Delta Regional Authority webinar details Work 6 FOA: $49.2 million available, applications due June 20

Molly Chamberlain, a consultant with Chamberlain Dunn LLC, briefed applicants on the Department of Labor’s Work 6 funding opportunity announcement (FOA ETA-2408) in a DRA-hosted webinar and said the program makes $49,200,000 available across the Appalachian, Delta and Northern Border regions.

Chamberlain said awards will range from $150,000 to $1,500,000 and the Department of Labor expects to fund up to 35 grants. "This round, there's a total of $49,200,000 spread across the Appalachian Delta and Northern Border regions," she said. She reminded applicants that funds must be requested through the FOA posted on grants.gov.

Why it matters: the FOA establishes who can apply, how much can be requested and new program rules that affect budgeting and program design. Applicants must demonstrate that project descriptions and performance results connect to each of round 6’s focus areas and identify historically marginalized individuals or communities for prioritization.

Key rules and limits: Chamberlain highlighted a new "pay good jobs" requirement, saying applicants that propose work-based training funded or reimbursed by grant dollars must partner with employers that pay at least $15 per hour. She also described financial limits on planning and capital costs: applicants may spend no more than 50% of an award or $100,000 (whichever is less) on planning/strategic planning, and capital expenditures (allowable equipment purchases and renovations) are likewise limited to 50% or $100,000, whichever is less.

On participant incentives, Chamberlain said, "New to round 6 is the ability to provide incentives to participants which are limited to 1.5% of grant funds," but she added incentives must be tied to the grant’s goals and used only to support outcome reporting (for example, gift cards to compensate participants who provide follow-up employment or credential attainment data).

Application mechanics and timing: there is no cost share required, the period of performance may be up to 36 months (anticipated to begin Sept. 30, 2024), and the application must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Chamberlain warned that an organization may submit only one application and that the Department of Labor will consider only the most recently received timely application if multiple are filed.

What applicants should do next: Chamberlain advised applicants to connect project results to the FOA focus areas, review the FOA pages referenced in the webinar for definitions and allowable activities, and begin the UEI, SAM.gov and grants.gov registration processes immediately to avoid submission delays.

The webinar was presented on behalf of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). Chamberlain closed by offering to answer questions by email (mc@chamberlaindunn.com). The FOA itself and all attachments referenced in the webinar are available on grants.gov under FOA ETA-2408.