Regulations last checked for updates: May 02, 2024

Title 20 - Employees' Benefits last revised: Apr 29, 2024
Table of Contents

§ 683.200 - What general fiscal and administrative rules apply to the use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I and Wagner-Peyser Act funds?

§ 683.205 - What administrative cost limitations apply to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I grants?

§ 683.210 - What audit requirements apply to the use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I and Wagner-Peyser Act funds?

§ 683.215 - What Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I functions and activities constitute the costs of administration subject to the administrative cost limitation?

§ 683.220 - What are the internal controls requirements for recipients and subrecipients of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I and Wagner-Peyser Act funds?

§ 683.225 - What requirements relate to the enforcement of the Military Selective Service Act?

§ 683.230 - Are there special rules that apply to veterans when income is a factor in eligibility determinations?

§ 683.235 - May Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I funds be spent for construction?

§ 683.240 - What are the instructions for using real property with Federal equity?

§ 683.245 - Are employment generating activities, or similar activities, allowable under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

§ 683.250 - What other activities are prohibited under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

§ 683.255 - What are the limitations related to religious activities of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

§ 683.260 - What prohibitions apply to the use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I funds to encourage business relocation?

§ 683.265 - What procedures and sanctions apply to violations of this part?

§ 683.270 - What safeguards are there to ensure that participants in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act employment and training activities do not displace other employees?

§ 683.275 - What wage and labor standards apply to participants in activities under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

§ 683.280 - What health and safety standards apply to the working conditions of participants in activities under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

§ 683.285 - What are a recipient's obligations to ensure nondiscrimination and equal opportunity, and what are a recipient's obligations with respect to religious activities?

§ 683.290 - Are there salary and bonus restrictions in place for the use of title I of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and Wagner-Peyser Act funds?

§ 683.295 - Is earning of profit allowed under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

§ 683.200 - What general fiscal and administrative rules apply to the use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I and Wagner-Peyser Act funds?

(a) Uniform Guidance. Recipients and subrecipients of a Federal award under title I of WIOA and the Wagner-Peyser Act must follow the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR parts 200, 215, 225, 230, including any exceptions identified by the Department at 2 CFR part 2900.

(1) Commercial organizations, for-profit entities, and foreign entities that are recipients and subrecipients of a Federal award must adhere to 2 CFR part 200, including any exceptions identified by the Department under 2 CFR part 2900;

(2) Commercial organizations, for-profit entities, and foreign entities that are contractors or subcontractors must adhere to the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), including 48 CFR part 31.

(b) Allowable costs and cost principles. (1) Recipients and subrecipients of a Federal award under title I of WIOA and the Wagner-Peyser Act must follow the cost principles at subpart E and appendices III through IX of 2 CFR part 200, including any exceptions identified by the Department at 2 CFR part 2900.

(2) Unless specified in the grant agreement, for those items requiring prior approval in the Uniform Guidance (e.g., selected items of cost, budget realignment), the authority to grant or deny approval is delegated to the Governor for programs funded under sec. 127 or 132 of WIOA or under the Wagner-Peyser Act.

(3) Costs of workforce councils, advisory councils, Native American Employment and Training Councils, and Local WDB committees established under title I of WIOA are allowable.

(c) Uniform administrative requirements. (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (c)(3) through (6) of this section, all recipients and subrecipients of a Federal award under title I of WIOA and under the Wagner-Peyser Act must follow 2 CFR part 200, including any exceptions identified by the Department at 2 CFR part 2900.

(2) Unless otherwise specified in the grant agreement, expenditures must be reported on accrual basis.

(3) In accordance with the requirements at 2 CFR 200.400(g), subrecipients may not earn or keep any profit resulting from Federal financial assistance, unless expressly authorized by the terms and conditions of the Federal award.

(4) In addition to the requirements at 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.326 (as appropriate), all procurement contracts between Local WDBs and units of State or local governments must be conducted only on a cost reimbursement basis.

(5) In addition to the requirements at 2 CFR 200.318, which address codes of conduct and conflict of interest the following applies:

(i) A State WDB member, Local WDB member, or WDB standing committee member must neither cast a vote on, nor participate in any decision-making capacity, on the provision of services by such member (or any organization which that member directly represents), nor on any matter which would provide any direct financial benefit to that member or that member's immediate family.

(ii) Neither membership on the State WDB, the Local WDB, or a WDB standing committee, nor the receipt of WIOA funds to provide training and related services, by itself, violates these conflict of interest provisions.

(iii) In accordance with the requirements at 2 CFR 200.112, recipients of Federal awards must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the Department. Subrecipients must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the recipient of grant funds.

(6) The addition method, described at 2 CFR 200.307, must be used for all program income earned under title I of WIOA and Wagner-Peyser Act grants. When the cost of generating program income has been charged to the program, the gross amount earned must be added to the program in which it was earned. However, the cost of generating program income must be subtracted from the amount earned to establish the net amount of program income available for use under the grants when these costs have not been charged to the program.

(7) Any excess of revenue over costs incurred for services provided by a governmental or non-profit entity must be included in program income.

(8) Interest income earned on funds received under title I of WIOA and the Wagner-Peyser Act must be included in program income.

(9) On a fee-for-service basis, employers may use local area services, facilities, or equipment funded under title I of WIOA to provide employment and training activities to incumbent workers:

(i) When the services, facilities, or equipment are not being used by eligible participants;

(ii) If their use does not affect the ability of eligible participants to use the services, facilities, or equipment; and

(iii) If the income generated from such fees is used to carry out programs authorized under this title.

(d) Government-wide debarment and suspension, and government-wide drug-free workplace requirements. All WIOA title I and Wagner-Peyser Act grant recipients and subrecipients must comply with the government-wide requirements for debarment and suspension, and the government-wide requirements for a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, 41 U.S.C. 8103 et seq., and 2 CFR part 182.

(e) Restrictions on lobbying. All WIOA title I and Wagner-Peyer grant recipients and subrecipients must comply with the restrictions on lobbying specified in WIOA sec. 195 and codified in the Department regulations at 29 CFR part 93.

(f) Buy-American. As stated in sec. 502 of WIOA, all funds authorized in title I of WIOA and the Wagner-Peyser Act must be expended in compliance with secs. 8301 through 8303 of the Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 8301-8305).

(g) Nepotism. (1) No individual may be placed in a WIOA employment activity if a member of that person's immediate family is directly supervised by or directly supervises that individual.

(2) To the extent that an applicable State or local legal requirement regarding nepotism is more restrictive than this provision, such State or local requirement must be followed.

(h) Mandatory disclosures. All WIOA title I and Wagner-Peyser Act recipients of Federal awards must disclose as required at 2 CFR 200.113, in a timely manner, in writing to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338 (Remedies for noncompliance), including suspension or debarment.

§ 683.205 - What administrative cost limitations apply to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I grants?

(a) State formula grants. (1) As part of the 15 percent that a State may reserve for statewide activities, the State may spend up to 5 percent of the amount allotted under secs. 127(b)(1), 132(b)(1), and 132(b)(2) of WIOA for the administrative costs of statewide activities.

(2) Local area expenditures for administrative purposes under WIOA formula grants are limited to no more than 10 percent of the amount allocated to the local area under secs. 128(b) and 133(b) of WIOA.

(3) The 5 percent reserved for statewide administrative costs and the 10 percent reserved for local administrative costs may be used for administrative costs for any of the statewide youth workforce investment activities or statewide employment and training activities under secs. 127(b)(1), 128(b), 132(b), and 133(b) of WIOA.

(4) In a one-stop environment, administrative costs borne by other sources of funds, such as the Wagner-Peyser Act, are not included in the administrative cost limit calculation. Each program's administrative activities are chargeable to its own grant and subject to its own administrative cost limitations.

(5) Costs of negotiating a MOU or infrastructure funding agreement under title I of WIOA are excluded from the administrative cost limitations.

(b) Discretionary grants. Limits on administrative costs, if any, for programs operated under subtitle D of title I of WIOA will be identified in the grant or cooperative agreement.

§ 683.210 - What audit requirements apply to the use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I and Wagner-Peyser Act funds?

All recipients of WIOA title I and Wagner-Peyser Act funds that expend more than the minimum amounts specified in 2 CFR part 200, subpart F, in Federal awards during their fiscal year must have a program specific or single audit conducted in accordance with 2 CFR part 200, subpart F.

(a) Commercial or for-profit. Grant recipients and subrecipients of title I and Wagner-Peyser Act funds that are commercial or for-profit entities must adhere to the requirements contained in 2 CFR part 200, subpart F.

(b) Subrecipients and contractors. An auditee may simultaneously be a recipient, a subrecipient, and a contractor depending on the substance of its agreements with Federal awarding agencies and pass-through entities. Federal awards expended as a recipient or subrecipient are subject to audit requirements under 2 CFR part 200, subpart F.

(c) Contractors. The payments received for goods or services provided as a contractor are not Federal awards. Subrecipient and contractor determinations made under 2 CFR 200.330 must be considered in determining whether payments constitute a Federal award or a payment for goods and services provided as a contractor.

§ 683.215 - What Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I functions and activities constitute the costs of administration subject to the administrative cost limitation?

(a) The costs of administration are expenditures incurred by State and Local WDBs, Regions, direct grant recipients, including State grant recipients under subtitle B of title I of WIOA, and recipients of awards under subtitle D of title I, as well as local grant recipients, local grant subrecipients, local fiscal agents and one-stop operators that are associated with those specific functions identified in paragraph (b) of this section and which are not related to the direct provision of workforce investment services, including services to participants and employers. These costs can be both personnel and non-personnel and both direct and indirect.

(b) The costs of administration are the costs associated with performing the following functions:

(1) Performing the following overall general administrative functions and coordination of those functions under title I of WIOA:

(i) Accounting, budgeting, financial and cash management functions;

(ii) Procurement and purchasing functions;

(iii) Property management functions;

(iv) Personnel management functions;

(v) Payroll functions;

(vi) Coordinating the resolution of findings arising from audits, reviews, investigations and incident reports;

(vii) Audit functions;

(viii) General legal services functions;

(ix) Developing systems and procedures, including information systems, required for these administrative functions; and

(x) Fiscal agent responsibilities;

(2) Performing oversight and monitoring responsibilities related to WIOA administrative functions;

(3) Costs of goods and services required for administrative functions of the program, including goods and services such as rental or purchase of equipment, utilities, office supplies, postage, and rental and maintenance of office space;

(4) Travel costs incurred for official business in carrying out administrative activities; and

(5) Costs of information systems related to administrative functions (for example, personnel, procurement, purchasing, property management, accounting, and payroll systems) including the purchase, systems development and operating costs of such systems.

(c)(1) Awards to subrecipients or contractors that are solely for the performance of administrative functions are classified as administrative costs.

(2) Personnel and related non-personnel costs of staff that perform both administrative functions specified in paragraph (b) of this section and programmatic services or activities must be allocated as administrative or program costs to the benefitting cost objectives/categories.

(3) Specific costs charged to an overhead or indirect cost pool that can be identified directly as a program cost are to be charged as a program cost. Documentation of such charges must be maintained.

(4) Except as provided at paragraph (c)(1) of this section, all costs incurred for functions and activities of subrecipients, other than those subrecipients listed in paragraph (a) of this section, and contractors are program costs.

(5) Continuous improvement activities are charged to administration or program category based on the purpose or nature of the activity to be improved. Documentation of such charges must be maintained.

(6) Costs of the following information systems including the purchase, systems development, and operational costs (e.g., data entry) are charged to the program category:

(i) Tracking or monitoring of participant and performance information;

(ii) Employment statistics information, including job listing information, job skills information, and demand occupation information;

(iii) Performance and program cost information on eligible training providers, youth activities, and appropriate education activities;

(iv) Local area performance information; and

(v) Information relating to supportive services and unemployment insurance claims for program participants.

(d) Where possible, entities identified in paragraph (a) of this section must make efforts to streamline the services in paragraphs (b)(1) through (5) of this section to reduce administrative costs by minimizing duplication and effectively using information technology to improve services.

§ 683.220 - What are the internal controls requirements for recipients and subrecipients of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I and Wagner-Peyser Act funds?

(a) Recipients and subrecipients of WIOA title I and Wagner-Peyser Act funds must have an internal control structure and written policies in place that provide safeguards to protect personally identifiable information, records, contracts, grant funds, equipment, sensitive information, tangible items, and other information that is readily or easily exchanged in the open market, or that the Department or the recipient or subrecipient considers to be sensitive, consistent with applicable Federal, State and local privacy and confidentiality laws. Internal controls also must include reasonable assurance that the entity is:

(1) Managing the award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award;

(2) Complying with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal awards;

(3) Evaluating and monitoring the recipient's and subrecipient's compliance with WIOA, regulations and the terms and conditions of Federal awards; and

(4) Taking prompt action when instances of noncompliance are identified.

(b) Internal controls should be in compliance with the guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). See 2 CFR 200.303.

§ 683.225 - What requirements relate to the enforcement of the Military Selective Service Act?

The requirements relating to the enforcement of the Military Selective Service Act are found at WIOA sec. 189(h).

§ 683.230 - Are there special rules that apply to veterans when income is a factor in eligibility determinations?

Yes, under 38 U.S.C. 4213,when,any,and. This applies when determining if a person is a “low-income individual” for eligibility purposes (for example, in the WIOA youth, or NFJP programs). Also, it applies when income is used as a factor when a local area provides priority of service for “low-income individuals” with title I WIOA funds (see §§ 680.600 and 680.650 of this chapter). A veteran must still meet each program's eligibility criteria to receive services under the respective employment and training program.

§ 683.235 - May Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I funds be spent for construction?

WIOA title I funds must not be spent on construction, purchase of facilities or buildings, or other capital expenditures for improvements to land or buildings, except with the prior written approval of the Secretary.

§ 683.240 - What are the instructions for using real property with Federal equity?

(a) SESA properties. Federal equity acquired in real property through grants to States awarded under title III of the Social Security Act or the Wagner-Peyser Act, including State Employment Security Agency (SESA) real property, is transferred to the States that used the grant to acquire such equity.

(1) The portion of any real property that is attributable to the Federal equity transferred under this section must be used to carry out activities authorized under WIOA, title III of the Social Security Act (Unemployment Compensation program), or the Wagner-Peyser Act.

(2) When such real property is no longer needed for the activities described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the States must request disposition instructions from the Grant Officer prior to disposition or sale of the property. The portion of the proceeds from the disposition of the real property that is attributable to the Federal equity transferred under this section must be used to carry out activities authorized under WIOA, title III of the Social Security Act, or the Wagner-Peyser Act.

(3) States must not use funds awarded under WIOA, title III of the Social Security Act, or the Wagner-Peyser Act to amortize the costs of real property that is purchased by any State on or after February 15, 2007, the date of enactment of the Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007.

(4) Properties occupied by the Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service must be colocated with one-stop centers.

(b) Reed Act-funded properties. Properties with Reed Act equity may be used for the one-stop service delivery system to the extent that the proportionate share of Reed Act equity is less than or equal to the proportionate share of occupancy by the Unemployment Compensation and Wagner-Peyser Act programs in such properties. When such real property is no longer needed for authorized purposes, the State must request disposition instructions from the Grant Officer prior to disposition or sale. The portion of the proceeds from the disposition or sale of the real property that is attributable to the Reed Act equity must be returned to the State's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF) and used in accordance with Department-issued guidance.

(c) Job Training Partnership Act and Workforce Investment Act-funded properties. Real property that was purchased with WIA funds or that was transferred to WIA now is transferred to the WIOA title I programs and must be used for WIOA purposes. When such real property is no longer needed for the activities of WIOA, the recipient or subrecipient must seek instructions from the Grant Officer or State (in the case of a subrecipient) prior to disposition or sale.

§ 683.245 - Are employment generating activities, or similar activities, allowable under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

(a) Under sec. 181(e) of WIOA, title I funds must not be spent on employment generating activities, investment in revolving loan funds, capitalization of businesses, investment in contract bidding resource centers, economic development activities, or similar activities, unless they are directly related to training for eligible individuals. For purposes of this prohibition, employer outreach and job development activities are directly related to training for eligible individuals.

(b) These employer outreach and job development activities may include:

(1) Contacts with potential employers for the purpose of placement of WIOA participants;

(2) Participation in business associations (such as chambers of commerce); joint labor management committees, labor associations, and resource centers;

(3) WIOA staff participation on economic development boards and commissions, and work with economic development agencies to:

(i) Provide information about WIOA programs;

(ii) Coordinate activities in a region or local area to promote entrepreneurial training and microenterprise services;

(iii) Assist in making informed decisions about community job training needs; and

(iv) Promote the use of first source hiring agreements and enterprise zone vouchering services;

(4) Active participation in local business resource centers (incubators) to provide technical assistance to small businesses and new businesses to reduce the rate of business failure;

(5) Subscriptions to relevant publications;

(6) General dissemination of information on WIOA programs and activities;

(7) The conduct of labor market surveys;

(8) The development of on-the-job training opportunities; and

(9) Other allowable WIOA activities in the private sector.

§ 683.250 - What other activities are prohibited under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

(a) WIOA title I funds must not be spent on:

(1) The wages of incumbent employees during their participation in economic development activities provided through a statewide workforce development system.

(2) Public service employment, except as specifically authorized under title I of WIOA.

(3) Expenses prohibited under any other Federal, State or local law or regulation.

(4) Subawards or contracts with parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities.

(5) Contracts with persons falsely labeling products made in America.

(b) WIOA formula funds available to States and local areas under title I, subtitle B must not be used for foreign travel.

§ 683.255 - What are the limitations related to religious activities of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

(a) Section 188(a)(3) of WIOA prohibits the use of funds to employ participants to carry out the construction, operation, or maintenance of any part of any facility used for sectarian instruction or as a place for religious worship with the exception of maintenance of facilities that are not primarily used for instruction or worship and are operated by organizations providing services to WIOA participants.

(b) 29 CFR part 2, subpart D, governs the circumstances under which Department support, including WIOA title I financial assistance, may be used to employ or train participants in religious activities. Under that subpart, such assistance may be used for such employment or training only when the assistance is provided indirectly within the meaning of the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and not when the assistance is provided directly. That subpart also contains requirements related to equal treatment in Department of Labor programs for religious organizations, and to protecting the religious liberty of Department of Labor social service providers and beneficiaries. (29 CFR part 2, subpart D—Equal Treatment in Department of Labor Programs for Religious Organizations, Protection of Religious Liberty of Department of Labor Social Service Providers and Beneficiaries).

§ 683.260 - What prohibitions apply to the use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act title I funds to encourage business relocation?

(a) Prohibition. Section 181(d) of WIOA states that funds must not be used or proposed to be used for:

(1) The encouragement or inducement of a business, or part of a business, to relocate from any location in the United States, if the relocation results in any employee losing his or her job at the original location;

(2) Customized training, skill training, on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, transitional employment, or company specific assessments of job applicants for or employees of any business or part of a business that has relocated from any location in the United States, until the company has operated at that location for 120 days, if the relocation has resulted in any employee losing his or her jobs at the original location.

(b) Pre-award review. To verify that a business establishment which is new or expanding is not, in fact, relocating employment from another area, standardized pre-award review criteria developed by the State must be completed and documented jointly by the local area and the business establishment as a prerequisite to WIOA assistance.

(1) The review must include names under which the establishment does business, including predecessors and successors in interest; the name, title, and address of the company official certifying the information, and whether WIOA assistance is sought in connection with past or impending job losses at other facilities, including a review of whether WARN notices relating to the employer have been filed.

(2) The review may include consultations with labor organizations and others in the affected local area(s).

§ 683.265 - What procedures and sanctions apply to violations of this part?

(a) The Grant Officer will promptly review and take appropriate action on alleged violations of the provisions relating to:

(1) Construction (§ 683.235);

(2) Employment generating activities (§ 683.245);

(3) Other prohibited activities (§ 683.250);

(4) The limitation related to religious activities (§ 683.255); and

(5) The use of WIOA title I funds to encourage business relocation (§ 683.260).

(b) Procedures for the investigation and resolution of the violations are provided under the Grant Officer's resolution process at § 683.440.

(c) Sanctions and remedies are provided for under sec. 184(c) of WIOA for violations of the provisions relating to:

(1) Construction (§ 683.235);

(2) Employment generating activities (§ 683.245);

(3) Other prohibited activities (§ 683.250); and

(4) The limitation related to religious activities (§ 683.255(b)).

(d) Sanctions and remedies are provided for in sec. 181(d)(3) of WIOA for violations of § 683.260, which addresses business relocation.

(e) Violations of § 683.255(a) will be handled in accordance with the Department's nondiscrimination regulations implementing sec. 188 of WIOA, codified at 29 CFR part 38.

§ 683.270 - What safeguards are there to ensure that participants in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act employment and training activities do not displace other employees?

(a) A participant in a program or activity authorized under title I of WIOA must not displace (including a partial displacement, such as a reduction in the hours of non-overtime work, wages, or employment benefits) any currently employed employee (as of the date of the participation).

(b) A program or activity authorized under title I of WIOA must not impair existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements. When a program or activity authorized under title I of WIOA would be inconsistent with a collective bargaining agreement, the appropriate labor organization and employer must provide written concurrence before the program or activity begins.

(c) A participant in a program or activity under title I of WIOA may not be employed in or assigned to a job if:

(1) Any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job;

(2) The employer has terminated the employment of any regular, unsubsidized employee or otherwise caused an involuntary reduction in its workforce with the intention of filling the vacancy so created with the WIOA participant; or

(3) The job is created in a promotional line that infringes in any way on the promotional opportunities of currently employed workers as of the date of the participation.

(d) Regular employees and program participants alleging displacement may file a complaint under the applicable grievance procedures found at § 683.600.

§ 683.275 - What wage and labor standards apply to participants in activities under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

(a) Individuals in on-the-job training or individuals employed in activities under title I of WIOA must be compensated at the same rates, including periodic increases, as trainees or employees who are similarly situated in similar occupations by the same employer and who have similar training, experience, and skills. Such rates must be in accordance with applicable law, but may not be less than the higher of the rate specified in sec. 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) or the applicable State or local minimum wage law.

(b) The reference in paragraph (a) of this section to sec. 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) is not applicable for individuals in territorial jurisdictions in which sec. 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) does not apply.

(c) Individuals in on-the-job training or individuals employed in programs and activities under title I of WIOA must be provided benefits and working conditions at the same level and to the same extent as other trainees or employees working a similar length of time and doing the same type of work.

(d) Allowances, earnings, and payments to individuals participating in programs under title I of WIOA are not considered as income for purposes of determining eligibility for and the amount of income transfer and in-kind aid furnished under any Federal or Federally-assisted program based on need, other than as provided under the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.).

§ 683.280 - What health and safety standards apply to the working conditions of participants in activities under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

(a) Health and safety standards established under Federal and State law otherwise applicable to working conditions of employees are equally applicable to working conditions of participants engaged in programs and activities under title I of WIOA.

(b)(1) To the extent that a State workers' compensation law applies, workers' compensation must be provided to participants in programs and activities under title I of WIOA on the same basis as the compensation is provided to other individuals in the State in similar employment.

(2) If a State workers' compensation law applies to a participant in work experience, workers' compensation benefits must be available for injuries suffered by the participant in such work experience. If a State workers' compensation law does not apply to a participant in work experience, insurance coverage must be secured for injuries suffered by the participant in the course of such work experience.

§ 683.285 - What are a recipient's obligations to ensure nondiscrimination and equal opportunity, and what are a recipient's obligations with respect to religious activities?

(a)(1) Recipients, as defined in 29 CFR 37.4, must comply with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIOA sec. 188 and its implementing regulations, codified at 29 CFR part 38. Under that definition, the term “recipients” includes State and Local WDBs, one-stop operators, service providers, Job Corps contractors, and subrecipients, as well as other types of individuals and entities.

(2) Nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements and procedures, including complaint processing and compliance reviews, are governed by the regulations implementing sec. 188 of WIOA, codified at 29 CFR part 38, and are administered and enforced by the Department of Labor Civil Rights Center.

(3) Financial assistance provided under title I of WIOA may be used to meet a recipient's obligation to provide physical and programmatic accessibility and reasonable accommodation/modification in regard to the WIOA program, as required by sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; sec. 188 of WIOA; and the regulations implementing these statutory provisions.

(4) No person may discriminate against an individual who is a participant in a program or activity that receives funds under title I of WIOA, with respect to the terms and conditions affecting, or rights provided to, the individual, solely because of the status of the individual as a participant.

(5) Participation in programs and activities or receiving funds under title I of WIOA must be available to citizens and nationals of the United States, lawfully admitted permanent resident aliens, refugees, asylees, and parolees, and other immigrants authorized by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary's designee to work in the United States.

(b)(1) Title 29 CFR part 2, subpart D, governs the circumstances under which recipients may use Department support, including WIOA title I and Wagner-Peyser Act financial assistance, to employ or train participants in religious activities. As explained in that subpart, such assistance may be used for such employment or training only when the assistance is provided indirectly within the meaning of the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and not when the assistance is provided directly. As explained in that subpart, assistance provided through an Individual Training Account is generally considered indirect, and other mechanisms also may be considered indirect. See also § 683.255 and 29 CFR 37.6(f)(1).

(2) Title 29 CFR part 2, subpart D, also contains requirements related to equal treatment of religious organizations in Department of Labor programs, and to protection of religious liberty for Department of Labor social service providers and beneficiaries. Limitations on the employment of participants under WIOA title I to carry out the construction, operation, or maintenance of any part of any facility used or to be used for religious instruction or as a place of religious worship are described at 29 CFR 37.6(f)(2). See also WIOA sec. 188(a)(3).

§ 683.290 - Are there salary and bonus restrictions in place for the use of title I of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and Wagner-Peyser Act funds?

(a) No funds available under title I of WIOA or the Wagner-Peyser Act may be used by a recipient or subrecipient of such funds to pay the salary and bonuses of an individual, either as direct costs or indirect costs, at a rate in excess of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level II of the Executive Schedule under 5 U.S.C. 5313,which.opm.gov/.

(b) In instances where funds awarded under title I of WIOA or the Wagner-Peyser Act pay only a portion of the salary or bonus, the WIOA title I or Wagner-Peyser Act funds may only be charged for the share of the employee's salary or bonus attributable to the work performed on the WIOA title I or Wagner-Peyser Act grant. That portion cannot exceed the proportional Executive level II rate. The restriction applies to the sum of salaries and bonuses charged as either direct costs or indirect costs under title I of WIOA and the Wagner-Peyser Act.

(c) The limitation described in paragraph (a) of this section will not apply to contractors (as defined in 2 CFR 200.23) providing goods and services. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.330, characteristics indicative of contractor are the following:

(1) Provides the goods and services within normal business operations;

(2) Provides similar goods or services to many different purchasers;

(3) Normally operates in a competitive environment;

(4) Provides goods or services that are ancillary to the operation of the Federal program; and

(5) Is not subject to compliance requirements of the Federal program as a result of the agreement, though similar requirements may apply for other reasons.

(d) If a State is a recipient of such funds, the State may establish a lower limit than is provided in paragraph (a) of this section for salaries and bonuses of those receiving salaries and bonuses from a subrecipient of such funds, taking into account factors including the relative cost of living in the State, the compensation levels for comparable State or local government employees, and the size of the organizations that administer the Federal programs involved.

(e) When an individual is working for the same recipient or subrecipient in multiple offices that are funded by title I of WIOA or the Wagner-Peyser Act, the recipient or subrecipient must ensure that the sum of the individual's salary and bonus does not exceed the prescribed limit in paragraph (a) of this section.

§ 683.295 - Is earning of profit allowed under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

(a)(1) Under secs. 121(d), 122(a) and 134(b) of WIOA, for-profit entities are eligible to be one-stop operators, service providers, and eligible training providers.

(2) Where for-profit entities are one-stop operators, service providers, and eligible training providers, and those entities are recipients of Federal financial assistance, the recipient or subrecipient and the for-profit entity must follow 2 CFR 200.323.

(b) For programs authorized by other sections of WIOA, 2 CFR 200.400(g) prohibits earning and keeping of profit in Federal financial assistance unless expressly authorized by the terms and conditions of the Federal award.

(c) Income earned by a public or private nonprofit entity may be retained by such entity only if such income is used to continue to carry out the program.

authority: Secs. 102, 116, 121, 127, 128, 132, 133, 147, 167, 169, 171, 181, 185, 186, 189, 195, 503, Public Law 113-128, 128 Stat. 1425 (Jul. 22, 2014)
source: 81 FR 56410, Aug. 19, 2016, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 20 CFR 683.255