Employer Workforce Training Funds
What is the purpose of these funds?
To support the retention and growth of quality jobs, a skilled workforce, and competitive businesses in Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook Counties. The emphasis of the funds is to upgrade skills of the current worker to increase productivity, keep businesses viable and competitive, and to offer new skills and opportunities to workers.
What is the Application Process?
Businesses interested in applying for training grant funds
will need to complete an application and submit it by e-mail. Electronic
applications* are available here.
Employer Application
Individual Application
Submit completed applications to:
Julie Gassner
Email: Julie.gassner@mtctrains.com
$70,413
Who is eligible to apply for funds?
1) Current Workers engaged in high-wage, high-demand, or high-skill occupations in Columbia, Clatsop or Tillamook County.
2) Existing businesses, business consortia, associations, labor organizations or private non-profits operating in Columbia, Clatsop or Tillamook County.
What is the timeline of this process?
Grants will be awarded to applicants who meet the criteria until funds are depleted. This is an annual fund and additional resources are anticipated in 2010. The proposals for the current round are reviewed monthly and funded on a first come first serve basis. Review dates: August 3, September 7, October 5. Applicants will be advised of the status of their application within 30-45 days of receipt of a completed application. Applicants will be contacted in a timely manner if their application is incomplete.
What is the period of performance?
The project will need to be completed by June 30, 2010.
What is the proposal evaluation and award process?
Each proposal will be reviewed based on linkage to high-wage, high-demand or high-skilled industries/occupations as detailed in the application. Even though a proposal may meet the minimum criteria, a revision to the proposal may be required before final review and possible recommendation. Additional revisions of the proposals and budgets may be required before releasing funds.
The right to reject without penalty any or all proposals received at any point in the review is reserved. Awards will be made to those proposals that best meet the requirements set forth in this announcement and that support Oregon’s economic and workforce needs.
Criteria Defined:
High-wage Occupations
Occupations paying more than the all-industry, all-ownership median wage for
statewide or a particular region. (Clatsop County $12.66; Columbia County
$12.32; Tillamook County $ 13.22) Source: Oregon Employment Department:
Economic Analysis: Median Wage 2008.
High-demand Occupations
Occupations having more than the median number of total (growth plus
replacement) openings for statewide or a particular region.
Reference: http://www.qualityinfo.org/olmisj/PubReader?itemid=00005527
High-skill Occupations
Occupations with a minimum educational requirement of postsecondary training
or higher
AND
Occupations with long-term on-the-job training or related work experience as
a minimum educational requirement, and postsecondary training or above as a
competitive educational requirement.
Occupational lists of each category above are available on the Oregon Labor Market Information System (OLMIS). http://www.qualityinfo.org/olmisj/OCX?action=hioccs
Companies that receive grants funds from the Employer Workforce Training Fund must contribute private dollars either cash or in-kind to the project that exceed the amount of the grant by 150%.
A minimum requirement of each proposal is that the employer contribute $1.50 of private dollars or in-kind to the project for every grant dollar requested. Non-cash match can be, but is not limited to, the current fair-market value of employee time, space, materials, or equipment. All match must be documented and reported at a fair market value. Entities will be required to document and report all expenditures (cash or non-cash) that are claimed as part of the match.
The funds may be used for:
a) Job-attached training for current workers
The funds may not be used for:
a) Encourage or induce the relocation of a business or part of a business if such relocation would result in a loss of employment for an employee of such business at the original location and such original location is within the United States.
b) Paying wages for workers in training or cause the displacement of any current employee.
c) Purchase materials and supplies that are not consumable instructional and training materials, nonexpendable items other than instructional software, textbooks or printed materials.
d) Fund foreign travel.
How is the budget evaluated?
The budget must be explained using the budget form in the application followed by a complete description of all expenditures and match requirements. The budget will be evaluated using the criteria listed below:
· Expenses are reasonable, necessary, and reflect current cost trends to complete the proposed scope of work
What are the reporting requirements?
Grant recipients will be required to submit a report at the project’s completion. The format for reports will be prescribed in the letter of agreement, based on the applicant’s proposal. The reports are designed to measure grantee success at meeting or exceeding their project targets. All reports are considered public information.
What procedure is used if I wish to protest the outcome of my proposal?
Julie Gassner
450 Marine Drive, Suite 140
Astoria, OR 97103
You will receive a response to your protest within 7 days. All protests must be in writing. Any oral responses provided shall be considered unofficial. Please contact Julie Gassner at 503.325.1156 if any special accommodations are required to submit such protests.
Where can I get technical assistance, if needed?
For further technical assistance please contact:
Contact Name: Julie Gassner
Contact Address: 450 Marine Drive, Suite 140, Astoria, OR 97103
Contact Email: Julie.gassner@mtctrains.com
Contact Phone: (503) 325-1156
Equal Opportunity Program:
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
