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Aviation Learning Opportunities & Funded Training (ALOFT)

Award announcements were made on June 16, 2023.

Aviation and aerospace manufacturers in Kansas have experienced challenges maintaining a qualified workforce.  The impact of COVID-19 pandemic highlighted opportunities and gaps in Kansas’ aviation industry workforce, one of the State’s most economically significant sectors.  This program will provide up to $20,000,000.00 in grants to aviation and aerospace manufacturers, supply chain providers, and local airports for training and workforce development initiatives.  

The Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking applications from eligible aviation and aerospace manufacturers, supply chain manufacturers within the aviation and aerospace industries, and locally and city-owned airports for training needs and capital projects directly related to expansion of job opportunities.

Awardee CityAward Amount
Learjet Inc.Wichita$3,325,000
Metal Finishing CompanyWichita$243,200
Orizon Aerostructures, LLCOlathe$3,325,000
Salina Airport AuthoritySalina$3,325,000
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc.Wichita$3,325,000
Textron Aviation Inc. Wichita$3,325,000
Wichita Airport AuthorityWichita$2,211,503

How does it work?

Eligible ALOFT applicants include:

  • Aviation and aerospace manufacturers identified with a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code beginning in 3364
  • Supply chain manufacturers that provide services, equipment, and manufacturing for eligible aviation and aerospace manufacturers
  • Locally and city-owned airports
  • If the applying entity desires to fund training needs on multiple sites, the entity must submit a separate application for each location. Each eligible organization may apply for up to a total of $5,000,000 to expend on eligible costs. 

ALOFT Guidelines

Timeline

March 13, 2023 – Notice of Funding Opportunity Announced & Application Guidance Issued

April 24, 2023 – Application Submission Deadline

No earlier than May 15, 2023 – Estimated Notice of Awards

June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2025 – Period of performance (No-cost extensions will be approved on a case-by-case basis)

Program Funding

Eligible applicants include aviation and aerospace manufacturers identified with a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code beginning in 3364; supply chain manufacturers that provide services, equipment, and manufacturing for eligible aviation and aerospace manufacturers; and locally and city-owned airports.

  1. If the applying entity desires to fund training needs on multiple sites, the entity must submit a separate application for each location. Each eligible organization may apply for up to a total of $5,000,000 to expend on eligible costs. 
  2. Awarded recipients will be required to report quarterly on the progress of the project, as well as allocated and matching fund expenditures, both current and cumulative.  Recipients are accountable for meeting milestones presented in their Grant Administration Plan (GAP). In addition, all reporting must be current in order to receive subsequent grant disbursements.  Quarterly reports must include invoices and proof of payment of allocated and matching funds.  Failure to provide accurate and timely reports may result in repayment. 
Eligible to apply

Eligible applicants include aviation and aerospace manufacturers identified with a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code beginning in 3364; supply chain manufacturers that provide services, equipment, and manufacturing for eligible aviation and aerospace manufacturers; and locally and city-owned airports.

If the applying entity desires to fund training needs on multiple sites, the entity must submit a separate application for each location. Each eligible organization may apply for up to a total of $5,000,000 to expend on eligible costs. 

Awarded recipients will be required to report quarterly on the progress of the project, as well as allocated and matching fund expenditures, both current and cumulative.  Recipients are accountable for meeting milestones presented in their Grant Administration Plan (GAP). In addition, all reporting must be current in order to receive subsequent grant disbursements.  Quarterly reports must include invoices and proof of payment of allocated and matching funds.  Failure to provide accurate and timely reports may result in repayment. 

Eligible activities
  • Construction, engineering and architecture, planning, inspections, and environmental assessments for on-site training facilities
  • Construction, engineering and architecture, planning, inspections, and environmental assessments for service expansions that will require new job opportunities
  • Third-party training costs and vendor training on machinery and equipment
  • Machinery, supplies, technologies, and equipment that is solely used for training purposes
  • Supervisor and management salaries directly related to training costs
  • Youth training services and costs related to early interest development in aviation and aerospace industries
  • Course development costs and services for development of in-house training
  • Marketing, communication, and activities to attract talent to aviation and aerospace industries
  • Participation costs for the Kansas Registered Apprenticeship and Workforce AID programs
Ineligible activities
  • Salaries for employees receiving training
  • Grant administration costs
  • No project may undermine any public health effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, and all expenditures will comply with applicable provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and any relevant Kansas state law.
  • Grant funds may not be used for debt service, to replenish financial reserves, for financial restructuring, nor may it be used to satisfy an obligation arising from a judicial settlement or judgement. The U.S. Department of the Treasury Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Award Terms and Conditions are applicable to this award.
Program Objectives
  • Increase training and development opportunities for the Kansas aviation sector
  • Increase capacity of aerospace and aviation manufacturers 
  • Increase service of local airports via expansion of airport facilities that provide for additional staff and training opportunities
  • Increase participation in the Kansas Registered Apprenticeship program and the Kansas Department of Commerce Workforce AID program  
  • Use funding to leverage additional workforce investment in aviation and aerospace by requiring 25% match
Disbursement Method

Awardees will be provided with no more than 50% of their award disbursement following the execution of an Award Agreement. The remaining disbursement(s) will be provided following the acceptance of two quarterly progress reports and 10% of the grant funds have been expended, along with any other necessary conditions provided in the Award Agreement. 

Program Period

The period of performance is June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2025, and eligible costs will only be allowed within this time period.  No-cost extensions will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Matching Funds

Entities are required to provide a minimum of 25% match funds of the total project cost. Matching funds must be directly related to the requested funds. In-kind donations and real estate equity are not eligible matching funds.

Changes in Scope

Once a grant agreement is issued, recipients are prohibited from changing the scope of the funded project without prior approval. Recipients shall not modify projects and/or incur costs associated with any modifications without first receiving written approval from KDC. Any request for a change in scope must abide by the project objectives/measurable impact proposed in the grant application and accompany a quarterly progress report, subject to review by KDC.  Moving forward on a modification (change in scope) without approval will result in the Recipient being out of compliance with the terms of the grant agreement.

Application Checklist

Organization type:

  • Aviation and aerospace manufacturers identified with a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code beginning in 3364
  • Supply chain manufacturers that provide services, equipment, and manufacturing for eligible aviation and aerospace manufacturers
  • Locally and city-owned airports

Award amount requested (Dollar amount)

Matching funds committed (Dollar amount)

Matching funds provided

Entity name and address

Project manager and contact information

SAM.gov entity registration and UEI number

FEIN

Project description and scope

Provide a detailed explanation of the grant funds to be utilized. A narrative should include detailed information on training needs, impact of training funding, and a description on services already provided.

Project funding need

Provide reasoning as to why the grant is being requested and what other sources and amounts of funding have been pursued for this project. Include any pending funds or funds that are to be applied for in the next 12 months. Also include the impact of the project compared to the need of the community.

Project budget and narrative

Provide a detailed budget with expected expenditures required for the success of the project. Include information regarding matching funds and the timeline of their use.

Matching funds

Verification of available or contingent matching funds.

Project timeline

Provide details on the time frame for completion of the project with the funds awarded. All projects must be completed by May 31, 2025.

Project bids and estimates

Attach any bids or estimates you have received for your Project. Please attach any architectural or engineering reports that are relevant for your Project, as well as quotes for services or training needs.

Project photos

Attach any relevant photographs of the proposed project site.

Three letters of support

Letters of support should come from Local Workforce Development Boards, Local KANSASWORKS Workforce centers, local or county governments, supply chain providers, vendors, community foundations, or other interested parties.

IRS Form W-9 

Risk assessment questions

Additional Resources

ALOFT Sample Application
Sample Budget
Scoring Matrix
Project Description & Scope 15 pointsNeed for Funding 15 pointsComplete Budget & Narrative 10 points
Project Timeline 10 pointsBids & Estimates 10 pointsLetters of Support 5 points
Catalytic Impact 35 pointsTOTAL: 100 POINTS POSSIBLE
W-9 Form
CONTACT

Jonathan Clayton, Director of Economic Recovery

620-615-2409

[email protected]

Workforce Resources in Kansas

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