[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 168 (Friday, August 29, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51981-51995]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-22132]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Minority Business Development Agency

[Docket No. 000724218-3211-06]


Solicitation of Applications for the Native American Business 
Development Center (NABDC) Program

AGENCY: Minority Business Development Agency, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with Executive Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. 1512, 
the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting 
competitive applications from organizations to operate Native American 
Business Development Centers (NABDCs) under its Native American 
Development Center (NABDC) Program.
    In order to receive consideration, applicants must comply with all 
information and requirements contained in this Notice. For-profit 
entities (including sole-proprietorships, partnerships and 
corporations), non-profit organizations, state and local government 
entities, American Indian Tribes and educational institutions are 
eligible to operate NABDCs.
    The NABDC Program has been 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 requirements further increase the impact of the 
NABDC projects by requiring that project operators deploy standardized 
business assistance services to the Native American business public 
directly, develop a network of strategic partnerships and provide 
strategic business consulting within the geographic service area. These 
requirements will be used to generate increased results with respect to 
financing and contracts awarded to Native American and minority-owed 
firms and thus, are a key component of this program.

DATES: The closing date for applications for each NABDC project is 
October 10, 2003. Anticipated time for processing of applications is 
one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of the publication of this 
notice.
    MBDA anticipates that awards for the NABDC program will be made 
with a start date of January 1, 2004. Completed applications for the 
NABDC program must be (1) mailed (USPS postmark) to the address below; 
or (2) received by

[[Page 51982]]

MBDA no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Applications 
postmarked later than the closing date or received after the closing 
date and time will not be considered.

ADDRESSES: Applicants must submit one signed original plus two (2) 
copies of the application. Completed application packages must be 
submitted to: Office of Business Development, Native American Business 
Development Center Program Office, Office of Executive Secretariat, 
HCHB, Room 5063, Minority Business Development Agency, U.S. Department 
of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 
20230.
    If the application is hand-delivered by the applicant or his/her 
representative, one signed original plus two (2) copies of the 
application must be delivered to Room 1874, which is located at 
Entrance 10, 15th Street, NW., between Pennsylvania and 
Constitution Avenues.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or to obtain 
an application package, contact the MBDA National Enterprise Center 
(NEC) for the geographic service area in which the project will be 
located or visit MBDA's Minority Business Internet Portal (MBDA Portal) 
at http://www.mbda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Electronic Access

    Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposal electronically 
via the Internet and mail or hand-deliver the original proposal with 
original signatures by the closing date and time stated above. 
Applicants may submit their applications on MBDA's website: 
www.mbda.gov. All required forms are located at this web address. 
However, the following paper forms must be submitted with original 
signatures in conjunction with any electronic submissions by the 
closing date and time stated above: (1) SF-424, Application for Federal 
Assistance; (2) the SF-424B, Assurances-Non-Construction Programs; (3) 
the SF-LLL (Rev. 7-97) (if applicable), Disclosure of Lobbying 
Activities; (4) Department of Commerce Form CD-346 (if applicable), 
Applicant for Funding Assistance; and (5) the CD-511, Certifications 
Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-
Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying.
    Pre-Application Conference: A pre-application conference will be 
held for the NABDC project solicitation. Contact the MBDA Regional 
Office for the geographic service area in which the project will be 
located to receive further information. Proper identification is 
required for entrance into any Federal building. Notice of the pre-
application conference will be available on the MBDA Portal at http://www.mbda.gov.

    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

    MBDA is soliciting applications for the following geographic 
service areas: North Carolina Cherokee/Ashville, Minnesota Statewide, 
New Mexico Statewide, North/South Dakota Statewide, Oklahoma Statewide, 
California Statewide, Arizona Statewide, Northwest (Washington, Oregon, 
and Idaho).
    Through this NABDC Program, MBDA is improving the traditional NABDC 
Program, by leveraging the full benefit of telecommunications 
technology, including the Internet, and a variety of online computer-
based resources to dramatically increase the level of service that the 
Centers can provide to Native American and minority-owned firms.
    This Program shall also incorporate an entrepreneurial approach to 
building market stability and improving quality of services delivered. 
This strategy expands the reach of the Centers by requiring project 
operators to develop and build upon strategic alliances with public and 
private sector partners, as a means of reaching out and serving Native 
American and minority-owned firms with rapid growth potential within 
the project's geographic service area. In addition, MBDA will establish 
specialized advanced programs for growth assistance to clients with the 
capacity to grow and expand. These programs are designed to foster 
growth assistance to its clients. The NABDC will also encourage 
collaboration and referrals of clients and non-clients that meet the 
requirements of these specialized programs and other MBDA sponsored 
networks. This will provide a comprehensive approach to serving the 
emerging sector of the Native American business community.
    The NABDC will operate through the use of trained professional 
business consultants who will assist minority entrepreneurs through 
direct client engagements.
    Entreprenuers eligible for assistance under the NABDC Program are 
Native Americans, Eskimos, African Americans, Puerto Ricans, Spanish-
speaking Americans, Aleuts, Asian Pacific Americans, Asian Indians and 
Hasidic Jews. References throughout this Notice to provide assistance 
to Native Americans also include the eligible non-Native Americans 
listed in the preceding sentence. No service will be denied to any 
member of all eligible groups listed above.
    MBDA's new strategic growth initiative is focused on serving 
emerging minority and Native American firms capable of impacting 
economic growth and employment. MBDA wants to ensure that NABDC clients 
are receiving a consistent level of service throughout its funded 
network. To that end, MBDA will require NABDC consultants to attend a 
series of training courses designed to achieve standardized services 
and quality expectations. Further information about the training is 
provided in this document under the heading of Work Requirements.

Background

    Under the NABDC Program, MBDA has selected locations for the 
establishment of Centers based on the size of the population in those 
markets and the density of Native American-owned companies, as 
established by U.S. Census Bureau. While this approach to site 
selection continues, MBDA shall fund a consistent level of projects 
from prior years. The NABDC Program stands to gain from the increased 
use of technology, training and strategic partnering in support of its 
prescribed performance measures.
    The 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, the NABDC will be expected to 
provide the following four types of client services:
    1. Client Assessment--This new activity requires the NABDC to 
conduct a standardized client assessment, which includes identifying 
the client's immediate and long-term needs, and establishes a projected 
growth track. MBDA shall provide a new and innovative electronic tool 
to support this function (see Business Needs Analyzer under the heading 
of Enhancing the NABDCs through Technology for more details). This 
activity shall be conducted three times for each client on an annual 
basis: one at the onset of service delivery, one prior to the end of 
the second quarter and one prior to the end of the funding year. This 
process may also include referring the client to any of MBDA's other 
funded projects that specialize in specific growth assistance and/or 
strategic partners that are capable of continuing client growth. The 
referral

[[Page 51983]]

process may occur in conjunction with NABDC direct assistance.
    2. Strategic Business Consulting--This involves providing intensive 
business consulting services that can be delivered by two methods:
    [sbull] Personalized Consulting--defined as one-on-one business 
consulting services utilizing an integrative systems approach to foster 
the growth of minority firms (see Integrative Systems Approach under 
the heading Client Services).
    [sbull] Group Consulting--seminars that provide education and 
training to Native American entrepreneurs on important business topics. 
The consulting should be hands-on, practical, and streamlined in order 
to reflect the time constraints of the typical entrepreneur. In 
addition, given the proliferation of online resources from MBDA as well 
as others, this training should be designed to educate clients 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.
    3. Access to Capital--This involves assisting clients to secure the 
financial capital necessary to start-up, and thereafter to fuel growth 
and expansion of their businesses. Undercapitalization has been a major 
contributor to the failure of business ventures in the minority 
community over the years. The goal of this activity is to help the 
entrepreneur obtain the amount of financing appropriate to the scope of 
the proposed business, thereby helping to ensure the greatest 
likelihood of success for the client in the marketplace.
    4. Access to Markets--This involves assisting clients to identify 
and access opportunities for increased sales and revenue. Activities 
include conducting market analysis, identifying sales leads, bid 
preparation assistance, creating market promotions, and assisting in 
the development of joint ventures and strategic alliances.

Enhancing the NABDCs Through Technology

    Over the last several years, MBDA has developed a variety of new 
technology tools designed to leverage the benefits of information 
technology to assist the minority business community. The Agency uses a 
high-speed network strategy that links all of its funded projects into 
a single virtual organization. The goal of MBDA is to allow all funded 
projects to have access to this technology through the MBDA Portal.
    The technology tools that will be available to the NABDCs include 
but are not limited to the following:
    [sbull] Business Needs Analyzer--a software package designed to 
standardize and electronically record the Client Assessment process. 
This tool assists NABDC consultants to interview and benchmark the 
status, needs and potential growth of its clients. The program is 
designed and maintained by MBDA and operated by the NABDC.
    [sbull] Phoenix/Opportunity--an electronic bid-matching system that 
alerts participating Native American and minority-owned firms of 
contract and teaming opportunities directly via e-mail. Procurement 
leads are transmitted to registered firms on a targeted basis according 
to the company's industry classification and geographic market.
    [sbull] Resource Locator--a software application that allows MBEs 
to search for business resources interactively on the Internet. 
Resource Locator can help Native American and minority-owned 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.
    [sbull] Capital Locator--an Internet-based tool that allows NABDC 
consultants to inquire about, identify and locate potential financiers 
nearest them. This tool shall provide basic financing criteria for each 
identified capital resource. The tool is designed to give users the 
benefit of a nationwide market for identifying financing needs and 
products.
    [sbull] Business and Market Planning--a software package designed 
to streamline and enhance the development of business plans, marketing 
plans and other strategic business documents.
    [sbull] Business Analyst GIS--a software operated at an individual 
computer workstation that provides strategic business data through 
geographic-based information system. This software will be awarded to 
select NABDCs, based on availability of funds and competition.
    These electronic tools will help streamline the process of 
delivering client assistance to Native American and other minority 
business enterprises, free up time so that the NABDC can implement 
MBDA's strategic goals and generate critical outcomes as described 
under the heading Performance Measures.
    In addition, MBDA strongly encourages the NABDC to use these 
electronic tools daily because of the significant value they add to the 
NABDC and to Native American and other minority businesses. These tools 
are designed to reinforce the standardization of services received 
throughout the MBDA extended networks.

Work Requirements

    The work requirements specify the duties and responsibilities of 
each recipient operating a NABDC.
    Although it is not necessary for the applicant to have an office in 
the geographic service area at the time of application, one must be 
opened and be fully operational within thirty (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 (e.g., hardware, 
software, Internet services, phones, faxes, etc.) are in place, and the 
NABDC's doors have been fully opened to the public for service
    The NABDC must be accessible to disabled persons and strategically 
located in the geographic service area (as defined in this Notice) to 
ensure that it is: (1) Close to the available public and private sector 
resources, and (2) within a reasonable commuting distance to the Native 
American business community.
    The NABDC operator must provide services to eligible clients within 
its specified geographic service area. Each NABDC operator must 
contribute its efforts to help support MBDA's online business 
assistance network as established by Agency policies.
    All NABDC consultants and its project director shall be required to 
attend a one-time five (5) day mandatory training session on 
``Implementing a System for High-Quality Service.'' This training will 
be held three (3) times during the first year of program operation; in 
the east, in the west, and in the middle of the country (exact 
locations and dates will be announced). The training sessions may be 
conducted in the second and third year of operation based on 
availability of funding. The costs of tuition, materials, conference 
facilities and amenities for the training program will be covered by 
MBDA. However, the NABDC shall budget lodging, food and travel 
expenditures for its attending staff. The program will be conducted 
approximately forty-five (45) days after receipt of the award. The 
training shall focus on:
    [sbull] Orientation to the MBDA strategy;
    [sbull] Instilling the entrepreneurial mindset;
    [sbull] Standardization of client intake services; and

[[Page 51984]]

    [sbull] Skills and information needed to provide high-quality 
services to emerging firms.
    Successful completion of this program, which involves a competency 
examination, will result in certification of the NABDC staff member by 
MBDA. In the event that one or more NABDC staff members should fail the 
competency examination, the NABDC shall lose two (2) points from the 
assessment score during the evaluation of the project. This training 
may be provided a second time by the MBDA after mid-year review. The 
second training session will require the attendance of NABDC staff not 
previously trained, and/or those who failed to successfully complete 
the initial training program.
    In addition to the initial training, the NABDC is required to have 
one staff member attend a one-time five (5) day advanced program, held 
in a Midwest location during the second quarter of 2004. This training 
session will teach NABDC staff how to transform high-potential minority 
businesses and put them on a high-growth trajectory. The purpose of 
this program is to ensure that at least one staff member in each NABDC 
will have the skills to nurture the growth of clients to become larger 
companies, thereby helping to fulfill MBDA's strategic priority. 
Successful completion of this program, which involves a competency 
examination, will result in certification of the NABDC staff member by 
MBDA.
    The NABDC shall budget for one staff member's lodging, food and 
travel expenditures, probably to the Chicago area. The costs of 
tuition, materials, and registration for the advanced training program 
will be covered by MBDA.
    The NABDC is required to perform work in four (4) basic areas. 
These elements are designed to increase the exposure and visibility of 
Native American firms and MBEs (as defined in this notice). NABDC 
efforts in these activities should provide quantifiable results.
    1. Market Development--is designed to facilitate the identification 
of potential clients, methods to solicit potential clients and to 
identify, develop and leverage public and private sector resources and 
business opportunities for their clients:
    (a) Market Research and Development: Systematically investigate the 
service area market to see what business and capital opportunities 
exist for client development, and search for sources of capital, sales 
opportunities, business buy-outs and new start possibilities. 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 
NABDC operators, and to Native American firms throughout the country.
    (b) Market Promotion: Promote Native American business development 
in the local business community by obtaining support from the community 
for the utilization of Native American firms.
    The NABDC will promote Native American firms to the public and 
private sectors to build market awareness of the capability, talent and 
capacity of its clients. The NABDC may utilize public service 
announcements and paid advertising. The NABDC may promote its clients 
locally to entities such as: Chambers of Commerce, business and trade 
associations, corporations and company trade fairs and meetings, state 
and local government agency purchasing departments, economic 
development and planning offices and business events.
    The NABDC shall carry out a plan-of-action that will include, but 
is not limited to the following actions: (1) Develop an NABDC brochure 
for mail-out and distribution to the public; (2) Develop an NABDC 
program description for inclusion on the MBDA Portal and the NABDC web 
site; (3) Adhere to MBDA's communication plan (see Operational Quality, 
item (j) under this section).
    The NABDC shall promote and participate in one regional NEC and one 
national Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week activities. MED 
Week is an annual event, coordinated through MBDA that celebrates the 
success of minority businesses. Participation is defined as follows:
    (1) NEC MED Week--This event is held annually in late summer or 
early fall, in or near the MBDA NEC. It involves full participation and 
collaboration with the designated MBDA NEC. The NABDC shall participate 
in MBDA's process of nominating their outstanding clients for various 
awards. The NABDC may be asked to coordinate/host panel discussions and 
support its MBDA NEC. At a minimum, travel expenditures for the NABDC's 
program director and (at least) one staff must be included in the 
proposal.
    (2) National MED Week--This event is held annually in the fall in 
Washington, DC. It shall require at a minimum, travel expenditures for 
the NABDC's project director and (at least) one staff. During the 2004 
National MED Week program, optional training in accounting and finance 
will be offered to NABDC staff. There will be no charge for tuition or 
materials. Successful completion of this program, which involves a 
competency examination, will result in certification of the staff 
member by MBDA.
    (c) Resource Development requires the NABDC to identify and 
electronically record on the MBDA Portal likely sources of the 
following:
    (1) Market Opportunities--e.g., public (Federal, state and local 
government) and private (domestic and foreign) sector contracting 
opportunities;
    (2) Capital Resources--e.g., standard commercial and alternative 
debt (loans, lines of credit, etc.), equity (venture capital, angel, 
etc.), and mezzanine (near equity, subordinated debt, etc.) financing, 
bonds (performance and surety), and trade credit opportunities;
    (3) Business Ownership Opportunities--e.g., franchises, licensing 
arrangements, mergers and buy-outs;
    (4) Education and Training Resources--e.g., educational institution 
programs and other training resources; and,
    (5) Registration of MBEs--e.g., register eligible local Native 
American firms in MBDA's Phoenix system, which is a national electronic 
inventory of minority firms capable of selling their goods and services 
to the public and private sector. The identified and recorded resources 
shall be verified by MBDA prior to publishing on the MBDA Portal.
    (d) Develop and Maintain a Network of Strategic Partners and Intra-
Strategic Relationships--The work requirements for an award recipient 
under the NABDC Program include the development of key networks. The 
purpose for establishing strategic partners is to: assist the NABDC to 
achieve its goals for assisting Native American and minority businesses 
(as defined in this solicitation, see Performance Measures); 
synchronize outreach efforts between the NABDC and MBDA; and, foster 
collaboration among the MBDA funded network as established under the 
terms of the award. Each Strategic Partnership shall be documented by a 
written Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that shall document the terms 
and conditions of the partnership. The terms and conditions should 
assist the NABDC in achieving its goals for assisting MBEs.
    A minimum of five (5) strategic partners between the NABDC and key 
local entities selected by the recipient must be established within one 
hundred-twenty (120) days after receipt of the award. The NABDC is 
required to

[[Page 51985]]

maintain these partnerships throughout the life of the award. The NABDC 
must replace a Strategic Partner within forty-five (45) days after 
termination of a previously established partnership. The NABDC shall 
consult with its MBDA National Enterprise Center prior to completing 
the MOU. The MBDA shall have no relationship with or responsibility to 
the NABDC's Strategic Partners.
    The Strategic Partners shall be public or private sector 
organizations located within the project's geographic service area. 
Strategic Partners may include:
    [sbull] Native American and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) 
programs operated by state, county or city governments;
    [sbull] Chambers of Commerce or trade associations focused on the 
needs of the minority business community;
    [sbull] Small Business Development Centers, or other college and 
university entrepreneurial development programs;
    [sbull] Community Development Corporations (CDCs);
    [sbull] Banks and financial institutions; and
    [sbull] Faith-based organizations having economic development 
components, whose activities are not used for sectarian purposes.
    Also, the NABDC shall establish Intra-Strategic Relationships with 
other MBDA funded programs in support of their goals for assisting 
Native American businesses as defined under the terms of the award. The 
NABDC is required to meet with other MBDA-funded programs in the NEC 
(in person or by phone conference) at quarterly meetings conducted by 
MBDA staff. The NABDC is encouraged to refer and/or accept clients from 
these Relationships. The Intra-Strategic Partnerships shall not be 
counted towards the NABDC goal of obtaining Strategic Partnerships as 
described above.
    (e) Facilitate Matches which identify and refer eligible Native 
American and minority business enterprises with specific viable 
businesses, market and/or capital opportunities.
    This function contributes to a NABDC's financing and/or procurement 
performance goals, and is the only NABDC market development function 
outside of the standard client business assistance in which a portion 
of a NABDC's time can be directly associated to individual 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 
system; (2) Providing follow-up communication to Phoenix-registered 
clients that receive Opportunity matches within the NABDC geographic 
area; (3) Maintaining a constant awareness of the Native American firms 
that operate within the geographic service area and their capabilities; 
(4) 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; (5) Engaging in 
relationship brokering between purchasing organizations and individual 
clients capable of fulfilling their requirements; and, (6) Assisting in 
direct negotiations between purchasing organizations and individual 
clients, in appropriate cases, in order to help resolve issues, serve 
as an advocate for the client firm, or otherwise assist in bringing the 
transaction to closure.
    2. Client Services--Provides direct client assistance to Native 
American and minority business enterprises on the basis of 
individualized professional engagements. Under these duties, the NABDC 
shall assist clients and individuals, which have written agreements to 
become clients, in establishing, improving and/or successfully 
maintaining their businesses. All new clients shall be entered into the 
Performance system and registered in the Phoenix system. The NABDC is 
required to enter clients and service hours into the Performance system 
within seventy-two (72) hours from the time of service. Clients 
assisted more than once during the funding period may only be counted 
once in that funding period.
    The NABDC shall operate a systems-integrated approach (as described 
below) to assist in Native American and minority business growth and 
development.
    A systems-integrated approach--which is defined as a customer-based 
service model supported by the following functions:
    [sbull] Strategy--e.g., plans for achieving sustainable competitive 
advantage and creating customer value
    [sbull] Processes--e.g., efficient, effective ways of manufacturing 
products or delivering services
    [sbull] Architecture--e.g., organizational and value chain 
(outsourcing) structure to implement the strategy and key processes
    [sbull] Resources--e.g., the acquisition and management of 
financial, human, and technical assets
    [sbull] Systems--e.g., mechanisms for control and communication, 
including management information systems (MIS)
    [sbull] Empowerment--e.g., delegation in a way that encourages 
staff to pursue strategic initiatives and continuous improvement.
    The NABDC shall be responsible for providing business consulting to 
MBEs based on these principles. Business consulting services are (as 
defined under this section) provided by the NABDC to eligible Native 
American, minority-owned firms and individuals (as referenced in 
Executive Orders 11625 and 12432) seeking assistance from the NABDC, 
including 8(a) certified and graduate firms. These client services are 
segments to the systems-integrated approach. They are designed to 
assist client firms to bridge operational and strategic gaps. They 
cannot provide long-term business viability without aligning all 
aspects of the business and its environment. Client services include, 
but are not limited to, the following types of assistance:
    (a) Client Assessment--Provides the NABDC client with a fundamental 
business evaluation. This process is designed to standardize services 
and to facilitate the client referral process among the MBDA funded 
network. It requires an interview to be conducted between client and 
NABDC consultant. This service is designed to provide--
    [sbull] Background and contact information on the client;
    [sbull] Client business analysis with respect to its core 
competency, organizational structure, market and industry placement, 
production of products/delivery of services, marketing plan, resources 
and financial viability;
    [sbull] Analysis and benchmarking of the client;
    [sbull] Development of an intervention plan utilizing a systems-
integrated approach (as defined under Client Services) & client report; 
and,
    [sbull] Identification of resources and referrals.
    (b) Functional Assistance--Provides the NABDC client with detailed 
business consulting services including but not limited to:
    (1) Marketing, e.g., market research, promotion, advertising and 
sales, sales forecasting, market feasibility studies, pricing, product 
and customer service, brochure design (excludes mass printing);
    (2) Financial Management, e.g., capital budgeting, general 
accounting, break-even analysis, cost accounting, financial planning 
and analysis

[[Page 51986]]

budgeting, tax planning, business consulting (excludes bookkeeping, tax 
preparation, and audits);
    (3) Financial Assistance, e.g., identification, preparation and 
packaging of standard commercial and alternative debt (loans, lines of 
credit, etc.), equity (venture capital, angel, etc.), and mezzanine 
(near equity, subordinated debt, etc.) financing and trade credit 
opportunities;
    (4) Procurement Assistance, e.g., preparation and planning for the 
identification of private and public-sector contracting opportunities;
    (5) Operations & Quality Management, e.g.,
    [sbull] Manufacturing--plant location and site selection, plant 
management, materials handling and distribution, total quality 
management, metrication for world market, and business consulting;
    [sbull] Construction--estimating, bid preparation, bonding, take-
offs, and business consulting;
    [sbull] International Trade Assistance--exporting, importing, 
letters of credit, bank draft, dealerships, agencies, distributorship, 
exporting trading companies, joint ventures, business consulting, and 
freight forwarding and handling;
    [sbull] Specialized Certification--ISO 9000 knowledge of program 
and standards, how to implement standards, how to report and properly 
apply for ISO 9000 Quality Systems certification;
    [sbull] Total Quality Management--process engineering, inventory 
control, purchasing, continuous improvement programs;
    [sbull] Technology & Systems--automation design, development and 
integration of technology to support infrastructure, knowledge 
management, data mining, performance based reporting;
    (6) Organization & Administration, e.g., human resource management, 
job evaluation and rating system, employee stock option programs, 
training, business consulting; and,
    (7) 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 business consulting.
    The NABDC shall not perform or engage in the day-to-day operations 
or make decisions for its clients.
    Group training sessions are considered a form of business 
development services that can be provided to clients. This function may 
be subject to client fees and directly contributes to an NABDC's 
performance goals.
    3. Operational Quality--Maintains the efficiency and effectiveness 
of its overall operations as well as the quality of its client 
services. These duties are the means by which the NABDC manages its 
overall operations as well as the quality of its client services. The 
function directly contributes to the NABDC's overall qualitative 
evaluation and rating as well as the successful completion of all work 
requirements. Under this function, the NABDC shall: (a) Execute signed 
work plan agreements and engagement letters with clients; (b) Formally 
describe the methodology that will be used in achieving the work plan 
objectives for each client; (c) Input progress/results to the 
performance database within seventy-two (72) hours from the time of 
service; (d) Establish procedures for collecting and accounting for all 
fees charged to clients; (e) Maintain records/files for all work 
charged to the program and clients; (f) Obtain written acceptance and 
verification (with client signatures) of services provided to its 
clients and any financings/contracts obtained. For services reported, 
documentation must be in the NABDC's client files within thirty (30) 
days after the end of every quarter in which a client receives 
services; (g) Comply with all reporting requirements provided upon 
award; (h) Cooperate with MBDA in maintaining content for the Phoenix/
Opportunity system, Resource Locator, and other online tools located at 
http://www.mbda.gov; and, (i) Promote and utilize the services and 
resources of other MBDA programs, sponsored efforts and/or voluntary 
activities. (j) The NABDC shall adhere to MBDA's trademark and 
licensing requirements for all forms of communication including but not 
limited to signage, stationary and other NABDC-related publications. 
Such requirements shall be provided at the time of award. These 
requirements include but are not limited to specific size, location, 
and font of the MBDA logo.
    [sbull] Signage--Signs should be highly visible to the NABDC 
clients and general public. They should be prominently displayed on 
entrances or doors.
    [sbull] Printed Materials--These items shall include the name of 
MBDA on all stationery, letterhead, brochures, etc.
    [sbull] Telephonic Communication--Identify the NABDC immediately 
upon 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 NABDC is not authorized to use either the Department of 
Commerce's (DOC) official seal or the MBDA logo in any of its 
publications, documents or materials without specific written approval 
from the Department of Commerce.
    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 CenterTM.

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 and other minority-owned businesses, the 
MBDA Federal IT system and the public. These required assets and their 
configuration are hereinafter referred to as the ``enterprise.'' The 
basic components of the enterprise are the desktop workstations, the 
server, local area network (LAN) components and a connection to the 
Internet.
    At a minimum, each grantee shall provide one (1) desktop computer 
for the exclusive use of each employee delivering minority business 
assistance to the public under an award from MBDA. All desktop 
computers shall be inter-connected with a Server computer using an 
Ethernet protocol enabling communication with all workstations on the 
network. The Server shall have a constant, high-speed Internet 
connection, active during all business hours, preferably through a DSL 
or cable modem connection. The recipient shall ensure that each of his/
her employees, to include management, administrative personnel, 
contractors, full-time, part-time, and non-paid (volunteer) staff have 
a unique electronic mail (email) address available to the public. Each 
grantee shall design, develop and maintain, in accordance with the

[[Page 51987]]

computer requirements, a presence on the Internet's World Wide Web and 
shall maintain appropriate computer and network security precautions 
during all periods of funding by MBDA. All IT requirements, as 
described herein, shall be met within thirty (30) calendar days after 
the award.
    1. Network Design: At all locations where services are delivered to 
the eligible public as defined by Executive Order 11625, the recipient 
shall operate a ``Client-Server'' configured local area network (LAN) 
enabling each staff person delivering services to the eligible public 
exclusive access to a personal computer workstation during all business 
hours. MBDA shall, from time to time, designate certain configurations 
of the enterprise hardware and software to meet interface requirements.
    Currently, MBDA recommends servers using an operating system that 
is fully compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000 with a service pack 
three (3) or greater. Domain Controller (DC) servers or any server 
providing principal service to the desktops shall contain 18 or more 
gigabytes (GB) of hard drive space using two or more 9 GB+ disks 
configured appropriately to ensure data retention should one disk fail. 
At least one (1) Pentium IV central processing unit (CPU), or a CPU 
ensuring similar speed, shall be used in the DC server or any other 
server providing principal service to the desktops. Web servers, mail 
servers and/or servers maintained by a third party such as an Internet 
Service Provider (ISP) shall meet the minimum server specifications as 
stated herein. A ``trusted'' relationship, as appropriate, shall be 
established and maintained between the MBDA DC server and those 
operated by, or operated for, the recipient to ensure access by MBDA 
system administration personnel during normal business hours. (In a 
network that consists of two or more domains, each domain acts as a 
separate network with its own accounts database. Even in the most 
rigidly stratified organizations, some users in one domain will need to 
use some or all of the resources in another domain. The usual solution 
to confirming user access levels among domains is what's called a trust 
relationship.) From time to time, MBDA will require access to servers 
and desktop workstations after business hours and on holidays and 
weekends. For this purpose, the recipient shall ensure appropriate 
communications links are active and appropriate personnel on station, 
upon 24-hour notice from MBDA.
    2. Desktop Workstations: All desktop systems shall not be more than 
two (2) calendar years old at time of award and shall contain a Pentium 
IV central processing unit (CPU), or a CPU ensuring similar speed, 
operating at speeds not less than 2+ Gigahertz (GHz). Each desktop 
system shall contain a hard drive with a storage capacity of at least 
twenty (20) GB and 512 Megabytes of RAM. All desktop systems shall have 
installed an operating system fully compatible with Microsoft Windows 
2000 with MS Office 2000 Professional (SP1) or higher, Microsoft 
Internet Explorer 6.x as well as some form of regularly updated 
antivirus protection software. Additionally, it is suggested that at 
least one workstation have installed both a full page scanner and feed, 
along with software fully compatible with Adobe Acrobat software for 
the production of electronic document submissions.
    Since workstations may be linked to a live, two-way conference 
connection with potential clients, at least 50% of all employee 
workstations shall be fully operational with a qualified staff person 
positioned at the keyboard during all business hours to include lunch 
and break periods.
    3. Maintenance and Security: A network map (``as-built'') 
reflecting adherence to the computer and networking requirements set 
forth herein shall be maintained by the recipient for review by MBDA at 
any time. Each recipient shall designate and train one administrative 
person competent in the operation of an operations system fully 
compatible with Windows 2000 network and local area network (LAN) 
technology as described herein. If a firewall, proxy server or similar 
security component is used, MBDA's server shall be ``trusted'' for full 
access to all files relevant for network and administrative operations. 
From time to time, MBDA may require certain software be loaded on 
servers and desktops. In any given year, the cost of this additional 
software may be $200.00 per workstation and $500.00 per server, such 
additional cost may be borne by MBDA. Every employee of the NABDC 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 NABDC's files. A photocopy of the 
agreement shall be sent by fax to MBDA at: (202) 482-2693 no later than 
thirty (30) days after receipt of the award. All subsequent new hires 
and associations requiring access to the NABDC 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., http://www.center-name.com). The 
first page (Index page) of the web site shall clearly identify the 
recipient as a Native American Business Development Center funded by 
the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency. 
The Index page of the web site shall load on software fully compatible 
with Windows Internet Explorer 6.x browser software using a normal home 
computer with 56Kb/s analog phone line connection in less than ten (10) 
seconds. The web site shall contain the names of all managers and 
employees, the business and mailing address of the Center, business 
phone and fax numbers and email addresses of the NABDC and employees, a 
statement referencing the services available at the NABDC, the hours 
under which the NABDC operates and a link to the MBDA homepage (http://www.mbda.gov). For purpose of electronically directing clients to the 
appropriate NABDC staff, the web site shall also contain a short 
biographical statement for each employee of the NABDC 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 minority business assistance services to eligible members of 
the public.
    No third party advertising of commercial goods and services shall 
be permitted on the site. All links from the site to other than 
federal, state or local government agencies and non-profit educational 
institutions must be requested, in advance and in writing, through the 
Chief Information Officer, MBDA Office of Information Technology 
Services to the Grants Office for written approval. Such approval shall 
not be unreasonably withheld but approval is subject to withdrawal if 
MBDA determines the linked site unsuitable. No employee of

[[Page 51988]]

the NABDC, nor any other person, shall use the NABDC 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 comply 
with Federal standards of the American With Disabilities Act, Section 
508, and be reviewed by the recipient for accuracy, current, and 
appropriateness every three (3) months. Appropriate privacy notices and 
handicapped accessibility will be predominately featured. From time to 
time, MBDA shall audit the recipient's web site and recommend changes 
in accordance with the guidelines set forth herein.
    5. Time for Compliance: Within thirty (30) days after receipt of 
the award, the recipient shall report via email to the Chief 
Information Officer, MBDA Office of Information Technology Services and 
the MBDA Office of Business Development that he/she has complied with 
all technical requirements as specified herein. Within thirty (30) days 
after receipt of the award, the recipient shall report the name, 
contact telephone number and email address of the Project Director, 
Network or System Administrator. As appropriate, the recipient shall 
also provide the telephone number and email address for the Technical 
Contact at the Internet Service Provider (ISP) providing Internet 
access for the grantee, the IP number of the Domain Name Server (DNS) 
and/or Domain Control (DC) server, and any other technical information 
as specified in the Technology Requirements.
    6. Performance System: All required performance reporting to MBDA 
shall be conducted via the Internet using the Performance system to be 
found at a secure web site (http://www.mbda.gov). Within thirty (30) 
days after the receipt of award, each NABDC business consultant and/or 
anyone providing business assistance to the public under the award 
shall have satisfactorily completed the Performance System Training 
Course (PSTC). This course is available on-line from the Performance 
web site (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. There shall be no ``sharing'' of passwords 
on the Performance system. 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. 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 ninety (90) days after the end of the funding 
year. Once the project is awarded, the evaluation criteria, along with 
the assigned weight value, to be used for measuring the MBDC project 
performance on an ongoing basis are:
    1. The dollar value of transactions (65);
    2. Number of jobs created (10);
    3. Number of new clients (5);
    4. Administrative Management & Operational Quality (20);
    [sbull] Client satisfaction (5);
    [sbull] Management assessment (5);
    [sbull] Market promotion (1);
    [sbull] Resource entries (5);
    [sbull] Establish strategic partners (2);
    [sbull] Facilitate matches (2).
    The minimum performance goals required for the above listed 
performance measures for each of the solicited geographic service areas 
are outlined under the Funding Availability sub-heading for each 
geographic service area. The minimum performance goals are listed on an 
annual basis by MBDA and will be broken out into quarterly increments 
by the applicant and submitted as part of their proposal.
    The NABDC is required to utilize, in a good faith effort, all of 
its resources to achieve the stated goals. Should the NABDC exceed its 
performance requirements prior to the end of a funding year, the NABDC 
is expected to maintain operations at full strength and continue to 
provide services and reach greater performance outcomes. MBDA views the 
NABDC as a designated cooperative partner and an envoy to the greater 
Native American business community. Thus, high achievement in one 
performance measure cannot excuse failure to reach other goals as 
stated in this Notice.

Definitions

    1. Dollar Value of Transactions--The dollar value of transactions 
are defined as:
    (a) Dollar Value of Completed Financial Transactions which 
represent the total principal value of approved loans, equity 
financings, bonds, or other binding financial agreements secured by 
clients of the project, with the assistance of NABDC staff. For 
purposes of this performance element, eligible financial transactions 
are those which have a specific dollar value, and which expand its 
capital base/operations, 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 NABDC client (firm) and a party (financier) capable of 
performing its obligations under the terms of the agreement.
    (b) Dollar Value of Gross Receipts which represent the total dollar 
value of successfully awarded contracts and/or the total principal 
value of executed sales/delivery contracts of services/products/
intellectual rights and/or increase in sales and/or completed Mergers 
and Acquisitions or other binding financial considerations secured by 
clients of the project, with the assistance of project staff. For 
purposes of this performance element, Dollar Value of Gross Receipts 
are those transactions which have a specific dollar value, and which 
produce some other direct commercial benefit for client firms. In order 
to be deemed complete, successfully awarded contracts or mergers and 
acquisitions 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. Increase in sales must be 
documented through an initial, a midyear and a year-end client 
assessment (see Client Assessment under the heading Client Services) 
supported by client submitted financial documentation.
    MBDA recognizes that the financial obligations evidenced by these 
transactions may be long-term, and require performance over an extended 
period. Consequently it is not necessary that the funds or other 
financial value specified under the agreements have actually changed 
hands for the project to receive credit under this performance element, 
so long as the agreement of the parties is documented and binding.
    2. Number of Jobs Created--This is defined as the number of new 
full time and/or part time employment opportunities reported on the 
client's payroll during the funding year. Persons on paid sick leave, 
paid holiday and paid vacations are included as employees as are 
salaried officers and executives of corporations. However, proprietors 
and partners of unincorporated businesses are not

[[Page 51989]]

considered employees under this definition.
    3. Number of New Clients--This represents the actual number of new 
clients in a funding year. New clients are defined as those Native 
American and other minority business enterprises that complete a 
written engagement with the NABDC for specific services and registered 
with the NABDC.
    4. Administrative Management & Operational Quality--Operational 
quality refers to the quality and effectiveness of the project 
operator's delivery of client services and project scope, as evidenced 
by the following performance elements relating to the day-to-day 
management of the project:
    a. Client Satisfaction--An MBDA consultation process with clients 
of the NABDC used to verify and rate the qualitative level of services 
rendered by the NABDC.
    b. Management Assessment--The management assessment reflects MBDA's 
own evaluation of the overall management of the NABDC 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, successful completion of Agency 
training, and any other areas which MBDA may deem to be relevant in 
determining the overall quality of the project's operations.
    c. Market Promotion--This represents the total number of 
successfully completed activities (per reporting period) as proposed in 
the applicant's response to this notice.
    d. Resource Entries--This is defined as the total quantity of 
accurate and timely records entered into MBDA's Portal tools (e.g., 
Phoenix, Opportunity, Capital Locator, Resource Locator, etc.) in 
support of its efforts to disseminate information electronically.
    e. Establish Strategic Partners--This represents formalized 
memoranda of understanding between the NABDC and its strategic 
partners.
    f. Facilitated Matches--This represents the number of minority 
firms directed by the NABDC to strategic partners, the MBDA funded 
network, and other business resources that result in a financial 
transaction (as described above under Dollar Value of Transactions).

Extraordinary Performance--Support of MBDA's Strategic Initiative

    An element of MBDA's overall mission is to advocate on behalf of 
all Native American and minority firms. In part, MBDA recognizes 
successful efforts of NABDC operators to establish new opportunities 
for all Native American and minority firms. Extraordinary performance 
by a NABDC or the NABDC operator may result in bonus points for the 
NABDC. The NABDC may receive up to five (5) performance bonus points 
(one (1) point for each fully completed initiative as defined below) in 
any funding period for the successful execution of the following four 
items:
    (a) The NABDC and/or the NABDC operator may develop and maintain a 
maximum of five (5) strategic initiatives designed to benefit the 
Native American and minority business community within the NABDC 
geographic area.
    (b) The strategic initiative(s) should be framed to expand market 
and financing opportunities for Native American and minority business 
enterprises in areas not previously established by MBDA or the MBDA 
funded network.
    (c) A desired and measurable economic impact that benefits Native 
American and minority business enterprises must be established and 
accounted for at the end of the NABDC funding year. Economic impact can 
be formulated by identifying the dollar value of transactions 
(financings, contracts/procurements) and/or other means of economic 
opportunities.
    (d) The strategic initiative(s) should be documented in writing and 
should include
    --the name(s) and contact information of the collaborating 
entities;
    --responsibilities and duties of the collaborating entities;
    --the resources which each party agrees to commit to the 
relationship; and
    --the goals which the initiative is to accomplish.

Performance Standards

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Minimum required
   Minimum required percent of     points needed for
  goals needed for each  rating       each rating      Rating categories
            category                   category
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100% and above*.................  100** and above...  Outstanding
At least 90.....................  90-99.............  Commendable
At least 80.....................  80-89.............  Good
At least 75.....................  75-79.............  Satisfactory
Below 75........................  Below 75..........  Unsatisfactory
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Not to exceed 110%
**Not to exceed 110 Points

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Minimum required
   Minimum required percent of     points needed for
  goals needed for each rating       each  rating      Rating categories
            category                   category
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100% and above*.................  100** and above...  Outstanding
At least 90.....................  90-99.............  Commendable
At least 80.....................  80-89.............  Good
At least 77.....................  77-79.............  Satisfactory
Below 77........................  Below 77..........  Unsatisfactory
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Not to exceed 110%
**Not to exceed 110 Points


[[Page 51990]]

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Minimum required
   Minimum required percent of     points needed for
  goals needed for each rating        each rating      Rating categories
            category                   category
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100% and above*.................  100** and above...  Outstanding
At least 90.....................  90-99.............  Commendable
At least 85.....................  85-89.............  Good
At least 80.....................  80-84.............  Satisfactory
Below 80........................  Below 80..........  Unsatisfactory
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Not to exceed 110%
**Not to exceed 110 Points

Funding Availability

    MBDA anticipates that a total of approximately $1.6 million will be 
available in FY 2004 for Federal assistance under this program. 
Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have not yet been 
appropriated for this program. In no event will MBDA or the Department 
of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if this 
program fails to receive funding or is canceled because of other agency 
priorities.
    Financial assistance awards under this program may range from 
$155,000 to $287,500 in Federal funding per year based upon minority 
population, the size of the market and its need for MBDA resources. 
Applicants must submit project plans and budgets for each of the three 
years. 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 and will depend on satisfactory performance by 
the recipient, the availability of funds to support the continuation of 
the project and 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 each award below. To determine its geographic service areas, MBDA 
uses States, counties, Metropolitan Areas (MA), which comprise 
metropolitan statistical areas (MSA), consolidated metropolitan 
statistical areas (CMSA), and primary metropolitan statistical areas 
(PMSA) as defined by the OMB Committee on MAs (http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/bulletins), and other demographic boundaries as 
specified herein. Services to eligible clients outside of an operator's 
specified service area may be requested, on a case-by-case basis, 
through the appropriate MBDA Regional Director and granted by the 
Grants Officer.

1. NABDC Application: North Carolina/Cherokee/Ashville

    Geographic Service Area: Cherokee/Ashville, North Carolina MA.
    Award Number: 04-10-04005-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain the primary NABDC on the 
Cherokee reservation and a satellite office in the Ashville, North 
Carolina MA.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of three 12-month funding periods from January 1, 
2004, to December 31, 2006, is estimated at $188,000. The total Federal 
amount is $188,000.
    The minimum cost share of 15% is not required.
    The minimum performance goals for the MBDC are:
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $13,976,471.
    Number of Jobs Created: 64.
    Number of New Clients: 146.
    Resource Entries: 285.
    Facilitated Matches: 7.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Atlanta National Enterprise Center at (404) 730-3300 or 
visit MBDA's website at http://www.mbda.gov.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Robert Henderson, Regional Director.

2. NABDC Application: Minnesota Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of Minnesota.
    Award Number: 05-10-04004-01
    The recipient is required to maintain its NABDC in Cass Lake, 
Minnesota.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of three 12-month funding periods from January 1, 
2004, to December 31, 2006, is estimated at $160,000. The total Federal 
amount is $160,000.
    The minimum cost share of 15% is not required.
    The minimum performance goals for the NABDC are:
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $12,000,000.
    Number of Jobs Created: 55.
    Number of New Clients: 125.
    Resource Entries: 243.
    Facilitated Matches: 6.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Chicago National Enterprise Center at (312) 353-0182 or 
visit MBDA's website at http://www.mbda.gov.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Carlos Guzman, Acting Regional Director.

3. NABDC Application: New Mexico Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of New Mexico.
    Award Number: 06-10-04005-01.
    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 three 12-month funding periods from January 1, 
2004, to December 31, 2006, is estimated at $188,000. The total Federal 
amount is $188,000.
    The minimum cost share of 15% is not required.
    The minimum performance goals for the NABDC are:
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $13,976,471.
    Number of Jobs Created: 64.
    Number of New Clients: 146.
    Resource Entries: 285.
    Facilitated Matches: 7.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Dallas National Enterprise Center at (214) 767-8001 or 
visit MBDA's website at http://www.mbda.gov.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
John F. Iglehart, Regional Director.

4. NABDC Application: Oklahoma Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of Oklahoma.
    Award Number: 06-10-04007-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain its NABDC in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

[[Page 51991]]

Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of three 12-month funding periods from January 1, 
2004 to December 31, 2006, is estimated at $235,000. The total Federal 
amount is $235,000.
    The minimum cost share of 15% is not required.
    The minimum performance goals for the NABDC are:
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $20,117,647.
    Number of Jobs Created: 93.
    Number of New Clients: 210.
    Resource Entries: 356.
    Facilitated Matches: 11.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Dallas National Enterprise Center at (214) 767-8001 or 
visit MBDA's website at http://www.mbda.gov.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
John F. Iglehart, Regional Director.

5. NABDC Application: North/South Dakota Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: States of North and South Dakota.
    Award Number: 06-10-04006-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain its NABDC in Bismarck, North 
Dakota. Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of three 12-month funding periods from January 1, 
2004 to December 31, 2006, is estimated at $155,000. The total Federal 
amount is $155,000.
    The minimum cost share of 15% is not required.
    The minimum performance goals for the NABDC are:
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $12,000,000.
    Number of Jobs Created: 55.
    Number of New Clients: 125.
    Resource Entries: 235.
    Facilitated Matches: 6.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the Dallas National Enterprise Center at (214) 767-8001 or 
visit MBDA's website at http://www.mbda.gov.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
John F. Iglehart, Regional Director.

6. NABDC Application: Arizona Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of Arizona.
    Award Number: 09-10-04007-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain its NABDC in Mesa, Arizona. 
Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of three 12-month funding periods from January 1, 
2004 to December 31, 2006, is estimated at $188,000. The total Federal 
amount is $180,000.
    The minimum cost share of 15% is not required.
    The minimum performance goals for the NABDC are:
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $13,411,765.
    Number of Jobs Created: 62.
    Number of New Clients: 140.
    Resource Entries: 273.
    Facilitated Matches: 7.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the San Francisco National Enterprise Center at (415) 744-3001 
or visit MBDA's website at http://www.mbda.gov.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Linda Marmolejo, Deputy Regional Director.

7. MBDC Application: California Statewide

    Geographic Service Area: State of California.
    Award Number: 09-10-04008-01.
    The recipient is required to maintain its NABDC in greater Los 
Angeles, California. Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, 
the cost of performance for each of three 12-month funding periods from 
January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2006, is estimated at $287,500. The 
total Federal amount is $287,500.
    The minimum cost share of 15% is not required.
    The minimum performance goals for the NABDC are:
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $21,176,471.
    Number of Jobs Created: 97.
    Number of New Clients: 221.
    Resource Entries: 436.
    Facilitated Matches: 11.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the San Francisco National Enterprise Center at (415) 744-3001 
or visit MBDA's website at http://www.mbda.gov.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Linda Marmolejo, Deputy Regional Director.

8. NABDC Application: Northwest

    Geographic Service Area: States of Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
    Award Number: 09-10-04007-01.
    Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of 
performance for each of three 12-month funding periods from January 1, 
2004 to December 31, 2006, is estimated at $190,000. The total Federal 
amount is $190,000.
    The minimum cost share of 15% is not required.
    The minimum performance goals for the NABDC are:
    Dollar Value of Transactions: $14,117,647.
    Number of Jobs Created: 65.
    Number of New Clients: 147.
    Resource Entries: 288.
    Facilitated Matches: 7.
    Pre-Application Conference: For the exact date, time and place, 
contact the San Francisco National Enterprise Center at (415) 744-3001 
or visit MBDA's website at http://www.mbda.gov.
    For Further Information and a copy of the application kit, contact 
Linda Marmolejo, Deputy Regional Director.

Matching Requirements

    It is not required that an applicant for an award to operate an 
NABDC propose a cost-share contribution. Cost sharing is the portion of 
the project cost not borne by the Federal Government. However, an 
applicant may propose a cost-share contribution in any of the following 
four means or a combination thereof: (1) cash contributions; (2) non-
cash applicant contributions; (3) third party in-kind contributions, 
and (4) client fees.
    The NABDC may charge client fees for services rendered. The fees 
may range from $10 to $60 per hour based on the gross receipts of the 
client's business ranging from $0 to $5 million and above. The NABDC 
must comply with the following policy restrictions when charging client 
service fees: (1) client fees charged for one-on-one assistance must be 
based on a rate of $100 per hour; (2) the NABDC must set fee rates 
based on the following chart:

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Base rate for     Percent of cost     Client fee per
                Gross receipts of client                 services rendered   borne by client          hour
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0-99,999..............................................            $100.00                 10             $10.00
100,000-299,999........................................             100.00                 20              20.00

[[Page 51992]]

 
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(3) if the NABDC chooses to contribute a cost-share amount, it must 
contribute cash for uncollected fees that were included as part of the 
cost sharing contribution committed for this award; (4) if the NABDC 
chooses to contribute a cost-share amount, client fees applied directly 
to the award's cost sharing requirement must be used in furtherance of 
the program objectives; and (5) fees must be charged to all eligible 
clients, regardless of minority group identification.

Type of Funding Instrument

    Financial assistance awards in the form of cooperative agreements 
will be used to fund this program. MBDA's substantial involvement with 
recipients will include performing the following duties to further the 
NABDC's objectives:

Post-Award Conferences

    MBDA shall conduct post-award conferences for all new NABDC awards 
to ensure that each NABDC has a clear understanding of the program and 
its components. The conference will: (1) Provide an MBDA Directory for 
Business Resources; (2) orient NABDC program officers; (3) explain 
program reporting requirements and procedures; (4) identify available 
resources that can enhance the capabilities of the NABDC; and (5) 
provide detailed information about MBDA's business and other 
information systems.

Training

    MBDA shall conduct various qualitative training sessions for the 
NABDC staff. The training sessions are designed (in part) to improve 
communications, understandings, client service delivery, performance 
and reporting. The following training sessions are designated for the 
2004 funding year:
    (1) A systems integrated approach to client services, including 
client assessment and functional assistance (initial 5-day training), 
and subsequent advanced training (5-day follow-up training), and
    (2) MBDA Portal tools including (but not limited to) Performance, 
Resource Locator, Capital Locator, Business Plan, Phoenix and 
Opportunity System. We anticipate that the training will be provided at 
MBDA's annual National conference.

Networking, Promotion and Information Exchange

    MBDA shall provide the following: (1) Access to business 
information systems, which support the work of the NABDC as described 
in the Enhancing the NABDCs Through Technology section. This 
information will be provided by MBDA's Office of Information 
Technology. The specific information systems and access to them will be 
provided at the time of the award for a particular NABDC. (2) Sponsor 
one national and at least one NEC conference. (3) Expand the Phoenix 
data bank of Native American and minority-owned firms by requiring 
other MBDA-funded programs to provide additional entries. (4) Promote 
the exchange of business opportunity information within the MBDA funded 
system using the Capital Locator, Resource Locator, Phoenix and 
Opportunity system on the MBDA Portal 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 system 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 Capital Locator, Resource Locator, Phoenix and Opportunity 
system on the MBDA Portal 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 
system, assessment of the end of the second quarter progress report, an 
on-site review of the center's client files to verify NABDC 
performance, reported assistance and interviews with clients assisted. 
In consultation with clients of the individual NABDC, MBDA will assess 
the Center's effectiveness in providing business development services 
to their respective minority business communities. MBDA will then 
provide a report of findings and recommendations for improvement as a 
result of evaluations and monitoring visits. MBDA will also assess the 
NABDC's performance for the first and third quarters of performance 
data (as recorded in the Performance System) and provide a written 
report of findings. MBDA will approve qualifications of key NABDC staff 
and respond in a timely manner to correspondence requesting MBDA 
action.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Award Period

    The total award period is three (3) years. Funding will be provided 
annually at the discretion of MBDA and DoC, and will depend upon 
satisfactory performance by the award recipient, availability of funds 
to continue the project, and Agency priorities. Project proposals 
accepted for funding will not compete for funding in subsequent budget 
periods within the approved award period. Publication of this Notice 
does not obligate MBDA or DoC to award any specific cooperative 
agreement or to obligate all or any part of available funds.

Indirect Costs

    The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an 
application under this program must not exceed the indirect cost rate 
negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the 
proposed effective date of the award or 100 percent of the total 
proposed direct costs dollar amount in the application, whichever is 
less.

[[Page 51993]]

Proposal Format

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

I. Table of Contents
II. Program Narrative
    a. Applicant Capability--Include a resume setting forth the 
qualifications of the project director as part of the application, 
along with a copy of a college transcript, as appropriate. Position 
descriptions and qualification standards for all staff should be 
included as part of the application. Applicants must provide a copy 
of their Articles of Incorporation, by-laws and IRS 501(c)(3) non-
profit letter or other evidence of non-profit status.
    b. Resources--Include original commitment letters from those 
resources listed and indicate their willingness to work with the 
applicant. These resources can include such items as facilities, 
equipment, voluntary staff time and space, and financial resources. 
One to two letters of support (with contact information) from prior 
assisted larger minority firms and community organizations should be 
included from those resources willing to work with the applicant.
    c. Techniques and Methodologies--The applicant's proposal shall 
include a specific plan-of-action detailing how the work 
requirements will be met and how those techniques will be 
implemented. MBDA requires the applicant to provide a quarterly 
breakdown of the goals.
    d. Costs
III. Forms


    Note: Pages of the proposal should be numbered consecutively.

Application Forms and Package

    One (1) original and two (2) signed copies of the application must 
consist of: 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-436, Applicant for Funding Assistance, CD-511, 
Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility 
matters: Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying, CD-512, 
Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and 
Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying. These 
forms may be obtained by (1) contacting MBDA as described in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above; (2) by downloading Standard 
forms at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants and Department of 
Commerce at http://www.doc.gov/forms, or (3) by applying on-line via 
the World Wide Web at MBDA's web site located at http://www.mbda.gov.
    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 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.

Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals will be evaluated and applicants will be selected based 
on the following criteria. An application must receive at least 70% of 
the total points available for each evaluation criterion, in order for 
the application to be considered for funding.

1. Applicant Capability (45 points)

    The applicant's proposal will be evaluated with respect to the 
applicant firm's experience and expertise in providing the work 
requirements listed. Specifically, the proposals will be evaluated as 
follows:
    [sbull] Native American Community--experience in and knowledge of 
the minority business sector and strategies for enhancing its growth 
and expansion (5 points);
    [sbull] Business Consulting--experience in and knowledge of 
business consulting of Native American and minority firms (10 points);
    [sbull] Financing--experience in and knowledge of the preparation 
and formulation of successful financial transactions (5 points);
    [sbull] Procurements and Contracting--experience in and knowledge 
of the public and private sector contracting opportunities for Native 
American and minority businesses (5 points);
    [sbull] Financing Networks--resources and professional 
relationships within the corporate, banking and investment community 
that may be beneficial to Native American and minority-owned firms (5 
points);
    [sbull] Native American Advocacy--experience and expertise in 
advocating on behalf of minority 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 (5 points); and
    [sbull] Key Staff--assessment of the qualifications, experience and 
proposed role of staff who will operate the NABDC. In particular, an 
assessment will be made to determine whether proposed staff possess the 
expertise in utilizing information systems as contemplated under the 
heading entitled, ``Computer Requirements'' (10 points).

2. Resources (20 points)

    The applicant's proposal will be evaluated according to the 
following criteria:
    [sbull] Resources--discuss those resources (not included as part of 
the cost-sharing arrangement) that will be used. (10 points);
    [sbull] Partners--discuss how you plan to establish and maintain 
the network of five (5) Strategic Partners (5 points);
    [sbull] Equipment--discuss how you plan to accomplish the computer 
hardware and software requirements (5 points).

3. Techniques and Methodologies (25 points)

    The applicant's proposal will be evaluated as follows:
    [sbull] Performance Measures--each performance measure should be 
related to the financial and market resources available and other 
information, as appropriate, in the geographic service area to the 
applicant and how the goals will be met. Specific attention should be 
placed on the Dollar Value of Transactions (as described under 
Definitions). This goal represents the sum of (a) Dollar Value of 
Financial Transactions and (b) Dollar Value for Gross Receipts. When 
proposing the minimum goal under Dollar Value of Transactions, the 
applicant is given the flexibility to address the percentage breakdown 
for items (a) and (b) within a specific range--not more than 60% and 
not less than 40%. The applicant should consider existing market 
conditions and its strategy to achieve the goal. The applicant may vary 
the percentage breakdown for items (a) and (b) as long as the sum meets 
the required goal as provided by MBDA in this Notice (as described 
under Geographic Service Areas). (15 points);
    [sbull] Plan of Action--provide specific detail on how the 
applicant will start operations. NABDCs have thirty (30) days to become 
fully operational after an award is made. Fully operational means that 
all staff are hired, all signs are up, all items of furniture and 
equipment are in place and operational, all necessary forms are 
developed (e.g.,

[[Page 51994]]

client engagement letters, other standard correspondence, etc.), and 
the center is ready to open its doors to the public (5 points);
    [sbull] Work Requirement Execution Plan--The applicant will be 
evaluated on how effectively and efficiently all staff time will be 
used to achieve the work requirements (5 points).

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

    The applicant's proposal will be evaluated on the following 
criteria:
    [sbull] 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.

Key Points to Remember

    [sbull] The Federal amount is not negotiable! The full amount of 
Federal funds designated for the award must be used in its entirety in 
the proposal.
    [sbull] All proposed costs must be accompanied by written 
narrative. Read the budget narrative requirements in the application 
kit carefully. All costs must be explained in writing.
    [sbull] Indirect Costs. The indirect cost policies contained in OMB 
Circulars A-21, A-87 and A-122 will apply to MBDA awards for its 
business development programs. Indirect costs are those costs proposed 
for common or joint objectives and which cannot be readily identified 
with a particular cost objective. Therefore, if the MBDA award is to be 
the sole source of support for the applicant organization, all costs 
are direct costs and no indirect costs should be proposed.
    Organizations with indirect costs that do not have an established 
indirect cost rate negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal 
agency may still propose indirect costs. For the recipient to recover 
indirect costs, however, the proposed budget must include a line item 
for such costs. Also, the recipient must prepare and submit a cost 
allocation plan and indirect cost rate proposal as required by 
applicable OMB circulars (A-21, A-87 and A-122). The allocation plan 
and the rate proposal must be submitted to the Department's Office of 
Acquisition Management within 90 days from the effective date of the 
proposed award.
    [sbull] Audit Costs. Audits shall be performed in accordance with 
audit requirements contained in Office of Management and Budget 
Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit 
Organizations, revised June 27, 2003. OMB Circular A-133 requires that 
non-profit organizations, government agencies, Indian tribes and 
educational institutions expending $500,000 or more in federal funds 
during a one-year period conduct a single audit in accordance with 
guidelines outlined in the circular. Applicants are reminded that other 
audits may be conducted by the Office of Inspector General.
    [sbull] 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.
    [sbull] Program Income. Many of MBDA's business development 
services programs allow their awardees to charge a fee for services 
rendered to clients. Where applicable, fees are considered program 
income and shall be accounted for and may be used to finance the non-
Federal cost-share of the project. Any excess fee income shall be used 
to further the program purpose in accordance with the terms and 
conditions of the award.

Selection Procedures

    Prior to the formal paneling process, each application will receive 
an initial screening to ensure that all required forms, signatures and 
documentation are present. Each application will receive an 
independent, objective review by a panel qualified to evaluate the 
applications submitted. MBDA anticipates that the review panel will be 
made up of at least three independent reviewers who are Federal 
employees who will review all applications based on the above 
evaluation criteria. Each reviewer will evaluate and provide a score 
for each proposal. The Director of MBDA makes the final recommendation 
to the Department of Commerce Grants Officer regarding the funding of 
applications, taking into account the following selection criteria:
    1. The evaluations and rankings of the independent review panel;
    2. The following funding priorities: (1) Identifying and working to 
eliminate barriers which limit the access of minority businesses to 
markets and capital; (2) Identifying and working to meet the special 
needs of minority businesses seeking to obtain large-scale contracts 
(in excess of $500,000) with institutional customers; and (3) Promoting 
the understanding and use of Electronic Commerce by the minority 
business community. The National Director or his designee reserves the 
right to conduct a site visit (subject to the availability of funding) 
to applicant organizations receiving at least 70% of the total points 
available for each evaluation criterion, in order to make a better 
assessment of the organization's capability to achieve the three 
funding priorities.
    3. The availability of funding.

Unsuccessful Competition

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

Universal Identifier

    Applicants should be aware that they may be required to provide a 
Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number during 
the application process. See the June 27, 2003 (68 FR 38402) Federal 
Register notice for additional information. Organizations can receive a 
DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number 
request line at 1-866-705-5711 or on MBDA's website at http://www.mbda.gov.

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), as amended by the Federal 
Register notice published on October 30, 2002 (67 FR 66109), are 
applicable to this solicitation.

Executive Order 12866

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

[[Page 51995]]

Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required 
by the Administrative Procedure Act for rules concerning public 
property, loans, grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). 
Because notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 
5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable. 
Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and has 
not been prepared.

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, CD-346, and SF-LLL have been approved by OMB under the 
respective control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0605-0001, 
and 0348-0046.
    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: August 25, 2003.
Ronald N. Langston,
National Director, Minority Business Development Agency.
[FR Doc. 03-22132 Filed 8-28-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-21-P