National Guard Civilian Youth Opportunities (12.404)

Program

12.404 National Guard Civilian Youth Opportunities

Federal Agency

Agency: Department Of Defense
Office: Department Of The Army, Aviation Applied Technology Directorate

Authorization

Defense Appropriation Act, as amended, 32 U.S.C. 509; 10 U.S.C. 2193.

Program Number

12.404

Last Known Status

Active

Objectives

The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, conducts a National Guard civilian youth opportunities program (to be known as the "National Guard ChalleNGe Program") to use the National Guard to provide military-based training, including supervised work experience in community service and conservation projects, to civilian youth who cease to attend secondary school after graduating so as to improve the life skills and employment potential of such youth.

Types of Assistance

Formula Grants.

Uses and Use Restrictions

To carry out the National Guard ChalleNGe Program in a State, the Secretary of Defense shall enter into an agreement with the Governor of the State or, in the case of the District of Columbia, with the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, under which the Governor or the commanding general will establish, organize, and administer the National Guard ChalleNGe Program in the State. The agreement may provide for the Secretary to provide funds to the State for civilian personnel costs attributable to the use of civilian employees of the National Guard in the conduct of the National Guard ChalleNGe Program.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

The Secretary of Defense shall provide for the conduct of the National Guard ChalleNGe Program in such States and U.S. territories and possession as the Secretary considers to be appropriate, except that Federal expenditures under the program may not exceed $62.5M for fiscal year 01.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Credentials/Documentation

None.

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure

The State shall develop a plan which includes details on student application and selection procedures, number of students to be trained, staffing, curriculum, Post-Residential phase execution, facilities and services, State public and private service to be provided and a detailed budget.

Award Procedure

After Congress authorizes, approves, and appropriates funds for the project and the National Guard Bureau reviews and approves all necessary plans, specifications, bidding documents, contracts and other documentation, the award can be made.

Deadlines

Not available.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

From 2 to 3 months.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Not applicable.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

The amount of assistance provide under this section to a State program of the National Guard ChalleNGe Program may not exceed: (1) For fiscal year 2000, 65 percent of the costs of operating the State program during the year; and (2) for fiscal year 2001 and each subsequent fiscal year, 60 percent of the costs of operating the State program during that year."

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

One year from the approval of the agreement.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

State must submit certified vouchers for each payment to the U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer of the State. Within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the design, conduct, and effectiveness of the National Guard ChalleNGe Program during the preceding fiscal year. In preparing the report, the Secretary shall coordinate with the Governor of each State in which the National Guard ChalleNGe Program is carried out and, if the program is carried out in the District of Columbia, with the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard.

Audits

Governed by the Single Audit Act of 1984. The USPFO shall conduct an annual internal review of the program. The internal review shall commence 90 days after the close of the program budget year.

Records

An inventory of program assets by each State.

Program Accomplishments

The ChalleNGe and Starbase programs have grown during the past 9 years from ideas into the most successful programs of their types in the United States. ChalleNGe has grown from a pilot program of 10 States to a permanent program with 25 States currently participating and more than 22,000 graduates. Starbase has grown from 1 program to the 19 that exist today, and has been adopted by the Navy and Air Force Reserve.

Financial Information

Account Identification

57-3840-0-1-051.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 07 $62,500,000; FY 08 est not reported; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Section 509(b) limits the use of Federal funds in an amount not to exceed $62.5M for fiscal year 05.

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

DoD and NGB guidance.

Related Programs

None.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

NGB/NGB-YP (Youth Programs Division), 1411 Jefferson Davis Highway, JP1, Arlington, VA 22202-3221. Telephone: (703) 607-5975. (Use 327-5975 for DSN).

Web Site Address

http://www.ngb.dtic.mil/indexstm/.

Examples of Funded Projects

ChalleNGe, Youth Conservation, and STARBASE.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

States shall submit annual financial plans which will be reviewed, prioritized, and approved by the appropriate NGB Program Manager.