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KERALA TOURISM WEBSITE tourismforkerala.com Kerala Tourism website provides details of travel destinations, hotels, accommodation, culture, heritage, art forms,medical tourism.cheapadvertising opportunity also. http://tourismforkerala.com
KERALA TOURISM WEBSITE tourismforkerala.com
Kerala Tourism website provides details of travel destinations, hotels, accommodation, culture, heritage, art forms,medical tourism.cheapadvertising opportunity also.
http://tourismforkerala.com
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
WRAP - Designing Out Waste Competition
WRAP - Designing Out Waste Competition
Questions & Answers
Q1. We are interested in entering the WRAP Designing out Waste Competition, but it does not seem to encompass landscape and environmental works (we are a landscape design company). Is there scope for us to enter ideas that are not necessarily based around the three building projects?’
A1. There is significant scope to Design out Waste on a construction project in both the building and the landscaped / hard surfaced areas. We would welcome design ideas based on just the landscaped areas only, as long as they follow the same overall driver - reducing construction waste. Consideration of the building itself should also be shown - i.e. as in a normal job, the landscaping and building would not be designed without considering the other. Likewise (building) architects entering this competition should also consider the site in its entirety in identifying ways to reduce construction waste - this should include landscaped areas.
Q2. Does the 2,500m2 building gross area for the primary school project, include external areas, such as hard playgrounds (basket, football etc), or should we assume that such surfaces are already in existence?
A2. The gross area exclude external spaces, you are free to assume playgrounds surrounding, but not playing fields.
Q3. We are a firm of engineers and would also like to include waste management consultants, environmental consultants and graduate engineers amongst our team. Looking at the eligibility criteria, ‘Other Professionals’ would appear to be the most appropriate category. Are there a maximum or minimum number of people who can be on a team?
A3. The ‘Other professionals’ is the most appropriate category. Multi-discipline teams are just as welcome to enter the Competition as our individuals - there is no upper limit to the number of people a team may contain.
Q4. Do we have to focus our submission around one scenario only?
A4. You must pick one project type only (from the selection of 3 available). Submissions should follow the same overall driver to reduce construction waste and this can be by focussing on one single design solution or scenario only, for the project type selected. However please bear in mind the assessment criteria, regarding how well the idea(s) proposed are likely to reduce construction waste. The Brief states: Competitors shall choose from
DoW_QA_v3 Page 1 of 2
one of three project/site examples and show design solutions that implement innovative, practicable (considering buildability and commercial viability) and replicable measures, which will make a significant impact on waste reduction. As a guide, selecting and illustrating a small number of key design solutions per entry (< 10) would be considered appropriate.
Q5. Can we design a scheme that could be transferable in location, or must it be UK based only?
A5. As long as the proposed solutions are applicable to the UK environment and construction industry in the first instance, then ideas which could be transferable to other parts of the world would be acceptable.
Q6. Looking at the sizes of the projects, there are big differences between them. Is the project type selected likely to influence the Jury Panel’s decision?
A6. The building areas supplied are considered appropriate for the three project typologies. These three project types were selected to be a typical representation of the types of construction projects commonly found in the UK. It does not matter which project you select for your entry. The Jury Panel will not be judging the project type selected, but how well the design solutions put forward reduce construction waste on the project type selected.
DoW_QA_v3 Page 2 of 2
Questions & Answers
Q1. We are interested in entering the WRAP Designing out Waste Competition, but it does not seem to encompass landscape and environmental works (we are a landscape design company). Is there scope for us to enter ideas that are not necessarily based around the three building projects?’
A1. There is significant scope to Design out Waste on a construction project in both the building and the landscaped / hard surfaced areas. We would welcome design ideas based on just the landscaped areas only, as long as they follow the same overall driver - reducing construction waste. Consideration of the building itself should also be shown - i.e. as in a normal job, the landscaping and building would not be designed without considering the other. Likewise (building) architects entering this competition should also consider the site in its entirety in identifying ways to reduce construction waste - this should include landscaped areas.
Q2. Does the 2,500m2 building gross area for the primary school project, include external areas, such as hard playgrounds (basket, football etc), or should we assume that such surfaces are already in existence?
A2. The gross area exclude external spaces, you are free to assume playgrounds surrounding, but not playing fields.
Q3. We are a firm of engineers and would also like to include waste management consultants, environmental consultants and graduate engineers amongst our team. Looking at the eligibility criteria, ‘Other Professionals’ would appear to be the most appropriate category. Are there a maximum or minimum number of people who can be on a team?
A3. The ‘Other professionals’ is the most appropriate category. Multi-discipline teams are just as welcome to enter the Competition as our individuals - there is no upper limit to the number of people a team may contain.
Q4. Do we have to focus our submission around one scenario only?
A4. You must pick one project type only (from the selection of 3 available). Submissions should follow the same overall driver to reduce construction waste and this can be by focussing on one single design solution or scenario only, for the project type selected. However please bear in mind the assessment criteria, regarding how well the idea(s) proposed are likely to reduce construction waste. The Brief states: Competitors shall choose from
DoW_QA_v3 Page 1 of 2
one of three project/site examples and show design solutions that implement innovative, practicable (considering buildability and commercial viability) and replicable measures, which will make a significant impact on waste reduction. As a guide, selecting and illustrating a small number of key design solutions per entry (< 10) would be considered appropriate.
Q5. Can we design a scheme that could be transferable in location, or must it be UK based only?
A5. As long as the proposed solutions are applicable to the UK environment and construction industry in the first instance, then ideas which could be transferable to other parts of the world would be acceptable.
Q6. Looking at the sizes of the projects, there are big differences between them. Is the project type selected likely to influence the Jury Panel’s decision?
A6. The building areas supplied are considered appropriate for the three project typologies. These three project types were selected to be a typical representation of the types of construction projects commonly found in the UK. It does not matter which project you select for your entry. The Jury Panel will not be judging the project type selected, but how well the design solutions put forward reduce construction waste on the project type selected.
DoW_QA_v3 Page 2 of 2
Technical questions
Technical
Q3.1 : Is it possible to submit an entry using oil paintings?
A3.1 : All media are acceptable. The work can be translated and
integrated into the station sites and existing materials used in
building the station. if your artwork is an oil painting then this can
be scanned and copied to the materials within the stations.
Q3.2 : Can 3-dimensional sculptures be used at the wall
spaces as well?
A3.2 : Yes sculptural forms are considered, but restriction of
protrusion from the wall and weight and fixing must be
considered.
Q3.3 : What Kind of protrusion from artwork is allowable?
A3.3 : The protrusion of integrated Art wall shall not be more than
100mm. Even then, certain protrusions less than 100mm will not
be allowable if they are deemed to be hazardous (at head height,
sharp etc)
Q3.4 : Are there any specific material preferred for
sculptures?
A3.4 : No preferred medium, except that the work has to
integrate with the station finishes and structure. The selected
artist will have to work closely with architects, engineers and
contractors. The materials must be non-combustible.
Q3.5 Are 2-dimensional artwork preferred for easier
maintenance?
A3.5 : Yes, ease of maintenance is a consideration.
Q3.6 : Does the artwork have to be on/between the glass for
those on the Artwall?
A3.6 : It depends on the site specified for art. The artwork may
be sandwiched between glass or slump glass (in compliance to
MRT technical requirements) for station artwalls that are using
glass material.
Q3.7 : Is hanging (from ceiling) artwork (such as the
Stainless Steel Mobiles at Tanjong Pagar Station) acceptable
for submission?
A3.7 : Hanging artworks are not considered.
Q3.8 : What kind of fixings and weight requirements come
with the art wall panels?
A3.8 : The weight of the art wall and mounting details to be
resolved at later stage with the contractor and engineers.
Phase 2 Integrated Art Competition
Questions and Answers
Questions submitted up until the 31st August 2007 will be compiled and attached with answers
below. Some of the content may be edited for clarity. Check this document regularly to get the
latest update. The last update will be uploaded on the 7th September 2007.
Page 2 of 2
4. Artwork - Production
Q4.1 : Does the prize money include the cost for
manufacturing the art walls?
A4.1 : No. The costs for the manufacturing of the art walls will be
covered by other funds.
5. Competition Submission
Q5.1 : At this stage, do we have to provide a dimension of
the work? I don't see this being asked in the entry form, so I
am wondering. As dimension & scale are important
considerations of composition of the artwork/design,
perhaps, it would be helpful to give us an idea of what LTA
requires.
A5.1 : Dimensions of the proposed final artworks at each of the
competition stations are given in the attached Integrated Art
Location document. Entrants need to consider whether their final
artwork will need to be blown-up in scale to fit the site dimensions
or whether the artwork will be created to the exact required scale.
The view, location and size of the artwork would determine the
best scale that should be adopted depending on the artist’s
proposal and the detail required. Remember that the artworks
will be viewed both from a distance and close up in most
instances.
An understanding of how the artwork will be scaled should be
demonstrated in the competition entry.
Q5.2 : Are the sample artwork (mock-up) mounted on the A2
sheets or separate?
A5.2 : All mock ups are to be mounted on 5 mm foam boards.
Q5.3 : Does the finished artwork need to be submitted with
the competition entry?
A5.3 : No, only the concept and details of the proposal, as well as
samples of the type of artwork. The finished artwork will need to
be developed together with the station architects, engineers and
contractors following the award of the competition.
Q5.4 : For the submission, are the 2 A2 sheets mounted onto
the foam board or are the images mounted onto the foam
board and lastly onto an A2 sheet?
A5.4 : All entry materials are to be mounted to maximum two
pieces of A2 sheet (one side only) which are then in turn
mounted to two 5mm white foam boards.
Q5.5 : Do you accept walk-in submission of entries?
A5.5 : Yes, you can drop your entries off at the Land Transport
Authority, No 1 Hampshire Road, Block 1 Level 1 complete with
the entry form in a sealed envelope.
Q5.6 :Are multiple entries allowable either as a group or
individual?
A5.6 : A Group may submit entries but a nominated
representative must be included on the entry form. All prizes
and commissioning will be awarded to the nominated
representative rather than to the group. Each entrant, either as a
individual or as a group representative, may submit up to three
separate entries.
Q5.7 :Can smaller size paper be used for mounting the
submission?
A5.7 : The Artist can use 1 A2 paper and stick onto a form board
backing, or smaller pieces of paper and stick onto an A2 paper
before sticking onto a form board backing
Q5.8 :Can the submission include more than 200 words?
A5.8 : The control of 200 words explanation is because the focus
of the submission is on the idea and concept of the proposed art
works. If the Artist felt that the art work has been well presented,
he/she can choose to elaborate on the written words
Q5.9 : How can the concepts for such large art walls be
represented on A2 paper?
A5.9 : The idea and concept of the proposed art works are to be
in proportion / to-scale reduction of the actual Art wall. The Artist
can include to-scale extracted details from the proposed artwork
to demonstrate the quality of the work.
6. Illegibility
Q6.1 : Is PR eligible to enter the competition?
A6.1 : Yes the competition is open to all Singaporeans and
Singapore Permanent Residents
Q6.2 :Can we use artwork from a gallery?
A6.2 : No, the artwork must be limited edition prints, original
unpublished and created particularly for this project. Artists will
need to demonstrate how their ideas for the artwork are
developed to suit particular aspects of the station surroundings or
architecture.
Q6.3 : Are art galleries welcomed to participate in this
competition as well?
A6.3 : Yes, but eventually the art work is to be undertaken by an
individual artist as outlined on the submission form.
Q6.4 : Will new artists have preference over established
artists for the Integrated Art Competition?
A6.4 : No preference as all the competition entries are
anonymous. The selection for the competition is based on the
work - the concept, the execution, the materials and the viability
of the creative idea. This competition is open to all creative
individuals and not based on each participant’s personal history
& profile.
Q6.5 : I am holding a dependant pass. Does this status allow
me to enter in the Integrated Art Competition?
A6.5 : Unfortunately not. The competition is only open to
Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents.
7. Other
Q7.1 : Have the artists for the Commissioned section of the
Circle Line Art Project been chosen yet? If not, will they
come from the pool of (winning) artists from the
competition?
A7.1 : Selection of commissioned artists is on-going. The
winning artist from the competition will be commissioned for
respective competition stations. But it is possible that artists may
be selected for the commissioned section of the
Q3.1 : Is it possible to submit an entry using oil paintings?
A3.1 : All media are acceptable. The work can be translated and
integrated into the station sites and existing materials used in
building the station. if your artwork is an oil painting then this can
be scanned and copied to the materials within the stations.
Q3.2 : Can 3-dimensional sculptures be used at the wall
spaces as well?
A3.2 : Yes sculptural forms are considered, but restriction of
protrusion from the wall and weight and fixing must be
considered.
Q3.3 : What Kind of protrusion from artwork is allowable?
A3.3 : The protrusion of integrated Art wall shall not be more than
100mm. Even then, certain protrusions less than 100mm will not
be allowable if they are deemed to be hazardous (at head height,
sharp etc)
Q3.4 : Are there any specific material preferred for
sculptures?
A3.4 : No preferred medium, except that the work has to
integrate with the station finishes and structure. The selected
artist will have to work closely with architects, engineers and
contractors. The materials must be non-combustible.
Q3.5 Are 2-dimensional artwork preferred for easier
maintenance?
A3.5 : Yes, ease of maintenance is a consideration.
Q3.6 : Does the artwork have to be on/between the glass for
those on the Artwall?
A3.6 : It depends on the site specified for art. The artwork may
be sandwiched between glass or slump glass (in compliance to
MRT technical requirements) for station artwalls that are using
glass material.
Q3.7 : Is hanging (from ceiling) artwork (such as the
Stainless Steel Mobiles at Tanjong Pagar Station) acceptable
for submission?
A3.7 : Hanging artworks are not considered.
Q3.8 : What kind of fixings and weight requirements come
with the art wall panels?
A3.8 : The weight of the art wall and mounting details to be
resolved at later stage with the contractor and engineers.
Phase 2 Integrated Art Competition
Questions and Answers
Questions submitted up until the 31st August 2007 will be compiled and attached with answers
below. Some of the content may be edited for clarity. Check this document regularly to get the
latest update. The last update will be uploaded on the 7th September 2007.
Page 2 of 2
4. Artwork - Production
Q4.1 : Does the prize money include the cost for
manufacturing the art walls?
A4.1 : No. The costs for the manufacturing of the art walls will be
covered by other funds.
5. Competition Submission
Q5.1 : At this stage, do we have to provide a dimension of
the work? I don't see this being asked in the entry form, so I
am wondering. As dimension & scale are important
considerations of composition of the artwork/design,
perhaps, it would be helpful to give us an idea of what LTA
requires.
A5.1 : Dimensions of the proposed final artworks at each of the
competition stations are given in the attached Integrated Art
Location document. Entrants need to consider whether their final
artwork will need to be blown-up in scale to fit the site dimensions
or whether the artwork will be created to the exact required scale.
The view, location and size of the artwork would determine the
best scale that should be adopted depending on the artist’s
proposal and the detail required. Remember that the artworks
will be viewed both from a distance and close up in most
instances.
An understanding of how the artwork will be scaled should be
demonstrated in the competition entry.
Q5.2 : Are the sample artwork (mock-up) mounted on the A2
sheets or separate?
A5.2 : All mock ups are to be mounted on 5 mm foam boards.
Q5.3 : Does the finished artwork need to be submitted with
the competition entry?
A5.3 : No, only the concept and details of the proposal, as well as
samples of the type of artwork. The finished artwork will need to
be developed together with the station architects, engineers and
contractors following the award of the competition.
Q5.4 : For the submission, are the 2 A2 sheets mounted onto
the foam board or are the images mounted onto the foam
board and lastly onto an A2 sheet?
A5.4 : All entry materials are to be mounted to maximum two
pieces of A2 sheet (one side only) which are then in turn
mounted to two 5mm white foam boards.
Q5.5 : Do you accept walk-in submission of entries?
A5.5 : Yes, you can drop your entries off at the Land Transport
Authority, No 1 Hampshire Road, Block 1 Level 1 complete with
the entry form in a sealed envelope.
Q5.6 :Are multiple entries allowable either as a group or
individual?
A5.6 : A Group may submit entries but a nominated
representative must be included on the entry form. All prizes
and commissioning will be awarded to the nominated
representative rather than to the group. Each entrant, either as a
individual or as a group representative, may submit up to three
separate entries.
Q5.7 :Can smaller size paper be used for mounting the
submission?
A5.7 : The Artist can use 1 A2 paper and stick onto a form board
backing, or smaller pieces of paper and stick onto an A2 paper
before sticking onto a form board backing
Q5.8 :Can the submission include more than 200 words?
A5.8 : The control of 200 words explanation is because the focus
of the submission is on the idea and concept of the proposed art
works. If the Artist felt that the art work has been well presented,
he/she can choose to elaborate on the written words
Q5.9 : How can the concepts for such large art walls be
represented on A2 paper?
A5.9 : The idea and concept of the proposed art works are to be
in proportion / to-scale reduction of the actual Art wall. The Artist
can include to-scale extracted details from the proposed artwork
to demonstrate the quality of the work.
6. Illegibility
Q6.1 : Is PR eligible to enter the competition?
A6.1 : Yes the competition is open to all Singaporeans and
Singapore Permanent Residents
Q6.2 :Can we use artwork from a gallery?
A6.2 : No, the artwork must be limited edition prints, original
unpublished and created particularly for this project. Artists will
need to demonstrate how their ideas for the artwork are
developed to suit particular aspects of the station surroundings or
architecture.
Q6.3 : Are art galleries welcomed to participate in this
competition as well?
A6.3 : Yes, but eventually the art work is to be undertaken by an
individual artist as outlined on the submission form.
Q6.4 : Will new artists have preference over established
artists for the Integrated Art Competition?
A6.4 : No preference as all the competition entries are
anonymous. The selection for the competition is based on the
work - the concept, the execution, the materials and the viability
of the creative idea. This competition is open to all creative
individuals and not based on each participant’s personal history
& profile.
Q6.5 : I am holding a dependant pass. Does this status allow
me to enter in the Integrated Art Competition?
A6.5 : Unfortunately not. The competition is only open to
Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents.
7. Other
Q7.1 : Have the artists for the Commissioned section of the
Circle Line Art Project been chosen yet? If not, will they
come from the pool of (winning) artists from the
competition?
A7.1 : Selection of commissioned artists is on-going. The
winning artist from the competition will be commissioned for
respective competition stations. But it is possible that artists may
be selected for the commissioned section of the
Essay Competition 2009 Frequently Asked Questions
Essay Competition 2009
Frequently Asked Questions
Submissions, eligibility, formal requirements:
1. What is the deadline for submissions?
The deadline for submissions is February 22, 2009, midnight (CET – for example, the time of Paris, France). Work submitted after the
deadline will not be considered.
2. How do I submit?
The submission process is very simple and entirely online-based. Essays and photos are submitted directly via the Essay Competition website,
and the videos – via YouTube. All participants, including those who submit videos, must fill in an online submission form. Submissions sent
via email or regular mail will not be considered. More about submitting a video
Attention: if you submit more than one piece of work, please use the same form to attach all your submissions, and press ‘Submit’ at the end.
3. Who is eligible for the essay competition?
The essay competition is open for nationals of ALL countries of the world, students and non-students alike, aged 18-25 on June 15, 2009.
Students enrolled in Ph.D. courses are, however, not eligible to participate.
4. I am just under 18 or just over 25 – can I still participate?
The competition is intended for youth aged 18-25. If you between the ages of 18 and 25 on June 15, 2009, you are eligible. No exceptions
will be granted.
5. In which language shall I submit my work?
The essay can be written in any of the three languages: English, French or Spanish. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be asked to
make a presentation of your paper – in the same language that the essay was written in or in English. The photo description and any
commentary in the video also must be in one of those three languages.
6. What is the length and format of the submissions?
The essay must not exceed 4,000 words. The following elements do NOT count into the number of pages or words: summary, content page,
title page (if you provide one). Moreover, graphs and tables do NOT count into the number of words. Essays can be submitted as MS Word
documents (.doc) or in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). Photos can be submitted as .jpg files of maximum 2.5 MB. Videos may not be longer than 2
minutes. More about submitting a video
7. Am I allowed to include graphs and tables in my essay?
Yes, you are welcome (but not obliged to) to include relevant graphs and tables. Their content will not count into the number of words in your
essay. Please make sure that you explain what each graph or table represents.
8. What is a summary of the essay? What is a description of a video or photo?
You are asked to write a summary to go with your essay, which cannot exceed 250 words. The summary should explain the aim, the
methodology, the reasoning and the main conclusions of your essay. The summary is important, as pre-selection of the essays will be based
on the assessment of these only. That means that a good essay without a summary or with a poorly written summary will not be graded
highly.
If you submit a photo, you are required to submit a description of 150 words maximum explaining what the photo represents and how it is
relevant to the topic.
You may submit a description of your video, but you do not have to do it, if you think that the voice commentary in the video is sufficient.
9. What are the evaluation criteria for the submissions?
Essays will be graded for their structure and coherence, originality and creativity and the use of thoughtful and concrete proposals/ examples.
Photos and videos will be evaluated on the basis of their relevance to the topic, originality and creativity.
We realize that English, French or Spanish will be foreign languages to many participants; therefore language mistakes will not be penalized,
as long as the content is understandable.
We realize that participants may not have the technical skills or the equipment to produce photos and videos, therefore technical quality of
the submission will not be evaluated, as long as the image is clearly visible and sound (in video) is audible.
10. Is it allowed to mention my name in my submission?
You must not mention your name anywhere in the essay, on the photo or in the video. Your submission will be linked to your email address
and therefore there is no need to sign it with your name. The review process in entirely anonymous. Authors of videos are encouraged to
create their YouTube account with a nickname and not their name.
11. Is it allowed for two or more people to work on the same essay, photo or video?
No. The submission must be individual work.
12. How to submit a video?
To submit your video, you will need to complete the following steps.
13. What should I include in the video?
You are free to shoot your video as you choose, as long as it relates to one or both topic questions. Voice or written commentary is not
obligatory, if you think that your video is self-explanatory, but we would recommend that you include one or the
Frequently Asked Questions
Submissions, eligibility, formal requirements:
1. What is the deadline for submissions?
The deadline for submissions is February 22, 2009, midnight (CET – for example, the time of Paris, France). Work submitted after the
deadline will not be considered.
2. How do I submit?
The submission process is very simple and entirely online-based. Essays and photos are submitted directly via the Essay Competition website,
and the videos – via YouTube. All participants, including those who submit videos, must fill in an online submission form. Submissions sent
via email or regular mail will not be considered. More about submitting a video
Attention: if you submit more than one piece of work, please use the same form to attach all your submissions, and press ‘Submit’ at the end.
3. Who is eligible for the essay competition?
The essay competition is open for nationals of ALL countries of the world, students and non-students alike, aged 18-25 on June 15, 2009.
Students enrolled in Ph.D. courses are, however, not eligible to participate.
4. I am just under 18 or just over 25 – can I still participate?
The competition is intended for youth aged 18-25. If you between the ages of 18 and 25 on June 15, 2009, you are eligible. No exceptions
will be granted.
5. In which language shall I submit my work?
The essay can be written in any of the three languages: English, French or Spanish. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be asked to
make a presentation of your paper – in the same language that the essay was written in or in English. The photo description and any
commentary in the video also must be in one of those three languages.
6. What is the length and format of the submissions?
The essay must not exceed 4,000 words. The following elements do NOT count into the number of pages or words: summary, content page,
title page (if you provide one). Moreover, graphs and tables do NOT count into the number of words. Essays can be submitted as MS Word
documents (.doc) or in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). Photos can be submitted as .jpg files of maximum 2.5 MB. Videos may not be longer than 2
minutes. More about submitting a video
7. Am I allowed to include graphs and tables in my essay?
Yes, you are welcome (but not obliged to) to include relevant graphs and tables. Their content will not count into the number of words in your
essay. Please make sure that you explain what each graph or table represents.
8. What is a summary of the essay? What is a description of a video or photo?
You are asked to write a summary to go with your essay, which cannot exceed 250 words. The summary should explain the aim, the
methodology, the reasoning and the main conclusions of your essay. The summary is important, as pre-selection of the essays will be based
on the assessment of these only. That means that a good essay without a summary or with a poorly written summary will not be graded
highly.
If you submit a photo, you are required to submit a description of 150 words maximum explaining what the photo represents and how it is
relevant to the topic.
You may submit a description of your video, but you do not have to do it, if you think that the voice commentary in the video is sufficient.
9. What are the evaluation criteria for the submissions?
Essays will be graded for their structure and coherence, originality and creativity and the use of thoughtful and concrete proposals/ examples.
Photos and videos will be evaluated on the basis of their relevance to the topic, originality and creativity.
We realize that English, French or Spanish will be foreign languages to many participants; therefore language mistakes will not be penalized,
as long as the content is understandable.
We realize that participants may not have the technical skills or the equipment to produce photos and videos, therefore technical quality of
the submission will not be evaluated, as long as the image is clearly visible and sound (in video) is audible.
10. Is it allowed to mention my name in my submission?
You must not mention your name anywhere in the essay, on the photo or in the video. Your submission will be linked to your email address
and therefore there is no need to sign it with your name. The review process in entirely anonymous. Authors of videos are encouraged to
create their YouTube account with a nickname and not their name.
11. Is it allowed for two or more people to work on the same essay, photo or video?
No. The submission must be individual work.
12. How to submit a video?
To submit your video, you will need to complete the following steps.
13. What should I include in the video?
You are free to shoot your video as you choose, as long as it relates to one or both topic questions. Voice or written commentary is not
obligatory, if you think that your video is self-explanatory, but we would recommend that you include one or the
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Upward Bound Program
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Fiscal Year 2007
Upward Bound Program
Competition
This document reflects a compilation of the answers we have provided in response to
questions received from potential applicants. We hope this information is useful in
assisting you with developing a successful UB application.
Q1: What is the maximum award for an Upward Bound applicant that is seeking a
first time award?
A: The maximum award for a new applicant is $250,000 for regular Upward
Bound, Upward Bound Math and Science and Veterans Upward Bound.
Q 2: For the past four years we have received the Upward Bound Initiative funds.
Are we to include the amount of the UB Initiative funds in our base award for
purposes of determining the maximum award under the FY 2007 competition?
A: No, the Upward Bound Initiative is a four-year project. The UB Initiative will
not be renewed. However, in determining the maximum award under the FY
2007 competition, grantees may add one-half of their UB Initiative funds to
their 2006 base award amount. The maximum award will be 103 percent of
that combined amount. (In other words, the 3 percent increase is applied to
BOTH the base amount AND one-half of the UB Initiative amount.) You
should also note that the number of participants a project is required to serve
will also increase by one-half of the number served under the UB Initiative.
Q3: Where in the budget do you put all costs that relates to students? Are these
costs included in the indirect costs?
A: All costs related to stipends, room and board, meals, tuition and related fees
should be placed under the “Training Stipends” category on the budget form
(ED Form 524). These costs are not to be included in the calculation of
indirect costs. Please identify the various categories of expenses in the
budget summary. With the transition to grants.gov we are no longer able to
modify the standard budget forms to accommodate the specifics of the TRIO
programs as we have done in previous competitions.
Q4: May we use bullets in the program narrative and single-space the text
following the bullets?
A: Yes and no. You may use bullets in the program narrative but the text must
be double-spaced.
Q5: May more than one Upward Bound project or both a regular Upward Bound
and Upward Bound Math and Science project serve the same target area and
schools?
A: The number and type of Upward Bound projects that serve a particular target
area or school is not an issue. What the relevant issue is whether there are
a sufficient number of eligible students in the target area or school for each
Upward Bound project to serve its required number of eligible students
without duplicating eligible students. Clearly, we would prefer that multiple
Upward Bound projects not identify the same target schools. However,
having more than one application proposing to serve students at the same
target school(s) in itself will not render an application ineligible.
Q6: Is 2000 Census data acceptable if it is the latest available source data for the
following Need Section sub-criteria: (a) family income levels and (b)
educational attainment levels?
A: You should use the most recent data available to convince the reader of the
need for the program in your target area and schools. It will be left to the
reader’s discretion as to whether the data presented in the application
achieved its intended purpose.
Q7: Are Upward Bound Math and Science projects required to have an academic
year component in addition to the summer component.
A: No. However, it is anticipated that all Upward Bound Math and Science
applicants will propose both an academic year and summer component. If an
applicant proposes only a summer component, the budget that is included in
the application should cover only the costs of the summer component.
Q8: Are we correct to understand that Upward Bound Math and Science projects
must provide math and science-specific services in addition to those services
required of all types of Upward Bound projects?
A: Yes. The services that must be provided by all types of Upward Bound
projects are found in section 645.11(a) and the additional services Upward
Bound Math and Science projects must provide are found in section 645.13(a)
of the program regulations. A copy of the regulations is in the application
package.
Q9: I currently have a regional Upward Bound Math and Science project that
serves students attending schools in three states. In the new proposal I wish
to reduce my target area to serve students attending schools in one of the
three states. Since I will no longer be serving all the same target areas and
schools will my new proposal qualify for prior experience points?
A: Yes. The regulations provide that an applicant for a new grant that proposes
to continue to serve substantially the same target population or schools
qualify for prior experience points. In the example described, 100 percent of
the proposed target population and schools are currently served by the
existing grant. Therefore, the new application will have substantially the same
target population and schools.
Q10: The absolute priority for the regular Upward Bound program allows projects to
select new students from the 10th grade, BUT the 30 percent with a high
academic risk for failure MUST be selected from students who have not
completed the 9th grade. My Upward Bound project only serves target high
schools that begin with the 10th grade. Will my project be exempt from the
requirement to select students who have not completed the 9th grade?
A: No. Your application must include at least one target school from which you
will select eligible students that have not completed the 9th grade, otherwise
the application will be determined to be ineligible and not included in the
competition.
Q11: The middle schools in my target area include the 9th grade. High schools
include the 10th through 12 grades. The middle schools serve as “feeder
schools” and students from the middle schools may enroll in any of 100 or
more high schools. In selecting the 30 percent of students that have not
completed the 9th grade who have a high academic risk for failure, we must
select from the middle schools. We do not know which of 100 or more high
schools the students will attend. Must we include all high schools as target
schools?
A: No. The target schools are the schools for which a UB project proposes to
focus its project services including the recruitment of eligible students.
Simply because a student selected to participate in an Upward Bound project
subsequently attends a different school than the school the student attended
at the time of selection does not make the new school a target school. The
target schools are the schools for which the applicant will address the “need
for the project” selection criteria.
Q12: Further clarification is needed on Standardized Program Objective (Academic
Improvement). Is the intent that we measure all students who ever
participated in Upward Bound each year and not just seniors expected to
graduate that particular year?
A: The standardized objective reads,
"(a) Academic Improvement on Standardized Test:
_____ percent of all UB participants, who at the time of entrance into the
project had an expected high school graduation date during the school
year, will have achieved at the proficient level during high school on
state assessments in reading/language arts and math."
ALL students have an expected high school graduation year at the time they
are admitted into an Upward Bound project. This objective measures this
entire cohort of students with the same expected graduation year, regardless
of whether they enter any subsequent year of school or whether they enter
any subsequent year of UB. What this objective does is-- Measures the results
of the UB students' performance on the standardized tests by the time they
reach, or would have reached, their senior year. The tests are given no later
than the 11th grade. For example, a student in the 9th grade that enters the
UB project in 2007 (at the time of entrance into the project) would have "an
expected high school graduation date during the school year (2010).
Likewise, a student in the 10th grade that enters the UB project in 2007 (at
the time of entrance into the project) would have" an expected high school
graduation date during the school year (2009). The objective does not
measure only UB participants who are seniors, it measures students who
participated in the UB project at any time who are or (if they had stayed in
school) would have been seniors in the relevant year for which the annual
performance report is being submitted.
Q13: The Standardized Objective (a)..." will have achieved at the proficient level
during high school on state assessments in reading/language arts and math.
This objective asks for only one percentage at the beginning of the objective
but asks us to report proficiency levels on assessments in reading/language
arts AND math. Our state reports a percentage in both math and reading.
Which one should we choose? Should we choose an average of the two? Do
we report both?
A: Both, but it is only those participants who will achieve at the proficient level
on both tests. So there is only one percentage that will be included in the
objective. The objective is measuring the percent of UB students that achieve
at the proficient level on both tests by the time they reach, or would have
reached, their senior year. For example, if a student achieves at the
proficient level in reading/language arts, but not math, that student would not
have achieved the requirement of this objective.
Q14: In my districts, they are only giving the state standardized tests in
reading/language arts and math required for graduation in the 10th and 11th
grade. Would this mean that all 30 percent of the new 9th grade students
must have below a 2.5 GPA? Is it possible to look at the 7th grade test
scores and project how a student may do? It was suggested to me that we
could select any otherwise eligible 9th grade student because they have not
passed the tests since they have not taken the tests yet.
A: Every State is required to give the tests in reading/language arts and math in
the 8th grade. The 8th grade tests are two of the four options you may use
to identify students who have a high risk of academic failure. The students’
achievement on the 10th/11th grade tests in reading/language arts and math
are used to determine the extent to which the project achieved the
standardized objective --Academic Improvement on Standardized Test.
Q15: The Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Objective (d) Postsecondary Persistence
reads:
____ percent of participants who enroll in postsecondary education during
each budget period will be enrolled for the fall term of the second academic
year.
Does the postsecondary persistence objective measure all VUB students who
enroll in a program of postsecondary education during each budget period or
only those that were scheduled to complete their VUB educational program
during each budget period? For example, how is a VUB student counted that
does not enroll in a program of postsecondary education by the fall term
following the scheduled completion of the VUB educational program but does
enroll by the second fall term and continues enrollment in subsequent
periods?
A: The postsecondary persistence objective is intended to track only those VUB
students who enroll in a program of postsecondary education by the fall term
following their scheduled completion of the VUB educational program. In
other words, the denominator of the postsecondary persistence objective is
the numerator of the postsecondary enrollment objective from the previous
year. The student in the example above would not be counted as achieving
either the postsecondary enrollment objective or the postsecondary
persistence objective but would be reported in the annual performance report.
Q16: The Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Objective (c) Postsecondary Enrollment
reads:
Percent of participants served during each budget period will enroll in
a program of postsecondary education by the fall term following the
scheduled completion of their prescribed VUB educational program.
By the use of the term “scheduled completion,” does the objective measure
the extent to which VUB participants enroll in programs of postsecondary
education by the fall term, regardless of whether they actually completed the
prescribed VUB educational program at the scheduled completion date?
A: Each VUB participant should have a scheduled completion date established at
the time of entry into the VUB project. However, all VUB participants served
during any given budget period will not necessarily be scheduled to complete
the VUB educational program during the same budget period. The objective
measures only those VUB participants who were “scheduled” to complete the
VUB program during the budget period (regardless of whether they actually
completed the VUB program during the budget period) who enroll in a
program of postsecondary education by the fall term following the scheduled
completion date.
Fiscal Year 2007
Upward Bound Program
Competition
This document reflects a compilation of the answers we have provided in response to
questions received from potential applicants. We hope this information is useful in
assisting you with developing a successful UB application.
Q1: What is the maximum award for an Upward Bound applicant that is seeking a
first time award?
A: The maximum award for a new applicant is $250,000 for regular Upward
Bound, Upward Bound Math and Science and Veterans Upward Bound.
Q 2: For the past four years we have received the Upward Bound Initiative funds.
Are we to include the amount of the UB Initiative funds in our base award for
purposes of determining the maximum award under the FY 2007 competition?
A: No, the Upward Bound Initiative is a four-year project. The UB Initiative will
not be renewed. However, in determining the maximum award under the FY
2007 competition, grantees may add one-half of their UB Initiative funds to
their 2006 base award amount. The maximum award will be 103 percent of
that combined amount. (In other words, the 3 percent increase is applied to
BOTH the base amount AND one-half of the UB Initiative amount.) You
should also note that the number of participants a project is required to serve
will also increase by one-half of the number served under the UB Initiative.
Q3: Where in the budget do you put all costs that relates to students? Are these
costs included in the indirect costs?
A: All costs related to stipends, room and board, meals, tuition and related fees
should be placed under the “Training Stipends” category on the budget form
(ED Form 524). These costs are not to be included in the calculation of
indirect costs. Please identify the various categories of expenses in the
budget summary. With the transition to grants.gov we are no longer able to
modify the standard budget forms to accommodate the specifics of the TRIO
programs as we have done in previous competitions.
Q4: May we use bullets in the program narrative and single-space the text
following the bullets?
A: Yes and no. You may use bullets in the program narrative but the text must
be double-spaced.
Q5: May more than one Upward Bound project or both a regular Upward Bound
and Upward Bound Math and Science project serve the same target area and
schools?
A: The number and type of Upward Bound projects that serve a particular target
area or school is not an issue. What the relevant issue is whether there are
a sufficient number of eligible students in the target area or school for each
Upward Bound project to serve its required number of eligible students
without duplicating eligible students. Clearly, we would prefer that multiple
Upward Bound projects not identify the same target schools. However,
having more than one application proposing to serve students at the same
target school(s) in itself will not render an application ineligible.
Q6: Is 2000 Census data acceptable if it is the latest available source data for the
following Need Section sub-criteria: (a) family income levels and (b)
educational attainment levels?
A: You should use the most recent data available to convince the reader of the
need for the program in your target area and schools. It will be left to the
reader’s discretion as to whether the data presented in the application
achieved its intended purpose.
Q7: Are Upward Bound Math and Science projects required to have an academic
year component in addition to the summer component.
A: No. However, it is anticipated that all Upward Bound Math and Science
applicants will propose both an academic year and summer component. If an
applicant proposes only a summer component, the budget that is included in
the application should cover only the costs of the summer component.
Q8: Are we correct to understand that Upward Bound Math and Science projects
must provide math and science-specific services in addition to those services
required of all types of Upward Bound projects?
A: Yes. The services that must be provided by all types of Upward Bound
projects are found in section 645.11(a) and the additional services Upward
Bound Math and Science projects must provide are found in section 645.13(a)
of the program regulations. A copy of the regulations is in the application
package.
Q9: I currently have a regional Upward Bound Math and Science project that
serves students attending schools in three states. In the new proposal I wish
to reduce my target area to serve students attending schools in one of the
three states. Since I will no longer be serving all the same target areas and
schools will my new proposal qualify for prior experience points?
A: Yes. The regulations provide that an applicant for a new grant that proposes
to continue to serve substantially the same target population or schools
qualify for prior experience points. In the example described, 100 percent of
the proposed target population and schools are currently served by the
existing grant. Therefore, the new application will have substantially the same
target population and schools.
Q10: The absolute priority for the regular Upward Bound program allows projects to
select new students from the 10th grade, BUT the 30 percent with a high
academic risk for failure MUST be selected from students who have not
completed the 9th grade. My Upward Bound project only serves target high
schools that begin with the 10th grade. Will my project be exempt from the
requirement to select students who have not completed the 9th grade?
A: No. Your application must include at least one target school from which you
will select eligible students that have not completed the 9th grade, otherwise
the application will be determined to be ineligible and not included in the
competition.
Q11: The middle schools in my target area include the 9th grade. High schools
include the 10th through 12 grades. The middle schools serve as “feeder
schools” and students from the middle schools may enroll in any of 100 or
more high schools. In selecting the 30 percent of students that have not
completed the 9th grade who have a high academic risk for failure, we must
select from the middle schools. We do not know which of 100 or more high
schools the students will attend. Must we include all high schools as target
schools?
A: No. The target schools are the schools for which a UB project proposes to
focus its project services including the recruitment of eligible students.
Simply because a student selected to participate in an Upward Bound project
subsequently attends a different school than the school the student attended
at the time of selection does not make the new school a target school. The
target schools are the schools for which the applicant will address the “need
for the project” selection criteria.
Q12: Further clarification is needed on Standardized Program Objective (Academic
Improvement). Is the intent that we measure all students who ever
participated in Upward Bound each year and not just seniors expected to
graduate that particular year?
A: The standardized objective reads,
"(a) Academic Improvement on Standardized Test:
_____ percent of all UB participants, who at the time of entrance into the
project had an expected high school graduation date during the school
year, will have achieved at the proficient level during high school on
state assessments in reading/language arts and math."
ALL students have an expected high school graduation year at the time they
are admitted into an Upward Bound project. This objective measures this
entire cohort of students with the same expected graduation year, regardless
of whether they enter any subsequent year of school or whether they enter
any subsequent year of UB. What this objective does is-- Measures the results
of the UB students' performance on the standardized tests by the time they
reach, or would have reached, their senior year. The tests are given no later
than the 11th grade. For example, a student in the 9th grade that enters the
UB project in 2007 (at the time of entrance into the project) would have "an
expected high school graduation date during the school year (2010).
Likewise, a student in the 10th grade that enters the UB project in 2007 (at
the time of entrance into the project) would have" an expected high school
graduation date during the school year (2009). The objective does not
measure only UB participants who are seniors, it measures students who
participated in the UB project at any time who are or (if they had stayed in
school) would have been seniors in the relevant year for which the annual
performance report is being submitted.
Q13: The Standardized Objective (a)..." will have achieved at the proficient level
during high school on state assessments in reading/language arts and math.
This objective asks for only one percentage at the beginning of the objective
but asks us to report proficiency levels on assessments in reading/language
arts AND math. Our state reports a percentage in both math and reading.
Which one should we choose? Should we choose an average of the two? Do
we report both?
A: Both, but it is only those participants who will achieve at the proficient level
on both tests. So there is only one percentage that will be included in the
objective. The objective is measuring the percent of UB students that achieve
at the proficient level on both tests by the time they reach, or would have
reached, their senior year. For example, if a student achieves at the
proficient level in reading/language arts, but not math, that student would not
have achieved the requirement of this objective.
Q14: In my districts, they are only giving the state standardized tests in
reading/language arts and math required for graduation in the 10th and 11th
grade. Would this mean that all 30 percent of the new 9th grade students
must have below a 2.5 GPA? Is it possible to look at the 7th grade test
scores and project how a student may do? It was suggested to me that we
could select any otherwise eligible 9th grade student because they have not
passed the tests since they have not taken the tests yet.
A: Every State is required to give the tests in reading/language arts and math in
the 8th grade. The 8th grade tests are two of the four options you may use
to identify students who have a high risk of academic failure. The students’
achievement on the 10th/11th grade tests in reading/language arts and math
are used to determine the extent to which the project achieved the
standardized objective --Academic Improvement on Standardized Test.
Q15: The Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Objective (d) Postsecondary Persistence
reads:
____ percent of participants who enroll in postsecondary education during
each budget period will be enrolled for the fall term of the second academic
year.
Does the postsecondary persistence objective measure all VUB students who
enroll in a program of postsecondary education during each budget period or
only those that were scheduled to complete their VUB educational program
during each budget period? For example, how is a VUB student counted that
does not enroll in a program of postsecondary education by the fall term
following the scheduled completion of the VUB educational program but does
enroll by the second fall term and continues enrollment in subsequent
periods?
A: The postsecondary persistence objective is intended to track only those VUB
students who enroll in a program of postsecondary education by the fall term
following their scheduled completion of the VUB educational program. In
other words, the denominator of the postsecondary persistence objective is
the numerator of the postsecondary enrollment objective from the previous
year. The student in the example above would not be counted as achieving
either the postsecondary enrollment objective or the postsecondary
persistence objective but would be reported in the annual performance report.
Q16: The Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Objective (c) Postsecondary Enrollment
reads:
Percent of participants served during each budget period will enroll in
a program of postsecondary education by the fall term following the
scheduled completion of their prescribed VUB educational program.
By the use of the term “scheduled completion,” does the objective measure
the extent to which VUB participants enroll in programs of postsecondary
education by the fall term, regardless of whether they actually completed the
prescribed VUB educational program at the scheduled completion date?
A: Each VUB participant should have a scheduled completion date established at
the time of entry into the VUB project. However, all VUB participants served
during any given budget period will not necessarily be scheduled to complete
the VUB educational program during the same budget period. The objective
measures only those VUB participants who were “scheduled” to complete the
VUB program during the budget period (regardless of whether they actually
completed the VUB program during the budget period) who enroll in a
program of postsecondary education by the fall term following the scheduled
completion date.
Friday, August 7, 2009
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Priority Placement Program (PPP)
Q. What is the Priority Placement Program (PPP)?
A. The PPP is an automated mandatory placement program used to match eligible well-qualified employees, most of whom are subject to displacement, with vacant positions throughout DoD. It enables DoD to maintain a relatively stable work force during base realignment and closure, reduction-in-force, contracting out, etc., and minimizes the adverse effect of these actions on employees. The PPP has long been the most effective program of its kind in the Federal government.
Q. I have heard that DoD activities are required to clear all of their vacant positions through the PPP. Are there any exceptions to this requirement?
A. Yes. The PPP Operations Manual, Chapter 4, Section C, lists a number of standard exceptions that can be applied by DoD activities. For example, an employee who is subject to involuntary separation due to job abolishment may be reassigned to a vacant position within the same activity as an exception to the PPP. In addition to these standard exceptions, activities may seek case-by-case approval for exceptions that are in keeping with the spirit and intent of the PPP.
Q. What is the impact of the PPP on DoD staffing programs? With so many employees registered for mandatory placement, it seems that managers would have few opportunities to make selections from merit promotion lists or other traditional recruitment sources.
A. There is a widespread misconception that the PPP has a significant impact on the DoD staffing process. Recent surveys have revealed that PPP placements account for less than three percent of all positions filled. This is a very conservative figure since placement actions that are normally exempt from the PPP were not counted.
Q. What can a registrant do to increase his/her chances for success in the PPP?
A. The single most important determinant of success is mobility. Registrants who are willing to relocate are placed more often than those who register only for their current commuting area. Except for those in hard-to-find jobs, most employees who register on a broad geographic basis eventually receive offers. Registering for lower grades also increases the probability of an offer.
Q. Are managers permitted to interview PPP registrants?
A. No. With the exception of military spouses referred under competitive procedures (see PPP Operations Manual, Chapter 14, Section F1a), managers may not interview PPP registrants. The purpose of interviews is to enable the manager to select the best qualified candidate, while the intent of the PPP is simply to insure that a well qualified candidate is placed. Interviews are not only beyond the scope of the PPP, they would also significantly delay the placement process, adversely affecting both registrants and activities. Additionally, the number of referrals and the geographic dispersion of PPP registrants render interviews impractical.
Q. If an activity receives ten Priority 1 resumes, what criteria must be applied in order to determine which registrant receives the job offer?
A. The PPP does not impose ranking factors within individual Priority groups (in this case, Priority 1). As long as offers are made in Priority order (e.g., priority 1 registrants before priority 2 and 3 registrants and priority 2 before priority 3), activities may normally select any well-qualified registrant. Exceptions to this general rule are listed in the PPP Operations Manual, Chapter 4, Section D6a.
Q. If the position that is offered to a PPP registrant requires shift work, is the offer considered valid?
A. Yes. However, CARE Program Coordinators can approve exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions have been approved in cases involving compelling circumstances that are beyond the registrants' control.
Q. If a GS employee receives an offer at his/her current grade in a geographic area with a lower locality rate, is the offer valid? What about a WG employee who receives an offer at his/her current grade in an area with lower wage rates?
A. Yes, the offer is valid in both cases.
Q. An employee was involuntarily demoted due to performance problems. The employee’s performance has improved significantly and the supervisor now wishes to repromote the employee to the former position, which has recently been vacated. Can the employee be promoted as an exception to the PPP?
A. No. Repromotions are subject to the PPP except under the specific circumstances outlined in the PPP Operations Manual, Chapter 4, Section C2a(2). This repromotion is not an authorized exception.
Q. My activity gives priority merit promotion consideration to employees who are receiving grade retention benefits. Does this offset the need to register employees in the DoD Retained Grade Placement Program (Program R)?
A. No. DoD employees must be registered in Program R while serving under grade retention, even if they receive consideration for noncompetitive repromotion under an activity's merit promotion program. Unlike Program R, such programs do not provide referral to other activities in the commuting area, nor do they necessarily obligate selecting officials to make job offers to well qualified candidates.
Q. May a military spouse register in the Military Spouse Preference Program (Program S) for referral to activities in the commuting area of the sponsor's new duty station, and remain at the current duty station until an offer is received?
A. No. A military spouse is eligible to register in Program S only when accompanying the sponsor to the new permanent duty station. Except for the 30-day period preceding the sponsor's reporting date (see PPP Operations Manual, Chapter 14, Section D1), spouses are not eligible to register prior to relocation.
Q. In conjunction with a reduction-in-force, an activity is separating all temporary employees. Is there an outplacement program for employees who are on non-permanent appointments?
A. Yes. Temporary employees may register in the Defense Outplacement Referral System (DORS) for as long as they remain on the DoD rolls. This program provides courtesy referral to DoD activities, other Federal agencies, and private sector employers. However, selection of a DORS registrant is not mandatory.
A. The PPP is an automated mandatory placement program used to match eligible well-qualified employees, most of whom are subject to displacement, with vacant positions throughout DoD. It enables DoD to maintain a relatively stable work force during base realignment and closure, reduction-in-force, contracting out, etc., and minimizes the adverse effect of these actions on employees. The PPP has long been the most effective program of its kind in the Federal government.
Q. I have heard that DoD activities are required to clear all of their vacant positions through the PPP. Are there any exceptions to this requirement?
A. Yes. The PPP Operations Manual, Chapter 4, Section C, lists a number of standard exceptions that can be applied by DoD activities. For example, an employee who is subject to involuntary separation due to job abolishment may be reassigned to a vacant position within the same activity as an exception to the PPP. In addition to these standard exceptions, activities may seek case-by-case approval for exceptions that are in keeping with the spirit and intent of the PPP.
Q. What is the impact of the PPP on DoD staffing programs? With so many employees registered for mandatory placement, it seems that managers would have few opportunities to make selections from merit promotion lists or other traditional recruitment sources.
A. There is a widespread misconception that the PPP has a significant impact on the DoD staffing process. Recent surveys have revealed that PPP placements account for less than three percent of all positions filled. This is a very conservative figure since placement actions that are normally exempt from the PPP were not counted.
Q. What can a registrant do to increase his/her chances for success in the PPP?
A. The single most important determinant of success is mobility. Registrants who are willing to relocate are placed more often than those who register only for their current commuting area. Except for those in hard-to-find jobs, most employees who register on a broad geographic basis eventually receive offers. Registering for lower grades also increases the probability of an offer.
Q. Are managers permitted to interview PPP registrants?
A. No. With the exception of military spouses referred under competitive procedures (see PPP Operations Manual, Chapter 14, Section F1a), managers may not interview PPP registrants. The purpose of interviews is to enable the manager to select the best qualified candidate, while the intent of the PPP is simply to insure that a well qualified candidate is placed. Interviews are not only beyond the scope of the PPP, they would also significantly delay the placement process, adversely affecting both registrants and activities. Additionally, the number of referrals and the geographic dispersion of PPP registrants render interviews impractical.
Q. If an activity receives ten Priority 1 resumes, what criteria must be applied in order to determine which registrant receives the job offer?
A. The PPP does not impose ranking factors within individual Priority groups (in this case, Priority 1). As long as offers are made in Priority order (e.g., priority 1 registrants before priority 2 and 3 registrants and priority 2 before priority 3), activities may normally select any well-qualified registrant. Exceptions to this general rule are listed in the PPP Operations Manual, Chapter 4, Section D6a.
Q. If the position that is offered to a PPP registrant requires shift work, is the offer considered valid?
A. Yes. However, CARE Program Coordinators can approve exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions have been approved in cases involving compelling circumstances that are beyond the registrants' control.
Q. If a GS employee receives an offer at his/her current grade in a geographic area with a lower locality rate, is the offer valid? What about a WG employee who receives an offer at his/her current grade in an area with lower wage rates?
A. Yes, the offer is valid in both cases.
Q. An employee was involuntarily demoted due to performance problems. The employee’s performance has improved significantly and the supervisor now wishes to repromote the employee to the former position, which has recently been vacated. Can the employee be promoted as an exception to the PPP?
A. No. Repromotions are subject to the PPP except under the specific circumstances outlined in the PPP Operations Manual, Chapter 4, Section C2a(2). This repromotion is not an authorized exception.
Q. My activity gives priority merit promotion consideration to employees who are receiving grade retention benefits. Does this offset the need to register employees in the DoD Retained Grade Placement Program (Program R)?
A. No. DoD employees must be registered in Program R while serving under grade retention, even if they receive consideration for noncompetitive repromotion under an activity's merit promotion program. Unlike Program R, such programs do not provide referral to other activities in the commuting area, nor do they necessarily obligate selecting officials to make job offers to well qualified candidates.
Q. May a military spouse register in the Military Spouse Preference Program (Program S) for referral to activities in the commuting area of the sponsor's new duty station, and remain at the current duty station until an offer is received?
A. No. A military spouse is eligible to register in Program S only when accompanying the sponsor to the new permanent duty station. Except for the 30-day period preceding the sponsor's reporting date (see PPP Operations Manual, Chapter 14, Section D1), spouses are not eligible to register prior to relocation.
Q. In conjunction with a reduction-in-force, an activity is separating all temporary employees. Is there an outplacement program for employees who are on non-permanent appointments?
A. Yes. Temporary employees may register in the Defense Outplacement Referral System (DORS) for as long as they remain on the DoD rolls. This program provides courtesy referral to DoD activities, other Federal agencies, and private sector employers. However, selection of a DORS registrant is not mandatory.
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