Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
Workforce Development Funding Program

Issue Date: September 30, 2022
Applications Due: November 10, 2022

Download Application Here

OVERVIEW

Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston (WSPC) notifies interested applicants of the availability of funds allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to provide job training for populations hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The availability and use of these funds are subject to federal regulations and are further subject to the City of Providence’s policies and program requirements.

In releasing this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Workforce Development Funding Program, the goal is to make financial resources available to workforce development entities, community nonprofits and associations that provide workforce development programs and have experienced economic hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic since March 3, 2021. These hardships include periods of shutdown, declines in revenue, increased costs or the inability to serve those groups and individuals with significant barriers to employment that were most impacted by COVID-19.

INVESTMENT

Approximately $662,000 in federal ARPA funds is available for this funding program. The minimum award will be $50,000 for training tuition costs as well as expenditures and costs related to the implementation of the training program. This funding has been allocated through the City of Providence’s ARPA budget to address the areas and populations hardest hit by the pandemic. 

The City reserves the right to fund, in whole or in part, any, all, or none of the applications submitted in response to this NOFA.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Workforce development training providers, community nonprofits and associations (i.e., business entities, chambers of commerce, etc.).

The following types of organizations are eligible for this program:

• For profit business entities
• Nonprofits that are organized as a tax exempt 501c3 organization
• Community organizations that meet the definition of a community organization (e.g., chambers of commerce, community associations);

Organizations eligible for funding are those that:

• Have a business address in the City of Providence
• Provide specialized training programs for individuals with barriers to employment; and
• Experienced negative or disproportionate impacts of the pandemic.

All applicants must submit a comprehensive statement of need including all specified supplemental documentation.

INVESTMENT PRIORITIES

This funding will provide grants with a minimum amount of $50,000 to training providers, community nonprofits and   to assist those organizations in strengthening their capacity to deliver critical employment training services to economically disadvantaged sectors. 

 Areas targeted for investment include:

• Development of an IT Bootcamp Hub and curriculum training program to facilitate IT employment opportunities
• Support for outreach and job development efforts in various minority business sectors in cooperation with minority business organizations to facilitate on-the-job training and incumbent worker training for individuals with barriers to employment, such as education, literacy and financial challenges.
• Development of hospitality bootcamps for culinary and management opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment, such as education, literacy and financial challenges.
• Supervisory training programs for advanced manufacturing jobs for individuals with barriers to employment, such as education, literacy and financial challenges.
• Community-based training programs for for individuals with barriers to employment, such as education, literacy and financial challenges.

Qualification Criteria:

1. Established history of managing employment development/business development programs and the managerial experience for implementation.
2. Organizational ability and overall capacity to provide workforce development services to various underserved populations with barriers to employment.
3. Community-based training programs for for individuals with barriers to employment, such as education, literacy and financial challenges.

INELIGIBLE USES

Funds available through the Workforce, cannot be used for:

1. Organizations that are not located within the local workforce development area i.e., Providence/Cranston. Companies located outside of the workforce development area may submit a proposal as long as the program serves a Providence resident with barriers to employment
2. Private businesses or companies.
3. A deposit into pension funds.
4. A contribution of matching funds toward other federal grants.
5. Debt servicing, replenishing financial reserves, or satisfying settlements and judgments.
6. Funding cannot be used to supplement already existing and established programs.
7. Projects that are politically driven or affiliated.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE

Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston (WSPC) offers this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for interested organizations, training providers and nonprofit organizations to apply beginning September 30, 2022. WSPC will keep the NOFA open until November 10,2022, to ensure maximum outreach to organizations that serve the industry sectors and target communities. Any application materials submitted outside of the allotted timeframe will not be accepted or reviewed.

Join us for a virtual workshop regarding the new Workforce Development Funding Program! At the following sessions, we’ll provide an overview of the application and answer any questions.

Participation in a workshop is not mandatory, but encouraged. Any questions asked during the workshops will be recorded and shared publicly for the benefit of applicants and the community.

1. October 12, 2022: 9:30AM (Zoom Link)
2. October 19, 2022: 9:30AM (Zoom Link)
3. October 26, 2022: 9:30AM (Zoom Link)
4. November 2, 2022: 9:30AM (Zoom Link)
5. November 9, 2022: 9:30AM (Zoom Link)

Completed applications received by November 10, 2022 will be screened in order to determine whether the application meets minimum threshold eligibility requirements. WSPC staff will evaluate each complete and eligible application according to the priorities identified herein.

Submission Information:

Content of Application

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity.
• It is preferred that the proposals be submitted in English, however, resources are available for applications submitted in another language.

The following documents are required:

1. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.
2. Proposal: The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

• Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.
• Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations showing ability to carry out the program
• Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed.
• Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
• Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.
• Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.
• Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times and locations of planned activities and events.
• Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?
• Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees, and letters of support, if available.
• Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the agreement?
• Future Funding or Sustainability: Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

3. Budget Components: After filling out NOFA Budget Template please provide the following

• Budget narrative that includes an explanation for each line item in the NOFA Budget Template, as well as the source and description of all cost shares offered

4. Application Form (see below)

APPLICATION REVIEW CRITERIA

Submitted applications determined to be eligible under the regulations will be further evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Number of clients directly served
• Priority for equity and access
• Targeting areas of concentrated poverty as determined with Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs).
• Agency capacity and staff expertise for project

FUNDING DECISIONS

Funding is limited. Applications that meet all of the NOFA’s general guidelines and requirements may not necessarily receive an award. WSPC may recommend funding a project or service for the full amount requested, or less than the full amount, or not at all. There are no requirements or expectations that WSPC must award all or any funds through the NOFA process. Funding will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis as provided in the submission process.

WSPC reserves the right to postpone or cancel this NOFA, if it deems it to be in the best interest of WSPC to do so. WFPC reserves the right to waive any technical or formal errors or omissions, to reject any and all proposals, or to award contracts, either in part or in whole, if deemed to be in the best interest of WSPC.

Successful applicants shall be in complete compliance with all the specifications, terms and conditions of the proposal. WSPC shall have the right to inspect the facilities and equipment of the successful applicant to ensure such compliance. WSPC shall not be liable for any costs incurred in the preparation of proposals or for any work performed in connection therein.

Application reviews and awards are contingent upon applicants being current to the City on any loan, contractual, or tax obligation as due, or with any rule, regulation, or provision on existing or past City contracts.

FEDERAL CONTRACT PROVISIONS

Recipients of ARPA funds are subject to required federal contract provisions. Required conditions may be found in Attachment A: Sample City of Providence ARPA Agreement which also includes an ARPA Exhibit: ARPA Handbook – City of Providence SLFRF Manual. These conditions are subject to change.

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

• Download Application Here
• Download Budget Template
• Summary Page
• Proposal
• Budget Narrative

SUBMIT APPLICATION