Solicitation of Applications for the MBDA Business Center (MBC) Program, 59228-59233 [2010-24164]

Download as PDF 59228 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 186 / Monday, September 27, 2010 / Notices represented, containing a brief statement of why the applicant should be considered for membership on the Board. This sponsor letter should also address the applicant’s travel and tourism-related experience. 3. The applicant’s personal resume. 4. An affirmative statement that the applicant is not required to register as a foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended. 5. An affirmative statement by the applicant that he or she is not a federally registered lobbyist, and that the applicant understands that he or she, if appointed, will not be allowed to continue to serve as a Board member if the applicant becomes a federally registered lobbyist. 6. If the applicant represents a state or regional tourism marketing entity, the functions and responsibilities of the entity. 7. If the applicant represents an organization, information regarding the control of the organization, including the governing structure, members, and revenue sources as appropriate signifying compliance with the criteria set forth above. 8. If the applicant represents a company, information regarding the control of the company, including the governing structure and stock holdings as appropriate signifying compliance with the criteria set forth above. 9. The entity’s or organization’s size and ownership, product or service line and major markets in which the entity or organization operates. Appointments of members to the Board will be made by the Secretary of Commerce. Dated: September 21, 2010. Jennifer Pilat, Executive Secretary, U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. [FR Doc. 2010–24049 Filed 9–24–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Minority Business Development Agency [Docket No.: 100914450–0452–02] srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES Solicitation of Applications for the MBDA Business Center (MBC) Program Minority Business Development Agency, Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting competitive applications from organizations to operate a MBDA SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:01 Sep 24, 2010 Jkt 220001 Business Center (MBC). This notice specifies the thirty (30) MBC projects and their respective locations are being individually competed. The MBC program delivers strategic business consulting services to eligible minority business enterprise (MBE) clients through the use of business consultants and the leveraging of strategic partnerships. 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 MBC and to provide business consulting services to eligible MBEs. 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, or at https:// www.mbda.gov. The FFO contains a full and complete description of the application and programmatic requirements under the MBC 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 November 10, 2010 at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Complete applications must be submitted electronically through https:// www.Grants.gov. The date that applications will be deemed to have been submitted electronically shall be the date and time received by www.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 approximately one hundred-forty (140) days from the closing date for receipt of applications. MBDA anticipates that awards made pursuant to this notice will be made with a start date of April 1, 2011. Pre-Application Conference: In connection with this solicitation, two pre-application conferences are scheduled for October 20 and 25, 2010. The time and location of the preapplication 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 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 below for the specific time and location of the pre-application conference and for registration instructions. ADDRESSES: Applicants are required to submit their proposal electronically through https://www.Grants.gov. MBDA will not accept hard-copy, facsimile or email transmissions of applications. Electronic submissions should be made in accordance with the instructions available at Grants.gov (see https://www.grants.gov/applicants/ resources.jsp for detailed information). Applicants should register as organizations, not as individuals. As part of the registration process the person submitting the application must be registered as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) of the organization. AORs registered at https://www.Grants.gov are the only officials with the authority to submit applications at https://www.Grants.gov. If the application is submitted by anyone other than the organization’s AOR it will be rejected and cannot be considered for the competition. Note that a given organization may designate multiple individuals as AORs for purposes of https://www.Grants.gov purposes. 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. Before beginning to apply through https:// www.Grants.gov, please review fully the application instructions posted at https://www.Grants.gov and in Section IV. of the FFO. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, please visit MBDA’s Minority Business Internet Portal at https://www.mbda.gov. Agency Contacts: MBDA Office of Business Development, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room 5085, Washington, DC 20230. Contact: Ms. Rita Gonzales, Program Manager, 202– 482–1940. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: 15 U.S.C. Section 1512 and Executive Order 11625. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): 11.805, MBDA Business Center. Program Description: The MBC program is a key component of MBDA’s overall portfolio of minority business development services, focusing on securing large public and/or private contracts and financing transactions, stimulating job creation and facilitating entry to global markets for ‘‘eligible minority-owned businesses.’’ For this E:\FR\FM\27SEN1.SGM 27SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 186 / Monday, September 27, 2010 / Notices purpose, business concerns that are owned or controlled by the following persons or groups of persons are eligible to receive business assistance services under the MBC Program: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, Native Americans (including Alaska Natives, Alaska Native Corporations and Tribal entities), Asian Indian Americans and Hasidic Jewish Americans. See 15 CFR 1400.1–.2 and Executive Order 11625. The primary drivers of the MBDA MBC program are job creation and retention and the award of procurement/contract and financial transactions to MBEs. The MBCs provide services including, but not limited to, the development of a pool of contract and finance opportunities; direct matching of opportunities with qualified/vetted MBEs; execution of relationship management and deal sourcing initiatives (such as but not limited to industry clusters); assisting MBEs in accessing global market opportunities and financing; identification and securing of alternative sources of capital for MBEs; promotion of the advantages of achieving size and scale; educating MBEs on the benefits of strategic growth alternatives (i.e. mergers, acquisitions and/or joint ventures); and provision of service referrals to MBEs of all sizes. Through the cooperative agreements expected to be awarded under this funding opportunity, MBDA seeks to establish a national network of publicprivate partnerships that will provide services aimed at increasing the probability of significant growth for minority-owned firms. MBC and MBDA staff will work collaboratively to improve access to market and financial opportunities (domestic and global), foster key industry relationships, and leverage business expertise. Operators of MBC projects will work with the Agency and its network of funded centers to support and enhance the Agency’s initiatives, performance, brand, reach, customer service and establishment of strategic partners. MBC services are targeted towards assisting MBE clients achieve higher levels of growth and competitiveness. Start-up and/or micro firms will be served by the MBC program via strategic partnership referrals or electronic service delivery mechanisms (e.g., MBDA Business Portal). While the MBC program serves all MBEs, target clients include eligible MBEs with one or both of the following characteristics: (1) Annual revenues of over $1,000,000 or (2) participant in a high-growth industry (e.g., green technology, clean energy, health care, infrastructure and broadband technology, among others). Promoting the success of MBEs is anticipated to have a significant impact on employment and the tax base in their communities. The MBC program generally requires project staff to: (1) Directly provide high-level business development services to eligible MBEs; (2) develop and maintain a network of strategic partnerships; (3) provide collaborative consulting services with MBDA, other MBDA funded programs and strategic partners; and (4) provide referral services to clients. The MBCs will assist eligible MBEs in accessing federal and non-federal contracting and financing opportunities (domestically and globally) that result in demonstrable client outcomes and job creation/ retention. Successful applicants will possess experience in assisting minority-owned firms in obtaining large scale procurements/contracts and financing awards; accessing established supply chains; educating and assisting minority firms in joint ventures, teaming arrangements, mergers and acquisitions; and facilitating entry and large scale transactions in global markets. It is also MBDA National Enterprise Center (NEC or Regional Office) 59229 anticipated that the mission of successful applicant organizations will align with both the mission of MBDA and the MBC program objectives. Please refer to the FFO pertaining to this competitive solicitation for a full and complete description of the application and programmatic requirements under the MBC Program. Funding Availability: MBDA anticipates a total of $8.7 million in FY 2011 funds will be available to fund the financial assistance awards for the MBC projects identified in this FFO. The Agency also anticipates that $8.7 million will be available in FY 2012 through FY 2015 to support continuation funding for this program. The total award period for awards made under this competitive solicitation is anticipated to be five years and all awards are expected to be made with a start date of April 1, 2011. FY 2011 funding for this program has not yet been appropriated and 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. 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. Pursuant to this notice, and as set forth more fully in the corresponding FFO, competitive applications for new awards are being solicited for the thirty (30) MBC projects in the respective locations identified in the below table. The anticipated amount of the financial assistance award for each MBC project is also set forth below, although actual award amounts may vary depending on the availability of funds: Federal funding years 1–5 MBC location (state, city) srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES Atlanta NEC Alabama—Mobile ........................................................................................ Florida—Orlando ......................................................................................... Florida—Miami ............................................................................................ Mississippi—Biloxi ....................................................................................... Georgia—Atlanta ......................................................................................... North Carolina—Raleigh ............................................................................. South Carolina—Columbia .......................................................................... $230,000 230,000 332,112 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 Illinois—Chicago .......................................................................................... Indiana—Indianapolis .................................................................................. Michigan—Detroit ........................................................................................ Ohio—Cleveland ......................................................................................... Wisconsin—Milwaukee ............................................................................... 590,400 225,000 290,000 225,000 225,000 Colorado—Denver ....................................................................................... 243,359 Chicago NEC Dallas NEC VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:01 Sep 24, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\27SEN1.SGM 27SEN1 59230 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 186 / Monday, September 27, 2010 / Notices MBDA National Enterprise Center (NEC or Regional Office) Federal funding years 1–5 MBC location (state, city) New Mexico—Albuquerque ......................................................................... Texas—Dallas ............................................................................................. Texas—El Paso .......................................................................................... Texas—San Antonio ................................................................................... 237,957 295,238 228,378 242,490 New York—Manhattan ................................................................................ New York—Queens .................................................................................... New York—Williamsburg ............................................................................ Pennsylvania—Philadelphia ........................................................................ Puerto Rico* ................................................................................................ Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia* ......................................................... 500,000 275,000 291,000 275,000 241,000 301,000 Arizona* ....................................................................................................... California—Inland Empire ........................................................................... California—Los Angeles .............................................................................. California—Northern* .................................................................................. Hawaii* ........................................................................................................ Nevada* ....................................................................................................... Washington* ................................................................................................ 290,000 355,000 365,000 365,000 295,500 270,000 270,000 New York NEC San Francisco NEC srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES * Applicants are required to identify the city where the MBC project would be physically located along with a justification for the proposed placement. The award period for projects funded under the solicitation is anticipated to be five (5) years, with five consecutive annual funding periods. Applicants must submit project plans and budgets for each of the five (5) funding periods under this award (April 1, 2011–March 31, 2012, April 1, 2012–March 31, 2013, April 1, 2013–March 31, 2014, April 1, 2014–March 31, 2015 and April 1, 2015–March 31, 2016). Projects will initially be funded for the first year of the award. A project operator will not compete for funding in years two through five, as long as the center is operating at a ‘‘Commendable’’ or ‘‘Outstanding’’ performance level at the time during the current program year that MBDA determines its recommendations to the Grants Officer for continuation funding for the next program year. A project that achieves a performance rating of ‘‘Good’’ or lower will not qualify for automatic renewal, but rather will be eligible for negotiation of award terms and conditions for the next funding period at the discretion of MBDA, subject to the approval of the Grants Officer. In this respect, recommendations for continuation funding are generally evaluated by MBDA based on the midyear performance rating and/or a combination of the mid-year and cumulative third quarter performance ratings for the current program year. 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:01 Sep 24, 2010 Jkt 220001 the project and other mitigating circumstances. Electronic Access: Applicants will be able to access, download and submit electronic grant applications for the MBC 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 must save and print the proof of submission they receive from Grants.gov. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered. Program Priorities: Preference may be given during the selection process to applications that effectively address one or more of the following MBDA program priorities: (a) Applicants who demonstrate experience in assisting MBEs in obtaining large scale contracts and financing awards and accessing established supply chains; (b) Applicants who demonstrate a record of facilitating large scale transactions for MBEs in global markets, or facilitating entry into global markets; (c) Applicants who demonstrate a record of assisting MBEs in joint ventures, teaming arrangements, mergers and acquisitions; (d) Applicants who demonstrate a track record of successfully partnering and collaborating with third-party entities for the benefit of MBEs; PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (e) Applicants who demonstrate experience working with MBEs in highgrowth industries; (f) Applicants who demonstrate the capacity and willingness to assist MBEs in identifying and accessing federal procurement opportunities, either directly or via partnerships; (g) Proposals that direct 80% or more of the federal funding for the project towards direct business consulting staff costs (i.e., direct consulting staff salaries and fringe benefits, travel costs and training costs); and (h) Applicants who propose innovative additions to the MBC program that significantly enhance their opportunity to be successful (See Appendix F of the FFO for samples of possible additions that can be developed, enhanced and proposed by applicants). Eligibility Criteria: 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 MBCs. Match Requirements: There is no predefined minimum or maximum amount of required non-federal cost sharing under the MBC program. However, as discussed below, nonfederal cost sharing through the generation of ‘‘program income’’ is mandatory. Non-federal cost share is the portion of the total project costs not borne by the Federal Government. The MBC program is a fee-for-service program and MBC operators are required to generate ‘‘program income’’ through the collection of client fees, E:\FR\FM\27SEN1.SGM 27SEN1 srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 186 / Monday, September 27, 2010 / Notices membership fees, success fees and/or other fee structures proposed by the applicant. All proposed fee structures must be acceptable to MBDA and approved by the Grants Officer. Program income generated by the MBC project must be applied directly to the award’s non-federal cost share and must be used in furtherance of program objectives. See the ‘‘Program Income’’ discussion in Section III.B, Non-Federal Cost Share Requirement, of the FFO as well as the Proposed Budget and Narrative portion of Section IV.B. of the FFO for additional information on this requirement. Beyond the required generation of program income, applicants may contribute additional non-federal cost share to the award by one or more of the following methods: (1) Applicant cash contributions; (2) applicant in-kind (i.e., non-cash) contributions; or, (3) thirdparty cash or in-kind contributions (including a state or local grant or other form of support for the project). Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be evaluated and applicants will be selected based on the below evaluation criterion. The maximum total number of points that an applicant may receive is 110, including: (1) 90 points under the Program Narrative component; (2) 10 points under Budget and Budget narrative component; and (3) 10 bonus points under the optional Service Innovation component. 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. Program Narrative: 1. Applicant Capability (30 points total). • Organizational Background and Knowledge of Community (5 points maximum): Applicant’s organizational background, emphasizing knowledge of the minority business sector and strategies for enhancing its growth and expansion. Consideration will be given as to whether the applicant has a physical presence in the applicable location and past experience providing related services. • Mission Alignment (5 points maximum): The extent to which the mission of the applicant organization aligns with the mission of MBDA and the objectives of the MBC program. • Access to Markets (5 points maximum): Applicant’s knowledge of and experience in public and private sector contracting opportunities for MBEs, as well as demonstrated experience in assisting clients into supply chains. The applicant’s VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:01 Sep 24, 2010 Jkt 220001 professional working relationships and networks with potential sources of contracts for MBEs will also be considered. Additionally, the applicant’s experience with facilitating large procurement/contract deals on behalf of MBEs, conducting business matchmaking forums, and assisting MBEs with the establishment of joint ventures and teaming arrangements will be considered. • Access to Capital (5 points maximum): Applicant experience in successfully preparing and matching MBEs with traditional sources of capital, alternative sources of financing (i.e., equity and venture capital), loan and bonding packages, and mergers and acquisitions. The applicant’s professional working relationships and networks with financial institutions (corporate, banking and investment communities) will also be considered. • Business Consulting to Clients (5 points maximum): The applicant’s experience with and strategies for enhancing minority business growth and delivery of business consulting services and related successful client outcomes. • Key Staff (5 points maximum): Qualifications and experience of proposed key staff, including but not limited to the Project Director and business consultants. The Applicant’s plan for recruiting staff will also be considered. 2. Resources (30 points total). • Partners (10 points maximum): The applicant’s plan for establishing and maintaining a network of strategic partners and the extent to which each partner will support the MBC in implementing the program and meeting program performance goals will be a consideration. Whether the partnerships will be leveraged towards assisting clients with securing contracts, securing financing, job creation, penetrating global markets, achieving size and scale, or providing referrals for services will also be considered. Additionally, how the applicant will interact and coordinate with its strategic partners towards effecting successful client outcomes will be considered. • Resources (10 points maximum): Resources that will be used in implementing the program in each of the five program years will be considered. Resources include, but are not limited to, existing prior and/or current data lists that will serve in fostering immediate success for the MBC. • Location/Equipment (10 points maximum): The applicant’s strategic rationale for the proposed MBC office (the center location must be close to PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 59231 private and public sector resources and potential clients, and be professional in appearance). The applicant’s plan for satisfying the MBC information technology requirements, including computer hardware, software requirements, creation and support of an MBC website and network map (see Appendix C, Information Technology and Computer Requirements, of the FFO) will also be considered. 3. Techniques and Methodologies (30 points total) • Performance Measures (10 points maximum): For each of the five (5) funding periods, the applicant’s techniques and methodology to be used in implementing the program will be considered, including the quarterly breakdown of the performance goals. Additionally, the applicant’s recognition of and strategy for addressing existing market conditions in achieving its proposed performance goals will also be considered. Additionally, how the applicant proposes to establish a system that corresponds to, or may compliment, MBDA’s tracking and validation of contracts and financings will be considered. (See Suggested Performance Goals for each MBC location are listed in Appendix B, Suggested Performance Goals by Center Location, of the FFO.) Please note that deviations, either above or below, from the Suggested Performance Goals require justification. • Start-up Phase (10 points maximum): The applicant’s strategic plan for commencement of the MBC operations within the initial 60-day period (the MBC shall have sixty (60) days to become fully operational after an award is made—see Section I.A.4., Operational and Performance Requirements, of the FFO) will be considered. Please note that the applicant must submit a schedule with significant implementation milestones, such as the hiring of key staff and the opening of the MBC facility. • Work Requirements Execution Plan (10 points maximum): The applicant’s description for how staff time will be used effectively and efficiently to achieve the work requirements of the overall program including the start-up phase will be considered. Please note that the applicant must include a specific five-year plan-of-action detailing how the MBC work requirements will be met for each of the five (5) funding periods. (See ‘‘Program Details and Work Requirements’’ in Section I.A.4 of the FFO.) A staff allocation chart for each of the five (5) years must also be included as part of the work requirements execution plan. Budget and Budget Narrative: E:\FR\FM\27SEN1.SGM 27SEN1 srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES 59232 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 186 / Monday, September 27, 2010 / Notices 1. Reasonableness, Allowability and Allocability of Proposed Program Costs (5 points maximum). All of the proposed program costs expenditures should be broken down into their individual units and discussed. The budget narrative must match the proposed line item budget. Fringe benefits and other percentage item calculations should match the proposed budget line-item and narrative. Line item amounts in the detailed budget and budget narrative must match the budget numbers reflected in Standard Form (SF) 424 (one for all five years) and 424A (one for each of the five years). All costs included in the proposed budget must be allowable, allocable and reasonable. Each item of cost must be accompanied by a sufficiently detailed description and cost breakdown to enable reviewers to make a determination regarding its allowability, allocability and reasonableness. One word descriptions and lump sum amounts are not adequate for justifying costs. Each budget item should be broken out and described fully so that there is no ambiguity as to its relevance to MBC program objectives and its reasonableness. The following Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars and Federal Acquisition Regulations (depending on the type of recipient) will be used to determine allowable costs, and will apply to the entire amount of the MBC award, including both the federal and nonfederal program costs: • 2 CFR part 220 (OMB Circular A– 21, ‘‘Cost Principles for Educational Organizations’’); • 2 CFR part 225 (OMB Circular A– 87, ‘‘Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments’’); • 2 CFR part 230 (OMB Circular A– 122, ‘‘Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations’’); and • 48 CFR part 31 for commercial organizations and for those organizations listed in Appendix C to 2 CFR part 230. 2. Performance-Based Budgeting (5 points maximum). The extent to which the line-item budget and budget narrative relate to the accomplishment of the MBC work requirements and performance measures (i.e., performance-based budgeting) will be considered. The budget will be compared to the program narrative to determine whether the budget is realistic from a programmatic perspective and whether costs are necessary to complete the work requirements. Costs included in the budget that are determined to be unrealistic will be considered as an VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:01 Sep 24, 2010 Jkt 220001 indication of an applicant’s lack of understanding of the requirements of the MBC program and/or the methods that must be utilized to deliver services. Program Income (i.e., client fees, membership fees, success fees, and/or other acceptable fee structures proposed) must be adequately addressed and properly documented, including but not limited to how the proceeds will be billed, collected, waived and used by the applicant in furthering the program objectives. Service Innovation (Optional)—Bonus Points (10 points maximum): Bonus points may be awarded to an applicant proposing innovative MBE services that enhance the required MBC program scope. This component is optional and any service(s) proposed under the ‘‘Service Innovation’’ is in addition to the core MBC services (see ‘‘Program Details and Work Requirements’’ in Section I.A.4, of the FFO). Proposed innovations cannot be used as a substitute or otherwise in lieu of the defined MBC program and service requirements. An applicant proposing a ‘‘Service Innovation’’ must fully describe the aspects of any innovative addition(s) to the work requirements that the applicant will implement. Some examples have been provided in Appendix F—Sample Innovation Concepts, of the FFO. Applicants are not required to utilize these examples. MBDA encourages any innovative solutions; however, proposed ideas (including the stated examples) must be fully developed and articulated, including their processes and anticipated results. Review and Selection Process 1. Initial Screening Prior to the formal paneling process, each application will receive an initial screening to ensure that all required forms, signatures and documentation are present. An application will be considered non-responsive and will not be evaluated by the review panel if it is received after the closing date for receipt of applications, the applicant authorized organizational representative (AOR) fails to submit Standard Form 424 by the application closing date, or the application does not provide for the operation of a MBC. Note, AOR substitutions require approximately ten (10) working days to be processed by www.Grants.gov. Other application deficiencies will be accounted for during panel review and may result in point deductions. PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2. MBDA Merit Review Panel Each responsive application will receive an independent, merit review by a panel qualified to evaluate the applications submitted. The review panel will consist of at least three (3) individuals, all of whom are 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 published 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 Selecting Official with a ranking of the applications based on the average of the reviewers’ scores. 3. MBDA Regional Director Review The MBDA Regional Director will review panel recommendations and submitted applications for MBC projects located within the geographical area served by his/her National Enterprise Center (NEC) (sometimes referred to as an MBDA Regional Office). Responsibility for the NEC review will reside with the Regional Director. The applicable MBDA Regional Director will review the panel recommendation and submitted applications and provide a written memorandum to the MBDA Selecting Official either indicating his/her concurrence with the recommendation of the panel or making an alternate recommendation for selection out of rank order. Any recommendation by the Regional Director for selection out of rank order must be justified based on one or more of the MBDA Program Priorities outlined in the FFO. The panel recommendation, together with Regional Director’s recommendation, will be provided to the MBDA Selecting Official for consideration in making the final award recommendation to the Grants Officer. 4. Final Selection and Recommendation for Funding The MBDA National Director is the Selecting Official and makes the final recommendation to the Grants Officer regarding the funding of applications under this competitive solicitation. MBDA expects to recommend funding of the highest ranked applicant for each of the MBC projects being competed (only one award will be made for each project), as evaluated and recommended by the review panel and taking into account results of the respective MBDA Regional Director’s review. However, the MBDA National Director may decide not to select any of the recommended applications, or may select an applicant E:\FR\FM\27SEN1.SGM 27SEN1 srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 186 / Monday, September 27, 2010 / Notices out of rank order, for either of the following reasons: (a) A determination that a lower ranked applicant better addresses one or more of the program priorities set forth in the FFO. The National Director (or his/her designee) reserves the right to conduct one or more site visits, in order to make a better assessment of an applicant’s capability to achieve the program priorities; or (b) The availability of MBDA funding. Prior to making a final recommendation for funding to the Grants Officer, MBDA may conduct negotiations with an applicant that Selecting Official anticipates recommending and/or request that the applicant provide written clarifications 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. 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. FY 2011 funds have not yet been appropriated for the MBC program. 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 the MBDA Performance Online Database and of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, SF–LLL, and CD–346 have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:01 Sep 24, 2010 Jkt 220001 the respective control numbers 0640– 0002, 4040–0004, 4040–0006, 4040– 0007, 0348–0046 and 0605–0001. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number. Executive Order 12866: This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes of 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: September 22, 2010. Alejandra Y. Castillo, Deputy National Director, Minority Business Development Agency. [FR Doc. 2010–24164 Filed 9–24–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–21–P CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Requirements for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs Consumer Product Safety Commission. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (‘‘CPSC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) is announcing that a proposed collection of information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (‘‘OMB’’) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (‘‘PRA’’). DATES: Fax written comments on the collection of information by October 27, 2010. ADDRESSES: To ensure that comments on the information collection are received, OMB recommends that written comments be faxed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attn: CPSC Desk Officer, FAX: 202–395–6974, or e-mailed to oira_ SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 59233 submission@omb.eop.gov. All comments should be identified with the OMB control number 3041–0012. In addition, written comments also should be submitted by e-mail to cpsc-os@cpsc. gov, or by mail/hand delivery/courier (for paper, disk, or CD–ROM submissions), preferably in five copies, to: Office of the Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Room 820, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814; telephone (301) 504–7923. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Glatz, Division of Policy and Planning, Office of Information Technology, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301–504–7671, lglatz@cpsc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In compliance with 44 U.S.C. 3507, the CPSC has submitted the following proposed collection of information to OMB for review and clearance: Requirements for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs—(OMB Control Number 3041– 0012—Extension). The safety regulations for non-fullsize baby cribs (also referred to as ‘‘nonfull-size cribs’’) are codified at 16 CFR Part 1509 and 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(14). These regulations were issued to reduce hazards of strangulation, suffocation, pinching, bruising, laceration, and other injuries associated with non-full-size cribs. (A non-full-size crib is a crib having an interior length greater than 55 inches or smaller than 493⁄4; inches; or an interior width greater than 305⁄8; inches or smaller than 253⁄8; inches; or both.) The regulations prescribe performance, design, and labeling requirements for non-full-size cribs. They also require manufacturers and importers of those products to maintain sales records for a period of three years after the manufacture or importation of non-full-size cribs. If any non-full-size cribs subject to provisions of 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(14) and part 1509 fail to comply in a manner to warrant a recall, the required records can be used by the manufacturer or importer and by the Commission to identify those persons and firms who should be notified of the recall. In the Federal Register of June 28, 2010 (75 FR 36637), the CPSC published a 60-day notice requesting public comment on the proposed collection of information. No comments were received. We estimate the burden of this collection of information as follows. Approximately 16 firms manufacture or import non-full-size baby cribs and are subject to the record keeping requirements. The Commission staff E:\FR\FM\27SEN1.SGM 27SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 186 (Monday, September 27, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59228-59233]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-24164]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Minority Business Development Agency

[Docket No.: 100914450-0452-02]

Solicitation of Applications for the MBDA Business Center (MBC)
Program

AGENCY: Minority Business Development Agency, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting
competitive applications from organizations to operate a MBDA Business
Center (MBC). This notice specifies the thirty (30) MBC projects and
their respective locations are being individually competed. The MBC
program delivers strategic business consulting services to eligible
minority business enterprise (MBE) clients through the use of business
consultants and the leveraging of strategic partnerships.
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 MBC and to provide business consulting
services to eligible MBEs. 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, or at https://www.mbda.gov. The FFO contains a full and
complete description of the application and programmatic requirements
under the MBC 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 November 10,
2010 at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Complete applications must
be submitted electronically through https://www.Grants.gov. The date
that applications will be deemed to have been submitted electronically
shall be the date and time received by www.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 approximately one
hundred-forty (140) days from the closing date for receipt of
applications. MBDA anticipates that awards made pursuant to this notice
will be made with a start date of April 1, 2011.
Pre-Application Conference: In connection with this solicitation,
two pre-application conferences are scheduled for October 20 and 25,
2010. 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: Applicants are required to submit their proposal
electronically through https://www.Grants.gov. MBDA will not accept
hard-copy, facsimile or email transmissions of applications.
Electronic submissions should be made in accordance with the
instructions available at Grants.gov (see https://www.grants.gov/applicants/resources.jsp for detailed information). Applicants should
register as organizations, not as individuals. As part of the
registration process the person submitting the application must be
registered as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) of the
organization. AORs registered at https://www.Grants.gov are the only
officials with the authority to submit applications at https://www.Grants.gov. If the application is submitted by anyone other than
the organization's AOR it will be rejected and cannot be considered for
the competition. Note that a given organization may designate multiple
individuals as AORs for purposes of https://www.Grants.gov purposes.
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. Before beginning to apply through https://www.Grants.gov, please review fully the application instructions posted
at https://www.Grants.gov and in Section IV. of the FFO.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, please visit
MBDA's Minority Business Internet Portal at https://www.mbda.gov.
Agency Contacts: MBDA Office of Business Development, 1401
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room 5085, Washington, DC 20230. Contact: Ms.
Rita Gonzales, Program Manager, 202-482-1940.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Authority: 15 U.S.C. Section 1512 and Executive Order 11625.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): 11.805, MBDA
Business Center.
Program Description: The MBC program is a key component of MBDA's
overall portfolio of minority business development services, focusing
on securing large public and/or private contracts and financing
transactions, stimulating job creation and facilitating entry to global
markets for ``eligible minority-owned businesses.'' For this

[[Page 59229]]

purpose, business concerns that are owned or controlled by the
following persons or groups of persons are eligible to receive business
assistance services under the MBC Program: African Americans, Hispanic
Americans, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, Native Americans
(including Alaska Natives, Alaska Native Corporations and Tribal
entities), Asian Indian Americans and Hasidic Jewish Americans. See 15
CFR 1400.1-.2 and Executive Order 11625.
The primary drivers of the MBDA MBC program are job creation and
retention and the award of procurement/contract and financial
transactions to MBEs. The MBCs provide services including, but not
limited to, the development of a pool of contract and finance
opportunities; direct matching of opportunities with qualified/vetted
MBEs; execution of relationship management and deal sourcing
initiatives (such as but not limited to industry clusters); assisting
MBEs in accessing global market opportunities and financing;
identification and securing of alternative sources of capital for MBEs;
promotion of the advantages of achieving size and scale; educating MBEs
on the benefits of strategic growth alternatives (i.e. mergers,
acquisitions and/or joint ventures); and provision of service referrals
to MBEs of all sizes.
Through the cooperative agreements expected to be awarded under
this funding opportunity, MBDA seeks to establish a national network of
public-private partnerships that will provide services aimed at
increasing the probability of significant growth for minority-owned
firms. MBC and MBDA staff will work collaboratively to improve access
to market and financial opportunities (domestic and global), foster key
industry relationships, and leverage business expertise. Operators of
MBC projects will work with the Agency and its network of funded
centers to support and enhance the Agency's initiatives, performance,
brand, reach, customer service and establishment of strategic partners.
MBC services are targeted towards assisting MBE clients achieve
higher levels of growth and competitiveness. Start-up and/or micro
firms will be served by the MBC program via strategic partnership
referrals or electronic service delivery mechanisms (e.g., MBDA
Business Portal). While the MBC program serves all MBEs, target clients
include eligible MBEs with one or both of the following
characteristics: (1) Annual revenues of over $1,000,000 or (2)
participant in a high-growth industry (e.g., green technology, clean
energy, health care, infrastructure and broadband technology, among
others). Promoting the success of MBEs is anticipated to have a
significant impact on employment and the tax base in their communities.
The MBC program generally requires project staff to: (1) Directly
provide high-level business development services to eligible MBEs; (2)
develop and maintain a network of strategic partnerships; (3) provide
collaborative consulting services with MBDA, other MBDA funded programs
and strategic partners; and (4) provide referral services to clients.
The MBCs will assist eligible MBEs in accessing federal and non-federal
contracting and financing opportunities (domestically and globally)
that result in demonstrable client outcomes and job creation/retention.
Successful applicants will possess experience in assisting
minority-owned firms in obtaining large scale procurements/contracts
and financing awards; accessing established supply chains; educating
and assisting minority firms in joint ventures, teaming arrangements,
mergers and acquisitions; and facilitating entry and large scale
transactions in global markets. It is also anticipated that the mission
of successful applicant organizations will align with both the mission
of MBDA and the MBC program objectives.
Please refer to the FFO pertaining to this competitive solicitation
for a full and complete description of the application and programmatic
requirements under the MBC Program.
Funding Availability: MBDA anticipates a total of $8.7 million in
FY 2011 funds will be available to fund the financial assistance awards
for the MBC projects identified in this FFO. The Agency also
anticipates that $8.7 million will be available in FY 2012 through FY
2015 to support continuation funding for this program. The total award
period for awards made under this competitive solicitation is
anticipated to be five years and all awards are expected to be made
with a start date of April 1, 2011.
FY 2011 funding for this program has not yet been appropriated and
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. 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.
Pursuant to this notice, and as set forth more fully in the
corresponding FFO, competitive applications for new awards are being
solicited for the thirty (30) MBC projects in the respective locations
identified in the below table. The anticipated amount of the financial
assistance award for each MBC project is also set forth below, although
actual award amounts may vary depending on the availability of funds:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal
MBDA National Enterprise Center MBC location (state, funding
(NEC or Regional Office) city) years 1-5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlanta NEC
Alabama--Mobile......... $230,000
Florida--Orlando........ 230,000
Florida--Miami.......... 332,112
Mississippi--Biloxi..... 250,000
Georgia--Atlanta........ 250,000
North Carolina--Raleigh. 250,000
South Carolina--Columbia 250,000
Chicago NEC
Illinois--Chicago....... 590,400
Indiana--Indianapolis... 225,000
Michigan--Detroit....... 290,000
Ohio--Cleveland......... 225,000
Wisconsin--Milwaukee.... 225,000
Dallas NEC
Colorado--Denver........ 243,359

[[Page 59230]]

New Mexico--Albuquerque. 237,957
Texas--Dallas........... 295,238
Texas--El Paso.......... 228,378
Texas--San Antonio...... 242,490
New York NEC
New York--Manhattan..... 500,000
New York--Queens........ 275,000
New York--Williamsburg.. 291,000
Pennsylvania--Philadelph 275,000
ia.
Puerto Rico*............ 241,000
Maryland, Washington, 301,000
DC, Virginia*.
San Francisco NEC
Arizona*................ 290,000
California--Inland 355,000
Empire.
California--Los Angeles. 365,000
California--Northern*... 365,000
Hawaii*................. 295,500
Nevada*................. 270,000
Washington*............. 270,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Applicants are required to identify the city where the MBC project
would be physically located along with a justification for the
proposed placement.

The award period for projects funded under the solicitation is
anticipated to be five (5) years, with five consecutive annual funding
periods. Applicants must submit project plans and budgets for each of
the five (5) funding periods under this award (April 1, 2011-March 31,
2012, April 1, 2012-March 31, 2013, April 1, 2013-March 31, 2014, April
1, 2014-March 31, 2015 and April 1, 2015-March 31, 2016). Projects will
initially be funded for the first year of the award. A project operator
will not compete for funding in years two through five, as long as the
center is operating at a ``Commendable'' or ``Outstanding'' performance
level at the time during the current program year that MBDA determines
its recommendations to the Grants Officer for continuation funding for
the next program year. A project that achieves a performance rating of
``Good'' or lower will not qualify for automatic renewal, but rather
will be eligible for negotiation of award terms and conditions for the
next funding period at the discretion of MBDA, subject to the approval
of the Grants Officer.
In this respect, recommendations for continuation funding are
generally evaluated by MBDA based on the mid-year performance rating
and/or a combination of the mid-year and cumulative third quarter
performance ratings for the current program year. 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
project and other mitigating circumstances.
Electronic Access: Applicants will be able to access, download and
submit electronic grant applications for the MBC 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 must save and print the proof of submission they receive
from Grants.gov. Applications received after the closing date and time
will not be considered.
Program Priorities: Preference may be given during the selection
process to applications that effectively address one or more of the
following MBDA program priorities:
(a) Applicants who demonstrate experience in assisting MBEs in
obtaining large scale contracts and financing awards and accessing
established supply chains;
(b) Applicants who demonstrate a record of facilitating large scale
transactions for MBEs in global markets, or facilitating entry into
global markets;
(c) Applicants who demonstrate a record of assisting MBEs in joint
ventures, teaming arrangements, mergers and acquisitions;
(d) Applicants who demonstrate a track record of successfully
partnering and collaborating with third-party entities for the benefit
of MBEs;
(e) Applicants who demonstrate experience working with MBEs in
high-growth industries;
(f) Applicants who demonstrate the capacity and willingness to
assist MBEs in identifying and accessing federal procurement
opportunities, either directly or via partnerships;
(g) Proposals that direct 80% or more of the federal funding for
the project towards direct business consulting staff costs (i.e.,
direct consulting staff salaries and fringe benefits, travel costs and
training costs); and
(h) Applicants who propose innovative additions to the MBC program
that significantly enhance their opportunity to be successful (See
Appendix F of the FFO for samples of possible additions that can be
developed, enhanced and proposed by applicants).
Eligibility Criteria: 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
MBCs.
Match Requirements: There is no predefined minimum or maximum
amount of required non-federal cost sharing under the MBC program.
However, as discussed below, non-federal cost sharing through the
generation of ``program income'' is mandatory. Non-federal cost share
is the portion of the total project costs not borne by the Federal
Government.
The MBC program is a fee-for-service program and MBC operators are
required to generate ``program income'' through the collection of
client fees,

[[Page 59231]]

membership fees, success fees and/or other fee structures proposed by
the applicant. All proposed fee structures must be acceptable to MBDA
and approved by the Grants Officer. Program income generated by the MBC
project must be applied directly to the award's non-federal cost share
and must be used in furtherance of program objectives. See the
``Program Income'' discussion in Section III.B, Non-Federal Cost Share
Requirement, of the FFO as well as the Proposed Budget and Narrative
portion of Section IV.B. of the FFO for additional information on this
requirement.
Beyond the required generation of program income, applicants may
contribute additional non-federal cost share to the award by one or
more of the following methods: (1) Applicant cash contributions; (2)
applicant in-kind (i.e., non-cash) contributions; or, (3) third-party
cash or in-kind contributions (including a state or local grant or
other form of support for the project).
Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be evaluated and applicants
will be selected based on the below evaluation criterion. The maximum
total number of points that an applicant may receive is 110, including:
(1) 90 points under the Program Narrative component; (2) 10 points
under Budget and Budget narrative component; and (3) 10 bonus points
under the optional Service Innovation component. 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.
Program Narrative:
1. Applicant Capability (30 points total).
Organizational Background and Knowledge of Community (5
points maximum): Applicant's organizational background, emphasizing
knowledge of the minority business sector and strategies for enhancing
its growth and expansion. Consideration will be given as to whether the
applicant has a physical presence in the applicable location and past
experience providing related services.
Mission Alignment (5 points maximum): The extent to which
the mission of the applicant organization aligns with the mission of
MBDA and the objectives of the MBC program.
Access to Markets (5 points maximum): Applicant's
knowledge of and experience in public and private sector contracting
opportunities for MBEs, as well as demonstrated experience in assisting
clients into supply chains. The applicant's professional working
relationships and networks with potential sources of contracts for MBEs
will also be considered. Additionally, the applicant's experience with
facilitating large procurement/contract deals on behalf of MBEs,
conducting business matchmaking forums, and assisting MBEs with the
establishment of joint ventures and teaming arrangements will be
considered.
Access to Capital (5 points maximum): Applicant experience
in successfully preparing and matching MBEs with traditional sources of
capital, alternative sources of financing (i.e., equity and venture
capital), loan and bonding packages, and mergers and acquisitions. The
applicant's professional working relationships and networks with
financial institutions (corporate, banking and investment communities)
will also be considered.
Business Consulting to Clients (5 points maximum): The
applicant's experience with and strategies for enhancing minority
business growth and delivery of business consulting services and
related successful client outcomes.
Key Staff (5 points maximum): Qualifications and
experience of proposed key staff, including but not limited to the
Project Director and business consultants. The Applicant's plan for
recruiting staff will also be considered.
2. Resources (30 points total).
Partners (10 points maximum): The applicant's plan for
establishing and maintaining a network of strategic partners and the
extent to which each partner will support the MBC in implementing the
program and meeting program performance goals will be a consideration.
Whether the partnerships will be leveraged towards assisting clients
with securing contracts, securing financing, job creation, penetrating
global markets, achieving size and scale, or providing referrals for
services will also be considered. Additionally, how the applicant will
interact and coordinate with its strategic partners towards effecting
successful client outcomes will be considered.
Resources (10 points maximum): Resources that will be used
in implementing the program in each of the five program years will be
considered. Resources include, but are not limited to, existing prior
and/or current data lists that will serve in fostering immediate
success for the MBC.
Location/Equipment (10 points maximum): The applicant's
strategic rationale for the proposed MBC office (the center location
must be close to private and public sector resources and potential
clients, and be professional in appearance). The applicant's plan for
satisfying the MBC information technology requirements, including
computer hardware, software requirements, creation and support of an
MBC website and network map (see Appendix C, Information Technology and
Computer Requirements, of the FFO) will also be considered.
3. Techniques and Methodologies (30 points total)
Performance Measures (10 points maximum): For each of the
five (5) funding periods, the applicant's techniques and methodology to
be used in implementing the program will be considered, including the
quarterly breakdown of the performance goals. Additionally, the
applicant's recognition of and strategy for addressing existing market
conditions in achieving its proposed performance goals will also be
considered. Additionally, how the applicant proposes to establish a
system that corresponds to, or may compliment, MBDA's tracking and
validation of contracts and financings will be considered. (See
Suggested Performance Goals for each MBC location are listed in
Appendix B, Suggested Performance Goals by Center Location, of the
FFO.) Please note that deviations, either above or below, from the
Suggested Performance Goals require justification.
Start-up Phase (10 points maximum): The applicant's
strategic plan for commencement of the MBC operations within the
initial 60-day period (the MBC shall have sixty (60) days to become
fully operational after an award is made--see Section I.A.4.,
Operational and Performance Requirements, of the FFO) will be
considered. Please note that the applicant must submit a schedule with
significant implementation milestones, such as the hiring of key staff
and the opening of the MBC facility.
Work Requirements Execution Plan (10 points maximum): The
applicant's description for how staff time will be used effectively and
efficiently to achieve the work requirements of the overall program
including the start-up phase will be considered. Please note that the
applicant must include a specific five-year plan-of-action detailing
how the MBC work requirements will be met for each of the five (5)
funding periods. (See ``Program Details and Work Requirements'' in
Section I.A.4 of the FFO.) A staff allocation chart for each of the
five (5) years must also be included as part of the work requirements
execution plan.
Budget and Budget Narrative:

[[Page 59232]]

1. Reasonableness, Allowability and Allocability of Proposed
Program Costs (5 points maximum).
All of the proposed program costs expenditures should be broken
down into their individual units and discussed. The budget narrative
must match the proposed line item budget. Fringe benefits and other
percentage item calculations should match the proposed budget line-item
and narrative. Line item amounts in the detailed budget and budget
narrative must match the budget numbers reflected in Standard Form (SF)
424 (one for all five years) and 424A (one for each of the five years).
All costs included in the proposed budget must be allowable,
allocable and reasonable. Each item of cost must be accompanied by a
sufficiently detailed description and cost breakdown to enable
reviewers to make a determination regarding its allowability,
allocability and reasonableness. One word descriptions and lump sum
amounts are not adequate for justifying costs. Each budget item should
be broken out and described fully so that there is no ambiguity as to
its relevance to MBC program objectives and its reasonableness. The
following Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars and Federal
Acquisition Regulations (depending on the type of recipient) will be
used to determine allowable costs, and will apply to the entire amount
of the MBC award, including both the federal and non-federal program
costs:
2 CFR part 220 (OMB Circular A-21, ``Cost Principles for
Educational Organizations'');
2 CFR part 225 (OMB Circular A-87, ``Cost Principles for
State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments'');
2 CFR part 230 (OMB Circular A-122, ``Cost Principles for
Nonprofit Organizations''); and
48 CFR part 31 for commercial organizations and for those
organizations listed in Appendix C to 2 CFR part 230.
2. Performance-Based Budgeting (5 points maximum).
The extent to which the line-item budget and budget narrative
relate to the accomplishment of the MBC work requirements and
performance measures (i.e., performance-based budgeting) will be
considered. The budget will be compared to the program narrative to
determine whether the budget is realistic from a programmatic
perspective and whether costs are necessary to complete the work
requirements. Costs included in the budget that are determined to be
unrealistic will be considered as an indication of an applicant's lack
of understanding of the requirements of the MBC program and/or the
methods that must be utilized to deliver services. Program Income
(i.e., client fees, membership fees, success fees, and/or other
acceptable fee structures proposed) must be adequately addressed and
properly documented, including but not limited to how the proceeds will
be billed, collected, waived and used by the applicant in furthering
the program objectives.
Service Innovation (Optional)--Bonus Points (10 points maximum):
Bonus points may be awarded to an applicant proposing innovative
MBE services that enhance the required MBC program scope. This
component is optional and any service(s) proposed under the ``Service
Innovation'' is in addition to the core MBC services (see ``Program
Details and Work Requirements'' in Section I.A.4, of the FFO). Proposed
innovations cannot be used as a substitute or otherwise in lieu of the
defined MBC program and service requirements.
An applicant proposing a ``Service Innovation'' must fully describe
the aspects of any innovative addition(s) to the work requirements that
the applicant will implement. Some examples have been provided in
Appendix F--Sample Innovation Concepts, of the FFO. Applicants are not
required to utilize these examples. MBDA encourages any innovative
solutions; however, proposed ideas (including the stated examples) must
be fully developed and articulated, including their processes and
anticipated results.

Review and Selection Process

1. Initial Screening

Prior to the formal paneling process, each application will receive
an initial screening to ensure that all required forms, signatures and
documentation are present. An application will be considered non-
responsive and will not be evaluated by the review panel if it is
received after the closing date for receipt of applications, the
applicant authorized organizational representative (AOR) fails to
submit Standard Form 424 by the application closing date, or the
application does not provide for the operation of a MBC. Note, AOR
substitutions require approximately ten (10) working days to be
processed by www.Grants.gov. Other application deficiencies will be
accounted for during panel review and may result in point deductions.

2. MBDA Merit Review Panel

Each responsive application will receive an independent, merit
review by a panel qualified to evaluate the applications submitted. The
review panel will consist of at least three (3) individuals, all of
whom are 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 published 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
Selecting Official with a ranking of the applications based on the
average of the reviewers' scores.

3. MBDA Regional Director Review

The MBDA Regional Director will review panel recommendations and
submitted applications for MBC projects located within the geographical
area served by his/her National Enterprise Center (NEC) (sometimes
referred to as an MBDA Regional Office). Responsibility for the NEC
review will reside with the Regional Director.
The applicable MBDA Regional Director will review the panel
recommendation and submitted applications and provide a written
memorandum to the MBDA Selecting Official either indicating his/her
concurrence with the recommendation of the panel or making an alternate
recommendation for selection out of rank order. Any recommendation by
the Regional Director for selection out of rank order must be justified
based on one or more of the MBDA Program Priorities outlined in the
FFO.
The panel recommendation, together with Regional Director's
recommendation, will be provided to the MBDA Selecting Official for
consideration in making the final award recommendation to the Grants
Officer.

4. Final Selection and Recommendation for Funding

The MBDA National Director is the Selecting Official and makes the
final recommendation to the Grants Officer regarding the funding of
applications under this competitive solicitation. MBDA expects to
recommend funding of the highest ranked applicant for each of the MBC
projects being competed (only one award will be made for each project),
as evaluated and recommended by the review panel and taking into
account results of the respective MBDA Regional Director's review.
However, the MBDA National Director may decide not to select any of the
recommended applications, or may select an applicant

[[Page 59233]]

out of rank order, for either of the following reasons:
(a) A determination that a lower ranked applicant better addresses
one or more of the program priorities set forth in the FFO. The
National Director (or his/her designee) reserves the right to conduct
one or more site visits, in order to make a better assessment of an
applicant's capability to achieve the program priorities; or
(b) The availability of MBDA funding. Prior to making a final
recommendation for funding to the Grants Officer, MBDA may conduct
negotiations with an applicant that Selecting Official anticipates
recommending and/or request that the applicant provide written
clarifications 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. 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. FY 2011 funds have not yet
been appropriated for the MBC program.
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 the MBDA Performance Online Database and of Standard Forms
424, 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 have been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under the respective control numbers 0640-
0002, 4040-0004, 4040-0006, 4040-0007, 0348-0046 and 0605-0001.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, no person is required
to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to penalty for failure
to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements
of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays a currently
valid OMB control number.
Executive Order 12866: This notice has been determined to be not
significant for purposes of 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: September 22, 2010.
Alejandra Y. Castillo,
Deputy National Director, Minority Business Development Agency.
[FR Doc. 2010-24164 Filed 9-24-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-21-P

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