Solicitation of Applications for the National Technical Assistance Program, 34886-34888 [E6-9519]

Download as PDF wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES 34886 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 116 / Friday, June 16, 2006 / Notices American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition (AMTAC) and other trade associations such as the Domestic Manufacturers Committee and also by the domestic manufacturers. In 2004 and 2005 we collected data on socks as part of the counterpart for the MQ315A, ‘‘Apparel’’ survey. For copies of the latest instruction manuals and report forms in this wave go to this Web address: https:// www.census.gov/mcd/clearance. Primary users of these data are government and regulatory agencies, business firms, trade associations, and private research and consulting organizations. The FRB uses CIR data in its monthly index of industrial production as well as its annual revision to the index. The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) use the CIR data in the estimate of components of gross domestic product (GDP) and the estimate of output for productivity analysis, respectively. Many government agencies, such as the International Trade Commission, Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Energy, Federal Aviation Administration, BEA, and International Trade Administration use the data for industrial analysis, projections, and monitoring import penetration. Private business firms and organizations use the data for trend projections, market analysis, product planning, and other economic and business-oriented analysis. Since the CIR program is the sole, consistent source of information regarding specific manufactured products in the intercensal years, the absence thereof would severely hinder the Federal Government’s ability to measure and monitor important segments of the domestic economy, as well as the effect of import penetration. Affected Public: Businesses or other for profit. Frequency: Quarterly and Annually. Respondent’s Obligation: Mandatory and Voluntary. Legal Authority: Title 13, United States Code (U.S.C.), sections 61, 182, 224, and 225. OMB Desk Officer: Susan Schechter, (202) 395–5103. Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, (202) 482–0266, Department of Commerce, room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dhynek@doc.gov). Written comments and recommendations for the proposed VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:25 Jun 15, 2006 Jkt 208001 information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to Susan Schechter, OMB Desk Officer either by fax (202–395–7245) or e-mail (susan_schechter@omb.eop.gov). Dated: June 12, 2006. Madeleine Clayton, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6–9421 Filed 6–15–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–07–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Economic Development Administration [Docket No.: 060607156–6156–01] Solicitation of Applications for the National Technical Assistance Program Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce ACTION: Notice and request for applications. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is soliciting applications for FY 2006 National Technical Assistance Program (NTA Program) funding. EDA’s mission is to lead the Federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. Through its NTA Program, EDA works towards fulfilling its mission by funding research and technical assistance projects to promote competitiveness and innovation in urban and rural regions throughout the United States and its territories. By working in conjunction with its research partners, EDA will help States, local governments, and community-based organizations to achieve their highest economic potential. DATES: Applications (on Form ED–900A, Application for Investment Assistance) for funding under this notice must be received by the EDA representative listed below under ADDRESSES no later than August 1, 2006 at 5 p.m. EDT. Applications received after 5 p.m. EDT on August 1, 2006 will not be considered for funding. By September 1, 2006, EDA expects to notify the applicants selected for investment assistance. The selected applicants should expect to receive funding for their projects within thirty (30) days of EDA’s notification of selection. ADDRESSES: Applications submitted pursuant to this notice may be: 1. E-mailed to William P. Kittredge at wkittredge@eda.doc.gov; or PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2. Hand-delivered to William P. Kittredge, Senior Program Analyst, Economic Development Administration, Room 7009, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230; or 3. Mailed to William P. Kittredge, Senior Program Analyst, Economic Development Administration, Room 7009, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications by e-mail. Applicants are advised that, due to mail security measures, EDA’s receipt of mail sent via the United States Postal Service may be substantially delayed or suspended in delivery. EDA will not accept applications submitted by facsimile. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: For additional information, please contact William P. Kittredge at (202) 482–5442 or via e-mail at the address listed above. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access: The FFO announcement for this competitive solicitation is available at https://www.grants.gov and at EDA’s Internet Web site at https://www.eda.gov. Paper copies of the Form ED–900A, ‘‘Application for Investment Assistance’’ (OMB Control No. 0610– 0094), and additional information on EDA and its NTA Program may be obtained from EDA’s Internet Web site at https://www.eda.gov. Funding Availability: Funds appropriated under the Science, State, Justice, Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109– 108, 119 Stat. 2290 (2005)) (2006 Appropriations Act) are available for making awards under the NTA Program authorized by section 207 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3147), as amended (PWEDA), and 13 CFR part 306, subpart A. Approximately $700,000 is available, and shall remain available until expended, for funding awards pursuant to this request for applications. EDA anticipates publishing additional FFO announcements under the NTA Program later during this fiscal year. Statutory Authority: The authority for the NTA Program is PWEDA. On August 11, 2005, EDA published an interim final rule (70 FR 47002) to reflect the amendments made to EDA’s authorizing statute by the Economic Development Administration Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108–373, 118 Stat. 1756 (2004)). The interim final rule became effective on October 1, 2005. EDA’s public comment period for the interim final rule ran from August 11, 2005 through November 14, 2005. On December 15, 2005, EDA published a E:\FR\FM\16JNN1.SGM 16JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 116 / Friday, June 16, 2006 / Notices second interim final rule (70 FR 74193) to change provisions of the August 11, 2005 interim final rule consistent with the direction provided in the Conference Report (H.R. Conf. Rep. No. 109–272) accompanying the 2006 Appropriations Act. You may access the currently effective regulations and PWEDA on EDA’s Internet Web site at https://www.eda.gov. wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.303, Economic Development—Technical Assistance. Eligibility Requirement: Pursuant to PWEDA, eligible applicants for and eligible recipients of EDA investment assistance include a District Organization; an Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; a State; a city or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; an institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; a public or private non-profit organization or association; a private individual; or a for-profit organization. See section 3 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3122) and 13 CFR 300.3. Cost Sharing Requirement: Generally, the amount of the EDA grant may not exceed fifty (50) percent of the total cost of the project. Projects may receive an additional amount that shall not exceed thirty (30) percent, based on the relative needs of the region in which the project will be located, as determined by EDA. See section 204(a) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(1). The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development (Assistant Secretary) has the discretion to establish a maximum EDA investment rate of up to one hundred (100) percent where the project (i) merits and is not otherwise feasible without an increase to the EDA investment rate; or (ii) will be of no or only incidental benefit to the recipient. See section 204(c)(3) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(4). While cash contributions are preferred, in-kind contributions, consisting of assumptions of debt or contributions of space, equipment, and services, may provide the non-federal share of the total project cost. See section 204(b) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144). EDA will fairly evaluate all inkind contributions, which must be eligible project costs and meet applicable Federal cost principles and uniform administrative requirements. Funds from other Federal financial assistance awards are considered matching share funds only if authorized VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:25 Jun 15, 2006 Jkt 208001 by statute that allows such use, which may be determined by EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the statute. See 13 CFR 300.3. The applicant must show that the matching share is committed to the project, available as needed and not conditioned or encumbered in any way that precludes its use consistent with the requirements of EDA investment assistance. See 13 CFR 301.5. Intergovernmental Review: Applications under the NTA Program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.’’ Evaluation and Selection Procedures: To apply for an award under this request for applications, an eligible applicant must submit a completed application (Form ED–900A, Application for Investment Assistance) to EDA during the specified timeframe specified in the DATES section of this notice. Applications received after 5 p.m. EDT on August 1, 2006 will not be considered for funding. By September 1, 2006, EDA expects to notify the applicants selected for investment assistance. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by postal mail that their applications were not recommended for funding. Applications that do not meet all items required or that exceed the page limitations set forth in this competitive solicitation will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered by the review panel. Applications that meet all the requirements will be evaluated by a review panel comprised of at least three (3) EDA staff members, all of whom will be full-time Federal employees. Evaluation Criteria: The review panel will evaluate the applications and rate and rank them using the following criteria of approximate equal weight: 1. Conformance with EDA’s statutory and regulatory requirements, including the extent to which the proposed project satisfies the award requirements set out below and as provided in 13 CFR 306.2: a. Strengthens the capacity of local, State or national organizations and institutions to undertake and promote effective economic development programs targeted to regions of distress; b. Benefits distressed regions; and c. Demonstrates innovative approaches to stimulate economic development in distressed regions; 2. The degree to which an EDA investment will have strong organizational leadership, relevant project management experience and a significant commitment of human resources talent to ensure the project’s successful execution (see 13 CFR 301.8(b)); PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 34887 3. The ability of the applicant to implement the proposed project successfully (see 13 CFR 301.8); 4. The feasibility of the budget presented; and 5. The cost to the Federal Government. Selection Factors: EDA expects to fund the highest ranking applications submitted under this competitive solicitation. The Assistant Secretary is the Selecting Official and will normally follow the recommendation of the review panel. However, the Assistant Secretary may not make any selection, or he may select an application out of rank order for the following reasons: (1) A determination that the application better meets the overall objectives of sections 2 and 207 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3121 and 3147); (2) the applicant’s performance under previous awards; or (3) the availability of funding. The Department of Commerce PreAward Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements The Department of Commerce PreAward Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements, published in the Federal Register on December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389), are applicable to this competitive solicitation. This notice may be accessed by entering the Federal Register volume and page number provided in the previous sentence at the following Internet Web site: https:// gpoaccess.gov/fr/retrieve.html. Paperwork Reduction Act This request for applications contains a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the use of the Application for Investment Assistance (Form ED–900A) under control number 0610–0094. The Form ED–900A also incorporates Forms SF–424 (Application for Financial Assistance), SF–424A (Budget—NonConstruction Programs) and SF–424B (Assurances—Non-Construction Programs). Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number. Executive Order 12866 This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866, ‘‘Regulatory Planning and Review.’’ E:\FR\FM\16JNN1.SGM 16JNN1 34888 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 116 / Friday, June 16, 2006 / Notices Executive Order 13132 It has been determined that this notice does not contain ‘‘policies that have Federalism implications,’’ as that phrase is defined in Executive Order 13132, ‘‘Federalism.’’ Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–4136 or (202) 482– 3773, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Administrative Procedure Act/ Regulatory Flexibility Act Prior notice and an opportunity for public comments are not required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules concerning grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). Because notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not been prepared. Background On August 29, 2005, we received a request from Studmark S.A. to initiate a new shipper review of Studmark’s sales of certain frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador. On October 3, 2005, the Department published the notice of initiation of this new shipper antidumping duty review covering the period August 4, 2004, through July 31, 2005. See Notice of Initiation of New Shipper Antidumping Duty Review: Certain Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from Ecuador, 70 FR 57562 (October 3, 2005). We issued a questionnaire to Studmark in October 2005 and received responses in October and November 2005. We issued supplemental questionnaires in December 2005 and January 2006, and received responses to those questionnaires in the same months. In addition, we issued questionnaires to the importer of record, Colorful Butterfly Imports, LLC (Colorful Butterfly), and to Global Shrimp Imports LLC (Global Shrimp), Studmark’s U.S. customer, in December 2005 and January 2006, respectively. These companies provided responses in January 2006. From February 14 through 16, 2006, we conducted a verification of Studmark’s questionnaire responses, which included a visit to Oceanpro, S.A., an unaffiliated producer/exporter of subject merchandise that processed and packed Studmark’s subject merchandise sales to the United States and the home market under a tolling agreement. On April 3, 2006, the Department published an extension of the time period for issuing the preliminary results of this review by an additional 120 days, or until July 26, 2006, in accordance with section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), and 19 CFR 351.214(i)(2). See Notice of Extension of Time Limit for the Preliminary Results of New Shipper Review: Certain Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from Ecuador, 71 FR 16556 (April 3, 2006). On April 21, 2006, we issued an additional supplemental questionnaire to Studmark, and received Studmark’s response, dated May 1, 2006, on May 2, 2006. Dated: June 13, 2006. Benjamin Erulkar, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development and Chief Operating Officer. [FR Doc. E6–9519 Filed 6–15–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–24–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration A–331–802 Notice of Preliminary Results of New Shipper Review of the Antidumping Duty Order on Certain Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from Ecuador Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: In response to a request by Studmark S.A. (Studmark), the Department of Commerce (the Department) is conducting a new shipper review of the antidumping duty order on certain frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador for the period of review (POR) August 4, 2004, through July 31, 2005. We preliminarily determine that, during the POR, Studmark sold the subject merchandise at less than normal value. Interested parties are invited to comment on these preliminary results. If the preliminary results are adopted in our final results of administrative review, we will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to assess antidumping duties on all appropriate entries. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 16, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David J. Goldberger or Gemal Brangman, AD/CVD Operations, Office 2, Import Administration, International Trade wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES AGENCY: VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:25 Jun 15, 2006 Jkt 208001 Scope of Order The scope of this order includes certain warmwater shrimp and prawns, PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 whether frozen, wild–caught (ocean harvested) or farm–raised (produced by aquaculture), head–on or head–off, shell–on or peeled, tail–on or tail–off,1 deveined or not deveined, cooked or raw, or otherwise processed in frozen form. The frozen warmwater shrimp and prawn products included in the scope of this order, regardless of definitions in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), are products which are processed from warmwater shrimp and prawns through freezing and which are sold in any count size. The products described above may be processed from any species of warmwater shrimp and prawns. Warmwater shrimp and prawns are generally classified in, but are not limited to, the Penaeidae family. Some examples of the farmed and wild– caught warmwater species include, but are not limited to, whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannemei), banana prawn (Penaeus merguiensis), fleshy prawn (Penaeus chinensis), giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), redspotted shrimp (Penaeus brasiliensis), southern brown shrimp (Penaeus subtilis), southern pink shrimp (Penaeus notialis), southern rough shrimp (Trachypenaeus curvirostris), southern white shrimp (Penaeus schmitti), blue shrimp (Penaeus stylirostris), western white shrimp (Penaeus occidentalis), and Indian white prawn (Penaeus indicus). Frozen shrimp and prawns that are packed with marinade, spices or sauce are included in the scope of this order. In addition, food preparations, which are not ‘‘prepared meals,’’ that contain more than 20 percent by weight of shrimp or prawn are also included in the scope of this order. Excluded from the scope are: 1) Breaded shrimp and prawns (HTS subheading 1605.20.10.20); 2) shrimp and prawns generally classified in the Pandalidae family and commonly referred to as coldwater shrimp, in any state of processing; 3) fresh shrimp and prawns whether shell–on or peeled (HTS subheading 0306.23.00.20 and 0306.23.00.40); 4) shrimp and prawns in prepared meals (HTS subheading 1605.20.05.10); 5) dried shrimp and prawns; 6) canned warmwater shrimp and prawns (HTS subheading 1605.20.10.40); 7) certain dusted shrimp; and 8) certain battered shrimp. Dusted shrimp is a shrimp–based product: 1) That is produced from fresh (or thawed–from-frozen) and peeled 1 ‘‘Tails’’ in this context means the tail fan, which includes the telson and the uropods. E:\FR\FM\16JNN1.SGM 16JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 116 (Friday, June 16, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34886-34888]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-9519]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development Administration

[Docket No.: 060607156-6156-01]


Solicitation of Applications for the National Technical 
Assistance Program

AGENCY: Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce

ACTION: Notice and request for applications.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is soliciting 
applications for FY 2006 National Technical Assistance Program (NTA 
Program) funding. EDA's mission is to lead the Federal economic 
development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, 
preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide 
economy. Through its NTA Program, EDA works towards fulfilling its 
mission by funding research and technical assistance projects to 
promote competitiveness and innovation in urban and rural regions 
throughout the United States and its territories. By working in 
conjunction with its research partners, EDA will help States, local 
governments, and community-based organizations to achieve their highest 
economic potential.

DATES: Applications (on Form ED-900A, Application for Investment 
Assistance) for funding under this notice must be received by the EDA 
representative listed below under ADDRESSES no later than August 1, 
2006 at 5 p.m. EDT. Applications received after 5 p.m. EDT on August 1, 
2006 will not be considered for funding. By September 1, 2006, EDA 
expects to notify the applicants selected for investment assistance. 
The selected applicants should expect to receive funding for their 
projects within thirty (30) days of EDA's notification of selection.

ADDRESSES: Applications submitted pursuant to this notice may be:
    1. E-mailed to William P. Kittredge at wkittredge@eda.doc.gov; or
    2. Hand-delivered to William P. Kittredge, Senior Program Analyst, 
Economic Development Administration, Room 7009, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230; or
    3. Mailed to William P. Kittredge, Senior Program Analyst, Economic 
Development Administration, Room 7009, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230.
    Applicants are encouraged to submit applications by e-mail. 
Applicants are advised that, due to mail security measures, EDA's 
receipt of mail sent via the United States Postal Service may be 
substantially delayed or suspended in delivery. EDA will not accept 
applications submitted by facsimile.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: For additional information, please contact 
William P. Kittredge at (202) 482-5442 or via e-mail at the address 
listed above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access: The FFO announcement for 
this competitive solicitation is available at https://www.grants.gov and 
at EDA's Internet Web site at https://www.eda.gov. Paper copies of the 
Form ED-900A, ``Application for Investment Assistance'' (OMB Control 
No. 0610-0094), and additional information on EDA and its NTA Program 
may be obtained from EDA's Internet Web site at https://www.eda.gov.
    Funding Availability: Funds appropriated under the Science, State, 
Justice, Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. 
L. 109-108, 119 Stat. 2290 (2005)) (2006 Appropriations Act) are 
available for making awards under the NTA Program authorized by section 
207 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 
3147), as amended (PWEDA), and 13 CFR part 306, subpart A. 
Approximately $700,000 is available, and shall remain available until 
expended, for funding awards pursuant to this request for applications. 
EDA anticipates publishing additional FFO announcements under the NTA 
Program later during this fiscal year.
    Statutory Authority: The authority for the NTA Program is PWEDA. On 
August 11, 2005, EDA published an interim final rule (70 FR 47002) to 
reflect the amendments made to EDA's authorizing statute by the 
Economic Development Administration Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. 
L. 108-373, 118 Stat. 1756 (2004)). The interim final rule became 
effective on October 1, 2005. EDA's public comment period for the 
interim final rule ran from August 11, 2005 through November 14, 2005. 
On December 15, 2005, EDA published a

[[Page 34887]]

second interim final rule (70 FR 74193) to change provisions of the 
August 11, 2005 interim final rule consistent with the direction 
provided in the Conference Report (H.R. Conf. Rep. No. 109-272) 
accompanying the 2006 Appropriations Act. You may access the currently 
effective regulations and PWEDA on EDA's Internet Web site at https://
www.eda.gov.

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.303, 
Economic Development--Technical Assistance.

    Eligibility Requirement: Pursuant to PWEDA, eligible applicants for 
and eligible recipients of EDA investment assistance include a District 
Organization; an Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; a 
State; a city or other political subdivision of a State, including a 
special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic 
or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political 
subdivisions; an institution of higher education or a consortium of 
institutions of higher education; a public or private non-profit 
organization or association; a private individual; or a for-profit 
organization. See section 3 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3122) and 13 CFR 300.3.
    Cost Sharing Requirement: Generally, the amount of the EDA grant 
may not exceed fifty (50) percent of the total cost of the project. 
Projects may receive an additional amount that shall not exceed thirty 
(30) percent, based on the relative needs of the region in which the 
project will be located, as determined by EDA. See section 204(a) of 
PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(1). The Assistant Secretary 
of Commerce for Economic Development (Assistant Secretary) has the 
discretion to establish a maximum EDA investment rate of up to one 
hundred (100) percent where the project (i) merits and is not otherwise 
feasible without an increase to the EDA investment rate; or (ii) will 
be of no or only incidental benefit to the recipient. See section 
204(c)(3) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(4).
    While cash contributions are preferred, in-kind contributions, 
consisting of assumptions of debt or contributions of space, equipment, 
and services, may provide the non-federal share of the total project 
cost. See section 204(b) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144). EDA will fairly 
evaluate all in-kind contributions, which must be eligible project 
costs and meet applicable Federal cost principles and uniform 
administrative requirements. Funds from other Federal financial 
assistance awards are considered matching share funds only if 
authorized by statute that allows such use, which may be determined by 
EDA's reasonable interpretation of the statute. See 13 CFR 300.3. The 
applicant must show that the matching share is committed to the 
project, available as needed and not conditioned or encumbered in any 
way that precludes its use consistent with the requirements of EDA 
investment assistance. See 13 CFR 301.5.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under the NTA Program are 
not subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of 
Federal Programs.''
    Evaluation and Selection Procedures: To apply for an award under 
this request for applications, an eligible applicant must submit a 
completed application (Form ED-900A, Application for Investment 
Assistance) to EDA during the specified timeframe specified in the 
DATES section of this notice. Applications received after 5 p.m. EDT on 
August 1, 2006 will not be considered for funding. By September 1, 
2006, EDA expects to notify the applicants selected for investment 
assistance. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by postal mail 
that their applications were not recommended for funding. Applications 
that do not meet all items required or that exceed the page limitations 
set forth in this competitive solicitation will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered by the review panel. Applications 
that meet all the requirements will be evaluated by a review panel 
comprised of at least three (3) EDA staff members, all of whom will be 
full-time Federal employees.
    Evaluation Criteria: The review panel will evaluate the 
applications and rate and rank them using the following criteria of 
approximate equal weight:
    1. Conformance with EDA's statutory and regulatory requirements, 
including the extent to which the proposed project satisfies the award 
requirements set out below and as provided in 13 CFR 306.2:
    a. Strengthens the capacity of local, State or national 
organizations and institutions to undertake and promote effective 
economic development programs targeted to regions of distress;
    b. Benefits distressed regions; and
    c. Demonstrates innovative approaches to stimulate economic 
development in distressed regions;
    2. The degree to which an EDA investment will have strong 
organizational leadership, relevant project management experience and a 
significant commitment of human resources talent to ensure the 
project's successful execution (see 13 CFR 301.8(b));
    3. The ability of the applicant to implement the proposed project 
successfully (see 13 CFR 301.8);
    4. The feasibility of the budget presented; and
    5. The cost to the Federal Government.
    Selection Factors: EDA expects to fund the highest ranking 
applications submitted under this competitive solicitation. The 
Assistant Secretary is the Selecting Official and will normally follow 
the recommendation of the review panel. However, the Assistant 
Secretary may not make any selection, or he may select an application 
out of rank order for the following reasons: (1) A determination that 
the application better meets the overall objectives of sections 2 and 
207 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3121 and 3147); (2) the applicant's performance 
under previous awards; or (3) the availability of funding.

The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements

    The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements, published in the Federal Register on 
December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389), are applicable to this competitive 
solicitation. This notice may be accessed by entering the Federal 
Register volume and page number provided in the previous sentence at 
the following Internet Web site: https://gpoaccess.gov/fr/retrieve.html.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This request for applications contains a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the use of the 
Application for Investment Assistance (Form ED-900A) under control 
number 0610-0094. The Form ED-900A also incorporates Forms SF-424 
(Application for Financial Assistance), SF-424A (Budget--Non-
Construction Programs) and SF-424B (Assurances--Non-Construction 
Programs). Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the PRA unless the collection of information displays a 
currently valid OMB control number.

Executive Order 12866

    This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes 
of Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review.''

[[Page 34888]]

Executive Order 13132

    It has been determined that this notice does not contain ``policies 
that have Federalism implications,'' as that phrase is defined in 
Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism.''

Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Prior notice and an opportunity for public comments are not 
required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules 
concerning grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). 
Because notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 
5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable. 
Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not been prepared.

    Dated: June 13, 2006.
Benjamin Erulkar,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development and 
Chief Operating Officer.
 [FR Doc. E6-9519 Filed 6-15-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-24-P
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