CHAPTER 13
NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FUND
871—13.1(78GA,SF2428) Purpose. The new employment opportunities program is designed to help individuals in underutilized segments of Iowa’s workforce gain and retain employment. The new employment opportunities program complements existing employment and training programs by providing additional flexibility and services that are often needed for underutilized segments of the population to gain and retain employment. Services may include, but are not limited to, transportation, child care, mentoring, assisting businesses with compliance issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, or reducing perceived risks that cause segments of the population to be underutilized in the workforce.
871—13.2(78GA,SF2428) Definitions.
“Department” means the department of workforce development.
“Regional workforce investment board” means a regional advisory board as defined in 877—Chapter 6.
“Underutilized segments of Iowa’s workforce” means persons with disabilities, ex-offenders, immigrants and refugees, minority youth, dislocated workers, senior workers, seasonal workers, welfare recipients, and low-income individuals. Additional target groups may be identified by a regional workforce investment board based on the region’s needs assessment and analysis.
“Workforce development region” means a region of the state designated by the state workforce development board as required by Iowa Code section 84B.2.
871—13.3(78GA,SF2428) Allocation of funds. Funds will be appropriated either by a direct allocation to the regions on a per capita basis, or made available to a limited number of pilot projects. The director of the department will determine the method by which the funds are appropriated.
871—13.4(78GA,SF2428) Projects.
	13.4(1) Maximum grant amounts. The maximum grant amount for a project is set at $250,000.
	13.4(2) Length of project. A proposed project may be designed for up to 18 months in duration, but must have an ending date no later than June 30 of the state fiscal year following the year funding was awarded.
871—13.5(78GA,SF2428) Pilot projects.
	13.5(1) Maximum grant amounts. The maximum grant amount for a pilot project is set at $250,000.
	13.5(2) Length of project. A proposed pilot project may be designed for up to 18 months in duration, but must have an ending date no later than June 30 of the state fiscal year following the year funding was awarded.
	13.5(3) Eligible recipients. The regional workforce investment board will identify the recipient(s) of funds and program operator. The project must be operated in conjunction with the workforce development center system.
871—13.6(78GA,SF2428) Allowable costs and limitations. The program operator shall distribute new employment opportunities program funds on a voucher basis to address individuals’ barriers to obtaining or retaining employment. A maximum of $5,000 in vouchers shall be allowed per individual served.
	13.6(1) Allowable training activities and support services. The allowable training activities and support services under this program will be jointly determined by the department and the program operator. To be allowable, training activities and support services must meet needs not covered by existing programs and enhance an individual’s ability to obtain and retain employment.
	13.6(2) Cost categories. Allowable costs must be consistently charged against the two cost categories of administration and participant support/training.
	13.6(3) Cost limitations. Costs of administration may not exceed 10 percent of the budget.
871—13.7(78GA,SF2428) Grant reporting and compliance review. Grantees are required to submit a monthly financial report detailing fund expenditures. Quarterly progress reports shall be submitted to the department detailing progress in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the project. Financial and quarterly progress report forms will be in a format approved by the department.
These rules are intended to implement 2000 Iowa Acts, Senate File 2428, section 20.
[Filed emergency 7/11/00—published 8/9/00, effective 7/11/00]