[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 33 (Tuesday, February 19, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9087-9091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-3022]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development Administration

[Docket No.: 080131110-8112-01]


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: Pursuant to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 
1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. 3121, et seq.) (PWEDA), EDA announces 
general policies and application procedures for grant-based investments 
under the Public Works, Planning, Local Technical Assistance, and 
Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs to promote comprehensive, 
entrepreneurial and innovation-based economic development efforts to 
enhance the competitiveness of regions, resulting in increased private 
investment and higher-skill, higher-wage jobs in regions experiencing 
substantial and persistent economic distress.

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 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 both 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). Please note that the requirements for the pre-application are 
different from the requirements for the application. The content of the 
pre-application and 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.
    For projects under EDA's Public Works Program (CFDA No. 11.300) or 
Economic Adjustment Assistance Program (CFDA No. 11.307), applicants 
must submit a pre-application on Form ED-900P and the Application for 
Federal Assistance (Form SF-424), both of which are available at 
www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/Application.xml. The applicant must 
complete Parts I, II and III of Form ED-900P and all of Form SF-424. In 
addition, the applicant must attach a project narrative, as stated in 
section IV.B.1. of the FFO announcement for this request for proposals 
and applications. Forms ED-900P and SF-424 may be submitted either (i) 
in paper (hardcopy) format at the applicable regional office address 
provided below, or (ii) electronically in accordance with the 
procedures provided on www.grants.gov.
    For projects under EDA's Planning Program (CFDA No. 11.302) or 
Local 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. For 
example, in the case of a continuation award for a Planning grant, a 
pre-application is not required. However, for short-term Planning or 
Local Technical Assistance investments, EDA may provide assistance to 
develop the economic development capacity of States, cities and other 
eligible applicants experiencing economic distress or to assist in 
institutional capacity building, in which circumstances Form ED-900P 
may be necessary. The applicable EDA regional office will determine 
which form you must complete.
    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 www.grants.gov or 
at http://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/Application.xml; and (iii) 
Department of Commerce (CD) forms at http://ocio.os.doc.gov/ITPolicyandPrograms/Electronic_Forms/index.htm. All forms referenced 
above may be submitted either: (i) In paper (hardcopy) format at the 
applicable regional office address provided below; or (ii) 
electronically in accordance with the procedures provided on 
www.grants.gov.

Addresses and Telephone Numbers for EDA's Regional Offices

    Applicants in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, 
North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee,

[[Page 9088]]

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, 
Wisconsin and Muscatine and Scott Counties, Iowa, 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 (excluding Muscatine and Scott 
Counties), 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: Proponents choosing this option must submit one 
(1) original and two (2) copies of the 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. Department of Commerce mail security measures 
may delay receipt of United States Postal Service mail for up to two 
weeks. Therefore, proponents who wish to submit paper applications are 
advised to use guaranteed overnight delivery services.
    Electronic Submissions: Proponents choosing this option should 
submit pre-applications or applications in accordance with the 
instructions provided at www.grants.gov. You may access the pre-
application or 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 should access the following link for assistance in 
navigating 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 www.grants.gov via e-mail at 
[email protected] or telephone at 1.800.518.4726. The hours of 
operation for 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 www.eda.gov 
also contains additional information on EDA and its programs.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Program Information: 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.
    EDA encourages the submission of only those proposals or 
applications, as appropriate, that 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 complete FFO announcement for the FY 2008 
Economic Development Assistance Programs competition is available at 
www.grants.gov and at http://www.eda.gov.
    Funding Availability: Funding appropriated under the FY 2008 
Consolidated Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 110-161, 121 Stat. 1844 
(2007)) is available 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 of 1974, as 
amended (19 U.S.C. 2341-2391) (Trade Act). Funds in the amount of 
$249,100,000 have been appropriated for FY 2008 and shall remain 
available until expended.
    Under this announcement, approximately $216,927,372 is available 
for the (i) Public Works and Economic Development Facilities Program; 
(ii) Planning Program; (iii) Local Technical Assistance Program; and 
(iv) Economic Adjustment Assistance Program. The funding periods and 
funding amounts referenced 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.
    From amounts otherwise made available for the economic development 
assistance programs authorized by

[[Page 9089]]

PWEDA, EDA will allocate $9,400,000 to assist eco-friendly projects. 
With this allocation, EDA aims to benefit projects that seek 
technologies and strategies which employ the principles of reduced 
energy consumption, reduced harmful gas emissions and sustainable 
development. Therefore, EDA encourages applicants for and recipients of 
FY 2008 investment funds to detail and document increased project costs 
associated with such mitigation efforts in their communications with 
EDA.
    A separate FFO announcement has been posted at www.grants.gov and 
at http://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/FFON.xml 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 2008 appropriated funds. Similarly, separate FFO 
announcements will be posted on www.grants.gov and at http://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/FFON.xml that will set forth the specific 
funding priorities, application and selection processes, time frames, 
and evaluation criteria for certain National Technical Assistance and 
research projects to be funded with FY 2008 appropriations.
    Under the Trade Act, EDA administers the TAA Program to provide 
technical assistance to firms adversely affected by increased import 
competition. EDA anticipates that appropriated funds will be used to 
extend new cooperative agreements to the existing network of eleven 
(11) Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers, and to provide technical 
assistance to firms certified as eligible under the TAA Program. See 13 
CFR part 315. On February 6, 2008, EDA published a program announcement 
(73 FR 6921) to set out the specific TAA Program administrative and 
procedural requirements, application and evaluation processes, and 
operational requirements for the current eleven EDA-funded Trade 
Adjustment Assistance Centers.
    Statutory Authorities: The authorities for the (i) Public Works and 
Economic Development Facilities Program; (ii) Planning Program; (iii) 
Local Technical Assistance Program; and (iv) Economic Adjustment 
Assistance Program are sections 201 (42 U.S.C. 3141), 203 (42 U.S.C. 
3143), 207 (42 U.S.C. 3147), and 209 (42 U.S.C. 3149) of PWEDA, 
respectively. Unless otherwise provided in this notice or in the FFO 
announcement, applicant eligibility, program objectives and priorities, 
application procedures, evaluation criteria, selection procedures, and 
other requirements for all programs are set forth in EDA's regulations 
(codified at 13 CFR chapter III) and applicants must address these 
requirements. EDA's regulations and PWEDA are available 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.
    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 (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. Nonetheless, under its Local Technical 
Assistance Program or National Technical Assistance Program, EDA may 
make an award to a for-profit organization to carry out specific 
research or for other purposes set forth in 13 CFR 306.1. See also 42 
U.S.C. 3147.
    Cost Sharing Requirement: 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 forgiveness or assumptions of debt, and contributions of 
space, equipment or 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 
for the project period, will be available as needed and is 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

[[Page 9090]]

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 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 full application on Form ED-
900A, 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 the procedures described above in this 
subsection.
    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 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.

[[Page 9091]]

     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 worldwide 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.
    4. Support strategies that link regional economies with the global 
marketplace:
     Enable businesses and local governments to understand that 
95% of our potential customers don't live in America.
     Enable businesses, local governments and key institutions 
(e.g., higher education) to understand and take advantage of the 
numerous free trade agreements implemented in the last seven years.
     Enable economic development professionals to develop and 
implement strategies that reflect the competitive environment of the 
21st Century global marketplace.
    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 
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 
February 11, 2008 (73 FR 7696), 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. The use of Form SF-424 (Application for Financial 
Assistance) has been approved under OMB control number 4040-0004. 
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: February 11, 2008.
Benjamin Erulkar,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development.
[FR Doc. E8-3022 Filed 2-15-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-24-P