Chicago FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance

Chicago FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance

UPDATED NOTICE - PLEASE READ: April 6, 2023 EDA is excited to announce the launch of its new grants management platform: the Economic Development Grants Experience (EDGE). EDGE was developed to streamline the application and grants management process by implementing a single platform with increased transparency, improved user experience, higher data quality, and more efficiency throughout the entire grant lifecycle. As of April 6th, 2023, applications can no longer be submitted on Grants.gov, and will ONLY be accepted through EDGE. To apply in EDGE, please go to: sfgrants.eda.gov . More information on how to apply is provided in the full NOFO. PARTNERSHIP PLANNING program instructions: Please note that applicants will be invited to submit applications through EDGE for the Partnership Planning program. For more information, please reach out to your EDA point of contact. Program Description: EDA makes planning and local technical assistance investments to support economic development, foster job creation, and attract private investment in economically distressed areas of the United States. Under the Planning program, EDA makes Partnership Planning, Short-Term Planning, and State Planning awards to eligible recipients to create and implement regional economic development plans designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area or region. More specifically, EDA makes Partnership Planning investments to designated planning organizations (i.e., District Organizations) serving EDA-designated Economic Development Districts and to Indian Tribes to facilitate the development, implementation, revision, or replacement of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), which articulate and prioritize the strategic economic goals of recipients’ respective regions. EDA also makes Short-Term and State Planning awards for economic development planning activities that guide the eventual creation and retention of high-quality jobs, particularl

Details

• Agency: Department of Commerce
• Opportunity #: EDA-CHI-TA-CRO-2021-2006849
• Instrument: cooperative_agreement;grant
• Cost Sharing: Required

Eligibility

Pursuant to section 3 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 3122) (PWEDA) and EDA’s regulation at 13 C.F.R. § 300.3, the following types of entities are eligible to receive funding assistance from EDA: 1. District Organizations (as defined in 13 C.F.R. § 300.3); 2. Indian Tribes or a consortium of Indian Tribes; 3. States, cities, or other political subdivisions 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; 4. Institutions of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or 5. Public or private non-profit organizations or associations acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State.

FY21-23 Planning and Local Technical Assistance NOFO - 03152021

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• Federal Agency Name: Economic Development Administration (EDA), U.S. Department of
Commerce (DOC).
• Federal Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local
Technical Assistance Programs Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
• Announcement Type and Date: This NOFO publishes EDA’s application submission
requirements and review procedures for applications received under EDA’s (i) Planning and
(ii) Local Technical Assistance programs, authorized under the Public Works and Economic
Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.). Effective date: March
15, 2021
• Funding Opportunity Number:
Regional Office States Served NOFO Number
Atlanta Regional Office: AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN EDA-ATL-TA-ATRO-2021-2006846
Austin Regional Office: AR, LA, NM, OK, TX EDA-AUS-TA-AURO-2021-2006848
Chicago Regional Office: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI EDA-CHI-TA-CRO-2021-2006849
Denver Regional Office: CO, IA, KS, MO, MT, ND, NE, SD, EDA-DEN-TA-DRO-2021-2006850
UT, WY
Philadelphia Regional CT, DE, DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, EDA-PHI-TA-PRO-2021-2006851
Office: NY, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV, PR, VI
Seattle Regional Office: AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA, EDA-SEA-TA-SRO-2021-2006853
AS, MP, GU, FM, MH, PW
• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers: 11.302, Economic
Development Support for Planning Organizations; 11.303, Economic Development
Technical Assistance.
• Dates: There are no submission deadlines. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis
until the publication of a new Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs NOFO,
cancellation of this Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs NOFO, or all
available funds have been expended. Please see section E of this NOFO for complete
information on EDA’s review process.
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• Funding Opportunity Description: EDA makes planning and local technical assistance
investments to support economic development, foster job creation, and attract private
investment in economically distressed areas of the United States.
Under the Planning program, EDA makes Partnership Planning, Short-Term Planning, and
State Planning awards to eligible recipients to create and implement regional economic
development plans designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and
resiliency of an area or region. More specifically, EDA makes Partnership Planning
investments to designated planning organizations (i.e., District Organizations) serving EDA-
designated Economic Development Districts and to Indian Tribes to facilitate the
development, implementation, revision, or replacement of Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategies (CEDS), which articulate and prioritize the strategic economic goals
of recipients’ respective regions. EDA also makes Short-Term and State Planning awards for
economic development planning activities that guide the eventual creation and retention of
high-quality jobs, particularly for the unemployed and underemployed in the Nation’s most
economically distressed regions.
Under the Local Technical Assistance program, EDA makes awards to strengthen the
capacity of local or State organizations, institutions of higher education, and other eligible
entities to undertake and promote effective economic development programs through projects
such as feasibility studies, impact analyses, disaster resiliency plans, and project planning.
• Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants for EDA financial assistance under the Planning and
Local Technical Assistance programs include a(n): (i) District Organization of an EDA-
designated Economic Development District; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian
Tribes; (iii) State, county, 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.
Note that eligible applicants for Partnership Planning awards are limited to EDA-
designated District Organizations and Indian Tribes; other entities are not eligible for
Partnership Planning awards. Additionally, individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible
for awards under this Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs NOFO; requests
from such entities will not be considered for funding.
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FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT
FY 2021 – FY 2023 Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs NOFO
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...........................................................................................................1
FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT ...............................................................................................3
A. Program Description .........................................................................................................5
1. Overview ...................................................................................................................... 5
2. EDA Investment Priorities ........................................................................................... 5
3. EDA Program Information .......................................................................................... 5
4. Statutory Authorities for EDA’s Programs .................................................................. 6
B. Federal Award Information ..............................................................................................7
1. What Funding Is Available Under This Announcement? ............................................ 7
2. What Type of Funding Instrument Will Be Used to Make Awards and How Long
Will a Project’s Period of Performance Be? ................................................................ 7
C. Eligibility Information .......................................................................................................8
1. Eligible Applicants....................................................................................................... 8
2. Cost Sharing or Matching ............................................................................................ 8
3. Economic Distress Criteria ........................................................................................ 11
D. Application Submission Information .............................................................................11
1. Address to Request an Application ............................................................................ 11
2. Content and Form of the Application ........................................................................ 11
3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) ...................... 14
4. Submission Dates and Times ..................................................................................... 14
5. Intergovernmental Review ......................................................................................... 15
6. Funding Restrictions .................................................................................................. 15
7. Other Submission Requirements ................................................................................ 15
E. Application Review Information ....................................................................................16
1. Review and Selection Process ................................................................................... 16
2. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity System (FAPIIS) Review ................... 18
F. Federal Award Administration Information.................................................................18
1. Federal Award Notification ....................................................................................... 18
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements .................................................... 18
3. Reporting.................................................................................................................... 19
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts ...............................................................................19
Atlanta Regional Office ................................................................................................... 20
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Austin Regional Office .................................................................................................... 20
Chicago Regional Office.................................................................................................. 20
Denver Regional Office ................................................................................................... 20
Philadelphia Regional Office ........................................................................................... 20
Seattle Regional Office .................................................................................................... 20
H. Other Information ...........................................................................................................20
1. Right to Use Information ........................................................................................... 20
2. Freedom of Information Act Disclosure .................................................................... 21
3. Past Performance and Non-Compliance with Award Provisions .............................. 21
4. Certifications Required by Annual Appropriations Acts for Corporations and for
Awards over $5 Million ............................................................................................. 21
5. EDA’s Non-Relocation Policy ................................................................................... 22
6. Audit Requirements ................................................................................................... 23
I. Instructions for Application Submission via Grants.gov .............................................23
1. Register Early and Submit Early ................................................................................ 23
2. AOR Requirement ..................................................................................................... 24
3. Field Limitations and Special Characters .................................................................. 24
4. Verify That Your Submission Was Successful .......................................................... 24
5. Grants.gov Systems Issues ......................................................................................... 25
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A. Program Description
1. Overview
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) sets out application submission and review
procedures for two of EDA’s Economic Development Assistance Programs authorized under the
Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.)
(PWEDA): (i) Planning; and (ii) Local Technical Assistance. EDA publishes separate NOFOs
for other funding opportunities, including: Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance,
Build to Scale (formerly Regional Innovation Strategies), University Center, Research and
National Technical Assistance, and Disaster Recovery.
EDA’s programs provide economically distressed communities and regions
comprehensive and flexible resources to address a wide variety of economic needs. Projects
funded under this NOFO will support the DOC Strategic Plan (2018-2022) by, among other
things, leading to the creation and retention of jobs and increased private investment, advancing
innovation, enhancing the manufacturing capacities of regions, providing workforce
development opportunities and growing ecosystems that attract foreign direct investment.
Through its programs, EDA supports bottom-up strategies that build on regional assets to spur
economic growth and resiliency. EDA encourages its grantees throughout the country to develop
initiatives that present new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in
distressed communities.
2. EDA Investment Priorities
All projects considered for EDA funding under this NOFO must be consistent with at
least one of EDA’s Investment Priorities. EDA’s Investment Priorities can be found at
https://www.eda.gov/about/investment-priorities.htm. EDA’s website will be updated on January
15, April 15, June 15, or September 15 of each year if there are any revisions to these Priorities.
3. EDA Program Information
This section provides detailed information on the two programs to which this NOFO
applies. EDA staff provides technical assistance to prospective applicants to assist in application
development and submission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the EDA
representative listed for their applicable State in section G of this NOFO before submitting an
application.
Applicants should describe how the EDA investment will complement, leverage, or
otherwise align with other public and private investments to implement the project. In addition,
applicants should indicate if other Federal funds have been secured for, or have been requested to
support, any portion of the project for which an EDA investment is proposed. Where other
Federal funding may be involved in the project, the applicant should provide the Federal
program name and contact information with their application to facilitate interagency
coordination and avoid duplication of resources.
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a) Planning Program1
Through the Planning program, EDA provides assistance to eligible recipients to manage
and coordinate the development and implementation of regional economic development plans.
Partnership Planning: EDA makes Partnership Planning investments to facilitate the
development, implementation, revision, or replacement of Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategies (CEDS), which are designed to help regions leverage their unique assets
to help create and retain high-quality jobs. EDA provides Partnership Planning awards to
designated District Organizations serving EDA-designated Economic Development Districts
(EDD). In addition, EDA provides Partnership Planning awards to Indian Tribes to help organize
and assist with the implementation of economic development activities within their areas. Only
EDA-designated District Organizations and Indian Tribes are eligible recipients for Partnership
Planning awards.
Short-Term and State Planning: The Planning program also assists eligible recipients
with Short-Term and State Planning efforts to stimulate and guide the creation and/or retention
of high-quality jobs and private investment attraction. For example, EDA might provide Short-
Term Planning funding to a coalition of Tribal and regional organizations to plan a coordinated
response to the sudden loss of a significant employer in the affected area. EDA also makes
Short-Term Planning awards to support the preparation or update of a CEDS for regions not
served by a District Organization.
b) Local Technical Assistance Program2
The Local Technical Assistance program strengthens the capacity of local, regional, or
State organizations and institutions to undertake and promote effective economic development
programs through projects such as feasibility studies, impact analyses, disaster resiliency plans,
and project planning. For example, EDA might provide funds to help a city prepare a feasibility
study regarding the reuse of an abandoned manufacturing facility to advance local economic
development.
4. Statutory Authorities for EDA’s Programs
The statutory authorities for the Planning and Local Technical Assistance programs are
sections 203 (42 U.S.C. § 3143) and 207 (42 U.S.C. § 3147) of PWEDA, respectively.
Applicant eligibility and program requirements are set forth in EDA’s regulations
(codified at 13 C.F.R. chapter III), and all applicants must address these requirements. Specific
program requirements for the Planning program are set out at 13 C.F.R. part 303 and for the
Local Technical Assistance program at 13 C.F.R. part 306, subpart A. For EDA’s Planning and
Local Technical Assistance programs, this announcement supersedes the FY 2016 – FY 2019
1 CFDA No. 11.302. The regulations implementing the Planning program are found at 13 C.F.R. part 303.
2 CFDA No. 11.303. The regulations implementing the Local Technical Assistance program are found at 13 C.F.R.
part 306, subpart A.
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EDA Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program Federal Funding Opportunity
announcement dated March 20, 2018.
B. Federal Award Information
1. What Funding Is Available Under This Announcement?
For fiscal year 2021, EDA was appropriated $33.5 million for Planning programs and
$10 million for Technical Assistance programs pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2021 (Pub. L. 116-260, Title 1 of Division B, 134 Stat. 1182 (December 27, 2020)) and its
accompanying explanatory statement. EDA allocated approximately $2.8 million of the planning
funds for Short-Term and State Planning awards and approximately $30.7 million for Partnership
Planning awards. EDA allocated approximately $1.6 million of the technical assistance funds for
Local Technical Assistance awards.
The funding periods and amounts referenced in this NOFO are subject to the availability
of funds at the time of award as well as DOC and EDA priorities at the time of award. Neither
DOC nor EDA will be held responsible for application preparation costs. Publication of this
announcement does not obligate DOC or EDA to award any specific grant or cooperative
agreement or to obligate all or any part of available funds. DOC or EDA may cancel or withdraw
this NOFO at any time.
The average award amounts set out below are provided only for information and may
prove useful for planning purposes. EDA anticipates making awards in similar amounts, subject
to the availability of funding. Actual amounts awarded may be higher or lower depending on the
nature of the proposed project and the availability of funds. Applications for funding of activities
related to existing awards may compete with applications for new awards. The large majority of
funding under the Planning program is for Partnership Planning grants for EDA-designated
District Organizations and Indian Tribes.
The median amount of Partnership Planning and Short-Term Planning investments has
been approximately $70,000. Historically, EDA has awarded funds for between 320 and 450
Planning projects a year, of which, approximately 310 have been for Partnership Planning
awards.
The median amount of Local Technical Assistance investments has been approximately
$100,000. Historically, EDA has awarded funds for between 30 and 50 Local Technical
Assistance projects a year.
2. What Type of Funding Instrument Will Be Used to Make Awards and How
Long Will a Project’s Period of Performance Be?
Funding Instrument: Subject to the availability of funds, EDA may award grants or
cooperative agreements to eligible applicants to help support economic development project-
based activities. EDA will award a cooperative agreement on a case-by-case basis if substantial
agency involvement is required. For a cooperative agreement, the nature of EDA’s “substantial
involvement” (to be included in the terms and conditions of the award) will generally be
collaboration between EDA and the recipient on the scope of work. Other possible examples of
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EDA’s “substantial involvement” pursuant to a cooperative agreement may include, but are not
limited to: (i) authority to halt immediately an activity if detailed performance specifications are
not met; (ii) stipulation that the recipient must meet or adhere to specific procedural requirements
before subsequent stages of a project may continue; (iii) involvement in the recipient’s selection
of key personnel; and (iv) operational involvement during the project to ensure compliance with
statutory requirements.
Period of Performance: The period of performance for a given project will depend on the
type of project, scope of work, and the EDA program under which the grant or cooperative
agreement for the project is awarded. Partnership Planning investments generally range from one
to three years in duration but typically are for three years. Other Planning investments and Local
Technical Assistance investments are usually 12 to 18 months in duration, but a specific award
may allow for up to three years for completion of the scope of work.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants for investment assistance under this NOFO include a(n):
a. District Organization;
b. Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes;
c. State, county, 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;
d. Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education;
or
e. Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with
officials of a political subdivision of a State.3
Note that eligible applicants for Partnership Planning awards are limited to EDA-
designated District Organizations and Indian Tribes; other entities are not eligible for a
Partnership Planning award.
Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible for awards under this Planning and
Local Technical Assistance Programs NOFO; requests from such entities will not be considered
for funding.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing is an essential element of any EDA project. The availability and committed
nature of matching funds is a competitiveness factor in evaluating applications against each
other, as discussed in section E.1.a.v of this NOFO. Although meeting specific economic distress
criteria is not a prerequisite for funding under the Planning and Local Technical Assistance
3 See section 3(4) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122(4)(a)) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3 (Eligible Recipient).
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programs, the economic distress level of the region impacted by a project serves as the basis for
establishing the EDA share of the total cost of a project.
a) EDA Investment Rate for Planning Awards
The Federal share of a Planning award generally may not exceed 50 percent of the total
cost of the project. However, the Federal share may be increased to an amount not to exceed 80
percent of the total cost of the project. EDA’s maximum investment rate for a Planning award is
determined by the average per capita income or unemployment rate of the most economically
distressed county (or equivalent political unit, e.g. parish) within the region served by the project,
as outlined in Table 1 below:4
TABLE 1
Maximum allowable
investment rates
Projects located in regions in which: (percentage of total project
cost)
(A) The 24-month unemployment rate is at least 225% of the
80
national average; or
(B) The per capita income is not more than 50% of the
80
national average.
(C) The 24-month unemployment rate is at least 200% of the
70
national average; or
(D) The per capita income is not more than 60% of the
70
national average.
(E) The 24-month unemployment rate is at least 175% of the
60
national average; or
(F) The per capita income is not more than 65% of the
60
national average.
b) EDA Investment Rate for Local Technical Assistance
The Federal share of a Local Technical Assistance award generally may not exceed 50
percent of the total cost of the project. However, this rate may be increased to an amount not to
exceed 80 percent of the total cost of the project based on the relative needs of the region5 in
which the project will be located, as determined by EDA. In making this determination, EDA
will take into consideration the severity and duration of the unemployment rate and the extent to
which per capita income is below the national average pursuant to Table 1 in section C.2.a, and
such other factors as EDA deems relevant in determining the relative needs of the region in
4 See section 204(a) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144) and 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(1).
5 See 13 C.F.R. § 300.3 for definition of “region.”
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which the project is located (for example, outmigration of the population and the extent to which
such outmigration is causing economic injury in the region).6
c) Other Factors Affecting EDA Investment Rate
The Assistant Secretary for Economic Development has discretion to establish a
maximum EDA investment rate of up to 100 percent of the total project cost for projects: (i) of a
State (or political subdivision of a State) that the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development
determines has exhausted its effective taxing and borrowing capacity or (ii) of a non-profit
organization that the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development determines has exhausted
its effective borrowing capacity.7 Additionally, EDA’s regulations provide discretion to establish
a maximum EDA investment rate of up to 100 percent for projects of Indian Tribes.8
Potential applicants should contact the appropriate EDA representative listed in section G
of this NOFO to obtain additional information regarding these EDA investment rate
determinations.
d) Documentation of Matching/Cost Share
An applicant must document that matching share will: (i) be committed to the project for
the period of performance, (ii) be available as needed, and (iii) not be conditioned or encumbered
in any way that may preclude its use consistent with the requirements of EDA investment
assistance.9 To meet these requirements, an applicant should submit for each source of matching
share a commitment letter or equivalent document signed by an authorized representative of the
organization providing the matching funds. If state or private grants will be used as matching
funds, copies of the grant agreements should be provided. Funds from other Federal financial
assistance awards may be considered matching share funds only if authorized by statute, which
may be determined by EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the statute.10 EDA may request
additional documentation to substantiate the availability of the matching funds.
Documented in-kind contributions may provide the required non-Federal share of the
total project cost, but they must be eligible project costs and meet applicable Federal cost
principles and uniform administrative requirements. Examples of in-kind contributions can
include space, equipment, or professional services.11 To allow EDA to verify the value of in-kind
matching share, the applicant should document the value of in-kind contributions in a matching
share commitment letter and/or the budget narrative and also provide supporting documentation.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to work with the appropriate EDA representative
listed in section G of this NOFO to determine how in-kind contributions may be utilized to
satisfy the matching share requirement for their application.
6 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(1).
7 See sections 204(c)(l) and (2) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144) and 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(5).
8 See 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(5).
9 See 13 C.F.R. § 301.5.
10 See the definition of “Local Share or Matching Share” at 13 C.F.R. § 300.3. See also 2 C.F.R. § 200.306.
11 See section 204(b) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144) and the definition of “In-Kind Contribution” at 13 C.F.R. §
300.3.
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3. Economic Distress Criteria
Although meeting specific distress criteria is not a prerequisite for funding under this
NOFO, the economic distress level of the region impacted by a project serves as the basis for
establishing the EDA share of the total cost of a project, as discussed in section C.2 of this
NOFO. Additionally, awards under EDA’s Planning and Local Technical Assistance programs
must benefit economically distressed regions, demonstrate the probability of effecting positive
economic development impacts, and help promote regional economic resiliency. Applicants are
responsible for defining the region that the project will assist by providing supporting statistics
and other information, as appropriate.
D. Application Submission Information
An applicant must submit a complete application as detailed in section D.2.a of this
NOFO to be considered for funding. EDA may seek additional information or documentation
from the applicant to clarify information presented in the application. Please see section E of this
NOFO for more information on EDA’s application review and selection process.
EDA strongly encourages applicants to consult with the appropriate EDA representative
listed in section G of this NOFO to discuss whether their project is in alignment with EDA’s
investment priorities, cost-sharing requirements, and other requirements outlined in this NOFO.
This consultation is limited to clarification of technical matters involving their proposed project,
project alignment with EDA’s mission, and other relevant and publicly available information
relating to general technical matters.
1. Address to Request an Application
An applicant may obtain an application electronically at Grants.gov. Applicants may
search for this funding opportunity on Grants.gov using the Funding Opportunity Number for the
applicable EDA Regional Office listed in the Executive Summary of this NOFO. All components
of the appropriate application may be accessed and downloaded (in an electronically-fillable
format) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html.
Applicants are advised that they must complete the registration process prior to
submitting an application through Grants.gov; please note, however, registration is not
required for an applicant to access, view, or download the application. Even though an applicant
may be able to view and download an application, if the applicant has not correctly completed
the Grants.gov registration process, the applicant will not be able to submit the application
electronically for EDA’s review. Potential applicants may request a paper application by
contacting the appropriate EDA representative listed in section G of this NOFO, but applications
must be submitted in accordance with the provisions of section D.4 of this NOFO.
2. Content and Form of the Application
The table in section D.2.a below describes all the forms and other documentation
required for a complete application and may serve as a checklist for applicants in preparing their
submissions.
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All relevant forms must be signed electronically by the applicant’s Authorized
Organizational Representative (AOR); please see section I of this NOFO for information on
AOR requirements. The preferred electronic file format for attachments is Adobe portable
document format (PDF); however, EDA will accept electronic files in Microsoft Word,
WordPerfect, or Microsoft Excel formats. EDA will not accept paper, facsimile, or email
transmissions of applications.
a) What is Required for a Complete Application?
The following table provides a complete list of documents required for a complete
application.
1. One Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) from each co-applicant, as
applicable.
2. One Form SF-424A (Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs).
3. One Budget Narrative that clearly identifies and justifies how funds in each line
item of the budget (Form SF-424A) will be used to support the proposed project.
The Budget Narrative should specifically address each budget line item, and the
narrative total should match the total project costs listed in both the SF-424
question 18, line g, and SF-424A. The Budget Narrative should also describe any
other Federal funds that have been secured or requested to support the project (see
section A.1 of this NOFO) and should include itemized valuations of any in-kind
matching funds. The non-Federal share, whether cash or in-kind, is expected to be
paid out at the same general rate as the Federal share; however, if the applicant’s
Budget Narrative proposes otherwise, applicants must also include information that
clearly indicates what project elements the matching share funds will support and
explain why deviation from paying out at the same general rate is required for the
project to be implemented.
4. Documentation of Matching Share for each matching share source, such as a
commitment letter, board resolution, or similar document, as applicable. This
should be attached to Form ED-900 (section B.10.d of Form ED-900 as of the date
of publication of this NOFO).
5. One Form ED-900 (General Application for EDA Programs).
6. One Form ED-900A (Additional EDA Assurances for Construction or Non—
Construction Investments) from each co-applicant, as applicable.
7. One Form CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying) from each co-applicant, as
applicable.
8. One Form SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) from each co-applicant, as
applicable. Form SF-LLL is only required if an applicant has reportable lobbying
activities.
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b) Environmental Requirements
Each application will be reviewed by EDA for compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. Most planning and technical assistance
activities funded under this NOFO will not require an environmental impact statement (EIS) or
an environmental assessment (EA), as EDA’s experience has shown such activities do not
significantly affect the quality of the human environment. However, EDA will be alert to
extraordinary circumstances that would require an EIS or an EA for activities funded under this
NOFO, and EDA may require an applicant to submit additional information related to
environmental review.
c) Copy of Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)
If indirect costs are included in the budget, the applicant must include documentation to
support the indirect cost rate it is using (unless claiming the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost
rate, discussed below). For most applicants, this will entail the submission of a copy of its
current, approved, and negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA). The maximum dollar
amount of allocable indirect costs for which EDA will reimburse a recipient shall be the lesser of
the (1) line-item amount for the Federal share of indirect costs contained in the EDA approved
budget for the award or (2) Federal share of the total allocable indirect costs of the project based
on either (a) the indirect cost rate approved by EDA (or applicable cognizant Federal agency),
provided that the cost rate is current at the time the costs were incurred and provided that the rate
is approved on or before the award end date, or (b) other acceptable documentation as indicated
below.
If the applicant does not have a current or pending NICRA, it may propose indirect costs
in its budget; however, the applicant must prepare and submit an allocation plan and rate
proposal for approval within 90 days of the award start date (unless claiming the 10 percent de
minimis indirect cost rate, discussed below). See 2 C.F.R. part 200 Apps. III, IV, V, VI, VII for
guidance. The allocation plan and the rate proposal must be submitted to EDA’s Office of
Regional Affairs (or the applicant’s cognizant Federal agency). If the applicant chooses to pursue
this option, it should include a statement in its Budget Narrative that it does not have a current or
pending NICRA and will submit an allocation plan and rate proposal.
In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414(f), an applicant that does not have a current
negotiated (including provisional) rate may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of
modified total direct costs (unless the applicant is a state or local unit of government or an Indian
tribe that receives less than $35 million in direct federal funding per year, discussed below). No
documentation is required to justify the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate; however, an
applicant electing to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent must include a statement in its
Budget Narrative that it does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) indirect cost
rate and is electing to charge the de minimis rate.
Note if the applicant is a State or local unit of government (or a Tribe) that receives less
than $35,000,000 in direct Federal funding per year it may submit any of the following:
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i. A Certificate of Indirect Costs from DOI or EDA;
ii. Acknowledgment received from EDA and Certificate of Indirect Costs in the
form prescribed at 2 C.F.R. pt. 200, app. VII;
iii. Cost Allocation Plan approved by a Federal agency (note that cost allocation
plans or indirect cost rates approved by state agencies are not acceptable); or
iv. NICRA.
EDA reserves the right to require District Organizations to submit a cost allocation plan
or a full indirect cost rate proposal if, in EDA’s judgment, a NICRA is required to verify the
District Organization’s proposed indirect cost rate.
3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
To enable the use of a universal identifier and to enhance the quality of information
available to the public as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
of 2006, applicants are required to: (i) be registered in the SAM before submitting their
application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in their application; and (iii) continue to
maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which they have
an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding
agency. EDA may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied
with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements, and if an applicant has not
fully complied with the requirements by the time EDA is ready to make an award, EDA may
determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a
basis for making an award to another applicant. Recipients will be subject to reporting
requirements, as identified in OMB guidance published at 2 C.F.R. parts 25 and 170.
4. Submission Dates and Times
There are no application deadlines under this NOFO. EDA plans to accept applications
on a rolling basis subject to the availability of funds or until the NOFO is amended in relevant
part or a new NOFO is published. EDA may cancel or withdraw this NOFO at any time.
a) Requirement to Submit Applications Electronically
EDA accepts electronic submissions of applications through Grants.gov. EDA will
not accept paper, facsimile, or email transmissions of applications except as provided below.
Once an application is submitted, it undergoes a validation process through Grants.gov
during which the application may be accepted or rejected by the system. Please be advised that
the validation process may take 24 to 48 hours to complete. Applications that contain errors will
be rejected by Grants.gov and will not be forwarded to EDA for review. The applicant must
correct any errors before Grants.gov will accept and validate the application.
Please see section I of this NOFO for more detailed instructions and information on
the requirements for submitting applications electronically via Grants.gov.
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b) Alternatives to Electronic Submission.
If an applicant is unable to submit an application electronically for reasons beyond the
control of the applicant, EDA, in its sole discretion, may pre-approve in writing submission via
an alternate method (e.g., email).
5. Intergovernmental Review
Applications submitted under this NOFO are subject to the requirements of Executive
Order (EO) 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” if a State has adopted a
process under EO 12372 to review and coordinate proposed Federal financial assistance and
direct Federal development (commonly referred to as the “single point of contact review
process”). All applicants must give States and local governments a reasonable opportunity to
review and comment on the proposed Project, including review and comment from area-wide
planning organizations in metropolitan areas. To find out more about a State’s process under EO
12372, applicants may contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC). Names and
addresses of some States’ SPOCs are listed on OMB’s website at https://www.whitehouse.gov/
wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf. Applicants document compliance with EO
12372 by completing section E.3. of Form ED-900.
6. Funding Restrictions
In general, EDA does not reimburse pre-award project costs. Applicants that are in need
of such reimbursement should work closely with the appropriate EDA representative listed in
section G of this NOFO to determine if their pre-award costs may be considered for
reimbursement. For contracted pre-award costs to be eligible for reimbursement, the applicant
must procure services in accordance with the minimum requirements of the Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards
(Uniform Guidance) as set forth in 2 C.F.R. part 200. All pre-award costs are incurred at an
applicant’s own risk and will be considered for reimbursement, in EDA’s sole discretion, only if
an applicant receives an award and such costs are approved by EDA in writing. Under no
circumstances will EDA or DOC reimburse application preparation expenditures, which are
distinguished from pre-award project costs.
7. Other Submission Requirements
After EDA reviews an application, EDA may contact the applicant to request additional
documentation to clarify or substantiate submitted application materials. Examples of additional
documentation may include documentation of the value of in-kind contributions, evidence that
all funding is available and committed to the project, or documentation required for
environmental or legal compliance. EDA will provide applicants a reasonable amount of time to
provide any additional documentation. Failure to provide complete and accurate supporting
documentation in a timely manner when requested by EDA may result in the denial of an
application.
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E. Application Review Information
Throughout the review and selection process, EDA reserves the right to seek clarification
in writing from applicants whose applications are being reviewed. This may include proposing
applicants seek funding under a different EDA program or other Federal financial assistance
program under which they may be more competitively assessed. EDA may additionally ask
applicants to modify budgets or other specifics necessary to comply with Federal requirements.
Before applications are reviewed as described below, EDA will conduct an initial screening to
verify that all required forms are complete and all required documentation is included.
Applications that do not contain all elements listed in section D.2.a of this NOFO may not be
considered for funding.
For Partnership Planning awards to currently designated District Organizations and
Indian Tribes, EDA will handle the award process in accordance with current practice for
institutional awards, rather than follow the competitive process outlined in this section. EDA will
contact each currently designated District Organization and Indian Tribe that receives
Partnership Planning awards to provide specific application submission requirements and award
procedures. EDA’s requirements for designating Economic Development Districts and District
Organizations are set out at 13 C.F.R. part 304.
1. Review and Selection Process
a) Investment Review Committee (IRC)
Each EDA Regional Office will convene periodic IRCs, as necessary depending on the
volume of applications, that consist of at least three EDA staff members to review each complete
application submitted (except for Partnership Planning applications, which are institutional
awards as discussed above in section E).
All IRC members will review each complete application before the IRC discussion and
evaluation. The IRC will make a group evaluation of the merits of each application based on the
extent to which the application meets the program-specific requirements provided in 13 C.F.R.
part 303 for Planning investments and 13 C.F.R. part 306 for Local Technical Assistance
investments.
The IRC will use the following criteria in its review, with each criterion receiving equal
weight:
i. The project’s sustainability/durability, including the extent to which the project
demonstrates support from regional stakeholders (private, public, and non-profit
entities, etc.);
ii. The applicant’s organizational capacity, including its financial and management
capacity;
iii. The extent to which the project aligns with EDA’s current Investment Priorities;
iv. The project’s potential to increase the capacity of the community or region to
foster creation and/or retention of high-quality jobs and promote private
investment in the regional economy; and
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v. The project’s feasibility and the likelihood that the project will achieve its
projected outcomes, which may include the availability and committed nature of
proposed matching funds.
Based on its consideration of the above factors, the IRC will prepare funding
recommendations for the Regional Director (i.e. Grants Officer). EDA’s final decision on
whether to fund a project is dependent upon the ability of the applicant to provide sufficient
documentation of the project’s compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
b) Due Diligence
After an applicant has been notified that its application has been recommended by the
IRC for further consideration, EDA may request that the applicant submit additional documents
and information to allow EDA to fully evaluate compliance with applicable rules and
regulations. If the applicant provides the requested information and supporting documentation in
a timely fashion and EDA determines the project is fully compliant with applicable rules and
regulations, the application will be forwarded to the Regional Director for a final award decision.
Applicants that do not provide the additional information and supporting documentation in a
timely fashion or who are deemed not to be in compliance with applicable rules and regulations
will receive notification their application has been denied.
c) Grants Officer’s Decision
Applications recommended by the IRC and deemed compliant with applicable rules and
regulations will be forwarded to the Regional Director, who is the designated Grants Officer
under this NOFO. Each Regional Director has the final authority regarding funding of
applications and may select a project for funding that differs from the IRC’s recommendations
based on any of the following selection factors:
1. The relative economic distress of the region;
2. The likelihood a given project will start quickly, realistically achieve project
goals, and catalyze additional resources;
3. The extent to which the application meets the overall objectives of section 2 of
PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3121);
4. If the applicant is a previous recipient of Federal financial assistance, the
applicant’s performance under previous awards, including whether the grantee
submitted required performance reports and data;
5. The availability of program funding; and
6. The extent to which the project supports EDA’s goals of geographic balance in
distribution of program funds, project types, organizational type (to include
smaller and rural organizations), and the overall portfolio.
The Regional Director’s final decision must be consistent with EDA’s and DOC’s
published policies.
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2. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity System (FAPIIS) Review
EDA, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than
the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the
applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM
(currently FAPIIS). See 41 U.S.C. § 2313.
Each applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and
performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that
a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and
performance system accessible through SAM.
EDA will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in
the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the
review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.205.
F. Federal Award Administration Information
1. Federal Award Notification
If an application is selected for funding and the applicant successfully and timely
completes all due diligence requirements, EDA anticipates that the Grants Officer will issue an
award using Form CD-450, which is the authorizing financial assistance award document and
includes Specific Award Conditions and the DOC Financial Assistance Standard Terms and
Conditions (DOC ST&Cs).
By signing Form CD-450, the applicant agrees to comply with all award provisions. EDA
anticipates that Form CD-450 will be provided via email through Grants Online or a successor
electronic grants management system. The email will provide the applicant’s authorized
representative with instructions on how to create an account with Grants Online to view and sign
the award. The applicant must sign and return the Form CD-450 without modification within 30
days of the date of EDA’s signature on the form.
If an applicant is awarded funding, neither DOC nor EDA is under any obligation to
provide any additional future funding in connection with that award or to make any future
award(s). Amendment or renewal of an award to increase funding or to extend the period of
performance is at the discretion of DOC and EDA.
EDA will notify unsuccessful applicants in writing to the applicant’s authorized
representative.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Recipients of an EDA award will be bound by the Uniform Administrative Requirements,
Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) as set forth in
2 C.F.R. part 200.
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For all projects, DOC will apply the DOC ST&Cs applicable on the date of the award.
The DOC ST&Cs may be accessed at the following website: https://www.osec.doc.gov/oam/
grants_management/policy/.
DOC will apply the Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative
Agreements effective December 26, 2014, 79 Fed. Reg. 78,390. The Pre-Award Notice may be
accessed at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-12-30/pdf/2014-30297.pdf.
3. Reporting
All recipients are required to submit financial, performance, and impact reports in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant award, generally no less than semi-
annually. All project progress and financial reports must be submitted to the applicable EDA
program officer in an electronic format to be determined at the time of award.
The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 includes a
requirement for awardees of applicable Federal grants to report information about first-tier
subawards12 and executive compensation under Federal assistance awards issued in FY 2011 or
later. All awardees of applicable grants and cooperative agreements are required to report to the
Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) available at www.FSRS.gov on all sub-awards over
$25,000. Please see the OMB guidance published at 2 C.F.R. part 170, which can be accessed at
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=40023e1db665ebc89de0d086aaabf96a&mc
=true&node=pt2.1.170&rgn=div5.
EDA will require additional data on activities, outputs, and actual impact of the funded
investment, in part to fulfill the requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act
(GPRA). EDA anticipates that recipients will be expected to track their engagement activities
within the scope of work, with project beneficiaries, and other project stakeholders. EDA further
anticipates recipients will be expected to collect data, using surveys of beneficiaries or clients if
necessary, on the outputs and outcomes of their activities, such as the number of strategic plans
or economic development tools developed, the number of new business partnerships formed, or
the range of new capabilities acquired. EDA plans to collect this information using Forms ED-
916 (Semi-annual Program Outputs Questionnaire for EDA grantees), ED-917 (Annual Capacity
Outcomes Questionnaire for EDA Grantees serving clients), and ED-918 (Annual Capacity
Outcomes Questionnaire for EDA Grantees). For more information, please refer to
https://www.eda.gov/performance/.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
For questions concerning this NOFO, or more information about EDA programs,
potential applicants are encouraged to contact the appropriate EDA Economic Development
Representative listed at https://www.eda.gov/contact/.
12 A first-tier subaward means an award provided by the recipient to a subrecipient for the subrecipient to carry out
as part of a Federal award.
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Alternatively, potential applicants may contact the appropriate EDA Regional Office
listed below.
Atlanta Regional Office
H. Philip Paradice, Jr., Regional Director
401 West Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1820, Atlanta, GA 30308-3510
(404) 730-3002 Main Office
Austin Regional Office
Jorge Ayala, Regional Director
903 San Jacinto, Suite 206, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 381-8150 Main Office
Chicago Regional Office
Susan Brehm, Regional Director
230 South Dearborn Street, Suite 3280, Chicago, IL 60604-1512
(312) 353-8143 Main Office
Denver Regional Office
Angela Belden Martinez, Regional Director
1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 431, Denver, CO 80204
(303) 844-4715 Main Office
Philadelphia Regional Office
Linda Cruz-Carnall, Regional Director
Robert N.C. Nix Federal Building
900 Market Street, Room 602, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 597-4603 Main Office
Seattle Regional Office
Kerstin Millius, Acting Regional Director
Jackson Federal Building
915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174-1012
(206) 220-7660 Main Office
H. Other Information
1. Right to Use Information
The applicant acknowledges and understands that information and data contained in
applications for financial assistance, as well as information and data contained in financial,
performance and other reports submitted by applicants, may be used by the Department of
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Commerce in conducting reviews and evaluations of its financial assistance programs. For this
purpose, applicant information and data may be accessed, reviewed and evaluated by Department
of Commerce employees, other Federal employees, and also by Federal agents and contractors,
and/or by non-Federal personnel, all of whom enter into appropriate conflict of interest and
confidentiality agreements covering the use of such information. As may be provided in the
terms and conditions of a specific financial assistance award, applicants are expected to support
program reviews and evaluations by submitting required financial and performance information
and data in an accurate and timely manner, and by cooperating with Department of Commerce
and external program evaluators. In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.303(e), applicants are
reminded that they must take reasonable measures to safeguard protected personally identifiable
information and other confidential or sensitive personal or business information created or
obtained in connection with a Department of Commerce financial assistance award.
2. Freedom of Information Act Disclosure
Department of Commerce regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA), 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552, are found at 15 C.F.R. Part 4, Public Information. These regulations
set forth rules for the Department regarding making requested materials, information, and
records publicly available under the FOIA. Applications submitted in response to this Notice of
Funding Opportunity may be subject to requests for release under the Act. In the event that an
application contains information or data that the applicant deems to be confidential commercial
information that should be exempt from disclosure under FOIA, that information should be
identified, bracketed, and marked as Privileged, Confidential, Commercial or Financial
Information. In accordance with 15 CFR § 4.9, the Department of Commerce will protect from
disclosure confidential business information contained in financial assistance applications and
other documentation provided by applicants to the extent permitted by law.
3. Past Performance and Non-Compliance with Award Provisions
Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may result in an application not
being considered for funding. Failure to comply with any provisions of an award may have a
negative impact on future funding and may be considered grounds for taking any or all of the
following actions: (1) establishing an account receivable; (2) withholding payments to the
recipient under any DOC award(s); (3) changing the method of payment from advance to
reimbursement only; (4) imposing other specific award conditions; (5) suspending any active
DOC award(s); and (6) terminating any active DOC award(s).
4. Certifications Required by Annual Appropriations Acts for Corporations and
for Awards over $5 Million
As discussed in section D.3, all applicants are required to be registered in SAM before
applying under this NOFO. SAM requires registering entities to certify compliance with all
limitations imposed by annual appropriation acts. For corporations, this certification includes
that the corporation:
(a) Was not convicted of a felony criminal violation under a Federal law within
the preceding 24 months, unless a Federal agency has considered suspension or
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debarment of the corporation and made a determination that this further action is not
necessary to protect the interests of the Government; and/or
(b) Does not have any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for
which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and
that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority
responsible for collecting the tax liability, unless a Federal agency has considered
suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that this further
action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.
For financial assistance awards in excess of $5 million, this certification includes that the
entity:
(a) To the best of its knowledge and belief, has filed all Federal tax returns
required during the three years preceding the certification;
(b) Has not been convicted of a criminal offense under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986; and/or
(c) Has not been notified, more than 90 days prior to certification, of any unpaid
Federal tax assessment for which the liability remains unsatisfied, unless the assessment
is the subject of an installment agreement or offer in compromise that has been approved
by the Internal Revenue Service and is not in default, or the assessment is the subject of a
non-frivolous administrative or judicial proceeding.
5. EDA’s Non-Relocation Policy
Should an application be selected for award, the recipient will be required to adhere to a
specific award condition relating to EDA’s non-relocation policy as follows:
In signing this award of financial assistance, Recipient(s) attests that EDA funding is not
intended by the Recipient to assist its efforts to induce the relocation of existing jobs within the
U.S. that are located outside of its jurisdiction to within its jurisdiction in competition with other
U.S. jurisdictions for those same jobs. In the event that EDA determines that its assistance was
used for those purposes, EDA retains the right to pursue appropriate enforcement action in
accord with the Standard Terms and Conditions of the Award, including suspension of
disbursements and termination of the award for convenience or material noncompliance, which
may include the establishment of a debt requiring the Recipient to reimburse EDA.
For purposes of ensuring that EDA assistance will not be used to merely transfer jobs
from one location in the United States to another, each applicant must inform EDA of all
employers that constitute primary beneficiaries of the project assisted by EDA. EDA will
consider an employer to be a “primary beneficiary” if: (i) the employer is specifically named in
the application as benefitting from the project, and the applicant estimates that the employer will
create or save 100 or more permanent jobs as a result of the investment assistance (if the jobs in
question were originally located in a smaller community, EDA may extend this policy to the
relocation of 50 or more jobs); or (ii) the employer is or will be located in an EDA-assisted
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building, port, facility, or industrial, commercial, or business park constructed or improved in
whole or in part with investment assistance prior to EDA’s final disbursement of funds.
6. Audit Requirements
Single or program-specific audits shall be performed in accordance with the requirements
contained in the Uniform Guidance (see 2 C.F.R. part 200, subpart F, “Audit Requirements”).
The Uniform Guidance requires any non-Federal entity (i.e., non-profit organizations, including
non-profit institutions of higher education and hospitals, States, local governments, and Indian
Tribes) that expends Federal awards of $750,000 or more in the recipient’s fiscal year to conduct
a single or program-specific audit in accordance with the requirements set out in the OMB
Uniform Guidance. Applicants are reminded that EDA or the DOC’s Office of Inspector General
also may conduct an audit of an award at any time.
I. Instructions for Application Submission via Grants.gov
The most up-to-date instructions for application submission via Grants.gov can be found
at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. To begin, complete, and
submit your application,
1. navigate to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html;
2. click “Search for Opportunity Package”;
3. in the “Funding Opportunity Number” field, enter the Funding Opportunity Number for
the applicable EDA Regional Office listed in the Executive Summary of this NOFO;
4. click “Search”;
5. click the “Apply” link that corresponds to the competition to which you wish to apply;
6. enter your email address (if you would like to receive updates from Grants.gov regarding
this grant opportunity) or check the box that indicates you do not wish to provide it, then
click “Submit”;
7. choose to apply using Workspace by clicking “Login to Apply Now” or choose to
download the legacy application package by clicking “Download Package”; and
8. follow the instructions provided on the Grants.gov website and on each webpage to
complete and submit your application.
1. Register Early and Submit Early
To submit an application through https://www.grants.gov/ (Grants.gov), an applicant
must register for a Grants.gov user ID and password. Note that this process can take between
three to five business days or as long as four weeks if all steps are not completed correctly.
Information about the Grants.gov registration process for organizations can be found at
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html. Please note that
organizations already registered with Grants.gov do not need to re-register; however, all
registered organizations must keep their SAM registration, which includes the CCR database
registration, up to date through sam.gov or their applications will not be accepted by Grants.gov.
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2. AOR Requirement
Applicants must register as organizations, not as individuals. As part of the registration
process, you will register at least one AOR for your organization. AORs registered at Grants.gov
are the only officials with the authority to submit applications at Grants.gov; please ensure that
your organization’s application is submitted by an AOR. If the application is submitted by
anyone other than your organization’s AOR, it will be rejected by the Grants.gov system
and cannot be considered by EDA. Note that a given organization may designate multiple
individuals as AORs for Grants.gov purposes.
3. Field Limitations and Special Characters
Please be advised that Grants.gov provides the following notice with respect to form field
limitations and special characters: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/submitting-utf-
8-special-characters.html.
4. Verify That Your Submission Was Successful
Applicants should save and print written proof of an electronic submission made at
Grants.gov. Applicants can expect to receive multiple emails regarding the status of their
submission. Since email communication can be unreliable, applicants must proactively check on
the status of their application if they do not receive email notifications within a day of
submission.
EDA requests that applicants kindly refrain from submitting multiple copies of the same
application package. Applicants should save and print both the confirmation screen provided on
the Grants.gov website after the applicant has submitted an application and the confirmation
email sent by Grants.gov when the application has been successfully received and validated in
the system. If an applicant receives an email from Grants.gov indicating that the application was
received and subsequently validated but does not receive an email from Grants.gov indicating
that EDA has retrieved the application package within 72 hours of that email, the applicant may
contact the representative listed in section G of this announcement to inquire if EDA is in receipt
of the applicant’s submission.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify that its submission was timely received and
validated successfully at Grants.gov. To see the date and time your application was received,
navigate to https://www.grants.gov and click on the “Track My Application” link under the
“Applicants” tab. For a successful submission, the application must be received and validated by
Grants.gov, and an agency tracking number must be assigned. Once validation is complete, the
status will change to “Validated” or “Rejected with Errors.” If the status is “Rejected with
Errors,” your application has not been received successfully. For more detailed information
about why an application may be rejected, please see “Encountering Error Messages” at
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/encountering-error-messages.html and
“Frequently Asked Questions by Applicants” at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/
applicant-faqs.html.
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5. Grants.gov Systems Issues
If you experience a Grants.gov systems issue (i.e., a technical problem or glitch with the
Grants.gov website) that you believe threatens your ability to complete a submission in a timely
manner, please (i) print any error message received; (ii) call the Grants.gov Contact Center at
(800) 518-4726 for assistance; and (iii) contact EDA using the contact information in section G
of this NOFO. Ensure that you obtain a case number regarding your communications with
Grants.gov. Please note that problems with an applicant’s computer system or equipment are not
considered systems issues. Similarly, an applicant’s failure to, e.g., (i) complete the required
registration, (ii) ensure that a registered AOR submits the application, or (iii) notice receipt of an
email message from Grants.gov are not considered systems issues. A Grants.gov systems issue is
an issue occurring in connection with the operations of Grants.gov itself, such as the temporary
loss of service by Grants.gov due to unexpected volume of traffic or failure of information
technology systems, both of which are highly unlikely. In the event of a confirmed systems issue,
EDA reserves the right to accept an application in an alternate format.
Applicants should access the following link for assistance in navigating Grants.gov and
for a list of useful resources: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html. The following
link lists “Frequently Asked Questions by Applicants”: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/
applicants/applicant-faqs.html. If you do not find an answer to your question there, contact
Grants.gov by email at support@grants.gov or telephone at (800) 518-4726. The Grants.gov
Contact Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except on Federal holidays.
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NOFO with EDGE application instructions

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• Federal Agency Name: Economic Development Administration (EDA), U.S. Department of
Commerce (DOC).
• Federal Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local
Technical Assistance Programs Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
• Announcement Type and Date: This NOFO publishes EDA’s application submission
requirements and review procedures for applications received under EDA’s (i) Planning and
(ii) Local Technical Assistance programs, authorized under the Public Works and Economic
Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.). Effective date: March
15, 2021
• Funding Opportunity Number:
Regional Office States Served NOFO Number
Atlanta Regional Office: AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN EDA-ATL-TA-ATRO-2021-2006846
Austin Regional Office: AR, LA, NM, OK, TX EDA-AUS-TA-AURO-2021-2006848
Chicago Regional Office: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI EDA-CHI-TA-CRO-2021-2006849
Denver Regional Office: CO, IA, KS, MO, MT, ND, NE, SD, EDA-DEN-TA-DRO-2021-2006850
UT, WY
Philadelphia Regional CT, DE, DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, EDA-PHI-TA-PRO-2021-2006851
Office: NY, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV, PR, VI
Seattle Regional Office: AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA, EDA-SEA-TA-SRO-2021-2006853
AS, MP, GU, FM, MH, PW
All Regional Offices All PLLTA2021
• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers: 11.302, Economic
Development Support for Planning Organizations; 11.303, Economic Development
Technical Assistance.
• Dates: There are no submission deadlines. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis
until the publication of a new Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs NOFO,
cancellation of this Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs NOFO, or all
available funds have been expended. Please see section E of this NOFO for complete
information on EDA’s review process.
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• Funding Opportunity Description: EDA makes planning and local technical assistance
investments to support economic development, foster job creation, and attract private
investment in economically distressed areas of the United States.
Under the Planning program, EDA makes Partnership Planning, Short-Term Planning, and
State Planning awards to eligible recipients to create and implement regional economic
development plans designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and
resiliency of an area or region. More specifically, EDA makes Partnership Planning
investments to designated planning organizations (i.e., District Organizations) serving EDA-
designated Economic Development Districts and to Indian Tribes to facilitate the
development, implementation, revision, or replacement of Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategies (CEDS), which articulate and prioritize the strategic economic goals
of recipients’ respective regions. EDA also makes Short-Term and State Planning awards for
economic development planning activities that guide the eventual creation and retention of
high-quality jobs, particularly for the unemployed and underemployed in the Nation’s most
economically distressed regions.
Under the Local Technical Assistance program, EDA makes awards to strengthen the
capacity of local or State organizations, institutions of higher education, and other eligible
entities to undertake and promote effective economic development programs through projects
such as feasibility studies, impact analyses, disaster resiliency plans, and project planning.
• Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants for EDA financial assistance under the Planning and
Local Technical Assistance programs include a(n): (i) District Organization of an EDA-
designated Economic Development District; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian
Tribes; (iii) State, county, 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.
Note that eligible applicants for Partnership Planning awards are limited to EDA-
designated District Organizations and Indian Tribes; other entities are not eligible for
Partnership Planning awards. Additionally, individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible
for awards under this Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs NOFO; requests
from such entities will not be considered for funding.
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FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT
FY 2021 – FY 2023 Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs NOFO
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ 1
FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT................................................................................................ 3
A. Program Description ..........................................................................................................5
1. Overview ...................................................................................................................... 5
2. EDA Investment Priorities ........................................................................................... 5
3. EDA Program Information ........................................................................................... 5
4. Statutory Authorities for EDA’s Programs .................................................................. 6
B. Federal Award Information ..............................................................................................7
1. What Funding Is Available Under This Announcement? ............................................ 7
2. What Type of Funding Instrument Will Be Used to Make Awards and How Long
Will a Project’s Period of Performance Be? ................................................................. 7
C. Eligibility Information .......................................................................................................8
1. Eligible Applicants ....................................................................................................... 8
2. Cost Sharing or Matching ............................................................................................ 8
3. Economic Distress Criteria ......................................................................................... 11
D. Application Submission Information ..............................................................................11
1. Address to Request an Application ............................................................................ 11
2. Content and Form of the Application ......................................................................... 11
3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) ...................... 14
4. Submission Dates and Times...................................................................................... 14
5. Intergovernmental Review ......................................................................................... 15
6. Funding Restrictions................................................................................................... 15
7. Other Submission Requirements ................................................................................ 15
E. Application Review Information .....................................................................................16
1. Review and Selection Process .................................................................................... 16
2. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity System (FAPIIS) Review .................... 18
F. Federal Award Administration Information .................................................................18
1. Federal Award Notification ........................................................................................ 18
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements .................................................... 18
3. Reporting .................................................................................................................... 19
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts ...............................................................................19
Atlanta Regional Office ................................................................................................... 20
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Austin Regional Office..................................................................................................... 20
Chicago Regional Office .................................................................................................. 20
Denver Regional Office ................................................................................................... 20
Philadelphia Regional Office ........................................................................................... 20
Seattle Regional Office .................................................................................................... 20
H. Other Information ............................................................................................................20
1. Right to Use Information ............................................................................................ 20
2. Freedom of Information Act Disclosure .................................................................... 21
3. Past Performance and Non-Compliance with Award Provisions ............................... 21
4. Certifications Required by Annual Appropriations Acts for Corporations and for
Awards over $5 Million ............................................................................................. 21
5. EDA’s Non-Relocation Policy ................................................................................... 22
6. Audit Requirements .................................................................................................... 23
I. Instructions for Application Submission via the Economic Development Grants
Experience (EDGE) ............................................................................................................23
1. Register Early and Submit Early ................................................................................ 23
2. Authorized Representative Requirement .................................................................... 24
3. Verify That Your Submission Was Successful .......................................................... 24
4. EDGE Systems Issues ................................................................................................ 25
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A. Program Description
1. Overview
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) sets out application submission and review
procedures for two of EDA’s Economic Development Assistance Programs authorized under the
Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.)
(PWEDA): (i) Planning; and (ii) Local Technical Assistance. EDA publishes separate NOFOs
for other funding opportunities, including: Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance,
Build to Scale (formerly Regional Innovation Strategies), University Center, Research and
National Technical Assistance, and Disaster Recovery.
EDA’s programs provide economically distressed communities and regions
comprehensive and flexible resources to address a wide variety of economic needs. Projects
funded under this NOFO will support the DOC Strategic Plan (2018-2022) by, among other
things, leading to the creation and retention of jobs and increased private investment, advancing
innovation, enhancing the manufacturing capacities of regions, providing workforce
development opportunities and growing ecosystems that attract foreign direct investment.
Through its programs, EDA supports bottom-up strategies that build on regional assets to spur
economic growth and resiliency. EDA encourages its grantees throughout the country to develop
initiatives that present new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in
distressed communities.
2. EDA Investment Priorities
All projects considered for EDA funding under this NOFO must be consistent with at
least one of EDA’s Investment Priorities. EDA’s Investment Priorities can be found at
https://www.eda.gov/about/investment-priorities.htm. EDA’s website will be updated on January
15, April 15, June 15, or September 15 of each year if there are any revisions to these Priorities.
3. EDA Program Information
This section provides detailed information on the two programs to which this NOFO
applies. EDA staff provides technical assistance to prospective applicants to assist in application
development and submission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the EDA
representative listed for their applicable State in section G of this NOFO before submitting an
application.
Applicants should describe how the EDA investment will complement, leverage, or
otherwise align with other public and private investments to implement the project. In addition,
applicants should indicate if other Federal funds have been secured for, or have been requested to
support, any portion of the project for which an EDA investment is proposed. Where other
Federal funding may be involved in the project, the applicant should provide the Federal
program name and contact information with their application to facilitate interagency
coordination and avoid duplication of resources.
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a) Planning Program1
Through the Planning program, EDA provides assistance to eligible recipients to manage
and coordinate the development and implementation of regional economic development plans.
Partnership Planning: EDA makes Partnership Planning investments to facilitate the
development, implementation, revision, or replacement of Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategies (CEDS), which are designed to help regions leverage their unique assets
to help create and retain high-quality jobs. EDA provides Partnership Planning awards to
designated District Organizations serving EDA-designated Economic Development Districts
(EDD). In addition, EDA provides Partnership Planning awards to Indian Tribes to help organize
and assist with the implementation of economic development activities within their areas. Only
EDA-designated District Organizations and Indian Tribes are eligible recipients for Partnership
Planning awards.
Short-Term and State Planning: The Planning program also assists eligible recipients
with Short-Term and State Planning efforts to stimulate and guide the creation and/or retention
of high-quality jobs and private investment attraction. For example, EDA might provide Short-
Term Planning funding to a coalition of Tribal and regional organizations to plan a coordinated
response to the sudden loss of a significant employer in the affected area. EDA also makes
Short-Term Planning awards to support the preparation or update of a CEDS for regions not
served by a District Organization.
b) Local Technical Assistance Program2
The Local Technical Assistance program strengthens the capacity of local, regional, or
State organizations and institutions to undertake and promote effective economic development
programs through projects such as feasibility studies, impact analyses, disaster resiliency plans,
and project planning. For example, EDA might provide funds to help a city prepare a feasibility
study regarding the reuse of an abandoned manufacturing facility to advance local economic
development.
4. Statutory Authorities for EDA’s Programs
The statutory authorities for the Planning and Local Technical Assistance programs are
sections 203 (42 U.S.C. § 3143) and 207 (42 U.S.C. § 3147) of PWEDA, respectively.
Applicant eligibility and program requirements are set forth in EDA’s regulations
(codified at 13 C.F.R. chapter III), and all applicants must address these requirements. Specific
program requirements for the Planning program are set out at 13 C.F.R. part 303 and for the
Local Technical Assistance program at 13 C.F.R. part 306, subpart A. For EDA’s Planning and
Local Technical Assistance programs, this announcement supersedes the FY 2016 – FY 2019
1 CFDA No. 11.302. The regulations implementing the Planning program are found at 13 C.F.R. part 303.
2 CFDA No. 11.303. The regulations implementing the Local Technical Assistance program are found at 13 C.F.R.
part 306, subpart A.
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EDA Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program Federal Funding Opportunity
announcement dated March 20, 2018.
B. Federal Award Information
1. What Funding Is Available Under This Announcement?
For fiscal year 2021, EDA was appropriated $33.5 million for Planning programs and
$10 million for Technical Assistance programs pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2021 (Pub. L. 116-260, Title 1 of Division B, 134 Stat. 1182 (December 27, 2020)) and its
accompanying explanatory statement. EDA allocated approximately $2.8 million of the planning
funds for Short-Term and State Planning awards and approximately $30.7 million for Partnership
Planning awards. EDA allocated approximately $1.6 million of the technical assistance funds for
Local Technical Assistance awards.
The funding periods and amounts referenced in this NOFO are subject to the availability
of funds at the time of award as well as DOC and EDA priorities at the time of award. Neither
DOC nor EDA will be held responsible for application preparation costs. Publication of this
announcement does not obligate DOC or EDA to award any specific grant or cooperative
agreement or to obligate all or any part of available funds. DOC or EDA may cancel or withdraw
this NOFO at any time.
The average award amounts set out below are provided only for information and may
prove useful for planning purposes. EDA anticipates making awards in similar amounts, subject
to the availability of funding. Actual amounts awarded may be higher or lower depending on the
nature of the proposed project and the availability of funds. Applications for funding of activities
related to existing awards may compete with applications for new awards. The large majority of
funding under the Planning program is for Partnership Planning grants for EDA-designated
District Organizations and Indian Tribes.
The median amount of Partnership Planning and Short-Term Planning investments has
been approximately $70,000. Historically, EDA has awarded funds for between 320 and 450
Planning projects a year, of which, approximately 310 have been for Partnership Planning
awards.
The median amount of Local Technical Assistance investments has been approximately
$100,000. Historically, EDA has awarded funds for between 30 and 50 Local Technical
Assistance projects a year.
2. What Type of Funding Instrument Will Be Used to Make Awards and How
Long Will a Project’s Period of Performance Be?
Funding Instrument: Subject to the availability of funds, EDA may award grants or
cooperative agreements to eligible applicants to help support economic development project-
based activities. EDA will award a cooperative agreement on a case-by-case basis if substantial
agency involvement is required. For a cooperative agreement, the nature of EDA’s “substantial
involvement” (to be included in the terms and conditions of the award) will generally be
collaboration between EDA and the recipient on the scope of work. Other possible examples of
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EDA’s “substantial involvement” pursuant to a cooperative agreement may include, but are not
limited to: (i) authority to halt immediately an activity if detailed performance specifications are
not met; (ii) stipulation that the recipient must meet or adhere to specific procedural requirements
before subsequent stages of a project may continue; (iii) involvement in the recipient’s selection
of key personnel; and (iv) operational involvement during the project to ensure compliance with
statutory requirements.
Period of Performance: The period of performance for a given project will depend on the
type of project, scope of work, and the EDA program under which the grant or cooperative
agreement for the project is awarded. Partnership Planning investments generally range from one
to three years in duration but typically are for three years. Other Planning investments and Local
Technical Assistance investments are usually 12 to 18 months in duration, but a specific award
may allow for up to three years for completion of the scope of work.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants for investment assistance under this NOFO include a(n):
a. District Organization;
b. Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes;
c. State, county, 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;
d. Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education;
or
e. Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with
officials of a political subdivision of a State.3
Note that eligible applicants for Partnership Planning awards are limited to EDA-
designated District Organizations and Indian Tribes; other entities are not eligible for a
Partnership Planning award.
Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible for awards under this Planning and
Local Technical Assistance Programs NOFO; requests from such entities will not be considered
for funding.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing is an essential element of any EDA project. The availability and committed
nature of matching funds is a competitiveness factor in evaluating applications against each
other, as discussed in section E.1.a.v of this NOFO. Although meeting specific economic distress
criteria is not a prerequisite for funding under the Planning and Local Technical Assistance
3 See section 3(4) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122(4)(a)) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3 (Eligible Recipient).
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programs, the economic distress level of the region impacted by a project serves as the basis for
establishing the EDA share of the total cost of a project.
a) EDA Investment Rate for Planning Awards
The Federal share of a Planning award generally may not exceed 50 percent of the total
cost of the project. However, the Federal share may be increased to an amount not to exceed 80
percent of the total cost of the project. EDA’s maximum investment rate for a Planning award is
determined by the average per capita income or unemployment rate of the most economically
distressed county (or equivalent political unit, e.g. parish) within the region served by the project,
as outlined in Table 1 below:4
TABLE 1
Maximum allowable
investment rates
Projects located in regions in which: (percentage of total project
cost)
(A) The 24-month unemployment rate is at least 225% of the
80
national average; or
(B) The per capita income is not more than 50% of the
80
national average.
(C) The 24-month unemployment rate is at least 200% of the
70
national average; or
(D) The per capita income is not more than 60% of the
70
national average.
(E) The 24-month unemployment rate is at least 175% of the
60
national average; or
(F) The per capita income is not more than 65% of the
60
national average.
b) EDA Investment Rate for Local Technical Assistance
The Federal share of a Local Technical Assistance award generally may not exceed 50
percent of the total cost of the project. However, this rate may be increased to an amount not to
exceed 80 percent of the total cost of the project based on the relative needs of the region5 in
which the project will be located, as determined by EDA. In making this determination, EDA
will take into consideration the severity and duration of the unemployment rate and the extent to
which per capita income is below the national average pursuant to Table 1 in section C.2.a, and
such other factors as EDA deems relevant in determining the relative needs of the region in
4 See section 204(a) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144) and 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(1).
5 See 13 C.F.R. § 300.3 for definition of “region.”
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which the project is located (for example, outmigration of the population and the extent to which
such outmigration is causing economic injury in the region).6
c) Other Factors Affecting EDA Investment Rate
The Assistant Secretary for Economic Development has discretion to establish a
maximum EDA investment rate of up to 100 percent of the total project cost for projects: (i) of a
State (or political subdivision of a State) that the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development
determines has exhausted its effective taxing and borrowing capacity or (ii) of a non-profit
organization that the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development determines has exhausted
its effective borrowing capacity.7 Additionally, EDA’s regulations provide discretion to establish
a maximum EDA investment rate of up to 100 percent for projects of Indian Tribes.8
Potential applicants should contact the appropriate EDA representative listed in section G
of this NOFO to obtain additional information regarding these EDA investment rate
determinations.
d) Documentation of Matching/Cost Share
An applicant must document that matching share will: (i) be committed to the project for
the period of performance, (ii) be available as needed, and (iii) not be conditioned or encumbered
in any way that may preclude its use consistent with the requirements of EDA investment
assistance.9 To meet these requirements, an applicant should submit for each source of matching
share a commitment letter or equivalent document signed by an authorized representative of the
organization providing the matching funds. If state or private grants will be used as matching
funds, copies of the grant agreements should be provided. Funds from other Federal financial
assistance awards may be considered matching share funds only if authorized by statute, which
may be determined by EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the statute.10 EDA may request
additional documentation to substantiate the availability of the matching funds.
Documented in-kind contributions may provide the required non-Federal share of the
total project cost, but they must be eligible project costs and meet applicable Federal cost
principles and uniform administrative requirements. Examples of in-kind contributions can
include space, equipment, or professional services.11 To allow EDA to verify the value of in-kind
matching share, the applicant should document the value of in-kind contributions in a matching
share commitment letter and/or the budget narrative and also provide supporting documentation.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to work with the appropriate EDA representative
listed in section G of this NOFO to determine how in-kind contributions may be utilized to
satisfy the matching share requirement for their application.
6 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(1).
7 See sections 204(c)(l) and (2) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144) and 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(5).
8 See 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(5).
9 See 13 C.F.R. § 301.5.
10 See the definition of “Local Share or Matching Share” at 13 C.F.R. § 300.3. See also 2 C.F.R. § 200.306.
11 See section 204(b) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144) and the definition of “In-Kind Contribution” at 13 C.F.R. §
300.3.
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3. Economic Distress Criteria
Although meeting specific distress criteria is not a prerequisite for funding under this
NOFO, the economic distress level of the region impacted by a project serves as the basis for
establishing the EDA share of the total cost of a project, as discussed in section C.2 of this
NOFO. Additionally, awards under EDA’s Planning and Local Technical Assistance programs
must benefit economically distressed regions, demonstrate the probability of effecting positive
economic development impacts, and help promote regional economic resiliency. Applicants are
responsible for defining the region that the project will assist by providing supporting statistics
and other information, as appropriate.
D. Application Submission Information
An applicant must submit a complete application as detailed in section D.2.a of this
NOFO to be considered for funding. EDA may seek additional information or documentation
from the applicant to clarify information presented in the application. Please see section E of this
NOFO for more information on EDA’s application review and selection process.
EDA strongly encourages applicants to consult with the appropriate EDA representative
listed in section G of this NOFO to discuss whether their project is in alignment with EDA’s
investment priorities, cost-sharing requirements, and other requirements outlined in this NOFO.
This consultation is limited to clarification of technical matters involving their proposed project,
project alignment with EDA’s mission, and other relevant and publicly available information
relating to general technical matters.
1. Address to Request an Application
An applicant may obtain, complete, and submit an application electronically through the
Economic Development Grants Experience (EDGE) at sfgrants.eda.gov. It is recommended that
applicants set up a Grants.gov account and subscribe to this funding opportunity in order to be
notified of any updates or changes to this NOFO. Applicants may search for this funding
opportunity on Grants.gov using the Funding Opportunity Numbers listed in the chart above in
the Executive Summary of this NOFO.
Applicants are advised that they must complete the registration process in EDGE in
order to complete an application. To accommodate accessibility requirements, applicants may
request a paper application by contacting the appropriate EDA representative listed in section G
of this NOFO.
2. Content and Form of the Application
The table in section D.2.a below describes all the forms and other documentation
required for a complete application and may serve as a checklist for applicants in preparing their
submissions.
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All relevant forms must be signed electronically by the applicant’s Authorized
Representative; please see section I of this NOFO for information on Authorized
Representative requirements. The preferred electronic file format for attachments is Adobe
portable document format (PDF); however, EDA will accept electronic files in Microsoft
Word, WordPerfect, or Microsoft Excel formats. EDA will not accept paper, facsimile, or
email transmissions of applications.
a) What is Required for a Complete Application?
The following table provides a complete list of documents required for a complete
application.
1. One Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) from each co-applicant, as
applicable.
2. One Form SF-424A (Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs).
3. One Budget Narrative that clearly identifies and justifies how funds in each line
item of the budget (Form SF-424A) will be used to support the proposed project.
The Budget Narrative should specifically address each budget line item, and the
narrative total should match the total project costs listed in both the SF-424
question 18, line g, and SF-424A. The Budget Narrative should also describe any
other Federal funds that have been secured or requested to support the project (see
section A.1 of this NOFO) and should include itemized valuations of any in-kind
matching funds. The non-Federal share, whether cash or in-kind, is expected to be
paid out at the same general rate as the Federal share; however, if the applicant’s
Budget Narrative proposes otherwise, applicants must also include information that
clearly indicates what project elements the matching share funds will support and
explain why deviation from paying out at the same general rate is required for the
project to be implemented.
4. Documentation of Matching Share for each matching share source, such as a
commitment letter, board resolution, or similar document, as applicable. This
should be attached to Form ED-900 (section B.10.d of Form ED-900 as of the date
of publication of this NOFO).
5. One Form ED-900 (General Application for EDA Programs).
6. One Form ED-900A (Additional EDA Assurances for Construction or Non—
Construction Investments) from each co-applicant, as applicable.
7. One Form CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying) from each co-applicant, as
applicable.
8. One Form SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) from each co-applicant, as
applicable. Form SF-LLL is only required if an applicant has reportable lobbying
activities.
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b) Environmental Requirements
Each application will be reviewed by EDA for compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. Most planning and technical assistance
activities funded under this NOFO will not require an environmental impact statement (EIS) or
an environmental assessment (EA), as EDA’s experience has shown such activities do not
significantly affect the quality of the human environment. However, EDA will be alert to
extraordinary circumstances that would require an EIS or an EA for activities funded under this
NOFO, and EDA may require an applicant to submit additional information related to
environmental review.
c) Copy of Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)
If indirect costs are included in the budget, the applicant must include documentation to
support the indirect cost rate it is using (unless claiming the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost
rate, discussed below). For most applicants, this will entail the submission of a copy of its
current, approved, and negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA). The maximum dollar
amount of allocable indirect costs for which EDA will reimburse a recipient shall be the lesser of
the (1) line-item amount for the Federal share of indirect costs contained in the EDA approved
budget for the award or (2) Federal share of the total allocable indirect costs of the project based
on either (a) the indirect cost rate approved by EDA (or applicable cognizant Federal agency),
provided that the cost rate is current at the time the costs were incurred and provided that the rate
is approved on or before the award end date, or (b) other acceptable documentation as indicated
below.
If the applicant does not have a current or pending NICRA, it may propose indirect costs
in its budget; however, the applicant must prepare and submit an allocation plan and rate
proposal for approval within 90 days of the award start date (unless claiming the 10 percent de
minimis indirect cost rate, discussed below). See 2 C.F.R. part 200 Apps. III, IV, V, VI, VII for
guidance. The allocation plan and the rate proposal must be submitted to EDA’s Office of
Regional Affairs (or the applicant’s cognizant Federal agency). If the applicant chooses to pursue
this option, it should include a statement in its Budget Narrative that it does not have a current or
pending NICRA and will submit an allocation plan and rate proposal.
In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414(f), an applicant that does not have a current
negotiated (including provisional) rate may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of
modified total direct costs (unless the applicant is a state or local unit of government or an Indian
tribe that receives less than $35 million in direct federal funding per year, discussed below). No
documentation is required to justify the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate; however, an
applicant electing to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent must include a statement in its
Budget Narrative that it does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) indirect cost
rate and is electing to charge the de minimis rate.
Note if the applicant is a State or local unit of government (or a Tribe) that receives less
than $35,000,000 in direct Federal funding per year it may submit any of the following:
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i. A Certificate of Indirect Costs from DOI or EDA;
ii. Acknowledgment received from EDA and Certificate of Indirect Costs in the
form prescribed at 2 C.F.R. pt. 200, app. VII;
iii. Cost Allocation Plan approved by a Federal agency (note that cost allocation
plans or indirect cost rates approved by state agencies are not acceptable); or
iv. NICRA.
EDA reserves the right to require District Organizations to submit a cost allocation plan
or a full indirect cost rate proposal if, in EDA’s judgment, a NICRA is required to verify the
District Organization’s proposed indirect cost rate.
3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
To enable the use of a universal identifier and to enhance the quality of information
available to the public as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
of 2006, applicants are required to: (i) be registered in the SAM before submitting their
application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in their application; and (iii) continue to
maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which they have
an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding
agency. EDA may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied
with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements, and if an applicant has not
fully complied with the requirements by the time EDA is ready to make an award, EDA may
determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a
basis for making an award to another applicant. Recipients will be subject to reporting
requirements, as identified in OMB guidance published at 2 C.F.R. parts 25 and 170.
4. Submission Dates and Times
There are no application deadlines under this NOFO. EDA plans to accept applications
on a rolling basis subject to the availability of funds or until the NOFO is amended in relevant
part or a new NOFO is published. EDA may cancel or withdraw this NOFO at any time.
a) Requirement to Submit Applications Electronically
EDA accepts electronic submissions of applications through EDGE. EDA will not
accept paper, facsimile, or email transmissions of applications except as provided below.
Please see section I of this NOFO for more detailed instructions and information on
the requirements for submitting applications electronically via EDGE.
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b) Alternatives to Electronic Submission.
If an applicant is unable to submit an application electronically for reasons beyond the
control of the applicant, EDA, in its sole discretion, may pre-approve in writing submission via
an alternate method (e.g., email).
5. Intergovernmental Review
Applications submitted under this NOFO are subject to the requirements of Executive
Order (EO) 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” if a State has adopted a
process under EO 12372 to review and coordinate proposed Federal financial assistance and
direct Federal development (commonly referred to as the “single point of contact review
process”). All applicants must give States and local governments a reasonable opportunity to
review and comment on the proposed Project, including review and comment from area-wide
planning organizations in metropolitan areas. To find out more about a State’s process under EO
12372, applicants may contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC). Names and
addresses of some States’ SPOCs are listed on OMB’s website at https://www.whitehouse.gov/
wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf. Applicants document compliance with EO
12372 by completing section E.3. of Form ED-900.
6. Funding Restrictions
In general, EDA does not reimburse pre-award project costs. Applicants that are in need
of such reimbursement should work closely with the appropriate EDA representative listed in
section G of this NOFO to determine if their pre-award costs may be considered for
reimbursement. For contracted pre-award costs to be eligible for reimbursement, the applicant
must procure services in accordance with the minimum requirements of the Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards
(Uniform Guidance) as set forth in 2 C.F.R. part 200. All pre-award costs are incurred at an
applicant’s own risk and will be considered for reimbursement, in EDA’s sole discretion, only if
an applicant receives an award and such costs are approved by EDA in writing. Under no
circumstances will EDA or DOC reimburse application preparation expenditures, which are
distinguished from pre-award project costs.
7. Other Submission Requirements
After EDA reviews an application, EDA may contact the applicant to request additional
documentation to clarify or substantiate submitted application materials. Examples of additional
documentation may include documentation of the value of in-kind contributions, evidence that
all funding is available and committed to the project, or documentation required for
environmental or legal compliance. EDA will provide applicants a reasonable amount of time to
provide any additional documentation. Failure to provide complete and accurate supporting
documentation in a timely manner when requested by EDA may result in the denial of an
application.
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E. Application Review Information
Throughout the review and selection process, EDA reserves the right to seek clarification
in writing from applicants whose applications are being reviewed. This may include proposing
applicants seek funding under a different EDA program or other Federal financial assistance
program under which they may be more competitively assessed. EDA may additionally ask
applicants to modify budgets or other specifics necessary to comply with Federal requirements.
Before applications are reviewed as described below, EDA will conduct an initial screening to
verify that all required forms are complete and all required documentation is included.
Applications that do not contain all elements listed in section D.2.a of this NOFO may not be
considered for funding.
For Partnership Planning awards to currently designated District Organizations and
Indian Tribes, EDA will handle the award process in accordance with current practice for
institutional awards, rather than follow the competitive process outlined in this section. EDA will
contact each currently designated District Organization and Indian Tribe that receives
Partnership Planning awards to provide specific application submission requirements and award
procedures. EDA’s requirements for designating Economic Development Districts and District
Organizations are set out at 13 C.F.R. part 304.
1. Review and Selection Process
a) Investment Review Committee (IRC)
Each EDA Regional Office will convene periodic IRCs, as necessary depending on the
volume of applications, that consist of at least three EDA staff members to review each complete
application submitted (except for Partnership Planning applications, which are institutional
awards as discussed above in section E).
All IRC members will review each complete application before the IRC discussion and
evaluation. The IRC will make a group evaluation of the merits of each application based on the
extent to which the application meets the program-specific requirements provided in 13 C.F.R.
part 303 for Planning investments and 13 C.F.R. part 306 for Local Technical Assistance
investments.
The IRC will use the following criteria in its review, with each criterion receiving equal
weight:
i. The project’s sustainability/durability, including the extent to which the project
demonstrates support from regional stakeholders (private, public, and non-profit
entities, etc.);
ii. The applicant’s organizational capacity, including its financial and management
capacity;
iii. The extent to which the project aligns with EDA’s current Investment Priorities;
iv. The project’s potential to increase the capacity of the community or region to
foster creation and/or retention of high-quality jobs and promote private
investment in the regional economy; and
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v. The project’s feasibility and the likelihood that the project will achieve its
projected outcomes, which may include the availability and committed nature of
proposed matching funds.
Based on its consideration of the above factors, the IRC will prepare funding
recommendations for the Regional Director (i.e. Grants Officer). EDA’s final decision on
whether to fund a project is dependent upon the ability of the applicant to provide sufficient
documentation of the project’s compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
b) Due Diligence
After an applicant has been notified that its application has been recommended by the
IRC for further consideration, EDA may request that the applicant submit additional documents
and information to allow EDA to fully evaluate compliance with applicable rules and
regulations. If the applicant provides the requested information and supporting documentation in
a timely fashion and EDA determines the project is fully compliant with applicable rules and
regulations, the application will be forwarded to the Regional Director for a final award decision.
Applicants that do not provide the additional information and supporting documentation in a
timely fashion or who are deemed not to be in compliance with applicable rules and regulations
will receive notification their application has been denied.
c) Grants Officer’s Decision
Applications recommended by the IRC and deemed compliant with applicable rules and
regulations will be forwarded to the Regional Director, who is the designated Grants Officer
under this NOFO. Each Regional Director has the final authority regarding funding of
applications and may select a project for funding that differs from the IRC’s recommendations
based on any of the following selection factors:
1. The relative economic distress of the region;
2. The likelihood a given project will start quickly, realistically achieve project
goals, and catalyze additional resources;
3. The extent to which the application meets the overall objectives of section 2 of
PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3121);
4. If the applicant is a previous recipient of Federal financial assistance, the
applicant’s performance under previous awards, including whether the grantee
submitted required performance reports and data;
5. The availability of program funding; and
6. The extent to which the project supports EDA’s goals of geographic balance in
distribution of program funds, project types, organizational type (to include
smaller and rural organizations), and the overall portfolio.
The Regional Director’s final decision must be consistent with EDA’s and DOC’s
published policies.
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2. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity System (FAPIIS) Review
EDA, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than
the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the
applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM
(currently FAPIIS). See 41 U.S.C. § 2313.
Each applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and
performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that
a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and
performance system accessible through SAM.
EDA will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in
the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the
review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.205.
F. Federal Award Administration Information
1. Federal Award Notification
If an application is selected for funding and the applicant successfully and timely
completes all due diligence requirements, EDA anticipates that the Grants Officer will issue a
Notice of Award, which is the authorizing financial assistance award document and includes
Specific Award Conditions and the DOC Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions
(DOC ST&Cs).
By accepting the Notice of Award, the applicant agrees to comply with all award
provisions. The Notice of Award will be provided via EDGE. The applicant must accept the
Notice of Award without modification within 30 days of the date of receipt.
If an applicant is awarded funding, neither DOC nor EDA is under any obligation to
provide any additional future funding in connection with that award or to make any future
award(s). Amendment or renewal of an award to increase funding or to extend the period of
performance is at the discretion of DOC and EDA.
EDA will notify unsuccessful applicants in writing to the applicant’s authorized
representative.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Recipients of an EDA award will be bound by the Uniform Administrative Requirements,
Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) as set forth in
2 C.F.R. part 200.
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For all projects, DOC will apply the DOC ST&Cs applicable on the date of the award.
The DOC ST&Cs may be accessed at the following website: https://www.osec.doc.gov/oam/
grants_management/policy/.
DOC will apply the Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative
Agreements effective December 26, 2014, 79 Fed. Reg. 78,390. The Pre-Award Notice may be
accessed at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-12-30/pdf/2014-30297.pdf.
3. Reporting
All recipients are required to submit financial, performance, and impact reports in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant award, generally no less than semi-
annually. All project progress and financial reports must be submitted to the applicable EDA
program officer in an electronic format to be determined at the time of award.
The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 includes a
requirement for awardees of applicable Federal grants to report information about first-tier
subawards12 and executive compensation under Federal assistance awards issued in FY 2011 or
later. All awardees of applicable grants and cooperative agreements are required to report to the
Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) available at www.FSRS.gov on all sub-awards over
$25,000. Please see the OMB guidance published at 2 C.F.R. part 170, which can be accessed at
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=40023e1db665ebc89de0d086aaabf96a&mc
=true&node=pt2.1.170&rgn=div5.
EDA will require additional data on activities, outputs, and actual impact of the funded
investment, in part to fulfill the requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act
(GPRA). EDA anticipates that recipients will be expected to track their engagement activities
within the scope of work, with project beneficiaries, and other project stakeholders. EDA further
anticipates recipients will be expected to collect data, using surveys of beneficiaries or clients if
necessary, on the outputs and outcomes of their activities, such as the number of strategic plans
or economic development tools developed, the number of new business partnerships formed, or
the range of new capabilities acquired. EDA plans to collect this information using Forms ED-
916 (Semi-annual Program Outputs Questionnaire for EDA grantees), ED-917 (Annual Capacity
Outcomes Questionnaire for EDA Grantees serving clients), and ED-918 (Annual Capacity
Outcomes Questionnaire for EDA Grantees). For more information, please refer to
https://www.eda.gov/performance/.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
For questions concerning this NOFO, or more information about EDA programs,
potential applicants are encouraged to contact the appropriate EDA Economic Development
Representative listed at https://www.eda.gov/contact/.
12 A first-tier subaward means an award provided by the recipient to a subrecipient for the subrecipient to carry out
as part of a Federal award.
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Alternatively, potential applicants may contact the appropriate EDA Regional Office
listed below.
Atlanta Regional Office
H. Philip Paradice, Jr., Regional Director
401 West Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1820, Atlanta, GA 30308-3510
(404) 730-3002 Main Office
Austin Regional Office
Jorge Ayala, Regional Director
903 San Jacinto, Suite 206, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 381-8150 Main Office
Chicago Regional Office
Susan Brehm, Regional Director
230 South Dearborn Street, Suite 3280, Chicago, IL 60604-1512
(312) 353-8143 Main Office
Denver Regional Office
Angela Belden Martinez, Regional Director
1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 431, Denver, CO 80204
(303) 844-4715 Main Office
Philadelphia Regional Office
Linda Cruz-Carnall, Regional Director
Robert N.C. Nix Federal Building
900 Market Street, Room 602, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 597-4603 Main Office
Seattle Regional Office
Kerstin Millius, Acting Regional Director
Jackson Federal Building
915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174-1012
(206) 220-7660 Main Office
H. Other Information
1. Right to Use Information
The applicant acknowledges and understands that information and data contained in
applications for financial assistance, as well as information and data contained in financial,
performance and other reports submitted by applicants, may be used by the Department of
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Commerce in conducting reviews and evaluations of its financial assistance programs. For this
purpose, applicant information and data may be accessed, reviewed and evaluated by Department
of Commerce employees, other Federal employees, and also by Federal agents and contractors,
and/or by non-Federal personnel, all of whom enter into appropriate conflict of interest and
confidentiality agreements covering the use of such information. As may be provided in the
terms and conditions of a specific financial assistance award, applicants are expected to support
program reviews and evaluations by submitting required financial and performance information
and data in an accurate and timely manner, and by cooperating with Department of Commerce
and external program evaluators. In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.303(e), applicants are
reminded that they must take reasonable measures to safeguard protected personally identifiable
information and other confidential or sensitive personal or business information created or
obtained in connection with a Department of Commerce financial assistance award.
2. Freedom of Information Act Disclosure
Department of Commerce regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA), 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552, are found at 15 C.F.R. Part 4, Public Information. These regulations
set forth rules for the Department regarding making requested materials, information, and
records publicly available under the FOIA. Applications submitted in response to this Notice of
Funding Opportunity may be subject to requests for release under the Act. In the event that an
application contains information or data that the applicant deems to be confidential commercial
information that should be exempt from disclosure under FOIA, that information should be
identified, bracketed, and marked as Privileged, Confidential, Commercial or Financial
Information. In accordance with 15 CFR § 4.9, the Department of Commerce will protect from
disclosure confidential business information contained in financial assistance applications and
other documentation provided by applicants to the extent permitted by law.
3. Past Performance and Non-Compliance with Award Provisions
Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may result in an application not
being considered for funding. Failure to comply with any provisions of an award may have a
negative impact on future funding and may be considered grounds for taking any or all of the
following actions: (1) establishing an account receivable; (2) withholding payments to the
recipient under any DOC award(s); (3) changing the method of payment from advance to
reimbursement only; (4) imposing other specific award conditions; (5) suspending any active
DOC award(s); and (6) terminating any active DOC award(s).
4. Certifications Required by Annual Appropriations Acts for Corporations and
for Awards over $5 Million
As discussed in section D.3, all applicants are required to be registered in SAM before
applying under this NOFO. SAM requires registering entities to certify compliance with all
limitations imposed by annual appropriation acts. For corporations, this certification includes
that the corporation:
(a) Was not convicted of a felony criminal violation under a Federal law within
the preceding 24 months, unless a Federal agency has considered suspension or
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debarment of the corporation and made a determination that this further action is not
necessary to protect the interests of the Government; and/or
(b) Does not have any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for
which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and
that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority
responsible for collecting the tax liability, unless a Federal agency has considered
suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that this further
action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.
For financial assistance awards in excess of $5 million, this certification includes that the
entity:
(a) To the best of its knowledge and belief, has filed all Federal tax returns
required during the three years preceding the certification;
(b) Has not been convicted of a criminal offense under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986; and/or
(c) Has not been notified, more than 90 days prior to certification, of any unpaid
Federal tax assessment for which the liability remains unsatisfied, unless the assessment
is the subject of an installment agreement or offer in compromise that has been approved
by the Internal Revenue Service and is not in default, or the assessment is the subject of a
non-frivolous administrative or judicial proceeding.
5. EDA’s Non-Relocation Policy
Should an application be selected for award, the recipient will be required to adhere to a
specific award condition relating to EDA’s non-relocation policy as follows:
In signing this award of financial assistance, Recipient(s) attests that EDA funding is not
intended by the Recipient to assist its efforts to induce the relocation of existing jobs within the
U.S. that are located outside of its jurisdiction to within its jurisdiction in competition with other
U.S. jurisdictions for those same jobs. In the event that EDA determines that its assistance was
used for those purposes, EDA retains the right to pursue appropriate enforcement action in
accord with the Standard Terms and Conditions of the Award, including suspension of
disbursements and termination of the award for convenience or material noncompliance, which
may include the establishment of a debt requiring the Recipient to reimburse EDA.
For purposes of ensuring that EDA assistance will not be used to merely transfer jobs
from one location in the United States to another, each applicant must inform EDA of all
employers that constitute primary beneficiaries of the project assisted by EDA. EDA will
consider an employer to be a “primary beneficiary” if: (i) the employer is specifically named in
the application as benefitting from the project, and the applicant estimates that the employer will
create or save 100 or more permanent jobs as a result of the investment assistance (if the jobs in
question were originally located in a smaller community, EDA may extend this policy to the
relocation of 50 or more jobs); or (ii) the employer is or will be located in an EDA-assisted
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building, port, facility, or industrial, commercial, or business park constructed or improved in
whole or in part with investment assistance prior to EDA’s final disbursement of funds.
6. Audit Requirements
Single or program-specific audits shall be performed in accordance with the requirements
contained in the Uniform Guidance (see 2 C.F.R. part 200, subpart F, “Audit Requirements”).
The Uniform Guidance requires any non-Federal entity (i.e., non-profit organizations, including
non-profit institutions of higher education and hospitals, States, local governments, and Indian
Tribes) that expends Federal awards of $750,000 or more in the recipient’s fiscal year to conduct
a single or program-specific audit in accordance with the requirements set out in the OMB
Uniform Guidance. Applicants are reminded that EDA or the DOC’s Office of Inspector General
also may conduct an audit of an award at any time.
I. Instructions for Application Submission via EDGE
The most up-to-date instructions for application submission via EDGE can be found at
sfgrants.eda.gov.
1. Register Early and Submit Early
To submit an application through EDGE (sfgrants.eda.gov), an applicant must register
for an account in EDGE. Please note that organizations already registered with EDGE do not
need to re-register; however, all registered organizations must keep their SAM registration,
which includes the CCR database registration, up to date through sam.gov.
2. Authorized Representative Requirement
Applicants must register as organizations, not as individuals. As part of the registration
process, you will register an Authorized Representative for your organization, however, multiple
points of contact may be registered or added by the applicant to the application workspace to
view or work on completing the application. Authorized Representatives are the only officials
with the authority to submit applications.
3. Verify That Your Submission Was Successful
Applicants should save and print written proof of an electronic submission made through
EDGE. Applicants, specifically the Authorized Representative submitting the application and
materials, will receive a time and date stamped email from EDGE confirming the submission
and receipt of the application and other required documents.
Applicants should save and print both the confirmation screen provided in EDGE after
the applicant has submitted an application and the confirmation email sent by EDGE when the
application has been successfully submitted.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify that its submission was timely received and
submitted successfully through EDGE. To see the date your application was submitted, log on
to EDGE and click on the Submitted Application section from the Home Page.
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4. EDGE Systems Issues
If you experience an EDGE systems issue (i.e., a technical problem or glitch with the
EDGE website) that you believe threatens your ability to complete a submission in a timely
manner, please (i) print any error message received; (ii) email the help desk at
GrantHDSupport@eda.gov; and (iii) contact EDA using the contact information in section G of
this NOFO. Please be sure to track your issue using a case number given to you by the help desk.
Please note that problems with an applicant’s computer system or equipment are not considered
systems issues. Similarly, an applicant’s failure to, e.g., (i) complete the required registration, (ii)
ensure that an Authorized Representative submits the application, or (iii) notice receipt of an
email message from EDGE are not considered systems issues. An EDGE systems issue is an
issue occurring in connection with the operations of EDGE itself, such as the temporary loss of
service by EDGE due to unexpected volume of traffic or failure of information technology
systems, both of which are highly unlikely. In the event of a confirmed systems issue, EDA
reserves the right to accept an application in an alternate format.
Applicants should go to sfgrants.eda.gov and click on the Resources page for
assistance in navigating EDGE and for a list of useful resources.
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CD-511

FORM CD-511
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
(REV 1-05) CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING
Applicants should also review the instructions for certification included in the regulations before completing this form. Signature on this form provides for
compliance with certification requirements under 15 CFR Part 28, 'New Restrictions on Lobbying.' The certifications shall be treated as a material representation
of fact upon which reliance will be placed when the Department of Commerce determines to award the covered transaction, grant, or cooperative agreement.
LOBBYING Statement for Loan Guarantees and Loan Insurance
As required by Section 1352, Title 31 of the U.S. Code, and implemented The undersigned states, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief,
at 15 CFR Part 28, for persons entering into a grant, cooperative that:
agreement or contract over $100,000 or a loan or loan guarantee over
$150,000 as defined at 15 CFR Part 28, Sections 28.105 and 28.110, the
applicant certifies that to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that: In any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or
attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of
Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a
(1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the
behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the undersigned shall
influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress in complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, 'Disclosure Form to Report
connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Lobbying,' in accordance with its instructions.
Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any
cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal,
Submission of this statement is a prerequisite for making or entering into
amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or
this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person
cooperative agreement.
who fails to file the required statement shall be subject to a civil penalty of
not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure
(2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will
occurring on or before October 23, 1996, and of not less than $11,000 and
be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or
not more than $110,000 for each such failure occurring after October 23,
employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of
1996.
Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with
this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the
undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, 'Disclosure
Form to Report Lobbying.' in accordance with its instructions.
(3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be
included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including
subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and
cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and
disclose accordingly.
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance
was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of
this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this
transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who
fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not
less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure
occurring on or before October 23, 1996, and of not less than $11,000 and
not more than $110,000 for each such failure occurring after October 23,
1996.
As the duly authorized representative of the applicant, I hereby certify that the applicant will comply with the above applicable certification.
* NAME OF APPLICANT
AWARD NUMBER PROJECT NAME
Prefix: * First Name: Middle Name:
* Last Name: Suffix:
* Title:
SIGNATURE: DATE:

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ED-900 General

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SF-424

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SF-424A - Budget

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SF-LLL

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