Project activities are designed to give college students an opportunity to gain experience in public service that will foster future employment in Federal government agencies or public service in general.
The Department of Commerce fosters and promotes the nation's economic development and technological advancement through vigilance in international trade policy, domestic business policy and growth, and promoting economic progress at all levels.
In 2005, 110 students received internships. It is anticipated that a similar number of students will receive internships in fiscal years 2006 and 2007.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Selected institutions will perform the following functions: Outreach and recruitment, application process and referral, selection notification and follow up, logistics, including temporary housing and accommodations, orientation and communication, enrichment activities program, intern personnel and pay administration, intern supervision, intern monitoring, intern evaluation, program evaluation, and evaluation reporting.
The number of available internships will vary depending upon the financial position of the potential host offices and bureaus.
Student opportunities will be primarily located in the Washington,DC metropolitan area; however a limited number of opportunities may exist outside of the area.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Accredited universities and colleges (2- year, 4-year, graduate and law schools) and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Postsecondary educational students who wish to have experiential training at the Department of Commerce. Students may be assigned to work in Federal agencies other than DOC.
Credentials/Documentation
An applicant should propose an intern program design that represents a comprehensive approach to a work-study experience and its own philosophy about workforce preparedness. For the purposes of the proposal, plans and budgets should be presented separately for the summer and academic year sessions. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for institutions of higher education and with Circular No. A-122 for nonprofit organizations.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
A standard application package is required. This includes SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, CD-511, CD-346, SF-LLL (if applicable), Project Plans, and Budgets.
Award Procedures
A notice of availability of funding will be published in the Federal Register and on Grants.gov website. Each responsive application will receive an independent, objective review by a panel qualified to evaluate the applications submitted. The final decision on awards will be based upon the numerical review panel ranking, availability of funding, and Selecting Official's determination of which proposals best meet the objectives of the program, specifically related to ensuring who will best reach the targeted audience of intern candidates.
Deadlines
Contact the information contact for application deadlines.
Authorization
5 U.S.C. 7201.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Applicants should be notified of approval or disapproval within 120 days from deadline date.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
If an application is selected for funding, DOC has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of DOC.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The award period for the internship project will be 3 years and three months. Funding will be provided annually at the discretion of the DOC and will depend upon satisfactory performance by the recipient and availability of funds for the DOC to continue funding the project.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Department of Commerce Standard Terms and Conditions require performance and financial reports to be submitted semi-annually.
Final reports will be due within 90 days of award expiration.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003); Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations; nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Records will be retained in accordance with provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 for institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations.
Financial Information
Account Identification
13-0120-0-1-376.
Obigations
(Cooperative Agreements) FY 07 $1,270,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$196,209 to $513,550; $288,898.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
15 CFR Part 14.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Ms. Cynthia Brice, Office of Human Resources Management, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-6402. Beverly Manley, Office of Acquistion Management and Financial Assistance, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-1370.
Headquarters Office
Office of Human Resources Management, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications: Quality of Program Plan, Proposed Costs, Key Personnel Qualifications, and Capabilities of the applicant Organization.
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