The following guidelines establish a process by which Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) may request rapid response funds from the State Dislocated Worker Unit (DWU). A primary objective of these guidelines is to establish a flexible model which results in timely assistance to eligible dislocation events while supporting local development of best practices.

To ensure flexibility, WDCs can apply for rapid response funds at anytime for a dislocation event. The goal of the State DWU is to ensure that adequate rapid response funds are available locally and can be accessed quickly when needed by the WDCs. (Reference: Workforce Investment Act Title I-B, Washington State Policy Number 3935)

Priorities for Rapid Response Funds

For Fiscal Year 2000-2001, rapid response funds are prioritized to address the following strategies: rapid response and technical assistance, dislocation events and layoff aversion assistance, and the development of best practices. To address these strategies, the funds have been divided into two categories. For "Category One," approximately, thirty percent (30%) of the rapid response funds will be reserved at the state level for State DWU rapid response and technical assistance, local WDC rapid response as well as state and local development of best practices. For "Category Two," approximately seventy percent (70%) of the rapid response funds will be reserved for dislocation events and layoff aversion assistance. As the State DWU does not want to unnecessarily retain rapid response funds when these funds may be urgently needed locally, the percentages are not rigid and may be adjusted by the State DWU based on need.

1. State DWU rapid response, technical assistance, and best practice activities may include:

• assigning state staff to carryout rapid response activities for dislocation events statewide;

• contracting with organized labor for rapid response consultation and technical assistance;

• supporting the development of advanced labor market information and forecasting for job seekers, local WDCs, and employers, including sponsoring stakeholder technical assistance training for the application of advanced labor market information and forecasting;

• convening rapid response stakeholder workgroups;

• marketing rapid response services through a web-based information sharing model;

• conducting a "Rapid Response Best Practices" forum for practitioners, employers, and other stakeholders in June 2001; and

• other appropriate rapid response activities determined necessary.

2. Local WDC rapid response

For FY 2000-2001, the State DWU has initially set-aside $50,000 for each WDC that can be drawn upon locally to support rapid response activities for dislocation events and/or layoff aversion assistance for specific employers. Based on needs and funds available, the State DWU may increase the set-aside to any WDC. The State DWU can pay for rapid response expenditures directly or these funds can be passed through to the WDC.

3. Local Development of Best Practices

As a rapid response capacity building activity, WDCs may request rapid response funds to develop innovative demonstration or pilot projects for serving dislocated workers. WDCs who conduct rapid response innovative demonstration or pilot projects must include an evaluation component in their project design to determine the effectiveness of the rapid response strategy and make recommendations for best practices (or successful strategies).

WDCs can apply for rapid response funds for dislocation events or layoff aversion assistance. Rapid response funds available for dislocation events and layoff aversion assistance are event driven and can be used to support initial start-up costs and possible short-term staff costs. Additional assistance for a dislocation event may include providing pre-layoff assistance, arranging for peer counseling, and establishing a transition committee. Layoff aversion assistance may include providing retention services to avert layoffs or conducting prefeasibility studies.

If local funds are not adequate to assist workers impacted by a dislocation event, WDCs may request rapid response funds to provide direct services to participants (such as intensive and training services). Rapid response funds used to provide direct services to participants will be merged with formula funds and will be subject to the same negotiated levels of performance required for dislocated worker formula funds.

Each application must include the following information:

1. Transmittal Letter

A letter from the WDC to the State DWU requesting rapid response funds.

2. Synopsis of the Request

• Name of the Applicant

• Name, telephone number, and e-mail of the Applicant’s contact person

• Amount of funding requested

• Project name

• Period of performance

• Request type

  • Provide rapid response services to a dislocation event
  • Provide layoff aversion assistance
  • Provide direct services to participants
  • Development of a demonstration or pilot project

• Name of layoff company(ies)

• Address(es) of company(ies) from which workers are being dislocated

• Number of workers being dislocated

• Number of participants planned to be served

• Layoff dates of the impacted workers

• Labor organization representation

• Major occupations from which workers are being dislocated

• Principal occupations for which retraining is likely (Category Two, only)

3. Project Narrative

The project narrative should provide sufficient information on the background of the project or the request, specific problem or need, the primary objectives and scope of work. The narrative should explain how the applicant plans to approach and conduct the work and the steps that will be taken to successfully complete the project. The narrative should describe the following:

• On-site planning meetings that have been or will be held with the impacted workers, worker representatives, employer(s), and the community.

• Early intervention information and services that have been provided or are proposed to be provided, including plans for layoff aversion assistance.

• An analysis of the impacted workers, including the number of workers to be served and if all or part of the dislocation is potentially trade-impacted.

• Expected outcomes including a description of performance measures, if applicable.

• A quarterly implementation schedule, if applicable.

For Category Two, add:

• A brief analysis of the labor market conditions.

• If applicable, a description of the client service process including identification of the activities and/or service components to be provided.

4. Project Budget

5. Evaluation Component

WDCs who conduct rapid response demonstration or pilot projects must include an evaluation component in their project design to determine the effectiveness of the rapid response strategy and make recommendations for best practices.