Amendment to the Solicitation of Applications for the Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) (Formerly Minority Business Development Center (MBDC)), 45773-45778 [06-6820]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 154 / Thursday, August 10, 2006 / Notices
deposit requirements, when imposed,
shall remain in effect until publication
of the final results of the next
administrative review.
Notification to Importers
This notice also serves as a
preliminary reminder to importers of
their responsibility under 19 C.F.R.
351.402(f) to file a certificate regarding
the reimbursement of antidumping
duties prior to liquidation of the
relevant entries during this review
period. Failure to comply with this
requirement could result in the
Secretary’s presumption that
reimbursement of antidumping duties
occurred and the subsequent assessment
of double antidumping duties.
We are issuing and publishing these
preliminary results of administrative
review in accordance with sections
751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act, as
well as 19 C.F.R. 351.221(b)(4) and 19
C.F.R. 351.213(d)(4).
Dated: August 2, 2006.
David M. Spooner,
Assistant Secretary for Import
Administration.
[FR Doc. E6–13038 Filed 8–9–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory
Board: Conference Call Meeting of the
U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory
Board
International Trade
Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of an open conference
call meeting.
rwilkins on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The U.S. Travel and Tourism
Advisory Board (Board) will hold an
open conference call meeting to discuss
topics related to the travel and tourism
industry. The Board was established on
October 1, 2003, and reconstituted
October 1, 2005, to advise the Secretary
of Commerce on matters relating to the
travel and tourism industry.
DATES: August 23, 2006.
Time: TBD.
For the Conference Call-In Number
and Further Information Contact: The
U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory
Board Executive Secretariat, Room 4043,
Washington, DC, 20230, telephone: 202–
482–4501, e-mail:
Marc.Chittum@mail.doc.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: J.
Marc Chittum, U.S. Travel and Tourism
Advisory Board, Room 4043, 1401
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Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington,
DC, 20230, telephone: 202–482–4501, email: Marc.Chittum@mail.doc.gov.
Dated: August 4, 2006.
J. Marc Chittum,
Executive Secretary, U.S. Travel and Tourism
Advisory Board.
[FR Doc. 06–6842 Filed 8–7–06; 3:34 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration,
North American Free-Trade Agreement
(NAFTA), Article 1904 Binational Panel
Reviews
NAFTA Secretariat, United
States Section, International Trade
Administration, Department of
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of decision of panel.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: On July 28, 2006, the
binational panel issued its decision in
the review of the final determination
made by the International Trade
Administration, respecting Oil Country
Tubular Goods from Mexico Final
Results of Sunset Review of
Antidumping Duty Order, Secretariat
File No. USA–MEX–2001–1904–03. The
binational panel remanded the
redetermination on remand to the
International Trade Administration.
Copies of the panel decision are
available from the U.S. Section of the
NAFTA Secretariat.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Caratina L. Alston, United States
Secretary, NAFTA Secretariat, Suite
2061, 14th and Constitution Avenue,
Washington, DC 20230, (202) 482–5438.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Chapter
19 of the North American Free-Trade
Agreement (‘‘Agreement’’) establishes a
mechanism to replace domestic judicial
review of the final determinations in
antidumping and countervailing duty
cases involving imports from a NAFTA
country with review by independent
binational panels. When a Request for
Panel Review is filed, a panel is
established to act in place of national
courts to review expeditiously the final
determination to determine whether it
conforms with the antidumping or
countervailing duty law of the country
that made the determination.
Under Article 1904 of the Agreement,
which came into force on January 1,
1994, the Government of the United
States, the Government of Canada and
the Government of Mexico established
Rules of Procedure for Article 1904
Binational Panel Reviews (‘‘Rules’’).
These Rules were published in the
Federal Register on February 23, 1994
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45773
(59 FR 8686). The panel review in this
matter has been conducted in
accordance with these Rules.
Panel Decision: The Panel concluded
and ordered the Department as follows:
The Department is directed to
reconsider its likelihood determination
and either issue a determination of no
likelihood or give a reasoned analysis to
support a conclusion that TAMSA’s
dumping is likely to continue or recur.
In particular, the Department is directed
to explain why TAMSA’s high financial
expense ratio is likely to recur
considering the decrease in TAMSA’s
foreign currency denominated debt
during the sunset review period as
evidenced by the actual financial
expense ratio established in the record
of this proceeding.
The Department was directed to
report the results of its remand decision
within 20 days of the date of the
opinion, or not later than August 17,
2006.
Dated: August 3, 2006.
Caratina L. Alston,
United States Secretary, NAFTA Secretariat.
[FR Doc. E6–13020 Filed 8–9–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–GT–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Minority Business Development
Agency
[Docket No: 000724217–6209–13]
Amendment to the Solicitation of
Applications for the Minority Business
Enterprise Center (MBEC) (Formerly
Minority Business Development Center
(MBDC))
Minority Business
Development Agency, DOC.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In accordance with Executive
Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. Section
1512, the Minority Business
Development Agency (MBDA) is
amending its solicitation, originally
published on July 26, 2006, for
competitive applications from
organizations to operate a Minority
Business Enterprise Center (MBEC)
(formerly Minority Business
Development Center). This amendment
separates the Alabama/Mississippi
MBEC into two geographic service areas,
creating the Mississippi MBEC and the
Alabama MBEC. The geographic service
area for the Mississippi MBEC will be
limited to the State of Mississippi only.
All programmatic requirements,
including funding levels, length of
award and competition/selection
processes, for the Mississippi MBEC
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 154 / Thursday, August 10, 2006 / Notices
will be the same as that published for
the Alabama/Mississippi MBEC in the
July 26, 2006 solicitation.
The newly created Alabama MBEC
geographic service area will service
Hurricanes Katrina and/or Rita
impacted minority-owned firms from
the State of Alabama. The Alabama
MBEC shall adhere to separate program
requirements as outlined below (please
refer to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
section of this Notice) and a newly
created Federal Funding Opportunity
(FFO) Announcement.
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 closing date for receipt of
applications for the Alabama MBEC is
September 11, 2006. The closing date
for receipt of applications for the
modified Mississippi MBEC remains as
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 of the Alabama MBEC is
approximately sixty days (60) days from
the date of publication of this
Announcement. MBDA anticipates that
awards for the Alabama MBEC program
will be made with a start date of October
1, 2006, whereas the award for the
Mississippi MBEC will remain with a
start date of January 1, 2007.
Pre-Application Conference: A preapplication teleconference will be held
for the Alabama MBEC on August 25,
2006, in connection with this
solicitation Announcement. The
Mississippi pre-application
teleconference will be held on August
17, 2006, in connection with the
original Announcement. The preapplication conference information will
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DATES:
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 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
MBEC name
Mobile, AL ..........................
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.
2. 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Background
On July 26, 2006, MBDA published a
solicitation for competitive applications
from organizations to operate a Minority
Business Enterprise Center (MBEC)
(formerly Minority Business
Development Center) (71 FR 42351).
The July 26, 2006 solicitation listed the
Alabama/Mississippi MBEC as a
combined geographic service area.
This notice amends the July 26, 2006
solicitation by separating the Alabama/
Mississippi MBEC into two geographic
service areas, creating the Mississippi
MBEC and the Alabama MBEC. The
geographic service area for the
Mississippi MBEC will be limited to the
State of Mississippi. The geographic
service area for the Alabama MBEC will
be limited to the State of Alabama.
Geographic Service Areas
The MBEC will provide services in
the following revised geographic areas:
Location of MBEC
Alabama MBEC ................................................................
begin the application process through
Grants.gov.
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Geographic service area
State of Alabama.
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 154 / Thursday, August 10, 2006 / Notices
MBEC name
Location of MBEC
Geographic service area
Mississippi MBEC (changed from Alabama/Mississippi
MBEC).
Biloxi, MS ...........................
State of Mississippi (changed from states of Alabama
and Mississippi).
Electronic Access
A link to the full text of the Federal
Funding Opportunity (FFO)
Announcements for the MBEC 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.
Mississippi MBEC (Formerly Alabama/
Mississippi MBEC)
This notice amends the July 26, 2006
solicitation by: (a) Changing the name of
the Alabama/Mississippi MBEC to the
Mississippi MBEC and (b) modifying the
geographic service area from the States
of Alabama/Mississippi to Mississippi
only. All prior programmatic
requirements, including funding levels,
length of award and competition/
selection process originally published
on July 26 2006 (71 FR 42351–42356)
remain the same.
Alabama MBEC
This amendment creates a new
geographic service area, the Alabama
MBEC, which will service Hurricanes
Katrina and/or Rita impacted minorityowned firms from the State of Alabama.
The information in this section outlines
program general and specific
requirements for the Alabama MBEC.
Funding Priorities—Alabama MBEC:
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
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.
(f) Applicants who demonstrate
special expertise in disaster assistance.
Funding Availability—Alabama
MBEC: The total award period is one (1)
year. Renewal of the award for two
additional year options is at the sole
discretion of the MBDA and the
Department of Commerce. A total of
approximately $200,000 is available in
FY 2006 for Federal assistance under
this program and it is anticipated that
$200,000 may be available for each of
the two option years in FY 2007 and FY
2008. Applicants are hereby given
notice that funds have been
appropriated for FY 2006 only. Funds
September 1, 2006 through August 31,
2007
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Project
Name
Alabama
MBEC ...
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Total cost
($)
222,500
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Federal
share
($)
200,000
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Non-federal
share ($)
(10% min.)
Optional—Year 2 September 1, 2007
through August 31, 2008
Total cost
($)
22,500
PO 00000
for FY 2007 and 2008 have not been
appropriated for this program.
Projects will be funded for no more
than one year at a time. A project
proposal accepted for funding in the
first year is not required to re-compete
in order to receive funding in optional
years two (2) and three (3). Funding for
the subsequent second and third year
will be at the sole discretion of the
MBDA and the Department of
Commerce, and provided the MBEC
achieved a ‘‘Satisfactory’’ performance
rating for the first year and ‘‘Good’’
performance rating for the second year
(as outlined below), the award recipient
will be eligible for renewed funding.
Failure to achieve the required
minimum performance rating may be
cause for project termination.
• Recommendations for second year
funding are evaluated based on a
‘‘Satisfactory’’ mid-year performance
rating and/or combination of mid-year
and cumulative third quarter
performance ‘‘Satisfactory’’ performance
rating in Year 1.
• Recommendations for third year
funding are evaluated based on a
‘‘Good’’ mid-year performance rating
and/or combination of mid-year and
cumulative third quarter performance
‘‘Good’’ performance rating in Year 2.
All funding periods are subject to the
availability of funds to support the
continuation of the project, and the
Department of Commerce’s and MBDA’s
priorities. Publication of this Notice
does not obligate MBDA or the
Department to award any specific
cooperative agreement or to obligate all
or any part of available funds.
Contingent upon the availability of
Federal funds, the cost of performance
for each of the program funding years is
estimated in the chart below. The
application must include a minimum
cost share of 10% in non-Federal
contributions.
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Federal
share
($)
Non-federal
share ($)
(10% min.)
200,000
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22,500
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Optional—Year 3 September 1, 2008
through August 31, 2009
Total cost
($)
222,500
10AUN1
Federal
share
($)
200,000
Non-federal
share ($)
(10% min.)
22,500
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 154 / Thursday, August 10, 2006 / Notices
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—Alabama
MBEC: 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 the Alabama MBEC
staff to provide standardized business
assistance services to minority firms
impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and/or
Rita or those 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. 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 Alabama MBEC Program will
concentrate on serving firms impacted
by Hurricanes Katrina and/or Rita or
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 the project operator to
develop and build upon strategic
alliances with public and private sector
partners, as a means of serving clients
within the project’s geographic service
area.
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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). 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—Alabama
MBEC: Cost sharing of at least 10% is
required. Cost sharing is the portion of
the project cost not borne by the Federal
Government. Applicants must meet this
requirement through one or more of the
following means or a combination
thereof: (1) Client fees; (2) cash
contributions; (3) non-cash applicant
contributions; and/or (4) third party inkind contributions. Bonus points will be
awarded for cost sharing exceeding 10
percent that is applied on the following
scale: more than 10%-less than 15%—
1 point; 15% or more-less than 20%—
2 points; 20% or more-less than 25%—
3 points; 25% or more-less than 30%—
4 points; and, 30% or more—5 points.
Applicants must provide a detailed
explanation of how the cost-sharing
requirement will be met. The MBEC
may charge client fees for services
rendered. Client fees, if charged, 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—Alabama MBEC:
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
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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 nonfederal 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
Hurricane Katrina and/or Rita impacted
minority companies and/or SGI firms in
the State of Alabama(4 points);
• Business Consulting—experience in
and knowledge of business consulting of
Hurricane Katrina and/or Rita impacted
minority companies and/or SGI firms in
the State of Alabama (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).
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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
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
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21:27 Aug 09, 2006
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and other percentage item calculations
must match the proposed line item on
the budget. (5 points);
• Proposed cost sharing of 10% is
required. The non-Federal share must be
adequately documented, including, if
client fees will be charged, how they
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 10% will be awarded bonus
points on the following scale: more than
10% –less than 15%—1 point; 15% or
more–less than 20%—2 points; 20% or
more–less than 25%—3 points; 25% or
more–less than 30%—4 points; and
30% 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—
Alabama MBEC:
1. Initial Screening. Prior to the
formal paneling process, each
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45777
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, email 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
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45778
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 154 / Thursday, August 10, 2006 / Notices
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—Alabama
MBEC: Applicants are hereby given
notice that funds have been
appropriated for this program for Fiscal
Year 2006 only. In no event will MBDA
or the Department of Commerce be
responsible for proposal preparation
costs if this program fails to receive
funding in FY 2007 or 2008 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.
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.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
21:34 Aug 09, 2006
Jkt 208001
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: August 10, 2006.
Ronald J. Marin,
Financial Management Officer, Minority
Business Development Agency.
[FR Doc. 06–6820 Filed 8–9–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–21–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[I.D. 080206D]
Marine Mammals; File No. 1097–1859
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that
Coral World (V.I.), Inc., 6450 Estate
Smith Bay, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands,
00802–1800, (Gertrude J. Prior,
Responsible Party) has applied in due
form for a permit to import four South
American (Patagonian) sea lions (Otaria
flavescens) for public display.
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail
comments must be received on or before
September 11, 2006.
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The application and related
documents are available for review
upon written request or by appointment
in the following office(s):
Permits, Conservation and Education
Division, Office of Protected Resources,
NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room
13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone
(301)713–2289; fax (301)427–2521; and
Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th
Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, Florida
33701; phone (727)824–5312; fax
(727)824–5309.
Written comments or requests for a
public hearing on this application
should be mailed to the Chief, Permits,
Conservation and Education Division,
F/PR1, Office of Protected Resources,
NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room
13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Those
individuals requesting a hearing should
set forth the specific reasons why a
hearing on this particular request would
be appropriate.
Comments may also be submitted by
facsimile at (301)427–2521, provided
the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy
submitted by mail and postmarked no
later than the closing date of the
comment period.
Comments may also be submitted by
e-mail. The mailbox address for
providing e-mail comments is
NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Include
in the subject line of the e-mail
comment the following document
identifier: File No. 1097–1859.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate
Swails or Jennifer Skidmore, (301)713–
2289.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
subject permit is requested under the
authority of the Marine Mammal
Protection Act of 1972, as amended
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and the
regulations governing the taking and
importing of marine mammals (50 CFR
part 216).
The applicant requests authorization
to import four male South American sea
lions from International Sea Lion Search
and Rescue, Koh Samui, Thailand to
Coral World Ocean Park in St. Thomas,
Virgin Islands. The applicant requests
this import for the purposes of public
display. The receiving facility is aware
of the public display criteria for holding
marine mammals for public display and
their obligation to demonstrate said
criteria prior to acquiring these animals.
Coral World’s programs are open to the
public on regularly scheduled basis
with access that is not limited or
restricted other than by charging for an
admission fee. Coral World offers an
educational program based on
professionally accepted standards and is
in the process of receiving an
ADDRESSES:
E:\FR\FM\10AUN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 154 (Thursday, August 10, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45773-45778]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-6820]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Minority Business Development Agency
[Docket No: 000724217-6209-13]
Amendment to the 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 amending its
solicitation, originally published on July 26, 2006, for competitive
applications from organizations to operate a Minority Business
Enterprise Center (MBEC) (formerly Minority Business Development
Center). This amendment separates the Alabama/Mississippi MBEC into two
geographic service areas, creating the Mississippi MBEC and the Alabama
MBEC. The geographic service area for the Mississippi MBEC will be
limited to the State of Mississippi only. All programmatic
requirements, including funding levels, length of award and
competition/selection processes, for the Mississippi MBEC
[[Page 45774]]
will be the same as that published for the Alabama/Mississippi MBEC in
the July 26, 2006 solicitation.
The newly created Alabama MBEC geographic service area will service
Hurricanes Katrina and/or Rita impacted minority-owned firms from the
State of Alabama. The Alabama MBEC shall adhere to separate program
requirements as outlined below (please refer to Supplementary
Information section of this Notice) and a newly created Federal Funding
Opportunity (FFO) Announcement.
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.
DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications for the Alabama
MBEC is September 11, 2006. The closing date for receipt of
applications for the modified Mississippi MBEC remains as 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
of the Alabama MBEC is approximately sixty days (60) days from the date
of publication of this Announcement. MBDA anticipates that awards for
the Alabama MBEC program will be made with a start date of October 1,
2006, whereas the award for the Mississippi MBEC will remain with a
start date of January 1, 2007.
Pre-Application Conference: A pre-application teleconference will
be held for the Alabama MBEC on August 25, 2006, in connection with
this solicitation Announcement. The Mississippi pre-application
teleconference will be held on August 17, 2006, in connection with the
original Announcement. The pre-application conference information 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.
2. 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On July 26, 2006, MBDA published a solicitation for competitive
applications from organizations to operate a Minority Business
Enterprise Center (MBEC) (formerly Minority Business Development
Center) (71 FR 42351). The July 26, 2006 solicitation listed the
Alabama/Mississippi MBEC as a combined geographic service area.
This notice amends the July 26, 2006 solicitation by separating the
Alabama/Mississippi MBEC into two geographic service areas, creating
the Mississippi MBEC and the Alabama MBEC. The geographic service area
for the Mississippi MBEC will be limited to the State of Mississippi.
The geographic service area for the Alabama MBEC will be limited to the
State of Alabama.
Geographic Service Areas
The MBEC will provide services in the following revised geographic
areas:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geographic service
MBEC name Location of MBEC area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama MBEC.................. Mobile, AL....... State of Alabama.
[[Page 45775]]
Mississippi MBEC (changed from Biloxi, MS....... State of Mississippi
Alabama/Mississippi MBEC). (changed from states
of Alabama and
Mississippi).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electronic Access
A link to the full text of the Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO)
Announcements for the MBEC 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.
Mississippi MBEC (Formerly Alabama/Mississippi MBEC)
This notice amends the July 26, 2006 solicitation by: (a) Changing
the name of the Alabama/Mississippi MBEC to the Mississippi MBEC and
(b) modifying the geographic service area from the States of Alabama/
Mississippi to Mississippi only. All prior programmatic requirements,
including funding levels, length of award and competition/selection
process originally published on July 26 2006 (71 FR 42351-42356) remain
the same.
Alabama MBEC
This amendment creates a new geographic service area, the Alabama
MBEC, which will service Hurricanes Katrina and/or Rita impacted
minority-owned firms from the State of Alabama. The information in this
section outlines program general and specific requirements for the
Alabama MBEC.
Funding Priorities--Alabama MBEC: 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 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.
(f) Applicants who demonstrate special expertise in disaster
assistance.
Funding Availability--Alabama MBEC: The total award period is one
(1) year. Renewal of the award for two additional year options is at
the sole discretion of the MBDA and the Department of Commerce. A total
of approximately $200,000 is available in FY 2006 for Federal
assistance under this program and it is anticipated that $200,000 may
be available for each of the two option years in FY 2007 and FY 2008.
Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have been appropriated
for FY 2006 only. Funds for FY 2007 and 2008 have not been appropriated
for this program.
Projects will be funded for no more than one year at a time. A
project proposal accepted for funding in the first year is not required
to re-compete in order to receive funding in optional years two (2) and
three (3). Funding for the subsequent second and third year will be at
the sole discretion of the MBDA and the Department of Commerce, and
provided the MBEC achieved a ``Satisfactory'' performance rating for
the first year and ``Good'' performance rating for the second year (as
outlined below), the award recipient will be eligible for renewed
funding. Failure to achieve the required minimum performance rating may
be cause for project termination.
Recommendations for second year funding are evaluated
based on a ``Satisfactory'' mid-year performance rating and/or
combination of mid-year and cumulative third quarter performance
``Satisfactory'' performance rating in Year 1.
Recommendations for third year funding are evaluated based
on a ``Good'' mid-year performance rating and/or combination of mid-
year and cumulative third quarter performance ``Good'' performance
rating in Year 2.
All funding periods are subject to the availability of funds to
support the continuation of the project, and the Department of
Commerce's and MBDA's priorities. Publication of this Notice does not
obligate MBDA or the Department to award any specific cooperative
agreement or to obligate all or any part of available funds.
Contingent upon the availability of Federal funds, the cost of
performance for each of the program funding years is estimated in the
chart below. The application must include a minimum cost share of 10%
in non-Federal contributions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 1, 2006 through August 31, Optional--Year 2 September 1, 2007 Optional--Year 3 September 1, 2008
2007 through August 31, 2008 through August 31, 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Name Non-federal Non-federal Non-federal
Total cost Federal share ($) Total cost Federal share ($) Total cost Federal share ($)
($) share ($) (10% min.) ($) share ($) (10% min.) ($) share ($) (10% min.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama MBEC....................... 222,500 200,000 22,500 222,500 200,000 22,500 222,500 200,000 22,500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 45776]]
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--Alabama MBEC: 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 the
Alabama MBEC staff to provide standardized business assistance services
to minority firms impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and/or Rita or those
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. 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 Alabama MBEC Program will concentrate on serving firms impacted
by Hurricanes Katrina and/or Rita or 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 the
project operator to develop and build upon strategic alliances with
public and private sector partners, as a means of serving clients
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). 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--Alabama MBEC: Cost sharing of at least 10% is
required. Cost sharing is the portion of the project cost not borne by
the Federal Government. Applicants must meet this requirement through
one or more of the following means or a combination thereof: (1) Client
fees; (2) cash contributions; (3) non-cash applicant contributions;
and/or (4) third party in-kind contributions. Bonus points will be
awarded for cost sharing exceeding 10 percent that is applied on the
following scale: more than 10%-less than 15%--1 point; 15% or more-less
than 20%--2 points; 20% or more-less than 25%--3 points; 25% or more-
less than 30%--4 points; and, 30% or more--5 points. Applicants must
provide a detailed explanation of how the cost-sharing requirement will
be met. The MBEC may charge client fees for services rendered. Client
fees, if charged, 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--Alabama MBEC: 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 Hurricane Katrina and/or Rita
impacted minority companies and/or SGI firms in the State of Alabama(4
points);
Business Consulting--experience in and knowledge of
business consulting of Hurricane Katrina and/or Rita impacted minority
companies and/or SGI firms in the State of Alabama (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).
[[Page 45777]]
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 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 10% is required. The non-Federal
share must be adequately documented, including, if client fees will be
charged, how they 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 10% will be awarded bonus
points on the following scale: more than 10% -less than 15%--1 point;
15% or more-less than 20%--2 points; 20% or more-less than 25%--3
points; 25% or more-less than 30%--4 points; and 30% 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--Alabama MBEC:
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
[[Page 45778]]
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--Alabama MBEC: Applicants are hereby given
notice that funds have been appropriated for this program for Fiscal
Year 2006 only. In no event will MBDA or the Department of Commerce be
responsible for proposal preparation costs if this program fails to
receive funding in FY 2007 or 2008 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.
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: August 10, 2006.
Ronald J. Marin,
Financial Management Officer, Minority Business Development Agency.
[FR Doc. 06-6820 Filed 8-9-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-21-P
