Opportunity Information: Apply for FOA ETA 26 17
Apply for FOA ETA 26 17
- The Employment and Training Administration in the employment, labor and training sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "The Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (RESTART) Initiative" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 17.270.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-02-25.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-04-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $5,100,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 20 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Others.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (RESTART) Initiative is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA), focused on helping people with criminal records build workforce readiness and secure jobs. The program is aimed at ex-offenders across three age groups: youth ages 15 to 17, young adults ages 18 to 24, and adults age 25 and older. The core purpose is to fund programs that prepare participants for high-need, in-demand American careers, especially in skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, and registered apprenticeship pathways, so they can transition into stable employment and contribute productively to the economy.
Funding under this opportunity is intended to support the development and delivery of training and employment programs that address both employability skills and job-specific preparation. While the announcement emphasizes training for high-need jobs, it also frames success as actual employment outcomes, not just completion of classes or credentials. In practice, applicants should expect that competitive proposals will connect training directly to real labor market demand and show how participants will be supported into jobs, including pathways like registered apprenticeships that combine paid work and structured training.
Eligible applicants include state governments; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; other Native American tribal organizations; and nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education. The FOA also references “Others” as eligible applicants, which typically means additional entity types may qualify depending on the specific FOA eligibility rules, so applicants should verify details in the full announcement. A key category highlighted is National or Regional Intermediaries, which can be nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status that operate at a national or regional scale. For this competition, colleges and universities are explicitly not treated as National or Regional Intermediaries. Intermediaries are required to structure their proposals around a sub-grant model and must identify sub-grantees operating across at least three or more non-contiguous metropolitan areas or rural regions, signaling that DOL is looking for approaches that can reach multiple distinct communities rather than being concentrated in one metro area.
Faith-based organizations are specifically encouraged to apply, and DOL states it will not discriminate for or against an organization based on religious character, affiliation, exercise, or lack thereof. The notice also clarifies that DOL will not favor or disfavor organizations based on conduct that would not be grounds to treat a similarly situated secular organization differently. In other words, faith-based and secular organizations can compete on equal footing so long as they meet the eligibility requirements and follow applicable grant rules.
Administratively, this opportunity is listed under CFDA (now commonly referred to as Assistance Listing) 17.270, within the “Employment, Labor and Training” activity category. The funding opportunity number is FOA ETA 26-17, and the funding instrument is a grant. The posting indicates an expected 20 awards, with an award ceiling of $5,100,000 per award. The opportunity was created on February 25, 2026, and the original application closing date is April 15, 2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to use the Grants.gov subscription feature to receive updates tied to this specific FOA.
For questions about the Funding Opportunity Announcement, the contact provided is Alexander Heron, reachable by email at RESTARTFOA-ETA-26-17@dol.gov. Applicants should rely on the full FOA text for the precise eligibility conditions, required program design elements, allowable costs, performance expectations, and submission requirements, since those details govern what DOL will consider responsive and competitive.
RESTART Initiative (FOA ETA 26-17) - Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the RESTART Initiative?
The Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (RESTART) Initiative is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA). It is designed to help people with criminal records build workforce readiness and secure employment, with an emphasis on high-need, in-demand careers.
2) What is the primary goal of this funding opportunity?
The core purpose is to fund programs that prepare participants for high-need American careers and support them in transitioning into stable employment. The announcement emphasizes that success is measured by employment outcomes, not only by class completion or credentials earned.
3) Who is this program intended to serve?
The RESTART Initiative is aimed at ex-offenders across three age groups: youth ages 15 to 17, young adults ages 18 to 24, and adults age 25 and older.
4) What industries or pathways does RESTART prioritize?
The initiative especially focuses on skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, and registered apprenticeship pathways. The intent is to align training with high-need, in-demand careers and connect participants to real labor market demand.
5) Does the program focus only on training, or also on getting people hired?
Based on the opportunity description, the program is framed around actual employment outcomes. While training for high-need jobs is emphasized, proposals are expected to connect training directly to labor market demand and show how participants will be supported into jobs.
6) What types of services or program components are expected to be supported with grant funds?
Funding is intended to support the development and delivery of training and employment programs that address both employability skills (workforce readiness) and job-specific preparation. The opportunity also highlights registered apprenticeships, which combine paid work and structured training.
7) What is a registered apprenticeship in the context of this opportunity?
The posting references registered apprenticeship pathways as a way to combine paid work experience with structured training, supporting participants in moving into stable employment.
8) Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include state governments; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; other Native American tribal organizations; and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education. The FOA also references "Others" as eligible applicants, which may mean additional entity types could qualify depending on the full FOA eligibility rules.
9) Are colleges and universities eligible applicants?
Nonprofit organizations are eligible as long as they are not institutions of higher education. In addition, for this competition, colleges and universities are explicitly not treated as National or Regional Intermediaries.
10) What does "Others" mean under eligible applicants?
The opportunity notes that "Others" are eligible applicants. This typically indicates additional entity types may qualify depending on the specific eligibility conditions in the full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Applicants should verify eligibility details in the official FOA.
11) What is a National or Regional Intermediary under this opportunity?
A National or Regional Intermediary is highlighted as a key eligible category. These can be nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status that operate at a national or regional scale. The opportunity states that, for this competition, colleges and universities are not treated as National or Regional Intermediaries.
12) Do intermediaries have special program structure requirements?
Yes. Intermediaries are required to structure their proposals around a sub-grant model and must identify sub-grantees operating across at least three or more non-contiguous metropolitan areas or rural regions.
13) What does "non-contiguous metropolitan areas or rural regions" imply for intermediary applicants?
The requirement indicates that DOL is seeking approaches that reach multiple distinct communities rather than being concentrated in one metro area. Intermediaries must identify sub-grantees operating across at least three or more non-contiguous metropolitan areas or rural regions.
14) Are faith-based organizations allowed to apply?
Yes. Faith-based organizations are specifically encouraged to apply.
15) How does DOL treat faith-based organizations compared to secular organizations?
DOL states it will not discriminate for or against an organization based on religious character, affiliation, exercise, or lack thereof. The notice also clarifies DOL will not favor or disfavor organizations based on conduct that would not be grounds to treat a similarly situated secular organization differently. Faith-based and secular organizations can compete on equal footing if they meet eligibility requirements and follow applicable grant rules.
16) What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA (Assistance Listing) 17.270, within the "Employment, Labor and Training" activity category.
17) What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is FOA ETA 26-17.
18) What type of funding instrument is used?
The funding instrument is a grant.
19) How many awards does DOL expect to make?
The posting indicates an expected 20 awards.
20) What is the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling is $5,100,000 per award.
21) When was this opportunity created and when is the application due?
The opportunity was created on February 25, 2026, and the original application closing date is April 15, 2026.
22) How can applicants receive updates about this FOA?
Prospective applicants are encouraged to use the Grants.gov subscription feature to receive updates tied to this specific FOA.
23) Who is the point of contact for questions about the FOA?
The contact provided is Alexander Heron. Questions can be sent by email to RESTARTFOA-ETA-26-17@dol.gov.
24) Where should applicants look for the official rules and requirements?
Applicants should rely on the full FOA text for the precise eligibility conditions, required program design elements, allowable costs, performance expectations, and submission requirements, since those details govern what DOL will consider responsive and competitive.
25) Does the opportunity specify what makes a proposal competitive?
The description indicates that competitive proposals should connect training directly to real labor market demand and show how participants will be supported into jobs, including pathways such as registered apprenticeships that combine paid work and structured training.
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Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (FOA ETA 26 17) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 2026 National Unemployment Insurance Convening Reimbursement Instructions Apply for ETA UIPL 08 26 Funding Number: ETA UIPL 08 26 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $8,000 |
| Talent Search Program Apply for ED GRANT 26 022 Funding Number: ED GRANT 26 022 Agency: Office of Postsecondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Educational Opportunity Centers Program (EOC) Apply for ED GRANT 26 024 Funding Number: ED GRANT 26 024 Agency: Office of Postsecondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Program Year 2026 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Indian and Native American Programs – Employment and Training Grants - Youth Apply for FOA ETA 26 20 IY Funding Number: FOA ETA 26 20 IY Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $2,808,366 |
| Announcement of Enhancements to Identity Verification Services and Funding Opportunity to Support State Costs Associated with Participation in Such Services Apply for ETA UIPL 10 26 Funding Number: ETA UIPL 10 26 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Program Year 2026 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Indian and Native American Programs Employment and Training - Adult Apply for FOA ETA 26 20 IA Funding Number: FOA ETA 26 20 IA Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $5,998,062 |
| Teacher and School Leader Incentive Fund 84.374A Apply for DOL OESE 33844 Funding Number: DOL OESE 33844 Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovative Approaches to Literacy 84.215G Apply for DOL OESE 33831 Funding Number: DOL OESE 33831 Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula, Round 4 (SAEF4) Apply for ETA TEGL 08 25 Funding Number: ETA TEGL 08 25 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $8,287,067 |
| CSP Grants to State Entities 84.282A Apply for DOL OESE 33903 Funding Number: DOL OESE 33903 Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Work Opportunity Tax Credit Initial Funding Allotments for Fiscal Year 2026 Apply for ETA WOTC TEGL 09 25 Funding Number: ETA WOTC TEGL 09 25 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $1,742,067 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 YOUTH Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 YOUTH Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $156,286,824 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Consolidated Activities Program Allotments for Outlying Areas for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 OA Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 OA Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $936,235 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Dislocated Worker Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 DW Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 DW Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $259,233,111 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult Activities Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 ADULT Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 ADULT Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $149,671,359 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Workforce Information Grants Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 WIG Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 WIG Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $2,446,924 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Employment Service (Wagner-Peyser) Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 ES Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 ES Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $80,539,150 |
| Updated National Dislocated Worker Grant Program Guidance and Application Information Apply for ETA TEGL 09 24 CH1 Funding Number: ETA TEGL 09 24 CH1 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Funding to Support Ongoing Administration of Certain Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Programs - Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Apply for ETA UIPL 11 26 FPUC Funding Number: ETA UIPL 11 26 FPUC Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Funding to Support Ongoing Administration of Certain Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Programs - Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation Apply for ETA UIPL 11 26 MEUC Funding Number: ETA UIPL 11 26 MEUC Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $250,000 |
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