AUTHORIZATION:

5 U.S.C. 7201.

OBJECTIVES:

To provide college students interested in future Federal employment with experiential learning opportunities related to their academic studies. Students must be U.S. citizens enrolled in colleges or universities (to include graduate and law shools). The educational institution must be accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. No employment relationship is created between the government and the student by virtue of participation in this program.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Selected institutions will perform the following functions: Outreach and recruitment, application process and referral, selection notification and follow up, logistics, including temporary housing and accommodations, orientation and communication, enrichment activities program, intern personnel and pay administration, intern supervision, intern monitoring, intern evaluation, program evaluation, and evaluation reporting. The number of available internships will vary depending upon the financial position of the potential host offices and bureaus. Student opportunities will be primarily located in the Washington,DC metropolitan area; however a limited number of opportunities may exist outside of the area.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Accredited universities and colleges (2- year, 4-year, graduate and law schools) and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Postsecondary educational students who wish to have experiential training at the Department of Commerce. Students may be assigned to work in Federal agencies other than DOC.

Credentials/Documentation:   An applicant should propose an intern program design that represents a comprehensive approach to a work-study experience and its own philosophy about workforce preparedness. For the purposes of the proposal, plans and budgets should be presented separately for the summer and academic year sessions. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for institutions of higher education and with Circular No. A-122 for nonprofit organizations.

Pre-application Coordination:   This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   A standard application package is required. This includes SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, CD-511, CD-346, SF-LLL (if applicable), Project Plans, and Budgets.

Award Procedure:   A notice of availability of funding will be published in the Federal Register and on Grants.gov website. Each responsive application will receive an independent, objective review by a panel qualified to evaluate the applications submitted. The final decision on awards will be based upon the numerical review panel ranking, availability of funding, and Selecting Official's determination of which proposals best meet the objectives of the program, specifically related to ensuring who will best reach the targeted audience of intern candidates.

Deadlines:   Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   

Applicants should be notified of approval or disapproval within 120 days from deadline date.

Appeals:   

None.

Renewals:   

If an application is selected for funding, DOC has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of DOC.

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ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   

This program has no statutory formula.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   

The award period for the internship project will be 3 years and three months. Funding will be provided annually at the discretion of the DOC and will depend upon satisfactory performance by the recipient and availability of funds for the DOC to continue funding the project.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Department of Commerce Standard Terms and Conditions require performance and financial reports to be submitted semi-annually. Final reports will be due within 90 days of award expiration

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003); Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations; nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   Records will be retained in accordance with provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 for institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:  

13-0120-0-1-376.

Obligations:   (Cooperative Agreements) FY 07 $1,270,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  

$196,209 to $513,550; $288,898.

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