EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental

EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental NOFO

Key Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Information
U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC),
U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA)
FY 2025 EDA Disaster Supplemental
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Initial Announcement
Grants.gov Opportunity EDA-DISASTER-2025
Number
Assistance Listing Number 11.307, Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA)
(ALN)
Effective Date June 4, 2025
Key Dates Key dates under this NOFO depend on whether an applicant is
submitting an application under the Readiness, Implementation, or
Industry Transformation Paths (see section A.2 of this NOFO for more
information on each path).
For applications submitted under the Readiness and Implementation
Paths, there are no submission deadlines. Applications will be accepted
on an ongoing (rolling) basis until the replacement of this FY2025
Disaster NOFO, cancellation of this NOFO, or all available funds have
been expended. EDA intends to review applications expeditiously upon
receipt of a complete application.
The deadline for applications submitted under the Industry
Transformation Path is 5:00 pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, March 3.
Industry Transformation applications received after this deadline will
not be reviewed or considered. another
Funding Instrument Grant or cooperative agreement. In most cases, assistance will be in
the form of a grant.
Funding Details $1,447,000,000
Program Overview Subject to the availability of funds, awards made under this NOFO will
help communities and regions devise and implement long-term
economic recovery strategies through a variety of non-construction
and construction projects in areas where a Presidential declaration of a
major disaster was issued under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 5121 et seq.) (Stafford Act)
“as a result of hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding,
tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023
and 2024.”
Cost Sharing and Matching EDA generally expects to fund up to 80% of the eligible costs under this
NOFO. However, EDA has discretion to fund projects at a rate lower
than 80% or up to 100% in certain circumstances. See section C.3 and
Appendix III.1.
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Eligible Projects EDA can support a variety of construction and non-construction
projects. Contact your local EDA Economic Development
Representative to explore your project further. For contact
information, see https://www.eda.gov/about/contact (searchable by
state).
Eligible Applicants Eligible applicants under the FY25 Disaster program include a(n):
• District organization of an EDA-designated Economic
Development District (EDD);
• Indian tribe or a consortium of Indian tribes;
• 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,
• institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions
of higher education;
• public or private nonprofit organization or association acting in
cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a state;
• an economic development organization; or
• a public-private partnership for public infrastructure.
EDA is not authorized to provide grants or cooperative agreements to
individuals or for-profit entities under this NOFO. Applications from
individuals or for-profit entities will not be considered for funding.
Review and Selection After technical review, EDA will convene investment review
Process committees (IRC) to evaluate the merits of each application based on
the extent to which the application meets program specific award and
application requirements set forth in section E.2. Thereafter, the
Selecting Official will make selections in accordance with the selection
criteria set forth in section E.3.
Award Project Period EDA anticipates awards will typically have a period of performance of
12 to 48 months. Note: Readiness Path projects may have substantially
shorter durations, depending on applicant needs.
How to Apply Applications will only be accepted electronically through the Economic
Development Grants Experience (EDGE) at https://sfgrants.eda.gov/s/.
See the full NOFO for limited exceptions.
Informational Webinar EDA plans to conduct an informational webinar for this NOFO. Please
visit EDA’s website for scheduling information and a link to a recording:
https://www.eda.gov/.
Award Notification Subject to the availability of funding, EDA will notify successful
applicants of their awards electronically.
Agency Contacts For questions concerning this NOFO, including requests for technical
assistance with application requirements, please contact the Economic
Development Representative for the state where the project will be
located as listed on EDA’s website at
https://www.eda.gov/about/contact (searchable by state).
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Contents
A. Program Description .............................................................................................................. 6
1. Overview ........................................................................................................................... 6
2. Funding Pathways .............................................................................................................. 7
a. Readiness Path .............................................................................................................. 7
b. Implementation Path ..................................................................................................... 9
c. Industry Transformation Path ...................................................................................... 10
3. Considerations when selecting a path ................................................................................. 13
4. Which projects are ineligible under this Disaster NOFO? .................................................... 14
5. EDA’s investment priorities; economic recovery resilience investment priority .................. 14
6. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Requirement .............................. 15
7. Statutory Authorities ........................................................................................................... 16
B. Basic Federal Award Information ......................................................................................... 16
1. What funding is available under this funding opportunity? ............................................ 16
2. What funding instrument will be used? What are the anticipated award amounts and
how long will the period of performance of a project last? .................................................... 17
3. Who do I contact with questions? ................................................................................... 18
C. Eligibility and Other Program Requirements ........................................................................ 18
1. What entities are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity? .................................... 18
2. What locations are eligible for this funding opportunity? ............................................... 19
3. What are the cost sharing or matching requirements? ................................................... 19
4. What are the prohibitions and restrictions for using award funds and match? ............... 20
D. Application and Submission Information ............................................................................. 20
1. Where can I find and submit an application? .................................................................. 20
2. What is required for an application? ............................................................................... 21
3. Are there any submission deadlines? .............................................................................. 37
E. Application Review and Selection Processes ........................................................................ 37
1. Technical Review ............................................................................................................. 37
2. Investment Review Committee (IRC) ............................................................................... 37
a. Readiness Path projects ............................................................................................... 38
b. Implementation Path projects (construction and non-construction) ........................... 39
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c. Industry Transformation Path portfolios (construction and non-construction) ............ 41
3. Selecting Official’s Decision ............................................................................................. 42
F. EDGE SYSTEMS ISSUES ......................................................................................................... 43
G. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION ............................................................ 43
H. Appendices .......................................................................................................................... 43
APPENDIX I – Required Application Narratives ........................................................................ 43
1. READINESS PATH - Impact and Engagement Narrative Requirements ......................... 43
2. IMPLEMENTATION PATH - Impact and Engagement Narrative Requirements .............. 45
3. INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION PATH - Overarching Narrative Requirements ............... 47
APPENDIX II – Investment/Policy Commitments Requirements [if applicable]........................ 51
APPENDIX III – Additional Information on Application, Policy, and Legal Requirements ......... 54
1. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirements ..................................................................... 54
2. Pre-award costs ........................................................................................................... 55
3. EDA’s non-relocation policy ......................................................................................... 55
4. Past performance and non-compliance with award provisions ................................... 56
5. Notice of government-wide procurement restriction .................................................. 56
6. Requirements for recipients with more than $10 million in federal-wide funding ...... 57
7. Financial, performance, and outcomes reports ........................................................... 57
8. Funding opportunity changes communicated on Grants.gov ...................................... 57
9. Application package and submission ........................................................................... 57
10. EDGE system issues ................................................................................................. 58
11. Alternatives to Submission through EDGE ............................................................... 58
12. Audit requirements ................................................................................................. 59
13. Build America, Buy America requirements .............................................................. 59
14. Certifications required by annual appropriations acts for corporations and for
awards over $5 million ........................................................................................................ 59
15. Disclosures of information ....................................................................................... 60
16. Disclosures of violations .......................................................................................... 60
17. Projects with EDA’s substantial involvement ........................................................... 60
18. Federal award notices ............................................................................................. 61
19. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 ............................... 61
20. Fraud awareness training ........................................................................................ 61
21. Freedom of Information Act .................................................................................... 62
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22. Right to use information .......................................................................................... 62
23. General terms and conditions ................................................................................. 63
24. Government Performance and Results Act .............................................................. 63
25. Incubators and accelerators requirements .............................................................. 63
26. Office of Inspector General (OIG) rights and responsibilities ................................... 64
27. SPOC Compliance .................................................................................................... 65
28. Third party subrecipient vs. contractors .................................................................. 66
29. Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements ... 66
30. DOC pre-award notification requirements ............................................................... 66
31. Termination ............................................................................................................. 67
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A. Program Description
1. Overview
President Trump is committed to unleashing the potential of the American economy, affording
all Americans the opportunity to pursue their version of the American dream. However, nature
often has other plans when damaging storms and unforeseen destructive natural disasters
occur. This Administration champions an America First platform, and that extends to Americans
needing assistance due to natural disasters. This Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Notice of Funding
Opportunity (Disaster NOFO) responds to that call and aims to seize the moment to support
impacted communities to transform their local economies in new, vibrant ways.
As a result, this Disaster NOFO is different than those of previous Administrations. This NOFO
seeks projects that are responsive to community needs post-disaster by engaging all aspects of
the community, with special focus on private industry partners. No longer can economic
development grants be made by bureaucrats in isolation. This NOFO places a considerable
emphasis on private sector buy-in and investment as a critical indicator of project viability.
Through this Disaster NOFO, EDA will award investments in regions experiencing severe
economic distress or other economic harm resulting from hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes,
floods, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024.
Under this Disaster NOFO, EDA is specifically soliciting applications under its Economic
Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, which is flexible and responsive to the economic
development needs and priorities of local and regional stakeholders.1 The EAA program is
well-suited to help regions recover from disasters, achieve economic development goals, and
improve their economic trajectories.
This Disaster NOFO provides funding through three pathways:
Readiness Path – Standalone non-construction projects designed to increase a
community’s readiness to apply for or implement disaster recovery funding from private
and public sources including, but not limited to, future EDA NOFOs and the
Implementation or Industry Transformation Paths under this NOFO. Projects will fund
strategy development, capacity building, and/or predevelopment costs necessary for
future recovery projects.
1 See 42 U.S.C. §§ 3149(c)(2), 3233. The regulations implementing the EAA program may be found at 13 CFR
part 307. Please note that section 307.3 of EDA’s regulations describes the differences between an EAA
implementation grant and an EAA strategy grant. See also 42 U.S.C. § 3149(b)(2) (EAA planning projects are not
required to be carried out in an area with a CEDS or be consistent with an existing CEDS).
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Implementation Path – Standalone construction or non-construction projects designed
to address the economic challenges faced by a community recovering from a natural
disaster and improve economic trajectories beyond pre-disaster economic conditions.
Industry Transformation Path – Led by a coalition of regional stakeholders, a portfolio of
large-scale, multicomponent construction and non-construction projects designed to
fundamentally transform the economic trajectory of a region through the development
or acceleration of an industry.
The sections below provide information about each path.
Applicants are expected to articulate in their applications how an EDA investment will bolster
their community’s capacity to recover from economic harm due to natural disasters and
improve their long-term economic outlook. EDA’s goal under this NOFO is to assist communities
recovering from a disaster by realizing opportunities to recover and change the economic
trajectory of the community for the better. In other words, EDA funding seeks to help
communities recover and set them on a path to exceed their previous pre-disaster baseline.
If intending to apply for Readiness Path funding before other paths, Readiness Path applicants
should prioritize submitting applications as early as possible and provide details regarding
their anticipated follow-on funding request in their Impact and Engagement Narrative.
Applicants should review and follow Appendix I, which sets forth the required application
materials, additional narrative requirements, and other standard forms necessary under each
funding Path.
Applicants are encouraged to review this NOFO in its entirety, including appendices, and work
with the Economic Development Representative or other EDA representative for the state
where the project will be located. See EDA’s website at https://www.eda.gov/about/contact
(searchable by state).
2. Funding Pathways
a. Readiness Path
“Readiness” projects are non-construction planning and capacity building projects designed to
increase a community’s readiness to apply for and/or implement future disaster recovery
funding, including future local, state, or federal funding for disaster recovery and if applicable,
Implementation or Industry Transformation funding under this NOFO. Put another way,
successful projects under the Readiness Path would increase the quality or likelihood of success
of future economic development and disaster recovery projects.
EDA expects to fund projects under the Readiness Path in the range of $250,000 to $500,000.
Examples of Readiness Path applications include, but are not limited to:
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• Strategy Development: Applicants can request funding for short-term or long-term
strategic planning. These grants enable communities to better identify and prepare for
future economic development projects through early coordination and planning. For
example, where a community already has a strong strategic plan for economic
development, it may be appropriate to apply for a short-term strategy grant focused on
helping the community identify viable recovery projects for future funding, including but
not limited to the Implementation or Industry Transformation Paths under this NOFO.
Conversely, where a community needs more foundational help developing a long- term
economic development strategy in the wake of a disaster, it may be more appropriate
for the applicant to seek a long-term strategy grant in the form of a planning grant to
develop, update, or refine a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
• Capacity Building: Applicants may seek funding for additional capacity (including staffing
capacity) to successfully develop and implement economic recovery and resilience
strategies and projects. Increased capacity enables communities to strengthen
organizational structures and build a solid foundation to implement future funding and
projects. For example, an organization may benefit from hiring a disaster coordinator to
lead future project development, community engagement, industry engagement, and/or
implementation of future recovery projects.
• Predevelopment Costs: Applicants may submit requests for costs related to the
development of future disaster recovery projects, including but not limited to
applications under the Implementation and Industry Transformation Paths of this NOFO,
if funding remains available. Such costs can include but are not limited to:
costs for site selection and assessment, including for projects focused on reshoring
o
manufacturing;
architectural and engineering plans;
o
permit applications, including environmental compliance or permitting; and
o
market or industry research and analysis for larger economic development projects.
o
Applicants can propose activities in one or more categories.
Readiness Path applicants will be required to submit an impact and engagement narrative that
clearly articulates how the proposed readiness project helps the applicant or the impacted
communities become more competitive, more mature, and better prepared to receive or
implement future economic and disaster recovery funding. For example, short-term readiness
projects such as funding a disaster coordinator or funding pre-development engineering plans
could better prepare an applicant to develop or finalize a potential project, including but not
limited to projects proposed under the Implementation Path or Industry Transformation Path. In
contrast, a long-term planning grant that establishes a region-wide disaster recovery strategy
could make a region more competitive for future EDA recovery NOFOs or other funding sources.
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b. Implementation Path
“Implementation" projects encompass a wide variety of construction and non-construction
projects to not only help communities recover from natural disasters but also to improve
communities’ economic outcomes and ultimately put them on a path to exceed their previous
pre-disaster economic conditions. These investments ensure communities can better withstand
future natural disasters and generate new economic benefits for the region, which includes
increasing future-focused opportunities for economic growth and industry investment.
Under this Path, EDA can support projects that will mitigate or prevent the impacts of future
disaster events, and fund the replacement, repair, or upgrades to critical public infrastructure
that was damaged or destroyed by natural disasters subject to a major disaster declaration and
that are critical to the restoration of sustained economic activity. EDA will also fund projects
that lead to the further diversification of the local economy through the development or
acceleration of industries.
EDA expects to fund Implementation projects in the range of $2 million to $20 million for
construction and $100,000 to $5 million for non-construction. The amount EDA will fund for an
individual Implementation project will depend on the relative impacts the disaster had on the
community as well as the private investment projected to be generated by the project or the
jobs created/retained. These are not hard caps, but instead estimates of EDA’s expectations.
EDA may deviate from these estimates, including by funding projects greater than $20 million,
in cases of exceptional need and/or exceptional potential impact.
Examples of implementation projects that EDA can support under this NOFO include, but are
not limited to:
• Construction or upgrading of public infrastructure, including improvements to make
these facilities more resilient to natural disasters, including (but not limited to):
Water systems and facilities (e.g., drinking water, wastewater treatment, and
o
stormwater)
Revitalization or expansion of aviation, port, and harbor facilities
o
Bridges
o
Railway spurs and extensions
o
Business incubators and industrial parks
o
Communications systems, including broadband
o
• Construction or expansion of workforce training facilities at a local community college or
trade/technical school
• Costs associated with establishment or expansion of workforce training programs
including Registered Apprenticeship Programs, including the procurement of necessary
equipment
• Capitalization or recapitalization of revolving loan funds (RLFs)
• Development or expansion of commercialization and proof of concept centers
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• Activities intended to create or expand foreign direct investment, trade, or export
initiatives
• Activities intended to spur or accelerate large-scale industry investment
Strong Implementation Path projects will result in tailored disaster recovery solutions that not
only address the recovery needs of the impacted communities but generate additional private
and public investment to propel the regional economy forward and generate new businesses
and jobs. That said, recognizing the level of distress that communities may face in the wake of
disasters, Implementation Path projects are not required to generate new jobs or private
investment. Implementation Path projects can also be competitive by showing that their project
will positively impact other measures for economic growth (including, for example, growing the
tax base or increasing the labor force participation rate from pre-disaster rates).
Implementation Path applicants will be required to submit an Impact and Engagement Narrative
with their application. Applicants must clearly articulate how the proposed implementation
project not only helps communities recover but also improves the community’s economic
outcomes and ultimately puts the community on a trajectory to exceed their previous
pre-disaster economic conditions.
Applicants are asked to clearly define in the Impact and Engagement Narrative their pre-disaster
and post-disaster economic conditions and should consider (but are not limited to) including
measures such as:
• Jobs created, retained, or lost
• Businesses created, retained, or lost
• Average wages by sector or position
• Labor Force Participation Rate
• County GDP
• Primary sectors, industries, businesses
• Unemployment rate
• Change in tax base
In addition to the required match, applicants are encouraged to secure investment and policy
commitments to support and catalyze their proposed project(s) outcomes. Applicants are not
limited to securing financial commitments but should think creatively about other types of
public and private sector contributions (e.g., tax benefits). See Appendix II for more details.
c. Industry Transformation Path
“Industry Transformation portfolios” are 3 to 5 large-scale, coordinated construction and/or
non-construction component projects, led by an overarching coalition, that together aim to
transform the regional economy by developing or accelerating a key industry in communities
impacted by major natural disasters.
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EDA seeks to invest in disaster-impacted regions that are mature and ready to grow, will scale
nascent or emerging industries, and will catalyze awarded funding and substantial private or
public sector investments to achieve regional economic growth and fortify the region’s economy
against future disasters. EDA further expects these large-scale coordinated investments will:
• Accelerate post-disaster economic recovery through job creation, business development,
and innovation
• Multiply federal dollar impact through leveraged private investment
• Enhance private sector engagement in regional economic growth and diversification
• Increase regional participation and competition in domestic and global markets
• Alleviate and disrupt local persistent poverty through training and employment
opportunities, including through the Registered Apprenticeship Programs
(www.apprenticeship.gov).
• Support activities intended to spur or accelerate large-scale industry investment
Portfolio goals could include scaling nascent or emerging industries, reimagining the use of
assets within existing industries, or creating a new sector or sectors based on regional assets.
Given the ambitious nature of these investments, EDA expects to fund portfolios in the range of
$20 million to $50 million. Industry Transformation Path regions can propose any of the project
types described under the Implementation Path, but EDA expects Industry Transformation
portfolios to collaborate cohesively towards establishing or accelerating the growth of industry
or industries that diversify and accelerate the region’s economic trajectory.
Strong applicants will create effective, organized coalitions that include key regional
stakeholders that are united around an overarching strategy and vision for the targeted key
industry. EDA expects coalitions to have a strong management and governance plan to ensure
effective implementation of the projects and to sustain their overarching strategy and vision
beyond the grant period. These coalitions must include private sector partners and may include
other entities such as institutions of higher education (including community colleges and
technical schools); state, territorial, local, or Tribal governments; economic development
organizations; workforce training organizations (including unions, state and local workforce
development boards, etc.); or community-based organizations. Please note that while EDA
strongly encourages and anticipates coalitions with a wide variety of engaged stakeholders,
including from the private sector, only eligible applicants (see section C.1) may apply for and
receive grant funds as recipients.
In addition to the required match, applicants are required to secure investment and policy
commitments to support and catalyze their proposed project(s) outcomes. Applicants are not
limited to securing financial commitments but should think creatively about other types of
contributions (e.g., tax benefits). Applicants should carefully review Appendix II for more
information about requirements related to investment and policy commitments. As described
more in Appendix II, investment commitments involve cash or in-kind goods or services
contributed by a third party to the project while policy commitments are new policies or
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programming designed to accelerate their target industry’s growth and economic recovery
(e.g., changes to local regulations, strategies to increase the number of high-skilled workers
retained in the region, etc.).
Although EDA recommends 3 - 5 large-scale projects, EDA can consider on a case-by-case basis
projects with fewer or more component projects, provided that the coalition structures are
otherwise in place and the projects are vital to a compelling strategy for the region and deliver
considerable impact.2
Finally, EDA will expect that the projects funded under this path will collectively lead to greater
impacts in business attraction, jobs created, wage growth or private investment generated than
is anticipated under the Implementation Path. EDA’s goal is to attract competitive projects
under the Industry Transformation Path that credibly show the ability to generate substantial
private sector investments and commitments in a region as compared to initial EDA investment.
Projects that approach that range will be viewed as more competitive.
EDA encourages applicants to propose the interventions that are most applicable to their
regions. Below are a few illustrative examples of how component projects could work together
under the Industry Transformation Path. These illustrative examples are intended only as a
reference for applicants as they are developing ideas for their Industry Transformation Path
applications.
• Scaling a semiconductor manufacturing corridor through funding: (1) expansion of a
non-profit’s existing advanced packaging facility, to scale production, (2) installation of
new advanced packaging machinery and equipment in an existing local
government-owned facility to boost efficiency, (3) development of real-time digital twin
of advanced packaging facility and semiconductor production line, (4) scaling of
workforce development training program across region to upskill talent for
semiconductor manufacturing through industry intermediaries expanding access to
Registered Apprenticeships, and (5) creation network of coalition participants and
industry leaders to address industry needs collectively.
• Expand and accelerate maritime industry by funding: (1) expansion of key transportation
corridors and roadways to increase trade and bolster regional supply chains, (2) upgrade
of port infrastructure to increase capacity and facilitate additional local ship building and
repair, (3) creation of marine technology and maritime workforce development training
programs to meet industry need for additional highly skilled workers, (4) purchase and
implementation of new barge service to increase efficiency and reduce costs for
resource transportation regionally, and (5) collaboration with local community colleges
system to expand degree programs on marine engineering, marine transportation, and
maritime management to bolster regional talent pipeline.
2 EDA reserves right to move a component project proposed under the Industry Transformation Path to the
Implementation Path in the event that the Industry Transformation portfolio is not going to be funded holistically.
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• Create a regional food system within a multi-county region by investing in: (1) new
construction of a publicly-owned regional advanced food processing facility;
(2) acquisition of advanced food processing equipment and technology; (3) expansion of
public transportation infrastructure (including rail, ports, and regional airport) to
facilitate the transport of regionally-sourced raw materials to the processing plant and
finished products from the processing plant to market; (4) acquisition and rehabilitation
of regional food system workforce training center; and (5) acquisition of relevant
technology and other equipment for workforce training courses.
The deadline for applications submitted under the Industry Transformation Path is 5:00 pm
Eastern Time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
For more information on applying for the Industry Transformation Path, please see Appendix I.3.
3. Considerations when selecting a path
a. How does the Readiness Path interact with the Implementation
and/or Industry Transformation Paths? Must I seek Readiness funding
in order to compete under the other Paths?
No, applicants are not required to seek Readiness funding before applying for Implementation
or Industry Transformation funding. The Readiness Path is designed to meet the community
where it is and move the community towards its economic development goals. An eligible
applicant may apply for Readiness funding standing alone if it needs assistance with planning,
capacity, or pre-development costs.
Readiness funding can also help a region get ready to apply for the Implementation Path or
Industry Transformation Path, or for other types of assistance, including state, local, private, or
other federal sources of assistance. However, if a region or eligible entity already has projects
that it feels are competitive under the Implementation or Industry Transformation Paths, it does
not have to participate in the Readiness Path. In other words, the Readiness Path is not a
prerequisite to any other Path.
In addition, some projects under the Paths may overlap. For example, if a community needs
capacity to support an infrastructure project, the applicant may want to apply at the same time
for both a Readiness project and an Implementation construction project, and EDA may award
both grants concurrently.
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b. Is there a disadvantage to participating in the Readiness Path? If I
have to get a grant under the Readiness Path before I am ready to
apply for the other Paths, how will I know if funding will still be
available for those Paths?
While EDA may review projects and select them for funding on a rolling basis, EDA is aware that
some regions or applicants may need Readiness Path funding to be competitive for the
Implementation or Industry Transformation Paths. As such, subject to available funds, EDA will
work to reserve some funding for later in the process to ensure that every region or applicant is
fairly evaluated.
c. How do I decide whether to apply for an Implementation grant or an
Industry Transformation grant? Will I lose the opportunity to apply
for an Implementation project if my Industry Transformation
application is not selected for award?
In the event that EDA does not fund an Industry Transformation application. EDA, at its sole
discretion, may fund individual component projects of that application under the
Implementation Path. Please do not apply concurrently for duplicate projects under any Path
under this NOFO.
4. Which projects are ineligible under this Disaster NOFO?
Some projects are generally ineligible under this NOFO, including projects that are primarily
residential in nature (e.g., housing), projects to create community amenities (e.g., swimming
pools, zoos, recreational centers), projects that support casinos or gaming, projects that support
general governmental functions (see 2 CFR § 200.444), and requests for funding to supplement
operating budgets or replace lost revenue (including lost tax revenue). Applicants who are
unsure whether their proposed project is eligible under this NOFO should contact their state or
territory’s Economic Development Representative (EDR) for assistance. EDR contact information
is available on EDA’s website and organized according to regional office:
www.eda.gov/about/contact.
5. EDA’s investment priorities; economic recovery resilience
investment priority
EDA has five investment priorities:
• Critical infrastructure
• Workforce
• Innovation and entrepreneurship
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• Economic recovery resilience
• Manufacturing
To be considered for funding under this NOFO, each project must be consistent with EDA’s
economic recovery resilience investment priority. EDA defines “economic recovery resilience”
as:
Economic development planning or implementation projects that enhance the ability of
an area to withstand and recover from adverse short-term or long-term changes in
economic conditions, including effects from industry contractions or economic impacts
from natural disasters.
In section B.4 of the Form ED-900 (discussed below in section D.2), the applicant should explain
how their project is consistent with the economic recovery resilience investment priority.
More information about EDA’s investment priorities can be found at
www.eda.gov/funding/investment-priorities. EDA’s website will be updated to reflect any
Congressionally approved revisions to the investment priorities, as applicable.
6. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
Requirement
Except for a recovery strategy grant funded under the Readiness Path as described in section
A.2.a of this NOFO, each project funded under this Disaster NOFO must be consistent with the
region’s current CEDS. If a CEDS does not exist for the region, the project must be consistent
with an equivalent regional economic development strategy that EDA has determined meets
the agency’s CEDS or strategy requirements. In addition, if a project under the Industry
Transformation Path intends to affect an area that encompasses multiple CEDS, the project
should identify how the project is consistent with a broader multi-region strategy, which may
include showing consistency with multiple CEDS.
Through section D.3 of Form ED-900, applicants must:
• Identify the regional CEDS.
• If there is no CEDS, attach the relevant alternative strategic planning document (often
referred to as the CEDS-equivalent plan).
In addition to the instructions in the Form ED-900 itself, through section D.4 of the
Form ED-900, applicants should:
• Clearly detail how the proposed project will align with and support the economic
development needs and objectives outlined in the CEDS (or CEDS-equivalent plan).
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• Describe how the EDA investment will complement, leverage, or otherwise align with
other public and private investments to accomplish the planned deliverables and
outcomes.
In addition, in the Budget Narrative, 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.
7. Statutory Authorities
The statutory authority for the EAA program is section 209 of the Public Works and Economic
Development Act of 1965 (PWEDA) (42 U.S.C. § 3149). The statutory authorization of
supplemental appropriations for disaster economic recovery activities is section 703 of PWEDA
(42 U.S.C. § 3233).
Applicant eligibility and program requirements are set forth in EDA’s regulations (codified at
13 CFR Chapter III), and all applicants must address these requirements. EDA’s regulations are
accessible at the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) website,
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/chapter-III.
B. Basic Federal Award Information
1. What funding is available under this funding
opportunity?
Under the American Relief Act, 2025 (Division B, Title II of Pub. L. No. 118-158), Congress
appropriated approximately $1,447,000,000 to EDA to support disaster economic recovery
activities in areas that received a major disaster designation because of hurricanes, wildfires,
severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years
2023 and 2024.3
For all other EDA program and investment opportunities, please review https://www.grants.gov
(Grants.gov) or visit https://www.eda.gov/funding/funding-opportunities.4
3 Congress appropriated $1,510,000,000 in total with up to 3% to cover EDA’s administrative and oversight
expenses, $10,000,000 going to the Delta Regional Authority, and $7,000,000 going to the Department of
Commerce’s Office of Inspector General.
4 If EDA determines that an application is eligible for funding under another EDA NOFO (e.g., the Public Works and
Economic Adjustment Assistance NOFO), EDA may at its sole discretion transfer the application for processing from
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2. What funding instrument will be used? What are the
anticipated award amounts and how long will the period
of performance of a project last?
Funding instrument: EDA expects it will award most funds using grants but may 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.
Anticipated award amounts: Under this NOFO EDA expects to award the following, but reserves
the discretion to make awards outside of this range as circumstances allow:
Readiness Path:
• Non-construction awards that range between $250,000 to $500,000
Implementation Path:
• Non-construction awards that range between $100,000 and $5 million
• Construction awards that range between $2 million and $20 million
• EDA may deviate from these estimates, including funding projects greater than
$20 million, in cases of exceptional need and/or exceptional impact
Industry Transformation Path:
• A cluster of 3 to 5 non-construction and/or construction awards with a total
funding level between $20 million and $50 million
Period of performance: The project period of performance depends on the nature of the
project. In general, the period of performance for:
• Non-construction awards may range from 12 to 18 months with extensions considered
on a case-by-case basis. For the Readiness Path, EDA anticipates that a shorter period of
performance may be appropriate.
• Construction awards may range from 12 to 48 months with extensions considered on a
case-by-case basis.
EDA will work closely with the recipients to accommodate their projected timelines within
reason, as well as consistent with applicable regulations and grant policy allowances. EDA
expects that all projects will proceed efficiently and expeditiously and encourages applicants to
the original NOFO to another. EDA will document that the applicant is in compliance with the application
requirements of the NOFO to which the application is transferred.
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clearly document how quickly they will be able to start and complete the proposed project
scope of work specified in section B of the Form ED-900.
See Appendix I for information about performance goals, indicators, targets, data collection and
measurement, and other guidance pertaining to the projects and activities eligible under this
Disaster NOFO.
3. Who do I contact with questions?
For questions concerning this funding opportunity, including requests for technical assistance
with application requirements, please contact the appropriate Economic Development
Representative or other EDA representative listed on EDA’s website at
https://www.eda.gov/about/contact.
Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as individuals who have speech or
communication disabilities may use a relay service to call the telephone numbers listed on or
through the EDA’s website. To learn more about how to make an accessible telephone call to
any of the numbers shown in this document, visit the webpage for the relay service of the
Federal Communications Commission,
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/telecommunications-relay-service-trs.
C. Eligibility and Other Program Requirements
1. What entities are eligible to apply for this funding
opportunity?
Eligible applicants for economic recovery assistance under this Disaster NOFO include a(n):
• District organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District (EDD);
• Indian tribe or a consortium of Indian tribes;
• State,5 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;
• Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education;
• Public or private nonprofit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials
of a political subdivision of a state;
• An economic development organization; or
5 Under section 3(10) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122), the term “State” includes any State, the District of Columbia,
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the
Republic of Palau.
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• A public-private partnership for public infrastructure.
2. What locations are eligible for this funding opportunity?
A project must be located in, primarily serve, or demonstrably benefit one or more communities
in areas that received a major disaster designation as a result of hurricanes, wildfires, severe
storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023
and 2024.
Consistent with 13 CFR parts 301 and 307, EDA will determine area eligibility pursuant to the
applicable federal disaster declaration under the Stafford Act and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) designation of areas as eligible for public assistance or individual
assistance due to the declared disasters listed on FEMA’s website (www.fema.gov/disaster/).6
Using section C.1 of the Form ED-900, the applicant should clearly identify the location of the
project and briefly detail how and why the proposed project benefits an eligible designated
area (the applicant should provide further details about the project and how it will benefit the
eligible designated area throughout the application, including using other sections of
Form ED-900). EDA anticipates that most construction projects (including design and
engineering) will be located in an eligible designated area. In exceptional circumstances under
the Industry Transformation Path, EDA will consider funding construction component projects
where the construction is located outside of an eligible designated area provided that
substantial benefit accrues to, an eligible area or areas. For non-construction projects, the
project’s scope of work must primarily benefit an eligible designated area, and stakeholders
representing those areas must be directly engaged in the project.7
Only applications from eligible applicants and are located in or serve an eligible designated area
will be considered. EDA will evaluate and select applications according to the evaluation criteria
set forth in section E.2 of this NOFO.
3. What are the cost sharing or matching requirements?
Once applicant and area eligibility are established, EDA generally expects to fund up to 80% of
the eligible costs of such assistance. In accordance with EDA’s statutory authority under section
703 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3233), EDA may increase the investment rate up to a maximum of
100%. In determining whether to increase the federal share above 80%, EDA’s Grants Officers
will consider on a case-by-case basis whether the circumstances of the proposed project
warrant a federal share in excess of 80%, including whether the applicant has exhausted its
6 “Designated area” means any jurisdiction (State, Local, Tribal, or Territorial) that is included under a major
(i.e., Stafford Act) disaster declaration.
7 See also 13 CFR § 301.3(a).
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effective taxing or borrowing capacity, can otherwise document that no local matching funds
are reasonably obtainable, or meets other thresholds for elevated need based on the overall
economic situation of the region.
EDA may also establish a maximum investment rate of up to 100% for projects of Indian tribes.
Refer to Appendix III.1 for more information on cost sharing or matching requirements.
4. What are the prohibitions and restrictions for using
award funds and match?
Some projects are generally ineligible under this funding opportunity, including projects that are
primarily residential in nature (e.g., housing), projects to create community amenities
(e.g., swimming pools, zoos, recreational centers), projects that support casinos or gaming,
projects that support general governmental functions (see 2 CFR § 200.444), and requests for
funding to supplement operating budgets or replace lost revenue (including lost tax revenue).
It is DOC policy that funds may not be used to pay for profits or management fees in excess of
costs, unless statutorily authorized. Funds may not be used, directly or indirectly, to replace
existing funds. Additionally, the use of project funds to make equity or hybrid investments in
businesses is not an allowable cost.
Applicants who are unsure whether their proposed project or cost is eligible under this funding
opportunity should consult the appropriate EDA Economic Development Representative for the
state where the project will be located as listed on EDA’s website at
https://www.eda.gov/about/contact (searchable by state).
See Appendix III.2 for more information about pre-award costs.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Where can I find and submit an application?
An applicant must obtain, complete, and submit a complete application electronically through
the Economic Development Grants Experience (EDGE) at https://sfgrants.eda.gov/s/. For the
Readiness and Infrastructure Paths, applications will be accepted on an ongoing (rolling) basis
until the publication of a new Disaster Supplemental NOFO, cancellation of this Disaster
Supplemental NOFO, or all available funds have been expended.
Before submitting an application under this funding opportunity, each applicant must register its
organization with EDGE. Applicants should note that this process can be lengthy, requires
interaction with multiple organizations (e.g., SAM.gov), and requires confirmation at each step.
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Applicant organizations that have not previously completed any of these steps may require
three to four weeks to accomplish these tasks. EDA strongly encourages prospective applicants
to begin the pre-submission process as early as possible in the application period.
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)
Applicants are required to: (i) be registered in SAM; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier
(UEI) in the application; (iii) make certain certifications (see also Appendix III.14 of this NOFO);
and (iv) 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 UEI 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. Recipients will be subject to reporting
requirements, as identified in OMB guidance published at 2 CFR parts 25 and 170. All
subrecipients must have a UEI before any subawards are made.
Refer to Appendix III.9 for important information on the form of application submission. Please
also refer to Appendix III.9 for important information on the pre-submission process.
2. What is required for an application?
To successfully apply for funding, each applicant must determine which Path(s) they are seeking
funding for and the type of project(s) they propose to fund (construction, non-construction,
design and engineering, or RLF). To submit a complete application, all applicants should submit
or complete the requirements in Table A (as applicable) and then find their proposed project
type in Table B, and submit the relevant application forms and documents.
Table A below provides an overview of the documents necessary for an application under each
Path. Depending on the path chosen, applicants will submit one or more project-specific
packages. The contents of project-specific packages will depend on the type of project
(e.g., construction or non-construction).
Table B below provides an overview of required documents for project-specific packages,
broken out by whether the project is construction, non-construction, design and engineering, or
RLF. An explanation of each required document is directly under Table B.
Due to the single-project nature of applications under the Readiness or Implementation Paths,
applicants under those paths will only submit one project-specific package. In contrast, because
Industry Transformation Path applications will typically propose a portfolio of construction
and/or non-construction projects, applicants under that path will need to submit a complete
project-specific package using the documents specified in Table B for each component project
they propose. For example, if the proposed coalition is proposing three component projects,
EDA would expect three project packages, each appropriate to the given component project.
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Additionally, Appendix I contains crucial details about required information that must be
submitted in the required narratives under each Path. Applicants must review that Appendix
before submitting their application.
Table C summarizes application requirements for each project type and may be used as a
checklist for applicants; it does not impose any new requirements.
The Economic Development Representative for the state or territory where the proposed
project is located can provide technical assistance regarding application requirements.
Additionally, EDA may contact the applicant to clarify application materials received. Finally, EDA
may request that a given project be rescoped to fit within budget and timing constraints and,
for Industry Transformation Path applications, request that a particular component project not
be included in the application. Note that all component projects are expected to be completed
within five years.
Table A: Required Application Documentation for All Projects
1. Required Narrative:
a. Readiness Path: One Impact and Engagement Narrative that discusses in detail
all the requirements outlined in Appendix I.1 of this NOFO. If the Impact and
Engagement Narrative exceeds 3 pages (11-point font, single spaced, 1-inch
margins), only the first 3 pages will be reviewed.
NOTE: Applicants must review Appendix I.1 for critical information regarding the
required contents for this Impact and Engagement Narrative.
b. Implementation Path: One Impact and Engagement Narrative that discusses in
detail all the requirements outlined in Appendix I.2 of this NOFO. If the Impact
and Engagement Narrative exceeds 7 pages (11-point font, single spaced, 1-inch
margins), only the first 7 pages will be reviewed.
NOTE: Applicants must review Appendix I.2 for critical information regarding the
required contents for this Impact and Engagement Narrative.
c. Industry Transformation Path: One Overarching Narrative from the lead
applicant that discusses in detail all the requirements outlined in Appendix I.3 of
this NOFO. If the Overarching Narrative exceeds 10 pages (11-point font, single
spaced, 1-inch margins), only the first 10 pages will be reviewed.
NOTE: Applicants must review Appendix I.3 for critical information regarding the
required contents for this Overarching Narrative.
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Table A: Required Application Documentation for All Projects
2. Complete Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System Award Management (SAM)
Registration. For additional information and background, please see the “Unique
Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)” note below this
table.
3. Match Documentation. Section C.3 and Appendix I.1 contain critical information
about required match (also commonly referred to as cost sharing), and all applicants
must read that section before submitting an application.
For Industry Transformation Path applicants, the coalition must meet the overall
matching share requirement, but the coalition may apportion the matching share as
it deems appropriate across the cluster of projects.
4. Organizational Documentation if applicable. In general, this is required for all
nonprofit applicants.
For additional background and information, please see the “Organizational
Documentation” note below this table.
5. Documentation of Investment/Policy Commitments for Implementation or Industry
Transformation Paths applicants, if applicable.
a. For Implementation Path applicants Investment/Policy Commitments are
strongly encouraged, but not required. See section A.2.b.
b. For Industry Transformation Path applicants, Investment/Policy
Commitments are required. See section A.2.c.
To document Investment/Policy Commitments, applicants may use the Form ED-900B
or submit a commitment letter from the relevant business. Appendix II includes a
template commitment letter.
For additional background and information, please see the note on “Industry/Policy
Commitments” below this table, as well as Appendix II.
6. Project-specific package (depending on the type of project the applicant is
proposing, the applicant must submit a complete project-specific package per
project.
Table B below provides an overview of required documents for project-specific
packages, broken out by whether the project is construction, non-construction,
design and engineering, or revolving loan fund. An explanation of each required
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Table A: Required Application Documentation for All Projects
document is directly under Table B. Note: Readiness and Implementation Projects
will require only one project-specific package. Due to the portfolio nature of
Industry Transformation, applicants under that path must submit a project-specific
package for each component project in their application.
Organizational Documentation
Nonprofit organizations must submit documentation that demonstrates their status as
nonprofit organizations. This must include articles of incorporation, bylaws, and certificate of
good standing, or equivalent. It may also include proof of tax-exempt status.
In addition, depending on the type of organization, an economic development organization may
need to submit organizational documentation. EDA will work with such applicants to determine
what is required.
Public-private partnerships for public infrastructure must submit documentation defining the
partnership, which contains details of the agreement, including roles and responsibilities, and is
signed by all parties. EDA does not require that the consortium have a formal legal structure
(i.e., a contractual arrangement or public-private partnership).
Nonprofit or for-profit tribal entities may need to submit similar documentation that
demonstrate the entity is wholly owned by and established for the benefit of the tribe. Other
entities, including institutions of higher education that are not 100% publicly controlled, must
provide documentation that demonstrates their organization type. States, federally-recognized
Indian tribes, cities or other political subdivisions of states, and institutions of higher education
that are 100% publicly controlled are not required to submit organizational
documentation. Regardless of entity type, EDA reserves the right to request documentation or
additional proof of organizational status.
Investment/Policy Commitments
EDA is focused on investing in activities that leverage existing community assets and private
sector support to revitalize a regional economy severely impacted by natural disasters. See
Appendix II for more information about the types of investment and policy commitments that
an applicant may secure in support of their proposed project. Each commitment must be
supported by appropriate documentation. As noted above in Table A, applicants may use the
template commitment letter in Appendix II to document the commitments, or applicants may
use Form ED-900B.
Note: Under the Industry Transformation Path, applicants are required to secure investment
and/or policy commitments. Industry Transformation Path applicants should review Appendix
I.3 carefully for critical submission requirements necessary for their applications.
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Note: Under the Implementation Path, investment and/or policy commitments are encouraged
but not required. Implementation Path applicants should review Appendix I.2 carefully for
critical submission requirements necessary for their applications. See Appendix III.9 for
submission instructions.
Table B. Project-Specific Package Requirements
Application Package for Non-Construction Projects under any Path:
1. One Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) from the lead applicant.
2. One Form SF-424A (Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs) for the
project.
3. One Form CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying) from the lead applicant.
4. One Form SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) – if applicable, from the lead
applicant, if applicable. Form SF-LLL is only required if the applicant has reportable
lobbying activities.
5. One Form ED-900 (all sections) – The applicant should complete all sections of the
Form ED-900 that are appliable to their project (the form contains instructions to
guide the applicant). The following guidance is designed to help applicants know
where to include information referenced in this NOFO.
In addition to the information requested in the instructions to Form ED-900 itself, the
applicant should use:
• Section B.4 of the Form ED-900 to explain how the project is consistent with the
economic resilience investment priority.
• Section C.1 of the Form ED-900 to clearly identify the location of the project and
briefly detail how and why the proposed project benefits an eligible designated
area.
• Section D.1 of the Form ED-900 to specify the eligible disaster.
• Section D.3 of the Form ED-900 to identify the relevant regional CEDS or, if there is
no CEDS, to attach the relevant strategic planning document with which the project
aligns (often referred to as a CEDS-equivalent plan) (see section A.6).
• Section D.4 of the Form ED-900 to specify how the project is consistent with the
economic resilience investment priority; detail how the proposed project will align
with and support the economic development needs and objectives outlined in the
CEDS (or CEDS-equivalent plan); and, if applicable, describe how the proposed
project will complement, leverage, and otherwise align with other public and
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Table B. Project-Specific Package Requirements
private investments to accomplish the planned deliverables and outcomes of the
scope of work (see sections A.2, A.5, and A.6).
In addition:
• For Readiness or Implementation Paths – complete one Form ED-900 per project
• For Industry Transformation Path – complete one Form ED-900 for each component
project
6. Copy of Relevant FEMA Disaster Declaration
7. One Budget Narrative that identifies and justifies how funds in each line item of the budget
will be used to support the proposed project. This should also describe any other federal funds
that will be used for the project (see section A.6), include itemized valuations of any in-kind
matching funds, and specifically address each budget line item (including both the federal
share and matching non-federal share).
For additional background and information, please see the “Budget Narrative” note
below this table.
8. Indirect Cost Rate Documentation (if applicable). For additional background and information,
see the “Copy of Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)” note below this
table.
9. SPOC Compliance Documentation, if applicable. For additional background and information,
please see the “SPOC Compliance” note below this table.
Application Package for Design and Engineering Projects Under Any Path (in general, EDA
anticipates that this package will come up most frequently in the Readiness Path)
1. One Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) from the lead applicant.
2. One Form SF-424C (Budget Information—Construction Programs) for the project.
3. One Form CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying) from the lead applicant.
4. One Form SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) – if applicable, from the lead
applicant, if applicable. Form SF-LLL is only required if the applicant has reportable
lobbying activities.
5. One Form ED-900 (all sections) – The applicant should complete all sections of the
Form ED-900 that are appliable to their project (the form contains instructions to
guide the applicant). The following guidance is designed to help applicants know
where to include information referenced in this NOFO.
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Table B. Project-Specific Package Requirements
In addition to the information requested in the instructions to Form ED-900 itself, the
applicant should use:
• Section B.4 of the Form ED-900 to explain how the project is consistent with the
economic resilience investment priority.
• Section C.1 of the Form ED-900 to clearly identify the location of the project and
briefly detail how and why the proposed project benefits an eligible designated
area.
• Section D.1 of the Form ED-900 to specify the eligible disaster.
• Section D.3 of the Form ED-900 to identify the relevant regional CEDS or, if there is
no CEDS, to attach the relevant strategic planning document with which the project
aligns (often referred to as a CEDS-equivalent plan) (see section A.6).
• Section D.4 of the Form ED-900 to specify how the project is consistent with the
economic resilience investment priority; detail how the proposed project will align
with and support the economic development needs and objectives outlined in the
CEDS (or CEDS-equivalent plan); and, if applicable, describe how the proposed
project will complement, leverage, and otherwise align with other public and
private investments to accomplish the planned deliverables and outcomes of the
scope of work (see sections A.2, A.5, and A.6).
In addition:
• For Readiness or Implementation Paths – complete one Form ED-900 per project
• For Industry Transformation Path – complete one Form ED-900 for each component project
6. Copy of Relevant FEMA Disaster Declaration
7. One Budget Narrative that identifies and justifies how funds in each line item of the
budget will be used to support the proposed project. This should also describe any
other federal funds that will be used for the project (see section A.6), include itemized
valuations of any in-kind matching funds, and specifically address each budget line
item (including both the federal share and matching non-federal share).
For additional background and information, please see the “Budget Narrative” note
below this table.
8. SPOC Compliance Documentation, if applicable. For additional background and
information, please see the “SPOC Compliance” note below this table.
9. One Form SF-424D (Assurances—Construction Programs) from each co-applicant, as
applicable.
10. One Form ED-900D (Requirements for Design and Engineering Assistance).
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Table B. Project-Specific Package Requirements
11. Environmental Documentation that will enable EDA to comply with its NEPA
responsibilities. An environmental narrative outline that details required components
may be accessed in EDA’s website at: https://www.eda.gov/sites/default/files/2025-
03/Environmental-Narrative-Template-and-Application-Certification-Clause_2025.docx. The
documentation should reflect whether the component project is categorically
excludable or should be a draft environmental assessment or environmental impact
statement, as funded by the technical assistance award. Applicants should consult
with the appropriate Economic Development Representative (EDR) at
www.eda.gov/about/contact to connect with an EDA Environmental Officer to ensure
the appropriate documentation is prepared.
For additional background and information, please see the note on “Environmental
and Historic Preservation Requirements” below this table.
12. One Applicant’s Certification Clause (see Appendix A (starting on pg. 8) to the
environmental narrative outline noted above) completed separately and signed by
each co-applicant, as applicable.
13. Indirect Cost Rate Documentation (if applicable). For additional background and
information, see the “Copy of Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)”
note below this table.
14. Map of project site.
Application Package for Construction Projects Under Any Path (because Readiness projects
are all non-construction, this package will only come up in the Implementation and Industry
Transformation Paths)
1. One Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) from the lead applicant.
2. One Form SF-424C (Budget Information—Construction Programs) for the project.
3. One Form CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying) from the lead applicant.
4. One Form SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) – if applicable, from the lead
applicant, if applicable. Form SF-LLL is only required if the applicant has reportable
lobbying activities.
5. One Form ED-900 (all sections) – The applicant should complete all sections of the
Form ED-900 that are appliable to their project (the form contains instructions to
guide the applicant). The following guidance is designed to help applicants know
where to include information referenced in this NOFO.
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Table B. Project-Specific Package Requirements
In addition to the information requested in the instructions to Form ED-900 itself, the
applicant should use:
• Section B.4 of the Form ED-900 to explain how the project is consistent with the
economic resilience investment priority.
• Section C.1 of the Form ED-900 to clearly identify the location of the project and
briefly detail how and why the proposed project benefits an eligible designated
area.
• Section D.1 of the Form ED-900 to specify the eligible disaster.
• Section D.3 of the Form ED-900 to identify the relevant regional CEDS or, if there is
no CEDS, to attach the relevant strategic planning document with which the project
aligns (often referred to as a CEDS-equivalent plan) (see section A.6).
• Section D.4 of the Form ED-900 to specify how the project is consistent with the
economic resilience investment priority; detail how the proposed project will align
with and support the economic development needs and objectives outlined in the
CEDS (or CEDS-equivalent plan); and, if applicable, describe how the proposed
project will complement, leverage, and otherwise align with other public and
private investments to accomplish the planned deliverables and outcomes of the
scope of work (see sections A.2, A.5, and A.6).
In addition:
• For Readiness or Implementation Paths – complete one Form ED-900 per project
• For Industry Transformation Path – complete one Form ED-900 for each component project
6. Copy of Relevant FEMA Disaster Declaration
7. One Budget Narrative that identifies and justifies how funds in each line item of the
budget will be used to support the proposed project. This should also describe any
other federal funds that will be used for the project (see section A.6), include itemized
valuations of any in-kind matching funds, and specifically address each budget line
item (including both the federal share and matching non-federal share).
For additional background and information, please see the “Budget Narrative” note
below this table.
8. SPOC Compliance Documentation, if applicable. See below and Appendix III.27.
9. One Form SF-424D (Assurances—Construction Programs) from each co-applicant, as
applicable.
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Table B. Project-Specific Package Requirements
10. One Form ED-900C (EDA Application Supplement for Construction Programs) and
accompanying supporting documentation, e.g., Preliminary Engineering Report.
11. One Form ED-900E (Calculation of Estimated Relocation and Land Acquisition
Expenses).
12. Environmental Documentation that will enable EDA to comply with its NEPA responsibilities.
An environmental narrative outline that details required components may be accessed in EDA’s
website at: https://www.eda.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/Environmental-Narrative-
Template-and-Application-Certification-Clause_2025.docx. The documentation should reflect
whether the component project is categorically excludable or should be a draft environmental
assessment or environmental impact statement, as funded by the technical assistance award.
Applicants should consult with the appropriate Economic Development Representative (EDR) at
www.eda.gov/about/contact to connect with an EDA Environmental Officer to ensure the
appropriate documentation is prepared.
For additional background and information, please see the note on “Environmental
and Historic Preservation Requirements” below this table.
13. One Applicant’s Certification Clause (see Appendix A (starting on pg. 8) to the environmental
narrative outline noted above) completed separately and signed by each co-applicant, as
applicable.
14. Map of project site.
15. Additional Requirements for Incubators and Accelerators (if applicable). In addition
to the required forms and documentation listed in this table, applications for a
business technology, or other type of incubator or accelerator, must also include
documents listed in Appendix III.25.
Note: Indirect cost share is not permitted in construction projects.
Application Package for RLF Projects Under Any Path (this package will only come up in the
Implementation and Industry Transformation Paths)
1. One Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) from the lead applicant.
2. One Form SF-424A (Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs) for the
project.
3. One Form CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying) from the lead applicant.
4. One Form SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) – if applicable, from the lead
applicant, if applicable. Form SF-LLL is only required if the applicant has reportable
lobbying activities.
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Table B. Project-Specific Package Requirements
5. One Form ED-900 (all sections) – The applicant should complete all sections of the
Form ED-900 that are appliable to their project (the form contains instructions to
guide the applicant). The following guidance is designed to help applicants know
where to include information referenced in this NOFO.
In addition to the information requested in the instructions to Form ED-900 itself, the
applicant should use:
• Section B.4 of the Form ED-900 to explain how the project is consistent with the
economic resilience investment priority.
• Section C.1 of the Form ED-900 to clearly identify the location of the project and
briefly detail how and why the proposed project benefits an eligible designated
area.
• Section D.1 of the Form ED-900 to specify the eligible disaster.
• Section D.3 of the Form ED-900 to identify the relevant regional CEDS or, if there is
no CEDS, to attach the relevant strategic planning document with which the project
aligns (often referred to as a CEDS-equivalent plan) (see section A.6).
• Section D.4 of the Form ED-900 to specify how the project is consistent with the
economic resilience investment priority; detail how the proposed project will align
with and support the economic development needs and objectives outlined in the
CEDS (or CEDS-equivalent plan); and, if applicable, describe how the proposed
project will complement, leverage, and otherwise align with other public and
private investments to accomplish the planned deliverables and outcomes of the
scope of work (see sections A.2, A.5, and A.6).
In addition:
a. For Readiness or Implementation Paths – complete one Form ED-900 per
project
b. For Industry Transformation Path – complete one Form ED-900 for each
component project
6. Copy of Relevant FEMA Disaster Declaration
7. One Budget Narrative that identifies and justifies how funds in each line item of the
budget will be used to support the proposed project. This should also describe any
other federal funds that will be used for the project (see section A.6), include itemized
valuations of any in-kind matching funds, and specifically address each budget line
item (including both the federal share and matching non-federal share).
For additional background and information, please see the “Budget Narrative” note
below this table.
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Table B. Project-Specific Package Requirements
8. SPOC Compliance Documentation, if applicable. See below and Appendix III.27.
9. One Form ED-900F (Additional EDA Assurances for Revolving Loan Fund Applications).
10. Indirect Cost Rate Documentation (if applicable). For additional background and
information, see note below this table.
11. Draft RLF Plan (must address all components required by EDA’s regulation at 13 CFR
§ 307.9.).
Budget Narrative
The budget narrative total should match the total project costs listed in both the Form SF-424
question 18, line g, and Form SF-424A or SF-424C, as applicable.
The non-federal share, whether in 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. For construction projects,
the budget narrative may be included in the preliminary engineering report.
If a project requires or anticipates the payment of federal funds to third parties (such as
partners, consultants, vendors, and/or service providers), it is the applicant’s responsibility to
determine whether a third party should be characterized as a subrecipient or a contractor. The
characterization must be reflected in the terms of each agreement made with each third party.
(See 2 CFR § 200.1 for definitions of contract, contractor, subaward, and subrecipient; see also
2 CFR § 200.331, Subrecipient and contractor determinations.)
All subawards must receive EDA prior approval. If selected for award, and before initial
disbursement of any funds by EDA for any costs incurred by a subrecipient, EDA may request
documentation demonstrating that the subrecipient is an entity eligible to receive EDA
assistance. See Appendix III.28 for information about third party subawards vs. contractors.
Environmental and Historic Preservation Requirements
All applicants for EDA construction assistance (including design and engineering assistance) are
required to provide adequate environmental information. Each application will be reviewed by
EDA for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended.
During the NEPA review process, applicants may be instructed to contact the designated State
and/or Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO/THPO), provide approvals from other
governmental agencies, or provide more detailed environmental information. EDA, after
compliance with requirements for consultation with Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, may
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require applicants to participate in Tribal consultation, as necessary. NEPA requires EDA to
provide public notice of the availability of project-specific environmental documents, such as
environmental impact statements, environmental assessments, findings of no significant
impact, and records of decision, to the affected public.
For further guidance and information, applicants are encouraged to contact their state or
territory’s Economic Development Representative (EDR) for assistance. EDR contact information
is available on EDA’s website and organized according to regional office:
https://www.eda.gov/about/contact (searchable by state).
Copy of Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)
As noted in EDA’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Construction Projects (Construction
ST&Cs), indirect costs are not applicable to construction awards.
If indirect costs are included in the budget, the applicant must include documentation to
support the indirect cost rate they are using (unless claiming the 15 percent de minimis indirect
cost rate, discussed below). The applicant must submit 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 will be the lesser of the (i) line-item
amount for the federal share of indirect costs contained in the EDA-approved budget for the
award, or (ii) federal share of the total allocable indirect costs of the award based on either
(i) 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 (ii) 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 ninety calendar days from the award start date (unless claiming the
15 percent de minimis indirect cost rate, discussed below). See 2 CFR part 200 Apps. III, IV, V,
VI, VII for guidance. The allocation plan and the rate proposal shall be submitted to EDA’s Office
of Regional Affairs (or the applicable cognizant federal agency). The applicant should include a
statement in its Strategy Development Budget Narrative that it does not have a current or
pending NICRA and will submit an allocation plan and rate proposal to EDA or the applicant’s
cognizant federal agency for approval.
In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414(f), an applicant that does not have a current negotiated or
provisional NICRA, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of up to 15 percent of modified total
direct costs (subject to the exceptions of § 200.414(f)). No documentation is required to justify
the de minimis indirect cost rate; however, an applicant electing to charge a de minimis rate
must include a statement in its Budget Narrative that it does not have a current negotiated
(including provisional) rate and is electing to charge the de minimis rate.
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If the applicant is a state or local unit of government that receives less than $35 million in direct
federal funding per year it may submit any of the following:
• a NICRA;
• a Certificate of Indirect Costs from the Department of the Interior (DOI) or EDA (See:
https://www.eda.gov/sites/default/files/filebase/archives/2021/files/tools/grantee-
forms/Certificate-of-Indirect-Costs-template.pdf);
• an acknowledgment received from EDA and a Certificate of Indirect Costs in the form
prescribed at 2 CFR part 200, app. VII; or
• a Cost Allocation Plan approved by a federal agency (note that cost allocation plans or
indirect cost rates approved by state agencies are not acceptable).
SPOC Compliance
This is required if a project’s primary service area is located within one or more states that
participate in the intergovernmental review process established by Executive Order 12372,
“Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” See Appendix III.27 “SPOC Compliance” of
this NOFO.
The current list of participating states and their single points of contact (SPOC) can be found at
https://www.ojp.gov/IntergovernmentalReviewSPOCList.pdf. EDA strongly encourages
applicants to contact SPOCs early in the application period to determine the relevant state’s or
states’ processes.
Based on the applicant’s state, EDA requires the following documentation:
State does not
No documentation required—check SF-424 box 19(c).
participate
Documentation (e.g., a state executive order, a letter from the
State participates; this
SPOC) showing that this grant program is not subject to review.
grant program not
Applicants must provide the documentation as an attachment
subject to review
to the application and check SF-424 box 19(b).
Documentation (e.g., a letter from the SPOC) with comments or
indicating that this project was not selected for review, or, if
State participates; this
the comment period has expired or comments were not
grant program subject
received, a copy of the applicant’s request for comments (e.g.,
to review
email). Applicants must provide the documentation as an
attachment to the application and check SF-424 box 19(a).
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Table C: Application Checklist by Project Type
Please note that this checklist summarizes the application documentation to be submitted for
each individual project under the Readiness or Implementation Paths or for each component
project submitted under the Industry Transformation Path. This checklist is provided for
convenience. This Table does not contain any additional requirements.
Construction Design & Non- Revolving Loan
Engineering Construction Fund
Impact and Engagement
Narrative (included as part
of the Overarching Narrative X X X X
in the Industry
Transformation Path)
Match Documentation X X X X
Organizational
Documentation (if
X X X X
applicable depending on the
applicant type)
Investment/Policy
Commitments using
Form ED-900B or letters
(only required for X X X X
Implementation and
Industry Transformation
Paths)
Form SF-424 (Application for
X X X X
Federal Assistance)
Form CD-511 X X X X
Form SF-LLL (if applicable) X X X X
Form ED-900 (General
Application for EDA X X X X
Programs)
Copy of Relevant FEMA
X X X X
Disaster Declaration
Budget Narrative X X X X
SPOC Compliance
Documentation (if X X X X
applicable)
Form SF-424A (Budget
Information—Non- X X
Construction Programs)
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Table C: Application Checklist by Project Type
Please note that this checklist summarizes the application documentation to be submitted for
each individual project under the Readiness or Implementation Paths or for each component
project submitted under the Industry Transformation Path. This checklist is provided for
convenience. This Table does not contain any additional requirements.
Construction Design & Non- Revolving Loan
Engineering Construction Fund
Form SF-424C (Budget
Information—Construction X X
Programs)
Form SF-424D (Assurances—
X X
Construction Programs)
Form ED-900C (EDA
Application Supplement for
Construction Programs) and
X
supporting documentation,
e.g., Preliminary Engineering
Report (PER).
Form ED-900D
(Requirements for Design X
and Engineering Assistance)
Form ED-900E (Calculation of
Estimated Relocation and X
Land Acquisition Expenses)
Form ED-900F (Additional
EDA Assurances for Revolving X
Loan Fund Applications)
Environmental narrative X X
Certification clause (with
X X
environmental narrative)
Map X X
Indirect cost rate
documentation (if X X X
applicable)
Draft RLF plan (must address
all components required by
X
EDA’s regulation at 13 CFR
§ 307.9.)
Additional requirements for
incubators and accelerators X
(if applicable)
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3. Are there any submission deadlines?
For applications submitted under the Readiness and Implementation Paths, there are no
submission deadlines. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing (rolling) basis until the
replacement of this FY2025 Disaster NOFO, cancellation of this NOFO, or all available funds have
been expended. EDA intends to review applications expeditiously upon receipt of a complete
application.
The deadline for applications submitted under the Industry Transformation Path is 5:00 pm
Eastern Time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Industry Transformation applications received after
this deadline will not be reviewed or considered.
E. Application Review and Selection Processes
Grant application submissions are subject to an initial technical review by EDA to ensure
completeness of the application and compliance with all requirements.
Subsequently, EDA will establish an Investment Review Committees (IRC) to conduct an
evaluation of complete applications and determine which projects to forward to the Selecting
Official for final selection and funding.
1. Technical Review
Each application will receive an initial technical review to confirm eligibility, completeness, and
responsiveness. An application may not be evaluated by the Investment Review Committee if:
a) The application package does not contain mandatory items (see section D.2).
b) The applicant is not an eligible entity (see section C.1).
c) The project fails to address program objectives and priorities (see section A.1).
EDA, in its sole discretion, may continue review of applications with minor defects that may be
easily rectified or cured.
2. Investment Review Committee (IRC)
All complete applications will be evaluated by periodic Investment Review Committee (IRC)
panels consisting of at least three federal employees. The IRC will deliberate the merits of each
application based on the extent to which the application meets the evaluation criteria below.
EDA may, in its discretion and including at the IRC’s request, consult experts outside of EDA on
the technical aspects of an application to assist the IRC in its evaluation. EDA may in some cases
negotiate the scope and nature of certain projects to more closely align with the purpose of this
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NOFO or fit within funding limitations. The IRC will present the Selection Official with a
recommended portfolio of applications in addition to recommendations on how to apply the
selection factors discussed in section E.3 below.
For Industry Transformation applicants, while EDA will evaluate the portfolio of component
projects within an application holistically, individual component projects within a proposed
application may not get funded, and EDA expects in some cases to negotiate the scope and
nature of certain component projects or the overall mix of projects, in order to more closely
align with the purpose of the NOFO, ensure consistency and utility of each component project
within the portfolio, or to fit within funding limitations. Individual component projects not
funded may be funded under another EDA NOFO.
The IRC will evaluate complete applications, with specific evaluation criteria required for each
(below).
b. Readiness Path projects
For Readiness Path projects, EDA will apply the evaluation criteria with each category weighted
equally:
1. Disaster Recovery and Community Need – How well do you understand the
community’s disaster recovery needs?
a. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates an understanding of the damage
and economic impacts in the region due to the eligible natural disaster and pre-
disaster economic conditions in the area.
b. The extent to which the applicant has a preliminary idea of the post-disaster
assets and interventions that could address disaster recovery in the region.
c. The degree of economic distress experienced in the project area.
2. Project Strategy – How well does your project address your capacity needs to better
prepare you to meet the community’s needs in the future?
a. The extent to which the proposal clearly identifies how the proposed activities
prepare and increase capacity in the applicant organization or the region to
identify, implement, and secure future funding for disaster recovery.
b. The extent to which the project demonstrates strong community engagement
including the responsiveness to public feedback and subsequent support from
regional stakeholders (private, public, and nonprofit entities, etc.) so that the
needs of all affected communities are considered in strategy development.
c. The project’s alignment with the regional CEDS or other CEDS equivalent EDA-
accepted economic development strategy, including the extent to which the
project is aligned with and integrated into other public or private investments
currently ongoing or planned for the community and region. Note: this criterion
is not applicable to Readiness projects for Strategy Development that propose
foundational planning in regions that do not currently have a CEDS or CEDS
equivalents.
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d. The project’s demonstrated alignment with EDA’s current Investment Priorities as
outlined at https://www.eda.gov/funding/investment-priorities.
3. Feasibility – How likely is your project to succeed?
a. The eligible entity’s organizational and leadership capacity, including its capacity
to engage necessary local partners and secure private-sector, public-sector, and
philanthropic commitments.
b. The extent to which the project budget and scope of work are efficient, realistic,
and appropriate to the activities to be undertaken.
c. The project’s feasibility or likelihood that it will achieve its projected outcomes
on the proposed schedule.
d. The availability and committed nature of proposed matching funds necessary to
complete the project.
4. Performance Goals and Measures of Success – How impactful will your project be and
how will we measure your success?
a. The project’s milestones and indicators of success are ambitious, achievable,
clear and measurable.
b. The likelihood that the project can start quickly and the immediacy of its
outcomes.
c. The project is designed for long-term impact beyond the grant period.
d. [For pre-development costs only]: The significance of the projected economic
impact of the proposed future recovery project that the pre-development costs
would support.
c. Implementation Path projects (construction and non-construction)
For Implementation Path projects, EDA will use the following evaluation criteria, with each of
the categories weighted equally.
1. Disaster Recovery and Community Needs – How well do you understand the
community’s disaster recovery needs?
a. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates an understanding of the damage
and economic impacts in the region due to the eligible natural disaster and
pre-disaster economic conditions in the area.
b. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates an understanding of the assets
and potential interventions that could address disaster recovery in the region.
c. The degree of economic distress experienced in the project area.
2. Project Strategy – How well does your project address the community’s disaster needs
and this program’s objectives?
a. The extent to which the project strategy is clearly informed by regional assets,
regional economic conditions pre and post disaster, and considers other
investments, commitments, and regional activities.
b. The proposed activities' potential to improve economic conditions for the region
above and beyond pre-disaster levels.
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c. The extent to which the project demonstrates strong community engagement
including the responsiveness to public feedback and subsequent support from
regional stakeholders (private, public, and nonprofit entities, etc.) so that the
needs of all affected communities are considered in strategy development.
d. The project’s alignment with the regional CEDS or other CEDS equivalent
EDA-accepted economic development strategy, including the extent to which the
project is aligned with and integrated into other public or private investments
currently ongoing or planned for the community and region.
e. The extent to which EDA’s investment is necessary.
3. Feasibility – How likely is your project to succeed?
a. The eligible entity’s organizational and leadership capacity, including its capacity
to engage necessary local partners and secure private-sector, public-sector, and
philanthropic commitments.
b. The extent to which the project budget and scope of work are efficient, realistic,
and appropriate to the activities to be undertaken.
c. The project’s feasibility or likelihood that it will achieve its projected outcomes
on the proposed schedule.
d. The availability and committed nature of proposed matching funds necessary to
complete the project.
4. Performance Goals and Measures of Success – How impactful will your project be and
how will we measure your success?
a. The significance of the project’s impact on the region’s recovery and future
economic opportunities. This could be measured by the project’s ability to: (1) to
create or retain jobs, (2) generate private sector investment, and/or (3) positively
impact other measures for economic growth (including, for example, growing the
tax base or increasing the job market participation rate). For this criterion, jobs
and private investment can be measured in the aggregate or in proportion to the
area’s relative population, and both are competitive.
i. Note: For this evaluation criteria, projects that include letters of
commitment from private sector entities or other regional stakeholders
will be viewed as more competitive. See Appendix II for more information
about commitment letters.
b. The extent to which the project is responsive to the needs of communities
impacted by the relevant disasters regarding disaster relief, long-term economic
recovery, resilience to future disasters, and restoration and enhancement of
infrastructure.
c. The project’s milestones and indicators of success are ambitious, achievable,
clear, and measurable.
d. The project is designed for long-term impact beyond the grant period.
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d. Industry Transformation Path portfolios (construction and
non-construction)
For Industry Transformation Path portfolios, EDA will use the following evaluation criteria. The
category “Performance Goals and Measures of Success” will encompass one-third of the total
weight, and the other categories will receive equal weight within the remaining two-thirds.
a. Disaster Recovery and Community Need – How well do you understand the
region’s needs and opportunities?
a. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates an understanding of the
damage and economic impacts in the region due to the eligible natural
disaster and pre-disaster economic conditions in the region.
b. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates an understanding of the
assets and potential interventions that could address disaster recovery in
the region.
c. The degree of economic distress experienced in the project region.
b. Project Strategy – How well does your project address the community’s disaster
needs and this program’s objectives?
a. The extent to which the project strategy is clearly informed by regional
assets, regional economic conditions pre and post disaster, and considers
other investments, commitments, and regional activities.
b. The proposed activities' potential to fundamentally alter the economic
trajectory for the region above and beyond pre-disaster levels.
c. The extent to which the component projects are interrelated,
complementary, and cohesive, creating a tightknit, logical, and impactful
portfolio.
d. The extent to which the project demonstrates strong engagement
including the responsiveness to public feedback and subsequent support
from regional stakeholders (both private and public entities).
e. The extent to which the project demonstrates strong community
engagement including the responsiveness to public feedback and
subsequent support from regional stakeholders (both private and public
entities) so that the needs of all affected communities are considered in
strategy development.
f. The project’s alignment with the regional CEDS or other CEDS equivalent
EDA -accepted economic development strategy, including the extent to
which the project is aligned with and integrated into other public or
private investments currently ongoing or planned for the community and
region.
g. The extent to which EDA’s investment is necessary and could not be made
by another private or public sector entity.
c. Feasibility – How likely is your project to succeed?
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a. The eligible entity’s organizational and leadership capacity, including its
capacity to engage necessary local partners and secure private sector,
public sector, and philanthropic commitments.
b. The extent to which the project budget and scope of work are efficient,
realistic, and appropriate to the activities to be undertaken.
c. The project’s feasibility or likelihood that it will achieve its projected
outcomes on the proposed schedule.
d. The availability and committed nature of proposed matching funds
necessary to complete the project.
d. Coalition Strength – How well prepared is your coalition?
a. The leadership team and partnership have an effective leadership,
decision-making, and accountability structure, and this is reflected in the
plan for overall management and governance.
b. The coalition includes key regional stakeholders (both private and public
entities) and demonstrates a strong cohesive and sustainable team with
solid organization, feedback, and communication mechanisms.
e. Performance Goals and Measures of Success – How impactful will your project
be and how will we measure your success?
a. The applicant clearly defines what transformation looks like for the region
and how the project will accelerate industry and grow the regional
economy. The project includes clear, measurable, ambitious, and
achievable milestones and indicators of success. The most important
measures of success are: (1) the dollar value of the secured private sector
investment commitments and policy commitments, and/or (2) the
number of jobs to be created or retained by the project and/or the
relative impact of that number to the impacted area.
b. The project is designed for long-term impact beyond the grant period.
3. Selecting Official’s Decision
Applications recommended by the IRC and deemed fully compliant with applicable rules and
regulations will be forwarded to the Selecting Official. The Selecting Official will make a final
funding decision in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, or his/her delegee. The
Selecting Official may select a project for funding that differs from the IRC’s recommendations
based on any of the following selection factors:
1. Responsiveness to the NOFO goals and/or priorities;
2. The extent to which the application meets the overall objectives of section 2 of PWEDA
(42 U.S.C. § 3121);
3. The applicant’s performance under previous federal financial assistance awards,
including whether the grantee submitted required performance reports and data;
4. The availability of program funding;
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5. The extent to which the project supports EDA’s goals of geographic balance in
distribution of program funds, organizational type (to include smaller and rural
organizations), and the overall portfolio;
6. The relative rate of return of the project, including but not limited to consideration of
private investment commitments and other economic impact data; and
7. The relative economic distress of the area and scale of disaster impact.
The final decision must be consistent with EDA’s and DOC’s published policies. Any time a
Selecting Official makes a selection that differs from the IRC’s recommendation, the Selecting
Official will document the rationale for the decision in writing.
F. EDGE SYSTEMS ISSUES
Please review Appendix III.10, which covers EGDE system issues and alternatives to submission
through EDGE.
G. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION
INFORMATION
Please review the Appendices to this NOFO, which cover the following topics in detail:
I. Required Application Narratives
II. Investment/Policy Commitments Requirements [if applicable]
III. Additional Information on Application, Policy, and Legal Requirements
H. Appendices
APPENDIX I – Required Application Narratives
1. READINESS PATH - Impact and Engagement Narrative Requirements
The Impact and Engagement Narrative for the Readiness Path serves to answer specific
questions about the impact of the proposed project. Each applicant under the Readiness Path
should submit a narrative in accordance with the structure and prompts below, depending on
the type of funding requested in your application. The narrative should not exceed 3 pages
(11 point font, single spaced, 1-inch margins).
Section 1: Executive Summary (no more than 500 words)
Briefly summarize the proposed project and activities:
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• Project Title
• Summary of the project, including the applicant’s vision and mission in implementing
the project
• Proposed goals
• The proposed geographic region
Section 2: For all Readiness applications, applicants should clearly explain:
• How the proposed activities in their application will prepare the applicant organization
and/or the community to apply for and/or implement future disaster recovery funding.
• What future disaster recovery funding the applicant or the community anticipates
planning for or applying for.
Note: For long-term strategy planning proposals, it may be more appropriate to
o
provide general plans for how a cohesive regional disaster recovery strategy will
make the applicant or community more competitive for future categories of
disaster recovery funding. In contrast, for short-term proposals intended to build
capacity to apply for specific funding streams, applicants should identify their
plans with an appropriate degree of specificity that reflects the state of their
planning and strategy.
Note: If applicants intend to use Readiness funding to prepare to apply for or
o
implement future funding under this Disaster NOFO, applicants should
specifically reference any concurrent or follow-on funding requests under this
NOFO.
• How the applicant incorporated community and stakeholder engagement into the
applicant’s proposal.
Describe in detail the community and stakeholder engagement that the applicant
o
undertook. This includes but is not limited to who was engaged and how they
were engaged.
Synthesize the feedback received.
o
Explain clearly how the applicant incorporated that feedback into the project
o
plan.
In addition, depending on the type of Readiness funding requested (Strategy, Capacity, or
Pre-Development Costs), applicants should answer the following questions as applicable.
Section 3: Strategy Development [if applicable]
For Strategy Development grants, applicants should answer the following question:
• What questions will the project seek to address?
• How will the completed plan or plans prepare the applicant organization and/or the
community to apply for and/or implement future disaster recovery funding?
Section 3: Capacity Building [if applicable]
For Capacity Building grants, applicants should answer the following questions:
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• How many full-time economic development, economic recovery, and/or disaster
recovery staff are currently employed by the applicant?
• How will any new hire(s) funded by an EDA grant enhance the applicant’s capacity to
plan for, implement, and manage economic recovery projects in the future?
How does the applicant intend to deploy this additional staffing capacity? What
o
roles, responsibilities, and deliverables will they be assigned to lead / manage?
Section 3: Pre-development Costs [if applicable]
For Pre-development Cost grants, applicants should answer the following questions:
• What economic recovery needs is the future recovery project intended to address?
• What is the status of the proposed future recovery project, and how will EDA-funded
pre-development costs make the applicant more likely to successfully compete for or
implement the future recovery project?
• What economic recovery needs is the future recovery project intended to address?
• What is the projected economic impact of the proposed future funding application? In
other words, how would the proposed future project improve economic conditions
above pre-disaster levels?
• How does (or will) the future recovery project align with the local or regional recovery
strategy?
2. IMPLEMENTATION PATH - Impact and Engagement Narrative
Requirements
The Impact and Engagement Narrative for the Implementation Path serves to answer specific
questions about the impact of the proposed project. Each applicant under the Implementation
Path should submit a narrative in accordance with the structure and prompts below. The
narrative should not exceed 7 pages (11 point font, single spaced, 1-inch margins).
In their Impact and Engagement Narrative, each applicant under the Implementation Path
should focus on developing a long-term impact and engagement plan for the execution of the
proposed project and its outcomes. The plan, to be captured in the Impact and Engagement
Narrative, should demonstrate how EDA funding for the proposed project, alongside other
capital commitments and support, will not only help the target communities recover but also
improve their economic outcomes and ultimately put them on a trajectory to exceed their
previous pre-disaster baseline.
The plan should include both near-term actions that can be accomplished in the first year and a
longer-term strategy to maintain, grow, and evolve capacity to translate into regional economic
growth, engage key partners, and strengthen the region.
Specifically, the Impact and Engagement Narrative must include the following sections:
45

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Section 1: Executive Summary (no more than 500 words)
Briefly summarize the applicant’s overall vision for the proposed project and activities, including
intended outcomes:
• Project Title
• Summary of the project, including the applicant’s vision and mission in implementing
the project
• Proposed goals
• The proposed geographic region
Section 2: Disaster Impact
• Describe the economic conditions of the region prior to the disaster(s), which may
include metrics such as:
Primary sectors, industries, businesses
o
Unemployment rate
o
Labor force participation rate
o
Average wages/salaries according to sector/position
o
County GDP
o
• Outline the disaster(s) that have affected the area and how they have created
disruptions in the local or regional economy, including metrics such as:
Businesses damaged or destroyed
o
Resulting loss of employment, total jobs/positions
o
Resulting loss of wages and local/regional spending power, resulting impact on
o
overall local/regional economy (actual and projected)
Post-disaster unemployment rate
o
Projected loss of productivity/profit by sector/industry
o
Section 3: Project Impact
• Provide a detailed explanation of how the completed project will both restore some
aspect of pre-disaster economic conditions while also facilitating some amount of
economic growth in excess of the economy’s pre-disaster trajectory, e.g.,
What impacted economic sector or sectors is this project intended to
o
support?
What specific aspects of disaster-related damage and/or destruction is this
o
project intended to address? How does the project harden infrastructure
and/or make the community better prepared to withstand future disasters or
economic shocks?
How does proposed implementation project not only help the communities
o
recover but also improves the community’s economic outcomes and ultimately
puts the community on a trajectory to exceed their previous pre--disaster
economic conditions?
 What outcome metrics does the applicant propose to evaluate the
success of this intended outcome?
46

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Section 4: Engagement
• Clearly describe how the applicant incorporated community and stakeholder
engagement into the applicant’s proposal.
Describe in detail the community and stakeholder engagement that the applicant
o
undertook. This includes but is not limited to: who was engaged and how they
were engaged.
Synthesize the feedback received.
o
Explain clearly how the applicant incorporated that feedback into the project
o
plan.
Section 5: Commitments (if applicable)
 If the applicant proposes investment or policy commitments, see Appendix II for
required information to show the top 8 commitments and the necessary documentation
to document each commitment. Note: commitment letters and other documentation
(such as Form ED-900B) do not count against the 7-page maximum for this narrative.
3. INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION PATH - Overarching Narrative
Requirements
Each applicant under the Industry Transformation Path should submit an Overarching Narrative
in accordance with the structure and prompts below.
For Industry Transformation applications, each eligible coalition should focus on developing a
long-term, transformational strategy and execution plan that represents the collective vision of
the coalition for the proposed component projects. The plan, to be captured in the Overarching
Narrative, should demonstrate how EDA funding for component projects, alongside other
capital commitments and support, will fundamentally accelerate the economic trajectory of a
region adversely impacted by a disaster by establishing or accelerating the growth of an
industry.
The plan should include both near-term actions that can be accomplished in the first year and a
longer-term strategy to maintain, grow, and evolve capacity to translate into regional economic
growth, engage key partners, and strengthen the region. Applicants should outline their
coalition’s plan for overall management and governance, including effective cross-institutional
leadership and ensuring clear and effective decision-making and governance for the coalition.
The Lead Coalition Member should submit the Overarching Narrative, and the document should
not exceed 10 pages (11-point font, single spaced, 1-inch margins).
Specifically, the Overarching Narrative must include the following sections:
Section 1: Executive Summary (no more than 500 words)
Briefly summarize the coalition’s overall vision for the proposed projects and activities and
intended outcomes:
47

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• Project Title
• Summary of overarching plan and approach for the coalition
• Proposed goals
• The coalition’s geography
• The coalition’s members, and a short description of the role these members play in the
coalition
Section 2: Disaster Impact
• Describe the economic conditions of the region prior to the disaster(s), which may
include metrics such as:
Primary sectors, industries, businesses
o
Unemployment rate
o
Labor force participation rate
o
Average wages/salaries according to sector/position
o
County GDP
o
• Outline the disaster(s) that have affected the area and how they have created
disruptions in the local or regional economy, including metrics such as:
Businesses damaged or destroyed
o
Resulting loss of employment, total jobs/positions
o
Resulting loss of wages and local/regional spending power, resulting impact on
o
overall local/regional economy (actual and projected)
Post-disaster unemployment rate
o
Projected loss of productivity/profit by sector/industry
o
Section 3: Coalition and Stakeholders
• Identify the central leader of the project and why they are the appropriate fit to manage
this project
• Identify core stakeholders in the implementation of the project and their role in the
project
• Describe the steps that the coalition will take to organize and manage these component
projects centrally and across projects
• Describe the steps that the coalition has taken to meaningfully engage regional
stakeholders (both private and public entities) in the development and refinement of
this project. Summarize the feedback and explain how the feedback has been
incorporated in the plan
• Describe how the match, commitments, and the engagement on this proposal validate
the need and effectiveness of this proposed EDA investment
• Describe the coalition’s plan for overall management and governance, including
cross-institutional leadership and ensuring clear and effective decision-making,
accountability, and governance for the coalition
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Section 4: Proposed Projects
• Identify the impacted economic sector or sectors the component projects are intended
to support
• For each proposed component project, provide the following information:
Component project name
o
Identify the project in one of the following categories: construction or non-
o
construction
The Component Project Lead organization and other key implementing entities
o
Description of the project
o
The timeline for implementation
o
The contribution to the overall success of the project and transforms the economy of
o
the region post-disaster
Description of how it complements and reinforces other component projects
o
In detail, explain how the completed completion of the proposed component
o
projects will both restore some pre-disaster economic conditions while also
facilitating economic growth beyond the economy’s pre-disaster trajectory
 What outcome metrics does the applicant propose to evaluate the success of this
intended outcome?
Section 5: Industry Transformation Project Impacts
• Each coalition should establish a clearly structured evaluation framework demonstrating
how component projects will collectively lead to transforming the region’s economy in
the stated industry within an applicant-defined time horizon (e.g., X years)
• This information should be provided in the following table:
Intermediate Long-term
Coalition Outputs
Baseline Outcomes Outcomes Overarching Goal(s)
(1-3 years)
(3-5 years) (5-10 years)
What is the What are the key What What measurable What broader goal(s)
current deliverables measurable results clearly do the long-term
starting point resulting from results demonstrate the outcomes contribute
or baseline? Coalition activities? demonstrate coalition is achieving to?
early progress? its goal(s)?
How will the
Coalition know if the
region’s economy is
transformed?
Section 6: Investment and Policy Commitments
• Applicants should detail the investment and/or policy commitments that support their
project. Applicants must follow the format and requirements set forth in Appendix II
(Investment and Policy Commitments), including the table. The applicant should
include a total value of all commitments gathered through the Project (including those
not listed in the required table of the top 8 commitments – see Appendix II).
49

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• The applicant should compare the amount of EDA funding requested with the total value
of all commitments to generate an approximate “rate of return” from EDA’s investment.
Applicants should express the rate of return as a percentage calculated as follows:
Investment Commitments divided by EDA funding = Rate of Return
Note: do not include matching funds in the calculation of investment
commitment
For example, if the applicant sought $20M in Industry Transformation funding and
secured $100M in investment commitments, the return on investment would be 5.0
(i.e.: $100M / $20M = 5.0).
Note: all investment commitments should be supported by appropriate documentation,
including but not limited to the investment commitment template letter in Appendix II.
Applicants could choose to use Form ED-900B in lieu of the investment commitment template.
Note: commitment letters and other documentation (such as Form ED-900B) do not count
against the 10-page maximum for this narrative.
Section 7: Local or Regional Strategic Vision
At a high level, explain how the overall Industry Transformation Project reflect and align with
the economic recovery priorities and objectives identified under applicable economic
development planning, including (if appliable) a regional Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy (CEDS) or CEDS-equivalent plan. Note: in Form ED-900 for each
component project, the applicant will explain each component project’s alignment to CEDS or
CEDS-equivalent plan. If the geographic area of a project spans an area that encompasses
multiple CEDS or CEDS-equivalent plans, note how the project is consistent with a broader
multi-region strategy, which may include showing consistency with multiple CEDS.
Section 8: Feasibility
Explain how the portfolio of component projects will be able to succeed. This includes but is
not limited to describing the following (with accompanying documentation, as applicable):
• Organizational capacity (e.g., relevant staff such as grants management SME(s), project
managers, construction engineers, finance and accounting, etc.)
• Private Sector Participation (e.g., additional leveraged investment, other commitments
of project support)
• Applicant’s previous experience managing similar grant resources, implementing similar
projects, and the results.
• Realistic project completion timeline that includes relevant, measurable milestones
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[Document continues — 17 more pages]

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ED-900B

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Environmental Narrative and Applicant Certification Clause

# Revised March 2025. Please check EDA’s website before using this template to confirm that you are using the latest version. As of the date of this version, the current template can be found at the bottom of the “Programs” page at EDA.gov.

# Environmental Narrative Requirements

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires Federal agencies to assess the potential environmental impacts associated with proposed federal actions, including financial assistance. Applicants are encouraged to contact their designated Economic Development Representative or the applicable EDA Regional Environmental Officer with questions regarding this template and/or the appropriate level of documentation (please see the EDA website or the applicable Federal Funding Opportunity for contact information). Resources of available information are listed in many of the sections. If you are using a locally saved copy of this template, please check EDA’s website to confirm this is the current version.

Several issues discussed in the environmental narrative below may require consultation with other State or Federal agencies at a later date (for example, the State Historic Preservation Office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)). While EDA does not require that applicants complete such consultations before submitting an initial application, applicants should be aware that in the event their project is selected for further evaluation for funding, EDA may delegate these consultations to the applicant and expect them to be completed in an expeditious manner and prior to approval of an award.

Applicants must provide information on the following items in the environmental narrative. For any area in which the applicant asserts that an item is not applicable to a project, provide an explanation.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Beneficiaries

• Identify any existing businesses or major developments that will benefit from the proposed project, and those that will expand or locate in the area because of the project.

Proposed Construction

• As an exhibit to this Narrative, provide a topographical map of the project area and a site map (with legend and north arrow) displaying the project location and boundaries, existing and proposed project components and location of all sites and/or companies benefitting from the proposed project. The documents should be of sufficient clarity for adequate interpretation of the Applicant’s intentions.

• Describe the project construction components in detailed, quantifiable terms. Describe the project location, proposed construction activities (e.g., grading, trenching), and schedule. It is sufficient to simply reference the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) here if a PER containing this information has been submitted or will be submitted concurrently. See the mock example below for the level of specificity expected by EDA:

• The City of ______________ is proposing to construct a 30-inch (in) water line which would be constructed within an existing 50-foot City of __________ right-of-way (ROW) and measure 1,220 linear feet (lf). The project is located within Township 39N, Range 10E, Section 24 in the City of ________, _______ County, [[[State]]]. The project would be constructed over a three-month period from April June 2011. Construction of this project would entail trenching a 1 ft wide by 3 ft. deep ditch and installing the 30-in. pipe within the existing ROW. Total land disturbance will be 2.1 acres.

• The construction staging area would be located entirely within the existing ROW. Minor maintenance would occur during the operation of the waterline, but would not entail any ground disturbing activities.

Need and Purpose

Provide a brief summary of the underlying need and purpose of the proposal for EDA funding.

Alternatives to the Proposed Project

• Based in the Need and Purpose summary above, provide a detailed description of alternative actions that were considered during the project planning but were not selected (e.g., alternative locations, designs, scopes, other projects having similar benefits, and a “no project” alternative). Explain why this project/site was selected as the preferred alternative. Provide detail on why other alternatives were rejected (e.g., did not meet the purpose and need of the project, implicated more environmental receptors, had greater regulatory hurdles, or were at greater risk to extreme weather events than the proposed action). If the selected project would impact wetlands or floodplains, please provide a detailed description of alternatives to those proposed impacts.

HISTORIC/ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

• Identify any known historic/archeological resources within the project site(s) or area of potential effect that are either listed on the National Register of Historic Places or considered to be of local or State significance and perhaps eligible for listing on the National Register. In many states, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) maintains GIS databases of historic properties and cultural resources. Delineate an Area of Potential Effect (APE) for the project. The APE is the geographic area or areas within which a proposal may cause changes in the character or use of historic properties, which would include (but is not limited to) any new development or renovation by the beneficiary facilitated by the proposed EDA project. Discuss the potential impacts of the project on culturally significant resources and provide a determination as to whether there will be: no historical properties/cultural resources present; no historical properties/cultural resources adversely affected; or historical properties/cultural resources adversely affected.

• Note that the applicant is not required to contact the SHPO until directed to do so by EDA. If comments from the SHPO have already been received, they should be attached along with copies of the information provided to the SHPO. If you wish to initiate early consultation, please consult the website of the appropriate SHPO for instructions on required information.

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

• For the resource areas identified below, indicate the effects or impacts from proposed project activities and specify proposed measures to mitigate probable impacts.

• Effects or impacts means changes to the human environment from the proposed action or alternatives that are reasonably foreseeable and have a reasonably close causal relationship to the proposed action or alternatives, including those effects that occur at the same time and place as the proposed action or alternatives and may include effects that are later in time or farther removed in distance from the proposed action or alternatives.

• Effects include ecological (such as the effects on natural resources and on the components, structures, and functioning of affected ecosystems), aesthetic, historic, cultural, economic (such as the effects on employment), social, or health effects. Effects may also include those resulting from actions that may have both beneficial and detrimental effects, even if on balance the agency believes that the effect will be beneficial.

• Reasonably foreseeable means sufficiently likely to occur such that a person of ordinary prudence would take it into account in reaching a decision.

Affected Area

• Describe the general project area, including topography, historic land usages, unique geological features, and economic history. Provide site photographs if available. Identify native vegetation and wildlife found in the project area or its immediate vicinity. Describe the amount and type of vegetation in the project area and indicate the impact to vegetation if removed (e.g., 1.2 acres of early successional native hardwood forest). Identify any designated State and National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, or National Game Preserves located on or in the vicinity of the proposed project activities. Identify any Wilderness Areas, as designated or proposed under the Wilderness Act, or wild or scenic rivers, as designated or proposed under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, or other lands protected under state or federal law that are located on or in the vicinity of the proposed project activities.

• Please describe any effects or impacts including reasonably foreseeable effects.

Coastal Zones

• Indicate whether the project is located within a designated coastal zone subject to the Coastal Zone Management Act. Information on coastal zone boundaries is available on the NOAA’s website. Identify any shorelines, beaches, dunes, or estuaries within or adjacent to the project site(s) and explain how the proposed project is consistent with the state’s Coastal Zone Management Plan. If state concurrence is required, identify the state’s Coastal Zone Management Agency.

Wetlands

• Identify any wetlands within or adjacent to the project site(s). If available, provide an on-site wetland/waters delineation performed in accordance with the 1987 (or current version) USACE Wetland Delineation Manual, as amended. Provide any correspondence from USACE, including any jurisdictional determination or permit documents.

• Provide a determination of effects including the amount of jurisdictional waters affected by type (e.g., 1.1 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands would be impacted by the proposed project).

• If any wetlands would be impacted by the project, provide an analysis of alternatives to wetland impact in this section or in the Alternatives to the Project section above.

• Describe any mitigation plans here or in Section D below.

• Also indicate if there are any proposed overwater structures that could impact navigable waters as defined in 33 CFR part 329.

• If wetlands, streams, or navigable waters may be impacted, it is recommended that Applicants contact USACE concerning any jurisdictional waters resources.

Floodplains

• Please state whether the project is located within a mapped 100- or 500-year floodplain. Provide a FEMA floodplain map (with the map number and effective date) displaying the project location and boundaries, existing and proposed project components, and location of all sites and/or companies benefiting from the proposed project. The document should be of sufficient clarity for adequate interpretation of the applicant’s intentions.

• Floodplain maps can be viewed and printed from FEMA’s website. If FEMA floodplain maps do not exist in the project area, provide a letter from a Professional Engineer regarding the presence or absence of a 100-year floodplain.

• Describe effects to 100-year floodplains, if any.

• If any 100-year floodplains would be impacted by the project, provide an analysis of alternatives to floodplain impact in this section or in the Alternatives to the Project section above.

• Indicate whether the Applicant’s community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.

• Indicate if a critical action (e.g., emergency response facility, hospital, wastewater treatment plant) is being located within the 500-year floodplain.

Endangered Species

• Provide a list of all threatened, endangered, and candidate species located in or near the project area, including any proposed development by the beneficiary, and the immediate vicinity. Identify these species’ potential or existing habitat, and critical habitat designations in the project area. Identify the potential for impacts on these species. Critical habitat designations, lists of protected species by county, and information on effect determinations are available on the FWS website. The FWS’ web-based Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC) may also be useful for the early planning stage of a project. If an Effect Determination or Biological Assessment has been completed for any of the species listed, please provide. Attach any correspondence with FWS that exists related to their proposal. For projects with possible impacts to fisheries and marine/coastal species, provide any correspondence with NMFS.

Land Use and Zoning

• Describe the present formal zoning designation and current land use of the project site and adjacent land parcels. The areas include: the site of construction activities, adjacent areas, and areas affected by the primary beneficiaries. Land uses to be considered include, but are not limited to, industrial, commercial, residential, agriculture, recreational, woodlands, mines/quarries, and open spaces. Please indicate whether the project is located entirely within a city limit.

• Identify agriculture land parcels designated as “prime/unique agriculture lands” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Federal Farmlands Protection Act or a local equivalent. Additional information may be found at the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service website.

Solid Waste Management

• Indicate the types and quantities of solid wastes to be produced by the project facilities and primary beneficiary. Describe local solid waste collection and disposal methods and the expected useful life of the disposal facility. Indicate if recycling or resource recovery programs are currently being used or will be used in the future.

Hazardous or Toxic Substances

• Describe any toxic, hazardous, or radioactive substances that will be utilized or produced by the proposed project facilities and primary beneficiaries. Describe the manner in which these substances would be stored, used, or disposed. Complete and sign one “Applicant Certification Clause” for each co-applicant (see Appendix A). Indicate if hazardous or toxic substances have been or must be remediated prior to construction, demolition, or renovation. If a recent Phase I or Phase II Environmental Site Assessment has been performed, please provide a copy of the executive summary (a full copy may be requested at a later date).

Water Resources

• Describe surface and underground water resources at or near the proposed project site(s) and any impacts of the project to these. If groundwater will be used, is the aquifer in overdraft and /or adjudicated? If there will be discharges to surface water, is the receiving surface water body listed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Section 303(d) list of impaired waters? Is a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit required for any discharges to surface waters? Indicate if the proposed project is located within an area mapped by the EPA as sole source aquifer recharge area (maps and further information are available on EPA’s website). Describe any induced changes in local surface water runoff patterns, and the status of storm water discharge permit processes (if applicable).

Water Supply and Distribution System

• Indicate the source, quality, and supply capacity of local domestic and industrial/commercial water resources, and the amount of water that project facilities and primary beneficiaries are expected to utilize. Note whether the water that is being supplied is in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, and if not, what steps are being taken to ensure compliance.

Wastewater Collection and Treatment Facilities

• Describe the wastewater treatment facilities available for processing the additional effluent including usage by the beneficiary(s). Indicate design capacities and current loading (both daily average and peak), and adequacy in terms of degree and type of treatment required. Describe all domestic class or process wastewater or other discharges associated with the proposed project facilities and its primary beneficiaries, and the expected composition and quantities to be discharged either to a municipal system or to the local environment. Indicate all discharges that will require on-site pre-treatment. Note whether the wastewater treatment plant is in violation of the Clean Water Act, and if so, what steps are being taken to ensure compliance. If local treatment and sewer systems are or will be inadequate or overloaded, describe the steps being taken for necessary improvements and their completion dates.

Transportation (Streets, Traffic and Parking)

• Briefly describe the local street/road system serving the project site(s) and describe any new traffic patterns that may arise because of the proposed project. Indicate if land use in the vicinity, such as residential, hospital, school, or recreational, would be affected by these new traffic patterns. Indicate if any existing capacities of these transportation facilities would be exceeded as a direct or indirect result of this project implementation, particularly in terms of car and truck traffic, and what the new Level of Service designation would be.

Air Quality

• Indicate types and quantities of air emissions (including odors) to be produced by the proposed project facilities and its primary beneficiaries, and any measures proposed to mitigate adverse impacts. Indicate the impact that the project would have on greenhouse gas emissions. Is the proposed project site within an area classified as a “non-attainment” for any criteria pollutants? If so, what are those pollutants? Indicate any local topographical or meteorological conditions that hinder the dispersal of air emissions.

Noise

• Would operation of project facilities or primary beneficiaries’ facilities increase local ambient noise levels? If yes, indicate the estimated levels of increase, and the areas and sensitive receptors (e.g., residences, wildlife) to be affected.

Permits

• Identify any Federal, State, or local permits of an environmental nature needed for the project (e.g., USACE, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Coastal Zone Management/Shoreline Management, Air Quality, State Environmental Policy Act, NPDES) and the status of any such permits. Attach copies of any such permits and all associated correspondence, including the permit applications.

Public Notification/Controversy

• Provide evidence of the community’s awareness of the project, such as newspaper articles or public notification and/or public meetings, as applicable. If a formal public hearing has been held, attach a copy of the minutes. Fully describe any public controversy or objections which have been made concerning this proposed project and discuss steps taken to resolve such objections.

MITIGATION

Describe methods to be employed to reduce impacts to any and all adverse impacts identified in Section C. List all mitigation measures that would be implemented to minimize impacts to environmental resources from project implementation.

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

• The following checklist is a list of required and optional attachments to the Environmental Narrative as described in the sections above. The items listed in the optional section may be required by EDA at a later date to complete the project review and selection process, so it is recommended that you provide them now if they are currently available. While the documents listed below are the most frequently required for scoping determinations, EDA reserves the right to request additional items that are not listed below when necessary.

• Applicants are not required to contact other governmental agencies for environmental or historical resources consultation until directed by EDA, though any interagency coordination letters that may be currently available should be provided. EDA expects that all Applicants whose projects are selected for further evaluation will proceed with consultations in an expeditious manner. As such, Applicants should have the required information prepared for submission immediately upon notification of selection by EDA. If you determine prior to application that your project may affect environmental or historical resources, you may contact the appropriate Regional Environmental Officer to determine if early interagency consultation is appropriate.

• Please refer to the applicable Federal Funding Opportunity for unique requirements for each individual grant competition and a list of documents required for submittal with the application.

Checklist of Optional Environmental Documents that should be submitted with Application if available (will expedite review and selection process):

SHPO/THPO and Tribal leader comments and copy of submittals (see Section B)

Site photographs (see Section C1)

Coastal Zone consistency determination (see C2)

Wetland delineation and/or Jurisdictional Determination (see C3)

Preliminary wetland info (see C3)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers comments, Section 404 Permit, Section 10 Permit, and/or Water Quality Certification (401 approval) (see C3)

Biological Assessment and/or survey for federally protected species (see C5)

Correspondence with US Fish and Wildlife Service and/or National Marine Fisheries Service (see C5)

Natural Resources Conservation Service determination of Prime Farmland, Form AD-1006, if applicable (see C6)

Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessment (seeC8)

Sole Source Aquifer review by US Environmental Protection Agency, if applicable (see C9)

Other federal, state and local environmental permits (see C16)

Copies of public notices, public hearing minutes, etc. (see C17)

The applicant represents and certifies that it has used due diligence to determine that the description of the project site described herein is accurate with respect to the presence or absence of contamination from toxic and hazardous substances. The term “site” includes the entire scope of the project, including future phases of the project and all areas where construction will occur.

Is the site currently, or has it in the past 50 years, been used for any of the following operations or activities:

Generation of hazardous substances or waste?

______ Yes ______ No

Treatment, storage (temporary or permanent), or disposal of solid or hazardous substances or waste?

______ Yes ______ No

Storage of petroleum products?

______ Yes ______ No

Used/waste oil storage or reclamation units?

______ Yes ______ No

Research or testing laboratory?

______ Yes ______ No

Ordinance research, testing, production, use, or storage?

______ Yes ______ No

Chemical manufacturing or storage?

______ Yes ______ No

Weapons or ammunition training, use, or testing?

______ Yes ______ No

Iron works/foundry?

______ Yes ______ No

Railroad yard?

______ Yes ______ No

Industrial or manufacturing operation?

______ Yes ______ No

If any of the above operations ever occurred at the site, and if appropriate cleanup or other mitigation actions were performed in accordance with the local, State, and federal laws, please attach documentation of these actions.

Do wells draw from an underlying aquifer to provide the local domestic water supply?

______ Yes ______ No

Has a federal, State, or local regulatory authority ever conducted an environmental assessment, environmental impact statement, or a preliminary assessment/site inspection, or similar environmental surveyor inspection report at the site? If yes, please list here and attach copies of these reports or results.

______ Yes ______ No

1) _________________________________________________________________________

2) _________________________________________________________________________

3) _________________________________________________________________________

4) _________________________________________________________________________

5) _________________________________________________________________________

Have any environmental or OSHA citations or notices of violation been issued to a facility at the site? If yes, please attach copies.

______ Yes ______ No

Have any unauthorized releases of hazardous substances occurred at any facility at the site which resulted in notification of the EPA’s National Response Center?

______ Yes ______ No

Is any material containing asbestos or lead paint located at the site? If yes, please attach information concerning State and federal regulatory compliance.

______ Yes ______ No

Is there any equipment (electrical transformers, etc.) containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) on the site? If yes, please attach a description of the equipment.

______ Yes ______ No

Are there underground or above ground storage tanks on the site? If yes, please attach a detailed description, including the number of underground storage tanks on the site, whether the tanks have been inspected (or removed) and the results of such inspections.

______ Yes ______ No

Has the site been tested for radon? If yes, please attach results.

______ Yes ______ No

Have there been, or are there now any environmental investigations by federal, State or local government agencies that could affect the site in question? If yes, please attach available information.

______ Yes ______ No

The applicant acknowledges that this certification regarding hazardous substances and/or waste is a material representation of fact upon which EDA relies when making and executing an award. EDA reserves the right to terminate any award made in conjunction with the representations contained herein if, at any time during the useful life of the project, EDA becomes aware of the presence of hazardous materials or waste at the site, or that hazardous materials or waste have been inappropriately handled thereon.

Further, if it is determined at any time that the presence of hazardous materials or waste, or handling thereof, has been misrepresented, EDA may pursue other available legal remedies against the applicant.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Applicant’s Name

_________________________________________________________________________________

Name and Title of Applicant’s Authorized Representative

_________________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Applicant’s Authorized Representative Date

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SF-424

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