Solicitation of Applications for the University Center Economic Development Program, 5002-5005 [E7-1614]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 22 / Friday, February 2, 2007 / Notices
date of this addition or options that may
be exercised under those contracts.
Sheryl D. Kennerly,
Director, Information Management.
[FR Doc. E7–1716 Filed 2–1–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6353–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economic Development Administration
[Docket No.: 070125020–7021–01]
Solicitation of Applications for the
University Center Economic
Development Program
Economic Development
Administration (EDA), Department of
Commerce
ACTION: Notice and request for
applications.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: EDA is soliciting competitive
applications from accredited
institutions of higher education and
from consortia of accredited institutions
of higher education for FY 2007
University Center Economic
Development Program funding in the
geographic areas served by its Austin
and Denver regional offices. EDA’s
mission is to lead the federal economic
development agenda by promoting
innovation and competitiveness,
preparing American regions for growth
and success in the worldwide economy.
Institutions of higher education have
many assets and in partnership with
EDA establish and operate University
Centers. These EDA-sponsored
University Centers conduct applied
research, provide technical assistance to
public and private sector organizations,
and conduct other activities with the
goal of enhancing regional economic
development by promoting a favorable
business environment to attract private
capital investment and higher-skill,
higher-wage jobs.
DATES: The closing date and time for
receipt of applications for funding
under the FY 2007 University Center
Economic Development Program
competition is May 3, 2007 at 4 p.m.
local time. EDA’s Austin and Denver
regional offices will each hold a
teleconference to answer questions
about the FY 2007 University Center
Economic Development Program
competition on March 8, 2007 and
February 27, 2007, respectively. For
further information and instructions
regarding these teleconferences, please
see the information provided below
under ‘‘Teleconferences.’’
ADDRESSES: Applications may be
submitted in two formats: (i) In paper
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format at the addresses provided below;
or (ii) electronically in accordance with
the procedures provided on
www.Grants.gov. The content of the
application is the same for paper
submissions as it is for electronic
submissions. EDA will not accept
facsimile transmissions of applications.
Paper Submissions: Applicants in
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Oklahoma and Texas should submit
paper submissions (via postal mail,
overnight delivery or hand-delivery) to:
FY 2007 University Center Program
Competition, Economic Development
Administration, Austin Regional Office,
504 Lavaca Street, Suite 1100, Austin,
Texas 78701–4037.
Applicants in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas,
Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North
Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and
Wyoming should submit paper
submissions (via postal mail, overnight
delivery or hand-delivery) to: FY 2007
University Center Program Competition,
Economic Development Administration,
Denver Regional Office, 1244 Speer
Boulevard, Suite 670, Denver, Colorado
80204–3591.
Electronic Submissions: Applicants
may submit applications electronically
in accordance with the instructions
provided at https://www.Grants.gov. EDA
strongly encourages that applicants not
wait until the application closing date to
begin the application process through
https://www.Grants.gov. The preferred
file format for electronic attachments
(e.g., the Project Narrative and exhibits
to Form ED–900A) is portable document
format (PDF); however, EDA will accept
electronic files in Microsoft Word,
WordPerfect, Lotus or Excel formats.
Applicants should access the following
link for assistance in navigating
www.Grants.gov and for a list of useful
resources: https://www.grants.gov/
applicants/applicant_help.jsp. If you do
not find an answer to your question
under Frequently Asked Questions, try
consulting the Applicant’s User Guide.
If you still cannot find an answer to
your question, contact www.Grants.gov
via e-mail at support@grants.gov or
telephone at 1.800.518.4726. The hours
of operation for www.Grants.gov are
Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EST)
(except for Federal holidays). For a copy
of the FFO announcement for this
request for applications, please see the
Web site listed below under ‘‘Electronic
Access.’’
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
additional information or for a paper
copy of the FFO announcement, the
designated contact person in the Austin
regional office is John Christ. Mr. Christ
may be reached at jchrist@eda.doc.gov
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or at 512.381.8145. The designated
contact person in the Denver regional
office is Forlesia S. Willis. Ms. Willis
may be reached at fwillis@eda.doc.gov
or at 303.844.5452. EDA’s Internet Web
site at https://www.eda.gov also contains
additional information on EDA and its
programs, including the University
Center Economic Development Program.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Program Information
EDA began administering the
University Center Economic
Development Program as a competitive
multi-year program as part of its FY
2004 Announcement of Federal Funding
Opportunity (FFO). Under this multiyear program designation, EDA held
University Center Economic
Development Program competitions
annually in two of its six regional
offices during FY 2004 through FY
2006. The Austin and Denver regional
offices solicited applications for the FY
2004 University Center competition, the
Philadelphia and Chicago regional
offices solicited applications for the FY
2005 University Center competition,
and the Atlanta and Seattle regional
offices solicited applications for the FY
2006 University Center competition.
Electronic Access: The FFO
announcement for the FY 2007
University Center Economic
Development Program competition is
available at www.Grants.gov. Additional
information is available through EDA’s
Internet Web site at https://www.eda.gov.
Funding Availability: Applicants are
hereby given notice that the Department
of Commerce Appropriation Act for FY
2007 has not been enacted as of the date
of publication of this request for
applications. EDA is currently operating
with appropriations made available
under the current continuing resolution
for the Department of Commerce, which
is in effect through February 15, 2007
(unless further amended or superseded).
See H. J. Res. 102, Pub. L. 109–383,
amending Division B—Continuing
Appropriations Resolution, Pub. L. 109–
289, 120 Stat. 1257. EDA anticipates
making awards for the University Center
Economic Development Program,
provided that funding for this program
is continued beyond February 15, 2007.
In all events, the funding periods and
funding amounts referenced in this
notice are subject to the availability of
FY 2007 funds at the time of award. The
Department of Commerce and EDA will
not be held responsible for application
preparation costs if the University
Center Economic Development Program
fails to receive funding or is cancelled
because of agency priorities. Publication
of this notice does not obligate the
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 22 / Friday, February 2, 2007 / Notices
Department of Commerce or EDA to
award any specific grant or cooperative
agreement or to obligate all or part of
available funds.
Based on recent appropriation levels,
EDA anticipates a total of approximately
$7,900,000 will be available in FY 2007
for the National, University Center
Economic Development and Local
Technical Assistance Programs. Of these
anticipated amounts, EDA expects to
allocate approximately $6,500,000 to the
University Center Economic
Development Program in FY 2007.
Subject to the availability of funding at
the time of award, the funds allocated
to the University Center Economic
Development Program are anticipated to
be available until expended. Actual
amounts appropriated are likely to vary
from these estimates and could be
significantly less. The amount of
University Center funding available for
competition in FY 2007 is expected to
be approximately $978,000 for the
geographic area served by the Austin
regional office and approximately
$795,000 for the geographic area served
by the Denver regional office. Annual
awards for the University Centers
selected under the FY 2004 competition
were in the $90,000 to $100,000 range
in the Austin regional office and in the
$95,000 to $155,000 range in the Denver
regional office. These regional offices
may, however, choose to fund awards
under this competition outside of these
ranges. The remaining FY 2007
University Center Economic
Development Program funds will be
used to continue support for current
University Centers selected during the
FY 2005 and FY 2006 competitions in
EDA’s other four regional offices.
Statutory Authority: The authority for
the University Center Program is section
207 (42 U.S.C. 3147) of the Public
Works and Economic Development Act
of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. 3121 et
seq.) (PWEDA). EDA published final
regulations (codified at 13 CFR Chapter
III) in the Federal Register on
September 27, 2006 (71 FR 56658). The
final regulations became effective upon
publication and reflect changes made to
PWEDA by the Economic Development
Administration Reauthorization Act of
2004 (Pub. L. 108–373, 118 Stat. 1756).
The final regulations and PWEDA are
accessible on EDA’s Internet Web site at
https://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/
Lawsreg.xml.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.303,
Economic Development—Technical
Assistance.
Applicant Eligibility: An accredited
institution of higher education or a
consortium of accredited institutions of
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higher education are eligible to apply
for and to receive funding under the
University Center Economic
Development Program. See section 3(12)
of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3122(12)) and 13
CFR 300.3. A University-affiliated
research foundation also is eligible to
apply for and to receive funding under
the University Center Economic
Development Program, provided it
demonstrates (e.g., a letter or other
documentation from a University
President or Chancellor) that it
maintains the full and integral support
of the University with respect to its
economic development activities. For
applicants applying as a consortium, a
lead agent should be identified who
would have lead responsibility to EDA
and to the other members of the
consortium for implementing a
University Center Economic
Development Program award. For FY
2007, the University Center Economic
Development Program competition is
open to eligible applicants in the
geographic areas served by EDA’s
Austin and Denver regional offices. The
Austin regional office serves Arkansas,
Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and
Texas. The Denver regional office serves
Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri,
Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
Cost Sharing Requirements:
Generally, the amount of the EDA grant
may not exceed fifty (50) percent of the
total cost of the project. Projects may
receive an additional amount that shall
not exceed thirty (30) percent, as
determined by EDA, based on the
relative needs of the region in which the
project will be located. See section
204(a) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and
13 CFR 301.4(b)(1). The Assistant
Secretary of Commerce for Economic
Development has the discretion to
establish a maximum EDA investment
rate of up to one-hundred (100) percent
where the project (i) merits and is not
otherwise feasible without an increase
to the EDA investment rate; or (ii) will
be of no or only incidental benefit to the
recipient. See section 204(c)(3) of
PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR
301.4(b)(4).
In the application review process,
EDA will consider the nature of the
contribution (cash or in-kind) and the
amount of the matching share funds.
While cash contributions are preferred,
in-kind contributions, fairly evaluated
by EDA, may provide the non-federal
share of the total project cost. See
section 204(b) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C.
3144) and section I.B. of the FFO
announcement for this request for
applications. In-kind contributions,
which may include assumptions of debt
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and contributions of space, equipment,
and services, are eligible to be included
as part of the non-federal share of
eligible project costs if they meet
applicable federal cost principles and
uniform administrative requirements.
Funds from other federal financial
assistance awards are considered
matching share funds only if authorized
by statute, which may be determined by
EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the
statute. See 13 CFR 300.3. The applicant
must show that the matching share is
committed to the project, available as
needed and not conditioned or
encumbered in any way that precludes
its use consistent with the requirements
of EDA investment assistance. See 13
CFR 301.5.
Intergovernmental Review:
Applications for funding under the
University Center Economic
Development Program are subject to the
State review requirements imposed by
Executive Order 12372,
‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.’’
Evaluation and Selection Procedures:
Prior to the review paneling process,
EDA’s Austin and Denver regional
offices will undertake a technical review
of each application to ensure that all
required forms, signatures and
documentation are present and that the
application is in compliance with the
requirements of this competitive
solicitation. Applications materially
failing to meet the technical
requirements of this competitive
solicitation will not be referred to the
review panel.
Applications meeting all technical
requirements will undergo a merit
review by EDA’s Austin and Denver
regional offices. The review panel will
consist of federal employees, at least
three (3) of which will be members of
EDA staff from the Austin and Denver
regional offices, who will evaluate and
competitively rate and rank all
technically-sufficient applications using
the criteria provided under ‘‘Evaluation
Criteria’’ below. The Regional Director
of each regional office is the Selecting
Official for the applications received
from applicants located within that
regional office’s geographic service area.
The review panel will submit to the
Selecting Official a list of applicants
recommended for funding.
Evaluation Criteria: The evaluation of
applications will be accomplished
through a review using the following
criteria, listed in descending order of
importance: (i) Ability to satisfy one or
more of the University Center-specific
investment policy guidelines; (ii)
applicant’s ability to successfully
implement the project; (iii) feasibility of
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the project budget; and (iv) cost of the
project to the Federal government. Each
criterion is described below.
Investment Policy Guidelines. The
following University Center-specific
investment policy guidelines have been
adapted from (i) EDA’s general
investment policy guidelines set forth in
13 CFR 301.8 and (ii) the specific award
requirements for University Center
projects listed in 13 CFR 306.5.
Applications received in response to
this competitive solicitation will be
competitively rated and ranked based
on the project’s ability to satisfy one or
more of these University Center-specific
investment policy guidelines (each
criterion will be given equivalent
weight).
1. Be market-based and results driven.
An investment in an EDA University
Center will capitalize on the university’s
competitive strengths and will bolster
regional economic competitiveness,
resulting in tangible, quantifiable
improvements in regional economic
health, such as increased numbers of
higher-skill, higher-wage jobs, increased
tax revenue or increased private sector
investment.
2. Have strong organizational
leadership. An investment will have
strong leadership, relevant project
management experience, and a
significant commitment of human
resources talent to ensure a highperforming University Center.
Specifically for University Center
investments, this includes: (a) The
extent to which the proposed University
Center will maximize coordination with
other relevant organizations and avoid
duplication of services offered by other
organizations; (b) the extent to which
the University Center will access, take
advantage of, and be supported by the
other resources present at the
sponsoring institution, especially the
institution’s economic development
activities; and (c) the degree of evidence
demonstrating the support and
commitment (both financial and nonfinancial) of the highest management
levels of the proposed University
Center’s sponsoring institution.
3. Advance productivity, innovation
and entrepreneurship. An investment in
a proposed University Center will
embrace the principles of
entrepreneurship; enhance regional
industry clusters, and leverage and link
technology innovators (university
research) with the private sector to
create the conditions for greater
productivity, innovation and higherskill, higher-wage job creation.
4. Look beyond the immediate
economic horizon, anticipate economic
changes, and diversify the local and
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regional economy. A University Center’s
activities will be part of an overarching,
long-term comprehensive economic
development strategy that enhances a
region’s success in achieving a rising
standard of living.
5. Demonstrate a high degree of local
commitment by exhibiting:
• High levels of local government or
non-profit matching funds and private
sector leverage;
• Clear and unified leadership and
support by local elected officials; and
• Strong cooperation between the
business sector, relevant regional
partners and local, State and Federal
governments.
Ability to Successfully Implement the
Project: The review panel will evaluate
the applicant’s ability to successfully
implement the project. This evaluation
will include the extent to which the
applicant (including its sponsoring
institution) has successfully
implemented past technical assistance
projects, especially those involving
economic development. The review
panel also will evaluate the expertise of
project staff, as well as the academic
programs and other resources available
within the sponsoring institution. See
13 CFR 306.5.
Feasibility of Project Budget: The
review panel will evaluate the
feasibility of the project budget,
including but not limited to the
reasonableness and the allowability of
project costs.
Cost of the Project to the Federal
Government: The review panel will
evaluate the cost of the project to the
Federal government, taking into account
the technical assistance services to be
performed by the University Center and
how those services are anticipated to
spur regional economic development.
As provided under ‘‘Cost Sharing
Requirements’’ in this request for
applications and in section I.B. of the
FFO announcement, EDA may give a
preference to those applications that
include a cash contribution for the
matching share requirement.
Selection Factors
EDA expects to fund the highest
ranking applications submitted under
this competition solicitation. The
Selecting Official will normally follow
the recommendations of the review
panel; however, the Selecting Official
may decide not to make a selection, or
he may select an application out of rank
order for several reasons, including: (1)
A determination that the application
better meets the overall objectives of
sections 2 and 207 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C.
3121 and 3147); (2) the availability of
program funding; (3) the geographic
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balance in distribution of program
funds; (4) program priorities as set forth
in the FFO announcement; or (5) the
applicant’s performance under previous
federal financial assistance awards.
The Department of Commerce PreAward Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements:
The administrative and national policy
requirements for all Department of
Commerce awards, contained in the
Department of Commerce Pre-Award
Notification Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements, published
in the Federal Register on December 30,
2004 (69 FR 78389), are applicable to
this competitive solicitation.
Teleconferences: The Austin regional
office will hold a pre-application
teleconference on March 8, 2007 at 11
a.m. (CST). The Denver regional office
will hold its pre-application
teleconference call on February 27, 2007
at 12 p.m. (MST). These teleconferences
will provide general program
information and information regarding
the preparation of applications for
funding under this competitive
solicitation. To ensure the integrity of
this competition, EDA will not provide
substantive information regarding the
competition to prospective applicants
outside of these scheduled
teleconferences.
To ensure that enough incoming lines
are available for each caller, the Austin
regional office requires interested
parties planning to participate on the
teleconference to register no later than
6 p.m. (CST) on March 6, 2007; the
Denver regional office requires
interested parties planning to
participate on the teleconference to
register no later than 12 p.m. (MST) on
February 23, 2007. To register, please
send an e-mail with ‘‘Teleconference
Registration’’ in the subject line to the
designated contact person in the Austin
or Denver regional office, as provided
under ‘‘For Further Information’’ in this
request for applications. The telephone
number and pass code for each
teleconference will be provided upon
registration.
Please be advised that the preapplication teleconferences may be
audio-taped and the actual recordings or
a transcript of the actual recording may
be made available online for the benefit
of prospective applicants unable to
participate. Prospective applicants who
choose to participate on the
teleconferences are deemed to consent
to the taping.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This document contains collection-ofinformation requirements subject to the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 22 / Friday, February 2, 2007 / Notices
use of Form ED–900A (Application for
Investment Assistance) has been
approved by the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) under the control
number 0610–0094. Notwithstanding
any other provision of law, no person is
required to respond to, nor shall any
person be subject to a penalty for failure
to comply with, a collection of
information subject to the requirements
of the PRA unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid
OMB control number.
Executive Order 12866
This notice has been determined to be
not significant for purposes of Executive
Order 12866.
Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)
It has been determined that this notice
does not contain policies with
Federalism implications as that term is
defined in Executive Order 13132.
Administrative Procedure Act/
Regulatory Flexibility Act
Prior notice and an opportunity for
public comments are not required by the
Administrative Procedure Act or any
other law for rules concerning grants,
benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C.
553(a)(2)). Because notice and
opportunity for comment are not
required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 or any
other law, the analytical requirements of
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C.
601 et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore,
a regulatory flexibility analysis has not
been prepared.
Sandy K. Baruah,
Assistant Secretary of Commerce, for
Economic Development.
[FR Doc. E7–1614 Filed 2–1–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–24–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Initiation of Antidumping and
Countervailing Duty Administrative
Reviews and Request for Revocation
in Part
Import Administration,
International Trade Administration,
Commerce.
SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce
(the Department) has received requests
to conduct administrative reviews of
various antidumping and countervailing
duty orders and findings with December
anniversary dates. In accordance with
our regulations, we are initiating those
administrative reviews. The Department
AGENCY:
5005
also received a request to revoke one
antidumping duty order in part.
DATES: Effective Date: February 2, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sheila E. Forbes, Office of AD/CVD
Operations, Office 4, Import
Administration, International Trade
Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230,
telephone: (202) 482–4737.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Department has received timely
requests, in accordance with 19 CFR
351.213(b) (2004), for administrative
reviews of various antidumping and
countervailing duty orders and findings
with December anniversary dates. The
Department also received timely
requests to revoke in part the
antidumping duty order on Honey from
Argentina with respect to one exporter.
Initiation of Reviews
In accordance with section 19 CFR
351.221(c)(1)(i), we are initiating
administrative reviews of the following
antidumping and countervailing duty
orders and findings. We intend to issue
the final results of these reviews not
later than December 31, 2007.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Period to be
reviewed
Antidumping Duty Proceedings
Argentina: Honey, A–357–812 ......................................................................................................................................................
Asociacion de Cooperativas Argentinas
Agroin Las Piedras Ltda.
Compania Apicola Argentina S.A.
El Mana, S.A.
Mielar S.A.
Naiman S.A.
Nexco S.A.
Patagonik S.A.
Seabird Argentina S.A.
Seylinco S.A.
Ultramar Argentina SA
India: Carbazole Violet Pigment 23, A–533–838 ..........................................................................................................................
Alpanil Industries
India: Certain Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products, A–533–820 ..............................................................................................
Essar Steel Ltd.
Ispat Industries Limited
JSW Steel Limited
Tata Steel Limited
India: Stainless Steel Wire Rod, A–533–808 ................................................................................................................................
Mukand, Ltd.
Sunflag Iron and Steel Co., Ltd.
The People’s Republic of China: Carbazole Violet Pigment 23 1, A–570–892 .............................................................................
Aesthetic Colortech (Shanghai) Company, Limited
Anhui Worldbest IE Company, Limited
Cidic Company, Limited
Ganguink Group, Pigment Division
Goldlink Industries Company, Limited
Hunan Sunlogistics International Company, Limited
Hygeia-Chem (Shanghai) Company, Limited
Nantong Haidi Chemical Company, Ltd.
Pudong Prime International Logistic Incorporated
Shanghai Rainbow Dyes Import & Export
Sinocol Corporation, Limited
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12/1/05–11/30/06
12/1/05–11/30/06
12/1/05–11/30/06
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 22 (Friday, February 2, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5002-5005]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1614]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economic Development Administration
[Docket No.: 070125020-7021-01]
Solicitation of Applications for the University Center Economic
Development Program
AGENCY: Economic Development Administration (EDA), Department of
Commerce
ACTION: Notice and request for applications.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: EDA is soliciting competitive applications from accredited
institutions of higher education and from consortia of accredited
institutions of higher education for FY 2007 University Center Economic
Development Program funding in the geographic areas served by its
Austin and Denver regional offices. EDA's mission is to lead the
federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and
competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in
the worldwide economy. Institutions of higher education have many
assets and in partnership with EDA establish and operate University
Centers. These EDA-sponsored University Centers conduct applied
research, provide technical assistance to public and private sector
organizations, and conduct other activities with the goal of enhancing
regional economic development by promoting a favorable business
environment to attract private capital investment and higher-skill,
higher-wage jobs.
DATES: The closing date and time for receipt of applications for
funding under the FY 2007 University Center Economic Development
Program competition is May 3, 2007 at 4 p.m. local time. EDA's Austin
and Denver regional offices will each hold a teleconference to answer
questions about the FY 2007 University Center Economic Development
Program competition on March 8, 2007 and February 27, 2007,
respectively. For further information and instructions regarding these
teleconferences, please see the information provided below under
``Teleconferences.''
ADDRESSES: Applications may be submitted in two formats: (i) In paper
format at the addresses provided below; or (ii) electronically in
accordance with the procedures provided on www.Grants.gov. The content
of the application is the same for paper submissions as it is for
electronic submissions. EDA will not accept facsimile transmissions of
applications.
Paper Submissions: Applicants in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Oklahoma and Texas should submit paper submissions (via postal mail,
overnight delivery or hand-delivery) to: FY 2007 University Center
Program Competition, Economic Development Administration, Austin
Regional Office, 504 Lavaca Street, Suite 1100, Austin, Texas 78701-
4037.
Applicants in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming should submit paper
submissions (via postal mail, overnight delivery or hand-delivery) to:
FY 2007 University Center Program Competition, Economic Development
Administration, Denver Regional Office, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite
670, Denver, Colorado 80204-3591.
Electronic Submissions: Applicants may submit applications
electronically in accordance with the instructions provided at https://www.Grants.gov. EDA strongly encourages that applicants not wait until
the application closing date to begin the application process through
https://www.Grants.gov. The preferred file format for electronic
attachments (e.g., the Project Narrative and exhibits to Form ED-900A)
is portable document format (PDF); however, EDA will accept electronic
files in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, Lotus or Excel formats.
Applicants should access the following link for assistance in
navigating www.Grants.gov and for a list of useful resources: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant_help.jsp. If you do not find an
answer to your question under Frequently Asked Questions, try
consulting the Applicant's User Guide. If you still cannot find an
answer to your question, contact www.Grants.gov via e-mail at
support@grants.gov or telephone at 1.800.518.4726. The hours of
operation for www.Grants.gov are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EST)
(except for Federal holidays). For a copy of the FFO announcement for
this request for applications, please see the Web site listed below
under ``Electronic Access.''
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or for a
paper copy of the FFO announcement, the designated contact person in
the Austin regional office is John Christ. Mr. Christ may be reached at
jchrist@eda.doc.gov or at 512.381.8145. The designated contact person
in the Denver regional office is Forlesia S. Willis. Ms. Willis may be
reached at fwillis@eda.doc.gov or at 303.844.5452. EDA's Internet Web
site at https://www.eda.gov also contains additional information on EDA
and its programs, including the University Center Economic Development
Program.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Program Information
EDA began administering the University Center Economic Development
Program as a competitive multi-year program as part of its FY 2004
Announcement of Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO). Under this multi-
year program designation, EDA held University Center Economic
Development Program competitions annually in two of its six regional
offices during FY 2004 through FY 2006. The Austin and Denver regional
offices solicited applications for the FY 2004 University Center
competition, the Philadelphia and Chicago regional offices solicited
applications for the FY 2005 University Center competition, and the
Atlanta and Seattle regional offices solicited applications for the FY
2006 University Center competition.
Electronic Access: The FFO announcement for the FY 2007 University
Center Economic Development Program competition is available at
www.Grants.gov. Additional information is available through EDA's
Internet Web site at https://www.eda.gov.
Funding Availability: Applicants are hereby given notice that the
Department of Commerce Appropriation Act for FY 2007 has not been
enacted as of the date of publication of this request for applications.
EDA is currently operating with appropriations made available under the
current continuing resolution for the Department of Commerce, which is
in effect through February 15, 2007 (unless further amended or
superseded). See H. J. Res. 102, Pub. L. 109-383, amending Division B--
Continuing Appropriations Resolution, Pub. L. 109-289, 120 Stat. 1257.
EDA anticipates making awards for the University Center Economic
Development Program, provided that funding for this program is
continued beyond February 15, 2007. In all events, the funding periods
and funding amounts referenced in this notice are subject to the
availability of FY 2007 funds at the time of award. The Department of
Commerce and EDA will not be held responsible for application
preparation costs if the University Center Economic Development Program
fails to receive funding or is cancelled because of agency priorities.
Publication of this notice does not obligate the
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Department of Commerce or EDA to award any specific grant or
cooperative agreement or to obligate all or part of available funds.
Based on recent appropriation levels, EDA anticipates a total of
approximately $7,900,000 will be available in FY 2007 for the National,
University Center Economic Development and Local Technical Assistance
Programs. Of these anticipated amounts, EDA expects to allocate
approximately $6,500,000 to the University Center Economic Development
Program in FY 2007. Subject to the availability of funding at the time
of award, the funds allocated to the University Center Economic
Development Program are anticipated to be available until expended.
Actual amounts appropriated are likely to vary from these estimates and
could be significantly less. The amount of University Center funding
available for competition in FY 2007 is expected to be approximately
$978,000 for the geographic area served by the Austin regional office
and approximately $795,000 for the geographic area served by the Denver
regional office. Annual awards for the University Centers selected
under the FY 2004 competition were in the $90,000 to $100,000 range in
the Austin regional office and in the $95,000 to $155,000 range in the
Denver regional office. These regional offices may, however, choose to
fund awards under this competition outside of these ranges. The
remaining FY 2007 University Center Economic Development Program funds
will be used to continue support for current University Centers
selected during the FY 2005 and FY 2006 competitions in EDA's other
four regional offices.
Statutory Authority: The authority for the University Center
Program is section 207 (42 U.S.C. 3147) of the Public Works and
Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.)
(PWEDA). EDA published final regulations (codified at 13 CFR Chapter
III) in the Federal Register on September 27, 2006 (71 FR 56658). The
final regulations became effective upon publication and reflect changes
made to PWEDA by the Economic Development Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-373, 118 Stat. 1756). The
final regulations and PWEDA are accessible on EDA's Internet Web site
at https://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/Lawsreg.xml.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.303,
Economic Development--Technical Assistance.
Applicant Eligibility: An accredited institution of higher
education or a consortium of accredited institutions of higher
education are eligible to apply for and to receive funding under the
University Center Economic Development Program. See section 3(12) of
PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3122(12)) and 13 CFR 300.3. A University-affiliated
research foundation also is eligible to apply for and to receive
funding under the University Center Economic Development Program,
provided it demonstrates (e.g., a letter or other documentation from a
University President or Chancellor) that it maintains the full and
integral support of the University with respect to its economic
development activities. For applicants applying as a consortium, a lead
agent should be identified who would have lead responsibility to EDA
and to the other members of the consortium for implementing a
University Center Economic Development Program award. For FY 2007, the
University Center Economic Development Program competition is open to
eligible applicants in the geographic areas served by EDA's Austin and
Denver regional offices. The Austin regional office serves Arkansas,
Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The Denver regional office
serves Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North
Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
Cost Sharing Requirements: Generally, the amount of the EDA grant
may not exceed fifty (50) percent of the total cost of the project.
Projects may receive an additional amount that shall not exceed thirty
(30) percent, as determined by EDA, based on the relative needs of the
region in which the project will be located. See section 204(a) of
PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(1). The Assistant Secretary
of Commerce for Economic Development has the discretion to establish a
maximum EDA investment rate of up to one-hundred (100) percent where
the project (i) merits and is not otherwise feasible without an
increase to the EDA investment rate; or (ii) will be of no or only
incidental benefit to the recipient. See section 204(c)(3) of PWEDA (42
U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(4).
In the application review process, EDA will consider the nature of
the contribution (cash or in-kind) and the amount of the matching share
funds. While cash contributions are preferred, in-kind contributions,
fairly evaluated by EDA, may provide the non-federal share of the total
project cost. See section 204(b) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and section
I.B. of the FFO announcement for this request for applications. In-kind
contributions, which may include assumptions of debt and contributions
of space, equipment, and services, are eligible to be included as part
of the non-federal share of eligible project costs if they meet
applicable federal cost principles and uniform administrative
requirements. Funds from other federal financial assistance awards are
considered matching share funds only if authorized by statute, which
may be determined by EDA's reasonable interpretation of the statute.
See 13 CFR 300.3. The applicant must show that the matching share is
committed to the project, available as needed and not conditioned or
encumbered in any way that precludes its use consistent with the
requirements of EDA investment assistance. See 13 CFR 301.5.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications for funding under the
University Center Economic Development Program are subject to the State
review requirements imposed by Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
Evaluation and Selection Procedures: Prior to the review paneling
process, EDA's Austin and Denver regional offices will undertake a
technical review of each application to ensure that all required forms,
signatures and documentation are present and that the application is in
compliance with the requirements of this competitive solicitation.
Applications materially failing to meet the technical requirements of
this competitive solicitation will not be referred to the review panel.
Applications meeting all technical requirements will undergo a
merit review by EDA's Austin and Denver regional offices. The review
panel will consist of federal employees, at least three (3) of which
will be members of EDA staff from the Austin and Denver regional
offices, who will evaluate and competitively rate and rank all
technically-sufficient applications using the criteria provided under
``Evaluation Criteria'' below. The Regional Director of each regional
office is the Selecting Official for the applications received from
applicants located within that regional office's geographic service
area. The review panel will submit to the Selecting Official a list of
applicants recommended for funding.
Evaluation Criteria: The evaluation of applications will be
accomplished through a review using the following criteria, listed in
descending order of importance: (i) Ability to satisfy one or more of
the University Center-specific investment policy guidelines; (ii)
applicant's ability to successfully implement the project; (iii)
feasibility of
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the project budget; and (iv) cost of the project to the Federal
government. Each criterion is described below.
Investment Policy Guidelines. The following University Center-
specific investment policy guidelines have been adapted from (i) EDA's
general investment policy guidelines set forth in 13 CFR 301.8 and (ii)
the specific award requirements for University Center projects listed
in 13 CFR 306.5. Applications received in response to this competitive
solicitation will be competitively rated and ranked based on the
project's ability to satisfy one or more of these University Center-
specific investment policy guidelines (each criterion will be given
equivalent weight).
1. Be market-based and results driven. An investment in an EDA
University Center will capitalize on the university's competitive
strengths and will bolster regional economic competitiveness, resulting
in tangible, quantifiable improvements in regional economic health,
such as increased numbers of higher-skill, higher-wage jobs, increased
tax revenue or increased private sector investment.
2. Have strong organizational leadership. An investment will have
strong leadership, relevant project management experience, and a
significant commitment of human resources talent to ensure a high-
performing University Center. Specifically for University Center
investments, this includes: (a) The extent to which the proposed
University Center will maximize coordination with other relevant
organizations and avoid duplication of services offered by other
organizations; (b) the extent to which the University Center will
access, take advantage of, and be supported by the other resources
present at the sponsoring institution, especially the institution's
economic development activities; and (c) the degree of evidence
demonstrating the support and commitment (both financial and non-
financial) of the highest management levels of the proposed University
Center's sponsoring institution.
3. Advance productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship. An
investment in a proposed University Center will embrace the principles
of entrepreneurship; enhance regional industry clusters, and leverage
and link technology innovators (university research) with the private
sector to create the conditions for greater productivity, innovation
and higher-skill, higher-wage job creation.
4. Look beyond the immediate economic horizon, anticipate economic
changes, and diversify the local and regional economy. A University
Center's activities will be part of an overarching, long-term
comprehensive economic development strategy that enhances a region's
success in achieving a rising standard of living.
5. Demonstrate a high degree of local commitment by exhibiting:
High levels of local government or non-profit matching
funds and private sector leverage;
Clear and unified leadership and support by local elected
officials; and
Strong cooperation between the business sector, relevant
regional partners and local, State and Federal governments.
Ability to Successfully Implement the Project: The review panel
will evaluate the applicant's ability to successfully implement the
project. This evaluation will include the extent to which the applicant
(including its sponsoring institution) has successfully implemented
past technical assistance projects, especially those involving economic
development. The review panel also will evaluate the expertise of
project staff, as well as the academic programs and other resources
available within the sponsoring institution. See 13 CFR 306.5.
Feasibility of Project Budget: The review panel will evaluate the
feasibility of the project budget, including but not limited to the
reasonableness and the allowability of project costs.
Cost of the Project to the Federal Government: The review panel
will evaluate the cost of the project to the Federal government, taking
into account the technical assistance services to be performed by the
University Center and how those services are anticipated to spur
regional economic development. As provided under ``Cost Sharing
Requirements'' in this request for applications and in section I.B. of
the FFO announcement, EDA may give a preference to those applications
that include a cash contribution for the matching share requirement.
Selection Factors
EDA expects to fund the highest ranking applications submitted
under this competition solicitation. The Selecting Official will
normally follow the recommendations of the review panel; however, the
Selecting Official may decide not to make a selection, or he may select
an application out of rank order for several reasons, including: (1) A
determination that the application better meets the overall objectives
of sections 2 and 207 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3121 and 3147); (2) the
availability of program funding; (3) the geographic balance in
distribution of program funds; (4) program priorities as set forth in
the FFO announcement; or (5) the applicant's performance under previous
federal financial assistance awards.
The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements: The administrative and national
policy requirements for all Department of Commerce awards, contained in
the Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements, published in the Federal Register on
December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389), are applicable to this competitive
solicitation.
Teleconferences: The Austin regional office will hold a pre-
application teleconference on March 8, 2007 at 11 a.m. (CST). The
Denver regional office will hold its pre-application teleconference
call on February 27, 2007 at 12 p.m. (MST). These teleconferences will
provide general program information and information regarding the
preparation of applications for funding under this competitive
solicitation. To ensure the integrity of this competition, EDA will not
provide substantive information regarding the competition to
prospective applicants outside of these scheduled teleconferences.
To ensure that enough incoming lines are available for each caller,
the Austin regional office requires interested parties planning to
participate on the teleconference to register no later than 6 p.m.
(CST) on March 6, 2007; the Denver regional office requires interested
parties planning to participate on the teleconference to register no
later than 12 p.m. (MST) on February 23, 2007. To register, please send
an e-mail with ``Teleconference Registration'' in the subject line to
the designated contact person in the Austin or Denver regional office,
as provided under ``For Further Information'' in this request for
applications. The telephone number and pass code for each
teleconference will be provided upon registration.
Please be advised that the pre-application teleconferences may be
audio-taped and the actual recordings or a transcript of the actual
recording may be made available online for the benefit of prospective
applicants unable to participate. Prospective applicants who choose to
participate on the teleconferences are deemed to consent to the taping.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This document contains collection-of-information requirements
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The
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use of Form ED-900A (Application for Investment Assistance) has been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the control
number 0610-0094. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person
is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the PRA unless that collection of information displays
a currently valid OMB control number.
Executive Order 12866
This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes
of Executive Order 12866.
Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)
It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies
with Federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order
13132.
Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act
Prior notice and an opportunity for public comments are not
required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules
concerning grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)).
Because notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable.
Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not been prepared.
Sandy K. Baruah,
Assistant Secretary of Commerce, for Economic Development.
[FR Doc. E7-1614 Filed 2-1-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-24-P