Solicitation of Proposals and Applications for Economic Development Assistance Programs, 13474-13478 [E7-5223]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
13474
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 55 / Thursday, March 22, 2007 / Notices
Any person planning to attend this
meeting who requires special
accessibility features and/or auxiliary
aids, such as sign language interpreters,
must inform the Commission in advance
of those needs.
CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION:
John Farrell, Executive Director, U.S.
Arctic Research Commission, 703–525–
0111 or TDD 703–306–0090.
Dated: March 13, 2007.
John Farrell,
Executive Director.
[FR Doc. 07–1400 Filed 3–21–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555–01–M
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economic Development Administration
[Docket No.: 070309052–7053–01]
Solicitation of Proposals and
Applications for Economic
Development Assistance Programs
Economic Development
Administration (EDA), Department of
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice and request for proposals
and applications.
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Economic Development
Administration (EDA) is soliciting
proposals or applications (as
appropriate) for the following programs
authorized by the Public Works and
Economic Development Act of 1965 (42
U.S.C. 3121 et seq.) (PWEDA): (1) Public
Works and Economic Development
Investments Program, (2) Planning
Program, (3) Local Technical Assistance
Program, and (4) Economic Adjustment
Assistance Program. 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. In implementing
this mission pursuant to its authorizing
statute, PWEDA, EDA advances
economic growth by assisting
communities and regions experiencing
chronic high unemployment and low
per capita income to create an
environment that fosters innovation,
promotes entrepreneurship, and attracts
increased private capital investment.
Under the Trade Act of 1974, as
amended (19 U.S.C. 2341–2391) (Trade
Act), EDA also provides technical
assistance to firms adversely affected by
increased import competition.
DATES: Proposals are accepted on a
continuing basis and applications are
invited and processed as received.
Generally, two months are required for
EDA to reach a final decision after
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:11 Mar 21, 2007
Jkt 211001
receipt of a complete application that
meets all requirements. Proposals or
applications (as appropriate) received
after the date of this notice will be
processed in accordance with the
requirements set forth herein and in the
related Federal funding opportunity
(FFO) announcement, until the next
annual FFO is posted on https://
www.Grants.gov and related notice and
request for proposals and applications is
published in the Federal Register.
Pre-Application and Application
Submission Requirements
Proponents are advised to carefully
read the instructions contained in the
complete FFO announcement for this
request for proposals and applications,
and in the Pre-Application for
Investment Assistance (Form ED–900P)
and Application for Investment
Assistance (Form ED–900A). The
requirements of the pre-application are
different than the requirements of the
application. The content of the preapplication or the application (as
appropriate) is the same for paper
submissions as it is for electronic
submissions. EDA will not accept
facsimile transmissions of preapplications and applications.
Proposals under EDA’s Public Works
Program (CFDA No. 11.300) or
Economic Adjustment Assistance
Program (CFDA No. 11.307) must be
submitted on Form ED–900P, which
may be submitted in two formats: (i) In
paper (hardcopy) format at the
applicable regional office address
provided below; or (ii) electronically in
accordance with the procedures
provided on https://www.Grants.gov.
For projects under EDA’s Planning
Program (CFDA No. 11.302) or
Technical Assistance Program (CFDA
No. 11.303), please contact the
appropriate EDA regional office listed
below for instructions as to whether you
should complete a pre-application or an
application. In the case of a
continuation grant, no pre-application is
required.
The following forms may be accessed
and downloaded as follows: (i) Forms
ED–900P and ED–900A at https://
www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/
Application.xml; (ii) Standard Forms
(SF) at either https://www.Grants.gov or
at https://www.eda.gov/
InvestmentsGrants/Application.xml;
and (iii) Department of Commerce (CD)
forms at https://www.doc.gov/forms.
Addresses and Telephone Numbers
for EDA’s Regional Offices: Applicants
in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina and Tennessee, may submit
paper submissions to:
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Economic Development Administration,
Atlanta Regional Office, 401 West
Peachtree Street, NW., Suite 1820,
Atlanta, Georgia 30308, Telephone:
(404) 730–3002, Fax: (404) 730–3025.
Applicants in Arkansas, Louisiana,
New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, may
submit paper submissions to:
Economic Development Administration,
Austin Regional Office, 504 Lavaca,
Suite 1100, Austin, Texas 78701–
2858, Telephone: (512) 381–8144,
Fax: (512) 381–8177.
Applicants in Illinois, Indiana,
Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and
Wisconsin, may submit paper
submissions to:
Economic Development Administration,
Chicago Regional Office, 111 North
Canal Street, Suite 855, Chicago,
Illinois 60606, Telephone: (312) 353–
7706, Fax: (312) 353–8575.
Applicants in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas,
Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North
Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and
Wyoming, may submit paper
submissions to:
Economic Development Administration,
Denver Regional Office, 1244 Speer
Boulevard, Room 670, Denver,
Colorado 80204, Telephone: (303)
844–4715, Fax: (303) 844–3968.
Applicants in Connecticut, Delaware,
District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New
Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto
Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, U.S.
Virgin Islands, Virginia and West
Virginia, may submit paper submissions
to:
Economic Development Administration,
Philadelphia Regional Office, Curtis
Center, 601 Walnut Street, Suite 140
South, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19106, Telephone: (215) 597–4603,
Fax: (215) 597–1063.
Applicants in Alaska, American
Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam,
Hawaii, Idaho, Marshall Islands,
Micronesia, Nevada, Northern Mariana
Islands, Oregon, Republic of Palau and
Washington, may submit paper
submissions to:
Economic Development Administration,
Seattle Regional Office, Jackson
Federal Building, Room 1890, 915
Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington
98174, Telephone: (206) 220–7660,
Fax: (206) 220–7669.
Paper Submissions: To apply for
Public Works or Economic Adjustment
Assistance under this notice, you may
submit a proposal on a completed preapplication (ED–900P) to the applicable
EDA regional office listed above.
Proponents choosing this option should
E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM
22MRN1
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 55 / Thursday, March 22, 2007 / Notices
download and print copies of Form ED–
900P and the Application for Federal
Assistance (Form SF–424) at https://
www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/
Application.xml, complete Parts I, II and
III of Form ED–900P and Form SF–424,
and attach the project narrative
statement requested in section IV.B.1. of
the FFO announcement for this request
for proposals and applications. To apply
for Planning or Technical Assistance
under this notice, the EDA regional
office may instruct you to submit an
application in lieu of the preapplication. After consultation with the
regional office, you may submit a
completed pre-application or an
application, as instructed, to the
applicable EDA regional office.
A proponent must submit one (1)
original and two (2) copies of a
completed pre-application or
application (as appropriate) via postal
mail, shipped overnight or handdelivered to the applicable regional
office, unless otherwise directed by EDA
staff. Proponents are advised that
Department of Commerce mail security
measures may delay receipt of United
States Postal Service mail for up to two
weeks. Proponents may wish to use
guaranteed overnight delivery services.
Electronic Submissions: Proponents
applying under the Public Works
Program or the Economic Adjustment
Assistance Program may submit preapplications electronically in
accordance with the instructions
provided at https://www.Grants.gov. You
may access the pre-application package
by following the instructions provided
on https://www.grants.gov/applicants/
apply_for_grants.jsp. The preferred file
format for electronic attachments (e.g.,
the project narrative statement and
exhibits to Form ED–900P) is portable
document format (PDF); however, EDA
will accept electronic files in Microsoft
Word, WordPerfect, Lotus or Excel
formats.
Applicants for assistance under the
Planning Program or the Technical
Assistance Program may not need to
submit a pre-application. If the regional
office instructs you to submit an
application (Form ED–900A) instead of
a pre-application (Form ED–900P) for
projects under these two programs, you
may submit the application in paper
(hardcopy) format or you may submit
the application electronically via
https://www.Grants.gov. If the regional
office instructs you to submit a preapplication, you also may submit the
pre-application in paper (hardcopy)
format or electronically via https://
www.Grants.gov.
Applicants should access the
following link for assistance in
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:11 Mar 21, 2007
Jkt 211001
navigating https://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 https://
www.Grants.gov via email at
support@grants.gov or telephone at
1.800.518.4726. The hours of operation
for https://www.Grants.gov are Monday–
Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EST) (except for
Federal holidays).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
additional information or for a paper
copy of the FFO announcement, contact
the appropriate EDA regional office
listed above. EDA’s Internet Web site at
https://www.eda.gov also contains
additional information on EDA and its
programs.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Program Information: EDA
encourages the submission of only those
proposals or applications, as
appropriate, which will significantly
benefit regions with distressed
economies. Distress may exist in a
variety of forms, including high levels of
unemployment, low income levels, large
concentrations of low-income families,
significant declines in per capita
income, large numbers (or high rates) of
business failures, sudden major layoffs
or plant closures, trade impacts, military
base closures, natural or other major
disasters, depletion of natural resources,
reduced tax bases, or substantial loss of
population because of the lack of
employment opportunities. EDA
believes that regional economic
development to alleviate these
conditions is effected primarily through
investments and decisions made by the
private sector. EDA will give preference
to proposals or applications (as
appropriate) that include cash
contributions (over in-kind
contributions) as the matching share.
EDA will evaluate and select
proposals or applications (as
appropriate) according to the
investment policy guidelines and
funding priorities set forth below under
‘‘Evaluation Criteria’’ and ‘‘Funding
Priorities’’ and in section V. of the FFO
announcement.
Electronic Access: The FFO
announcement for the FY 2007
Economic Development Assistance
Programs competition is available at
https://www.Grants.gov. Additional
information is available through EDA’s
Internet Web site at https://www.eda.gov.
Funding Availability: EDA is
operating with appropriations made
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
13475
available under the Revised Continuing
Appropriations Resolution, 2007, Public
Law 110–5 (February 15, 2007). This
Act makes $250.741 million available in
FY 2007 for the economic development
assistance programs authorized by
PWEDA and for the Trade Adjustment
Assistance for Firms Program (TAA
Program) authorized under the Trade
Act.
This notice will remain in effect until
it is terminated or supplanted by a
future Federal Register notice. The
funding periods and funding amount(s)
referenced in this notice and in the FFO
announcement are subject to the
availability of funds at the time of
award, as well as to Department of
Commerce and EDA priorities at the
time of award. The Department of
Commerce and EDA will not be held
responsible for proposal or application
preparation costs. Publication of this
notice and the FFO announcement does
not obligate the Department of
Commerce or EDA to award any specific
grant or cooperative agreement or to
obligate all or any part of available
funds.
This request for proposals and
applications covers the following
programs under PWEDA: (1) Public
Works and Economic Development
Investments Program; (2) Planning
Program; (3) Technical Assistance
Program; and (4) Economic Adjustment
Assistance Program. Under the
Technical Assistance Program, this
request for proposals and applications
covers Local Technical Assistance only.
A separate FFO announcement will be
posted on https://www.Grants.gov that
will set forth the specific funding
priorities, application and selection
processes, time frames, and evaluation
criteria for certain National Technical
Assistance projects to be funded with
FY 2007 appropriations. Similarly, a
separate FFO announcement has been
posted at https://www.Grants.gov that
sets forth the specific funding priorities,
application and selection processes,
time frames, and evaluation criteria for
University Center projects to be funded
with FY 2007 appropriated program
funds. With respect to the TAA Program
under the Trade Act, continuation
grants will not be competed and no new
Trade Adjustment Assistance Center
(TAAC) grants will be awarded this
year. See 19 U.S.C. 2341–2391 and 13
CFR part 315.
Statutory Authority: The authority for
the (1) Public Works and Economic
Development Investments Program, (2)
Planning Program, (3) Technical
Assistance Program, and (4) Economic
Adjustment Assistance Program is
PWEDA. The authorities for the TAA
E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM
22MRN1
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
13476
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 55 / Thursday, March 22, 2007 / Notices
Program are Chapters 3 and 5 of Title II
of the Trade Act. 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) Numbers: 11.300,
Grants for Public Works and Economic
Development Facilities; 11.302,
Economic Development—Support for
Planning Organizations; 11.303,
Economic Development—Technical
Assistance; 11.307, Economic
Adjustment Assistance; 11.313,
Economic Development—Trade
Adjustment Assistance.
Applicant Eligibility: Pursuant to
PWEDA, eligible applicants for and
eligible recipients of EDA investment
assistance include a(n): (i) District
Organization; (ii) Indian Tribe or a
consortium of Indian Tribes; (iii) State,
a city or other political subdivision of a
State, including a special purpose unit
of a State or local government engaged
in economic or infrastructure
development activities, or a consortium
of political subdivisions; (iv) institution
of higher education or a consortium of
institutions of higher education; or (v)
public or private non-profit organization
or association acting in cooperation
with officials of a political subdivision
of a State. See section 3 of PWEDA (42
U.S.C. 3122) and 13 CFR 300.3. Projects
eligible for Public Works or Economic
Adjustment investment assistance
include those projects located in regions
meeting ‘‘Special Need’’ criteria (as
defined in 13 CFR 300.3), as set forth in
section VIII.B. of the FFO
announcement.
For-profit, private-sector entities do
not qualify for investment assistance
under PWEDA, with one minor
exception: EDA may award a grant
under section 207 (42 U.S.C. 3147) of
PWEDA under its Local Technical
Assistance Program or National
Technical Assistance Program to a forprofit organization for the specific
purposes set forth in 13 CFR 306.1. EDA
is not authorized to provide grants
directly to individuals or to for-profit
entities seeking to start or expand a
private business. Such requests may be
referred to State or local agencies, or to
non-profit economic development
organizations serving the region in
which the project will be located.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:11 Mar 21, 2007
Jkt 211001
Any community affected by the 1988,
1991, 1993, 1995 or 2005 base
realignment and closure (BRAC) actions,
which qualifies under EDA’s Public
Works Program or Economic
Adjustment Assistance Program, may
apply for assistance under one or both
of these programs. EDA anticipates that
proponents with construction proposals
will seek funding from the Public Works
Program, and strategic planning, credit
enhancement or other innovative
financing proposals will compete under
the Economic Adjustment Assistance
Program.
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, based on
the relative needs of the region in which
the project will be located, as
determined by EDA. See section 204(a)
of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR
301.4(b)(1). For Planning Assistance, the
minimum EDA investment rate for
projects under 13 CFR part 303 is fifty
(50) percent, and the maximum
allowable EDA investment rate may not
exceed eighty (80) percent. See 13 CFR
301.4(b)(3). For projects of a national
scope under 13 CFR part 306 (Training,
Research and Technical Assistance),
and for all other projects under 13 CFR
part 306, 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 case of EDA investment assistance to
a(n) (i) Indian Tribe, (ii) State (or
political subdivision of a State) that the
Assistant Secretary determines has
exhausted its effective taxing and
borrowing capacity, or (iii) non-profit
organization that the Assistant Secretary
determines has exhausted its effective
borrowing capacity, the Assistant
Secretary has the discretion to establish
a maximum EDA investment rate of up
to one hundred (100) percent of the total
project cost. See sections 204(c)(1) and
(2) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13
CFR 301.4(b)(5). Potential applicants
should contact the appropriate EDA
regional office to make these
determinations.
In the proposal (or application)
review process, EDA will consider the
nature of the contribution (cash or inkind) and the amount of the matching
share funds. While cash contributions
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
are preferred, in-kind contributions,
fairly evaluated by EDA, may provide
the required 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 proposals and 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: Proposals
or applications for assistance under
EDA’s programs are subject to the State
review requirements imposed by
Executive Order 12372,
‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.’’
Evaluation and Selection Procedures:
Each pre-application or application (as
appropriate) is circulated by a project
officer within the applicable EDA
regional office for review and
comments. When the necessary input
and information are obtained, the preapplication or application (as
appropriate) is considered by the
regional office’s Investment Review
Committee (IRC), which is comprised of
regional office staff. The IRC discusses
the pre-application or application (as
appropriate) and evaluates it on two
levels to (a) determine if the preapplication or application (as
appropriate) meets the program-specific
award and application requirements
provided in 13 CFR 305.2 for Public
Works investments, 13 CFR 303.3 for
Planning investments, 13 CFR 306.2 for
Local and National Technical
Assistance, and 13 CFR 307.2 and 307.4
for Economic Adjustment Assistance;
and (b) evaluate each pre-application or
application (as appropriate) using the
general evaluation criteria set forth in 13
CFR 301.8. These general evaluation
criteria also are provided below under
‘‘Evaluation Criteria.’’
In the case of a pre-application, after
completing its evaluation, the IRC
recommends to the Regional Director
whether an application should be
E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM
22MRN1
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 55 / Thursday, March 22, 2007 / Notices
invited, documenting its
recommendation in the meeting minutes
or in the Investment Summary and the
Project Proposal Summary and
Evaluation Form. For quality control
assurance, EDA Headquarters reviews
the IRC’s analysis of the project’s
fulfillment of the investment policy
guidelines set forth below under
‘‘Evaluation Criteria’’ and in 13 CFR
301.8. After receiving quality control
clearance, the Selecting Official, who is
the Regional Director, considers the
evaluations provided by the IRC and the
degree to which one or more of the
funding priorities provided below are
included, in making his/her decision as
to which proponents should be invited
to submit formal applications for
investment assistance. The Selecting
Official then formally invites successful
proponents to submit full applications
(on Form ED–900A). If the Selecting
Official declines to invite a full
application, he/she provides written
notice to the proponent.
If a proponent is selected to submit a
formal application, the appropriate
regional office will provide application
materials and guidance in completing
them. The proponent will generally
have thirty (30) days to submit the
completed application materials to the
regional office. EDA staff will work with
the proponent to resolve application
deficiencies. EDA will notify the
applicant if EDA accepts a completed
application, and it is forwarded for final
review and processing in accordance
with EDA and Department of Commerce
procedures.
Evaluation Criteria: EDA will select
investment proposals or applications (as
appropriate) competitively based on the
investment policy guidelines and
funding priority considerations
identified in this notice. EDA will
evaluate the extent to which a project
embodies the maximum number of
investment policy guidelines and
funding priorities possible and strongly
exemplifies at least one of each. All
investment proposals or applications (as
appropriate) will be competitively
evaluated primarily on their ability to
satisfy one (1) or more of the following
investment policy guidelines, each of
equivalent weight and which also are
set forth in 13 CFR § 301.8.
1. Be market-based and results driven.
An EDA investment will capitalize on a
region’s competitive strengths and will
positively move a regional economic
indicator measured on EDA’s Balanced
Scorecard, such as: An increased
number of higher-skill, higher-wage
jobs; increased tax revenue; or increased
private sector investment.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:11 Mar 21, 2007
Jkt 211001
2. Have strong organizational
leadership. An EDA investment will
have strong leadership, relevant project
management experience, and a
significant commitment of human
resources talent to ensure a project’s
successful execution.
3. Advance productivity, innovation
and entrepreneurship. An EDA
investment will embrace the principles
of entrepreneurship, enhance regional
industry clusters, and leverage and link
technology innovators and local
universities to the private sector to
create the conditions for greater
productivity, innovation, and job
creation.
4. Look beyond the immediate
economic horizon, anticipate economic
changes, and diversify the local and
regional economy. An EDA investment
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
by supporting existing industry clusters,
developing emerging new clusters, or
attracting new regional economic
drivers.
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.
In addition to using the investment
policy guidelines set forth above, EDA
also will evaluate all Planning proposals
or applications (as appropriate) based
on the (i) quality of the proposed scope
of work for the development,
implementation, revision or
replacement of a comprehensive
economic development strategy (CEDS);
and (ii) qualifications of the proponent
to implement the goals and objectives
resulting from the CEDS. See 13 CFR
303.3(a)(1) and (2). To ensure that the
proposal fully meets these requirements,
proponents should pay particular
attention to 13 CFR 303.7(b), which sets
forth specific technical requirements for
the CEDS.
Funding Priorities: Successful
proposals or applications (as
appropriate) for EDA’s investment
programs will be regionally-driven
initiatives in areas of the Nation that are
underperforming and eligible for EDA
assistance, and that meet one or more of
the following core criteria (investment
proposals or applications that meet
more than one core criterion will be
given more favorable consideration):
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
13477
1. Investments in support of longterm, coordinated and collaborative
regional economic development
approaches:
• Establish comprehensive regional
economic development strategies that
identify promising opportunities for
long-term economic growth.
• Exhibit demonstrable, committed
multi-jurisdictional support from
leaders across all sectors:
i. Public (e.g., mayors, city councils,
county executives, senior state
leadership);
ii. Institutional (e.g., institutions of
higher learning);
iii. Non-profit (e.g., chambers of
commerce, development organizations);
and
iv. Private (e.g., leading regional
businesses, significant regional industry
associations).
• Generate quantifiable positive
economic outcomes.
2. Investments that support
innovation and competitiveness:
• Develop and enhance the
functioning and competitiveness of
leading and emerging industry clusters
in an economic region.
• Advance technology transfer from
research institutions to the commercial
marketplace.
• Bolster critical infrastructure (e.g.,
transportation, communications,
specialized training) to prepare
economic regions to compete in the
world-wide marketplace.
3. Investments that encourage
entrepreneurship:
• Cultivate a favorable
entrepreneurial environment consistent
with regional strategies.
• Enable economic regions to identify
innovative opportunities among growthoriented small and medium-size
enterprises.
• Promote community and faithbased entrepreneurship programs aimed
at improving economic performance in
an economic region.
Additional consideration will be
given to investment proposals or
applications (as appropriate) which
also:
• Respond to sudden and severe
economic dislocations (e.g., major
layoffs and/or plant closures, disasters).
• Enable BRAC-impacted
communities to transition from a
military to civilian economy.
• Advance the goals of linking
historic preservation and economic
development as outlined by Executive
Order 13287, ‘‘Preserve America.’’
• Support the economic revitalization
of brownfields.
The Department of Commerce PreAward Notification Requirements for
E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM
22MRN1
13478
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 55 / Thursday, March 22, 2007 / Notices
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.
Paperwork Reduction Act: This
document contains collection-ofinformation requirements subject to the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The
use of Forms ED–900P (Pre-Application
for Investment Assistance) and 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 (Regulatory
Planning and Review): 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.
Dated: March 16, 2007.
Sandy K. Baruah,
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Economic Development.
[FR Doc. E7–5223 Filed 3–21–07; 8:45 am]
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
BILLING CODE 3510–24–P
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:11 Mar 21, 2007
Jkt 211001
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
(A–588–838)
Clad Steel Plate from Japan:
Continuation of Antidumping Duty
Order
Import Administration,
International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY: As a result of the
determinations by the Department of
Commerce (the Department) and the
International Trade Commission (ITC)
that revocation of the antidumping duty
order on clad steel plate from Japan
would likely lead to continuation or
recurrence of dumping and material
injury to an industry in the United
States, the Department is publishing
notice of continuation of this
antidumping duty order.
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 22, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nichole Zink or Brandon Farlander, AD/
CVD Operations, Import
Administration, International Trade
Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce, 14th Street & Constitution
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230;
telephone: (202) 482–0049 and (202)
482–0182, respectively.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
AGENCY:
Background
On October 2, 2006, the Department
initiated and the ITC instituted a sunset
review of the antidumping duty order
on clad steel plate from Japan pursuant
to section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of
1930, as amended (the Act).1
As a result of its review, the
Department found that revocation of the
antidumping duty order would likely
lead to continuation or recurrence of
dumping and notified the ITC of the
magnitude of the margins likely to
prevail were the order to be revoked.2
On March 5, 2007, the ITC determined,
pursuant to section 751(c) of the Act,
that revocation of the antidumping duty
orders on clad steel plate from Japan
would likely lead to continuation or
recurrence of material injury to an
industry in the United States within a
reasonably foreseeable time.3
1 See Initiation of Five-Year (‘‘Sunset’’) Reviews,
71 FR 57921 (Oct. 2, 2006); and Clad Steel Plate
From Japan, Investigation No. 731-TA-739 (Second
Review), 71 FR 57996 (Oct. 2, 2006).
2 See Clad Steel Plate from Japan; Final Results
of the Expedited Sunset Review (Second Review) of
the Antidumping Duty Order, 72 FR 4482 (Jan. 31,
2007).
3 See Clad Steel Plate from Japan, Investigation
No. 731-TA-739 (Second Review), 72 FR 10556
(Mar. 8, 2007).
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Scope of the Order
The scope of this order is all clad4
steel plate of a width of 600 millimeters
(mm) or more and a composite thickness
of 4.5 mm or more. Clad steel plate is
a rectangular finished steel mill product
consisting of a layer of cladding material
(usually stainless steel or nickel) which
is metallurgically bonded to a base or
backing of ferrous metal (usually carbon
or low alloy steel) where the latter
predominates by weight.
Stainless clad steel plate is
manufactured to American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM)
specifications A263 (400 series stainless
types) and A264 (300 series stainless
types). Nickel and nickel–base alloy
clad steel plate is manufactured to
ASTM specification A265. These
specifications are illustrative but not
necessarily all–inclusive.
Clad steel plate within the scope of
this order is classifiable under the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (HTSUS) 7210.90.10.00.
Although the HTSUS subheading is
provided for convenience and customs
purposes, our written description of the
scope of this order is dispositive.
Determination
As a result of the determinations by
the Department and the ITC that
revocation of this antidumping duty
order would likely lead to continuation
or recurrence of dumping and material
injury to an industry in the United
States, pursuant to section 751(d)(2) of
the Act, the Department hereby orders
the continuation of the antidumping
duty order on clad steel plate from
Japan.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
will continue to collect antidumping
duty cash deposits at the rates in effect
at the time of entry for all imports of
subject merchandise. The effective date
of continuation of this order will be the
date of publication in the Federal
4 Cladding is the association of layers of metals
of different colors or natures by molecular
interpenetration of the surfaces in contact. This
limited diffusion is characteristic of clad products
and differentiates them from products metalized in
other manners (e.g., by normal electroplating). The
various cladding processes include pouring molten
cladding metal onto the basic metal followed by
rolling; simple hot-rolling of the cladding metal to
ensure efficient welding to the basic metal; any
other method of deposition of superimposing of the
cladding metal followed by any mechanical or
thermal process to ensure welding (e.g.,
electrocladding), in which the cladding metal
(nickel, chromium, etc.) is applied to the basic
metal by electroplating, molecular interpenetration
of the surfaces in contact then being obtained by
heat treatment at the appropriate temperature with
subsequent cold rolling. See Harmonized
Commodity Description and Coding System
Explanatory Notes, Chapter 72, General Note (IV)
(C) (2) (e).
E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM
22MRN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 55 (Thursday, March 22, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13474-13478]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-5223]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economic Development Administration
[Docket No.: 070309052-7053-01]
Solicitation of Proposals and Applications for Economic
Development Assistance Programs
AGENCY: Economic Development Administration (EDA), Department of
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice and request for proposals and applications.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is soliciting
proposals or applications (as appropriate) for the following programs
authorized by the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42
U.S.C. 3121 et seq.) (PWEDA): (1) Public Works and Economic Development
Investments Program, (2) Planning Program, (3) Local Technical
Assistance Program, and (4) Economic Adjustment Assistance Program.
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. In implementing this
mission pursuant to its authorizing statute, PWEDA, EDA advances
economic growth by assisting communities and regions experiencing
chronic high unemployment and low per capita income to create an
environment that fosters innovation, promotes entrepreneurship, and
attracts increased private capital investment. Under the Trade Act of
1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2341-2391) (Trade Act), EDA also provides
technical assistance to firms adversely affected by increased import
competition.
DATES: Proposals are accepted on a continuing basis and applications
are invited and processed as received. Generally, two months are
required for EDA to reach a final decision after receipt of a complete
application that meets all requirements. Proposals or applications (as
appropriate) received after the date of this notice will be processed
in accordance with the requirements set forth herein and in the related
Federal funding opportunity (FFO) announcement, until the next annual
FFO is posted on https://www.Grants.gov and related notice and request
for proposals and applications is published in the Federal Register.
Pre-Application and Application Submission Requirements
Proponents are advised to carefully read the instructions contained
in the complete FFO announcement for this request for proposals and
applications, and in the Pre-Application for Investment Assistance
(Form ED-900P) and Application for Investment Assistance (Form ED-
900A). The requirements of the pre-application are different than the
requirements of the application. The content of the pre-application or
the application (as appropriate) is the same for paper submissions as
it is for electronic submissions. EDA will not accept facsimile
transmissions of pre-applications and applications.
Proposals under EDA's Public Works Program (CFDA No. 11.300) or
Economic Adjustment Assistance Program (CFDA No. 11.307) must be
submitted on Form ED-900P, which may be submitted in two formats: (i)
In paper (hardcopy) format at the applicable regional office address
provided below; or (ii) electronically in accordance with the
procedures provided on https://www.Grants.gov.
For projects under EDA's Planning Program (CFDA No. 11.302) or
Technical Assistance Program (CFDA No. 11.303), please contact the
appropriate EDA regional office listed below for instructions as to
whether you should complete a pre-application or an application. In the
case of a continuation grant, no pre-application is required.
The following forms may be accessed and downloaded as follows: (i)
Forms ED-900P and ED-900A at https://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/
Application.xml; (ii) Standard Forms (SF) at either https://
www.Grants.gov or at https://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/
Application.xml; and (iii) Department of Commerce (CD) forms at https://
www.doc.gov/forms.
Addresses and Telephone Numbers for EDA's Regional Offices:
Applicants in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North
Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, may submit paper submissions
to:
Economic Development Administration, Atlanta Regional Office, 401 West
Peachtree Street, NW., Suite 1820, Atlanta, Georgia 30308, Telephone:
(404) 730-3002, Fax: (404) 730-3025.
Applicants in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas,
may submit paper submissions to:
Economic Development Administration, Austin Regional Office, 504
Lavaca, Suite 1100, Austin, Texas 78701-2858, Telephone: (512) 381-
8144, Fax: (512) 381-8177.
Applicants in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and
Wisconsin, may submit paper submissions to:
Economic Development Administration, Chicago Regional Office, 111 North
Canal Street, Suite 855, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Telephone: (312) 353-
7706, Fax: (312) 353-8575.
Applicants in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming, may submit paper
submissions to:
Economic Development Administration, Denver Regional Office, 1244 Speer
Boulevard, Room 670, Denver, Colorado 80204, Telephone: (303) 844-4715,
Fax: (303) 844-3968.
Applicants in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine,
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands,
Virginia and West Virginia, may submit paper submissions to:
Economic Development Administration, Philadelphia Regional Office,
Curtis Center, 601 Walnut Street, Suite 140 South, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania 19106, Telephone: (215) 597-4603, Fax: (215) 597-1063.
Applicants in Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam,
Hawaii, Idaho, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nevada, Northern Mariana
Islands, Oregon, Republic of Palau and Washington, may submit paper
submissions to:
Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office, Jackson
Federal Building, Room 1890, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington
98174, Telephone: (206) 220-7660, Fax: (206) 220-7669.
Paper Submissions: To apply for Public Works or Economic Adjustment
Assistance under this notice, you may submit a proposal on a completed
pre-application (ED-900P) to the applicable EDA regional office listed
above. Proponents choosing this option should
[[Page 13475]]
download and print copies of Form ED-900P and the Application for
Federal Assistance (Form SF-424) at https://www.eda.gov/
InvestmentsGrants/Application.xml, complete Parts I, II and III of Form
ED-900P and Form SF-424, and attach the project narrative statement
requested in section IV.B.1. of the FFO announcement for this request
for proposals and applications. To apply for Planning or Technical
Assistance under this notice, the EDA regional office may instruct you
to submit an application in lieu of the pre-application. After
consultation with the regional office, you may submit a completed pre-
application or an application, as instructed, to the applicable EDA
regional office.
A proponent must submit one (1) original and two (2) copies of a
completed pre-application or application (as appropriate) via postal
mail, shipped overnight or hand-delivered to the applicable regional
office, unless otherwise directed by EDA staff. Proponents are advised
that Department of Commerce mail security measures may delay receipt of
United States Postal Service mail for up to two weeks. Proponents may
wish to use guaranteed overnight delivery services.
Electronic Submissions: Proponents applying under the Public Works
Program or the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program may submit pre-
applications electronically in accordance with the instructions
provided at https://www.Grants.gov. You may access the pre-application
package by following the instructions provided on https://
www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. The preferred file
format for electronic attachments (e.g., the project narrative
statement and exhibits to Form ED-900P) is portable document format
(PDF); however, EDA will accept electronic files in Microsoft Word,
WordPerfect, Lotus or Excel formats.
Applicants for assistance under the Planning Program or the
Technical Assistance Program may not need to submit a pre-application.
If the regional office instructs you to submit an application (Form ED-
900A) instead of a pre-application (Form ED-900P) for projects under
these two programs, you may submit the application in paper (hardcopy)
format or you may submit the application electronically via https://
www.Grants.gov. If the regional office instructs you to submit a pre-
application, you also may submit the pre-application in paper
(hardcopy) format or electronically via https://www.Grants.gov.
Applicants should access the following link for assistance in
navigating https://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 https://www.Grants.gov via email at
support@grants.gov or telephone at 1.800.518.4726. The hours of
operation for https://www.Grants.gov are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
(EST) (except for Federal holidays).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or for a
paper copy of the FFO announcement, contact the appropriate EDA
regional office listed above. EDA's Internet Web site at https://
www.eda.gov also contains additional information on EDA and its
programs.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Program Information: EDA encourages the submission of only those
proposals or applications, as appropriate, which will significantly
benefit regions with distressed economies. Distress may exist in a
variety of forms, including high levels of unemployment, low income
levels, large concentrations of low-income families, significant
declines in per capita income, large numbers (or high rates) of
business failures, sudden major layoffs or plant closures, trade
impacts, military base closures, natural or other major disasters,
depletion of natural resources, reduced tax bases, or substantial loss
of population because of the lack of employment opportunities. EDA
believes that regional economic development to alleviate these
conditions is effected primarily through investments and decisions made
by the private sector. EDA will give preference to proposals or
applications (as appropriate) that include cash contributions (over in-
kind contributions) as the matching share.
EDA will evaluate and select proposals or applications (as
appropriate) according to the investment policy guidelines and funding
priorities set forth below under ``Evaluation Criteria'' and ``Funding
Priorities'' and in section V. of the FFO announcement.
Electronic Access: The FFO announcement for the FY 2007 Economic
Development Assistance Programs competition is available at https://
www.Grants.gov. Additional information is available through EDA's
Internet Web site at https://www.eda.gov.
Funding Availability: EDA is operating with appropriations made
available under the Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007,
Public Law 110-5 (February 15, 2007). This Act makes $250.741 million
available in FY 2007 for the economic development assistance programs
authorized by PWEDA and for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms
Program (TAA Program) authorized under the Trade Act.
This notice will remain in effect until it is terminated or
supplanted by a future Federal Register notice. The funding periods and
funding amount(s) referenced in this notice and in the FFO announcement
are subject to the availability of funds at the time of award, as well
as to Department of Commerce and EDA priorities at the time of award.
The Department of Commerce and EDA will not be held responsible for
proposal or application preparation costs. Publication of this notice
and the FFO announcement does not obligate the Department of Commerce
or EDA to award any specific grant or cooperative agreement or to
obligate all or any part of available funds.
This request for proposals and applications covers the following
programs under PWEDA: (1) Public Works and Economic Development
Investments Program; (2) Planning Program; (3) Technical Assistance
Program; and (4) Economic Adjustment Assistance Program. Under the
Technical Assistance Program, this request for proposals and
applications covers Local Technical Assistance only. A separate FFO
announcement will be posted on https://www.Grants.gov that will set
forth the specific funding priorities, application and selection
processes, time frames, and evaluation criteria for certain National
Technical Assistance projects to be funded with FY 2007 appropriations.
Similarly, a separate FFO announcement has been posted at https://
www.Grants.gov that sets forth the specific funding priorities,
application and selection processes, time frames, and evaluation
criteria for University Center projects to be funded with FY 2007
appropriated program funds. With respect to the TAA Program under the
Trade Act, continuation grants will not be competed and no new Trade
Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) grants will be awarded this year.
See 19 U.S.C. 2341-2391 and 13 CFR part 315.
Statutory Authority: The authority for the (1) Public Works and
Economic Development Investments Program, (2) Planning Program, (3)
Technical Assistance Program, and (4) Economic Adjustment Assistance
Program is PWEDA. The authorities for the TAA
[[Page 13476]]
Program are Chapters 3 and 5 of Title II of the Trade Act. 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) Numbers: 11.300,
Grants for Public Works and Economic Development Facilities; 11.302,
Economic Development--Support for Planning Organizations; 11.303,
Economic Development--Technical Assistance; 11.307, Economic Adjustment
Assistance; 11.313, Economic Development--Trade Adjustment Assistance.
Applicant Eligibility: Pursuant to PWEDA, eligible applicants for
and eligible recipients of EDA investment assistance include a(n): (i)
District Organization; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian
Tribes; (iii) State, a city or other political subdivision of a State,
including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged
in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium
of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a
consortium of institutions of higher education; or (v) public or
private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation
with officials of a political subdivision of a State. See section 3 of
PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3122) and 13 CFR 300.3. Projects eligible for Public
Works or Economic Adjustment investment assistance include those
projects located in regions meeting ``Special Need'' criteria (as
defined in 13 CFR 300.3), as set forth in section VIII.B. of the FFO
announcement.
For-profit, private-sector entities do not qualify for investment
assistance under PWEDA, with one minor exception: EDA may award a grant
under section 207 (42 U.S.C. 3147) of PWEDA under its Local Technical
Assistance Program or National Technical Assistance Program to a for-
profit organization for the specific purposes set forth in 13 CFR
306.1. EDA is not authorized to provide grants directly to individuals
or to for-profit entities seeking to start or expand a private
business. Such requests may be referred to State or local agencies, or
to non-profit economic development organizations serving the region in
which the project will be located.
Any community affected by the 1988, 1991, 1993, 1995 or 2005 base
realignment and closure (BRAC) actions, which qualifies under EDA's
Public Works Program or Economic Adjustment Assistance Program, may
apply for assistance under one or both of these programs. EDA
anticipates that proponents with construction proposals will seek
funding from the Public Works Program, and strategic planning, credit
enhancement or other innovative financing proposals will compete under
the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program.
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, based on the relative needs of the region in which the
project will be located, as determined by EDA. See section 204(a) of
PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(1). For Planning Assistance,
the minimum EDA investment rate for projects under 13 CFR part 303 is
fifty (50) percent, and the maximum allowable EDA investment rate may
not exceed eighty (80) percent. See 13 CFR 301.4(b)(3). For projects of
a national scope under 13 CFR part 306 (Training, Research and
Technical Assistance), and for all other projects under 13 CFR part
306, 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 case
of EDA investment assistance to a(n) (i) Indian Tribe, (ii) State (or
political subdivision of a State) that the Assistant Secretary
determines has exhausted its effective taxing and borrowing capacity,
or (iii) non-profit organization that the Assistant Secretary
determines has exhausted its effective borrowing capacity, the
Assistant Secretary has the discretion to establish a maximum EDA
investment rate of up to one hundred (100) percent of the total project
cost. See sections 204(c)(1) and (2) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13
CFR 301.4(b)(5). Potential applicants should contact the appropriate
EDA regional office to make these determinations.
In the proposal (or 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 required 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 proposals and 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: Proposals or applications for assistance
under EDA's programs are subject to the State review requirements
imposed by Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
Evaluation and Selection Procedures: Each pre-application or
application (as appropriate) is circulated by a project officer within
the applicable EDA regional office for review and comments. When the
necessary input and information are obtained, the pre-application or
application (as appropriate) is considered by the regional office's
Investment Review Committee (IRC), which is comprised of regional
office staff. The IRC discusses the pre-application or application (as
appropriate) and evaluates it on two levels to (a) determine if the
pre-application or application (as appropriate) meets the program-
specific award and application requirements provided in 13 CFR 305.2
for Public Works investments, 13 CFR 303.3 for Planning investments, 13
CFR 306.2 for Local and National Technical Assistance, and 13 CFR 307.2
and 307.4 for Economic Adjustment Assistance; and (b) evaluate each
pre-application or application (as appropriate) using the general
evaluation criteria set forth in 13 CFR 301.8. These general evaluation
criteria also are provided below under ``Evaluation Criteria.''
In the case of a pre-application, after completing its evaluation,
the IRC recommends to the Regional Director whether an application
should be
[[Page 13477]]
invited, documenting its recommendation in the meeting minutes or in
the Investment Summary and the Project Proposal Summary and Evaluation
Form. For quality control assurance, EDA Headquarters reviews the IRC's
analysis of the project's fulfillment of the investment policy
guidelines set forth below under ``Evaluation Criteria'' and in 13 CFR
301.8. After receiving quality control clearance, the Selecting
Official, who is the Regional Director, considers the evaluations
provided by the IRC and the degree to which one or more of the funding
priorities provided below are included, in making his/her decision as
to which proponents should be invited to submit formal applications for
investment assistance. The Selecting Official then formally invites
successful proponents to submit full applications (on Form ED-900A). If
the Selecting Official declines to invite a full application, he/she
provides written notice to the proponent.
If a proponent is selected to submit a formal application, the
appropriate regional office will provide application materials and
guidance in completing them. The proponent will generally have thirty
(30) days to submit the completed application materials to the regional
office. EDA staff will work with the proponent to resolve application
deficiencies. EDA will notify the applicant if EDA accepts a completed
application, and it is forwarded for final review and processing in
accordance with EDA and Department of Commerce procedures.
Evaluation Criteria: EDA will select investment proposals or
applications (as appropriate) competitively based on the investment
policy guidelines and funding priority considerations identified in
this notice. EDA will evaluate the extent to which a project embodies
the maximum number of investment policy guidelines and funding
priorities possible and strongly exemplifies at least one of each. All
investment proposals or applications (as appropriate) will be
competitively evaluated primarily on their ability to satisfy one (1)
or more of the following investment policy guidelines, each of
equivalent weight and which also are set forth in 13 CFR Sec. 301.8.
1. Be market-based and results driven. An EDA investment will
capitalize on a region's competitive strengths and will positively move
a regional economic indicator measured on EDA's Balanced Scorecard,
such as: An increased number of higher-skill, higher-wage jobs;
increased tax revenue; or increased private sector investment.
2. Have strong organizational leadership. An EDA investment will
have strong leadership, relevant project management experience, and a
significant commitment of human resources talent to ensure a project's
successful execution.
3. Advance productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship. An EDA
investment will embrace the principles of entrepreneurship, enhance
regional industry clusters, and leverage and link technology innovators
and local universities to the private sector to create the conditions
for greater productivity, innovation, and job creation.
4. Look beyond the immediate economic horizon, anticipate economic
changes, and diversify the local and regional economy. An EDA
investment 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 by supporting existing industry
clusters, developing emerging new clusters, or attracting new regional
economic drivers.
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.
In addition to using the investment policy guidelines set forth
above, EDA also will evaluate all Planning proposals or applications
(as appropriate) based on the (i) quality of the proposed scope of work
for the development, implementation, revision or replacement of a
comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS); and (ii)
qualifications of the proponent to implement the goals and objectives
resulting from the CEDS. See 13 CFR 303.3(a)(1) and (2). To ensure that
the proposal fully meets these requirements, proponents should pay
particular attention to 13 CFR 303.7(b), which sets forth specific
technical requirements for the CEDS.
Funding Priorities: Successful proposals or applications (as
appropriate) for EDA's investment programs will be regionally-driven
initiatives in areas of the Nation that are underperforming and
eligible for EDA assistance, and that meet one or more of the following
core criteria (investment proposals or applications that meet more than
one core criterion will be given more favorable consideration):
1. Investments in support of long-term, coordinated and
collaborative regional economic development approaches:
Establish comprehensive regional economic development
strategies that identify promising opportunities for long-term economic
growth.
Exhibit demonstrable, committed multi-jurisdictional
support from leaders across all sectors:
i. Public (e.g., mayors, city councils, county executives, senior
state leadership);
ii. Institutional (e.g., institutions of higher learning);
iii. Non-profit (e.g., chambers of commerce, development
organizations); and
iv. Private (e.g., leading regional businesses, significant
regional industry associations).
Generate quantifiable positive economic outcomes.
2. Investments that support innovation and competitiveness:
Develop and enhance the functioning and competitiveness of
leading and emerging industry clusters in an economic region.
Advance technology transfer from research institutions to
the commercial marketplace.
Bolster critical infrastructure (e.g., transportation,
communications, specialized training) to prepare economic regions to
compete in the world-wide marketplace.
3. Investments that encourage entrepreneurship:
Cultivate a favorable entrepreneurial environment
consistent with regional strategies.
Enable economic regions to identify innovative
opportunities among growth-oriented small and medium-size enterprises.
Promote community and faith-based entrepreneurship
programs aimed at improving economic performance in an economic region.
Additional consideration will be given to investment proposals or
applications (as appropriate) which also:
Respond to sudden and severe economic dislocations (e.g.,
major layoffs and/or plant closures, disasters).
Enable BRAC-impacted communities to transition from a
military to civilian economy.
Advance the goals of linking historic preservation and
economic development as outlined by Executive Order 13287, ``Preserve
America.''
Support the economic revitalization of brownfields.
The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for
[[Page 13478]]
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.
Paperwork Reduction Act: This document contains collection-of-
information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA).
The use of Forms ED-900P (Pre-Application for Investment Assistance)
and 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 (Regulatory Planning and Review): 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.
Dated: March 16, 2007.
Sandy K. Baruah,
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development.
[FR Doc. E7-5223 Filed 3-21-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-24-P
