Solicitation of Applications for the Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) Program, 18557-18562 [E9-9297]
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Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 77 / Thursday, April 23, 2009 / Notices
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disclaimers_pr.html), the data contained
therein regarding the Marine Protected
Areas Inventory does not comply with
the Information Quality Act (IQA). The
respondent states that in light of the
disclaimer language, the public ‘‘has no
reason to believe that any of these data
are accurate, reliable, and complete or
they have any utility.’’ If true,
dissemination of such information
would violate NOAA’s Information
Quality (IQ) guidelines, published
pursuant to the IQA. In support of this
assertion, the respondent cites NOAA’s
IQA guidelines as follows: ‘‘Information
quality is composed of three elements:
utility, integrity and objectivity. Quality
will be ensured and established at levels
appropriate to the nature and timeliness
of the information to be disseminated.
NOAA will conduct a pre-dissemination
review of information it disseminates to
verify quality. Information quality is an
integral part of the pre-dissemination
review * * * .’’
Web site meet the applicable NOAA IQ
standards.
Regarding the disclaimer language
posted on the MPA Center Web site (at:
https://mpa.gov/helpful_resources/
disclaimers_pr.html), the agency has
taken the respondent’s comments into
consideration and will replace the
existing disclaimer with more
appropriate language regarding
limitations on the use of the data
contained on the MPA Center Web site.
Response
NOAA’s MPA Inventory information
is reliable and complies with the NOAA
IQ guidelines standards for utility,
integrity, and objectivity. The content of
the initial Marine Managed Area (MMA)
Inventory and its successor Marine
Protected Areas Inventory (MPA
Inventory) were developed and
designed in cooperation with federal,
state and territorial agencies and were
the subject of public comment under the
Paperwork Reduction Act. The
definition of ‘‘MPA’’ was the subject of
Federal Register comment processes as
part of the inventory development
process, and three additional times as
part of the development and publication
of the Framework for the National
System of Marine Protected Areas of the
United States of America. Data were
collected directly from primary sources,
and from the Federal, State, or territorial
agency programs that designate and
manage MPAs. Once initial data were
collected, inventory information for
each site was sent by the MPA Center
to the pertinent MPA management
agency for verification prior to posting
on the www.mpa.gov Web site as part of
the quality assurance/quality control
process.
In addition, on November 20, 2008
the MPA Center Director sent a letter to
MPA program managers providing each
with a set of potential nominee sites
from the pertinent program. The MPA
program managers reviewed and
verified the accuracy of the information
provided. As a result of these review
processes, the agencies believe NOAA’s
MPA inventory and related information
disseminated through the MPA Center
The regional gap analysis process
described in the Framework will
complement the nominations of existing
sites to the National System of MPAs by
providing information on areas in need
of additional protection to MPA
management agencies. NOAA and DOI
are currently in the design phase of the
gap analysis process; information on the
process will continue to be posted on
https://www.mpa.gov.
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Comment Category 9: Gap Analysis
Summary
Two respondents noted the
importance of the gap analysis
described in the Framework document,
and urged that the agencies move
forward with the gap analysis to identify
areas meeting the conservation
objectives of the national system in need
of additional protection.
Response
Dated: April 17, 2009.
John H. Dunnigan,
Assistant Administrator.
[FR Doc. E9–9335 Filed 4–22–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Minority Business Development
Agency
[Docket No.: 090416673–9681–01]
Solicitation of Applications for the
Minority Business Enterprise Center
(MBEC) Program
AGENCY: Minority Business
Development Agency, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: In accordance with 15 U.S.C.
1512 and Executive Order 11625, the
Minority Business Development Agency
(MBDA) is soliciting competitive
applications from organizations to
operate a Minority Business Enterprise
Center (MBEC) in the two locations and
geographical service areas specified in
this notice. The MBEC operates through
the use of business consultants and
provides a range of business consulting
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and technical assistance services
directly to 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 MBEC and to provide
business consultation services to
eligible clients. Applications that do not
meet these requirements will be
rejected. This is not a grant program to
help start or to further an individual
business.
A link to the full text of the
Announcement of Federal Funding
Opportunity (FFO) for this solicitation
may be accessed at: https://
www.Grants.gov, https://www.mbda.gov,
or by contacting the appropriate MBDA
representative identified above. The
FFO contains a full and complete
description of the application and
programmatic requirements under the
MBEC 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 closing date for receipt of
applications. MBDA anticipates that one
award under this notice will be made
with a start date of September 1, 2009.
Pre-Application Conference: In
connection with this solicitation, a preapplication conference is scheduled for
May 7, 2009. The time and location of
the pre-application conference have yet
to be determined. Participants must
register at least 24 hours in advance of
the conference 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 the specific time and location
of the pre-application conference and
for registration instructions.
ADDRESSES:
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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.
Applicants are encouraged to also
submit an electronic copy of the
proposal, budget and budget narrative
on a CD–ROM to facilitate the
processing of applications. Complete
application packages must be mailed to:
Office of Business Development—MBEC
Program, Office of Executive Secretariat,
HCHB, Room 5063, Minority Business
Development Agency, U.S. Department
of Commerce, 1401 Constitution
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230.
Applicants are advised that MBDA’s
receipt of mail sent via the United States
Postal Service may be substantially
delayed or suspended in delivery due to
security measures. Applicants may
therefore wish to use a guaranteed
overnight delivery service. Department
of Commerce delivery policies for
overnight delivery services require all
packages to be sent to the address above.
2b. Paper Submission—If HandDelivered: 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. Applicants are
encouraged to also submit an electronic
copy of the proposal, budget and budget
narrative on a CD–ROM to facilitate the
processing of applications. Complete
application packages must be delivered
to: U.S. Department of Commerce,
Minority Business Development
Agency, Office of Business
Development—MBEC Program
(extension 1940), HCHB—Room 1874,
Entrance #10, 15th Street, NW. (between
Pennsylvania and Constitution
Avenues), Washington, DC. MBDA will
not accept applications that are
submitted by the deadline, but that are
rejected due to the applicant’s failure to
adhere to Department of Commerce
protocol for hand-deliveries 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
MBDA Office of Business Development
or the MBDA National Enterprise Center
(NEC) in the region in which the MBEC
will be located (see below Agency
Contacts). In addition, Standard Forms
(SF) may be obtained by accessing
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants
or https://www.grants.gov and
Department of Commerce (CD) forms
may be accessed at https://www.doc.gov/
forms.
Agency Contacts:
1. MBDA Office of Business
Development, 1401 Constitution
Name of MBEC
Houston, TX .....................................................
New Orleans, LA ..............................................
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background: The MBEC Program is a
key component of MBDA’s overall
minority business development
assistance program and promotes the
growth and competitiveness of eligible
minority-owned businesses. MBEC
operators leverage project staff and
professional consultants to provide a
wide-range of direct business assistance
services to eligible minority-owned
firms, including but not limited to
initial consultations and assessments,
business technical assistance, and
access to Federal and non-Federal
procurement and financing
opportunities.
MBDA currently funds a network of
thirty MBEC projects located throughout
the United States. Pursuant to this
notice, and as set forth more fully in the
corresponding FFO, competitive
applications for new awards are being
solicited for the two MBEC projects
identified below.
Geographical Service Areas: MBDA is
soliciting competitive applications from
organizations to operate a MBEC and to
provide services in the following
geographical service areas:
Location of MBEC
Houston MBEC ...................................................
New Orleans MBEC ...........................................
Avenue, NW., Room 5075, Washington,
DC 20230. Contact: Efrain Gonzalez,
Chief, 202–482–1940.
2. MBDA 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.
MBEC geographical service area*
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX MSA.**
New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA MSA.**
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** Metropolitan Statistical Area, please see OMB Bulletin No. 09–01, Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on Their Uses (November 20, 2008) at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/bulletins.
Electronic Access: Applicants will be
able to access, download and submit
electronic grant applications for the
MBEC Program through https://
www.Grants.gov. MBDA strongly
recommends that applicants not wait
until the application deadline date to
begin the application process through
Grants.gov as in some cases the process
for completing an Online application
may require additional time (e.g., 3–5
working days). The date that
applications will be deemed to have
been submitted electronically shall be
the date and time received at
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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
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towards the elimination of barriers
which limit the access of minority
businesses to markets and capital;
(c) Applicants who demonstrate an
exceptional ability to identify and work
with minority firms seeking to obtain
large-scale contracts and/or insertion
into supply chains with institutional
customers;
(d) Proposals that take a regional
approach in providing services to
eligible clients; or
(e) Proposals from applicants with
pre-existing operations in the identified
geographic service area.
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Funding Availability: A total of
$582,000 of FY 2009 funds is available
under the Omnibus Appropriations Act,
2009, Public Law 111–8, to fund
financial assistance awards for the two
(2) MBEC projects referenced in this
solicitation. MBDA anticipates that this
amount will also be available in each of
FYs 2010 and FYs 2011 to provide
continuation funding for these projects.
The total award period for awards made
under this competitive solicitation is
anticipated to be three years and all
awards are expected to be made with a
start date of September 1, 2009. The
anticipated amount of the financial
September 1, 2009 through August
31, 2010
Project name
Total cost
($)
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Houston MBEC ...........................................
New Orleans MBEC ....................................
$363,750
363,750
Applicants must submit project plans
and budgets for each of the three (3)
funding periods under this award
(September 1, 2009–August 31, 2010,
September 1, 2010–August 31, 2011,
and September 1, 2011–August 31,
2012). Projects will be funded for no
more than one year at a time. Project
proposals accepted for funding will not
compete for funding in subsequent
budget periods within the approved
award period. However, operators that
fail to achieve a ‘‘satisfactory’’ or better
performance rating for the preceding
program year may be denied second- or
third-year funding (as the case may be).
Recommendations for second- and
third-year funding are generally
evaluated by MBDA based on a midyear performance rating and/or
combination of mid-year and
cumulative third quarter performance
rating. In making such continued
funding determinations, MBDA and the
Department of Commerce will consider
all the facts and circumstances of each
case, such as but not limited to market
conditions, most recent performance of
the operator and other mitigating
circumstances.
The funding periods and funding
amounts referenced in this solicitation
are subject to the availability of funds,
as well as to Department of Commerce
and MBDA priorities at the time of
award. In no event will the Department
of Commerce or MBDA be responsible
for proposal preparation costs if this
program fails to receive funding or is
cancelled because of other MBDA or
Department of Commerce priorities.
Publication of this notice does not
obligate the Department of Commerce or
MBDA to award any specific
cooperative agreement or to obligate all
or any part of available funds.
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1512 and Executive
Order 11625.
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Federal
share ($)
$291,000
291,000
September 1, 2010 through August
31, 2011
Non-federal share
($) (20%
min.)
Total cost
($)
$72,500
72,500
$363,750
363,750
Federal
share ($)
$291,000
291,000
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA): 11.800, Minority
Business Enterprise Centers.
Eligibility: For-profit entities
(including but not limited to soleproprietorships, partnerships, and
corporations), non-profit organizations,
State and local government entities,
American Indian Tribes, and
educational institutions are eligible to
operate an MBEC.
Program Description: The MBEC
Program requires project staff to provide
standardized business assistance
services directly to eligible ‘‘minority
business enterprises,’’ with an emphasis
on those firms with $500,000 or more in
annual revenues and/or with ‘‘rapid
growth potential’’ (‘‘Strategic Growth
Initiative’’ or ‘‘SGI’’ firms); develop and
maintain a network of strategic
partnerships; provide collaborative
consulting services with MBDA and
other MBDA funded programs and
strategic partners; and to provide
referral services (as necessary) for client
transactions. For this purpose, minority
business enterprises are business
concerns that are owned or controlled
by the following persons or groups of
persons: African Americans, Puerto
Ricans, Spanish-speaking Americans,
Asian and Pacific Islander Americans,
Native Americans (including Alaska
Natives, Alaska Native Corporations and
tribal entities), Eskimos, Aleuts, Asian
Indians, and Hasidic Jews. See 15 CFR
1400.1 and Executive Order 11625.
The MBEC Program incorporates an
entrepreneurial approach to building
market stability and improving the
quality of client services. This
entrepreneurial strategy expands the
reach of the MBECs by requiring project
operators to develop and build upon
strategic alliances with public and
private sector partners as a means of
serving minority-owned firms within
each MBEC’s geographical service area.
The MBEC Program is also designed to
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assistance award for each MBEC project,
including the minimum 20% nonfederal cost share is set forth in the
below table, although actual award
amounts may vary depending on the
availability of funds:
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September 1, 2011 through August
31, 2012
Non-federal share
($) (20%
min.)
Total cost
($)
$72,500
72,500
$363,750
363,750
Federal
share ($)
$291,000
291,000
Non-federal share
($) (10%
min.)
$72,500
72,500
effectively leverage MBDA resources,
including but not limited to: MBDA
Office of Business Development and
MBDA National Enterprise Centers;
MBDA’s Business Internet Portal; and
MBDA’s nationwide network of MBECs,
Native American Business Enterprise
Centers (NABECs) and Minority
Business Opportunity Centers (MBOCs).
MBEC operators are also required to
attend a variety of MBDA training
programs designed to increase
operational efficiencies and the
provision of value-added client services.
MBEC operators are generally
required to provide the following four
client services: (1) Client Assessment—
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 MBEC Program.
Match Requirements: The MBEC
Program requires a minimum nonFederal cost share of 20%, which must
be reflected in the proposed project
budget. Non-Federal cost share is the
portion of the project cost not borne by
the Federal Government. Applicants
must satisfy the non-Federal cost
sharing requirements 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 MBEC is required to
charge client fees for services rendered
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based upon a sliding scale of client
revenues as set forth in Section III.B. of
the accompanying FFO and such fees
must be used by the operator towards
meeting the non-federal cost share
requirements under the award.
Applicants will be awarded up to five
(5) bonus points to the extent that the
proposed project budget includes a nonFederal cost share contribution,
measured as a percentage of the overall
project budget, exceeding 20% (see
Evaluation Criterion below).
Evaluation Criterion: Proposals will
be evaluated and one applicant may be
selected based on the below evaluation
criterion. The maximum total number of
points that an application may receive
is 105, including the bonus points for
exceeding the minimum required nonFederal cost 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
on a competitive basis by the MBDA
review panel based on the quality of the
application with respect to each
evaluation criterion.
1. Applicant Capability (40 points)
Proposals will be evaluated with
respect to the applicant’s experience
and expertise in providing the work
requirements listed. Specifically,
proposals will be evaluated as follows:
(a) Community—Experience in and
knowledge of the minority community,
minority business sector, and strategies
for enhancing its growth and expansion;
particular emphasis shall be on
expanding SGI firms. Consideration will
be given to whether the applicant has a
physical presence in the geographic
service area at the time of its application
(4 points);
(b) Business Consulting—Experience
in and knowledge of business
consulting with respect to minority
firms, with emphasis on SGI firms in the
geographic service area (5 points);
(c) Financing—Experience in and
knowledge of the preparation and
formulation of successful financial
transactions, with an emphasis on the
geographic service area (5 points);
(d) Procurements and Contracting—
Experience in and knowledge of the
public and private sector contracting
opportunities for minority businesses,
as well as demonstrated expertise in
assisting clients into supply chains (5
points);
(e) Financing Networks—Resources
and professional relationships within
the corporate, banking and investment
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community that may be beneficial to
minority-owned firms (5 points);
(f) Establishment of a Self-Sustainable
Service Model—Summary plan to
establish a self-sustainable model for
continued services to the MBE
communities beyond the MBDA award
period (3 points);
(g) MBE Advocacy—Experience and
expertise in advocating on behalf of
minority communities and minority
businesses, both as to specific
transactions in which a minority
business seeks to engage and as to broad
market advocacy for the benefit of the
minority community at large (3 points);
and
(h) Key Staff—Assessment of the
qualifications, experience and proposed
role of staff that will operate the MBEC.
In particular, an assessment will be
made to determine whether proposed
key staff possess the expertise in
utilizing information systems and the
ability to successfully deliver program
services. At a minimum the applicant
must identify a proposed project
director (10 points).
2. Resources (20 points)
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 MBEC (8 points);
(b) Location—Assessment of the
applicant’s strategic rationale for the
proposed physical location of the
MBEC. Applicant is encouraged to
establish a location for the MBEC that is
in a building which is separate and
apart from any of the applicant’s
existing offices in the geographic service
area (2 points);
(c) Partners—How the applicant plans
to establish and maintain the network of
strategic partners and the manner in
which these partners will support the
MBEC in meeting program performance
goals (5 points); and
(d) Equipment—How the applicant
plans to satisfy the MBEC information
technology requirements, including
computer hardware, software
requirements and network map (5
points).
3. Techniques and Methodologies (20
points)
Proposals will be evaluated under this
criterion as follows:
(a) Performance Measures—For each
funding period, the manner in which
the applicant relates each performance
measure to the financial information
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and market resources available in the
geographic service area (including
existing client list); how the applicant
will create MBEC brand recognition
(marketing plan); and how the applicant
will satisfy program performance goals.
In particular, emphasis will be placed
on the manner in which the applicant
matches MBEC performance goals with
client service hours and how it accounts
for existing market conditions in its
strategy to achieve such goals (10
points);
(b) Start-up Phase—How the
applicant will commence MBEC
operations within the initial 30-day
period. The MBEC shall have thirty (30)
days to become fully operational after
an award is made (3 points); and
(c) Work Requirement Execution
Plan—The applicant will be evaluated
on how effectively and efficiently staff
time will be used to achieve the MBEC
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)
The applicant’s proposal will be
evaluated as follows:
(a) Reasonableness, Allowability and
Allocability of Proposed Program Costs.
All of the proposed program costs
expenditures should be discussed and
the budget line-item narrative must
match the proposed budget. Fringe
benefits and other percentage item
calculations should match the proposed
budget line-item and narrative (5
points);
(b) Non-Federal Cost Share. The
required 20% non-Federal share must
be adequately addressed and properly
documented, including but not limited
to how client fees (if proposed) will be
used by the applicant in meeting the
non-Federal cost-share (5 points); and
(c) Performance-Based Budgeting. The
extent to which the line-item budget
and budget narrative relate to the
accomplishment of the MBEC
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 non-Federal cost
sharing exceeding 20% of the total
project costs will be awarded bonus
points on the following scale: more than
20%—less than 25% = 1 point; 25% or
more—less than 30% = 2 points; 30% or
more—less than 35% = 3 points; 35% or
more—less than 40% = 4 points; and
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40% or more = 5 points. Non-Federal
cost sharing of at least 20% is required
under the MBEC Program. Non-Federal
cost sharing is the portion of the total
project cost not borne by the Federal
Government and may be met by the
applicant by any one or more of the
following four means (or a combination
thereof): (1) client fees; (2) cash
contributions; (3) non-cash applicant
contributions; or, (4) third party in-kind
contributions.
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
accomplishment of its mission (2
points);
(b) Business operating priorities
designed to manage a successful MBEC
(2 points);
(c) A management philosophy that
achieves an effective balance between
micromanagement and complete
autonomy for its Project Director (2
points);
(d) Robust search criteria for the
identification of a Project Director (1
point);
(e) Effective employee recruitment
and retention policies and procedures (1
point); and
(f) A competitive and innovative
approach to exceeding performance
requirements (2 points).
Review and Selection Process:
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
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 that all required forms, signatures
and documentation are present. 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
MBEC. Other deficiencies, while not
rendering the application nonresponsive, will be considered during
VerDate Nov<24>2008
16:59 Apr 22, 2009
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18561
panel review and may result in point
deductions.
compiled and added to the score of the
original panel review.
2. Panel Review
4. Final Recommendation
The MBDA National Director makes
the final recommendation to the Grants
Officer regarding the funding of one
application under this competitive
solicitation. MBDA expects to
recommend for funding the highest
ranking application, as evaluated and
recommended by the review panel and
taking into account oral presentations
(as applicable). However, the MBDA
National Director may not make any
selection, or he/she may select an
application out of rank order for 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 the MBEC Program
fails to receive funding or is cancelled
because of Department of Commerce or
MBDA priorities. All funding periods
under the award are subject to the
availability of funds to support the
continuation of the project. Publication
of this notice does not obligate MBDA
or the Department of Commerce to
award any specific project or to obligate
any available funds.
Universal Identifier: 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
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 by MBDA Selected
Applicants
MBDA may request that the two (2)
top-ranked applicants to develop and
make an oral presentation. If an oral
presentation is requested, the selected
applicants will receive a formal
communication (via standard mail, email or fax) from MBDA informing them
of the time and date of the oral
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 for
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. MBEC award funds may not
be used as a reimbursement for this
presentation. MBDA will not accept any
requests or petitions for reimbursement.
The oral panel members shall score
each presentation in accordance with
the oral presentation criterion provided
above. An average score shall be
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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
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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
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 77 (Thursday, April 23, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18557-18562]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-9297]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Minority Business Development Agency
[Docket No.: 090416673-9681-01]
Solicitation of Applications for the Minority Business Enterprise
Center (MBEC) Program
AGENCY: Minority Business Development Agency, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with 15 U.S.C. 1512 and Executive Order 11625,
the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting
competitive applications from organizations to operate a Minority
Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) in the two locations and geographical
service areas specified in this notice. The MBEC operates through the
use of business consultants and provides a range of business consulting
and technical assistance services directly to eligible minority-owned
businesses. Responsibility for ensuring that applications in response
to this competitive solicitation are complete and received by MBDA on
time is the sole responsibility of the applicant. Applications
submitted must be for the operation of a MBEC and to provide business
consultation services to eligible clients. Applications that do not
meet these requirements will be rejected. This is not a grant program
to help start or to further an individual business.
A link to the full text of the Announcement of Federal Funding
Opportunity (FFO) for this solicitation may be accessed at: https://www.Grants.gov, https://www.mbda.gov, or by contacting the appropriate
MBDA representative identified above. The FFO contains a full and
complete description of the application and programmatic requirements
under the MBEC 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 closing date for receipt of applications. MBDA
anticipates that one award 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 conference is scheduled for May 7, 2009. The time and
location of the pre-application conference have yet to be determined.
Participants must register at least 24 hours in advance of the
conference 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 the specific time and
location of the pre-application conference and for registration
instructions.
ADDRESSES:
[[Page 18558]]
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. Applicants are encouraged to also submit
an electronic copy of the proposal, budget and budget narrative on a
CD-ROM to facilitate the processing of applications. Complete
application packages must be mailed to: Office of Business
Development--MBEC Program, Office of Executive Secretariat, HCHB, Room
5063, Minority Business Development Agency, U.S. Department of
Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230.
Applicants are advised that MBDA's receipt of mail sent via the
United States Postal Service may be substantially delayed or suspended
in delivery due to security measures. Applicants may therefore wish to
use a guaranteed overnight delivery service. Department of Commerce
delivery policies for overnight delivery services require all packages
to be sent to the address above.
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. Applicants are encouraged to also submit an electronic copy
of the proposal, budget and budget narrative on a CD-ROM to facilitate
the processing of applications. Complete application packages must be
delivered to: U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business
Development Agency, Office of Business Development--MBEC Program
(extension 1940), HCHB--Room 1874, Entrance 10, 15th Street,
NW. (between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues), Washington, DC.
MBDA will not accept applications that are submitted by the deadline,
but that are rejected due to the applicant's failure to adhere to
Department of Commerce protocol for hand-deliveries 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 MBDA Office of Business Development or the MBDA
National Enterprise Center (NEC) in the region in which the MBEC will
be located (see below Agency Contacts). In addition, Standard Forms
(SF) may be obtained by accessing https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants
or https://www.grants.gov and Department of Commerce (CD) forms may be
accessed at https://www.doc.gov/forms.
Agency Contacts:
1. MBDA Office of Business Development, 1401 Constitution Avenue,
NW., Room 5075, Washington, DC 20230. Contact: Efrain Gonzalez, Chief,
202-482-1940.
2. MBDA Dallas National Enterprise Center (DNEC), 1100 Commerce
Street, Room 726, Dallas, Texas, 75242. This region covers the states
of Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota,
Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Contact: John F.
Iglehart, Regional Director, 214-767-8001.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background: The MBEC Program is a key component of MBDA's overall
minority business development assistance program and promotes the
growth and competitiveness of eligible minority-owned businesses. MBEC
operators leverage project staff and professional consultants to
provide a wide-range of direct business assistance services to eligible
minority-owned firms, including but not limited to initial
consultations and assessments, business technical assistance, and
access to Federal and non-Federal procurement and financing
opportunities.
MBDA currently funds a network of thirty MBEC projects located
throughout the United States. Pursuant to this notice, and as set forth
more fully in the corresponding FFO, competitive applications for new
awards are being solicited for the two MBEC projects identified below.
Geographical Service Areas: MBDA is soliciting competitive
applications from organizations to operate a MBEC and to provide
services in the following geographical service areas:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MBEC geographical
Name of MBEC Location of MBEC service area*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Houston MBEC................ Houston, TX......... Houston-Sugar Land-
Baytown, TX MSA.**
New Orleans MBEC............ New Orleans, LA..... New Orleans-Metairie-
Kenner, LA MSA.**
------------------------------------------------------------------------
** Metropolitan Statistical Area, please see OMB Bulletin No. 09-01,
Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on Their Uses
(November 20, 2008) at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/bulletins.
Electronic Access: Applicants will be able to access, download and
submit electronic grant applications for the MBEC Program through
https://www.Grants.gov. MBDA strongly recommends that applicants not
wait until the application deadline date to begin the application
process through Grants.gov as in some cases the process for completing
an Online application may require additional time (e.g., 3-5 working
days). The date that applications will be deemed to have been submitted
electronically shall be the date and time received at Grants.gov.
Applicants should save and print the proof of submission they receive
from Grants.gov. Applications received after the closing date and time
will not be considered.
Funding Priorities: Preference may be given during the selection
process to applications which address 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 minority firms seeking to obtain large-scale contracts
and/or insertion into supply chains with institutional customers;
(d) Proposals that take a regional approach in providing services
to eligible clients; or
(e) Proposals from applicants with pre-existing operations in the
identified geographic service area.
[[Page 18559]]
Funding Availability: A total of $582,000 of FY 2009 funds is
available under the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Public Law 111-8,
to fund financial assistance awards for the two (2) MBEC projects
referenced in this solicitation. MBDA anticipates that this amount will
also be available in each of FYs 2010 and FYs 2011 to provide
continuation funding for these projects. The total award period for
awards made under this competitive solicitation is anticipated to be
three years and all awards are expected to be made with a start date of
September 1, 2009. The anticipated amount of the financial assistance
award for each MBEC project, including the minimum 20% non-federal cost
share is set forth in the below table, although actual award amounts
may vary depending on the availability of funds:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 1, 2009 through August September 1, 2010 through August September 1, 2011 through August
31, 2010 31, 2011 31, 2012
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project name Non- Non- Non-
Total cost Federal federal Total cost Federal federal Total cost Federal federal
($) share ($) share ($) ($) share ($) share ($) ($) share ($) share ($)
(20% min.) (20% min.) (10% min.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Houston MBEC................................ $363,750 $291,000 $72,500 $363,750 $291,000 $72,500 $363,750 $291,000 $72,500
New Orleans MBEC............................ 363,750 291,000 72,500 363,750 291,000 72,500 363,750 291,000 72,500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applicants must submit project plans and budgets for each of the
three (3) funding periods under this award (September 1, 2009-August
31, 2010, September 1, 2010-August 31, 2011, and September 1, 2011-
August 31, 2012). 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. 1512 and Executive Order 11625.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): 11.800, Minority
Business Enterprise Centers.
Eligibility: For-profit entities (including but not limited to
sole-proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations), non-profit
organizations, State and local government entities, American Indian
Tribes, and educational institutions are eligible to operate an MBEC.
Program Description: The MBEC Program requires project staff to
provide standardized business assistance services directly to eligible
``minority business enterprises,'' 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. For this purpose, minority business enterprises
are business concerns that are owned or controlled by the following
persons or groups of persons: African Americans, Puerto Ricans,
Spanish-speaking Americans, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans,
Native Americans (including Alaska Natives, Alaska Native Corporations
and tribal entities), Eskimos, Aleuts, Asian Indians, and Hasidic Jews.
See 15 CFR 1400.1 and Executive Order 11625.
The MBEC Program incorporates an entrepreneurial approach to
building market stability and improving the quality of client services.
This entrepreneurial strategy expands the reach of the MBECs by
requiring project operators to develop and build upon strategic
alliances with public and private sector partners as a means of serving
minority-owned firms within each MBEC's geographical service area. The
MBEC Program is also designed to effectively leverage MBDA resources,
including but not limited to: MBDA Office of Business Development and
MBDA National Enterprise Centers; MBDA's Business Internet Portal; and
MBDA's nationwide network of MBECs, Native American Business Enterprise
Centers (NABECs) and Minority Business Opportunity Centers (MBOCs).
MBEC operators are also required to attend a variety of MBDA training
programs designed to increase operational efficiencies and the
provision of value-added client services.
MBEC operators are generally required to provide the following four
client services: (1) Client Assessment--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 MBEC Program.
Match Requirements: The MBEC Program requires a minimum non-Federal
cost share of 20%, which must be reflected in the proposed project
budget. Non-Federal cost share is the portion of the project cost not
borne by the Federal Government. Applicants must satisfy the non-
Federal cost sharing requirements 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 MBEC is required to charge
client fees for services rendered
[[Page 18560]]
based upon a sliding scale of client revenues as set forth in Section
III.B. of the accompanying FFO and such fees must be used by the
operator towards meeting the non-federal cost share requirements under
the award. Applicants will be awarded up to five (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 20% (see Evaluation Criterion below).
Evaluation Criterion: Proposals will be evaluated and one applicant
may be selected based on the below evaluation criterion. The maximum
total number of points that an application may receive is 105,
including the bonus points for exceeding the minimum required non-
Federal cost 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 on a competitive basis by the
MBDA review panel based on the quality of the application with respect
to each evaluation criterion.
1. Applicant Capability (40 points)
Proposals will be evaluated with respect to the applicant's
experience and expertise in providing the work requirements listed.
Specifically, proposals will be evaluated as follows:
(a) Community--Experience in and knowledge of the minority
community, minority business sector, and strategies for enhancing its
growth and expansion; particular emphasis shall be on expanding SGI
firms. Consideration will be given to whether the applicant has a
physical presence in the geographic service area at the time of its
application (4 points);
(b) Business Consulting--Experience in and knowledge of business
consulting with respect to minority firms, with emphasis on SGI firms
in the geographic service area (5 points);
(c) Financing--Experience in and knowledge of the preparation and
formulation of successful financial transactions, with an emphasis on
the geographic service area (5 points);
(d) Procurements and Contracting--Experience in and knowledge of
the public and private sector contracting opportunities for minority
businesses, as well as demonstrated expertise in assisting clients into
supply chains (5 points);
(e) Financing Networks--Resources and professional relationships
within the corporate, banking and investment community that may be
beneficial to minority-owned firms (5 points);
(f) Establishment of a Self-Sustainable Service Model--Summary plan
to establish a self-sustainable model for continued services to the MBE
communities beyond the MBDA award period (3 points);
(g) MBE Advocacy--Experience and expertise in advocating on behalf
of minority communities and minority businesses, both as to specific
transactions in which a minority business seeks to engage and as to
broad market advocacy for the benefit of the minority community at
large (3 points); and
(h) Key Staff--Assessment of the qualifications, experience and
proposed role of staff that will operate the MBEC. In particular, an
assessment will be made to determine whether proposed key staff possess
the expertise in utilizing information systems and the ability to
successfully deliver program services. At a minimum the applicant must
identify a proposed project director (10 points).
2. Resources (20 points)
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 MBEC (8 points);
(b) Location--Assessment of the applicant's strategic rationale for
the proposed physical location of the MBEC. Applicant is encouraged to
establish a location for the MBEC that is in a building which is
separate and apart from any of the applicant's existing offices in the
geographic service area (2 points);
(c) Partners--How the applicant plans to establish and maintain the
network of strategic partners and the manner in which these partners
will support the MBEC in meeting program performance goals (5 points);
and
(d) Equipment--How the applicant plans to satisfy the MBEC
information technology requirements, including computer hardware,
software requirements and network map (5 points).
3. Techniques and Methodologies (20 points)
Proposals will be evaluated under this criterion as follows:
(a) Performance Measures--For each funding period, the manner in
which the applicant relates each performance measure to the financial
information and market resources available in the geographic service
area (including existing client list); how the applicant will create
MBEC brand recognition (marketing plan); and how the applicant will
satisfy program performance goals. In particular, emphasis will be
placed on the manner in which the applicant matches MBEC performance
goals with client service hours and how it accounts for existing market
conditions in its strategy to achieve such goals (10 points);
(b) Start-up Phase--How the applicant will commence MBEC operations
within the initial 30-day period. The MBEC shall have thirty (30) days
to become fully operational after an award is made (3 points); and
(c) Work Requirement Execution Plan--The applicant will be
evaluated on how effectively and efficiently staff time will be used to
achieve the MBEC 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)
The applicant's proposal will be evaluated as follows:
(a) Reasonableness, Allowability and Allocability of Proposed
Program Costs. All of the proposed program costs expenditures should be
discussed and the budget line-item narrative must match the proposed
budget. Fringe benefits and other percentage item calculations should
match the proposed budget line-item and narrative (5 points);
(b) Non-Federal Cost Share. The required 20% non-Federal share must
be adequately addressed and properly documented, including but not
limited to how client fees (if proposed) will be used by the applicant
in meeting the non-Federal cost-share (5 points); and
(c) Performance-Based Budgeting. The extent to which the line-item
budget and budget narrative relate to the accomplishment of the MBEC
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 non-Federal cost sharing exceeding 20% of the total
project costs will be awarded bonus points on the following scale: more
than 20%--less than 25% = 1 point; 25% or more--less than 30% = 2
points; 30% or more--less than 35% = 3 points; 35% or more--less than
40% = 4 points; and
[[Page 18561]]
40% or more = 5 points. Non-Federal cost sharing of at least 20% is
required under the MBEC Program. Non-Federal cost sharing is the
portion of the total project cost not borne by the Federal Government
and may be met by the applicant by any one or more of the following
four means (or a combination thereof): (1) client fees; (2) cash
contributions; (3) non-cash applicant contributions; or, (4) third
party in-kind contributions.
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 accomplishment of its mission (2 points);
(b) Business operating priorities designed to manage a successful
MBEC (2 points);
(c) A management philosophy that achieves an effective balance
between micromanagement and complete autonomy for its Project Director
(2 points);
(d) Robust search criteria for the identification of a Project
Director (1 point);
(e) Effective employee recruitment and retention policies and
procedures (1 point); and
(f) A competitive and innovative approach to exceeding performance
requirements (2 points).
Review and Selection Process:
1. Initial Screening
Prior to the formal paneling process, each application will receive
an initial screening to ensure that the applicant is eligible and the
application is complete and that all required forms, signatures and
documentation are present. An application will be considered non-
responsive and will not be evaluated by the review panel if it is
received after the closing date for receipt of applications, the
applicant fails to submit an original, signed Form SF-424 by the
application closing date (paper applications only), or the application
does not provide for the operation of a MBEC. Other 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 by MBDA Selected Applicants
MBDA may request that the two (2) top-ranked applicants to develop
and 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 of the oral 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 for 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. MBEC award funds may not be used as a reimbursement for this
presentation. MBDA will not accept any requests or petitions for
reimbursement.
The oral panel members shall score each presentation in accordance
with the oral presentation criterion provided above. An average score
shall be compiled and added to the score of the original panel review.
4. Final Recommendation
The MBDA National Director makes the final recommendation to the
Grants Officer regarding the funding of one application under this
competitive solicitation. MBDA expects to recommend for funding the
highest ranking application, as evaluated and recommended by the review
panel and taking into account oral presentations (as applicable).
However, the MBDA National Director may not make any selection, or he/
she may select an application out of rank order for 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 the MBEC
Program fails to receive funding or is cancelled because of Department
of Commerce or MBDA priorities. All funding periods under the award are
subject to the availability of funds to support the continuation of the
project. Publication of this notice does not obligate MBDA or the
Department of Commerce to award any specific project or to obligate any
available funds.
Universal Identifier: 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
[[Page 18562]]
Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register notice of
February 11, 2008 (73 FR 7696) are applicable to this solicitation.
Paperwork Reduction Act: This document contains collection-of-
information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA).
The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 have been
approved by OMB under the respective control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-
0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-0001. Notwithstanding any other
provisions of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection
of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.
Executive Order 12866: This notice has been determined to be not
significant for purposes of E.O. 12866.
Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act: Prior
notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required by the
Administrative Procedure Act for rules concerning public property,
loans, grants, benefits, or contracts (5 U.S.C. 533(a)(2)). Because
notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 533 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable.
Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and has
not been prepared.
Dated: 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
