[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 167 (Monday, August 28, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52069-52084]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-21858]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Minority Business Development Agency

[Docket No. 000724217-0217-01; RIN: 0640-ZA08]


Solicitation of Applications for the Minority Business 
Development Center (MBDC) Program

AGENCY: Minority Business Development Agency, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with Executive Order 11625 and 15 U.S. C. 1512, 
the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting 
competitive applications from organizations to operate new and enhanced 
Minority Business Development Centers (MBDC) under its Minority 
Business Development Center (MBDC) Program. The new and enhanced MBDC 
Program is the successor to MBDA's Minority Business Development Center 
(MBDC) Program, for providing general business assistance to minority-
owned companies in various markets throughout the United States.
    In order for their proposals to receive consideration, applicants 
must comply with all information and requirements contained in this 
Notice.
    The MBDC Program represents a significant programmatic and 
administrative enhancement of MBDA's traditional MBDC Program. In 
operation since 1982, the MBDCs provide generalized management and 
technical assistance and business development services to minority 
business enterprises (MBEs) within their designated geographic service 
areas. The new and enhanced MBDC program described in this Notice 
updates the traditional MBDC model by leveraging the full benefit of 
telecommunications technology, including the Internet, and a variety of 
online computer resources to dramatically increase the level of service 
which the MBDCs can provide to their minority business clients.
    In addition, the MBDC Program guidelines further increase the 
impact of the MBDC projects by requiring that project operators not 
only deploy their business assistance services to the minority business 
public directly, but that they also develop a network of strategic 
partnerships with third-party organizations located within the 
geographic service area. These strategic partnerships will be used to 
expand the reach of the MBDC project into communities and market 
segments that the project would have limited resources to cover 
otherwise, and are a key component of this program modification.
    Individuals eligible for assistance under the MBDC Program are 
African Americans, Puerto Ricans, Spanish-speaking Americans, Aleuts, 
Asian Pacific Americans, Asian Indians, Native Americans, Eskimos and 
Hasidic Jews. No service will be denied to any member of the eligible 
groups listed above.

DATES: The closing date for applications for each MBDC project is 
September 29, 2000. Anticipated time for processing of applications is 
120 days.
    MBDA anticipates that awards for the MBDC program will be made with 
a start date of January 1, 2001. Completed applications for the MBDC 
program must be (1) mailed (USPS postmark) to the address below; or (2) 
received by MBDA no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. 
Applications postmarked later than the closing date or received after 
the closing date and time will not be considered.

ADDRESSES: Applicants must submit one signed original plus two (2) 
copies of the application. Completed application packages must be 
submitted to: Minority Business Development Center Program Office, 
Office of Executive Secretariat, HCHB, Room 5600, Minority Business 
Development Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce 14th Street and 
Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230.
    If the application is hand-delivered by the applicant or its 
representative, the application must be delivered to Room 1874, which 
is located at Entrance #10, 15th Street, NW, between Pennsylvania and 
Constitution Avenues. Applicants are encouraged to submit their 
proposal electronically via the World Wide Web. However, the following 
paper forms must be submitted with original signatures in conjunction 
with any electronic submissions by the closing date and time stated 
above: (1) SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance; (2) the SF-424B, 
Assurances-Non-Construction Programs; (3) the SF-LLL

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(Rev. 7-97) (if applicable), Disclosure of Lobbying Activities; (4) 
Department of Commerce Form CD-346 (if applicable), Applicant for 
Funding Assistance; and (5) the CD-511, Certifications Regarding 
Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free 
Workplace Requirements and Lobbying. MBDA's web site address to submit 
an application on-line is www.mbda.gov/e-grants. All required forms are 
located at this web address.
    Failure to submit a signed, original SF-424 with the application, 
or separately in conjunction with submitting a proposal electronically, 
by the deadline will result in the application being rejected and 
returned to the applicant. Failure to sign and submit with the 
application, or separately in conjunction with submitting a proposal 
electronically, the other forms identified above by the deadline will 
automatically cause an application to lose two (2) points. Failure to 
submit other documents or information may adversely affect an 
applicant's overall score. MBDA shall not accept any changes, 
additions, revisions or deletions to competitive applications after the 
closing date for receiving applications, except through a formal 
negotiation process.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, contact the 
MBDA Regional Office for the geographic service area in which the 
project will be located.
    Pre-Application Conference: A pre-application conference will be 
held for each MBDC project solicitation. Contact the MBDA Regional 
Office for the geographic service area in which the project will be 
located to receive further information. Proper identification is 
required for entrance into any Federal building.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Following are the geographic service areas 
for which applications are being solicited: Atlanta, Louisville, Miami/
Ft. Lauderdale, Puerto Rico Islandwide, Raleigh/Durham/Charlotte, South 
Carolina Statewide, Chicago, Ohio Statewide, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Ft. 
Worth, Denver, El Paso, Houston, New Mexico Statewide, Oklahoma City, 
San Antonio, Queens/Brooklyn, Manhattan/Bronx, New Jersey Statewide, 
Philadelphia, Williamsburg (Brooklyn), Alaska Statewide, Arizona 
Statewide, Honolulu, East Los Angeles County, South Los Angeles County, 
West Los Angeles County.

    Authority: Executive Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. 1512.

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): 11.800 Minority 
Business Development Center Program.

Program Description

    For the past 18 years, MBDA has operated the MBDC Program as its 
approach for providing general business assistance and counseling to 
minority business enterprises. MBDA established MBDCs in numerous 
cities throughout the country to assist in the development of local 
minority firms. The MBDC Program was developed to address the needs of 
the majority of minority-owned firms throughout the country at a basic 
level, and thus the traditional MBDCs are not designed to provide 
specialized expertise in any specific industry.
    Through its new and enhanced MBDC Program, MBDA is now providing 
major enhancements to the traditional MBDC Program, by leveraging the 
full benefit of telecommunications technology, including the Internet, 
and a variety of online computer-based resources to dramatically 
increase the level of service which the new Centers can provide to 
their clients.
    This enhanced approach also increases the reach of the Centers by 
requiring project operators to develop strategic alliances with public 
and private sector partners, as a means of reaching out to minority 
firms within the project's geographic service area.

Background

    Under the original MBDC Program, MBDA traditionally operated as 
many as 100 Centers in strategic locations throughout the country, for 
the benefit of minority entrepreneurs. MBDA selected locations for the 
establishment of these Centers based on the size of the population in 
those markets, and the number of minority-owned companies, as 
established by U.S. Census Bureau data. While this approach to site 
selection continues under the new MBDC Program, MBDA will award a fewer 
number of projects in total, in light of the performance benefits the 
Program stands to gain from the increased use of technology and 
strategic partnering.
    In addition, like the original MBDC Program, the new and enhanced 
MBDC Program will be a mainstay of MBDA's overall business development 
efforts. The new and enhanced MBDC Program is at the core of the 
Agency's comprehensive strategy for addressing the needs of growing 
minority firms. Under this strategy, MBDA has identified the following 
four types of services which an MBDC will generally be expected to 
provide:
    1. Access to Markets--This involves assisting MBEs to identify and 
exploit opportunities for increased sales and revenue. Activities 
include conducting market analysis, identifying sales leads, bid 
preparation assistance, creating market promotions, and assistance in 
developing joint ventures and strategic alliances.
    2. Access to Capital--This involves assisting MBEs to secure the 
financial capital necessary to start-up, and thereafter to fuel growth 
and expansion of their businesses. Undercapitalization has been a major 
contributor to the failure of business ventures in the minority 
community over the years. Hence the goal of this activity is to help 
minority entrepreneurs obtain the amount of financing appropriate to 
the scope of the proposed business and, thereby, to help ensure the 
greatest likelihood of success for the minority venture in the 
marketplace.
    3. Management and Technical Assistance--This component of MBDA's 
approach involves assisting minority firms in establishing, improving 
and/or successfully maintaining their business and/or to resolve key 
operational issues within the business. Such issues might include the 
need for a recruitment and hiring strategy, evaluating a capital 
equipment purchase, or developing internal operating procedures.
    4. Education and Training--This involves providing basic education 
and training to minority entrepreneurs on important business topics. 
Training should be hands-on, practical, and streamlined in order to 
reflect the time constraints of the typical small business owner. In 
addition, given the proliferation of online resources from MBDA as well 
as others, this training should be designed to educate MBEs in the use 
of the Agency's electronic business assistance tools and in the use of 
electronic commerce generally to better access suppliers, customers and 
information.
    Like the original MBDCs, the new and enhanced MBDCs will operate 
through the use of trained professional business counselors who will 
assist minority entrepreneurs through direct client engagements. To 
date, MBDA has served more than 530,000 minority businesses through its 
Centers, enabling these companies to grow and expand, creating new 
jobs, increasing tax revenues, and contributing to the health of the 
overall economy.

Enhancing the MBDCs through Technology

    Over the past three years, MBDA has developed a variety of new 
technology tools designed to leverage the benefits of

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information technology to assist the minority business community. In 
addition, the Agency has developed a high-speed network strategy 
capable of linking all of its Centers into a single virtual 
organization. The goal of MBDA's new and enhanced MBDC Program strategy 
is to deploy these technology enhancements to all of the MBDCs, and 
create a state-of-the-art environment for bringing minority businesses 
continuously-updated information, access to resources anywhere in the 
country, and the best available assistance in any given subject area at 
any time. The implementation of this strategy is the Minority Business 
Internet Portal (MBIP).
    MBDA's technology tools that will be made available to the MBDCs 
through MBDA's MBIP site include:
     Phoenix/Opportunity--an electronic bid-matching system 
that alerts participating minority companies of contract and teaming 
opportunities directly via e-mail. Procurement leads are transmitted to 
minority firms on a targeted basis according to the company's industry 
classification and geographic market. Firms seeking to participate in 
this program need only to transmit their company profile to MBDA online 
via the Agency's Phoenix database.
     Resource Locator--a new and unique software application 
that allows minority business enterprises to search for business 
resources and locate them on a map--interactively on the Internet. 
Resource Locator can help minority firms identify trade associations 
representing their industries, government licensing and permit offices, 
management and technical assistance providers, and a host of other 
resources quickly and efficiently, through GIS technology.
     Online Commercial Loan Identifier--an Internet-based tool 
that allows minority enterprises to shop for commercial loans online, 
and identify the best available financing terms. The Commercial Loan 
Identifier is designed to give minority firms the benefit of a 
nationwide market for commercial loan products.
     Business and Market Planning Software--software packages 
to streamline and enhance the development of business plans, marketing 
plans and other strategic business documents.
    The MBIP will serve as a very effective vehicle for enhancing the 
scope and service capability of the MBDC network. Through the portal 
site, each MBDC will receive a standardized electronic toolkit of 
business development tools and applications. This ``electronic 
toolkit'' will provide important programmatic benefits for the MBDCs.
    Specifically:
     These electronic tools will help to streamline the process 
of delivering client assistance to minority business enterprises, 
giving the Centers the ability to service greater numbers of clients 
with existing resources.
     In addition, MBDA expects that these electronic tools will 
be in high demand because of the significant added value that they are 
able to create for business enterprises. Demand for these tools will 
further enhance the position of the MBDCs as important resources within 
their local markets.
     Finally, by participating in MBDA's nationwide high-speed 
network, each MBDC will be able to access the latest information 
regarding best practices, emerging market trends, success strategies, 
and other activities in the minority business development arena.
    Current trends in technology, procurement streamlining, 
globalization, and a host of other market factors have had a dramatic 
impact on the minority business community. Minority-owned businesses, 
regardless of their industry, now find themselves subject to rapidly 
changing market conditions. To ensure their continued growth, these 
firms will need access to the best available information and expertise 
on a continuously updated basis. The new MBDC Program, combined with 
the MBIP site, directly respond to this need, by leveraging MBDA's 
traditional business development infrastructure through state-of-the-
art technology and communications.

Work Requirements

    The work requirements specify the duties and responsibilities of 
each recipient operating an MBDC.
    Although it is not necessary for the applicant to have an office in 
the geographic service area, the MBDC office must be strategically 
located in the geographic service area to ensure that it is close to 
the available public and private sector resources, within a reasonable 
commuting distance to the minority business community, and accessible 
to public transportation. The MBDC must be opened and be fully 
operational within 30 days after receipt of the award. Fully 
operational means that all staff are hired, all signs are up, all items 
of furniture and equipment are in place and operational, and the MBDC's 
doors have been fully opened to the public for service.
    An MBDC operator must provide services to eligible clients within 
its specified geographic service area. In addition, each operator must 
contribute its efforts to help support MBDA's online business 
assistance network as established by Agency policies.
    MBDCs are required to perform work in four basic areas:
1. Market Building
    To identify, develop and leverage public and private sector 
resources and business opportunities for their clients;
    (a) Market Research and Development which systematically 
investigates the service area market to see what business and capital 
opportunities exist for minority business enterprise (MBE) development; 
search for sources of capital, sales opportunities, business buy-outs 
and new start possibilities; bring the research to a practical level of 
utility to fit the capability and needs of specific MBE client firms of 
the area. As market research is conducted, the MBDC will make optimum 
use of the MBDA network to ensure that the information is made 
available to fellow MBDC operators, and to MBEs throughout the country.
    (b) Market Promotion which promotes minority business development 
in the local business community by obtaining support from the 
community, as a whole for the utilization of minority-owned business, 
is in the best interests of the local market.
    The MBDC will promote individual firms to the public and private 
sectors to make the market aware of the capability, talent and capacity 
of the local MBE firms. The MBDC may utilize public service 
announcements and paid advertising. The MBDC promotes MBEs at local 
Chambers of Commerce, business and trade associations, corporate and 
company trade fairs and meetings, state and local government agency 
purchasing departments, economic development and planning offices and 
MBE development events. In addition, the MBDC shall promote and 
participate in MED Week activities involving the full participation of 
the private and public sectors. MED Week is a major annual event of 
MBDA on both the local and national levels.
    Under this function, the MBDC shall carry out a plan-of-action that 
may include, but is not limited to, the following actions: (1) 
Publicize the MBDC and its services throughout the geographic service 
area; (2) Organize press briefings or distribute press releases for 
area newspapers; (3) Deliver speeches before key minority audiences in 
the MBDC service area; (4) Secure a list of service area minority 
vendors who are listed in MBDA's Phoenix System and use them in market

[[Page 52072]]

promotion activities; (5) Interface with minority Chambers of Commerce 
and trade associations for access to their mailing lists; (6) 
Communicate with bankers and other officers of financial institutions 
for possible referrals of minority entrepreneurs as existing 
prospective minority clients to the MBDC; (7) Identify existing lists 
of successful minority managers, professionals, technical experts and 
skilled crafts-people, who may have an interest in or exhibit 
qualifications for business ownership; (8) Develop an MBDC brochure for 
mail-out and distribution to the public, as well as for inclusion on 
the MBDA web site; and (9) E-mail information and/or newsletters to 
existing and prospective local minority entrepreneurs.
    (c) Resource and Inventory Development which identifies local 
opportunities and resources as well as local minority businesses, 
qualified to take advantage of them. This requirement will enable the 
MBDC to support the maintenance of content for the Phoenix/Opportunity 
databases and other online systems as well as to track local market 
trends and market demand for goods and services. Under this function, 
the MBDC must (1) Develop and maintain inventories of area 
opportunities and resources, which should include: Electronic 
Commerce--information technology affecting the marketability of its 
clients, i.e., access to new markets, access to capital and business 
opportunities and other resources; Market Opportunities--both in the 
public sector (Federal, state and local) and in the private sector 
(foreign and domestic); Capital Opportunities--e.g., loans, bonds, 
trade credits, and equity investments; Business Ownership 
Opportunities--e.g., franchises, licensing arrangements, mergers and 
buy-outs; Education and Training Opportunities--e.g., educational 
institution programs and other training resources; (2) Register 
eligible local minority firms in MBDA's Phoenix database, which is a 
national inventory of minority vendor firms capable of selling their 
goods and services to the public and private sector.
    (d) Match Opportunities and Close Transactions which matches 
eligible minority entrepreneurs with specific viable businesses, market 
and/or capital opportunities. This function contributes to an MBDC's 
financial packaging and/or procurement performance goals, and is the 
only MBDC market development function outside of the standard client 
business assistance in which a portion of an MBDC's time can be 
directly associated to individual minority business clients and 
resource customers. This client specific time, no matter how small, is 
considered client assistance and may be subject to client fees. Under 
this function, the MBDC shall match qualified minority entrepreneurs 
with identified opportunities and resources by: (1) Accessing vendor 
information systems, including the Phoenix/Opportunity databases; (2) 
Maintaining a constant awareness of the minority firms that operate 
within the geographic service area and their capabilities; (3) 
Maintaining direct contact with purchasing executives, government 
procurement officials, banking officials and others so that 
representatives of the MBDC are in a position to learn about available 
business opportunities, both formally and informally; (4) Engaging in 
relationship brokering between purchasing organization and individual 
minority firms capable of fulfilling their requirements; and (5) 
Assisting in direct negotiations between purchasing organization and 
individual minority firms, in appropriate cases, in order to help 
resolve issues, serve as an advocate for the minority firm, or 
otherwise assist in bringing the transaction to closure.
2. Client Services
    To provide direct client assistance to minority business enterprise 
on the basis of individualized professional engagements. Under these 
duties, the MBDC shall assist minority firms and individuals, which 
have agreed in writing to become MBDC clients, in establishing, 
improving and/or successfully maintaining their businesses. All new 
clients shall be entered into the Performance database and registered 
in the Phoenix System. It is required that clients and their service 
hours should be entered in the Performance database on a regular basis, 
preferably weekly.
    This assistance is defined as the function by which the MBDC 
provides direct services to its clients. It may range from general 
counseling to the identification, analysis and resolution of specific 
business problems. Clients assisted more than once during the funding 
periods may only be counted once in that funding period. Group sessions 
are one method an MBDC can use to provide business development services 
to minority clients. This function may be subject to client fees and 
directly contributes to an MBDC's performance goals.
    Under this function, the MBDC shall provide assistance to eligible 
minority firms and individuals (as referenced in Executive Orders 11625 
and 12432) seeking assistance from the MBDC, including 8(a) certified 
and graduate firms. However, the MBDC shall not perform or engage in 
the operation of a firm. Client services include, but are not limited 
to, the following types of assistance: (1) Marketing, e.g., market 
research, promotion, advertising and sales, sales forecasting, market 
feasibility studies, pricing, procurement assistance, product and 
customer service, brochure design (excludes mass printing), and general 
counseling; (2) Finance and Accounting, e.g., capital budgeting, 
general accounting, break-even analysis, cost accounting, financial 
planning and analysis budgeting, tax planning, financial packaging, 
general counseling, and mergers and acquisitions (excludes bookkeeping, 
tax preparation, and audits); (3) Manufacturing, e.g., plant location 
and site selection, plant management, materials handling and 
distribution, total quality management, metrication for world market, 
and general counseling; (4) Construction and Assistance, e.g., 
estimating, bid preparation, bonding, take-offs, and general 
counseling; (5) International Trade Assistance, e.g., exporting, 
importing, letters of credit, bank draft, dealerships, agencies, 
distributorship, exporting trading companies, joint ventures, general 
counseling, and freight forwarding and handling; (6) Administration, 
e.g., office management, procedures and systems, inventory control, 
purchasing, total quality management, awareness of metric system, and 
general counseling; (7) Personnel, e.g., human resource management, job 
evaluation and rating system, training, and general counseling; (8) 
General Management, e.g., organization and structure, formulating 
corporate policy, feasibility studies, reports and controls, public 
relations, staff scheduling, legal services (excludes litigation), 
business planning, organizational development, bid preparation, and 
general counseling.
    In order to stay competitive in the increasingly global economy, 
minority business owners should consider ISO 9000 or other quality 
assurance standards. The MBDC must have knowledge of what these 
standards are, how to properly implement the standards, and how to 
obtain ISO 9000 Quality System certification for its clients.
    The one-on-one assistance to any client shall be limited to no more 
than 250 hours per funding period unless prior approval is requested 
from the appropriate MBDA Regional Director, and granted by the Grants 
Officer of the Department of Commerce.

[[Page 52073]]

3. Operational Quality
    To maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of its overall 
operations as well as the quality of its client services. These duties 
are the means by which an MBDC maintains the efficiency and 
effectiveness of its overall operations as well as the quality of its 
client services. The function directly contributes to an MBDC's overall 
qualitative evaluation and rating as well as the successful completion 
of all work requirements. Under this function, the MBDC shall: (1) 
Execute signed work plan agreements and engagement letters with 
clients; (2) Formally describe the methodology that will be used in 
achieving the work plan objectives for each client; (3) Input progress/
results to the performance database in a timely manner; (4) Establish 
procedures for collecting and accounting for all fees charged to 
clients; (5) Maintain records/files for all work charged to the program 
and clients; (6) Obtain written acceptance and verification (with 
client signatures) of services provided to its clients. For services 
reported, documentation must be in the MBDC's client files within 30 
days after the end of every quarter in which a client receives 
services; (7) Comply with all reporting requirements provided upon 
award; (8) Cooperate with MBDA in maintaining content for the Phoenix/
Opportunity databases, Resource Locator, and other online tools located 
at www.mbda.gov; and (9) Promote and utilize the services and resources 
of other MBDA programs, sponsored efforts and/or voluntary activities. 
The MBDC shall identify MBDA as the funding sponsor by providing signs 
worded as follows:

(geographic area)------------------------------------------------------

Minority Business Development Center \TM\

Operated by------------------------------------------------------------

Funded By: Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), U.S. 
Department of Commerce
Minority Business Development Center

    These signs should be highly visible to the MBDC clients and 
general public. They should be prominently displayed on entrances and 
doors. Include the name of MBDA on all stationery, letterhead, 
brochures, etc. The MBDC is not authorized to use either the 
Department's official seal or the MBDA logo in any of its publications, 
documents or materials without specific written approval from the U.S. 
Department of Commerce. Identify the MBDC immediately when answering 
the telephone. If the recipient also requires that its organization's 
name be given, it should be provided only after the MBDC has been 
verbally identified to a caller. Refer to MBDA in all advocacy and 
outreach efforts such as speaking engagements, news conferences, etc.
    The term Minority Business Development Center (MBDC) is a trademark 
of the Federal Government, and the Government reserves exclusive rights 
in the term. Permission to use the term is granted to the award 
recipient for the sole purpose of representing the activities of the 
award recipient in the fulfillment of the terms of the financial 
assistance award. The Minority Business Development Agency reserves the 
right to control the quality of the use of the term by the award 
recipient. Whenever possible, for example in promotional literature and 
stationery, use the \TM\ designation as in Minority Business 
Development Center\TM\.
4. Developing and Maintaining a Network of Strategic Partners
    The work requirements for an award recipient under the MBDC Program 
include the development of a network of 15 alliances between the MBDC 
and key strategic partners selected by the recipient. The MBDC is 
required to establish the network of 15 Strategic Partners within 120 
days after the award. The MBDC is required to maintain these alliances 
throughout the duration of the award. The MBDC must replace a Strategic 
Partner within 45 days after termination of a previously established 
alliance. The Strategic Partners shall be public or private sector 
organizations located within the project's geographic service area that 
are positioned to assist the project to achieve its goals for assisting 
the minority business community established under the terms of the 
award. Strategic Partners may include:
     Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) programs operated by 
state, county or city governments;
     Chambers of Commerce or trade associations focused on the 
needs of the minority business community;
     Small Business Development Centers, or other college and 
university entrepreneurial development programs;
     Community Development Corporations (CDCs);
     Banks and financial institutions; and
     Faith organizations having economic development 
components, whose activities are not used for purposes the essential 
thrust of which is sectarian.
    Each Strategic Partner shall be evidenced by a written Memorandum 
of Understanding (MOU) that expressly sets forth the conditions under 
which the partners agree to operate. Specifically, the Strategic 
Partners must agree to serve as a local resource for minority-owned 
businesses seeking to obtain MBDC services. The Strategic Partner must 
at a minimum:
     Provide effective guidance to minority entrepreneurs in 
accessing MBDA's computer-based business assistance tools that are 
available on-site at the Strategic Partner's location.
    Example of other kinds of activities that might be required of the 
Strategic Partner include, but are not limited to:
     Designate appropriate office space within their facilities 
for providing MBDC services;
     Establish a library of training materials, how-to guides, 
business publications and other information, both in print and 
electronic format, to be made available to minority entrepreneurs on a 
walk-in basis;
     Provide high-quality business counseling to minority 
business enterprises if the Strategic Partner is one that offers direct 
client counseling;
     Provide intake services for the MBDC with respect to 
minority firms who approach the Strategic Partner for assistance but 
require counseling by the MBDC;
     Provide minority firms with high-quality referrals to 
outside resources where the firm has a need for specialized assistance 
which is outside the scope of the MBDC Program;
     Support the MBDC project in coordinating MED Week 
activities within the geographic service area.
    In selecting Strategic Partners, each award recipient should 
consider establishing a diverse group that appropriately reflects the 
needs of the minority business community within the service area. The 
skills, abilities and areas of concentration on the part of the 
Strategic Partners should be complementary, and collectively the skills 
and abilities of the Strategic Partners should complement those of the 
MBDC project operator.
    In exchange for its compliance with the foregoing terms, and such 
other terms as the parties may seek to establish, the Strategic Partner 
will be eligible to serve as a host for the MBDA suite of business 
development tools described in the Enhancing the MBDCs Through 
Technology subsection of this Notice. The Strategic Partner will also 
be authorized to make public its relationship with MBDA through the 
MBDC project, and to refer to the partnership in brochures, 
advertisements, press releases and other media. Through the MOU 
relationship, the Strategic Partner will also be entitled to receive 
direct access to

[[Page 52074]]

MBDA's information base of case studies, best practices, market 
research, and statistical data.

Computer Requirements

    MBDA requires that all award recipients meet certain requirements 
related to the acquisition, installation, configuration, maintenance 
and security of information technology (IT) assets in order to ensure 
seamless and productive interface between and among all grant 
recipients, minority-owned businesses, the MBDA Federal IT system and 
the public. These required assets and their configuration are 
hereinafter referred to as the ``enterprise.'' The basic components of 
the enterprise are the desktop workstations, the server, local area 
network (LAN) components and a connection to the Internet.
    At a minimum, each grantee shall provide one (1) desktop computer 
for the exclusive use of each employee delivering minority business 
assistance to the public under an award from MBDA. All desktop 
computers shall be inter-connected with a Server computer using an 
Ethernet protocol enabling communication with all workstations on the 
network. The Server shall have a constant, active connection to the 
Internet during all business hours. The recipient shall ensure that 
each of his/her employees, to include management, administrative 
personnel, contractors, full-time, part-time, and non-paid (volunteer) 
staff have a unique electronic mail (email) address available to the 
public. Each grantee shall design, develop and maintain, in accordance 
with the computer requirements, a presence on the Internet's World Wide 
Web and shall maintain appropriate computer and network security 
precautions during all periods of funding by MBDA. All IT requirements, 
as described herein, shall be met within 30 calendar days after the 
award.
    1. Network Design: At all locations where services are delivered to 
the eligible public as defined by Executive Order 11625, the recipient 
shall operate a ``Client-Server'' configured local area network (LAN) 
enabling each staff person delivering services to the eligible public 
exclusive access to a personal computer workstation during all business 
hours. MBDA shall, from time to time, designate certain configurations 
of the enterprise hardware and software to meet interface requirements. 
Currently, MBDA recommends servers use an operating system that is 
fully compatible with Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 with a service pack five 
(5) update. Primary Domain Control (PDC) servers or any server 
providing principal service to the desktops shall contain 18 or more 
gigabytes (GB) of hard drive space using two or more 9 GB+ disks 
configured appropriately to ensure data retention should one disk fail. 
At least one (1) Pentium III processor (CPU), or a CPU ensuring similar 
speed, shall be used in the PDC server or any other server providing 
principal service to the desktops. Web servers, mail servers and/or 
servers maintained by a third party such as an Internet Service 
Provider (ISP) shall meet the minimum server specifications as stated 
herein. A ``trusted'' relationship, as appropriate, shall be 
established and maintained between the MBDA PDC server and those 
operated by, or operated for, the recipient to ensure access by MBDA 
system administration personnel during normal business hours. (In a 
network that consists of two or more domains, each domain acts as a 
separate network with its own accounts database. Even in the most 
rigidly stratified organizations, some users in one domain will need to 
use some or all of the resources in another domain. The usual solution 
to confirming user access levels among domains is what's called a trust 
relationship.) From time to time, MBDA will require access to servers 
and desktop workstations after business hours and on holidays and 
weekends. For this purpose, the recipient shall ensure appropriate 
communications links are active and appropriate personnel on station, 
upon 24-hour notice from MBDA.
    2. Desktop Workstations: All desktop systems shall be not less than 
two (2) calendar years old at time of award and shall contain a 
processor (CPU) operating at speeds not less than 400 Megahertz (Mhz). 
Each desktop system shall contain a hard drive with a storage capacity 
of at least 5 GB. All desktop systems shall have installed an operating 
system fully compatible with Microsoft Windows NT with MS Office 97 
Professional Edition or higher, Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x. Since 
workstations may be linked to a live, two-way conference connection 
with potential clients, at least 50% of all employee workstations shall 
be fully operational with a qualified staff person positioned at the 
keyboard during all business hours to include lunch and break periods.
    3. Maintenance and Security: A network map (``as-built'') 
reflecting adherence to the computer and networking requirements set 
forth herein shall be maintained by the recipient for review by MBDA at 
any time. Each recipient shall designate and train one administrative 
person competent in the operation of an operations system fully 
compatible with Windows NT 4.0 network and local area network (LAN) 
technology as described herein. If a firewall, proxy server or similar 
security component is used, MBDA's server shall be ``trusted'' for full 
access to all files relevant for network and administrative operations. 
From time to time, MBDA shall require certain software be loaded on 
servers and desktops. In any given year, the cost of this additional 
software should not exceed $200.00 per workstation and $500.00 per 
server. Every employee of the Center shall be assigned a unique 
username and password to access the system. Every employee shall be 
required to sign a written computer security agreement. (A suggested 
format for the computer security agreement will be provided at the time 
of award.) Every manager, employee, and contractor and any other person 
given access to the computer system shall sign the security agreement 
and an original copy of the signed agreement shall be kept in the 
Center's files. A photocopy of the agreement shall be sent by fax to 
MBDA at: (202) 482-2696 no later than 30 days after the award. All 
subsequent new hires and associations requiring access to Center or 
MBDA systems shall read, understand and sign the security agreement 
prior to issuance of a password. No employee shall have access to the 
MBDA system without a signed security agreement on file at MBDA.
    4. Web site: Each recipient shall create and maintain a public web 
site using a unique address (e.g., www.center-name.com). The first page 
(Index page) of the web site shall clearly identify the recipient as a 
Minority Business Development Center funded by the U.S. Department of 
Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency. The Index page of the 
web site shall load on software fully compatible with Windows Internet 
Explorer 4.x browser software using a normal home computer with 56Kb/s 
analog phone line connection in less than ten (10) seconds. The web 
site shall contain the names of all managers and employees, the 
business and mailing address of the Center, business phone and fax 
numbers and email addresses of the Center and employees, a statement 
referencing the services available at the Center, the hours under which 
the Center operates and a link to the MBDA homepage (www.mbda.gov). For 
purpose of electronically directing clients to the appropriate Center 
staff, the web site shall also contain a short biographical statement 
for each employee of the Center including management, contractors, 
part-time, full time, and

[[Page 52075]]

non-paid (volunteer) personnel, providing services directly to the 
eligible public under an award from MBDA. This biographical statement 
shall contain: the full name of the employee, and a brief description 
of the expertise of the employee to include academic degrees, 
certifications and any other pertinent information with respect to that 
employee's qualifications to deliver minority business assistance 
services to eligible members of the public.
    No third party advertising of commercial goods and services shall 
be permitted on the site. All links from the site to other than 
federal, state or local government agencies and non-profit educational 
institutions must be requested, in advance and in writing, through the 
Chief Information Officer, MBDA Office of Information Technology 
Services to the Grants Office for written approval. Such approval shall 
not be unreasonably withheld but approval is subject to withdrawal if 
MBDA determines the linked site unsuitable. No employee of the Center, 
nor any other person, shall use the Center web site for any purpose 
other than that approved under the terms of the agreement between the 
recipient and MBDA. Every page of the web site shall be reviewed by the 
recipient for accuracy, currency, and appropriateness every three (3) 
months. Appropriate privacy notices and handicapped accessibility will 
be predominately featured. From time to time, MBDA shall audit the 
recipient's web site and recommend changes in accordance with the 
guidelines set forth herein.
    5. Time for Compliance: Within 30 days after the award, the 
recipient shall report via email to the Chief Information Officer, MBDA 
Office of Information Technology Services and the Grants Officer that 
he/she has complied with all technical requirements as specified 
herein. Within 30 days after the award, the recipient shall report the 
name, contact telephone numbers and email addresses of the Project 
Director, Network or System Administrator. As appropriate, the 
recipient shall also provide the telephone number and email address for 
the Technical Contact at the Internet Service Provider (ISP) providing 
Internet access for the grantee, the IP number of the Domain Name 
Server (DNS) and/or Primary Domain Control (PDC) server, and any other 
technical information as specified in the Technology Requirements.
    6. Performance System: All required performance reporting to MBDA 
shall be conducted via the Internet using the Performance system to be 
found at a secure web site (partner.mbda.gov). Within 30 days after the 
award, each business development specialist (BDS) and/or anyone 
providing business assistance to the public under the award shall have 
satisfactorily completed the Performance System Training Course (PSTC). 
This course is available on-line from the Performance web site 
(partner.mbda.gov). Only those persons giving direct assistance to the 
eligible public shall be given passwords and access to enter 
Performance data into the system. Only trained staff shall enter data 
into the Performance system. The person giving service to the client 
should enter performance data, not by administrative personnel. There 
shall be no ``sharing'' of passwords on the Performance system. 
Although not required, MBDA encourages input of information on a daily 
basis.
    7. Data Integrity: The recipient shall take the necessary steps to 
ensure that all data entered into MBDA systems, and systems operated by 
the recipient in support of the award, or by any employee of the 
recipient is accurate and timely.

Performance Measures

    In accordance with 15 CFR Parts 14 and 24, applicants selected will 
be responsible for the effective management of all functions and 
activities supported by the financial assistance award. Recipients will 
be required to use program performance measures in a performance report 
due thirty (30) days after the end of the second quarter and to provide 
an end-of-year assessment of the accomplishments of the project using 
these measures. The end-of-year or final performance report is due 90 
days after the end of the budget year. Once the project is awarded, the 
evaluation criteria, along with the assigned weight value, to be used 
for measuring the MBDC project performance on an ongoing basis are:
    1. The number of completed work products (20);
    2. The dollar value of transactions (40);
    3. The number of Strategic Partners (20);
    4. Operational Quality (20)
     Number of new clients (5);
     Number of Client Service Hours (5);
     Client Satisfaction (5);
     Management Score (5).
    The minimum performance goals required for the above listed 
performance measures for each of the solicited geographic service areas 
are outlined under the Funding Availability sub-heading for each 
geographic service area. The minimum performance goals are listed on an 
annual basis and will be broken out into quarterly increments by 
recipients, within 30 days after the award, for actual evaluation 
purposes.

Definitions

    Completed Work Product--Completed work product consists of work 
assignments which the project performs under a professional engagement 
of an eligible client firm. For a task to constitute completed work 
product it is necessary that the task:
    (1) be one requiring the business expertise of the project staff;
    (2) be agreed to by the client;
    (3) be fully completed and delivered to the client; and
    (4) be performed in a high quality and professional manner.
    Dollar Value of Transactions--The dollar value of completed 
financial transactions represents the total principal value of executed 
contracts, approved loans, equity financing, acquisitions, mergers, or 
other binding financial agreements secured by clients of the project, 
with the assistance of project staff. For purposes of this performance 
element, eligible financial transactions are those which have a 
specific dollar value, and which increase the revenues of the client 
firm, expand its capital base, or produce some other direct commercial 
benefit for client firms. In order to be deemed complete, a financial 
transaction must be documented by an executed and binding agreement 
between the client firm and a party capable of performing its 
obligations under the terms of the agreement.
    MBDA recognizes that the financial obligations evidenced by these 
transactions may be long-term, and require performance over an extended 
period. Consequently it is not necessary that the funds or other 
financial value specified under the agreements have actually changed 
hands for the project to receive credit under this performance element, 
so long as the agreement of the parties is documented and binding.
    Strategic Partners--Strategic partners are those organizations with 
whom the recipient enters into specific agreements for mutual support. 
Strategic partners may be either public or private sector institutions, 
must have a clear mission, and must have a permanent organizational 
structure. Individuals or organizations that have a loosely defined 
structure or that operate on an ad hoc basis will not be considered as 
strategic partners for purposes of this performance element. MBDA will 
have no relationship with or responsibility to strategic partners.

[[Page 52076]]

    In order to get credit for obtaining a strategic partner, a project 
operator must prepare a written agreement identifying:
    (1) the responsibilities and duties which the project and the 
strategic partner each agree to undertake;
    (2) the resources which each party agrees to commit to the 
partnership;
    (3) the goals which the project and the strategic partner each seek 
to achieve by entering into the partnership; and
    (4) the point of contact within the strategic partner organization 
for issues involving the partnership.
    (5) that strategic partners will not be allowed to charge and 
collect fees for services related to the project.
    Operational Quality--Operational quality refers to the quality and 
effectiveness of the project operator's delivery of client services, as 
evidenced by the following performance elements relating to the day-to-
day management of the project:
    (a) number of new clients;
    (b) number of client service hours;
    (c) client satisfaction; and
    (d) management assessment.
    Client satisfaction will be determined through a consultation 
process with clients of the individual MBDC. The consultation will be 
used to rate the level of quality for client satisfaction.
    The management assessment reflects MBDA's own evaluation of the 
overall management of the project, based on the Agency's internal 
review of the project's operations. The management assessment reflects 
such areas as the development of written engagement letters and work 
plans, proper staffing, adherence to scheduled work hours, 
recordkeeping, and any other areas which MBDA may deem to be relevant 
to determining the overall quality of the project's operations.

Performance Standards

    The year-to-date performance of an MBDC will be based on the 
following rating system:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum required percent of goals needed   Minimum required points needed
        for each rating category              for each rating category               Rating categories
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
100% and above*.........................  Above 100**....................  Excellent.
At least 90%............................  90-100.........................  Commendable.
At least 80%............................  80-90..........................  Good.
At least 75%............................  75-79..........................  Satisfactory.
At least 70%............................  70-74..........................  Marginal.
Below 70%...............................  Below 70.0.....................  Unsatisfactory.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Not to exceed 110%.
**Not to exceed 110 points.

Performance Incentives

    MBDA recognizes and rewards those MBDCs that have maintained high 
performance throughout their award (three funding periods). MBDCs can 
earn additional 2 bonus funding periods without competition based upon 
their overall actual year-to-date performance for the duration of the 
award. The MBDC Performance Standards outlined above allow each MBDC 
with an overall ``excellent'' rating for its performance during the 
initial competitive funding period to qualify for up to 2 additional 
funding periods without further competition. A year-to-date excellent 
rating for the first two funding periods and part of the third funding 
period of an award will result in ``bonus funding periods'' as follows:
     Performance of at least 25% above the minimum goal in each 
performance element for at least 28 months will allow an MBDC to 
receive one bonus funding period. Therefore, the award can total up to 
four funding periods prior to a required competition.
     Performance of at least 25% above the minimum goal in each 
performance element for at least 6 months of the first bonus funding 
period will allow an MBDC to receive a second bonus funding period. 
Therefore, the award can total up to five funding periods prior to a 
required competition.
    No MBDC award may be longer than five funding periods without 
competition no matter what an MBDC's performance happens to be.
    Funding Availability: MBDA anticipates that a total of 
approximately $7.1 million will be available in FY 2001 for Federal 
assistance under this program. Applicants are hereby given notice that 
funds have not yet been appropriated for this program. In no event will 
MBDA or the Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal 
preparation costs if this program fails to receive funding or is 
canceled because of other agency priorities.
    Financial assistance awards under this program may range from 
$155,000 to $400,375 in Federal funding per year based upon minority 
population, the size of the market and its need for MBDA resources. 
Applicants must submit project plans and budgets for three years. The 
annual awards must have Scopes of Work that are clearly severable and 
can be easily separated into annual increments of meaningful work that 
will produce measurable programmatic objectives. Maintaining the 
severability of each annual funding request is necessary to ensure the 
orderly management and closure of a project in the event funding is not 
available for the second or third year continuation of the project. 
Projects will be funded for no more than one year at a time. Funding 
for subsequent years will be at the sole discretion of the Department 
of Commerce (DoC) and will depend on satisfactory performance by the 
recipient and the availability of funds to support the continuation of 
the project.

Geographic Service Areas

    An operator must provide services to eligible clients within its 
specified geographic service area. MBDA has defined the service area 
for each award below. To determine its geographic service areas, MBDA 
uses states, counties, Metropolitan Areas (MA), which comprise 
metropolitan statistical areas (MSA), consolidated metropolitan 
statistical areas (CMSA), and primary metropolitan statistical areas 
(PMSA) as defined by the OMB Committee on MAs (http://www.whitehouse.gov/OMB/inforeg/index.html) and other demographic 
boundaries as specified herein. Services to eligible clients outside of 
an operator's specified service area may be requested, on a case-by-
case basis, through the appropriate MBDA Regional Director and granted 
by the Grants Officer.

1. MBDC Application: Atlanta

    Geographic Service Area: Atlanta, Georgia MA.
    Award Number: 04-10-20001-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $276,471. The total 
Federal amount is $235,000. The application must include

[[Page 52077]]

a minimum cost share of 15% or $41,471 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 125.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $14,117,647.
    Number of New Clients: 147.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,500.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Atlanta Regional Office at (404) 730-3300.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Robert Henderson, Regional Director.

2. MBDC Application: Louisville

    Geographic Service Area: Louisville, Kentucky MA.
    Award Number: 04-10-20002-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $182,353. The total 
Federal amount is $155,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $27,353 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 106.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $12,000,000.
    Number of New Clients: 125.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,125.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Atlanta Regional Office at (404) 730-3300.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit contact 
Robert Henderson, Regional Director.

3. MBDC Application: Miami/Ft. Lauderdale

    Geographic Service Area: Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Florida MAs.
    Award Number: 04-10-20003-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain a satellite office in Fort 
Lauderdale, to service the Fort Lauderdale MA, while maintaining the 
MBDC principle office in the Miami MA.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $398,529. The total 
Federal amount is $338,750. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $59,779 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 188.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $21,176,471.
    Number of New Clients: 221.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 3,750.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Atlanta Regional Office at (404) 730-3300.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit contact 
Robert Henderson, Regional Director.

4. MBDC Application: Puerto Rico Islandwide

    Geographic Service Area: Puerto Rico ``Islandwide''.
    Award Number: 04-10-20004-01.
    By consolidating the MBDC under an islandwide concept, we save 
Federal funds while continuing to offer quality service to eligible 
clients in Puerto Rico. This action allows for coverage of both the 
metropolitan and rural areas of Puerto Rico. The principle office of 
the ``Islandwide'' MBDC will be located in San Juan. The largest areas 
of minority business concentration are in San Juan, Ponce and Mayaguez. 
Satellite offices will be put in place to cover the Ponce and Mayaguez 
areas.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $452,941. The total 
Federal amount is $385,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $67,941 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 250.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $28,235,294.
    Number of New Clients: 294.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 5,000.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Atlanta Regional Office at (404) 730-3300.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Robert Henderson, Regional Director.

5. MBDC Application: Raleigh/Durham/Charlotte

    Geographic Service Areas: Raleigh/Durham/Charlotte, North Carolina 
MAs.
    Award Number: 04-10-20005-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain a satellite office in the 
Charlotte, North Carolina MA as well as maintain the MBDC principle 
office in the Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina MA.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $276,471. The total 
Federal amount is $235,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $41,471 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 156.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $17,647,059.
    Number of New Clients: 184.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 3,125.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Atlanta Regional Office at (404) 730-3300.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Robert Henderson, Regional Director.

6. MBDC Application: South Carolina Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of South Carolina.
    The recipient is required to maintain the MBDC principle office in 
Columbia, South Carolina MA.
    Award Number: 04-10-20006-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $452,941. The total 
Federal amount is $385,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $67,941 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 250.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $28,235,294.
    Number of New Clients: 294.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 5,000.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Atlanta Regional Office at (404) 730-3300.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Robert Henderson, Regional Director.

7. MBDC Application: Chicago

    Geographic Service Area: Chicago, Illinois MA.
    The applicant is required to maintain the MBDC primary office 
centrally located in the City of Chicago.
    Award Number: 05-10-20001-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $422,647. The total 
Federal amount is $359,250. The application must include

[[Page 52078]]

a minimum cost share of 15% or $63,397 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 231.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $26,117,647.
    Number of New Clients: 272.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 4,625.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Chicago Regional Office at (312) 353-0182.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Carlos Guzman, Regional Director.

8. MBDC Application: Ohio Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of Ohio.
    Award Number: 05-10-20002-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain the MBDC in the Cincinnati, 
Ohio MA.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $188,235. The total 
Federal amount is $160,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $28,235 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 106.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $12,000,000.
    Number of New Clients: 125.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,125.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Chicago Regional Office at (312) 353-0182.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Carlos Guzman, Regional Director.

9. MBDC Application: Corpus Christi

    Geographic Service Area: Corpus Christi, Texas MA.
    Award Number: 06-10-20001-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $182,353. The total 
Federal amount is $155,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $27,353 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 106.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $12,000,000.
    Number of New Clients: 125.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,125.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Dallas Regional Office at (214) 767-8001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
John Iglehart, Regional Director.

10. MBDC Application: Dallas

    Geographic Service Area: Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas MAs.
    Award Number: 06-10-20002-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $434,706. The total 
Federal amount is $369,500. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $65,206 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 237.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $26,823,529.
    Number of New Clients: 279.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 4,750.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Dallas Regional Office at (214) 767-8001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
John Iglehart, Regional Director.

11. MBDC Application: Denver

    Geographic Service Area: Denver, Colorado MA.
    Award Number: 06-10-20003-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $204,876. The total 
Federal amount is $174,145. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $30,731 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 106.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $12,000,000.
    Number of New Clients: 125.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,125.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Dallas Regional Office at (214) 767-8001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
John Iglehart, Regional Director.

12. MBDC Application: El Paso

    Geographic Service Area: El Paso, Texas MA.
    Award Number: 06-10-20004-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $182,353. The total 
Federal amount is $155,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $27,353 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 106.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $12,000,000.
    Number of New Clients: 125.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,125.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Dallas Regional Office at (214) 767-8001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
John Iglehart, Regional Director.

13. MBDC Application: Houston

    Geographic Service Area: Houston, Texas MA.
    Award Number: 06-10-20005-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $471,029. The total 
Federal amount is $400,375. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $70,654 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 259.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $29,294,118.
    Number of New Clients: 305.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 5,188.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Dallas Regional Office at (214) 767-8001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
John Iglehart, Regional Director.

14. MBDC Application: New Mexico Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of New Mexico.
    Award Number: 06-10-20006-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain the MBDC in Albuquerque, New 
Mexico MA.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $258,824. The total 
Federal amount is

[[Page 52079]]

$220,000. The application must include a minimum cost share of 15% or 
$38,824 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC:
    Completed Work Products: 144.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $16,235,294.
    Number of New Clients: 169.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,875.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Dallas Regional Office at (214) 767-8001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
John Iglehart, Regional Director.

15. MBDC Application: Oklahoma City

    Geographic Service Area: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma MA.
    Award Number: 06-10-20007-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $182,353. The total 
Federal amount is $155,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $27,353 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 106.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $12,000,000.
    Number of New Clients: 125.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,125.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Dallas Regional Office at (214) 767-8001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
John Iglehart, Regional Director.

16. MBDC Application: San Antonio

    Geographic Service Area: San Antonio, Texas MA.
    Award Number: 06-10-20008-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $317,647. The total 
Federal amount is $270,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $47,647 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 179.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $20,117,647.
    Number of New Clients: 210.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 3,563.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Dallas Regional Office at (214) 767-8001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
John Iglehart, Regional Director.

17. MBDC Application: Manhattan/Bronx

    Geographic Service Area: The Boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx, 
New York.
    Award Number: 02-10-20001-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain the MBDC in the Borough of 
Manhattan.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $295,294. The total 
Federal amount is $251,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $44,294 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 167.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $18,352,941.
    Number of New Clients: 196.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 3,250.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the New York Regional Office at (212) 264-3262.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Heyward Davenport, Regional Director.

18. MBDC Application: New Jersey Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of New Jersey.
    Award Number: 02-10-20002-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain the MBDC in the Newark, New 
Jersey MA.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $338,235. The total 
Federal amount is $287,500. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $50,735 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 188.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $21,176,471.
    Number of New Clients: 221.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 3,750.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the New York Regional Office at (212) 264-3262.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Heyward Davenport, Regional Director.

19. MBDC Application: Philadelphia

    Geographic Service Area: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MA.
    Award Number: 02-10-20003-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $276,471. The total 
Federal amount is $235,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $41,471 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 156.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $17,647,059.
    Number of New Clients: 184.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 3,125.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the New York Regional Office at (212) 264-3262.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Heyward Davenport, Regional Director.

20. MBDC Application: Queens/Brooklyn

    Geographic Service Area: The Boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn, New 
York.
    Award Number: 02-10-20004-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain the MBDC in the Borough of 
Queens.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $276,471. The total 
Federal amount is $235,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $41,471 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 156.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $17,647,059.
    Number of New Clients: 184.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 3,125.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the New York Regional Office at (212) 264-3262.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Heyward Davenport, Regional Director.

[[Page 52080]]

21. MBDC Application: Williamsburg (Brooklyn)

    Geographic Service Area: Williamsburg, in the Borough of Brooklyn, 
New York.
    Award Number: 02-10-20005-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $374,412. The total 
Federal amount is $318,250. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $56,162 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 207.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $23,294,118.
    Number of New Clients: 243.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 4,125.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the New York Regional Office at (212) 264-3262.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit contact 
Heyward Davenport, Regional Director.

22. MBDC Application: Alaska Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of Alaska.
    Award Number: 09-10-20001-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain the MBDC in the Fairbanks, 
Alaska MA.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $182,353. The total 
Federal amount is $155,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $27,353 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 106.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $12,000,000.
    Number of New Clients: 125.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,125.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the San Francisco Regional Office at (415) 744-3001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Melda Cabrera, Regional Director.

23. MBDC Application: Arizona Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of Arizona.
    Award Number: 09-10-20002-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $258,824. The total 
Federal amount is $220,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $38,824 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 144.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $16,235,294.
    Number of New Clients: 169.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,875.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the San Francisco Regional Office at (415) 744-3001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Melda Cabrera, Regional Director.

24. MBDC Application: Honolulu

    Geographic Service Area: Honolulu, Hawaii MA.
    Award Number: 09-10-20003-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $288,235. The total 
Federal amount is $245,000. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $43,235 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 162.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $18,352,941.
    Number of New Clients: 191.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 3,250.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the San Francisco Regional Office at (415) 744-3001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit contact: 
Melda Cabrera, Regional Director.

25. MBDC Application: East Los Angeles County

    Geographic Service Area: the boundaries of the East Los Angeles 
County MBDC are as follows: Boundaries on the North by the Los Angeles 
County and Kern County Line, boundaries on the South by the Santa Ana 
Freeway (5) and the Orange County Line, boundaries on the West by the 
Pasadena Freeway (110) and the Arroyo Parkway in the City of Pasadena, 
boundaries on the East by Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.
    Award Number: 09-10-20004-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $398,529. The total 
Federal amount is $338,750. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $59,779 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 218.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $24,705,882.
    Number of New Clients: 257.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 4,375.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the San Francisco Regional Office at (415) 744-3001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit contact 
Melda Cabrera, Regional Director.

26. MBDC Application: South Los Angeles County

    Geographic Service Area: Boundaries for the South Los Angeles 
County MBDC are as follows: boundaries on the North by the Santa Monica 
Freeway (10), boundaries on the South by the Coast and the Los Angeles 
County and Orange County Line, boundaries on the West by the Coast, 
boundaries on the East by the Santa Ana Freeway (5) and the Los Angeles 
County Line.
    Award Number: 09-10-20005-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $432,294. The total 
Federal amount is $367,450. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $64,844 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 236.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $26,682,353.
    Number of New Clients: 278.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 4,725.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the San Francisco Regional Office at (415) 744-3001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application contact Melda 
Cabrera, Regional Director.

27. MBDC Application: West Los Angeles County MBDC

    Geographic Service Area: The boundaries of the West Los Angeles 
County MBDC are as follows: boundaries on the North by the Los

[[Page 52081]]

Angeles County and Kern County Line, boundaries on the South by the 
Santa Monica Freeway (10), boundaries on the West by the Los Angeles 
County and Ventura County line, boundaries on the East by the Harbor 
Freeway (110) and Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena City.
    Award Number: 09-10-20006-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of the three 12-month funding periods from January 
1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, is estimated at $381,647. The total 
Federal amount is $324,400. The application must include a minimum cost 
share of 15% or $57,247 in non-Federal contributions.
    The minimum goals for the MBDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 210.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $23,717,647.
    Number of New Clients: 247.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 4,200.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the San Francisco Regional Office at (415) 744-3001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit contact: 
Melda Cabrera, Regional Director.

Matching Requirements

    Cost sharing of at least 15% is required. Cost sharing is the 
portion of the project cost not borne by the Federal Government. 
Applicants can meet this requirement in any of the following four means 
or a combination thereof: (1) Cash contributions, (2) non-cash 
applicant contributions, (3) third party in-kind contributions, and (4) 
client fees.
    Additional cost sharing is encouraged. Client fees charged for 
services rendered may range from $10 to $60 per hour based on the gross 
receipts of the client's business ranging from $0 to $5 million and 
above. One way an MBDC may use to help meet its cost sharing goal is by 
charging fees for services rendered. If the MBDC chooses to charge 
fees, there are policy restrictions with which it must comply:
    First, client fees charged for one-on-one assistance must be based 
on a rate of $100 per hour. Second, the MBDC must set fee rates based 
on the following chart:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Base rate for    Percent of
                    Gross receipts of client                         services      cost borne by  Client fee per
                                                                     rendered         client           hour
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0-99,999.......................................................         $100.00              10          $10.00
100,000-299,999.................................................          100.00              20           20.00
300,000-999,999.................................................          100.00              30           30.00
1 Million-2,999,999.............................................          100.00              40           40.00
3 Million-4,999,999.............................................          100.00              50           50.00
5 Million and Above.............................................          100.00              60           60.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Third, the MBDC must contribute cash for uncollected fees that were 
included as part of the cost sharing contribution committed for this 
award. Fourth, client fees applied directly to the award's cost sharing 
requirement must be used in furtherance of the program objectives.

Type of Funding Instrument

    Financial assistance awards in the form of cooperative agreements 
will be used to fund this program. MBDA's substantial involvement with 
recipients will include performing the following duties to further the 
MBDC's objectives:
    a. Post-Award Conferences--MBDA shall conduct post-award 
conferences for all MBDC award recipients to insure that each MBDC has 
a clear understanding of the program and its components. The conference 
will: (1) Provide an MBDA Directory for MBDCs, Orient MBDC program 
officers; (2) Explain program reporting requirements and procedures; 
and (3) Identify available resources that can enhance the capabilities 
of the MBDC. Provide detailed information about MBDA's business and 
other information systems.
    b. Networking, Promotion and Information Exchange--MBDA shall 
provide the following: (1) Access to business information systems, 
which support the work of the MBDC, as described in the Enhancing the 
MBDCs Through Technology section. This information will be provided by 
MBDA's Office of Information Technology. The specific information 
systems and access to them will be provided at the time of the award 
for a particular MBDC; (2) Sponsor one national and at least one 
regional conference; (3) Expand the Phoenix data bank of minority-owned 
firms by requiring other MBDA-funded programs to provide additional 
entries; (4) Promote the exchange of business opportunity information 
within the MBDA funded system using the Phoenix and Opportunity 
databases located at www.mbda.gov; (5) Work closely with the MBDC to 
establish a system in which procurement and contract opportunities can 
be shared with the network of MBDCs. This system will include 
opportunities identified throughout the MBDA network using the Phoenix 
and Opportunity databases located at www.mbda.gov; (6) Help promote 
special events to be scheduled at the local community, state and 
national levels in celebration of MED Week, which occurs annually; and 
(7) Identify Federal, state and local governments, and private sector 
market opportunities to the MBDCs using the Phoenix and Opportunity 
databases located at www.mbda.gov.
    c. Project Monitoring--MBDA will systematically monitor the 
performance of the MBDC. This monitoring includes regular review of 
data input to the performance database system, assessment of the end of 
the second quarter progress report, and an on-site review, when deemed 
necessary and appropriate by the regional office, of the center's 
client files to verify MBDC performance, reported assistance and 
interviews with clients assisted. In consultation with clients of the 
individual MBDC, MBDA will assess the Center's effectiveness in 
providing business development services to their respective minority 
business communities. MBDA will then provide a report of findings and 
recommendations for improvement as a result of evaluations and 
monitoring visits. MBDA will approve qualifications of key MBDC staff 
and respond in a timely manner to correspondence requesting MBDA 
action.

Eligibility Criteria

    For-profit and non-profit organizations (including sole-
proprietorships), state and local government entities, American Indian 
Tribes, and educational institutions are eligible to operate MBDCs.

Award Period

    The total award period is three (3) years. Funding will be provided

[[Page 52082]]

annually at the discretion of MBDA and DoC, and will depend upon 
satisfactory performance by the recipient and availability of funds to 
continue the project. Project proposals accepted for funding will not 
compete for funding in subsequent funding periods within the approved 
award period. Publication of this notice does not obligate MBDA or DoC 
to award any specific cooperative agreement or to obligate all or any 
part of available funds.

Indirect Costs

    The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an 
application under this program 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.

Application Forms and Package

    Standard Forms 424, Application for Federal Assistance; 424A, 
Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs; and 424B, Assurances-Non-
Construction Programs, SF-LLL (Rev. 7-97); Department of Commerce 
forms, CD-346, Applicant for Funding Assistance, CD-511, Certifications 
Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility matters: Drug-
Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying, CD-512, Certifications 
Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-
Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying shall be used in applying 
for financial assistance. These forms may be obtained by (1) contacting 
MBDA as described in the ``CONTACT'' section above; (2) by downloading 
Standard forms at http://www.whitehouse.gov/OMB/grants/index; (3) and 
Department of Commerce forms may be downloaded at www.doc.gov/forms, or 
(4) by applying on-line via the World Wide Web at MBDA's web site 
located at www.mbda.gov/e-grants.

Proposal Format

    The structure of the proposal should contain the following 
headings, in the following order:

I. Table of Contents
II. Program Narrative
    1. Applicant Capability
    2. Resources
    3. Techniques and Methodologies
    4. Costs
III. Forms
    Pages of the proposal should be numbered consecutively.

Project Funding Priorities

    MBDA is especially interested in receiving innovative proposals 
that focus on the following: (1) Identifying and working to eliminate 
barriers which limit the access of minority businesses to markets and 
capital; (2) identifying and working to meet the special needs of 
minority businesses seeking to obtain large-scale contracts (in excess 
of $500,000) with institutional customers; and (3) promoting the 
understanding and use of Electronic Commerce by the minority business 
community.

Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals will be evaluated and applicants will be selected based 
on the following criteria.

1. Applicant Capability (45 points)

    The applicant's proposal will be evaluated with respect to the 
applicant firm's experience and expertise in providing the work 
requirements listed. Specifically, the proposals will be evaluated as 
follows:
     Experience in and knowledge of the minority business 
sector and strategies for enhancing its growth and profitability (10 
points);
     Resources and professional relationships within the 
corporate, banking and investment community that may be beneficial to 
minority-owned firms (10 points);
     Experience and expertise in advocating on behalf of 
minority businesses, both as to specific transactions in which a 
minority business seeks to engage, and as to broad market advocacy for 
the benefit of the minority community at large (10 points); and
     Assessment of the qualifications, experience and proposed 
role of staff who will operate the project, including possessing the 
expertise in utilizing information systems as contemplated under the 
Computer Requirements section of this Notice (15 points).
    Qualifications of the project director of the MBDC are of 
particular importance and must be included as part of the application, 
along with an original college transcript, as appropriate. Position 
descriptions and qualification standards for all staff should be 
included as part of the application. Applicants must provide a copy of 
their Articles of Incorporation, by-laws and IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit 
letter or other evidence of non-profit status.

2. Resources (25 points)

    The applicant's proposal will be evaluated according to the 
following sub-criteria:
     Discuss how you plan to recruit, establish and maintain 
the network of 15 Strategic Partners (10 points).
     Discuss how you plan to accomplish the computer hardware 
and software requirements (5 points).
     Discuss those resources (not included as part of the cost-
sharing arrangement) that will be used. Include commitment letters from 
those resources listed and indicate their willingness to work with the 
applicant. These resources can include such items as computer 
facilities, voluntary staff time and space, and financial resources. 
Three to five letters of support (with telephone numbers) from business 
or community organizations should be included from those resources 
willing to work with the applicant (10 points).

3. Techniques and Methodologies (20 points)

    The applicant's proposal will be evaluated with respect to the 
proposed action plans and operation techniques. Specifically, the 
proposals will be evaluated as follows:
     The applicant's specific plan-of-action detailing how each 
work requirement, except for Strategic Partners which is addressed 
under Resources, will be met and how the techniques to be used will be 
implemented. The applicant will be evaluated on how effectively and 
efficiently all staff time will be used to achieve the work 
requirements (10 points).
     Discuss each performance measure by relating each one to 
the financial, information and market resources available in the 
geographic service area to the applicant and how the goals will be met 
(10 points).

4. Proposed Budget and Supporting Budget Narrative (10 points)

    The applicant's proposal will be evaluated on the following sub-
criteria:
     Reasonableness, allowability and allocability of costs (5 
points).
     Proposed cost sharing of 15% is required. The non-Federal 
share must be adequately documented (5 points).
     Cost sharing which exceeds 15% will be awarded bonus 
points on the following scale: 16-20%--1 point; 21-25%--2 points; 26-
30%--3 points; 31-35%--4 points; and over 36%--5 points.
    An application must receive an average of at least 70% of the total 
points available for all four evaluation criteria in order for the 
application to be considered for funding.
    Indirect Costs: The indirect cost policies contained in OMB 
Circulars A-21, A-87 and A-122 will apply to MBDA awards for its 
business development programs. Indirect costs are those costs proposed 
for common or

[[Page 52083]]

joint objectives and which cannot be readily identified with a 
particular cost objective. Therefore, if the MBDA award is to be the 
sole source of support for the applicant organization, all costs are 
direct costs and no indirect costs should be proposed.
    Organizations with indirect costs that do not have an established 
indirect cost rate negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal 
agency may still propose indirect costs. For the recipient to recover 
indirect costs, however, the proposed budget must include a line item 
for such costs. Also, the recipient must prepare and submit a cost 
allocation plan and indirect cost rate proposal as required by 
applicable OMB circulars (A-21, A-87 and A-122). The allocation plan 
and the rate proposal must be submitted to the Department's Office of 
Inspector General (OIG) for review and approval within 90 days from the 
effective date of the proposed award.
    Audit Costs: Audits shall be performed in accordance with audit 
requirements contained in Office of Management and Budget Circular A-
133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, 
revised June 30, 1997. OMB Circular A-133 requires that non-profit 
organizations, government agencies, Indian tribes and educational 
institutions expending $300,000 or more in federal funds during a one-
year period conduct a single audit in accordance with guidelines 
outlined in the circular. Applicants are reminded that the Office of 
Inspector General may conduct other audits.
    Management Fee: For-profit as well as not-for-profit organizations 
may negotiate their management fees, but they shall not exceed 7% of 
total estimated direct costs (Federal plus non-Federal) for the 
proposed award.
    Program Income: Many of MBDA's business development services 
programs allow their awardees to charge a fee for services rendered to 
clients. Where applicable, fees are considered program income and shall 
be accounted for and may be used to finance the non-Federal cost-share 
of the project. Any excess fee income shall be used to further the 
program purpose in accordance with the terms and conditions of the 
award.

Selection Procedures

    Prior to the formal paneling process, each application will receive 
an initial screening to ensure that all required forms, signatures and 
documentation are present. Each application will receive an 
independent, objective review by a panel qualified to evaluate the 
applications submitted. The review panel will be made up of at least 
three independent reviewers who will review all applications based on 
the above criteria. The review panel will evaluate and rank the 
proposals.
    The Director of MBDA makes the final recommendation to the 
Department of Commerce Grants Officer regarding the funding of 
applications, taking into account the following selection criteria:
    1. The evaluations and rankings of the independent review panel;
    2. The degree to which applications address MBDA priorities as 
established under the project funding priorities;
    3. The availability of funding.

Unsuccessful Competition

    On occasion, competitive solicitations or competitive panels may 
produce less than optimum results, such as competition resulting in the 
receipt of no applications or competition resulting in all unresponsive 
applications received. If the competition results in the receipt of 
only one application, it may or may not require additional action from 
MBDA depending upon the competitive history of the area, the quality of 
the application received, and the time and cost limits involved. In the 
event that any or all of these conditions arise, MBDA shall take the 
most time and cost-effective approach available that is in the best 
interest of the Government. This includes, but is not limited to: (1) 
Re-competition or (2) Re-Paneling or (3) Negotiation.

Other Requirements

    1. Purchase of American-Made Equipment and Products: Applicants are 
hereby notified that they are encouraged, to the greatest extent 
practicable, to purchase American-made equipment and products with 
funding provided under this program.
    2. Paperwork Reduction Act: This Notice involves collections of 
information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act, which have been 
approved by OMB under OMB control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-
0040, and 0348-0046. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no 
person is required to respond to nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject 
to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB control number.
    3. Federal Policies and Procedures: Recipients and subrecipients 
are subject to all Federal laws and Federal and DoC policies, 
regulations, and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance 
awards.
    4. Past Performance: Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal 
awards may result in an application not being considered for funding.
    5. Preaward Activities: If applicants 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 may have been received, there is no obligation on the 
part of DoC to cover pre-award costs.
    6. No Obligation for Future Funding: If an applicant is selected 
for funding, DoC has no obligation to provide any additional future 
funding in connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase 
funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion 
of DoC.
    7. Delinquent Federal Debts: No award of Federal funds shall be 
made to an applicant who has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt 
until either (i) Delinquent account is paid in full, (ii) A negotiated 
repayment schedule is established and at least one payment is received, 
or (iii) Other arrangements satisfactory to DoC are made.
    8. Name Check Review: All non-profit 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.
    9. Primary Applicant Certifications: 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:
    (i). 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;
    (ii). 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;
    (iii) Anti-Lobbying: Persons (as defined at 15 CFR Part 28, Section 
105) are subject to the lobbying provisions of

[[Page 52084]]

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 prescribed above applies to 
applicants/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
    (iv) 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.
    10. Lower Tier Certifications: Recipients shall require 
applications/ 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 DoC. SF-LLL 
submitted by any tier recipient or subrecipient should be submitted to 
DoC in accordance with the instructions contained in the award 
document.
    11. False Statements: A false statement on an application for 
Federal financial assistance 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.
    12. Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
not subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of 
Federal Programs.''
    13. Executive Order 12866: This Notice was determined to be not 
significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866.

    Dated: August 14, 2000.
Courtland Cox,
Director, Minority Business Development Agency.
Juanita E. Berry,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, Minority Business Development Agency.
[FR Doc. 00-21858 Filed 8-25-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-21-P