Climate-Critical Underrepresented Business Support

4. If our organization has received prior funding from MassCEC's MWBE Support Grants or other RFPs, are we eligible to apply to this RFP?

Yes, organizations that have received prior funding from other MassCEC Workforce Development RFPs are eligible to apply, as long as proposed work is separate and distinct from currently funded efforts. To be considered competitive, organizations that have received prior MWBE Support Grants must demonstrate successful outcomes and align to baseline services and requirements such as regional coordination expectations, data reporting, sectoral procurement navigation, and cross-referral responsibilities required by the CUBS Hub and Spoke model.

5. If I am an underrepresented business looking to develop my own workforce, how would I go about doing that given the available grants at MassCEC?

The CUBS RFP is NOT intended to fund an individual underrepresented business. Our other funding opportunities may be better suited for you. If you are an underrepresented business and you want to implement a job training pipeline for individuals from environmental justice neighborhoods and other underserved populations to enter the clean energy sector, you may consider applying to the Equity Workforce Training Implementation RFP or the Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment & Infrastructure RFP. The Workforce Development team has a public-facing partnerships list located on the main MassCEC Workforce RFP site. This list is updated every month and can be a good opportunity to network with other potential applicants such as training providers; build community; and learn about other workforce development programs. Let us know If you are interested in joining the networking list.

6. My organization currently supports businesses in more than one Workforce Skilled Cabinet regions. What region(s) should I apply to serve?

Applicants applying for funding to operate Hubs in multiple regions must submit a separate application for each region. Applicants seeking to operate a Spoke in multiple regions may submit a single application if the work does not significantly vary per region; e.g., the sector focus, proposed services, target businesses, and delivery model should be substantially the same across regions to be served. If approaches differ by region, the Spoke Applicant must submit applications for each distinct Spoke program.

7. Who is responsible for data collection in the Hub and Spoke model? Do Hubs and Spokes need standardized data metrics?

In this RFP, Hubs and Spokes share responsibility for data collection and reporting. The Hub is responsible for collecting and consolidating standardized data, using shared tools, to produce regional performance reports for MassCEC. Separately, both Hubs and Spokes are required to submit participant-level performance and outcomes data directly to MassCEC monthly. Applicants should anticipate the use of standardized baseline data and alignment within a region. Hubs and Spokes, operating within the same workforce region, are required to execute a Memorandum of Understanding during the initial months of an awarded grant period.

8. How can two separate entities jointly submit a Hub Application?

Two separate entities may collaborate to jointly apply as a Hub, provided the application clearly identifies one organization as a Lead Applicant and describes the partnership arrangement enabling the full delivery of all required Core Services. The RFP permits Hubs to subcontract with partners or third-party vendors to deliver elements of the required services, but the Lead Applicant must retain overall responsibility.

9. Can we apply as subcontractors in multiple Hub applications?

Yes, an entity may serve as a subcontractor in multiple Hub applications. Subcontractors with expertise in service delivery in a clean energy sector may also want to consider applying as a Spoke.

10. How should applicants budget indirect (overhead) costs?

Applicants may include an indirect cost rate applied only to program personnel costs. Up to 15% indirect rate is allowable without additional MassCEC review; organizations with a federally negotiated indirect cost rate (NICRA) may request approval to use a higher rate by submitting documentation. Salaries for executive directors or other permanent administrative personnel should only be charged directly as a distinct line-item if those individuals are actively managing or delivering program components; otherwise, those costs are considered overhead, are considered and covered by the indirect, and should not be built into the project budget. Indirect costs may not be applied to non-personnel expenses.

11. Are venue rental and facility costs allowable as direct project expenses?

Yes, venue rental costs are allowable when they are directly tied to program delivery, such as renting a separate facility for a training, workshop, participant meetings, or required project event. General office rent is considered through the indirect rate and may generally not be charged as a direct cost with a distinct line-item. In limited cases, subject to MassCEC approval, applicants may propose a portion of general office and facility costs as a direct expense if the space is necessary to successfully deliver a unique program requirement (e.g. in-person consulting office hours administer by the Hubs) and the percentage allocation is clearly explained and justified in the budget narrative.

12. What circumstances would lead to an applicant interview?

We may request applicant interviews if the review committee requires additional clarification on proposal components not fully addressed in the application form and budgets.

13. Can we find an example or format for a letter of support? Does it need to be from the head of the organization?

We do not require a specific format for letters of support. We do require letters of support to be submitted on the organization letterhead. Letters must be signed by an authorized representative with sufficient knowledge of the proposed partnership and should include the role, commitment, and responsibilities of the organization providing the letter.