,,ii #aacth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #ibb ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,may #i1 #bjac ,mr4 ,sanders introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs ,a ,,bill ,to require the ,secretary of ,labor to carry out a pilot program on providing wage subsidies to employers who employ certain veterans and members of the ,armed ,forces and require the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs to carry out a pilot program on providing career transition services to young veterans1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,veterans ,equipped for ,success ,act of #bjac4 #b4 ,pilot program on provision of subsidies to employers for employment of certain veterans and members of the ,armed ,forces 7a7 ,in general ,commencing not later than ,january #a1 #bjad1 the ,secretary of ,labor shall1 acting through the ,assistant ,secretary of ,labor for ,veterans' ,employment and ,training and in collaboration with the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing subsidies to eligible employers to employ eligible individuals-- 7#a7 to provide eligible individuals with valuable work experience2 7#b7 to increase the skills of eligible individuals2 and 7#c7 to assist eligible individuals in obtaining long-term employment4 7b7 ,eligible individual ,for purposes of the pilot program1 an eligible individual is an individual who-- 7#a7 is-- 7,a7 a veteran of the ,armed ,forces who was discharged or released from service therein under conditions other than dishonorable2 or 7,b7 a member of a reserve component of the ,armed ,forces 7including the ,national ,guard7 who-- 7i7 served on active duty in the ,armed ,forces 7other than active duty for training7 for more than #ahj consecutive days during the two-year period ending on the date of commencement of the participation in the pilot program2 and 7ii7 is not serving on active duty on the date of commencement of participation in the pilot program2 7#b7 is1 at the time at which the individual applies for participation in the pilot program-- 7,a7 #ah years of age or more but not more than #cd years of age2 or 7,b7 #ee years of age or more but not more than #fd years of age2 7#c7 is not in receipt of compensation under chapter #aa of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 by reason of unemployability2 7#d7 is not enrolled on the date of commencement of participation in the pilot program in a ,federal or ,state job training program2 and 7#e7 is considered by the ,secretary to be unemployed or underemployed4 7c7 ,eligible employer 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of the pilot program1 an eligible employer is an employer determined by the ,secretary to meet such criteria for participation in the pilot program as the ,secretary shall establish for purposes of the pilot program1 except that an employer may not be determined to be an eligible employer for that purpose if the employer-- 7,a7 has been investigated or subject to a case or action by the ,federal ,trade ,commission during the #ahj-;day period ending on the date the employer would otherwise commence participation in the pilot program2 7,b7 has not been in good standing with a ,state business bureau during the period described in subparagraph 7,a72 7,c7 is an agency of the ,federal ,government or a ,state or local government2 7,d7 is delinquent with respect to payment of any taxes or employer contributions described under sections #ccja and #ccjb7;a77#a7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf 7#bf ,u4,s4,c4 #ccja and #ccjb7;a77#a77 or with respect to any related reporting requirement2 7,e7 has previously participated in the pilot program and1 as determined by the ,secretary1 failed to abide by a requirement of the pilot program2 7,f7 does not provide assurances to the ,secretary at the time the employer would otherwise commence participation in the pilot program that the employer will comply under the pilot program with the requirements for non-displacement of current employees specified in paragraph 7#b72 or 7,g7 receives more than #ge percent of its revenue from the ,federal ,government or a ,state or local government4 7#b7 ,non-displacement of current employees ,the requirements specified in this paragraph are the following3 7,a7 ,that an employer shall not use an individual participating in the pilot program to displace any employee of the employer at the time of commencement of participation in the pilot program from employment or any employment benefits1 including a partial displacement 7such as a reduction in the hours of non-overtime work1 wages1 or employment benefits74 7,b7 ,that an employer shall not permit an individual participating in the pilot program to perform work activities related to any job for which-- 7i7 any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent position2 or 7ii7 the employer has terminated the employment of any employee or otherwise reduced the workforce of the employer with the intention of filling or partially filling the vacancy so created with the work activities to be performed by the individual participating in the pilot program4 7,c7 ,that an employer shall not create a job for an individual participating in the pilot program in a manner that will infringe in any way upon the opportunities for promotion of individuals employed by the employer on the date of the employer's commencement of participation in the pilot program4 7,d7 ,that-- 7i7 an employer shall not1 by means of assigning work activities under the pilot program1 impair an existing contract for services or a collective bargaining agreement2 and 7ii7 work activities that would be inconsistent with the terms of a collective bargaining agreement shall not be undertaken by an individual participating in the pilot program without the written concurrence of the labor organization that is signatory to the collective bargaining agreement4 7d7 ,duration and number of participants 7#a7 ,duration ,the ,secretary shall carry out the pilot program during the three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program4 7#b7 ,number of participants ,not more than #ej1jjj eligible individuals may concurrently participate in the pilot program4 7e7 ,locations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out the pilot program in four locations selected by the ,secretary for purposes of the pilot program from among areas with populations the ,secretary determines have high concentrations of veterans4 7#b7 ,consultation with ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs ,in selecting locations under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary of ,labor may consult with the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 particularly with respect to determining which areas have populations with high concentrations of veterans4 7f7 ,subsidies 7#a7 ,in general ,for each eligible employer approved by the ,secretary to participate in the pilot program who employs on a full-time basis an eligible individual approved by the ,secretary to participate in the pilot program1 the ,secretary shall provide a subsidy for the employment of such eligible individual by such eligible employer during such period as-- 7,a7 the eligible individual is employed by the eligible employer2 7,b7 the eligible individual is participating in the pilot program2 and 7,c7 the eligible employer is participating in the pilot program4 7#b7 ,amount 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 a subsidy provided by the ,secretary under the pilot program to an eligible employer for the employment of an eligible individual shall be an amount equal to-- 7i7 except as provided in clause 7ii71 #fj percent of the basic pay provided by the eligible employer under the pilot program to the eligible individual2 and 7ii7 in the case in which the eligible employer provides employment that includes an apprenticeship 7which must be approved for purposes of the pilot program not later than two years after the date of the commencement of the pilot program71 #ge percent of the basic pay provided by the eligible employer under the pilot program to the eligible individual4 7,b7 ,maximum amount ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,d71 the aggregate amount of subsidy provided under the pilot program to an eligible employer for the employment of an eligible individual may not exceed-- 7i7 except as provided in clause 7ii71 #aa1jjj2 or 7ii7 in the case described in subparagraph 7,a77ii71 #ad1jjj4 7,c7 ,disbursement of payments 7i7 ,payments on quarterly basis ,except as provided in clause 7ii71 subsidies paid to an eligible employer under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be paid to the eligible employer on a quarterly basis4 7ii7 ,payments on monthly basis ,in order to relieve financial burden on an eligible employer participating in the pilot program whom the ,secretary determines has few employees1 the ,secretary may pay subsidies under subparagraph 7,a7 to such employer on a monthly basis as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7,d7 ,additional hiring incentive ,if an eligible employer who received a subsidy under the pilot program for the employment of an eligible individual hires such eligible individual on a full-time basis following the completion of the participation of such eligible individual in the pilot program1 the ,secretary shall pay such eligible employer an additional amount equal to #aj percent of the aggregate amount of subsidy paid to the eligible employer under subparagraph 7,a7 during the last six months of such eligible individual's employment with such eligible employer while participating in the pilot program4 ,any amount paid under this subparagraph shall not apply against the aggregate maximum amount specified in subparagraph 7,b74 7,e7 ,apprenticeships ,the ,secretary may establish guidelines or criteria for the approval or disapproval of apprenticeships for purposes of the pilot program4 7#c7 ,duration ,a subsidy provided to an eligible employer to employ an eligible individual under the pilot program shall be for the lesser of-- 7,a7 a period of one year2 and 7,b7 the duration of such eligible individual's employment with the eligible employer4 7#d7 ,consideration concerning receipt of concurrent subsidies ,in the case of an eligible employer who is already receiving one or more subsidies under the pilot program for the employment of one or more eligible individuals1 when determining whether to provide an additional subsidy to such employer to employ an additional eligible individual1 the ,secretary may take into consideration1 if after hiring such additional eligible individual1 the number of eligible individuals for whom the employer is receiving a subsidy under the pilot program would constitute more than #aj percent of the workforce of the eligible employer4 7#e7 ,minimum wage ,no eligible employer may receive a subsidy under the pilot program for the employment of an eligible individual if the rate of pay for such employment is less than the greater of the rate specified in section #f7;a77#a7 of the ,fair ,labor ,standards ,act of #aich 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #bjf7;a77#a77 or the rate specified in the applicable ,state minimum wage law4 7#f7 ,sense of ,congress on exclusion of certain employment ,it is the sense of ,congress that an employer should not be provided a subsidy under the pilot program for employment of an eligible individual in a position under a contract1 grant1 or cooperative agreement with the ,federal ,government or a ,state or local government that involves functions that are so inherently governmental that the position would not provide the eligible individual with experience1 training1 or skills necessary for employment in the private sector in a position not involving such functions4 7g7 ,participation 7#a7 ,application 7,a7 ,in general ,an eligible employer or an eligible individual seeking to participate in the pilot program shall submit to the ,secretary an application therefor at such time and in such manner as the ,secretary shall specify4 7,b7 ,elements ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,c71 each application submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 shall contain such information as the ,secretary may specify4 7,c7 ,requirements of eligible employers ,an application submitted by an eligible employer under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include assurance that the eligible employer will comply with the requirements for non-displacement of current employees specified in subsection 7c77#b7 under the pilot program4 7#b7 ,selection 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall review each application submitted by an applicant under paragraph 7#a7 and approve or disapprove the applicant for participation in the pilot program4 7,b7 ,employer selection considerations ,in approving or disapproving an eligible employer for participation in the pilot program1 the ,secretary may consider past performance of the eligible employer with respect to the following3 7i7 ,job training1 basic skills training1 and related activities4 7ii7 ,fiscal accountability4 7iii7 ,demonstration of a high potential for growth and long-term job creation4 7,c7 ,considerations concerning selection of for-profit and not-for-profit employers ,the ,secretary may consider approving both for-profit and not-for-profit employers who are eligible employers for participation in the pilot program4 7,d7 ,considerations concerning participation of small business concerns ,in selecting eligible employers for participation in the pilot program1 the ,secretary may consider the extent to which small business concerns are afforded opportunities to participate in the pilot program4 7#c7 ,early termination or separation of eligible individual participants by ,secretary ,if the ,secretary determines that an eligible individual participating in the pilot program is not making satisfactory attendance in employment1 or has been removed from placement for misconduct1 the ,secretary may terminate such eligible individual's status as a participant in the pilot program and bar such eligible individual from further participation in the pilot program4 7#d7 ,employment status 7,a7 ,compensation for work injuries ,an eligible individual employed by an eligible employer who receives a subsidy for such employment under the pilot program shall be deemed1 during the period of such subsidy1 an employee of the ,united ,states for the purposes of the benefits of chapter #ha of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 but not for the purposes of laws administered by the ,office of ,personnel ,management4 7,b7 ,health benefits ,for purposes of the ,patient ,protection and ,affordable ,care ,act 7,public ,law #aaa-adh71 an eligible individual employed by an eligible employer shall be considered an employee of the ,department of ,labor and not the eligible employer during such period as the eligible employer receives a subsidy under the pilot program for the employment of such eligible individual4 7h7 ,transportation support for participating eligible individuals ,in accordance with criteria established by the ,secretary for purposes of the pilot program1 the ,secretary may pay an allowance based upon mileage1 of any eligible individual whose employment is subsidized under the pilot program not in excess of #ge miles to or from a facility of the eligible employer or other place in connection with such employment4 7i7 ,grants to eligible entities 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may award grants to not more than four eligible entities to assist the ,secretary in carrying out the pilot program4 7#b7 ,eligible entities ,for purposes of the pilot program1 an eligible entity is a nonprofit organization4 7#c7 ,considerations ,in awarding grants under this subsection1 the ,secretary may consider whether an eligible entity-- 7,a7 has an understanding of the unemployment problems of eligible individuals and members of the ,armed ,forces transitioning from service in the ,armed ,forces to civilian life2 7,b7 is familiar with a location selected under subsection 7e7 and has an understanding of employment in such location and employment assistance available to eligible individuals in such location2 and 7,c7 has the capability to assist the ,secretary in administering effectively the pilot program and provide employment assistance to eligible individuals4 7#d7 ,use of funds ,amounts received by a recipient of a grant under this subsection may be used as follows3 7,a7 ,to assist the ,secretary in carrying out the pilot program4 7,b7 ,to recruit eligible employers and eligible individuals to participate in the pilot program4 7,c7 ,to coordinate and implement job placement and other employer outreach activities in connection with the pilot program4 7,d7 ,to carry out such other activities as the ,secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the pilot program4 7j7 ,additional pilot program requirements ,under the pilot program1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 develop an objective assessment process that will identify the work experience1 skill levels1 and interests of eligible individuals participating in the pilot program2 7#b7 ensure that employment and counseling services are available to eligible individuals participating in the pilot program1 including by connecting eligible individuals with services available to the eligible individuals through ,state or local employment service or other public agencies2 7#c7 develop and implement procedures for evaluating job placement and employment of eligible individuals participating in the pilot program2 and 7#d7 carry out such other activities as the ,secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the pilot program4 7k7 ,outreach ,the ,secretary of ,labor and the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall jointly conduct a program of outreach to inform eligible employers and eligible individuals about the pilot program and the benefits of participating in the pilot program4 7l7 ,minimization of administrative burden on participating employers ,the ,secretary of ,labor shall take such measures as may be necessary to minimize administrative burdens incurred by eligible employers in participating in the pilot program4 7m7 ,reports 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #de days after the completion of the first year of the pilot program and not later than #ahj days after the completion of the second and third years of the pilot program1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report on the pilot program4 7#b7 ,contents ,each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,an evaluation of the pilot program4 7,b7 ,the number and characteristics of individuals participating in the pilot program4 7,c7 ,the number and characteristics of employers participating in the pilot program4 7,d7 ,the number and types of positions of employment in which eligible individuals were placed under the pilot program4 7,e7 ,the number of individuals who obtained long-term full-time employment positions as a result of the pilot program1 the hourly wage and nature of such employment1 and if available1 whether such individuals were still employed in such positions three months after obtaining such positions4 7,f7 ,a description of the outreach activities undertaken to raise awareness of the pilot program by potential eligible individuals and eligible employers1 and an assessment of the effectiveness of such activities4 7,g7 ,an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of providing subsidies to eligible employers to employ eligible individuals4 7,h7 ,an assessment of the effect of the pilot program on earnings of eligible individuals and the employment of eligible individuals4 7,i7 ,such recommendations for legislative and administrative action as the ,secretary considers appropriate to improve the pilot program1 to expand the pilot program1 or to improve the employment of eligible individuals4 7n7 ,relation to other ,federal assistance ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 wages received by an individual that are subsidized under the pilot program may not be used in any calculation to determine the eligibility of such individual for any ,federal program for the purpose of obtaining child care assistance4 7o7 ,funding limitations 7#a7 ,wage subsidies ,not less than #ie percent of amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the pilot program shall be used to provide subsidies under subsection 7f74 7#b7 ,administration ,not more than #e percent of amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the pilot program may be used to administer the pilot program4 7p7 ,coordination with work opportunity tax credit ,section #ea of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7j7 ,coordination with pilot program on provision of subsidies to employers for employment of certain veterans and members of ,armed ,forces ,no credit shall be allowed under subsection 7a7 with respect to any wages paid to a qualified veteran if the taxpayer has received a subsidy under section #b7;f7 of the ,veterans ,equipped for ,success ,act of #bjac with respect to such qualified veteran4 4 7q7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,apprenticeship ,the term apprenticeship means a program of apprenticeship approved by the ,office of ,apprenticeship of the ,department of ,labor or a ,state apprenticeship as meeting the standards of apprenticeship published by the ,secretary of ,labor pursuant to section #b of the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7popularly known as the ,national ,apprenticeship ,act7 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej;a74 7#b7 ,full-time basis ,the term full-time basis1 with respect to employment1 means employment of a minimum of #cj hours a week4 7#c7 ,small business concern ,the term small business concern has the meaning given that term under section #c7;a7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcb7;a774 #c4 ,pilot program on provision of career transition services to young veterans 7a7 ,in general ,commencing not later than ,january #a1 #bjad1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs shall1 in collaboration with the ,secretary of ,labor1 carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of establishing a program to provide career transition services to eligible individuals-- 7#a7 to provide eligible individuals with work experience in the civilian sector2 7#b7 to increase the marketable skills of eligible individuals2 7#c7 to assist eligible individuals in obtaining long-term employment2 and 7#d7 to assist in integrating eligible individuals into their local communities4 7b7 ,eligible individuals ,for purposes of the pilot program1 an eligible individual is an individual who-- 7#a7 is-- 7,a7 a veteran of the ,armed ,forces who was discharged or released from service therein under conditions other than dishonorable2 or 7,b7 a member of a reserve component of the ,armed ,forces 7including the ,national ,guard7 who-- 7i7 served on active duty in the ,armed ,forces 7other than active duty for training7 for more than #ahj consecutive days during the two-year period ending on the date of the commencement of the individual's participation in the pilot program2 and 7ii7 is not serving on active duty on the date of the commencement of the individual's participation in the pilot program2 7#b7 is unemployed or underemployed1 as determined by the ,secretary2 and 7#c7 is1 at the time at which the individual applies for participation in the pilot program1 #ah years of age or older1 but not more than #cj years of age4 7c7 ,duration and number of participants 7#a7 ,duration ,the ,secretary shall carry out the pilot program during the three-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program4 7#b7 ,number of participants ,not more than #ej1jjj eligible individuals may concurrently participate in the pilot program4 7d7 ,locations 7#a7 ,in general ,the pilot program shall be carried out in four locations selected by the ,secretary for purposes of the pilot program and in accordance with the provisions of this subsection4 7#b7 ,consideration of areas of high concentrations of young eligible individuals ,in selecting locations under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall consider areas with populations the ,secretary determines have high concentrations of eligible individuals1 particularly those with high concentrations of eligible individuals who are age #be or younger4 7e7 ,career transition services ,for purposes of the pilot program1 career transition services are the following3 7#a7 ,internships under subsection 7f74 7#b7 ,mentorship and job-shadowing under subsection 7g74 7#c7 ,volunteer opportunities under subsection 7h74 7#d7 ,professional skill workshops under subsection 7i74 7#e7 ,skills assessment under subsection 7j74 7#f7 ,additional services under subsection 7k74 7f7 ,internships 7#a7 ,in general ,for each eligible individual whom the ,secretary approves for participation in the pilot program1 the ,secretary shall attempt to place such eligible individual in an internship on a full-time basis with an eligible employer whom the ,secretary has approved for participation in the pilot program4 7#b7 ,eligible employer ,for purposes of the pilot program1 an eligible employer is an employer determined by the ,secretary to meet such criteria for participation in the pilot program as the ,secretary shall establish for purposes of the pilot program1 except that an employer may not be determined to be an eligible employer for that purpose if the employer-- 7,a7 has been investigated or subject to a case or action by the ,federal ,trade ,commission during the #ahj-;day period ending on the date the employer would otherwise commence participation in the pilot program2 7,b7 has not been in good standing with a ,state business bureau during the period described in subparagraph 7,a72 7,c7 is an agency of the ,federal ,government or a ,state or local government2 7,d7 is delinquent with respect to payment of any taxes or employer contributions described under sections #ccja and #ccjb7;a77#a7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf 7#bf ,u4,s4,c4 #ccja and #ccjb7;a77#a77 or with respect to any related reporting requirement2 7,e7 has previously participated in the pilot program and1 as determined by the ,secretary1 failed to abide by a requirement of the pilot program2 or 7,f7 receives more than #ge percent of its revenue from the ,federal ,government or a ,state or local government4 7#c7 ,duration ,each internship under the pilot program shall be for a period of one year4 7#d7 ,wages 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall furnish pay to each eligible individual participating in an internship under the pilot program for the duration of such participation at a rate equal to the greater of-- 7i7 the rate specified in section #f7;a77#a7 of the ,fair ,labor ,standards ,act of #aich 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #bjf7;a77#a77 or the rate specified in the applicable ,state minimum wage law2 and 7ii7 if the eligible individual was receiving unemployment compensation before being placed in the internship1 the rate of such unemployment compensation4 7,b7 ,maximum amount ,an eligible individual may not receive an aggregate amount of more than #cj1jjj in pay from the ,secretary under this paragraph4 7#e7 ,employment status 7,a7 ,compensation for work injuries ,an eligible individual placed in an internship with an eligible employer under the pilot program shall be deemed1 during the period of such internship under the pilot program1 an employee of the ,united ,states for the purposes of the benefits of chapter #ha of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 but not for the purposes of laws administered by the ,office of ,personnel ,management4 7,b7 ,health benefits ,for purposes of the ,patient ,protection and ,affordable ,care ,act 7,public ,law #aaa-adh71 an eligible individual placed in an internship with an eligible employer under the pilot program shall be considered an employee of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs and not the eligible employer during the period of such internship under the pilot program4 7#f7 ,relation to other ,federal assistance ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 pay received by an individual under this subsection may not be used in any calculation to determine the eligibility of such individual for any ,federal program for the purpose of obtaining child care assistance4 7#g7 ,limit on number of intern placements ,in the case of an eligible employer at which one or more eligible individuals have been placed for an internship under the pilot program1 the ,secretary may consider1 in determining whether to place an additional eligible individual at such employer for an internship under the pilot program1 whether if after such additional placement1 the number of eligible individuals placed in internships at such employer under the pilot program would constitute more than #aj percent of the eligible employer's workforce4 ,for purposes of the previous sentence1 being an intern under the pilot program placed at the eligible employer shall be considered part of the employer's workforce4 7g7 ,mentorship and job-,shadowing 7#a7 ,in general ,as a condition of an eligible employer's participation in the pilot program and the placement of an eligible individual in an internship at the eligible employer1 the eligible employer shall provide each eligible individual placed in an internship at the eligible employer under the pilot program with at least one mentor who is an employee of the eligible employer4 7#b7 ,job-shadowing and career counseling ,to the extent practicable1 a mentor assigned to an eligible individual participating in the pilot program shall provide such eligible individual with job shadowing and career counseling4 7h7 ,volunteer opportunities 7#a7 ,in general ,as a condition on participation in the pilot program1 each eligible individual who participates in the pilot program shall1 not less frequently than once each month in which the eligible individual participates in the pilot program1 engage in a qualifying volunteer activity in accordance with guidelines the ,secretary shall establish4 7#b7 ,qualifying volunteer activities ,for purposes of this subsection1 a qualifying volunteer activity is any activity the ,secretary considers related to providing assistance to1 or for the benefit of1 a veteran4 ,such activities may include the following3 7,a7 ,outreach4 7,b7 ,assisting an organization recognized by the ,secretary for the representation of veterans under section #eijb of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 on a volunteer basis4 7,c7 ,service benefitting a veteran in a ,state home or a ,department of ,veterans ,affairs medical facility4 7,d7 ,service benefitting a veteran at an institution of higher education4 7i7 ,professional skills workshops 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall provide eligible individuals participating in the pilot program with workshops for the development and improvement of the professional skills of such eligible individuals4 7#b7 ,tailored ,the workshops provided by the ,secretary shall be tailored to meet the particular needs of eligible individuals participating in the pilot program as determined under subsection 7j74 7#c7 ,topics ,the workshops provided to eligible individuals participating in the pilot program may include workshops for the development of such professional skills as the ,secretary considers appropriate1 which may include the following3 7,a7 ,written and oral communication skills4 7,b7 ,basic word processing and other computer skills4 7,c7 ,interpersonal skills4 7#d7 ,manner of presentation ,workshops on particular topics shall be provided through such means as may be appropriate1 effective1 and approved of by the ,secretary for purposes of the pilot program4 ,such means may include use of electronic communication4 7#e7 ,assessments ,the ,secretary shall conduct an assessment of a participant in a workshop conducted under this subsection to assess the participant's knowledge acquired as a result of participating in the workshop4 7j7 ,skills assessment 7#a7 ,in general ,under the pilot program1 the ,secretary shall develop and implement an objective assessment of eligible individuals participating in the pilot program to assist in the placement of such individuals in internships under subsection 7f7 and to assist in the tailoring of workshops under subsection 7i74 7#b7 ,elements ,the assessment may include an assessment of the skill levels and service needs of each participant1 which may include a review of basic professional entry-level skills1 prior work experience1 employability1 and the individual's interests4 7k7 ,additional services 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall1 under the pilot program1 furnish the following services to an eligible individual participating in the pilot program when assessment under subsection 7j7 indicates such services are appropriate3 7,a7 ,counseling1 such as job counseling and career counseling4 7,b7 ,job search assistance4 7,c7 ,follow-up services with participants that are offered unsubsidized employment by the employer with whom they were assigned4 7,d7 ,transportation1 as described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,referrals ,in lieu of furnishing a service to an eligible individual under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary may refer such eligible individual to another ,federal1 ,state1 or local government program that provides such service4 7#c7 ,transportation ,in accordance with criteria established by the ,secretary for purposes of the pilot program1 the ,secretary may pay an allowance based upon mileage1 of any eligible individual placed in an internship under the pilot program not in excess of #ge miles to or from a facility of the eligible employer or other place in connection with such internship4 7l7 ,participation 7#a7 ,application 7,a7 ,in general ,an eligible employer1 eligible individual1 or member of the ,armed ,forces described in subparagraph 7,b7 seeking to participate in the pilot program shall submit to the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs an application therefor at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary shall specify4 7,b7 ,members of ,armed ,forces ,a member of the ,armed ,forces described in this subparagraph is a member of the ,armed ,forces who-- 7i7 is expected1 within #ahj days1 to be discharged or released from service in the active military1 naval1 or air service under conditions other than dishonorable2 and 7ii7 has not accepted an offer of employment that would begin after such discharge or release4 7#b7 ,selection 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall review each application submitted by an applicant under paragraph 7#a7 and approve or disapprove the applicant for participation in the pilot program4 7,b7 ,consideration of employer performance ,in approving or disapproving an eligible employer for participation in the pilot program1 the ,secretary may consider past performance of the eligible employer with respect to the following3 7i7 ,job training1 basic skills training1 and related activities4 7ii7 ,fiscal accountability4 7iii7 ,demonstration of a high potential for growth and long-term job creation4 7,c7 ,considerations concerning selection of for-profit and not-for-profit employers ,the ,secretary may consider approving both for-profit and not-for-profit employers who are eligible employers for placement of interns under the pilot program4 7,d7 ,considerations concerning participation of small business concerns ,in selecting eligible employers for participation in the pilot program1 the ,secretary may consider the extent to which small business concerns are afforded opportunities to participate in the pilot program4 7m7 ,grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may award grants to not more than four eligible entities to assist the ,secretary in carrying out the pilot program4 7#b7 ,eligible entities ,for purposes of the pilot program1 an eligible entity is a nonprofit organization4 7#c7 ,considerations ,in awarding grants under this subsection1 the ,secretary may consider whether an eligible entity-- 7,a7 has an understanding of the unemployment problems of eligible individuals and members of the ,armed ,forces transitioning from service in the ,armed ,forces to civilian life2 7,b7 is familiar with one or more locations selected under subsection 7d72 and 7,c7 has the capability to assist the ,secretary in administering effectively the pilot program and providing career transition services to eligible individuals4 7#d7 ,use of funds ,amounts received by a recipient of a grant under this subsection may be used as the ,secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the pilot program1 including as follows3 7,a7 ,to assist the ,secretary in carrying out the pilot program4 7,b7 ,to recruit eligible employers and eligible individuals to participate in the pilot program4 7,c7 ,to match eligible individuals participating in the pilot program with internship opportunities at eligible employers participating in the pilot program4 7,d7 ,to coordinate and carry out job placement and other employer outreach activities4 7n7 ,outreach ,the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs and the ,secretary of ,labor shall jointly carry out a program of outreach to inform eligible employers and eligible individuals about the pilot program and the benefits of participating in the pilot program4 7o7 ,awards for outstanding contributions to pilot program 7#a7 ,in general ,each year of the pilot program1 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs may recognize one or more eligible employers or one or more eligible individuals participating in the pilot program for demonstrating outstanding achievement in carrying out or in contributing to the success of the pilot program4 7#b7 ,criteria ,the ,secretary shall establish such selection procedures and criteria as the ,secretary considers appropriate for the award of recognition under this subsection4 7p7 ,minimization of administrative burden on participating employers ,the ,secretary shall take such measures as may be necessary to minimize administrative burdens incurred by eligible employers due to participation in the pilot program4 7q7 ,reports 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #de days after the completion of the first year of the pilot program and not later than #ahj days after the completion of the second and third years of the pilot program1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report on the pilot program4 7#b7 ,contents ,each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,an evaluation of the pilot program4 7,b7 ,the number and characteristics of participants in the pilot program4 7,c7 ,the number and types of internships in which eligible individuals were placed under the pilot program4 7,d7 ,the number of individuals who obtained long-term full-time unsubsidized employment positions as a result of the pilot program1 the hourly wage and nature of such employment1 and if available1 whether such individuals were still employed in such positions three months after obtaining such positions4 7,e7 ,an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of providing career transition services to eligible individuals4 7,f7 ,an assessment of the effect of the pilot program on earnings of eligible individuals and the employment of eligible individuals4 7,g7 ,such recommendations for legislative and administrative action as the ,secretary may have to improve the pilot program1 to expand the pilot program1 or to improve the employment of eligible individuals4 7r7 ,funding limitations 7#a7 ,wages for internships ,not less than #ie percent of amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the pilot program shall be used to provide pay under subsection 7f77#d74 7#b7 ,administration ,not more than #e percent of amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the pilot program may be used to administer the pilot program4 7s7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,active duty1 active military1 naval1 or air service1 reserve component1 and veteran ,the terms active duty1 active military1 naval1 or air service1 reserve component1 and veteran have the meanings given such terms in section #aja of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,full-time basis ,the term full-time basis1 with respect to an internship1 means participation in the internship of not fewer than #cj hours per week and not more than #dj hours per week4 7#c7 ,small business concern ,the term small business concern has the meaning given that term under section #c7;a7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcb7;a774 7#d7 ,unemployment compensation ,the term unemployment compensation means regular compensation 7as defined in section #bje of the ,federal-,state ,extended ,unemployment ,compensation ,act of #aigj71 compensation under the ,federal-,state ,extended ,compensation ,act of #aigj1 and compensation under the emergency unemployment compensation program under title ,,iv of the ,supplemental ,appropriations ,act1 #bjjh4