[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 61 (Wednesday, March 30, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-7566]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 30, 1994]


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Part VI





Department of Commerce





_______________________________________________________________________



Economic Development Administration



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Economic Development Assistance Programs--Availability of Funds; Notice
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development Administration
[DOCKET No. 940244-4044]

 
Economic Development Assistance Programs--Availability of Funds

AGENCY: Economic Development Administration (EDA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Economic Development Administration (EDA) announces its 
policies and application procedures for funds available in fiscal year 
1994, as described in Public Law 103-121, Departments of Commerce, 
Justice, State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations, to 
support projects designed to alleviate conditions of substantial and 
persistent unemployment and underemployment in economically-distressed 
areas and regions of the Nation and to address economic dislocations 
resulting from sudden, severe job losses. The purpose of this 
announcement is to communicate to potential applicants for EDA funds 
the policies and procedures that will be used to administer the 
Agency's programs during fiscal year 1994. Application procedures and 
funding levels for the University Center Technical Assistance program 
will be announced at a later date.

DATES: This announcement is effective for fiscal year 1994. Please see 
the end of each program section for specific dates. If there are no 
dates listed, applications will be processed as funds are available. 
Normally, one to three months is required for a final decision on an 
application.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties should contact the EDA office in their 
area (see Section XII).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: See information at the end of each 
program section and section XII for the EDA regional office and 
Economic Development Representative for the area.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Policies

    According to existing statutory criteria, areas containing 
approximately 90 percent of the U.S. population are eligible for EDA 
assistance which, in fiscal year 1994, totals approximately $322.6 
million. Priority consideration for funding will be given only to those 
proposals having the greatest potential to benefit areas experiencing 
or threatened with substantial economic distress. EDA is particularly 
interested in projects located in authorized and designated enterprise 
zones. Distress may exist in a variety of forms, including 
exceptionally high levels of unemployment, extremely low income levels, 
large concentrations of low income families, low labor force 
participation rates, significant decline in per capita employment, 
substantial loss of population because of the lack of employment 
opportunities, unusually large numbers (or high rates) of business 
failures, sudden major layoffs or plant closures, and drastically 
reduced tax bases.
    Potential applicants are responsible for demonstrating to EDA, 
through the provision of statistics and other appropriate information, 
the nature and level of the distress their efforts are intended to 
alleviate. In the absence of evidence of exceptionally high levels of 
distress, EDA funding is unlikely. In considering proposals to benefit 
severely distressed areas, EDA will give special consideration to those 
that address the needs of rural communities, particularly aid directed 
toward the economic diversification of such areas.
    During FY 1994, EDA will place a special emphasis upon assisting 
projects that focus on exports, entrepreneurship, and technology 
initiatives including innovation, transfer, and commercialization to 
alleviate conditions of substantial and persistent unemployment and 
underemployment in economically-distressed areas and regions, through 
the provision of grants for Public Works and Development Facilities, 
Technical Assistance, Economic Development Planning, and Economic 
Adjustment Assistance.
    EDA recognizes that small communities experience impediments to 
economic development other than the traditional inadequacies of 
existing water, sewer and roadway systems; therefore, in fiscal year 
1994, EDA will give consideration to projects that will assist an area 
to overcome a special development or infrastructure problem that is 
preventing employment growth and economic development from taking 
place. Such projects may involve, but are not limited to, activities 
designed to enhance the expansion of the service sector of the economy 
when that sector is deemed more growth oriented than the traditional 
industrial sector, or innovative projects designed for the development 
of publicly-owned telecommunications infrastructure when it can be 
demonstrated that such a project is needed to foster productivity or 
enhance economic growth within an EDA-designated area. Such proposals 
must be appropriately scaled and provide substantial and direct benefit 
to the local economy or otherwise enhance the economic prosperity of 
the area. EDA will consider providing assistance to demonstration type 
projects that are especially creative from an economic development 
standpoint and that leverage a substantial amount of nonfederal 
resources.
    EDA expects substantial state and local support for proposed 
projects. Proposals that do not provide evidence of strong state and 
local leadership and financing are less likely to receive EDA 
assistance.
    In the case of projects involving construction, EDA expects 
construction to be initiated and completed in a timely manner. 
Applicants are expected to anticipate predictable delays such as those 
caused by normal weather conditions, permits and approvals, legal 
complications, community disputes, land acquisition, etc., and account 
for them in developing project schedules. Projects which are likely to 
encounter significant delays will receive low funding priority. 
Projects that experience unreasonable delays following EDA approval may 
be terminated and the funds deobligated. These policies are consistent 
with EDA's objective of supporting activities that can begin to benefit 
local economies as soon as possible, thereby meeting the pressing 
development needs identified by project applicants. EDA expects those 
responsible for developing and managing projects to maximize the impact 
of the public funds by preparing and implementing projects as 
thoroughly and expeditiously as possible.
    EDA funding will not be used directly or indirectly to assist 
employers who transfer one or more jobs from one commuting area to 
another. EDA nonrelocation requirements (13 CFR 309.3) apply to all 
grants involving construction, rehabilitation or repair under Titles I, 
IV, IX, and section 301(f) of the Public Works and Economic Development 
Act of 1965 (Pub. L. 89-136, 42 U.S.C. 3121-3246h), as amended 
(including grants for Revolving Loan Funds, under Title IX).
    No award of Federal funds shall be made to an applicant who has an 
outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either:
    1. The delinquent account is paid in full;
    2. A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one 
payment is received, or
    3. Other arrangements satisfactory to DoC are made.
    Applicants may be subject to a pre-award accounting system survey 
by the Department of Commerce's Office of Inspector General, and fund 
recipients may be subject to audits or other inspections by the same 
office.
    Applicants eligible for assistance because of membership in an 
economic development district must be active participants in the 
district's economic development planning process. EDA will evaluate 
applications for conformance with published statutory, regulatory, and 
policy requirements. Applications proposed for funding under these 
programs are subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
    An invitation to submit an application does not assure EDA funding. 
Factors that will be considered in evaluating proposals include if and 
to what extent the project meets the selection criteria. Unsuccessful 
applicants will be notified of the status of their applications when 
the appropriate program funds have been awarded.
    Processing time for proposals will depend upon the completeness of 
the information and supporting documents provided in the application at 
the time of submission. Proposals that require additional information 
from applicants or other sources will be returned to correct 
deficiencies and the official application receipt dates will be 
adjusted accordingly.
    EDA will not approve projects that involve actual or potential 
conflict-of-interest situations. If EDA identifies or suspects a 
possible conflict-of-interest situation, or an appearance of such, 
application processing and/or grant award may be suspended and the 
burden will be on the applicant/grantee to take appropriate steps to 
eliminate the perception of a conflict of interest before application/
award processing is resumed.
    Recipients must agree that no funds made available by EDA shall be 
used, directly or indirectly, for paying attorneys' or consultants' 
fees in connection with securing awards made by the Government, such 
as, for example, preparation of the application. However, attorneys' 
and consultants' fees incurred for meeting award requirements, such as 
conducting a title search or preparing plans and specifications, may be 
eligible project costs and may be paid out of funds made available by 
EDA, if such costs are otherwise eligible.
    Public Law 101-510, enacted November 5, 1990, Section 1405, 
amending Subchapter IV of Chapter 15, Title 31, United States Code, 
prescribes the rules for determining the availability of 
appropriations. Accordingly, grant funds obligated for a project will 
expire in five years from the fiscal year of the grant award.
    The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an 
application under any of the programs must not exceed the indirect cost 
rate negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the 
proposed effective date of the award or 100 percent of the total 
proposed direct costs dollar amount in the application, whichever is 
less.

Primary Applicant Certification

    All primary applicants must submit a completed Form CD-511, 
``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other 
Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and 
Lobbying,'' and the following explanations are hereby provided:
a. Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension
    Prospective participants (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, Section 
105) are subject to 15 CFR part 26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment and 
Suspension'' and the related section of the certification form 
prescribed above applies;
b. Drug-Free Workplace
    Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, Section 605) are subject to 
15 CFR part 26, Subpart F, ``Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free 
Workplace (Grants)'' and the related section of the certification form 
prescribed above applies;
c. Anti-Lobbying
    Persons (as defined at 15 CFR part 28, Section 105) are subject to 
the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, ``Limitation on use of 
appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracting and 
financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of the certification 
form which applies to applications/bids for grants, cooperative 
agreements, and contracts for more than $100,000, and loans and loan 
guarantees for more than $150,000, or the single family maximum 
mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever is greater; and
d. Anti-Lobbying Disclosures
    Any applicant that has paid or will pay for lobbying using any 
funds must submit an SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' as 
required under 15 CFR part 28, appendix B.
    Recipients shall require applicants/bidders for subgrants, 
contracts, subcontracts, or other lower tier covered transactions at 
any tier under the award to submit, if applicable, a completed Form CD-
512, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility 
and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' 
and disclosure form, SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' 
Form CD-512 is intended for the use of recipients and should not be 
transmitted to the Department. SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient 
or subrecipient should be submitted to DoC in accordance with the 
instructions contained in the award document.
    The implementing regulations of the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA) require EDA to provide public notice of the availability of 
project specific environmental documents such as environmental impact 
statements, environmental assessments, findings of no significant 
impact, records of decision etc., to the affected public as specified 
in 40 CFR 1506.6(b).
    Depending on the project location, environmental information 
concerning specific projects can be obtained from the Regional 
Environmental Officer (REO) in the appropriate EDA regional office 
listed in Section XII or from Dr. Frank Monteferrante, Environmental 
Branch, Compliance Review Division, EDA, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
Washington, DC 20230, (202) 482-4208.
    Applicants should be aware that a false statement on the 
application is grounds for denial or termination of funds and grounds 
for possible punishment by a fine or imprisonment as provided in 18 
U.S.C. 1001.
    All nonprofit and for-profit applicants are subject to a name check 
review process. Name checks are intended to reveal if any key 
individuals associated with the applicant have been convicted of, or 
are presently facing, criminal charges such as fraud, theft, perjury, 
or other matters which significantly reflect on the applicant's 
management, honesty or financial integrity.
    Final funding decisions on all recommended applications are made by 
the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development or his/her designee.
    Recipients and subrecipients are subject to all Federal laws and 
Federal and DoC policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to 
Federal financial assistance awards.
    Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may result in 
an application not being considered for funding.
    If an application is selected for funding, EDA has no obligation to 
provide any additional future funding in connection with an award. 
Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of 
performance is at the total discretion of the EDA.
    Applicants should be aware that if they incur any costs prior to an 
award being made they do so solely at their own risk of not being 
reimbursed by the Government. Notwithstanding any verbal or written 
assurance that might have been received, there is no obligation on the 
part of EDA to cover pre-award costs.
    The following material describes other policies and procedures 
associated with each of EDA's programs.

II. Program: Public Works and Development Facilities Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.300 Economic Development 
Grants and Loans for Public Works and Development Facilities. 11.304 
Economic Development Public Works Impact Program (PWIP))

Authority

    Funds available under the Public Works and Development Facilities 
Program are used to finance projects that contribute to the economic 
development of distressed areas. This program is authorized by Titles I 
and IV of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as 
amended (PWEDA), 42 U.S.C. 3131 and 42 U.S.C. 3171(a)(3).

Eligibility

    Eligible applicants under this program include any state, or 
political subdivision thereof, Indian tribe, the Federated States of 
Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or private or public 
nonprofit organization or association representing any redevelopment 
area or part thereof, if the project is located within an EDA-
designated redevelopment area.
    Redevelopment areas, other than those designated under the Public 
Works Impact Program, must have a current EDA-approved Overall Economic 
Development Program (OEDP). Political entities claiming eligibility 
under OEDPs developed by multicounty economic development organizations 
are expected to continue to participate actively in the organization. 
Further information on eligibility is available from EDA's regional 
offices. Nonprofit applicants are urged to seek the cooperation and 
support of units of local government and, when deemed appropriate by 
EDA, to have the local government serve as co-applicant for EDA 
assistance. This serves the purpose of ensuring the financial stability 
and continuity of the project, in the event that the nonprofit entity 
finds itself in a position of not having the financial resources to 
properly and efficiently administer, operate, and maintain the EDA-
assisted facility consistent with the provisions of 13 CFR 314--
Property Management Standards.

Program Objective

    The purpose of the Public Works Program is to assist communities 
with the funding of public works and development facilities that 
contribute to the creation or retention of private sector jobs and to 
the alleviation of unemployment and underemployment. Such assistance is 
designed to help communities achieve lasting improvement by stabilizing 
and diversifying local economies, and improving local living conditions 
and the economic development of the area. EDA emphasizes the 
alleviation of unemployment and underemployment among residents of the 
project area as a primary focus of this program. In view of the current 
rural distress, applications from rural communities will be reviewed 
with particular interest.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $160 million are available for this program. 
Grants awarded under this program are expected to range between 
$100,000 and $1.5 million.

Funding Instrument

    EDA may provide direct grants not to exceed 50 percent of the 
estimated cost of the project. However, under certain circumstances 
supplementary grants to augment the direct grant may be provided up to 
a maximum of 80 percent of the eligible project costs. Supplementary 
grant assistance to finance over 50 percent of the project costs will 
be approved by EDA only for proposals in areas of high distress. 
Decisions on such supplementary grant assistance will be based on the 
nature of the project, the amount of fair user charges or other 
revenues the project may reasonably be expected to generate, and the 
relative needs of the area (see 13 CFR 305.5). But in no event shall 
the Federal participation exceed 80 percent of the aggregate cost of 
any such project, except in the case of a grant to an Indian Tribe, 
where EDA may waive the non-Federal share. Applicants are required to 
provide the local share from acceptable sources including, but not 
limited to cash, local government general obligation or revenue bonds, 
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds or balance 
of state awards, Farmers Home Administration loans, and other public 
and private financing, including donations.
    The local share need not be in hand at the time of application, 
however, the applicant must satisfy EDA that the funds will be 
available to provide the nonfederal share of the project. The local 
share must not be encumbered in any way that would preclude its use 
consistent with the requirements of the grant. Priority will be given 
to applications which maximize the local share's percentage of the 
project cost.

Project Duration

    Projects are expected to be completed in a timely manner consistent 
with the nature of the project. However, the maximum period for which 
assistance will be provided shall not be more than five (5) years from 
date of award.

Evaluation Criteria

    For both regular public works projects and Public Works Impact 
Program (PWIP) projects, priority consideration will be given to those 
which are the most competitive based upon the project evaluation 
criteria set forth below, that best meet the needs of eligible areas, 
and that are located in areas of severe economic distress. Evaluation 
criteria will not be assigned weights, as all factors are equally 
important.
A. Public Works Projects
    Factors that will be taken into account in considering projects 
eligible under section 101(a)(1)(A)--(C) of PWEDA, 42 U.S.C. 
3131(a)(1)(A)--(C), include if and to what extent the project:
    1. Improves opportunities for the successful establishment or 
expansion of industrial or commercial facilities in the area where such 
project will be located.
    2. Assists in creating or retaining private sector jobs in the near 
term and assists in the creation of additional long-term employment 
opportunities, provided the jobs are not transferred from any other 
area of the United States, and will result in a low cost-per-job in 
relation to total EDA cost.
    3. Benefits the long-term unemployed and members of low-income 
families who are residents of the area to be served by the project.
    4. Fulfills a pressing need of the area, or part thereof, in which 
it will be located.
    5. Is consistent with the EDA approved Overall Economic Development 
Program (OEDP) for the area in which it is, or will be, located, and 
has broad community support.
    6. Is supported by significant private sector investment.
    7. Promotes exports, entrepreneurship, or technology initiatives 
including innovation, transfer and commercialization.
    8. Has evidence of adequate local share of funds.
    9. Supports developments taking place in designated enterprise 
zones, particularly in rural areas.
    10. Demonstrates that necessary permits, land acquisitions, or 
options on land and rights-of-way have been obtained and that all other 
legal requirements of the application process have been satisfied.
    11. Maximizes the amount of local, state or other Federal funding 
that is available.
    12. Gives evidence of the ability to begin and complete 
construction in a timely manner in accordance with a schedule to be 
agreed upon by EDA and the applicant and included in the grant award. 
EDA discourages the start of construction prior to grant award and 
cautions that financial hardship may be experienced by applicants whose 
projects are not approved. EDA will require all applicants that request 
approval to proceed with construction prior to grant award to 
acknowledge that they are proceeding at their own risk and without 
recourse to EDA if the grant is not awarded or EDA requirements are not 
met. EDA also requires that compliance with environmental regulations 
be completed before construction begins. EDA's regional office must 
have time to complete its ``Finding of No Significant Impact,'' and 
clearances must be obtained from appropriate state and Federal 
agencies. Furthermore, EDA may view the start of construction prior to 
grant award as an indication that the grant funds are not essential for 
the successful implementation of the project.
    13. If located in an Economic Development Center (i.e., Growth 
Center) that has a stable economy with little distress, must include an 
employment plan that explains how new employment opportunities for 
residents of nearby highly distressed redevelopment areas will be 
provided.
B. Public Works Impact Program
    Factors that will be considered in the evaluation of projects under 
the Public Works Impact Program (PWIP) authorized by section 
101(a)(1)(D) of PWEDA, 42 U.S.C. 3131(a)(1)(D), include if and to what 
extent the project:
    1. Directly assists in creating immediate useful work (i.e., 
construction jobs) for the unemployed and underemployed residents in 
the project area;
    2. Improves the economic or community environment in areas of 
severe economic distress;
    3. Includes a specific plan (i.e., PWIP Employment Strategy) for 
hiring the unemployed and underemployed persons from the project area 
to work on the construction of the project; EDA will evaluate all plans 
to ensure that they contain a logical explanation of how the employment 
objectives will be met;
    4. Assists in providing long-term employment opportunities or other 
economic benefits for the unemployed and underemployed in the project 
area;
    5. Primarily benefits low-income families by providing essential 
community services, or satisfying a pressing public need;
    6. In addition to the requirement for regular public works 
projects, as contained in paragraph A 12, can begin construction 
quickly (normally within 120 days after acceptance of the grant by the 
applicant);
    7. Has substantial labor intensity, where labor intensity is the 
proportion of labor costs to the total project costs; and
    8. Promotes exports, entrepreneurship or technology initiatives 
including innovation, transfer, and commercialization.
C. Industrial Park Projects
    Applications proposing projects that will primarily serve an 
industrial park or site will be evaluated on such additional factors 
as:
    1. A detailed analysis of existing industrial park capacity and 
utilization; occupancy rates for existing developed industrial parks 
currently available within a 25-mile radius of the project site. For 
cities with populations over 50,000, the prescribed area may be 
determined by an analysis of industrial sites within an established 
industrial area, which may be less than a 25-mile radius. Contact the 
economic development representative (EDR) for the area or the 
appropriate EDA regional office for guidance.
    2. Commitments in writing from identified tenants to expand 
existing operations or to locate in the industrial park or site. 
Commitments must include a description of the industry, the number of 
jobs created or saved, an implementation schedule, and the relationship 
of the commitment to the requested grant assistance.
    3. The existence of a documented marketing strategy and 
demonstrated financial ability to market space in the industrial park 
or site. Strong emphasis will be placed upon this requirement.

Construction Project Implementation

    As indicated in the first section of this Notice, EDA expects 
construction projects to be initiated and completed in a timely manner 
and in accordance with the schedule agreed upon in the grant 
documentation. The recipient will be responsible for promptly notifying 
EDA of any events that prevent adherence to the approved schedule. The 
recipient must provide an explanation of why the events were beyond its 
ability to predict or control and obtain EDA's approval of changes in 
the schedule prior to proceeding with project implementation. EDA 
expects recipients to anticipate predictable delays (such as those 
caused by land acquisition problems, local financing requirements, 
normal weather conditions in the area, acquisition of state permits and 
approvals, and known public objections to the project), and to take 
them into account in preparing the project schedule. Recipients who 
fail to comply with project schedules are subject to grant suspension 
or termination.
    Under most circumstances, EDA will not provide additional funds to 
finance cost overruns that occur during project implementation.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    To establish the merits of project proposals, interested parties 
should first contact the economic development representative for the 
area (see listing in Section XII). The economic development 
representative for the area will provide a preapplication form (ED-
101P, OMB Control No. 0610-0011) and arrange for conferences to discuss 
the proposal. EDA will screen proposals before inviting the submission 
of an application. As previously mentioned, an invitation does not 
assure EDA funding. Proposals will be evaluated based upon:
    1. Conformance with statutory and other legal requirements and with 
the evaluation criteria mentioned above;
    2. The merits of the proposal in addressing the economic 
development needs of the eligible area; and
    3. The availability of program funds.
    Processing time for project proposals depends upon the completeness 
of information and supporting documents provided in the preapplication 
form at the time of submission. Project proposals that require 
additional information from applicants or other sources will be 
returned to correct deficiencies and the official application receipt 
dates will be adjusted accordingly.

Application Procedures

    Following a review of project proposals, EDA will invite entities 
whose projects are selected for consideration to submit applications. 
The application will include a form ED-101A, as approved by the Office 
of Management and Budget Control No. 0610-0011. The demand for public 
works assistance is expected to exceed available funding. Therefore, to 
avoid having incomplete proposals delay other more timely grant awards, 
a 120-day time restriction will apply to invited applications for 
resolving application deficiencies. Applications that cannot be 
recommended for approval within 120 days of receipt in a regional 
office because of unresolved issues will be returned to the applicants. 
Such applications may be reconsidered at a future date, but must 
compete with other proposals at that time.

Previous Applications

    Project applications invited, but not funded in FY 1993, remain 
eligible for funding consideration. Applications received prior to the 
date of this Notice will be processed and evaluated in accordance with 
the project selection criteria published for FY 1993 and current legal 
requirements. Those applications received on or after the date of this 
Notice must be consistent with the project selection criteria and 
requirements published in this Notice. Applicants whose projects were 
invited but not submitted to EDA in FY 1993 should contact the 
appropriate EDA regional office regarding forms to be used for FY 1994.

Further Information

    For further information contact the appropriate EDA regional office 
or economic development representative for your area (see section XII 
of this notice).

III. Program: Local Technical Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.303 Economic 
Development--Technical Assistance)

Authority

    Funds under the Local Technical Assistance Program are awarded to 
eligible applicants to provide assistance intended to assure the 
successful initiation and implementation of area, state, and regional 
development efforts designed to alleviate economic distress. This 
program is authorized under section 301(a) of the Public Works and 
Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151(a).

Eligibility

    Eligible applicants for Local Technical Assistance grants or 
cooperative agreements include public or private nonprofit national, 
state, area, district, or local organizations; public and private 
colleges and universities; Indian tribes, local governments, and state 
agencies. In certain circumstances, applications may be considered from 
other applicants such as private individuals, partnerships, firms, and 
corporations.

Program Objective

    The Local Technical Assistance Program is designed to help 
alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment or 
underemployment and problems of economically distressed populations in 
rural and urban areas.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $1.5 million are available for the Local 
Technical Assistance Program. It is expected that these funds will be 
made available for projects serving specific local or substate areas 
and also for projects whose impacts will cross EDA regional office 
boundaries. Individual award amounts have averaged $25,000 in recent 
years.

Funding Instrument

    EDA will provide grants and cooperative agreements not to exceed 75 
percent of the proposed project costs. Applicants are expected to 
provide the remaining share, preferably in cash. The Assistant 
Secretary may waive all or part of the 25 percent share of technical 
assistance grants, if he/she determines that the nonfederal share is 
not reasonably available because of the critical nature of the 
situation requiring technical assistance or for other good cause.

Project Duration

    Assistance will be for the period of time required to complete the 
scope of the work. This typically does not exceed twelve months.

Evaluation Criteria

    Evaluation criteria will not be assigned weights, as all factors 
are equally important and contribute to the overall quality of the 
proposal. Evaluation criteria include whether the local Technical 
Assistance proposal will:
    1. Produce strong evidence that the proposed project will lead to 
the near-term (between one and five years) generation or retention of 
private sector jobs.
    2. Do not depend upon further EDA or other Federal funding 
assistance to achieve results.
    3. Strengthen the capability of state and local organizations and 
institutions, including nonprofit development groups, to undertake and 
promote effective economic development programs targeted to people and 
areas of distress.
    4. Stimulate significant private and nonfederal public investment 
for economic development purposes, including funds from commercial 
lenders, public and private pension funds and other nontraditional 
sources.
    5. Benefit severely distressed areas, particularly rural counties 
and communities.
    6. Diversify distressed rural economies by means of enterprise 
zones and other strategies.
    7. Demonstrate innovative approaches to stimulating economic 
development in depressed areas. EDA is particularly interested in 
receiving innovative proposals in the following areas:
    a. Export development used as an economic development strategy;
    b. Assistance to business in uses of technology;
    c. Minority business development in distressed areas; and
    d. Tourism.
    8. Are consistent with the EDA approved Overall Economic 
Development Program (OEDP) for the area in which the projects are 
located and have been recommended by the OEDP Committee (if appropriate 
to the nature of the project).
    9. Present an appropriate and clear project design.
    10. Are proposed by organizations or individuals with the capacity, 
qualifications and staff necessary to undertake the intended 
activities.
    11. Present a reasonable, itemized budget for the proposed 
activities.
    12. Involve a significant (preferably cash) contribution in excess 
of minimum required from applicant or other nonfederal sources.

Pre-Application Procedures

    Parties seeking support for Local Technical Assistance projects 
should contact the economic development representative (EDR) for the 
area to obtain a proposal package. This package may contain additional 
information on procedures and selection criteria. (See EDR listing in 
Section XII of this announcement.)
    EDA will evaluate all proposals as they are received and invite 
applications for those which best satisfy the evaluation criteria. An 
invitation does not, however, assure EDA funding.
    Potential applicants should submit one original and two copies of a 
brief and concise proposal which should not exceed 20 pages. Vita and 
capability information may be appended.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    Potential applicants must submit to the appropriate EDR proposals 
that include:
    1. A cover page giving a short descriptive project title, the name 
and address of the applicant organization, the name and telephone 
number of the project director, the project duration, the amount of EDA 
funds requested, and the program (Local Technical Assistance) that 
would provide the funds;
    2. A brief section indicating why the project is needed, giving its 
objectives, and providing a capsule description of the project;
    3. A more detailed description of the project and its methodology;
    4. A work plan showing different phases of the project and their 
timing;
    5. A detailed budget showing cost breakdowns, with EDA-funded and 
non-EDA-funded costs presented in separate columns and with the EDA-
funded costs adding to the total shown on the cover page;
    6. Resumes for the project director and principal staff; and
    7. A corporate or institutional capability statement, where 
appropriate.
    Parties seeking support for local technical assistance should 
submit proposals to the EDR who supplied the proposal package. Parties 
seeking support for projects whose impacts will cross EDA regional 
boundaries should submit proposals to the Director, Technical 
Assistance and Research Division, Economic Development Administration, 
Room 7315, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. 
Individuals or organizations located outside the Washington, DC, 
metropolitan area should submit a copy of the letter transmitting their 
proposal to Washington to the EDR for the area in which they are 
located.

Application Procedures

    The appropriate EDA regional office will invite entities whose 
proposals for Local Technical Assistance projects are selected for 
further consideration to submit application packages. The application 
will include a Standard Form-424 (OMB Control No. 038-0043).

Eligibility for Specific Solicitations

    EDA may, during the course of the year, identify specific economic 
development technical assistance activities it wishes to have 
conducted. Organizations and individuals interested in being invited to 
respond to Solicitations of Applications (SOAs) to conduct such work 
should submit information on their capabilities and experience to the 
Director, Technical Assistance and Research Division, Economic 
Development Administration, Room 7315, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
Washington, DC 20230.

Further Information

    For further information about Local Technical Assistance projects 
contact the appropriate EDR. (See EDR listing in Section XII of this 
announcement.) For further information about submitting projects whose 
impact will cross EDA regional office boundaries, contact the National 
Technical Assistance Coordinator, telephone (202) 482-2127.

IV. Program: National Technical Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.303  Economic 
Development--Technical Assistance)

Authority

    Funds under the National Technical Assistance Program are awarded 
to eligible applicants who will offer assistance to local, regional and 
state organizations, and/or conduct demonstrations of and disseminate 
information about innovative development techniques designed to 
alleviate economic distress. This program is authorized under section 
301(a) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as 
amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151(a).

Eligibility

    Eligible applicants for National Technical Assistance grants or 
cooperative agreements include public or private nonprofit national, 
state, area, district, or local organizations; public and private 
colleges and universities; Indian tribes, local governments, and state 
agencies. In certain circumstances, applications may be considered from 
other eligible applicants such as private individuals, partnerships, 
firms, and corporations.

Program Objective

    The National Technical Assistance Program is designed to help 
alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment or 
underemployment and problems of economically distressed populations.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $1.53 million are available for the National 
Technical Assistance Program. Individual award amounts may vary and 
usually will not exceed $200,000.

Funding Instrument

    EDA will provide grants not to exceed 75 percent of proposed 
project costs. Applicants are expected to provide the remaining share. 
In cases where EDA issues a Solicitation of Applications, an 
applicant's share may not be required. The Assistant Secretary may 
waive all or part of the 25 percent nonfederal share of technical 
assistance grants, if he/she determines that the nonfederal share is 
not reasonably available because of the critical nature of the 
situation requiring technical assistance or for other good cause.

Project Duration

    Assistance will be for the period of time required to complete the 
scope of the work. Generally, this will not exceed fifteen months.

Evaluation Criteria

    Evaluation criteria will not be assigned weights, as all factors 
are equally important and contribute to the overall quality of the 
proposal. EDA will consider proposals for National Technical Assistance 
that include whether the proposal:
    1. Effectively support, through providing information and other 
means, the capability of state and local organizations and 
institutions, including nonprofit development groups, to undertake and 
promote effective economic development programs targeted to people and 
areas in distress.
    2. Demonstrate innovative approaches to stimulating economic 
development in one or more of the following:
    a. Assistance to business in implementing technology initiatives 
including innovations, transfer, and commercialization;
    b. Export assistance;
    c. Entrepreneurship assistance;
    d. Tourism development;
    e. Empowerment/enterprise zones;
    f. Linkages in economic development and environmental goals; and
    g. Defense conversion and industrial restructuring.
    3. Present an appropriate and clear project design.
    4. Are proposed by organizations with the capacity, qualifications, 
and staff necessary to undertake the intended activities.
    5. Present a reasonable, itemized budget for the proposed 
activities.

Pre-Application Procedure

    Potential applicants should submit one original and two copies of a 
brief and concise proposal which should not exceed 20 pages. Vita and 
capability information may be appended.
    Proposals should include:
    1. A cover page giving a short descriptive project title, the name 
and address of the performing organization, the name and telephone 
number of the project director, the project duration, the amount of EDA 
funds requested, and the program (National Technical Assistance) that 
would provide the funds;
    2. A brief scope-and-objectives section indicating why the project 
is needed, giving its objectives, and providing a capsule description 
of the project;
    3. A more detailed description of the project and its methodology;
    4. A work plan showing different phases of the project and their 
timing;
    5. A detailed budget showing cost breakdowns, with EDA-funded and 
non-EDA-funded costs presented in separate columns and with the EDA-
funded costs adding to the total shown on the cover page;
    6. Resumes for the project director and principal staff;

and

    7. A corporate or institutional capability statement, where 
appropriate.
    Proposals should be submitted to the Director, Technical Assistance 
and Research Division, Economic Development Administration, Room 7315, 
U. S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230.

Application Procedures

    The Technical Assistance and Research Division will invite entities 
whose proposals for National Technical Assistance projects are selected 
for further consideration to submit application packages. Such 
invitation, however, does not assure EDA funding. The application will 
include a Standard Form-424 (OMB Control No. 038-0043).

Eligibility for Specific Solicitations

    EDA may, during the course of the year, identify additional 
specific economic development technical assistance activities. 
Organizations and individuals interested in being invited to respond to 
Solicitations of Applications (SOAs) to conduct such work should submit 
information on their capabilities and experience to the Director, 
Technical Assistance and Research Division, Economic Development 
Administration, Room 7315, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 
20230.

Further Information

    For further information about National Technical Assistance 
projects contact the National Technical Assistance Coordinator, 
telephone (202) 482-2127.

V. Program: University Center Technical Assistance Projects

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.303 Economic 
Development--Technical Assistance)

    Note: Application procedures and funding levels for the 
University Center Technical Assistance program will be announced in 
the Federal Register at a later date.

VI. Program: Planning Assistance for Economic Development 
Districts, Indian Tribes, and Redevelopment Areas.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.302 Economic 
Development--Support for Planning Organizations)

Authority

    Funds under the District, Indian, and Area Planning Program are 
awarded to defray administrative expenses in support of the economic 
development planning efforts of economic development districts 
(Districts), redevelopment areas (Areas) and Indian tribes. This 
program is authorized under section 301(b) of the Public Works and 
Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151(b).

Eligibility

    Eligible applicants are economic development districts, 
redevelopment areas, organizations representing redevelopment areas (or 
parts of such Areas), Indian tribes, organizations representing 
multiple Indian tribes, the Federated States of Micronesia, the 
Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the 
U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands.

Program Objective

    The primary objective of planning assistance for administrative 
expenses under section 301(b) is to support the formulation and 
implementation of economic development programs designed to create or 
retain full-time permanent jobs and income, particularly for the 
unemployed and underemployed in the most distressed areas served by the 
applicant. Planning activities supported by these program funds must be 
part of a continuous process involving significant leadership by public 
officials and private citizens.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $21.484 million are available in two 
categories: Districts/Areas (Category A)--$18.583 million; and Indian 
tribes (Category B)--$2.901 million. Individual awards may vary but 
usually will not exceed $58,000.

Funding Instrument

    Grant assistance can be provided for up to 75 percent of project 
costs for Category A grants with the applicant required to provide the 
remaining share from local (non-federal) sources. Category B grant 
assistance may be provided for up to 100 percent of project costs.

Project Duration

    Assistance will normally be for a period of twelve months.

Evaluation Criteria

    Evaluation criteria will not be assigned weights, as all factors 
are equally important. EDA will consider the following factors, among 
other things, in evaluating proposals:
    1. The responsiveness of the proposed work program to the program 
regulations contained in 13 CFR 307.22;
    2. Past performance of any currently funded grantee (including 
information in scheduled progress reports);
    3. The economic distress of the area served by the applicant;
    4. A statement, defining management and staff capacity and 
qualifications in economic program/policy development and operations;
    5. The local leaders' involvement in the applicants' economic 
development activities; and
    6. Priority consideration will be given to currently funded 
grantees.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    Application procedures may be obtained from EDA's regional offices 
for the following:
    a. Currently funded planning grantees; and
    b. Proposals from applicants not currently funded under Categories 
A or B, that would fit into either of those categories.
    Eligible applicants under both Categories A and B should submit 
proposals which include:
    1. A letter signed by the chief elected official (Chairman of the 
Board, Tribal Chairman) or another legally authorized official of the 
applicant stating the organization's desire to receive funds to carry 
out the types of planning and administrative activities eligible under 
the 301(b) program.
    2. Significant, verifiable information on the level of economic 
distress in the area, including unemployment and income data. Any major 
changes in distress levels during the past year should be described.
    3. A work program outlining the specific development activities 
that will be carried out under the grant and explaining how they relate 
to the problems identified in the area OEDP, annual report, or other 
documents.
    New applicants should submit one copy of the proposal to the 
appropriate economic development representative, and an original and 
one copy to the appropriate EDA regional office. Addresses of the EDA 
regional offices and listing of the economic development 
representatives are found in Section XII of this Notice.

Formal Application Procedures

    EDA regional offices will contact currently funded grantees to 
inform them of the procedures for submitting applications for 
continuation funding.
    Following review of the proposals submitted, EDA will invite those 
selected for funding consideration to submit formal applications. 
Funding levels will be determined by the economic distress and need of 
the area served by the applicants, past performance of previously 
funded grantees, and availability of program funds. The application 
will include an SF-424 (approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
Control No. 0348-0043), proposed budget, scope of work and staffing 
plan.

Further Information

    For further information contact the appropriate economic 
development representative, EDA regional office (see Section XII of 
this Notice), or the Director, Planning Division, Economic Development 
Administration, Room 7321, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 
20230; telephone (202) 482-3027.

VII. Program: Planning Assistance for States and Urban Areas

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.305 Economic 
Development--State and Urban Area Economic Development Planning)

Authority

    Funds under the State and Urban Planning Program are awarded to 
defray administrative expenses in support of economic development 
planning efforts of eligible applicants. This program is authorized 
under section 302(a) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act 
of 1965, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151a.

Eligibility

    Eligible applicants under this program are the governors of states, 
the chief executive officers of cities and counties, and substate 
planning and development organizations (including redevelopment areas 
and economic development districts).

Program Objective

    The primary objective of planning assistance under section 302(a) 
is to support significant economic development planning and 
implementation initiatives of eligible applicants, particularly those 
experiencing severe economic distress.
    Assistance must be part of a continuous process involving 
significant local leadership from public officials and private citizens 
and should include efforts to reduce unemployment and increase incomes. 
These efforts should be systematic and coordinated, when applicable, 
with other planning organizations in the area, and should strengthen 
the planning capabilities of applicants.
    Planning program funds will not be used to provide support to 
activities that more appropriately meet the criteria for funding under 
the EDA Technical Assistance programs.
    Activities eligible for support include economic analysis, 
definition of development goals, determination of project 
opportunities, development of economic development policies, processes 
and procedures, and formulation and implementation of an economic 
development program.
    EDA is interested in proposals for planning activities designed to 
address problems of economically-distressed segments of the population. 
Funding priority will be given to proposals promoting exports, 
entrepreneurship, and technology initiatives including innovation, 
transfer and commercialization, or that reduce barriers to the 
development of new businesses. In the case of proposals from states, 
EDA is particularly interested in innovative approaches to planning and 
implementing economic development initiatives, such as tourism 
development, manufacturing technology and sustainable growth, as well 
as efforts that lend themselves to replication in other areas.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $4.516 million are available for providing 
grant assistance under this program. Individual grants under this 
program are expected to range between $100,000 to $200,000.

Funding Instrument

    Grant assistance may be provided for up to 75 percent of project 
costs. Applicants will be required to provide the remaining share, 
preferably in cash. Applications for grants exceeding $200,000 will be 
given low funding priority. EDA will consider proposals for smaller 
grants to support the aforementioned appropriate activities.

Project Duration

    Assistance will be for the period of time required to complete the 
work. This period is normally 12 to 18 months. If Congress makes funds 
available for this program in subsequent years, grantees may submit 
applications for appropriate projects for up to a total of three 
awards.

Evaluation Criteria

    Evaluation criteria will not be assigned weights, as all factors 
are equally important. However, the content and overall quality of the 
proposal and the economic distress of the area will be the principal 
factors considered in evaluating proposals from eligible entities. In 
assessing the distress factor, priority consideration will be given to 
proposals from states and urban areas experiencing substantial economic 
distress. In the case of urban areas, high priority will be given to 
those with unemployment rates two or more percentage points higher than 
the U.S. average and per capita income levels 80 percent or less of the 
U.S. average. For states, high priority will be given to those that 
meet both of the above criteria, as well as those that meet one of the 
above critieria and have distress equal to or greater than the national 
level for the other criterion. The most recent per capita income and 
24-month average unemployment data available will be used to measure 
economic distress.
    Proposals from states or urban areas which do not exhibit 
significant distress on the basis of unemployment or income data will 
not be considered unless other acceptable evidence of substantial 
distress is provided by the applicant (e.g., large numbers of 
agricultural and business failures, large numbers of low income 
families, drastically reduced tax bases, etc.).
    Proposals from states and urban areas which are both below the U.S. 
national unemployment rate and above the national per capita income are 
unlikely to be funded.
    Proposals will be judged on the basis of the elements listed below 
in order of more or less importance.
    1. Appropriateness of the work program to the section 302(a) 
program objectives;
    2. The economic distress of the area served by the applicant;
    3. Extent to which the proposed planning activities are expected to 
impact upon the service area's economic development needs, and the 
extent to which the proposal addresses the problems of the unemployed 
and underemployed of the area, including the farm families, minorities, 
workers displaced by plant closings, etc.;
    4. Past performance of currently or formerly funded grantees, when 
applicable;
    5. The amount of local participation provided as matching dollars 
to the Federal funds;
    6. The proximity of the performing office to the chief executive 
(i.e., likelihood that the activities will have a significant influence 
on the policy and decision making process); and
    7. Other characteristics, such as involvement of the private sector 
in the proposed activities, and particularly for states, the 
innovativeness of the proposed approach and replicability of the model 
process or results.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    Potential applicants should submit proposals that include:
    1. A letter, signed by the chief executive of the applicant 
organization, indicating a desire to receive funds to carry out the 
planning activities outlined in the proposal; where the funded planning 
program will be placed in the organization, including the name and 
title of the person to be responsible for program implementation; the 
amount and for what period funding is being requested; and the 
anticipated funding arrangement if the planning activity is to continue 
beyond the period of EDA support.
    2. Significant, verifiable information on the level of economic 
distress in the area, including unemployment and income data. Any major 
changes in distress levels during the past year should be described.
    3. Information indicating the applicant's commitment to the 
proposed work program as demonstrated by amount of local funding and 
the degree of interest displayed by the chief executive.
    4. A time chart showing all major work program elements, projected 
element start and completion dates, and the related financial 
expenditures programmed for each work element.
    5. A work program of no more than 10 pages which outlines the 
specific planning activities that will be carried out under the grant 
and specifies which activities will be handled by in-house staff, 
consultants, etc. The work program should also explain the analysis and 
basis of the need for the proposed activities, expected impacts and 
their timing, target population(s), and involvement of the private 
sector in the proposed activities.
    Current grantees seeking additional funding under this announcement 
should comply with the instructions of this notice. Current grantees 
must also include a 3-5 page progress report for the current grant when 
they submit the proposal and at the time they forward the formal 
application.
    One copy of the proposal should be sent to the appropriate economic 
development representative, and an original and one copy to the 
appropriate EDA regional office. The EDA regional office and the name, 
address and telephone number of the economic development representative 
for the applicant's area can be found in Section XII of this Notice.

Formal Application Procedures

    EDA will evaluate proposals using the selection criteria cited 
above. Once the merits of the proposal are established, EDA will 
initiate discussions with the prospective applicant to clarify and 
improve elements of the proposal, if necessary, and will invite those 
whose proposals are selected for funding consideration to submit formal 
applications, which will include an SF-424 (OMB Control No. 0348-0043), 
scope of work, proposed budget, staffing plan and other requested 
information. It should be noted that an invitation to submit a proposal 
does not assure EDA funding. Proposals and applications will be 
processed as they are received. Applications received after FY 1994 
funds are exhausted may be retained by EDA for consideration for 
funding the following fiscal year, assuming funds are available.

Further Information

    For further information contact the appropriate economic 
development representative, EDA regional office (see Section XII of 
this Notice), or the Director, Planning Division, Economic Development 
Administration, Room 7319, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 
20230; telephone (202) 482-3027.

VIII. Program: Research and Evaluation Projects

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.312 Economic 
Development--Research and Evaluation Program)

Authority

    Funds under the Research and Evaluation Program are used to support 
studies that will increase knowledge about the causes of economic 
distress and approaches to alleviating such problems. This program is 
authorized under section 301(c) of the Public Works and Economic 
Development Act of 1965, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151(c).

Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants for research and evaluation grants or 
cooperative grants include private individuals, partnerships, 
corporations, associations, colleges and universities, and other 
suitable organizations with proper expertise relevant to economic 
development research.

Program Objective

    The objectives of section 301(c) grants and cooperative agreements 
are the following:
    1. To determine the causes of unemployment, underemployment, 
underdevelopment, and chronic depression in various areas and regions 
of the Nation.
    2. To assist in the formulation and implementation of national, 
state, and local programs that will raise employment and income levels 
and otherwise produce solutions to problems resulting from the above 
conditions.
    3. To evaluate the effectiveness of programs, projects, and 
techniques used to (a) alleviate economic distress and (b) promote 
economic development.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $500,000 are available for this program. 
Funds will be used for projects selected through the application 
procedures described below and for EDA-initiated solicitations. 
Individual awards may vary but usually will not exceed $100,000.

Funding Instrument

    EDA will provide grants covering up to 100 percent of project 
costs.

Project Duration

    Assistance under this program will normally be for a period not 
exceeding 15 months.

Evaluation Criteria

    Evaluation criteria will not be assigned weights. EDA will use the 
following criteria to evaluate research and evaluation proposals:
    1. Suitability of the subject.
    2. Potential usefulness of the research to state and local economic 
development specialists.
    3. General quality and clarity of the proposal.
    4. Soundness and completeness of the research methodology.
    5. Qualifications of principal investigator(s) and, where 
appropriate, performing organization(s).
    6. Previous performance of principal investigator or performing 
organization on EDA-funded projects.
    7. Cost and value of product in relation to cost.
    EDA is interested in receiving proposals dealing with:

 1. Employment and unemployment;
 2. Income and poverty;
 3. Rural and other nonmetropolitan economic development;
 4. Regional and local growth;
 5. Industrial location;
 6. Job creation methods;
 7. State and local economic development efforts;
 8. Private sector economic development efforts;
 9. Export development;
10. Development finance, particularly nonfederal sources of economic 
development financing;
11. Industrial competitiveness;
12. Minority business and minority jobs;
13. Productivity and technology; and
14. Sustainable development and growth management.

    Requested grants and awards should be for specific, well-defined, 
one-time research projects. EDA research grants are not intended for 
support of continuing programs (permanent research programs, 
publication and information programs, periodic forecasts, etc.) or for 
non-research activities. EDA normally prefers research of broad 
geographic scope, that covers the whole country or a large multistate 
region, as opposed to research covering (in declining order of 
preference) a small region, a state, a multicounty area, or a single 
city or county. EDA prefers practical cause-and-effect research and 
descriptive analyses, and funding for such will receive much higher 
priority and likelihood of approval as compared to theoretical studies, 
modeling (other than for hypothesis testing), and the like. Economic 
development planning and technical assistance for specific places will 
not be funded under the Research and Evaluation Program; the Planning 
and Technical Assistance Programs are for those purposes.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    Potential applicants should submit one original and two (2) copies 
of a brief and concise proposal which should not exceed 20 pages, not 
counting vita and capability information. Proposals should avoid long 
background discussions and literature surveys, but should be reasonably 
detailed, particularly in explaining methodology and data sources. Each 
proposal should include:
    1. A cover page giving a short descriptive project title, the name 
and address of the performing organization, the names and telephone 
numbers of the project director and principal investigators, the 
project duration, the amount of EDA funds requested, and the program 
(Research and Evaluation) that would provide the funds;
    2. A brief scope-and-objectives section indicating why the project 
is needed, giving its objectives, and providing a capsule description 
of the project;
    3. A more detailed description of the project and its methodology;
    4. A work plan showing different phases of the project and their 
timing;
    5. A detailed budget showing cost breakdowns, with EDA-funded and 
non-EDA-funded costs presented in separate columns and with the EDA-
funded costs adding to the total shown on the cover page;
    6. Resumes for the project director and principal investigators; 
and
    7. A corporate or institutional capability statement, where 
appropriate.
    The cover letter accompanying the proposal should inform EDA of 
whether any other organization(s) or Federal agency(ies) is or will be 
considering the proposal. Any non-EDA contributions to the project, 
whether by the performing organization or third parties, should be 
identified.
    The deadline for receipt of proposals shall be eight weeks after 
the date of this announcement.
    Proposals should be submitted to the Director, Technical Assistance 
and Research Division, Economic Development Administration, Room 7315, 
U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230.

Formal Application Procedures

    EDA will evaluate the proposals as they are received using the 
selection criteria described above. Organizations and individuals whose 
proposals are selected for further consideration will be invited to 
submit additional materials required for formal application. The formal 
application will include an SF-424 (OMB Control No. 038-0043).

Eligibility for Specific Solicitation

    In addition to using research and evaluation funds to support 
proposals submitted under the procedures described above, EDA may 
during the fiscal year identify other studies, including program 
evaluations, for funding consideration.
    Organizations and individuals interested in being invited to 
respond to Solicitations of Applications (SOAs) to conduct such studies 
should submit information on their capabilities and experience to the 
address listed above. This information will be used to determine 
eligibility to compete for projects under specific SOAs.

Further Information

    For further information, contact the Director, Technical Assistance 
and Research Division, at the above address; telephone, (202) 482-4085.

IX. Program: Economic Adjustment Assistance (Title IX)

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No: 11.307 Special Economic 
Development and Adjustment Assistance Program--Long-Term Economic 
Deterioration (LTED) and Sudden and Severe Economic Dislocation 
(SSED))

Authority

    Funds under the Economic Adjustment Program are used to assist 
areas experiencing long-term economic deterioration (LTED) and areas 
threatened or impacted by sudden and severe economic dislocation 
(SSED). This program is authorized under Title IX of the Public Works 
and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3241-3245.

Program Objective

    The LTED Program assists eligible applicants to develop or 
implement strategies designed to halt and reverse the long-term decline 
of their economies.
    The SSED Program assists eligible applicants to respond to actual 
or threatened major job losses (dislocations) and other severe economic 
adjustment problems. It is designed to help communities prevent a 
sudden, major job loss; to reestablish employment opportunities and 
facilitate community adjustment as quickly as possible after one 
occurs; or to meet special needs resulting from severe changes in 
economic conditions. SSED assistance is intended to respond to 
permanent rather than temporary job losses. Assistance under both 
programs may be in the form of a grant to develop a strategy to respond 
to the adjustment problem (Strategy Grant) or a grant to implement an 
EDA approved strategy (Implementation Grant).

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $35.542 million are available for the 
Economic Adjustment Program in FY 1994. Individual awards are expected 
to range between $100,000 and $1.5 million.

Funding Instrument

    Title IX funds are awarded through grants not to exceed 75 percent 
of the project cost. Acceptable sources of the local share include, but 
are not limited to, local government general revenue funds; Community 
Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds or balance of state 
awards; and other public and private donations. The Assistant Secretary 
may waive all or part of the 25 percent nonfederal share of economic 
adjustment assistance grants, if he/she determines that the nonfederal 
share is not reasonably available because of the critical nature of the 
situation requiring economic adjustment assistance or for other good 
cause. The full amount of the local share need not be in hand at the 
time of application; however, the applicant must have a firm commitment 
from identified source(s), and the funds must be readily available. The 
local share must not be encumbered in any way that would preclude its 
use as required by the grant agreement. With the exception of RLF 
grants, for which the local share must be in cash, the local share may 
be cash or in-kind. However, priority consideration will be given to 
proposals with a cash local share.

Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants within areas meeting the EDA eligibility 
criteria described below include a redevelopment area or economic 
development district established under Title IV of this Act, 42 U.S.C. 
3161; an Indian tribe; a state; a city or other political subdivision 
of a state, or a consortium of such political subdivisions; a Community 
Development Corporation defined in the Community Economic Development 
Act, 42 U.S.C. 9802; a nonprofit organization determined by EDA to be 
the representative of a redevelopment area; the Federated States of 
Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Eligible Areas

A. LTED
    In order to receive priority consideration for funding under the 
LTED Program, an area must be experiencing at least one of three 
economic problems: very high unemployment; low per capita income; or 
chronic distress (i.e., failure to keep pace with national economic 
growth trends over the last five years). Priority will be given to 
those areas with two or more of these indicators. Eligibility is 
determined statistically. Further information is available from EDA's 
regional offices or the economic development representative for your 
area (see Section XII of this Notice).
B. SSED
    In order to receive priority consideration for funding under the 
SSED Program, an area must show actual or threatened permanent job 
losses that exceed the following threshold criteria, unless otherwise 
determined by the Assistant Secretary:
    1. For areas not in Metropolitan Statistical Areas:
    a. If the unemployment rate of the Labor Market Area exceeds the 
national average, the dislocation must amount to the lesser of two 
(2.0) percent of the employed population, or 500 direct jobs.
    b. If the unemployment rate of the Labor Market Area is equal to or 
less than the national average, the dislocation must amount to the 
lesser of four (4.0) percent of the employed population, or 1,000 
direct jobs.
    2. For areas within Metropolitan Statistical Areas:
    a. If the unemployment rate of the Metropolitan Statistical Area 
exceeds the national average, the dislocation must amount to the lesser 
of one-half (0.5) percent of the employed population, or 4,000 direct 
jobs.
    b. If the unemployment rate of the Metropolitan Statistical Area is 
equal to or less than the national average, the dislocation must amount 
to the lesser of one (1.0) percent of the employed population or 8,000 
direct jobs.
    In addition, fifty (50) percent of the job loss threshold must 
result from the action of a single employer, or eighty (80) percent of 
the job loss threshold must occur in a single standard industry 
classification (i.e., two digit SIC code).
    In the case of a Presidentially declared natural disaster, the area 
eligibility criteria are waived. In other similarly exceptional 
circumstances, the criteria may be partially waived at the discretion 
of the Assistant Secretary.
    Actual dislocations must have occurred within one year and 
threatened dislocations must be anticipated to occur within two years 
of the date EDA is contacted.

Project Duration

    Projects are expected to be completed in a timely manner consistent 
with the nature of the project. However, the maximum period for which 
assistance will be provided shall not be more than five years from date 
of award.

Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals will be evaluated based on conformance with statutory and 
regulatory requirements, the economic adjustment needs of the area, the 
merits of the proposed project in addressing those needs and the 
potential applicant's ability to manage the grant effectively. 
Evaluation criteria will not be assigned weights, as all factors are 
equally important.
A. LTED/RLF Evaluation Criteria
    Key factors in EDA's evaluation of proposed LTED/RLF projects 
include:
    1. Economic and Financial Needs of the Project Area: a. Areas with 
the highest levels of economic distress (high unemployment, low per 
capita income, vacant plants, deteriorating infrastructure, and 
declining farm economy, etc.) will receive priority consideration.
    b. Need for RLF financing will be evaluated based on the local 
capital market and the applicant's analysis of it, and how clearly this 
analysis defines the financial problems to be addressed by the RLF 
project.
    c. Applicant's need for grant funds to carry out the project will 
be based on an assessment of its financial resources.
    2. Objectives and Benefits of Proposed Projects: Priority will be 
given to projects that:
    a. Stimulate private sector employment. The number and types of 
jobs to be created/retained will be key factors in project selection 
along with the job/cost ratio established for the RLF portfolio as a 
whole.
    b. Target assistance to meet program objectives and to support 
specific economic adjustment activities planned or underway in the 
area, particularly those identified in the OEDP, Title IX strategy, or 
other plans developed to deal with specific economic adjustment 
problems affecting the area. This may include target areas, industries, 
types of employers or other criteria that maximize the impact of 
assistance on specific needs within the area.
    c. Leverage higher ratios of private investment than the required 
minimum ratio of two private sector investment dollars to one RLF 
dollar. (Note: the local share or other funds provided by the RLF to 
finance loans cannot be counted as leveraged dollars.)
    d. Promote exports, entrepreneurship, and technology initiatives 
including innovation, transfer and commercialization.
    e. Direct new job opportunities to the long-term unemployed and 
underemployed.
    f. Provide technical and management assistance for RLF borrowers, 
in addition to loan funds.
    g. Use creative financing techniques to overcome specific gaps in 
the local capital market.
    h. Make loans on a timely basis. The implementation schedule for 
RLF projects will normally require that RLF loans in the initial round 
be closed (and all EDA funds disbursed) within three years of grant 
approval with no less than 50 percent disbursed within eighteen months 
and 80 percent within two years.
    i. Include a larger local share than the required 25 percent or 
secure commitments for future funding from other private or nonfederal 
public sources.
    j. Coordinate activities with other economic development 
organizations, loan programs, employment training programs and private 
lenders in the area.
    k. Are established to fill capital gaps as opposed to providing 
subsidized credit (i.e., below market interest rates).
    3. Effective Management of the RLF: EDA will also evaluate proposed 
projects to determine that the RLF will be properly managed. Key 
factors include:
    a. A strong and effective Loan Administration Board with broad 
community representation, including appropriate public and private 
sector representation.
    b. Staff capacity in program and policy development, finance, law, 
marketing, credit analysis, loan packaging, processing, and servicing.
    c. Efficient procedures for loan selection, approval, and servicing 
which emphasize the economic development potential of loans as well as 
sound management and financing practices.
    d. A strategy for relending loan repayments which will ensure that 
the RLF revolves continuously and thus fulfills its purpose of creating 
jobs and stimulating economic activity on an ongoing basis.
    e. Adequate resources to cover administrative costs of the RLF.
    f. The potential applicant's experience and capacity for 
administering economic and business loan programs. If the potential 
applicant has designated another organization to administer the 
project, EDA will evaluate the experience and capacity of that 
organization, rather than the potential applicant.
    Nongovernmental (excluding economic development districts) 
organizations seeking funds must be sponsored by the local or state 
government having jurisdiction over the project area, and the sponsor 
must be willing to assume responsibility for operating the RLF should 
the nongovernmental entity no longer be able to administer the project.
B. SSED Evaluation Criteria 
    Key factors in EDA's evaluation of proposed SSED projects include:
    1. The severity of the dislocation as measured by, but not limited 
to, the following factors:
    a. The degree to which the number of dislocated workers exceeds the 
eligibility threshold.
    b. The proportion of the total job loss represented by a single 
employer.
    c. The proportion of employment in a single standard industry 
classification represented by the firm(s) closing.
    d. The applicant's need for grant funds to carry out the project 
based on an assessment of its financial resources.
    2. The objectives and benefits of proposed activities as measured 
by the extent to which:
    a. For Implementation Grants: (1) Job creation or retention and 
restoration of the community's economic base in the near term are 
emphasized versus more long-term, general economic development. 
Projects likely to encounter delays, particularly in initiating or 
completing construction, will normally not be given favorable 
consideration.
    (2) The jobs to be created or retained are permanent, will directly 
benefit the dislocated workers or will directly facilitate community 
adjustment, and are new employment opportunities and not transferred 
from one area of the United States to another.
    (3) The response to the problem is timely.
    (4) EDA assistance will be complemented by, or will complement, 
appropriate state and local efforts; for example, training and job 
placement services, other Federal investments, and private sector 
support.
    (5) The adjustment strategy and implementation activities proposed 
demonstrate an appropriately creative approach to addressing the 
dislocation.
    (6) The cost per job created or retained is minimized.
    (7) In the case of a Revolving Loan Fund, the recycled loan 
proceeds generate economic development benefits.
    (8) The local share exceeds the required 25 percent.
    b. For Strategy Grants: (1) The applicant has demonstrated the 
capacity to manage the planning process and subsequent implementation 
activities.
    (2) The proposed scope of work is responsive to the problem.
    (3) The focus of the planning effort is on the generation of 
practical and implementable solutions.
    (4) The local share exceeds the required 25 percent.

Project Implementation

    As indicated in the first section of this Notice, EDA expects all 
grant-funded projects to be initiated and completed in a timely manner 
in accordance with the schedule agreed upon in the grant documentation. 
The recipient will be responsible for promptly notifying EDA of any 
events that prevent adherence to the approved schedule. The grantee 
must also provide an explanation of why the events were beyond its 
ability to predict or control and obtain EDA approval of changes in the 
schedule prior to proceeding with project implementation.
    EDA expects grantees to anticipate predictable delays (such as 
those caused by land acquisition problems, local financing 
requirements, acquisition of state permits and approvals, normal 
weather conditions in area, and public objections to the project), and 
take them into account in preparing the project schedule. Grantees who 
fail to comply with project schedules may be subject to grant 
suspension or termination.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    Interested parties should contact the economic development 
representative for the area or the appropriate EDA regional office (see 
section XII of this Notice) for a proposal package. Project proposals, 
submitted by eligible entities, will be evaluated by EDA staff on the 
basis of:
    1. Conformance with the evaluation criteria mentioned above and 
statutory, regulatory and policy requirements.
    2. The availability of funds.

Application Procedures

    Following a review of project proposals, EDA will invite those 
projects selected for funding consideration to submit applications. It 
should be noted that an invitation to apply does not assure funding. 
The application will include an ED-540, as approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget Control No. 0610-0058.

Further Information

    For further information, contact the appropriate economic 
development representative, EDA regional office (see Section XII of 
this Notice), or the Director, Economic Adjustment Division, Economic 
Development Administration, Room 7327, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
Washington, DC 20230; telephone (202) 482-2659.

X. Program: Defense Conversion Assistance

Authority

    Funds under the Defense Conversion program are used to enable 
areas, whose economies are adversely impacted by reductions in defense 
spending, to facilitate the orderly redeployment of their defense 
created assets to activities which help restructure and/or strengthen 
their economic base. Areas experiencing closure of a military facility, 
a defense related Department of Energy facility and/or reductions in 
defense procurements may be eligible for assistance. This program is 
authorized under section 4103(b) of Division D of Public Law 101-510 
for FY 1991, and section 4305 of Division D of Public Law 102-484 for 
FY 1993, 10 U.S.C. 2391 note.

Program Objective

    The program is designed to provide defense impacted communities 
with the resources to develop and/or carry out programs and projects, 
singly or in combination, that support implementation of a defense 
conversion strategy or base re-use plan. Commonly funded types of 
programs and projects include, but are not limited to: planning and 
strategy development (only as may be necessary to complement and expand 
work funded by the Office of Economic Adjustment, Department of 
Defense); research and analysis, for example, marketing and feasibility 
studies; design and delivery of conversion or development assistance 
and services for affected businesses, typically smaller defense 
contractors, for example, filling gaps in available technical services, 
developing collaborative alliances for new product and market 
development, and establishing or expanding financing programs for 
targeted businesses; and infrastructure improvements needed to 
facilitate the re-use of former military facilities.
    Assistance may be provided directly to affected communities, and 
also through other entities, such as states or regional development 
organizations, when to do so would result in more effective and 
efficient delivery of a particular service or program.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $80 million are available for the Defense 
Conversion program under Public Law 103-121, October 27, 1993.

    Note: The Selection Criteria and Application Procedures set 
forth in this announcement supersede those previously announced in 
the Federal Register of May 6, 1993 (58 FR 27188), and apply to the 
unobligated balance of the $80 million authorized under section 4305 
of Division D of Public Law 102-484 and of the $50 million 
authorized under section 4103(b) of Division D of Public Law 101-
510.

Funding Instrument

    Assistance is in the form of grants, which will normally be awarded 
under the authority of EDA's Title IX Economic Adjustment program. 
However, grants for assistance under the Defense Conversion program may 
also be made to applicants eligible for assistance under the Title I 
Public Works and the Title III Technical Assistance, Research and 
Planning programs.
    Title IX grants may be awarded for up to 75 percent of the total 
project cost. Acceptable sources of the local share include, but are 
not limited to, local government general revenue funds; Community 
Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds or balance of state 
awards; and other public and private donations. The Assistant Secretary 
may waive all or part of the 25 percent nonfederal share of economic 
adjustment assistance grants, if he/she determines that the nonfederal 
share is not reasonably available because of the critical nature of the 
situation requiring economic adjustment assistance or for other good 
cause. The full amount of the local share need not be in hand at the 
time of application; however, the applicant must have a firm commitment 
from identified source(s), and the funds must be readily available. The 
local share must not be encumbered in any way that would preclude its 
use as required by the grant agreement. The local share for a revolving 
loan fund project must be in cash, and while the local share for other 
types of defense conversion activities may be cash or in-kind, priority 
consideration will be given to proposals with a cash local share.
    For information regarding local share requirements for the Title I 
Public Works and the Title III Technical Assistance, Research and 
Planning programs, Sections II, IV and VI of this Announcement should 
be consulted.
    In accordance with Public Law 103-121, financial assistance may be 
provided for projects to be located on military installations closed or 
scheduled for closure or realignment to eligible grantees under PWEDA 
without it being required that the grantee have title or ability to 
obtain a lease for the property, for the useful life of the project 
when, in the opinion of the Secretary of Commerce such financial 
assistance is necessary for the economic development of the area; and 
the Secretary of Commerce may, as he or she deems appropriate, consult 
with the Secretary of Defense regarding title to the land on military 
installations closed or scheduled for closure or realignment.

Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants within areas meeting the eligibility criteria 
described below include a redevelopment area or economic development 
district established under Title IV of this Act, 42 U.S.C. 3161; an 
Indian tribe; a state; a city or other political subdivision of a 
state, or a consortium of such political subdivisions; a Community 
Development Corporation defined in the Community Economic Development 
Act, 42 U.S.C. 9802; a nonprofit organization determined by EDA to be 
the representative of a redevelopment area; and the Federated States of 
Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    For assistance under the Title I Public Works program, and Title 
III Technical Assistance, Research and Planning programs, Sections II, 
IV and VI of this Announcement should be consulted.
    Applicants must meet either the Department of Defense criteria or 
the Economic Adjustment program criteria described in A and B below:
A. Department of Defense Criteria
    (1) In the case of a proposed or actual establishment, realignment, 
or closure of a military installation, where the Secretary of Defense 
determines that such action is likely to have a direct and 
significantly adverse consequence on the affected community.
    (2) In the case of a publicly announced planned reduction in DOD 
spending, the cancellation or termination of a DOD contract, or the 
failure to proceed with a previously approved major defense acquisition 
program, assistance may be provided only if the reduction, 
cancellation, termination, or failure will have a direct and 
significant adverse impact on a community and will result in the loss 
of the lesser of:
    (a) 2,500 or more employee positions, in the case of a Metropolitan 
Statistical Area (MSA) or similar area (as defined by the Director of 
the Office of Management and Budget);
    (b) 1,000 or more employee positions, in the case of a labor market 
area outside of an MSA; or
    (c) one percent of the total number of civilian jobs in that area.
B. EDA Criteria
    The dislocation must satisfy one of the following criteria (in 
exceptional circumstances, the criteria may be partially waived by the 
Assistant Secretary for Economic Development):
    (1) For areas not in MSAs:
    (a) If the unemployment rate of the Labor Market Area exceeds the 
national average, the dislocation must amount to the lesser of two 
(2.0) percent of the employed population, or 500 direct jobs.
    (b) If the unemployment rate of the Labor Market Area is equal to 
or less than the national average, the dislocation must amount to the 
lesser of four (4.0) percent of the employed population, or 1,000 
direct jobs.
    (2) For areas within MSAs:
    (a) If the unemployment rate of the MSA exceeds the national 
average, the dislocation must amount to the lesser of one-half (0.5) 
percent of the employed population, or 4,000 direct jobs.
    (b) If the unemployment rate of the MSA is equal to or less than 
the national average, the dislocation must amount to the lesser of one 
(1.0) percent of the employed population, or 8,000 direct jobs.
    Actual dislocations must have occurred within one year and 
threatened dislocations must be anticipated to occur within two years 
of the date EDA is contacted.

Evaluation Criteria

    Evaluation criteria will not be assigned weights, as all factors 
are equally important. However, key factors in EDA's evaluation of 
proposed defense conversion projects include:
    1. The relative severity of the impact of the defense cutbacks on 
the economic and employment base of the area(s).
    2. The quality of the area economic adjustment/defense conversion 
strategy or base re-use plan which is a pre-requisite for funding 
consideration. The plan should address and/or provide evidence of the 
following:
    a. An appropriately designed and conducted planning process;
    b. The scale and characteristics of the impact of the defense 
cutbacks on workers, industry sectors and businesses;
    c. Strategic objectives that address the defense related problems 
and opportunities, are appropriate to the area's particular economic 
attributes and circumstances, and are based on sound research and 
analysis;
    d. All appropriate and available Federal, State and local 
resources, programs, services, etc., have been identified and will be 
mobilized and coordinated to support implementation of the strategy; 
and
    e. The performance measures which the community will use to assess 
progress toward accomplishing its strategic objectives.

    Note: EDA may, in some instances, consider funding a project 
prior to completion of the strategy/plan, provided that (a) an 
appropriate community planning process is underway, (b) sufficient 
analysis has been done to show that the proposed project is 
economically viable and potentially consistent with the evolving 
strategy and (c) the proposed project has the support of the 
community.

    3. The degree to which the proposed program/project contributes to:
    a. Productive redeployment of defense created assets (facilities, 
workforce skills industrial technologies and production capacity);
    b. Overcoming critical impediments to a community's ability to 
progress with implementing its strategy or base reuse plan; and
    c. Facilitating/stimulating private sector investment in the 
production of the types of goods and services that will strengthen the 
economic base of the area over the long term, and lead to the 
generation of new employment opportunities and revenue.
    4. The capacity of the prospective applicant to administer the 
proposed project and ensure achievement of the stated objectives.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    When a major defense cutback is announced, EDA's economic 
development representative for the state in which it is to occur will 
normally contact officials of the affected community. Otherwise, the 
interested parties should contact either the economic development 
representative for the area or the appropriate EDA regional office (see 
section XII of this Notice). The economic development representative 
will track the community's strategy/base re-use planning process and 
provide information regarding activities/projects that could be 
considered for EDA assistance. At such time as the planning process is 
sufficiently advanced for prospective implementation programs and 
projects to have been identified, the economic development 
representative will advise the community on the preparation of a short 
funding proposal.

Application Procedures

    EDA will evaluate proposals using the selection criteria cited 
above. Once the merits of the proposal are established, EDA will work 
if necessary with the prospective applicant to clarify elements of the 
proposal and such EDA administrative policies and requirements as may 
apply to the particular type of program or project for which assistance 
is being requested. For example, applicants for assistance to 
capitalize a revolving loan fund (RLF) are required to submit a RLF 
Plan. When a proposal is selected for funding consideration, EDA will 
invite the proponent to submit a formal application under the authority 
of the specified funding program, i.e. Title I, III or IX. It should be 
noted that an invitation to apply does not assure funding.

Further Information

    For further information, contact the appropriate economic 
development representative, EDA regional office (see Section XII of 
this Notice), or the Director, Economic Adjustment Division, Economic 
Development Administration, Room 7327, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
Washington, DC 20230; telephone (202) 482-2659.

XI. Program: Trade Adjustment Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.313 Economic 
Development--Trade Adjustment Assistance)

Authority

    Funds under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program are awarded to 
a network of Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers, located around the 
Nation, which provide technical assistance to certified firms adversely 
affected by increased imports. Funds are also awarded under this 
program to organizations representing trade-injured industries. This 
program is authorized under Title II, Chapter 3 of the Trade Act of 
1974, 19 U.S.C. 2341-2355.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $10.0 million are available for trade 
adjustment assistance to firms. These funds will be provided to the 
nationwide network of Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs) 
through cooperative agreements which will utilize all of the available 
funds for trade adjustment assistance. Individual awards are expected 
to range between $650,000 and $1.6 million.
    Therefore, no new centers will be funded in FY 1994. No funds are 
available for industry technical assistance in FY 1994.

Program Objective

    The Trade Adjustment Assistance Program is designed to provide 
technical assistance to certified firms and industries hurt by the 
impact of increased imports. The TAACs help firms submit certification 
petitions to the Trade Adjustment Assistance Division (TAAD) of EDA, 
and if the firm is certified, provides technical assistance. A firm 
should work closely with the appropriate TAAC in petitioning for 
certification. Certified firms should also work closely with the 
appropriate TAAC in diagnosing their problems and developing an 
adjustment proposal, and in applying for technical assistance.
    An industry association or other organization interested in 
receiving an industry assistance cooperative agreement must meet with a 
TAAD representative to discuss the industry's problems, opportunities, 
and assistance needs.

Criteria for Evaluating Industry Assistance Proposals

    Industry associations and other organizations seeking trade 
adjustment industry assistance must demonstrate that the industry is 
injured by foreign trade and that the activities to be funded will 
yield some short-term actions that the industry itself (and individual 
firms) can and will take toward the restoration of the industry's 
international competitiveness. Evaluation criteria will not be assigned 
weights, as all factors are equally important.
    The emphasis is on practical results that can be implemented in the 
near term, and long-term research and development activities are given 
low priority. It is also expected that the industry will continue 
activities on its own without the need for continued Federal 
assistance.

Application Procedures

    Industry associations or other organizations seeking industry 
assistance must submit an application identified as Standard Form 424 
(OMB Control No. 0348-0043), if encouraged to do so as a result of the 
meeting with a TAAD representative.
    Acceptable industry assistance applications will be processed as 
funds are available; normally one to three months is required for final 
decision on application.

Formula and Matching Requirements

    Generally, a minimum of 50 percent share is required for industry 
assistance cooperative agreements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

    Industry assistance cooperative agreements are generally for a 12-
month period, but may be longer for tasks requiring more time to 
complete.

Further Information

    For further information, contact the Director, Trade Adjustment 
Assistance Division, Economic Development Administration, Room 7023, 
U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230; telephone (202) 482-
3373.

XII. EDA Regional Offices and Economic Development Representatives

    The EDA regional offices, states covered, and the economic 
development representatives (EDRs) are listed below. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   EDRs                                                 States covered          
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Atlanta Regional Office, 401 West Peachtree Street, N.W., Suite 1820, Atlanta, Georgia 30308-3510, Telephone: 
                                                 (404) 730-3002.                                                
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BURNETTE, F. Wayne, Aronov Building, Room 134, 474 South Court Street,       Alabama.                           
 Montgomery, AL 36104, Telephone: (205) 223-7008.                                                               
SMITH, Lola B., Federal Building, Room 423, 80 North Hughey Avenue,          Florida.                           
 Orlando, FL 32801, Telephone: (407) 648-6572.                                                                  
DAY, William J., Jr., 401 West Peachtree Street, N.W., Suite 1820, Atlanta,  Georgia.                           
 GA 30308-3510, Telephone: (404) 730-3000.                                                                      
HUNTER, Bobby D., 771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Lexington, KY 40503-5477,  Kentucky.                          
 Telephone: (606) 233-2596.                                                                                     
AINSWORTH, Bob, 221 Federal Building, 100 West Capital Street, Jackson, MS   Mississippi.                       
 39269, Telephone: (601) 965-4342.                                                                              
JONES, Dale L., P.O. Box 2522, Raleigh, NC 27601, Telephone: (919) 856-4570  North Carolina.                    
DIXON, Patricia M., Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835 Assembly Street,   South Carolina.                    
 Room 840, Columbia, SC 29201, Telephone: (803) 765-5676.                                                       
PARKS, Mitchell S., 261 Cumberland Bend Drive, Nashville, TN 37228,          Tennessee.                         
 Telephone: (615) 736-5911.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Austin Regional Office, Suite 201, Grant Building, 611 East Sixth Street, Austin, Texas 78701-3748, Telephone: 
                                                 (512) 482-5461.                                                
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                
SPEARMAN, Sam, Room 2509, Federal Building, 700 West Capitol, Little Rock,   Arkansas.                          
 AR 72201, Telephone: (501) 324-5637.                                                                           
DAVIDSON, Pamela, 412 North Fourth Street, Room 104, Baton Rouge, LA 70802-  Louisiana.                         
 5523, Telephone: (504) 389-0227.                                                                               
SWEARINGEN, James, P.O. Box 2662, Santa Fe, NM 87504, Telephone: (505) 988-  New Mexico.                        
 6557.                                                                                                          
WATERS, Alvin X., Jr., 5500 North Western, Suite 148, Oklahoma City, OK      Oklahoma.                          
 73118-4011, Telephone: (405) 231-4198.                                                                         
RAMIREZ, Roy, Suite 201, Grant Building, 611 East Sixth Street, Austin, TX   Texas (south).                     
 78701-3748, Telephone: (512) 482-5118.                                                                         
JACOB, Lawrence, Suite 201, Grant Building, 611 East Sixth Street, Austin,   Texas (north).                     
 TX 78701-3748, Telephone: (512) 482-5119.                                                                      
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Chicago Regional Office, 111 North Canal Street, Suite 855, Chicago, IL 60606-7204, Telephone: (312) 353-7706. 
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASALS, Alfred L., 509 West Capitol, Suite 204, Springfield, IL 62704,       Illinois.                          
 Telephone: (217) 492-4224.                                                                                     
HENDERSON, Richard L., Federal Building Courthouse, Room 402, 46 East Ohio   Indiana.                           
 Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, Telephone: (317) 226-6104.                                                     
COLLISON, James L., 100 North Warren Avenue, Room 1018, Saginaw, MI 48606-   Michigan.                          
 0867, Telephone: (517) 758-4097.                                                                               
ARNOLD, John B., III, 104 Federal Building, 515 West First Street, Duluth,   Minnesota.                         
 MN 55802, Telephone: (218) 720-5326.                                                                           
HICKEY, Robert F., Federal Building, Room 607, 200 North High Street,        Ohio.                              
 Columbus, Ohio 43214, Telephone: (614) 469-7314.                                                               
PRICE, Jack D., 1320 W. Clairemont Ave., Suite 114, Eau Claire, WI 54701,    Wisconsin.                         
 Telephone: (715) 834-4079.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Denver Regional Office, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Room 670, Denver, Colorado 80204, Telephone: (303) 844-4714.   
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ZENDER, John, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Room 632, Denver, CO 80204, Telephone:   Colorado.                          
 (303) 844-4902.                                                             Kansas.                            
CECIL, Robert, Federal Building, Room 593A, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines,   Iowa.                              
 IA 50309, Telephone: (515) 284-4746.                                                                           
KOCH, Forrest E., Robert A. Young Building, Room 8.308H, 1222 Spruce         Missouri.                          
 Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, Telephone: (314) 539-2321.                                                        
ROGERS, John C., Federal Building, Room 196, Drawer 10074, Helena, MT        Montana.                           
 59626, Telephone: (406) 449-5074.                                                                              
ALBERTSON, Warren A., Federal Building, Room 219, Pierre, SD 57501,          Nebraska.                          
 Telephone: (605) 224-8280.                                                  South Dakota.                      
GRANT, Cornelius P., P. O. Box 1911, Bismarck, ND 58501, Telephone: (701)    North Dakota.                      
 250-4321.                                                                                                      
OCKEY, Jack, Federal Building, Room 2414, 125 South State Street, Salt Lake  Utah.                              
 City, UT 84138, Telephone: (801) 524-5119.                                  Wyoming.                           
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Philadelphia Regional Office, Curtis Center, Independence Square West, Suite 140 South, Philadelphia, PA 19106,
                                           Telephone: (215) 597-4603.                                           
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAMMARLUND, C.N., Jr., Federal Office Building, Room 453, 450 Main Street,   Connecticut.                       
 Hartford, CT 06103, Telephone: (203) 240-3256.                              Rhode Island.                      
FLYNN, Patricia A., 2568 Riva Road, 2nd Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401,          Delaware.                          
 Telephone: (410) 962-2513.                                                  Maryland.                          
                                                                             District of Columbia.              
BLITZ, Sandford, Federal Building, Room 410D, 40 Western Avenue, Augusta,    Maine.                             
 ME 04330, Telephone: (207) 622-8271.                                                                           
FITZHENRY, William A., Boston Federal Office Building, 10 Causeway Street,   Massachusetts.                     
 Room 420 (Box 2), Boston, MA 02222-1036, Telephone: (617) 565-7235.                                            
POTTER, Rita V., 143 North Main Street, Suite 209, Concord, NH 03301,        New Hampshire.                     
 Telephone: (603) 225-1624.                                                  Vermont.                           
ROSSIGNOL, Clifford J., 44 South Clinton Avenue, Room 703, Trenton, NJ       New Jersey.                        
 08609, Telephone: (609) 989-2192.                                                                              
MARSHALL, Harold J., II, 620 Erie Boulevard West, Suite 104, Syracuse, NY    New York.                          
 13204, Telephone: (315) 423-5203.                                                                              
PECONE, Anthony M., 1933A New Berwick Highway, Bloomsburg, PA 17815,         Pennsylvania.                      
 Telephone: (717) 389-7560.                                                                                     
CRUZ, Ernesto L., Federal Office Building, Room 620, 150 Carlos Chardon      Puerto Rico.                       
 Avenue, Hato Rey, PR 00918-1738, Telephone: (809) 766-5187.                 Virgin Islands.                    
NOYES, Neal E., 700 Centre Building, Room 230, 704 E. Franklin Street,       Virginia.                          
 Richmond, VA 23219, Telephone: (804) 771-2061.                                                                 
DAVIS, R. Byron, Rose City Press Building, 550 Eagan Street, Room 305,       West Virginia.                     
 Charleston, WV 25301, Telephone: (304) 347-5252.                                                               
                                                                                                                
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   Seattle Regional Office, Jackson Federal Building, Room 1856, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98174,  
                                           Telephone: (206) 220-7660.                                           
                                                                                                                
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RICHERT, Bernhard E., Jr., 605 West 4th Avenue, Room G-80, Anchorage, AK     Alaska.                            
 99501-7594, Telephone: (907) 271-2274.                                                                         
PEROT, C. Antony, 2901 North Central Phoenix Plaza, Suite 965, Phoenix, AZ   Arizona, Nevada (except Elko,      
 85012, Telephone: (602) 640-2541.                                            Eureka and White Pine Counties).  
SOSSON, Deena R., 1345 J Street, Suite B, Sacramento, CA 95814, Telephone:   California (northern).             
 (916) 551-1541.                                                                                                
LEWIS, William J., 1345 J Street, Suite B, Sacramento, CA 95814, Telephone:  California (central).              
 (916) 551-2160.                                                                                                
OAKS, Charles W., 11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Room 11105, Los Angeles, CA      California (southern).             
 90024, Telephone: (310) 575-7286.                                                                              
McCHESNEY, Frank, P.O. Box 50264, Federal Building, Room 4106, Honolulu, HI  Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa,      
 96850, Telephone: (808) 541-3391.                                            Marshall Islands, Micronesia,     
                                                                              Northern Marianas.                
AMES, Aldred F., Room 441, 304 North 8th Street, Boise, ID 83702,            Idaho, Nevada (counties of Elko,   
 Telephone: (208) 334-1533.                                                   Eureka & White Pine).             
BERBLINGER, Anne S., One World Trade Center, 121 S.W. Salmon Street, Suite   Oregon.                            
 244, Portland, OR 97204, Telephone: (503) 326-3078.                                                            
KIRRY, Lloyd P. (acting), Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room  Washington.                        
 1856, Seattle, WA 98174, Telephone: (206) 220-7682.                                                            
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    Dated: March 24, 1994.
William W. Ginsberg,
Assistant Secretary for Economic Development.
[FR Doc. 94-7566 Filed 3-29-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-24-P