[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 228 (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67282-67287]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-23128]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Minority Business Development Agency

[Docket No.: 071121729-7734-01]


 Solicitation of Applications for the Native American Business 
Enterprise Center (NABEC) Program

AGENCY: Minority Business Development Agency, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with 15 U.S.C. 1512 and Executive Order 11625, 
the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting 
competitive applications from organizations to operate a Native 
American Business Enterprise Center (NABEC) in the locations and 
geographical service areas specified in this notice. The NABEC operates 
through the use of business consultants and provides a range of 
business consulting and technical assistance services directly to 
Native American- and other eligible minority-owned businesses. 
Responsibility for ensuring that applications in response to this 
competitive solicitation are complete and received by MBDA on time is 
the sole responsibility of the applicant. Applications submitted must 
be to operate a NABEC and to provide business consultation services to 
eligible clients. Applications that do not meet these requirements will 
be rejected. This is not a grant program to help start or to further an 
individual business.

DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications is January 11, 2008 
at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Completed applications must be 
received by MBDA at the address below for paper submissions or at 
http://www.Grants.gov for electronic submissions. The due date and time 
is the same for electronic submissions as it is for paper submissions. 
The date that applications will be deemed to have been submitted 
electronically shall be the date and time received at Grants.gov. 
Applicants should save and print the proof of submission they receive 
from Grants.gov. Applications received after the closing date and time 
will not be considered. Anticipated time for processing is seventy-five 
(75) days from the close of the competition period. MBDA anticipates 
that awards under this notice will be made with a start date of April 
1, 2008.
    Pre-Application Conference: In connection with this solicitation, a 
pre-application teleconference will be held on December 11, 2007 at 
1:00 p.m. (EST). Participants must register at least 24 hours in 
advance of the teleconference and may participate in person or by 
telephone. Please visit the MBDA Internet Portal at http://www.mbda.gov 
(MBDA Portal) or contact an MBDA representative listed below for 
registration instructions.

ADDRESSES: (1a) Paper Submission--If Mailed: If the application is sent 
by postal mail or overnight delivery service by the applicant or its 
representative, one (1) signed original plus two (2) copies of the 
application must be submitted. Completed application packages must be 
mailed to: Office of Business Development--NABEC Program, Office of 
Executive Secretariat, HCHB, Room 5063, Minority Business

[[Page 67283]]

Development Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution 
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230.
    Applicants are advised that MBDA's receipt of mail sent via the 
United States Postal Service may be substantially delayed or suspended 
in delivery due to security measures. Applicants may therefore wish to 
use a guaranteed overnight delivery service. Department of Commerce 
delivery policies for overnight delivery services require all packages 
to be sent to the address above.
    (1b) Paper Submission--If Hand-Delivered: If the application is 
hand-delivered by the applicant or by its representative, one (1) 
signed original plus two (2) copies of the application must be 
delivered to: U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business 
Development Agency, Office of Business Development--NABEC Program 
(extension 1940), HCHB--Room 1874, Entrance 10, 15th Street, 
NW. (between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues), Washington, DC. 
MBDA will not accept applications that are submitted by the deadline, 
but that are rejected due to the applicant's failure to adhere to 
Department of Commerce protocol for hand-deliveries.
    (2) Electronic Submission: Applicants are encouraged to submit 
their proposal electronically at http://www.Grants.gov. Electronic 
submissions should be made in accordance with the instructions 
available at Grants.gov (see http://www.grants.gov/forapplicants for 
detailed information). MBDA strongly recommends that applicants not 
wait until the application deadline date to begin the application 
process through Grants.gov as, in some cases, the process for 
completing an online application may require 3-5 working days.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or for an 
application package, please visit MBDA's Minority Business Internet 
Portal at http://www.mbda.gov. Paper applications may also be obtained 
by contacting the MBDA Office of Business Development or the MBDA 
National Enterprise Center (NEC) in the region in which the NABEC will 
be located (see below Agency Contacts). In addition, Standard Forms 
(SF) may be obtained by accessing http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants 
or http://www.grants.gov and Department of Commerce (CD) forms may be 
accessed at http://www.doc.gov/forms.
    Agency Contacts:
    1. MBDA Office of Business Development, 1401 Constitution Avenue, 
NW., Room 5075, Washington, DC 20230. Contact: Efrain Gonzalez, Chief, 
202-482-1940.
    2. MBDA Chicago National Enterprise Center (CNEC), 55 E. Monroe 
Street, Suite 2810, Chicago, Illinois 60603. This region covers the 
states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, 
Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Contact: Eric Dobyne, Regional Director, 
312-353-0182.
    3. Dallas National Enterprise Center (DNEC), 1100 Commerce Street, 
Room 726, Dallas, Texas 75242. This region covers the states of 
Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, 
Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Contact: John F. 
Iglehart, Regional Director, 214-767-8001.
    4. San Francisco National Enterprise Center (SFNEC), 221 Main 
Street, Room 1280, San Francisco, California 94105. This region covers 
the states of Alaska, America Samoa, Arizona, California, Hawaii, 
Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Contact: Linda M. Marmolejo, 
Regional Director, 415-744-3001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: The NABEC Program is a key 
component of MBDA's overall minority business development assistance 
program and promotes the growth and competitiveness of Native American 
and eligible minority-owned businesses. NABEC operators leverage 
project staff and professional consultants to provide a wide range of 
direct business assistance services to Native American, tribal entities 
and eligible minority-owned firms. NABEC services include, but are not 
limited to, initial consultations and assessments, business technical 
assistance, and access to Federal and non-Federal procurement and 
financing opportunities.
    MBDA currently funds a network of eight NABEC projects located 
throughout the United States. Pursuant to this notice, competitive 
applications for new three-year awards are being solicited for the five 
NABEC projects set forth below. MBDA intends to hold a separate award 
competition during FY 2008 for the remaining three NABEC projects, due 
to their current award cycles which end on July 31, 2008 or August 31, 
2008.
    Geographical Service Areas: MBDA is soliciting competitive 
applications from organizations to operate a NABEC and to provide 
services in the following geographical service areas:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               NABEC name                   Geographical service area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona NABEC..........................  State of Arizona.
California NABEC.......................  State of California.
Minnesota/Iowa NABEC...................  States of Minnesota & Iowa.
North/South Dakota NABEC...............  States of North Dakota & South
                                          Dakota.
Northwest NABEC........................  States of Washington, Oregon &
                                          Idaho.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The NABEC project must be physically located within the applicable 
geographical service area.
    Electronic Access: A link to the full text of the Announcement of 
Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) for this solicitation may be accessed 
at: http://www.Grants.gov, http://www.mbda.gov, or by contacting the 
appropriate MBDA representative identified above. The FFO contains a 
full and complete description of the requirements under the NABEC 
Program. In order to receive proper consideration, applicants must 
comply with all information and requirements contained in the FFO. 
Applicants will be able to access, download and submit electronic grant 
applications for the NABEC Program through http://www.Grants.gov. MBDA 
strongly recommends that applicants not wait until the application 
deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov as in 
some cases the process for completing an online application may require 
additional time (e.g., 3-5 working days). The date that applications 
will be deemed to have been submitted electronically shall be the date 
and time received at Grants.gov. Applicants should save and print the 
proof of submission they receive from Grants.gov. Applications received 
after the closing date and time will not be considered.
    Funding Priorities: Preference may be given during the selection 
process to applications which address the following MBDA funding 
priorities:
    (a) Proposals that include performance goals that exceed by 10% or 
more the minimum performance goal requirements in the FFO;
    (b) Applicants who demonstrate an exceptional ability to identify 
and work

[[Page 67284]]

towards the elimination of barriers which limit the access of minority 
businesses to markets and capital;
    (c) Applicants who demonstrate an exceptional ability to identify 
and work with Native American firms, tribal entities or minority firms 
seeking to obtain large-scale contracts and/or insertion into supply 
chains with institutional customers;
    (d) Proposals that utilize fee for service models and those that 
use innovative approaches to charging and collecting fees from clients;
    (e) Proposals that take a regional approach in providing services 
to eligible clients; or
    (f) Proposals from applicants with pre-existing or established 
operations in the identified geographic service area(s).
    Funding Availability: MBDA anticipates that a total of 
approximately $1,116,500 will be available in each of FYs 2008 through 
2010 to fund financial assistance awards for the five NABEC projects 
referenced in this competitive solicitation. The total award period for 
awards made under this competitive solicitation is anticipated to be 
three years and all awards are expected to be made with a start date of 
April 1, 2008. The anticipated amount of the financial assistance award 
for each NABEC project (including the minimum 10% non-federal cost 
share) is as follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               April 1, 2008 through March 31,     April 1, 2009 through March 31,     April 1, 2010 through March 31,
                                                            2009                                2010                                 2011
                                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Project name                                            Non-                                Non-                                 Non-
                                             Total Cost    Federal     federal   Total cost    Federal     federal    Total cost    Federal     federal
                                                 ($)      share ($)   share ($)      ($)      share ($)   share ($)      ($)       share ($)   share ($)
                                                                     (10% min.)                          (10% min.)                           (10% min.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Arizona NABEC..........................    $225,500    $203,000     $22,500    $225,500    $203,000     $22,500     $225,500    $203,000     $22,500
(2) California NABEC.......................     330,500     297,500      33,000     330,500     297,500      33,000      330,500     297,500      33,000
(3) Minnesota/Iowa NABEC...................     222,300     200,000      22,300     222,300     200,000      22,300      222,300     200,000      22,300
(4)North/South Dakota NABEC................     225,500     203,000      22,500     225,500     203,000      22,500      225,500     203,000      22,500
(5) Northwest NABEC........................     236,700     213,000      23,700     236,700     213,000      23,700      236,700     213,000      23,700
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Applicants must submit project plans and budgets for each of the 
three (3) program years. Projects will be funded for no more than one 
year at a time. Project proposals accepted for funding will not compete 
for funding in subsequent budget periods within the approved award 
period. However, operators that fail to achieve a ``satisfactory'' or 
better performance rating for the preceding program year may be denied 
second- or third-year funding (as the case may be). Recommendations for 
second- and third-year funding are generally evaluated by MBDA based on 
a mid-year performance rating and/or combination of mid-year and 
cumulative third quarter performance (e.g., April 1-January 31) 
performance rating. In making such funding recommendations, MBDA and 
the Department of Commerce will consider the facts and circumstances of 
each case, such as but not limited to market conditions, most recent 
performance of the operator and other mitigating circumstances.
    Applicants are hereby given notice that FY 2008 funds have not yet 
been appropriated for the NABEC program. Accordingly, MBDA issues this 
notice subject to the appropriations made available under the current 
continuing resolution, H.J. Res. 52, ``Making continuing appropriations 
for the fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes,'' Public Law 110-92, 
as amended by H.R. 3222, Public Law 110-116. 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 cancelled because 
of other MBDA or Department of Commerce priorities.

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. Section 1512 and Executive Order 11625.

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): 11.801, Native 
American Business Enterprise Centers.
    Eligibility: For-profit entities (including but not limited to 
sole-proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations), non-profit 
organizations, state and local government entities, American Indian 
Tribes, and educational institutions are eligible to operate a NABEC.
    Program Description: MBDA is soliciting competitive applications 
from organizations to operate Native American Business Enterprise 
Centers (NABEC) (formerly known as Native American Business Development 
Centers). The NABEC will operate through the use of trained 
professional business consultants who will assist Native American and 
other minority entrepreneurs and tribal entities through direct client 
engagements. Entrepreneurs eligible for assistance under the NABEC 
Program are Native Americans (including Alaska Natives, Alaska Native 
Corporations and tribal entities), Eskimos, African Americans, Puerto 
Ricans, Spanish-speaking Americans, Aleuts, Asian Pacific Americans, 
Asian Indians and Hasidic Jews. References throughout this notice 
regarding a NABEC's provision of services and assistance to Native 
American clients also includes the eligible non-Native American clients 
listed in the preceding sentence. No service may be denied to any 
member of the eligible groups listed above.
    The NABEC Program generally requires project staff to provide 
standardized business assistance services directly to eligible Native 
American clients, with an emphasis on those firms with $500,000 or more 
in annual revenues and/or those eligible firms with ``rapid growth 
potential'' (``Strategic Growth Initiative'' or ``SGI'' firms); to 
develop and maintain a network of strategic partnerships; to provide 
collaborative consulting services with MBDA and other MBDA funded 
programs and strategic partners; and to provide referral services (as 
necessary) for client transactions. NABEC operators will assist Native 
American clients in accessing federal and non-federal contracting and 
financing opportunities that result in demonstrable client outcomes. 
Specific work requirements and performance metrics are used by MBDA to 
evaluate each project and are a key component of the NABEC program.
    The NABEC Program also incorporates an entrepreneurial approach to 
building market stability and improving quality of services delivered. 
This strategy expands the reach of the NABECs by requiring project 
operators to develop and build upon strategic alliances with public and 
private sector partners, as a means of

[[Page 67285]]

serving Native American and minority-owned firms within each NABEC's 
geographical service area. The NABEC Program is also designed to 
leverage MBDA resources including but not limited to: MBDA Office of 
Native American Business Development; MBDA Office of Business 
Development; MBDA National Enterprise Centers; MBDA Business Internet 
Portal; and MBDA's network of Minority Business Opportunity Centers 
(MBOCs), Minority Business Enterprise Centers (MBECs), and other 
NABECs. NABEC operators are required to attend a variety of MBDA 
training programs designed to increase operational efficiencies and the 
provision of value-added client services.
    NABEC operators are generally required to provide the following 
four client services: (1) Client Assessment--this is a standardized 
service activity that includes identifying the client's immediate and 
long-term needs and establishes a projected growth track; (2) Strategic 
Business Consulting--this involves providing intensive business 
consulting services that can be delivered as personalized consulting or 
group consulting; (3) Access to Capital--this assistance is designed to 
secure the financial capital necessary for client growth, and (4) 
Access to Markets--this involves assisting clients to identify and 
access opportunities for increased sales and revenues.
    Please refer to the FFO pertaining to this competitive solicitation 
for a full and complete description of the application and programmatic 
requirements under the NABEC Program.
    Match Requirements: The NABEC Program requires a minimum non-
federal cost share of 10%, which must be reflected in the proposed 
project budget. Non-federal cost share is the portion of the project 
cost not borne by the Federal Government. Applicants must satisfy the 
non-federal cost sharing requirements in one or more of the following 
four means or any combination thereof: (1) Client fees; (2) applicant 
cash contributions; (3) applicant in-kind (i.e., non-cash) 
contributions; or (4) third-party in-kind contributions. The NABEC may 
but is not required to charge client fees for services rendered, 
although MBDA encourages the applicant to implement a fee-for-service 
program. Client fees (if imposed) must be used towards meeting non-
federal cost share requirements and must be used in furtherance of the 
program objectives. Applicants will be awarded up to five bonus points 
to the extent that the proposed project budget includes a non-federal 
cost share contribution, measured as a percentage of the overall 
project budget, exceeding 10% (see Evaluation Criterion below).
    Evaluation Criterion: Proposals will be evaluated and applicants 
will be selected based on the below evaluation criterion. The maximum 
total number of points that an application may receive is 105, 
including the bonus points for exceeding the minimum required non-
federal cost sharing, except when oral presentations are made by 
applicants. If oral presentations are made (see below: Oral 
Presentation--Optional), the maximum total of points that can be earned 
is 115. The number of points assigned to each evaluation criterion will 
be determined on a competitive basis by the MBDA review panel based on 
the quality of the application with respect to each evaluation 
criterion.

1. Applicant Capability (40 points)

    Proposals will be evaluated with respect to the applicant's 
experience and expertise in providing the work requirements listed. 
Specifically, proposals will be evaluated as follows:
    (a) Community--Experience in and knowledge of the Native American 
community, Native American tribal entities and minority business 
sector, and strategies for enhancing its growth and expansion; 
particular emphasis shall be on expanding SGI firms and tribal 
entities. Consideration will be given as to whether the applicant has a 
physical presence in the geographic service area at the time of its 
application (4 points);
    (b) Business Consulting--Experience in and knowledge of business 
consulting with respect to Native American and minority firms and 
tribal entities, with emphasis on SGI firms in the geographic service 
area (5 points);
    (c) Financing--Experience in and knowledge of the preparation and 
formulation of successful financial transactions, with an emphasis on 
the geographic service area (5 points);
    (d) Procurements and Contracting--Experience in and knowledge of 
the public and private sector contracting opportunities for Native 
American entities and minority businesses, as well as demonstrated 
expertise in assisting clients into supply chains (5 points);
    (e) Financing Networks--Resources and professional relationships 
within the corporate, banking and investment community that may be 
beneficial to Native American entities and minority-owned firms (5 
points);
    (f) Establishment of a Self-Sustainable Service Model--Summary plan 
to establish a self-sustainable model for continued services to the 
Native American and MBE communities beyond the three-year MBDA award 
period (3 points);
    (g) MBE Advocacy--Experience and expertise in advocating on behalf 
of Native American communities, Native American tribal entities and 
minority businesses, both as to specific transactions in which a 
minority business seeks to engage and as to broad market advocacy for 
the benefit of the minority community at large (3 points); and
    (h) Key Staff--Assessment of the qualifications, experience and 
proposed role of staff that will operate the NABEC. In particular, an 
assessment will be made to determine whether proposed key staff 
possesses the expertise in utilizing information systems and the 
ability to successfully deliver program services. At a minimum the 
applicant must identify a proposed project director (10 points).

2. Resources (20 points)

    The applicant's proposal will be evaluated as followed:
    (a) Resources--Resources (not included as part of the non-federal 
cost share) that will be used in implementing the program, including 
but not limited to existing prior and/or current data lists that will 
serve in fostering immediate success for the NABEC (8 points);
    (b) Location--Assessment of the applicant's strategic rationale for 
the proposed physical location of the NABEC. Applicant is encouraged to 
establish a location for the NABEC that is in a building which is 
separate and apart from any of the applicant's existing offices in the 
geographic service area (2 points);
    (c) Partners--How the applicant plans to establish and maintain the 
network of strategic partners and the manner in which these partners 
will support the NABEC in meeting program performance goals (5 points); 
and
    (d) Equipment--How the applicant plans to satisfy the NABEC 
information technology requirements, including computer hardware, 
software requirements and network map (5 points).

3. Techniques and Methodologies (20 points)

    The applicant's proposal will be evaluated as follows:
    (a) Performance Measures--For each program year, the manner in 
which the applicant relates each performance measure to the financial 
information and market resources available in the geographic service 
area (including existing client list); how the applicant will create 
NABEC brand recognition (marketing plan); and how the applicant

[[Page 67286]]

will satisfy program performance goals. In particular, emphasis may be 
placed on the manner in which the applicant matches NABEC performance 
goals with client service hours and how it accounts for existing market 
conditions in its strategy to achieve such goals (10 points);
    (b) Start-up Phase--How the applicant will commence NABEC 
operations within the initial 30-day period. The NABEC shall have 
thirty (30) days to become fully operational after an award is made (3 
points); and
    (c) Work Requirement Execution Plan--The applicant will be 
evaluated on how effectively and efficiently staff time will be used to 
achieve the work requirements, particularly with respect to periods 
beyond the start-up phase (7 points).

4. Proposed Budget and Budget Narrative (20 points)

    The applicant's proposal will be evaluated as follows:
    (a) Reasonableness, Allowability and Allocability of Proposed 
Program Costs. All of the proposed program costs expenditures should be 
discussed and the budget line-item narrative must match the proposed 
budget. Fringe benefits and other percentage item calculations should 
match the proposed budget line-item and narrative (5 points);
    (b) Non-Federal Cost Share. The required 10% non-Federal share must 
be adequately addressed and properly documented, including but not 
limited to how client fees (if proposed) will be used by the applicant 
in meeting the non-federal cost-share (5 points); and
    (c) Performance-Based Budgeting. The extent to which the line-item 
budget and budget narrative relate to the accomplishment of the NABEC 
work requirements and performance measures (i.e., performance-based 
budgeting) (10 points).
    Bonus for Non-Federal Cost Sharing (maximum of 5 points): Proposals 
with non-federal cost sharing exceeding 10% of the total project costs 
will be awarded bonus points on the following scale: more than 10%-less 
than 15% = 1 point; 15% or more-less than 20% = 2 points; 20% or more-
less than 25% = 3 points; 25% or more-less than 30% = 4 points; and 30% 
or more = 5 points. Non-federal cost sharing of at least 10% is 
required under the NABEC Program. Non-federal cost sharing is the 
portion of the total project cost not borne by the Federal Government 
and may be met by the applicant in any one or more of the following 
four means (or a combination thereof): (1) Client fees (encouraged but 
not mandatory); (2) cash contributions; (3) non-cash applicant 
contributions; or (4) third party in-kind contributions.

5. Oral Presentation--Optional (10 points)

    Oral presentations are optional and held only when requested by 
MBDA. This action may be initiated for the top two (2) ranked 
applications for each project and will be applied on a consistent basis 
for each project competition. Oral presentations will be used to 
establish a final evaluation and ranking.
    The applicant's presentation will be evaluated as to the extent to 
which the presentation demonstrates:
    (a) How the applicant will effectively and efficiently assist MBDA 
in the accomplishment of its mission (2 points);
    (b) Business operating priorities designed to manage a successful 
NABEC (2 points);
    (c) A management philosophy that achieves an effective balance 
between micromanagement and complete autonomy for its Project Director 
(2 points);
    (d) Robust search criteria for the identification of a Project 
Director (1 point);
    (e) Effective employee recruitment and retention policies and 
procedures (1 point); and
    (f) A competitive and innovative approach to exceeding performance 
requirements (2 points).
    Review and Selection Process:

1. Initial Screening

    Prior to the formal paneling process, each application will receive 
an initial screening to ensure that all required forms, signatures and 
documentation are present. An application will be considered non-
responsive and will not be evaluated by the review panel if it is 
received after the closing date for receipt of applications, the 
applicant fails to submit an original, signed Form SF-424 by the 
application closing date (paper applications only), or the application 
does not provide for the operation of a NABEC. Other application 
deficiencies may be accounted for through point deductions during panel 
review.

2. Panel Review

    Each application will receive an independent, objective review by a 
panel qualified to evaluate the applications submitted. The review 
panel will consist of at least 3 persons, all of whom will be full-time 
federal employees and at least one of whom will be an MBDA employee, 
who will review the applications for a specified project based on the 
above evaluation criterion. Each reviewer shall evaluate and provide a 
score for each proposal. Each project review panel (through the panel 
Chairperson) shall provide the MBDA National Director (Recommending 
Official) with a ranking of the applications based on the average of 
the reviewers' scores and shall also provide a recommendation regarding 
funding of the highest scoring application.

3. Oral Presentation--Upon MBDA Request

    MBDA may invite the two (2) top-ranked applicants for each project 
competition to develop and provide an oral presentation. If an oral 
presentation is requested, the affected applicants will receive a 
formal communication (via standard mail, e-mail or fax) from MBDA 
indicating the time and date for the presentation. In-person 
presentations are not mandatory but are encouraged; telephonic 
presentations are acceptable. Applicants will be asked to submit a 
PowerPoint presentation (or equivalent) to MBDA that addresses the oral 
presentation criteria set forth above. The presentation must be 
submitted at least 24 hours before the scheduled date and time of the 
presentation. The presentation will be made to the MBDA National 
Director (or his/her designee) and up to three senior MBDA staff who 
did not serve on the original review panel. The oral panel members may 
ask follow-up questions after the presentation. MBDA will provide the 
teleconference dial-in number and pass code. Each applicant will 
present to MBDA staff only; competitors are not permitted to listen 
(and/or watch) other presentations.
    All costs pertaining to this presentation shall be borne by the 
applicant. NABEC award funds may not be used as a reimbursement for 
this presentation. MBDA will not accept any requests or petitions for 
reimbursement.
    The oral panel members shall score each presentation in accordance 
with the oral presentation criterion provided above. An average score 
shall be compiled and added to the score of the original panel review.

4. Final Recommendation

    The MBDA National Director makes the final recommendation to the 
Grants Officer regarding the funding of applications under this 
competitive solicitation. MBDA expects to recommend for funding the 
highest ranking application for each project, as evaluated and 
recommended by the review panel and taking into account oral 
presentations (as applicable).

[[Page 67287]]

However, the MBDA National Director may not make any selection, or he 
may select an application out of rank order for the following reasons:
    (a) A determination that an application better addresses one or 
more of the funding priorities for this competition. The National 
Director (or his/her designee) reserves the right to conduct one or 
more site visits (subject to the availability of funding), in order to 
make a better assessment of an applicant's capability to achieve the 
funding priorities; or
    (b) The availability of MBDA funding.
    Prior to making a final recommendation to the Grants Officer, MBDA 
may request that the apparent winner of the competition provide written 
clarifications (as necessary) regarding its application.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    Limitation of Liability: 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 cancelled because of other MBDA or 
Department of Commerce priorities. All funding periods are subject to 
the availability of funds to support the continuation of the project 
and the Department of Commerce and MBDA priorities. Publication of this 
notice does not obligate the Department of Commerce or MBDA to award 
any specific cooperative agreement or to obligate all or any part of 
available funds.
    Universal Identifier: Applicants should be aware that they will be 
required to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering 
System (DUNS) number during the application process. See the June 27, 
2003 Federal Register notice (68 FR 38402) 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 by 
accessing the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.Grants.gov.
    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 December 30, 2004 (69 FR 
78389) are applicable to this solicitation.
    Paperwork Reduction Act: This document contains collection-of-
information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). 
The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 have been 
approved by OMB under the respective control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-
0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-0001. Notwithstanding any other 
provisions 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.
    Executive Order 12866: This notice has been determined to be not 
significant for purposes of E.O. 12866.
    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, or contracts (5 U.S.C. 533(a)(2)). Because 
notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 533 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.

    Dated: November 21, 2007.
Ronald N. Langston,
National Director, Minority Business Development Agency.
[FR Doc. E7-23128 Filed 11-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-21-P