[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 100 (Friday, May 23, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28672-28675]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13025]



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Part V





Department of Commerce





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National Technical Assistance, Training, Research, and Evaluation: 
University Research Parks, Technology-Led Economic Development 
Strategies, and Information Dissemination--Request for Proposals; 
Notices

  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 100 / Friday, May 23, 2003 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development Administration

[Docket No. 991215339-3117-07]
RIN 0610-ZA14


National Technical Assistance, Training, Research, and 
Evaluation: University Research Parks, Technology-Led Economic 
Development Strategies, and Information Dissemination--Request for 
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 (1) to measure the economic impact of university research 
parks in the United States, (2) to provide technical assistance to 
practitioners to accelerate transition to technology-led economic 
development strategies, and (3) to disseminate information to economic 
development practitioners serving distressed communities 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 12, 2003, at 2 p.m. e.d.t. in the 
Department of Commerce, Herbert C. Hoover Building, 1401 Constitution 
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230, Room 1412, at which time questions 
regarding these projects can be answered. 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 a.m.-4:30 p.m. e.d.t. on June 11, 2003.
    Proposals for funding under this program will be accepted through 
June 30, 2003, at either of the addresses provided below. Proposals 
received after 4 p.m. e.d.t., on June 30, 2003, will not be considered 
for funding.
    By July 15, 2003, EDA will notify proposers whether 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, 
2003.

ADDRESSES:
    1. Proposals may be e-mailed to [email protected], 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, or
    3. 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.
    Proponents are encouraged to submit proposals by e-mail. Proponents 
are advised that, due to mail security measures, receipt of U.S.P.S. 
mail may be delayed for up to two weeks. 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 April 9, 
2003 (68 FR 17520), EDA stated that it would publish a separate 
announcement for certain National Technical Assistance, Research, and 
Evaluation projects. Pursuant to that notice, EDA publishes program 
requirements and solicits applications for those programs.

I. Funding Availability

    Funding appropriated under Public Law 108-07 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 (Pub. L. 105-393). Funds in the amount of $1,590,093 have been 
appropriated for these programs for FY 2003 and shall remain available 
until expended. Awards will be in the form of grants or cooperative 
agreements. In funding cooperative agreements, a common example of 
substantial involvement is collaboration between EDA program staff and 
the recipient of an information dissemination award to select topics 
and presenters for satellite telecasts and regional policy forums, or 
reviewing a research project's methodology at critical stages as well 
as reviewing the draft written report. The average funding level in FY 
2002 for National Technical Assistance investments was $134,000, and 
for Research and Evaluation investments was $105,000. EDA anticipates 
using only a portion of the available funding for the three RFPs 
described below.

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 Pub.L. 105-393.

III. Eligibility

    Eligible recipients of EDA financial assistance are defined at 13 
CFR 300.2 and eligible applicants are specified at 13 CFR 301.1. An 
``area'' is an eligible recipient and is defined at 13 CFR 301.2. One 
category of the areas eligible for financial assistance are those areas 
meeting the ``special needs'' criteria. The special needs criteria are 
published in part XV of the Federal Register notice of April 9, 2003 
(68 FR 17524).

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 considered. 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

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evaluates the proposals using the general evaluation criteria set forth 
in 13 CFR 304.1 and 304.2 and the supplemental evaluation criteria set 
out in part VI of the previous notice published on April 9, 2003 (68 FR 
17520). Proposals that meet these threshold criteria will then be 
evaluated by the panel using the following criteria of approximate 
equal weight:
    (1) The quality of a proposal's response to the Scope of Work and 
other 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.
    For the information dissemination proposal, the panel will also 
apply the following two criteria:
    (1) How the proposal demonstrates partnership, particularly at the 
national level, between various economic development organizations, and
    (2) The amount of the non-Federal share.
    The Assistant Secretary for Economic Development is the Selecting 
Official. He may not make any selection, or he may substitute one of 
the lower rated proposals, if he determines that it better meets the 
overall objectives of 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 Pub. L. 105-393.
    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)
I: Measuring the Economic Impact of University Research Parks in the 
United States
    EDA invites proposals to examine the impact of university research 
parks in creating jobs and growing regional economies.
    Background: University research parks aim to create clusters of 
knowledge-based companies in close proximity to centers of research 
excellence. They are fast becoming engines of economic development in 
their communities. An increasing amount of applied research and 
development work is taking place at universities, many of which 
cultivate an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship that 
develops and promotes commercial partnerships, creating higher skill 
and higher wage jobs. Commercialization efforts take time and require 
patience. For those who fund research parks, determining the extent and 
precise nature of their contribution to economic development is 
important. Research parks must demonstrate the benefits of what they 
are doing.
    Scope of Work: The successful applicant will:
    1. Demonstrate familiarity with existing research on U.S. 
university research parks and any gaps that remain in the research;
    2. Survey university research parks to identify diverse settings, 
including those that contribute to distressed area economic 
development;
    3. Develop a methodology to identify and measure the impact of 
university research parks, including such measures as diversification 
of the regional economy, the numbers and kinds of jobs created, the 
private sector investments leveraged, the length of time to achieve 
significant impact, and how they contribute to the economic health of 
distressed areas;
    4. Identify effective university research parks and analyze common 
and unique areas where they have contributed to local economic 
development;
    5. Select a number of case studies for detailed review and 
analysis;
    6. Provide 500 hard copies and an electronic version of a final 
report setting forth the evaluation methodology, results, and related 
recommendations; and
    7. 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.
II: Providing Technical Assistance to Practitioners To Accelerate 
Transition to Technology-Led Economic Development Strategies
    EDA invites proposals to prepare a set of guides to assist economic 
development practitioners in their efforts to accelerate regional 
transition to technology-led economies.
    Background: ``There are no low-tech industries, only low-tech 
firms.'' (Professor Michael E. Porter, Institute for Strategy and 
Competitiveness, Harvard Business School). Regardless of the type of 
local and regional clusters, innovation through higher technological 
advancements results in increased productivity which leads to increased 
wealth. Economies that capitalize on innovation will prosper.
    States and localities have been involved in technology-led economic 
development for a long time. Much of what has been learned from 
successful efforts remains largely word of mouth. Increasing 
communication and cooperation among practitioners will result in 
greater effectiveness and maximum impact. Preparing a set of guides 
that captures what has been learned from successful efforts would 
increase communication and cooperation among practitioners and the 
private sector to determine rules of the trade, measures of 
effectiveness, and techniques for maximizing impact. More detailed and 
useful than simple reports on best practices, each guide would focus on 
a specific element of developing technology-led strategies to help 
transform local and regional economies. Innovation in all industries 
through the development, adoption, and creative application of 
technology contributes significantly to economic growth. At the same 
time, competitors across the globe have relatively equal access to new 
technologies. Regions and localities must adopt technology-led 
strategies to become and remain competitive globally. EDA's intent is 
to capture and share the expertise and experience that will help 
America's distressed communities develop a competitive edge globally.
    Scope of Work: The successful applicant will:
    1. Have an extensive knowledge of and experience in technology-led 
economic development;
    2. Be familiar with the issues and the best approaches to building 
technology-led economies;
    3. Identify a small number of key elements that are critical to 
building a technology-based economy;
    4. Prepare a set of guides that focus on specific elements through 
which economic development practitioners in distressed areas can tap 
into the wealth of experience and expertise of other practitioners in 
building a technology-based economy;
    5. Provide 500 hard copies and electronic versions of each guide; 
and
    6. Conduct up to seven presentations about the results of the 
research, as described in section VII.B.
    Timing: This project must be completed within one year of approval 
of the project.

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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)
I: Information Dissemination to Practitioners Serving Distressed Areas
    Background: As part of its ongoing mission to assist economically 
distressed areas, EDA supports the dissemination of information to 
economic development practitioners serving distressed communities. EDA 
is soliciting proposals to fund a project that will continue its 
mission of serving the economic development needs of distressed rural 
and urban areas, takes greater advantage of new technologies for 
information dissemination (including the Internet, videoconferencing, 
e-mail, etc.), and identifies and provides information, in new or 
emerging areas of economic development, needed by practitioners.
    EDA anticipates funding a project that will include a variety of 
media, as set forth in the proposed scope of work below. Since it is 
unlikely that a single organization will have the capacity to implement 
all aspects of the scope of work, EDA encourages economic development 
organizations to partner with each other. Doing so would also increase 
the likelihood that an applicant team would reach a greater segment of 
the target audience. EDA's intent is to implement a coordinated and 
complementary information dissemination program that, through strategic 
linkages, reaches the maximum number of economic development 
practitioners.
    Scope of Work: The successful applicant will:
    1. Conduct four satellite economic development strategy telecasts 
targeted to practitioners nationwide. This includes selecting the 
topics, presenters or panelists, and case studies for each broadcast, 
subject to EDA's concurrence; arranging for the moderator and 
facilities to conduct each telecast; undertaking sufficient publicity 
that ensures the maximum audience is reached; ensuring that sufficient 
local download facilities are available; and building in a feedback 
mechanism that measures both the level of participation in and the 
effectiveness of the broadcasts. Each telecast must be recorded 
digitally so that it can be made available broadly, including on EDA's 
and other Web sites.
    2. Conduct 20 regional economic development policy forums at 
various locations across the country. Each will be approximately two 
hours in length, and they will take place in distressed areas of the 
country that ordinarily are less served because of their locations away 
from major metropolitan areas. They will take place at times and 
locations agreed to by EDA. Conducting each forum will include 
selecting the topics and presenters or panelists, subject to EDA's 
concurrence; arranging for the facilities; undertaking sufficient 
publicity to ensure the maximum audience is reached; providing a 
written summary of key issues that emerge at each location; and 
building in a feedback mechanism that measures both the level of 
participation in and effectiveness of each forum.
    3. Prepare and disseminate a monthly electronic newsletter with 
information targeted to a national audience of economic development 
practitioners. The newsletter must be in hypertext markup language 
(html), in an attractive and colorful format, but also be available as 
a plain text document for those who cannot access it in html. It will 
ordinarily be no more than two pages in length, cover three or four 
topics each month, and include summaries of critical information, 
subject to EDA's concurrence. Where appropriate, it will serve as a 
roadmap to other information resources through hot links that 
facilitate direct access to more in-depth information. It will be 
distributed at no cost to organizations and individuals working to 
improve the economic viability of distressed areas. The dissemination 
effort includes developing an inclusive e-mailing list, which will be 
made available to EDA. The e-mailing list may involve supplementing 
and/or combining existing lists that economic development organizations 
currently possess, to achieve maximum target audience penetration as 
quickly as possible.
    4. Prepare a quarterly magazine of approximately 20-40 pages that 
will provide in-depth information to practitioners in four-color, high-
quality format, on a range of timely topics consistent with EDA's 
mission, and subject to EDA's concurrence. It will cover subjects such 
as current administration policy, interviews with key decision-makers 
and practitioners, and present and analyze best practice case studies 
in economic development. EDA expects that this magazine will be mailed 
in hard copy to up to 4,000, depending on costs. In addition to the 
hard copy, an html counterpart will be made available for EDA's Web 
site.
    5. EDA encourages the applicant to propose an innovative 
information dissemination effort that is likely to improve the quality, 
accessibility, and timeliness of critical information available to 
economic development practitioners. It must be consistent with EDA's 
mission of assistance to distressed communities that creates higher-
skill, higher-wage jobs, and subject to EDA's concurrence.
    Timing: All elements of the Scope of Work will take place between 
October 1, 2003, and September 30, 2004, but each has its own specific 
time line. The telecasts in Element (1) and the policy forums in 
Element (2) will take place at intervals during the year determined in 
conjunction with EDA. The electronic newsletter in Element (3) will be 
disseminated each month. The Element (5) time line should be consistent 
with the nature of the effort.

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 
Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the 
Federal Register notice of October 1, 2001 (66 FR 49917), as amended by 
the Federal Register notice published on October 30, 2002 (67 FR 
66109), are applicable to this solicitation and can be found on EDA's 
Web site www.doc.gov/eda. 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. Two awards include 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 percent 
non-Federal share of project costs. However, EDA may reduce or waive 
the required 50 percent matching share of the total project costs, 
provided the applicant demonstrates the project is not feasible without 
a reduction or waiver and the project merits a reduction or waiver.

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    D. 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.
    E. 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.
    F. EDA is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in the 
administration of all its programs.
    G. EDA will notify unsuccessful proposers in writing and 
unsuccessful proposals will be maintained for not more than three years 
from the date of receipt.
    H. The rulemaking requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553 are not applicable 
to this notice relating to public property, loans, grants, benefits or 
contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). Because notice and comment are not 
required under 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law for this rule, the 
analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 
601) are not applicable. Thus, a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not 
required and has not been prepared for this rule.
    I. It has been determined that this notice does not contain 
policies with Federalism implications as that term is defined in 
Executive Order 13132.
    J. See EDA's Notice of Funding Availability for FY 2003 of April 9, 
2003 (68 FR 17520), for additional information and requirements 
(available on the Internet at http://www.doc.gov/eda, under the heading 
``Notice of Funding Availability'').

    Dated: May 20, 2003.
David A. Sampson,
Assistant Secretary for Economic Development.
[FR Doc. 03-13025 Filed 5-22-03; 8:45 am]
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