DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING th Street, Suite 1200 Denver, Colorado

Transcription

1 BILL RITTER, JR. Governor DONALD J. MARES Executive Director CLARKE D. BECKER Director, Workforce Development Programs DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING th Street, Suite 1200 Denver, Colorado Category: Subject#: Source: Discretionary Grant Funding Colorado SECTORS Implementation Grants: Solicitation for Grant Applications Federal/State Revise/Replace: N/A Contact: Workforce Development Programs Director Distribution: Managers, Workforce Development Staff, Workforce Region Directors, Program and Fiscal Colorado One-Stop System Policy Guidance Letter#: WIA Date: March 3, 2010 I. REFERENCE(S): Title I of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998; Final Rules 20 CFR Parts , et al., published at 65 Fed. Reg (August 11, 2000); TEGL regarding 1512 Reporting Requirements; PY08 Grant Agreement Supplemental Provisions for Contracts, Grants, and Purchase Orders Using Funds Provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; PGL WIA WIA and WP Discretionary Grant Quarterly Reporting. II. PURPOSE: To provide solicitation for grant applications (SGA) guidelines for Colorado SECTORS Implementation Grants. The intent of this PGL is to make funding available to workforce regions to launch regional sector initiatives. Applications for funding must be received by June 1, III. BACKGROUND: The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) sets aside discretionary funding to be used for special initiatives relevant to workforce and labor market conditions that exist in the state. The Act specifically states that funds available under this section can be used for activities such as exemplary programs, research and demonstration efforts, and special projects to assist local areas in carrying out local employment and training activities. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) are making WIA funds provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 available for discretionary grants to conduct start-up efforts necessary to launch sector-based initiatives. Sector initiatives are industry-specific, regional partnerships that address employers needs for skilled workers, and workers needs for good jobs. Sector initiatives focus intensively on

2 the workforce needs of a specific industry at the regional level over a sustained period, often concentrating on specific occupations, and always engaging multiple employers to analyze industry needs and design customized solutions. Sector partnerships involve employers, educators and training providers, the public workforce development system, economic development organizations, and other community stakeholders. These partnerships work closely together to identify the workforce needs and solutions of one industry, allowing all stakeholders to streamline their efforts and leverage resources. Sector strategies work from the premise that in any region there are certain industries that are powerful economic drivers. Targeting and leveraging public and private investments to support the growth and health of these sectors allows local and state policy makers to prioritize and grow their region s important industries while supporting citizens needs for good jobs. IV: POLICY/ACTION: Workforce regions are the eligible applicant to submit proposals that include the following required components: Cover/Signature Sheet Proposal Narrative Work Plan Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Required Partners Budget Worksheet and Narrative Cumulative Quarterly Expenditure Projections There is a 10% non-governmental matching funds requirement for this application process. Interested workforce regions are responsible for reviewing the full application requirements included in the attached SGA. The following is the timeline for applying for a Colorado SECTORS Implementation Grant: Application Guidelines Available March 1, 2010 Grant Application Submission Deadline June 1, :00 p.m. Grants Announced July 1, 2010 Award Date August 1, 2010 Quarterly Reports Due 30 days after the end of each Quarter Grants Must Be Expended By December 31, 2012 Up to $225,000 is available to each super-region of two or more Workforce Regions or sub-regions of the Rural Consortium, and up to $425,000 is available to each superregion of three or more Workforce Regions or sub-regions of the Rural Consortium. The total number of grants to be awarded has not been determined. Grantees will be required to follow the discretionary grant reporting requirements outlined in PGL WIA and the reporting and evaluation requirements in PGL WIA. These grants are subject to ARRA 1512 and 1554 supplemental provisions for reporting and procurement. V. IMPLEMENTATION DATE:

3 Upon receipt of this Program Guidance Letter. VI. INQUIRIES: Please direct all inquiries in writing to Marie Valenzuela at Workforce Development Programs at Attachments: Colorado SECTORS Implementation Grants Solicitation for Grant Applications Attachment A Cover/Signature Sheet Attachment B Evaluation Framework Attachment C Work Plan and Deliverables Attachment D Partner Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Attachment E Budget Worksheet Attachment F Cumulative Quarterly Expenditure Projections Table Clarke D. Becker, Director Workforce Development Programs

4 Colorado SECTORS Implementation Grants Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) Background The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) recognize that a skilled workforce is the single most important driver in determining the state s future competitiveness. Regions that understand how to leverage their human capital investments to strengthen their unique regional industry base and provide more opportunities for individual economic advancement will thrive. Toward that goal, CDLE and CWDC believe that statewide adoption of sector initiatives is the framework to transform the workforce development system to better meet the needs of Colorado s industries and workers. Sector initiatives are a statewide economic development strategy to help workforce regions, employers, educators, economic developers, and other potential partners to transition workers and connect the unemployed and underemployed to careers in growing industry sectors. Sector initiatives are industry-specific, regional partnerships that address employers needs for skilled workers, and workers needs for good jobs. Sector initiatives focus intensively on the workforce needs of a specific industry over a sustained period, often concentrating on specific occupations, and always engaging multiple employers to analyze industry needs and design customized solutions. In May 2009, CDLE and CWDC issued the first round of SECTORS Initiative grants. These grantees participated in a six-month planning phase to lay the groundwork for their sector partnerships. The planning phase included research to define the industry sector, region of focus, and workforce challenges, including garnering input directly from employers within the industry of focus; organizing and convening public and private stakeholders to lead the initiative; and hiring staff to coordinate the initiative. Following the planning phase, some of these grantees received additional funding to advance to the next phase and implement their sector initiatives. Key Elements of Implementation Grants The CWDC and the CDLE announce the availability of a second round of funding for Colorado SECTORS Implementation Grants, which will be awarded through a competitive process to partnerships of two or more Workforce Regions or sub-regions of the Rural Consortium. This cross-regional partnership of two or more Workforce Regions or sub-regions will be referred to in this solicitation as a super-region. Funds will be made available to implement regional sector initiatives that have already undertaken some initial research and planning to define their targeted industry sector

5 and key workforce challenges. Up to $225,000 is available to each super-region of two or more Workforce Regions or sub-regions of the Rural Consortium, and up to $425,000 is available to each super-region of three or more Workforce Regions or sub-regions of the Rural Consortium. The total number of grants to be awarded has not been determined. Implementation grants will be announced on July 1, 2010 and the period of performance for implementation grants will last until December 31, Grantees will receive support and customized technical assistance throughout this period to successfully implement their sector initiative. Eligible Applicants The eligible applicant is a Workforce Development Region or sub-region of the Rural Consortium. A single Region or sub-region shall submit the application on behalf of a super-region a partnership composed of at least two Workforce Development Regions or sub-regions. Each application should designate one Region or sub-region as the primary convener. A Region or sub-region may designate another organization with the responsibilities of SECTORS Initiative convener, but shall remain the fiscal agent and shall be responsible for reporting activities and progress of the SECTORS Initiative to the CDLE and CWDC. In this case, the application must be jointly submitted by the Workforce Region or sub-region and designated convener. The convener is an intermediary organization that will build in-depth knowledge of the industry, establish relationships with multiple employers across the super-region, conduct research to monitor the industry s changing needs, coordinate community resources to address industry staffing and competitiveness needs, and invest in potential and current workers in the industry to create enhanced opportunities. A variety of organizations can act as a convener, including but not limited to employer organizations (such as chambers of commerce or trade associations), labor-management partnerships, local workforce investment boards or one-stop centers, and faith- or community-based organizations. Technical Assistance and Resources Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the Sector Strategies Toolkit in the development of their implementation plan. This online Toolkit was developed as part of the National Governor s Association State Sector Strategy Learning Network, in conjunction with its two project partners - The Corporation for a Skilled Workforce (CSW) and the National Network of Sector Partners (NNSP). Colorado and six other states contributed to the development of this resource. The toolkit is publicly accessible at Questions about the application process and requirements may be sent in writing to Marie Valenzuela at Marie.Valenzuela@state.co.us. 2

6 Required Proposal Components I. Cover/Signature Sheet See Attachment A. II. Proposal Narrative A. Problem Statement Applicants must clearly and concisely identify and explain the workforce issues/challenges that the partnership will address. This might include skills gaps in incumbent workers, new workers, or both populations. It might address challenges in recruitment and retention, industry and company-wide organization and process. It might articulate specific demographic challenges, such as replacing an aging workforce or dealing with immigrant and refugee populations with English as a Second Language needs. The problem statement should be justified by qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Applicants should cite the data sources used in their workforce data and intelligence and describe their data collection methods, whether it was primary research involving surveys and interviews, or secondary data sources such as LMI (Labor Market Information) Gateway or Economic Modeling Specialists Inc. (EMSI). B. Industry and Super-Region of Focus Applicants must identify the industry or sector of focus, document that a labor market analysis has been conducted, that the industry of focus accounts for a significant share of economic activity and employment in the region in which the initiative is planned, and that it provides opportunities for workers to advance. If the selected industry does not account for significant regional economic activity, the applicant must otherwise justify the industry selection with relevant data. The initiative should focus on critical occupations within the sector, i.e. occupations which are important to the economic competitiveness of the sector. Applicants must identify the region(s) of focus in the proposal and demonstrate why it is a region or super-region, justified by data collection and analysis that clearly illustrates why that region is a natural labor market for the targeted sector. C. Measures and Outcomes Applicants are required to set benchmarks for four key metrics in the proposal (see Attachment B for evaluation framework). Applicants awarded grants will be required to track and report on the performance outcomes in the evaluation framework for the duration of the grant. The evaluation framework was 3

7 developed in collaboration with current SECTORS Initiative grantees to measure systems change and value to workers, employers and other partners. Applicants should describe their plan for regularly self-evaluating the partnership s strategic planning process and benchmarking progress against goals. Each grantee will be expected to participate in statewide benchmarking activities, and to share their lessons, reflections, and best practices with other grantees. III. Strategic Work Plan The work plan should contain a set of articulated goals that builds from the problem statement. All proposals should outline the key strategies that will achieve the goals, including tasks and anticipated timelines in a work plan structure. A template is included in Attachment C to track the 30-month timeline and projected outcomes or deliverables for each goal. Sustainability should also be addressed in your work plan and should not be left until the end of the period of performance. Please include in your work plan how you will seek funding to sustain your initiative and when you will seek these resources, beginning no later than December IV. Partner Roles and Responsibilities and MOU The proposal should include a listing of the leadership team that will drive the initiative and a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that details each partner s responsibilities. The team must include representatives from industry, workforce, education, and economic development, at a minimum. Each team member s role in the initiative, including the convener, must be clearly defined and any leveraged resources noted (see Attachment D for template). There is a 10% non-governmental match requirement to apply for the SECTORS Initiative Implementation Grant. The match may be met through in-kind contributions, such as staff time, meeting space, and other non-financial contributions. The matching contributions must come from industry or other non-governmental sources, and should be included in the MOU where each partner s role is described. te: If an MOU requires a formal contracting process within your county, letters of commitment may be submitted in lieu of an MOU to demonstrate partner commitment. VI. Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative and Quarterly Projected Expenditures You will need to submit a detailed budget (see Attachment E for spreadsheets), budget narrative, and cumulative quarterly projected expenditures tables with your proposal (see Attachment F for a template). Please note there are four separate worksheets to complete in the budget template. Please include travel funds for three people to attend one grantee Academy per year in the metro area. 4

8 The budget narrative should include at a minimum: Explanation of planned contracted services Explanation of other expenses Explanation of leveraged resources that are being brought to the project in addition to the proposal costs, including identification of the entities providing the leveraged resources. This narrative must clearly identify that a cash match of at least 10% of the total grant funding applied for is being provided from non-governmental sources. Resources and purpose of the resources Identification of project sustainability beyond the life cycle of the grant. Examples might include fundraising activities, in-kind and financial gifts, and fee-for-service models. Leveraged resources may be used to support the project s sustainability beyond the period of this award. Format and Submission Requirements Complete applications must be received by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment by 5:00 p.m., June 1, Proposals must be: Formatted in 12-point type with one-inch margins. 25 pages or less, including any attachments. PDF format preferred. Sent electronically to kate.anderson@state.co.us. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt, please follow-up to confirm receipt of proposal by phone to Kate Anderson at (303)

9 Attachment A SECTORS INITIATIVE IMPLEMENTATION GRANT APPLICATION COVER/SIGNATURE SHEET PROJECT NAME: NAME OF APPLICANT REGION: Address: Telephone/Fax: Contact Person/Title: Address: PARTNERING REGION(S): AMOUNT REQUESTED: $ Name and Signature - Person Preparing Proposal Name and Signature Director of Applicant Region Name and Signature Director of Partner Region Name and Signature Director of Partner Region Name and Signature Director of Partner Region Name and Signature Director of Partner Region Date Date Date Date Date Date

10 1. Impact on Jobseekers and Workers Attachment B: Colorado SECTORS Initiative Evaluation Framework Category Measures Data Collection Frequency/Method Increased opportunities for education and training for highdemand occupations 1. Total number entered training (taken from activity report) 2. Number completed training (taken from activity report) Quarterly report Quarterly report 3. Acquisition of a recognized Quarterly report Yes certificate and/or credential (Credential/Employment Rate taken from PY03 WIA Performance report) 4. Type of recognized credential 1 Quarterly report Grantees expected to set target for this metric in implementation plan Yes Yes Increased employment and wage gains 5. CareerReady Colorado Certificate gained (taken from activity report) 6. Entered employment rate (taken from Common Measures report) Quarterly report Quarterly report Yes 7. Of participants obtaining employment, was employment within targeted sector? (type of employment) 2 Quarterly report 1 i.e. number of GEDs, number of Associate s degrees, etc. This information can be gathered in JOLS. State MIS staff is available to assist in setting this up. 2 This information can be gathered in JOLS. State MIS staff is available to assist in setting this up. 1

11 2. Impact on Employers and Industry 8. Average wage (taken from Common Measures report) 9. Wage Gain measure taken from the PY03 WIA Performance report 10. Retention of incumbent workers at 4 th quarter after exit quarter (taken from Common Measures report) Quarterly report Quarterly report Quarterly report Category Measures Data Collection Frequency/Method Increased availability of 11. Employers hiring from training Quarterly report skills training (soft and programs developed or supported by technical skills) initiative Availability of local skilled 12. Time taken to fill position (or Annual employer survey workforce cost of recruitment) 13. Increased number/percentage Annual employer survey local hires 14. Employer satisfaction with Annual employer survey referrals as result of initiative Grantees to set target for metric? 2

12 3. Effectiveness of Partnerships Category Measures Data Collection Frequency/Method Plan of action, road map, 15. Execution of implementation Quarterly report goals and outcomes plan and deliverables on schedule Ongoing involvement of partners 16. Involvement of original partners at 6 month intervals. If partners drop out, why? 17. Additional firms participating beyond original reach of initiative. Quarterly report Quarterly report Grantees to set target for metric? Yes implementation plan timeline will serve as basis for this metric 4. Systems Change Category Measures Data Collection Frequency/Method Changes in how education, 18. New processes and procedures Quarterly report workforce, economic as result of initiative development and employers 19. New leveraged resources work together brought to initiative Responsiveness to business needs 20. Increased utilization of public institutions by employers (by survey) Annual employer survey Grantees to set target for metric? 3

13 Project Name: Workforce Region(s): Attachment C SECTORS INITIATIVE WORK PLAN TIMELINE & OUTCOMES Instructions: Use the format below to identify grant activities, target completion dates, partner(s) responsible, and expected deliverables. This timeline should span the grant period through December 31, Copy and/or expand the chart format as many times as needed to cover all grant goals, objectives and activities. GOAL 1: Objective #1: Strategy/Activity Target Completion Date Partner(s) Responsible Deliverable(s)

14 Objective #2: Attachment C Strategy/Activity Target Completion Date List of Partner Roles/Responsibilities Outcome/Deliverable 2

15 GOAL 2: Attachment C Objective #1: Strategy/Activity Target Completion Date List of Partner Roles/Responsibilities Outcome(s)/Deliverable(s) Objective #2: Strategy/Activity Target Completion Date List of Partner Roles/Responsibilities Outcome/Deliverable 3

16 Attachment C GOAL 3: Objective #1: Objective #2: GOAL 4: Objective #1: Objective #2: 4

17 Project Name: Attachment D Workforce Region(s): Memorandum of Understanding for SECTORS Initiative Grant Partners Name of Organization SAMPLE - Department of Community Affairs Organizational Representative Joe Smith, Director of Community Partnerships Role of Organization and/or Representative Member of Executive Committee; Will help develop curricula. Leveraged Resources Provided (Amount and Type) $15,000 from Community Block Grant; $2,000 in-kind meeting space Representative s Signature

18 Project Name: Attachment D Workforce Region(s):

19 Attachment E - Bu SECTORS Initiative Project Name: Workforce Region(s): In addition to the Budget worksheet below, the grantee organization or its fiscal agent is required to s a Budget Narrative that explains each line item and how they support the overall development of the The narrative should include how the funds will be used and the calculations and assumptions that w item detail of the worksheet. The narrative should also explain the leveraged resources being brought The amount of leveraged funds should not be included in your proposal costs. Please organize the bu so that it can be easily related to the budget line items. Cost Sharing/Matching Summary Please identify: a) the leveraged funds in the Budget Narrative and Summary addressing the source of the funds, b) their form ( Cash or In-Kind ), and c) how these funds will be spent or used in the grant program. d) The budget narrative must clearly identify that a match of at least 10% of the total grant funding applied for is being provided from non-governmental sources. 1. Cash Contributions: Describe the sources of the cash match received for project. Total cash contributions = 2. In-Kind Contributions: Describe the sources of in-kind contributions received for project (staff tim Total in-kind contributions = Fiscal Agent: Project Dates From: Budget Worksheet 8/1/2010 To: Line Item Budget (1) Grant Funds (2) Leveraged Funds Grant Operation/Administration Salaries Fringe Benefits Travel Equipment Materials/Supplies Staff Training

20 Contracts (please list): Operating/Overhead Costs Other (please list): Administrative Costs (10% cap) Total Budget

21 udget Worksheet and Narrative submit he grant. were used to complete the line ht to the project. udget narrative me, meeting space, etc.) 12/31/2012 Total

22