597897 - FY2026 (PY25) AEFLA, WIOA Sec. 231, 225, and 243
Funding Opportunity Details

Adult Literacy

Final Application Deadline: Apr 21, 2025 2:00 PM

Description

• Description

  Link to download PDF of full NOFO: 

  https://www.iowagrants.gov/fileDownload.do?filename=1741210880779_FY2026+%28PY25%29+AEFLA+NOFO+-+Adult+Education+231%2C+225%2C+243+F.pdf

   

  Notice of Funding Opportunity 

  State Agency Name:  Iowa Department of Workforce Development 

  Funding Opportunity Title:  PY25-PY26 Adult Education  

  NOFO Coordinator: Kyle Clabby-Kane (kyle.clabby@iwd.iowa.gov or 319-939-4225) 

  Announcement Type:  Initial 

  Assistance Listing Number (formerly CFDA Number): 84.002A Adult Education – State Grant Program 

   

  IMPORTANT DATES 

  Questions submitted: All questions must be received by April 4, 2025 via Iowa Grants. 

  Deadline: Grant applications are due by April 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.   

  Application Webinar Date: Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) will host a webinar to provide additional information on March 14, 2025.   

  Application Notification: A Notice of Funding Opportunity will be posted on the following websites:  https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/adult-education-and-literacy/ael-grants  

  Application Submission: Applications must be submitted through Iowa Grants at www.iowagrants.gov. Interested applicants should search for opportunity #597897 FY2026 (PY25) AEFLA, WIOA Sec. 231, 225, and 243. For additional guidance on Iowa Grants, see appendix A.  

   

  Additional References for Reading 

  • Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) Resource Guide 

  • Assessment Policy 

  • Iowa AEL Program Standards 

  • CCRS Content Standards 

  • State of Iowa State Plan 

  • Local Workforce Development Areas (LWDA) Local Plans 

  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Performance Measure Definition 

  • State of Iowa Performance Measures 

   

  PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 

  Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), as required by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to award competitive multi-year awards  to eligible providers for the provision of WIOA Title II Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) services.  

   

  The proposed schedule of events subject to the NOFO is outlined below: 

  • Public Notice Date: 3/05/2025 

  • Applicant Information Session Date: 3/14/2025 

  • Question Period Deadline Date: 4/04/2025 

  • Response to Questions Posted Date: 4/11/2025 

  • Deadline to Submit Final Application Date: 4/21/2025 (2:00 p.m. CST) 

  • Estimated Notification of Award Date: 5/23/2025 

   

  Purpose 

  The State of Iowa is seeking proposals to provide adult education and literacy programs, activities and services, including programs providing activities concurrently, which will improve adult education and literacy in Iowa under WIOA Sec. 231, WIOA Sec. 225, and WIOA Sec 243.  

   

  It is the purpose of Iowa’s Adult Education program under WIOA to provide adult education and literacy services that also align with the goals in the 2024-2027 Unified State Plan. 

   

  Signed into law in 2014, WIOA requires the alignment of workforce, education, and economic development systems to support access to high-quality, comprehensive, and accessible workforce services for all individuals, including those with significant barriers to employment. WIOA Required Core Partners:  

  • Title I: Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Programs  

  • Title II: Adult Education and Literacy Program  

  • Title III: Wagner-Peyser Employment Services  

  • Title IV: Vocational Rehabilitation  

   

  In Iowa statute (84A.19), adult education and literacy means adult basic education, adult education leading to a high school equivalency diploma under Iowa Code chapter 259A, English as a second language instruction, workplace and family literacy instruction, integrated basic education and technical skills instruction.  

   

  Services provided under the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) umbrella include intake, assessment, advising, instruction and individual learning plans. Guided by data management, analysis, and monitoring from the state of Iowa; AEL providers via appropriately certified staff meet identified local needs; makes use of partnerships and alignment with workforce development, postsecondary institutions and support services.  

   

  Applicants for AEL funding will be required to offer instruction at all educational functioning levels (EFL) (Adult Basic Education Levels 1-6 and English as a Second Language Levels 1-6), based on identified needs of the participant and the area served (state requirement) to prepare adult learners for and support them in achieving successful transition to employment, training, or postsecondary education. 

   

  The Applicant should familiarize themselves with applicable state rules and regulations regarding adult education and literacy located here: Iowa Legislature - Rule Listings.  

   

  The Applicant understands that the information provided herein is intended solely to assist the Applicant in submittal preparation. To the best of the IWD's knowledge, the information provided is accurate. IWD does not warrant such accuracy and any errors or omissions subsequently determined will not be construed as a basis for invalidating this solicitation. Interested parties bear the sole responsibility of obtaining the necessary information to submit a qualifying application. IWD retains the right to modify or withdraw this solicitation at any time. By submitting a proposal, responders expressly agree to these State terms. 

   

  General Provisions  

  1. From the time this NOFO is issued until award notification is made, all contact with the Department regarding this NOFO must be made through the aforementioned NOFO Coordinator. No other person/ State or Department employee is empowered to make binding statements regarding this NOFO. Violation of this provision may lead to disqualification from the bidding process, at the Department’s discretion. (state requirement)  

  2. Issuance of this NOFO does not commit the Department to issue an award or to pay expenses incurred by an Applicant in the preparation of a response to this NOFO. This includes attendance at personal interviews or other meetings and software or system demonstrations, where applicable.  

  3. All proposals should adhere to the instructions and format requirements outlined in this NOFO and all supplements and amendments, issued by the Department. Proposals are to follow the format and respond to all questions and instructions specified below in the “Proposal Submission Requirements” section of this NOFO.  

  4. Applicants shall take careful note that in evaluating a proposal submitted in response to this NOFO, the Department will consider materials provided in the proposal, information obtained through interviews/presentations (if any), and internal Departmental information of previous contract history with the Applicant (if any). The Department also reserves the right to consider publicly available information in evaluating an Applicant’s experience and capabilities.  

  5. Consortium Applicants:  

  a. Applications must identify one organization that will act as the lead organization for the consortium. The lead organization shall submit a single proposal on behalf of the consortium that outlines a plan to provide adult education and literacy activities throughout the roles and responsibilities of each member organization.  

  b. The lead organization serves as the application organization of record, the legally recognized subrecipient for the grant project, and the single point of contact for the Department. The lead organization is responsible for overseeing the implementation of all aspects of the grant, e.g., project plan, grant project monitoring, data reporting, and fiscal management.  

  c. All consortium members are subject to the terms and conditions of the grant award, federal requirements, and state policies.  

  d. All consortium members must provide demonstrated effectiveness data separately.  

  6. The proposal shall be signed by a person authorized to legally bind the Applicant and shall contain a statement that the proposal and the budget contained therein will remain valid and binding for a period of 180 days from the date and time of the bid opening.   

  7. The NOFO and the selected Applicant’s proposal, including all appendices or attachments, shall be the basis for the final contract, as determined by the Department.  

  8. Following announcement of an award decision, all submissions in response to this NOFO will be considered public records available for public inspection pursuant to the Freedom of Access Act (FOAA).  

  9. The Department, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to recognize and waive minor informalities and irregularities found in proposals received in response to this NOFO.  

  10. All applicable laws, whether or not herein contained, shall be included by this reference. It shall be the Applicant’s responsibility to determine the applicability and requirements of any such laws and to abide by them.  

  * Please note the federal law or U.S. Supreme Court decision controlling at the time the response to the NOFO is due will control relevant requirements. 

   

  Program Authority  

  IWD’s authority to award these grants may be found in PL 113-128 II Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. 

     

  Definitions  

  Terminology used throughout this document and application that is defined by federal law can be found in: 

  • Code of Federal Regulations: Acronyms and Definitions 

  • Definitions of Terms Related to the Performance Accountability System 

  Terms used across WIOA are defined in WIOA Sec. 103 and terms used specifically under Title II of WIOA are defined in WIOA sec. 203. 

   

  The following acronyms, terms and definitions are state definitions and shall have the meaning indicated below: 

   

  1. Notice of Funding Opportunity  (NOFO): the opening of an application period for grant funding.   (state definition) 

   

  2. State: State of Iowa. (state definition)  

   

  3. Department: Iowa Workforce Development or IWD. (state definition) 

   

  4. Adult High School Diploma: secondary educational offerings that lead to a high school diploma awarded by the local school district (state definition)   

   

  5. Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS): the State-approved assessment designed to test reading, listening and math skills.  (state definition) 

   

  6. College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education (CCRS): a set of academic standards that reflect the content most relevant to preparing adult learners for success in colleges, technical training programs, work, and citizenship—in the areas of English language arts and mathematics. (state definition) 

   

  7. Digital Literacy: means the skills associated with- 

  • using technology to enable users to find, evaluate, organize, create, and communicate information; and 

  • developing digital citizenship and the responsible use of technology. 

   

  8. Distance Learning: any educational or learning process or system in which the teacher and instructor are separated geographically or in time from his or her learners; or in which learners are separated from other learners or educational resources. (state definition) 

   

  9. Educational Functioning Level (EFL): levels at which participants are initially placed and continue to move through scope of services based on their ability to perform literacy-related tasks in specific content areas as determined by a State-approved standardized assessment. (state definition) 

   

  10. Educational Gain: after progress testing, a participant completes or advances one or more educational functioning levels (EFL) from the initial starting level as measured by a State-approved standardized assessment. (state definition) 

   

  11. Fiscal Year (FY): Iowa Adult Education’s fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30. (state definition) 

   

  12. Flexible Scheduled Classes: classes that are scheduled in such a way that meets the needs of the greatest number of participants in terms of start and end times, hours per week and entire course length. (State Definition) 

   

  13. General Education Provisions Act (GEPA): Section 427 requires each applicant for funds (other than an individual person) to include in its application a description of the steps the applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable access to, and participation in, its Federally-assisted program for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs. 

   

  14. Individual Learning Plan (ILP): a plan that is jointly developed by the learner and academic and career advisor. The ILP is an ongoing strategy to identify academic, training, and employment goals, and steps to achieve them. It should also include information on resources available through other service providers, including referrals to other programs for specified activities. (State Definition) 

   

  15. Third Party In-Kind contributions: means the value of non-cash contributions (meaning, property or services) that: 

  (1) Benefit a project or program funded by a Federal award; and 

  (2) Are contributed by non-Federal third parties, without charge, to a recipient or subrecipient under a Federal award. 

   

  16. Library: a public, state, and community funded institution that offers education and community services in addition to providing access to print, audio-visual and technology resources.  

   

  17. Managed Enrollment: a system that allows learners to enter an instructional program only during specific enrollment periods, attend a specific class for the duration of the class term, continue in the same class for subsequent terms only by re-enrolling, and miss no more than a prescribed number of class sessions within a term. (State Definition) 

   

  18. Measurable Skill Gain (MSG): a performance indicator of participants who, during a program year, are in education or training programs that lead to a recognized postsecondary credential or employment and who are achieving measurable skill gains, defined as documented academic, technical, occupational, or other forms of progress, towards such a credential or employment.  (State Definition) 

   

  19. Non-Federal Match: the commitment of state or other non-federal funds required to receive federal contributions. (State Definition) 

   

  20. Program Year: Iowa Adult Education’s program year begins July 1 and ends June 30. (State Definition) 

   

  21. Research-based Instruction: research-based instructional programs, according to the U.S. Department of Education, are those that withstand the test of standard scientific testing practices. Scientific research gathers information about significant questions; uses objective methods that involve reliable and valid observations and measurements; and meets rigorous standards of peer review. The conclusions of scientific research can be replicated and generalized. Part of the test for research-based instructional programs is whether they have a record of success in a variety of schools.  (State Definition) 

   

  22. Substantial learning gain: a significant improvement in a learner’s knowledge and skills after a specific period of instruction. For example, after 70-100 hours of instruction, an increase of 3-5 points on the State-approved assessment could be characterized as a substantial learning gain.  (State Definition) 

   

  23. TOPSpro Enterprise (TE): The state approved database used to track enrollment, participation, MSG and NRS tables for performance and accountability. (State Definition) 

   

  AWARD INFORMATION 

  Funding 

  IWD anticipates making multiple awards as a result of this NOFO process. Award amounts for federal Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFLA) funds under WIOA will depend upon available funding. An Applicant must be determined an eligible provider and receive sufficient points to be awarded. (State requirement). 

   

  Estimated Award Amount 

  The Department reserves the right to award grant funds in amounts different than the applicant’s budget request and the suggested award amount. Such adjustment may be based on how the proposed budget and budget narrative will cover program expenses and whether the requested amount is appropriate, proportionate to the participants served, based on previous performance, and reasonable, as determined by the Department. (state requirement) 

   

  AEFLA Sec. 231 & 225 Awards 

   

  Iowa has on average allocated $3,290,000 to eligible providers in AEFLA ABE and $370,000 in IELCE. Federal allocations have historically been funded based on: 

  • Eighty-five percent (85%) on needs: institutional grant; ACS data relative to serving adult education and literacy participants; and enrollment; and 

  • Fifteen percent (15%) on performance in achieving the state’s targeted benchmarks and performance outcomes. 

   

  AEFLA Sec. 243 Awards 

  Iowa has on average allocated $300,000 to eligible providers. Federal allocations have historically been funded based on the number of proposed eligible individuals served. 

  Projected Annual IELCE NRS Enrollment	Qualifying Award (Estimate)
  10-25	$15,000
  26-40	$30,000
  41 or more	$40,000

   

   

  Match Requirement 

  For IWD to maintain the federally required maintenance of effort, IWD expects grantees to contribute at least a one-to-one local match, monetary and/or in-kind. This match can include, but is not limited to, the following:  

  • Any non-federal and non-state dollars used to provide adult education and literacy activities; 

  • In-kind contributions to adult education and literacy activities such as: 

  • Infrastructure, facilities, and utilities costs; 

  • custodial services; 

  • copying and printing costs; and 

  • phone, Internet, or other technology costs. 

  • The cost of staff time spent in providing adult education and literacy activities either: 

  • volunteered or 

  • paid for from non-federal and non-state funds. 

   

  Amounts reported for acceptable matching must: 

  • be properly documented and verifiable from recipient records; 

  • be necessary and reasonable to accomplish program objectives; 

  • be allowable under the Uniform Guidance cost principles; 

  • not be included as contribution for other federally assisted programs; and 

  • have the value supported by appropriate documentation of fair market value. 

   

  Contract Terms  

   

  Iowa Workforce Development is seeking cost-efficient proposals to provide services, as defined in this NOFO, for the anticipated contract period. The dates below are estimated and may be adjusted to comply with all procedural requirements associated with this NOFO and the contracting process.  The actual contract start date will be established by a completed and approved contract. 

   

  Following the initial term of the contract and subject to continued availability of funding, IWD retains the right to fund the grant recipient for up to one (1) consecutive fiscal program years. The exercise of grant renewals after the first year of funding will be made on a program-by-program basis. Renewals will be contingent on the grant recipient’s ability to successfully implement the terms of the grant and demonstrated effectiveness as determined by outcomes. 

   

  The term of the anticipated contract, resulting from this NOFO, is defined as follows: 

  Period	State Date	End Date
  Initial Period of Performance	July 1, 2025	June 30, 2026
  Renewal Period #1	July 1, 2026	June 30, 2027

   

  Type of Award 

  Awarded applicants will be considered subrecipients under 2 CFR 200.  Grant funds are administered as a reimbursement only and no advance payments will be provided.    

   

  Use of Funds 

  Federal statute authorizes IWD, as the administering agency (pass-through entity), to ensure grantee compliance with all WIOA, Title II: AEFLA fiscal and legal requirements, Federal Uniform Guidance requirements (2 CFR 200), and Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) including but not limited to: 

   

  Supplement Not Supplant 

   

  Funds received under this grant shall be used to supplement and not supplant funds already available to the Applicant from other sources for purposes authorized by the WIOA Title II grant programs. 

   

  Allowable Expenses 

   

  Program funds must be used solely for activities that directly support the purpose, priorities, and expected outcomes of the program during the award period. All expenditures must be consistent with the approved application as well as applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and guidance. 

   

  Eligible providers accept the responsibility of using the fiscal control and fund accounting procedures that will ensure the proper disbursement of and accounting for federal funds. Applicable federal regulations are included in 2 CFR 200 in the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. 

   

  Travel Reimbursements 

   

  All costs associated with transportation, meals, and lodging incurred by the Subrecipient or its subrecipients (if allowed), if any, shall be limited to travel directly related to the services performed pursuant to this funding opportunity and shall follow State of Iowa travel policies for Executive Branch employees as set forth in the Department of Administrative Services' State Accounting Policy and Procedures Manual, Section 210, https://das.iowa.gov/manuals/state-accounting-policies-procedures and must be consistent with all Iowa Executive Orders currently in effect. 

   

  Program Income 

  In accordance with 2 CFR 200.307, applicants intending to earn program income must estimate and report it in the AEFLA Budget Narrative Directions, along with a detailed explanation in the AEFLA Budget Narrative. Applicants must account for program income using the Addition method, as outlined in 2 CFR 200.307(b)(2). 

   

  Per 34 CFR 76.534, tuition and fees collected from students cannot be counted toward federal matching, cost-sharing, or maintenance of effort requirements. Additionally, fees charged to students participating in a federally supported adult education program must be collected equitably and set at levels that do not adversely impact economically disadvantaged students. 

   

  Applicants collecting program income must ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. 

   

  Additional Grant Obligations 

   

  Provider Effectiveness 

   

  Providers are responsible for collecting data that will be used to evaluate their effectiveness in enabling enrolled participants to make educational gains, earn workforce credentials, and obtain and retain employment. Providers will be expected to meet federal and state performance targets. 

   

  Responsiveness to Technical Assistance and Monitoring 

   

  Federal Uniform Guidance [2 CFR 200.331] mandates IWD to conduct program monitoring of grantees. The purpose of monitoring is to ensure that grantees are using federal awards for authorized purposes in compliance with the laws, regulations, and provisions of the grant agreement and that performance goals are achieved. Program monitoring is conducted through various means, including risk assessment, on-site reviews, and desk reviews. Programs are expected to be responsive to IWD’s technical assistance efforts which may include meetings, workshops, or trainings. As recommendations arise from technical assistance, grantees are expected to implement and follow through on them in a timely manner. 

   

  The local program will accept liability for any failure to comply with the terms of the award and the fiscal requirements of the grant. IWD staff may, as it deems necessary, evaluate and provide guidance, technical assistance, and program support in conducting activities performed under this grant. However, failure of the IWD staff to evaluate and provide guidance, technical assistance, and program support will not relieve the fiscal agent of its liability. [State Requirement]. 

   

  Corrective Action and Sanctions 

   

  When findings arise, IWD will implement a series of corrective actions which may include further technical assistance or training to help agencies achieve the stated objectives. If these actions do not result in grantee compliance, IWD may conduct audits and impose appropriate sanctions. The federal guidelines for sanctions are defined in the Uniform Guidance. Actions may include the following: 

  • temporarily withholding payment until the grantee complies with requirements; 

  • disallowing costs; 

  • adding new terms and conditions to the grant agreement (for example, designation as a high-risk grantee); 

  • refusing to continue a grant under a noncompetitive renewal; 

  • suspending grant funds pending corrective action or award termination; 

  • voiding or terminating the award; or 

  • pursuing recovery of funds. 

   

  Memorandum of Understanding with the Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) and Local One-Stop Infrastructure Cost 

   

  To assure that designated One-Stop partners comply with the requirements governing the Memorandum of Understanding with the WDB and (2) the local One-Stop infrastructure costs of WIOA and its implementing regulations (34 CFR 463.505 and 34 CFR 463.720), the recipient agrees that if funded, the designated organization will become a member of the local workforce development area (LWDA) Memorandum of Understanding, which includes the Infrastructure Funding Agreement, relating to the operation of the One-Stop delivery system in the local area with the WDB. 

   

  In addition, the grantee will contribute its proportionate share of local infrastructure costs based on corresponding use of the One-Stop center and relative benefit received.  Grantee contribution will be designated from federal funds reserved for local administration and will not exceed 5% of the grant award. In cases where five percent is too restrictive to allow for administrative activities, the eligible agency may increase the amount that can be spent on local administration. In such cases, the eligible provider must negotiate with the eligible agency to determine an adequate level of funds to be used for non-instructional purposes. An eligible provider receiving a grant or contract under this part may consider costs incurred in connection with the following activities to be administrative costs: 

  (a) Planning; 

  (b) Administration, including carrying out performance accountability requirements; 

  (c) Professional development; 

  (d) Providing adult education and literacy services in alignment with local workforce plans, including promoting co-enrollment in programs and activities under title I, as appropriate; and 

  (e) Carrying out the one-stop partner responsibilities described in § 678.420, including contributing to the infrastructure costs of the one-stop delivery system. 

  The grantee further agrees that the local contribution to infrastructure costs, in addition to local federal administrative costs, may include non-federal resources that are cash, in-kind, or third-party contributions.   

   

  Alignment with Local Workforce Development Board Plans  

   

  Applicants will describe the alignment between their proposed services and the local WDB plan by demonstrating the extent to which the eligible provider aligns the proposed activities and services; strategy; and goals of the local plan to the activities and services of the one-stop partners. Local WDB plans may be accessed at https://swdb.iowa.gov/local-workforce-development-areas.  

   

  As required under WIOA (34 CFR 463.21), the IWD office will submit all applications to the appropriate LWDBs. If an Applicant’s intended service delivery area includes more than one local workforce development area, the LWDB from each area must review the application. The LWDB will make recommendations to the IWD office about the application’s alignment with the local LWDB plan. Local workforce boards provide recommendations but are not responsible for approving or denying applications.   

   

  Record Retention 

   

  The federal records retention period is three (3) years from the end of a fiscal year for all financial and programmatic records kept in paper and/or electronic form. The retention period for equipment records starts on the date of disposition, replacement, or transfer. The following guidelines clarify which programmatic records must be retained: 

  • Programs are not required to keep documents such as progress plans, homework, or informal testing papers or results. These documents can be given to the student or destroyed. 

  • Programs must retain documents such as student data forms, Individual Education Plans (IEP) from a school district, diagnostic results of standardized tests, and attendance records. 

   

  Reporting Requirements 

   

  The Adult Education and Literacy program in Iowa is required to report on the WIOA key performance measures. Additional information on the WIOA key performance measures can be found in WIOA Sec. 116 and AEFLA Program Memorandum 17-2. Those key performance measures are: 

  • Employment in the 2nd Quarter after Exit 

  • Employment in the 4th Quarter after Exit 

  • Median Earnings in the 2nd Quarter after Exit 

  • Measurable Skill Gain 

  • Credential Attainment Rate 

   

  Awardees must use the data management system approved and maintained by the State of Iowa in accordance with applicable policies and procedures to ensure accurate and timely calculation and reporting of the above key performance measures in accordance with federal regulations.  

   

  In addition to ensuring accurate data is entered into the data management system, awardees must submit periodic reports to the state. These reports include but are not limited to end of year annual financial and narrative reports, program status updates, and information related to IETs. All reports must be submitted through the Iowa Grants grant management system, unless otherwise specified.  

   

  ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 

   

  Eligible Applicants 

   

  As part of the grant process, Applicants will submit documentation that will be used to determine if the Applicant meets the criteria of an eligible provider. The Applicant must both meet the definition of an “eligible provider” and must establish their “demonstrated effectiveness” in providing adult education services, pursuant to 34 CFR 463.24.  

   

  To apply for a grant, an Applicant must be an “eligible provider”, and grants will be awarded to eligible providers on a competitive basis. The term “eligible provider” means an organization that has demonstrated effectiveness in providing adult education and literacy activities, that may include, but is not limited to:  

  1. A local educational agency;   

  2. A community-based organization or faith-based organization;   

  3. A volunteer literacy organization;   

  4. An institution of higher education;   

  5. A public or private nonprofit agency;   

  6. A library;   

  7. A public housing authority;   

  8. A nonprofit institution that is not described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (G) and has the ability to provide adult education and literacy activities to eligible individuals;   

  9. A consortium or coalition of the agencies, organizations, institutions, libraries, or authorities described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (H); and   

  10. A partnership between an employer and an entity described in any of subparagraphs (a) through (i). 

  11. Other 

   

  Additionally, to be considered an eligible provider, an Applicant must establish their “demonstrated effectiveness” in providing adult education services under 34 CFR 463.24. An eligible provider must demonstrate past effectiveness by providing performance data on its record of improving the skills of eligible individuals, particularly eligible individuals who have low levels of literacy, in the content domains of reading, writing, mathematics, and English language acquisition. An eligible provider must also provide information regarding its outcomes for participants related to employment, attainment of high school diploma or equivalency, and transition to postsecondary education and training. “Demonstrated effectiveness” is used to determine if an Applicant would be considered an “eligible provider” and is not a scored part of the application. Applicants who do not establish demonstrated effectiveness will not have their applications reviewed, scored, or considered for funding. 

   

  Applicants must meet the criteria above to compete for funds. 

   

  Considerations for Award 

   

  In awarding Adult Education grants, IWD will take into account the WIOA 13 considerations which can be found at  https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-463/subpart-C/section-463.20.  

   

  GEPA Section 427  

  Applicants must include information to address Section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA). The provision established in Section 427 requires each Applicant to include a description of the steps the Applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable access to, and participation in, its Federally-assisted program for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs. This provision allows Applicants discretion in developing the required description.   

   

  The statute highlights six types of barriers that can impede equitable access or participation: gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or age. Based on local circumstances, Applicants should determine whether these or other barriers may prevent students, teachers, etc. from such access or participation in, the Federally funded project or activity. The description in the application of steps to be taken to overcome these barriers need not be lengthy; you may provide a clear and succinct description of how you plan to address those barriers that are applicable to your circumstances. 

   

  * Please note the federal law or U.S. Supreme Court decision controlling at the time the response to the NOFO is due will control relevant requirements. 

   

  APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

   

  An Applicant Information Session will be held virtually on 3/14/2025 as well as a regional in-person conference will be held on 3/14/2025 at the following location: Iowa Workforce Development, 1000 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319. 

   

  Electronic Submission Instructions 

   

  Applicants must submit applications electronically via IowaGrants.gov. IWD recommends that applicants create an account and begin the application in advance of the deadline. For registration guidance, refer to “IowaGrants.gov New User Registration Instructions” (See Appendix A). 

   

  The applicant’s authorized representative must be the person who submits the application. The authorized representative must be using his or her own IowaGrants.gov account to sign and submit the application. 

   

  Official email communication from IWD regarding this application will be issued from a representative from Iowa Workforce Development.  Applicants are required to assure these communications are received and responded to accordingly. 

   

  Application Submission Method and Due Date 

   

  Applications must be submitted to the State of Iowa, Iowa Workforce Development, via Iowagrants.gov. Submissions must be received no later than 2:00 pm, local time, 4/21/2025, when they will be opened. Applications not submitted to Iowa Workforce Development by the aforementioned deadline will not be considered for contract award. 

   

  This document provides instructions for submitting applications, the procedure and criteria by which the Provider(s) will be selected and the contractual terms which will govern the relationship between the State of Iowa (State) and the awarded Applicant(s). 

   

  In alignment with 34 CFR § 463.22, each eligible provider seeking a grant or contract must submit an application to the eligible agency containing the information and assurances listed below, as well as any additional information required by the eligible agency, including:  

  1. A description of how funds awarded under this title will be spent consistent with the requirements of title II of AEFLA;  

  2. A description of any cooperative arrangements the eligible provider has with other agencies, institutions, or organizations for the delivery of adult education and literacy activities;  

  3. A description of how the eligible provider will provide services in alignment with the local workforce development plan, including how such provider will promote concurrent enrollment in programs and activities under title I, as appropriate;  

  4. A description of how the eligible provider will meet the State-adjusted levels of performance for the primary indicators of performance identified in the State's Unified or Combined State Plan, including how such provider will collect data to report on such performance indicators;  

  5. A description of how the eligible provider will fulfill, as appropriate, required one-stop partner responsibilities to—  

  1. Provide access through the one-stop delivery system to adult education and literacy activities;  
  2. Use a portion of the funds made available under the Act to maintain the one-stop delivery system, including payment of the infrastructure costs for the one-stop centers, in accordance with the methods agreed upon by the Local Board and described in the memorandum of understanding or the determination of the Governor regarding State one-stop infrastructure funding;  
  100. Enter into a local memorandum of understanding with the Local Board, relating to the operations of the one-stop system;  
  500. Participate in the operation of the one-stop system consistent with the terms of the memorandum of understanding, and the requirements of the Act; and  
  5. Provide representation to the State board;  
  6. A description of how the eligible provider will provide services in a manner that meets the needs of eligible individuals;  
  7. Information that addresses the 13 considerations listed in § 463.20; and  
  8. Documentation of the activities required by § 463.21(b). 

  Minority Impact Statement  

  Pursuant to 2008 Iowa Acts, HF 2392, Iowa Code Section 8.11, all grant applications submitted to the State of Iowa must include a Minority Impact Statement. This requires applicants to consider the potential impact of the grant project’s proposed programs or policies on minority groups. This form includes a series of questions for the applicant to complete identifying either a potential positive impact, negative impact, or no impact.  

   

  ALL INFORMATION WILL BE COMPLETED In Iowa Grants. 

  Application Components Checklist 

  NOTE: Use of this checklist is optional. It does not need to be submitted with the Applicant’s proposal. 

  The completed proposal must be submitted by 4/21/2025 at 2:00 pm and shall include the documents below: 

  Eligible Provider – Contact Information: 

  ☐  Proposal Cover and Signature Page, completed and signed 

  ☐  Eligible Provider Form 

  ☐  Table of Demonstrated Effectiveness (If a consortium application, this must be 

  completed by each partner) 

  ☐  Organizational Chart 

  Application – Proposal Content 

  ☐  Narrative 

  ☐  Program Flexible Schedule 

  ☐  Personnel List and Qualifications 

  ☐  Integrated Education and Training and Alignment 

  ☐  Prior Professional Development Activities 

  ☐  General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) Attestation 

  ☐  Consortium/Subcontractors/Partners, MOUs or Letters of Support, completed (if 

  applicable) 

  ☐ Budget Form, spreadsheet completed for PY25/FY26 

  ☐  Budget Narrative, completed 

  ☐ Fiscal Assurances 

   

  Proposal Submission Requirements 

  NOFO Sections: 

  1. Section I: Applicant Information and Eligibility (completed by all Applicants) 

  2. Section II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) (completed by all applying for funding under WIOA Section 231 and 225 (if applicable) 

  3. Section III: Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) (completed by all applying for funding under WIOA Section 243)  

  4. Budget Form and Budget Narrative 

   

  Additional Links and Information about AEFLA 231, 225, and 243 funding. This list is not intended to be a complete or comprehensive list of resources and is included for applicant information only. 

  https://www.iowagrants.gov/fileDownload.do?filename=1741099041669_FY2026+%28PY25%29+Additional+Resources+and+Links.pdf