Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in section II Strategic Elements. This includes—
- 5. Distribution of Funds for Core Programs
Describe the methods and factors the State will use in distributing funds under the core programs in accordance with the provisions authorizing such distributions.
- 5. Distribution of Funds for Core Programs
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
III. b. 5. B. ii. Describe how the eligible agency will ensure direct and equitable access to all eligible providers to apply and compete for funds and how the eligible agency will ensure that it is using the same grant or contract announcement and application procedure for all eligible providers
Current Narrative:
(ii) Describe how the eligible agency will ensure direct and equitable access to all eligible providers to apply and compete for funds and how the eligible agency will ensure that it is using the same grant or contract announcement and application procedure for all eligible providers.
As the oversight and administrative agency for WIOA Title II adult education programs, MD Labor evaluates past performance in delivering adult education and family literacy activities, in order to assess the effectiveness of applicants during the competitive process. Selected applicants must document success in providing adult education and literacy services.
MD Labor convened one statewide application process for eligible providers. Title II providers in each jurisdiction will be selected on the basis of this competition. The MD Labor office of AELS was responsible for developing and disseminating the grant application for services to be delivered by local providers, as authorized and funded under WIOA Title II. The competitive grant application was posted publicly on the MD Labor website. Only providers who responded to the competitive grant application in a timely manner, adhering to all submission requirements and deadlines will be considered for funding under WIOA Title II. Funds will not be awarded to providers who did not apply for funds under this uniform competition.
MD Labor will directly awarded grants to providers deemed to have successfully responded to the competitive grant application requirements and satisfactorily documented previous success in providing the services. Sub-contracts will be considered for funding. Proposals submitted in response to the competitive grant application will be reviewed by AELS, along with an independent team of reviewers that includes individuals with knowledge and expertise in adult education, WIOA partner agency officials, and DWDAL personnel. Reviewers will score applications on the considerations set out in WIOA, Title II, Section 231.