[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 167 (Monday, August 28, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52084-52096]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-21859]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Minority Business Development Agency

[Docket No. 000724218-0217-01]
RIN: 0640-ZA09


Solicitation of Applications for the Native American Business 
Development Center (NABDC) 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 
Native American Business Development Centers (NABDC) under its Native 
American Business Development Center Program. The new and enhanced 
NABDC Program is the successor to MBDA's Native American Business 
Development Center (NABDC) Program, for providing general business 
assistance to Native American-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 NABDC Program represents a significant programmatic and 
administrative enhancement of MBDA's traditional NABDC Program. In 
operation since 1982, the NABDCs provide generalized management and 
technical assistance and business development services to Native 
American business enterprises within their designated geographic 
service areas. The new and enhanced NABDC program described in this 
Notice updates the traditional NABDC 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 NABDCs can provide to their Native American 
business clients.
    In addition, the NABDC Program guidelines further increase the 
impact of the NABDC projects by requiring that project operators not 
only deploy their business assistance services to the Native American 
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 NABDC 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 NABDC Program are 
Native Americans, African Americans, Puerto Ricans, Spanish-speaking 
Americans, Aleuts, Asian Pacific Americans, Asian Indians, Eskimos and 
Hasidic Jews. References throughout this Notice to providing assistance 
to Native Americans also include eligible non-Native Americans listed 
in the preceding sentence. No service will be denied to any member of 
the eligible groups listed above.

DATES: The closing date for applications for each NABDC project is 
September 29, 2000. Anticipated time for processing of applications is 
120 days. MBDA anticipates that awards for the NABDC program will be 
made with a start date of January 1, 2001. Completed applications for 
the NABDC 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: Native American 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 (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

[[Page 52085]]

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 NABDC 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: North Carolina Cherokee/
Ashville, Minnesota Statewide, New Mexico Statewide, North/South Dakota 
Statewide, Oklahoma Statewide, California Statewide, Arizona Statewide, 
Northwest (Washington, Oregon, and Idaho).

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

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): 11.801 Native 
American Business Development Center Program.

Program Description

    For the past 18 years, MBDA has operated the NABDC Program as its 
approach for providing general business assistance and counseling to 
Native American business enterprises. MBDA established NABDCs in 
numerous cities throughout the country to assist in the development of 
local Native American firms. The NABDC Program was developed to address 
the needs of the majority of Native American-owned firms throughout the 
country at a basic level, and thus the traditional NABDCs are not 
designed to provide specialized expertise in any specific industry.
    Through its new and enhanced NABDC Program, MBDA is now providing 
major enhancements to the traditional NABDC 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 Native 
American firms within the project's geographic service area.

Background

    Under the original NABDC Program, MBDA traditionally operated as 
many as 10 Centers in strategic locations throughout the country, for 
the benefit of Native American entrepreneurs. MBDA selected locations 
for the establishment of these Centers based on the size of the 
population in those markets, and the number of Native American-owned 
companies, as established by U.S. Census Bureau data. While this 
approach to site selection continues under the new NABDC 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 NABDC Program, the new and enhanced 
NABDC Program will be a mainstay of MBDA's overall business development 
efforts. The new and enhanced NABDC Program is at the core of the 
Agency's comprehensive strategy for addressing the needs of growing 
Native American firms. Under this strategy, MBDA has identified the 
following four types of services which an NABDC 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 Native American 
community over the years. Hence the goal of this activity is to help 
Native American 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 Native American 
venture in the marketplace.
    3. Management and Technical Assistance--This component of MBDA's 
approach involves assisting Native American 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 Native American 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 NABDCs, the new and enhanced NABDCs will operate 
through the use of trained professional business counselors who will 
assist Native American entrepreneurs through direct client engagements. 
To date, MBDA has served more than 20,000 Native American 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 NABDCs Through Technology

    Over the past three years, MBDA has developed a variety of new 
technology tools designed to leverage the benefits of information 
technology to assist the Native American 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 NABDC Program 
strategy is to deploy these technology enhancements to all of the 
NABDCs, and create a state-of-the-art

[[Page 52086]]

environment for bringing Native American 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 NABDCs 
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 Native American business enterprises to search for business 
resources and locate them on a map--interactively on the Internet. 
Resource Locator can help Native American 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 Native American enterprises to shop for commercial loans 
online, and identify the best available financing terms. The Commercial 
Loan Identifier is designed to give Native American 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 NABDC network. Through the portal 
site, each NABDC will receive a standardized electronic toolkit of 
business development tools and applications. This ``electronic 
toolkit'' will provide important programmatic benefits for the NABDCs.
    Specifically:
     These electronic tools will help to streamline the process 
of delivering client assistance to Native American 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 NABDCs as important resources 
within their local markets.
     Finally, by participating in MBDA's nationwide high-speed 
network, each NABDC will be able to access the latest information 
regarding best practices, emerging market trends, success strategies, 
and other activities in the Native American business development arena.
    Current trends in technology, procurement streamlining, 
globalization, and a host of other market factors have had a dramatic 
impact on the Native American business community. Native American-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 NABDC 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 NABDC.
    Although it is not necessary for the applicant to have an office in 
the geographic service area, the NABDC 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 NABDC 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 
NABDC's doors have been fully opened to the public for service.
    An NABDC operator must provide services to all 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.
    NABDCs 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 Native American 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 
NABDC will make optimum use of the MBDA network to ensure that the 
information is made available to fellow operators, and to MBEs 
throughout the country.
    (b) Market Promotion which promotes Native American business 
development in the local business community by obtaining support from 
the community, as a whole for the utilization of Native American-owned 
business, is in the best interests of the local market.
    The NABDC 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 NABDC may utilize public service 
announcements and paid advertising. The NABDC 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 NABDC 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 NABDC shall carry out a plan-of-action 
that may include, but is not limited to, the following actions: (1) 
Publicize the NABDC and its services throughout the geographic service 
area; (2) Organize press briefings or distribute press releases for 
area newspapers; (3) Deliver speeches before key Native American 
audiences in the NABDC service area; (4) Secure a list of service area 
Native American vendors who are listed in MBDA's Phoenix System and use 
them in market promotion activities; (5) Interface with Native American 
Chambers of Commerce and trade associations for access to their mailing 
lists; (6) Communicate with bankers and other officers of financial 
institutions for

[[Page 52087]]

possible referrals of Native American entrepreneurs as existing 
prospective Native American clients to the NABDC; (7) Identify existing 
lists of successful Native American managers, professionals, technical 
experts and skilled crafts-people, who may have an interest in or 
exhibit qualifications for business ownership; (8) Develop an NABDC 
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 Native American 
entrepreneurs.
    c. Resource and Inventory Development which identifies local 
opportunities and resources as well as local Native American 
businesses, qualified to take advantage of them. This requirement will 
enable the NABDC 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 NABDC 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 Native American firms in MBDA's Phoenix database, which 
is a national inventory of Native American vendor firms capable of 
selling their goods and services to the public and private sector.
    (d) Match Opportunities and Close Transactions which matches 
eligible Native American entrepreneurs with specific viable businesses, 
market and/or capital opportunities. This function contributes to an 
NABDC's financial packaging and/or procurement performance goals, and 
is the only market development function outside of the standard client 
business assistance in which a portion of an NABDC's time can be 
directly associated to individual Native American 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 NABDC shall match qualified Native American 
entrepreneurs with identified opportunities and resources by: (1) 
Accessing vendor information systems, including the Phoenix/Opportunity 
databases; (2) Maintaining a constant awareness of the Native American 
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 NABDC are in a position to learn 
about available business opportunities, both formally and informally; 
(4) Engaging in relationship brokering between purchasing organization 
and individual Native American firms capable of fulfilling their 
requirements; and (5) Assisting in direct negotiations between 
purchasing organization and individual Native American firms, in 
appropriate cases, in order to help resolve issues, serve as an 
advocate for the Native American firm, or otherwise assist in bringing 
the transaction to closure.
2. Client Services
    To provide direct client assistance to Native American business 
enterprise on the basis of individualized professional engagements. 
Under these duties, the NABDC shall assist Native American firms and 
individuals, which have agreed in writing to become 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 NABDC 
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 
period may only be counted once in that funding period. Group sessions 
are one method an NABDC can use to provide business development 
services to Native American clients. This function may be subject to 
client fees and directly contributes to an NABDC's performance goals.
    Under this function, the NABDC shall provide assistance to eligible 
Native American firms and individuals (as referenced in Executive 
Orders 11625 and 12432) seeking assistance from the NABDC, including 
8(a) certified and graduate firms. However, the NABDC 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, 
Native American business owners should consider ISO 9000 or other 
quality assurance standards. The NABDC 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 approved by the Grants 
Officer of the Department of Commerce.
3. Operational Quality
    To maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of its overall 
operations as well as the quality of its client services.

[[Page 52088]]

These duties are the means by which an NABDC maintains the efficiency 
and effectiveness of its overall operations as well as the quality of 
its client services. The function directly contributes to an NABDC's 
overall qualitative evaluation and rating as well as the successful 
completion of all work requirements. Under this function, the NABDC 
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 NABDC'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 NABDC shall identify MBDA as the funding sponsor by 
providing signs worded as follows:

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

Native American Business Development Center \TM\

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

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

    These signs should be highly visible to the NABDC 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 NABDC 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 NABDC immediately when answering 
the telephone. If the recipient also requires that its organization's 
name be given, it should be provided only after the NABDC 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 Native American Business Development Center (NABDC) 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 Native American Business 
Development Center\TM\.
4. Developing and Maintaining a Network of Strategic Partners
    The work requirements for an award recipient under the NABDC 
Program include the development of a network of 3 alliances between the 
NABDC and key strategic partners selected by the recipient. The NABDC 
is required to establish the network of 3 Strategic Partners within 120 
days after the award. The NABDC is required to maintain these alliances 
throughout the duration of the award. The NABDC 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 Native American 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 Native American-
owned businesses seeking to obtain NABDC services. The Strategic 
Partner must at a minimum:
     Provide effective guidance to Native American 
entrepreneurs in accessing MBDA's computer-based business assistance 
tools which are available on-site at the Strategic Partner's location;
    Examples 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 NABDC 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 Native American 
entrepreneurs on a walk-in basis;
     Provide high-quality business counseling to Native 
American business enterprises if the Strategic Partner is one that 
offers direct client counseling;
     Provide intake services for the NABDC with respect to 
Native American firms who approach the Strategic Partner for assistance 
but require counseling by the NABDC;
     Provide Native American firms with high-quality referrals 
to outside resources where the firm has a need for specialized 
assistance which is outside the scope of the NABDC Program;
     Support the NABDC 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 Native American 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 NABDC 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 NABDCs Through 
Technology subsection of this Notice. The Strategic Partner will also 
be authorized to make public its relationship with MBDA through the 
NABDC 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 MBDA's information base of case studies, best 
practices, market research, and statistical data.

[[Page 52089]]

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, Native American-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 Native American 
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 
Native American 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 non-paid (volunteer) 
personnel, providing services directly to the eligible public under an 
award from

[[Page 52090]]

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 
Native American 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 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.
    In order to get credit for obtaining a strategic partner, a project 
operator must prepare a written agreement identifying:

[[Page 52091]]

    (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 NABDC. 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 NABDC 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 NABDCs that have maintained high 
performance throughout their award (three funding periods). NABDCs 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 NABDC Performance Standards outlined above allow each NABDC 
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 NABDC 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 NABDC to receive a second bonus funding period. 
Therefore, the award can total up to five funding periods prior to a 
required competition.
    No award may be longer than five funding periods without 
competition no matter what an NABDC's performance happens to be.
    Funding Availability: MBDA anticipates that a total of 
approximately $1.6 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 
$160,000 to $287,500 in Federal funding per year based upon Native 
American 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. Application: North Carolina Cherokee/Ashville

    Geographic Service Area: Cherokee/Ashville, North Carolina MA.
    Award Number: 04-10-20007-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain the primary NABDC on the 
Cherokee reservation and a satellite office in the Ashville, 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

[[Page 52092]]

December 31, 2003, is estimated at $188,000. The total Federal amount 
is $188,000. The minimum cost share of 15% is not required.
    The minimum goals for the NABDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 124.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $13,976,471.
    Number of New Clients: 146.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,475.
    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. Application: Minnesota Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of Minnesota.
    Award Number: 05-10-20003-01.
    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 $160,000. The total 
Federal amount is $160,000. The minimum cost share of 15% is not 
required.
    The minimum goals for the NABDC 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.

3. Application: New Mexico Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of New Mexico.
    Award Number: 06-10-20009-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain its NABDC in Albuquerque, New 
Mexico. 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 $188,000. The total 
Federal amount is $188,000. The minimum cost share of 15% is not 
required.
    The minimum goals for the NABDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 124.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $13,976,471.
    Number of New Clients: 146.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,475.
    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.

4. Application: North/South Dakota Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: States of North and South Dakota.
    Award Number: 06-10-20010-01.
    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 $155,000. The total 
Federal amount is $155,000. The minimum cost share of 15% is not 
required.
    The minimum goals for the NABDC 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.

5. Application: Oklahoma Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of Oklahoma.
    Award Number: 06-10-20011-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain the NABDC in the Tulsa, 
Oklahoma 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 $235,000. The total 
Federal amount is $235,000. The minimum cost share of 15% is not 
required.
    The minimum goals for the NABDC 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 Dallas Regional Office at (214) 767-8001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
John Iglehart, Regional Director.

6. Application: Arizona Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of Arizona.
    Award Number: 09-10-20007-01.
    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 $180,000. The total 
Federal amount is $180,000. The minimum cost share of 15% is not 
required.
    The minimum goals for the NABDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 119.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $13,411,765.
    Number of New Clients: 140.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,250.
    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.

7. Application: California Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of California.
    Award Number: 09-10-20008-01.
    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 $287,500. The total 
Federal amount is $287,500. The minimum cost share of 15% is not 
required.
    The minimum goals for the NABDC 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 San Francisco Regional Office at (415) 744-3001.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Melda Cabrera, Regional Director.

8. Application: Northwest

    Geographic Service Area: States of Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
    Award Number: 09-10-20009-01.
    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 $190,000. The total 
Federal amount is $190,000. The minimum cost share of 15% is not 
required.
    The minimum goals for the NABDC are:
    Completed Work Products: 125.
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $14,117,647.

[[Page 52093]]

    Number of New Clients: 147.
    Number of Client Service Hours: 2,500.
    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

    It is not required that an applicant for an award to operate an 
NABDC propose a cost-share contribution. Cost sharing is the portion of 
the project cost not borne by the Federal Government. However, an 
applicant may propose a cost-share contribution 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 for services rendered.
    If the NABDC chooses to contribute a cost-share amount by charging 
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 NABDC must set fee rates based 
on the following chart:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Base rate for
                   Gross receipts of client                        services     Percent of cost   Client fee per
                                                                   rendered     borne by 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 NABDC 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. Fifth, if the NABDC elects to charge fees, they must be 
charged to all eligible clients, regardless of minority group 
identification.

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 
NABDC's objectives:
    a. Post-Award Conferences--MBDA shall conduct post-award 
conferences for all NABDC award recipients to insure that each NABDC 
has a clear understanding of the program and its components. The 
conference will: (1) Provide an MBDA Directory for NABDCs. Orient NABDC 
program officers; (2) Explain program reporting requirements and 
procedures; and (3) Identify available resources that can enhance the 
capabilities of the NABDC. 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 NABDC, as described in the Enhancing the 
NABDCs 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 NABDC; (2) Sponsor one national and at least one 
regional conference; (3) Expand the Phoenix data bank of Native 
American-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 NABDC to establish a system in which procurement and contract 
opportunities can be shared with the network of NABDCs. 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 NABDCs using the Phoenix and 
Opportunity databases located at www.mbda.gov.
    c. Project Monitoring--MBDA will systematically monitor the 
performance of the NABDC. 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 NABDC performance, reported assistance and 
interviews with clients assisted. In consultation with clients of the 
individual NABDC, MBDA will assess the Center's effectiveness in 
providing business development services to their respective Native 
American 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 NABDC 
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 NABDCs.

Award Period

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

[[Page 52094]]

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 www.whitehouse.gov/OMB/grants/index.html; (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
I. Program Narrative
    1. Applicant Capability
    2. Resources
    3. Techniques and Methodologies
    4. Costs
II. 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 Native American businesses to 
markets and capital; (2) identifying and working to meet the special 
needs of Native American 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 
Native American 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 Native American 
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 
Native American-owned firms (10 points);
     Experience and expertise in advocating on behalf of Native 
American businesses, both as to specific transactions in which a Native 
American business seeks to engage, and as to broad market advocacy for 
the benefit of the Native American 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 NABDC are of 
particular importance and must be included as part of the application, 
along with an original copy of his/her college transcript and a letter 
committing to one (1) year's service. 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 3 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 (10 
points).
    Bonus Points: Proposed cost sharing, although not a requirement for 
NABDC application, will be awarded bonus points on the following scale: 
more than 0-5%--1 point; 6-10%--2 points; 11-15%--3 points; 16-20%--4 
points; and over 20%--5 points.
    An application must receive an average of at least 70% of the total 
points available for all four evaluation criterion, 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 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

[[Page 52095]]

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 other audits may 
be conducted by the Department's Office of Inspector General.
    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. MBDA anticipates that the review panel will be 
made up of at least three independent reviewers who 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 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

[[Page 52096]]

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. 00-21859 Filed 8-25-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-21-P