Solicitation of Applications for the Native American Business Enterprise Center (NABEC) Program, 18562-18567 [E9-9296]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
18562
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 77 / Thursday, April 23, 2009 / Notices
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: April 17, 2009.
Efrain Gonzalez,
Chief, Office of Business Development,
Minority Business Development Agency.
[FR Doc. E9–9297 Filed 4–22–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–21–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Minority Business Development
Agency
[Docket No.: 090416670–9679–01]
Solicitation of Applications for the
Native American Business Enterprise
Center (NABEC) Program
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
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 Native
VerDate Nov<24>2008
16:59 Apr 22, 2009
Jkt 217001
American Business Enterprise Center
(NABEC) in the four locations and
geographical service areas specified in
this notice. The NABEC operates
through the use of business consultants
and provides a range of business
consulting and technical assistance
services directly to Native American
and other eligible minority-owned
businesses. Responsibility for ensuring
that applications in response to this
competitive solicitation are complete
and received by MBDA on time is the
sole responsibility of the applicant.
Applications submitted must be for the
operation of a NABEC and to provide
business consultation services to
eligible clients. Applications that do not
meet these requirements will be
rejected. This is not a grant program to
help start or to further an individual
business.
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 below. The
FFO contains a full and complete
description of the application and
programmatic requirements under the
NABEC Program. In order to receive
proper consideration, applicants must
comply with the requirements
contained in the FFO.
DATES: The closing date for receipt of
applications is June 4, 2009 at 5 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Completed applications must be
received by MBDA at the address below
for paper submissions or at https://
www.Grants.gov for electronic
submissions. The due date and time is
the same for electronic submissions as
it is for paper submissions. The date
that applications will be deemed to have
been submitted electronically shall be
the date and time received at
Grants.gov. Applicants should save and
print the proof of submission they
receive from Grants.gov. Applications
received after the closing date and time
will not be considered. Anticipated time
for processing is seventy-five (75) days
from the close of the competition
period. MBDA anticipates that awards
under this notice will be made with a
start date of September 1, 2009.
Pre-Application Conference: In
connection with this solicitation, a preapplication teleconference will be held
on May 4, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. (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
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
(MBDA Portal) or contact an MBDA
representative listed below for
registration instructions.
ADDRESSES: 1. Electronic Submission:
Applicants are highly 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.
2a. Paper Submission—If Mailed: If
the application is sent by postal mail or
overnight delivery service by the
applicant or its representative, one (1)
signed original plus two (2) copies of
the application must be submitted.
Completed application packages must
be mailed to: Office of Business
Development—NABEC Program, Office
of Executive Secretariat, HCHB Room
5063, Minority Business 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.
2b. Paper Submission—If HandDelivered: If the application is handdelivered by the applicant or by its
representative, one (1) signed original
plus two (2) copies of the application
must be delivered to: U.S. Department
of Commerce, Minority Business
Development Agency, Office of Business
Development—NABEC 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 set forth in
Section IV.D.2. of the accompanying
FFO.
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
E:\FR\FM\23APN1.SGM
23APN1
18563
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 77 / Thursday, April 23, 2009 / Notices
MBDA Office of Business Development
or the MBDA National Enterprise Center
(NEC) in the region in which the
NABEC 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. MBDA Atlanta National Enterprise
Center (ANEC), 401 W. Peachtree Street,
Suite 1715, Atlanta, GA 30308. This
region covers the states of Alabama,
Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi,
North Carolina, South Carolina and
Tennessee. Contract: Patricia Hanes,
Regional Director, 404–730–3300.
3. MBDA Chicago National Enterprise
Center (CNEC), 55 E. Monroe Street,
Suite 2810, Chicago, Illinois 60603. This
region covers the states of Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota,
Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and
Wisconsin. Contact: Eric Dobyne,
Regional Director, 312–353–0182.
4. 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 NABEC Program is
a key component of MBDA’s overall
minority business development
assistance program and promotes the
growth and competitiveness of Native
American and eligible minority-owned
businesses. NABEC operators leverage
project staff and professional
consultants to provide a wide-range of
direct business assistance services to
Native American, tribal entities and
eligible minority-owned firms. NABEC
services include, but are 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
eight NABEC projects located
throughout the United States. Pursuant
to this notice, and as set forth more fully
in the corresponding FFO, competitive
applications for new three-year awards
are being solicited for the four NABEC
projects set forth below.
Geographical Service Areas: MBDA is
soliciting competitive applications from
organizations to operate a NABEC and
to provide services in the following
geographical service areas:
NABEC name
Geographical service area
North Carolina
NABEC.
Minnesota/
Iowa
NABEC.
New Mexico
NABEC.
Oklahoma
NABEC.
State of North Carolina.
States of Minnesota & Iowa.
State of New Mexico.
State of Oklahoma.
The NABEC project must be physically
located within the applicable
geographical service area.
Electronic Access: Applicants will be
able to access, download and submit
electronic grant applications for the
NABEC 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
September 1, 2009
through
August 31, 2010
Project name
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Total
cost
($)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
North Carolina NABEC ..........................
Minnesota/Iowa NABEC ........................
New Mexico NABEC .............................
Oklahoma NABEC .................................
VerDate Nov<24>2008
16:59 Apr 22, 2009
Jkt 217001
$222,300
222,300
222,300
261,000
PO 00000
Federal
share
($)
$200,000
200,000
200,000
235,000
Frm 00021
applications which address one or more
of 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 Native American firms, tribal
entities or minority firms seeking to
obtain large-scale contracts and/or
insertion into supply chains with
institutional customers;
(d) Proposals that utilize fee for
service models consistent with the fee
structure based on client revenues as set
forth in Section III.B. of the
accompanying FFO and those that use
innovative approaches to charging and
collecting fees from clients;
(e) Proposals that take a regional
approach in providing services to
eligible clients; or
(f) Proposals from applicants with
pre-existing operations in the identified
geographic service area(s).
Funding Availability: A total of
$835,000 of FY 2009 funds is available
under the Omnibus Appropriations Act,
2009, Public Law No. 111–8, to fund
financial assistance awards for the four
(4) NABEC projects referenced in this
solicitation. MBDA anticipates that this
amount will also be available in each of
FYs 2010 and 2011 to provide
continuation funding for these projects.
The total award period for awards made
under this competitive solicitation is
anticipated to be three years and all
awards are expected to be made with a
start date of September 1, 2009. The
anticipated amount of the financial
assistance award for each NABEC
project, including the minimum 10%
non-federal cost share is set forth in the
below table, although actual award
amounts may vary depending on the
availability of funds:
September 1, 2010
through
August 31, 2011
Nonfederal
share ($)
(10% min.)
$22,300
22,300
22,300
26,000
Fmt 4703
Total
cost
($)
Federal
share
($)
$222,300
222,300
222,300
261,000
Sfmt 4703
$200,000
200,000
200,000
235,000
September 1, 2011
through
August 31, 2012
Nonfederal
share ($)
(10% min.)
$22,300
22,300
22,300
26,000
E:\FR\FM\23APN1.SGM
23APN1
Total
cost
($)
$222,300
222,300
222,300
261,000
Federal
share
($)
$200,000
200,000
200,000
235,000
Nonfederal
share ($)
(10% min.)
$22,300
22,300
22,300
26,000
18564
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 77 / Thursday, April 23, 2009 / Notices
Applicants must submit project plans
and budgets for each of the three (3)
program years. Projects will be funded
for no more than one year at a time.
Project proposals accepted for funding
will not compete for funding in
subsequent budget periods within the
approved award period. However,
operators that fail to achieve a
‘‘satisfactory’’ or better performance
rating for the preceding program year
may be denied second- or third-year
funding (as the case may be).
Recommendations for second- and
third-year funding are generally
evaluated by MBDA based on a midyear performance rating and/or
combination of mid-year and
cumulative third quarter performance
rating. In making such continued
funding determinations, MBDA and the
Department of Commerce will consider
all 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.
The funding periods and funding
amounts referenced in this solicitation
are subject to the availability of funds,
as well as to Department of Commerce
and MBDA priorities at the time of
award. In no event will the Department
of Commerce or MBDA be responsible
for proposal preparation costs if this
program fails to receive funding or is
cancelled because of other MBDA or
Department of Commerce priorities.
Publication of this notice does not
obligate the Department of Commerce or
MBDA to award any specific
cooperative agreement or to obligate all
or any part of available funds.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Authority: 15 U.S.C. Section 1512 and
Executive Order 11625.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA): 11.801, Native
American Business Enterprise Center
Program.
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 a NABEC.
Program Description: MBDA is
soliciting competitive applications from
organizations to operate four (4) Native
American Business Enterprise Centers
(NABEC) (formerly known as Native
American Business Development
Centers). The NABEC will operate
through the use of trained professional
business consultants who will assist
Native American and other minority
entrepreneurs and tribal entities through
VerDate Nov<24>2008
16:59 Apr 22, 2009
Jkt 217001
direct client engagements.
Entrepreneurs eligible for assistance
under the NABEC Program are Native
Americans (including Alaska Natives,
Alaska Native Corporations and tribal
entities), Eskimos, African Americans,
Puerto Ricans, Spanish-speaking
Americans, Aleuts, Asian Pacific
Americans, Asian Indians and Hasidic
Jews. References throughout this notice
regarding a NABEC’s provision of
services and assistance to Native
American clients also includes the
eligible non-Native American clients
listed in the preceding sentence. No
service may be denied to any member of
the eligible groups listed above.
The NABEC Program requires project
staff to: provide standardized business
assistance services directly to eligible
Native American clients, with an
emphasis on those firms with $500,000
or more in annual revenues and/or with
‘‘rapid growth potential’’ (‘‘Strategic
Growth Initiative’’ or ‘‘SGI’’ firms);
develop and maintain a network of
strategic partnerships; provide
collaborative consulting services with
MBDA and other MBDA funded
programs and strategic partners; and to
provide referral services (as necessary)
for client transactions. NABEC operators
will assist Native American clients in
accessing federal and non-federal
contracting and financing opportunities
that result in demonstrable client
outcomes. Specific work requirements
and performance metrics are used by
MBDA to evaluate each project and are
a key component of the NABEC
program.
The NABEC Program also
incorporates an entrepreneurial
approach to building market stability
and improving quality of services
delivered. This strategy expands the
reach of the NABECs by requiring
project operators to develop and build
upon strategic alliances with public and
private sector partners, as a means of
serving Native American and minorityowned firms within each NABEC’s
geographical service area. The NABEC
Program is also designed to leverage
MBDA resources including but not
limited to: MBDA Office of Native
American Business Development;
MBDA Office of Business Development;
MBDA National Enterprise Centers;
MBDA Business Internet Portal; and
MBDA’s network of Minority Business
Opportunity Centers (MBOCs), Minority
Business Enterprise Centers (MBECs),
and other NABECs. NABEC operators
are required to attend a variety of MBDA
training programs designed to increase
operational efficiencies and the
provision of value-added client services.
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
NABEC operators are generally
required to provide the following four
client services: (1) Client Assessment—
identifying clients’ immediate and longterm needs and establishing projected
growth tracks; (2) Strategic Business
Consulting—providing intensive
business consulting services that can be
delivered as personalized consulting or
group consulting; (3) Access to
Capital—assisting clients with securing
necessary financial capital; and (4)
Access to Markets—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 NABEC
Program.
Match Requirements: The NABEC
Program requires a minimum nonfederal cost share of 10%, which must
be reflected in the proposed project
budget. Non-federal cost share is the
portion of the project cost not borne by
the Federal Government. Applicants
must satisfy the non-federal cost sharing
requirements by 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 NABEC is not
required to charge client fees for
services rendered. However, MBDA
encourages all NABECs to implement a
fee-for-service program. Client fees (if
imposed) must be used towards meeting
non-federal cost share requirements and
must be used in furtherance of the
program objectives. In addition, the
NABEC’s client fee structure must be
based on a sliding scale of client
revenues as set forth in Section III.B. of
the accompanying FFO. Applicants will
be awarded up to five (5) 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
10% (see Evaluation Criterion below).
Evaluation Criterion: Proposals will
be evaluated and applicants will be
selected based on the below evaluation
criterion. The maximum total number of
points that an application may receive
is 105, including the bonus points for
exceeding the minimum required nonfederal cost share, except when oral
presentations are made by applicants. If
oral presentations are made (see below:
Oral Presentation By MBDA Selected
Applicants), the maximum total of
points that can be earned is 115. The
number of points assigned to each
evaluation criterion will be determined
E:\FR\FM\23APN1.SGM
23APN1
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 77 / Thursday, April 23, 2009 / Notices
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 Native American
community, Native American tribal
entities and minority business sector,
and strategies for enhancing its growth
and expansion; particular emphasis
shall be on expanding SGI firms and
tribal entities. Consideration will be
given 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 Native
American and minority firms and tribal
entities, 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 Native American
entities and 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
Native American entities and minorityowned firms (5 points);
(f) Establishment of a Self-Sustainable
Service Model—Summary plan to
establish a self-sustainable model for
continued services to the Native
American and MBE communities
beyond the three-year MBDA award
period (3 points);
(g) MBE Advocacy—Experience and
expertise in advocating on behalf of
Native American communities, Native
American tribal entities 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
NABEC. In particular, an assessment
will be made to determine whether
proposed key staff possesses the
VerDate Nov<24>2008
16:59 Apr 22, 2009
Jkt 217001
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)
Proposals will be evaluated under this
criterion as follows:
(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 NABEC (8 points);
(b) Location—Assessment of the
applicant’s strategic rationale for the
proposed physical location of the
NABEC. Applicant is encouraged to
establish a location for the NABEC 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
NABEC in meeting program
performance goals (5 points); and
(d) Equipment—How the applicant
plans to satisfy the NABEC information
technology requirements, including
computer hardware, software
requirements and network map (5
points).
3. Techniques and Methodologies (20
points)
Proposals will be evaluated under this
criterion as follows:
(a) Performance Measures—For each
program year, 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 NABEC brand recognition
(marketing plan); and how the applicant
will satisfy program performance goals.
In particular, emphasis will be placed
on the manner in which the applicant
matches NABEC 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 NABEC
operations within the initial 30-day
period. The NABEC 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 NABEC
programmatic requirements set forth
more fully in the FFO, particularly with
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
18565
respect to periods beyond the start-up
phase (7 points).
4. Proposed Budget and Budget
Narrative (20 points)
Proposals will be evaluated under this
criterion 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 10% 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 NABEC
programmatic requirements and
performance measures (i.e.,
performance-based budgeting) (10
points).
5. Bonus Points for Exceeding the
Minimum Required Non-Federal Cost
Share (5 points)
Proposals with a non-federal cost
share exceeding 10% of the total project
costs will be awarded bonus points on
the following scale: more than 10%–less
than 15% = 1 point; 15% or more—less
than 20% = 2 points; 20% or more–less
than 25% = 3 points; 25% or more–less
than 30% = 4 points; and 30% or more
= 5 points. Non-federal cost sharing of
at least 10% is required under the
NABEC 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 (encouraged but
not mandatory); (2) cash contributions;
(3) non-cash applicant contributions; or
(4) third party in-kind contributions.
6. Oral Presentation by MBDA
Selected Applicants (10 points)
Oral presentations are held only when
requested by MBDA. This action may be
initiated for the top two (2) ranked
applications for a project and will be
applied on a consistent basis for each
project competition. Oral presentations
will be used to establish a final
evaluation and ranking.
The applicant’s presentation will be
evaluated as to the extent to which the
presentation demonstrates:
(a) How the applicant will effectively
and efficiently assist MBDA in the
E:\FR\FM\23APN1.SGM
23APN1
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
18566
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 77 / Thursday, April 23, 2009 / Notices
accomplishment of its mission (2
points);
(b) Business operating priorities
designed to manage a successful NABEC
(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 the applicant is
eligible and the application is complete
and includes all required forms,
signatures and documentation. An
application will be considered nonresponsive and will not be evaluated by
the review panel if it is received after
the closing date for receipt of
applications, the applicant fails to
submit an original, signed Form SF–424
by the application closing date (paper
applications only), or the application
does not provide for the operation of a
NABEC. Other deficiencies, while not
rendering the application nonresponsive, will be considered during
panel review and may result in point
deductions.
2. Panel Review
Each responsive 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 request that the two (2)
top-ranked applicants for each project
competition make an oral presentation.
If an oral presentation is requested, the
VerDate Nov<24>2008
16:59 Apr 22, 2009
Jkt 217001
selected applicants will receive a formal
communication (via standard mail, email or fax) from MBDA informing them
of the time and date for the
presentation. In-person presentations
are not mandatory but are encouraged;
telephonic presentations are acceptable.
MBDA will provide the teleconference
dial-in number and pass code.
Oral presenters will be required to
submit to MBDA at least 24 hours before
the scheduled date and time of the oral
presentation a PowerPoint (or
equivalent) presentation that addresses
the oral presentation criteria set forth
above. The oral 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. Each applicant
will present to MBDA staff only and
applicants will not be permitted to
listen to or attend presentations made
by other applicants.
All costs pertaining to this
presentation shall be borne by the
applicant. NABEC 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
applications under this competitive
solicitation. MBDA expects to
recommend for funding the highest
ranking application for each project, as
evaluated and recommended by the
review panel and taking into account
oral presentations (as applicable).
However, the MBDA National Director
may not make any selection, or he may
select an application out of rank order
for either or both of the following
reasons:
(a) A determination that a lower
ranked 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 to better
assess an applicant’s capability to
achieve the program and 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
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
written clarifications (as necessary)
regarding its application.
Intergovernmental Review:
Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372,
‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.’’
Limitation of Liability: In no event
will MBDA or the Department of
Commerce be responsible for proposal
preparation costs if this program fails to
receive funding or is cancelled because
of other MBDA or Department of
Commerce priorities. All funding
periods are subject to the availability of
funds to support the continuation of the
project and the Department of
Commerce and MBDA priorities.
Publication of this notice does not
obligate the Department of Commerce or
MBDA to award any specific
cooperative agreement or to obligate all
or any part of available funds.
Universal Identifier: All applicants
will be required to provide a Dun and
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering
system (DUNS) number during the
application process. See the June 27,
2003 Federal Register notice (68 FR
38402) for additional information.
Organizations can receive a DUNS
number at no cost by calling the
dedicated toll-free DUNS Number
request line at 1–866–705–5711 or by
accessing the Grants.gov Web site at
https://www.Grants.gov.
Department of Commerce Pre-Award
Notification Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements: The
Department of Commerce Pre-Award
Notification Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements contained
in the Federal Register notice of
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
E:\FR\FM\23APN1.SGM
23APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 77 / Thursday, April 23, 2009 / Notices
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: April 17, 2009.
Efrain Gonzalez,
Chief, Office of Business Development,
Minority Business Development Agency.
[FR Doc. E9–9296 Filed 4–22–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–21–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Submission for OMB Review;
Comment Request
Department of Education.
Correction notice.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: On April 15, 2009, the
Department of Education published a
comment period notice in the Federal
Register (Page 17459, Column 1) for the
information collection, ‘‘Documents
Associated with the Notice of Terms
and Conditions of Additional Purchase
of Loans under the ‘‘Ensuring Continued
Access to Student Loans Act of 2008’’.
This notice amends the total annual
responses to 8,395. The IC Clearance
Official, Regulatory Information
Management Services, Office of
Management, hereby issues a correction
notice as required by the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995.
Dated: April 20, 2009.
Angela C. Arrington,
IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information
Management Services, Office of Management.
[FR Doc. E9–9316 Filed 4–22–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Office of Innovation and Improvement;
Overview Information; DC School
Choice Incentive Program; Notice
Inviting Applications for New Awards
for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
(CFDA) Number: 84.370A.
Dates:
Applications Available: April 23,
2009.
Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply:
May 8, 2009.
Deadline for Transmittal of
Applications: May 26, 2009.
VerDate Nov<24>2008
16:59 Apr 22, 2009
Jkt 217001
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The DC School
Choice Incentive Program, established
under the DC School Choice Incentive
Act of 2003 (Act), provides low-income
parents residing in the District of
Columbia (District) with expanded
options for the education of their
children.
Background: For FY 2009, the
Department will be awarding one grant
on a competitive basis to an eligible
applicant to continue a scholarship
program to provide students who
currently have scholarships under this
program with scholarships for the 2009–
2010 school year. Students are eligible
to receive scholarships under this
program if they (1) are residents of the
District, and (2) come from households
whose income does not exceed 200
percent (or, in the case of an eligible
student whose first year of participation
in the program was an academic year
ending in June 2005 or June 2006 and
whose second or succeeding year is an
academic year ending on or before June
2009, 300 percent) of the poverty line.
These scholarships may be used to pay
tuition and fees and transportation
expenses, if any, to enable students to
attend a participating District nonpublic
elementary or secondary school.
Under the absolute priority
established in this notice, funds
awarded under this competition may
only be used to award scholarships to
students currently participating in this
program. Accordingly, in addition to the
requirements described in the preceding
paragraph, to be eligible for a
scholarship for the 2009–2010 school
year, a student must currently be
receiving a scholarship through the DC
School Choice Incentive Program.
We are establishing this absolute
priority in light of the prohibition in
Public Law 111–8, the Omnibus
Appropriations Act, 2009, against using
funds appropriated under that law, or
any other law, for scholarships under
this program after the conclusion of the
2009–2010 school year and the direction
in the Joint Explanatory Statement for
Public Law 111–8 to limit scholarships
for 2009–2010 to students who are
currently receiving scholarships under
this program. Specifically, Public Law
111–8 provides, with respect to this
program that ‘‘use of any funds in this
Act or any other [law] for opportunity
scholarships after school year 2009–
2010 shall only be available upon
enactment of reauthorization of that
program by Congress and the adoption
of legislation by the District of Columbia
approving such reauthorization.’’ In
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
18567
addition, the Joint Explanatory
Statement for Public Law 111–8 directs
that ‘‘[f]unding provided for the private
scholarship program shall be used for
currently-enrolled participants rather
than new applicants.’’ The Chancellor of
the District of Columbia Public Schools
is directed to ‘‘promptly take steps to
minimize potential disruption and
ensure smooth transition for any
students seeking enrollment in the
public school system as a result of any
changes made to the private scholarship
program affecting periods after school
year 2009–2010.’’ See the Joint
Explanatory Statement, Division D, Title
VIII, Federal Payment for School
Improvement, at https://thomas.loc.gov/
home/approp/app09.html.
Priorities: We are establishing this
priority for the FY 2009 grant
competition only in accordance with
section 437(d)(2) of the General
Education Provisions Act (GEPA), 20
U.S.C. 1232(d)(2).
Absolute Priority: For FY 2009, this
priority is an absolute priority. Under 34
CFR 75.105(c)(3) we consider only
applications that meet this priority.
This priority is:
Scholarships for Currently Enrolled
Participants During the 2009–2010
School Year.
Scholarship funds must be used to
provide scholarships during the 2009–
2010 school year only to currently
enrolled participants who are DC
residents and meet the eligibility
requirements related to family income.
Funds awarded under this competition
may not be used to provide scholarships
for new applicants or for current
scholarship recipients after the 2009–
2010 school year.
Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking:
Under the Administrative Procedure Act
(5 U.S.C. 553), the Department generally
offers interested parties the opportunity
to comment on proposed priorities,
selection criteria, and non-statutory
requirements. Section 437(d)(2) of
GEPA, however, allows the Secretary to
exempt from rulemaking requirements,
regulations where application of those
requirements will cause extreme
hardship to the intended beneficiaries of
the program. Conducting notice-andcomment rulemaking for the absolute
priority, selection criteria, and nonstatutory requirement (in section
III.3.(c)) established in this notice would
preclude timely implementation of this
program for the 2009–2010 school year
and, thereby, cause extreme hardship to
the intended beneficiaries of this
program, namely those students who are
currently receiving scholarships under
this program and are eligible to receive
scholarships in the 2009–2010 school
E:\FR\FM\23APN1.SGM
23APN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 77 (Thursday, April 23, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18562-18567]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-9296]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Minority Business Development Agency
[Docket No.: 090416670-9679-01]
Solicitation of Applications for the Native American Business
Enterprise Center (NABEC) 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 Native
American Business Enterprise Center (NABEC) in the four locations and
geographical service areas specified in this notice. The NABEC operates
through the use of business consultants and provides a range of
business consulting and technical assistance services directly to
Native American and other eligible minority-owned businesses.
Responsibility for ensuring that applications in response to this
competitive solicitation are complete and received by MBDA on time is
the sole responsibility of the applicant. Applications submitted must
be for the operation of a NABEC and to provide business consultation
services to eligible clients. Applications that do not meet these
requirements will be rejected. This is not a grant program to help
start or to further an individual business.
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 below. The FFO contains a full and
complete description of the application and programmatic requirements
under the NABEC Program. In order to receive proper consideration,
applicants must comply with the requirements contained in the FFO.
DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications is June 4, 2009 at
5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Completed applications must be
received by MBDA at the address below for paper submissions or at
https://www.Grants.gov for electronic submissions. The due date and time
is the same for electronic submissions as it is for paper submissions.
The date that applications will be deemed to have been submitted
electronically shall be the date and time received at Grants.gov.
Applicants should save and print the proof of submission they receive
from Grants.gov. Applications received after the closing date and time
will not be considered. Anticipated time for processing is seventy-five
(75) days from the close of the competition period. MBDA anticipates
that awards under this notice will be made with a start date of
September 1, 2009.
Pre-Application Conference: In connection with this solicitation, a
pre-application teleconference will be held on May 4, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.
(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: 1. Electronic Submission: Applicants are highly 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.
2a. Paper Submission--If Mailed: If the application is sent by
postal mail or overnight delivery service by the applicant or its
representative, one (1) signed original plus two (2) copies of the
application must be submitted. Completed application packages must be
mailed to: Office of Business Development--NABEC Program, Office of
Executive Secretariat, HCHB Room 5063, Minority Business 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.
2b. Paper Submission--If Hand-Delivered: If the application is
hand-delivered by the applicant or by its representative, one (1)
signed original plus two (2) copies of the application must be
delivered to: U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business
Development Agency, Office of Business Development--NABEC 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 set forth in
Section IV.D.2. of the accompanying FFO.
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
[[Page 18563]]
MBDA Office of Business Development or the MBDA National Enterprise
Center (NEC) in the region in which the NABEC 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. MBDA Atlanta National Enterprise Center (ANEC), 401 W. Peachtree
Street, Suite 1715, Atlanta, GA 30308. This region covers the states of
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina and Tennessee. Contract: Patricia Hanes, Regional Director,
404-730-3300.
3. MBDA Chicago National Enterprise Center (CNEC), 55 E. Monroe
Street, Suite 2810, Chicago, Illinois 60603. This region covers the
states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Contact: Eric Dobyne, Regional Director,
312-353-0182.
4. 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 NABEC Program is a key component of MBDA's overall
minority business development assistance program and promotes the
growth and competitiveness of Native American and eligible minority-
owned businesses. NABEC operators leverage project staff and
professional consultants to provide a wide-range of direct business
assistance services to Native American, tribal entities and eligible
minority-owned firms. NABEC services include, but are 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 eight NABEC projects located
throughout the United States. Pursuant to this notice, and as set forth
more fully in the corresponding FFO, competitive applications for new
three-year awards are being solicited for the four NABEC projects set
forth below.
Geographical Service Areas: MBDA is soliciting competitive
applications from organizations to operate a NABEC and to provide
services in the following geographical service areas:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NABEC name Geographical service area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Carolina NABEC............ State of North Carolina.
Minnesota/Iowa NABEC............ States of Minnesota & Iowa.
New Mexico NABEC................ State of New Mexico.
Oklahoma NABEC.................. State of Oklahoma.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The NABEC project must be physically located within the applicable
geographical service area.
Electronic Access: Applicants will be able to access, download and
submit electronic grant applications for the NABEC 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 one or more of 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 Native American firms, tribal entities or minority firms
seeking to obtain large-scale contracts and/or insertion into supply
chains with institutional customers;
(d) Proposals that utilize fee for service models consistent with
the fee structure based on client revenues as set forth in Section
III.B. of the accompanying FFO and those that use innovative approaches
to charging and collecting fees from clients;
(e) Proposals that take a regional approach in providing services
to eligible clients; or
(f) Proposals from applicants with pre-existing operations in the
identified geographic service area(s).
Funding Availability: A total of $835,000 of FY 2009 funds is
available under the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Public Law No.
111-8, to fund financial assistance awards for the four (4) NABEC
projects referenced in this solicitation. MBDA anticipates that this
amount will also be available in each of FYs 2010 and 2011 to provide
continuation funding for these projects. The total award period for
awards made under this competitive solicitation is anticipated to be
three years and all awards are expected to be made with a start date of
September 1, 2009. The anticipated amount of the financial assistance
award for each NABEC project, including the minimum 10% non-federal
cost share is set forth in the below table, although actual award
amounts may vary depending on the availability of funds:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 1, 2009 through August September 1, 2010 through August September 1, 2011 through August
31, 2010 31, 2011 31, 2012
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project name Non- Non- Non-
Total Federal federal Total Federal federal Total Federal federal
cost ($) share ($) share ($) cost ($) share ($) share ($) cost ($) share ($) share ($)
(10% min.) (10% min.) (10% min.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) North Carolina NABEC.................... $222,300 $200,000 $22,300 $222,300 $200,000 $22,300 $222,300 $200,000 $22,300
(2) Minnesota/Iowa NABEC.................... 222,300 200,000 22,300 222,300 200,000 22,300 222,300 200,000 22,300
(3) New Mexico NABEC........................ 222,300 200,000 22,300 222,300 200,000 22,300 222,300 200,000 22,300
(4) Oklahoma NABEC.......................... 261,000 235,000 26,000 261,000 235,000 26,000 261,000 235,000 26,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 18564]]
Applicants must submit project plans and budgets for each of the
three (3) program years. Projects will be funded for no more than one
year at a time. Project proposals accepted for funding will not compete
for funding in subsequent budget periods within the approved award
period. However, operators that fail to achieve a ``satisfactory'' or
better performance rating for the preceding program year may be denied
second- or third-year funding (as the case may be). Recommendations for
second- and third-year funding are generally evaluated by MBDA based on
a mid-year performance rating and/or combination of mid-year and
cumulative third quarter performance rating. In making such continued
funding determinations, MBDA and the Department of Commerce will
consider all 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.
The funding periods and funding amounts referenced in this
solicitation are subject to the availability of funds, as well as to
Department of Commerce and MBDA priorities at the time of award. In no
event will the Department of Commerce or MBDA be responsible for
proposal preparation costs if this program fails to receive funding or
is cancelled because of other MBDA or Department of Commerce
priorities. Publication of this notice does not obligate the Department
of Commerce or MBDA to award any specific cooperative agreement or to
obligate all or any part of available funds.
Authority: 15 U.S.C. Section 1512 and Executive Order 11625.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): 11.801, Native
American Business Enterprise Center Program.
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 a NABEC.
Program Description: MBDA is soliciting competitive applications
from organizations to operate four (4) Native American Business
Enterprise Centers (NABEC) (formerly known as Native American Business
Development Centers). The NABEC will operate through the use of trained
professional business consultants who will assist Native American and
other minority entrepreneurs and tribal entities through direct client
engagements. Entrepreneurs eligible for assistance under the NABEC
Program are Native Americans (including Alaska Natives, Alaska Native
Corporations and tribal entities), Eskimos, African Americans, Puerto
Ricans, Spanish-speaking Americans, Aleuts, Asian Pacific Americans,
Asian Indians and Hasidic Jews. References throughout this notice
regarding a NABEC's provision of services and assistance to Native
American clients also includes the eligible non-Native American clients
listed in the preceding sentence. No service may be denied to any
member of the eligible groups listed above.
The NABEC Program requires project staff to: provide standardized
business assistance services directly to eligible Native American
clients, with an emphasis on those firms with $500,000 or more in
annual revenues and/or with ``rapid growth potential'' (``Strategic
Growth Initiative'' or ``SGI'' firms); develop and maintain a network
of strategic partnerships; provide collaborative consulting services
with MBDA and other MBDA funded programs and strategic partners; and to
provide referral services (as necessary) for client transactions. NABEC
operators will assist Native American clients in accessing federal and
non-federal contracting and financing opportunities that result in
demonstrable client outcomes. Specific work requirements and
performance metrics are used by MBDA to evaluate each project and are a
key component of the NABEC program.
The NABEC Program also incorporates an entrepreneurial approach to
building market stability and improving quality of services delivered.
This strategy expands the reach of the NABECs by requiring project
operators to develop and build upon strategic alliances with public and
private sector partners, as a means of serving Native American and
minority-owned firms within each NABEC's geographical service area. The
NABEC Program is also designed to leverage MBDA resources including but
not limited to: MBDA Office of Native American Business Development;
MBDA Office of Business Development; MBDA National Enterprise Centers;
MBDA Business Internet Portal; and MBDA's network of Minority Business
Opportunity Centers (MBOCs), Minority Business Enterprise Centers
(MBECs), and other NABECs. NABEC operators are required to attend a
variety of MBDA training programs designed to increase operational
efficiencies and the provision of value-added client services.
NABEC operators are generally required to provide the following
four client services: (1) Client Assessment--identifying clients'
immediate and long-term needs and establishing projected growth tracks;
(2) Strategic Business Consulting--providing intensive business
consulting services that can be delivered as personalized consulting or
group consulting; (3) Access to Capital--assisting clients with
securing necessary financial capital; and (4) Access to Markets--
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 NABEC Program.
Match Requirements: The NABEC Program requires a minimum non-
federal cost share of 10%, which must be reflected in the proposed
project budget. Non-federal cost share is the portion of the project
cost not borne by the Federal Government. Applicants must satisfy the
non-federal cost sharing requirements by 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 NABEC is
not required to charge client fees for services rendered. However, MBDA
encourages all NABECs to implement a fee-for-service program. Client
fees (if imposed) must be used towards meeting non-federal cost share
requirements and must be used in furtherance of the program objectives.
In addition, the NABEC's client fee structure must be based on a
sliding scale of client revenues as set forth in Section III.B. of the
accompanying FFO. Applicants will be awarded up to five (5) 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 10% (see Evaluation Criterion below).
Evaluation Criterion: Proposals will be evaluated and applicants
will be selected based on the below evaluation criterion. The maximum
total number of points that an application may receive is 105,
including the bonus points for exceeding the minimum required non-
federal cost share, except when oral presentations are made by
applicants. If oral presentations are made (see below: Oral
Presentation By MBDA Selected Applicants), the maximum total of points
that can be earned is 115. The number of points assigned to each
evaluation criterion will be determined
[[Page 18565]]
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 Native American
community, Native American tribal entities and minority business
sector, and strategies for enhancing its growth and expansion;
particular emphasis shall be on expanding SGI firms and tribal
entities. Consideration will be given 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 Native American and minority firms and
tribal entities, 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 Native
American entities and 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 Native American entities and 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
Native American and MBE communities beyond the three-year MBDA award
period (3 points);
(g) MBE Advocacy--Experience and expertise in advocating on behalf
of Native American communities, Native American tribal entities 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 NABEC. In particular, an
assessment will be made to determine whether proposed key staff
possesses the expertise in utilizing information systems and the
ability to successfully deliver program services. At a minimum the
applicant must identify a proposed project director (10 points).
2. Resources (20 points)
Proposals will be evaluated under this criterion as follows:
(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 NABEC (8 points);
(b) Location--Assessment of the applicant's strategic rationale for
the proposed physical location of the NABEC. Applicant is encouraged to
establish a location for the NABEC 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 NABEC in meeting program performance goals (5 points);
and
(d) Equipment--How the applicant plans to satisfy the NABEC
information technology requirements, including computer hardware,
software requirements and network map (5 points).
3. Techniques and Methodologies (20 points)
Proposals will be evaluated under this criterion as follows:
(a) Performance Measures--For each program year, 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
NABEC brand recognition (marketing plan); and how the applicant will
satisfy program performance goals. In particular, emphasis will be
placed on the manner in which the applicant matches NABEC 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 NABEC
operations within the initial 30-day period. The NABEC 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 NABEC programmatic requirements set forth more fully in the
FFO, particularly with respect to periods beyond the start-up phase (7
points).
4. Proposed Budget and Budget Narrative (20 points)
Proposals will be evaluated under this criterion 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 10% 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 NABEC
programmatic requirements and performance measures (i.e., performance-
based budgeting) (10 points).
5. Bonus Points for Exceeding the Minimum Required Non-Federal Cost
Share (5 points)
Proposals with a non-federal cost share exceeding 10% of the total
project costs will be awarded bonus points on the following scale: more
than 10%-less than 15% = 1 point; 15% or more--less than 20% = 2
points; 20% or more-less than 25% = 3 points; 25% or more-less than 30%
= 4 points; and 30% or more = 5 points. Non-federal cost sharing of at
least 10% is required under the NABEC 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
(encouraged but not mandatory); (2) cash contributions; (3) non-cash
applicant contributions; or (4) third party in-kind contributions.
6. Oral Presentation by MBDA Selected Applicants (10 points)
Oral presentations are held only when requested by MBDA. This
action may be initiated for the top two (2) ranked applications for a
project and will be applied on a consistent basis for each project
competition. Oral presentations will be used to establish a final
evaluation and ranking.
The applicant's presentation will be evaluated as to the extent to
which the presentation demonstrates:
(a) How the applicant will effectively and efficiently assist MBDA
in the
[[Page 18566]]
accomplishment of its mission (2 points);
(b) Business operating priorities designed to manage a successful
NABEC (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 the applicant is eligible and the
application is complete and includes all required forms, signatures and
documentation. An application will be considered non-responsive and
will not be evaluated by the review panel if it is received after the
closing date for receipt of applications, the applicant fails to submit
an original, signed Form SF-424 by the application closing date (paper
applications only), or the application does not provide for the
operation of a NABEC. Other deficiencies, while not rendering the
application non-responsive, will be considered during panel review and
may result in point deductions.
2. Panel Review
Each responsive 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 request that the two (2) top-ranked applicants for each
project competition make an oral presentation. If an oral presentation
is requested, the selected applicants will receive a formal
communication (via standard mail, e-mail or fax) from MBDA informing
them of the time and date for the presentation. In-person presentations
are not mandatory but are encouraged; telephonic presentations are
acceptable. MBDA will provide the teleconference dial-in number and
pass code.
Oral presenters will be required to submit to MBDA at least 24
hours before the scheduled date and time of the oral presentation a
PowerPoint (or equivalent) presentation that addresses the oral
presentation criteria set forth above. The oral 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. Each applicant will present to MBDA staff only and
applicants will not be permitted to listen to or attend presentations
made by other applicants.
All costs pertaining to this presentation shall be borne by the
applicant. NABEC 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 applications under this
competitive solicitation. MBDA expects to recommend for funding the
highest ranking application for each project, as evaluated and
recommended by the review panel and taking into account oral
presentations (as applicable). However, the MBDA National Director may
not make any selection, or he may select an application out of rank
order for either or both of the following reasons:
(a) A determination that a lower ranked 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 to better assess an applicant's
capability to achieve the program and funding priorities; or
(b) The availability of MBDA funding.
Prior to making a final recommendation to the Grants Officer, MBDA
may request that the apparent winner of the competition provide written
clarifications (as necessary) regarding its application.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
Limitation of Liability: In no event will MBDA or the Department of
Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if this program
fails to receive funding or is cancelled because of other MBDA or
Department of Commerce priorities. All funding periods are subject to
the availability of funds to support the continuation of the project
and the Department of Commerce and MBDA priorities. Publication of this
notice does not obligate the Department of Commerce or MBDA to award
any specific cooperative agreement or to obligate all or any part of
available funds.
Universal Identifier: All applicants will be required to provide a
Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering system (DUNS) number during
the application process. See the June 27, 2003 Federal Register notice
(68 FR 38402) for additional information. Organizations can receive a
DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number
request line at 1-866-705-5711 or by accessing the Grants.gov Web site
at https://www.Grants.gov.
Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements: The Department of Commerce Pre-Award
Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements
contained in the Federal Register notice of 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
[[Page 18567]]
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: April 17, 2009.
Efrain Gonzalez,
Chief, Office of Business Development, Minority Business Development
Agency.
[FR Doc. E9-9296 Filed 4-22-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-21-P
