The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) began using its Evidence Framework to prioritize evidence of effectiveness when awarding $1.5 million in training grants for the 2021 Building and Construction Trades Program, which prepares youth for employment in construction occupations. TWC provided up to 10 points out of 110 to applicants based on the causal evidence supporting each application, and up to 15% of grant payments were tied to specified outputs and outcomes, including participation completion, receipt of industry-based certification, and employment.
Pennsylvaniaʼs Department of Labor and Industry developed an evidence continuum and leverages it when awarding grants and providing technical assistance to providers.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Reentry Employment Opportunities Program supports reentry into the community for individuals who have been involved in the criminal legal system. The department prioritizes evidence of effectiveness in this program by awarding up to 10 points out of 100 based on the quality of an applicant’s project design, including evidence of effectiveness for the proposed project.
These RFA templates and examples can help your agency prioritize evidence in grants and contracts.
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Nominate your own agency or others that are implementing evidence-based spending reforms and we will add them to the Guide.