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. i. Describe how the eligible agency will award multi-year grants or contracts on a competitive basis to eligible providers in the State, including how eligible agencies will establish that eligible providers are organizations of demonstrated effectiveness
Current Narrative:
Through a competitive, multi-year grant process, eligible providers apply for funds to provide adult education services. Eligible providers may include: local educational agencies; community-based or faith-based organizations; volunteer literacy organizations; institutions of higher education; public or private nonprofit agencies; libraries; public housing authorities; a nonprofit institution having the ability to provide adult education and literacy services to adults; and a consortium of agencies, organizations, institutions, and libraries described above; a partnership between an employer and an entity described in any of the categories listed above; and other organization types not in the list above that have the ability to provide adult education and literacy activities to eligible individuals.
Title II Adult Education and Family Literacy funds are used to provide adult literacy services throughout the state. Historically, adult education services have been provided in a variety of locations (i.e. public schools, libraries, CareerCenters, municipal buildings and other facilities) in each of Maine’s 16 counties. Beginning in FY18, the state established nine adult education and career development areas that were aligned with the boundaries of the three local workforce boards. To encourage innovation and maximize efficiencies and resources, local adult education providers within these geographic areas were formed into hubs. The Maine Office of Adult Education awarded one AEFLA grant to each service area with the understanding that the eligible provider would have the capacity and intent to provide adult education services in a variety of locations throughout the service area.
Maine Adult Education released a competitive RFP (request for proposal) on February 21, 2019 to award contracts to eligible agencies for the provision of WIOA Title II Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) services to eligible individuals in need of AEFLA services to improve their academic and workforce prospects. It is the purpose of Maine Adult Education under WIOA to provide adult education and literacy services that also align with the goals in the State of Maine 2020-2023 Unified Plan and encourage the growth of educational opportunities and, where applicable, to ensure career, citizenship and college readiness for all Maine adults. The initial grant cycle is for FY20-22 (July 1, 2019-June 30, 2021). Subject to continued availability of funding and demonstrated effectiveness as determined by outcomes, the Department may opt to renew the contracts for two renewal periods, July 2021 through June 30, 2023 and July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Each eligible agency that applied, in order to be considered for funding, had to have demonstrated effectiveness in serving eligible adult learners (low levels of literacy, English language learners, learners with barriers) and the ability to meet the thirteen considerations of WIOA Title II. That effectiveness was determined by the State from the submission of relevant data as part of the proposal process. Required data needed to show numbers of low-level learners served, English language learners, educational gain, transition to employment and/or postsecondary or skills training. Proposals that are unable to provide evidence of adequate effectiveness were not considered.
Proposals were assessed on their ability to meet the thirteen considerations and other requirements of WIOA, demonstrate evidence of successful past performance in providing adult literacy services, programmatic alignment with local workforce board plan priorities, and the ability to successfully address the state’s career pathways components. Additional WIOA requirements that must be met include the ability to offer programs that: lead to industry-recognized credentials; lead to postsecondary credentials; meet the educational and training needs of individuals with barriers; relate to in-demand industry sectors and occupations in Maine; and make use of technology to increase accessibility.
As a result of the RFP, nine two-year contracts were awarded to providers, one award to each of the nine service area hubs, as outlined in the RFP. Awardees held in good standing and maintaining demonstrated effectiveness may be eligible to renew the contract for up to two renewal periods. Approximately 90 percent of allocated funding is awarded as a “base amount” with 10 percent of the funding available for incentives. Base funding is calculated by determining a “per student” allocation taking into account both the population density and need for services by hub as indicated by data from the most recent American Community Survey. Incentive funding is distributed equally among all hubs meeting the specific state targets and incentive performance measures identified each year.