and UIPL Nos. 02-16 and 02-16, Change 1. At the most fundamental level, equity
within the UI program means the provision of UI benefits to eligible workers, including
workers who belong to historically underserved communities, in a timely and fair
manner, with an application process that is readily accessible to all workers. In the
context of fraud management, equitable access means that there are clearly-stated
alternatives to digital mechanisms of identity proofing; that the mechanisms used to
prove identity or flag for fraud do not contain racial, gender, or other bias; and that data
are available to understand the impact, if any, of fraud mitigation on the equitable access
to UI benefits for all eligible individuals.
4. ARPA UI Navigator Program. The purpose of the ARPA UI Navigator Program is to help
workers learn about, apply for, and, if eligible, receive UI benefits and related services (i.e.,
navigate the UI program), which includes helping workers who may be victims of identity
theft verify their identities when filing UI claims. This program is also intended to support
state agencies in delivering timely benefits to all workers, such as people of color and others
who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent
poverty and inequality. This includes addressing disparities in accessing government UI
programs facing individuals and communities including, but not limited to, workers who are
low paid, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indians, Alaska Native, Asian Americans,
Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Indigenous persons, other persons of color, individuals
with disabilities, members of religious minorities, LGBTQI+ persons, individuals with
limited English proficiency, women, formerly incarcerated workers, and individuals living in
rural areas.
Funding to states will be structured as a cooperative agreement between states and the
Department. States will partner with community-based organizations (i.e., sub-grantees) to
engage in activities that include outreach, training, education, and general assistance with
completing applications for unemployment benefits. States are expected to request and take
action on regular reports from community-based organization(s) regarding barriers to more
equitable access to the UI program and potential remedies. States may also use this
information to inform further equity analysis.
a. States’ Selection of Community-Based Organization(s) with which to Partner.
Eligible community-based organizations with which states may partner include nonprofit
or public entities, which can include labor unions, other entities representing workers,
such as worker centers, other community-based organizations, and institutions of higher
education. States are encouraged to partner with American Indian/Native American
Tribal Governments. Community-based organizations partnering with states for the
ARPA UI Navigator Program should be able to demonstrate they: (1) have a successful
track record of serving the same or similar communities they expect to provide targeted
outreach to; (2) have relationships with unemployed workers likely to be in need of
assistance applying for and, if eligible, receiving UI benefits and related services (i.e.,
navigating the UI program); and (3) have experience in assisting workers to navigate
government program(s), especially on UI-related issues, and building the skills they need
to effectively represent themselves and their communities in government program(s).
Community-based organizations must have significant experience in supporting worker
voice through assisting workers in navigating the UI program. Further, these
organizations must be able to demonstrate that they have experience working with the
community or communities in accessing UI benefits and/or benefits provided through
other federal entitlement programs. As part of their application, states and community-
based organization partners may propose expanding navigation services to new
populations where there is identified need and where partners can develop strategies and
relationships for successfully reaching targeted workers.
b. Roles and Responsibilities.
i. Role of State Agencies. The role of the state agencies with respect to the ARPA UI
Navigator Program is to provide all individuals the opportunity to be informed of and
to take appropriate action(s) to apply for UI benefits, and, if eligible, maintain their
entitlement to UI, and to access UI services without undue burdens or barriers (see
Section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act, as well as UIPL Nos. 02-16 and 02-16,
Change 1). In their applications, state agencies will indicate the frequency of their
activities as well as activities performed by community-based organizations, as
appropriate. As such, it is incumbent on the state UI agency to:
• ensure that community-based organization(s) do not perform functions that must
be performed by merit staff, including following up on matters of individual
eligibility referred by community-based organization(s) and resolving such
matters in alignment with the UI merit staffing principles (see UIPL No. 12-01,
Change 2);
• review and address systemic obstacles to the timely receipt of benefits identified
by community-based organization(s);
• report on the systemic obstacles to the Department and how the state is addressing
such obstacles;
• with assistance and support from DOL, utilize demographic data of UI claims to
identify communities with lower benefit recipiency rates and assist community-
based organizations in targeting these communities;
• in collaboration with community-based organizations, coordinate training of state
agency staff on how to most effectively reach individuals in groups that are
historically underserved, marginalized, and/or adversely affected by persistent
poverty and inequality;
• identify additional regional and local community-based organizations and
stakeholders to include as partners to maximize outreach and assistance activities;
• participate in meetings, conferences, and regular check-ins with other state
agencies, navigator grantees in other states, and the Department to share best
practices and lessons;
• coordinate with the Department to prioritize activities and assess progress made in
achieving goals of the cooperative agreement; and
• work with the Department to define and report performance measures and share
data to demonstrate ARPA UI Navigator Program activities and impact.
ii. Role of the Department. The Department, in administering the ARPA UI Navigator
Program, will:
• coordinate with participating state agencies to ensure they are targeting outreach
to, and reaching, people of color and other workers who have been historically
underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and
inequality. This includes addressing disparities in accessing government UI
programs facing individuals and communities including, but not limited to,
workers who are low paid, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indians, Alaska
Native, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Indigenous
persons, other persons of color, individuals with disabilities, members of religious
minorities, LGBTQI+ persons, individuals with limited English proficiency,
women, formerly incarcerated workers, and individuals living in rural areas;
• provide resources (including relevant research and data) that may assist state
agencies in working with community-based organizations;
• identify opportunities or strategies for disseminating information, data, and best
practices about UI benefits and related UI navigation services across all state
agencies;
• work with state agencies to define performance measures that participating state
agencies will be required to report to the Department to demonstrate the impact of
ARPA UI Navigator Program activities;
• coordinate with state recipients to prioritize activities and assess progress made in
achieving goals of the cooperative agreement;
• sponsor independent, external evaluation of the effectiveness and outcomes of the
Navigator Program through the Department’s Chief Evaluation Office;
• use individual-level UI claimant data shared by states with the Department’s
Chief Evaluation Office, create equity data indicators that states can use to better
design and implement navigation activities in partnership with community-based
organizations; and
• review and provide technical assistance as well as recommendations on planned
activities to state agencies.
iii. Role of Community-based Organization(s). Community-based organizations
partnering with state UI agencies will:
• conduct targeted outreach activities, which may include promoting awareness of
other social safety net programs, to people of color and other workers who have
been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent
poverty and inequality;
• support the state UI agency in providing all individuals the opportunity to be
informed of and take appropriate action(s) to apply for UI benefits, and, if
eligible, maintain their entitlement to UI benefits, and to access UI services,
without undue burdens or barriers (see Section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security
Act, as well as UIPL Nos. 02-16 and 02-16, Change 1);
• raise awareness of UI benefits, including initial eligibility requirements,
application procedures, continuing eligibility requirements, and certification
requirements;
• provide general assistance to workers in accessing UI benefits as well as refer
matters of potential individual eligibility to the state UI agency;
• coordinate with the state UI agency to train UI staff, in alignment with the UI
merit staffing principles, on how to most effectively reach specific populations of
workers (see UIPL 12-01, Change 2);
• assist workers in building the skills they need to be effective advocates for the UI
system in their own communities by expanding awareness of the UI program,
including eligibility requirements and application processes;1
• identify systemic obstacles to the receipt of timely benefits and report those
obstacles to state agencies along with any relevant suggestions for overcoming
those obstacles;
• participate in meetings, conferences, and regular check-ins with state agencies,
Navigator grantees in other states, and the Department to share best practices and
lessons; and
• support the state UI agency with an evaluation of the ARPA UI Navigator
Program, which may include interviews and surveys of staff and assisted workers,
as well as sharing individual-level and aggregate data with the state UI agency in
accordance with the data sharing agreement.
Data collected by the community-based organization(s) within the scope of the ARPA
UI Navigator program is confidential UI data and cannot be used beyond the scope of
the ARPA UI Navigator Program. The community-based organization must have a
written agreement in place with the state UI agency that aligns with 20 C.F.R. Part
603.
5. Funding for States to Participate in the ARPA UI Navigator Program. This section
discusses the amount available to states and allowable uses of funds.
a. Amount Available to States.2 The Department is making up to $15 million available for
selected states to participate in the ARPA UI Navigator Program. States may apply for
up to $3 million in funding for a 36-month period of performance, with an anticipated
start date of July 1, 2022. Funding to states will be structured as a cooperative agreement
between states and the Department. Awards made under this UIPL are subject to the
availability of federal funds. In the event that additional funds become available, we
reserve the right to use such funds to select additional grantees from applications
submitted in response to this UIPL.
b. Allowable Uses of Funds. Funds under this grant must be used to support the purpose of
the ARPA UI Navigator Program, which is to help workers learn about, apply for, and, if
eligible, receive UI benefits and related services (i.e., navigate the UI program) and to
support state agencies in delivering timely benefits to all workers, including people of
color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely
affected by persistent poverty and inequality. This includes addressing disparities in
accessing government UI programs facing individuals and communities including, but
not limited to, workers who are low paid, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indians,
Alaska Native, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Indigenous
persons, other persons of color, individuals with disabilities, members of religious
minorities, LGBTQI+ persons, individuals with limited English proficiency, women,
formerly incarcerated workers, and individuals living in rural areas.
c. Selected states will partner with community-based organizations (i.e., sub-grantees) to
engage in activities that include outreach, training, education, and general assistance with
completing applications for unemployment benefits. There is no administrative cost
limit.
These funds may not supplant UI grant funds devoted to other state UI program
enforcement or program eligibility review activities. Similarly, these funds must not
supplant federal, state, or local funds devoted to providing similar navigation services to
UI claimants and/or other unemployed job seekers who have yet to file a claim.
6. Application Submission Information. ETA regional offices must receive state applications
to participate in the ARPA UI Navigator Program by e-mail by 4:00 p.m. ET on March 31,
2022, and must contain the following items:
a. A completed Project Narrative (Attachment I);
b. An electronically signed copy of a SF-424 - Application for Federal Assistance
(OMB Control No. 4040-0004). See Attachment II;
c. An SF-424A - Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs (OMB Control No.
4040-0006). See Attachment II; and
d. 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 III for
instructions on completing the budget narrative.
If an applicant fails to provide any of the documents described above their application will be
deemed non-responsive and not funded.
7. Application Review Information. This section discusses application criteria and the
review/selection process. We have instituted procedures for assessing the technical merit of
applications to provide for an objective review of applications and to assist applicants in
understanding the standards against which submissions will be judged. The evaluation
criteria are based on the information required in the application as described in Sections 7.a.i.
(Project Narrative) and 7.a.ii. (Project Budget). A technical merit review panel, which may
include reviewers external to the awarding agency or awarding agency personnel, will
carefully evaluate applications against the selection criteria listed below to determine the
merit of applications. These criteria are based on the policy goals, priorities, and emphases
set forth in this UIPL. Each criterion will be assessed using a color scale: red (poor), yellow
(average), green (good). Applications receiving the greatest number of criterion receiving
the rating of green/good will be the primary basis for award selection.
a. Application Criteria. Applicants must submit a Project Narrative as part of their
application to include the following information.
i. Project Narrative. A rating will be awarded based on the extent to which the
application achieves the following criteria under each of the sections (A through
D) listed below:
A. Statement of Need
1. Detail the population(s) that states are planning to target for outreach,
including detailing the current need and potential obstacles to greater UI
access in that population(s), including, but not limited to, geographic
service areas (if not applying statewide) and language access needs.
2. Explain clearly in both qualitative and quantitative terms the need to
address the chosen area(s) of focus by documenting the needs of
individuals. Explain the known challenges and barriers that individuals in
such areas face accessing UI benefits.
3. Explain clearly how the proposed grant activities are expected to support
individuals in groups that are historically underserved, marginalized, and
adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.
B. Organizational Capacity
1. Demonstrate the organizational capacity for the state to fulfill the
requirements described in Section 4.b.i. of this UIPL.
2. Identify potential partner organization(s) as described in Section 4.a. of
this UIPL and describe the organizational capacity for such
organization(s) to fulfill the requirements described in Section 4.b.iii. of
this UIPL.
3. Describe how the state will partner with community-based organization(s)
to provide outreach, training, education, and general assistance for
individuals applying for or receiving unemployment benefits, including
how such activities will be performed in alignment with the UI merit
staffing principles (see UIPL No. 12-01, Change 2).
4. Describe how the state will partner with the community-based
organization(s) to identify and address systemic access barriers.
5. Demonstrate the grant management capabilities or comparable project
management experience of the state and potential partner organization(s).
C. Project Design
1. Describe a coherent and feasible approach for successfully addressing the
need/area of focus identified in response to section 7.a.i.A. The design
must clearly reflect the Department’s goals and provide a timeline
reflecting the ability for a quick start-up in a six (6) month period.
2. Describe the activities to take place in each of the following categories,
including proposed deliverables, milestones, how participant counts will
be tallied, and proposed timelines to indicate a robust project that will
support the objectives of the grant initiative.
• Outreach activities: Demonstrate how the applicant and its
potential partner organization(s) will serve the same or similar
communities they expect to provide targeted outreach to, including
but not limited to how they will leverage relationships with these
communities and utilize relevant cultural and linguistic capacity.
Also, describe how the applicant and the potential partner
organization(s) will support worker voice and assist workers in
navigating the UI program, including but not limited to expanding
awareness and understanding of eligibility requirements,
application processes, work search activities, and reemployment
services. Outreach activities must at least include efforts to
promote awareness of UI programs and how to apply for them.
Outreach activities may include promoting awareness of other
social safety net programs.
• Explain how the applicant and potential partner(s) can effectively
connect with the target populations using various methods
informed by current barriers to access that are documented in
section 7.a.i.A.2.
• Dissemination activities: Demonstrate how the applicant and its
potential partner organization(s) have a comprehensive knowledge
of the issues, plus the demonstrated ability to communicate
effectively and serve as a trusted intermediary to the targeted
participants. Explain clearly varied dissemination methods across
multiple platforms, such as social media, in-person or virtual
events, brochures and leaflets, one-on-one consultations,
partnerships with other community organizations, etc.
• Rights and benefits activities: Describe clearly that the applicant
and its partner organization(s) have the ability and experience to
help workers know their rights and access benefits with a clear,
viable plan to improve access to the UI application and claims
process, including benefits take-up and enrollment, and
understanding agency questions and decisions. Include with the
proposed project a plan to train partner organization(s) and/or
workers to become benefits navigators or provide assistance in
their own communities to ensure that workers can access their
rights and benefits.
D. Project Sustainability
1. Demonstrate applicant’s commitment to building and sharing a knowledge
base of promising practices and challenges faced by the grantees in order
to inform future state-level programs.
2. Affirm the state’s capacity to participate in evaluations of the Navigator
Program and data sharing to support navigation activities, both sponsored
and conducted by the Department’s Chief Evaluation Office, as described
in Section 9 of this UIPL.
ii. Project Budget. Applicants must submit the SF-424, SF-424A, and budget
narrative as part of their application. Information regarding how to complete
these documents is included in Attachment II and Attachment III. A rating will
be awarded based on the extent to which the application achieves the following
criteria (A through C) listed below:
A. The SF-424A budget and budget narrative align.
B. Items included in the budget and budget narrative align with the project as
described.
C. All line items in the budget narrative reflect the level of detail requested in
Attachment III.
b. Application review/selection process. A technical merit review panel, which may
include reviewers external to the awarding agency or awarding agency personnel, will
carefully evaluate applications against the above selection criteria to determine the merit
of applications. These criteria are based on the policy goals, priorities, and emphases set
forth in this UIPL. Each criterion will be assessed using a color scale: red (poor), yellow
(average), green (good). Applications receiving the greatest number of criterion
receiving the rating of green/good will be the primary basis for award selection. The
panel results are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant Officer. The Grant
Officer reserves the right to make selections based solely on the panel’s final evaluation
or to take into consideration other relevant factors when applicable. Such factors may
include the geographic distribution of funds or diversity of program focus areas. The
Grant Officer may consider any information that comes to their attention.
The government may elect to award the grant(s) with or without discussion with the
applicant. Should a grant be awarded without discussion, the award will be based on the
applicant’s signature on the SF-424, including electronic signature via E-Authentication
on https://www.grants.gov, which constitutes a binding offer by the applicant. When
projects have been approved, a Notice of Award will be issued to the state as well as the
Grant Terms and Conditions. The current standard Federal award terms and conditions
for ETA grants are available here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/grants/resources.
8. Quarterly Reporting Requirements. States must provide a narrative Quarterly Progress
Report (ETA 9178-ARPA) (see Attachment IV) and Quarterly Financial Report (ETA 9130)
containing updates on the progress and implementation of each grant project. ETA will use
the ETA 9178-ARPA report to track each state’s progress in implementing the ARPA UI
Navigator Program with the funds provided under this UIPL, ensuring that a state’s use of
funds is consistent with the allowable use of funds outlined in Section 5.b. of this UIPL. In
addition to providing ETA 9178-ARPA reports and ETA 9130 reports, on a quarterly basis,
selected states will share any relevant studies, reports, findings and/or audits with their
respective ETA regional office. In such submissions to ETA’s regional offices, states must
include information on any actions taken in response to regular reports from community-
based organization(s) regarding barriers to more equitable access to the UI program and
potential remedies.
9. Evaluation and Equity Data Analytics. As a condition of the grant award, state UI
agencies are required to participate in an evaluation and data analytics activities sponsored by
the Department. The evaluation will minimally include an implementation and outcomes
assessment across grantees. The Department may decide to include an impact analysis
within or across grantees. Impact analysis may include randomization of outreach and/or
communication strategies to assess effectiveness of particular approaches across underserved
worker populations. Applicants will be required to collect data elements to aid the
evaluation. Separately, the equity data analytics activities will involve the Department
assisting states in the creation of equity indicators for grantees to use in designing navigation
activities.
As a condition of award, grantees must agree to enter into data-sharing agreements with the
Department and its evaluation contractor under the direction of the Department to: (1) make
individual-level records available on UI claims records, including personally identifiable
information; (2) provide access to: state staff operating the APRA UI Navigator Program,
program participants, and program records, including but not limited to performance and
progress reports; (3) data related to the administration of the ARPA UI Navigator Program;
and (4) in general, follow evaluation procedures as specified by the evaluation contractor
under the direction of the Department.3
Data provided by the state UI agency to the Department or its contractor as part of evaluation
or equity data analytics activities cannot be used beyond the scope of the ARPA UI
Navigator Program and will only be used as specified above. The Department must have a
written agreement in place with the state UI agency that aligns with 20 C.F.R. Part 603
before it may receive the data.
10. OMB Information Collection. In general, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(PRA), no person is required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection
displays a valid OMB control number. However, Section 2116 of the Coronavirus Aid,
Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides that the PRA does not apply to
Subtitle A of Title II of Division A of the CARES Act. ARPA amended Subtitle A of Title II
of Division A of the CARES Act by adding section 2118, which provides funding and
authority for these UI Navigator grants to states. Thus, the non-application of the PRA
applies to information collections required for these UI equity grants.
11. Inquiries. Please direct inquiries to the appropriate ETA regional office.
12. References.
• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), including Title IX, Subtitle A, Crisis Support for
Unemployed Workers (Pub. L. 117-2);
• Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act, including Title II,
Subtitle A, Relief for Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act (Pub. L. 116-136), as
amended;
• 20 C.F.R. Part 603;
• UIPL No. 2-22, Grant Opportunity to Support States Following a Consultative
Assessment for Fraud Detection and Prevention, Promoting Equitable Access, and
Ensuring the Timely Payment of Benefits, including Backlog Reduction, for all
Unemployment Compensation (UC) Programs, issued November 2, 2021,
https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?docn=6683;
• UIPL No. 23-21, Grant Opportunity for Promoting Equitable Access to Unemployment
Compensation (UC) Programs, issued August 17, 2021,
https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=7400;
• UIPL No. 22-21, Grant Opportunity to Support States with Fraud Detection and
Prevention, Including Identity Verification and Overpayment Recovery Activities, in All
Unemployment Compensation (UC) Programs, issued August 11, 2021,
https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?docn=4240;
• UIPL No. 28-20, Change 2, Additional Funding to Assist with Strengthening Fraud
Detection and Prevention Efforts and the Recovery of Overpayments in the Pandemic
Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment
Compensation (PEUC) Programs, as well as Guidance on Processes for Combatting
Identity Fraud, issued August 11, 2021,
https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=7207;
• UIPL No. 28-20, Change 1, Additional Funding for Identity Verification or Verification
of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Claimants and Funding to Assist with
Efforts to Prevent and Detect Fraud and Identity Theft as well as Recover Fraud
Overpayments in the PUA and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation
(PEUC) Programs, issued January 15, 2021,
https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?docn=9897;
• UIPL No. 28-20, Addressing Fraud in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) System and
Providing States with Funding to Assist with Efforts to Prevent and Detect Fraud and
Identity Theft and Recover Fraud Overpayments in the Pandemic Unemployment
Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
Programs, issued August 31, 2020,
https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?docn=8044;
• UIPL No. 04-17, Change 1, Requirement for States to Refer Allegations of
Unemployment Compensation (UC) Fraud, Waste, Abuse, Mismanagement, or
Misconduct to the Department of Labor’s (Department) Office of Inspector General’s
(DOL-OIG) and to Disclose Information Related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security (CARES) Act to DOL-OIG for Purposes of UC Fraud Investigations
and Audits, issued August 3, 2021,
https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=5817;
• UIPL No. 02-16, Change 1, State Responsibilities for Ensuring Access to Unemployment
Insurance Benefits, Services, and Information, issued May 11, 2020,
https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=5491;
• UIPL No. 02-16, State Responsibilities for Ensuring Access to Unemployment Insurance
Benefits, issued October 1, 2015,
https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=4233; and
• UIPL No. 12-01, Change 2, States’ Ability to Exercise Flexibility in Staffing Models for
the Performance of Certain Unemployment Compensation (UC) Administrative
Activities, issued January 8, 2021,
https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=8998.
13. Attachment(s).
• Attachment I: Suggested Application Project Narrative
• Attachment II: Instructions to Complete the SF-424 and SF-424A
• Attachment III: General Instructions for the Completion of a Budget Information
Narrative
• Attachment IV: ETA 9178-ARPA Quarterly Narrative Progress Report
Attachment I to UIPL No. 11-22
Suggested Application Project Narrative
Instructions: States must submit a project narrative using the suggested format below. This
document is to be combined in a single grant application package along with a completed SF-
424, an SF-424A, and Budget Narrative covering all projects. Refer to Section 7.a. of this UIPL
for additional instruction. A rating will be awarded based on the extent to which the application
achieves the following criteria under each of the sections (A through D) listed below:
A. Statement of Need
1. Detail the population(s) that states are planning to target for outreach,
including detailing the current need and potential obstacles to greater UI
access in that population(s), including, but not limited to, geographic
service areas (if not applying statewide) and language access needs.
2. Explain clearly in both qualitative and quantitative terms the need to
address the chosen area(s) of focus by documenting the needs of
individuals. Explain the known challenges and barriers that individuals in
such areas face accessing UI benefits.
3. Explain clearly how the proposed grant activities are expected to support
individuals in groups that are historically underserved, marginalized, and
adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.
B. Organizational Capacity
1. Demonstrate the organizational capacity for the state to fulfill the
requirements described in Section 4.b.i. of this UIPL.
2. Identify potential partner organization(s) as described in Section 4.a. of
this UIPL and describe the organizational capacity for such
organization(s) to fulfill the requirements described in Section 4.b.iii. of
this UIPL.
3. Describe how the state will partner with community-based organization(s)
to provide outreach, training, education, and general assistance for
individuals applying for or receiving unemployment benefits, including
how such activities will be performed in alignment with the UI merit
staffing principles (see UIPL No. 12-01, Change 2).
4. Describe how the state will partner with the community-based
organization(s) to identify and address systemic access barriers.
5. Demonstrate the grant management capabilities or comparable project
management experience of the state and potential partner organization(s).
C. Project Design
1. Describe a coherent and feasible approach for successfully addressing the
need/area of focus identified in response to section 7.a.i.A. The design
must clearly reflect the Department’s goals and provide a timeline
reflecting the ability for a quick start-up in a six (6) month period.
2. Describe the activities to take place in each of the following categories,
including proposed deliverables, milestones, how participant counts will
be tallied, and proposed timelines to indicate a robust project that will
support the objectives of the grant initiative.
• Outreach activities: Demonstrate how the applicant and its
potential partner organization(s) will serve the same or similar
communities they expect to provide targeted outreach to, including
but not limited to how they will leverage relationships with these
communities and utilize relevant cultural and linguistic capacity.
Also, describe how the applicant and the potential partner
organization(s) will support worker voice and assist workers in
navigating the UI program, including but not limited to expanding
awareness and understanding of eligibility requirements,
application processes, work search activities, and reemployment
services. Outreach activities must at least include efforts to
promote awareness of UI programs and how to apply for them.
Outreach activities may include promoting awareness of other
social safety net programs.
• Explain how the applicant and potential partner(s) to can
effectively connect with the target populations using various
methods informed by current barriers to access that are
documented in section 7.a.i.A.2.
• Dissemination activities: Demonstrate how the applicant and its
potential partner organization(s) have a comprehensive knowledge
of the issues, plus the demonstrated ability to communicate
effectively and serve as a trusted intermediary to the targeted
participants. Explain clearly varied dissemination methods across
multiple platforms, such as social media, in-person or virtual
events, brochures and leaflets, one-on-one consultations,
partnerships with other community organizations, etc.
• Rights and benefits activities: Describe clearly that the applicant
and its partner organization(s) have the ability and experience to
help workers know their rights and access benefits with a clear,
viable plan to improve access to the UI application and claims
process, including benefits take-up and enrollment, and
understanding agency questions and decisions. Include with the
proposed project a plan to train partner organization(s) and/or
workers to become benefits navigators or provide assistance in
their own communities to ensure that workers can access their
rights and benefits.
D. Project Sustainability
1. Demonstrate applicant’s commitment to building and sharing a knowledge
base of promising practices and challenges faced by the grantees in order
to inform future state-level programs.
2. Affirm the state’s capacity to participate in evaluations of the Navigator
Program and data sharing to support navigation activities, both sponsored
and conducted by the Department’s Chief Evaluation Office, as described
in Section 9 of this UIPL.
Attachment II to UIPL No. 11-22
Instructions for Completing the SF-424 and SF-424A
I. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
Use the current version of the form for submission. Expired forms will not be
accepted. SF-424, Expiration Date 12/31/2022, Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) Control No. 4040-0004 (Grants.gov).
http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_3_0-V3.0.pdf
Section # 8, APPLICANT INFORMATION:
• Legal Name: The legal name must match the name submitted with the System for
Award Management (SAM). Please refer to instructions at
https://www.sam.gov/SAM/.
• Employer/Tax Identification Number (EIN/TIN): Input your correct 9-digit EIN and
ensure that it is recorded within SAM.
• Organizational DUNS: All applicants for Federal grant and funding opportunities are
required to have a 9-digit Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S®) number,
and must supply their D-U-N-S® number on the SF-424. Please ensure that your
state is registered with the SAM. Instructions for registering with SAM can be found
at https://www.sam.gov. Additionally, the state 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, there is a requirement to review and update the
registration at least every 12 months from the date of initial registration or
subsequently update the information in the SAM database to ensure it is current,
accurate, and complete. Failure to register with SAM and maintain an active account
will result in a rejection of your submission.
• Address: Input your complete address including Zipcode+4; Example: 20110-831.
For lookup, use link at https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction_input.
• Organizational Unit: Input appropriate Department Name and Division Name, if
applicable.
• Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this
application: Provide complete and accurate contact information including telephone
number and email address for the point of contact.
Section # 9, Type of Applicant 1: Select Applicant Type: Input “State Government”.
Section # 10, Name of the Federal Agency: Input “Employment and Training
Administration”.
Section # 11, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: Input
“17.225”; CFDA Title: Input “Unemployment Insurance”.
Section # 12, Funding Opportunity Number and Title: Input “ARPA Navigator
Grant”.
Section # 13, Competition Identification Number: Leave Blank.
Section # 14, Areas Affected by Project: Input the place of performance for the project
implementation; Example “NY” for New York.
Section # 15, Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project: Input “ARPA Navigator Grant
2021”.
Section # 16, Congressional Districts of:
a. Applicant: Input the Congressional District of your home office. For lookup, use
link at www.house.gov with Zipcode + 4
b. Program/Project: Input the Congressional District where the project work is
performed. If it is the same place as your home office, input the congressional
district for your home office. For lookup, use link at www.house.gov with
Zipcode+4
Section # 17, Proposed Project Dates
a. Start Date: Input a valid start date for the project (earliest start date will be July 1,
2022)
b. End Date: Input a valid end date for the project (June 30, 2025)
Section # 18, Estimated Funding ($):
Input the applicable funding allotment as listed for your state in Attachment I. Ensure
that the funding requested matches the TOTALS in Section B – Budget Categories of the
SF424A.
Section #s 19 – 20: Complete as per instructions for Form SF-424.
Section # 21, Authorized Representative: Please select the “I AGREE” check box and
provide complete information for your authorized signatory including contact
information such as telephone number and email address. If your Authorized
Representative has changed from your previous application submission for this program,
please include a letter from higher-level leadership authorizing the new signatory for the
application submission.
Remember to have the SF-424 signed and dated by the Authorized Representative
II. Budget Information -Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)
• Use the current version of the form for the submission. Expired forms will not be accepted.
SF 424A, Expiration Date 02/28/2022, OMB Control No. 4040-0006
https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf
• Section B – Budget Categories: Ensure that TOTALS in Section 6, Object Class
Categories matches the Estimated Funding requested in the SF-424.
• If indirect charges are specified in Section 6, Object Class Categories, then include either:
(a) The approved indirect cost rate with a copy of the Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate
Agreement (NICRA), a description of the base used to calculate indirect costs along
with the amount of the base, and the total indirect costs requested; OR
(b) For those applicant states that meet the requirements to use the 10 percent de minimis
rate as described in 2 CFR 200.414(f), a description of the modified total direct cost
base (see 2 CFR 200.1 for definition) used in the calculation along with the amount of
the base, and the total indirect costs requested based on the 10 percent de minimis rate.
Attachment III to UIPL No. 11-22
General Instructions for the Completion of a Budget
Information Narrative
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. Contractual should include costs at the project
operator level.
• The total for each line item on the Budget Information Narrative must match the total for
each line item on the SF‐424A.
• If a grant modification requests to realign the budget, the narrative must address the reason
for the change in each affected line item.
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. Equipment has
an estimated acquisition cost per unit of $5,000 or more, and a useful life of one
year or more. List the quantity and unit cost per item. Items with a unit cost of
less than $5,000 are classified as 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 project operator and the funding allocation made to the
organization.
• Provide total projected costs (NOT for each project operator but as a lump sum)
for each of the following categories: Administrative Costs, Career Services,
Supportive Services, Training (itemize work-based training and classroom
training), and Other Costs (itemized).
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.
Attachment IV to UIPL No. 11-22
Form ETA 9178-ARPA
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) OMB No. N/A4
Employment and Training Administration Expiration Date: N/A
Form ETA 9178-ARPA
Quarterly Narrative Progress Report
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grants
General Information
State Name: Grant Number: Report Quarter Ending: Date of Submission:
Project Name: UIPL Number:
Project Contact Information
Name: Agency:
Title Address:
Phone: Ext: City:
E-Mail: State: Zip Code:
Project Report
A. Summary of Project
Please limit your response to 1000 characters or less.
States must use this section to provide a detailed executive summary of the project/activity/solution (project).
Each funded project will have its own separate quarterly progress report (ETA 9178-ARPA) through the quarter
the project ends. States must use this section to provide a short summary of the project’s purpose. This summary
should only change during the life of the grant if the state has received an approved modification. Modifications
only apply to grants that require a full application.
B. Timeline for Grant Activities and Milestones or Deliverables
Please limit your response to 1000 characters or less.
States must use this section to provide the timelines for and the progress in completing grant activities, key
milestones, and deliverables for this quarter. A timeline must still be developed for all project activities. The
timeline must provide a project flow that includes start and end dates, schedule of activities, and projected
outcomes. In order to reap the most benefit from the timeline, the timeline must be updated each quarter noting
the actual date of completion as each activity is accomplished. Items to incorporate in the timeline include:
project goals, milestones, special events, important deadlines and deliverables.
C. Project Implementation and Funding Status
Please limit your response to 1000 characters or less.
States must use this section to provide a description of the implementation of key activities and/or project status
for the current quarter. Place an ‘X’ in one of the four check-boxes provided below to provide an assessment of
implementation progress. The assessment must be supported by the status narrative noting if the project is on
schedule, behind schedule, ahead of schedule, or complete this quarter. Once the project is marked as complete
this quarter, the state is no longer required to submit an ETA 9178-ARPA report for the project.
In addition, please provide the funding status for this project for the end of the quarter, including the total project
funding, total obligated, funding balance, and time remaining to expend funds/expenditure target.
Behind Complete this
State Self- On Schedule Ahead of Schedule
Schedule Quarter
Assessment:
Total Project Funding Total Obligated Funding Balance Expenditure Target
D. Project Challenges, Risk Mitigation Efforts/Modification Requests, and Technical Assistance Needs
Please limit your response to 1500 characters or less.
States must use this section to summarize any significant challenges to project implementation encountered
during the quarter, and describe any risk mitigation efforts or actions taken to address the identified challenges.
In addition, a status update must be provided on the resolution of challenges identified in previous quarters. This
section should also include any questions you have for DOL and note any identified needs for technical assistance
from DOL or others. The narrative must also indicate whether the grantee is requesting a modification to any
project strategies and how the modification request changes the original project proposal. If a modification has
been requested, the narrative must also indicate the status of the modification request. Modifications only apply
to grants that require a full application. If states have nothing to report, that should be specified.
E. Best Practices, Promising New Strategies and Success Stories
Please limit your response to 1000 characters or less.
States must use this section to describe promising approaches, innovative processes, or grant success stories.
States must also describe any lessons learned and how those lessons learned will be implemented. Throughout
the implementation of the project, states may discover new strategies that emerge as a result of data-driven
continuous improvement. As progress is made with a new and promising strategy, or as data is gathered to
support it, states must document the progress and data each quarter. If states have nothing to report, that must be
specified.
F. Additional Outcome Information
Please limit your response to 1000 characters or less.
This section requires states to report grant-specific outcomes not captured in other sections of the quarterly
narrative progress report, including, but not limited to, outcomes measuring equitable service delivery, outcomes
measuring fraud detection and prevention, outcomes measuring backlog reduction, specific outcomes included in
the grant application.
Certification
Name of Grantee Certifying Official:
Phone:
E-Mail Address:
Instructions to Complete ETA 9178-ARPA
Contact Information:
This section is to provide the contact information (i.e., Name, Title, Address, etc.) for the state
official who is responsible for the day-to-day operation and implementation of the project. This
may be a different person than the certifying official.
Certification:
• Name of Certifying Official
Use this section to provide the name of the state official who is certifying submission of
the report to the U.S. Department of Labor (Department).
• Telephone Number
Provide the area code and telephone number ((###) ###-####) of the authorized state
official.
• Email Address
Provide the email address of the authorized state official.
General Instructions
States receiving ARPA Grant Funds are required to submit quarterly progress reports to the
Department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) in order to comply with the
reporting and record keeping requirements of these funds. Each state recipient of funds must
submit a narrative Quarterly Progress Report (QPR) containing updates on the progress and
implementation of the project(s) undertaken as a result of the funding.
Report Form and Instructions
The QPR provides narrative updates on the implementation of project(s) undertaken as a result of
the funding and the status of each project per quarter.
Due Dates
All quarterly reports are due to ETA no later than 45 days after the end of each reporting quarter.
The table below shows the expected due dates for each reporting quarter.
Reporting Quarters Due Dates
October 1 – December 31
st st
February 14th
January 1st – March 31st May 15th
April 1st – June 30th August 14th
July 1ST – September 30th November 14th
Should the due date of the report fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the report is due the
previous business day.
Submission Procedures
Information contained in the quarterly report (ETA 9178-ARPA) must be submitted by email
directly to the ETA regional office. An ETA Federal Project Officer will review and accept the
report within 30 days of receipt.
OMB Approval. Section 2116(a) of the CARES Act, 5 U.S.C. 9032(a), states that “Chapter
35 of Title 44, United States Code, (commonly referred to as the ‘Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1995’) shall not apply to the provisions of, and the amendments made by, this
subtitle.” As the OMB approval process is waived for these reporting instructions, these
instructions should be considered final.
Footnotes
1. Use of award funds for lobbying is prohibited by ETA’s Grant Terms and Conditions and by the Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 C.F.R. Parts 200 and
2900). See the link referenced at the end of section 7.b. of this UIPL.
2. Since Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of
Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau do not operate regular UI programs, this
grant opportunity is not being made available to these jurisdictions.
3. Any research activity undertaken on behalf of the Department will be conducted with full human subjects’
protections, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) review. Further, all data-sharing activities will conform to
federal data security standards, including those specified in 20 C.F.R. Part 603.
4. Refer to section 2116(a) of P.L. 116-136, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, March 27, 2020.
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