[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 210 (Wednesday, October 30, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66115-66125]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-27573]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Minority Business Development Agency

[Docket No. 000724218-2233-04]


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: Subject to the availability of fiscal year 2003 funds, the 
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting competitive 
applications, under its Native American Business Development Center 
(NABDC) Program, from organizations to operate a NABDC in the State of 
New Mexico. After reviewing the performance of the current operator of 
the New Mexico NABDC, MBDA has elected not to continue funding in 2003 
for the operator and to re-compete this geographic service area.

DATES: The closing date for applications for the NABDC project is 
November 29, 2002. MBDA anticipates that the award for the NABDC 
program will be made with a start date of January 1, 2003. Completed 
applications for the NABDC program must be (1) mailed (USPS postmark) 
to the NABDC Program Office (see: ADDRESSES); or (2) received by MBDA 
(see: ADDRESSES) no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

ADDRESSES: If the applicant or its representative mails the 
application, it must be mailed to: Native American Business Development 
Center Program Office, Office of Executive Secretariat, HCHB, Room 
5063, Minority Business Development Agency, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230.

[[Page 66116]]

    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.
    To submit an application electronically (see: SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION), you must go to http://www.mbda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, contact 
MBDA's Dallas Regional Office at (214) 767-8001. This office is located 
at 1100 Commerce Street, Suite 726, Dallas, Texas 75242.
    Pre-Application Conference: A Pre-Application Conference will be 
conducted on Wednesday, November 6, 2002 at 1 p.m. Central Time. The 
conference will be conducted at MBDA's Dallas Regional Office, 1100 
Commerce Street, Suite 726, Dallas, Texas 75242. Proper identification 
is required for entrance into any Federal building.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Applications postmarked later than the 
closing date or received after the closing date and time will not be 
considered.
    Applicants must submit one signed original plus two (2) copies of 
the application.
    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) The SF-424, 
Application for Federal Assistance; (2) the SF-424B, Assurances-Non-
Construction Programs; (3) the SF-LLL (Rev. 7-97) Disclosure of 
Lobbying Activities (if applicable); (4) the CD-346, Applicant for 
Funding Assistance (if applicable); and (5) the CD-511, Certifications 
Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-
Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying. MBDA's web site address to 
submit an application on-line is http://www.mbda.gov. 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.

    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: In order for the 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 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.
    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.
    MBDA is now providing major enhancements to the 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 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

    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.
    In addition, the enhanced NABDC Program is a mainstay of MBDA's 
overall business development efforts. The 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:
    Access to Markets--This involves assisting Minority Business 
Entrepreneurs (MBE) 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.
    Access to Capital--This involves assisting MBEs to secure the 
financial capital necessary to start-up, and thereafter to fuel growth 
and expansion

[[Page 66117]]

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.
    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.
    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.
    The 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 NABDC Program strategy is to deploy 
these technology enhancements to all of the NABDCs, and create a state-
of-the-art 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 or fax. 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 application.
    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. The 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 Geographic Information 
Systems (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:
    Market Building--To identify, develop and leverage public and 
private

[[Page 66118]]

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 
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, leverages resources for minority businesses 
and informs potential and current minority businesses of the 
availability of business development services through the NABDC.
    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 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 application 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 
database; (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.
    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

[[Page 66119]]

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. 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 database, Resource Locator, and other online tools 
located at http://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:

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(geographic area)
    Native American Business Development Center \TM\ Operated by --
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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\.

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:

[[Page 66120]]

    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, 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.

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, local area network 
(LAN) components and a connection to the Internet.
    At a minimum, the 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 connected in a Local Area Network (LAN), enabling 
communication with all workstations on the network. Adequate provision 
shall also be made for Internet connectivity from each workstation 
during 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 (e-mail) address available to the public. The 
award recipient shall design, develop and maintain a presence on the 
World Wide Web, and shall maintain appropriate computer and network 
security precautions during all periods of funding by MBDA. 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. 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), 
providing each staff person delivering services to the eligible public 
exclusive access to a computer workstation during all business hours. 
MBDA may, from time to time, designate certain configurations of the 
enterprise hardware and software to meet interface requirements. The 
local area network shall include adequate provision for the retention 
of necessary data in the event of a failure (centralized data storage 
and regular backups). The network shall be protected in accordance with 
security best practices, to include the installation and maintenance of 
a regularly updated antivirus product.
    2. Desktop Workstations: All desktop systems shall be not more than 
two (2) calendar years old at time of award and shall contain a 
processor (CPU) operating at speeds not less than 800 Megahertz (Mhz). 
Each desktop system shall contain a hard drive with a storage capacity 
of at least 10 GB. All desktop systems shall have installed software 
fully compatible with MS Office 97 Professional Edition or higher, and 
either Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x or higher or Netscape 6.x or 
higher. 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: Documentation 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 a relevant PC operating system and local area 
network (LAN) technology as described herein. While emphasis is placed 
on the provision of services via the MBDA web portal, from time to time 
MBDA may 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-

[[Page 66121]]

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 Microsoft Internet Explorer (5.x or 
higher) or Netscape 6.x or higher browser software using a 56Kb/s 
Internet 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 web portal (http://www.mbda.gov). For 
the 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 
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 for approval, 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 compliance with 
accessibility requirements will be prominently 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 hosting and/or access for the grantee, 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 the MBDA web portal (http://www.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 MBDA web 
portal (http://www.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. Performance data shall be 
entered by the person providing service to the client, 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:
    The number of completed work products (20);
    The dollar value of transactions (40);
    The number of Strategic Partners (20);
    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 the solicited geographic service area is 
outlined under the Funding Availability sub-heading for the 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: Be one requiring the business 
expertise of the project staff; be agreed to by the client; be fully 
completed and delivered to the client; and 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

[[Page 66122]]

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.
    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: Number of new clients; number of client 
service hours; client satisfaction; and 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.
    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: The 
responsibilities and duties which the project and the strategic partner 
each agree to undertake; the resources which each party agrees to 
commit to the partnership; the goals which the project and the 
strategic partner each seek to achieve by entering into the 
partnership; and the point of contact within the strategic partner 
organization for issues involving the partnership.
    That strategic partners will not be allowed to charge and collect 
fees for services related to the project.

Performance Standards

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Minimum required percent of goals    Minimum required points needed
    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 $188 thousand will be available in FY 2003 for Federal 
assistance for the New Mexico NABDC, based upon Native American 
population, the size of the market and its need for MBDA resources. 
MBDA issues this notice subject to appropriations made available under 
the current continuing resolution (CR), H.J. Res. 111, ``Making 
continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2003, and for other 
purposes,'' Public Law 107-229, as amended by H.J. Res. 112, Public Law 
107-235, H.J. Res. 122, Public Law 107-240, and H.J. Res. 123, Public 
Law 107-224. MBDA anticipates making this award provided that funding 
for the NABDC Program is continued beyond November 22, 2002, the 
expiration of the current continuing resolution. Issuance of this 
award, however, is subject to the future availability of fiscal year 
2003 funds. 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.
    Geographic Service Areas: An operator must provide services to 
eligible clients within its specified geographic service area. MBDA has 
defined the service area for the 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 (See: attachment to OMB Bulletin 99-04, Revised Statistical 
Definitions of Metropolitan Areas (MAs) and Guidance on Uses of MA 
Definitions found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/OMB/bulletins/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

[[Page 66123]]

case-by-case basis, through the appropriate MBDA Regional Director and 
granted by the Grants Officer.

Application: New Mexico Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of New Mexico.
    Award Number: 06-10-03001-01.
    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, 2003 to December 31, 2005, is estimated at $188,000. The total 
Federal amount is $564,000. 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.
    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    Percent of
                    Gross receipts of client                         services      cost borne by  Client fee per
                                                                     rendered         client           hour
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0-99,999.......................................................         $100.00              10          $10.00
$100,000-299,999................................................          100.00              20           20.00
$300,000-999,999................................................          100.00              30           30.00
$1 Million-2,999,999............................................          100.00              40           40.00
$3 Million-4,999,999............................................          100.00              50           50.00
$5 Million and Above............................................          100.00              60           60.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Third, the 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.
    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. 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. 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.
    Funding Instrument: Financial assistance awards will be in the form 
of a cooperative agreement. MBDA's substantial involvement with 
recipients will include performing the following duties to further the 
NABDC's objectives:
    a. Post-Award Conference--MBDA shall conduct a post-award 
conference for the NABDC award recipient 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 and orient NABDC program 
officers; (2) Explain program reporting requirements and procedures; 
(3) Identify available resources that can enhance the capabilities of 
the NABDC; and (4) 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; 
(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 http://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 http://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 http://www.mbda.gov.
    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

[[Page 66124]]

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.
    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 
shall be used in applying for financial assistance. These forms may be 
obtained by (1) contacting MBDA as described in the CONTACT section 
above; (2) by downloading Standard forms at http://www.whitehouse.gov/OMB/grants/index.html; (3) and Department of Commerce forms may be 
downloaded at http://www.doc.gov/forms. or (4) by applying on-line via 
the World Wide Web at MBDA's Web site located at http://www.mbda.gov/egrants.
    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.
    Proposal Format Requirements: The structure of the proposal should 
contain the following headings, in the following order:

Table of Contents

Program Narrative
    Applicant Capability
    Resources
    Techniques and Methodologies
    Costs
Forms
    Pages of the proposal should be numbered consecutively.

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

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:
    Level of experience in and knowledge of the Native American 
business sector and strategies for enhancing its growth and 
profitability (10 points);
    Extent of resources and professional relationships within the 
corporate, banking and investment community that may be beneficial to 
Native American-owned firms (10 points);
    Level of 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 a 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.

Resources (25 points)

    The applicant's proposal will be evaluated according to the 
following sub-criteria:
    Adequacy of the plan to recruit, establish and maintain the network 
of 3 Strategic Partners (10 points).
    Adequacy of your plan to accomplish the computer hardware and 
software requirements (5 points).
    Likelihood of obtaining 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).

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 the effectiveness and 
efficiency of use of all staff time to achieve the work requirements 
(10 points).
    Fulfillment of performance measures will be evaluated 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).

Proposed Budget (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.

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.

[[Page 66125]]

Selection Procedures

    Prior to the formal paneling process, each application will receive 
an initial screening to ensure that all required forms, signatures and 
documentation are present. Each application will receive an 
independent, objective review by a panel qualified to evaluate the 
applications submitted. The independent review panel, consisting of at 
least three federal and/or non-federal individuals, reviews all 
applications based on the above criteria. Each member of the 
independent review panel will individually evaluate and rank the 
proposals and submit their rankings and recommendation to the National 
Director. The National 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:
    The evaluations and rankings of the independent review panel;
    The degree to which applications address MBDA priorities as 
established under the project funding priorities;
    Site Visits. The National Director or his/her designee reserves the 
right to conduct a site visit to applicant organizations receiving an 
average of at least 70% of the total points available for all four 
evaluation criteria. Site visits will be used to confirm the 
applicant's ability to best fulfill MBDA's funding priorities, 
particularly identifying and working to meet the needs of minority 
businesses seeking to obtain large scale contracts with institutional 
customers.
    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. The approaches available are: (1) Re-
competition or (2) Re-Paneling or (3) Negotiation.

Disposition of Unsuccessful Applications

    Upon the execution of an award by the Department of Commerce, MBDA 
will notify the unsuccessful applicants, in writing, indicating the 
winner of the award and indicating a 30-day timeframe in which to 
request return of the unsuccessful application. Once this 30-day notice 
has lapsed, MBDA will destroy all unsuccessful applications.

Intergovernmental Review

    Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''

Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements

    The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register 
Notice of October 1, 2001 (66 FR 49917), are applicable to this 
solicitation.

Executive Order 12866

    This notice was determined to be not significant for purposes of 
E.O. 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Because notice and comment are not required under 5 U.S.C. 
553(a)(2), or any other law, for notices relating to public property, 
loans, grants, benefits or contracts, a Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., is not required and has not been 
prepared for this notice.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This document contains collection-of-information requirements 
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The use of Standard Forms 
424, 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 have been approved by OMB under the 
respective control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, and 0348-
0046, and 0605-0001.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure 
to comply with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork 
Reduction Act unless that collection displays a currently valid OMB 
Control Number.

    Dated: October 24, 2002.
Edith Jett McCloud,
Associate Director for Management, Minority Business Development 
Agency.
[FR Doc. 02-27573 Filed 10-29-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-21-P