National Institute of Standards and Technology, Bldg. 301 Rm. C121, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001

A -- REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS SOL Q- DUE 122295 POC 301-975-4348 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: The NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is soliciting proposals for its focused program competition, Workforce and Workplace Development Technical Tools, Techniques, Practices, and Analyses Projects. An estimated $600,000 in multi- year MEP funding is available under this focus project competition. The MEP reserves the right to utilize for this competition more or less funding than the amount stated above, depending on the quality of the proposals received. The actual number of proposals funded will depend on the quality of the proposals received and the amount of funding requested in the highest ranked proposals. The goal of this multi-year Workforce and Workplace Development Project is to enhance the capability of the nationwide network of MEP centers to provide workforce and workplace development assistance to small manufacturers. Proposals should be no more than 20 pages long excluding the title page. There are no cost share requirements for funding. However, cost share can be a strong indication of coordination with other programs. NIST MEP is requesting proposals in the following areas: Workforce and Workplace Development Tools, Human Resources Integration Partnerships, and Workforce Development Special Project Awards. The proposal areas are: (1) WORKFORCE AND WORKPLACE DEVELOPMENT TOOLS. NIST MEP will support the initial development, implementation, and analysis of tools, techniques, or practices which will aid manufacturing extension organizations in providing effective human resources services to small manufacturing organizations. Extra consideration and weight will be given to proposals for tools or resources which enhance the capability of manufacturing extension centers to conduct organizationally-based training needs assessments for small manufacturers, or which assist manufacturing extension centers and small manufacturers in addressing the human resources and/or organizational issues associated with the effective design, implementation, and/or utilization of new technologies. Eligible applicants for this project include all for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The selection criteria to be used for workforce and workplace development tools include demonstrtion of meeting needs (30%), development methodology and use of appropriate technology/information sources (15%), degree of integration (15%), coordination with other organizations (10%), program evaluation (10%), management experience and plans (10%), and financial plan (10%). (2) HUMAN RESOURCES INTEGRATION PARTNERSHIPS: NIST MEP will fund partnership activities to enhance the integration of human resources assistance into the service delivery activities and techniques of NIST-affiliated manufacturing extension centers, through the creation and development of formal partnerships with regionally-located human resources service delivery and resource organizations. Eligibility in this category is limited to NIST-affiliated manufacturing extension centers. Proposals should be submitted through the center director. The selection criteria to be used for partnership proposals include demonstration of meeting needs (25%), development methodology and use of appropriate technology/information sources (10%), delivery & implementation (10%), coordination with other organizations (20%), program evaluation (10%), management experience and plans (10%), and financial plan (15%). (3) WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL PROJECT AWARDS: NIST MEP will fund innovative projects and techniques that address the special workforce development needs faced by small manufacturers of a particular region or industry sector serviced by a manufacturing extension center. There are no restrictions to the needs, workforce populations, or industry sectors addressed or served through the proposed projects, but extra consideration and weight will be given to proposals that address the unique workforce development needs of either urban or rural small manufacturing firms, or assist small manufacturing firms in addressing the problems of skill shortages. Eligibility in this category is limited to NIST-affiliated manufacturing extension centers. Proposals should be submitted through the center director. The selection criteria to be used for special project proposals include demonstration of meeting needs (40%), development methodology and use of appropriate technology/information sources (10%), delivery & implementation (10%), coordination with other organizations (10%), program evaluation (10%), management experience and plans (10%), and financial plan (10%). This solicitation is conducted under the procedures of Part 292, Title 15, ofthe Code of Federal Regulations published in the August 29, 1995 Federal Register. The MEP Workforce and Workplace Development Projects Application Package (containing required forms, background material, and instructions for submission of proposals) may be obtained by phone (301-975-4348), Fax (301-926-3787), e-mail (alexande@micf.nist.gov) or by written request at the address below. Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. eastern time on DECEMBER 22, 1995. Proposals submitted by facsimile or electronic mail will not be accepted. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered. Send proposals to: Manufacturing Extension Partnership, National Institute for Standards and Technology, Bldg. 301, Room C121, I-270 at Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001. Mark envelope ~Workforce and Workplace Development Projects.~ (0303)

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