Solicitation of Applications for the Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) Program, 67277-67282 [E7-23129]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 228 / Wednesday, November 28, 2007 / Notices
A. Provision of Fertilizer and
Machinery
B. Provision of Credit
C. Tax Exemptions
D. Provision of Water and Irrigation
Equipment
E. Technical Support
F. Duty Refunds on Imported Raw or
Intermediate Materials Used in the
Production of Export Goods
G. Program to Improve Quality of
Exports of Dried Fruit
H. Iranian Export Guarantee Fund
I. GOI Grants and Loans to Pistachio
Farmers
J. Crop Insurance for Pistachios
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New Shipper Review Bona Fide
Analysis
Consistent with the Department’s
practice, we investigated the bona fide
nature of the sales made by Ahmadi for
this new shipper review. The
Department reviewed import data
provided by U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP), and compared the
quantity and value of the only shipment
by Ahmadi to the United States to
imports of subject merchandise by other
companies. We also reviewed
information on the record with regard to
the commercial legitimacy of Ahmadi,
Kerman, and the unaffiliated sale in the
United States. We find that there is
nothing on the record to question the
bona fides of Ahmadi’s sale. Therefore,
for purposes of these preliminary results
of review, we are treating Ahmadi’s sale
of subject merchandise to the United
States as bona fide for this new shipper
review. See Memo to the file from Eric
B. Greynolds, Program Manager, Office
3, Operations, entitled, ‘‘Preliminary
Bona Fide Sales Analysis.’’
Preliminary Results of Review
In accordance with 19 CFR
351.221(b)(4)(i), we have calculated an
individual subsidy rate for Ahmadi, the
only producer/exporter subject to this
proceeding, for the POR, i.e., calendar
year 2006. We preliminarily determine
that the total estimated net
countervailable subsidy rate is 0.00
percent ad valorem.
We intend to issue the following cash
deposit requirements, effective upon
publication of the notice of final results
of review for all shipments of subject
merchandise entered, or withdrawn
from warehouse, for consumption on or
after the date of publication: (1) for
merchandise produced and exported by
Ahmadi, the cash deposit rate will be
0.00 percent, (2) the rate calculated for
merchandise exported by Ahmadi but
not produced by Ahmadi, the cash
deposit rate will be the all–others rate
established in the original CVD
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investigation (see 51 FR 35679 (October
7, 1986)); (3) if the exporter is not a firm
covered in this review, a prior review,
or the original CVD investigation, but
the producer is, the cash deposit rate
will be the rate established for the most
recent period for the producer of the
merchandise; and (4) if neither the
exporter nor producer is a firm covered
in this review or the original
investigation, the cash deposit rate for
all other producers or exporters of the
subject merchandise will continue to be
99.52 percent ad valorem. This rate is
the all–others rate from the final
determination in the original
investigation.
If the final results of this review
remain the same as these preliminary
results, the Department intends to issue
instructions to CBP 15 days after the
date of publication of the final results of
this review to liquidate without regard
to countervailing duties all shipments of
subject merchandise produced and
exported by Ahmadi, entered, or
withdrawn from warehouse, for
consumption during the POR. Should
the final results of this review remain
the same as these preliminary results,
the Department also will instruct CBP
not to collect cash deposits of estimated
countervailing duties on all shipments
of the subject merchandise produced
and exported by Ahmadi, entered, or
withdrawn from warehouse, for
consumption on or after the date of
publication of the final results of this
new shipper review.
Public Comment
Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.224(b), the
Department will disclose to parties to
the proceeding any calculations
performed in connection with these
preliminary results within five days
after the date of the public
announcement of this notice. Pursuant
to 19 CFR 351.309, interested parties
may submit written comments in
response to these preliminary results.
Unless otherwise indicated by the
Department, case briefs must be
submitted within 30 days after the
publication of these preliminary results.
Rebuttal briefs, which are limited to
arguments raised in case briefs, must be
submitted no later than five days after
the time limit for filing case briefs,
unless otherwise specified by the
Department. Parties who submit
argument in this proceeding are
requested to submit with the argument:
(1) a statement of the issue, and (2) a
brief summary of the argument. Parties
submitting case and/or rebuttal briefs
are requested to provide the Department
copies of the public version on disk.
Case and rebuttal briefs must be served
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67277
on interested parties in accordance with
19 CFR 351.303(f). Also, pursuant to 19
CFR 351.310, within 30 days of the date
of publication of this notice, interested
parties may request a public hearing on
arguments to be raised in the case and
rebuttal briefs. Unless the Secretary
specifies otherwise, the hearing, if
requested, will be held two days after
the date for submission of rebuttal
briefs.
Representatives of parties to the
proceeding may request disclosure of
proprietary information under
administrative protective order no later
than 10 days after the representative’s
client or employer becomes a party to
the proceeding, but in no event later
than the date the case briefs, under 19
CFR 351.309(c)(ii), are due. The
Department will publish the final
results of this administrative review,
including the results of its analysis of
issues raised in any case or rebuttal brief
or at a hearing.
This new shipper review and notice
are issued and published in accordance
with sections 751(a)(2)(B) and 777(i)(1)
of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.214(h) and
351.221(b)(4).
Dated: November 20, 2007.
David M. Spooner,
Assistant Secretary for Import
Administration.
[FR Doc. E7–23142 Filed 11–27–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Minority Business Development
Agency
[Docket No.: 071121731–7735–01]
Solicitation of Applications for the
Minority Business Enterprise Center
(MBEC) Program
Minority Business
Development Agency, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In accordance with 15 U.S.C.
Section 1512 and Executive Order
11625, the Minority Business
Development Agency (MBDA) is
soliciting competitive applications from
organizations to operate a Minority
Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) in
the locations and geographical service
areas specified in this notice. The MBEC
operates through the use of business
consultants and provides a range of
business consulting and technical
assistance services directly to eligible
minority-owned businesses.
Responsibility for ensuring that
applications in response to this
competitive solicitation are complete
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 228 / Wednesday, November 28, 2007 / Notices
Avenue, NW., Room 5075, Washington,
DC 20230. Contact: Efrain Gonzalez,
Chief, 202–482–1940.
2. Dallas National Enterprise Center
(DNEC), 1100 Commerce Street, Room
726, Dallas, Texas 75242. This region
covers the states of Arkansas, Colorado,
Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, North
Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas,
Utah and Wyoming. Contact: John F.
Iglehart, Regional Director, 214–767–
8001.
3. San Francisco National Enterprise
Center (SFNEC), 221 Main Street, Room
1280, San Francisco, California 94105.
This region covers the states of Alaska,
America Samoa, Arizona, California,
Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and
Washington. Contact: Linda M.
Marmolejo, Regional Director, 415–744–
3001.
4. Atlanta National Enterprise Center
(ANEC), 401 W. Peachtree Street, NW.,
Suite 1715, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. This
region covers the states and territories of
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto
Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee and the
Virgin Islands. Contact: John F. Iglehart,
Regional Director, 404–730–3300 or
214–767–8001.
Postal Service may be substantially
delayed or suspended in delivery due to
security measures. Applicants may
therefore wish to use a guaranteed
overnight delivery service. Department
of Commerce delivery policies for
overnight delivery services require all
packages to be sent to the address above.
(1b) Paper Submission—If HandDelivered: If the application is handdelivered by the applicant or by its
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.,
(between Pennsylvania and Constitution
Avenues), Washington, DC. MBDA will
not accept applications that are
submitted by the deadline, but that are
rejected due to the applicant’s failure to
adhere to Department of Commerce
protocol for hand-deliveries.
(2) Electronic Submission: Applicants
are encouraged to submit their proposal
electronically at https://www.Grants.gov.
Electronic submissions should be made
in accordance with the instructions
available at Grants.gov (see https://
www.grants.gov/forapplicants for
detailed information). MBDA strongly
recommends that applicants not wait
until the application deadline date to
begin the application process through
Grants.gov as, in some cases, the process
for completing an online application
may require 3–5 working days.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
further information or for an application
package, please visit MBDA’s Minority
Business Internet Portal at https://
www.mbda.gov. Paper applications may
also be obtained by contacting the
MBDA Office of Business Development
or the MBDA National Enterprise Center
(NEC) in the region in which the MBEC
will be located (see below Agency
Contacts). In addition, Standard Forms
(SF) may be obtained by accessing
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants
or https://www.grants.gov. and
Department of Commerce (CD) forms
may be accessed at https://www.doc.gov/
forms.
Agency Contacts:
1. MBDA Office of Business
Development, 1401 Constitution
Name of MBEC
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and received by MBDA on time is the
sole responsibility of the applicant.
Applications submitted must be to
operate a MBEC and to provide business
consultation services to eligible clients.
Applications that do not meet these
requirements will be rejected. This is
not a grant program to help start or to
further an individual business.
DATES: The closing date for receipt of
applications is January 11, 2008 at 5
p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Completed applications must be
received by MBDA at the address below
for paper submissions or at https://
www.Grants.gov for electronic
submissions. The due date and time is
the same for electronic submissions as
it is for paper submissions. The date
that applications will be deemed to have
been submitted electronically shall be
the date and time received at
Grants.gov. Applicants should save and
print the proof of submission they
receive from Grants.gov. Applications
received after the closing date and time
will not be considered. Anticipated time
for processing is seventy-five (75) days
from the close of the competition
period. MBDA anticipates that awards
under this notice will be made with a
start date of April 1, 2008.
Pre-Application Conference: In
connection with this solicitation, a preapplication teleconference will be held
on December 12, 2007 at 1 p.m. (EST).
Participants must register at least 24
hours in advance of the teleconference
and may participate in person or by
telephone. Please visit the MBDA
Internet Portal at https://www.mbda.gov
(MBDA Portal) or contact an MBDA
representative listed below for
registration instructions.
ADDRESSES: (1a) Paper Submission—If
Mailed: If the application is sent by
postal mail or overnight delivery service
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, 1401 Constitution
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230.
Applicants are advised that MBDA’s
receipt of mail sent via the United States
Location of MBEC
MBEC geographical service area**
Honolulu MBEC .................................................
Miami MBEC ......................................................
Oklahoma City MBEC ........................................
Honolulu, HI ......................................................
Miami, FL ..........................................................
Oklahoma City, OK ..........................................
Honolulu MSA.**
Miami/Ft. Lauderdale/Pompano Beach MSA.**
State of Oklahoma.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background: The MBEC Program is a
key component of MBDA’s overall
minority business development
assistance program and promotes the
growth and competitiveness of eligible
minority-owned businesses. MBEC
operators leverage project staff and
professional consultants to provide a
wide-range of direct business assistance
services to eligible minority-owned
firms, including but not limited to
initial consultations and assessments,
business technical assistance, and
access to federal and non-federal
procurement and financing
opportunities. MBDA currently funds a
network of 31 MBEC projects located
throughout the United States. Pursuant
to this notice, competitive applications
for new awards are being solicited for
the MBEC projects identified below.
Locations and Geographical Service
Areas: MBDA is soliciting competitive
applications from organizations to
operate a MBEC in the following
locations and geographical service areas:
** Metropolitan Statistical Area, please see OMB Bulletin No. 07–01, Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on Their Uses (December 18, 2006) at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/bulletins.
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 228 / Wednesday, November 28, 2007 / Notices
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, https://www.mbda.gov,
or by contacting the appropriate MBDA
representative identified above. The
FFO contains a full and complete
description of the requirements under
the MBEC Program. 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
through https://www.Grants.gov. MBDA
strongly recommends that applicants
not wait until the application deadline
date to begin the application process
through Grants.gov as in some cases the
process for completing an online
application may require additional time
(e.g., 3–5 working days). 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 which address the
following MBDA funding priorities:
(a) Proposals that include
performance goals that exceed by 10%
or more the minimum performance goal
requirements in the FFO;
(b) 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;
(c) Applicants who demonstrate an
exceptional ability to identify and work
with minority firms seeking to obtain
large-scale contracts and/or insertion
into supply chains with institutional
customers;
(d) Proposals that take a regional
approach in providing services to
eligible clients; or
(e) Proposals from applicants with
pre-existing or established operations in
the identified geographic service area(s).
Funding Availability: MBDA
anticipates that a total of approximately
$574,679 will be available in FY 2008
and that a total of approximately
$766,238 will be available in FY 2009 to
fund financial assistance awards for the
three MBEC projects referenced in this
competitive solicitation. The total award
period for awards made under this
competitive solicitation is anticipated to
be twenty-one (21) months and all
awards are expected to be made with a
start date of April 1, 2008. The
anticipated amount of the financial
assistance award for each MBEC project
(including the minimum 20% nonfederal cost share) is as follows:
April 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008
Project name
Total cost
($)
ebenthall on PRODPC61 with NOTICES
Honolulu MBEC ...............................................................
Miami MBEC ....................................................................
Oklahoma City MBEC ......................................................
Applicants must submit project plans
and budgets for each of the two (2)
funding periods covered by the award
(April 1, 2008–December 31, 2008 and
January 1, 2009–December 31, 2009,
respectively). Projects will initially be
funded for the first funding period and
will not have to compete for funding for
the second funding period. However,
operators that fail to achieve a
‘‘satisfactory’’ or better performance
rating for the first funding period may
be denied funding for the second
funding period. Recommendations for
funding for the second funding period
are generally evaluated by MBDA based
on a ‘‘Satisfactory’’ or better mid-year
funding performance rating (i.e., April
1, 2007–September 30, 2007) and/or a
combination of a mid-year and year-to
date (i.e., April 1–December 31, 2007)
‘‘Satisfactory’’ or better performance
rating. In making such funding
recommendations, MBDA and the
Department of Commerce will consider
the facts and circumstances of each
case, such as but not limited to market
conditions, most recent performance of
the operator and other mitigating
circumstances.
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$222,863
307,941
187,500
$178,238
246,441
150,000
$44,625
61,500
37,500
Applicants are hereby given notice
that FY 2008 funds have not yet been
appropriated for the MBEC program.
Accordingly, MBDA issues this notice
subject to the appropriations made
available under the current continuing
resolution, H.J. Res. 52, ‘‘Making
continuing appropriations for the fiscal
year 2008, and for other purposes,’’
Public Law 110–92, as amended by H.R.
3222, Public Law 110–116. In no event
will MBDA or the Department of
Commerce be responsible for proposal
preparation costs if this program fails to
receive funding or is cancelled because
of other MBDA or Department of
Commerce priorities.
Authority: 15 U.S.C. Section 1512 and
Executive Order 11625.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA): 11.800, Minority
Business Enterprise Centers.
Eligibility: For-profit entities
(including but not limited to soleproprietorships, partnerships, and
corporations), non-profit organizations,
state and local government entities,
American Indian Tribes, and
educational institutions are eligible to
operate an MBEC.
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January 1, 2009 through December 31,
2009
Non-federal
share ($)
(20% min.)
Federal
share ($)
67279
Total cost
($)
$297,150
410,588
250,000
Federal
share ($)
$237,650
328,588
200,000
Non-federal
share ($)
(20% min.)
$59,500
82,000
50,000
Program Description: MBDA is
soliciting competitive applications from
organizations to operate a Minority
Business Enterprise Centers (MBEC)
(formerly known as Minority Business
Development Centers). The MBEC will
operate through the use of trained
professional business consultants who
will assist eligible minority
entrepreneurs through direct client
engagements. Entrepreneurs eligible for
assistance under the MBEC Program are:
African Americans, Puerto Ricans,
Spanish-speaking Americans, Aleuts,
Asian Pacific Americans, Native
Americans (including Alaska Natives,
Alaska Native Corporations and tribal
entities), Eskimos, Asian Indians and
Hasidic Jews. No service may be denied
to any member of the eligible groups
listed above.
The MBEC Program generally requires
project staff to provide standardized
business assistance services directly to
‘‘eligible minority owned firms,’’ with
an emphasis on those firms with
$500,000 or more in annual revenues
and/or those eligible firms with ‘‘rapid
growth potential’’ (‘‘Strategic Growth
Initiative’’ or ‘‘SGI’’ firms); to develop
and maintain a network of strategic
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partnerships; to provide collaborative
consulting services with MBDA and
other MBDA funded programs and
strategic partners; and to provide
referral services (as necessary) for client
transactions. MBEC operators will assist
eligible minority-owned firms in
accessing federal and non-federal
contracting and financing opportunities
that result in demonstrable client
outcomes.
The MBEC Program incorporates an
entrepreneurial approach to building
market stability and improving the
quality of client services. This
entrepreneurial strategy expands the
reach of the MBECs by requiring project
operators to develop and build upon
strategic alliances with public and
private sector partners as a means of
serving minority-owned firms within
each MBEC’s geographical service area.
The MBEC Program is also designed to
effectively leverage MBDA resources,
including but not limited to: MBDA
Office of Business Development and
MBDA National Enterprise Centers;
MBDA’s Business Internet Portal; and
MBDA’s nationwide network of MBECs,
Native American Business Enterprise
Centers (NABECs) and Minority
Business Opportunity Centers (MBOCs).
MBEC operators are also required to
attend a variety of MBDA training
programs designed to increase
operational efficiencies and the
provision of value-added client services.
MBEC operators are generally
required to provide the following four
client services: (1) Client Assessment—
this is a standardized service activity
that includes identifying the client’s
immediate and long-term needs and
establishes a projected growth track; (2)
Strategic Business Consulting—this
involves providing intensive business
consulting services that can be delivered
as personalized consulting or group
consulting; (3) Access to Capital—this
assistance is designed to secure the
financial capital necessary for client
growth, and (4) Access to Markets—this
involves assisting clients to identify and
access opportunities for increased sales
and revenues.
Please refer to the FFO pertaining to
this competitive solicitation for a full
and complete description of the
application and programmatic
requirements under the MBEC Program.
Match Requirements: The MBEC
Program requires a minimum nonfederal cost share of 20%, which must
be reflected in the proposed project
budget. Non-federal cost share is the
portion of the project cost not borne by
the Federal Government. Applicants
must satisfy the non-federal cost sharing
requirements in one or more of the
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following four means or any
combination thereof: (1) Client fees; (2)
applicant cash contributions; (3)
applicant in-kind (i.e., non-cash)
contributions; or (4) third-party in-kind
contributions. The MBEC is required to
charge client fees for services rendered
and such fees must be used by the
operator towards meeting the nonfederal cost share requirements under
the award. Applicants will be awarded
up to five bonus points to the extent that
the proposed project budget includes a
non-federal cost share contribution,
measured as a percentage of the overall
project budget, exceeding 20% (see
Evaluation Criterion below).
Evaluation Criterion: Proposals will
be evaluated and applicants will be
selected based on the below evaluation
criterion. The maximum total number of
points that an application may receive
is 105, including the bonus points for
exceeding the minimum required nonfederal cost sharing, except when oral
presentations are made by applicants. If
oral presentations are made (see below:
Oral Presentation—Optional), the
maximum total of points that can be
earned is 115. 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 evaluation criterion.
1. Applicant Capability (40 points)
Proposals will be evaluated with
respect to the applicant’s experience
and expertise in providing the work
requirements listed. Specifically,
proposals will be evaluated as follows:
(a) Community—Experience in and
knowledge of the minority community,
minority business sector, and strategies
for enhancing its growth and expansion;
particular emphasis shall be on
expanding SGI firms. Consideration will
be given as to whether the applicant has
a physical presence in the geographic
service area at the time of its application
(4 points);
(b) Business Consulting—Experience
in and knowledge of business
consulting with respect to minority
firms, with emphasis on SGI firms in the
geographic service area (5 points);
(c) Financing—Experience in and
knowledge of the preparation and
formulation of successful financial
transactions, with an emphasis on the
geographic service area (5 points);
(d) 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 clients into supply chains (5
points);
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(e) Financing Networks—Resources
and professional relationships within
the corporate, banking and investment
community that may be beneficial to
minority-owned firms (5 points);
(f) Establishment of a Self-Sustainable
Service Model—Summary plan to
establish a self-sustainable model for
continued services to the MBE
communities beyond the MBDA award
period (3 points);
(g) MBE Advocacy—Experience and
expertise in advocating on behalf of
minority communities and 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
(h) Key Staff—Assessment of the
qualifications, experience and proposed
role of staff that 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 program
services. At a minimum the applicant
must identify a proposed project
director. (10 points).
2. Resources (20 points)
The applicant’s proposal will be
evaluated as followed:
(a) Resources—Resources (not
included as part of the non-federal cost
share) that will be used in implementing
the program, including but not limited
to existing prior and/or current data lists
that will serve in fostering immediate
success for the MBEC (8 points);
(b) Location—Assessment of the
applicant’s strategic rationale for the
proposed physical location of the
MBEC. Applicant is encouraged to
establish a location for the MBEC that is
in a building which is separate and
apart from any of the applicant’s
existing offices in the geographic service
area (2 points);
(c) Partners—How the applicant plans
to establish and maintain the network of
strategic partners and the manner in
which these partners will support the
MBEC in meeting program performance
goals (5 points); and
(d) Equipment—How the applicant
plans to satisfy the MBEC information
technology requirements, including
computer hardware, software
requirements and network map (5
points).
3. Techniques and Methodologies (20
points)
The applicant’s proposal will be
evaluated as follows:
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(a) Performance Measures—For each
funding period, the manner in which
the applicant relates each performance
measure to the financial information
and market resources available in the
geographic service area (including
existing client list); how the applicant
will create MBEC brand recognition
(marketing plan); and how the applicant
will satisfy program performance goals.
In particular, emphasis may be placed
on the manner in which the applicant
matches MBEC performance goals with
client service hours and how it accounts
for existing market conditions in its
strategy to achieve such goals (10
points);
(b) Start-up Phase—How the
applicant will commence MBEC
operations within the initial 30-day
period. The MBEC shall have thirty (30)
days to become fully operational after
an award is made (3 points); and
(c) Work Requirement Execution
Plan—The applicant will be evaluated
on how effectively and efficiently staff
time will be used to achieve the work
requirements, particularly with respect
to periods beyond the start-up phase (7
points).
4. Proposed Budget and Budget
Narrative (20 points)
The applicant’s proposal will be
evaluated as follows:
(a) Reasonableness, Allowability and
Allocability of Proposed Program Costs.
All of the proposed program costs
expenditures should be discussed and
the budget line-item narrative must
match the proposed budget. Fringe
benefits and other percentage item
calculations should match the proposed
budget line-item and narrative (5
points);
(b) Non-Federal Cost Share. The
required 20% non-Federal share must
be adequately addressed and properly
documented, including but not limited
to how client fees (if proposed) will be
used by the applicant in meeting the
non-federal cost-share (5 points); and
(c) Performance-Based Budgeting. The
extent to which the line-item budget
and budget narrative relate to the
accomplishment of the MBEC work
requirements and performance measures
(i.e., performance-based budgeting) (10
points).
Bonus for Non-Federal Cost Sharing
(maximum of 5 points): Proposals with
non-federal cost sharing exceeding 20%
of the total project costs 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.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:18 Nov 27, 2007
Jkt 214001
Non-federal cost sharing of at least 20%
is required under the MBEC Program.
Non-federal cost sharing is the portion
of the total project cost not borne by the
Federal Government and may be met by
the applicant in any one or more of the
following four means (or a combination
thereof): (1) Client fees; (2) cash
contributions; (3) non-cash applicant
contributions; or, (4) third party in-kind
contributions.
5. Oral Presentation—Optional (10
points)
Oral presentations are optional and
held only when requested by MBDA.
This action may be initiated for the top
two (2) ranked applications for each
project and will be applied on a
consistent basis for each project
competition. Oral presentations will be
used to establish a final evaluation and
ranking.
The applicant’s presentation will be
evaluated as to the extent to which the
presentation demonstrates:
(a) How the applicant will effectively
and efficiently assist MBDA in the
accomplishment of its mission (2
points);
(b) Business operating priorities
designed to manage a successful MBEC
(2 points);
(c) A management philosophy that
achieves an effective balance between
micromanagement and complete
autonomy for its Project Director (2
points);
(d) Robust search criteria for the
identification of a Project Director (1
point);
(e) Effective employee recruitment
and retention policies and procedures (1
point); and
(f) A competitive and innovative
approach to exceeding performance
requirements (2 points).
Review and Selection Process:
1. Initial Screening
Prior to the formal paneling process,
each application will receive an initial
screening to ensure that all required
forms, signatures and documentation
are present. An application will be
considered non-responsive and will not
be evaluated by the review panel if it is
received after the closing date for
receipt of applications, the applicant
fails to submit an original, signed Form
SF–424 by the application closing date
(paper applications only), or the
application does not provide for the
operation of a MBEC. Other application
deficiencies may be accounted for
through point deductions during panel
review.
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67281
2. Panel Review
Each application will receive an
independent, objective review by a
panel qualified to evaluate the
applications submitted. The review
panel will consist of at least 3 persons,
all of whom will be full-time federal
employees and at least one of whom
will be an MBDA employee, who will
review the applications for a specified
project based on the above evaluation
criterion. Each reviewer shall evaluate
and provide a score for each proposal.
Each project review panel (through the
panel Chairperson) shall provide the
MBDA National Director
(Recommending Official) with a ranking
of the applications based on the average
of the reviewers’ scores and shall also
provide a recommendation regarding
funding of the highest scoring
application.
3. Oral Presentation—Upon MBDA
Request
MBDA may invite the two (2) topranked applicants for each project
competition to develop and provide an
oral presentation. If an oral presentation
is requested, the affected 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 PowerPoint presentation (or
equivalent) to MBDA that addresses the
oral presentation criteria set forth above.
The presentation must be submitted at
least 24 hours before the scheduled date
and time of the presentation. The
presentation will be made to the MBDA
National Director (or his/her designee)
and up to three senior MBDA staff who
did not serve on the original review
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 applicant will present to
MBDA staff only; competitors are not
permitted to listen (and/or watch) other
presentations.
All costs pertaining to this
presentation shall be borne by the
applicant. MBEC award funds may not
be used as a reimbursement for this
presentation. MBDA will not accept any
requests or petitions for reimbursement.
The oral panel members shall score
each presentation in accordance with
the oral presentation criterion provided
above. An average score shall be
compiled and added to the score of the
original panel review.
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ebenthall on PRODPC61 with NOTICES
67282
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 228 / Wednesday, November 28, 2007 / Notices
4. Final Recommendation
The MBDA National Director makes
the final recommendation to the Grants
Officer regarding the funding of
applications under this competitive
solicitation. MBDA expects to
recommend for funding the highest
ranking application for each project, as
evaluated and recommended by the
review panel and taking into account
oral presentations (as applicable).
However, the MBDA National Director
may not make any selection, or he may
select an application out of rank order
for the following reasons:
(a) A determination that an
application better addresses one or more
of the funding priorities for this
competition. The National Director (or
his/her designee) reserves the right to
conduct one or more site visits (subject
to the availability of funding), in order
to make a better assessment of an
applicant’s capability to achieve the
funding priorities; or
(b) The availability of MBDA funding.
Prior to making a final
recommendation to the Grants Officer,
MBDA may request that the apparent
winner of the competition provide
written clarifications (as necessary)
regarding its application.
Intergovernmental Review:
Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372,
‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.’’
Limitation of Liability: 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 MBDA or Department of
Commerce priorities. All funding
periods are subject to the availability of
funds to support the continuation of the
project and the 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.
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
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:18 Nov 27, 2007
Jkt 214001
and Cooperative Agreements: The
Department of Commerce Pre-Award
Notification Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements contained
in the Federal Register notice of
December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389) are
applicable to this solicitation.
Paperwork Reduction Act: This
document contains collection-ofinformation requirements subject to the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The
use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B,
SF–LLL, and CD–346 have been
approved by OMB under the respective
control numbers 0348–0043, 0348–0044,
0348–0040, 0348–0046, and 0605–0001.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of
law, no person is required to respond to,
nor shall any person be subject to a
penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection displays a currently valid
OMB Control Number.
Executive Order 12866: This notice
has been determined to be not
significant for purposes of E.O. 12866.
Administrative Procedure Act/
Regulatory Flexibility Act: Prior notice
and an opportunity for public comment
are not required by the Administrative
Procedure Act for rules concerning
public property, loans, grants, benefits,
or 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: November 21, 2007.
Ronald N. Langston,
National Director, Minority Business
Development Agency.
[FR Doc. E7–23129 Filed 11–27–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–21–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Minority Business Development
Agency
[Docket No.: 071121729–7734–01]
Solicitation of Applications for the
Native American Business Enterprise
Center (NABEC) Program
Minority Business
Development Agency, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In accordance with 15 U.S.C.
1512 and Executive Order 11625, the
Minority Business Development Agency
(MBDA) is soliciting competitive
applications from organizations to
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
operate a Native American Business
Enterprise Center (NABEC) in the
locations and geographical service areas
specified in this notice. The NABEC
operates through the use of business
consultants and provides a range of
business consulting and technical
assistance services directly to Native
American- and other eligible minorityowned businesses. Responsibility for
ensuring that applications in response
to this competitive solicitation are
complete and received by MBDA on
time is the sole responsibility of the
applicant. Applications submitted must
be to operate a NABEC and to provide
business consultation services to
eligible clients. Applications that do not
meet these requirements will be
rejected. This is not a grant program to
help start or to further an individual
business.
DATES: The closing date for receipt of
applications is January 11, 2008 at 5
p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Completed applications must be
received by MBDA at the address below
for paper submissions or at https://
www.Grants.gov for electronic
submissions. The due date and time is
the same for electronic submissions as
it is for paper submissions. The date
that applications will be deemed to have
been submitted electronically shall be
the date and time received at
Grants.gov. Applicants should save and
print the proof of submission they
receive from Grants.gov. Applications
received after the closing date and time
will not be considered. Anticipated time
for processing is seventy-five (75) days
from the close of the competition
period. MBDA anticipates that awards
under this notice will be made with a
start date of April 1, 2008.
Pre-Application Conference: In
connection with this solicitation, a preapplication teleconference will be held
on December 11, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.
(EST). Participants must register at least
24 hours in advance of the
teleconference and may participate in
person or by telephone. Please visit the
MBDA Internet Portal at https://
www.mbda.gov (MBDA Portal) or
contact an MBDA representative listed
below for registration instructions.
ADDRESSES: (1a) Paper Submission—If
Mailed: If the application is sent by
postal mail or overnight delivery service
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—NABEC
Program, Office of Executive Secretariat,
HCHB, Room 5063, Minority Business
E:\FR\FM\28NON1.SGM
28NON1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 228 (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67277-67282]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-23129]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Minority Business Development Agency
[Docket No.: 071121731-7735-01]
Solicitation of Applications for the Minority Business Enterprise
Center (MBEC) Program
AGENCY: Minority Business Development Agency, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with 15 U.S.C. Section 1512 and Executive Order
11625, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting
competitive applications from organizations to operate a Minority
Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) in the locations and geographical
service areas specified in this notice. The MBEC operates through the
use of business consultants and provides a range of business consulting
and technical assistance services directly to eligible minority-owned
businesses. Responsibility for ensuring that applications in response
to this competitive solicitation are complete
[[Page 67278]]
and received by MBDA on time is the sole responsibility of the
applicant. Applications submitted must be to operate a MBEC and to
provide business consultation services to eligible clients.
Applications that do not meet these requirements will be rejected. This
is not a grant program to help start or to further an individual
business.
DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications is January 11, 2008
at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Completed applications must be
received by MBDA at the address below for paper submissions or at
https://www.Grants.gov for electronic submissions. The due date and time
is the same for electronic submissions as it is for paper submissions.
The date that applications will be deemed to have been submitted
electronically shall be the date and time received at Grants.gov.
Applicants should save and print the proof of submission they receive
from Grants.gov. Applications received after the closing date and time
will not be considered. Anticipated time for processing is seventy-five
(75) days from the close of the competition period. MBDA anticipates
that awards under this notice will be made with a start date of April
1, 2008.
Pre-Application Conference: In connection with this solicitation, a
pre-application teleconference will be held on December 12, 2007 at 1
p.m. (EST). Participants must register at least 24 hours in advance of
the teleconference and may participate in person or by telephone.
Please visit the MBDA Internet Portal at https://www.mbda.gov (MBDA
Portal) or contact an MBDA representative listed below for registration
instructions.
ADDRESSES: (1a) Paper Submission--If Mailed: If the application is sent
by postal mail or overnight delivery service 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, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20230.
Applicants are advised that MBDA's receipt of mail sent via the
United States Postal Service may be substantially delayed or suspended
in delivery due to security measures. Applicants may therefore wish to
use a guaranteed overnight delivery service. Department of Commerce
delivery policies for overnight delivery services require all packages
to be sent to the address above.
(1b) Paper Submission--If Hand-Delivered: If the application is
hand-delivered by the applicant or by its 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., (between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues), Washington, DC.
MBDA will not accept applications that are submitted by the deadline,
but that are rejected due to the applicant's failure to adhere to
Department of Commerce protocol for hand-deliveries.
(2) Electronic Submission: Applicants are encouraged to submit
their proposal electronically at https://www.Grants.gov. Electronic
submissions should be made in accordance with the instructions
available at Grants.gov (see https://www.grants.gov/forapplicants for
detailed information). MBDA strongly recommends that applicants not
wait until the application deadline date to begin the application
process through Grants.gov as, in some cases, the process for
completing an online application may require 3-5 working days.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or for an
application package, please visit MBDA's Minority Business Internet
Portal at https://www.mbda.gov. Paper applications may also be obtained
by contacting the MBDA Office of Business Development or the MBDA
National Enterprise Center (NEC) in the region in which the MBEC will
be located (see below Agency Contacts). In addition, Standard Forms
(SF) may be obtained by accessing https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants
or https://www.grants.gov. and Department of Commerce (CD) forms may be
accessed at https://www.doc.gov/forms.
Agency Contacts:
1. MBDA Office of Business Development, 1401 Constitution Avenue,
NW., Room 5075, Washington, DC 20230. Contact: Efrain Gonzalez, Chief,
202-482-1940.
2. Dallas National Enterprise Center (DNEC), 1100 Commerce Street,
Room 726, Dallas, Texas 75242. This region covers the states of
Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota,
Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Contact: John F.
Iglehart, Regional Director, 214-767-8001.
3. San Francisco National Enterprise Center (SFNEC), 221 Main
Street, Room 1280, San Francisco, California 94105. This region covers
the states of Alaska, America Samoa, Arizona, California, Hawaii,
Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Contact: Linda M. Marmolejo,
Regional Director, 415-744-3001.
4. Atlanta National Enterprise Center (ANEC), 401 W. Peachtree
Street, NW., Suite 1715, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. This region covers the
states and territories of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee and
the Virgin Islands. Contact: John F. Iglehart, Regional Director, 404-
730-3300 or 214-767-8001.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: The MBEC Program is a key
component of MBDA's overall minority business development assistance
program and promotes the growth and competitiveness of eligible
minority-owned businesses. MBEC operators leverage project staff and
professional consultants to provide a wide-range of direct business
assistance services to eligible minority-owned firms, including but not
limited to initial consultations and assessments, business technical
assistance, and access to federal and non-federal procurement and
financing opportunities. MBDA currently funds a network of 31 MBEC
projects located throughout the United States. Pursuant to this notice,
competitive applications for new awards are being solicited for the
MBEC projects identified below.
Locations and Geographical Service Areas: MBDA is soliciting
competitive applications from organizations to operate a MBEC in the
following locations and geographical service areas:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MBEC geographical
Name of MBEC Location of MBEC service area**
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honolulu MBEC................... Honolulu, HI...... Honolulu MSA.**
Miami MBEC...................... Miami, FL......... Miami/Ft.
Lauderdale/
Pompano Beach
MSA.**
Oklahoma City MBEC.............. Oklahoma City, OK. State of Oklahoma.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
** Metropolitan Statistical Area, please see OMB Bulletin No. 07-01,
Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on Their Uses
(December 18, 2006) at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/bulletins.
[[Page 67279]]
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, https://www.mbda.gov, or by contacting the
appropriate MBDA representative identified above. The FFO contains a
full and complete description of the requirements under the MBEC
Program. 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 through https://www.Grants.gov. MBDA
strongly recommends that applicants not wait until the application
deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov as in
some cases the process for completing an online application may require
additional time (e.g., 3-5 working days). 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 which address the following MBDA funding
priorities:
(a) Proposals that include performance goals that exceed by 10% or
more the minimum performance goal requirements in the FFO;
(b) 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;
(c) Applicants who demonstrate an exceptional ability to identify
and work with minority firms seeking to obtain large-scale contracts
and/or insertion into supply chains with institutional customers;
(d) Proposals that take a regional approach in providing services
to eligible clients; or
(e) Proposals from applicants with pre-existing or established
operations in the identified geographic service area(s).
Funding Availability: MBDA anticipates that a total of
approximately $574,679 will be available in FY 2008 and that a total of
approximately $766,238 will be available in FY 2009 to fund financial
assistance awards for the three MBEC projects referenced in this
competitive solicitation. The total award period for awards made under
this competitive solicitation is anticipated to be twenty-one (21)
months and all awards are expected to be made with a start date of
April 1, 2008. The anticipated amount of the financial assistance award
for each MBEC project (including the minimum 20% non-federal cost
share) is as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
April 1, 2008 through December 31, January 1, 2009 through December 31,
2008 2009
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project name Non-federal Non-federal
Total cost Federal share ($) Total cost Federal share ($)
($) share ($) (20% min.) ($) share ($) (20% min.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honolulu MBEC..................... $222,863 $178,238 $44,625 $297,150 $237,650 $59,500
Miami MBEC........................ 307,941 246,441 61,500 410,588 328,588 82,000
Oklahoma City MBEC................ 187,500 150,000 37,500 250,000 200,000 50,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applicants must submit project plans and budgets for each of the two
(2) funding periods covered by the award (April 1, 2008-December 31,
2008 and January 1, 2009-December 31, 2009, respectively). Projects
will initially be funded for the first funding period and will not have
to compete for funding for the second funding period. However,
operators that fail to achieve a ``satisfactory'' or better performance
rating for the first funding period may be denied funding for the
second funding period. Recommendations for funding for the second
funding period are generally evaluated by MBDA based on a
``Satisfactory'' or better mid-year funding performance rating (i.e.,
April 1, 2007-September 30, 2007) and/or a combination of a mid-year
and year-to date (i.e., April 1-December 31, 2007) ``Satisfactory'' or
better performance rating. In making such funding recommendations, MBDA
and the Department of Commerce will consider the facts and
circumstances of each case, such as but not limited to market
conditions, most recent performance of the operator and other
mitigating circumstances.
Applicants are hereby given notice that FY 2008 funds have not yet
been appropriated for the MBEC program. Accordingly, MBDA issues this
notice subject to the appropriations made available under the current
continuing resolution, H.J. Res. 52, ``Making continuing appropriations
for the fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes,'' Public Law 110-92,
as amended by H.R. 3222, Public Law 110-116. 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 MBDA or Department of Commerce priorities.
Authority: 15 U.S.C. Section 1512 and Executive Order 11625.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): 11.800, Minority
Business Enterprise Centers.
Eligibility: For-profit entities (including but not limited to
sole-proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations), non-profit
organizations, state and local government entities, American Indian
Tribes, and educational institutions are eligible to operate an MBEC.
Program Description: MBDA is soliciting competitive applications
from organizations to operate a Minority Business Enterprise Centers
(MBEC) (formerly known as Minority Business Development Centers). The
MBEC will operate through the use of trained professional business
consultants who will assist eligible minority entrepreneurs through
direct client engagements. Entrepreneurs eligible for assistance under
the MBEC Program are: African Americans, Puerto Ricans, Spanish-
speaking Americans, Aleuts, Asian Pacific Americans, Native Americans
(including Alaska Natives, Alaska Native Corporations and tribal
entities), Eskimos, Asian Indians and Hasidic Jews. No service may be
denied to any member of the eligible groups listed above.
The MBEC Program generally requires project staff to provide
standardized business assistance services directly to ``eligible
minority owned firms,'' with an emphasis on those firms with $500,000
or more in annual revenues and/or those eligible firms with ``rapid
growth potential'' (``Strategic Growth Initiative'' or ``SGI'' firms);
to develop and maintain a network of strategic
[[Page 67280]]
partnerships; to provide collaborative consulting services with MBDA
and other MBDA funded programs and strategic partners; and to provide
referral services (as necessary) for client transactions. MBEC
operators will assist eligible minority-owned firms in accessing
federal and non-federal contracting and financing opportunities that
result in demonstrable client outcomes.
The MBEC Program incorporates an entrepreneurial approach to
building market stability and improving the quality of client services.
This entrepreneurial strategy expands the reach of the MBECs by
requiring project operators to develop and build upon strategic
alliances with public and private sector partners as a means of serving
minority-owned firms within each MBEC's geographical service area. The
MBEC Program is also designed to effectively leverage MBDA resources,
including but not limited to: MBDA Office of Business Development and
MBDA National Enterprise Centers; MBDA's Business Internet Portal; and
MBDA's nationwide network of MBECs, Native American Business Enterprise
Centers (NABECs) and Minority Business Opportunity Centers (MBOCs).
MBEC operators are also required to attend a variety of MBDA training
programs designed to increase operational efficiencies and the
provision of value-added client services.
MBEC operators are generally required to provide the following four
client services: (1) Client Assessment--this is a standardized service
activity that includes identifying the client's immediate and long-term
needs and establishes a projected growth track; (2) Strategic Business
Consulting--this involves providing intensive business consulting
services that can be delivered as personalized consulting or group
consulting; (3) Access to Capital--this assistance is designed to
secure the financial capital necessary for client growth, and (4)
Access to Markets--this involves assisting clients to identify and
access opportunities for increased sales and revenues.
Please refer to the FFO pertaining to this competitive solicitation
for a full and complete description of the application and programmatic
requirements under the MBEC Program.
Match Requirements: The MBEC Program requires a minimum non-federal
cost share of 20%, which must be reflected in the proposed project
budget. Non-federal cost share is the portion of the project cost not
borne by the Federal Government. Applicants must satisfy the non-
federal cost sharing requirements in one or more of the following four
means or any combination thereof: (1) Client fees; (2) applicant cash
contributions; (3) applicant in-kind (i.e., non-cash) contributions; or
(4) third-party in-kind contributions. The MBEC is required to charge
client fees for services rendered and such fees must be used by the
operator towards meeting the non-federal cost share requirements under
the award. Applicants will be awarded up to five bonus points to the
extent that the proposed project budget includes a non-federal cost
share contribution, measured as a percentage of the overall project
budget, exceeding 20% (see Evaluation Criterion below).
Evaluation Criterion: Proposals will be evaluated and applicants
will be selected based on the below evaluation criterion. The maximum
total number of points that an application may receive is 105,
including the bonus points for exceeding the minimum required non-
federal cost sharing, except when oral presentations are made by
applicants. If oral presentations are made (see below: Oral
Presentation--Optional), the maximum total of points that can be earned
is 115. 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 evaluation
criterion.
1. Applicant Capability (40 points)
Proposals will be evaluated with respect to the applicant's
experience and expertise in providing the work requirements listed.
Specifically, proposals will be evaluated as follows:
(a) Community--Experience in and knowledge of the minority
community, minority business sector, and strategies for enhancing its
growth and expansion; particular emphasis shall be on expanding SGI
firms. Consideration will be given as to whether the applicant has a
physical presence in the geographic service area at the time of its
application (4 points);
(b) Business Consulting--Experience in and knowledge of business
consulting with respect to minority firms, with emphasis on SGI firms
in the geographic service area (5 points);
(c) Financing--Experience in and knowledge of the preparation and
formulation of successful financial transactions, with an emphasis on
the geographic service area (5 points);
(d) 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 clients into
supply chains (5 points);
(e) Financing Networks--Resources and professional relationships
within the corporate, banking and investment community that may be
beneficial to minority-owned firms (5 points);
(f) Establishment of a Self-Sustainable Service Model--Summary plan
to establish a self-sustainable model for continued services to the MBE
communities beyond the MBDA award period (3 points);
(g) MBE Advocacy--Experience and expertise in advocating on behalf
of minority communities and 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
(h) Key Staff--Assessment of the qualifications, experience and
proposed role of staff that 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 program services. At a minimum the
applicant must identify a proposed project director. (10 points).
2. Resources (20 points)
The applicant's proposal will be evaluated as followed:
(a) Resources--Resources (not included as part of the non-federal
cost share) that will be used in implementing the program, including
but not limited to existing prior and/or current data lists that will
serve in fostering immediate success for the MBEC (8 points);
(b) Location--Assessment of the applicant's strategic rationale for
the proposed physical location of the MBEC. Applicant is encouraged to
establish a location for the MBEC that is in a building which is
separate and apart from any of the applicant's existing offices in the
geographic service area (2 points);
(c) Partners--How the applicant plans to establish and maintain the
network of strategic partners and the manner in which these partners
will support the MBEC in meeting program performance goals (5 points);
and
(d) Equipment--How the applicant plans to satisfy the MBEC
information technology requirements, including computer hardware,
software requirements and network map (5 points).
3. Techniques and Methodologies (20 points)
The applicant's proposal will be evaluated as follows:
[[Page 67281]]
(a) Performance Measures--For each funding period, the manner in
which the applicant relates each performance measure to the financial
information and market resources available in the geographic service
area (including existing client list); how the applicant will create
MBEC brand recognition (marketing plan); and how the applicant will
satisfy program performance goals. In particular, emphasis may be
placed on the manner in which the applicant matches MBEC performance
goals with client service hours and how it accounts for existing market
conditions in its strategy to achieve such goals (10 points);
(b) Start-up Phase--How the applicant will commence MBEC operations
within the initial 30-day period. The MBEC shall have thirty (30) days
to become fully operational after an award is made (3 points); and
(c) Work Requirement Execution Plan--The applicant will be
evaluated on how effectively and efficiently staff time will be used to
achieve the work requirements, particularly with respect to periods
beyond the start-up phase (7 points).
4. Proposed Budget and Budget Narrative (20 points)
The applicant's proposal will be evaluated as follows:
(a) Reasonableness, Allowability and Allocability of Proposed
Program Costs. All of the proposed program costs expenditures should be
discussed and the budget line-item narrative must match the proposed
budget. Fringe benefits and other percentage item calculations should
match the proposed budget line-item and narrative (5 points);
(b) Non-Federal Cost Share. The required 20% non-Federal share must
be adequately addressed and properly documented, including but not
limited to how client fees (if proposed) will be used by the applicant
in meeting the non-federal cost-share (5 points); and
(c) Performance-Based Budgeting. The extent to which the line-item
budget and budget narrative relate to the accomplishment of the MBEC
work requirements and performance measures (i.e., performance-based
budgeting) (10 points).
Bonus for Non-Federal Cost Sharing (maximum of 5 points): Proposals
with non-federal cost sharing exceeding 20% of the total project costs
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. Non-federal cost sharing of at least 20% is
required under the MBEC Program. Non-federal cost sharing is the
portion of the total project cost not borne by the Federal Government
and may be met by the applicant in any one or more of the following
four means (or a combination thereof): (1) Client fees; (2) cash
contributions; (3) non-cash applicant contributions; or, (4) third
party in-kind contributions.
5. Oral Presentation--Optional (10 points)
Oral presentations are optional and held only when requested by
MBDA. This action may be initiated for the top two (2) ranked
applications for each project and will be applied on a consistent basis
for each project competition. Oral presentations will be used to
establish a final evaluation and ranking.
The applicant's presentation will be evaluated as to the extent to
which the presentation demonstrates:
(a) How the applicant will effectively and efficiently assist MBDA
in the accomplishment of its mission (2 points);
(b) Business operating priorities designed to manage a successful
MBEC (2 points);
(c) A management philosophy that achieves an effective balance
between micromanagement and complete autonomy for its Project Director
(2 points);
(d) Robust search criteria for the identification of a Project
Director (1 point);
(e) Effective employee recruitment and retention policies and
procedures (1 point); and
(f) A competitive and innovative approach to exceeding performance
requirements (2 points).
Review and Selection Process:
1. Initial Screening
Prior to the formal paneling process, each application will receive
an initial screening to ensure that all required forms, signatures and
documentation are present. An application will be considered non-
responsive and will not be evaluated by the review panel if it is
received after the closing date for receipt of applications, the
applicant fails to submit an original, signed Form SF-424 by the
application closing date (paper applications only), or the application
does not provide for the operation of a MBEC. Other application
deficiencies may be accounted for through point deductions during panel
review.
2. Panel Review
Each application will receive an independent, objective review by a
panel qualified to evaluate the applications submitted. The review
panel will consist of at least 3 persons, all of whom will be full-time
federal employees and at least one of whom will be an MBDA employee,
who will review the applications for a specified project based on the
above evaluation criterion. Each reviewer shall evaluate and provide a
score for each proposal. Each project review panel (through the panel
Chairperson) shall provide the MBDA National Director (Recommending
Official) with a ranking of the applications based on the average of
the reviewers' scores and shall also provide a recommendation regarding
funding of the highest scoring application.
3. Oral Presentation--Upon MBDA Request
MBDA may invite the two (2) top-ranked applicants for each project
competition to develop and provide an oral presentation. If an oral
presentation is requested, the affected 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
PowerPoint presentation (or equivalent) to MBDA that addresses the oral
presentation criteria set forth above. The presentation must be
submitted at least 24 hours before the scheduled date and time of the
presentation. The presentation will be made to the MBDA National
Director (or his/her designee) and up to three senior MBDA staff who
did not serve on the original review 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 applicant will
present to MBDA staff only; competitors are not permitted to listen
(and/or watch) other presentations.
All costs pertaining to this presentation shall be borne by the
applicant. MBEC award funds may not be used as a reimbursement for this
presentation. MBDA will not accept any requests or petitions for
reimbursement.
The oral panel members shall score each presentation in accordance
with the oral presentation criterion provided above. An average score
shall be compiled and added to the score of the original panel review.
[[Page 67282]]
4. Final Recommendation
The MBDA National Director makes the final recommendation to the
Grants Officer regarding the funding of applications under this
competitive solicitation. MBDA expects to recommend for funding the
highest ranking application for each project, as evaluated and
recommended by the review panel and taking into account oral
presentations (as applicable). However, the MBDA National Director may
not make any selection, or he may select an application out of rank
order for the following reasons:
(a) A determination that an application better addresses one or
more of the funding priorities for this competition. The National
Director (or his/her designee) reserves the right to conduct one or
more site visits (subject to the availability of funding), in order to
make a better assessment of an applicant's capability to achieve the
funding priorities; or
(b) The availability of MBDA funding.
Prior to making a final recommendation to the Grants Officer, MBDA
may request that the apparent winner of the competition provide written
clarifications (as necessary) regarding its application.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
Limitation of Liability: 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 MBDA or
Department of Commerce priorities. All funding periods are subject to
the availability of funds to support the continuation of the project
and the 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.
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 and an opportunity for public comment are not required by the
Administrative Procedure Act for rules concerning public property,
loans, grants, benefits, or 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: November 21, 2007.
Ronald N. Langston,
National Director, Minority Business Development Agency.
[FR Doc. E7-23129 Filed 11-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-21-P
