Solicitation of Applications for the Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) (Formerly Minority Business Development Center (MBDC)), 42351-42356 [E6-11947]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 143 / Wednesday, July 26, 2006 / Notices
0266, Department of Commerce, Room
6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue,
NW., Washington, DC 20230.
Written comments and
recommendations for the proposed
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notice to David Rostker, OMB Desk
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Dated: July 20, 2006.
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[FR Doc. E6–11906 Filed 7–25–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DT–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Minority Business Development
Agency
[Docket No: 00724217–6195–12]
Solicitation of Applications for the
Minority Business Enterprise Center
(MBEC) (Formerly Minority Business
Development Center (MBDC))
Minority Business
Development Agency, DOC.
ACTION: Notice.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In accordance with Executive
Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. Section
1512, the Minority Business
Development Agency (MBDA) is
soliciting competitive applications from
organizations to operate a Minority
Business Enterprise Center (MBEC)
(formerly Minority Business
Development Center). This is not a grant
program to help start a business.
Applications submitted must be to
operate a Minority Business Enterprise
Center and to provide business
consultation to eligible minority clients.
Applications that do not meet these
requirements will be rejected. The
MBEC will provide services in the
outlined geographic areas (refer to
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this Notice).
The MBEC Program requires MBEC
staff to provide standardized business
assistance services (as outlined in the
Federal Funding Opportunity
Announcement) to minority firms with
$500,000 or more in annual revenues
and/or ‘‘rapid growth-potential’’
minority businesses (‘‘Strategic Growth
Initiative’’ or ‘‘SGI’’ firms) directly; to
develop a network of strategic
partnerships; and to provide strategic
business consulting. This is a fee for
service program, therefore, the MBEC is
required to charge client fees.
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17:16 Jul 25, 2006
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These requirements will be used to
generate increased results with respect
to financing and contracts awarded to
minority-owned firms and thus, are a
key component of this program.
The MBEC Program will concentrate
on serving SGI firms capable of
generating significant employment and
long-term economic growth. The MBEC
Program shall leverage
telecommunications technology,
including the Internet, and a variety of
online computer-based resources to
dramatically increase the level of
service that the MBEC can provide to
minority-owned firms.
DATES: The closing date for receipt of
applications is September 20, 2006.
Completed applications must be
received by MBDA no later than 5 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Savings Time at the
address below for paper submission or
at https://www.Grants.gov for electronic
submission. The due date and time is
the same for electronic submissions as
it is for paper submissions. The date
that applications will be deemed to have
been submitted electronically shall be
the date and time received at
Grants.gov. Applicants should save and
print the proof of submission they
receive from Grants.gov. Applications
received after the closing date and time
will not be considered. Anticipated time
for processing is one hundred fifty (150)
days from the date of publication of this
Announcement. MBDA anticipates that
awards for the MBEC program will be
made with a start date of January 1,
2007.
Pre-Application Conference: A preapplication teleconference will be held
on August 17, 2006, in connection with
this solicitation Announcement. The
pre-application conference will be
available on MBDA’s Portal (MBDA
Portal) at https://www.mbda.gov.
Interested parties to the pre-application
conference must register at MBDA’s
Portal at least 24 hours in advance of the
event.
ADDRESSES:
(1)(a) Paper Submission—If Mailed: If
the application is mailed/shipped
overnight by the applicant or its
representative, one (1) signed original
plus two (2) copies of the application
must be submitted. Completed
application packages must be mailed to:
Office of Business Development—MBEC
Program, Office of Executive Secretariat,
HCHB, Room 5063, Minority Business
Development Agency, U.S. Department
of Commerce, 14th Street and
Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington,
DC 20230. U.S. Department of
Commerce delivery policies for Federal
Express, UPS, and DHL overnight
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Fmt 4703
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42351
services require the packages to be sent
to the address above.
(1)(b) Paper Submission—If HandDelivered: If the application is handdelivered by the applicant or his/her
representative, one (1) signed original
plus two (2) copies of the application
must be delivered to: U.S. Department
of Commerce, Minority Business
Development Agency, Office of Business
Development—MBEC Program
(extension 1940), HCHB, Room 1874,
Entrance #10, 15th Street, NW.,
Washington, DC (Between Pennsylvania
and Constitution Avenues). U.S.
Department of Commerce ‘‘handdelivery’’ policies state that Federal
Express, UPS, and DHL overnight
services submitted to the address listed
above (Entrance #10) cannot be
accepted. These policies should be
taken into consideration when utilizing
their services. MBDA will not accept
applications that are submitted by the
deadline but rejected due to
Departmental hand-delivery policies.
The applicant must adhere to these
policies in order for his/her application
to receive consideration for award.
(2) Electronic Submission: Applicants
are encouraged to submit their proposal
electronically at https://www.Grants.gov.
Electronic submissions should be made
in accordance with the instructions
available at Grants.gov (see https://
www.grants.gov/ForApplicants for
detailed information). MBDA strongly
recommends that applicants not wait
until the application deadline date to
begin the application process through
Grants.gov.
For
further information, please visit
MBDA’s Minority Business Internet
Portal at https://www.mbda.gov. Paper
applications and Standard Forms may
be obtained by contacting the MBDA
National Enterprise Center (NEC) for the
area where the Applicant is located (See
Agency Contacts section) or visiting
MBDA’s Portal at https://www.mbda.gov.
Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, and
SF–LLL can also be obtained at
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants,
or https://www.Grants.gov. Forms CD–
511 and CD–346 may be obtained at
https://www.doc.gov/forms.
Responsibility for ensuring that
applications are complete and received
BY MBDA on time is the sole
responsibility of the Applicant.
Agency Contacts:
1. Office of Business Development,
14th and Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Room 5073, Washington, DC 20230.
Contact: Efrain Gonzalez, Program
Manager at 202–482–1940.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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2. San Francisco National Enterprise
Center (SFNEC) is located at 221 Main
Street, Suite 1280, San Francisco, CA
94105. This region covers the states of
Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon,
California, Washington, Alaska and
Hawaii. Contact: Linda Marmolejo,
Regional Director, SFNEC at 415–744–
3001.
3. Dallas National Enterprise Center
(DNEC) is located at 1100 Commerce
Street, Suite 7B–23, Dallas, TX 75242.
This region covers the states of
Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana,
Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota,
Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah
and Wyoming. Contact: John Iglehart,
Regional Director, Dallas NEC at 214–
767–8001.
4. Atlanta National Enterprise Center
(ANEC) is located at 401 W. Peachtree
Street, NW., Suite 1715, Atlanta, GA
30308–3516. This region covers the
states of North Carolina, South Carolina,
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi,
and Tennessee. Contact John Iglehart
Acting Regional Director, ANEC at 404–
730–3300.
5. Chicago National Enterprise Center
(CNEC) is located at 55 E. Monroe Street
Suite 1406, Chicago, IL 60603. This
region covers the states of Ohio, Illinois,
Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana,
and Missouri. Contact Eric Dobyne,
Regional Director, CNEC at 312–353–
0182.
6. New York National Enterprise
Center (NYNEC) is located at 26 Federal
Plaza Room 3720, New York, NY 10278.
This region covers the states of Maine,
New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode
Island, Massachusetts, New York,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut,
Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West
Virginia and District of Columbia.
Contact Heyward Davenport, Regional
Director, NYNEC at 212–264–3262.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Geographic Service Areas
The MBEC will provide services in
the following geographic areas:
MBEC name
Location of MBEC
Geographic service area
Arizona MBEC ..................................................................
Inland Empire MBEC ........................................................
Phoenix, AZ ........................
Riverside, CA .....................
Nevada MBEC ..................................................................
Los Angeles MBEC ..........................................................
Northern California MBEC ................................................
Las Vegas, NV ...................
Los Angeles Metro .............
San Jose, CA .....................
Washington MBEC ...........................................................
Dallas MBEC ....................................................................
El Paso MBEC ..................................................................
Houston MBEC .................................................................
New Mexico MBEC ...........................................................
Louisiana MBEC ...............................................................
San Antonio MBEC ...........................................................
Georgia MBEC ..................................................................
North Carolina MBEC .......................................................
South Carolina MBEC ......................................................
Alabama/Mississippi MBEC ..............................................
Chicago MBEC .................................................................
Detroit MBEC ....................................................................
Cleveland MBEC ..............................................................
Indianapolis MBEC ...........................................................
St. Louis MBEC ................................................................
Manhattan MBEC .............................................................
Seattle, WA ........................
Dallas, TX ...........................
El Paso, TX ........................
Houston, TX .......................
Albuquerque, NM ...............
New Orleans, LA ................
San Antonio, TX .................
Atlanta, GA .........................
Durham, NC .......................
Columbia, SC .....................
Biloxi, MS ...........................
Chicago, IL .........................
Detroit, MI ...........................
Cleveland, OH ....................
Indianapolis, IN ..................
St. Louis, MO .....................
New York, NY ....................
Williamsburg MBEC ..........................................................
Queens MBEC ..................................................................
Pennsylvania MBEC .........................................................
New Jersey MBEC ...........................................................
DC Metro MBEC ...............................................................
Puerto Rico MBEC ...........................................................
Brooklyn, NY ......................
Jamaica, NY .......................
Philadelphia, PA .................
Newark, NJ .........................
Washington, DC .................
San Juan, PR .....................
State of Arizona.
California Counties of: Orange, Riverside, Inland Empire, San Diego and San Bernardino.
State of Nevada.
California Counties of: Los Angeles and Ventura.
California Counties of: Santa Clara, Alameda, San
Francisco, San Mateo, San Benito, Monterey, Santa
Cruz, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Contra Costa,
Mendocino, San Joaquin, Sacramento, and Marin.
State of Washington.
Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington MSA.*
El Paso MSA.*
Houston/Sugar Land/Baytown MSA.*
State of New Mexico.
State of Louisiana.
San Antonio MSA.*
State of Georgia.
State of North Carolina.
State of South Carolina.
States of Alabama & Mississippi.
State of Illinois.
State of Michigan.
State of Ohio.
State of Indiana.
State of Missouri.
New York Counties of: New York, Bronx and Westchester.
New York Counties of: Kings and Richmond.
New York Counties of: Queens, Nassau and Suffolk.
State of Pennsylvania.
State of New Jersey.
Washington, DC/Arlington/Alexandria MSA.*
Puerto Rico Islandwide.
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* Metropolitan Statistical Area, please see OMB Bulletin No. 06–01, Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on their Uses (December 5, 2005) (as corrected May 26, 2006) at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/bulletins.
Electronic Access: A link to the full
text of the Federal Funding Opportunity
(FFO) Announcement for the MBOC
Program can be found at https://
www.Grants.gov or by downloading at
https://www.mbda.gov or by contacting
the appropriate MBDA representative
identified above. The FFO contains a
full and complete description of the
MBEC program requirements. In order
to receive proper consideration,
applicants must comply with all
information and requirements contained
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in the FFO. Applicants will be able to
access, download and submit electronic
grant applications for the MBEC
Program in this announcement at
Grants.gov. MBDA strongly
recommends that applicants not wait
until the application deadline date to
begin the application process through
Grants.gov. The date that applications
will be deemed to have been submitted
electronically shall be the date and time
received at Grants.gov. Applicants
should save and print the proof of
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
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submission they receive from
Grants.gov. Applications received after
the closing date and time will not be
considered.
Funding Priorities: Preference may be
given to applications during the
selection process which address the
following MBDA funding priorities:
(a) Applicants who submit proposals
that include work activities that exceed
the minimum work requirements in this
Announcement.
(b) Applicants who submit proposals
that include performance goals that
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exceed the minimum performance goal
requirements in this Announcement.
(c) Applicants who demonstrate an
exceptional ability to identify and work
towards the elimination of barriers,
which limit the access of minority
businesses to markets and capital.
(d) Applicants who demonstrate an
exceptional ability to identify and work
with minority businesses seeking to
obtain large-scale contracts and/or
insertion into supply chains with
institutional customers.
(e) Applicants that utilize fee for
service models and those that
demonstrate an exceptional ability to
charge and collect fees from clients.
Funding Availability: The total award
period is three years. The Federal
funding share in each program year
(2007–2009) (January 1–December 31
respectively) is $7.49M. MBDA funding
availability is subject to Fiscal Year
appropriations. MBDA anticipates
funding twenty-eight (28) MBECs from
this competitive Announcement.
MBDA requires each award recipient
to provide a minimum of twenty percent
(20%) non-federal cost share.
Applicants must submit project plans
and budgets for each of the three
funding periods. Projects will be funded
for no more than one year at a time.
Project proposals accepted for funding
January 1, 2007 through
December 31, 2007
Project name
Total cost
($)
Arizona MBEC .............................
Inland Empire MBEC ...................
Los Angeles MBEC ......................
Nevada MBEC .............................
Northern California MBEC ...........
Washington MBEC .......................
Dallas MBEC ................................
El Paso MBEC .............................
Houston MBEC ............................
New Mexico MBEC ......................
Louisiana MBEC ..........................
San Antonio MBEC ......................
Georgia MBEC .............................
North Carolina MBEC ..................
Alabama/Mississippi MBEC .........
South Carolina MBEC ..................
Chicago MBEC ............................
Detroit MBEC ...............................
Indianapolis MBEC ......................
St. Louis MBEC ...........................
Cleveland MBEC ..........................
Manhattan MBEC .........................
New Jersey MBEC .......................
Pennsylvania MBEC ....................
Queens MBEC .............................
Puerto Rico MBEC .......................
Washington Metro MBEC ............
Williamsburg MBEC .....................
343,900
406,500
437,500
281,300
375,000
312,500
390,839
262,500
375,000
312,500
375,000
320,639
300,799
300,799
300,799
300,799
375,000
349,800
250,000
300,000
300,000
343,900
343,900
343,900
343,900
300,799
343,900
375,000
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Authority: Executive Order 11625 and 15
U.S.C. 1512.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA): 11.800 Minority
Business Enterprise Center Program
(formerly Minority Business
Development Center (MBDC) Program).
Eligibility: For-profit entities
(including sole-proprietorships,
partnerships, and corporations), and
non-profit organizations, state and local
government entities, American Indian
tribes, and educational institutions are
eligible to operate MBECs. Applicants
receiving three (3) consecutive funding
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17:16 Jul 25, 2006
Jkt 208001
Federal
share
($)
January 1, 2008 through
December 31, 2008
Non-federal share
($)
(20%
min.)
Total cost
($)
68,900
81,500
87,500
56,300
75,000
62,500
78,200
52,500
75,000
62,500
75,000
64,000
60,200
60,200
60,200
60,200
75,000
69,800
50,000
60,000
60,000
68,900
68,900
68,900
68,900
60,200
68,900
75,000
343,900
406,500
437,500
281,300
375,000
312,500
390,839
262,500
375,000
312,500
375,000
320,639
300,799
300,799
300,799
300,799
375,000
349,800
250,000
300,000
300,000
343,900
343,900
343,900
343,900
300,799
343,900
375,000
275,000
325,000
350,000
225,000
300,000
250,000
312,639
210,000
300,000
250,000
300,000
256,639
240,599
240,599
240,599
240,599
300,000
280,000
200,000
240,000
240,000
275,000
275,000
275,000
275,000
240,599
275,000
300,000
Federal
share
($)
275,000
325,000
350,000
225,000
300,000
250,000
312,639
210,000
300,000
250,000
300,000
256,639
240,599
240,599
240,599
240,599
300,000
280,000
200,000
240,000
240,000
275,000
275,000
275,000
275,000
240,599
275,000
300,000
award cycles (beginning 2007 through
2015) will not be eligible to receive an
award in 2016 (and thereafter).
Program Description: In accordance
with Executive Order 11625 and 15
U.S.C. Section 1512, the Minority
Business Development Agency (MBDA)
is soliciting applications from
organizations to operate a Minority
Business Enterprise Center (MBEC)
(formerly Minority Business
Development Center). The MBEC
Program requires MBEC staff to provide
standardized business assistance
services to minority firms with $500,000
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Fmt 4703
will not compete for funding in the
subsequent second and third budget
periods. Second and third year funding
will depend upon satisfactory
performance, availability of funds to
support continuation of the project, and
consistency with Department of
Commerce and MBDA priorities.
Second and third year funding will be
granted at the sole discretion of MBDA
and the Department of Commerce.
MBDA is soliciting competitive
applications from organizations to
operate a MBEC in the designated
geographic areas. The maximum Federal
Funding Amounts for each year are
shown below.
Sfmt 4703
January 1, 2009 through
December 31, 2009
Non-federal share
($)
(20%
min.)
Total cost
($)
68,900
81,500
87,500
56,300
75,000
62,500
78,200
52,500
75,000
62,500
75,000
64,000
60,200
60,200
60,200
60,200
75,000
69,800
50,000
60,000
60,000
68,900
68,900
68,900
68,900
60,200
68,900
75,000
343,900
406,500
437,500
281,300
375,000
312,500
390,839
262,500
375,000
312,500
375,000
320,639
300,799
300,799
300,799
300,799
375,000
349,800
250,000
300,000
300,000
343,900
343,900
343,900
343,900
300,799
343,900
375,000
Federal
share
($)
275,000
325,000
350,000
225,000
300,000
250,000
312,639
210,000
300,000
250,000
300,000
256,639
240,599
240,599
240,599
240,599
300,000
280,000
200,000
240,000
240,000
275,000
275,000
275,000
275,000
240,599
275,000
300,000
Non-federal share
($)
(20%
min.)
68,900
81,500
87,500
56,300
75,000
62,500
78,200
52,500
75,000
62,500
75,000
64,000
60,200
60,200
60,200
60,200
75,000
69,800
50,000
60,000
60,000
68,900
68,900
68,900
68,900
60,200
68,900
75,000
or more in annual revenues and/or
‘‘rapid-growth potential’’ minority
businesses (‘‘Strategic Growth Initiative
or ‘‘SGI’’ firms) directly; to develop a
network of strategic partnerships; and to
provide strategic business consulting.
This is a fee for service program,
therefore, the MBEC is required to
charge client fees.
These requirements will be used to
generate increased results with respect
to financing and contracts awarded to
minority-owned firms and thus, are a
key component of this program.
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The MBEC Program will concentrate
on serving SGI firms capable of
generating significant employment and
long-term economic growth. The MBEC
program shall continue to leverage
telecommunications technology,
including the Internet, and a variety of
online/computer-based resources to
dramatically increase the level of
service that the MBEC can provide to
minority-owned firms.
The MBEC program incorporates an
entrepreneurial approach to building
market stability and improving the
quality of services delivered. This
strategy expands the reach of the MBEC
by requiring project operators to
develop and build upon strategic
alliances with public and private sector
partners, as a means of serving SGI firms
within the project’s geographic service
area. In addition, MBDA will establish
specialized business consulting training
programs to support the MBEC client
assistance services. These MBEC
training programs are designed
specifically to foster growth assistance
to its clients. The MBEC will also
encourage increased collaboration and
client/non-client referrals among the
MBDA-sponsored networks. This will
provide a comprehensive approach to
serving the emerging sector of the
minority business community. The
MBEC will operate through the use of
trained professional business
consultants who will assist minority
entrepreneurs through direct client
engagements. Entrepreneurs eligible for
assistance under the MBEC Program are
African Americans, Puerto Ricans,
Spanish-speaking Americans, Aleuts,
Asian and Pacific Islander Americans,
Asian Indians, Native Americans,
Eskimos and Hasidic Jews.
As part of its strategy for continuous
improvement, the MBEC shall expand
its delivery capacity to all minority
firms (as defined in the FFO), with
greater emphasis on SGI firms capable
of impacting economic growth and
employment. MBDA wants to ensure
that MBEC clients are receiving a
consistent level of service throughout its
funded network. To that end, MBDA
will require MBEC consultants to attend
training course(s) designed to achieve
standardized services and quality
expectations.
Further programmatic information
can be found in the FFO.
Match Requirements: Cost sharing of
at least 20% for year 1, 2 and 3 is
required. Cost sharing is the portion of
the project cost not borne by the Federal
Government. Applicants must meet this
requirement in (1) cash contributions;
(2) non-cash applicant contributions;
and/or (3) third party in-kind
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Jkt 208001
contributions. Bonus points will be
awarded for cost sharing exceeding 20
percent that is applied on the following
scale: More than 20%—less than 25%—
1 point; 25% or more-less than 30%—
2 points; 30% or more-less than 35%—
3 points; 35% or more-less than 40%—
4 points; and, 40% or more—5 points.
Applicants must provide a detailed
explanation of how the cost-sharing
requirement will be met. The MBEC
must charge client fees for services
rendered. Client fees shall be used
towards meeting cost share
requirements. Client fees applied
directly to the award’s cost sharing
requirement must be used in
furtherance of the program objectives.
Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be
evaluated and applicants will be
selected based on the following criteria.
An application must receive at least
70% of the total points available for
each evaluation criterion, in order for
the application to be considered for
funding. The maximum total of points
that can be earned is 105 including
bonus points for related non-federal cost
sharing, except when oral presentations
are made by applicants. If oral
presentations are made (see paragraph 5
below), the maximum total of points
that can be earned is 115.
1. Applicant Capability (40 points).
The applicant’s proposal will be
evaluated with respect to the applicant
firm’s experience and expertise in
providing the work requirements listed.
Specifically, the proposals will be
evaluated as follows:
• MBE Community—experience in
and knowledge of the minority business
sector and strategies for enhancing its
growth and expansion; particular
emphasis shall be on expanding SGI
firms (4 points);
• Business Consulting—experience in
and knowledge of business consulting of
SGI firms (5 points);
• Financing—experience in and
knowledge of the preparation and
formulation of successful financial
transactions (5 points);
• Procurements and Contracting—
experience in and knowledge of the
public and private sector contracting
opportunities for minority businesses,
as well as demonstrated expertise in
assisting MBEs into supply chains (5
points);
• Financing Networks—resources and
professional relationships within the
corporate, banking and investment
community that may be beneficial to
minority-owned firms (5 points);
• Establishment of a Self-Sustainable
Service Model—summary plan to
establish a self-sustainable model for
continued services to the MBE
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community beyond the MBDA funding
cycle (3 points);
• MBE Advocacy—experience and
expertise in advocating on behalf of
minority businesses, both as to specific
transactions in which a minority
business seeks to engage, and as to
broad market advocacy for the benefit of
the minority community at large (3
points); and
• Key Staff—assessment of the
qualifications, experience and proposed
role of staff who will operate the MBEC.
In particular, an assessment will be
made to determine whether proposed
key staff possesses the expertise in
utilizing information systems and the
ability to successfully deliver services
(10 points).
2. Resources (20 points). The
applicant’s proposal will be evaluated
according to the following criteria:
• Resources—discuss those resources
(not included as part of the cost-sharing
arrangement) that will be used,
including (but not limited to) existing
prior and/or current data lists that will
serve in fostering immediate success for
the MBEC (8 points);
• Location—Applicant must indicate
if it shall establish a location for the
Center that is separate and apart from
any existing offices in the geographic
service area (2 points);
• Partners—discuss how you plan to
establish and maintain the network of
five (5) Strategic Partners and how these
partners will support the MBEC to meet
its performance objectives (5 points);
and
• Equipment—discuss how you plan
to accomplish the computer hardware
and software requirements (5 points).
3. Techniques and Methodologies (20
points). The applicant’s proposal will be
evaluated as follows:
• Performance Measures—relate each
performance measure to the financial,
information and market resources
available in the geographic service area
to the applicant (including existing
client list) and how the goals will be
met (marketing plan). Specific attention
should be placed on matching
performance outcomes (as described
under ‘‘Geographic Service Areas and
Performance Goals’’ of the FFO) with
client service (billable) hours. The
applicant should consider existing
market conditions and its strategy to
achieve the goal (10 points);
• Plan of Action—provide specific
detail on how the applicant will start
operations. The MBEC shall have thirty
(30) days to become fully operational
after an award is made. Fully
operational means that all staff are
hired, all signs are up, all items of
furniture and equipment are in place
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and operational, all necessary forms are
developed (e.g., client engagement
letters, other standard correspondence,
etc.), and the center is ready to open its
doors to the public (5 points); and,
• Work Requirement Execution
Plan—The applicant will be evaluated
on how effectively and efficiently all
staff time will be used to achieve the
work requirements (5 points).
4. Proposed Budget and Supporting
Budget Narrative (20 points). The
applicant’s proposal will be evaluated
on the following sub-criteria:
• Reasonableness, allowability and
allocability of costs. All of the proposed
expenditures must be discussed and the
budget line item narrative must match
the proposed budget. Fringe benefits
and other percentage item calculations
must match the proposed line item on
the budget. (5 points);
• Proposed cost sharing of 20% is
required. The non-Federal share must be
adequately documented, including how
client fees will be used to meet the costshare (5 points); and,
• Performance Based Budget. Discuss
how the budget is related to the
accomplishment of the work
requirements and the performance
measures. Provide a budget narrative
that clearly shows the connections (10
points).
Proposals with cost sharing which
exceeds 20% will be awarded bonus
points on the following scale: more than
20%—less than 25%—1 point; 25% or
more-less than 30%—2 points; 30% or
more-less than 35%—3 points; 35% or
more-less than 40%—4 points; and 40%
or more—5 points.
5. Oral Presentation—Optional (10
points). Oral presentations are held only
when determined by MBDA. When the
merit review by the panel results in
applications scoring 70% or more of the
available points for each criterion,
MBDA may request all those applicants
to develop and provide an oral
presentation. This presentation will be
used to establish a final evaluation and
rating.
The applicant’s presentation will be
evaluated on the following sub-criteria:
(a) The extent to which the
presentation demonstrates how the
applicant will effectively and efficiently
assist MBDA in the accomplishment of
its mission (2 points);
(b) The extent to which the
presentation demonstrates business
operating priorities designed to manage
a successful MBEC (2 points);
(c) The extent to which the
presentation demonstrates a
management philosophy that achieves
an effective balance between
micromanagement and complete
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autonomy for its Project Director (2
points);
(d) The extent to which the
presentation demonstrates robust search
criteria for the identification of a Project
Director (1 point);
(e) The extent to which the
presentation demonstrates effective
employee recruitment and retention
policies and procedures (1 point); and,
(f) The extent to which the
presentation demonstrates a competitive
and innovative approach to exceeding
performance requirements (2 points).
Review and Selection Process
1. Initial Screening. Prior to the
formal paneling process, each
application will receive an initial
screening to ensure that all required
forms, signatures and documentation
are present.
2. Panel Review. Each application will
receive an independent, objective
review by a panel qualified to evaluate
the applications submitted. MBDA
anticipates that the review panel will be
made up of at least three independent
reviewers (all Federal employees) who
will review all applications based on the
above evaluation criteria. Each reviewer
will evaluate and provide a score for
each proposal. In order for an
application to be considered for
funding, it shall need to achieve 70% of
the available points for each criterion.
Failure to achieve these results will
automatically deem the application as
unsuccessful.
3. Oral Presentation—Optional. When
the merit review by the panel results in
applications scoring 70% or more of the
available points for each criterion,
MBDA may request all those applicants
to develop and provide an oral
presentation. The applicants may
receive up to 10 additional points based
on the presentation and content
presented. If a formal presentation is
requested, the applicants will receive a
formal communication (via standard
mail, e-mail or fax) from MBDA
indicating the time and date for the
presentation. In person presentations
are not mandatory but are encouraged;
telephonic presentations are acceptable.
Applicants will be asked to submit a
power point presentation (or equivalent)
to MBDA that addresses the oral
presentation criteria (see above,
Evaluation Criteria, item 5. Oral
Presentation—Optional). This
presentation must be submitted at least
24 hours before the scheduled date and
time of the presentation. The
presentation will be made to the
National Director (or his/her designee)
and/or up to three senior MBDA staff
who did not serve on the merit
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42355
evaluation panel. The oral panel
members may ask follow-up questions
after the presentation. MBDA will
provide the teleconference dial-in
number and pass code. Each finalist will
present to MBDA staff only; other
applicants are not permitted to listen
(and/or watch).
All costs pertaining to this
presentation shall be borne by the
applicant. MBEC award funds may not
be used as a reimbursement for this
presentation. MBDA will not accept any
requests or petitions for reimbursement.
The oral panel members shall score
each presentation in accordance with
the oral presentation criteria. An
average score shall be compiled and
added to the original score of the panel
review.
4. Final Recommendation. The
National Director of MBDA makes the
final recommendation to the
Department of Commerce Grants Officer
regarding the funding of applications,
taking into account the selection criteria
as outlined in this Announcement and
the following:
(a) The evaluations and rankings of
the independent review panel and the
evaluation(s) of the oral presentations, if
applicable;
(b) Funding priorities. The National
Director (or his/her designee) reserves
the right to conduct a site visit (subject
to the availability of funding) to
applicant organizations receiving at
least 70% of the total points available
for each evaluation criterion, in order to
make a better assessment of the
organization’s capability to achieve the
funding priorities; and,
(c) The availability of funding.
Intergovernmental Review:
Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372,
‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.’’
Limitation of Liability: Applicants are
hereby given notice that funds have not
yet been appropriated for this program
for Fiscal Year 2007. In no event will
MBDA or the Department of Commerce
be responsible for proposal preparation
costs if this program fails to receive
funding or is cancelled because of other
agency priorities. Publication of this
announcement does not oblige MBDA or
the Department of Commerce to award
any specific project or to obligate any
available funds.
Universal Identifier: Applicants
should be aware that they will be
required to provide a Dun and
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering
system (DUNS) number during the
application process. See the June 27,
2003 (68 FR 38402) Federal Register
notice for additional information.
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Organizations can receive a DUNS
number at no cost by calling the
dedicated toll-free DUNS Number
request line at 1–866–705–5711 or by
accessing the Grants.gov Web site at
https://www.Grants.gov.
Department of Commerce Pre-Award
Notification Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements: The
Department of Commerce Pre-Award
Notification Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements contained
in the Federal Register notice of
December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389) are
applicable to this solicitation.
Paperwork Reduction Act: This
document contains collection-ofinformation requirements subject to the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The
use of standard forms 424, 424A, 424B,
SF–LLL, and CD–346 have been
approved by OMB under the respective
control numbers 0348–0043, 0348–0044,
0348–0040, 0348–0046, and 0605–0001.
Notwithstanding any other provisions
of law, no person is required to respond
to, nor shall any person be subject to a
penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection displays a currently valid
OMB control number.
Executive Order 12866: This notice
has been determined to be not
significant for purposes of E.O. 12866.
Administrative Procedure Act/
Regulatory Flexibility Act: Prior notice
for an opportunity for public comment
are not required by the Administrative
Procedure Act for rules concerning
public property, loans, grant, benefits
and contracts (5 U.S.C. 533(a)(2)).
Because notice and opportunity for
comment are not required pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 533 or any other law, the
analytical requirements of the regulatory
flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are
inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory
flexibility analysis is not required and
has not been prepared.
Dated: July 21, 2006.
Ronald N. Langston,
National Director, Minority Business
Development Agency.
[FR Doc. E6–11947 Filed 7–25–06; 8:45 am]
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
BILLING CODE 3510–21–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Proposed Information Collection;
Comment Request; Information for
Share Transfer in the Wreckfish
Fishery
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Department of
Commerce, as part of its continuing
effort to reduce paperwork and
respondent burden, invites the general
public and other Federal agencies to
take this opportunity to comment on
proposed and/or continuing information
collections, as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
DATES: Written comments must be
submitted on or before September 25,
2006.
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments
to Diana Hynek, Departmental
Paperwork Clearance Officer,
Department of Commerce, Room 6625,
14th and Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20230 (or via the
Internet at dHynek@doc.gov).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection
instrument and instructions should be
directed to Jason Rueter, (727) 824–5350
or jason.rueter@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
The National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS) Southeast Region manages the
wreckfish fishery of the Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) in or from the
South Atlantic under the Fishery
Management Plan for Snapper/Grouper
(FMP). The South Atlantic Fishery
Management Council prepared the FMP
pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation & Management
Act. The regulations implementing the
FMPs are at 50 CFR part 622.
The recordkeeping and reporting
requirements at 50 CFR part 622 form
the basis for this collection of
information. NMFS Southeast Region
requests information from participating
wreckfish participants. This
information, upon receipt, results in an
increasingly more efficient and accurate
database for management and
monitoring of the wreckfish fishery in or
from the South Atlantic EEZ.
II. Method of Collection
Paper applications, electronic reports,
and telephone calls are required from
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participants, and methods of submittal
include Internet and facsimile
transmission of paper forms.
III. Data
OMB Number: 0648–0262.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Regular submission.
Affected Public: Not-for-profit
institutions; and business or other forprofit organizations.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 4.
Estimated Time per Response: 15
minutes per transfer.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 1.
Estimated Total Annual Cost to
Public: $161.
IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether
the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance
of the functions of the agency, including
whether the information shall have
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden
(including hours and cost) of the
proposed collection of information; (c)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on respondents, including through the
use of automated collection techniques
or other forms of information
technology.
Comments submitted in response to
this notice will be summarized and/or
included in the request for OMB
approval of this information collection;
they also will become a matter of public
record.
Dated: July 20, 2006.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief
Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E6–11902 Filed 7–25–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary of Defense
Renewal of Department of Defense
Federal Advisory Committees
DoD.
Notice.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: Under the provisions of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act of
1972, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix),
the Department of Defense gives notice
that the Amputee Patient Care Program
Board, which is determined to be in the
public interest, is hereby renewed on
July 6, 2006. This committee provides
E:\FR\FM\26JYN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 143 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42351-42356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11947]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Minority Business Development Agency
[Docket No: 00724217-6195-12]
Solicitation of Applications for the Minority Business Enterprise
Center (MBEC) (Formerly Minority Business Development Center (MBDC))
AGENCY: Minority Business Development Agency, DOC.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with Executive Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. Section
1512, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting
competitive applications from organizations to operate a Minority
Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) (formerly Minority Business
Development Center). This is not a grant program to help start a
business. Applications submitted must be to operate a Minority Business
Enterprise Center and to provide business consultation to eligible
minority clients. Applications that do not meet these requirements will
be rejected. The MBEC will provide services in the outlined geographic
areas (refer to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this Notice).
The MBEC Program requires MBEC staff to provide standardized
business assistance services (as outlined in the Federal Funding
Opportunity Announcement) to minority firms with $500,000 or more in
annual revenues and/or ``rapid growth-potential'' minority businesses
(``Strategic Growth Initiative'' or ``SGI'' firms) directly; to develop
a network of strategic partnerships; and to provide strategic business
consulting. This is a fee for service program, therefore, the MBEC is
required to charge client fees.
These requirements will be used to generate increased results with
respect to financing and contracts awarded to minority-owned firms and
thus, are a key component of this program.
The MBEC Program will concentrate on serving SGI firms capable of
generating significant employment and long-term economic growth. The
MBEC Program shall leverage telecommunications technology, including
the Internet, and a variety of online computer-based resources to
dramatically increase the level of service that the MBEC can provide to
minority-owned firms.
DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications is September 20,
2006. Completed applications must be received by MBDA no later than 5
p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time at the address below for paper
submission or at https://www.Grants.gov for electronic submission. The
due date and time is the same for electronic submissions as it is for
paper submissions. The date that applications will be deemed to have
been submitted electronically shall be the date and time received at
Grants.gov. Applicants should save and print the proof of submission
they receive from Grants.gov. Applications received after the closing
date and time will not be considered. Anticipated time for processing
is one hundred fifty (150) days from the date of publication of this
Announcement. MBDA anticipates that awards for the MBEC program will be
made with a start date of January 1, 2007.
Pre-Application Conference: A pre-application teleconference will
be held on August 17, 2006, in connection with this solicitation
Announcement. The pre-application conference will be available on
MBDA's Portal (MBDA Portal) at https://www.mbda.gov. Interested parties
to the pre-application conference must register at MBDA's Portal at
least 24 hours in advance of the event.
ADDRESSES:
(1)(a) Paper Submission--If Mailed: If the application is mailed/
shipped overnight by the applicant or its representative, one (1)
signed original plus two (2) copies of the application must be
submitted. Completed application packages must be mailed to: Office of
Business Development--MBEC Program, Office of Executive Secretariat,
HCHB, Room 5063, Minority Business Development Agency, U.S. Department
of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC
20230. U.S. Department of Commerce delivery policies for Federal
Express, UPS, and DHL overnight services require the packages to be
sent to the address above.
(1)(b) Paper Submission--If Hand-Delivered: If the application is
hand-delivered by the applicant or his/her representative, one (1)
signed original plus two (2) copies of the application must be
delivered to: U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business
Development Agency, Office of Business Development--MBEC Program
(extension 1940), HCHB, Room 1874, Entrance 10, 15th Street,
NW., Washington, DC (Between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues).
U.S. Department of Commerce ``hand-delivery'' policies state that
Federal Express, UPS, and DHL overnight services submitted to the
address listed above (Entrance 10) cannot be accepted. These
policies should be taken into consideration when utilizing their
services. MBDA will not accept applications that are submitted by the
deadline but rejected due to Departmental hand-delivery policies. The
applicant must adhere to these policies in order for his/her
application to receive consideration for award.
(2) Electronic Submission: Applicants are encouraged to submit
their proposal electronically at https://www.Grants.gov. Electronic
submissions should be made in accordance with the instructions
available at Grants.gov (see https://www.grants.gov/ForApplicants for
detailed information). MBDA strongly recommends that applicants not
wait until the application deadline date to begin the application
process through Grants.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, please visit
MBDA's Minority Business Internet Portal at https://www.mbda.gov. Paper
applications and Standard Forms may be obtained by contacting the MBDA
National Enterprise Center (NEC) for the area where the Applicant is
located (See Agency Contacts section) or visiting MBDA's Portal at
https://www.mbda.gov. Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, and SF-LLL can
also be obtained at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants, or https://
www.Grants.gov. Forms CD-511 and CD-346 may be obtained at https://
www.doc.gov/forms.
Responsibility for ensuring that applications are complete and
received BY MBDA on time is the sole responsibility of the Applicant.
Agency Contacts:
1. Office of Business Development, 14th and Constitution Avenue,
NW., Room 5073, Washington, DC 20230. Contact: Efrain Gonzalez, Program
Manager at 202-482-1940.
[[Page 42352]]
2. San Francisco National Enterprise Center (SFNEC) is located at
221 Main Street, Suite 1280, San Francisco, CA 94105. This region
covers the states of Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, California,
Washington, Alaska and Hawaii. Contact: Linda Marmolejo, Regional
Director, SFNEC at 415-744-3001.
3. Dallas National Enterprise Center (DNEC) is located at 1100
Commerce Street, Suite 7B-23, Dallas, TX 75242. This region covers the
states of Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, North
Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Contact: John
Iglehart, Regional Director, Dallas NEC at 214-767-8001.
4. Atlanta National Enterprise Center (ANEC) is located at 401 W.
Peachtree Street, NW., Suite 1715, Atlanta, GA 30308-3516. This region
covers the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida,
Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Contact John Iglehart Acting
Regional Director, ANEC at 404-730-3300.
5. Chicago National Enterprise Center (CNEC) is located at 55 E.
Monroe Street Suite 1406, Chicago, IL 60603. This region covers the
states of Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, and
Missouri. Contact Eric Dobyne, Regional Director, CNEC at 312-353-0182.
6. New York National Enterprise Center (NYNEC) is located at 26
Federal Plaza Room 3720, New York, NY 10278. This region covers the
states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts,
New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland,
Virginia, West Virginia and District of Columbia. Contact Heyward
Davenport, Regional Director, NYNEC at 212-264-3262.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Geographic Service Areas
The MBEC will provide services in the following geographic areas:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geographic service
MBEC name Location of MBEC area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona MBEC.................. Phoenix, AZ...... State of Arizona.
Inland Empire MBEC............ Riverside, CA.... California Counties
of: Orange,
Riverside, Inland
Empire, San Diego
and San Bernardino.
Nevada MBEC................... Las Vegas, NV.... State of Nevada.
Los Angeles MBEC.............. Los Angeles Metro California Counties
of: Los Angeles and
Ventura.
Northern California MBEC...... San Jose, CA..... California Counties
of: Santa Clara,
Alameda, San
Francisco, San
Mateo, San Benito,
Monterey, Santa
Cruz, Sonoma, Napa,
Solano, Contra
Costa, Mendocino,
San Joaquin,
Sacramento, and
Marin.
Washington MBEC............... Seattle, WA...... State of Washington.
Dallas MBEC................... Dallas, TX....... Dallas/Fort Worth/
Arlington MSA.*
El Paso MBEC.................. El Paso, TX...... El Paso MSA.*
Houston MBEC.................. Houston, TX...... Houston/Sugar Land/
Baytown MSA.*
New Mexico MBEC............... Albuquerque, NM.. State of New Mexico.
Louisiana MBEC................ New Orleans, LA.. State of Louisiana.
San Antonio MBEC.............. San Antonio, TX.. San Antonio MSA.*
Georgia MBEC.................. Atlanta, GA...... State of Georgia.
North Carolina MBEC........... Durham, NC....... State of North
Carolina.
South Carolina MBEC........... Columbia, SC..... State of South
Carolina.
Alabama/Mississippi MBEC...... Biloxi, MS....... States of Alabama &
Mississippi.
Chicago MBEC.................. Chicago, IL...... State of Illinois.
Detroit MBEC.................. Detroit, MI...... State of Michigan.
Cleveland MBEC................ Cleveland, OH.... State of Ohio.
Indianapolis MBEC............. Indianapolis, IN. State of Indiana.
St. Louis MBEC................ St. Louis, MO.... State of Missouri.
Manhattan MBEC................ New York, NY..... New York Counties of:
New York, Bronx and
Westchester.
Williamsburg MBEC............. Brooklyn, NY..... New York Counties of:
Kings and Richmond.
Queens MBEC................... Jamaica, NY...... New York Counties of:
Queens, Nassau and
Suffolk.
Pennsylvania MBEC............. Philadelphia, PA. State of
Pennsylvania.
New Jersey MBEC............... Newark, NJ....... State of New Jersey.
DC Metro MBEC................. Washington, DC... Washington, DC/
Arlington/Alexandria
MSA.*
Puerto Rico MBEC.............. San Juan, PR..... Puerto Rico
Islandwide.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Metropolitan Statistical Area, please see OMB Bulletin No. 06-01,
Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on their Uses
(December 5, 2005) (as corrected May 26, 2006) at https://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/bulletins.
Electronic Access: A link to the full text of the Federal Funding
Opportunity (FFO) Announcement for the MBOC Program can be found at
https://www.Grants.gov or by downloading at https://www.mbda.gov or by
contacting the appropriate MBDA representative identified above. The
FFO contains a full and complete description of the MBEC program
requirements. In order to receive proper consideration, applicants must
comply with all information and requirements contained in the FFO.
Applicants will be able to access, download and submit electronic grant
applications for the MBEC Program in this announcement at Grants.gov.
MBDA strongly recommends that applicants not wait until the application
deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov. The
date that applications will be deemed to have been submitted
electronically shall be the date and time received at Grants.gov.
Applicants should save and print the proof of submission they receive
from Grants.gov. Applications received after the closing date and time
will not be considered.
Funding Priorities: Preference may be given to applications during
the selection process which address the following MBDA funding
priorities:
(a) Applicants who submit proposals that include work activities
that exceed the minimum work requirements in this Announcement.
(b) Applicants who submit proposals that include performance goals
that
[[Page 42353]]
exceed the minimum performance goal requirements in this Announcement.
(c) Applicants who demonstrate an exceptional ability to identify
and work towards the elimination of barriers, which limit the access of
minority businesses to markets and capital.
(d) Applicants who demonstrate an exceptional ability to identify
and work with minority businesses seeking to obtain large-scale
contracts and/or insertion into supply chains with institutional
customers.
(e) Applicants that utilize fee for service models and those that
demonstrate an exceptional ability to charge and collect fees from
clients.
Funding Availability: The total award period is three years. The
Federal funding share in each program year (2007-2009) (January 1-
December 31 respectively) is $7.49M. MBDA funding availability is
subject to Fiscal Year appropriations. MBDA anticipates funding twenty-
eight (28) MBECs from this competitive Announcement.
MBDA requires each award recipient to provide a minimum of twenty
percent (20%) non-federal cost share. Applicants must submit project
plans and budgets for each of the three funding periods. Projects will
be funded for no more than one year at a time. Project proposals
accepted for funding will not compete for funding in the subsequent
second and third budget periods. Second and third year funding will
depend upon satisfactory performance, availability of funds to support
continuation of the project, and consistency with Department of
Commerce and MBDA priorities. Second and third year funding will be
granted at the sole discretion of MBDA and the Department of Commerce.
MBDA is soliciting competitive applications from organizations to
operate a MBEC in the designated geographic areas. The maximum Federal
Funding Amounts for each year are shown below.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 1, 2007 through January 1, 2008 through January 1, 2009 through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2008 December 31, 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non- Non- Non-
Project name Federal federal Federal federal Federal federal
Total share share ($) Total share share ($) Total share share ($)
cost ($) ($) (20% cost ($) ($) (20% cost ($) ($) (20%
min.) min.) min.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona MBEC......................................... 343,900 275,000 68,900 343,900 275,000 68,900 343,900 275,000 68,900
Inland Empire MBEC................................... 406,500 325,000 81,500 406,500 325,000 81,500 406,500 325,000 81,500
Los Angeles MBEC..................................... 437,500 350,000 87,500 437,500 350,000 87,500 437,500 350,000 87,500
Nevada MBEC.......................................... 281,300 225,000 56,300 281,300 225,000 56,300 281,300 225,000 56,300
Northern California MBEC............................. 375,000 300,000 75,000 375,000 300,000 75,000 375,000 300,000 75,000
Washington MBEC...................................... 312,500 250,000 62,500 312,500 250,000 62,500 312,500 250,000 62,500
Dallas MBEC.......................................... 390,839 312,639 78,200 390,839 312,639 78,200 390,839 312,639 78,200
El Paso MBEC......................................... 262,500 210,000 52,500 262,500 210,000 52,500 262,500 210,000 52,500
Houston MBEC......................................... 375,000 300,000 75,000 375,000 300,000 75,000 375,000 300,000 75,000
New Mexico MBEC...................................... 312,500 250,000 62,500 312,500 250,000 62,500 312,500 250,000 62,500
Louisiana MBEC....................................... 375,000 300,000 75,000 375,000 300,000 75,000 375,000 300,000 75,000
San Antonio MBEC..................................... 320,639 256,639 64,000 320,639 256,639 64,000 320,639 256,639 64,000
Georgia MBEC......................................... 300,799 240,599 60,200 300,799 240,599 60,200 300,799 240,599 60,200
North Carolina MBEC.................................. 300,799 240,599 60,200 300,799 240,599 60,200 300,799 240,599 60,200
Alabama/Mississippi MBEC............................. 300,799 240,599 60,200 300,799 240,599 60,200 300,799 240,599 60,200
South Carolina MBEC.................................. 300,799 240,599 60,200 300,799 240,599 60,200 300,799 240,599 60,200
Chicago MBEC......................................... 375,000 300,000 75,000 375,000 300,000 75,000 375,000 300,000 75,000
Detroit MBEC......................................... 349,800 280,000 69,800 349,800 280,000 69,800 349,800 280,000 69,800
Indianapolis MBEC.................................... 250,000 200,000 50,000 250,000 200,000 50,000 250,000 200,000 50,000
St. Louis MBEC....................................... 300,000 240,000 60,000 300,000 240,000 60,000 300,000 240,000 60,000
Cleveland MBEC....................................... 300,000 240,000 60,000 300,000 240,000 60,000 300,000 240,000 60,000
Manhattan MBEC....................................... 343,900 275,000 68,900 343,900 275,000 68,900 343,900 275,000 68,900
New Jersey MBEC...................................... 343,900 275,000 68,900 343,900 275,000 68,900 343,900 275,000 68,900
Pennsylvania MBEC.................................... 343,900 275,000 68,900 343,900 275,000 68,900 343,900 275,000 68,900
Queens MBEC.......................................... 343,900 275,000 68,900 343,900 275,000 68,900 343,900 275,000 68,900
Puerto Rico MBEC..................................... 300,799 240,599 60,200 300,799 240,599 60,200 300,799 240,599 60,200
Washington Metro MBEC................................ 343,900 275,000 68,900 343,900 275,000 68,900 343,900 275,000 68,900
Williamsburg MBEC.................................... 375,000 300,000 75,000 375,000 300,000 75,000 375,000 300,000 75,000
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Authority: Executive Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. 1512.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): 11.800 Minority
Business Enterprise Center Program (formerly Minority Business
Development Center (MBDC) Program).
Eligibility: For-profit entities (including sole-proprietorships,
partnerships, and corporations), and non-profit organizations, state
and local government entities, American Indian tribes, and educational
institutions are eligible to operate MBECs. Applicants receiving three
(3) consecutive funding award cycles (beginning 2007 through 2015) will
not be eligible to receive an award in 2016 (and thereafter).
Program Description: In accordance with Executive Order 11625 and
15 U.S.C. Section 1512, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
is soliciting applications from organizations to operate a Minority
Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) (formerly Minority Business
Development Center). The MBEC Program requires MBEC staff to provide
standardized business assistance services to minority firms with
$500,000 or more in annual revenues and/or ``rapid-growth potential''
minority businesses (``Strategic Growth Initiative or ``SGI'' firms)
directly; to develop a network of strategic partnerships; and to
provide strategic business consulting. This is a fee for service
program, therefore, the MBEC is required to charge client fees.
These requirements will be used to generate increased results with
respect to financing and contracts awarded to minority-owned firms and
thus, are a key component of this program.
[[Page 42354]]
The MBEC Program will concentrate on serving SGI firms capable of
generating significant employment and long-term economic growth. The
MBEC program shall continue to leverage telecommunications technology,
including the Internet, and a variety of online/computer-based
resources to dramatically increase the level of service that the MBEC
can provide to minority-owned firms.
The MBEC program incorporates an entrepreneurial approach to
building market stability and improving the quality of services
delivered. This strategy expands the reach of the MBEC by requiring
project operators to develop and build upon strategic alliances with
public and private sector partners, as a means of serving SGI firms
within the project's geographic service area. In addition, MBDA will
establish specialized business consulting training programs to support
the MBEC client assistance services. These MBEC training programs are
designed specifically to foster growth assistance to its clients. The
MBEC will also encourage increased collaboration and client/non-client
referrals among the MBDA-sponsored networks. This will provide a
comprehensive approach to serving the emerging sector of the minority
business community. The MBEC will operate through the use of trained
professional business consultants who will assist minority
entrepreneurs through direct client engagements. Entrepreneurs eligible
for assistance under the MBEC Program are African Americans, Puerto
Ricans, Spanish-speaking Americans, Aleuts, Asian and Pacific Islander
Americans, Asian Indians, Native Americans, Eskimos and Hasidic Jews.
As part of its strategy for continuous improvement, the MBEC shall
expand its delivery capacity to all minority firms (as defined in the
FFO), with greater emphasis on SGI firms capable of impacting economic
growth and employment. MBDA wants to ensure that MBEC clients are
receiving a consistent level of service throughout its funded network.
To that end, MBDA will require MBEC consultants to attend training
course(s) designed to achieve standardized services and quality
expectations.
Further programmatic information can be found in the FFO.
Match Requirements: Cost sharing of at least 20% for year 1, 2 and
3 is required. Cost sharing is the portion of the project cost not
borne by the Federal Government. Applicants must meet this requirement
in (1) cash contributions; (2) non-cash applicant contributions; and/or
(3) third party in-kind contributions. Bonus points will be awarded for
cost sharing exceeding 20 percent that is applied on the following
scale: More than 20%--less than 25%--1 point; 25% or more-less than
30%--2 points; 30% or more-less than 35%--3 points; 35% or more-less
than 40%--4 points; and, 40% or more--5 points. Applicants must provide
a detailed explanation of how the cost-sharing requirement will be met.
The MBEC must charge client fees for services rendered. Client fees
shall be used towards meeting cost share requirements. Client fees
applied directly to the award's cost sharing requirement must be used
in furtherance of the program objectives.
Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated and applicants
will be selected based on the following criteria. An application must
receive at least 70% of the total points available for each evaluation
criterion, in order for the application to be considered for funding.
The maximum total of points that can be earned is 105 including bonus
points for related non-federal cost sharing, except when oral
presentations are made by applicants. If oral presentations are made
(see paragraph 5 below), the maximum total of points that can be earned
is 115.
1. Applicant Capability (40 points). The applicant's proposal will
be evaluated with respect to the applicant firm's experience and
expertise in providing the work requirements listed. Specifically, the
proposals will be evaluated as follows:
MBE Community--experience in and knowledge of the minority
business sector and strategies for enhancing its growth and expansion;
particular emphasis shall be on expanding SGI firms (4 points);
Business Consulting--experience in and knowledge of
business consulting of SGI firms (5 points);
Financing--experience in and knowledge of the preparation
and formulation of successful financial transactions (5 points);
Procurements and Contracting--experience in and knowledge
of the public and private sector contracting opportunities for minority
businesses, as well as demonstrated expertise in assisting MBEs into
supply chains (5 points);
Financing Networks--resources and professional
relationships within the corporate, banking and investment community
that may be beneficial to minority-owned firms (5 points);
Establishment of a Self-Sustainable Service Model--summary
plan to establish a self-sustainable model for continued services to
the MBE community beyond the MBDA funding cycle (3 points);
MBE Advocacy--experience and expertise in advocating on
behalf of minority businesses, both as to specific transactions in
which a minority business seeks to engage, and as to broad market
advocacy for the benefit of the minority community at large (3 points);
and
Key Staff--assessment of the qualifications, experience
and proposed role of staff who will operate the MBEC. In particular, an
assessment will be made to determine whether proposed key staff
possesses the expertise in utilizing information systems and the
ability to successfully deliver services (10 points).
2. Resources (20 points). The applicant's proposal will be
evaluated according to the following criteria:
Resources--discuss those resources (not included as part
of the cost-sharing arrangement) that will be used, including (but not
limited to) existing prior and/or current data lists that will serve in
fostering immediate success for the MBEC (8 points);
Location--Applicant must indicate if it shall establish a
location for the Center that is separate and apart from any existing
offices in the geographic service area (2 points);
Partners--discuss how you plan to establish and maintain
the network of five (5) Strategic Partners and how these partners will
support the MBEC to meet its performance objectives (5 points); and
Equipment--discuss how you plan to accomplish the computer
hardware and software requirements (5 points).
3. Techniques and Methodologies (20 points). The applicant's
proposal will be evaluated as follows:
Performance Measures--relate each performance measure to
the financial, information and market resources available in the
geographic service area to the applicant (including existing client
list) and how the goals will be met (marketing plan). Specific
attention should be placed on matching performance outcomes (as
described under ``Geographic Service Areas and Performance Goals'' of
the FFO) with client service (billable) hours. The applicant should
consider existing market conditions and its strategy to achieve the
goal (10 points);
Plan of Action--provide specific detail on how the
applicant will start operations. The MBEC shall have thirty (30) days
to become fully operational after an award is made. Fully operational
means that all staff are hired, all signs are up, all items of
furniture and equipment are in place
[[Page 42355]]
and operational, all necessary forms are developed (e.g., client
engagement letters, other standard correspondence, etc.), and the
center is ready to open its doors to the public (5 points); and,
Work Requirement Execution Plan--The applicant will be
evaluated on how effectively and efficiently all staff time will be
used to achieve the work requirements (5 points).
4. Proposed Budget and Supporting Budget Narrative (20 points). The
applicant's proposal will be evaluated on the following sub-criteria:
Reasonableness, allowability and allocability of costs.
All of the proposed expenditures must be discussed and the budget line
item narrative must match the proposed budget. Fringe benefits and
other percentage item calculations must match the proposed line item on
the budget. (5 points);
Proposed cost sharing of 20% is required. The non-Federal
share must be adequately documented, including how client fees will be
used to meet the cost-share (5 points); and,
Performance Based Budget. Discuss how the budget is
related to the accomplishment of the work requirements and the
performance measures. Provide a budget narrative that clearly shows the
connections (10 points).
Proposals with cost sharing which exceeds 20% will be awarded bonus
points on the following scale: more than 20%--less than 25%--1 point;
25% or more-less than 30%--2 points; 30% or more-less than 35%--3
points; 35% or more-less than 40%--4 points; and 40% or more--5 points.
5. Oral Presentation--Optional (10 points). Oral presentations are
held only when determined by MBDA. When the merit review by the panel
results in applications scoring 70% or more of the available points for
each criterion, MBDA may request all those applicants to develop and
provide an oral presentation. This presentation will be used to
establish a final evaluation and rating.
The applicant's presentation will be evaluated on the following
sub-criteria:
(a) The extent to which the presentation demonstrates how the
applicant will effectively and efficiently assist MBDA in the
accomplishment of its mission (2 points);
(b) The extent to which the presentation demonstrates business
operating priorities designed to manage a successful MBEC (2 points);
(c) The extent to which the presentation demonstrates a management
philosophy that achieves an effective balance between micromanagement
and complete autonomy for its Project Director (2 points);
(d) The extent to which the presentation demonstrates robust search
criteria for the identification of a Project Director (1 point);
(e) The extent to which the presentation demonstrates effective
employee recruitment and retention policies and procedures (1 point);
and,
(f) The extent to which the presentation demonstrates a competitive
and innovative approach to exceeding performance requirements (2
points).
Review and Selection Process
1. Initial Screening. Prior to the formal paneling process, each
application will receive an initial screening to ensure that all
required forms, signatures and documentation are present.
2. Panel Review. Each application will receive an independent,
objective review by a panel qualified to evaluate the applications
submitted. MBDA anticipates that the review panel will be made up of at
least three independent reviewers (all Federal employees) who will
review all applications based on the above evaluation criteria. Each
reviewer will evaluate and provide a score for each proposal. In order
for an application to be considered for funding, it shall need to
achieve 70% of the available points for each criterion. Failure to
achieve these results will automatically deem the application as
unsuccessful.
3. Oral Presentation--Optional. When the merit review by the panel
results in applications scoring 70% or more of the available points for
each criterion, MBDA may request all those applicants to develop and
provide an oral presentation. The applicants may receive up to 10
additional points based on the presentation and content presented. If a
formal presentation is requested, the applicants will receive a formal
communication (via standard mail, e-mail or fax) from MBDA indicating
the time and date for the presentation. In person presentations are not
mandatory but are encouraged; telephonic presentations are acceptable.
Applicants will be asked to submit a power point presentation (or
equivalent) to MBDA that addresses the oral presentation criteria (see
above, Evaluation Criteria, item 5. Oral Presentation--Optional). This
presentation must be submitted at least 24 hours before the scheduled
date and time of the presentation. The presentation will be made to the
National Director (or his/her designee) and/or up to three senior MBDA
staff who did not serve on the merit evaluation panel. The oral panel
members may ask follow-up questions after the presentation. MBDA will
provide the teleconference dial-in number and pass code. Each finalist
will present to MBDA staff only; other applicants are not permitted to
listen (and/or watch).
All costs pertaining to this presentation shall be borne by the
applicant. MBEC award funds may not be used as a reimbursement for this
presentation. MBDA will not accept any requests or petitions for
reimbursement.
The oral panel members shall score each presentation in accordance
with the oral presentation criteria. An average score shall be compiled
and added to the original score of the panel review.
4. Final Recommendation. The National Director of MBDA makes the
final recommendation to the Department of Commerce Grants Officer
regarding the funding of applications, taking into account the
selection criteria as outlined in this Announcement and the following:
(a) The evaluations and rankings of the independent review panel
and the evaluation(s) of the oral presentations, if applicable;
(b) Funding priorities. The National Director (or his/her designee)
reserves the right to conduct a site visit (subject to the availability
of funding) to applicant organizations receiving at least 70% of the
total points available for each evaluation criterion, in order to make
a better assessment of the organization's capability to achieve the
funding priorities; and,
(c) The availability of funding.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
Limitation of Liability: Applicants are hereby given notice that
funds have not yet been appropriated for this program for Fiscal Year
2007. In no event will MBDA or the Department of Commerce be
responsible for proposal preparation costs if this program fails to
receive funding or is cancelled because of other agency priorities.
Publication of this announcement does not oblige MBDA or the Department
of Commerce to award any specific project or to obligate any available
funds.
Universal Identifier: Applicants should be aware that they will be
required to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering
system (DUNS) number during the application process. See the June 27,
2003 (68 FR 38402) Federal Register notice for additional information.
[[Page 42356]]
Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the
dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or by
accessing the Grants.gov Web site at https://www.Grants.gov.
Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements: The Department of Commerce Pre-Award
Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements
contained in the Federal Register notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR
78389) are applicable to this solicitation.
Paperwork Reduction Act: This document contains collection-of-
information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA).
The use of standard forms 424, 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 have been
approved by OMB under the respective control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-
0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-0001.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person is required
to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure
to comply with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
Executive Order 12866: This notice has been determined to be not
significant for purposes of E.O. 12866.
Administrative Procedure Act/ Regulatory Flexibility Act: Prior
notice for an opportunity for public comment are not required by the
Administrative Procedure Act for rules concerning public property,
loans, grant, benefits and contracts (5 U.S.C. 533(a)(2)). Because
notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 533 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the
regulatory flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable.
Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and has
not been prepared.
Dated: July 21, 2006.
Ronald N. Langston,
National Director, Minority Business Development Agency.
[FR Doc. E6-11947 Filed 7-25-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-21-P
