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(1) The agency may provide funding in support of training for employees of providers under contract with the agency. Such funding may be utilized for certain costs of training, as specified in 45 CFR Part 228, Subpart H. Any such funding shall be in support of training which is directly related to the provision of services under the provider’s contract with the agency. (2) The following criteria shall be utilized by the agency in determining whether training proposed by a provider will be funded: (a) A service contract between the agency and the provider must be in effect; (b) The proposed training must be directly related to the provision of services as provided in the service contract; (c) The provider trainee must fulfill an appropriate work Commitment within the period of the related service contract. D. Use of Experts. (1) The agency may utilize qualified experts from outside the agency to develop or conduct special training programs in support of agency needs. E. Initiating Proposals for Training Grants and Contracts. (1) General inquiries concerning training grants and contracts must be directed to the Staff Development & Training Division (SD&T), S. C. Department of Social Services, P. O. Box 1520, Columbia, South Carolina 29202. (2) Forms, guidelines, and applicable federal regulations (45 CFR Part 228 and Part 74) concern- ing training and contracts are available from SD&T. (3) Educational institutions, providers, and experts interested in developing a proposal for a training grant or contract should contact SD&T. SD&T will explore with interested parties agency manpower and training needs and coordinate appropriate involvement of agency program and operating staff. In addition, SD&T will provide technical assistance on the interpretation of applicable state and federal regulations. (4) Written proposals for training and educational programs may be submitted to SD&T in the appropriate format at least two months prior to the proposed funding date. An original and three copies of the proposal are required. F. General Criteria for Funding Training Grants and Contracts. The following general criteria shall be utilized by the agency in determining whether to fund training grants and contracts. (1) The proposal must be soundly based on a training needs assessment. (2) The proposal must present a sound design or method of design and plan for implementation. (3) The program shall have objectives against which progress can be measured and success or failure determined. (4) Programs funded by the agency with educational institutions and providers shall include an evaluation component to measure effectiveness of the program. The institution or provider shall be responsible for the design and implementation of the evaluation, subject to approval by the agency. An evaluation component may be required by the agency in contracts with experts. (5) The program shall be administered and implemented by qualified staff. (6) The provider, institution, or expert shall agree to abide by these regulations. G. General Requirements and Conditions. (1) Funds in support of the above activities consist of seventy-five percent federal money. The twenty five percent matching funds for grants and contracts will normally come from grantee sources. The matching funds shall be from a non-federal source and shall not be used as match for any other federal programs. (2) If the agency determines to fund an education or training program, a written legally-binding contract shall be signed by both parties. (3) Programs may be initiated at any time during the fiscal year; however, no contracts will extend beyond the close of the agency fiscal year, or in the case of providers, beyond the expiration date of their service contract.