Solicitation of Applications for the National Technical Assistance, Training, Research and Evaluation Program: Economic Development Research Project: Regional Innovation Systems, 64909-64912 [E8-26029]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 212 / Friday, October 31, 2008 / Notices O’Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46–48c) in connection with the products deleted from the Procurement List. End of Certification Accordingly, the following products are deleted from the Procurement List: Products Belt, Aircraft Safety NSN: 1680–00–163–1570—Belt, Aircraft Safety. NPA: Arizona Industries for the Blind, Phoenix, AZ. Contracting Activity: Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, VA. Paper Cutter, Rotary Precision NSN: 7520–01–483–8898—Paper Cutter, Rotary Precision. NPA: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. (Seattle Lighthouse), Seattle, WA. Contracting Activity: GSA/FSS OFC SUP CTR—Paper Products, New York, NY. Flashlight NSN: 6230–01–513–3276—Flashlight, Aluminum, 3D, Blue. NPA: Central Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Utica, NY. Contracting Activity: GSA/FSS OFC SUP CTR—Paper Products, New York, NY. Kimberly M. Zeich, Deputy Executive Director. [FR Doc. E8–26043 Filed 10–30–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6353–01–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Economic Development Administration [Docket No.: 0810151367–81368–01] Solicitation of Applications for the National Technical Assistance, Training, Research and Evaluation Program: Economic Development Research Project: Regional Innovation Systems Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice and request for applications. ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is resoliciting applications for a regional innovation systems research project under FY 2009 National Technical Assistance, Training, Research and Evaluation program (NTA Program) funding. Under a FY 2008 competition, EDA funded two projects under the regional innovation systems research topic. EDA now is interested in making another award exploring regional innovation systems in an additional geographic location. DATES: To be considered timely, a completed application, regardless of the VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:31 Oct 30, 2008 Jkt 217001 format in which it is submitted, must be either: (1) Received by the EDA representative listed below under ‘‘Paper Submissions’’ no later than November 17, 2008 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time; (2) transmitted and time-stamped at https://www.grants.gov no later than November 17, 2008 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time; or (3) electronically transmitted to the e-mail address of the Program Analyst listed below under ‘‘Electronic Submissions’’ no later than November 17, 2008 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Any application received or transmitted, as the case may be, after 5 p.m. Eastern Time on November 17, 2008 will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for funding. Please see the instructions below under ‘‘Application Submission Requirements’’ for information regarding format options for submitting completed applications. Because this announcement solicits applications for a single research project and it is anticipated that a single award will be made, EDA expects to notify the applicant selected for investment assistance under this notice by December 26, 2008. The selected applicant should expect to receive project funding within thirty days of EDA’s notification of selection. Applicants choosing to submit completed applications electronically through https://www.grants.gov should follow the instructions set out below under ‘‘Electronic Access’’ and in section IV.D. of the complete Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcement for this request for applications. Application Submission Requirements: On October 1, 2008, EDA published a notice in the Federal Register (73 FR 57049) to introduce its new, streamlined Application for Investment Assistance (Form ED–900), which consolidates all EDA-specific requirements into a single application form. Applicants are advised to read carefully the instructions contained in section IV. of the complete FFO announcement for this request for applications, which sets out EDA’s updated application requirements. The FFO announcement may be accessed on EDA’s Internet Web site at https:// www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/ FFON.xml and at https://www.grants.gov. Applications may be submitted in either of two formats: (i) In paper format at the address provided below under ‘‘Paper Submissions;’’ or (ii) electronically in accordance with the procedures provided on https:// www.grants.gov or submitted via e-mail to the address provided below under ‘‘Electronic Submissions.’’ EDA will not PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 64909 accept facsimile transmissions of applications. The content of the application is the same for paper submissions as it is for electronic submissions. A complete application must contain all the items that comprise a complete application package, as set out in section IV.A. of the FFO announcement. Regardless of the method of transmission, applicants are solely responsible for ensuring that EDA receives complete, accurate, and timely applications. You may obtain a paper application package by contacting the designated point of contact listed below under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Applicants applying electronically through https://www.grants.gov may access the application package by following the instructions provided on https://www.grants.gov. Additionally, applicants may download a complete application package from EDA’s Web site at https://www.eda.gov/ InvestmentsGrants/Application.xml. Paper Submissions: Full or partial paper (hardcopy) applications submitted under the NTA program may be hand-delivered or mailed to: FY 2009 Economic Development Research Project Competition: Regional Innovation Systems, Kerstin Millius, Program Analyst, Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room 7009, Washington, DC 20230. Applicants are advised that, due to mail security measures, EDA’s receipt of mail sent via the United States Postal Service may be substantially delayed or suspended in delivery. Applicants may wish to use a guaranteed overnight delivery service. Electronic Submissions: Applicants have two options for submitting electronically: Through https:// www.grants.gov or via e-mail. Applicants may submit applications in accordance with the instructions provided at https://www.grants.gov and in section IV.D. of the applicable FFO announcement. EDA strongly encourages that applicants not wait until the application closing date to begin the application process through https://www.grants.gov. Applicants also may submit applications by e-mail. Completed applications may be emailed to Kerstin Millius, Program Analyst, at kmillius@eda.doc.gov. The preferred file format for electronic attachments is portable document format (PDF); however, EDA will accept electronic files in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or Microsoft Excel formats. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information on the NTA E:\FR\FM\31OCN1.SGM 31OCN1 64910 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 212 / Friday, October 31, 2008 / Notices Program or to obtain a paper application package for this notice, please contact Kerstin Millius, Program Analyst, via e-mail at kmillius@eda.doc.gov (preferred) or by telephone at (202) 482– 3280. For additional information regarding electronic submissions, please access the following link for assistance in navigating https://www.grants.gov and for a list of useful resources: https:// www.grants.gov/applicants/ applicant_help.jsp. If you do not find an answer to your question under Frequently Asked Questions, try consulting the Applicant’s User Guide at https://www.grants.gov/applicants/ app_help_reso.jsp. If you still cannot find an answer to your question, contact https://www.grants.gov via e-mail at support@grants.gov or telephone at 1–800–518–4726. The hours of operation for https://www.grants.gov are Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time (except for federal holidays). Additional information about EDA and its NTA Program may be obtained from EDA’s Web site at https:// www.eda.gov. The complete FFO announcement for this request for applications is available at https:// www.grants.gov and at https:// www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/ FFON.xml. ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Information: On March 14, 2008, EDA published an FFO and accompanying Federal Register notice (73 FR 13844) to solicit applications for funding under its NTA Program that addressed one or more of the following three projects: (a) Regional innovation systems; (b) urban economic development policy; and (c) global economic development strategy. The deadline for receipt of applications closed May 9, 2008 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. After completing its review of submitted applications, EDA funded projects under each research topic, including two awards under the regional innovation systems project. One successful recipient was located in West Virginia and the other was in California, and both of these successful projects highlight regional economies in those respective areas. EDA now is interested in making another award exploring regional innovation systems in an additional geographic location. Through this notice, EDA solicits applications for funding that address only the regional innovation systems research topic. EDA advises applicants to read carefully the description of the research project as EDA has provided information on important requirements that were not VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:31 Oct 30, 2008 Jkt 217001 included in the earlier FFO announcement and March 14, 2008 Federal Register notice. EDA will not review applications submitted under the previous announcement. Therefore, to be considered for funding under this notice, all applications must comply with the new program and application requirements as set out in the complete FFO announcement for this request for applications. Any applicant that submitted an application under the previous FFO announcement must submit a new and complete application if it wishes to be considered for funding. If an applicant submits more than one application under this announcement, EDA will evaluate only the first application received and will consider subsequent applications nonresponsive. There are five deliverables under this competitive solicitation: (1) A comparative analysis; (2) research and analysis of best-practice case-studies; (3) development of a communication and dissemination strategy for project findings; (4) a practitioner-accessible report or equivalent document that presents project findings; and (5) delivery of the practitioner-accessible report or equivalent document to EDA in a format suitable for posting on EDA’s Web site and of all data and other materials used in the analysis. Any information disseminated to the public under this request for applications is subject to the Information Quality Act (Pub. L. No. 106–554). Applicants are required to comply with the Information Quality Guidelines issued by EDA pursuant to the Information Quality Act, which are designed to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility and integrity of information disseminated by EDA. These guidelines are available on EDA’s Web site at https://www.eda.gov. Electronic Access: The complete FFO announcement for this FY 2009 Economic Development Research Project competition is available at https://www.grants.gov and at https:// www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/ FFON.xml. Funding Availability: EDA is operating with appropriations made available under the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, Public Law No. 110–329 (September 30, 2008). This Act makes available appropriations in an amount based on FY 2008 funding levels that are prorated through March 6, 2009 for the economic development assistance programs authorized by the Public Works and Economic Development Act PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.) (PWEDA) and for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms program authorized under the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2341– 2355, 2391). At FY 2008 funding levels, EDA estimates that the regional innovation systems project will be funded in an amount ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Statutory Authority: The authority for the NTA Program is PWEDA. The specific authority for the Economic Development Research Projects Program is section 207 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3147), which authorizes EDA to make grants for grants for training, research, and technical assistance. EDA’s regulations at 13 CFR parts 300–302 and subpart A of 13 CFR part 306 set forth the general and specific regulatory requirements applicable to the NTA Program. EDA’s regulations are codified at 13 CFR chapter III. The regulations and PWEDA are accessible on EDA’s Internet Web site at https://www.eda.gov/ InvestmentsGrants/Lawsreg.xml. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.312, Economic Development—Research and Evaluation. Applicant Eligibility: Pursuant to PWEDA, eligible applicants for and recipients of EDA investment assistance include a District Organization; an Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; a State; a city or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; an institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; and a public or private nonprofit organization or association. Project Period: Typically, EDA gives a recipient one year from the award date to complete the scope of work, which consists of research and associated research activities, composing the resulting report, and presenting the report to EDA senior management. A typical research project period begins with an initial meeting between the recipient and EDA staff to ensure that all parties agree with the project terms. After the initial meeting, the recipient generally submits a final work plan to EDA staff for review and approval. Throughout the project period there will be regular contact between EDA staff and the recipient for updates on project progress. Also, interim progress reports will be required throughout the project period. The schedule of interim progress reports will be determined subsequent to award. E:\FR\FM\31OCN1.SGM 31OCN1 ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 212 / Friday, October 31, 2008 / Notices Typically, the recipient submits a draft research report to EDA at least 90 days before the end of the project period for EDA’s review. If the draft research report is approved, EDA will approve publication of a final research report, and the recipient will brief EDA senior management on research methods and report results. Cost Sharing Requirement: Generally, the amount of the EDA grant may not exceed fifty percent of the total cost of the project. Projects may receive an additional amount that shall not exceed thirty percent, as determined by EDA, based on the relative needs of the region in which the project will be located. See section 204(a) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(1). The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development has the discretion to establish a maximum EDA investment rate of up to one-hundred percent where the project (i) merits and is not otherwise feasible without an increase to the EDA investment rate; or (ii) will be of no or only incidental benefit to the recipient. See section 204(c)(3) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(4). EDA will consider the nature of the contribution (cash or in-kind), the amount of any matching share funds, and fairly assess any in-kind contributions in evaluating the cost to the Government and the feasibility of the project budget (see the ‘‘Evaluation Criteria’’ section below). While cash contributions are preferred, in-kind contributions, fairly evaluated by EDA, may provide the non-federal share of the total project cost. See section 204(b) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and section III.B. of the FFO announcement for this request for applications. In-kind contributions, which may include assumptions of debt and contributions of space, equipment, and services, are eligible to be included as part of the non-federal share of eligible project costs if they meet applicable federal cost principles and uniform administrative requirements. Funds from other federal financial assistance awards are considered matching share funds only if authorized by statute, which may be determined by EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the statute. See 13 CFR 300.3. The applicant must show that the matching share is committed to the project for the entire project period, will be available as needed, and is not conditioned or encumbered in any way that precludes its use consistent with the requirements of EDA investment assistance. See 13 CFR 301.5. Intergovernmental Review: Applications under the NTA Program are not subject to Executive Order VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:31 Oct 30, 2008 Jkt 217001 12372, ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.’’ Evaluation and Selection Procedures: To apply for an award under this request for applications, an eligible applicant must submit a completed application package to EDA before the closing date and time specified in the ‘‘DATES’’ section of this notice, and in the manner provided in section IV. of the applicable FFO announcement. Any application received or transmitted, as the case may be, after 5 p.m. Eastern Time on November 17, 2008 will not be considered for funding. Applications that do not include all items required or that exceed the page limitations set forth in section IV.B. of the FFO announcement will be considered nonresponsive and will not be considered by the review panel. Because this announcement solicits applications for a single research project and it is anticipated that a single award will be made, EDA expects to notify the applicant selected for funding by December 26, 2008. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified that their applications were not selected for funding. Applications that meet all the requirements will be evaluated by a review panel comprised of at least three EDA staff members, all of whom will be full-time federal employees. Evaluation Criteria: The review panel will evaluate the applications and rate and rank them using the following criteria of approximate equal weight: (1) Conformance with EDA’s statutory and regulatory requirements, including the extent to which the proposed project satisfies the award requirements set out below and as provided in 13 CFR 306.2: • Strengthens the capacity of local, State, or national organizations and institutions to undertake and promote effective economic development programs targeted to regions of distress; • Benefits distressed regions; and • Demonstrates innovative approaches to stimulate economic development in distressed regions. (2) The degree to which an EDA investment will have strong organizational leadership, relevant project management experience, and a significant commitment of human resources talent to ensure the project’s successful execution (see 13 CFR 301.8(b)). (3) The ability of the applicant to implement the proposed project successfully (see 13 CFR 301.8). (4) The feasibility of the budget presented. (5) The cost to the Federal Government. Also, the addition of research and project data to an existing Web site or PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 64911 the design of a companion Web site designed to disseminate research results and provide links to data encapsulated in the report free of charge is preferred. Selection Factors: The Assistant Secretary, as the Selecting Official, expects to fund the highest ranking applications, as recommended by the review panel, submitted under this request for applications. However, if EDA does not receive satisfactory applications, the Assistant Secretary may not make any selection. Depending on the quality of the applications received, the Assistant Secretary may select more than one application for one research project and make no selection for another research project. Also, he may select an application out of rank order for the following reasons: (1) A determination that the selected application better meets the overall objectives of sections 2 and 207 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3121 and 3147); (2) the applicant’s performance under previous awards; or (3) the availability of funding. The Department of Commerce PreAward Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements Administrative and national policy requirements for all Department of Commerce awards are contained in the Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements, published in the Federal Register on February 11, 2008 (73 FR 7696). This notice may be accessed through the Federal Register Internet Web site at https:// www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/retrieve.html, making sure the radial button for the correct Federal Register volume is selected (in this instance, 2008 Federal Register, Vol. 73), entering the Federal Register page number provided in the previous sentence (7696), and clicking the ‘‘Submit’’ button. Paperwork Reduction Act This request for applications contains collections of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The use of Form ED–900 (Application for Investment Assistance) has been approved by OMB under the control number 0610–0094. The use of Forms SF–424 (Application for Financial Assistance), SF–424A (Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs), SF–424B (Assurances—NonConstruction Programs), SF–424C (Budget Information—Construction Programs), SF–424D (Assurances— Construction Programs), and SF–LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF– LLL) has been approved under OMB control numbers 4040–0004, 4040–0006, E:\FR\FM\31OCN1.SGM 31OCN1 64912 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 212 / Friday, October 31, 2008 / Notices 4040–0007, 4040–0008, 4040–0009, and 0348–0046, respectively. The use of Form CD–346 has been approved under OMB control number 0605–0001. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number. Executive Order 12866 This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866, ‘‘Regulatory Planning and Review.’’ Executive Order 13132 It has been determined that this notice does not contain ‘‘policies that have Federalism implications,’’ as that phrase is defined in Executive Order 13132, ‘‘Federalism.’’ Administrative Procedure Act/ Regulatory Flexibility Act Prior notice and an opportunity for public comments are not required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules concerning grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). Because notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and none has been prepared. Dated: October 27, 2008. Otto Barry Bird, Chief Counsel, Economic Development Administration. [FR Doc. E8–26029 Filed 10–30–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–24–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES Materials Technical Advisory Committee; Notice of Partially Closed Meeting The Materials Technical Advisory Committee will meet on August 14, 2008, 10 a.m., Herbert C. Hoover Building, Room 3884, 14th Street between Constitution & Pennsylvania Avenues, NW., Washington, DC. The Committee advises the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Export Administration with respect to technical questions that affect the level of export controls applicable to materials and related technology. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:31 Oct 30, 2008 Jkt 217001 Agenda DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Open Session 1. Opening Remarks and Introduction. 2. Update on recent proposed License Exception Intra-Company Transfer rule published October 3, 2008 and October 27, 2008, public meeting. 3. Report on Inaugural ETRAC (Emerging Technologies and Research Technical Advisory Committee). 4. Recap of Update 2008 and reminder of Mandatory use of SNAP–R for license submittal. 5. Report of Composite Working group and ECCN review subgroup. 6. Public comments from teleconference and physical attendees. 7. Election of new MTAC Chairman and any other business. International Trade Administration Closed Session 8. Discussion of matters determined to be exempt from the provisions relating to public meetings found in 5 U.S.C. app. 2 §§ 10(a)(1) and 10(a)(3). The open session will be accessible via teleconference to 20 participants on a first come, first served basis. To join the conference, submit inquiries to Ms. Yvette Springer at Yspringer@bis.doc.gov no later than November 13, 2008. A limited number of seats will be available during the public session of the meeting. Reservations are not accepted. To the extent time permits, members of the public may present oral statements to the Committee. Written statements may be submitted at any time before or after the meeting. However, to facilitate distribution of public presentation materials to Committee members, the materials should be forwarded prior to the meeting to Ms. Springer via e-mail. The Assistant Secretary for Administration, with the concurrence of the delegate of the General Counsel, formally determined on July 17, 2008, pursuant to Section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, that the portion of the meeting dealing with matters the premature disclosure of which would likely frustrate the implementation of a proposed agency action as described in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B) shall be exempt from the provisions relating to public meetings found in 5 U.S.C. app. 2 §§ 10(a)(1) and 10(a)(3). The remaining portions of the meeting will be open to the public. For more information, call Yvette Springer at (202) 482–2813. Dated: October 27, 2008. Yvette Springer, Committee Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. E8–26062 Filed 10–30–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–JT–P PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [A–549–825] Polyethylene Terephthalate Film, Sheet, and Strip from Thailand: Amended Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. EFFECTIVE DATE: October 31, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Bailey or Angelica Mendoza, AD/CVD Operations, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce (the Department), 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–0193 or (202) 482–3019, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: AGENCY: Amendment to the Final Determination In accordance with sections 735(a) and 777(i)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, (the Act), on September 17, 2008, the Department made a final determination of sales at less than fair value (LTFV) in the investigation of polyethylene terephthalate film, sheet, and strip (PET Film) from Thailand. The final determination was subsequently released to all parties in the proceeding, and published in the Federal Register on September 24, 2008. See Notice of Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Polyethylene Terephthalate Film, Sheet, and Strip from Thailand, 73 FR 55043 (September 24, 2008) (Final Determination). On September 25, 2008, and pursuant to 19 CFR 351.224(c)(2), we received a timely–filed allegation from respondent Polyplex Thailand Public Company Limited and its U.S. affiliate Polyplex Americas, Ltd. (collectively, Polyplex), that the Department made ministerial errors with respect to its final dumping margin calculation. See Letter from Polyplex to the Department, regarding ‘‘Ministerial Error Comments,’’ dated September 25, 2008. On September 30, 2008, we received comments from Petitioners1 regarding the ministerial errors alleged by Polyplex. See Letter from Petitioners to the Department, regarding the ministerial errors alleged by Polyplex, dated September 30, 2008. After analyzing the respondent’s ministerial error comments and considering Petitioners’ comments 1 DuPont Teijin Films, Mitsubishi Polyester Film of America, Inc., SKC, Inc. and Toray Plastics (America), Inc. (collectively, Petitioners). E:\FR\FM\31OCN1.SGM 31OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 212 (Friday, October 31, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64909-64912]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-26029]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development Administration

[Docket No.: 0810151367-81368-01]


Solicitation of Applications for the National Technical 
Assistance, Training, Research and Evaluation Program: Economic 
Development Research Project: Regional Innovation Systems

AGENCY: Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice and request for applications.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is resoliciting 
applications for a regional innovation systems research project under 
FY 2009 National Technical Assistance, Training, Research and 
Evaluation program (NTA Program) funding. Under a FY 2008 competition, 
EDA funded two projects under the regional innovation systems research 
topic. EDA now is interested in making another award exploring regional 
innovation systems in an additional geographic location.

DATES: To be considered timely, a completed application, regardless of 
the format in which it is submitted, must be either: (1) Received by 
the EDA representative listed below under ``Paper Submissions'' no 
later than November 17, 2008 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time; (2) transmitted 
and time-stamped at https://www.grants.gov no later than November 17, 
2008 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time; or (3) electronically transmitted to the 
e-mail address of the Program Analyst listed below under ``Electronic 
Submissions'' no later than November 17, 2008 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. 
Any application received or transmitted, as the case may be, after 5 
p.m. Eastern Time on November 17, 2008 will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for funding. Please see the 
instructions below under ``Application Submission Requirements'' for 
information regarding format options for submitting completed 
applications. Because this announcement solicits applications for a 
single research project and it is anticipated that a single award will 
be made, EDA expects to notify the applicant selected for investment 
assistance under this notice by December 26, 2008. The selected 
applicant should expect to receive project funding within thirty days 
of EDA's notification of selection.
    Applicants choosing to submit completed applications electronically 
through https://www.grants.gov should follow the instructions set out 
below under ``Electronic Access'' and in section IV.D. of the complete 
Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcement for this request for 
applications.
    Application Submission Requirements: On October 1, 2008, EDA 
published a notice in the Federal Register (73 FR 57049) to introduce 
its new, streamlined Application for Investment Assistance (Form ED-
900), which consolidates all EDA-specific requirements into a single 
application form. Applicants are advised to read carefully the 
instructions contained in section IV. of the complete FFO announcement 
for this request for applications, which sets out EDA's updated 
application requirements. The FFO announcement may be accessed on EDA's 
Internet Web site at https://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/FFON.xml and 
at https://www.grants.gov.
    Applications may be submitted in either of two formats: (i) In 
paper format at the address provided below under ``Paper Submissions;'' 
or (ii) electronically in accordance with the procedures provided on 
https://www.grants.gov or submitted via e-mail to the address provided 
below under ``Electronic Submissions.'' EDA will not accept facsimile 
transmissions of applications. The content of the application is the 
same for paper submissions as it is for electronic submissions. A 
complete application must contain all the items that comprise a 
complete application package, as set out in section IV.A. of the FFO 
announcement. Regardless of the method of transmission, applicants are 
solely responsible for ensuring that EDA receives complete, accurate, 
and timely applications.
    You may obtain a paper application package by contacting the 
designated point of contact listed below under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT. Applicants applying electronically through https://
www.grants.gov may access the application package by following the 
instructions provided on https://www.grants.gov. Additionally, 
applicants may download a complete application package from EDA's Web 
site at https://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/Application.xml.
    Paper Submissions: Full or partial paper (hardcopy) applications 
submitted under the NTA program may be hand-delivered or mailed to: FY 
2009 Economic Development Research Project Competition: Regional 
Innovation Systems, Kerstin Millius, Program Analyst, Economic 
Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room 7009, Washington, DC 20230.
    Applicants are advised that, due to mail security measures, EDA's 
receipt of mail sent via the United States Postal Service may be 
substantially delayed or suspended in delivery. Applicants may wish to 
use a guaranteed overnight delivery service.
    Electronic Submissions: Applicants have two options for submitting 
electronically: Through https://www.grants.gov or via e-mail. Applicants 
may submit applications in accordance with the instructions provided at 
https://www.grants.gov and in section IV.D. of the applicable FFO 
announcement. EDA strongly encourages that applicants not wait until 
the application closing date to begin the application process through 
https://www.grants.gov. Applicants also may submit applications by e-
mail. Completed applications may be e-mailed to Kerstin Millius, 
Program Analyst, at kmillius@eda.doc.gov. The preferred file format for 
electronic attachments is portable document format (PDF); however, EDA 
will accept electronic files in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or 
Microsoft Excel formats.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information on the NTA

[[Page 64910]]

Program or to obtain a paper application package for this notice, 
please contact Kerstin Millius, Program Analyst, via e-mail at 
kmillius@eda.doc.gov (preferred) or by telephone at (202) 482-3280.
    For additional information regarding electronic submissions, please 
access the following link for assistance in navigating https://
www.grants.gov and for a list of useful resources: https://
www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant_help.jsp. If you do not find an 
answer to your question under Frequently Asked Questions, try 
consulting the Applicant's User Guide at https://www.grants.gov/
applicants/app_help_reso.jsp. If you still cannot find an answer to 
your question, contact https://www.grants.gov via e-mail at 
support@grants.gov or telephone at 1-800-518-4726. The hours of 
operation for https://www.grants.gov are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
Eastern Time (except for federal holidays).
    Additional information about EDA and its NTA Program may be 
obtained from EDA's Web site at https://www.eda.gov. The complete FFO 
announcement for this request for applications is available at https://
www.grants.gov and at https://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/FFON.xml.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Background Information: On March 14, 2008, EDA published an FFO and 
accompanying Federal Register notice (73 FR 13844) to solicit 
applications for funding under its NTA Program that addressed one or 
more of the following three projects: (a) Regional innovation systems; 
(b) urban economic development policy; and (c) global economic 
development strategy. The deadline for receipt of applications closed 
May 9, 2008 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. After completing its review of 
submitted applications, EDA funded projects under each research topic, 
including two awards under the regional innovation systems project. One 
successful recipient was located in West Virginia and the other was in 
California, and both of these successful projects highlight regional 
economies in those respective areas.
    EDA now is interested in making another award exploring regional 
innovation systems in an additional geographic location. Through this 
notice, EDA solicits applications for funding that address only the 
regional innovation systems research topic. EDA advises applicants to 
read carefully the description of the research project as EDA has 
provided information on important requirements that were not included 
in the earlier FFO announcement and March 14, 2008 Federal Register 
notice.
    EDA will not review applications submitted under the previous 
announcement. Therefore, to be considered for funding under this 
notice, all applications must comply with the new program and 
application requirements as set out in the complete FFO announcement 
for this request for applications. Any applicant that submitted an 
application under the previous FFO announcement must submit a new and 
complete application if it wishes to be considered for funding. If an 
applicant submits more than one application under this announcement, 
EDA will evaluate only the first application received and will consider 
subsequent applications non-responsive.
    There are five deliverables under this competitive solicitation: 
(1) A comparative analysis; (2) research and analysis of best-practice 
case-studies; (3) development of a communication and dissemination 
strategy for project findings; (4) a practitioner-accessible report or 
equivalent document that presents project findings; and (5) delivery of 
the practitioner-accessible report or equivalent document to EDA in a 
format suitable for posting on EDA's Web site and of all data and other 
materials used in the analysis. Any information disseminated to the 
public under this request for applications is subject to the 
Information Quality Act (Pub. L. No. 106-554). Applicants are required 
to comply with the Information Quality Guidelines issued by EDA 
pursuant to the Information Quality Act, which are designed to ensure 
and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility and integrity of 
information disseminated by EDA. These guidelines are available on 
EDA's Web site at https://www.eda.gov.
    Electronic Access: The complete FFO announcement for this FY 2009 
Economic Development Research Project competition is available at 
https://www.grants.gov and at https://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/
FFON.xml.
    Funding Availability: EDA is operating with appropriations made 
available under the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and 
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, Public Law No. 110-329 (September 
30, 2008). This Act makes available appropriations in an amount based 
on FY 2008 funding levels that are pro-rated through March 6, 2009 for 
the economic development assistance programs authorized by the Public 
Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. 3121 
et seq.) (PWEDA) and for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms 
program authorized under the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 
2341-2355, 2391). At FY 2008 funding levels, EDA estimates that the 
regional innovation systems project will be funded in an amount ranging 
from $200,000 to $300,000.
    Statutory Authority: The authority for the NTA Program is PWEDA. 
The specific authority for the Economic Development Research Projects 
Program is section 207 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3147), which authorizes EDA 
to make grants for grants for training, research, and technical 
assistance. EDA's regulations at 13 CFR parts 300-302 and subpart A of 
13 CFR part 306 set forth the general and specific regulatory 
requirements applicable to the NTA Program. EDA's regulations are 
codified at 13 CFR chapter III. The regulations and PWEDA are 
accessible on EDA's Internet Web site at https://www.eda.gov/
InvestmentsGrants/Lawsreg.xml.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.312, 
Economic Development--Research and Evaluation.
    Applicant Eligibility: Pursuant to PWEDA, eligible applicants for 
and recipients of EDA investment assistance include a District 
Organization; an Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; a 
State; a city or other political subdivision of a State, including a 
special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic 
or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political 
subdivisions; an institution of higher education or a consortium of 
institutions of higher education; and a public or private non-profit 
organization or association.
    Project Period: Typically, EDA gives a recipient one year from the 
award date to complete the scope of work, which consists of research 
and associated research activities, composing the resulting report, and 
presenting the report to EDA senior management. A typical research 
project period begins with an initial meeting between the recipient and 
EDA staff to ensure that all parties agree with the project terms. 
After the initial meeting, the recipient generally submits a final work 
plan to EDA staff for review and approval. Throughout the project 
period there will be regular contact between EDA staff and the 
recipient for updates on project progress. Also, interim progress 
reports will be required throughout the project period. The schedule of 
interim progress reports will be determined subsequent to award.

[[Page 64911]]

    Typically, the recipient submits a draft research report to EDA at 
least 90 days before the end of the project period for EDA's review. If 
the draft research report is approved, EDA will approve publication of 
a final research report, and the recipient will brief EDA senior 
management on research methods and report results.
    Cost Sharing Requirement: Generally, the amount of the EDA grant 
may not exceed fifty percent of the total cost of the project. Projects 
may receive an additional amount that shall not exceed thirty percent, 
as determined by EDA, based on the relative needs of the region in 
which the project will be located. See section 204(a) of PWEDA (42 
U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(1). The Assistant Secretary of 
Commerce for Economic Development has the discretion to establish a 
maximum EDA investment rate of up to one-hundred percent where the 
project (i) merits and is not otherwise feasible without an increase to 
the EDA investment rate; or (ii) will be of no or only incidental 
benefit to the recipient. See section 204(c)(3) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 
3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(4).
    EDA will consider the nature of the contribution (cash or in-kind), 
the amount of any matching share funds, and fairly assess any in-kind 
contributions in evaluating the cost to the Government and the 
feasibility of the project budget (see the ``Evaluation Criteria'' 
section below). While cash contributions are preferred, in-kind 
contributions, fairly evaluated by EDA, may provide the non-federal 
share of the total project cost. See section 204(b) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 
3144) and section III.B. of the FFO announcement for this request for 
applications. In-kind contributions, which may include assumptions of 
debt and contributions of space, equipment, and services, are eligible 
to be included as part of the non-federal share of eligible project 
costs if they meet applicable federal cost principles and uniform 
administrative requirements. Funds from other federal financial 
assistance awards are considered matching share funds only if 
authorized by statute, which may be determined by EDA's reasonable 
interpretation of the statute. See 13 CFR 300.3. The applicant must 
show that the matching share is committed to the project for the entire 
project period, will be available as needed, and is not conditioned or 
encumbered in any way that precludes its use consistent with the 
requirements of EDA investment assistance. See 13 CFR 301.5.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under the NTA Program are 
not subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of 
Federal Programs.''
    Evaluation and Selection Procedures: To apply for an award under 
this request for applications, an eligible applicant must submit a 
completed application package to EDA before the closing date and time 
specified in the ``Dates'' section of this notice, and in the manner 
provided in section IV. of the applicable FFO announcement. Any 
application received or transmitted, as the case may be, after 5 p.m. 
Eastern Time on November 17, 2008 will not be considered for funding. 
Applications that do not include all items required or that exceed the 
page limitations set forth in section IV.B. of the FFO announcement 
will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered by the 
review panel. Because this announcement solicits applications for a 
single research project and it is anticipated that a single award will 
be made, EDA expects to notify the applicant selected for funding by 
December 26, 2008. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified that their 
applications were not selected for funding. Applications that meet all 
the requirements will be evaluated by a review panel comprised of at 
least three EDA staff members, all of whom will be full-time federal 
employees.
    Evaluation Criteria: The review panel will evaluate the 
applications and rate and rank them using the following criteria of 
approximate equal weight:
    (1) Conformance with EDA's statutory and regulatory requirements, 
including the extent to which the proposed project satisfies the award 
requirements set out below and as provided in 13 CFR 306.2:
     Strengthens the capacity of local, State, or national 
organizations and institutions to undertake and promote effective 
economic development programs targeted to regions of distress;
     Benefits distressed regions; and
     Demonstrates innovative approaches to stimulate economic 
development in distressed regions.
    (2) The degree to which an EDA investment will have strong 
organizational leadership, relevant project management experience, and 
a significant commitment of human resources talent to ensure the 
project's successful execution (see 13 CFR 301.8(b)).
    (3) The ability of the applicant to implement the proposed project 
successfully (see 13 CFR 301.8).
    (4) The feasibility of the budget presented.
    (5) The cost to the Federal Government.
    Also, the addition of research and project data to an existing Web 
site or the design of a companion Web site designed to disseminate 
research results and provide links to data encapsulated in the report 
free of charge is preferred.
    Selection Factors: The Assistant Secretary, as the Selecting 
Official, expects to fund the highest ranking applications, as 
recommended by the review panel, submitted under this request for 
applications. However, if EDA does not receive satisfactory 
applications, the Assistant Secretary may not make any selection. 
Depending on the quality of the applications received, the Assistant 
Secretary may select more than one application for one research project 
and make no selection for another research project. Also, he may select 
an application out of rank order for the following reasons: (1) A 
determination that the selected application better meets the overall 
objectives of sections 2 and 207 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3121 and 3147); 
(2) the applicant's performance under previous awards; or (3) the 
availability of funding.

The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements

    Administrative and national policy requirements for all Department 
of Commerce awards are contained in the Department of Commerce Pre-
Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements, 
published in the Federal Register on February 11, 2008 (73 FR 7696). 
This notice may be accessed through the Federal Register Internet Web 
site at https://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/retrieve.html, making sure the 
radial button for the correct Federal Register volume is selected (in 
this instance, 2008 Federal Register, Vol. 73), entering the Federal 
Register page number provided in the previous sentence (7696), and 
clicking the ``Submit'' button.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This request for applications contains collections of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The 
use of Form ED-900 (Application for Investment Assistance) has been 
approved by OMB under the control number 0610-0094. The use of Forms 
SF-424 (Application for Financial Assistance), SF-424A (Budget 
Information--Non-Construction Programs), SF-424B (Assurances--Non-
Construction Programs), SF-424C (Budget Information--Construction 
Programs), SF-424D (Assurances--Construction Programs), and SF-LLL 
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) has been approved under OMB 
control numbers 4040-0004, 4040-0006,

[[Page 64912]]

4040-0007, 4040-0008, 4040-0009, and 0348-0046, respectively. The use 
of Form CD-346 has been approved under OMB control number 0605-0001. 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to 
respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of 
the PRA unless the collection of information displays a currently valid 
OMB control number.

Executive Order 12866

    This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes 
of Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review.''

Executive Order 13132

    It has been determined that this notice does not contain ``policies 
that have Federalism implications,'' as that phrase is defined in 
Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism.''

Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Prior notice and an opportunity for public comments are not 
required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules 
concerning grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). 
Because notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 
5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable. 
Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and none 
has been prepared.

    Dated: October 27, 2008.
Otto Barry Bird,
Chief Counsel, Economic Development Administration.
[FR Doc. E8-26029 Filed 10-30-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-24-P
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