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Grant Guidelines for Empowering YOUth Initiatives Round 1

Questions and Answers

1. Empowering YOUth Initiatives........................................................................................................................2

2. Initiative participants......................................................................................................................................4

3. Organisation eligibility....................................................................................................................................8

4. Servicing.......................................................................................................................................................23

5. Payments and contracting............................................................................................................................30

6. Procurement process...................................................................................................................................35

7. Procurement.................................................................................................................................................44

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1. Empowering YOUth Initiatives

1.1. What are Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

Under the Youth Employment Strategy, the Government provided $50 million over four years to establish Empowering YOUth Initiatives and provide assistance to vulnerable young people aged 15–24 who are long-term unemployed or at risk of being long-term unemployed.

The objectives for Empowering YOUth Initiatives are to:

help more young people at risk of long-term unemployment to find and a keep a job identify innovative approaches that have the greatest potential to improve employment outcomes for young people at risk of long-term unemployment and prevent long-term welfare dependency promote learnings from Empowering YOUth Initiatives to assist government and organisations working with young people to enhance current and future service delivery.

1.2. When will Round 2 of the Empowering Youth Initiatives become available?

Funding for Round 2 will open in mid-2016. Addendum 2 provides a correction to the date provided in the Grant Guidelines (See Addendum 2 released 18 November 2015).

1.3. How unique does my proposal need to be?

The Department does not want to limit ideas, and there is no definitive answer as to how unique each proposal should be. The Department welcomes all innovative proposals that do not replicate the services delivered through existing Commonwealth Government Employment Services. This could be new ideas and forms of service delivery, or innovative ways to complement existing services.

1.4. Will the second round of Empowering YOUth Initiatives overlap with the first round?

Funding for Round One of Empowering YOUth Initiatives will be awarded to successful Applicants for a maximum of two years commencing from March 2016. Details of the application process for Round Two of Empowering YOUth Initiatives are expected to be released from mid-2016. As such, it is possible that some of the initiatives funded through the first and second funding rounds of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives may be in operation at the same time.

1.5. If an initiative submitted by an organisation has an indirect impact on the priority areas identified by the Department but does however focus on other areas of need, how will this be viewed?

The Department is looking to fund a diverse set of initiatives in Round One and may consider proposals that do not seek to address the priority groups where they address a pressing local need, take advantage of a time-limited opportunity, or represent significant value for money.

1.6. What is the difference between Empowering YOUth Initiatives and Transition to Work?

The Transition to Work service is targeted at a specific group of young people disengaged from education and employment, particularly early school leavers. The service has a flexible design, but includes allocated places, a set servicing period, and defined outcomes. In contrast, Empowering YOUth Initiatives is seeking submissions from organisations to present their own innovative ideas and unique delivery approaches that are not currently being delivered by Employment Services (including Transition to Work).

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1.7. Is Round Two scheduled to be released in 2016?

Details of Round Two will be released from mid-2016. Addendum 2 provides a correction to the date provided in the Grant Guidelines (See Addendum 2 released 18 November 2015).

1.8. What is difference is there between the Empowering Youth Initiatives and Transition to Work?

There are a number of differences between the Empowering Youth Initiatives and the new Transition to Work service. The Transition to Work programme is targeted at a specific group of young people, with allocated places, clear milestones, and defined outcomes. In contrast, Empowering YOUth Initiatives is seeking submissions from organisations to present their own innovative ideas and unique delivery approaches that are not currently being delivered by Employment Services (including Transition to Work).

1.9. What evidence is there to support the Department’s assertion that youth unemployment is an issue?

Young people aged 15-24 remain over represented among the total unemployed and long term unemployed population. The youth unemployment rate is double the national average.

1.10. Who will the second round of the initiatives target?

The Department will communicate the details of Round Two from mid-2016.

1.11. A challenge in addressing labour market disadvantage among youth is that often young people themselves aren’t consulted to find out what youth really need. How will the Empowering YOUth Initiatives address this?

Empowering YOUth initiatives is seeking applications from not-for-profit, non-government, community based organisations with innovative ideas to help disadvantaged and vulnerable young people in their communities. Applications need to address how their proposal will assist young people at risk of long-term unemployment.

1.12. If an applicant is unsuccessful in Round 1, can they apply for further rounds of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

Eligible organisations that are unsuccessful in Round One are able to apply for Round Two. The Department will communicate the details of Round Two, including eligibility criteria, from mid-2016.

1.13. If an organisation is successful in Round One, will they be eligible for Round Two?

Round Two will be a separate process from Round One and, at this stage, the Department is unable to comment on Round Two eligibility requirements.

1.14. Could you please explain what you mean in saying Empowering YOUth Initiative is a ‘light touch service’?

The Department is seeking to fund a broad range of Empowering YOUth Initiatives. These could include activities or services that are highly intensive, or through less intense activities or services that could be considered ‘light touch’. Examples of these less intensive activities may include one-off services or on-line services accessed sporadically.

As part of a proposed project, is the purchase of specific services (for example, customised training) – on a fee-for-service basis - from an organisation that has a separate branch delivering one of the defined ‘employment services’ be an eligible arrangement under the Empowering YOUth Initiatives? Or would the purchase of such services regarded by the Department as a subcontract?

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An Empowering YOUth Initiatives Applicant may propose to purchase services from Employment Services Providers under a fee-for-service arrangement. As per Section 4.5 of the Grant Guidelines, Applicants cannot enter into a subcontract with a jobactive provider, Transition to Work Provider, Disability Employment Services Provider or Community Development Programme Provider.

2. Initiative participants

2.1. Which young people will participate in Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

Young people aged 15–24 years (inclusive) who are long-term unemployed (unemployed for 12 months or more) or at risk of becoming long-term unemployed are eligible to participate in an initiative. Young people may participate in an initiative regardless of whether they are in receipt of income support and/or receiving assistance from an employment service provider.

Round 1 of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives will particularly focus on assisting:

young people in regional Australia, especially in those areas that are undergoing structural change or with high levels of social disadvantage Indigenous young people young people from a culturally and linguistically diverse background Early School Leavers.

2.2. What is meant by at risk of long-term unemployment?

The risk factors for long-term unemployment are often complex and varied and may include:

homelessness or at-risk of homelessness having a disability or illness that reduces a young person’s capacity to participate in education or employment being in or leaving out-of-home care being a young parent leaving school before completion of Year 12, or achieving an equivalent qualification level being from a jobless family a history of offending.

2.3. The number of participants in the program - is the minimum 100, and is that 100 per year (200 over two years?), or 100 for the total two year period?

Each proposal for Empowering YOUth Initiatives funding is expected to support a minimum of 100 participants over the duration of the proposal. There is no minimum period a proposal must operate for, however each proposal can only receive funding for a maximum of two years.

2.4. Can you further explain eligibility of participation for young people not in receipt of income support benefits?

The Empowering YOUth Initiative is open to all young people in the identified age cohort who are either long term unemployed or at risk of being long time unemployment. This includes young people who are not yet unemployed or long term unemployed and may not be with an Employment Service or on income support. We are looking for organisations to outline who their target group is and how they purpose to attract and engage them in their initiative.

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2.5. Can young people be in school?

Yes, young people includes those currently in school. When preparing an application, respondents are reminded to identify why the target group is at risk of long term unemployment.

2.6. We currently deliver a programme for youth who are in their last year of school. Can we apply for the Empowering Youth initiative to work with young people still in school?

Section 2.2 of the Grant Guidelines states: “the Department invites Applications that offer an innovative approach to assisting young people at risk of long-term unemployment at any stage in the transition from education to employment.”

Further, section 2.5 of the Grant Guidelines states: “the target group for Empowering YOUth Initiatives is young people aged 15–24 years (inclusive) who are long-term unemployed (unemployed for 12 months or more), or at risk of becoming long-term unemployed.”

So long as the initiative focuses on the transition from education to employment, organisations may apply to deliver an initiative aimed at young people (aged 15-24 years (inclusive)) still in school.

2.7. Can an Early School Leaver who returns to school continue to participate in an Empowering YOUth Initiative and have this count this towards their school attendance?

The Department is unable to facilitate arrangements between organisations and Education facilities. However, organisations are encouraged to utilise any relevant community networks to enhance the delivery of their initiative, including negotiating their own arrangements with relevant State government and private education authorities.

2.8. Can training for young people be included in initiative proposals?

Yes, each organisation should describe the activities and services (including training) they propose to deliver within a budget that is appropriate to meeting their initiative’s objectives and the overall objectives of Empowering YOUth Initiatives. Organisations should ensure that proposed initiatives are not replicating services or training already being delivered through Employment services, and should also outline how existing partnerships (if available) will be used to provide innovative services and interventions.

2.9. Will participants already accessing services or have used services provided by other local or state government programmes be negatively impacted by participating in Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

Participation in Empowering YOUth Initiatives is voluntary, and participants may be able to also participate in other programmes and access other services depending upon the intensity of the activities in an Initiative.

2.10. Is participation in the Empowering YOUth Initiatives voluntary? If so, what would motivate a participant to join the initiative?

Yes, the participation in Employment YOUth Initiatives is voluntary. As part of selection criterion 2, applicants should outline how they will identify, engage, recruit and retain targeted young people in their proposed initiative.

Where the participant is registered with jobactive, their participation in an Empowering YOUth Initiative may, depending on the intensity and duration of assistance offered through the initiative, contribute to a young person’s Mutual Obligation Requirements either in full or in part. This would provide an incentive for them to participate in the Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

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2.11. Do individuals need to have a specific Visa in order to participate in the Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

A primary objective of Empowering Youth Initiatives is to help more young people at risk of long-term unemployment to find and keep a job. The target group for Empowering YOUth Initiatives is young people aged 15-24 years (inclusive) who are long-term unemployed, or at risk of becoming long-term unemployed. As such, it is expected that organisations will develop proposals targeting vulnerable young people with a right to work in Australia. This includes:

Australian citizens holders of permanent visas New Zealand Special Category Visas Nominated Visa Holders (including Temporary Protection Visa Holders, and Safe Haven Visa Holders).

Holders of Student Visas (where appropriate for the target group)

Each Applicant will need to identify in their Application how they will identify and engage participants in the proposed Empowering YOUth Initiative.

2.12. Are international students able to participate in the Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

A primary objective of Empowering Youth Initiatives is to help more young people at risk of long-term unemployment to find and keep a job. The target group for Empowering YOUth Initiatives is young people aged 15-24 years (inclusive) who are long-term unemployed, or at risk of becoming long-term unemployed. As such, it is expected that organisations will develop proposals targeting vulnerable young people with a right to work in Australia. This includes:

Australian citizens holders of permanent visas New Zealand Special Category Visas nominated Visa Holders (including Temporary Protection Visa Holders, and Safe Haven Visa Holders) holders of Student Visas (where appropriate for the target group)


2.13. Do individuals need to have a particular residency status to participate in an Empowering YOUth Initiative?

A primary objective of Empowering Youth Initiatives is to help more young people at risk of long-term unemployment to find and keep a job. The target group for Empowering YOUth Initiatives is young people aged 15-24 years (inclusive) who are long-term unemployed, or at risk of becoming long-term unemployed. As such, it is expected that organisations will develop proposals targeting vulnerable young people with a right to work in Australia. This includes: Australian citizens holders of permanent visas New Zealand Special Category Visas nominated Visa Holders (including Temporary Protection Visa Holders, and Safe Haven Visa Holders) holders of Student Visas (where appropriate for the target group).


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2.14. Are individuals participating in the Empowering YOUth Initiatives also able to participate in other Government programmes and initiatives?

Participation in Empowering YOUth Initiatives is voluntary, and participants are able to also participate in other programmes and access other services. However, depending upon the intensity of the activities in an Initiative, the ability of an individual to participate in multiple programmes may be limited by other compulsory requirements, as well as their available time and travel constraints.

2.15. Section 2.4 of the Request for Proposal identifies Early School Leavers as a priority group. May students who are at risk of not completing school also be targeted?

Students at risk of not completing school could also be considered at risk of long-term unemployment and hence may be targeted.

2.16. 3.6 Empowering YOUth Initiatives organisations will be required to arrange and pay for all checks in respect of all persons, including their employees, subcontractors and Participants, who will participate in each initiative and interact with children as set out in the Draft Funding Agreement.

Can you please clarify what you mean with the word participant?… do you mean clients and if so does that mean that each person entering into an Empowering Youth initiative will require checks before being allowed to participate?

A participant is defined in Appendix A of the Grant Guidelines, and within the draft Funding Agreement, as a person 15 to 24 years of age (inclusive) who has been unemployed for 12 months or more, or is at risk of being long-term unemployed and participating in an initiative.

Each person entering into an Empowering Youth initiative will not require checks before being allowed to participate unless the relevant activity or employment involves close proximity with people who are elderly, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable or children (excluding other Participants). In this case, the Applicant must arrange and pay for all checks in relation to a participant’s involvement in the initiative. This must occur before arranging for a participant to be involved in the activity or placed into employment and be as specified in any relevant legislation, and in particular, any Working with Children Laws.

In addition you must not allow a Participant to be involved in an Initiative or place a Participant into employment if any relevant legislation provides or means that the Participant must not be allowed to be involved. This includes if a relevant check shows that they have been convicted of a crime and a reasonable person would consider that the conviction means that the person would pose a risk to other persons involved in the Initiative or employment; or there is otherwise a reasonably foreseeable risk that the person may cause loss or harm to other persons involved in the Initiative or employment.

Please see the draft Funding Agreement for Empowering YOUth Initiatives, Section 10.2 of the Terms and Conditions for further information.

2.17. This initiative is for a minimum of 100 participants. Is that 100 participants for the entire two years? Can we facilitate the program to 50 in year one and then another 50 in year two for example or does it have to be engagement with 100 young people for two years ?

How do we handle and factor in drop-outs? Even with the very best evaluation and recruitment protocols in place some participants may enrol in the program and then call in within a week or so and cancel – or may simply fail to turn up – and this may be due to entirely legitimate reasons. Others might come for 2 or three months and then drop out as they’ve found work.

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How exactly do we handle these situations in the calculation of the ‘100 participants’. Can we replace those who drop out?

Each proposal for Empowering YOUth Initiatives funding is expected to support a minimum of 100 participants over the duration of the proposal. For initiatives funded for two years, this could be 100 participants across the two years, or 50 participants in each year, or any other combination.

To achieve a minimum of 100 participants, an organisation should consider potential drop-outs, attrition and withdrawal and how this may impact on the outcomes and evaluation of an initiative.

Approaches to achieving 100 participants (including recruitment, engagement and retention) will be individual to each initiative. It is not possible for the Department to provide advice on what would constitute appropriate approaches to recruit, engage or retain participants for a proposed initiative.

3. Organisation eligibility

3.1. Is my organisation eligible to deliver the projects?

Not-for-profit, non-government organisations not contracted to deliver employment services are eligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives funding. Organisations that deliver services under jobactive, Transition to Work (when commenced), Disability Employment Services or the Community Development Programme are not eligible to also apply for funding under the Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

3.2. My organisation is also submitting an application to deliver Transition to Work and I won’t know whether that application is successful

If you have submitted an application for the recent Transition to Work Request for Proposal, you may also submit an application for Empowering YOUth Initiatives funding. However, organisations will only be eligible to deliver under one of these youth services.

3.3. Who is excluded from applying for Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

The following organisations are excluded from applying for Empowering YOUth Initiatives:

Australian, State, Territory and Local Government departments, agencies, employees or agents for profit organisations jobactive providers, Transition to Work Providers, Disability Employment Services Providers and Community Development Programme Providers.

3.4. Can my organisation subcontract services?

Yes. Organisations can subcontract part or all of their activities with the written permission from the Department and where the subcontracted organisation meets all eligibility requirements.

3.5. Will partnerships/consortia arrangements be considered?

A group of legal entities can respond as a consortium, joint venture, partnership or some other form of alliance in order to deliver Empowering YOUth Initiatives. The Grant Guidelines provide further details about these arrangements. An organisation that is identified as ineligible to apply cannot enter into these arrangements.

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3.6. Is the Government looking to fund organisations that are embedded in communities?

All organisations applying for Empowering YOUth Initiatives will need to demonstrate strong networks with employers and community services; this could include communities for online initiatives.

3.7. Can I apply for funding if my current work is outside the preferred scope of the first round of funding?

The Department may consider proposals outside of the priority groups of young people where they address a pressing local need, take advantage of a time-limited opportunity, or represent significant value for money.

3.8. We are a large National organisation. If we are a provider of DES services in a specific region, can we apply to provide Empowering YOUth in a different region where we have strong, place-based community connections and do not provide DES services?

The Department has published an addendum (Addendum 2) through 360Pro which provides clarification relating to eligibility to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

As stated in Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines for Empowering YOUth Initiatives, ‘Not-for-profit and non-government organisations not contracted to deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services are eligible to apply for funding under Empowering YOUth Initiatives. This is subject to the exclusions set out in section 4.1’.

3.9. If you are a subcontractor for Transition to Work, are you ineligible for applying for Empowering Youth?


If, after reading the Addendum, you have further questions on eligibility, please contact the Employment Services Hotline -1300 733 514 or email ([email protected]).

3.10. If you are a consortium member or lead agent for Transition to Work, are you able to be a subcontractor for Empowering Youth?



3.11. Can you please advise if you have a contract to provide Employment Services in one location does it preclude you from applying for Empowering Youth Initiatives in an another location?



3.12. Would you kindly clarify the level of exclusion from application to Empowering Youth Initiatives - specifically in relation to Transition to Work Providers. Is this exclusion a blanket exclusion, or is it location based?

For example, if we were awarded a Transition to Work contract in South East Queensland (even in just a single location within an Employment Region), would it still eligible to apply for Empowering Youth

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Initiatives funding in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania or locations other than where the Transition to Work contract was being provided?



3.13. If an organisation is currently preparing a Transition to Work tender application and is unsure if it will be successful, can they still put in a submission for this initiative?


3.14. If a provider is delivering Transition to Work will they be eligible to apply for this program?



3.15. If my organisation is a member of a consortium or subcontractor for the Transition to Work tender, does this make it ineligible for Empowering Youth?



3.16. If a not for profit has an entirely separate entity, and the Head Company has a Transition to Work contract, will the subsidiary be eligible to apply?



3.17. Can organisations other than Not for Profit play a role - as a partner, consortia member or sub-contractor?



3.18. Our organisation delivers a Work for the Dole program does this impact on our project applying for this program?


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3.19. Our company is a part of a consortium applying for Transition to Work in several regions and not the lead agency but will provide funded support services in specific locations. (Consortium)

We are also applying as a partnership for several locations in the Sydney Metro region and we are the lead agency. (Sole Trader)

But we are also applying for the Empowering Youth Initiatives in other locations.

Does our application for Transition to Work preclude our services in the Empowering Youth Initiatives even though they are different locations.

Addendum 2, published on 360Pro states:

“…organisations that are contracted by the Commonwealth (including through membership of a consortium) to provide Transition to Work services following the Transition to Work Request for Proposal will not be eligible for funding under the Empowering YOUth Initiative. However, organisations that have submitted an application under the current Transition to Work Request for Proposal may submit an application for Empowering YOUth Initiatives where they meet all other eligibility criteria. Should an organisation be successful in Transition to Work and, subsequently also offered a grant in response to their Empowering YOUth Initiatives application, the offer of grant funding will be conditional on the organisation surrendering its Transition to Work Deed.”

This condition applies regardless of which Employment Regions/locations the organisation is successful in.

3.20. Are non-government organisations that operate work for the dole projects eligible to apply?

Yes, as long as other eligibility requirements are met. Please see Addendum number 2, released on 18 November 2015 for further clarity around organisational eligibility to receive Empowering Youth Initiatives funding.

3.21. Our organisation runs in many communities supported by a Head Office; is it possible to put in one application that would cover multiple communities?

An organisation may submit a proposal to target a specific location or multiple locations in each funding category. The Department cannot offer advice on what your preferred approach would be.

3.22. In considering the timeframes of both Transition to Work and Empowering Youth Initiatives what would be the situation if we were successful in both?

Addendum 2, published on 360Pro states: “should an organisation be successful in Transition to Work and, subsequently also offered a grant in response to their Empowering YOUth Initiatives application, the offer of grant funding will be conditional on the organisation surrendering its Transition to Work Deed.

3.23. Are individuals who are self-employed able to apply for funding?

Individuals may apply for funding as sole traders, provided all the requirements to submit an Application are met (including being not-for-profit) and the applicant has the legal capacity to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Department (including having a current and valid Australian Business Number).

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3.24. Are individuals who are self-employed able to apply for funding?

Individuals may apply for funding as sole traders, provided all the requirements to submit an Application are met (including being not-for-profit) and the applicant has the legal capacity to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Department (including having a current and valid Australian Business Number).

3.25. Are Work for the Dole Hosts eligible for Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

A Work for the Dole host organisation that meets all other eligibility requirements as described within Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines, and Addendum 2 of the Grant Guidelines published on 18 November is eligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives. However, Work for the Dole Coordinators are not eligible to apply.

3.26. Can a Transition to Work or Disability Employment Services provider also deliver Empowering YOUth Initiatives if they will operate in different areas?

Organisations that are providers of Employment Services, including Transition to Work and Disability Employment Services are not be eligible for funding under the Empowering YOUth Initiative, regardless of the location in which the service is being provided. Please see the Addendum 2 of the Grant Guidelines published on 18 November 2015 for further details on eligibility.

3.27. Some organisations have made a submission for Transition to Work but have since found they are better suited to Empowering YOUth Initiatives. Can these organisations apply for both programmes?

Yes organisations that have made a submission to Transition to Work can apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives, however, if an organisation is successful in both programmes, the organisation will have the option to choose between the two by their preference.

3.28. If an organisation is interested in applying for Round Two funding for Empowering YOUth Initiatives, will they be able to opt out of a Transition to Work consortium to become eligible for Round Two?

Eligibility requirements for Round two will be made available from mid-2016.

3.29. Are individuals participating in the Empowering YOUth Initiatives also able to participate in other Government programmes and initiatives?

Yes, individuals participating in the Empowering YOUth Initiatives may also participate in other programmes and access other services. However, depending upon the intensity of the activities in an Initiative, the ability of an individual to participate in multiple programmes may be limited by their other compulsory requirements, as well as their available time and travel constraints.

3.30. Can organisations that receive funding from the Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet apply for the Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

Not-for-profit and non-government organisations not contracted to deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services, including the Community Development Programme (a Department of the

Prime Minister & Cabinet programme), are eligible to apply for funding under Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

If Organisations are funded to deliver programmes from PM&C outside the Community Development Programme, they are eligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives as long as the other eligibility criteria are met, and this funding is disclosed if related to the proposed initiative (see Chapter 3.2.1 of the Grant Guidelines).

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3.31. Could an organisation apply for funding under the Empowering YOUth Initiatives to conduct research, including labour market research?

The Department welcomes all applications that offer innovative ideas to address the key objectives of Empowering YOUth Initiatives, and aim to assist young people at risk of long term unemployment at any stage in the transition from education to employment. Please see Chapter 2 of the Grant Guidelines for further information.

The Department is unable to provide advice on the appropriateness of specific proposals.

3.32. Can a non-government and not-for-profit organisation that receives business support (eg payroll, HR, accounting, etc) from a provider of Employment Services apply for the Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

If your organisation meets the overall eligibility criteria (being a not-for-profit and non-Government organisation, and not an entity directly contracted to provide, or part of a consortium that provides Employment Services), then your organisation may be eligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

In addition to the eligibility information provided in the Grant Guidelines, further clarification has been released as Addendum 2 published on 18 November through 360Pro. If, after reading the Addendum, organisations have further questions on eligibility, please contact the Employment Services Hotline -1300 733 514 or email ([email protected]).

3.33. Does the Department expect staff within my organisation to have a certain level or type of qualification?

The Department has not specified a minimum qualification requirement for staff involved in the delivery of an initiative. However, when preparing their application, organisations should ensure the qualifications and experience of staff (or staff they propose to engage as part of their initiative) are relevant to the details of the initiative(s) described in their proposal

In addition, organisations should ensure that they comply with all legal and other matters provided in Chapter 6 of the Grant Guidelines.

3.34. Can my organisation target year 11 and year 12 students at risk of long term unemployment?

Organisations may target any vulnerable young person aged 15–24 years (inclusive) who are long-term unemployed (unemployed for 12 months or more), or at risk of becoming long-term unemployed.

3.35. Our organisation is a member of a national network of local community service providers that is currently contracted to deliver jobactive services in various regions.

Our organisation is subcontracted by the national network. We deliver services just in the Sydney East Metro Region, from our Campsie office.

Are we eligible to apply?

Addendum 2, published on 360Pro, states:

“Organisations that currently deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services under a subcontracting arrangement or are a related entity to an organisation contracted to deliver those services, may be eligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiative funding provided they meet the other eligibility criteria outlined throughout the Grant Guidelines.”

Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines states:

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“Not-for-profit and non-government organisations not contracted to deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services are eligible to apply for funding under Empowering YOUth Initiatives… Applicants must have a current and valid Australian Business Number (ABN)”

A subcontractor of an Employment Services Provider may therefore apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives if all of the following conditions are met:

the subcontractor is a not-for-profit organisation the subcontractor is non-government the subcontractor does not have an Employment Services contract in its own right the subcontractor has a current and valid ABN.

3.36. I have noted the information provided in Addenda 2 released by the Department, but feel that it does not clearly address my question below.

Can a for-profit entity be a subcontractor for Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

Section 4.5 of the Grant Guidelines states:

“As specified in the Draft Funding Agreement, organisations can only enter into a subcontract with the written permission of the Department and must not enter into a subcontract with a jobactive provider, Transition to Work Provider, Disability Employment Services Provider or Community Development Programme Provider.”

An Applicant may therefore propose to subcontract activities to a for-profit organisation, so long as that organisation is not an Employment Services Provider.

3.37. Can subcontracting organisations be for-profit? I note from the Question and Answers - 3.4 - subcontractors must meet all eligibility requirements. Subcontractors therefore required to meet the same eligibility as applicant organisations, and so cannot be:

Australian, State, Territory and Local Government departments, agencies, employees or agents for profit organisations jobactive providers, Transition to Work Providers, Disability Employment Services Providers and Community Development Programme Providers.

Section 4.5 of the Grant Guidelines states “As specified in the Draft Funding Agreement, organisations can only enter into a subcontract with the written permission of the Department and must not enter into a subcontract with a jobactive provider, Transition to Work Provider, Disability Employment Services Provider or Community Development Programme Provider.”

As such, the only organisations which cannot be proposed as subcontractors are Employment Services Providers. So long as it is not an Employment Services Provider, a subcontractor may be a for-profit organisation.

3.38. We currently operating under the umbrella of Jobs Australia utilising their ABN and charity and Deductible Gift Recipient status, the only assistance provided to our organisation by Jobs Australia is “in kind” support in the form of human resource and accounting support. Jobs Australia does not use our organisation to provide any job services.

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Confidentially, we are in the process of moving from Jobs Australia and applying for our own ABN and Charity and Deductible Gift Recipient status and will be operating in our own right by end of the financial year.

It would be appreciated if you could provide written confirmation indicating that, having satisfied the eligibility criteria guidelines, we are eligible to apply.

"Addendum 2, published on 360Pro states Applicants are advised the following information is intended to clarify which organisations are not eligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives funding:

Organisations contracted by the Commonwealth to deliver Employment Services, including through membership of a consortium delivering those Employment Services, including:

o jobactive providerso Work for the Dole Coordinatorso New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) providerso providers of Harvest Labour Serviceso the provider of the National Harvest Labour Information Serviceo Disability Employment Services providerso Community Development Programme providers.

3.39. Organisations with the same ABN as an Employment Services provider are ineligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives, regardless of the role the organisation plays in the delivery of Employment Services.

Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines states “applicants must have a current and valid Australian Business Number (ABN).”

The ABN at the time of submitting an application will determine eligibility.

"Below is a snip from the financials and credentials spreadsheet. Can you please confirm if we are to include in this list employment services we deliver/may deliver under a subcontracting agreement,

As stated at Chapter 3 of the Grant Guidelines for Empowering Youth Initiatives Round One, Applicants should note that under the Draft Funding Agreement the Department is entitled, at its absolute discretion, to not make a payment of funding or recover funding already made, where Empowering YOUth Initiatives organisations are entitled to payment of funding from the Department or other Commonwealth sources or State, Territory or Local Government bodies for conducting the same or similar activities provided for under the Funding Agreement.

Question 14 of the Financials and Credentials Information Form seeks details from the Grant Applicant to identify any such activities.

This would include where the applicant is a contractor or as a subcontractor to another entity.

3.40. I am wondering whether you could please confirm whether public TAFE providers are ineligible to submit for Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

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As State Government organisations, TAFEs are excluded from applying for Empowering YOUth Initiatives under Section 4.1 of the Grant Guidelines.

3.41. I am seeking some clarity as to the types of businesses that are eligible to apply for the Empowering YOUth Initiative grants.

Our partnership identifies as a social enterprise however in the Australian context, currently there is no legal structure called social enterprise. Social traders define social enterprise as an organisation that:

Is driven by a public or community cause, be it social, environmental, cultural or economic Derive most of their income from trade, not donations Use the majority of their profits to work towards their social mission.

This definition of social enterprise is derived from the Finding Australia's Social Enterprise Sector (FASES) research, which is the first and to-date only CENSUS of social enterprise in Australia. All of the above criteria would be shown in the required documents. Would a Social Enterprise be eligible for grants?

A social enterprise may apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives if it meets the eligibility criteria set out in Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines. That is “Not-for-profit and non-government organisations not contracted to deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services are eligible to apply for funding under Empowering YOUth Initiatives… Applicants must have a current and valid Australian Business Number (ABN).”

3.42. Can multiple YWCA branches - which are separate legal entities but part of a national organisation - each make a submission?

If each organisation has a separate Australian Business Number (ABN) and otherwise meets the eligibility criteria outline in Chapter 4, separate branches of the same organisation may each apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

3.43. Regarding collaboration – can you apply both as an independent organisation and as a member of a collaborative arrangement?

If each organisation has a separate Australian Business Number (ABN) and otherwise meets the eligibility criteria outline in Chapter 4, separate branches of the same organisation may each apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

3.44. If a not-for-profit is the lead organisation in a submission, is there any objection if there is an arrangement involving a for-profit organisation that is involved in service delivery? To clarify, the arrangement involves funding contributions from a for-profit organisation that will also provide service delivery.

If applying as a Group Applicant, all group members must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Chapter 4 of the Guidelines. This means that a Group Applicant would be ineligible to apply if one of the group members was for-profit. However, an Applicant may choose to subcontract services to a for-profit organisation, so long as that organisation was not also an Employment Services Provider or work with a for-profit organisation (see section 4.5 of the Grant Guidelines). See also answer to Q123. Further ‘Q&A’ type clarification related to this area will be published by the Department.

3.45. Why is funding restricted to Not for Profit organisations?

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Funding is restricted to not-for-profit and non-government organisations that are not contracted to deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services by Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines for Empowering Youth Initiatives.

In addition, the Department has published an addendum (Addendum 2) through 360Pro which provides clarification relating to eligibility to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

3.46. Can an Applicant work in a formal partnership with an employment service who will not receive funding under the Empowering YOUth Initiative?

As per Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines, an Employment Services Provider is not permitted to enter into a Funding Agreement for the delivery of Empowering YOUth Initiatives. Further, Section 4.5 prevents Empowering YOUth Initiatives from proposing to subcontract services to Employment Services Providers.

However, Applicants may choose to work in partnership with an Employment Services Provider in the delivery of Empowering YOUth Initiatives as long as the Employment Services Provider is not a party to the Application, Funding Agreement or a subcontractor of the funded party.

3.47. Can an organisation lodge its own application as well as be part of a consortium's application?

Eligible Applicants may submit their own Application, as well as separate Application(s) as part of Group Applicant submissions, so long as each Application contains different innovative proposals.

3.48. Would a very small Regional organisation (currently three Fulltime staff and annual budget of approximately $500,000) have a good chance or are you targeting bigger organisations with more capacity in terms of research and management?

The Department welcomes Applications from organisations of all sizes and no preference will be given to organisations based on size.

3.49. Can Vocational Training and Employment Centres (VTEC), Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) and other Prime Minister and Cabinet funding recipients apply?

"Recipients of Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet funding (with the exception of Community Development Programme providers) may be eligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives, provided they meet the eligibility criteria set out in Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines. That is:

“Not-for-profit and non-government organisations not contracted to deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services are eligible to apply for funding under Empowering YOUth Initiatives…Applicants must have a current and valid Australian Business Number (ABN).”

Please note, however, that Chapter 3 of the Grant Guidelines states:

As part of their Application, Applicants must declare in the Financial and Credentials Information Form any other funding they are currently receiving, or expect to receive during the funding period including from Commonwealth, State or Local Governments. This will assist the Department in ensuring organisations receive an appropriate level of funding under Empowering YOUth Initiatives and are not paid twice for the same activities.”

While receipt of other Government funding does not preclude an eligible organisation from applying for Empowering YOUth Initiatives, this funding will be considered to ensure an organisation is not funded twice for the same activities.

3.50. Is a not-for-profit organisation delivering Work for the Dole activities eligible to apply?

Organisations delivering Work for the Dole activities may be eligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Strategies provided they meet the eligibility criteria set out in Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines. That is:

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However, organisations contracted by the Department of Employment to deliver Work for the Dole Coordinator services are ineligible to apply.

3.51. Our parent not-for-profit company is in a joint venture with another company to deliver the Community Development Program (formally Remote Jobs and Communities Program).

Under our parent not-for-profit we have a not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation run as a separate business. This not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation has the same ABN as the parent company but a different ABN to the Community Development Program Joint Venture. Is the not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation business able to apply for the Empowering YOUth Initiative?

As a member of a joint venture delivering the Community Development Programme, the parent organisation is ineligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives. If the Registered Training Organisation shares the parent organisation’s ABN, as listed on the Community Development Programme Funding Agreement, the Registered Training Organisation is considered the same organisation and is also ineligible to apply. Please note that Funding Agreement lists both the joint venture’s ABN and the member organisations’ ABNs.

3.52. If our company is precluded from applying due to information in Q1., and no other not-for-profit embedded in our Region applies for this funding, will consideration be made in the second round to enable our not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation to apply. We currently are delivering a short course youth programme under Qld funding [until February] so are involved in this space.

Round Two will be a separate process from Round One and, at this stage, the Department is unable to comment on Round Two eligibility requirements.

3.53. Our organisation runs a programme that currently receives DSS funding through Community Development and Participation – Community Capacity Building Grant.Our organisation is looking to submit an application for round one of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives Grant. When we attended the recent info session in Brisbane, it was outlined that Community Development Funding Programs are not eligible, but it wasn’t clear if this meant that our organisation wasn’t eligible (because of the existing funding arrangements), or simply the programme wasn’t eligible for dual funding streams.

Our application for the Empowering YOUth Initiatives Grant will be for a separate programme to our existing programme, that would provide a range of vocational experiences for young people across a range of different businesses and occupations both within our organisation and the broader South East Queensland community. Funds from the Empowering YOUth Initiatives Grant would not be used to provide additional resources to our programme.Can you please advise if our organisation is eligible to apply for the Empowering YOUth Initiatives Grant.

Recipients of the Department of Social Security-funded Community Development and Participation – Community Capacity Building Grant are eligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives, so long as they meet the eligibility criteria set out in Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines, which states that ‘Not-for-profit and non-government organisations not contracted to deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services are eligible to apply for funding under Empowering YOUth Initiatives…Applicants must have a current and valid Australian Business Number (ABN).’

The Department of Social Security -funded Community Development and Participation – Community Capacity Building Grant is not considered an Employment Service for the purposes of the Grant Guidelines. This may have been confused with the Community Development Programme, which Appendix A of the Grant

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Guidelines defines as ‘the Commonwealth programme of that name, or such other name as advised by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet from time to time, which was formerly known as the ‘Remote Jobs and Communities Programme.’

Please note, however, that Chapter 3 of the Grant Guidelines states ‘As part of their Application, Applicants must declare in the Financial and Credentials Information Form any other funding they are currently receiving, or expect to receive during the funding period including from Commonwealth, State or Local Governments. This will assist the Department in ensuring organisations receive an appropriate level of funding under Empowering YOUth Initiatives and are not paid twice for the same activities.’

While receipt of Department of Social Security funding will not exclude an organisation from applying, this will be taken into consideration in terms of ensuring that Government funding is not paid twice for the same activities.

3.54. Originally the guidelines stated that Transition to Work providers are not eligible for funding.

Addendum 2 states that if you have applied for Transition to Work funding and are successful you will have to make a choice about which program to proceed with. There is no mention of any consideration of Transition to Work employment regions and the regions where it is proposed Empowering Youth initiatives could be delivered. For example, an organisation successful in securing Transition to Work in Western Australia would be ineligible to deliver Empowering Youth initiatives anywhere else in the country.

Could you please confirm this interpretation of the eligibility requirements and provide an explanation for this exclusion? I am very concerned there appears no justification for this approach which is going to exclude a lot of providers and waste a lot of time and money for Non-Governmental Organisations preparing bids that go nowhere.

I would like to suggest an amendment that would avoid this exclusion but also the potential for double dipping. An organisation that has agreed to deliver Transition to Work services would not be eligible to receive Empowering Youth funding for initiatives in that employment region. The organisation may be eligible to apply for Empowering Youth funding in regions outside of their Transition to Work service region but must demonstrate in their Empowering Youth proposal how they would ensure Transition to Work participants were not accessing both services.

Addendum 2, published on 360Pro states “…organisations that are contracted by the Commonwealth (including through membership of a consortium) to provide Transition to Work services following the Transition to Work Request for Proposal will not be eligible for funding under the Empowering YOUth Initiative. However, organisations that have submitted an application under the current Transition to Work Request for Proposal may submit an application for Empowering YOUth Initiatives where they meet all other eligibility criteria. Should an organisation be successful in Transition to Work and, subsequently also offered a grant in response to their Empowering YOUth Initiatives application, the offer of grant funding will be conditional on the organisation surrendering its Transition to Work Deed.”

This condition applies regardless of which Employment Regions/locations the organisation is successful in. Using the example provided, this means that an organisation accepting a Transition to Work Deed in Western Australia would be ineligible to deliver Empowering Youth initiatives anywhere else in the country.

3.55. Can an organisation which is subcontracted to provide Employment Services apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

Subcontractors of Employment Services Providers are eligible to apply so long as they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines. Please see Appendix 2, published on 360Pro, for further details.

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3.56. If we are employing young people in a social enterprise as our initiative, would we be eligible to commence them under the National Work Experience Program?

Would participants also be eligible for Wage Subsidy as well, if the entity was a related rather than own entity?

We would be expecting the roles to finish up after 6 months – would this impact on eligibility for both these programs?

To participate in National Work Experience Programme Placements, job seekers must be:

registered with jobactive aged 18 years or over receiving an income support payment such as Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance (other), or Parenting Payment.

More information on the National Work Experience Programme is available at: www.jobactive.gov.au

Empowering YOUth Initiatives organisations cannot enter into wage subsidy agreements with legal employers of participants. Subject to eligibility being met, wage subsidy agreements can only be entered into between the legal employer of an eligible job seeker and their jobactive provider.

Wage subsidies are generally paid for ongoing sustainable positions where an employer-employee relationship exists and they are paid under the relevant Industrial Instruments. Please see the jobactive guidelines for eligibility requirements for both programmes: https://docs.employment.gov.au/collections/jobactive-guidelines

3.57. Our program has been developed and started operating in Queensland around three years ago and has been fine tuned over the past few years and been funded under small term grants and supported by various government and corporate partners. It will be new programs for NSW and Tassie. As it is already operating in Queensland does it rule out the application from QLD.

Section 2.2 of the Grant Guidelines provides examples of innovative approaches that are considered to be in scope and this includes “improvements” to service delivery. Should the Applicant propose improvements to the existing programme, and the Applicant meets all other eligibility requirements outlined in Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines, the proposal would be considered in scope in relevant locations.

Please note, however, that Chapter 3 of the Grant Guidelines states:

“As part of their Application, Applicants must declare in the Financial and Credentials Information Form any other funding they are currently receiving, or expect to receive during the funding period including from Commonwealth, State or Local Governments. This will assist the Department in ensuring organisations receive an appropriate level of funding under Empowering YOUth Initiatives and are not paid twice for the same activities.”

While receipt of other Government funding does not preclude an eligible organisation from applying for

Empowering YOUth Initiatives, this funding will be considered to ensure an organisation is not funded twice for the same activities.

3.58. If our organisation cannot apply for any reason can it still hold the Group Leader role nationally to work with the new States coming on Board to ensure program consistency.

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A lead member of a Group Applicant must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines. That is:

“Not-for-profit and nongovernment organisations not contracted to deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services are eligible to apply for funding under Empowering YOUth Initiatives…Applicants must have a current and valid Australian Business Number (ABN).”

If an organisation is successful in the Transition to Work tender as part of a group application, and is also successful in Empowering YOUth Initiatives, would they be allowed to withdraw from the Transition to Work group application and become a subcontracted service provider under Transition to Work?

Due to the concurrency of the Transition to Work and Empowering YOUth Initiatives procurement activities, applications were open to organisations to submit an application for both initiatives (subject to eligibility criteria outlined in the Grant Guidelines).

If a group/consortium in the Transition to Work tender is successful in its application, the Transition to Work Deed would need to be revoked or modified if a group/consortium OR a member of the group/consortium seeks to, instead, deliver Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

A member of Transition to Work group/consortium may remove themselves from the group/consortium and be added as a sub-contractor of Transition to Work for the purpose of delivering Empowering YOUth Initiatives if:

1. The change in role (to sub-contractor) does not in any way adversely affect the ability of the remaining group/consortium to deliver their Transition to Work service offer

2. The change in role is agreed to by all members of the group/consortium

3. The intent of Empowering YOUth Initiatives remains as it is not duplicating employment services.

In this example, the Transition to Work Deed would need to be modified to reflect the change in group/consortium membership and the identification of the sub-contractor to deliver Transition to Work Services.

3.59. Addendum 2 states that organisations that are contracted by the Commonwealth (including through membership of a consortium) to provide Transition to Work services following the Transition to Work Request for Proposal will not be eligible for funding under the Empowering YOUth Initiative. Clause 8.1.4 of the Draft Funding Agreement states You must not Subcontract any of Your obligations under this Agreement to an Employment Services Provider. Please can you clarify that we are able to pay for a training course or rent space from a provider such as a TAFE institute, who may also be a TTW provider?

Organisations delivering an Empowering YOUth Initiative are able to utilise fee-for-service or similar arrangements with organisations that deliver Employment Services. This may include renting office space from a Transition to Work provider or paying for training courses delivered by a TAFE institute. In these instances, the Empowering YOUth Organisation is not subcontracting their obligations under the Funding Agreement but rather hiring facilities and engaging with services available in their communities.

3.60. Our organisation is a not for profit, and we have submitted a Transition to Work bid, in consortium/joint venture with another lead organisation.

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Can I please get clarification around our eligibility to deliver Empowering YOUth under the following scenarios:

1. If Transition to Work was delivered under Joint Venture with its own ABN, with our organisation as a 50% shareholder of the Joint Venture - are we eligible to also deliver Empowering YOUth?

2. Under Part B of the Transition to Work response we have selected “Consortium” however the intention is to deliver TtW services as a Joint Venture, which we outlined in Criterion 1. Does this affect the answer?

3. If the Transition to Work contract was under our organisation as a consortium partner, but not as lead – my understanding is we would not be eligible. Is that right?

4. We have also been listed as a subcontractor for a separate TTW bid. My understanding is that we are eligible to deliver Empowering YOUth as well, as long as we met the other requirements. Is that right?

5. If we submitted an Empowering YOUth Grant Proposal under a different legal entity that was 100% controlled by our organisation, would we still be eligible even if we had a TTW contract under our organisations ABN?

6. Can we deliver an Empowering YOUth Grant as a subcontractor but still a consortium member for TTW?

7. If we set up a Joint Venture for the Empowering YOUth Grant but still consortium member for TTW?

8. My understanding is that we could rescind our TTW contact if we want to undertake Empowering YOUth instead – does it work the other way around as well – if we accept an Empowering YOUth Grant could we rescind that to accept a TTW contract?

1, 2, 3, 6 and 7. If an organisation is a member of a successful Transition to Work Group Applicant submission, its ABN will appear on the Deed as a party to that Deed and will not be eligible to deliver Empowering YOUth Initiatives, regardless of:

- Whether or not it shares the same ABN as the Group Applicant (Question 1)

- the Group Applicant type (eg consortium/joint venture) (Question 2)

- Whether or not it is the lead member (Question 3) or subcontractor (Question 6) under the submission

- Whether it applies to deliver Empowering YOUth Initiatives as a single entity or as a member of a Group Applicant submission (Question 7)

4. Organisations subcontracted to deliver Transition to Work services will be eligible to deliver Empowering YOUth Initiatives in their own right, so long as they meet the eligibility requirements set out in Chapter 4 of the Request for Proposal.

5. If an organisation has the same ABN as appears on a Deed or Funding Agreement for the provision of Employment Services, it is not eligible to apply for the Empowering YOUth Initiatives. If an organisation’s ABN does NOT appear on a Deed or Funding Agreement for the provision of any Employment Services, it will be eligible to apply for the Empowering YOUth Initiatives, provided it meets the eligibility criteria outlined in Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines.

8. Yes. An organisation contracted to deliver an Empowering YOUth Initiative can rescind its contract in favour of entering into a Funding Agreement under Transition to Work.

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3.61. The grant is being applied for by an overarching entity with 10 colleges that are going to administer the initiative. It will be delivered at the 10 colleges in 16 locations.

Under Criterion 3, the section that asks for the qualifications, experience and roles of the relevant staff that will be involved in the proposed initiative. We have 10 colleges involved in the project, are we able to put in this section a general comment that each college will have a General Manager that will oversee the project and at their level and will have qualified staff as part of the project. To include all the names and qualifications of all staff involved at each college would be in the vicinity of up to 40 staff. Under this model, would we need to include all this information.

To ensure probity of the funding application process, the Department cannot provide interpretation or advice on how an organisation should respond in their Application or provide advice that is not contained in the Grant Guidelines.

However, for Criterion 3 the Respondent should outline at the organisational level the positions/roles, experience and qualifications of staff involved in delivering the initiative. This does not need to include the names of staff involved in delivering the initiative.

3.62. Can High Schools be a formal partner, if not can they be an informal partner? Can we target year 11 and year 12 students at risk of long term unemployment?

Eligibility for an organisation is outlined in Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines and excludes organisations that do not meet this eligibility including for-profit and government organisations.

For some organisations, the most effective way to deliver their proposal is with partnerships through sub-contracting arrangements with organisations otherwise not eligible to apply.

In this instance, an organisation may sub-contract to for-profit, government organisations subject to the following:

1. The partnership would positively impact the viability of the organisation in delivering their innovative Empowering YOUth Initiative; and

2. The sub-contracting to for-profit(s) or government organisation(s) does not exceed 50 per cent of the total delivery

3. The intent of Empowering YOUth Initiatives remains in that the innovative activities/services would not be a duplication of existing employment services.

4. Servicing

4.1. When are initiatives expected to commence?

Applications for Empowering YOUth Initiatives will be sought through at least two rounds of a grant application process. Round 1 initiatives will commence from March 2016.

4.2. In what locations can the Empowering YOUth Initiatives operate?

Within the scope and focus of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives, there are no formal limits or boundaries as to where an initiative can operate. Initiatives can also be delivered through online servicing.

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Initiatives must be able to supply a minimum of 100 participants over the two year funding period and be where job opportunities exist in the relevant labour market(s).

4.3. What sort of activities would an Empowering YOUth Initiatives organisation undertake?

Applications are invited for all innovative or unique activities or services that differ from those being delivered by an existing employment services contract. As part of the grant application process organisations will describe the activities and services they propose to deliver, and how the innovative approach will appropriately service the targeted cohort.

4.4. My organisation is already running a project that sounds like it will fit the scope of Empowering YOUth Initiatives. Can I submit an application?

The Department welcomes applications for any proposals within the scope set out in the Grant Guidelines. This could include scaling up a small local initiative.

4.5. How will the Empowering YOUth Initiatives interact with jobactive servicing?

Young people receiving assistance from their jobactive provider may participate in Empowering YOUth Initiatives. Their participation may, depending on the intensity and duration of assistance offered through an Empowering YOUth Initiatives, contribute to a young person’s mutual obligation requirements.

4.6. How will the Empowering YOUth Initiatives interact with Transition to Work servicing?

Young people participating in Transition to Work are expected to be receiving intensive assistance and are not likely, depending on the nature and intensity of the initiative, to be available to participate in Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

4.7. How will the Empowering YOUth Initiatives interact with servicing offered through Disability Employment Services and the Community Development Programme?

Young people who are receiving assistance through their Disability Employment Service provider may participate in Empowering YOUth Initiatives projects, where their provider agrees that participation would suit their individual circumstances.

Young people who are receiving assistance through the Community Development Programme may also be able to participate in an initiative, determined on a case-by-case basis.

4.8. Section 4.2 makes a reference to “Online Servicing”, what does that mean?

Within the scope and focus of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives, there are no formal limits or boundaries as to where an initiative can operate. Initiatives could be delivered from physical locations, and/or through online servicing, including innovative ways to use technologies, social media or other options that appeal to and attract young people.

4.9. For the purpose of this contract, is Wollongong considered to be regional?

Yes, please see Addendum Number 3, published 24 November 2015 for more clarity around the definition of regional areas.

4.10. In remote Indigenous areas there is low sustainable employment available - how does this affect the criterion regarding sustainability and access to employment? These areas need support but are complex and difficult areas for providing employment options.

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The Department recognises that remote areas have complex issues, and this is where the Community Development Programme is particularly targeted. Empowering Youth Initiatives is looking to put in place initiatives that will support young people into employment, and this is why there is a requirement that labour market opportunities must exist for those young people participating in an initiative.

4.11. Can funding be used to supply accommodation or travel for participants if they have to travel/move for work?

Each organisation is expected to submit an innovative proposal describing what is going to be delivered within that initiative, in which location(s), and for what level of funding. The Department is not prescriptive on how a proposal may achieve the overall objectives and cannot provide advice on the suitability of specific elements of a proposal.

4.12. How will we know what services job providers provide locally?

The Grant Guidelines requires an organisation to outline innovative ideas for providing activities to targeted young people that will lead to helping people into work and improved employment outcomes. Organisations should also outline how they will use existing partnerships (or adopt new partnerships) and must also ensure that their ideas do not replicate services delivered through existing Commonwealth Government Employment Services. The Department cannot provide advice on how an organisation can determine what is already being provided in specific locations.

4.13. Are remote areas eligible for delivery of Empowering Youth Initiatives, and if so is the Department taking into account the very different costs required to deliver services in some areas?

There are no formal limits or boundaries as to where an initiative can operate, however proposed initiatives should be able to supply a minimum of 100 participants, and target participants where job opportunities exist in the relevant labour market(s).

Each proposal should outline a budget that is appropriate to meeting their initiative’s objectives. When assessing each application, the Department is required to consider initiatives that offer the best value for relevant money for the Australian Government.

4.14. Can proponents discuss what should be included and excluded?

No. You will need to put your questions to Department through the Purchasing Hotline. The Department cannot provide clarification on an idea, but we do publish every question and answer on the Employment Services Purchasing website.

4.15. Will the Department take into consideration the variation in regional conditions or the conditions of a particular area when assessing an application?

Within the scope and focus of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives, there are no preferences given to the locations in which an initiative can operate.

Organisations should ensure that their applications outline how the proposed idea contributes to the overarching objective of helping young people into work, including how the idea addresses the needs of the specific locations targeted by the proposal.

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In addition, organisations should also ensure that the relevant location(s) can supply a minimum of 100 participants over the proposed funding period, and that job opportunities exist in the relevant labour market(s).

4.16. If an organisation becomes a third party provider of services to Transition to Work, would that make the organisation ineligible for this initiative?

Organisations who currently deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services as a third party or a related entity are eligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiative funding, provided they meet the other criteria stated throughout the Grant Guidelines.

4.17. Does the definition of ‘regional’ areas align with the definition used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics?

See Addendum 3 to the Grant Guidelines, released on 24 November 2015 for more information.

4.18. Could you provide some more information regarding the funding categories?

The Department is looking to fund variety of initiatives within each of the three funding categories listed in Section 2.3:

a) Up to $500,000 (GST inclusive)b) $500,001 up to $1,000,000 (GST inclusive)c) $1,000,001 up to $2,000,000 (GST inclusive)

Eligible organisations are invited to submit up to three proposals in their application, however this is limited to one proposal per funding category. These funding categories have been provided within the Grant Guidelines to promote the delivery of a broad range of initiatives. Organisations should outline a budget that is appropriate to meeting their initiative’s objectives. The Department is required to consider initiatives that offer the best value for relevant money for the Australian Government when determining successful applications.

4.19. How can we identify which regions are undergoing structural change or have high levels of social disadvantage?

Applicants should outline the evidence supporting their understanding of the challenges facing young people in their target location(s) and the rationale/evidence that supports their innovative approach to:

prevent unemployment among young people most at risk of long-term unemployment reduce the barriers to employment for young people who are currently unemployed and at risk of becoming long-term unemployed, or help young people to stay in work to minimise the risk of long-term welfare dependency.

This would include demonstrating knowledge of the targeted locations or communities in which their initiative will operate and/or utilising the knowledge of existing partnerships or building new partnerships with organisations in the targeted locations.

4.20. Would it be acceptable for an initiative to focus on assisting participants to return to, or complete their education?

The Department invites Applications that offer an innovative approach to assisting young people at risk of long-term unemployment at any stage in the transition to employment, including education. The Department cannot provide advice on what specific ideas would best meet this objective, however the

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Department is interested in funding a diverse range of initiatives that differ to the services delivered through existing Commonwealth Government employment services.

4.21. Section 2.2 Scope of the Grant Guidelines states that Round One will focus on delivering innovative approaches for young people in regional Australia. Section 2.4 Funding Priorities states, “In Round One, preference will be given to proposals that seek to prevent unemployment or reduce the risk of long-term unemployment for:

young people in regional Australia, particularly in those areas undergoing structural change or have high levels of social disadvantage Indigenous young people young people from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background Early School Leavers.

The Department may consider proposals that do not seek to address these priority groups where they address a pressing local need, take advantage of a time-limited opportunity, or represent significant value for money”.

Please clarify the following:

What the Department considers a regional area to be? (eg. Geelong or Bendigo, or remote NT or WA) Whether the Department consider metropolitan areas that address a pressing need as an appropriate initiative? (eg. Western Melbourne where youth unemployment extremely high).

1. Further clarity around the definition of regional areas has been provided in Addendum Number 3 to the Grant Guidelines published on 24 November 2015.

2. The Department may consider proposals that do not seek to address the funding priority groups where they address a pressing local need, take advantage of a time-limited opportunity, or represent significant value for money. It is up to the Applicant to present the case that their proposal should be considered. The Department cannot provide advice on the appropriateness of specific initiatives.

4.22. Is the Mornington Peninsula (Rosebud/Hastings) classified as a Regional area?

No, Morning Peninsula is within the greater Melbourne metropolitan area. Please see Addendum Number 3, published 24 November 2015 for more clarity around the definition of regional areas.

As stated within the Grant Guidelines Chapter 2.4, preference will be given to proposals that seek to prevent unemployment or reduce the risk of long-term unemployment for:

young people in regional Australia, particularly in those areas undergoing structural change or have high levels of social disadvantage, OR Indigenous young people, OR young people from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background, OR Early School Leavers.

However, the Department may consider proposals that do not seek to address these priority groups (including proposals that seek to operate within capital cities) where they address a pressing local need, take advantage of a time-limited opportunity, or represent significant value for money.

4.23. Empowering YOUth Initiatives is focused on ‘new’ and ‘innovative’ approaches. Would a submission by a privately funded organisation that is upscaling an existing service be considered in this scope?

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Section 2.2 of the Grant Guidelines provides examples of innovative approaches that are considered to be in scope, including new approaches or improvements to service delivery. As such, a submission to scale up an existing service is considered to be in the scope provided the submission meets all other eligibility requirements.

4.24. How would scenarios be viewed where the provision of services has previously attracted Commonwealth funding that has since ended?

Section 2.2 of the Grant Guidelines provides examples of innovative approaches that are considered to be in scope and this includes “improvements” to service delivery. An example of a proposal outlining a previous approach that may be considered innovative is where an organisation has identified downfalls in the previous model and has since determined a new approach or improvements.

4.25. It appears that we can we ‘partner’ with an organisation that is applying for Transition to Work in an Empowering Youth Initiative submission as per page 9 of the guidelines. Can an organisation that is applying for Transition to Work be the lead organisation?

A Transition to Work Applicant may also apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives, so long as they meet the eligibility criteria set out in Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines, which states that “Not-for-profit and non-government organisations not contracted to deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services are eligible to apply for funding under Empowering YOUth Initiatives…Applicants must have a current and valid Australian Business Number (ABN).”

The Transition to Work Applicant meeting the above eligibility criteria may apply as a lead member of a consortium to deliver Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

Please note, however, that Addendum 2, published on 360Pro states “…organisations that are contracted by the Commonwealth (including through membership of a consortium) to provide Transition to Work services following the Transition to Work Request for Proposal will not be eligible for funding under the Empowering YOUth Initiative. However, organisations that have submitted an application under the current Transition to Work Request for Proposal may submit an application for Empowering YOUth Initiatives where they meet all other eligibility criteria. Should an organisation be successful in Transition to Work and, subsequently also offered a grant in response to their Empowering YOUth Initiatives application, the offer of grant funding will be conditional on the organisation surrendering its Transition to Work Deed.”

Therefore, while organisations meeting the relevant eligibility criteria may apply for both Transition to Work and Empowering YOUth Initiatives, they may only enter into a contract/Funding Agreement for one or the other.

4.26. I’m seeking to clarify whether an organisation can make applications for multiple programs to be delivered under the Empowering Youth Initiatives. Alternatively should the organisation ‘package up’ their programs and make one application as an organisation for delivery across multiple regions?

Section 2.3 of the Grant Guidelines states “Applicants may submit up to three innovative proposals with a limit to one Application for each of the following categories:

a) Up to $500,000 (GST inclusive).

b) $500,001 up to $1,000,000 (GST inclusive).

c) $1,000,001 up to $2,000,000 (GST inclusive).”

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While Applicants may submit only one Application with up to three proposals (one for each funding category), there is no requirement for a proposal to be limited to one location. So long as the proposal is within the funding category budget, the Applicant may propose to deliver one initiative in multiple locations.

4.27. Can you please advise if you have a contract to provide Employment Services in one location does it preclude you from applying for Empowering Youth Initiatives in an another location?

Addendum 2, published on 360Pro, states:

“Applicants are advised the following information is intended to clarify which organisations are not eligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives funding:

Organisations contracted by the Commonwealth to deliver Employment Services, including through membership of a consortium delivering those Employment Services, including:

jobactive providers Work for the Dole Coordinators New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) providers providers of Harvest Labour Services the provider of the National Harvest Labour Information Service Disability Employment Services providers Community Development Programme providers.”

This exclusion applies regardless of what locations the organisation is contracted to deliver Employment Services in. An Employment Services provider can therefore not apply for Empowering YOUth Initiatives in any location.

4.28. Can organisations submit different initiatives aimed at different groups in the same funding category? For example, could an organisation apply to deliver one initiative for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and another for youth at risk, both in the “Up to $500,000” category?

No. Section 2.3 of the Grant Guidelines limits Applications to one per funding category. However, one initiative could be aimed at multiple groups.

4.29. Would a project designed specifically for youth with disabilities qualify for this grant application?

Section 2.5 of the Grant Guidelines states “the target group for Empowering YOUth Initiatives is young people aged 15–24 years (inclusive) who are long-term unemployed (unemployed for 12 months or more), or at risk of becoming long-term unemployed.”

Young people with disabilities who fall into this target group are eligible to participate in Empowering YOUth Initiatives and thus, eligible Applicants may submit a proposal targeting this group.

While young people with disabilities may not fall specifically into a priority group as outlined in section 2.4 of the Grant Guidelines, this section also states “The Department may consider proposals that do not seek to address these priority groups where they address a pressing local need, take advantage of a time-limited opportunity, or represent significant value for money.”

4.30. Our proposed program will have an educational element as well as a work experience element to it. My questions is: Can one of my clients use the hours he/she does in our program (modules, work experience, volunteering, etc.) towards the required hours in a “Transition to Work” program? We are not involved in any “Transition to Work” programs but we have plenty of relationships with organisations who are applying for it.

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Job seekers who are in the Transition to Work programme will be receiving intensive services targeted to their specific needs and would not generally be suitable to participate in Empowering YOUth Initiatives. However, participation in Empowering YOUth Initiatives is voluntary and the exception would be that some jobseekers may choose to also participate in an Empowering YOUth Initiative where it does not adversely affect their participation in Transition to Work. Participation in Empowering YOUth Initiatives will not count as an activity under Transition to Work.

4.31. Our service covers the Macarthur area which is a mixture of urban and semi-rural does this come under the priority area for this funding round?

Macarthur area would be considered a regional area for the purposes of Empowering Youth Initiatives. Please see Addendum Number 3, published 24 November 2015 for more clarity around the definition of regional areas.

As stated within the Grant Guidelines Chapter 2.4, preference will be given to proposals that seek to prevent unemployment or reduce the risk of long-term unemployment for:

young people in regional Australia, particularly in those areas undergoing structural change or have high levels of social disadvantage, OR Indigenous young people, OR young people from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background, OR Early School Leavers.

However, the Department may consider proposals that do not seek to address these priority groups (including proposals that seek to operate within capital cities) where they address a pressing local need, take advantage of a time-limited opportunity, or represent significant value for money.

4.32. Are there opportunities to assist with relocation assistance especially in areas undergoing major industry restructure and shutdowns?

Organisations may propose any initiative provided it aims to meet the overall scope and objectives of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives. The Department cannot provide advice on the suitability of specific project proposals.

Should applicants seek to leverage off other existing State or Commonwealth Government programmes (such as the Relation Assistance to Take up a Job Programme) they may propose to do so provided they meet the requirements of these programmes and the requirements of Empowering YOUth Initiatives. In addition to declaring any other sources of funding in their proposal, organisations should explain how their proposed initiative will continue to operate in the event that other funding sources cease or are not acquired.

5. Payments and contracting

5.1. How long will each project run for?

Initiatives will be funded for a maximum of two years.

5.2. How much money is available?

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There are three categories of funding available for up to two years for Round 1 of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives. Applicants may submit up to three innovative proposals with a limit to one proposal for each of the following categories:a) Up to $500,000 (GST inclusive)b) $500,001 up to $1,000,000 (GST inclusive)c) $1,000,001 up to $2,000,000 (GST inclusive).

5.3. When will I get paid?

The Funding Agreement between the Department and successful organisations will specify milestones that link key deliverables with payments for each initiative. The first payment will be 40 per cent of the total individual initiative funding and payable at the time the Funding Agreement is executed. Additional payments will be specified in the schedule of the Funding Agreement and dependent on organisations achieving agreed performance milestones. These milestones may include:

meeting the expected number of participants submitting progress reports collecting data and information required for evaluation specific project milestones.

5.4. What if I don’t meet the milestone target?

Ongoing funding of an organisation’s project will be dependent on them achieving their relevant milestones and satisfying the requirements of their agreement with the Department. Should an organisation fail to meet these requirements the Department will liaise with the organisation to ensure they continue to receive an appropriate level of funding.

5.5. Is funding allocation listed (a - up to $500,000; b $500, 001 up to $1,000,000; and c - $1,000,001 up to $2,000,000) per year or for the two years in total?

The funding categories listed in Section 2.3 of the Grant Guidelines refer to the total amount of funding that can be received over the duration of a proposal. Applicants are able to submit a proposal to receive funding for any duration of up to two years. Each proposal can only receive funding for a maximum of two years.

5.6. Can you please clarify the three funding categories?

The separate funding categories have been designed to promote a diverse range of initiatives designed to improve the employment outcomes of young people. Applicants can find further information on funding categories in the Grant Guidelines on page 9, at section 2.3.

5.7. Other Employment Services provide regional and remote loading allowances, will these be available for Empowering Youth Initiatives?

The concept of loading based on service area does not apply to Empowering Youth Initiatives. Each organisation is expected to submit a proposal describing what is going to be delivered within that initiative, in which location(s), and for what level of funding.

5.8. Section 2.4 of the Grant Guidelines lists four funding priorities. How will the Department ensure four areas are prioritised? Does the Department have any preferences within these priorities?

The Department is seeking initiatives across all of the funding priority groups listed in section 2.4 of the Grant Guidelines. A review committee of senior Commonwealth Department managers will oversee the

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assessment process and provide recommendations for the allocation of funding. In making recommendations, the review committee will consider a number of factors that differentiate proposals to ensure that the objectives of Empowering YOUth Initiatives can be achieved and that there is an appropriate level of diversity across the Empowering YOUth Initiatives. This may include diversity in the targeted cohort of youth (including across the funding priorities), the proposed geographic location, the expected number of participants, the funding category proposed, and the innovative service delivery focus.

5.9. Will an initiative be able to receive funding under the second round of Empowering YOUth Initiatives to extend or continue its activities?

The proposed initiatives for Round One funding cannot be contingent on receiving funding through Round Two of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives. The Department cannot currently provide guidance on the scope of the second round of Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

5.10. If a participant is registered with Transition to Work or jobactive and participates in an Empowering YOUth Initiative, will the Empowering YOUth Initiative organisation receive any recognition or outcome payments for achieving an outcome?

Empowering YOUth Initiatives is a separately funded programme to jobactive and Transition to Work. The concept of outcome payments used under jobactive does not apply to Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

For Empowering YOUth Initiatives, each successful organisation will have the opportunity to work in partnership with the Department to negotiate relevant deliverable milestones appropriate for each specific initiative. Grant funding instalments will be payable depending upon meeting these agreed performance milestones. These milestones may include but aren’t limited to:

meeting expected numbers of participants submitting progress and final reports collecting and providing data and information required for evaluation

Please see section 2.8.3 of the Grant Guidelines for more information on Grant payments and milestones.

5.11. The funding schedule states that a payment equal to 40 per cent of the total awarded funding will be payable at the time the Funding Agreement is executed. What milestones will an organisation need to achieve in order to receive the remaining 60 per cent of their funding?

Each Funding Agreement entered into between the Department and successful Applicants will specify milestones that link key deliverables with payments of funding. Each initiative is expected to be different, therefore milestones will be developed on an initiative-by-initiative basis in consultation between the Department and the successful applicant. These milestones may include, but aren’t limited to:

meeting expected numbers of participants providing progress reports collecting and providing data and information required for evaluation

Please see section 2.8.3 of the Grant Guidelines for more information on Grant payments and milestones.

5.12. If you are contracted to deliver Transition to Work in a different location to the service area you propose for the Empowering YOUth Initiatives, are you still eligible to deliver Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

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Organisations contracted to deliver employment services through Transition to Work are not eligible to operate Empowering YOUth Initiatives, regardless of the location of their Transition to Work contract.

5.13. What if an organisation that has applied for both Transition to Work and the Empowering YOUth Initiatives decides to accept an offer of funding under Transition to Work?

If an organisation receives an offer of funding for both Transition to Work and the Empowering YOUth Initiatives, and the organisation decides to accept the offer of funding under Transition to Work, they will not eligible to receive funding under the Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

5.14. Can the Department offer to fund only part of a proposal?

The Department may decide to offer funding for only part of a proposal, or to make minor changes to proposed services or activities. The Department cannot propose to make changes that are fundamentally different to the original proposal.

5.15. If an organisation wants to operate an initiative across multiple locations, do multiple applications need to be submitted?

An application may submit one proposal per funding category, and each proposal within a category may operate in one or multiple locations.

5.16. If I am proposing to operate an initiative across multiple locations, do I need to submit a separate budget for each location?

Applicants are required to provide one budget for each proposed initiative, and each proposed initiative may seek to service one or multiple locations.

5.17. Why are Transition to Work providers excluded from delivering Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

Empowering YOUth Initiatives is designed to encourage proposals that do not replicate existing Employment Services, including Transition to Work services.

5.18. With respect to funding, are organisations required to outline key deliverables and milestones in their submissions?

Under Criteria 4 of the Grant Guidelines, organisations are required to describe what will be measured to report against the overall objectives on an initiative, as well as how this information will be reported to the Department as part of their submissions. The Funding Agreements negotiated with the Department will list the specific deliverables and milestone requirements for each successful initiative.

5.19. What expenses can the funding available through the Empowering YOUth Initiatives be used for? Is there any form of spending that is not allowed?

Applicants must submit a budget outlining proposed expenditure on administrative and initiative specific items, including capital expenditures. When approving a grant, a key consideration for the Department will be achieving value for relevant money, according to the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Guidelines.

What is the total amount of funding available across round one of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

There is not set total amount of funding allocated for the first round of initiatives. Around 20 projects will be funded in the first round of Empowering YOUth Initiatives, and the Department is looking to fund variety of initiatives within each of the three funding categories listed in Section 2.3:

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a) up to $500,000 (GST inclusive)b) $500,001 up to $1,000,000 (GST inclusive)c) $1,000,001 up to $2,000,000 (GST inclusive)

5.20. When budgeting for programs and proposals, our organisation uses a spreadsheet to track all operational costs as individual line items, from staffing (linked to sector standard rates), to building maintenance, to stationary etc. My questions are:

What level of detail is needed for Part E? Is there capability to attach our costings (which would show you exactly where funding is proposed to be spent), or do we need to enter all that data into the template only?

To ensure probity of the funding application process, the Department cannot provide interpretation or advice on how an organisation should respond in their Application or provide advice that is not contained in the Grant Guidelines.

As stated in section 7.3.3 of the Grant Guidelines, the Department will not accept any attachments submitted with the Application with the exception of those requested by the Department. Appendix C of the Grant Guidelines outlines 360Pro and System requirements for completing Part E – EYI – Initiative Budget.

5.21. Can wage subsidies be claimed for job placements made through the Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

Empowering YOUth Initiatives organisations cannot enter into wage subsidy agreements with legal employers of participants. Wage subsidy agreements can only be entered into between the legal employer of a job seeker and their provider, subject to all eligibility requirements being met.

5.22. Can you please advise what the funding can and can't be used for. For example, staff costs, equipment, capital costs, evaluation to name a few.

There are no restrictions on what can be included within a budget. However, Organisations must outline a budget that is appropriate to meeting their initiative’s objectives. Applicants must submit a completed budget for each proposed initiative (if submitting more than one), outlining items divided between administration and initiative-specific outlays on participants. Please see Section 3.2.1 of the Grant Guidelines for further information.

The Department is unable to provide specific advice on what an appropriate allocation of funding would look like within an initiative budget statement. However, the Department is governed by the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Guidelines, including the requirement that the Department achieves value for relevant money spent.

5.23. Is match-funding required and if so what is the ratio? If match-funding is required, does this have to include a cash contribution. If so how much?

Match-funding is not a requirement. Applicants are required to provide details of the share of funds, if any, the organisation will provide from other sources in their completed initiative budget statement (please see Schedule 1 of the draft Funding Agreement for more information).

5.24. I understood that the infrastructure costs within the initiative budget are allowed to meet specific needs of the initiative, eg technology infrastructure or the establishment of a social enterprise (these examples were given). Could you please confirm.

There are no restrictions on what can be included within a budget. However, Organisations must outline a budget that is appropriate to meeting their initiative’s objectives. Applicants must submit a completed

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budget for each proposed initiative (if submitting more than one), outlining items divided between administration and initiative-specific outlays on participants. Please see Section 3.2.1 of the Grant Guidelines for further information.

The Department is unable to provide specific advice on what an appropriate allocation of funding would look like within an initiative budget statement. However, the Department is governed by the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Guidelines, including the requirement that the Department achieves value for relevant money spent.

5.25. What the difference is between Per-Participant spend figure and Total participant figure?

The per-participant spend figure can be calculated by adding the total funding proposed to be received from Empowering YOUth Initiatives with any funding contributions from other sources, and dividing this total amount by the proposed number of participants.

The total participant related expenditure is the total amount of funding to be directed toward the delivery of the proposed activities or services in the initiative to participants. This should not include administrative expenditure.

5.26. Is there any form of spending that is not allowed?


5.27. Is there allowable capital expenditure requirements, as in minimum or maximum requirements? Is there ineligible spending?


5.28. I do want to check a note that I took regarding the inclusion of infrastructure costs within the initiative budget. I understood that this is allowed to meet specific needs of the initiative, eg technology infrastructure or the establishment of a social enterprise (these examples were given). Could you please confirm.


6. Procurement process

6.1. How will organisations be selected?

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Organisations will be selected through a competitive procurement process run by the Department of Employment. Unsuccessful organisations will be able to receive feedback on their application and reapply for future funding rounds.

6.2. How will the Department assess the proposals?

Applications are assessed against the selection criteria in the Empowering YOUth initiatives Grant Guidelines. A review committee of senior managers and external experts will oversee the assessment process and recommend to the Delegate those initiatives considered to offer innovative approaches that will achieve positive outcomes for the targeted youth cohort. In making recommendations, the review committee will consider whether there is adequate geographic diversity across Empowering YOUth Initiatives, as well as any other relevant matters that will ensure the objectives of Empowering YOUth Initiatives can be achieved.

6.3. What guidance would you provide about how the Department will assess 'value'?

In accordance with Part 2, Section 11 of the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Guidelines, achieving value with relevant money is a prime consideration in all phases of grants administration.

Section 11.2 states, Officials achieve value with relevant money in grants administration by:

considering and promoting proper use and management of public resources (proper means efficient, effective, economical and ethical) working with stakeholders when appropriate to develop or modify granting activities. Stakeholder input can aid in improving the efficiency of the design and delivery of granting activities using processes, procedures and requirements that are proportional to the risks and nature of granting activities. For intellectual property rights resulting from activities undertaken with grant money, entities should not generally assert ownership, but should consider a licence for Commonwealth purposes, such as reporting to Ministers adopting an active risk identification and engagement approach focused on minimising potential adverse impacts and maximising opportunities, through identifying and treating risks responding to change. Officials should establish flexible processes so as to be able to respond quickly to changing government priorities effective programme design and selection processes. The objective of the appraisal process is to select projects/activities that best represent value with relevant money in the context of the objectives and outcomes of the granting activity (including grant programmes). A fundamental appraisal criterion is that a grant should add value by achieving something worthwhile that would not occur without the grant ongoing monitoring and management. The establishment of on-going monitoring and management arrangements throughout the life of the grant should enable the granting entity to assure that granting activities are proceeding as planned and that grant money is being appropriately applied.

6.4. Is there any weighting given to applications that demonstrate sustainability and financial viability at end of the project?

In accordance with Part 2, Section 11 of the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Guidelines, achieving value with relevant money is a prime consideration in all phases of grants administration.

Section 11.2 states, Officials achieve value with relevant money in grants administration by:

considering and promoting proper use and management of public resources (proper means efficient, effective, economical and ethical)

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working with stakeholders when appropriate to develop or modify granting activities. Stakeholder input can aid in improving the efficiency of the design and delivery of granting activities using processes, procedures and requirements that are proportional to the risks and nature of granting activities. For intellectual property rights resulting from activities undertaken with grant money, entities should not generally assert ownership, but should consider a licence for Commonwealth purposes, such as reporting to Ministers adopting an active risk identification and engagement approach focused on minimising potential adverse impacts and maximising opportunities, through identifying and treating risks responding to change. Officials should establish flexible processes so as to be able to respond quickly to changing government priorities effective programme design and selection processes. The objective of the appraisal process is to select projects/activities that best represent value with relevant money in the context of the objectives and outcomes of the granting activity (including grant programmes). A fundamental appraisal criterion is that a grant should add value by achieving something worthwhile that would not occur without the grant, and ongoing monitoring and management. The establishment of on-going monitoring and management arrangements throughout the life of the grant should enable the granting entity to assure that granting activities are proceeding as planned and that grant money is being appropriately applied.

6.5. You mentioned an applicant may submit up to three proposals - but only one proposal per category. Does this mean that for Round One you can only submit one proposal/idea?

Eligible organisations are invited to submit up to three proposals in their application – however, this is limited to one proposal per funding category. This is to ensure a diverse range of initiatives within the scope of Empowering YOUth Initiatives. It is up to the organisation applying for an Empowering YOUth Initiatives grant to select the location(s) they wish to service. The location(s) does not need to be the same for each initiative proposal and an organisation may seek to service one or multiple locations in each initiative proposed.

6.6. Is the first round of funding for Empowering Youth Initiatives for regional areas only?

Funding for round one is not limited to regional areas, priorities for Round 1 include:

young people in regional Australia, particularly in those areas undergoing structural change or have high levels of social disadvantage indigenous young people young people from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background Early School Leavers.

Please see Addendum Number 3, released on 24 November 2015 for further clarity around the funding priorities of Empowering Youth Initiatives.

6.7. Job Providers are contracted to provide very broad ranging services, how will the Department distinguish duplication from innovation?

As part of the assessment process the Department will have a team of experienced staff assessing Applications. The Department will also receive expert advice from its State and Territory Offices around the country and make an informed decision regarding ideas that are innovative as opposed to duplicating existing employment services activities.

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6.8. Could you please explain what selection weighting will be given to the probability that the proposed initiative will deliver improved sustainable employment outcomes?

Within Chapter 3 of the Grant Guidelines the overall weightings for each Criterion have been provided for applicants’ consideration. There are no weightings applied to subsections of each Criterion and Organisations are asked to follow the guidance provided for each criterion when preparing their application. The Department aims to ensure that successful initiatives represent a broad mix of ideas and approaches aiming to address the objectives for Empowering Youth Initiatives.

6.9. We are a subcontractor to a jobactive provider. Can we apply?

Addendum 2, published on 360Pro states: “organisations that currently deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services under a subcontracting arrangement or are a related entity to an organisation contracted to deliver those services, may be eligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiative funding provided they meet the other eligibility criteria outlined throughout the Grant Guidelines.”

6.10. Can a parent company with a number of subsidiary companies apply independently of each other?

Addendum 2, published on 360Pro states: “organisations that currently deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services under a subcontracting arrangement or are a related entity to an organisation contracted to deliver those services, may be eligible to apply for Empowering YOUth Initiative funding provided they meet the other eligibility criteria outlined throughout the Grant Guidelines.”

6.11. If a provider was to get a Transition to Work contract in Melbourne as an example, could they then get Empowering Youth Initiative funding in Sydney?

Addendum 2, published on 360Pro states: “should an organisation be successful in Transition to Work and, subsequently also offered a grant in response to their Empowering YOUth Initiatives application, the offer of grant funding will be conditional on the organisation surrendering its Transition to Work Deed.” This condition applies regardless of the successful Employment Regions/locations.

6.12. Can a Not-for-Profit school apply?

Chapter 4 of the Grant Guidelines states: “Not-for-profit and non-government organisations not contracted to deliver Commonwealth funded Employment Services are eligible to apply for funding under Empowering YOUth Initiatives.” A not-for-profit school may be eligible to apply should it meet the eligibility criteria.

6.13. Will each state be allocated a project?

There are no pre-determined locations for the Empowering YOUth Initiatives. A review committee of senior Commonwealth officials will make recommendations for successful applications taking into account adequate geographic diversity across Empowering YOUth Initiatives, as well as any other relevant matters that will ensure the objectives of Empowering YOUth Initiatives can be achieved.

6.14. Proposals for Empowering YOUth Initiatives can’t replicate Transition to Work services, can they offer complementary services?

Yes, while Applications must not replicate the services delivered through existing Commonwealth Government Employment Services, including the new Transition to Work service, Applicants may seek to offer innovative activities complementing these services and may seek to work in partnership with these providers. Please see Chapter 2.2 of the Grant Guidelines for more information.

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6.15. Are participants defined as places or people? Are there consequences for obtaining early outcomes?

Participants are people from the targeted group that will be taking part in an initiative. The number of participants and length of time an individual participant is engaged in an initiative will vary depending on each initiative.

Each initiative will have deliverables relevant to their proposal included in their Funding Agreement and organisations may be required to provide the Department with progress reports and other milestones as defined in the Funding Agreement entered into with the Department. Please see section 2.8.3 of the Grant Guidelines for more information.

6.16. Will the Department prioritise any regions or areas when allocating funding?

There are no pre-determined locations for the Empowering YOUth Initiatives. As stated in Section 2.4 of the Grant Guidelines, in round one of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives preference will be given to proposals that seek to prevent unemployment or reduce the risk of long-term unemployment for:

young people in regional Australia, particularly in those areas undergoing structural change or have high levels of social disadvantage indigenous young people young people from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background Early School Leavers.

The Department may consider proposals that do not seek to address these priority groups where they address a pressing local need, take advantage of a time-limited opportunity, or represent significant value for relevant money.

6.17. Are unsuccessful applicants able to receive feedback on their application? Will unsuccessful applications for the first round of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives be considered in future funding rounds?

Following the final announcement of the funding Application process, all Applicants that are unsuccessful can request a verbal debriefing. The debriefing request must be made within one month of the final announcement.

Each round of the Empowering YOUth Initiatives will be assessed independently of each other. As such, organisations will need to submit a new application for each round of the initiatives.

6.18. In addition to implementing a service or activity could organisations also propose to conduct research into the barriers to employment? Would this be favourably looked upon?

The Department welcomes all applications that offer innovative ideas to address the key objectives of Empowering YOUth Initiatives, and aim to assist young people at risk of long term unemployment at any stage in the transition from education to employment. Please see Chapter 2 of the Grant Guidelines for further information.

The Department is unable to provide advice on the appropriateness of specific proposals.

6.19. At the conclusion of an initiative, will the organisation operating an initiative be required to consider or comment on the initiative’s success and potential future sustainability?

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The Funding Agreement entered into between the Department and successful Applicants may a require organisations to provide progress reports during the course of the initiative and a final report upon its completion. This report may include commentary on the initiatives success.

The Department will work in partnership with relevant organisations to capture information that will inform the evaluation of each Empowering Youth Initiative. The Department will seek to promote the learnings from each initiative with the aim of assisting government and organisations working with young people to enhance current and future service delivery.

6.20. Would it be acceptable for an initiative to focus on assisting participants to complete education?

The Department invites Applications that offer an innovative approach to assisting young people at risk of long-term unemployment at any stage in the transition to employment, including education. The Department cannot provide advice on what ideas would best meet this objective, however the Department is interested in funding a diverse range of initiatives that differ to the services delivered through existing Commonwealth Government employment services.

6.21. What milestones and targets are there for the initiatives? Will funding be dependent on achieving employment outcomes?

Each Funding Agreement entered into between the Department and successful Applicants will specify milestones that link key deliverables with payments of funding. Due to the expected differences between the initiatives, these milestones will be developed on an initiative-by-initiative basis in consultation between the Department and the successful applicant, and deliverables may include meeting participant numbers, providing progress reports, and collecting information and data for evaluation purposes.

6.22. Will I receive feedback on my application?

Following the final announcement of the funding Application process, all Applicants that are unsuccessful can request a verbal debriefing. The debriefing request must be made within one month of the final announcement.

6.23. Will there be any further updates to the Grant Guidelines?

The Department may add clarity to the information provided in the Grant Guidelines as addendums as required. As such, applicants should continue to monitor the Department’s Procurement website and 360Pro to ensure they are aware of any addendums that are issued.

6.24. Will there be more time to prepare an application in the second round of funding for Empowering YOUth Initiatives?

The Department will seek to provide as much time as possible for applicants to apply for second round funding.

6.25. Would social enterprise be considered favourably as a means of empowering youth?

The Department invites Applications that offer an innovative approach to assisting young people at risk of long-term unemployment at any stage in the transition to employment. When submitting their application, organisations should also outline how their proposed idea contributes to the overarching objective of helping young people into work.

The Department cannot provide advice on whether a specific idea or approach would appropriately meet this objective.

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6.26. There was advice today that there was an addendum released providing more information on subcontracting. I cannot see this on the 360Pro website. Can you please provide me with a copy?

Potential Respondents must register with 360Pro to view the Empowering YOUth Initiatives Round One Grant Guidelines and addenda. A link to the 360Pro website is available on the Employment Services Procurement Information website (www.employment.gov.au/employment-services-procurement-information). Once registered, the Potential Respondent needs to login to 360Pro and navigate to the bottom of the Job Info tab to view Addenda. Registered 360Pro users also receive addenda notifications via email.

6.27. Will there be capacity to evaluate programmes specifically? Is there a requirement for organisations to budget for evaluation in the submission?

Initiatives will be evaluated separately. The Department will collaborate with organisations to collect evaluation information and data.

6.28. Does the Department have a preference for Applications submitted by Group Applicants?

No, there is no preference for Applications submitted by Group Applicants.

6.29. My organisation is not a consortium member for Transition To Work provision – however, we have been included as a Third Party subcontractor whose services (not for profit) would be purchased should the TTW lead agency/consortium application be successful.

Does this impede on our ability to apply for Empowering YOUth of our own right?

I asked this question at the Melbourne information session on Tuesday 24 November and the answer was that we are eligible to apply.

The question has since appeared in the Q and A paper (3.15), but is not addressed in Addendum 2 – only the consortium question is addressed, not subcontractor.

Organisations subcontracted to deliver Transition to Work services will be eligible to deliver Empowering YOUth Initiatives in their own right, so long as they meet the eligibility requirements set out in Chapter 4 of the Request for Proposal. That is:


6.30. With regard to ‘relevant persons’ I was seeking clarification of the approach for listing ‘relevant persons’ for an organisation the size of a university. Is it appropriate to list key university staff that meet the stated criteria (we are proposing to name the Director of Research and Director of Finance). We also wanted to seek clarification as to whether the personal details questions must be completed for these individuals representing a university, including driver’s licence and residential address?

Ultimately it is up to the Applicant to decide on the relevant persons to be disclosed in accordance with Section 16 of the Financial and Credentials Information Form, however the onus of proof is on an Applicant to satisfy the Department of its financial viability to undertake the proposed activities specified in its Application. If an Applicant does not provide all information requested by the Department, or if the Applicant is otherwise unable to demonstrate its financial viability, the Department may not be able to make

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an assessment or the assessment may be adversely affected. In these circumstances, the Department may, at its sole discretion, exclude an Application from further consideration at any stage of the assessment process.

All fields for each relevant person listed at Question 16 of the Financial and Credentials Information Form must be completed. The personal information collected on this form is the minimum information required to identify a relevant person when completing checks in relation to the credentials and financial viability assessment for an entity. If a relevant person does not have a drivers licence then 'NA' should be inserted.

If an Applicant does not provide all information requested by the Department, the Department may not be able to make an assessment, or the assessment may be adversely affected.

6.31. On the Part E Initiative Budget form there is not provision for indicating the co-contribution from the organisation – where would that go? Where else would we indicate our co-contribution?

Item 4, under Part E – Initiative Budget, contains budgeted expenditure items only. It would be assumed that if the Applicant’s budgeted cost exceeds the funding category budget (as outlined in Section 2.3 of the Grant Guidelines), the difference between the Applicant’s budget and the funding category budget would be the share of funds the organisation proposes to provide from other sources. For example, if an organisation submits a $2,500,000 budget for an innovative proposal submitted under category c) $1,000,000 up to $2,000,000 (GST inclusive), it I would be assumed that $500,000 would be provided from other sources.

6.32. If we are making a co-contribution, do we factor that somehow into the pre participant cost (or is it EXCLUDED from that calculation).

Calculating per-participant cost should include funding from all co-contributions as well as the proposed funding from Empowering YOUth Initiatives.

6.33. Are employee costs to be allocated under ‘inititiave specific’ or under ‘administration’ – it’s unclear.

Item 4, under Part E – Initiative Budget, contains budgeted expenditure items only. It would be assumed that if the Applicant’s budgeted cost exceeds the funding category budget (as outlined in Section 2.3 of the Grant Guidelines), the difference between the Applicant’s budget and the funding category budget would be the share of funds the organisation proposes to provide from other sources. For example, if an organisation submits a $2,500,000 budget for an innovative proposal submitted under category c) $1,000,000 up to $2,000,000 (GST inclusive), it I would be assumed that $500,000 would be provided from other sources. Employee costs can be allocated under ‘initiative specific’ or under ‘administration’ depending on the role of the staff member. For example, employees directly engaged in delivering activities or supporting an Empowering YOUth Initiative should have those resources counted as ‘initiative specific’ costs.

6.34. Our program is premised on demand-led employment which means that although we have a network of sub-contractors that we have used for service delivery in the past, none of these will be locked in going forward until we know whether we are successful and then they will be chosen and engaged based on where the employment opportunities exist at that time.

Is writing in the tender application that we conduct our own due diligence process and will use the Government’s due diligence and approval process when selecting a sub-contractor sufficient?

As stated in the section 4.5 of the Grant Guidelines ‘As specified in the Draft Funding Agreement, organisations can only enter into a subcontract with the written permission of the Department…’.

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Section 4.5 goes on to say ‘If an Applicant wishes to engage a subcontractor to conduct part of their proposed activities under Empowering Youth Initiatives, the Subcontractor Credentials Information Form must be completed and submitted as part of their application. Unless the Department agrees in writing to any changes to nominated subcontractor(s), they must remain as specified in the Application:

throughout the period from receipt of the Application through assessment and entering into a Funding Agreement

throughout the Funding Agreement period’.

6.35. Can I please clarify if we can provide the same details used for clearance with ASIC and Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission that our Board members are "suitable persons" for governance responsibilities of our company limited by guarantee.

This is the information provided for all other Federal Government departments in line with the "cut the red tape policy" to provide information once for use multiple times across all funding bodies. This section 16 is a duplication of the ACNC requirements and onerous for a submission.While we acknowledge that information may have been provided by your entity to the ACNC the information held by the ACNC is not suitable to allow the Department to complete a financial risk assessment of your entity as it does not provide the same level of detail sought by the Financial and Credentials Information Form.If an Applicant does not provide all information requested by the Department the Department may not be able to make an assessment or the assessment may be adversely affected. In these circumstances, the Department may, at its sole discretion, exclude an Application from further consideration at any stage of the assessment process.

6.36. As a follow on question to 6.31-6.33, I can’t find where on the form to show a co-contribution.

The per-participant spend figure can be calculated by adding the total funding proposed to be received from Empowering YOUth Initiatives with any funding contributions from other sources, and dividing this total amount by the proposed number of participants.

Any co-contribution will be reflected in the difference between the amount of Empowering YOUth Initiatives grant funding requested and the Applicant’s overall budget as per the response to Question 6.31.

6.37. If an organisation wins an Empowering YOUth Initiatives bid as a standalone organisation and wins another bid as a consortium that includes a party that then wins Transition to Work, can that organisation undertake both contracts?

Due to the concurrency of the Transition to Work and Empowering YOUth Initiatives procurement activities, applications were open to organisations to submit an application for both initiatives (subject to eligibility criteria outlined in the Grant Guidelines). If a group/consortium in the Transition to Work tender is successful in its application, the Transition to Work Deed would need to be revoked or modified if a group/consortium OR a member of the group/consortium seeks to, instead, deliver Empowering YOUth Initiatives. A member of Transition to Work group/consortium may remove themselves from the group/consortium and be added as a sub-contractor of Transition to Work for the purpose of delivering Empowering YOUth Initiatives if:

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1. The change in role (to sub-contractor) does not in any way adversely affect the ability of the remaining group/consortium to deliver their Transition to Work service offer2. The change in role is agreed to by all members of the group/consortium3. The intent of Empowering YOUth Initiatives remains as it is not duplicating employment services.In this example, the Transition to Work Deed would need to be modified to reflect the change in group/consortium membership and the identification of the sub-contractor to deliver Transition to Work Services.

7. Procurement

7.1. Where do I find the Application?

The Application can be found on the 360Pro website (www.tinyurl.com/360Pro-employment).

7.2. What type of software form will be used?

Smart Forms will be used for Applications.

7.3. Can attachments be included with the Application?

The Department will not accept any attachments submitted with the Application with the exception of those requested by the Department.

7.4. Where can I find the webinar PowerPoint presentation?

A PowerPoint of the webinar will be published on the Employment Services Procurement Information website (www.employment.gov.au/employment-services-procurement-information) after the final information session/webinar.

Applicants are also advised to check the website regularly for any new questions and answers.

7.5. Are spaces included in the character limit for the selection criteria?

Character counts include spaces and formatting.

7.6. Applicants are not able to upload tables; it is much harder to write the detail?

Graphics, graphs and/or tables are NOT permitted as part of the written response to the Application. This is a policy decision, because diagram(s) with no interpretation require analysis which can be easily misinterpreted.

7.7. Clarify whether character count includes spaces or not?

The character count includes spaces, i.e. roughly 20,000 characters or six to seven pages.

7.8. With respect of the closing time for applications for funding under Empowering YOUth Initiatives Round One, is it 5.00 pm daylight saving time?

Yes. Applications for Empowering YOUth Initiatives close 5.00 pm Canberra time on 18 December 2015. Canberra is on daylight saving time.

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