Solicitation of Applications for the Cleveland and Queens Minority Business Enterprise Centers, 5010-5014 [E7-1808]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• Minority Business Development Agency

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 22 (Friday, February 2, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5010-5014]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1808]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Minority Business Development Agency

[Docket No: 070116014-7015-01]


Solicitation of Applications for the Cleveland and Queens 
Minority Business Enterprise Centers

AGENCY: Minority Business Development Agency, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) originally 
published a Federal Register notice on July 26, 2006 soliciting 
competitive applications for operators of the Cleveland Minority 
Business Enterprise Center (Cleveland MBEC) and the Queens Minority 
Business Enterprise Center (Queens MBEC) under its Minority Business 
Enterprise Center program. However, due to the lack of responsive 
applications, the Cleveland MBEC and the Queens MBEC competitions were 
deemed unsuccessful by MBDA. In accordance with 15 U.S.C. 1512 and 
Executive Order 11625, this notice re-solicits competitive applications 
for operators of the Cleveland MBEC and the Queens MBEC. This notice 
supersedes in its entirety the original competitive solicitation notice 
for these two projects. Responsibility for ensuring that applications 
are complete and received by MBDA on time is the sole responsibility of 
the Applicant. Applications that do not meet the requirements of this 
notice will be rejected.

DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications is March 5, 2007. 
Completed applications must be received by MBDA no later than 5 p.m. 
Eastern Standard 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 will not 
be considered. Anticipated time for processing is sixty (60) days from 
the date of publication of this notice. MBDA anticipates that awards 
for the Cleveland MBEC and for the Queens MBEC will be made with a 
start date of May 1, 2007.
    Pre-Application Conference: In connection with this solicitation, a 
pre-application teleconference will be held on February 16, 2007. 
Conference participants must register at least 24 hours in advance of 
the event. Please visit the MBDA Minority Business Internet Portal at 
https://www.mbda.gov (MBDA Portal) for registration instructions. 
Additionally, a summary of the questions and answers from the pre-
application conference will be available through the MBDA Portal as 
soon as practicable following the conference.

ADDRESSES:
    (1a) 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.
    (1b) 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

[[Page 5011]]

detailed information). MBDA strongly recommends that applicants not 
wait until the application deadline date to begin the application 
process through Grants.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 below) or by visiting the 
MBDA Portal at https://www.mbda.gov. Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B can 
also be obtained at https://www.Grants.gov. Forms CD-511 and CD-346 may 
be obtained at https://www.doc.gov/forms. Form SF-LLL can be obtained at 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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. Chicago National Enterprise Center (CNEC) is located at 55 E. 
Monroe Street, Suite 1406, Chicago, IL 60603. This region covers the 
states of Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, and 
Missouri. Contact: Eric Dobyne, Regional Director, CNEC at 312-353-
0182.
    3. New York National Enterprise Center (NYNEC) is located at 26 
Federal Plaza, Room 3720, New York, NY 10278. This region covers the 
states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, 
New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, 
Virginia, West Virginia and District of Columbia. Contact: Heyward 
Davenport, Regional Director, NYNEC at 212-264-3262.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: The Minority Business 
Development Agency (MBDA) published a Federal Register notice on July 
26, 2006 (71 FR 42351) soliciting competitive applications for 
operators of the Cleveland MBEC and the Queens MBEC under its Minority 
Business Enterprise Center program. However, due to the lack of 
responsive applications, the Cleveland MBEC and the Queens MBEC 
competitions were deemed unsuccessful by MBDA. On December 22, 2006, 
MBDA published a Federal Notice (71 FR 76981) allowing for up to a 120-
day funded extension (on a non-competitive basis) of the current award 
for the Queens MBEC to allow for continued program delivery by the 
incumbent operator while MBDA completes the solicitation process for an 
operator of the Queens MBEC for the next award period. The Cleveland 
MBEC is a new project without an incumbent operator and therefore a 
similar extension was not necessary for this project. In accordance 
with 15 U.S.C. 1512 and Executive Order 11625, this notice re-solicits 
competitive applications for the Cleveland MBEC and for the Queens 
MBEC. This notice supersedes in its entirety the original competitive 
solicitation notice for these projects.
    Geographic Service Areas: The MBEC will provide services in the 
following geographic areas:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Geographic service
            MBEC name              Location of MBEC          area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleveland MBEC..................  Cleveland, OH.....  State of Ohio.
Queens MBEC.....................  Jamaica, NY.......  New York Counties
                                                       of: Queens,
                                                       Nassau and
                                                       Suffolk.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Electronic Access: A link to the full text of the Announcement of 
Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) for this solicitation may be accessed 
at https://www.Grants.gov, 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 https://www.Grants.gov. MBDA 
strongly recommends that applicants not wait until the application 
deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov. The 
date that applications will be deemed to have been submitted 
electronically shall be the date and time received at Grants.gov. 
Applicants should save and print the proof of submission they receive 
from Grants.gov. Applications received after the closing date and time 
will not be considered.
    Funding Priorities: Preference may be given during the selection 
process to applications that address the following MBDA funding 
priorities:
    (a) Applicants who submit proposals that include work activities 
that exceed the minimum work requirements for this program as set forth 
in the FFO;
    (b) Applicants who submit proposals that include performance goals 
that exceed the minimum performance goal requirements for this program 
as set forth in the FFO;
    (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; and
    (e) Applicants that utilize fee for service models and those that 
demonstrate an exceptional ability to charge and collect fees from 
clients.
    Funding Availability: The total award period under this competitive 
solicitation shall not exceed two (2) years and eight (8) months. MBDA 
anticipates a total of approximately $333,033 will be available in FY 
2007 for Federal assistance to the Cleveland MBEC and to the Queens 
MBEC, and that a total of approximately $499,550 will be available for 
Federal assistance to these MBECs in FY 2008 and in FY 2009, 
respectively. Specific funding levels for the Cleveland MBEC and for 
the Queens MBEC are set forth in the below table. Applicants are hereby 
given notice that funds have not yet been appropriated for this 
program. Accordingly, MBDA issues this notice subject to the 
appropriations made available under the current continuing resolution, 
H.R. 5631, ``Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007,'' Public Law 
109-289, as amended by H.J. Res. 100, Public Law 109-369 and H.J. Res. 
102, Public Law 109-383. In no event will MBDA or the Department of 
Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if this program 
fails to receive funding or is cancelled because of other agency 
priorities.
    Projects will be funded for no more than eight (8) months during 
the first funding period (expected to run May 1, 2007 through December 
31, 2007) and one year at a time thereafter (January 1, 200x through 
December 31, 200x). Applicants must submit project plans and budgets 
for each of the three funding periods. Project proposals accepted for 
funding will not compete

[[Page 5012]]

for funding in subsequent budget periods within the approved award 
period. Second and third year funding will depend upon the MBEC 
achieving a minimal ``Satisfactory'' performance rating by the award 
recipient in each preceding year. Recommendations for second year 
funding are evaluated based on a ``Satisfactory'' mid-year performance 
rating (e.g., May 1-August 31) and/or a combination of mid-year and 
year-to date (e.g., May 1-November 30) ``Satisfactory'' performance 
rating. Recommendations for third year funding are evaluated based on a 
``Satisfactory'' mid-year performance rating (i.e., January 1-June 30) 
and/or combination of mid-year and cumulative third quarter (i.e., 
January 1-September 30) ``Satisfactory'' performance rating. Failure to 
achieve a ``Satisfactory'' performance rating may be cause for project 
termination. All funding periods are subject to the availability of 
funds to support the continuation of the project, as well as to 
Department of Commerce and MBDA priorities. Publication of this notice 
does not obligate the Department of Commerce or MBDA to award any 
specific cooperative agreement or to obligate all or any part of 
available funds.
    The maximum Federal funding amounts for each project year are shown 
below (MBDA requires award recipients to provide a minimum twenty 
percent (20%) non-federal cost share):

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  May 1, 2007 through December 31,   January 1, 2008 through December   January 1, 2009 through December
                                                                2007                             31, 2008                           31, 2009
                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Project name                                         Non-Federal                        Non-Federal                        Non-Federal
                                                   Total     Federal    share ($)     Total     Federal    share ($)     Total     Federal    share ($)
                                                  cost ($)  share ($)   (20% min.)   cost ($)  share ($)   (20% min.)   cost ($)  share ($)   (20% min.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleveland MBEC.................................    194,000    155,200       38,800    291,000    232,800       58,200    291,000    232,800       58,200
Queens MBEC....................................    222,389    177,833       44,555    333,583    266,750       66,833    333,583    266,750       66,833
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Authority: Executive Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. 1512.

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): 11.800, Minority 
Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) Program.
    Eligibility: For-profit entities (including sole-proprietorships, 
partnerships, and corporations), 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: MBDA is soliciting applications from 
organizations to operate a Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) 
(formerly a Minority Business Development Center). The MBEC Program 
requires MBEC staff to provide standardized business assistance 
services to minority firms with $500,000 or more in annual revenues 
and/or ``rapid-growth potential'' minority businesses (``Strategic 
Growth Initiative or ``SGI'' firms) directly; to develop a network of 
strategic partnerships; and to provide strategic business consulting. 
This is a fee for service program, therefore, the MBEC is required to 
charge client fees. These requirements will be used to generate 
increased results with respect to financing and contracts awarded to 
minority-owned firms and are a key component of this program.
    The MBEC Program will concentrate on serving SGI firms capable of 
generating significant employment and long-term economic growth. The 
MBEC program shall continue to leverage telecommunications technology, 
including the Internet, and a variety of online/computer-based 
resources to dramatically increase the level of service that the MBEC 
can provide to minority-owned firms. The MBEC program incorporates an 
entrepreneurial approach to building market stability and improving the 
quality of services delivered. This strategy expands the reach of the 
MBEC by requiring project operators to develop and build upon strategic 
alliances with public and private sector partners, as a means of 
serving SGI firms within the project's geographic service area. In 
addition, MBDA will establish specialized business consulting training 
programs to support the MBEC client assistance services. These MBEC 
training programs are designed specifically to foster growth assistance 
to its clients. The MBEC will also encourage increased collaboration 
and client/non-client referrals among the MBDA-sponsored networks. This 
will provide a comprehensive approach to serving the emerging sector of 
the minority business community.
    The MBEC will operate through the use of trained professional 
business consultants who will assist minority entrepreneurs through 
direct client engagements. Entrepreneurs eligible for assistance under 
the MBEC Program are African Americans, Puerto Ricans, Spanish-speaking 
Americans, Aleuts, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, Asian Indians, 
Native Americans, Eskimos and Hasidic Jews. As part of its strategy for 
continuous improvement, the MBEC shall expand its delivery capacity to 
all minority firms (as defined in the FFO), with greater emphasis on 
SGI firms capable of impacting economic growth and employment. MBDA 
wants to ensure that MBEC clients are receiving a consistent level of 
service throughout its funded network. To this end, MBDA will require 
MBEC consultants to attend training course(s) designed to achieve 
standardized services and quality expectations. Please refer to the FFO 
for additional programmatic information.
    Match Requirements: MBDA requires award recipients to provide a 
minimum twenty percent (20%) non-federal cost share for each of the 
three program years. Cost sharing is the portion of the project cost 
not borne by the Federal Government. Applicants must meet this 
requirement in (1) cash contributions; (2) non-cash applicant 
contributions; or (3) third party in-kind contributions. Bonus points 
will be awarded for cost sharing exceeding 20 percent that is applied 
on the following scale: more than 20%-less than 25%--1 point; 25% or 
more-less than 30%--2 points; 30% or more-less than 35%--3 points; 35% 
or more-less than 40%--4 points; and, 40% or more--5 points. Applicants 
must provide a detailed explanation of how the cost-sharing requirement 
will be met. The MBEC must charge client fees for services rendered. 
Client fees shall be used towards meeting cost share requirements. 
Client fees applied directly to the award's cost sharing requirement 
must be used in furtherance of the program objectives.
    Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be evaluated and selected 
for funding 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

[[Page 5013]]

application to be considered for funding. The maximum number of total 
points for each evaluation criterion is provided below. The number of 
points assigned to each evaluation criterion will be determined on a 
competitive basis by the MBDA review panel based on the quality of the 
application with respect to each criterion. The maximum total of points 
that can be earned is 105 including bonus points for related non-
federal cost sharing, except when oral presentations are made by 
applicants. If oral presentations are made (see paragraph 5 below), the 
maximum total of points that can be earned is 115.
    1. Applicant Capability (40 points). The applicant's proposal will 
be evaluated with respect to the applicant firm's experience and 
expertise in providing the work requirements listed. Specifically, the 
proposals will be evaluated as follows:
     MBE Community--experience in and knowledge of the minority 
business sector and strategies for enhancing its growth and expansion; 
particular emphasis shall be on expanding SGI firms (4 points);
     Business Consulting--experience in and knowledge of 
business consulting of SGI firms (5 points);
     Financing--experience in and knowledge of the preparation 
and formulation of successful financial transactions (5 points);
     Procurements and Contracting--experience in and knowledge 
of the public and private sector contracting opportunities for minority 
businesses, as well as demonstrated expertise in assisting MBEs into 
supply chains (5 points);
     Financing Networks--resources and professional 
relationships within the corporate, banking and investment community 
that may be beneficial to minority-owned firms (5 points);
     Establishment of a Self-Sustainable Service Model--summary 
plan to establish a self-sustainable model for continued services to 
the MBE community beyond the MBDA funding cycle (3 points);
     MBE Advocacy--experience and expertise in advocating on 
behalf of minority businesses, both as to specific transactions in 
which a minority business seeks to engage, and as to broad market 
advocacy for the benefit of the minority community at large (3 points); 
and
     Key Staff--assessment of the qualifications, experience 
and proposed role of staff who will operate the MBEC. In particular, an 
assessment will be made to determine whether proposed key staff 
possesses the expertise in utilizing information systems and the 
ability to successfully deliver services (10 points).
    2. Resources (20 points). The applicant's proposal will be 
evaluated according to the following criteria:
     Resources--discuss those resources (not included as part 
of the cost-sharing arrangement) that will be used, including (but not 
limited to) existing prior and/or current data lists that will serve in 
fostering immediate success for the MBEC (8 points);
     Location--Applicant must indicate if it shall establish a 
location for the Center that is separate and apart from any existing 
offices in the geographic service area (2 points);
     Partners--discuss how you plan to establish and maintain 
the network of five (5) Strategic Partners and how these partners will 
support the MBEC to meet its performance objectives (5 points); and
     Equipment--discuss how you plan to accomplish the computer 
hardware and software requirements (5 points).
    3. Techniques and Methodologies (20 points). The applicant's 
proposal will be evaluated as follows:
     Performance Measures--relate each performance measure to 
the financial, information and market resources available in the 
geographic service area to the applicant (including existing client 
list) and how the goals will be met (marketing plan). Specific 
attention should be placed on matching performance outcomes (as 
described under ``Geographic Service Areas and Performance Goals'' of 
the FFO) with client service (billable) hours. The applicant should 
consider existing market conditions and its strategy to achieve the 
goal (10 points);
     Plan of Action--provide specific detail on how the 
applicant will start operations. The MBEC shall have thirty (30) days 
to become fully operational after an award is made. Fully operational 
means that all staff are hired, all signs are up, all items of 
furniture and equipment are in place and operational, all necessary 
forms are developed (e.g., client engagement letters, other standard 
correspondence, etc.), and the center is ready to open its doors to the 
public (5 points); and
     Work Requirement Execution Plan--The applicant will be 
evaluated on how effectively and efficiently all staff time will be 
used to achieve the work requirements (5 points).
    4. Proposed Budget and Supporting Budget Narrative (20 points). The 
applicant's proposal will be evaluated on the following sub-criteria:
     Reasonableness, allowability and allocability of costs. 
All of the proposed expenditures must be discussed and the budget line 
item narrative must match the proposed budget. Fringe benefits and 
other percentage item calculations must match the proposed line item on 
the budget. (5 points);
     Proposed cost sharing of 20% is required. The non-Federal 
share must be adequately documented, including how client fees will be 
used to meet the cost-share (5 points); and
     Performance Based Budget. Discuss how the budget is 
related to the accomplishment of the work requirements and the 
performance measures. Provide a budget narrative that clearly shows the 
connections (10 points). Proposals with cost sharing which exceeds 20% 
will be awarded bonus points on the following scale: More than 20%-less 
than 25%--1 point; 25% or more-less than 30%--2 points; 30% or more-
less than 35%--3 points; 35% or more-less than 40%--4 points; and 40% 
or more--5 points.
    5. Oral Presentation--Optional (10 points). Oral presentations are 
held only when determined by MBDA. When the merit review by the panel 
results in applications scoring 70% or more of the available points for 
each criterion, MBDA may request all those applicants to develop and 
provide an oral presentation. This presentation will be used to 
establish a final evaluation and rating.
    The applicant's presentation will be evaluated on the following 
sub-criteria:
    (a) The extent to which the presentation demonstrates how the 
applicant will effectively and efficiently assist MBDA in the 
accomplishment of its mission (2 points);
    (b) The extent to which the presentation demonstrates business 
operating priorities designed to manage a successful MBEC (2 points);
    (c) The extent to which the presentation demonstrates a management 
philosophy that achieves an effective balance between micromanagement 
and complete autonomy for its Project Director (2 points);
    (d) The extent to which the presentation demonstrates robust search 
criteria for the identification of a Project Director (1 point);
    (e) The extent to which the presentation demonstrates effective 
employee recruitment and retention policies and procedures (1 point); 
and,
    (f) The extent to which the presentation demonstrates a competitive 
and innovative approach to exceeding performance requirements (2 
points).

Review and Selection Process

    1. Initial Screening. Prior to the formal paneling process, each

[[Page 5014]]

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). The oral panel members shall score each 
presentation in accordance with the oral presentation criteria. An 
average score shall be compiled and added to the original score of the 
panel review.
    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.
    4. Final Recommendation. The National Director of MBDA makes the 
final recommendation to the Department of Commerce Grants Officer 
regarding the funding of applications, taking into account the 
selection criteria as outlined in this Announcement and the following:
    (a) The evaluations and rankings of the independent review panel 
and the evaluation(s) of the oral presentations, if applicable;
    (b) Funding priorities. The National Director (or his/her designee) 
reserves the right to conduct a site visit (subject to the availability 
of funding) to applicant organizations receiving at least 70% of the 
total points available for each evaluation criterion, in order to make 
a better assessment of the organization's capability to achieve the 
funding priorities; and
    (c)The availability of funding.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    Limitation of Liability: Applicants are hereby given notice that 
funds have not yet been appropriated for this program. Accordingly, 
MBDA issues this notice subject to the appropriations made available 
under the current continuing resolution, H.R. 5631, ``Continuing 
Appropriations Resolution, 2007,'' Public Law 109-289, as amended by 
H.J. Res. 100, Public Law 109-369 and H.J. Res. 102, Public Law 109-
383. In no event will the Department of Commerce or MBDA be responsible 
for proposal preparation costs if this program fails to receive funding 
or is cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this 
announcement does not oblige the Department of Commerce or MBDA 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 Federal Register notice (68 FR 38402) 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 is not required by the 
Administrative Procedure Act for rules concerning public property, 
loans, grants, 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: January 29, 2007.
Ronald N. Langston,
National Director, Minority Business Development Agency.
[FR Doc. E7-1808 Filed 2-1-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-21-P