(funding is based on FY period October 1-September 30)

Grant recipients progressing toward achieving agreed-upon project outcomes will typically receive the entire allocation in the current fiscal year. It is understood that projects started later in a fiscal year may require continuation beyond the end of the fiscal year. Expenditure and performance reporting will continue until the end of the fiscal year, regardless of when the grant is closed. A grant is considered to be closed when one of the following occurs: 1) the time period for which the grant was awarded has expired; 2) the need for which the grant was awarded is met; 3) changes have occurred and the project has been deactivated (rescission applies); or 4) performance was unfavorable and rescission is directed by the Alabama Community College System Workforce Development Division. There is no guarantee for continued project funding beyond the grant closeout date. All efforts must be made to ensure that the project is sustainable, if applicable, beyond the grant closeout date. No projects are authorized to begin incurring costs without a signed Grant Agreement and a budget approved by the Workforce Development Division.

Applications must be endorsed by the Regional Workforce Council(s) and must support workforce development priorities identified by the regional council(s) in its strategic plan. The service provider (e.g., training institution) shall serve as fiscal agent and grant recipient. The service provider shall be responsible for administering the grant, reporting performance, submitting timely invoices with supporting documents for reimbursement, and ensuring that funds are used appropriately. The Regional Workforce Council(s) shall bear no responsibility for use of funds. Only institutions of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) may be recipients of these funds.

Activities proposed for funding must be justified by documented needs. Documentation may be provided by analyzing the most current statewide and regional data provided by the Alabama Department of Labor at http://www2.labor.alabama.gov. Select the applicable Regional Council’s demographic and labor market information that is relevant to your proposal. Alternatively, other data sources such as Lightcast and JobsEQ data that document the need will be considered. It is also encouraged to include letters of support stating the needs of business and industry as part of the documentation. Proposed activities must be developed in partnership between the Regional Workforce Council and the service provider. Typically, construction and building modifications are not eligible for funding unless modifications are required to install training equipment (e.g. ventilation required for welding training).

Proposed projects must be part of a coordinated approach to workforce development led by the Regional Workforce Council(s). If applicable, proposed projects must demonstrate collaboration with the local Alabama Career Center as well as other community partners (e.g., service providers such as colleges and schools, businesses, community organizations, faith-based organizations). 

Applications must include projected outcomes appropriate for the length of time the grant is active and the proposed activities. The final outcomes and performance targets may be negotiated between the applicant and the Workforce Development Division. Reporting requirements specific to the grant will be clearly outlined in the Grant Agreement. A Performance Report must be provided to be eligible for reimbursement on allowable expenses. This information will be used by ACCS for reports to the Alabama legislature.

Projects funded with Workforce Development Division funds from the ACCS will typically receive grant funds through reimbursement by submitting a Monthly Remittance Request, in accordance with the Grant Agreement awarding the funds. The Remittance Report must be accompanied with supporting documentation and a report of performance to receive reimbursement for allowable expenditures. At a minimum, a Remittance Report and Performance Report will be submitted at the end of each quarter to update the Workforce Development Division on the status of the grant, regardless of whether funds have been expended. Detailed procedures related to allowable expenses will be stated in the Budget Detail Sheet. For grants awarded for the purchase of equipment, an on-site visit to review project performance and provide assistance, as needed, will typically be conducted by a Workforce Development Division representative at the end of the following fiscal year. This information will be used to provide a more definitive description of the return on investment by showing student usage for a full academic year, after the equipment was installed.

1. The ACCS Workforce Development Division may establish a negotiation schedule with applicants being considered for funding.
2. An invitation to participate in negotiations is not a guarantee that any agreement will be reached. The ACCS may stipulate that grants will not be awarded unless applicants agree to certain technical or cost/price changes. Accordingly, the Workforce Development Division reserves the right to:
   1. Negotiate program costs, equipment purchases, and/or prices so as to enhance cost effectiveness. The dollar amount of any resulting contract will not necessarily match the dollar amount of the original budget. Any and all costs are subject to negotiations.
   2. Negotiate the technical aspects of an application in order to fulfill workforce development needs, goals, and objectives within a region. Technical aspects subject to negotiation include, but are not limited to: services to be provided, program design, target groups, service levels, requisition/delivery schedules, and performance goals.
3. The ACCS will provide accounting functions and fiscal monitoring for the grant according to its policies and procedures.
4. Modifications to the specific usage of grant funding may be requested by the applicant. Modifications to grants awarded with ACCS Workforce Development Division funds may require ACCS Board of Trustees authorization.

1. Applications for funds must be received by the ACCS Workforce Development Division in the prescribed format using the ACCS Online Form.
2. Upon submittal, a notification of receipt will be generated to the contact person’s email as entered in the Online Form.
3. ACCS will conduct a preliminary review of applications for completeness.
4. ACCS will assign applications to applicable Regional Workforce Council (RWC) for review and scoring.
5. Upon final approval, the ACCS Workforce Development Division will submit to the applicant a Notification of Award and a Grant Agreement that provides details regarding appropriate accounting and compliance practices.