Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions

The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative Round 7 is a grant solicitation issued by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority, and Northern Border Regional Commission. This initiative addresses workforce development challenges in high-growth and emerging industries within the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions. The solicitation (FOA-ETA-26-23) was posted on June 10, 2026, with proposals due by July 23, 2026, and requires electronic submission via Grants.gov. The primary focus of the solicitation is on applicants establishing and demonstrating a compliant financial and administrative management system capable of tracking federal grant fund use, segregating direct and indirect costs, maintaining records for time and effort, and providing internal controls consistent with federal regulations under 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 2900. Applicants must submit comprehensive documentation including the latest agency reviews of their accounting systems and CPA-audited financial statements supporting financial stability. The evaluation is risk-based with emphasis on the adequacy of financial management systems and compliance with federal funding requirements, although no explicit numerical weights or formal rating scales are provided. The solicitation does not include traditional FAR contract clauses or specify contract values, as this is a grant opportunity rather than a procurement contract. Key administrative requirements include enrolling in the Payment Management System for fund disbursement and designating key personnel such as CEO, CFO, and Accounting/Budget Officers. The solicitation lacks detailed inspection and acceptance provisions, delivery schedules, or performance periods, and does not specify socioeconomic status certifications or small business designations. Overall, the initiative is designed to ensure fiscal accountability and regulatory compliance while supporting workforce development in targeted rural regions.