Narrative: III. b. 5. B. i.

Through a competitive, multi–year grant process, eligible providers may apply for funds to provide adult education services. An eligible provider is an institution of higher education, agency that conducts apprenticeship programs, public or private providers of training services, local educational agency, community–based or faith–based organization, volunteer literacy organization, library, public housing authority, partnerships between an employer or any eligible provider not in the list above that has the ability to provide adult education and literacy activities to eligible individuals.

Requested Revision; 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, career centers, municipal buildings and other facilities) in each of Maine’s 16 counties. The need for literacy services of each county will be determined based on US Census and American Community Service data. Due to the rural nature of much of the state, proximity to services for adults within each county will also be considered. Federal adult education and family literacy funds are received by the Maine Department of Education Office of Adult Education and Family Literacy. It is the responsibility of that state office agency to disseminate those funds to eligible providers and provide technical assessment and monitoring services. Agency eligible to apply for funding are those outlined in Title II and noted in the first paragraph of this section. Maine Adult Education will prepare a competitive RFP process for a multi-year (at least three years with the ability to extend for up to two additional years) grant to deliver adult basic education services in July 1, 2017. Based on grant scores, the Maine Office of Adult Education and Family Literacy uses a formula method to determine the amount of funding allocated to each sub-grantee. Other considerations include literacy rate of the area and performance indicators as outlined in Title II of WIOA. The formula will take into consideration local program performance in relation to meeting state targets and the need for services. After the initial award year, sub-grantees will apply annually for continued funding. AEFLA Competition Timeline: September-October 2016 - Office of Adult Education creates RFP with input of local workforce boards November 2016 – State office recruits readers/scorers December 2016 - Maine Department of Education publishes request for proposals for AEFLA funding. RFP development and alignment with all of the State of Maine procurement office procedures regarding public notice (posting in Kennebec Journal and on Procurement Office website), scoring, and contract awards will be adhered to. January 2017 – Adult Education office conducts bidder’s conference March 2017 – RFPs due March 2017 – Reviewers read and score proposals April – May 2017 – State Office insures that proposals meet all requirements and rank order proposals May 2017 – State Office announces AEFLA awards June 2017 – Contracts signed with sub-recipients July 2017 – FY 18-20 grant cycle begins Each eligible agency that applies must, in order to be considered for funding, as noted in paragraph two above, 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 will be determined by the State from the submission of relevant data as part of the proposal process. Data will need 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 will be eliminated. Any organization of demonstrated effectiveness is eligible to apply.