Solicitation of Applications for the Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) Program, 58555-58560 [E8-23739]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 7, 2008 / Notices
which the assessment rate is de
minimis. See 19 CFR 351.106(c)(1). The
final results of this review shall be the
basis for the assessment of antidumping
duties on entries of merchandise
covered by the final results of this
review and for future deposits of
estimated duties, where applicable.
The Department clarified its
‘‘automatic assessment’’ regulation on
May 6, 2003. See Antidumping and
Countervailing Duty Proceedings:
Assessment of Antidumping Duties, 68
FR 23954 (May 6, 2003) (Assessment
Policy Notice). This clarification will
apply to entries of subject merchandise
during the POR produced by companies
included in these final results of review
for which the reviewed companies did
not know that the merchandise they
sold to the intermediary (e.g., a reseller,
trading company, or exporter) was
destined for the United States. In such
instances, we will instruct CBP to
liquidate unreviewed entries at the allothers rate if there is no rate for the
intermediary involved in the
transaction. See Assessment Policy
Notice for a full discussion of this
clarification.
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Cash Deposit Requirements
18:23 Oct 06, 2008
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This notice also serves as a
preliminary reminder to importers of
their responsibility under 19 CFR
351.402(f) to file a certificate regarding
the reimbursement of antidumping
duties prior to liquidation of the
relevant entries during this review
period. Failure to comply with this
requirement could result in the
Secretary’s presumption that
reimbursement of antidumping duties
occurred and the subsequent assessment
of double antidumping duties.
These preliminary results of review
are issued and published in accordance
with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of
the Act.
Dated: September 29, 2008.
David M. Spooner,
Assistant Secretary for Import
Administration.
[FR Doc. E8–23704 Filed 10–6–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Minority Business Development
Agency
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
Houston, TX. The MBEC operates
through the use of business consultants
and provides a range of business
consulting and technical assistance
services directly to eligible minorityowned businesses in the Houston-Sugar
Land-Baytown, Texas Metropolitan
Statistical Area (MSA). 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 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.
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The closing date for receipt of
applications is November 7, 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 forty-five (45) days
from the closing date for receipt of
applications. MBDA anticipates that one
award under this notice will be made
with a start date of January 1, 2009.
Pre-Application Conference: In
connection with this solicitation, a preapplication teleconference will be held
on October 21, 2008 at 1 p.m. Eastern
Daylight Time (EDT). 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. Applicants are encouraged to
also submit an electronic copy of the
proposal, budget and budget narrative
on a CD–ROM to facilitate the
processing of applications. Complete
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 HandDelivered: If the application is handdelivered by the applicant or by its
representative, one (1) signed original
plus two (2) copies of the application
DATES:
[Docket No.: 0809301287–81291–01]
The following cash deposit
requirements will be effective for all
shipments of the subject merchandise
entered, or withdrawn from warehouse,
for consumption on or after the
publication date of the final results of
this administrative review, as provided
by section 751(a)(2)(C) of the Act: (1)
The cash deposit rate for each specific
company listed above will be that
established in the final results of this
review, except if the rate is less than
0.50 percent and, therefore, de minimis
within the meaning of 19 CFR
351.106(c)(1), in which case the cash
deposit rate will be zero; (2) for
previously reviewed or investigated
companies not participating in this
review, the cash deposit rate will
continue to be the company-specific rate
published for the most recent period; (3)
if the exporter is not a firm covered in
this review, or the original investigation,
but the manufacturer is, the cash
deposit rate will be the rate established
for the most recent period for the
manufacturer of the merchandise; and
(4) the cash deposit rate for all other
manufacturers or exporters will
continue to be 3.91 percent, the allothers rate made effective by the
investigation. See Lined Paper Order, 70
FR at 5148. These deposit requirements,
when imposed, shall remain in effect
until further notice.
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Notification to Importers
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must be delivered. Applicants are
encouraged to also submit an electronic
copy of the proposal, budget and budget
narrative on a CD–ROM to facilitate the
processing of applications. Complete
application packages 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.
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 33 MBEC projects located
throughout the United States. Pursuant
to this notice, competitive applications
for new awards are being solicited for
the MBEC project identified below.
Pursuant to a grant competition held
in 2006, MBDA made a three (3) year
award for the operation of the Houston
MBEC project for the period of January
1, 2007–December 31, 2009. See 71 FR
42352. However, the incumbent
operator of the Houston MBEC intends
to terminate the current award for the
Houston MBEC project as of December
31, 2008. The purpose of this
competition is to find an operator for
the Houston MBEC project as MBDA
intends to maintain delivery of program
services in this geographical area. The
new award for the Houston MBEC
project is expected to be made with a
three (3) year award of January 1, 2009–
December 31, 2011.
Location and Geographical Service
Area: MBDA is soliciting competitive
applications from organizations to
operate an MBEC in the following
location and geographical service area:
Name of MBEC
Location of MBEC
MBEC geographical service area **
Houston MBEC ..................................................
Houston, TX .....................................................
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX MSA **.
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** Metropolitan Statistical Area, please see OMB Bulletin No.08–01, Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on Their Uses (November 20, 2007) at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/bulletins.
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
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(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
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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.
Funding Availability: MBDA
anticipates that approximately $291,000
will be available in each of Fiscal Years
(FYs) 2009–2011 to fund the financial
assistance award for the Houston MBEC
project. The total award period for the
project is anticipated to be three (3)
years and to cover the period January 1,
2009–December 31, 2011. The
anticipated level of Federal funding and
the minimum non-federal matching
share for the Houston MBEC project for
each funding period is set forth in the
below table (the actual award amount
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may vary depending on the availability
of appropriated funds and on MBDA
and Department of Commerce
priorities).
January 1, 2009 through
December 31, 2009
Project name
Total cost
($)
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Houston MBEC ..........
$363,750
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Non-Federal share
($)
(20% min.)
Federal
share
($)
$291,000
Applicants must submit project plans
and budgets for each of the three (3)
funding periods under this award
(January 1–December 31, 2009, January
1–December 31, 2010 and January 1–
December 31, 2011). Projects will
initially be funded for the first funding
period and will not have to compete for
funding in the second and third funding
periods. However, operators that fail to
achieve a ‘‘Satisfactory’’ or better
performance rating for the current
funding period may be denied funding
for subsequent funding periods.
Recommendations for funding for
subsequent funding periods are
generally evaluated by MBDA based on
a ‘‘Satisfactory’’ or better mid-year
program performance rating (i.e.,
January 1, 20xx–June 30, 20xx) and/or a
combination of a mid-year and
cumulative third-quarter (i.e., January 1,
20xx–September 30, 20xx)
‘‘Satisfactory’’ or better performance
rating for the current funding period. 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.
Funding for the program listed in this
notice is contingent upon the
availability of FY 2009 appropriations.
MBDA issues this notice subject to the
appropriations made available under the
current continuing resolution, H.R.
2638, ‘‘Consolidated Security, Disaster
Assistance, and Continuing
Appropriations Act, 2009,’’ Public Law
110–329. 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 Department
of Commerce or MBDA priorities. All
funding periods under the award are
subject to the availability of funds to
support the continuation of the project.
Publication of this FFO 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.
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January 1, 2010 through
December 31, 2010
Total cost
($)
$72,500
$363,750
Federal
share
($)
Non-Federal share
($)
(20% min.)
Total cost
($)
$72,500
$363,750
$291,000
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.
Program Description: MBDA is
soliciting competitive applications from
organizations to operate a Minority
Business Enterprise Center (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
$500,000 or more in annual revenues
and/or those eligible firms with ‘‘rapid
growth potential’’ (‘‘Strategic Growth
Initiative’’ or ‘‘SGI’’ firms); to develop
and maintain a network of strategic
partnerships; to provide collaborative
consulting services with MBDA and
other MBDA funded programs and
strategic partners; and to provide
referral services (as necessary) for client
transactions. MBEC operators will assist
eligible minority-owned firms in
accessing federal and non-federal
contracting and financing opportunities
that result in demonstrable client
outcomes.
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January 1, 2011 through
December 31, 2011
Federal
share
($)
$291,000
Non-Federal share
($)
(10% min.)
$72,500
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
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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 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 one applicant may 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.
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 possess 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).
3. Techniques and Methodologies (20
Points)
2. Resources (20 Points)
4. Proposed Budget and Budget
Narrative (20 Points)
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
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).
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:
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The applicant’s proposal will be
evaluated as follows:
(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).
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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. 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).
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
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 an MBEC. Other
application deficiencies may be
accounted for through point deductions
during panel review.
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2. Panel Review
4. Final Recommendation
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.
The MBDA National Director makes
the final recommendation to the Grants
Officer regarding the funding of one
application under this competitive
solicitation. MBDA expects to
recommend for funding the highest
ranking application, 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/she 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: Funding for
the program listed in this notice is
contingent upon the availability of FY
2009 appropriations. MBDA issues this
notice subject to the appropriations
made available under the current
continuing resolution, H.R. 2638,
‘‘Consolidated Security, Disaster
Assistance, and Continuing
Appropriations Act, 2009,’’ Public Law
110–329. In no event will MBDA or the
Department of Commerce be responsible
for proposal preparation costs if the
MBEC Program fails to receive funding
or is cancelled because of Department of
Commerce or MBDA priorities. All
funding periods under the award are
subject to the availability of funds to
support the continuation of the project.
Publication of this notice does not
obligate MBDA or the Department of
Commerce to award any specific project
or to obligate any available funds.
Universal Identifier: Applicants
should be aware that they will be
required to provide a Dun and
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering
system (DUNS) number during the
application process. See the June 27,
2003 Federal Register notice (68 FR
38402) for additional information.
3. Oral Presentation—Upon MBDA
Request
MBDA may invite the two (2) topranked applicants to develop and
provide an oral presentation. If an oral
presentation is requested, the affected
applicants will receive a formal
communication (via standard mail, email or fax) from MBDA indicating the
time and date for the presentation. Inperson 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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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 7, 2008 / Notices
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
February 11, 2008 (73 FR 7696) 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: October 2, 2008.
Edith J. McCloud,
Associate Director for Management, Minority
Business Development Agency.
[FR Doc. E8–23739 Filed 10–6–08; 8:45 am]
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BILLING CODE 3510–21–P
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[Docket No. 0809261277–81278–01 I.D.
GF001]
Cooperative Institute for Satellite
Climate Studies
National Environmental
Satellite Data and Information Service
Program Office (NESDISPO), National
Environmental Satellite Data and
Information Service (NESDIS), National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of funding availability.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: NOAA National
Environmental Satellite Data and
Information Services (NESDIS) invites
applications for a Cooperative Institute
(CI) that will focus on (1) Climate and
satellite research and applications, (2)
climate and satellite observations and
monitoring, and (3) climate research and
modeling. Through this competition,
NOAA intends to establish
competitively a new CI according to the
policy and procedures described in
NOAA Administrative Order 216?107
and the Cooperative Institute Interim
Handbook both available at https://
www.nrc.noaa.gov/ci. The proposed CI
should be composed of two or more
member institutions (e.g., multiple
universities). At least one research
institution should be in Maryland,
Washington DC or the adjacent states
(Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
and Virginia). At least two research
institutions should be in North Carolina
or the adjacent states (Virginia,
Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia),
with a presence in Asheville, North
Carolina. NOAA has identified three
research themes that will address
specific needs within the NOAA
Mission Support Satellite Service
program and the NOAA Climate Goal
that would benefit from collaborations
with the CI. The CI should possess
outstanding capabilities to work in the
three research themes summarized
below, as well as possess the capability
to conduct outreach and education
activities in support of these research
themes. I. Climate and Satellite
Research and Applications: Research
conducted under this theme is
associated with the development of new
and innovative uses of non-NOAA
satellite assets that can ultimately be
transitioned into NOAA operations to
support climate information needs. This
theme also includes performing research
and development aimed at improving
the utilization of long time series of
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satellite measurements that will offer
NOAA scientists a homogeneous record
of satellite radiances. II. Climate and
Satellite Observations and Monitoring:
Research conducted under this theme
involves (1) Designing indices and
applications that incorporate satellite
observations to detect, monitor and
investigate climatic changes and their
impacts on coastal and open ocean
ecosystems, (2) identifying and meeting
the satellite climate needs of a wide
variety of users, including research,
business and industry, and government
and private sector users, and (3)
contributing significantly to climate
reanalysis projects when satellite data is
a key input. III. Climate Research and
Modeling: Research conducted under
this theme is focused on improving
climate forecasts on mesoscale, regional
and global scales when satellite data is
a key input, and developing regional
ecosystem models that can incorporate
satellite observations to predict the
impact of climate change on these
ecosystems, particularly those located in
the Mid-Atlantic region. The CI is also
expected to play a significant role in
National Centers for Environmental
Prediction (NCEP) Climate Test Bed
projects when satellite data is a key
input. This announcement provides
requirements for the proposed CI and
includes details for the technical
program, evaluation criteria, and
competitive selection procedures.
Applicants should review the NOAA CI
Policy and CI Interim Handbook (both
available at https://www.nrc.noaa.gov/ci)
prior to preparing a proposal for this
announcement.
DATES: Proposals must be received by
NESDIS no later than January 5, 2009 5
p.m., E.T. Proposals submitted after that
date will not be considered.
ADDRESSES: The standard application
package is available at https://
www.grants.gov. For applicants without
Internet access, an application package
may be received by contacting Ingrid
Guch, NOAA/NESDIS, 5200 Auth Road,
Room 701, Camp Springs, Maryland
20746. Applicants are strongly
encouraged to apply online through the
Grants.gov website. Paper submissons
are only acceptable only if internet
access is not available. Grants.gov
requires applicants to register with the
system prior to submitting an
application. This registration process
can take several weeks, involving
multiple steps. In order to allow
sufficient time for this process, you
should register as soon as you decide
that you intend to apply, even if you are
not yet ready to submit your proposal.
If an applicant has problems
E:\FR\FM\07OCN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 195 (Tuesday, October 7, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58555-58560]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-23739]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Minority Business Development Agency
[Docket No.: 0809301287-81291-01]
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 Houston, TX. 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 in the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown,
Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). 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 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 November 7, 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 forty-five
(45) days from the closing date for receipt of applications. MBDA
anticipates that one award under this notice will be made with a start
date of January 1, 2009.
Pre-Application Conference: In connection with this solicitation, a
pre-application teleconference will be held on October 21, 2008 at 1
p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). 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. Applicants are encouraged to also submit
an electronic copy of the proposal, budget and budget narrative on a
CD-ROM to facilitate the processing of applications. Complete
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
[[Page 58556]]
must be delivered. Applicants are encouraged to also submit an
electronic copy of the proposal, budget and budget narrative on a CD-
ROM to facilitate the processing of applications. Complete application
packages 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.
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 33 MBEC projects
located throughout the United States. Pursuant to this notice,
competitive applications for new awards are being solicited for the
MBEC project identified below.
Pursuant to a grant competition held in 2006, MBDA made a three (3)
year award for the operation of the Houston MBEC project for the period
of January 1, 2007-December 31, 2009. See 71 FR 42352. However, the
incumbent operator of the Houston MBEC intends to terminate the current
award for the Houston MBEC project as of December 31, 2008. The purpose
of this competition is to find an operator for the Houston MBEC project
as MBDA intends to maintain delivery of program services in this
geographical area. The new award for the Houston MBEC project is
expected to be made with a three (3) year award of January 1, 2009-
December 31, 2011.
Location and Geographical Service Area: MBDA is soliciting
competitive applications from organizations to operate an MBEC in the
following location and geographical service area:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MBEC geographical
Name of MBEC Location of MBEC service area **
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Houston MBEC.................... Houston, TX....... Houston-Sugar Land-
Baytown, TX MSA
**.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
** Metropolitan Statistical Area, please see OMB Bulletin No.08-01,
Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on Their Uses
(November 20, 2007) at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/bulletins.
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.
Funding Availability: MBDA anticipates that approximately $291,000
will be available in each of Fiscal Years (FYs) 2009-2011 to fund the
financial assistance award for the Houston MBEC project. The total
award period for the project is anticipated to be three (3) years and
to cover the period January 1, 2009-December 31, 2011. The anticipated
level of Federal funding and the minimum non-federal matching share for
the Houston MBEC project for each funding period is set forth in the
below table (the actual award amount
[[Page 58557]]
may vary depending on the availability of appropriated funds and on
MBDA and Department of Commerce priorities).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 1, 2009 through December January 1, 2010 through December January 1, 2011 through December
31, 2009 31, 2010 31, 2011
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project name Non- Non- Non-
Total cost Federal Federal Total cost Federal Federal Total cost Federal Federal
($) share ($) share ($) ($) share ($) share ($) ($) share ($) share ($)
(20% min.) (20% min.) (10% min.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Houston MBEC................................ $363,750 $291,000 $72,500 $363,750 $291,000 $72,500 $363,750 $291,000 $72,500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applicants must submit project plans and budgets for each of the
three (3) funding periods under this award (January 1-December 31,
2009, January 1-December 31, 2010 and January 1-December 31, 2011).
Projects will initially be funded for the first funding period and will
not have to compete for funding in the second and third funding
periods. However, operators that fail to achieve a ``Satisfactory'' or
better performance rating for the current funding period may be denied
funding for subsequent funding periods. Recommendations for funding for
subsequent funding periods are generally evaluated by MBDA based on a
``Satisfactory'' or better mid-year program performance rating (i.e.,
January 1, 20xx-June 30, 20xx) and/or a combination of a mid-year and
cumulative third-quarter (i.e., January 1, 20xx-September 30, 20xx)
``Satisfactory'' or better performance rating for the current funding
period. 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.
Funding for the program listed in this notice is contingent upon
the availability of FY 2009 appropriations. MBDA issues this notice
subject to the appropriations made available under the current
continuing resolution, H.R. 2638, ``Consolidated Security, Disaster
Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009,'' Public Law 110-
329. 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 Department of Commerce or MBDA
priorities. All funding periods under the award are subject to the
availability of funds to support the continuation of the project.
Publication of this FFO 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.
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 Center
(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 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
[[Page 58558]]
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 one applicant
may 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 possess
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:
(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:
[[Page 58559]]
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. 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 an 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 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.
4. Final Recommendation
The MBDA National Director makes the final recommendation to the
Grants Officer regarding the funding of one application under this
competitive solicitation. MBDA expects to recommend for funding the
highest ranking application, 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/
she 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: Funding for the program listed in this
notice is contingent upon the availability of FY 2009 appropriations.
MBDA issues this notice subject to the appropriations made available
under the current continuing resolution, H.R. 2638, ``Consolidated
Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act,
2009,'' Public Law 110-329. In no event will MBDA or the Department of
Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if the MBEC
Program fails to receive funding or is cancelled because of Department
of Commerce or MBDA priorities. All funding periods under the award are
subject to the availability of funds to support the continuation of the
project. Publication of this notice does not obligate MBDA or the
Department of Commerce to award any specific project or to obligate any
available funds.
Universal Identifier: Applicants should be aware that they will be
required to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering
system (DUNS) number during the application process. See the June 27,
2003 Federal Register notice (68 FR 38402) for additional information.
[[Page 58560]]
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 February 11, 2008 (73 FR
7696) 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: October 2, 2008.
Edith J. McCloud,
Associate Director for Management, Minority Business Development
Agency.
[FR Doc. E8-23739 Filed 10-6-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-21-P
