Recognition of Excellence

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I find information on ETA's Recognition of Excellence?
2. Why have the categories changed?
3. How do I apply for ROE?
4. Can I submit a hard copy application?
5. How many applications may an organization submit?
6. If I was honored previously for Recognition of Excellence, can I apply again this year?
7. Do applications from local areas need to go through the state for submission?
8. What if a state and a local area are both involved in a program, project, or initiative in which they would like to submit an application. Can both apply?
9. I am applying for the ETA Recognition of Excellence. Can my partnering agency submit an application for another category?
10. Does the 10 page limit include attachments, such as testimonials and newspaper articles?
11. Which youth programs qualify for the category Connecting America's Youth to the Workforce?
12. What is a "collaborating partner"? Is every organization I work with (mention in the application) a "collaborating partner" who must be listed in the application?
13. My program has many partners. Is there a limit to the number of partners I can submit?
14. If I applied on line last year, am I considered a "new user" this year?
15. Is there a specific format I should follow in preparing my application?
16. Will I need any special computer hardware or software to prepare my application?
17. If my application is selected, am I expected to attend Workforce Innovations?
18. My program has many partners; will we all get a commemorative symbol?
19. What if my application is longer than 10 pages?
20. How can I print my application before I complete it? I am trying to print one section of the application, but the system will not allow me to do it. Please help.

Question 1:  Where can I find information on ETA's Recognition of Excellence?

Answer:  To learn more about ETA's Recognition of Excellence (ROE) and application process, you should read Training and Employment Notice (TEN 25-07). The TEN and other information about the Recognition of Excellence can be accessed on the Internet at: http://roe.doleta.gov.

Question 2:  Why have the categories changed?

Answer:  As the workforce investment community is continually evolving with regard to trends, emphases, service delivery and training capabilities, ETA is working to recognize those programs, projects, or initiatives which are ahead of the curve in terms of providing excellent opportunities to America´s workers.

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Question 3:  How do I apply for ROE?

Answer:  To apply for ROE visit the online application at http://roe.doleta.gov. The instructions for completing the application are found on that page. Before beginning your application, carefully review TEN 25-07 and the ROE Application Process and Application Instructions documents.

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Question 4:  Can I submit a hard copy application?

Answer:  No. Only electronic applications submitted through the ROE Web site will be accepted. However, you will be required to fax a hard copy of the signed electronic application's signature page to the ETA National Office at: (202) 693-3667.

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Question 5:  How many applications may an organization submit?

Answer:  An organization, state agency, or a local area may submit more than one application. However:

1.  A program, project, or initiative may be submitted only once. Therefore the applicant must choose one category for the program, project, or initiative.

2.  An organization, state agency or local area may submit applications for more than one program, project, or initiative. For example, an organization may submit one or more applications for different programs, projects or initiatives in each of the five categories.

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Question 6:  If I was honored previously for Recognition of Excellence, can I apply again this year?

Answer:  Yes, an applicant may submit applications year after year. However, you may not submit an application for the same program, project, or initiative if it was the first place winner in a previous year. You may resubmit an application for the same program, project, or initiative if it was recognized in the Honorable Mention category or if it was not selected for recognition.

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Question 7:  Do applications from local areas need to go through the state for submission?

Answer:  No. Local applications do not have to go through the state in order to be submitted. A state may work with a local program, project, or initiative to assist or encourage that local area to apply and local areas may wish to inform their state agency if they are applying. However, local areas should submit their own applications on behalf of their programs, projects or initiatives.

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Question 8:  What if a state and a local area are both involved in a program, project, or initiative in which they would like to submit an application. Can both apply?

Answer:  No. The intention of the eligibility definition is that we receive only one application on behalf of any program, project, or initiative. We do not expect to receive separate applications for the same program, project, or initiative. It is strongly suggested that partners work together and submit a joint application.

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Question 9:  I am applying for the ETA Recognition of Excellence. Can my partnering agency submit an application for another category?

Answer:  Yes. A partner can submit an application for another program, project, or initiative, given it meets the appropriate eligibility criteria. However, the partner cannot submit an application for the same program, project, or initiative.

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Question 10:  Does the 10 page limit include attachments, such as testimonials and newspaper articles?

Answer:  Attachments will not be accepted with the electronic submission process. Therefore, be sure that the application narrative itself addresses all of the elements required in the TEN and eligibility criteria within 10 pages. Scanned testimonials and newspaper articles may be included in the narrative portion of the application as part of the 10 pages. However, the text box will not accept graphics, tables and most symbols, such as stars, bullets and arrows.

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Question 11:  Which youth programs qualify for the category Connecting America's Youth to the Workforce?

Answer:  This category has been expanded this year to reach all ETA funded/partnered programs serving youth. This includes programs, projects, or initiatives that:

1.  Serve Out-of-School Youth as defined by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA);

2.  Serve youth who do not possess a high school diploma or GED and are not in a traditional public or private school;

3.  Serve In-School Youth;

4.  Serve youth offenders; and/or,

5.  Participate in a Job Corps Center.

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Question 12:  What is a "collaborating partner?"  Is every organization I work with (mention in the application) a "collaborating partner" who must be listed in the application?

Answer:  Collaborating Partners are defined as organizations, such as community colleges, businesses, community and faith-based organizations, or individuals that provide leadership, funding or significant support to the successful implementation or operation of the program, project, or initiative. Inclusion of the collaborating partner's name indicates that the collaborating partner is willing to provide assurances that the information in the application is true and can be verified without notice. Signatures of collaborating partners will be requested for applications that are vetted to be honored as winners or honorable mentions prior to receiving the winner or honorable mention designation.

No, not every organization or individual mentioned in the application needs be considered a "collaborating partner." However, every application is expected to have at least one "collaborating partner." Collaboration is highly valued and only organizations or individuals that meet the definition above should be identified in the application as "collaborating partners."

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Question 13:   My program has many partners. Is there a limit to the number of partners I can submit?

Answer:  Yes. One of the purposes of requesting the names of "collaborating partner" organizations and individuals involved in the program, project, or initiative is to ensure that true collaboration is taking place. "Collaborating partners" listed in your application should be limited to those that meet the definition provided in the ROE Application Process. A limit of 25 "collaborating partners" has been set for each program, project, or initiative application.

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Question 14:  If I applied online last year, am I considered a "new user" this year?

Answer:  Yes. All persons who wish to access the ROE application must register and select a password. You will not be allowed access to the application without a password. This enhancement allows you to save and return to your application at a later time.

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Question 15:  Is there a specific format I should follow in preparing my application?

Answer:  While it does not matter what type face, font size or line spacing you use in your document, we recommend the use of 12 point fonts and double spacing. However when including lists, which may be single-spaced, we recommend using numbers rather than bullets.

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Question 16:   Will I need any special computer hardware or software to prepare my application?

Answer:  No. You should be able to access and complete the online application from any computer with Internet access and word processing capabilities.

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Question 17:  If my application is selected, am I expected to attend Workforce Innovations?

Answer:  It is our hope that you will plan to attend Workforce Innovations 2008 which will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana from July 15-18. This conference is the premier ETA conference packed with informational and networking opportunities for anyone in the workforce investment business. For more information about Workforce Innovations, go to: www.workforceinnovations.org. Complimentary registration(s) will be provided to the winner and two honorable mentions of each category.

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Question 18:  My program has many partners; will we all get a commemorative symbol?

Answer:  No. Only one commemorative symbol will be provided for the winning program, project, or initiative. The recognition is for the successful program, project, or initiative, not the partners. However, each partner will receive an attractive certificate recognizing their contribution to the program, project, or initiative.

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Question 19:  What if my application is longer than 10 pages?

Answer:  The electronic format has been sized to accommodate approximately ten-500 word double-spaced pages. Applications exceeding the system limit will not be accepted. A "word count" feature is available which will allow you to keep up with how many words you have used and how many you have remaining in the application.

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Question 20:  How can I print my application before I complete it? I am trying to print one section of the application, but the system will not allow me to do it. Please help.

Answer:  Thank you for your question. You are right. The system did not allow you to print the application until it was completed. As a result of your question, we have modified the system to allow you to “view and print” the application prior to completing the entire application. To print your partial application, click “View ROE Application” on the blue navigation bar to the right. Click “Printer-Friendly Version” on top of page to open a printable version of the application in a new window.

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