Request for Proposals Template



Youthbuild Grant ProgramRequest for ProposalsleftbottomImportant DatesRFP Release: Friday, April 16, 2021Informational Webinar or Meeting Information: The interested parties webinar information will be posted to DEED’s website at Due: Monday, May 17, 2021 Proposals must be received via email by 11:59 p.m. CDT on May 17, 2021. Proposals should be submitted in one single PDF to John.R.Olson@state.mn.us. Applications received after 11:59 p.m. CDT on May 17, 2021 will not be accepted.Review and Selection Period: The review and selection period will begin in May. Funding decisions expected in June 2021.Funding Duration: July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022Disclaimer: All costs incurred in responding to the Request for Proposal (RFP) will be borne by the responder. This RFP does not obligate the State to award a contract or complete the project. The State also reserves the right to cancel the solicitation if it is considered to be in its best interests. Alternative Format: Upon request, these materials will be made available in alternative formats. Table of Contents TOC \o "1-4" \h \z \u INTRODUCTION PAGEREF _Toc69294537 \h 6Objective of RFP PAGEREF _Toc69294538 \h 6Funds Available PAGEREF _Toc69294539 \h 6Technical Assistance PAGEREF _Toc69294540 \h 7SCOPE OF WORK PAGEREF _Toc69294541 \h 7Overview PAGEREF _Toc69294542 \h 7Eligibility PAGEREF _Toc69294543 \h 7Collaboration PAGEREF _Toc69294544 \h 7Tasks/Deliverables PAGEREF _Toc69294545 \h 8Target Population PAGEREF _Toc69294546 \h 8PROPOSALS PAGEREF _Toc69294547 \h 9Narrative Format PAGEREF _Toc69294548 \h 9Submission and Due Date PAGEREF _Toc69294549 \h 9PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION PAGEREF _Toc69294550 \h 9Overview of Evaluation Methodology PAGEREF _Toc69294551 \h 9Proposal Evaluation PAGEREF _Toc69294552 \h 9Conflicts of Interest PAGEREF _Toc69294553 \h 12Public Data PAGEREF _Toc69294554 \h 12Selection and Notification of Successful Applicant(s) PAGEREF _Toc69294555 \h 12POST-SELECTION REQUIREMENTS PAGEREF _Toc69294556 \h 13Tax Identification and DUNS Numbers PAGEREF _Toc69294557 \h 13Vendor Registration PAGEREF _Toc69294558 \h 13Minnesota Department of Human Rights Workforce Certificates PAGEREF _Toc69294559 \h 13Other State and Federal Requirements PAGEREF _Toc69294560 \h 13Financial Review PAGEREF _Toc69294561 \h 13Bidding Requirements PAGEREF _Toc69294562 \h 14Nondiscrimination/EO Assurance PAGEREF _Toc69294563 \h 14Accountability and Reporting PAGEREF _Toc69294564 \h 14Audits PAGEREF _Toc69294565 \h 15Checklist: Application Content and Instructions PAGEREF _Toc69294566 \h 16Required Attachments PAGEREF _Toc69294567 \h 17Form 1: Cover Sheet PAGEREF _Toc69294568 \h 17Attachment 1 Work Plan for SFY 2022 PAGEREF _Toc69294569 \h 18Attachment 1a. Partnership Chart PAGEREF _Toc69294570 \h 19Attachment 2 Budget Information Summary PAGEREF _Toc69294571 \h 20Form 2: Affidavit of Non-collusion PAGEREF _Toc69294572 \h 21Form 3: Unemployment Insurance Account Release Consent Form PAGEREF _Toc69294573 \h 22Form 4: Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form PAGEREF _Toc69294574 \h 24Form 5: Pre-Award Risk Assessment PAGEREF _Toc69294575 \h 25General Definitions PAGEREF _Toc69294626 \h 30Budget Category Definitions PAGEREF _Toc69294631 \h 31Appendix 1 PAGEREF _Toc69294632 \h 34Grant Request for ProposalINTRODUCTIONThe Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is committed to empowering the growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone. DEED facilitates an economic environment to produce jobs and improve the quality of the state’s workforce.Objective of RFPThe Department of Employment and Economic Development, through its Office of Youth Development, is seeking proposals from qualified responders to start new Minnesota Youthbuild programs within the state. A total of $250,000 is available and applicants may apply for up to $125,000. Grants would be expected to begin as early as July 1, 2021.Funds AvailableThe Minnesota Youthbuild program offers a construction-focused career pathway for low-income high school dropouts and other highly disadvantaged youth. Within an integrated work and learning setting, the program provides intensive wraparound services to ensure youth attain a high school diploma or GED, industry-recognized credentials, and placement in registered apprenticeship, employment, and/or post-secondary education. Youthbuild programs are expected to include the following components:Construction-focused vocational training and applied basic skills integrated into a work experience setting which takes place on an eligible building project (see project requirements below);Contextual academic learning and support leading to a high school diploma or GED;Integrated soft skills, work readiness, leadership, and life skills with a service-learning focus;High-quality mentoring by caring adults and peers;Counseling/case management, skills assessment, and support services to help youth succeed in the program;Career planning and exploration in the building trades and other high demand/high wage occupations and exposure to union apprenticeships;Industry-recognized certification and/or credentials in construction-related, high-demand/high wage occupations that meet the needs of local employers and growing skill demands of Minnesota’s economy;Placement services in career-specific apprenticeship, post-secondary, and/or employment;Follow-up services, including counseling and support to maintain placement.Project Requirements: Vocational training and work experience must result in (1) construction, rehabilitation, or improvement of residential units for homeless persons and very low income families; (2) improvements to the energy efficiency and environmental health of residential units; (3) facilities to support community garden projects; or (4) rehabilitation, improvement, or construction of eligible education, social service, or health facilities that principally serve homeless or very low income individuals and families.These funds CANNOT be used to purchase real property (or properties).Restrictions Due to COVIDApplicants are required to follow government-mandated COVID rules and policies and are encouraged to develop innovative training and service delivery strategies to ensure maximum safety of participants and staff. Career exploration strategies may include offering participants a virtual building trades experience through a mobile lab such as those offered through Big Ideas ().Technical AssistanceTechnical assistance is available for interpreting instructions. For questions about allowable programming, contact Nancy Waisanen at Nancy.Waisanen@state.mn.us. For questions about responding to this RFP, contact John Olson at John.R.Olson@state.mn.us. Each week, DEED staff will post responses to frequently asked questions on DEED’s website by way of the Competitive Grants and Contracts Opportunities page: OF WORKOverviewEligibilityLocal Workforce Development Boards (LWDB) who partner with at least one local educational agency, one community-based organization, and one employer. The LWDB may be the lead agency/fiscal agent or one of the partnering agencies may take the lead, in partnership with the LWDB. Participants must meet the modified Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth eligibility requirements; however, they may be co-enrolled in other state or federal employment and training programs. Grant recipients must follow all WIOA Rules and Regulations and Minnesota WIOA Youth Policies. IMPORTANT: WIOA Youth performance metrics will be used to measure outcomes for participants. See the definitions section of this RFP. All WIOA youth policies may be found under the “Documents and Forms” tab at: Special consideration will be given to programs that demonstrate strong partnerships with registered apprenticeship programs in the building trades and/or affiliated union construction employers. Programs that partner with mobile trade labs and/or offer innovative training service delivery and/or offer a strong construction training component in the safest (i.e. outdoor) setting will also be given priority consideration. CollaborationPartnerships are highly encouraged. Include all necessary partnerships in the Partnership Chart attached to this document. Applications must demonstrate partnerships with at least one LWDB, one local educational agency, one community-based organization, and one employer. Additionally, eligible organizations may leverage non-state or private sector funds. Contact information for Local Workforce Development Boards can be found here: applicants will be required to submit:A quarterly narrative that describes progress of the grant;Participant data into Workforce One; andMonthly Reimbursement Payment Request Forms (RPRs) or Financial Status Reports (FSRs) to a grant administrator within DEED. RPRs or FSRs must accurately reflect expenditures and obligations consistent with rates of participation that grant administrators will be able to track. Target PopulationEligible youth can include In-School Youth (ISY) or Out-of-School Youth (OSY) generally defined under WIOA (but modified) as follows:In-School Youth must be between the ages of 18 and 21 at the time of enrollment, attending secondary or post-secondary school, meet low-income requirements, and meet one or more of the following barriers:Basic skills deficient;English Language Learner;Offender;Homeless or Runaway;In foster care (or aged out of foster care);Pregnant or parenting;Individual with a disability;A person who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment.Out-of-School Youth must be between the ages of 18 and 24 at the time of enrollment, NOT attending ANY school and meet one or more of the following barriers:Secondary school dropout;Has a secondary diploma or equivalent but is basic skills deficient or an English Language Learner AND is low-income (This is 1 of 2 instances of OSY where income is a factor);Offender;Homeless or Runaway;In foster care (or aged out of foster care);Pregnant or parenting;Individual with a disability;A person who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment AND is low-income (This is 1 of 2 instances of OSY where income is a factor).Note: WIOA requires that a minimum of 75% of program funds be expended on out-of-school. DEED has received a waiver from the Department of Labor so that this requirement does not apply to the funds awarded in this Youthbuild RFP. Projects may serve any combination of in-school and out-of-school youth. The approved waiver is included for informational purposes in Appendix 1.PROPOSALS Proposals must conform to all instructions, conditions, and requirements included in the RFP. Responders are expected to examine all documentation and other requirements. Failure to observe the terms and conditions in completion of the Proposal are at the Responder’s risk and may, at the discretion of the State, result in disqualification of the Proposal. Acceptable Proposals must offer all services identified in Scope of Work and agree to the contract conditions specified throughout the RFP. Narrative FormatThe submitted narrative must address all sections in the Proposal Evaluation and must meet the following specifications:12 Point font (Calibri preferred)Cannot exceed 10 single-sided, double-spaced pages with a 1” margin on all four sidesIMPORTANT: Applicants may be required to supplement their proposals at the request of the Commissioner of DEED and/or the Governor’s Office.Submission and Due DateProposals must be received via email by no later than 11:59 p.m. CDT on Monday, May 17, 2021. Proposals must be submitted to John.R.Olson@state.mn.us in a single PDF document. Late proposals will not be considered. DEED is not responsible for any issues related to technology.PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTIONOverview of Evaluation MethodologyA review committee comprised of DEED staff and community members will evaluate all eligible applications received by the deadline. Please note that past performance will be taken into account in proposal evaluation.The Commissioner of DEED will review all committee recommendations and is responsible for award decisions. The Commissioner of DEED reserves the right to prioritize resources to proposals that address racial equity and geographical location, and to increase or decrease the amount of the funding requested. The award decisions of DEED are final and not subject to appeal.Proposal EvaluationEach proposal is evaluated on a 100-point scale. The points are divided among six sections and the questions contained therein. Proposal reviewers will use the following six sections to evaluate proposals in order to identify successful applicants.Section 1: Project DesignTotal points: 40Need Statement: Describe why the proposed project is needed in this region. Address the needs of young adults, affordable housing, construction businesses, and community in the area to be served. Describe the specific geographic area from which youth will be recruited. (5 POINTS)Target Population: Describe the primary target population(s) to be served. Include recruitment strategies for serving at-risk youth interested in a construction career, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and young women. Include the number of young adults your organization intends to serve. (5 POINTS)Program Design: Describe how program activities and services are integrated, including contextual learning and career-specific training. Describe how program instruction and training connect with registered apprenticeship and align with the skill needs of building trade industries in the regional economy. Identify any credentials, degrees, and/or certificates that can be earned by participants and how they are valued by area employers. Describe how the program integrates intensive work readiness training, academic and career counseling, individual career plans, and wraparound support services to ensure youth succeed. Special consideration will be given to programs that offer innovative training service to mitigate coronavirus transmission. (20 POINTS)Housing Projects: The construction training component must result in: (1) construction, rehabilitation, or improvement of residential units for homeless persons and very low income families; (2) improvements to the energy efficiency and environmental health of residential units; (3) facilities to support community garden projects; or (4) rehabilitation, improvement, or construction of education, social service, or health facilities that principally serve homeless or very low income individuals and families. Applicants are encouraged to provide youth with a comprehensive construction training experience through work projects that consist of new construction or substantial rehabilitation of residential housing or other structures. Construction training should provide youth with a comprehensive scope of work that results in attainment of the knowledge and skills needed to enter building trades employment.Describe the housing project(s) planned for the first year of programming and whether projects will be renovated or newly constructed. List the property address or location of projects, if available, and the agency that will manage the property or properties. What is the timeline for completion of each construction project? (10 POINTS)Section 2: Project Goals, Activities, and Timetables (Note: the Work Plan, attachment 1, does NOT count towards the 10 page maximum)Total points: 30Work plan (see attachment 1): Describe each program activity in detail, including planned number of hours youth will participate in each activity; measurable outcomes or expected results of each activity; and expected start date and end date for each activity. (5 POINTS)Narrative: Describe how prospective applicants will be assessed for level of commitment and motivation to ensure they are a good match for Youthbuild and construction work. Describe how youth will be prepared for hazardous work and their safety ensured prior to and during on-site construction training. Describe the initial assessment process to determine basic skill deficiencies in youth as well as individual interests, work experience, education level, aptitude and abilities, financial resources, supportive service and driver’s license needs, and barriers to employment. List the specific assessment tools to be used and process for testing academic gains.Construction Training: Describe the construction training component, where and how the training will be conducted, and training curriculum to be used. Include:Experience, qualifications, and construction trade certifications of worksite trainer/supervisor; include trainer’s experience mentoring/working with at-risk youth and ability to certify youth in industry-recognized prehensive safety training, including (but not limited to) jobsite safety and injury reporting procedures; Include how safety is integrated on the worksite.The scope of construction work to be completed by youth at the building site. Integration of renewable energy or green construction practices into training.Monthly training schedule and ratio of trainers to youth on the construction site.List the average number of training hours per week and payment or stipend to be provided participants; include any bonus payments, if applicable. Describe strategies and/or incentive payments to youth pursuing a construction career which may be used toward the purchase of a construction work vehicle upon exit and placement in registered apprenticeship and/or construction employment.List the credentials, certificates (including driver’s license), and/or post-secondary credits that may be earned by participants which are recognized in the construction industry or by local employers, if applicable. (25 POINTS)Section 3: Partnerships (Note: the Partnership Chart, attachment 1a, does NOT count towards the 10 page maximum)Total points: 10Partnership Chart (see attachment 1a): List the partner organizations, their roles, responsibilities and commitments to the proposed youth employment program. List any additional funders, public or private, who are supporting this program or to whom you have applied for support. Applicants are encouraged to co-enroll youth in other youth workforce programs, including WIOA, MYP, federal YouthBuild program, and AmeriCorps.Special consideration will be given to programs that demonstrate strong partnerships with registered apprenticeship programs in the building trades and/or affiliated union construction employers. Programs that partner with mobile trade labs and/or offer innovative training service delivery to mitigate coronavirus transmission will also be given priority consideration. (5 POINTS)Narrative: Describe any collaborative relationships you have with other organizations serving the target populations and how your projects and services align or build off each other to comprehensively meet the community needs. Note: Applications must demonstrate partnership with at least one Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB), local educational agency, community-based organization, and employer. (5 POINTS) Section 4: Evaluation and ReportingTotal points: 5Evaluation: Describe how the program will be evaluated and which staff will be responsible for data collection and reporting. How will the data be collected, managed, and updated to ensure each participant’s education, credential, and placement outcomes are properly documented? (5 POINTS)Section 5: Equity and Organizational CapacityTotal points: 5Equity and Relevant Experience: What experience does your organization have in providing quality services to young adults, experience in operating youth workforce development programs, capacity to serve the proposed number of participants, and specific outcomes from youth workforce development programs? Describe your organization’s experience serving communities that have been underserved, underrepresented, or disadvantaged by the current system. Describe how your organization has been effective in delivering services in Black, Indigenous, and communities of color. (5 POINTS)Section 6: Budget and Budget Narrative(Note: the Budget Information Summary, attachment 2, does NOT count towards the 10 page maximum)Total points: 10Budget: The total budget request does not exceed $125,000. No more than 10% is allocated for administrative costs. (2 POINTS)Budget Narrative: Describe the proposed budget as well as additional leveraged resources from other public or private sources. (8 POINTS) Total points: 100Note: If links to Office of Grants Management policy used throughout the remainder of this RFP fail, please visit and click on the “Current Policies” tab to review.Conflicts of Interest DEED will take steps to prevent individual and organizational conflicts of interest, both in reference to organizations submitting proposals and reviewers, per Minn.Stat.§16B.98 and Office of Grants Management Policy 08-01. When a conflict of interest concerning state grant making exists, transparency shall be the guiding principle in addressing it.In cases where a conflict of interest is suspected, disclosed, or discovered by DEED, the applicants or grantees will be notified and actions may be pursued, including but not limited to disqualification from eligibility for the grant award or termination of the grant agreement. In cases where a potential or actual conflict of interest is discovered by the applicants, they must notify the state. Applicants must complete a Conflict of Interest Disclosure and attach it to their proposal.Public Data Per Minn. Stat. § 13.599:Names and addresses of grant applicants and amounts requested will be public data once proposal responses are opened. All remaining data in proposal responses (except trade secret data as defined and classified in §13.37) will be public data after the evaluation process is completed (for the purposes of this grant, when all grant agreements have been fully executed). All data created or maintained by the Department as part of the evaluation process (except trade secret data as defined and classified in §13.37) will be public data after the evaluation process is completed (for the purposes of this grant, when all grant agreements have been fully executed). Selection and Notification of Successful Applicant(s)DEED intends to notify applicants of final funding decisions in June 2021.POST-SELECTION REQUIREMENTSTax Identification and DUNS NumbersDEED grantees are required to have both state and federal tax identification numbers and a valid DUNS number issued by Dun & Bradstreet. A DUNS number is a unique, nine-digit identification number for each physical location of your business. DUNS numbers are free for all state vendors and can be obtained via the Dun & Bradstreet website, linked here. Vendor RegistrationGrant recipients must complete a grant agreement before DEED will disburse any funds. The State of Minnesota’s accounting and procurement system is called State-Wide Integrated Financial Tools (SWIFT). Every organization or sub-grantee doing business with the state is considered a vendor. Vendors must be registered with the State of Minnesota. Vendors can interact with the state through the Supplier Portal, which is part of SWIFT. The Supplier Portal allows vendors to login and view payment detail as well as maintain address and contact information related to their vendor record. For new prospective grantees (vendors), if you are awarded a grant, it will be necessary to register as vendor via the Vendor Registration link. Minnesota Department of Human Rights Workforce CertificatesAny business that employs 40 or more employees in a state and that seeks to enter into a contract withthe State of Minnesota that is over $100,000 or is likely to exceed $100,000 needs to obtain a workforce certificate of compliance from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Please check the Minnesota Department of Human Rights website at or contact them directly at compliance.mdhr@state.mn.us to determine if your organization needs to seek a workforce certificate of compliance. Other State and Federal RequirementsDEED grantees must also comply with all state and federal requirements including, but not limited to:Worker’s compensation; Affirmative action;Data privacy;Equal Employment Opportunity;The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);Voter Registration;Unemployment Insurance**A grantee’s Unemployment Insurance account must be current. Please complete the Unemployment Insurance Account Release Consent Form as part of your application. Financial ReviewAll Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) applying for grants in the state of Minnesota must undergo a financial review prior to being offered a grant award of $25,000 and higher. To comply with Office of Grants Management Policy 08-06 please submit one of the following documents with your proposal, based on the following criteria:NGOs with annual income of under $50,000, or who have not been in existence long enough to have a completed IRS Form 990 or audit should submit their most recent board-reviewed financial statements.NGOs with total annual revenue of $50,000 or more and less than $750,000 should submit their most recent IRS Form 990. NGOs with total annual revenue of over $750,000 should submit their most recent certified financial audit.Bidding RequirementsGrantees are subject to bidding requirements for goods and services purchased under this grant. Goods and services that cost:$100,000 or more must undergo a formal notice and bidding process.Between $25,000 and $99,999 must be competitively awarded based on a minimum of three (3) verbal quotes or bids. Between $10,000 and $24,999 must be competitively awarded based on a minimum of two (2) verbal quotes or bids or awarded to a targeted vendor.The grantee must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that targeted vendors from businesses with active certifications through these entities are used when possible:Certified Targeted Group, Economically Disadvantaged and Veteran-Owned Vendor List – State Department of Administration Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Directory – Minnesota Unified Certification Program CERT Business List – Central Certification ProgramThe grantee must maintain:Written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts.Support documentation of the purchasing and/or bidding process utilized to contract services in their financial records, including support documentation justifying a single/sole source bid, if applicable.The grantee must not contract with vendors who are suspended or debarred in MN listed here. Nondiscrimination/EO AssuranceGrant recipients must comply with state and federal civil rights laws and ensure nondiscrimination in programs and services receiving federal and state financial assistance. Grantees are subject to equal opportunity monitoring reviews as a requirement of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Section 188, 29 U.S.C. § 3248 (nondiscrimination by recipients of federal financial assistance under WIOA) and its implementing regulations, 29 CFR Part 38. Accountability and ReportingAccountability and reporting information will be used to monitor grantee service delivery, confirm grant reimbursement requests, and measure performance. Selected organizations will also be required to submit a quarterly narrative report on the Youthbuild Grant. These quarterly reports are due 30 days after each quarter end. For example, the first quarterly report will encompass July 2021 through September 2021 and is due to the grant manager no later than October 31, 2021.Grant Monitoring Minnesota Statutes §16B.97 and State Policy on Grant Monitoring require the following:One monitoring visit before final payment on all state grants over $50,000Annual monitoring visits during the grant period on all grants over $250,000Conducting a financial reconciliation of grantee’s expenditures at least once before final payment on grants over $50,000. For this purpose, the grantee must make expense receipts, employee timesheets, invoices, and any other supporting documents available upon request by the State. Audits Per Minn. Stat. §16B.98, Subd. 8, the grantee’s books, records, documents, and accounting procedures and practices of the grantee or other party that are relevant to the grant or transaction are subject to examination by the granting agency and either the legislative auditor or the state auditor, as appropriate. This requirement will last for a minimum of six years from the grant agreement end date, receipt, and approval of all final reports, or the required period of time to satisfy all state and program retention requirements, whichever is later.Checklist: Application Content and Instructions Form 1: Cover Sheet Complete the name and address of the applicant agency and/or fiscal agent as well as the name and address of the contact person for the program. Include both federal and state Tax ID numbers. Indicate the total level of funding requested. Be sure to include an authorized signature and date on the application. Executive SummaryProvide a one-page, double spaced, overview of the proposed project. 12-point font (Calibri preferred) Application Narrative (10 page limit, single-sided, double-spaced)12-point font (Calibri preferred) Work PlanDescribe the goals for the funding period. The plan MUST include measurable outcomes. Complete the included Work Plan (Attachment 1) using as many pages as necessary to describe all planned project activities. (THIS DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD THE PAGE LIMIT) Budget Information Summary Complete the attached Budget Information Summary (Attachment 2) for SFY 2022. The amount requested may not exceed $125,000. A maximum of 10 percent of funding may be used for administrative costs. (THIS DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD THE PAGE LIMIT) Partnership Chart Please list those organizations that are partnering with you for the upcoming year and the type/amount of contributions each will make for the coming year. Complete the attached Partnership Chart (Attachment 1a). (THIS DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD THE PAGE LIMIT) Form 2: Affidavit of non-collusion Form 3: Unemployment Insurance Account Release Consent Form Form 4: Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form Form 5: Pre-Award Risk Assessment Required Financial Documents (for NGOs)Grant applicants with annual income of under $50,000, or who have not been in existence long enough to have a completed IRS Form 990 or audit should submit their most recent board-reviewed financial statements.Grant applicants with total annual revenue of $50,000 or more and less than $750,000 should submit their most recent IRS Form 990. Grant applicants with total annual revenue of over $750,000 should submit their most recent certified financial audit.Required AttachmentsForm 1: Cover SheetApplicant Agency:Please use the legal name and provide the full address. This is the fiscal agent with whom the grant agreement will be executed.Agency Name:Tab here and enter agency nameDirector Name:Tab here and enter director’s nameContact Name:Tab here and enter contact’s nameTelephone:Tab here and enter telephoneTelephone:Tab here and enter telephoneFax:Tab here and enter faxFax:Tab here and enter faxEmail:Tab here and enter emailEmail:Tab here and enter emailAgency Website:Tab here and enter agency web siteAddress:Address:Tab here and enter addressTab here and enter addressFederal Tax ID: (required)Tab here and enter numberMinnesota Tax ID: (required)Tab here and enter numberDUNS Number: (required)Tab here and enter numberSWIFT Vendor ID: (if known)Tab here and enter numberRequired Information:Project Name:Tab here and enter project nameGeographic Area Served:Tab here and enter geographic area servedNumber of Participants Served:Tab here and enter number of participantsProject Start Date:Tab here and enter start dateProject End Date:Tab here and enter end dateTotal Amount of Funding Requested for SFY 2022:THIS AMOUNT CANNOT EXCEED $125,000I certify that the information contained herein is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and that I am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the applicant.Authorized SignatureTitleDateAttachment 1 Work Plan for SFY 2022AGENCY:CONTACT:Enter name and address of agency hereEnter name and phone number/email of primary contact herePROJECT GOAL:Enter a brief statement of the project goal hereSTRATEGIES (activities, steps, tasks to achieve goal):EXPECTED MEASURABLE OUTCOMESSTART DATEEND DATETab here and enter strategyTab here and enter outcomesTab here and enter dateTab here and enter dateTab here and enter strategyTab here and enter outcomesTab here and enter dateTab here and enter dateTab here and enter strategyTab here and enter outcomesTab here and enter dateTab here and enter dateTab here and enter strategyTab here and enter outcomesTab here and enter dateTab here and enter dateTab here and enter strategyTab here and enter outcomesTab here and enter dateTab here and enter dateTab here and enter strategyTab here and enter outcomesTab here and enter dateTab here and enter dateTab here and enter strategyTab here and enter outcomesTab here and enter dateTab here and enter dateAttachment 1a. Partnership ChartThe information contained in this chart should support the Work Plan. Only those organizations which have already committed resources, staff and time should be listed. Expand as needed.Type of OrganizationName and Address of OrganizationType of Commitment:(time, staff, resources,space, referrals, etc.)Key Contact Person and Telephone NumberEnter org type hereEnter name address of partnerEnter type of commitmentEnter key contact and phone numberEnter org type hereEnter name address of partnerEnter type of commitmentEnter key contact and phone numberEnter org type hereEnter name address of partnerEnter type of commitmentEnter key contact and phone numberEnter org type hereEnter name address of partnerEnter type of commitmentEnter key contact and phone numberEnter org type hereEnter name address of partnerEnter type of commitmentEnter key contact and phone numberEnter org type hereEnter name address of partnerEnter type of commitmentEnter key contact and phone numberEnter org type hereEnter name address of partnerEnter type of commitmentEnter key contact and phone numberAttachment 2 Budget Information Summary(Total funds requested cannot exceed $125,000. See the Budget Category Definitions for more information on each category.Applicant Agency:Contact Person: Address:Telephone/E-Mail Address:Cost CategoryTotal Funds AvailableEstimated Expenses 7/1/21 to 9/30/21Estimated Expenses 7/1/21 to 12/31/21Estimated Expenses 7/1/21 to 3/31/22Estimated Expenses 7/1/21 to 6/30/22764/833 Administration(Cannot Exceed 10%)Tab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amount841 In-School Youth Work Experience Wages/FringeTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amount825 Out-of-School Youth Work Experience Wages/FringeTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amount872 In-School Youth Work Experience Staff CostsTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amount855 Out-of-School Youth Work Experience Staff CostsTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amount874 In-School YouthDirect Services (Non-Work Exp.)Tab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amount877 Out-of-School Youth Direct Services (Non-Work Exp.)Tab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amount848 In-School YouthSupport ServicesTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amount862 Out-of-School Youth Support ServicesTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amount860 In-School YouthOther ServicesTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amount878 Out-of-School Youth Other ServicesTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amount837 In-School Youth TrainingTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amount838 Out-of-School Youth TrainingTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTotal:Tab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountTab here and enter amountEstimated Percentage of Funds Expended on Out-of-School Youth:Tab here and enter numberEstimated Percentage of Funds Expended on Work Experience (20% minimum required):Tab here and enter numberEstimated Total Number of Youth Served:Tab here and enter numberDescribe leveraged resources (cash or in-kind) from other non-state or private sources: Form 2: Affidavit of Non-collusionState of MinnesotaRequest for ProposalsInstructions: Please return your completed form as part of the Response submittal.I swear (or affirm) under the penalty of perjury:1.That I am the Responder (if the Responder is an individual), a partner in the company (if the Responder is a partnership), or an officer or employee of the responding corporation having authority to sign on its behalf (if the Responder is a corporation).2.That the attached proposal submitted in response to Minnesota Youthbuild Grant Request for Proposal has been arrived at by the Responder independently and has been submitted without collusion with and without any agreement, understanding or planned common course of action with, any other Responder of materials, supplies, equipment, or services described in the Request for Proposals, designed to limit fair and open competition.3.That the contents of the proposal have not been communicated by the Responder or its employees or agents to any person not an employee or agent of the Responder and will not be communicated to any such persons prior to the official opening of the proposals.4.That I am fully informed regarding the accuracy of the statements made in this affidavit.Authorized SignatureResponder’s firm name: FORMTEXT ?????Print authorized representative name: FORMTEXT ?????Title: FORMTEXT ?????Authorized signature: Date (mm/dd/yyyy): FORMTEXT ?????Notary PublicSubscribed and sworn to before me this ____ day of __________, 20___.________________________________________Notary Public signatureCommission expires (mm/dd/yyyy): ___________Form 3: Unemployment Insurance Account Release Consent FormBefore awarding a grant, DEED will need to verify that your organization does not have any outstanding Unemployment Insurance tax liability. If you choose not to provide this consent, DEED staff may determine that you are ineligible for DEED funding.This authorization to release unemployment insurance data is not valid until it is signed and dated. It will expire three months after the signature date. Please include a copy of a government-issued identification with a signature as an additional form of verification. Explanation of your rightsPurpose of this formYou must complete, sign, and return this form if you want to authorize a person or organization to receive certain private or nonpublic information that we collect to administer the Unemployment Insurance Program.You have the right to choose what data we release. This means you can let us release all of the data, some of the data, or none of the data listed on this consent.You have the right to allow us to release the data to all, some, or none of the persons or entities listed on this form. This means you can choose which entities or persons may receive the data and what data they may receive.You may withdraw your permission at any time. Withdrawing your permission will not affect the data that we have already released because we had your permission to release the data.Reviewing the InformationYou have the right to look at all data described on this form and have copies of the data. We encourage you to look at the data before you decide to give your consent. If you want copies of the above data mailed only to you, fill out this form without adding an authorized person or organization.If you have any questions about your private data, how to complete this consent form, or if you want to withdraw your consent, call Jim S. at (651) 259-0806.Data SubjectYour name or name of organization: FORMTEXT ?????UI Employer Account No.: FORMTEXT ?????Street address: FORMTEXT ?????City: FORMTEXT ????? State: FORMTEXT ?????Zip code: FORMTEXT ?????Authorized person or organizationI authorize the following person or organization to receive the private and nonpublic data checked below:DEED, Employment and Training Programs Division332 Minnesota Street, Suite E200Saint Paul, MN 55101Phone number: (651) 259-7580UI DataTypes of data that agree to be released: FORMCHECKBOX Payment- Employer UI account status FORMCHECKBOX Other – information about all outstanding UI account debt, including the age, amount owed and when the debt was incurred 4.SignatureI voluntarily authorize DEED to release the selected private data to the above individual/organization. I am aware of the purpose for releasing the private data and I understand that there may be consequences for releasing the data to the individual/organization.Your signature or signature of corporate officer, partner or fiduciaryPrint your name (and title, if applicable): FORMTEXT ?????Phone: FORMTEXT ?????Date FORMTEXT ?????Form 4: Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form This form gives applicants and grantees an opportunity to disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may exist when receiving a grant. It is the applicant/grantee’s obligation to be familiar with the Office of Grants Management (OGM) Policy_08-01, Conflict of Interest Policy for State Grant-Making (August 2020 Effective Date 1/1/21) and to disclose any conflicts of interest accordingly.All grant applicants must complete and sign a conflict of interest disclosure form. FORMCHECKBOX I or my grant organization do NOT have an ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL conflict of interest.If at any time after submission of this form, I or my grant organization discover any conflict of interest(s), I or my grant organization will disclose that conflict immediately to the appropriate agency or grant program personnel. FORMCHECKBOX I or my grant organization have an ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL conflict of interest. (Please describe below): If at any time after submission of this form, I or my grant organization discover any additional conflict of interest(s), I or my grant organization will disclose that conflict immediately to the appropriate agency or grant program personnel.Printed name: FORMTEXT ?????Signature:Organization: FORMTEXT ?????Date: FORMTEXT ?????Form 5: Pre-Award Risk AssessmentApplicant Information (APPLICANT/Grantee answer questions 1-11)Organization name and addressEmployer Identification Number DUNS (9 or 13 characters)Number of EmployeesFull Time: Part Time:Does the applicant have 501(c)3 status?Yes NoIf so, when was it received? (MM/DD/YYYY)Does the applicant have a current business registration with the Minnesota Secretary of State? Yes No Is the applicant affiliated with or managed by any other organization (e.g. regional or national offices)?Yes No If so, provide details:Does the applicant receive management or financial assistance from any other organizations?Yes No If so, provide details:What is the total revenue in the most recent accounting period (12 months)?Does total revenue exceed total expenses? Yes No If expenses are greater than revenue, please explain: How many different funding sources does the total revenue come from?Are any of those different funding sources from other DEED areas? Yes NoIf so, how many?Does the applicant have written policies and procedures for the following business practices? (If yes, attach a copy of the table of contents.)AccountingYes No PurchasingYes No PayrollYes No General Assessment (APPLICANT/Grantee answer Questions 1-4)Is the applicant new to operating or managing state and/or federal funds (has not done so within the past three years)?Yes No CommentsIs this program new for the applicant (managed for less than three years)?Yes No CommentsHas there been high staff turnover or agency reorganization that affects this program within the last year? If so, explain in the comment section.Yes No CommentsAre the staff assigned to the program inexperienced with the program (worked with the program for less than two funding cycles)?Yes No CommentsIf the applicant has a past history with DEED, has the applicant been untimely in the submission of:Initial PSP/ContractYes No N/A Amendments/ModificationsYes No N/A Fiscal reporting (e.g., FSR/RPRs, CAPRs, invoices, fiscal guide)Yes No N/A Quarterly Progress reportsYes No N/AResponses to correspondence or requests for informationYes No N/ACommentsHas the applicant been untimely in responding to program/fiscal questions when being monitored?Yes No N/ACommentsHave any other state agencies, auditors, or staff employed by the entity alerted us of previous problems with this organization? (Check the MN Transparency website.)Yes No N/ACommentsLegal Assessment (APPLICANT/Grantee answer questions 1-5) Attach additional pages if neededDuring the last five years, has the applicant have or previously had a lawsuit(s) filed against them? (If yes, list all pending and/or previous lawsuits in the comments section with detailed information regarding who filed the lawsuit, the reason for filing and the final judgment rendered.) Yes No CommentsIs the applicant currently, or have previously been, suspended or debarred? ()Yes No If so, when and why?Have any applicant staff currently been jailed, convicted of a felony, or are under criminal investigation?Yes No CommentsHas the applicant lost state or federal funding due to accountability issues, misuse or fraud?Yes No CommentsAre the officials of the organization bonded?Yes No If no, does the organization conduct background checks? Yes NoCommentsaccounting system assessment (Applicant/Grantee answer questions 1-6)Which of the following best describes the applicant’s accounting system?Manual Automated CombinationDoes the accounting system identify the receipts and expenditures of program funds separately for each award? Yes No Will the accounting system provide for the recording of expenditures for each award by the budget cost categories shown in the approved budget?Yes No Is staff’s time allocated among the various programs they work on? Yes No Does the entity have an indirect cost rate that is federally approved and current?Yes No If so, who approved the rate?If so, what is the rate?Are the Federal base dollars of this indirect cost rate calculation comparable to other organizations of similar size, purpose and budget?Yes No N/AFinancial assessment (Applicant/Grantee answer questions 1-5, 13 & 14)Is this grant large in terms of percentage of overall funding for the entity?Yes No What is the % of DEED’s funding compared to your overall funding?Does the applicant have unpaid tax liabilities with the Minnesota Department of Revenue or the Internal Revenue Service? (Check the Federal System for Award Management (SAM).)Yes No Comments:Does the applicant have outstanding unemployment insurance debt or worker status issues? (Check with Unemployment Insurance or examine an internal audit of the organization.)Yes No Are there any other major contingent liabilities?Yes No If yes, list them here:Are actual grant expenditures within the approved budgets?Yes No N/AIf no, explain:Has the applicant returned significant unspent funds? Yes No For WIOA grants, does the applicant have a large amount of budget carryover into the next program year?Yes No If yes, Explain:Does the organization have reasonable non-program expenses as indicated in audit reports, tax returns, or financial statements? (e.g., much more expenditures on supplies than average)?Yes No What is the current amount of unrestricted funds?Is the “current ratio” of assets to liabilities 1:1 or less (i.e., the organization cannot or can just barely pay its bills)?Formula is: Current Assets ÷ Current LiabilitiesYes No Is the “acid test ratio” less than 1:1?The formula is (Current Assets – Inventories) ÷ Current LiabilitiesYes No N/AIs the organizations debt to equity ratio less than 2:1?The formula is Total Liabilities ÷ Total AssetsYes No N/AHas the organization incurred any large or unusual debt in the last 12 months? Yes No N/AWhat was the cause for the new debt?What is the funding source for paying back the new debt?Does the organization have an emergency line of credit at a banking institution? Yes NoIf so, how much and with whom?monitoring/audit assessment (grantee answer questions 3 & 4)If DEED has an existing relationship with this applicant, have more than three funding cycles passed since the applicant had a monitoring review?Yes No CommentsWere there findings/ corrective actions in the prior visit?Yes No If yes, what were the number and extent of findings/corrective actions in the prior visit?For federal awards, has it been more than one year since the applicant received a single audit? Yes No N/AIf yes, why?Did an independent certified public accountant (CPA) ever examine the applicant’s financial statements?Yes No N/AIf yes, were there findings?Yes No N/AWhat were the number and extent of findings/violations in prior visit (more violations/more severe=higher risk), and does the entity have a corrective action plan for correcting the finding?Additional CommentsCertificationAPPLICANT/GRANTEE (Signature of authorized staff person) The applicant certifies that the appropriate person(s) have provided information for this assessment on behalf of the applicant, and that, to the best of the applicant’s knowledge, this information is current and accurate. The applicant understands that if the applicant has any compliance issues; items of significant concern; performance issues; unemployment insurance back-taxes owed or associated penalties; interest, fees, outstanding debt, or disputed financial obligations to a local state, or federal government entity; or is not current on wage-detail reporting requirements the issues must be resolved prior to any grant award.Signed:Title:Date:DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE (select one) I completed the risk assessment on behalf of the Department of Employment and Economic Development and I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and based on the information provided by the applicant, the organization has no compliance issues; items of significant concern; performance issues; unemployment insurance back-taxes owed or associated penalties; interest, fees, outstanding debt, or disputed financial obligations to a local state, or federal government entity; and is current on wage-detail reporting requirements. I completed the risk assessment on behalf of the Department of Employment and Economic Development and, in accordance with PPM 521, am bringing this risk assessment to the attention of my Division Director and DEED’s Internal Auditor so they can further assess the situation and, where possible, help develop effective supports.Signed:Title:Date:General DefinitionsWORK EXPERIENCES From Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act “WIOA” Proposed Rules 20 CFR 681.600):Work experiences are planned, structured learning experience that takes place in a workplace for a limited period of time. Work experience may be paid or unpaid, as appropriate. A work experience may take place in the private for-profit sector, the non-profit sector, or the public sector. Labor standards apply in any work experience where an employee/employer relationship, as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act or applicable State law, exists. Work experiences provide the youth participant with opportunities for career exploration and skill development.Work experiences must include academic and occupational education.The types of work experiences include the following categories:Summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year;Pre-apprenticeship programs;Internships and job shadowing; andOn-the-job training opportunities as defined in WIOA sec. 3(44) and in § 680.700.DEFINITION OF WORK READINESS SKILLS From USDOL TEGL 17-05, Attachment B):Work Readiness Skills - Work readiness skills include world-of-work awareness, labor market knowledge, occupational information, values clarification and personal understanding, career planning and decision making, and job search techniques (resumes, interviews, applications, and follow-up letters). They also encompass survival/daily living skills such as using the phone, telling time, shopping, renting an apartment, opening a bank account, and using public transportation. They also include positive work habits, attitudes, and behaviors such as punctuality, regular attendance, presenting a neat appearance, getting along and working well with others, exhibiting good conduct, following instructions and completing tasks, accepting constructive criticism from supervisors and co-workers, showing initiative and reliability, and assuming the responsibilities involved in maintaining a job. This category also entails developing motivation and adaptability, obtaining effective coping and problem-solving skills, and acquiring an improved self-image.SAMPLE METHODOLOGY FOR MEASURING WORK READINESS From USDOL TEGL 07-10, Attachment B): A worksite evaluation measuring performance in the workplace is one way to assess work readiness for the work readiness indicator. Previous feedback has demonstrated that one effective method of assessing work readiness is to require the worksite supervisor to observe and evaluate workplace performance. Having youth complete true/false or multiple choice tests, which only measure knowledge and not behavior, is a less effective tool for measuring work readiness. This worksite evaluation should be conducted by the employer. The employer (i.e., worksite supervisor) who regularly observes performance at the worksite is in the best position to assess the quality of a young person’s work performance.The worksite evaluation tool should focus on attaining a satisfactory level of workplace proficiency as opposed to a measurable increase or gain (as previously defined in TEGL No. 17-05). The attainment of proficiency or competency in the foundational and worksite-specific skills necessary to be successful in the workplace should be determined by the employer and should be based on the attainment of work behaviors outlined in the worksite evaluation tool. This tool should clearly state the overall criteria necessary to achieve workplace proficiency. For example, worksite evaluation tools could state that work readiness proficiency can only be attained after: a) the supervisor indicates satisfactory performance; and b) a minimum numerical score for determining proficiency is achieved.DEFINITION OF “CAREER PATHWAY”From the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA):The term “career pathway” means a combination of high-quality education, training and other services that:align with the skills of industries in the region;prepares an individual to be successful in any of a full range of secondary or post-secondary education options, including registered apprenticeships;includes counseling to support an individual in achieving the individual’s education and career goals;includes education offered concurrently with workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster;organizes education, training and other services to meet the particular needs of an individual in a manner that accelerates the education and career advancement of the individual to the greatest extent possible;Enables an individual to attain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and at least one recognized post-secondary credential;Helps an individual enter or advance with a specific occupation or occupational cluster.Budget Category DefinitionsAdministration – Costs are defined by federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR, Section 200) and are generally associated with the expenditures related to the overall operation of the employment and training system. Administrative costs are associated with functions not related to the direct provision of services to program participants. These costs can be both personnel and non-personnel and both direct and indirect.Specifically, the following functions are considered “administrative”:Accounting, budgeting, financial and cash management functions;Procurement and purchasing functions;Property management functions;Personnel management functions;Payroll functions;Audit functions;Incident reports response functions;General legal service functions;Costs of goods and services required for the administrative functions of the program including such items as rental/purchase of equipment, utilities, office supplies, postage, and rental and maintenance of office space;Systems and procedures required to carry out the above administrative functions including necessary monitoring and oversight; and,Travel costs incurred for official business related to the above administrative functions.Youth Participant Wages and Fringe Benefits – Wages and benefits paid directly to youth participants while engaged in program activities. These expenses are itemized separately on the monthly Reimbursement Payment Request (RPR) form/Financial Status Report (FSR) form for In-School Youth (ISY) and Out-of-School Youth (OSY).Youth Work Experience Staff Costs – Costs associated with staff recruiting, training and/or monitoring worksites where work experience participants are placed. Staff wages and fringe should be allocated on a pro-rated basis (as appropriate), with the remaining portion of staff wages and fringe allocated to “Direct Services to Youth” category. These expenses are itemized separately on the monthly Reimbursement Payment Request (RPR) form/Financial Status Report (FSR) form for In-School Youth (ISY) and Out-of-School Youth (OSY).Direct Services to Youth – Costs associated with providing direct service to youth, EXCLUDING costs of youth participant wages and fringe benefits, support services and training. Wages and fringe benefits for staff who provide direct services to youth participants should be included in this cost category. Stipends provided to participants for non-training activities should be included in this category. These expenses are itemized separately on the monthly Reimbursement Payment Request (RPR) form/Financial Status Report (FSR) form for In-School Youth (ISY) and Out-of-School Youth (OSY).Support Services – Items that are necessary for a youth to participate, such as transportation, clothing, tools, child care, housing/rental assistance, etc. These expenses may be paid directly to the youth or to a third-party vendor. These expenses are itemized separately on the monthly Reimbursement Payment Request (RPR) form/Financial Status Report (FSR) form for In-School Youth (ISY) and Out-of-School Youth (OSY).Other Services – This category should be used only for reporting program expenditures that otherwise do not necessarily fit in one of the other categories. WDAs using this category should be prepared to summarize and explain how these funds are being used. These expenses are itemized separately on the monthly Reimbursement Payment Request (RPR) form/Financial Status Report (FSR) form for In-School Youth (ISY) and Out-of-School Youth (OSY). Any costs associated with “training” should be categorized under “In-School Training” or “Out-of-School Training” as appropriate (see below).Training – Funds used for paying costs associated with a participant receiving training services. This can include everything from online, self-paced learning of basic work readiness skills (for instance), all the way up to funding for participants working towards a WIOA-recognized credential at a post-secondary institution on the Eligible Training Provider List. Appropriate costs may include tuition, fees, books and other costs associated with the participant’s course of study. Stipends provided to participants for training activities should be included in this category. These expenses are itemized separately on the monthly Reimbursement Payment Request (RPR) form/Financial Status Report (FSR) form for both In-School Youth (ISY) and Out-of-School Youth (OSY). Appendix 1STATE OF MINNESOTAWIOA WAIVER REQUEST: Governor’s Reserve Funds TITLE I YOUTH PROGRAMPROGRAM YEARS 2021-2022Identification of the statutory or regulatory requirements for which a waiver is being requested: The State of Minnesota is requesting a waiver for Program Years 2021 and 2022 from the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Section 129(a)(4)(A) and its corresponding regulation at 20 CFR 681.410. There is a requirement that at least 75 percent of WIOA Governor’s Reserve funds be expended on out-of-school youth. The State of Minnesota is requesting that the requirement be eliminated for projects providing direct services funded under the WIOA Youth Governor’s Reserve Funds. Minnesota is asking for flexibility to increase services to under-represented youth, 16 to 24 years of age, who meet the following definition:Qualify for the High School Graduation Incentives Program or be “economically disadvantaged”; andBe a high school dropout or, in the opination of a school official, are in danger of dropping out of school.The High School Graduation Incentive Program eligibility is found at Minnesota Statutes 124D.68. As stated in the legislation:The legislature finds that it is critical to provide options for children to succeed in school. Therefore, the purpose of this section is to provide incentives for and encourage all Minnesota students who have experienced or are experiencing difficulty in the traditional education system to enroll in alternative programs.The waiver of the 75 percent requirement would allow the State to use Governor’s Reserve Funds to fund projects based on the Youthbuild program model but allow grantees the flexibility to determine the mix of out-of-school youth (dropouts) and in-school youth (potential dropouts). Service providers would place participants in an integrated work and learning setting with intensive wrap-around services ensuring the youth would attain a high school diploma/GED, industry recognized credentials, and placement in registered apprenticeship, employment, and/or post-secondary education. Older youth participants who complete the Youthbuild “pre-apprenticeship” project would be supported as they have the option to enter registered apprenticeship.Actions that the State of Minnesota has undertaken to remove State or local statutory or regulatory barriers: No state or local statutory or regulatory barriers exist that would prevent the implementation of this waiver. Minnesota leverages federal WIOA funds by providing WDA’s with State youth employment funds through the Minnesota Youth Program (MYP). The waiver of the 75 percent expenditure requirement as indicated in WIOA Section 129(a)(4)(A) and the corresponding 20 CFR 681.410 for projects funded with Governor’s Reserve Funds would allow the State to further blend and braid state and federal funds. Funds would be awarded through open competition: a copy of the Request for Proposals is attached to this waiver request. This waiver request will allow the State maximum flexibility to increase services to under-represented youth.Relationship to State strategic goals: Minnesota’s WIOA State Plan describes how resources will be used to support individuals who need assistance to become economically and socially self-sufficient. The youth population groups cited in the State Plan are targeted for services under the WIOA Youth Program. Minnesota’s WIOA State Plan highlights the need to diversify its labor force to grow economically.The data shows that the current population and aging trends will lead to a tight labor market over the next two decades – with some local areas already experiencing labor force declines. The challenges our State will face over the next 15 years are so great that we need to tackle them with a multi-pronged approach to attract and retain workers of all demographic characteristics. Retaining older workers beyond traditional retirement age, attracting and retaining young talent, removing barriers faced by workers of all abilities, welcoming immigrants from other countries, and educating and training the workers we do have are all necessary to overcome these challenges.Minority populations in Minnesota will continue to grow faster than the white population, particularly in the younger working age populations, and the labor force will continue to diversify rapidly. Recognizing that the rapidly increasing share of existing workers are people of color, it becomes obvious that we must address this problem of persistent racial disparities directly.If racial disparities continue unabated, businesses and the economic well-being of every resident of our state will be affected. So, working on solutions to close opportunity gaps between our state’s white population and populations of color is not only the right thing to do, it’s the necessary thing to do if we’re to provide our economy and its employers with the workforce necessary for success.This waiver allows the State to provide grantees with WIOA Youth Governor’s Reserve Funds to provide direct services to youth dropouts and youth who are at-risk of dropping out of school and who are experiencing a skills and opportunity gap.Projected programmatic outcomes resulting from implementation of the waiver: On The approval of this waiver will further enable Minnesota to provide higher levels of service to under-represented youth who are WIOA eligible, both in-school and out of school. The State strongly believes that the flexibility provided with this waiver will result in the following:Career pathways training in the construction trades integrated with basic skills instruction,Contextual academic learning and support leading to a high school diploma/GED,Integrated soft skills, work readiness, leadership, and life skills with a service-learning focus,High-quality mentoring by caring adults and peers,Counseling/case management, skills assessment, and support services helping youth to succeed in the program,Career planning and exploration in the building trades and other high demand/high wage occupations and exposure to union apprenticeships,Industry-recognized certification and/or credentials in construction-related, high-demand/high-wage occupations that meet the needs of local employers and growing skill demands of Minnesota’s economy;Placement services in career-specific apprenticeships, post-secondary education, and/or employment,12 months of follow-up services, including counseling, and support to maintain employment.These services will result in the following performance metrics:Increased school attendance and dropouts returning to school Increased number of youth earning academic credit for work-based trainingIncreased high school graduation rates or received secondary diploma or equivalentIncreased number of under-represented youth entering post-secondary training or registered apprenticeshipsIncreased number of under-represented youth who participate in work experience or internships in high-growth, in-demand occupationsIncreased number of youth attaining credentials in high-growth/high-demand industries.This waiver supports the goals described in Minnesota’s WIOA State Plan and the overall objectives set by DOL for WIOA Youth. Since this is a new approach to serving “opportunity youth” we do not have performance data to share.The following chart provides performance data for MN’s waiver to the 75% OSY requirement. WDAs drop the OSY expenditure requirement to 60%, if they serve In-School Youth who meet DOL’s definition of homeless youth and youth in (or previously in) foster care. Data on MN’s Waiver to OSY Expenditure Requirement: from 75% to 60% for Minnesota WDAs Serving ISY Meeting DOL Definition of Homeless/Foster Youth (PY19 Actual; PY20 and PY21 estimated)MeasurePY19 ActualPY20(As of 3/30/21)PY21 (As of 3/30/21)Total Number of Homeless/Foster Youth Served (Served 7/1 to 6/30)627 (98 ISY)F: 129 (39 ISY)H: 498 (59 ISY)551 (74 ISY)F: 110 (26 ISY)H: 441 (48 ISY)Goal-135 (45 ISY)N/AGoal-140 (48 ISY)Increased High School Graduation Rate For Homeless/Foster Youth(Exited/served - 1/1 to 12/31)16 (12 ISY)F: 8 (7 ISY)H: 8 (5 ISY)23 (14 ISY)F: 11 (8 ISY)H: 12 (6 ISY)Goal +10 Percent42 (24 ISY)F: 18 (10 ISY)H: 24 (20 ISY)Goal +11 PercentIncreased Number of Homeless/Foster Youth Entering Post-Secondary Training(Exiters only - 1/1 to 12/31)9 YouthF: 3 YouthH: 6 Youth9 YouthF: 4 YouthH: 5 YouthGoal +15 Youth13 YouthF: 5 YouthH: 8 YouthGoal +20 YouthIncreased Number of Homeless/Foster Youth Attaining Industry-Recognized Credentials(Exited/served – 1/1 to 12/31)154 (8 ISY)F: 26 (1 ISY)H: 128 (7 ISY)63 (12 ISY)F: 22 (2 ISY)H: 41 (10 ISY)Goal +20 Youth70 (7 ISY)F: 12 (1 ISY)H: 58 (6 ISY)Goal +22 YouthIncreased Number of Homeless/Foster Youth Who Participate in Work Experience or Internship in an In-Demand/High-Growth Regional Occupation (Exited/served – 7/1 to 6/30)190 (55 ISY)F: 55 (30 ISY)H: 135 (25 ISY) 211 (57 ISY) F: 58 (28 ISY)H: 153 (29 ISY)Goal +20 Youth151 (36 ISY)F: 42 (19 ISY)H: 109 (17 ISY)Goal +22 YouthData Source: Workforce One Advanced Search Results, 3/30/21. Date ranges used with appropriate performance reporting dates.“F” = Foster Youth; “H” = Homeless Alignment with DOL policy priorities: This waiver request aligns with the following DOL policy priorities as found in the DOL Fiscal Year 2018 - 2022 Strategic Plan and the WIOA law and federal regulations.DOL focuses on programs that support work-based learning, skills development, and work readiness while promoting training strategies leading to credential attainment and skills gap closing. DOL has also prioritized the implementation of evidence-based programs and strategies. Additionally, WIOA places a strong emphasis on work experience for youth participants and requires 20 percent of WIOA youth formula funding to be spent on work experience. WIOA also encourages strong partnership to leverage resources to increase opportunities for youth.Individuals, groups, and populations affected by the waiver: The individuals affected by this waiver are out-of-school youth and in-school youth who are eligible to receive WIOA services. In addition, Minnesota is intentionally targeting youth who meet WIOA Youth eligibility criteria and who are under-represented in the workforce including: youth from communities of color, young women, youth with disabilities, and young veterans. Employers, parents, and educational institutions will also benefit from this waiver.Minnesota will make $250,000 of PY2018 WIOA Youth Governor’s Reserve Funds available through the attached Request for Proposal (RFP). These funds will expand the services that are already provided by WIOA Youth formula funds. The reserve funds will support efforts to access WIOA youth services, including work experience for eligible and targeted youth under-represented in Minnesota’s workforce.Agencies eligible to apply for funding through the RFP process include public agencies and non-profit organizations that can demonstrate the ability to implement an employment and training program for low-income, at-risk youth. Examples of eligible applicants include: community-based organizations, local Workforce Development Boards, community action agencies, state or local housing development agencies, municipal and county governments, and tribal governments.Special consideration will be given to programs that demonstrate strong partnerships with registered apprenticeship programs in the building trades and/or affiliated union construction employers. Programs that partner with mobile trade labs and/or offer innovative training service delivery and/or offer a strong construction training component in the safest (i.e. outdoor) setting will also be considered for funding.If a program is NOT operated by a local unit of government or a local Workforce Development Board, the RFP applicant must coordinate the program with the local Workforce Development Board. Eligible organizations may leverage non-state or private sector funds.The waiver request and Minnesota’s RFP process are supported by evidence-based practices intended to eliminate the economic barriers faced by youth. For all youth, ages 16-24 in 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a national unemployment rate of 14.9%. When broken by racial demographics, the unemployment rates for youth of color underscores the racial disparities in employment. State plans for monitoring waiver implementation, including collection of waiver outcome information: Programmatic reviews of service providers will include an evaluation of how this waiver is being used ensuring that programmatic goals and outcomes are being met. The State-level administration of the program will continually examine the waiver throughout the program year.Assurance of state posting of the request for public comment and notification to affected local Workforce Development Boards: In accordance with WIOA Section 102(c)(3) and the corresponding regulation at 20 CFR 676.135, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has posted this waiver request on its website for review and comment by required parties and the general public. A copy of this waiver request was provided to all local Workforce Development Boards, Youth Committees, and relevant associations. ................
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