Questions Regarding Youth Workforce Development Competitive Grant Pilot Program

Last Updated:  December 13, 2011

Please check this page frequently for additional questions and answers as they are submitted. Questions regarding the youth Workforce Development Competitive Grant Pilot Program should be directed to John.R.Olson@state.mn.us.

December 13, 2011

1. Question:  Is the expectation that the services offered will be primarily in the summertime as some youth may be in school? Or could we plan on having work experience also during the fall and spring time daytime hours?
   Answer:  Program design (including timeframes for providing services) is at the discretion of the entity developing the proposal, so long as the design meets the requirements set forth in the RFP. Keep in mind that since June 30, 2013 will be the end of the biennium, we will not be able to extend the contract beyond June 30, 2013 and all funds must be expended by that date.
2. Question:  What is the end date of training?
   Answer:  Since these funds are available through June 30, 2013, all costs with respect to training activities would have to be incurred by that date.
3. Question:  Do the students need to be 24 years of age at the beginning AND end date of training?
   Answer:  No. The applicant must be under age 25 at the time of enrollment.

November 18, 2011

1. Question:  Can DEED provide any data on the projected "in-demand jobs important to regional economies" for the Twin Cities region?  Is there an official list?
   Answer:  Information on "in-demand" jobs can be found on the DEED website by going to www.PositivelyMinnesota.com and clicking on the "Data" link on the homepage.  This information is analyzed and updated by DEED Labor Market Information (LMI) staff regularly.
2. Question:  Will we find out who the other applicants are in advance of the deadline?
   Answer:  No
3. Question:  Is there a possibility of less-than-full funding for a proposal, or is it all-or-nothing of the amount request?
   Answer: All funding decisions (including final funding levels) will be made by the Commissioner of DEED.

November 3, 2011

1. Question:  Does the $2,700 cost per participant amount specified in the RFP include the expense for admin and staffing?
   Answer: Yes.
2. Question:  The question relates to the portion of the RFP that states:
   
   “An organization that receives a direct appropriation under this section is not eligible to participate in competitive grant programs established under this section during the fiscal years in which the direct appropriations are received”.
   
   Could you please clarify this statement?  If an agency applies for this funding, will that agency be ineligible to apply for the other two competitive pools now in development at DEED regarding adult employment services and business development (RFPs anticipated to be published in early winter)?
   Answer:  The Requests For Proposal (RFP) for adult employment services and business development are still being drafted. Specific eligibility criteria will be included in each of those forthcoming RFPs.