[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 97 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35702-35704]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-12607]



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Part VI





Department of Commerce





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Economic Development Administration



National Technical Assistance, Training, Research, and Evaluation--
Request for Grant Proposals; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 97 / Monday, May 20, 2002 / Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development Administration

[Docket No. 991215339-2112-04]
RIN 0610-ZA14


National Technical Assistance, Training, Research, and 
Evaluation--Request for Grant Proposals

AGENCY: Economic Development Administration (EDA), Department of 
Commerce (DoC).

ACTION: Request for Grant Proposals (RFP) Upon Availability of Funds.

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SUMMARY: The role of government is to create conditions in which jobs 
are created, and in which people can find work. EDA is soliciting 
proposals to determine the role institutions of higher education can 
play in local and regional economic development and to conduct a 
demonstration project of faith-based and community organizations in 
economic development that will help our partners across the nation 
(states, regions and communities) create wealth and minimize poverty by 
promoting a favorable business environment to attract private capital 
investment and high skill, high wage jobs through world-class capacity 
building, infrastructure, business assistance, research grants and 
strategic initiatives. EDA will fulfill this mission by promoting 
progressive domestic business policies and growth, and by assisting 
states, communities, and individuals to achieve their highest economic 
potential.

DATES: Prospective applicants are advised that EDA will conduct a pre-
proposal conference on June 5, 2002, at 2:00 p.m. EDT in the Department 
of Commerce, Herbert C. Hoover Building, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., 
Washington, DC 20230, Room 1414, at which time questions regarding 
these projects can be answered. Potential applicants are encouraged to 
provide written questions by June 3, 2002 (see ADDRESSES section 
below). Prospective applicants unable to attend this pre-proposal 
conference may participate by teleconference. Teleconference 
information may be obtained by calling (202) 482-4085 between 8:30-4:30 
EDT on June 4, 2002.
    Proposals for funding under this program will be accepted through 
June 19, 2002, at either of the addresses provided below. Proposals 
received after 4:00 p.m. EDT, on June 19, 2002, will not be considered 
for funding.
    By June 28, 2002, EDA will notify proposers whether or not they 
will be given further funding consideration. Each successful proponent 
will be invited to submit an Application for Federal Assistance, OMB 
Control Number 0610-0094. Projects will be funded no later than 
September 30, 2002.

ADDRESSES:
    1. Proposals may be mailed to:
    John J. McNamee, Director, Research and National Technical 
Assistance Division, Economic Development Administration, Room 7019, 
U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, 
DC 20230, or
    2. Proposals may be hand-delivered to:
    John J. McNamee, Director, Research and National Technical 
Assistance Division, Economic Development Administration, Room 1874, 
U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, 
DC 20230.
    EDA will not accept proposals submitted by FAX.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John J. McNamee (202) 482-4085; e-
mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a previous notice published on March 1, 
2002 (67 FR 9544) EDA stated that it would publish a separate 
announcement for its National Technical Assistance, Training, Research, 
and Evaluation program. Pursuant to that notice, EDA publishes program 
requirements and solicits applications for this program.

I. Funding Availability

    Funding appropriated under Public Law 107-77 is available for the 
National Technical Assistance, Training, Research, and Evaluation 
program authorized by the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 
1965, as amended (Pub. L. 89-136, 42 U.S.C. 3121, et seq) and as 
further amended by the Economic Development Administration Reform Act 
of 1998 (Public Law 105-393). Funds in the amount of $1,601,000 have 
been appropriated for FY 2002 and shall remain available until 
expended. Awards will be in the form of grants or cooperative 
agreements. The average funding level in FY 2001 for National Technical 
Assistance investments was $108,000, and for Research and Evaluation 
investments was $43,000. EDA anticipates using only a portion of this 
funding for the two RFPs described below and has no preset allocation 
for the division of the $1,601,000 between any areas of special 
interest.

II. Authority

    The authority for the programs listed above is the Public Works and 
Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (Pub. L. 89-136, 42 U.S.C. 
3121 et seq), and as further amended by Public Law 105-393.

III. Eligibility

    The following entities are eligible to receive an award under this 
notice:
    1. Institutions of higher education or a consortium of institutions 
of higher education;
    2. A public or private nonprofit organization or association acting 
in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a state;
    3. For-profit organizations and private individuals;
    4. An Economic Development District;
    5. An Indian tribe;
    6. A state;
    7. A city, or other political subdivision of a state or a 
consortium of political subdivisions; or
    8. An area described in section 301(a).
    A copy of this list is also published at 13 CFR 300.2.

IV. Proposal Format

    Each proposal submitted must include:
    1. A description of how the researcher(s) intend(s) to carry out 
the scope of work (not to exceed 10 pages in length);
    2. A proposed budget and accompanying explanation;
    3. Resumes/qualifications of key staff (not to exceed two pages per 
individual, with an additional two pages allowed for a single summary 
description of all organizations/consultants named in the proposal); 
and
    4. A proposed schedule for completion of the project.

V. Evaluation and Selection Process

    To apply for an award under this request, an eligible recipient 
must submit a proposal to EDA during the specified timeframe, at one of 
the addresses specified above. Proposals that do not meet all items 
required or that exceed the page limitations of Section IV of this RFP, 
will be considered nonresponsive, and will not be returned to the 
proponents. Proposals that meet all the requirements will be evaluated 
by a review panel comprised of at least three members all of whom will 
be full-time federal employees. The panel first evaluates the proposals 
using the general evaluation criteria set forth in 13 CFR 304.1 and 
304.2. The panel then evaluates each proposal using the following 
criteria:
    (1) The quality of a proposal's response to the Scope of Work and 
other

[[Page 35703]]

requirements described in Section VI below;
    (2) The ability of the prospective applicant to successfully carry 
out the proposed activities; and
    (3) Cost to the federal government.
    The Assistant Secretary for Economic Development is the Selecting 
Official. He may or may not select highly rated proposals based on the 
evaluations provided by the review panel and the criteria set forth in 
13 CFR 307.10.
    If a proposal is selected, EDA will provide the proponent with an 
Application for Federal Assistance (OMB Control Number 0610-0094).

VI. Areas of Special Interest

    EDA is inviting proposals for National Technical Assistance, 
Training, Research, and Evaluation as described below.

A. Program: Research and Evaluation--(Pub. L. 89-136, as amended by 
Pub. L. 105-393, 42 U.S.C. 3147)

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.312 Research and 
Evaluation)

     Role of Institutions of Higher Education in Local and 
Regional Economic Development
    EDA invites proposals to examine how communities can harness the 
wealth of intellectual and technical resources of institutions of 
higher education in local and regional economic development.
    Background: Effective economic development depends on the 
participation of the major segments of a community. The wealth of 
intellectual and technical resources of institutions of higher 
education are often not fully tapped by the local community to promote 
economic development. Whether large or small, whether universities, 
four-year colleges, or community colleges, each institution of higher 
education already serves a unique role. Some promote economic 
development through research and teaching, providing the pool of 
educated workers needed for an increasingly technology-based economy. 
Others respond to the more localized training needs of community 
businesses. Often they are one of the larger employers in a community. 
However, some operate almost independently of the local community, 
while others are an integral part of the local economic development 
process and planning efforts.
    Institutions of higher education can be a powerful force when 
harnessed effectively to serve the local community. Their highly 
qualified staffs can help develop a community's vision, provide the 
research and data for effective long-range local planning, and bring a 
regional and national perspective to the local economic development 
efforts. EDA funds a network of University Centers at institutions of 
higher education. This research is not intended to examine the role of 
these Centers. Rather, it is intended to explore the contributing role 
that all universities and colleges can play in more fully meeting the 
economic development needs of their communities.
    Scope of Work: The successful applicant:
     Will identify and analyze the most common areas where 
universities effectively participate in the economic development of the 
community as well as barriers that prevent some from doing so.
     Will identify effective university-community partnerships 
for economic development that could be replicated by other universities 
and communities facing comparable situations.
     Will select a number of case studies for detailed review 
and analysis.
     Will suggest innovative approaches not presently used.
     Must prepare a report describing the selected case 
studies, the methodology used to select them, the lessons learned that 
would be of value to other universities and communities, and additional 
innovative practices.
     Conduct up to seven presentations of the study findings, 
as described in Section VII.B.
    Timing: This project must be completed and the final report 
submitted within one year of approval of the project

B. Program: National Technical Assistance--(Pub. L. 89-136, as amended 
by Pub. L. 105-393, 42 U.S.C. 3147)

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

     Demonstration project of faith-based and community 
organizations in economic development.
    EDA invites proposals to conduct a demonstration of the role of 
faith-based and community organizations in economic development, that 
will build on and advances the links between faith-based and community 
organizations with the broader economic development needs of a 
community.
    Background: The economic revitalization of many communities depends 
in great measure on the initiative of faith-based and community 
organizations. Such local organizations are in a position to understand 
the needs of their communities and to design programs that best address 
those needs. They have more trust from community members than do 
governmental agencies or those from outside who lack connections to the 
community. This trust in turn often leads to a sense of ownership by 
the community and enhances the likelihood of successful partnerships.
    Scope of Work: The successful applicant will propose an actual 
project that demonstrates an effective role of a faith-based or 
community organization in local economic development. This project:
     Must be conducted by an existing faith-based or community 
organization with a demonstrated track record of completing projects 
effectively.
     Must convene leaders of community-based and faith-based 
organizations in a roundtable to discuss issues and devise strategies 
for the role of faith-based and community-based organizations in rural 
and urban redevelopment.
     Will demonstrate what additional services are needed and 
how these services can be effectively integrated into a local economic 
development strategy. Such services may include technical assistance to 
small business, job training and placement, housing rehabilitation, 
microenterprise, and business incubators.
     Must maximize private investment that would not otherwise 
take place without the EDA investment.
     Must, by the nature of the project, have significant 
potential to generate lessons that can be applied to other communities.
     Must include reasonable job creation or retention as a 
result of the investment.
     May be an existing project that can be expanded to enhance 
its success or a new project. If it is a new project, it must be up and 
running within six months of grant approval.
     Must prepare a report describing the demonstration and 
lessons learned that would be of value to other faith-based or 
community organizations, and identify potential applicants that have 
the experience to have an impact on local communities.
     Conduct up to seven presentations as described in Section 
VII.B.
    Timing: Must either be completed within one year of project 
approval, or demonstrate that it can continue without additional 
federal funds.

VII. Other Information and Requirements

    EDA regulations at 13 CFR Chapter III are available on the EDA Web 
site www.doc.gov/eda. The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification

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Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the 
Federal Register notice of October 1, 2001 (66 FR 49917) are applicable 
to this solicitation and can be found on EDA's Web site www.doc.gov/eda. However, please note that the Department of Commerce will not 
implement the requirements of Executive Order 13202 (66 FR 49921), 
pursuant to guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget in 
light of a court opinion which found that the Executive Order was not 
legally authorized. See Building and Construction Trades Department v. 
Allbaugh, 172 F. Supp. 2d 138 (D.D.C. 2001). This decision is currently 
on appeal. When the case has been finally resolved, the Department will 
provide further information on implementation of Executive Order 13202. 
Certain Departmental and other requirements are noted below:
    A. Projects are expected to be completed in a timely manner 
consistent with the nature of the project. The completion date for each 
project is specified in the RFP.
    B. Each award includes a requirement that the successful 
applicant(s) conduct briefings and/or training workshops for 
individuals and organizations interested in the project results. The 
completion dates set forth above are only for completion of the project 
and submission of the written report. Briefings/workshops will take 
place no later than one year after submission of the final report. 
Locations and dates of the briefings/workshops are at EDA's sole 
discretion. Usually these consist of at least one briefing in 
Washington, DC, with the other briefings/workshops held in conjunction 
with one or more of EDA's regional conferences.
    C. Ordinarily, the applicant is expected to provide a 50% non-
federal share of project costs. However, EDA may reduce or waive the 
required 50% matching share of the total project costs, provided the 
applicant demonstrates: (1) The project is not feasible without a 
reduction or waiver and the project merits a reduction or waiver, or 
(2) the requirements of 13 CFR 301.4(b) are satisfied.
    D. Each award includes a requirement that the applicant submit an 
electronic version and 500 hard copies of the final report in formats 
acceptable to EDA.
    E. 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 (PRA) unless that 
collection of information displays a currently valid Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) control number. This notice involves a 
collection of information requirement subject to the provisions of the 
PRA and has been approved by OMB under Control Number 0610-0094. The 
EDA application (ED-900A), which incorporates the SF-424, are the forms 
in the EDA application kit, approved under the aforementioned OMB 
control number.
    F. If an application is selected for funding, EDA has no obligation 
to provide any additional future funding in connection with an award. 
Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of 
performance is at the sole discretion of EDA.
    G. EDA is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in the 
administration of all its programs.
    H. EDA will notify unsuccessful proposers in writing and 
unsuccessful proposals will be maintained for not more than three years 
from the date of receipt.
    I. This Notice has been determined to be ``not significant'' for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    J. It has been determined that this notice does not contain 
policies with Federalism implications as that term is defined in 
Executive Order 13132.
    K. Because notice and comment are not required under 5 U.S.C. 553, 
or any other law, for this notice relating to public property, loans, 
grants benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)), a Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis is not required and has not been prepared for this 
notice, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
    L. See EDA's Notice of Funding Availability for FY 2002 (67 FR 
9544, 3/1/2002) for additional information and requirements (available 
on the Internet at http://www.doc.gov/eda, under the heading ``Notice 
of Funding Availability.''

    Dated: May 15, 2002.
Mary C. Pleffner,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Economic Development.
[FR Doc. 02-12607 Filed 5-17-02; 8:45 am]
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