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Justia Regulation Tracker Department Of Labor Mine Safety And Health Administration Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants, 10798-10806 [2017-03025]
Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants, 10798-10806 [2017-03025]
Download as PDF 10798 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Notices Final Judgment includes provisions that the Department believes will preserve competition in the U.S. beer industry that would likely be lost due to ABI's acquisition of SABMiller, generally improving the competitive conditions in the U.S. beer industry is beyond the scope of this APPA proceeding. 11. Comment Requesting the Department Publicize the Last Day of the 60-day Public Comment Period Commenter Professor Calkins requested that the Department state on its public website the last day of the 60day period for public comments on proposed consent decrees.85 b. The APPA Does Not Require the Department to State on its Public Website the Last Day for Public Comments on Consent Decrees The APPA sets forth specific procedures for the Court to approve consent judgments such as the proposed Final Judgment in this case. See 15 U.S.C. §§ 16(b)–(f). Those requirements do not include notice on the Department's public website of the last day of the 60-day period for public comments. The Department nevertheless appreciates Professor Calkins' suggestion and will consider implementing it in connection with future proposed final judgments. VI. CONCLUSION mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES After careful consideration of the public comments, the Department continues to believe that the proposed Final Judgment, as drafted, provides an effective and appropriate remedy for the antitrust violations alleged in the Complaint, and is therefore in the public interest. The Department will move this Court to enter the proposed Final Judgment after the comments and this response are published pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 16(d). Dated: January 13, 2017 Respectfully submitted, Michelle R. Seltzer (D.C. Bar No. 475482), David C. Kelly, David M. Stoltzfus, Attorneys for the United States, Litigation I Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Suite 4100, Washington, DC 20530, Telephone: (202) 353–3865, Facsimile: (202) 307– 5802, E-mail: michelle.seltzer@ usdoj.gov. BILLING CODE P 85 Professor Calkins comment at 1–2. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:44 Feb 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 Office of Justice Programs [OJP (OJP) Docket No. 1734] Meeting of the Office of Justice Programs' Science Advisory Board comments to the DFO, as the time available will not allow the public to directly address the Board at the meeting. Anyone requiring special accommodations should notify Ms. Darke Schmitt at least seven (7) calendar days in advance of the meeting. AGENCY: Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Justice. ACTION: Notice of meeting. Katherine Darke Schmitt, Senior Policy Advisor and SAB DFO, Office of the Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs. This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of OJP's Science Advisory Board (''the Board''). This meeting is scheduled for March 27–28, 2017. General Function of the Board: The Board is chartered to provide OJP, a component of the Department of Justice, with valuable advice in the areas of science and statistics for the purpose of enhancing the overall impact and performance of its programs and activities in criminal and juvenile justice. DATES: The meeting will take place on Monday, March 27 2017, from approximately 12 noon p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Tuesday, March 28 2017 from approximately 9 a.m. to 12 noon. ADDRESSES: The meeting will take place in the Main Conference Room on the third floor of the Office of Justice Programs, 810 7th Street NW., Washington, DC 20531. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Katherine Darke Schmitt, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), Office of the Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, 810 7th Street NW., Washington, DC 20531; Phone: (202) 616–7373 [Note: This is not a toll-free number]; Email: katherine.darke@ usdoj.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This meeting is being convened to brief the OJP Acting Assistant Attorney General and the Board members on the progress of the subcommittees, discuss any recommendations they may have for consideration by the full Board, and brief the Board on various OJP-related projects and activities. The final agenda is subject to adjustment, but the meeting will likely include briefings of the subcommittees' activities and discussion of future Board actions and priorities. This meeting is open to the public. Members of the public who wish to attend this meeting must register with Katherine Darke Schmitt at the above address at least seven (7) calendar days in advance of the meeting. Registrations will be accepted on a space available basis. Access to the meeting will not be allowed without registration. Persons interested in communicating with the Board should submit their written [FR Doc. 2017–02986 Filed 2–14–17; 8:45 am] SUMMARY: a. Summary of Comment [FR Doc. 2017–03029 Filed 2–14–17; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 BILLING CODE 4410–18–P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Mine Safety and Health Administration Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor. ACTION: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). AGENCY: Announcement Type: New. Funding Opportunity Number: FOA 17–3BS. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.603. SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), is making up to $1,000,000 available in grant funds for education and training programs to help identify, avoid, and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around mines. The focus of these grants for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 will be on training and training materials to better identify, avoid and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around mines. Applicants for the grants may be States (to include the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands) and private or public nonprofit entities, to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities, Indian-controlled organizations serving Indians, and Native Hawaiian organizations. MSHA could award as many as 20 grants. The amount of each individual grant will be at least $50,000.00 and the maximum individual award will be $250,000. MSHA may incrementally fund these grants based on milestones and availability of funds. This notice contains all of the information needed to apply for grant funding. DATES: The closing date for applications will be March 24, 2017, (no later than 11:59 p.m. EST). MSHA will award grants on or before April 10, 2017. ADDRESSES: Grant applications for this competition must be submitted E:\FR\FM\15FEN1.SGM 15FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Notices electronically through the Grants.gov site at www.grants.gov. If applying online poses a hardship to any applicant, the MSHA Directorate of Educational Policy and Development will provide assistance to help applicants submit online. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any questions regarding this FOA 17–3BS should be directed to Janice Oates at oates.janice@dol.gov or 202–693–9573 (this is not a toll-free number) or Krystle Mitchell at Mitchell.Krystle@dol.gov or 202–693–9570 (this is not a toll-free number). This solicitation provides background information and the requirements for projects funded under the solicitation. This solicitation consists of eight parts: • Part I provides background information on the Brookwood-Sago grants. • Part II describes the size and nature of the anticipated awards. • Part III describes the qualifications of an eligible applicant. • Part IV provides information on the application and submission process. • Part V explains the review process and rating criteria that will be used to evaluate the applications. • Part VI provides award administration information. • Part VII contains MSHA contact information. • Part VIII addresses Office of Management and Budget (OMB) information collection requirements. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Program Description II. Federal Award Information mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES A. Overview of the Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grant Program Under Section 14 of the MINER Act, the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) is required to establish a competitive grant program called the ''Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants'' (Brookwood-Sago grants). 30 U.S.C. 965. This program provides funding for education and training programs to better identify, avoid, and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around mines. This program will use grant funds to establish and implement education and training programs or to create training materials and programs. The MINER Act requires the Secretary to give priority to mine safety demonstrations and pilot projects with broad applicability. It also mandates that the Secretary emphasize programs and materials that target miners in smaller mines, including training mine operators and miners on new MSHA standards, high-risk activities, and other identified safety priorities. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:44 Feb 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 B. Education and Training Program Priorities MSHA priorities for the FY 2017 funding of the annual Brookwood-Sago grants will focus on training or training materials to better identify, avoid and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around mines. MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago grantees to develop training materials or to develop and provide mine safety training or educational programs, recruit mine operators and miners for the training, and conduct and evaluate the training. MSHA will give special emphasis to programs and materials that target workers at smaller mines, including training miners and employers about new MSHA standards, high risk activities, or hazards identified by MSHA. MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago grantees to conduct follow-up evaluations with the people who received training in their programs to measure how the training promotes the Secretary's goal to ''improve workplace safety and health'' and MSHA's goal to ''prevent death, disease and injury from mining and promote safe and healthful workplaces for the Nation's miners.'' Evaluations will focus on determining how effective their training was in either reducing hazards, improving skills for the selected training topics, or in improving the conditions in mines. Grantees must also cooperate fully with MSHA evaluators of their programs which may include data collection or provision of training curricula, materials or mechanisms. A. Award Amount for FY 2017 MSHA is providing up to $1,000,000 for the 2017 Brookwood-Sago grant program which could be awarded in a maximum of 20 separate grants of no less than $50,000 each. Applicants requesting less than $50,000 or more than $250,000 for a 12-month performance period will not be considered for funding. B. Period of Performance The performance period for these grants is April 10, 2017 through April 9, 2018. MSHA may fund these grants incrementally, subject to the availability of funds. During any continuing resolution, MSHA may award a grantee pro-rated funding. The current continuing resolution would cover the period between April 10 and April 28, 2017. If MSHA awards a grant during continuing resolutions, the amount of funds MSHA may award is based on the milestones that the grantee has provided PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10799 in its application. The first milestone would cover activities from April 10 through April 28, 2017. MSHA may award additional amounts of funds to grantees through separate documents subject to availability of funds under additional continuing resolutions, a fullyear continuing resolution, or a final appropriation. MSHA may approve a request for a one time no-cost extension to grantees for an additional period from the expiration date of a milestone or other period of performance based on the success of the project and other relevant factors. See 2 CFR 200.308(d)(2). III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants Applicants for the grants may be States (to include the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands) and private or public nonprofit entities, to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities, Indian-controlled organizations serving Indians, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Eligible entities may apply for funding independently or in partnership with other eligible organizations. For partnerships, a lead organization must be identified. Applicants other than States (including the District of Columbia and U.S. territories), State-supported or local government-supported institutions of higher education, and tribal governments and tribal-supported institutions of higher education, will be required to submit evidence of nonprofit status, preferably from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). A nonprofit entity as described in 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4), which engages in lobbying activities, is not eligible for a grant award. See 2 U.S.C. 1611. B. Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by Organizations That Receive Federal Financial Assistance The government generally is prohibited from providing direct Federal financial assistance for inherently religious activities. See 29 CFR part 2, subpart D. Grants under this solicitation may not be used for religious instruction, worship, prayer, proselytizing, or other inherently religious activities. Neutral, nonreligious criteria that neither favor nor disfavor religion will be employed in the selection of grant recipients and must be employed by grantees in the E:\FR\FM\15FEN1.SGM 15FEN1 10800 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Notices selection of contractors and subcontractors. C. Cost-Sharing or Matching Cost-sharing or matching of funds is not required for eligibility. IV. Application and Submission Information mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES A. Application Forms This announcement includes all information and links needed to apply for this funding opportunity. The full application is available through the Grants.gov Web site, www.grants.gov. Click the ''Applicants'' tab, then click ''Apply for Grants''. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number needed to locate the appropriate application for this opportunity is 17.603. If an applicant has problems downloading the application package from Grants.gov, contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1–800–518–4726 or by email at support@grants.gov. The full application package is also available online at www.msha.gov: Select ''Training and Education,'' click on ''Training Programs and Courses,'' then select ''Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants''. This Web site also includes all forms and all regulations that are referenced in this FOA. Applicants, however, must apply for this funding opportunity through the Grants.gov Web site. You may request paper copies of the package by contacting the Directorate of Educational Policy and Development at 202–693–9570. B. Content and Form of the FY 2017 Application Each grant application must address identification, avoidance and prevention of unsafe working conditions in and around mines (e.g., highwall hazard recognition and prevention, haul road hazard recognition and prevention, mine emergency prevention and preparedness). The application must consist of three separate and distinct sections. The three required sections are: • Section 1—Project Forms and Financial Plan (No page limit). • Section 2—Executive Summary (Not to exceed two pages). • Section 3—Technical Proposal (Not to exceed 12 pages). Illustrative material can be submitted as an attachment. The following are mandatory requirements for each section. 1. Project Forms and Financial Plan This section contains the forms and budget section of the application. The Project Financial Plan will not count against the application page limits. A VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:44 Feb 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 person with authority to bind the applicant must sign the grant application and forms. Applications submitted electronically through Grants.gov do not need to be signed manually; electronic signatures will be accepted. (a) Completed SF–424, ''Application for Federal Assistance,'' (OMB No. 4040–0004, expiration: 10/31/2019). This form is part of the application package on Grants.gov and is also available at www.msha.gov: (Select ''Training and Education,'' click on ''Training Programs and Courses,'' then select ''Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.'') The SF–424 must identify the applicant clearly and be signed by an individual with authority to enter into a grant agreement. Upon confirmation of an award, the individual signing the SF–424 on behalf of the applicant shall be considered the representative of the applicant. Completed SF–424A, ''Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs,'' (OMB No. 4040–0006, expiration: 01/31/2019). The project budget should demonstrate clearly that the total amount and distribution of funds is sufficient to cover the cost of all major project activities identified by the applicant in its proposal, and must comply with the Federal cost principles and the administrative requirements set forth in this FOA. (Copies of all regulations that are referenced in this FOA are available online at www.msha.gov. (Select ''Training and Education,'' click on ''Training Programs and Courses,'' then select ''Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.'') (b) Budget Narrative. The applicant must provide a concise narrative explaining the request for funds. The budget narrative should separately attribute the Federal funds to each of the activities specified in the technical proposal and it should discuss precisely how any administrative costs support the project goals. If applicable, the applicant must provide a statement about its program income. See 2 CFR 200.80 and 200.307 and this FOA, Part IV.F.1(a) and (b). The amount of Federal funding requested for the entire period of performance must be shown on the SF– 424 and SF–424A forms. (d) Completed SF–424B, ''Assurances for Non-Construction Programs,'' (OMB No. 4040–0007, expiration: 01/31/2019). Each applicant for these grants must certify compliance with a list of assurances. This form is part of the application package on www.grants.gov and also is available at www.msha.gov: (Select ''Training and Education,'' click on ''Training Programs and Courses,'' PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 then select ''Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.'') (e) Supplemental Certification Regarding Lobbying Activities Form. If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with the making of a grant or cooperative agreement, the applicant shall complete and submit SF–LLL, ''Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,'' (OMB No. 4040– 0013, expiration: 01/31/2019) in accordance with its instructions. This form is part of the application package on www.grants.gov and is also available at www.msha.gov: (Select ''Training and Education,'' click on ''Training Programs and Courses,'' then select ''Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.'') (f) Non-profit status. Applicants must provide evidence of non-profit status, preferably from the IRS, if applicable. (g) Accounting System Certification. Under the authority of 2 CFR 200.207, MSHA requires that a new applicant that receives less than $1 million annually in Federal grants attach a certification stating that the organization (directly or through a designated qualified entity) has a functioning accounting system that meets the criteria below. The certification should attest that the organization's accounting system provides for the following: (1) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federally sponsored project. (2) Records that adequately identify the source and application of funds for federally sponsored activities. (3) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and other assets. (4) Comparison of outlays with budget amounts. (5) Written procedures to minimize the time elapsing between transfers of funds. (6) Written procedures for determining the reasonableness, allocability, and allowability of costs. (7) Accounting records, including cost accounting records that are supported by source documentation. (h) Attachments. The application may include attachments such as resumes of key personnel or position descriptions, exhibits, information on prior government grants, and signed letters of commitment to the project. 2. Executive Summary The executive summary is a short one-to-two page abstract that succinctly summarizes the proposed project. E:\FR\FM\15FEN1.SGM 15FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Notices MSHA will publish, as submitted, all grantees' executive summaries on the DOL Web site. The executive summary must include the following information: (a) Applicant. Provide the organization's full legal name and address. (b) Funding requested. List how much Federal funding is being requested. (c) Grant Topic. List the grant topic and the location and number of mine operators and miners that the organization has selected to train or describe the training materials or equipment to be created with these funds. (d) Program Structure. Identify the type of grant as ''annual.'' (e) Summary of the Proposed Project. Write a brief summary of the proposed project. This summary must identify the key points of the proposal, including an introduction describing the project activities and each milestone with the expected results. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 3. Technical Proposal The technical proposal must demonstrate the applicant's capabilities to plan and implement a project or create educational materials to meet the objectives of this solicitation. MSHA's focus for these grants is on training mine operators and miners and developing training materials to better identify, avoid and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around mines. MSHA shall give special emphasis to programs and materials that target workers at smaller mines, including training miners and employers about new MSHA standards, high risk activities, or hazards identified by MSHA. A Department of Labor Strategic Goal is to ''improve workplace safety and health''. MSHA has a performance goal to ''prevent death, disease, and injury from mining and promote safe and healthful workplaces for the Nation's miners.'' MSHA's award of the Brookwood-Sago grants supports these goals and strategies. To show how the grant projects promote these goals and strategies, grantees must report, at each milestone, the following information (as applicable): Number of trainers trained Number of mine operators and miners trained Number of training events Number of course days of training provided to industry Course evaluations of trainer and training material Description of training materials created, to include target audience, goals and objectives, and usability in the mine training environment VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:44 Feb 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 The technical proposal narrative must not exceed 12 single-sided, doublespaced pages, using 12-point font, and must contain the following sections: Program Design, Overall Qualifications of the Applicant, and Output and Evaluation. Any pages over the 12-page limit will not be reviewed. Attachments to the technical proposal are not counted toward the 12-page limit. Major sections and sub-sections of the proposal should be divided and clearly identified. As required in Part VIII subpart B ''Transparency,'' a grantee's final technical proposal will be posted ''as is'' on MSHA's Web site unless MSHA receives a version redacting any proprietary, confidential business, or personally identifiable information no later than two weeks after receipt of the Notice of Award. MSHA will review and rate the technical proposal in accordance with the selection criteria specified in Part V. (a) Program Design (1) Statement of the Problem/Need for Funds. Applicants must identify a clear and specific need for proposed activities. They must identify whether they are providing a training program, creating training materials, or both. Applicants also must identify the number of individuals expected to benefit from their training and education program; this should include identifying the type of mines, the geographic locations of the training, and the number of mine operators and miners. (i) Quality of the Project Design MSHA requires that each applicant include a 12-month workplan that will begin no later than April 10, 2017, and end no later than April 9, 2018. (ii) Plan Overview Describe the plan for grant activities and the anticipated results. The plan should describe such things as the development of training materials, the training content, recruiting of trainees, where or how training will take place, and the anticipated benefits to mine operators and miners receiving the training. (iii) Milestones Because MSHA may be funding these grants incrementally, applicants must identify milestones for the project, which may be adjusted as funding becomes available. For example, the first milestone that correlates with the first grant performance period is from April 10, 2017 through June 10, 2017. For the remaining milestones, we suggest intervals of three months. If PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10801 MSHA funds these grants incrementally, applicants should identify activities that either can be completed during the applicable milestone or anticipate that other funding may be needed to complete the activities. If funding permits, MSHA expects to award all the funding for the year and will provide a separate document identifying the period of performance with the amount of funding awarded. (iv) Activities Break the plan down into activities or tasks for each milestone. For each activity, explain what will be done, who will do it, when it will be done, and the anticipated results of the activity. For training, discuss the subjects to be taught, the length of the training sessions, type of training (e.g., highwall hazard recognition and prevention, haul road hazard recognition and prevention, mine emergency prevention and preparedness), and training locations (e.g., classroom, worksites). Describe how the applicant will recruit mine operators and miners for the training. (Note: Any commercially developed training materials the applicant proposes to use in its training must undergo an MSHA review before being used). (v) Milestone Projections For training and other quantifiable activities, estimate the quantities involved for data required to meet the grant goals located in Part IV.B.3. For example, estimate how many classes will be conducted and how many mine operators and miners will be trained each milestone. Also, provide the training number totals for the full year. Projections are used to measure the actual performance against the plan. Applicants planning to conduct a trainthe-trainer program should estimate the number of individuals to be trained during the grant by those who received the train-the-trainer training. These second-tier training numbers should be included only if the organization is planning to follow up with the trainers to obtain this data during the grant. (vi) Materials Describe each educational material to be produced under this grant. Provide a timetable, including milestones, for developing and producing the material. The timetable must include provisions for an MSHA review of draft and camera-ready products or evaluation of equipment. MSHA must review and approve training materials or equipment for technical accuracy and suitability of content before use in the grant program. Whether or not an applicant's project is E:\FR\FM\15FEN1.SGM 15FEN1 10802 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Notices to develop training materials only, the applicant should provide an overall plan that includes time for MSHA to review any materials produced. (b) Qualifications of the Applicant (1) Applicant's Background Describe the applicant, including its mission, and a description of its membership, if any. Provide an organizational chart (the chart may be included as a separate page which will not count toward the page limit). Identify the following: (i) Project Director The Project Director is the person who will be responsible for the day-to-day operation and administration of the program. Provide the name, title, street address and mailing address (if it is different from the organization's street address), telephone and fax numbers, and email address of the Project Director. (ii) Certifying Representative The Certifying Representative is the official in the organization who is authorized to enter into grant agreements. Provide the name, title, street address and mailing address (if it is different from the organization's street address), telephone and fax numbers, and email address of the Certifying Representative. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES (2) Administrative and Program Capability Briefly describe the organization's functions and activities, i.e., the applicant's management and internal controls. Relate this description of functions to the organizational chart. If the applicant has received any other government (Federal, State or local) grant funding, the application must have, as an attachment (which will not count towards the page limit), information regarding these previous grants. This information must include each organization for which the work was done and the dollar value of each grant. If the applicant does not have previous grant experience, it may partner with an organization that has grant experience to manage the grant. If the organization uses this approach, the management organization must be identified and its grant program experience discussed. Lack of past experience with Federal grants is not a determining factor, but an applicant should show a successful experience relevant to the opportunity offered in the application. Such experience could include staff members' experiences with other organizations. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:44 Feb 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 (3) Program Experience Describe the organization's experience conducting the proposed mine training program or other relevant experience. Include program specifics such as program title, numbers trained, and duration of training. If creating training materials, include the title of other materials developed. Nonprofit organizations, including communitybased and faith-based organizations that do not have prior experience in mine safety, may partner with an established mine safety organization to acquire safety expertise. (4) Staff Experience Describe the qualifications of the professional staff you will assign to the program. Attach resumes of staff already employed (resumes will not count towards the page limit). If some positions are vacant, include position descriptions and minimum hiring qualifications instead of resumes. Staff should have, at a minimum, mine safety experience, training experience, or experience working with the mining community. (c) Outputs and Evaluations There are two types of evaluations that must be conducted. First, describe the methods, approaches, or plans to evaluate the training sessions or training materials to meet the data requirements in Part IV.B.3. Second, describe plans to assess the long-term effectiveness of the training materials or training conducted. The type of training given will determine whether the evaluation should include a process-related outcome or a result-related outcome or both. This will involve following up with an evaluation, or on-site review, if feasible, of miners trained. The evaluation should focus on what changes the trained miners made to abate hazards and improve workplace conditions, or to incorporate this training in the workplace, or both. For training materials, include an evaluation from individuals trained on the clarity of the presentation, organization, and the quality of the information provided on the subject matter and whether they would continue to use the training materials. Include timetables for follow-up and for submitting a summary of the assessment results to MSHA. C. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and System for Award Management (SAM)— Required Under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(3), every applicant for a Federal grant is required to include a DUNS number with its PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 application. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number that uniquely identifies business entities. An applicant's DUNS number is to be entered into Block 8 of Standard Form (SF) 424. There is no charge for obtaining a DUNS number. To obtain a DUNS number, call 1–866–705–5711 or access the following Web site: http:// fedgov.dnb.com/webform. After receiving a DUNS number, all grant applicants must register as a vendor with the System for Award Management (SAM) through the Web site www.sam.gov. Grant applicants must create a user account and register online. Submitted registrations will take up to 10 business days to process, after which the applicant will receive an email notice that the registration is active. Once the registration is active in SAM it takes an additional 24–48 hours for the registration to be active in Grants.gov. SAM registrations must be renewed annually. SAM will send notifications to the registered user via email prior to expiration of the registration. Under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(2), each grant applicant must maintain an active registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under active consideration. D. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses The closing date for applications will be March 24, 2017, (no later than 11:59 p.m. EST). MSHA will award grants on or before April 10, 2017. Grant applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov Web site. The Grants.gov site provides all the information about submitting an application electronically through the site as well as the hours of operation. Interested parties can locate the downloadable application package by the CFDA No. 17.603. 1. Non-Compliant Applications (a) Applications that are lacking any of the required elements or do not follow the format prescribed in IV.B. will not be reviewed. (b) Late Applications You are cautioned that applications should be submitted before the deadline to ensure that the risk of late receipt of the application is minimized. Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed unless it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government. Applications received by Grants.gov are date and time stamped electronically. Once an interested party has submitted an application, Grants.gov will notify the interested E:\FR\FM\15FEN1.SGM 15FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Notices party with three emails: (1) An automatic notification of receipt that provides the applicant with a tracking number, (2) a notification that informs applicants that the application has been validated by Grants.gov and is being prepared for Agency retrieval, and (3) a notification that the DOL E-Grants system has received the application from Grants.gov (the application is ready for Agency review). An application must be fully uploaded and validated by the Grants.gov system before the application deadline date. E. Intergovernmental Review The Brookwood-Sago grants are not subject to Executive Order 12372, ''Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' MSHA; however, reminds applicants that if they are not operating MSHA-approved State training grants, they should contact the State grantees and coordinate any training or educational program. Information about each state grant and the entity operating the state grant is provided online at: www.msha.gov/TRAINING/STATES/ STATES.asp. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES F. Funding Restrictions MSHA will determine whether costs are allowable under the applicable Federal cost principles and other conditions contained in the grant award. 1. Allowable Costs Grant funds may be spent on conducting training and outreach, developing educational materials, recruiting activities (to increase the number of participants in the program), and on necessary expenses to support these activities. Allowable costs are determined by the applicable Federal cost principles identified in Part VI.B, which are attachments in the application package, or are located online at www.msha.gov: (Select ''Training and Education'', click on ''Training Programs and Courses'', then select ''Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.'') Paper copies of the material may be obtained by contacting the Directorate of Educational Policy and Development at 202–693–9570. (a) If an applicant anticipates earning program income during the grant, the application must include an estimate of the income that will be earned. Program income earned must be reported on a quarterly basis. (b) Program income is gross income earned by the grantee which is directly generated by a supported activity, or earned as a result of the award. Program income earned during the award period shall be retained by the recipient, added VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:44 Feb 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 to funds committed to the award, and used for the purposes and under the conditions applicable to the use of the grant funds. See 2 CFR 200.80 and 200.307. 2. Unallowable Costs Grant funds may not be used for the following activities under this grant program: (a) Any activity inconsistent with the goals and objectives of this FOA (b) Training on topics that are not targeted under this FOA (c) Purchasing any equipment unless pre-approved and in writing by the MSHA grant officer (d) Direct administrative costs that exceed 15% of the total grant budget or in the event that the grant is incrementally funded, any direct administrative costs that exceed 20% of the total grant budget (e) Indirect costs that exceed 10% of the modified total direct costs (as defined in 2 CFR 200.68) or the grantee's federally negotiated indirect cost rate reimbursement (f) Any pre-award costs Unallowable costs also include any cost determined by MSHA as not allowed according to the applicable cost principles or other conditions in the grant. V. Application Review Information for FY 2017 Grants A. Evaluation Criteria MSHA will screen all applications to determine whether all required proposal elements are present and clearly identifiable. Those that do not comply with mandatory requirements will not be evaluated. The technical panels will review grant applications using the following criteria: 1. Program Design—40 Points Total (a) Statement of the Problem/Need for Funds (3 Points) The proposed training and education program or training materials must address identification, avoidance and prevention of unsafe working conditions in and around mines (e.g., highwall hazard recognition and prevention, haul road hazard recognition and prevention, mine emergency prevention and preparedness). (b) Quality of the Project Design (25 Points) (1) The proposal to train mine operators and miners clearly estimates the number to be trained and clearly identifies the types of mine operators and miners to be trained. PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10803 (2) If the proposal contains a train-thetrainer program, the following information must be provided: • Name or type of support the grantee will provide to new trainers. • The number of individuals to be trained as trainers. • The estimated number of courses to be conducted by the new trainers. • The estimated number of students to be trained by these new trainers and a description of how the grantee will obtain data from the new trainers documenting their classes and student numbers if conducted during the grant. (3) The work plan activities and training are described. • The planned activities and training are tailored to the needs and levels of the mine operators and miners to be trained. Any special constituency to be served through the grant program is described, e.g., smaller mines, limited English proficiency miners, etc. Organizations proposing to develop materials in languages other than English also will be required to provide an English version of the materials. • If the proposal includes developing training materials, the work plan must include time during development for MSHA to review the educational materials for technical accuracy and suitability of content. If commercially developed training products will be used for a training program, applicants should also plan for MSHA to review the materials before using the products in their grant programs. • The utility of the educational materials is described. • The outreach or process to find mine operators, miners, or trainees to receive the training is described. (c) Replication (4 Points) The potential for a project to serve a variety of mine operators, miners, or mine sites, or the extent others may replicate the project. (d) Innovation (3 Points) The originality and uniqueness of the approach used. (e) MSHA's Performance Goals (5 Points) The extent the proposed project will contribute to MSHA's performance goals. 2. Budget—20 Points Total (a) The budget presentation is clear and detailed. (15 points) The budgeted costs are reasonable. • No more than 20% of the total budget is for direct administrative costs in the event of incremental funding. Otherwise, no more than 15% of the E:\FR\FM\15FEN1.SGM 15FEN1 10804 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Notices total budget is for direct administrative costs. • Indirect costs do not exceed 10% of the modified total direct costs (as defined in 2 CFR 200.68) or the grantee's federally negotiated indirect cost rate reimbursement. • The budget complies with Federal cost principles (which can be found in the applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and with MSHA budget requirements contained in the grant application instructions). (b) The application demonstrates that the applicant has strong financial management and internal control systems. (5 points) 3. Overall Qualifications of the Applicant—25 Points Total (a) Grant Experience (6 Points) The applicant has administered, or will work with an organization that has administered, a number of different Federal or State grants. The applicant may demonstrate this experience by having project staff that has experience administering Federal or State grants. (b) Mine Safety Training Experience (13 Points) • The applicant applying for the grant demonstrates experience with mine safety teaching or providing mine safety educational programs. Applicants that do not have prior experience in providing mine safety training to mine operators or miners may partner with an established mine safety organization to acquire mine safety expertise. • Project staff has experience in mine safety, the specific topic chosen, or in training mine operators and miners. • Project staff has experience in recruiting, training, and working with the population the organization proposes to serve. • Applicant has experience in designing and developing mine safety training materials for a mining program. • Applicant has experience in managing educational programs. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES (c) Management (6 Points) Applicant demonstrates internal control and management oversight of the project. 4. Outputs and Evaluations—15 Points Total The proposal should include provisions for evaluating the organization's progress in accomplishing the grant work activities and accomplishments, evaluating training sessions, and evaluating the VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:44 Feb 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 program's effectiveness and impact to determine if the safety training and services provided resulted in workplace change or improved workplace conditions. The proposal should include a plan to follow up with trainees to determine the impact the program has had in abating hazards and reducing miner illnesses and injuries. B. Review and Selection Process for FY 2017 Grants A technical panel will rate each complete application against the criteria described in this FOA. One or more applicants may be selected as grantees on the basis of the initial application submission or a minimally acceptable number of points may be established. MSHA may request final revisions to the applications, and then evaluate the revised applications. MSHA may consider any information that comes to its attention in evaluating the applications. The panel recommendations are advisory in nature. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations for Mine Safety and Health will make a final selection determination based on what is most advantageous to the government, considering factors such as panel findings, geographic presence of the applicants or the areas to be served, Agency priorities, and the best value to the government, cost, and other factors. The Deputy Assistant Secretary's determination for award under this FOA is final. C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates Announcement of the awards is expected to occur before April 10, 2017. The grant agreement will be signed no later than April 10, 2017. VI. Award Administration Information A. Award Process Before April 10, 2017, organizations selected as potential grant recipients will be notified by a representative of the Deputy Assistant Secretary. An applicant whose proposal is not selected will be notified in writing. The fact that an organization has been selected as a potential grant recipient does not necessarily constitute approval of the grant application as submitted (revisions may be required). Before the actual grant award and the announcement of the award, MSHA may enter into negotiations with the potential grant recipient concerning such matters as program components, staffing and funding levels, and administrative systems. If the negotiations do not result in an PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 acceptable submittal, the Deputy Assistant Secretary reserves the right to terminate the negotiations and decline to fund the proposal. B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements All grantees will be subject to applicable Federal laws and regulations (including provisions of appropriations law). These requirements are attachments in the application package or are located online at www.msha.gov: (Select ''Training and Education'', click on ''Training Programs and Courses'', then select ''Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.'') The grants awarded under this competitive grant program will be subject to the following administrative standards and provisions, if applicable: • 2 CFR part 25, Universal Identifier and System for Award Management. • 2 CFR part 170, Reporting Subawards and Executive Compensation Information. • 2 CFR part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons. • 2 CFR part 180, OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) (Nov. 15, 2006). • 2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Dec. 19, 2014). • 2 CFR part 2900, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. • 2 CFR part 2998, Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension. • 29 CFR part 2, subpart D, Equal Treatment in Department of Labor Programs for Religious Organizations; Protection of Religious Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and Beneficiaries. • 29 CFR part 31, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Labor—Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. • 29 CFR part 32, Nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. • 29 CFR part 33, Enforcement of nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by the Department of Labor. • 29 CFR part 35, Nondiscrimination on the basis of age in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance from the Department of Labor. • 29 CFR part 36, Nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. E:\FR\FM\15FEN1.SGM 15FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Notices • 29 CFR part 93, New restrictions on lobbying. • 29 CFR part 94, Government-wide requirements for drug-free workplace (financial assistance). • Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31, Subpart 31.2, Contract cost principles and procedures (Codified at 48 CFR Subpart 31.2). Unless specifically approved, MSHA's acceptance of a proposal or MSHA's award of Federal funds to sponsor any program does not constitute a waiver of any grant requirement or procedure. For example, if an application identifies a specific sub-contractor to provide certain services, the MSHA award does not provide a basis to sole-source the procurement (to avoid competition). C. Special Program Requirements 1. MSHA Review of Educational Materials MSHA will review all granteeproduced educational and training materials for technical accuracy and suitability of content during development and before final publication. MSHA also will review training curricula and purchased training materials for technical accuracy and suitability of content before the materials are used. Grantees developing training materials must follow all copyright laws and provide written certification that their materials are free from copyright infringement. When grantees produce training materials, they must provide copies of completed materials to MSHA before the end of the grant. Completed materials should be submitted to MSHA in hard copy and in digital format for publication on the MSHA Web site. Two copies of the materials must be provided to MSHA. Acceptable formats for training materials include Microsoft XP Word, PDF, PowerPoint, and any other format agreed upon by MSHA. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 2. License As stated in 2 CFR 200.315 and 2 CFR 2900.13, the Department of Labor has a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use for Federal purposes any work produced, or for which ownership was acquired, under a grant, and to authorize others to do so. Such products include, but are not limited to, curricula, training models, and any related materials. Such uses include, but are not limited to, the right to modify and distribute such products worldwide by any means, electronic, or otherwise. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:44 Feb 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 3. Acknowledgement on Printed Materials All approved grant-funded materials developed by a grantee shall contain the following disclaimer: ''This material was produced under grant number XXXXX from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.'' When issuing statements, press releases, request for proposals, bid solicitations, and other documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with Federal money, all grantees receiving Federal funds must clearly state: (a) The percentage of the total costs of the program or project that will be financed with Federal money; (b) The dollar amount of Federal financial assistance for the project or program; and (c) The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the project or program that will be financed by nongovernmental sources. 4. Use of U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) or MSHA Logo With written permission from MSHA, the USDOL and MSHA logos may be applied to the grant-funded materials including posters, videos, pamphlets, research documents, national survey results, impact evaluations, best practice reports, and other publications. The grantees must consult with MSHA on whether the logos may be used on any such items prior to final draft or final preparation for distribution. In no event shall the DOL or MSHA logo be placed on any item until MSHA has given the grantee written permission to use the logos on the item. 5. Reporting Grantees are required by Departmental regulations to submit financial and project reports, as described below. Grantees are also required to submit final reports no later than 90 days after the end of the grant. MSHA will advise recipients regarding the applicable reporting periods and requirements in the event of incremental funding of these grants. Subject to availability of funding, MSHA intends to adjust and be consistent with quarterly reporting requirements. (a) Financial Reports The grantee shall submit financial reports at the end of the first milestone, PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10805 or on a quarterly basis. Recipients are required to use the U.S. Department of Labor's Grantee Reporting Systems' electronic SF–425 (Federal Financial Report), (OMB No. 4040–0014, expiration: 1/31/2019), at www.etareports.doleta.gov, to report the status of all funds awarded and, if applicable, program income received and expended, during the funding period. All reports are due no later than 30 days after the end of the reporting period. (b) Technical Project Reports A grantee must submit a technical project report to MSHA no later than 30 days after each milestone. If so advised, the quarterly reporting dates may be July 10, 2017, October10, 2017, January 10, 2018, and April 10, 2018, respectively. Technical project reports provide both quantitative and qualitative information and a narrative assessment of performance for the preceding period. This should include the current grant progress against the overall grant goals as provided in Part IV.B.3. Between reporting dates, the grantee shall immediately inform MSHA of significant developments or problems affecting the organization's ability to accomplish the work. See 2 CFR 200.328(d). (c) Final Reports At the end of the grant, each grantee must provide a project summary of its technical project reports, an evaluation report, and a close-out financial report. These final reports are due no later than 90 days after the end of the grant. VII. Agency Contacts Any questions regarding this FOA (FOA17–4BS) should be directed to Janice Oates at Oates.Janice@dol.gov or 202–693–9573 (this is not a toll-free number) or Krystle Mitchell at @dol.gov or 202–693–9570 (this is not a toll-free number). MSHA's Web page at www.msha.gov is a valuable source of background for this initiative. VIII. Other Information A. Freedom of Information Any information submitted in response to this FOA will be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, as appropriate. B. Transparency in the Grant Process DOL is committed to conducting a transparent grant award process and publicizing information about program outcomes. Posting awardees' grant applications on public Web sites is a means of promoting and sharing E:\FR\FM\15FEN1.SGM 15FEN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 10806 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Notices innovative ideas. Additionally, we will publish a version of the Technical Proposal required by this solicitation, for all those applications that are awarded grants, on the Department's Web site or a similar location. The Technical Proposals and Executive Summaries will not be published until after the grants are awarded. In addition, information about grant progress and results may also be made publicly available. DOL recognizes that grant applications sometimes contain information that an applicant may consider proprietary or business confidential information, or may contain personally identifiable information. Information is considered proprietary or confidential commercial/ business information when it is not usually disclosed outside your organization and when its disclosure is likely to cause you substantial competitive harm. Personally identifiable information is information that can be used alone or in conjunction with other information to distinguish or trace an individual's identity, such as name, social security number, date and place of birth, mother's maiden name, or biometric records; and any other information that is linked or linkable to an individual, such as medical, educational, financial, and employment information.1 Executive Summaries will be published in the form originally submitted, without any redactions. However, in order to ensure that confidential information is properly protected from disclosure when DOL posts the winning Technical Proposals, applicants whose technical proposals will be posted will be asked to submit a second redacted version of their Technical Proposal, with proprietary, confidential commercial/business, and personally identifiable information redacted. All non-public information about the applicant's staff should be removed as well. The Department will contact the applicants whose technical proposals will be published by letter or email, and provide further directions about how and when to submit the redacted version of the Technical Proposal. Submission of a redacted version of the Technical Proposal will constitute permission by the applicant for DOL to post that redacted version. If an applicant fails to provide a redacted version of the Technical Proposal, DOL will publish the original Technical 1 OMB Memorandum 07–16 and 06–19. GAO Report 08–536, Privacy: Alternatives Exist for Enhancing Protection of Personally Identifiable Information, May 2008, www.gao.gov/assets/280/ 275558.pdf. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:44 Feb 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 Proposal in full, after redacting personally identifiable information. (Note that the original, unredacted version of the Technical Proposal will remain part of the complete application package, including an applicant's proprietary and confidential information and any personally identifiable information.) Applicants are encouraged to maximize the grant application information that will be publicly disclosed, and to exercise restraint and redact only information that truly is proprietary, confidential commercial/ business information, or capable of identifying a person. The redaction of entire pages or sections of the Technical Proposal is not appropriate, and will not be allowed, unless the entire portion merits such protection. Should a dispute arise about whether redactions are appropriate, DOL will follow the procedures outlined in the Department's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations (29 CFR part 70). Redacted information in grant applications will be protected by DOL from public disclosure in accordance with federal law, including the Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C. 1905), FOIA, and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). If DOL receives a FOIA request for your application, the procedures in DOL's FOIA regulations for responding to requests for commercial/business information submitted to the government will be followed, as well as all FOIA exemptions and procedures. 29 CFR 70.26. Consequently, it is possible that application of FOIA rules may result in release of information in response to a FOIA request that an applicant redacted in its ''redacted copy.'' C. Office of Management and Budget Information Collection Requirements This FOA requests information from applicants and grantees. This collection of information is approved under OMB No. 1225–0086, expiration: 05/31/2019. Except as otherwise noted, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no person is required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the grant application is estimated to average 20 hours per response, for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Each recipient who receives a grant award notice will be required to submit five progress reports to MSHA. MSHA estimates that each report will take PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 approximately two and one-half hours to prepare. Send comments regarding the burden estimated or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the OMB Desk Officer for MSHA, Office of Management and Budget Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, the U.S. Department of Labor, OASAM–OCIO, Information Resources Program, Room N–1301, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210, and MSHA, electronically to Janice Oates at Oates.Janice@dol.gov or by mail to Janice Oates, 5th floor, 201 12th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202. This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a grant. Submission of this information is requested for the applicant to be considered for award of this grant. Authority: 30 U.S.C. 965. Patricia W. Silvey, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations for Mine Safety and Health. [FR Doc. 2017–03025 Filed 2–14–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–43–P NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION [Notice: (17–006)] NASA Advisory Council; Aeronautics Committee; Meeting National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92–463, as amended, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration announces a meeting of the Aeronautics Committee of the NASA Advisory Council (NAC). The meeting will be held for the purpose of soliciting, from the aeronautics community and other persons, research and technical information relevant to program planning. SUMMARY: Wednesday, March 22, 2017, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Local Time. ADDRESSES: NASA Headquarters, Room 6E40, 300 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20546. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Irma Rodriguez, Executive Secretary for the NAC Aeronautics Committee, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546, (202) 358–0984, or irma.c.rodriguez@ nasa.gov. DATES: The meeting will be open to the public up SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\15FEN1.SGM 15FEN1
Mine Safety and Health Administration
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 30 (Wednesday, February 15, 2017)]
Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA).
Announcement Type: New.
Funding Opportunity Number: FOA 17-3BS.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.603.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA), is making up to $1,000,000 available in grant
funds for education and training programs to help identify, avoid, and
prevent unsafe working conditions in and around mines. The focus of
these grants for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 will be on training and training
materials to better identify, avoid and prevent unsafe working
conditions in and around mines. Applicants for the grants may be States
(to include the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the
Mariana Islands) and private or public nonprofit entities, to include
Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities, Indian-
controlled organizations serving Indians, and Native Hawaiian
organizations. MSHA could award as many as 20 grants. The amount of
each individual grant will be at least $50,000.00 and the maximum
individual award will be $250,000. MSHA may incrementally fund these
grants based on milestones and availability of funds. This notice
contains all of the information needed to apply for grant funding.
DATES: The closing date for applications will be March 24, 2017, (no
later than 11:59 p.m. EST). MSHA will award grants on or before April
10, 2017.
ADDRESSES: Grant applications for this competition must be submitted
electronically through the Grants.gov site at www.grants.gov. If
applying online poses a hardship to any applicant, the MSHA Directorate
of Educational Policy and Development will provide assistance to help
applicants submit online.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any questions regarding this FOA 17-
3BS should be directed to Janice Oates at oates.janice@dol.gov or 202-
693-9573 (this is not a toll-free number) or Krystle Mitchell at
Mitchell.Krystle@dol.gov or 202-693-9570 (this is not a toll-free
number).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation provides background
information and the requirements for projects funded under the
solicitation. This solicitation consists of eight parts:
Part I provides background information on the Brookwood-
Sago grants.
Part II describes the size and nature of the anticipated
Part III describes the qualifications of an eligible
applicant.
Part IV provides information on the application and
submission process.
Part V explains the review process and rating criteria
that will be used to evaluate the applications.
Part VI provides award administration information.
Part VII contains MSHA contact information.
Part VIII addresses Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
information collection requirements.
I. Program Description
A. Overview of the Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grant Program
Under Section 14 of the MINER Act, the Secretary of Labor
(Secretary) is required to establish a competitive grant program called
the ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants'' (Brookwood-Sago grants). 30
U.S.C. 965. This program provides funding for education and training
programs to better identify, avoid, and prevent unsafe working
conditions in and around mines. This program will use grant funds to
establish and implement education and training programs or to create
training materials and programs. The MINER Act requires the Secretary
to give priority to mine safety demonstrations and pilot projects with
broad applicability. It also mandates that the Secretary emphasize
programs and materials that target miners in smaller mines, including
training mine operators and miners on new MSHA standards, high-risk
activities, and other identified safety priorities.
B. Education and Training Program Priorities
MSHA priorities for the FY 2017 funding of the annual Brookwood-
Sago grants will focus on training or training materials to better
identify, avoid and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around
mines. MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago grantees to develop training
materials or to develop and provide mine safety training or educational
programs, recruit mine operators and miners for the training, and
conduct and evaluate the training. MSHA will give special emphasis to
programs and materials that target workers at smaller mines, including
training miners and employers about new MSHA standards, high risk
activities, or hazards identified by MSHA.
MSHA expects Brookwood-Sago grantees to conduct follow-up
evaluations with the people who received training in their programs to
measure how the training promotes the Secretary's goal to ``improve
workplace safety and health'' and MSHA's goal to ``prevent death,
disease and injury from mining and promote safe and healthful
workplaces for the Nation's miners.'' Evaluations will focus on
determining how effective their training was in either reducing
hazards, improving skills for the selected training topics, or in
improving the conditions in mines. Grantees must also cooperate fully
with MSHA evaluators of their programs which may include data
collection or provision of training curricula, materials or mechanisms.
II. Federal Award Information
A. Award Amount for FY 2017
MSHA is providing up to $1,000,000 for the 2017 Brookwood-Sago
grant program which could be awarded in a maximum of 20 separate grants
of no less than $50,000 each. Applicants requesting less than $50,000
or more than $250,000 for a 12-month performance period will not be
considered for funding.
B. Period of Performance
The performance period for these grants is April 10, 2017 through
April 9, 2018. MSHA may fund these grants incrementally, subject to the
availability of funds. During any continuing resolution, MSHA may award
a grantee pro-rated funding. The current continuing resolution would
cover the period between April 10 and April 28, 2017. If MSHA awards a
grant during continuing resolutions, the amount of funds MSHA may award
is based on the milestones that the grantee has provided in its
application. The first milestone would cover activities from April 10
through April 28, 2017. MSHA may award additional amounts of funds to
grantees through separate documents subject to availability of funds
under additional continuing resolutions, a full-year continuing
resolution, or a final appropriation.
MSHA may approve a request for a one time no-cost extension to
grantees for an additional period from the expiration date of a
milestone or other period of performance based on the success of the
project and other relevant factors. See 2 CFR 200.308(d)(2).
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Applicants for the grants may be States (to include the District of
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American
Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands) and private
or public nonprofit entities, to include Indian tribes, tribal
organizations, Alaska Native entities, Indian-controlled organizations
serving Indians, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Eligible entities
may apply for funding independently or in partnership with other
eligible organizations. For partnerships, a lead organization must be
Applicants other than States (including the District of Columbia
and U.S. territories), State-supported or local government-supported
institutions of higher education, and tribal governments and tribal-
supported institutions of higher education, will be required to submit
evidence of nonprofit status, preferably from the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS). A nonprofit entity as described in 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4),
which engages in lobbying activities, is not eligible for a grant
award. See 2 U.S.C. 1611.
B. Legal Rules Pertaining to Inherently Religious Activities by
Organizations That Receive Federal Financial Assistance
The government generally is prohibited from providing direct
Federal financial assistance for inherently religious activities. See
29 CFR part 2, subpart D. Grants under this solicitation may not be
used for religious instruction, worship, prayer, proselytizing, or
other inherently religious activities. Neutral, non-religious criteria
that neither favor nor disfavor religion will be employed in the
selection of grant recipients and must be employed by grantees in the
selection of contractors and subcontractors.
C. Cost-Sharing or Matching
Cost-sharing or matching of funds is not required for eligibility.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Application Forms
This announcement includes all information and links needed to
apply for this funding opportunity. The full application is available
through the Grants.gov Web site, www.grants.gov. Click the
``Applicants'' tab, then click ``Apply for Grants''. The Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number needed to locate the
appropriate application for this opportunity is 17.603. If an applicant
has problems downloading the application package from Grants.gov,
contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or by email at
support@grants.gov.
The full application package is also available online at
www.msha.gov: Select ``Training and Education,'' click on ``Training
Programs and Courses,'' then select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety
Grants''. This Web site also includes all forms and all regulations
that are referenced in this FOA. Applicants, however, must apply for
this funding opportunity through the Grants.gov Web site. You may
request paper copies of the package by contacting the Directorate of
Educational Policy and Development at 202-693-9570.
B. Content and Form of the FY 2017 Application
Each grant application must address identification, avoidance and
prevention of unsafe working conditions in and around mines (e.g.,
highwall hazard recognition and prevention, haul road hazard
recognition and prevention, mine emergency prevention and
preparedness). The application must consist of three separate and
distinct sections. The three required sections are:
Section 1--Project Forms and Financial Plan (No page
limit).
Section 2--Executive Summary (Not to exceed two pages).
Section 3--Technical Proposal (Not to exceed 12 pages).
Illustrative material can be submitted as an attachment.
The following are mandatory requirements for each section.
1. Project Forms and Financial Plan
This section contains the forms and budget section of the
application. The Project Financial Plan will not count against the
application page limits. A person with authority to bind the applicant
must sign the grant application and forms. Applications submitted
electronically through Grants.gov do not need to be signed manually;
electronic signatures will be accepted.
(a) Completed SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance,'' (OMB
No. 4040-0004, expiration: 10/31/2019). This form is part of the
application package on Grants.gov and is also available at
www.msha.gov: (Select ``Training and Education,'' click on ``Training
Grants.'') The SF-424 must identify the applicant clearly and be signed
by an individual with authority to enter into a grant agreement. Upon
confirmation of an award, the individual signing the SF-424 on behalf
of the applicant shall be considered the representative of the
Completed SF-424A, ``Budget Information for Non-Construction
Programs,'' (OMB No. 4040-0006, expiration: 01/31/2019). The project
budget should demonstrate clearly that the total amount and
distribution of funds is sufficient to cover the cost of all major
project activities identified by the applicant in its proposal, and
must comply with the Federal cost principles and the administrative
requirements set forth in this FOA. (Copies of all regulations that are
referenced in this FOA are available online at www.msha.gov. (Select
``Training and Education,'' click on ``Training Programs and Courses,''
then select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants.'')
(b) Budget Narrative. The applicant must provide a concise
narrative explaining the request for funds. The budget narrative should
separately attribute the Federal funds to each of the activities
specified in the technical proposal and it should discuss precisely how
any administrative costs support the project goals.
If applicable, the applicant must provide a statement about its
program income. See 2 CFR 200.80 and 200.307 and this FOA, Part
IV.F.1(a) and (b).
The amount of Federal funding requested for the entire period of
performance must be shown on the SF-424 and SF-424A forms.
(d) Completed SF-424B, ``Assurances for Non-Construction
Programs,'' (OMB No. 4040-0007, expiration: 01/31/2019). Each applicant
for these grants must certify compliance with a list of assurances.
This form is part of the application package on www.grants.gov and also
is available at www.msha.gov: (Select ``Training and Education,'' click
on ``Training Programs and Courses,'' then select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine
Safety Grants.'')
(e) Supplemental Certification Regarding Lobbying Activities Form.
If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for
influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any
agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an
employee of a member of Congress in connection with the making of a
grant or cooperative agreement, the applicant shall complete and submit
SF-LLL, ``Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,'' (OMB No. 4040-0013,
expiration: 01/31/2019) in accordance with its instructions. This form
is part of the application package on www.grants.gov and is also
available at www.msha.gov: (Select ``Training and Education,'' click on
``Training Programs and Courses,'' then select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine
(f) Non-profit status. Applicants must provide evidence of non-
profit status, preferably from the IRS, if applicable.
(g) Accounting System Certification. Under the authority of 2 CFR
200.207, MSHA requires that a new applicant that receives less than $1
million annually in Federal grants attach a certification stating that
the organization (directly or through a designated qualified entity)
has a functioning accounting system that meets the criteria below. The
certification should attest that the organization's accounting system
provides for the following:
(1) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial
results of each federally sponsored project.
(2) Records that adequately identify the source and application of
funds for federally sponsored activities.
(3) Effective control over and accountability for all funds,
property, and other assets.
(4) Comparison of outlays with budget amounts.
(5) Written procedures to minimize the time elapsing between
transfers of funds.
(6) Written procedures for determining the reasonableness,
allocability, and allowability of costs.
(7) Accounting records, including cost accounting records that are
supported by source documentation.
(h) Attachments. The application may include attachments such as
resumes of key personnel or position descriptions, exhibits,
information on prior government grants, and signed letters of
commitment to the project.
The executive summary is a short one-to-two page abstract that
succinctly summarizes the proposed project.
MSHA will publish, as submitted, all grantees' executive summaries on
the DOL Web site. The executive summary must include the following
(a) Applicant. Provide the organization's full legal name and
(b) Funding requested. List how much Federal funding is being
(c) Grant Topic. List the grant topic and the location and number
of mine operators and miners that the organization has selected to
train or describe the training materials or equipment to be created
with these funds.
(d) Program Structure. Identify the type of grant as ``annual.''
(e) Summary of the Proposed Project. Write a brief summary of the
proposed project. This summary must identify the key points of the
proposal, including an introduction describing the project activities
and each milestone with the expected results.
3. Technical Proposal
The technical proposal must demonstrate the applicant's
capabilities to plan and implement a project or create educational
materials to meet the objectives of this solicitation. MSHA's focus for
these grants is on training mine operators and miners and developing
training materials to better identify, avoid and prevent unsafe working
conditions in and around mines. MSHA shall give special emphasis to
activities, or hazards identified by MSHA. A Department of Labor
Strategic Goal is to ``improve workplace safety and health''. MSHA has
a performance goal to ``prevent death, disease, and injury from mining
and promote safe and healthful workplaces for the Nation's miners.''
MSHA's award of the Brookwood-Sago grants supports these goals and
strategies. To show how the grant projects promote these goals and
strategies, grantees must report, at each milestone, the following
information (as applicable):
Number of trainers trained
Number of mine operators and miners trained
Number of training events
Number of course days of training provided to industry
Course evaluations of trainer and training material
Description of training materials created, to include target audience,
goals and objectives, and usability in the mine training environment
The technical proposal narrative must not exceed 12 single-sided,
double-spaced pages, using 12-point font, and must contain the
following sections: Program Design, Overall Qualifications of the
Applicant, and Output and Evaluation. Any pages over the 12-page limit
will not be reviewed. Attachments to the technical proposal are not
counted toward the 12-page limit. Major sections and sub-sections of
the proposal should be divided and clearly identified. As required in
Part VIII subpart B ``Transparency,'' a grantee's final technical
proposal will be posted ``as is'' on MSHA's Web site unless MSHA
receives a version redacting any proprietary, confidential business, or
personally identifiable information no later than two weeks after
receipt of the Notice of Award.
MSHA will review and rate the technical proposal in accordance with
the selection criteria specified in Part V.
(a) Program Design
(1) Statement of the Problem/Need for Funds. Applicants must
identify a clear and specific need for proposed activities. They must
identify whether they are providing a training program, creating
training materials, or both. Applicants also must identify the number
of individuals expected to benefit from their training and education
program; this should include identifying the type of mines, the
geographic locations of the training, and the number of mine operators
and miners.
(i) Quality of the Project Design
MSHA requires that each applicant include a 12-month workplan that
will begin no later than April 10, 2017, and end no later than April 9,
(ii) Plan Overview
Describe the plan for grant activities and the anticipated results.
The plan should describe such things as the development of training
materials, the training content, recruiting of trainees, where or how
training will take place, and the anticipated benefits to mine
operators and miners receiving the training.
(iii) Milestones
Because MSHA may be funding these grants incrementally, applicants
must identify milestones for the project, which may be adjusted as
funding becomes available. For example, the first milestone that
correlates with the first grant performance period is from April 10,
2017 through June 10, 2017. For the remaining milestones, we suggest
intervals of three months. If MSHA funds these grants incrementally,
applicants should identify activities that either can be completed
during the applicable milestone or anticipate that other funding may be
needed to complete the activities. If funding permits, MSHA expects to
award all the funding for the year and will provide a separate document
identifying the period of performance with the amount of funding
(iv) Activities
Break the plan down into activities or tasks for each milestone.
For each activity, explain what will be done, who will do it, when it
will be done, and the anticipated results of the activity. For
training, discuss the subjects to be taught, the length of the training
sessions, type of training (e.g., highwall hazard recognition and
prevention, haul road hazard recognition and prevention, mine emergency
prevention and preparedness), and training locations (e.g., classroom,
worksites). Describe how the applicant will recruit mine operators and
miners for the training. (Note: Any commercially developed training
materials the applicant proposes to use in its training must undergo an
MSHA review before being used).
(v) Milestone Projections
For training and other quantifiable activities, estimate the
quantities involved for data required to meet the grant goals located
in Part IV.B.3. For example, estimate how many classes will be
conducted and how many mine operators and miners will be trained each
milestone. Also, provide the training number totals for the full year.
Projections are used to measure the actual performance against the
plan. Applicants planning to conduct a train-the-trainer program should
estimate the number of individuals to be trained during the grant by
those who received the train-the-trainer training. These second-tier
training numbers should be included only if the organization is
planning to follow up with the trainers to obtain this data during the
grant.
(vi) Materials
Describe each educational material to be produced under this grant.
Provide a timetable, including milestones, for developing and producing
the material. The timetable must include provisions for an MSHA review
of draft and camera-ready products or evaluation of equipment. MSHA
must review and approve training materials or equipment for technical
accuracy and suitability of content before use in the grant program.
Whether or not an applicant's project is
to develop training materials only, the applicant should provide an
overall plan that includes time for MSHA to review any materials
produced.
(b) Qualifications of the Applicant
(1) Applicant's Background
Describe the applicant, including its mission, and a description of
its membership, if any. Provide an organizational chart (the chart may
be included as a separate page which will not count toward the page
limit). Identify the following:
(i) Project Director
The Project Director is the person who will be responsible for the
day-to-day operation and administration of the program. Provide the
name, title, street address and mailing address (if it is different
from the organization's street address), telephone and fax numbers, and
email address of the Project Director.
(ii) Certifying Representative
The Certifying Representative is the official in the organization
who is authorized to enter into grant agreements. Provide the name,
title, street address and mailing address (if it is different from the
organization's street address), telephone and fax numbers, and email
address of the Certifying Representative.
(2) Administrative and Program Capability
Briefly describe the organization's functions and activities, i.e.,
the applicant's management and internal controls. Relate this
description of functions to the organizational chart. If the applicant
has received any other government (Federal, State or local) grant
funding, the application must have, as an attachment (which will not
count towards the page limit), information regarding these previous
grants. This information must include each organization for which the
work was done and the dollar value of each grant. If the applicant does
not have previous grant experience, it may partner with an organization
that has grant experience to manage the grant. If the organization uses
this approach, the management organization must be identified and its
grant program experience discussed. Lack of past experience with
Federal grants is not a determining factor, but an applicant should
show a successful experience relevant to the opportunity offered in the
application. Such experience could include staff members' experiences
with other organizations.
(3) Program Experience
Describe the organization's experience conducting the proposed mine
training program or other relevant experience. Include program
specifics such as program title, numbers trained, and duration of
training. If creating training materials, include the title of other
materials developed. Nonprofit organizations, including community-based
and faith-based organizations that do not have prior experience in mine
safety, may partner with an established mine safety organization to
acquire safety expertise.
(4) Staff Experience
Describe the qualifications of the professional staff you will
assign to the program. Attach resumes of staff already employed
(resumes will not count towards the page limit). If some positions are
vacant, include position descriptions and minimum hiring qualifications
instead of resumes. Staff should have, at a minimum, mine safety
experience, training experience, or experience working with the mining
(c) Outputs and Evaluations
There are two types of evaluations that must be conducted. First,
describe the methods, approaches, or plans to evaluate the training
sessions or training materials to meet the data requirements in Part
IV.B.3. Second, describe plans to assess the long-term effectiveness of
the training materials or training conducted. The type of training
given will determine whether the evaluation should include a process-
related outcome or a result-related outcome or both. This will involve
following up with an evaluation, or on-site review, if feasible, of
miners trained. The evaluation should focus on what changes the trained
miners made to abate hazards and improve workplace conditions, or to
incorporate this training in the workplace, or both.
For training materials, include an evaluation from individuals
trained on the clarity of the presentation, organization, and the
quality of the information provided on the subject matter and whether
they would continue to use the training materials. Include timetables
for follow-up and for submitting a summary of the assessment results to
MSHA.
C. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and
System for Award Management (SAM)--Required
Under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(3), every applicant for a Federal grant is
required to include a DUNS number with its application. The DUNS number
is a nine-digit identification number that uniquely identifies business
entities. An applicant's DUNS number is to be entered into Block 8 of
Standard Form (SF) 424. There is no charge for obtaining a DUNS number.
To obtain a DUNS number, call 1-866-705-5711 or access the following
Web site: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
After receiving a DUNS number, all grant applicants must register
as a vendor with the System for Award Management (SAM) through the Web
site www.sam.gov. Grant applicants must create a user account and
register online. Submitted registrations will take up to 10 business
days to process, after which the applicant will receive an email notice
that the registration is active. Once the registration is active in SAM
it takes an additional 24-48 hours for the registration to be active in
Grants.gov. SAM registrations must be renewed annually. SAM will send
notifications to the registered user via email prior to expiration of
the registration. Under 2 CFR 25.200(b)(2), each grant applicant must
maintain an active registration with current information at all times
during which it has an active Federal award or an application under
active consideration.
D. Submission Date, Times, and Addresses
The closing date for applications will be March 24, 2017, (no later
than 11:59 p.m. EST). MSHA will award grants on or before April 10,
Grant applications must be submitted electronically through the
Grants.gov Web site. The Grants.gov site provides all the information
about submitting an application electronically through the site as well
as the hours of operation. Interested parties can locate the
downloadable application package by the CFDA No. 17.603.
1. Non-Compliant Applications
(a) Applications that are lacking any of the required elements or
do not follow the format prescribed in IV.B. will not be reviewed.
(b) Late Applications
You are cautioned that applications should be submitted before the
deadline to ensure that the risk of late receipt of the application is
minimized. Applications received after the deadline will not be
reviewed unless it is determined to be in the best interest of the
Applications received by Grants.gov are date and time stamped
electronically. Once an interested party has submitted an application,
Grants.gov will notify the interested
party with three emails: (1) An automatic notification of receipt that
provides the applicant with a tracking number, (2) a notification that
informs applicants that the application has been validated by
Grants.gov and is being prepared for Agency retrieval, and (3) a
notification that the DOL E-Grants system has received the application
from Grants.gov (the application is ready for Agency review).
An application must be fully uploaded and validated by the
Grants.gov system before the application deadline date.
E. Intergovernmental Review
The Brookwood-Sago grants are not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' MSHA; however,
reminds applicants that if they are not operating MSHA-approved State
training grants, they should contact the State grantees and coordinate
any training or educational program. Information about each state grant
and the entity operating the state grant is provided online at:
www.msha.gov/TRAINING/STATES/STATES.asp.
F. Funding Restrictions
MSHA will determine whether costs are allowable under the
applicable Federal cost principles and other conditions contained in
the grant award.
1. Allowable Costs
Grant funds may be spent on conducting training and outreach,
developing educational materials, recruiting activities (to increase
the number of participants in the program), and on necessary expenses
to support these activities. Allowable costs are determined by the
applicable Federal cost principles identified in Part VI.B, which are
attachments in the application package, or are located online at
www.msha.gov: (Select ``Training and Education'', click on ``Training
Programs and Courses'', then select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety
Grants.'') Paper copies of the material may be obtained by contacting
the Directorate of Educational Policy and Development at 202-693-9570.
(a) If an applicant anticipates earning program income during the
grant, the application must include an estimate of the income that will
be earned. Program income earned must be reported on a quarterly basis.
(b) Program income is gross income earned by the grantee which is
directly generated by a supported activity, or earned as a result of
the award. Program income earned during the award period shall be
retained by the recipient, added to funds committed to the award, and
used for the purposes and under the conditions applicable to the use of
the grant funds. See 2 CFR 200.80 and 200.307.
2. Unallowable Costs
Grant funds may not be used for the following activities under this
grant program:
(a) Any activity inconsistent with the goals and objectives of this FOA
(b) Training on topics that are not targeted under this FOA
(c) Purchasing any equipment unless pre-approved and in writing by the
MSHA grant officer
(d) Direct administrative costs that exceed 15% of the total grant
budget or in the event that the grant is incrementally funded, any
direct administrative costs that exceed 20% of the total grant budget
(e) Indirect costs that exceed 10% of the modified total direct costs
(as defined in 2 CFR 200.68) or the grantee's federally negotiated
indirect cost rate reimbursement
(f) Any pre-award costs
Unallowable costs also include any cost determined by MSHA as not
allowed according to the applicable cost principles or other conditions
in the grant.
V. Application Review Information for FY 2017 Grants
A. Evaluation Criteria
MSHA will screen all applications to determine whether all required
proposal elements are present and clearly identifiable. Those that do
not comply with mandatory requirements will not be evaluated. The
technical panels will review grant applications using the following
1. Program Design--40 Points Total
(a) Statement of the Problem/Need for Funds (3 Points)
The proposed training and education program or training materials
must address identification, avoidance and prevention of unsafe working
conditions in and around mines (e.g., highwall hazard recognition and
prevention and preparedness).
(b) Quality of the Project Design (25 Points)
(1) The proposal to train mine operators and miners clearly
estimates the number to be trained and clearly identifies the types of
mine operators and miners to be trained.
(2) If the proposal contains a train-the-trainer program, the
following information must be provided:
Name or type of support the grantee will provide to new
trainers.
The number of individuals to be trained as trainers.
The estimated number of courses to be conducted by the new
The estimated number of students to be trained by these
new trainers and a description of how the grantee will obtain data from
the new trainers documenting their classes and student numbers if
conducted during the grant.
(3) The work plan activities and training are described.
The planned activities and training are tailored to the
needs and levels of the mine operators and miners to be trained. Any
special constituency to be served through the grant program is
described, e.g., smaller mines, limited English proficiency miners,
etc. Organizations proposing to develop materials in languages other
than English also will be required to provide an English version of the
If the proposal includes developing training materials,
the work plan must include time during development for MSHA to review
the educational materials for technical accuracy and suitability of
content. If commercially developed training products will be used for a
training program, applicants should also plan for MSHA to review the
materials before using the products in their grant programs.
The utility of the educational materials is described.
The outreach or process to find mine operators, miners, or
trainees to receive the training is described.
(c) Replication (4 Points)
The potential for a project to serve a variety of mine operators,
miners, or mine sites, or the extent others may replicate the project.
(d) Innovation (3 Points)
The originality and uniqueness of the approach used.
(e) MSHA's Performance Goals (5 Points)
The extent the proposed project will contribute to MSHA's
performance goals.
2. Budget--20 Points Total
(a) The budget presentation is clear and detailed. (15 points)
The budgeted costs are reasonable.
No more than 20% of the total budget is for direct
administrative costs in the event of incremental funding. Otherwise, no
more than 15% of the
total budget is for direct administrative costs.
Indirect costs do not exceed 10% of the modified total
direct costs (as defined in 2 CFR 200.68) or the grantee's federally
negotiated indirect cost rate reimbursement.
The budget complies with Federal cost principles (which
can be found in the applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements for Federal Awards and with MSHA budget requirements
contained in the grant application instructions).
(b) The application demonstrates that the applicant has strong
financial management and internal control systems. (5 points)
3. Overall Qualifications of the Applicant--25 Points Total
(a) Grant Experience (6 Points)
The applicant has administered, or will work with an organization
that has administered, a number of different Federal or State grants.
The applicant may demonstrate this experience by having project staff
that has experience administering Federal or State grants.
(b) Mine Safety Training Experience (13 Points)
The applicant applying for the grant demonstrates
experience with mine safety teaching or providing mine safety
educational programs. Applicants that do not have prior experience in
providing mine safety training to mine operators or miners may partner
with an established mine safety organization to acquire mine safety
expertise.
Project staff has experience in mine safety, the specific
topic chosen, or in training mine operators and miners.
Project staff has experience in recruiting, training, and
working with the population the organization proposes to serve.
Applicant has experience in designing and developing mine
safety training materials for a mining program.
Applicant has experience in managing educational programs.
(c) Management (6 Points)
Applicant demonstrates internal control and management oversight of
the project.
4. Outputs and Evaluations--15 Points Total
The proposal should include provisions for evaluating the
organization's progress in accomplishing the grant work activities and
accomplishments, evaluating training sessions, and evaluating the
program's effectiveness and impact to determine if the safety training
and services provided resulted in workplace change or improved
workplace conditions. The proposal should include a plan to follow up
with trainees to determine the impact the program has had in abating
hazards and reducing miner illnesses and injuries.
B. Review and Selection Process for FY 2017 Grants
A technical panel will rate each complete application against the
criteria described in this FOA. One or more applicants may be selected
as grantees on the basis of the initial application submission or a
minimally acceptable number of points may be established. MSHA may
request final revisions to the applications, and then evaluate the
revised applications. MSHA may consider any information that comes to
its attention in evaluating the applications.
The panel recommendations are advisory in nature. The Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Operations for Mine Safety and Health will make
a final selection determination based on what is most advantageous to
the government, considering factors such as panel findings, geographic
presence of the applicants or the areas to be served, Agency
priorities, and the best value to the government, cost, and other
factors. The Deputy Assistant Secretary's determination for award under
this FOA is final.
C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Announcement of the awards is expected to occur before April 10,
2017. The grant agreement will be signed no later than April 10, 2017.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Process
Before April 10, 2017, organizations selected as potential grant
recipients will be notified by a representative of the Deputy Assistant
Secretary. An applicant whose proposal is not selected will be notified
in writing. The fact that an organization has been selected as a
potential grant recipient does not necessarily constitute approval of
the grant application as submitted (revisions may be required).
Before the actual grant award and the announcement of the award,
MSHA may enter into negotiations with the potential grant recipient
concerning such matters as program components, staffing and funding
levels, and administrative systems. If the negotiations do not result
in an acceptable submittal, the Deputy Assistant Secretary reserves the
right to terminate the negotiations and decline to fund the proposal.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
All grantees will be subject to applicable Federal laws and
regulations (including provisions of appropriations law). These
requirements are attachments in the application package or are located
online at www.msha.gov: (Select ``Training and Education'', click on
``Training Programs and Courses'', then select ``Brookwood-Sago Mine
Safety Grants.'') The grants awarded under this competitive grant
program will be subject to the following administrative standards and
provisions, if applicable:
2 CFR part 25, Universal Identifier and System for Award
2 CFR part 170, Reporting Subawards and Executive
Compensation Information.
2 CFR part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons.
2 CFR part 180, OMB Guidelines to Agencies on
Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) (Nov. 15,
2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Dec. 19, 2014).
2 CFR part 2900, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
2 CFR part 2998, Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension.
29 CFR part 2, subpart D, Equal Treatment in Department of
Labor Programs for Religious Organizations; Protection of Religious
Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and
Beneficiaries.
29 CFR part 31, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted
programs of the Department of Labor--Effectuation of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964.
29 CFR part 32, Nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap
in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.
29 CFR part 33, Enforcement of nondiscrimination on the
basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by the Department
of Labor.
29 CFR part 35, Nondiscrimination on the basis of age in
programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance from the
Department of Labor.
29 CFR part 36, Nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in
education programs or activities receiving federal financial
29 CFR part 93, New restrictions on lobbying.
29 CFR part 94, Government-wide requirements for drug-free
workplace (financial assistance).
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31, Subpart
31.2, Contract cost principles and procedures (Codified at 48 CFR
Subpart 31.2).
Unless specifically approved, MSHA's acceptance of a proposal or
MSHA's award of Federal funds to sponsor any program does not
constitute a waiver of any grant requirement or procedure. For example,
if an application identifies a specific sub-contractor to provide
certain services, the MSHA award does not provide a basis to sole-
source the procurement (to avoid competition).
C. Special Program Requirements
1. MSHA Review of Educational Materials
MSHA will review all grantee-produced educational and training
materials for technical accuracy and suitability of content during
development and before final publication. MSHA also will review
training curricula and purchased training materials for technical
accuracy and suitability of content before the materials are used.
Grantees developing training materials must follow all copyright laws
and provide written certification that their materials are free from
copyright infringement.
When grantees produce training materials, they must provide copies
of completed materials to MSHA before the end of the grant. Completed
materials should be submitted to MSHA in hard copy and in digital
format for publication on the MSHA Web site. Two copies of the
materials must be provided to MSHA. Acceptable formats for training
materials include Microsoft XP Word, PDF, PowerPoint, and any other
format agreed upon by MSHA.
As stated in 2 CFR 200.315 and 2 CFR 2900.13, the Department of
Labor has a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to
reproduce, publish, or otherwise use for Federal purposes any work
produced, or for which ownership was acquired, under a grant, and to
authorize others to do so. Such products include, but are not limited
to, curricula, training models, and any related materials. Such uses
include, but are not limited to, the right to modify and distribute
such products worldwide by any means, electronic, or otherwise.
3. Acknowledgement on Printed Materials
All approved grant-funded materials developed by a grantee shall
contain the following disclaimer: ``This material was produced under
grant number XXXXX from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S.
Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or
policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade
names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the
U.S. Government.''
When issuing statements, press releases, request for proposals, bid
solicitations, and other documents describing projects or programs
funded in whole or in part with Federal money, all grantees receiving
Federal funds must clearly state:
(a) The percentage of the total costs of the program or project
that will be financed with Federal money;
(b) The dollar amount of Federal financial assistance for the
project or program; and
(c) The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the
project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.
4. Use of U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) or MSHA Logo
With written permission from MSHA, the USDOL and MSHA logos may be
applied to the grant-funded materials including posters, videos,
pamphlets, research documents, national survey results, impact
evaluations, best practice reports, and other publications. The
grantees must consult with MSHA on whether the logos may be used on any
such items prior to final draft or final preparation for distribution.
In no event shall the DOL or MSHA logo be placed on any item until MSHA
has given the grantee written permission to use the logos on the item.
Grantees are required by Departmental regulations to submit
financial and project reports, as described below. Grantees are also
required to submit final reports no later than 90 days after the end of
the grant. MSHA will advise recipients regarding the applicable
reporting periods and requirements in the event of incremental funding
of these grants. Subject to availability of funding, MSHA intends to
adjust and be consistent with quarterly reporting requirements.
(a) Financial Reports
The grantee shall submit financial reports at the end of the first
milestone, or on a quarterly basis. Recipients are required to use the
U.S. Department of Labor's Grantee Reporting Systems' electronic SF-425
(Federal Financial Report), (OMB No. 4040-0014, expiration: 1/31/2019),
at www.etareports.doleta.gov, to report the status of all funds awarded
and, if applicable, program income received and expended, during the
funding period. All reports are due no later than 30 days after the end
of the reporting period.
(b) Technical Project Reports
A grantee must submit a technical project report to MSHA no later
than 30 days after each milestone. If so advised, the quarterly
reporting dates may be July 10, 2017, October10, 2017, January 10,
2018, and April 10, 2018, respectively. Technical project reports
provide both quantitative and qualitative information and a narrative
assessment of performance for the preceding period. This should include
the current grant progress against the overall grant goals as provided
in Part IV.B.3.
Between reporting dates, the grantee shall immediately inform MSHA
of significant developments or problems affecting the organization's
ability to accomplish the work. See 2 CFR 200.328(d).
(c) Final Reports
At the end of the grant, each grantee must provide a project
summary of its technical project reports, an evaluation report, and a
close-out financial report. These final reports are due no later than
90 days after the end of the grant.
VII. Agency Contacts
Any questions regarding this FOA (FOA17-4BS) should be directed to
Janice Oates at Oates.Janice@dol.gov or 202-693-9573 (this is not a
toll-free number) or Krystle Mitchell at @dol.gov or 202-693-9570 (this
is not a toll-free number). MSHA's Web page at www.msha.gov is a
valuable source of background for this initiative.
VIII. Other Information
A. Freedom of Information
Any information submitted in response to this FOA will be subject
to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, as appropriate.
B. Transparency in the Grant Process
DOL is committed to conducting a transparent grant award process
and publicizing information about program outcomes. Posting awardees'
grant applications on public Web sites is a means of promoting and
innovative ideas. Additionally, we will publish a version of the
Technical Proposal required by this solicitation, for all those
applications that are awarded grants, on the Department's Web site or a
similar location. The Technical Proposals and Executive Summaries will
not be published until after the grants are awarded. In addition,
information about grant progress and results may also be made publicly
DOL recognizes that grant applications sometimes contain
information that an applicant may consider proprietary or business
confidential information, or may contain personally identifiable
information. Information is considered proprietary or confidential
commercial/business information when it is not usually disclosed
outside your organization and when its disclosure is likely to cause
you substantial competitive harm.
Personally identifiable information is information that can be used
alone or in conjunction with other information to distinguish or trace
an individual`s identity, such as name, social security number, date
and place of birth, mother's maiden name, or biometric records; and any
other information that is linked or linkable to an individual, such as
medical, educational, financial, and employment information.\1\
\1\ OMB Memorandum 07-16 and 06-19. GAO Report 08-536, Privacy:
Alternatives Exist for Enhancing Protection of Personally
Identifiable Information, May 2008, www.gao.gov/assets/280/275558.pdf.
Executive Summaries will be published in the form originally
submitted, without any redactions. However, in order to ensure that
confidential information is properly protected from disclosure when DOL
posts the winning Technical Proposals, applicants whose technical
proposals will be posted will be asked to submit a second redacted
version of their Technical Proposal, with proprietary, confidential
commercial/business, and personally identifiable information redacted.
All non-public information about the applicant's staff should be
removed as well. The Department will contact the applicants whose
technical proposals will be published by letter or email, and provide
further directions about how and when to submit the redacted version of
the Technical Proposal. Submission of a redacted version of the
Technical Proposal will constitute permission by the applicant for DOL
to post that redacted version. If an applicant fails to provide a
redacted version of the Technical Proposal, DOL will publish the
original Technical Proposal in full, after redacting personally
identifiable information. (Note that the original, unredacted version
of the Technical Proposal will remain part of the complete application
package, including an applicant's proprietary and confidential
information and any personally identifiable information.)
Applicants are encouraged to maximize the grant application
information that will be publicly disclosed, and to exercise restraint
and redact only information that truly is proprietary, confidential
commercial/business information, or capable of identifying a person.
The redaction of entire pages or sections of the Technical Proposal is
not appropriate, and will not be allowed, unless the entire portion
merits such protection. Should a dispute arise about whether redactions
are appropriate, DOL will follow the procedures outlined in the
Department's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations (29 CFR part
Redacted information in grant applications will be protected by DOL
from public disclosure in accordance with federal law, including the
Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C. 1905), FOIA, and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C.
552a). If DOL receives a FOIA request for your application, the
procedures in DOL's FOIA regulations for responding to requests for
commercial/business information submitted to the government will be
followed, as well as all FOIA exemptions and procedures. 29 CFR 70.26.
Consequently, it is possible that application of FOIA rules may result
in release of information in response to a FOIA request that an
applicant redacted in its ``redacted copy.''
C. Office of Management and Budget Information Collection Requirements
This FOA requests information from applicants and grantees. This
collection of information is approved under OMB No. 1225-0086,
expiration: 05/31/2019.
Except as otherwise noted, in accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, no person is required to respond to a collection
of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control
number. Public reporting burden for the grant application is estimated
to average 20 hours per response, for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and
completing and reviewing the collection of information. Each recipient
who receives a grant award notice will be required to submit five
progress reports to MSHA. MSHA estimates that each report will take
approximately two and one-half hours to prepare.
Send comments regarding the burden estimated or any other aspect of
this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this
burden, to the OMB Desk Officer for MSHA, Office of Management and
Budget Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, the U.S. Department of Labor,
OASAM-OCIO, Information Resources Program, Room N-1301, 200
Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210, and MSHA, electronically
to Janice Oates at Oates.Janice@dol.gov or by mail to Janice Oates, 5th
floor, 201 12th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202.
This information is being collected for the purpose of awarding a
grant. Submission of this information is requested for the applicant to
be considered for award of this grant.
Authority:  30 U.S.C. 965.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations for Mine Safety and Health.