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Frequently Asked Questions about the Job Creation Assistance Program
What is the purpose of the Job Creation Assistance Program? The purpose of the Job Creation Assistance Program is the establishment, expansion or improvement of community rehabilitation programs serving persons with significant disabilities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Who provides the funds to purchase capital equipment? The Middle Monongahela Industrial Development Association, Inc., (MIDA), in conjunction with the Washington, Pennsylvania District Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), administers a mix of state and federal funds to purchase capital equipment for qualified companies.
How does a company qualify for funds to purchase equipment? A company may qualify it is located in Washington, Greene or Fayette County, has been operational for approximately three years, is in need of new equipment to boost current growth and has the need to increase employment as a result of receiving additional equipment.
How does the grant purchase equipment? All equipment purchased shall be competitively bid. MIDA must receive written bids from three (3) vendors that include a description of the equipment and a price quote. The lowest responsible bid shall be accepted. Payment for job creation equipment will be made directly to the equipment vendor by MIDA.
What if a company cannot provide three quotes? If a competitive bid is not possible, a written explanation must be provided to the OVR of the circumstances that preclude a competitive bid and sole source approval for the proposed purchase.
What type of equipment can a company purchase? Any equipment can be purchased through grant funds if such equipment is integral to the primary function of the employer’s business and will enable the employer to employ a person with a disability to be the primary user of the equipment.
Are the funds provided only to purchase new equipment? In most cases, yes. However used equipment can be purchased if the proper bid process is followed and all other grant requirements are met. Keep in mind that no equipment purchases can replace equipment already on hand.
Can the grant funds be used to expand a facility? No, the Job Creation Assistance Program funds can only be used for equipment purchases.
Can a company purchase additional equipment of the same type? The grant funds can be used to purchase additional equipment of the same type of equipment already in place for qualifying employers for purposes of business expansion.
Once the equipment is purchased, who actually owns the equipment? The OVR shall hold first lien on all equipment purchased under this grant for a period of five (5) years. The value of the OVR’s lien, as registered with the PA Department of State, will equal the portion of the equipment purchase price financed by the OVR through this grant.
Does the grant also provide insurance for the equipment? No, it is the responsibility of the employers to present evidence of adequate insurance to underwrite the cost of granted equipment in the event of theft or damage, or other forms of loss.
Can a company have equipment purchased if they are in rented premises? Yes, if the company is operating from rented premises a Landlord’s Waiver must be executed prior to the placement of equipment on the premises.
Can a company hire anyone with a disability to apply for the grant funds? All OVR approved clients are eligible to be placed as employees of companies funded through this grant.
What type of disability do the clients have? The types of disabilities of the OVR clients are not disclosed to the employers. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act employers are not permitted to ask potential employees about disabilities. However the OVR clients have many levels of skill, education and experience and are perfectly capable of performing the duties asked of them.
Who chooses the employee for placement? The employer. A job description is provided by the employer to MIDA as part of the application process. The job description is forwarded to the OVR for an assessment of its current client list for the best job fit. The OVR then provides the employer qualified individuals to interview. The employer then chooses an employee.
What if the OVR employee doesn’t work out? If an OVR employee is legitimately dismissed or voluntarily leaves the employers, the vacant position will be filled by another OVR-eligible client.
When does the company gain ownership of the equipment purchased through the Job Creation Assistance Program? For purposes of this contract, employment retention in compliance with the stated five-year requirement begins the first day the job creation employee is listed on the employer’s records. Time counted toward retention compliance will be considered interrupted should the job creation position be vacated for more than two weeks. Time toward retention compliance will resume when the vacated position is refilled.
The Job Creation Assistance Program…Cultivating Growth in our Communities
Grant Coordinator – Michelle Keddal 724-575-0032
Apply online @ mmida.com MIDA 724-379-5600
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