Questions submitted by parties interested in the VEAP 2006 funds, and the answers to those questions, are listed below. Questions and answers are organized by general topic area and/or category. This Web page will be updated regularly as questions are submitted.

The last day to submit questions for the SFP was September 22, 2006. The answers to the questions will be posted by September 29, 2006.

• Cash/In-Kind Match
• General
• Participant Eligibility and Enrollment
• Proposal Format

Cash/In-Kind Match

1. Q. Regarding matching funds, is there a preference for cash or in-kind?

   A. The SFP does not stipulate the type of non-WIA match and either is acceptable.

2. Q. Last year a match of 20 percent was required, but is it the same this year? Is the requirement a match of up to 20 percent (will receive normal scoring), and after 20 percent the bonus points start to take effect?

   A. Match is not required for an application to be submitted under this SFP. If the non-WIA cash/in-kind match is less than 20 percent of the project request, the applicant will not receive bonus points. If the match is equal to 20 to 30 percent, 3 bonus points will be awarded or if the match is greater than 30 percent 6 bonus points will be awarded.

3. Q. Our agency has many non-WIA funding sources that are often utilized to the benefit of VEAP enrolled veterans. For example, if a veteran’s barrier is homelessness, we have transitional housing facilities funded by HUD and DVA where they may be housed while receiving VEAP employment services. We wish to submit a letter signed by our agency’s authorized representatives to document this match. Are there any specific guidelines for such letters…applicants providing their own letter for match…in order to ensure that our match is accepted?

   A. As indicated in Section 5 C, page 9 and 10 of the VEAP SFP, the commitment letters for non-WIA fund sources, signed by the agency’s authorized representative or the funding representative, must include a contact person and telephone number. The Resource Utilization chart, Section VII of the Narrative, must be completed and the letter must correlate with the chart information. Section 5 C, includes the definitions of cash and in-kind match.

General

1. Q. In the previous year, what percentage of applications (for each category) received funding?

   A. The Employment Development Department received 215 applications under the PY 2005/06 solicitation. The percent of applications awarded by category is as follows:
   
   

   • Growth Industry – 2%
   • Industries with a Statewide Need – Nursing – 5%
   • Advancing Workers with Barriers to Employment – 3%
   • Veterans’ Employment-Related Assistance – 4.6%
2. Q. What types of organizations have typically received awards in the past? Are local government entities usually among the winners?
   A. The types of organization that received awards in the last SFP included local government entities, community based organizations, community colleges, labor organizations, school districts and private for profit organizations.
3. Q. We currently have a VEAP grant that operates through December 31, 2007. Is it possible to apply for a grant under this new solicitation and have it start on January 1, 2008, or will there be another VEAP solicitation next year?

   A. We cannot approve postponing a grant startup date that far out for a project funded under this SFP. As far as another VEAP SFP for next year, in all probability there will be another veterans’ SFP next year. However, we cannot guarantee a future SFP, nor can we ascertain the time frame for release of an SFP if funding is available.

4. Q. Does the definition of dislocated workers include veterans who are recently separated from the armed forces? (i.e., discharged within 48 months of enrollment)

   A. Yes, the definition of dislocated workers can include veterans who are recently separated from the armed forces (i.e., discharged within the 48 months prior to application). The required DD214, discharge document, will provide the information needed to ensure eligibility as a dislocated worker, i.e., other than dishonorable discharge, and date of discharge. (See WIA Technical Assistance Guide for further clarification)

5. Q. In the Proposal Package Instructions, Section IX, page 5, the second paragraph states “In Section VIII of the Narrative, provide a detailed justification for all line items contained in the Budget Summary Plan.” Is it supposed to be “In Section IX, etc.?

   A. Yes, it should be “In Section IX”.

Participant Eligibility and Enrollment

1. Q. For the purpose of this grant, which is veteran specific, would long term unemployed homeless veterans fit within the definition of Dislocated Worker?

   A. For long term unemployed homeless veterans to fit the definition of Dislocated Worker they must meet the definition of dislocated worker as defined in the WIA of 1998. Section 101, Definitions, (9) Dislocated Worker. (See WIA Directive WIAD04-18 for a link to the WIA Eligibility Technical Assistance Guide for further information.)

2. Q. For those of us who have not run 25 Percent programs, could we get clarification about additional eligibility documentation that may be required?

   A. For veterans’ eligibility documentation, at a minimum, veterans must provide their Armed Forces Discharge document, DD214, and verification that they have complied with selective service requirements. These documents must be included in the participant’s case file for proof of eligibility. For additional documentation, refer to WIA Directive WIAD04-18 for a link to the WIA Eligibility Technical Assistance Guide.

3. Q. Are dual enrollments allowed for a veteran who is eligible under 15 Percent and also meets the criteria for 25 Percent?

   A. Yes, they can be enrolled in both, as long as they are eligible under both funding sources.

4. Q. The SFP mentions that spouses of veterans may be served with the funds from VEAP. For those veterans, who have already done a tour or two in Iraq or Afghanistan and are being recalled on an involuntary basis for another tour, are their spouses eligible for services under VEAP?

   A.The spouses are eligible if they meet the criteria of Public Law 107-288, in Section 2(a) Definitions – In this section: (1): The term ‘covered person’ means any of the following individuals (A) a veteran. (B) The spouse of any of the following individuals: (i) Any veteran who died of a service-connected disability. (ii) Any member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who, at the time of application for assistance under this section, is listed, pursuant to Section 556 of Title 37 and regulations issued thereunder, by the Secretary concerned in one or more of the following categories and has been so listed for a total of more than 90 days: (I) missing in action, (II) captured in line of duty by a hostile force, or (III) forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power. (iii) Any veteran who has a total disability resulting from a service-connected disability. (iv) Any veteran who died while a disability so evaluated was in existence.

Proposal Format

1. Q. This solicitation requires letters of commitment, but does not mention letters of support. If we receive letters of support from State or Federal Legislators, can we also include these letters with our proposal? Will points be deducted if we do?

   A. Yes, they can be included, however, they are not required and points will be neither deducted or added if they are included with your solicitation.