[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 55 (Thursday, March 22, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13474-13478]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-5223]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development Administration

[Docket No.: 070309052-7053-01]


Solicitation of Proposals and Applications for Economic 
Development Assistance Programs

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

ACTION: Notice and request for proposals and applications.

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SUMMARY: The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is soliciting 
proposals or applications (as appropriate) for the following programs 
authorized by the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 
U.S.C. 3121 et seq.) (PWEDA): (1) Public Works and Economic Development 
Investments Program, (2) Planning Program, (3) Local Technical 
Assistance Program, and (4) Economic Adjustment Assistance Program. 
EDA's mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by 
promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions 
for growth and success in the worldwide economy. In implementing this 
mission pursuant to its authorizing statute, PWEDA, EDA advances 
economic growth by assisting communities and regions experiencing 
chronic high unemployment and low per capita income to create an 
environment that fosters innovation, promotes entrepreneurship, and 
attracts increased private capital investment. Under the Trade Act of 
1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2341-2391) (Trade Act), EDA also provides 
technical assistance to firms adversely affected by increased import 
competition.

DATES: Proposals are accepted on a continuing basis and applications 
are invited and processed as received. Generally, two months are 
required for EDA to reach a final decision after receipt of a complete 
application that meets all requirements. Proposals or applications (as 
appropriate) received after the date of this notice will be processed 
in accordance with the requirements set forth herein and in the related 
Federal funding opportunity (FFO) announcement, until the next annual 
FFO is posted on http://www.Grants.gov and related notice and request 
for proposals and applications is published in the Federal Register.

Pre-Application and Application Submission Requirements

    Proponents are advised to carefully read the instructions contained 
in the complete FFO announcement for this request for proposals and 
applications, and in the Pre-Application for Investment Assistance 
(Form ED-900P) and Application for Investment Assistance (Form ED-
900A). The requirements of the pre-application are different than the 
requirements of the application. The content of the pre-application or 
the application (as appropriate) is the same for paper submissions as 
it is for electronic submissions. EDA will not accept facsimile 
transmissions of pre-applications and applications.
    Proposals under EDA's Public Works Program (CFDA No. 11.300) or 
Economic Adjustment Assistance Program (CFDA No. 11.307) must be 
submitted on Form ED-900P, which may be submitted in two formats: (i) 
In paper (hardcopy) format at the applicable regional office address 
provided below; or (ii) electronically in accordance with the 
procedures provided on http://www.Grants.gov.
    For projects under EDA's Planning Program (CFDA No. 11.302) or 
Technical Assistance Program (CFDA No. 11.303), please contact the 
appropriate EDA regional office listed below for instructions as to 
whether you should complete a pre-application or an application. In the 
case of a continuation grant, no pre-application is required.
    The following forms may be accessed and downloaded as follows: (i) 
Forms ED-900P and ED-900A at http://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/Application.xml; (ii) Standard Forms (SF) at either http://www.Grants.gov or at http://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/Application.xml; and (iii) Department of Commerce (CD) forms at http://www.doc.gov/forms.
    Addresses and Telephone Numbers for EDA's Regional Offices: 
Applicants in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North 
Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, may submit paper submissions 
to:

Economic Development Administration, Atlanta Regional Office, 401 West 
Peachtree Street, NW., Suite 1820, Atlanta, Georgia 30308, Telephone: 
(404) 730-3002, Fax: (404) 730-3025.

    Applicants in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, 
may submit paper submissions to:

Economic Development Administration, Austin Regional Office, 504 
Lavaca, Suite 1100, Austin, Texas 78701-2858, Telephone: (512) 381-
8144, Fax: (512) 381-8177.

    Applicants in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and 
Wisconsin, may submit paper submissions to:

Economic Development Administration, Chicago Regional Office, 111 North 
Canal Street, Suite 855, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Telephone: (312) 353-
7706, Fax: (312) 353-8575.

    Applicants in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, 
North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming, may submit paper 
submissions to:

Economic Development Administration, Denver Regional Office, 1244 Speer 
Boulevard, Room 670, Denver, Colorado 80204, Telephone: (303) 844-4715, 
Fax: (303) 844-3968.

    Applicants in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, 
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands, 
Virginia and West Virginia, may submit paper submissions to:

Economic Development Administration, Philadelphia Regional Office, 
Curtis Center, 601 Walnut Street, Suite 140 South, Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania 19106, Telephone: (215) 597-4603, Fax: (215) 597-1063.

    Applicants in Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, 
Hawaii, Idaho, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nevada, Northern Mariana 
Islands, Oregon, Republic of Palau and Washington, may submit paper 
submissions to:

Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office, Jackson 
Federal Building, Room 1890, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 
98174, Telephone: (206) 220-7660, Fax: (206) 220-7669.

    Paper Submissions: To apply for Public Works or Economic Adjustment 
Assistance under this notice, you may submit a proposal on a completed 
pre-application (ED-900P) to the applicable EDA regional office listed 
above. Proponents choosing this option should

[[Page 13475]]

download and print copies of Form ED-900P and the Application for 
Federal Assistance (Form SF-424) at http://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/Application.xml, complete Parts I, II and III of Form 
ED-900P and Form SF-424, and attach the project narrative statement 
requested in section IV.B.1. of the FFO announcement for this request 
for proposals and applications. To apply for Planning or Technical 
Assistance under this notice, the EDA regional office may instruct you 
to submit an application in lieu of the pre-application. After 
consultation with the regional office, you may submit a completed pre-
application or an application, as instructed, to the applicable EDA 
regional office.
    A proponent must submit one (1) original and two (2) copies of a 
completed pre-application or application (as appropriate) via postal 
mail, shipped overnight or hand-delivered to the applicable regional 
office, unless otherwise directed by EDA staff. Proponents are advised 
that Department of Commerce mail security measures may delay receipt of 
United States Postal Service mail for up to two weeks. Proponents may 
wish to use guaranteed overnight delivery services.
    Electronic Submissions: Proponents applying under the Public Works 
Program or the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program may submit pre-
applications electronically in accordance with the instructions 
provided at http://www.Grants.gov. You may access the pre-application 
package by following the instructions provided on http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. The preferred file 
format for electronic attachments (e.g., the project narrative 
statement and exhibits to Form ED-900P) is portable document format 
(PDF); however, EDA will accept electronic files in Microsoft Word, 
WordPerfect, Lotus or Excel formats.
    Applicants for assistance under the Planning Program or the 
Technical Assistance Program may not need to submit a pre-application. 
If the regional office instructs you to submit an application (Form ED-
900A) instead of a pre-application (Form ED-900P) for projects under 
these two programs, you may submit the application in paper (hardcopy) 
format or you may submit the application electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. If the regional office instructs you to submit a pre-
application, you also may submit the pre-application in paper 
(hardcopy) format or electronically via http://www.Grants.gov.
    Applicants should access the following link for assistance in 
navigating http://www.Grants.gov and for a list of useful resources: 
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant_help.jsp. If you do not 
find an answer to your question under Frequently Asked Questions, try 
consulting the Applicant's User Guide. If you still cannot find an 
answer to your question, contact http://www.Grants.gov via email at 
[email protected] or telephone at 1.800.518.4726. The hours of 
operation for http://www.Grants.gov are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
(EST) (except for Federal holidays).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or for a 
paper copy of the FFO announcement, contact the appropriate EDA 
regional office listed above. EDA's Internet Web site at http://www.eda.gov also contains additional information on EDA and its 
programs.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Program Information: EDA encourages the submission of only those 
proposals or applications, as appropriate, which will significantly 
benefit regions with distressed economies. Distress may exist in a 
variety of forms, including high levels of unemployment, low income 
levels, large concentrations of low-income families, significant 
declines in per capita income, large numbers (or high rates) of 
business failures, sudden major layoffs or plant closures, trade 
impacts, military base closures, natural or other major disasters, 
depletion of natural resources, reduced tax bases, or substantial loss 
of population because of the lack of employment opportunities. EDA 
believes that regional economic development to alleviate these 
conditions is effected primarily through investments and decisions made 
by the private sector. EDA will give preference to proposals or 
applications (as appropriate) that include cash contributions (over in-
kind contributions) as the matching share.
    EDA will evaluate and select proposals or applications (as 
appropriate) according to the investment policy guidelines and funding 
priorities set forth below under ``Evaluation Criteria'' and ``Funding 
Priorities'' and in section V. of the FFO announcement.
    Electronic Access: The FFO announcement for the FY 2007 Economic 
Development Assistance Programs competition is available at http://www.Grants.gov. Additional information is available through EDA's 
Internet Web site at http://www.eda.gov.
    Funding Availability: EDA is operating with appropriations made 
available under the Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007, 
Public Law 110-5 (February 15, 2007). This Act makes $250.741 million 
available in FY 2007 for the economic development assistance programs 
authorized by PWEDA and for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms 
Program (TAA Program) authorized under the Trade Act.
    This notice will remain in effect until it is terminated or 
supplanted by a future Federal Register notice. The funding periods and 
funding amount(s) referenced in this notice and in the FFO announcement 
are subject to the availability of funds at the time of award, as well 
as to Department of Commerce and EDA priorities at the time of award. 
The Department of Commerce and EDA will not be held responsible for 
proposal or application preparation costs. Publication of this notice 
and the FFO announcement does not obligate the Department of Commerce 
or EDA to award any specific grant or cooperative agreement or to 
obligate all or any part of available funds.
    This request for proposals and applications covers the following 
programs under PWEDA: (1) Public Works and Economic Development 
Investments Program; (2) Planning Program; (3) Technical Assistance 
Program; and (4) Economic Adjustment Assistance Program. Under the 
Technical Assistance Program, this request for proposals and 
applications covers Local Technical Assistance only. A separate FFO 
announcement will be posted on http://www.Grants.gov that will set 
forth the specific funding priorities, application and selection 
processes, time frames, and evaluation criteria for certain National 
Technical Assistance projects to be funded with FY 2007 appropriations. 
Similarly, a separate FFO announcement has been posted at http://www.Grants.gov that sets forth the specific funding priorities, 
application and selection processes, time frames, and evaluation 
criteria for University Center projects to be funded with FY 2007 
appropriated program funds. With respect to the TAA Program under the 
Trade Act, continuation grants will not be competed and no new Trade 
Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) grants will be awarded this year. 
See 19 U.S.C. 2341-2391 and 13 CFR part 315.
    Statutory Authority: The authority for the (1) Public Works and 
Economic Development Investments Program, (2) Planning Program, (3) 
Technical Assistance Program, and (4) Economic Adjustment Assistance 
Program is PWEDA. The authorities for the TAA

[[Page 13476]]

Program are Chapters 3 and 5 of Title II of the Trade Act. EDA 
published final regulations (codified at 13 CFR Chapter III) in the 
Federal Register on September 27, 2006 (71 FR 56658). The final 
regulations became effective upon publication and reflect changes made 
to PWEDA by the Economic Development Administration Reauthorization Act 
of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-373, 118 Stat. 1756). The final regulations and 
PWEDA are accessible on EDA's Internet Web site at http://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/Lawsreg.xml.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers: 11.300, 
Grants for Public Works and Economic Development Facilities; 11.302, 
Economic Development--Support for Planning Organizations; 11.303, 
Economic Development--Technical Assistance; 11.307, Economic Adjustment 
Assistance; 11.313, Economic Development--Trade Adjustment Assistance.
    Applicant Eligibility: Pursuant to PWEDA, eligible applicants for 
and eligible recipients of EDA investment assistance include a(n): (i) 
District Organization; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian 
Tribes; (iii) State, a city or other political subdivision of a State, 
including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged 
in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium 
of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a 
consortium of institutions of higher education; or (v) public or 
private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation 
with officials of a political subdivision of a State. See section 3 of 
PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3122) and 13 CFR 300.3. Projects eligible for Public 
Works or Economic Adjustment investment assistance include those 
projects located in regions meeting ``Special Need'' criteria (as 
defined in 13 CFR 300.3), as set forth in section VIII.B. of the FFO 
announcement.
    For-profit, private-sector entities do not qualify for investment 
assistance under PWEDA, with one minor exception: EDA may award a grant 
under section 207 (42 U.S.C. 3147) of PWEDA under its Local Technical 
Assistance Program or National Technical Assistance Program to a for-
profit organization for the specific purposes set forth in 13 CFR 
306.1. EDA is not authorized to provide grants directly to individuals 
or to for-profit entities seeking to start or expand a private 
business. Such requests may be referred to State or local agencies, or 
to non-profit economic development organizations serving the region in 
which the project will be located.
    Any community affected by the 1988, 1991, 1993, 1995 or 2005 base 
realignment and closure (BRAC) actions, which qualifies under EDA's 
Public Works Program or Economic Adjustment Assistance Program, may 
apply for assistance under one or both of these programs. EDA 
anticipates that proponents with construction proposals will seek 
funding from the Public Works Program, and strategic planning, credit 
enhancement or other innovative financing proposals will compete under 
the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Generally, the amount of the EDA grant 
may not exceed fifty (50) percent of the total cost of the project. 
Projects may receive an additional amount that shall not exceed thirty 
(30) percent, based on the relative needs of the region in which the 
project will be located, as determined by EDA. See section 204(a) of 
PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(1). For Planning Assistance, 
the minimum EDA investment rate for projects under 13 CFR part 303 is 
fifty (50) percent, and the maximum allowable EDA investment rate may 
not exceed eighty (80) percent. See 13 CFR 301.4(b)(3). For projects of 
a national scope under 13 CFR part 306 (Training, Research and 
Technical Assistance), and for all other projects under 13 CFR part 
306, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development has 
the discretion to establish a maximum EDA investment rate of up to one-
hundred (100) percent where the project (i) merits and is not otherwise 
feasible without an increase to the EDA investment rate; or (ii) will 
be of no or only incidental benefit to the recipient. See section 
204(c)(3) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(4). In the case 
of EDA investment assistance to a(n) (i) Indian Tribe, (ii) State (or 
political subdivision of a State) that the Assistant Secretary 
determines has exhausted its effective taxing and borrowing capacity, 
or (iii) non-profit organization that the Assistant Secretary 
determines has exhausted its effective borrowing capacity, the 
Assistant Secretary has the discretion to establish a maximum EDA 
investment rate of up to one hundred (100) percent of the total project 
cost. See sections 204(c)(1) and (2) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 
CFR 301.4(b)(5). Potential applicants should contact the appropriate 
EDA regional office to make these determinations.
    In the proposal (or application) review process, EDA will consider 
the nature of the contribution (cash or in-kind) and the amount of the 
matching share funds. While cash contributions are preferred, in-kind 
contributions, fairly evaluated by EDA, may provide the required non-
federal share of the total project cost. See section 204(b) of PWEDA 
(42 U.S.C. 3144) and section I.B. of the FFO announcement for this 
request for proposals and applications. In-kind contributions, which 
may include assumptions of debt and contributions of space, equipment 
and services, are eligible to be included as part of the non-federal 
share of eligible project costs if they meet applicable Federal cost 
principles and uniform administrative requirements. Funds from other 
federal financial assistance awards are considered matching share funds 
only if authorized by statute, which may be determined by EDA's 
reasonable interpretation of the statute. See 13 CFR 300.3. The 
applicant must show that the matching share is committed to the 
project, available as needed and not conditioned or encumbered in any 
way that precludes its use consistent with the requirements of EDA 
investment assistance. See 13 CFR 301.5.
    Intergovernmental Review: Proposals or applications for assistance 
under EDA's programs are subject to the State review requirements 
imposed by Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    Evaluation and Selection Procedures: Each pre-application or 
application (as appropriate) is circulated by a project officer within 
the applicable EDA regional office for review and comments. When the 
necessary input and information are obtained, the pre-application or 
application (as appropriate) is considered by the regional office's 
Investment Review Committee (IRC), which is comprised of regional 
office staff. The IRC discusses the pre-application or application (as 
appropriate) and evaluates it on two levels to (a) determine if the 
pre-application or application (as appropriate) meets the program-
specific award and application requirements provided in 13 CFR 305.2 
for Public Works investments, 13 CFR 303.3 for Planning investments, 13 
CFR 306.2 for Local and National Technical Assistance, and 13 CFR 307.2 
and 307.4 for Economic Adjustment Assistance; and (b) evaluate each 
pre-application or application (as appropriate) using the general 
evaluation criteria set forth in 13 CFR 301.8. These general evaluation 
criteria also are provided below under ``Evaluation Criteria.''
    In the case of a pre-application, after completing its evaluation, 
the IRC recommends to the Regional Director whether an application 
should be

[[Page 13477]]

invited, documenting its recommendation in the meeting minutes or in 
the Investment Summary and the Project Proposal Summary and Evaluation 
Form. For quality control assurance, EDA Headquarters reviews the IRC's 
analysis of the project's fulfillment of the investment policy 
guidelines set forth below under ``Evaluation Criteria'' and in 13 CFR 
301.8. After receiving quality control clearance, the Selecting 
Official, who is the Regional Director, considers the evaluations 
provided by the IRC and the degree to which one or more of the funding 
priorities provided below are included, in making his/her decision as 
to which proponents should be invited to submit formal applications for 
investment assistance. The Selecting Official then formally invites 
successful proponents to submit full applications (on Form ED-900A). If 
the Selecting Official declines to invite a full application, he/she 
provides written notice to the proponent.
    If a proponent is selected to submit a formal application, the 
appropriate regional office will provide application materials and 
guidance in completing them. The proponent will generally have thirty 
(30) days to submit the completed application materials to the regional 
office. EDA staff will work with the proponent to resolve application 
deficiencies. EDA will notify the applicant if EDA accepts a completed 
application, and it is forwarded for final review and processing in 
accordance with EDA and Department of Commerce procedures.
    Evaluation Criteria: EDA will select investment proposals or 
applications (as appropriate) competitively based on the investment 
policy guidelines and funding priority considerations identified in 
this notice. EDA will evaluate the extent to which a project embodies 
the maximum number of investment policy guidelines and funding 
priorities possible and strongly exemplifies at least one of each. All 
investment proposals or applications (as appropriate) will be 
competitively evaluated primarily on their ability to satisfy one (1) 
or more of the following investment policy guidelines, each of 
equivalent weight and which also are set forth in 13 CFR Sec.  301.8.
    1. Be market-based and results driven. An EDA investment will 
capitalize on a region's competitive strengths and will positively move 
a regional economic indicator measured on EDA's Balanced Scorecard, 
such as: An increased number of higher-skill, higher-wage jobs; 
increased tax revenue; or increased private sector investment.
    2. Have strong organizational leadership. An EDA investment will 
have strong leadership, relevant project management experience, and a 
significant commitment of human resources talent to ensure a project's 
successful execution.
    3. Advance productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship. An EDA 
investment will embrace the principles of entrepreneurship, enhance 
regional industry clusters, and leverage and link technology innovators 
and local universities to the private sector to create the conditions 
for greater productivity, innovation, and job creation.
    4. Look beyond the immediate economic horizon, anticipate economic 
changes, and diversify the local and regional economy. An EDA 
investment will be part of an overarching, long-term comprehensive 
economic development strategy that enhances a region's success in 
achieving a rising standard of living by supporting existing industry 
clusters, developing emerging new clusters, or attracting new regional 
economic drivers.
    5. Demonstrate a high degree of local commitment by exhibiting:
     High levels of local government or non-profit matching 
funds and private sector leverage;
     Clear and unified leadership and support by local elected 
officials; and
     Strong cooperation between the business sector, relevant 
regional partners and local, State and Federal governments.
    In addition to using the investment policy guidelines set forth 
above, EDA also will evaluate all Planning proposals or applications 
(as appropriate) based on the (i) quality of the proposed scope of work 
for the development, implementation, revision or replacement of a 
comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS); and (ii) 
qualifications of the proponent to implement the goals and objectives 
resulting from the CEDS. See 13 CFR 303.3(a)(1) and (2). To ensure that 
the proposal fully meets these requirements, proponents should pay 
particular attention to 13 CFR 303.7(b), which sets forth specific 
technical requirements for the CEDS.
    Funding Priorities: Successful proposals or applications (as 
appropriate) for EDA's investment programs will be regionally-driven 
initiatives in areas of the Nation that are underperforming and 
eligible for EDA assistance, and that meet one or more of the following 
core criteria (investment proposals or applications that meet more than 
one core criterion will be given more favorable consideration):
    1. Investments in support of long-term, coordinated and 
collaborative regional economic development approaches:
     Establish comprehensive regional economic development 
strategies that identify promising opportunities for long-term economic 
growth.
     Exhibit demonstrable, committed multi-jurisdictional 
support from leaders across all sectors:
    i. Public (e.g., mayors, city councils, county executives, senior 
state leadership);
     ii. Institutional (e.g., institutions of higher learning);
    iii. Non-profit (e.g., chambers of commerce, development 
organizations); and
    iv. Private (e.g., leading regional businesses, significant 
regional industry associations).
     Generate quantifiable positive economic outcomes.
    2. Investments that support innovation and competitiveness:
     Develop and enhance the functioning and competitiveness of 
leading and emerging industry clusters in an economic region.
     Advance technology transfer from research institutions to 
the commercial marketplace.
     Bolster critical infrastructure (e.g., transportation, 
communications, specialized training) to prepare economic regions to 
compete in the world-wide marketplace.
    3. Investments that encourage entrepreneurship:
     Cultivate a favorable entrepreneurial environment 
consistent with regional strategies.
     Enable economic regions to identify innovative 
opportunities among growth-oriented small and medium-size enterprises.
     Promote community and faith-based entrepreneurship 
programs aimed at improving economic performance in an economic region.
    Additional consideration will be given to investment proposals or 
applications (as appropriate) which also:
     Respond to sudden and severe economic dislocations (e.g., 
major layoffs and/or plant closures, disasters).
     Enable BRAC-impacted communities to transition from a 
military to civilian economy.
     Advance the goals of linking historic preservation and 
economic development as outlined by Executive Order 13287, ``Preserve 
America.''
     Support the economic revitalization of brownfields.
    The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for

[[Page 13478]]

Grants and Cooperative Agreements: The administrative and national 
policy requirements for all Department of Commerce awards, contained in 
the Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements, published in the Federal Register on 
December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389), are applicable to this competitive 
solicitation.
    Paperwork Reduction Act: This document contains collection-of-
information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). 
The use of Forms ED-900P (Pre-Application for Investment Assistance) 
and ED-900A (Application for Investment Assistance) has been approved 
by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the control number 
0610-0094. 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 
requirements of the PRA unless that collection of information displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.
    Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review): This notice 
has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive 
Order 12866.
    Executive Order 13132 (Federalism): It has been determined that 
this notice does not contain policies with Federalism implications as 
that term is defined in Executive Order 13132.
    Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act: Prior 
notice and an opportunity for public comments are not required by the 
Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules concerning 
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 has not been prepared.

    Dated: March 16, 2007.
Sandy K. Baruah,
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development.
 [FR Doc. E7-5223 Filed 3-21-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-24-P