Notice of Funding Availability for the Small Business Transportation Resource Center Program, 79072-79077 [2010-31719]

Download as PDF 79072 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 242 / Friday, December 17, 2010 / Notices Resolution, from USA to South East Asia, (Memo 0525), Intended effective date: 1 November 2010. Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, Federal Register Liaison. [FR Doc. 2010–31706 Filed 12–16–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–9X–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Office of the Secretary of Transportation Notice of Funding Availability for the Small Business Transportation Resource Center Program Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of funding availability. AGENCY: The Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of the Secretary (OST), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) announces the opportunity for; (1) business centered communitybased organizations; (2) transportationrelated trade associations; (3) colleges and universities; (4) community colleges or; (5) chambers of commerce, registered with the Internal Revenue Service as 501 C(6) or 501 C(3) tax-exempt organizations, to compete for participation in OSDBU’s Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) program in the Northeast and Northwest Regions. The Mid Atlantic, South Atlantic, Mid South Atlantic, Southeast, Great Lakes, Central, West Central, Gulf, and Southwest Regions have been previously competed in Fiscal Year 2010. OSDBU will enter into Cooperative Agreements with these organizations to outreach to the small business community in their designated region and provide financial and technical assistance, business training programs, such as, business assessment, management training, counseling, technical assistance, marketing and outreach, and the dissemination of information, to encourage and assist small businesses to become better prepared to compete for, obtain, and manage DOT funded transportationrelated contracts and subcontracts at the federal, state and local levels. Throughout this notice, the term ‘‘small business’’ will refer to: 8(a), small disadvantaged businesses (SDB), disadvantaged business enterprises emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:45 Dec 16, 2010 Jkt 223001 (DBE), women owned small businesses (WOSB), HubZone, service disabled veteran owned businesses (SDVOB), and veteran owned small businesses (VOSB). Throughout this notice, ‘‘transportation-related’’ is defined as the maintenance, rehabilitation, restructuring, improvement, or revitalization of any of the nation’s modes of transportation. Funding Opportunity Number: USDOT–OST–OSDBU–SBTRC2011–1. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 20.910 Assistance to small and disadvantaged businesses. Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement Grant. Award Ceiling: $224,000. Award Floor: $127,000. Program Authority: DOT is authorized under 49 U.S.C. 332(b)(4), (5) & (7) to design and carry out programs to assist small disadvantaged businesses in getting transportation-related contracts and subcontracts; develop support mechanisms, including management and technical services, that will enable small disadvantaged businesses to take advantage of those business opportunities; and to make arrangements to carry out the above purposes. Complete Proposals must be electronically submitted to OSDBU via e-mail on or before January 14, 2011, 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Proposals received after the deadline will be considered non-responsive and will not be reviewed. The applicant is advised to turn on request delivery receipt notification for e-mail submissions. DOT plans to give notice of awards for the competed regions on or before February 11, 2011. ADDRESSES: Applications must be electronically submitted to OSDBU via e-mail at SBTRC@dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information concerning this notice, contact Mr. Arthur D. Jackson, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., W56–462, Washington, DC, 20590. Telephone: 1–800–532– 1169. E-mail: art.jackson@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: Table of Contents 1. Introduction 1.1 Background 1.2 Program Description and Goals 1.3 Description of Competition 1.4 Duration of Agreements 1.5 Authority 1.6 Eligibility Requirements 2. Program Requirements PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2.1 Recipient Responsibilities 2.2 Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Responsibilities 3. Submission of Proposals 3.1 Format for Proposals 3.2 Address, Number of Copies, Deadline for Submission 4. Selection Criteria 4.1 General Criteria 4.2 Scoring of Applications 4.3 Conflicts of Interest Format for Proposals—Appendix A Full Text of Announcement 1. Introduction 1.1 Background The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) established the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) in accordance with Public Law 95–507, an amendment to the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. The mission of OSDBU at DOT is to ensure that the small and disadvantaged business policies and goals of the Secretary of Transportation are developed and implemented in a fair, efficient and effective manner to serve small and disadvantaged businesses throughout the country. The OSDBU also administers the provisions of Title 49, Section 332, the Minority Resource Center (MRC) which includes the duties of advocacy, outreach and financial services on behalf of small and disadvantaged business and those certified under CFR 49 parts 23 and or 26 as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and the development of programs to encourage, stimulate, promote and assist small businesses to become better prepared to compete for, obtain and manage transportationrelated contracts, and subcontracts. The Regional Partnerships Division of OSDBU, through the SBTRC program allows OSDBU to partner with local organizations to offer a comprehensive delivery system of business training, technical assistance and dissemination of information, targeted towards small business transportation enterprises in their regions. 1.2 Program Description and Goals The national SBTRC program utilizes Cooperative Agreements with chambers of commerce, trade associations, educational institutions and businesscentered community based organizations to establish SBTRCs to provide business training, technical assistance and information to DOT grantees and recipients, prime contractors and subcontractors. In order to be effective and serve their target E:\FR\FM\17DEN1.SGM 17DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 242 / Friday, December 17, 2010 / Notices emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES audience, the SBTRCs must be active in the local transportation community in order to identify and communicate opportunities and provide the required technical assistance. SBTRCs must already have, or demonstrate the ability to establish working relationships with the state and local transportation agencies and technical assistance agencies (i.e., The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), SCORE and State DOT highway supportive services contractors in their region. Utilizing these relationships and their own expertise, the SBTRCs are involved in activities such as information dissemination, small business counseling, and technical assistance with small businesses currently doing business with public and private entities in the transportation industry. Effective outreach is critical to the success of the SBTRC program. In order for their outreach efforts to be effective, SBTRCs must be familiar with DOT’s Operating Administrations, its funding sources, and how funding is awarded to DOT grantees, recipients, contractors, subcontractors, and its financial assistance programs. SBTRCs must outreach to the regional small business transportation community to disseminate information and distribute DOT-published marketing materials, such as STLP Program Information, Bonding Assistance information, SBTRC brochures and literature, Procurement Forecasts; Contracting with DOT booklets, and any other materials or resources that DOT or OSDBU may develop for this purpose. To maximize outreach, the SBTRC may be called upon to participate in regional and national conferences and seminars. Quantities of DOT publications for onhand inventory and dissemination at conferences and seminars will be available upon request from the OSDBU office. 1.3 Description of Competition The purpose of this Request For Proposal (RFP) is to solicit proposals from transportation-related trade associations, chambers of commerce, community based entities, colleges and universities, community colleges, and any other qualifying transportationrelated non-profit organizations with the desire and ability to partner with OSDBU to establish and maintain an SBTRC. It is OSDBU’s intent to award Cooperative Agreement to one organization in each of the designated VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:45 Dec 16, 2010 Jkt 223001 geographical area(s), from herein referred to as ‘‘region(s)’’, competed in this solicitation. However, if warranted, OSDBU reserves the option to make multiple awards to selected partners. Proposals submitted for a region must contain a plan to service the entire region, not just the SBTRC state or local geographical area. The region’s SBTRC headquarters must be established in the designated state set forth below. Submitted proposals must also contain justification for the establishment of the SBTRC headquarters in a particular city within the designated state. SBTRC Region(s) Competed in This Solicitation: Northeast Region: New York, Headquarters New Jersey Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode Island New Hampshire Vermont Maine Northwest Region: Washington, Headquarters Oregon Idaho Alaska Montana Program requirements and selection criteria, set forth in Sections 2 and 4 respectively, indicate, the OSDBU intends for the SBTRC to be multidimensional; that is, the selected organizations must have the capacity to effectively access and provide supportive services to the broad range of small businesses within the respective geographical region. To this end, the SBTRC must be able to demonstrate that they currently have established relationships within the geographic region with whom they may coordinate and establish effective networks with DOT grant recipients and local/regional technical assistance agencies to maximize resources. Cooperative agreement awards will be distributed to the region(s) as follows: Northeast Region—Up to $224,000 per year Northwest Region—Up to $127,000 per year Cooperative agreement awards by region are based upon an analysis of DBEs, Certified Small Businesses, and US DOT transportation dollars in each region. It is OSDBU’s intent to maximize the benefits received by the small business transportation community through the SBTRC. Funding may be utilized to reimburse an on-site Project Director up to 100% of salary plus fringe benefits, an on-site Executive Director up to 50% of salary plus fringe PO 00000 Frm 00109 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79073 benefits, the cost of designated SBTRC space, other direct costs, and all other general and administrative expenses. Selected SBTRC partners will be expected to provide in-kind administrative support. Submitted proposals must contain an alternative funding source with which the SBTRC will fund administrative support costs. Preference will be given to proposals containing in-kind contributions for the Project Director, the Executive Director, cost of designated SBTRC space, other direct costs, and all other general and administrative expenses. 1.4 Duration of Agreements Cooperative agreements will be awarded for a period of 12 months (one year) with options for two (2) additional one year periods. OSDBU will notify the SBTRC of our intention to exercise an option year or not to exercise an option year 30 days in advance of expiration of the current year. 1.5 Authority DOT is authorized under 49 U.S.C. 332(b)(4), (5) & (7) to design and carry out programs to assist small disadvantaged businesses in getting transportation-related contracts and subcontracts; develop support mechanisms, including management and technical services, that will enable small disadvantaged businesses to take advantage of those business opportunities; and to make arrangements to carry out the above purposes. 1.6 Eligibility Requirements To be eligible, an organization must be an established, nonprofit, community-based organization, transportation-related trade association, chamber of commerce, college or university, community college, and any other qualifying transportation-related non profit organization which has the documented experience and capacity necessary to successfully operate and administer a coordinated delivery system that provides access for small businesses to prepare and compete for transportation-related contracts. In addition, to be eligible, the applicant organization must: (A) Be an established 501 C(3) or 501 C(6) tax-exempt organization and provide documentation as verification. No application will be accepted without proof of tax-exempt status; (B) Have at least one year of documented and continuous experience prior to the date of application in providing advocacy, outreach, and technical assistance to small businesses within the region in which proposed E:\FR\FM\17DEN1.SGM 17DEN1 79074 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 242 / Friday, December 17, 2010 / Notices services will be provided. Prior performance providing services to the transportation community is preferable, but not required; and (C) Have an office physically located within the proposed city in the designated headquarters state in the region for which they are submitting the proposal that is readily accessible to the public. 2. Program Requirements 2.1 Recipient Responsibilities emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES (A) Assessments, Business Analyses 1. Conduct an assessment of small businesses in the SBTRC region to determine their training and technical assistance needs, and use information that is available at no cost to structure programs and services that will enable small business enterprises to become better prepared to compete for and receive transportation-related contract awards. 2. Contact other federal, state and local governmental agencies, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, (SBA), state and local highway departments, state and local airport authorities, and transit authorities to identify relevant and current information that may support the assessment of the regional small business transportation community needs. (B) General Management & Technical Training and Assistance 1. Utilize OSDBU’s Intake Form to document each small business assisted by the SBTRC and type of service(s) provided. The completed form must be transmitted electronically to the SBTRC Program Manager on a monthly basis, accompanied by a narrative report on the activities and performance results for that period. The data gathered must be supportive by the narrative and must relate to the numerical data on the monthly reports. 2. Ensure that an array of information is made available for distribution to the small business transportation community that is designed to inform and educate the community on DOT/ OSDBU services and opportunities. 3. Coordinate efforts with OSDBU’s National Information Clearinghouse in order to maintain an on-hand inventory of DOT/OSDBU informational materials for general dissemination and for distribution at transportation-related conferences and other events. (C) Business Counseling 1. Collaborate with agencies, such as the SBA, U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:45 Dec 16, 2010 Jkt 223001 Development Centers (MBDCs), Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), to offer a broad range of counseling services to transportation-related small business enterprises. 2. Create a technical assistance plan that will provide each counseled participant with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the management of their own small business to expand their transportationrelated contracts and subcontracts portfolio. 3. Provide a minimum of 20 hours of individual or group counseling sessions to small businesses per month. (D) Planning Committee 1. Establish a Regional Planning Committee consisting of at least 7 members that includes representatives from the regional community and federal, state, and local agencies. The highway, airport, and transit authorities for the SBTRC’s headquarters state must have representation on the planning committee. This committee shall be established no later than 60 days after the execution of the Cooperative agreement between the OSDBU and the selected SBRTC. 2. Provide a forum for the federal, state, and local agencies to disseminate information about upcoming procurements. 3. Hold either monthly or quarterly meetings at a time and place agreed upon by SBTRC and planning committee members. 4. Use the initial session (teleconference call) by the SBTRC explain the mission of the committee and identify roles of the staff and the members of the group. 5. Responsibility for the agenda and direction of the Planning Committee should be handled by the SBTRC Executive Director or his/her designee. (E) Outreach Services/Conference Participation 1. Utilize the services of the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and other sources to construct a database of regional small businesses that currently or may participate in DOT direct and DOT funded transportation related contracts, and make this database available to OSDBU, upon request. 2. Utilize the database of regional transportation-related small businesses to match opportunities identified through the planning committee forum, FedBiz Opps, a Web-based system for posting solicitations and other Federal procurement-related documents on the PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Internet, and other sources to eligible small businesses and contact the eligible small businesses about those opportunities. 3. Develop a ‘‘targeted’’ database of firms (100–150) that have the capacity and capabilities, and are ready, willing and able to participate in DOT contracts and subcontracts immediately. This control group will receive ample resources from the SBTRC, i.e., access to working capital, bonding assistance, business counseling, management assistance and direct referrals to DOT agencies at the state and local levels, and to prime contractors as effective subcontractor firms. 4. Identify regional, state and local conferences where a significant number of small businesses, with transportation related capabilities, are expected to be in attendance. Maintain and submit a list of those events to the SBTRC Program Manager for review and for posting on the OSDBU Web site on a monthly basis. Clearly identify the events designated for SBTRC participation and include recommendations for OSDBU participation. 5. Conduct outreach and disseminate information to small businesses at regional transportation-related conferences, seminars, and workshops. In the event that the SBTRC is requested to participate in an event, the SBTRC will send DOT materials, the OSDBU banner and other information that is deemed necessary for the event. 6. Submit a conference summary report to OSDBU no later than 5 business days after participation in the event or conference. The conference summary report must summarize activities, contacts, outreach results, and recommendations for continued or discontinued participation in future similar events sponsored by that organization. 7. Upon approval by OSDBU, coordinate efforts with DOT’s grantees and recipients at the state and/or local levels to sponsor or cosponsor an OSDBU transportation related conference in the region. (F) Loan and Bond Assistance 1. Work with STLP participating banks and if not available, other lending institutions, to deliver a minimum of five (5) seminars/workshops per year on the STLP financial assistance program to the transportation-related small business community. The seminar/ workshop must cover the entire STLP process, from completion of STLP loan applications and preparation of the loan package to graduation from the STLP. E:\FR\FM\17DEN1.SGM 17DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 242 / Friday, December 17, 2010 / Notices 2. Provide direct support, technical support, and advocacy services to potential STLP applicants to increase the probability of STLP loan approval and generate a minimum of 5 approved STLP applications per year. 3. Provide direct support, technical support, and advocacy services to potential Bonding Assistance Program (BAP) applicants to increase the probability of guaranteed bond approval and generate a minimum of 5 approved BAP applications per year from inception of the BAP program. (G) Furnish All Labor, Facilities and Equipment To Perform the Services Described in This Announcement 2.2 Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) Responsibilities (A) Provide consultation and technical assistance in planning, implementing and evaluating activities under this announcement. (B) Provide orientation and training to the applicant organization. (C) Monitor SBTRC activities, cooperative agreement compliance, and overall SBTRC performance. (D) Assist SBTRC to develop or strengthen its relationships with federal, state, and local transportation authorities, other technical assistance organizations, and DOT grantees. (E) Facilitate the exchange and transfer of successful program activities and information among all SBTRC regions. (F) Provide the SBTRC with DOT/ OSDBU materials and other relevant transportation-related information for dissemination. (G) Maintain effective communication with the SBTRC and inform them of transportation news and contracting opportunities to share with small businesses in their region. (H) Provide all required forms to be used by the SBTRC for reporting purposes under the program. (I) Perform an annual performance evaluation of the SBTRC. Satisfactory performance is a condition of continued participation of the organization as an SBTRC and execution of all option years. emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES 3. Submission of Proposals 3.1 Format for Proposals Each proposal must be submitted to DOT’s OSDBU in the format set forth in the application form attached as Appendix A to this announcement. 3.2 Address; Number of Copies; Deadlines for Submission Any eligible organization, as defined in Section 1.6 of this announcement, VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:45 Dec 16, 2010 Jkt 223001 will submit only one proposal per region for consideration by OSDBU. Eligible organizations may submit proposals for multiple regions. Applications must be double spaced, and printed in a font size not smaller than 12 points. Applications will not exceed 35 single-sided pages, not including any requested attachments. All pages should be numbered at the top of each page. All documentation, attachments, or other information pertinent to the application must be included in a single submission. Grant application packages must be submitted electronically to OSDBU at SBTRC@dot.gov. The applicant is advised to turn on request delivery receipt notification for e-mail submissions. Proposals must be received by DOT/ OSDBU no later than January 14, 2011 5 p.m., EST. 4. Selection Criteria 4.1 General Criteria OSDBU will award the cooperative agreement on a best value basis, using the following criteria to rate and rank applications: Applications will be evaluated using a point system (maximum number of points = 100): • Approach and strategy (25 points) • Linkages (25 points) • Organizational Capability (25 points) • Staff Capabilities and Experience (15 points) • Cost Proposal (10 points) (A) Approach and Strategy (25 Points) The applicant must describe their strategy to achieve the overall mission of the SBTRC as described in this solicitation and service the small business community in their entire geographic regional area. The applicant must also describe how the specific activities outlined in Section 2.1 will be implemented and executed in the organization’s regional area. OSDBU will consider the extent to which the proposed objectives are specific, measurable, time-specific, and consistent with OSDBU goals and the applicant organization’s overall mission. OSDBU will give priority consideration to applicants that demonstrate innovation and creativity in their approach to assist small businesses to become successful transportation contractors and increase their ability to access DOT contracting opportunities and financial assistance programs. Applicants must also submit the estimated direct costs, other than labor, to execute their proposed strategy. PO 00000 Frm 00111 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79075 OSDBU will consider the quality of the applicant’s plan for conducting program activities and the likelihood that the proposed methods will be successful in achieving proposed objectives at the proposed cost. (B) Linkages (25 Points) The applicant must describe their established relationships within their geographic region and demonstrate their ability to coordinate and establish effective networks with DOT grant recipients and local/regional technical assistance agencies to maximize resources. OSDBU will consider innovative aspects of the applicant’s approach and strategy to build upon their existing relationships and established networks with existing resources in their geographical area. The applicant should describe their strategy to obtain support and collaboration on SBTRC activities from DOT grantees and recipients, transportation prime contractors and subcontractors, the SBA, U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs), Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), State DOTs, and State highway supportive services contractors. In rating this factor, OSDBU will consider the extent to which the applicant demonstrates ability to be multidimensional. The applicant must demonstrate that they have the ability to access a broad range of supportive services to effectively serve a broad range of transportation-related small businesses within their respective geographical region. Emphasis will also be placed on the extent to which the applicant identifies a clear outreach strategy related to the identified needs that can be successfully carried out within the period of this agreement and a plan for involving the Planning Committee in the execution of that strategy. (C) Organizational Capability (25 Points) The applicant must demonstrate that they have the organizational capability to meet the program requirements set forth in Section 2. The applicant organization must have sufficient resources and past performance experience to successfully outreach to the small business transportation resources in their geographical area and carry out the mission of the SBTRC. In rating this factor, OSDBU will consider the extent to which the applicant’s organization has recent, relevant and successful experience in advocating for and addressing the needs of small E:\FR\FM\17DEN1.SGM 17DEN1 79076 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 242 / Friday, December 17, 2010 / Notices businesses. Applicants will be given points for demonstrated past transportation-related performance. The applicant must also describe technical and administrative resources it plans to use in achieving proposed objectives. In their description, the applicant must describe their facilities, computer and technical facilities, ability to tap into volunteer staff time, and a plan for sufficient matching alternative financial resources to fund the general and administrative costs of the SBTRC. The applicant must also describe their administrative and financial management staff. OSDBU will place an emphasis on capabilities of the applicant’s financial management staff. emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES (D) Staff Capability and Experience (15 Points) The applicant organization must provide a list of proposed personnel for the project, with salaries, fringe benefit burden factors, educational levels and previous experience clearly delineated. The applicant’s project team must be well-qualified, knowledgeable, and able to effectively serve the diverse and broad range of small businesses in their geographical region. The Executive Director and the Project Director shall be deemed key personnel. Detailed resumes must be submitted for all proposed key personnel and outside consultants and subcontractors. Proposed key personnel must have detailed demonstrated experience providing services similar in scope and nature to the proposed effort. The proposed Project Director will serve as the responsible individual for the program. 100% of the Project Director’s time must be dedicated to the SBTRC. Both the Executive Director and the Project Director must be located on-site. In this element, OSDBU will consider the extent to which the applicant’s proposed Staffing Plan; (a) clearly meets the education and experience requirements to accomplish the objectives of the cooperative agreement; (b) delineates staff responsibilities and accountability for all work required and; (c) presents a clear and feasible ability to execute the applicant’s proposed approach and strategy. (E) Cost Proposal (10 Points) Applicants must submit the total proposed cost of establishing and administering the SBTRC in the applicant’s geographical region for a 12 month period, inclusive of costs funded through alternative matching resources. The applicant’s budget must be adequate to support the proposed strategy and costs must be reasonable in relation to project objectives. The VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:45 Dec 16, 2010 Jkt 223001 portion of the submitted budget funded by OSDBU can not exceed the ceiling outlined in Section 1.3 Description of Competition per fiscal year. Applicants are encouraged to provide in-kind costs and other innovative cost approaches. 4.2 Scoring of Applications A review panel will score each application based upon the evaluation criteria listed above. Points will be given for each evaluation criteria category, not to exceed the maximum number of points allowed for each category. Proposals which are deemed non–responsive, do not meet the established criteria, or incomplete at the time of submission will be disqualified. OSDBU will perform a responsibility determination of the prospective winning recipient in each region, which may include a site visit, before awarding the cooperative agreement. 4.3 Conflicts of Interest Applicants must submit signed statements by key personnel and all organization principals indicating that they, or members of their immediate families, do not have a personal, business or financial interest in any DOT-funded transportation projects, nor any relationships with local or state transportation agencies that may have the appearance of a conflict of interest. Appendix A—Format for Proposals for the Department of Transportation Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization’s Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) Program Submitted proposals for the DOT, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization’s Small Business Transportation Resource Center Program must contain the following 12 sections and be organized in the following order: 1. Table of Contents Identify all parts, sections and attachments of the application. 2. Application Summary Provide a summary overview of the following: • The applicant’s proposed SBTRC region and city and key elements of the plan of action/strategy to achieve the SBTRC objectives. • The applicant’s relevant organizational experience and capabilities. 3. Understanding of The Work Provide a narrative which contains specific project information as follows: • The applicant will describe its understanding of the OSDBU’s SBTRC PO 00000 Frm 00112 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 program mission and the role of the applicant’s proposed SBTRC in advancing the program goals. • The applicant will describe specific outreach needs of transportation-related small businesses in the applicant’s region and how the SBTRC will address the identified needs. 4. Approach and Strategy • Describe the applicant’s plan of action/strategy for conducting the program in terms of the tasks to be performed. • Describe the specific services or activities to be performed and how these services/activities will be implemented. • Describe innovative and creative approaches to assist small businesses to become successful transportation contractors and increase their ability to access DOT contracting opportunities and financial assistance programs. • Estimate direct costs, other than labor, to execute the proposed strategy. 5. Linkages • Describe established relationships within the geographic region and demonstrate the ability to coordinate and establish effective networks with DOT grant recipients and local/regional technical assistance agencies. • Describe the strategy to obtain support and collaboration on SBTRC activities from DOT grantees and recipients, transportation prime contractors and subcontractors, the SBA, U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs), Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), State DOTs, and State highway supportive services contractors. • Describe the outreach strategy related to the identified needs that can be successfully carried out within the period of this agreement and a plan for involving the Planning Committee in the execution of that strategy. 6. Organizational Capability • Describe recent and relevant past successful performance in addressing the needs of small businesses, particularly with respect to transportation-related small businesses. • Describe internal technical, financial management, and administrative resources. • Propose a plan for sufficient matching alternative financial resources to fund the general and administrative costs of the SBTRC. E:\FR\FM\17DEN1.SGM 17DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 242 / Friday, December 17, 2010 / Notices 7. Staff Capability and Experience • List proposed key personnel, their salaries and proposed fringe benefit factors. • Describe the education, qualifications and relevant experience of key personnel. Attach detailed resumes. • Proposed staffing plan. Describe how personnel are to be organized for the program and how they will be used to accomplish program objectives. Outline staff responsibilities, accountability and a schedule for conducting program tasks. be downloaded from https:// www.grants.gov/techlib/SF424– V2.0.pdf. Please be sure that all forms have been signed by an authorized official who can legally represent the organization. Issued in Washington, DC on December 10, 2010. Brandon Neal, Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation. [FR Doc. 2010–31719 Filed 12–16–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–9X–P 8. Cost Proposal • Outline the total proposed cost of establishing and administering the SBTRC in the applicant’s geographical region for a 12 month period, inclusive of costs funded through alternative matching resources. Clearly identify the portion of the costs funded by OSDBU. • Provide a brief narrative linking the cost proposal to the proposed strategy. 9. Proof of Tax Exempt Status 10. Assurances Signature Form Complete Standard Form 424B ASSURANCES–NON–CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS identified as Attachment 1. SF424B may be downloaded from https://www.grants.gov/techlib/SF424B– V1.1.pdf. 11. Certification Signature Forms Complete form DOTF2307–1 DRUG– FREE WORKPLACE ACT CERTIFICATION FOR A GRANTEE OTHER THAN AN INDIVIDUAL and Form DOTF2308–1 CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING FOR CONTRACTS, GRANTS, LOANS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS identified as Attachment 2. The forms may be downloaded from https://www.osdbu.dot.gov/financial/ docs/Cert Drug-Free DOT F 2307–1.pdf and https://www.osdbu.dot.gov/ financial/docs/Cert Lobbying DOT F 2308–1.pdf. emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES 12. Signed Conflict of Interest Statements The statements must say that they, or members of their immediate families, do not have a personal, business or financial interest in any DOT-funded transportation projects, nor any relationships with local or state transportation agencies that may have the appearance of a conflict of interest. 13. Standard Form 424 Complete Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance identified as Attachment 3. SF424 can VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:45 Dec 16, 2010 Jkt 223001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Approvals and Disapprovals Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Monthly Notice of PFC Approvals and Disapprovals. In November 2010, there were six applications approved. Additionally, 10 approved amendments to previously approved applications are listed. AGENCY: The FAA publishes a monthly notice, as appropriate, of PFC approvals and disapprovals under the provisions of the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 (Title IX of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990) (Pub. L. 101–508) and Part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 158). This notice is published pursuant to paragraph d of § 158.29. SUMMARY: PFC Applications Approved Public Agency: Birmingham Airport Authority, Birmingham, Alabama. Application Number: 10–09–C–00– BHM. Application Type: Impose and use a PFC. PFC Level: $4.50. Total PFC Revenue Approved in this Decision: $151,500,000. Earliest Charge Effective Date: October 1, 2011. Estimated Charge Expiration Date: June 1, 2031. Class of Air Carriers Not Required to Collect PFC’s: Air taxi/commercial operators filing FAA Form 1800–31. Determination: Approved. Based on information contained in the public agency’s application, the FAA has determined that the approved class accounts for less than 1 percent of the total annual enplanements at Birmingham—Shuttlesworth International Airport. PO 00000 Frm 00113 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79077 Brief Description of Project Approved for Collection and Use: Terminal modernization project construction and equipment. Decision Date: November 4, 2010. For Further Information Contact: Kevin Morgan, Jackson Airports District Office, (601) 664–9891. Public Agency: County of Jefferson, Beaumont, Texas. Application Number: 11–07–C–00– BPT. Application Type: Impose and use a PFC. PFC Level: $4.50. Total PFC Revenue Approved in this Decision: $926,595. Earliest Charge Effective Date: June 1, 2011. Estimated Charge Expiration Date: June 1, 2021. Class of Air Carriers Not Required to Collect PFC’s: None. Brief Description of Projects Approved for Collection and Use: Planning studies Apron rehabilitation, phase I Airfield sweeper Airfield pavement markings Airport operations area security improvements Apron rehabilitation, phase II PFC administration fees Decision Date: November 4, 2010. For Further Information Contact: Sarah Conner, Texas Airports Development Office, (817) 222–5643. Public Agency: County of Broward, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Application Number: 10–11–C–00– FLL. Application Type: Impose and use a PFC. PFC Level: $4.50. Total PFC Revenue Approved in this Decision: $24,909,327. Earliest Charge Effective Date: April 1, 2017. Estimated Charge Expiration Date: January 1, 2018. Class of Air Carriers Not Required to Collect PFC’s: Non-scheduled/ondemand air carriers. Determination: Approved. Based on information contained in the public agency’s application, the FAA has determined that the approved class accounts for less than 1 percent of the total annual enplanements at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. Brief Description of Projects Approved for Collection and Use at a $4.50 PFC Level: West Lake mitigation Runway 9L/27R rehabilitation— corrective action plan—grading and re-grooving. E:\FR\FM\17DEN1.SGM 17DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 242 (Friday, December 17, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 79072-79077]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-31719]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Office of the Secretary of Transportation


Notice of Funding Availability for the Small Business 
Transportation Resource Center Program

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST), Office of 
Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of funding availability.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of the 
Secretary (OST), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization 
(OSDBU) announces the opportunity for; (1) business centered community-
based organizations; (2) transportation-related trade associations; (3) 
colleges and universities; (4) community colleges or; (5) chambers of 
commerce, registered with the Internal Revenue Service as 501 C(6) or 
501 C(3) tax-exempt organizations, to compete for participation in 
OSDBU's Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) program 
in the Northeast and Northwest Regions. The Mid Atlantic, South 
Atlantic, Mid South Atlantic, Southeast, Great Lakes, Central, West 
Central, Gulf, and Southwest Regions have been previously competed in 
Fiscal Year 2010.
    OSDBU will enter into Cooperative Agreements with these 
organizations to outreach to the small business community in their 
designated region and provide financial and technical assistance, 
business training programs, such as, business assessment, management 
training, counseling, technical assistance, marketing and outreach, and 
the dissemination of information, to encourage and assist small 
businesses to become better prepared to compete for, obtain, and manage 
DOT funded transportation-related contracts and subcontracts at the 
federal, state and local levels. Throughout this notice, the term 
``small business'' will refer to: 8(a), small disadvantaged businesses 
(SDB), disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE), women owned small 
businesses (WOSB), HubZone, service disabled veteran owned businesses 
(SDVOB), and veteran owned small businesses (VOSB). Throughout this 
notice, ``transportation-related'' is defined as the maintenance, 
rehabilitation, restructuring, improvement, or revitalization of any of 
the nation's modes of transportation.
    Funding Opportunity Number: USDOT-OST-OSDBU-SBTRC2011-1.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 20.910 
Assistance to small and disadvantaged businesses.
    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement Grant.
    Award Ceiling: $224,000.
    Award Floor: $127,000.
    Program Authority: DOT is authorized under 49 U.S.C. 332(b)(4), (5) 
& (7) to design and carry out programs to assist small disadvantaged 
businesses in getting transportation-related contracts and 
subcontracts; develop support mechanisms, including management and 
technical services, that will enable small disadvantaged businesses to 
take advantage of those business opportunities; and to make 
arrangements to carry out the above purposes.

DATES: Complete Proposals must be electronically submitted to OSDBU via 
e-mail on or before January 14, 2011, 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 
Proposals received after the deadline will be considered non-responsive 
and will not be reviewed. The applicant is advised to turn on request 
delivery receipt notification for e-mail submissions. DOT plans to give 
notice of awards for the competed regions on or before February 11, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be electronically submitted to OSDBU via 
e-mail at SBTRC@dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information concerning 
this notice, contact Mr. Arthur D. Jackson, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., W56-462, Washington, DC, 20590. Telephone: 
1-800-532-1169. E-mail: art.jackson@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
    1.1 Background
    1.2 Program Description and Goals
    1.3 Description of Competition
    1.4 Duration of Agreements
    1.5 Authority
    1.6 Eligibility Requirements
2. Program Requirements
    2.1 Recipient Responsibilities
    2.2 Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business
Utilization Responsibilities
3. Submission of Proposals
    3.1 Format for Proposals
    3.2 Address, Number of Copies, Deadline for Submission
4. Selection Criteria
    4.1 General Criteria
    4.2 Scoring of Applications
    4.3 Conflicts of Interest
Format for Proposals--Appendix A

Full Text of Announcement

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

    The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) established 
the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) in 
accordance with Public Law 95-507, an amendment to the Small Business 
Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.
    The mission of OSDBU at DOT is to ensure that the small and 
disadvantaged business policies and goals of the Secretary of 
Transportation are developed and implemented in a fair, efficient and 
effective manner to serve small and disadvantaged businesses throughout 
the country. The OSDBU also administers the provisions of Title 49, 
Section 332, the Minority Resource Center (MRC) which includes the 
duties of advocacy, outreach and financial services on behalf of small 
and disadvantaged business and those certified under CFR 49 parts 23 
and or 26 as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and the 
development of programs to encourage, stimulate, promote and assist 
small businesses to become better prepared to compete for, obtain and 
manage transportation-related contracts, and subcontracts.
    The Regional Partnerships Division of OSDBU, through the SBTRC 
program allows OSDBU to partner with local organizations to offer a 
comprehensive delivery system of business training, technical 
assistance and dissemination of information, targeted towards small 
business transportation enterprises in their regions.

1.2 Program Description and Goals

    The national SBTRC program utilizes Cooperative Agreements with 
chambers of commerce, trade associations, educational institutions and 
business-centered community based organizations to establish SBTRCs to 
provide business training, technical assistance and information to DOT 
grantees and recipients, prime contractors and subcontractors. In order 
to be effective and serve their target

[[Page 79073]]

audience, the SBTRCs must be active in the local transportation 
community in order to identify and communicate opportunities and 
provide the required technical assistance. SBTRCs must already have, or 
demonstrate the ability to establish working relationships with the 
state and local transportation agencies and technical assistance 
agencies (i.e., The U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business 
Development Centers (MBDCs), Small Business Development Centers 
(SBDCs), Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), SCORE and 
State DOT highway supportive services contractors in their region. 
Utilizing these relationships and their own expertise, the SBTRCs are 
involved in activities such as information dissemination, small 
business counseling, and technical assistance with small businesses 
currently doing business with public and private entities in the 
transportation industry.
    Effective outreach is critical to the success of the SBTRC program. 
In order for their outreach efforts to be effective, SBTRCs must be 
familiar with DOT's Operating Administrations, its funding sources, and 
how funding is awarded to DOT grantees, recipients, contractors, 
subcontractors, and its financial assistance programs. SBTRCs must 
outreach to the regional small business transportation community to 
disseminate information and distribute DOT-published marketing 
materials, such as STLP Program Information, Bonding Assistance 
information, SBTRC brochures and literature, Procurement Forecasts; 
Contracting with DOT booklets, and any other materials or resources 
that DOT or OSDBU may develop for this purpose. To maximize outreach, 
the SBTRC may be called upon to participate in regional and national 
conferences and seminars. Quantities of DOT publications for on-hand 
inventory and dissemination at conferences and seminars will be 
available upon request from the OSDBU office.

1.3 Description of Competition

    The purpose of this Request For Proposal (RFP) is to solicit 
proposals from transportation-related trade associations, chambers of 
commerce, community based entities, colleges and universities, 
community colleges, and any other qualifying transportation-related 
non-profit organizations with the desire and ability to partner with 
OSDBU to establish and maintain an SBTRC.
    It is OSDBU's intent to award Cooperative Agreement to one 
organization in each of the designated geographical area(s), from 
herein referred to as ``region(s)'', competed in this solicitation. 
However, if warranted, OSDBU reserves the option to make multiple 
awards to selected partners. Proposals submitted for a region must 
contain a plan to service the entire region, not just the SBTRC state 
or local geographical area. The region's SBTRC headquarters must be 
established in the designated state set forth below. Submitted 
proposals must also contain justification for the establishment of the 
SBTRC headquarters in a particular city within the designated state.
    SBTRC Region(s) Competed in This Solicitation:

Northeast Region:
    New York, Headquarters
    New Jersey
    Massachusetts
    Connecticut
    Rhode Island
    New Hampshire
    Vermont
    Maine
Northwest Region:
    Washington, Headquarters
    Oregon
    Idaho
    Alaska
    Montana

    Program requirements and selection criteria, set forth in Sections 
2 and 4 respectively, indicate, the OSDBU intends for the SBTRC to be 
multidimensional; that is, the selected organizations must have the 
capacity to effectively access and provide supportive services to the 
broad range of small businesses within the respective geographical 
region. To this end, the SBTRC must be able to demonstrate that they 
currently have established relationships within the geographic region 
with whom they may coordinate and establish effective networks with DOT 
grant recipients and local/regional technical assistance agencies to 
maximize resources.
    Cooperative agreement awards will be distributed to the region(s) 
as follows:

    Northeast Region--Up to $224,000 per year
    Northwest Region--Up to $127,000 per year

    Cooperative agreement awards by region are based upon an analysis 
of DBEs, Certified Small Businesses, and US DOT transportation dollars 
in each region. It is OSDBU's intent to maximize the benefits received 
by the small business transportation community through the SBTRC. 
Funding may be utilized to reimburse an on-site Project Director up to 
100% of salary plus fringe benefits, an on-site Executive Director up 
to 50% of salary plus fringe benefits, the cost of designated SBTRC 
space, other direct costs, and all other general and administrative 
expenses. Selected SBTRC partners will be expected to provide in-kind 
administrative support. Submitted proposals must contain an alternative 
funding source with which the SBTRC will fund administrative support 
costs. Preference will be given to proposals containing in-kind 
contributions for the Project Director, the Executive Director, cost of 
designated SBTRC space, other direct costs, and all other general and 
administrative expenses.

1.4 Duration of Agreements

    Cooperative agreements will be awarded for a period of 12 months 
(one year) with options for two (2) additional one year periods. OSDBU 
will notify the SBTRC of our intention to exercise an option year or 
not to exercise an option year 30 days in advance of expiration of the 
current year.

1.5 Authority

    DOT is authorized under 49 U.S.C. 332(b)(4), (5) & (7) to design 
and carry out programs to assist small disadvantaged businesses in 
getting transportation-related contracts and subcontracts; develop 
support mechanisms, including management and technical services, that 
will enable small disadvantaged businesses to take advantage of those 
business opportunities; and to make arrangements to carry out the above 
purposes.

1.6 Eligibility Requirements

    To be eligible, an organization must be an established, nonprofit, 
community-based organization, transportation-related trade association, 
chamber of commerce, college or university, community college, and any 
other qualifying transportation-related non profit organization which 
has the documented experience and capacity necessary to successfully 
operate and administer a coordinated delivery system that provides 
access for small businesses to prepare and compete for transportation-
related contracts. In addition, to be eligible, the applicant 
organization must:
    (A) Be an established 501 C(3) or 501 C(6) tax-exempt organization 
and provide documentation as verification. No application will be 
accepted without proof of tax-exempt status;
    (B) Have at least one year of documented and continuous experience 
prior to the date of application in providing advocacy, outreach, and 
technical assistance to small businesses within the region in which 
proposed

[[Page 79074]]

services will be provided. Prior performance providing services to the 
transportation community is preferable, but not required; and
    (C) Have an office physically located within the proposed city in 
the designated headquarters state in the region for which they are 
submitting the proposal that is readily accessible to the public.

2. Program Requirements

2.1 Recipient Responsibilities

(A) Assessments, Business Analyses
    1. Conduct an assessment of small businesses in the SBTRC region to 
determine their training and technical assistance needs, and use 
information that is available at no cost to structure programs and 
services that will enable small business enterprises to become better 
prepared to compete for and receive transportation-related contract 
awards.
    2. Contact other federal, state and local governmental agencies, 
such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, (SBA), state and local 
highway departments, state and local airport authorities, and transit 
authorities to identify relevant and current information that may 
support the assessment of the regional small business transportation 
community needs.
(B) General Management & Technical Training and Assistance
    1. Utilize OSDBU's Intake Form to document each small business 
assisted by the SBTRC and type of service(s) provided. The completed 
form must be transmitted electronically to the SBTRC Program Manager on 
a monthly basis, accompanied by a narrative report on the activities 
and performance results for that period. The data gathered must be 
supportive by the narrative and must relate to the numerical data on 
the monthly reports.
    2. Ensure that an array of information is made available for 
distribution to the small business transportation community that is 
designed to inform and educate the community on DOT/OSDBU services and 
opportunities.
    3. Coordinate efforts with OSDBU's National Information 
Clearinghouse in order to maintain an on-hand inventory of DOT/OSDBU 
informational materials for general dissemination and for distribution 
at transportation-related conferences and other events.
(C) Business Counseling
    1. Collaborate with agencies, such as the SBA, U.S. Department of 
Commerce's Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs), Service Corps 
of Retired Executives (SCORE), Procurement Technical Assistance Centers 
(PTACs), and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), to offer a 
broad range of counseling services to transportation-related small 
business enterprises.
    2. Create a technical assistance plan that will provide each 
counseled participant with the knowledge and skills necessary to 
improve the management of their own small business to expand their 
transportation-related contracts and subcontracts portfolio.
    3. Provide a minimum of 20 hours of individual or group counseling 
sessions to small businesses per month.
(D) Planning Committee
    1. Establish a Regional Planning Committee consisting of at least 7 
members that includes representatives from the regional community and 
federal, state, and local agencies. The highway, airport, and transit 
authorities for the SBTRC's headquarters state must have representation 
on the planning committee. This committee shall be established no later 
than 60 days after the execution of the Cooperative agreement between 
the OSDBU and the selected SBRTC.
    2. Provide a forum for the federal, state, and local agencies to 
disseminate information about upcoming procurements.
    3. Hold either monthly or quarterly meetings at a time and place 
agreed upon by SBTRC and planning committee members.
    4. Use the initial session (teleconference call) by the SBTRC 
explain the mission of the committee and identify roles of the staff 
and the members of the group.
    5. Responsibility for the agenda and direction of the Planning 
Committee should be handled by the SBTRC Executive Director or his/her 
designee.
(E) Outreach Services/Conference Participation
    1. Utilize the services of the Central Contractor Registration 
(CCR) and other sources to construct a database of regional small 
businesses that currently or may participate in DOT direct and DOT 
funded transportation related contracts, and make this database 
available to OSDBU, upon request.
    2. Utilize the database of regional transportation-related small 
businesses to match opportunities identified through the planning 
committee forum, FedBiz Opps, a Web-based system for posting 
solicitations and other Federal procurement-related documents on the 
Internet, and other sources to eligible small businesses and contact 
the eligible small businesses about those opportunities.
    3. Develop a ``targeted'' database of firms (100-150) that have the 
capacity and capabilities, and are ready, willing and able to 
participate in DOT contracts and subcontracts immediately. This control 
group will receive ample resources from the SBTRC, i.e., access to 
working capital, bonding assistance, business counseling, management 
assistance and direct referrals to DOT agencies at the state and local 
levels, and to prime contractors as effective subcontractor firms.
    4. Identify regional, state and local conferences where a 
significant number of small businesses, with transportation related 
capabilities, are expected to be in attendance. Maintain and submit a 
list of those events to the SBTRC Program Manager for review and for 
posting on the OSDBU Web site on a monthly basis. Clearly identify the 
events designated for SBTRC participation and include recommendations 
for OSDBU participation.
    5. Conduct outreach and disseminate information to small businesses 
at regional transportation-related conferences, seminars, and 
workshops. In the event that the SBTRC is requested to participate in 
an event, the SBTRC will send DOT materials, the OSDBU banner and other 
information that is deemed necessary for the event.
    6. Submit a conference summary report to OSDBU no later than 5 
business days after participation in the event or conference. The 
conference summary report must summarize activities, contacts, outreach 
results, and recommendations for continued or discontinued 
participation in future similar events sponsored by that organization.
    7. Upon approval by OSDBU, coordinate efforts with DOT's grantees 
and recipients at the state and/or local levels to sponsor or cosponsor 
an OSDBU transportation related conference in the region.
(F) Loan and Bond Assistance
    1. Work with STLP participating banks and if not available, other 
lending institutions, to deliver a minimum of five (5) seminars/
workshops per year on the STLP financial assistance program to the 
transportation-related small business community. The seminar/workshop 
must cover the entire STLP process, from completion of STLP loan 
applications and preparation of the loan package to graduation from the 
STLP.

[[Page 79075]]

    2. Provide direct support, technical support, and advocacy services 
to potential STLP applicants to increase the probability of STLP loan 
approval and generate a minimum of 5 approved STLP applications per 
year.
    3. Provide direct support, technical support, and advocacy services 
to potential Bonding Assistance Program (BAP) applicants to increase 
the probability of guaranteed bond approval and generate a minimum of 5 
approved BAP applications per year from inception of the BAP program.
(G) Furnish All Labor, Facilities and Equipment To Perform the Services 
Described in This Announcement

2.2 Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) 
Responsibilities

    (A) Provide consultation and technical assistance in planning, 
implementing and evaluating activities under this announcement.
    (B) Provide orientation and training to the applicant organization.
    (C) Monitor SBTRC activities, cooperative agreement compliance, and 
overall SBTRC performance.
    (D) Assist SBTRC to develop or strengthen its relationships with 
federal, state, and local transportation authorities, other technical 
assistance organizations, and DOT grantees.
    (E) Facilitate the exchange and transfer of successful program 
activities and information among all SBTRC regions.
    (F) Provide the SBTRC with DOT/OSDBU materials and other relevant 
transportation-related information for dissemination.
    (G) Maintain effective communication with the SBTRC and inform them 
of transportation news and contracting opportunities to share with 
small businesses in their region.
    (H) Provide all required forms to be used by the SBTRC for 
reporting purposes under the program.
    (I) Perform an annual performance evaluation of the SBTRC. 
Satisfactory performance is a condition of continued participation of 
the organization as an SBTRC and execution of all option years.

3. Submission of Proposals

3.1 Format for Proposals

    Each proposal must be submitted to DOT's OSDBU in the format set 
forth in the application form attached as Appendix A to this 
announcement.

3.2 Address; Number of Copies; Deadlines for Submission

    Any eligible organization, as defined in Section 1.6 of this 
announcement, will submit only one proposal per region for 
consideration by OSDBU. Eligible organizations may submit proposals for 
multiple regions.
    Applications must be double spaced, and printed in a font size not 
smaller than 12 points. Applications will not exceed 35 single-sided 
pages, not including any requested attachments.
    All pages should be numbered at the top of each page. All 
documentation, attachments, or other information pertinent to the 
application must be included in a single submission.
    Grant application packages must be submitted electronically to 
OSDBU at SBTRC@dot.gov. The applicant is advised to turn on request 
delivery receipt notification for e-mail submissions.
    Proposals must be received by DOT/OSDBU no later than January 14, 
2011 5 p.m., EST.

4. Selection Criteria

4.1 General Criteria

    OSDBU will award the cooperative agreement on a best value basis, 
using the following criteria to rate and rank applications:
    Applications will be evaluated using a point system (maximum number 
of points = 100):
     Approach and strategy (25 points)
     Linkages (25 points)
     Organizational Capability (25 points)
     Staff Capabilities and Experience (15 points)
     Cost Proposal (10 points)
(A) Approach and Strategy (25 Points)
    The applicant must describe their strategy to achieve the overall 
mission of the SBTRC as described in this solicitation and service the 
small business community in their entire geographic regional area. The 
applicant must also describe how the specific activities outlined in 
Section 2.1 will be implemented and executed in the organization's 
regional area. OSDBU will consider the extent to which the proposed 
objectives are specific, measurable, time-specific, and consistent with 
OSDBU goals and the applicant organization's overall mission. OSDBU 
will give priority consideration to applicants that demonstrate 
innovation and creativity in their approach to assist small businesses 
to become successful transportation contractors and increase their 
ability to access DOT contracting opportunities and financial 
assistance programs. Applicants must also submit the estimated direct 
costs, other than labor, to execute their proposed strategy. OSDBU will 
consider the quality of the applicant's plan for conducting program 
activities and the likelihood that the proposed methods will be 
successful in achieving proposed objectives at the proposed cost.
(B) Linkages (25 Points)
    The applicant must describe their established relationships within 
their geographic region and demonstrate their ability to coordinate and 
establish effective networks with DOT grant recipients and local/
regional technical assistance agencies to maximize resources. OSDBU 
will consider innovative aspects of the applicant's approach and 
strategy to build upon their existing relationships and established 
networks with existing resources in their geographical area. The 
applicant should describe their strategy to obtain support and 
collaboration on SBTRC activities from DOT grantees and recipients, 
transportation prime contractors and subcontractors, the SBA, U.S. 
Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs), 
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Procurement Technical 
Assistance Centers (PTACs), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), 
State DOTs, and State highway supportive services contractors. In 
rating this factor, OSDBU will consider the extent to which the 
applicant demonstrates ability to be multidimensional. The applicant 
must demonstrate that they have the ability to access a broad range of 
supportive services to effectively serve a broad range of 
transportation-related small businesses within their respective 
geographical region. Emphasis will also be placed on the extent to 
which the applicant identifies a clear outreach strategy related to the 
identified needs that can be successfully carried out within the period 
of this agreement and a plan for involving the Planning Committee in 
the execution of that strategy.
(C) Organizational Capability (25 Points)
    The applicant must demonstrate that they have the organizational 
capability to meet the program requirements set forth in Section 2. The 
applicant organization must have sufficient resources and past 
performance experience to successfully outreach to the small business 
transportation resources in their geographical area and carry out the 
mission of the SBTRC. In rating this factor, OSDBU will consider the 
extent to which the applicant's organization has recent, relevant and 
successful experience in advocating for and addressing the needs of 
small

[[Page 79076]]

businesses. Applicants will be given points for demonstrated past 
transportation-related performance. The applicant must also describe 
technical and administrative resources it plans to use in achieving 
proposed objectives. In their description, the applicant must describe 
their facilities, computer and technical facilities, ability to tap 
into volunteer staff time, and a plan for sufficient matching 
alternative financial resources to fund the general and administrative 
costs of the SBTRC. The applicant must also describe their 
administrative and financial management staff. OSDBU will place an 
emphasis on capabilities of the applicant's financial management staff.
(D) Staff Capability and Experience (15 Points)
    The applicant organization must provide a list of proposed 
personnel for the project, with salaries, fringe benefit burden 
factors, educational levels and previous experience clearly delineated. 
The applicant's project team must be well-qualified, knowledgeable, and 
able to effectively serve the diverse and broad range of small 
businesses in their geographical region. The Executive Director and the 
Project Director shall be deemed key personnel. Detailed resumes must 
be submitted for all proposed key personnel and outside consultants and 
subcontractors. Proposed key personnel must have detailed demonstrated 
experience providing services similar in scope and nature to the 
proposed effort. The proposed Project Director will serve as the 
responsible individual for the program. 100% of the Project Director's 
time must be dedicated to the SBTRC. Both the Executive Director and 
the Project Director must be located on-site. In this element, OSDBU 
will consider the extent to which the applicant's proposed Staffing 
Plan; (a) clearly meets the education and experience requirements to 
accomplish the objectives of the cooperative agreement; (b) delineates 
staff responsibilities and accountability for all work required and; 
(c) presents a clear and feasible ability to execute the applicant's 
proposed approach and strategy.
(E) Cost Proposal (10 Points)
    Applicants must submit the total proposed cost of establishing and 
administering the SBTRC in the applicant's geographical region for a 12 
month period, inclusive of costs funded through alternative matching 
resources. The applicant's budget must be adequate to support the 
proposed strategy and costs must be reasonable in relation to project 
objectives. The portion of the submitted budget funded by OSDBU can not 
exceed the ceiling outlined in Section 1.3 Description of Competition 
per fiscal year. Applicants are encouraged to provide in-kind costs and 
other innovative cost approaches.

4.2 Scoring of Applications

    A review panel will score each application based upon the 
evaluation criteria listed above. Points will be given for each 
evaluation criteria category, not to exceed the maximum number of 
points allowed for each category. Proposals which are deemed non-
responsive, do not meet the established criteria, or incomplete at the 
time of submission will be disqualified.
    OSDBU will perform a responsibility determination of the 
prospective winning recipient in each region, which may include a site 
visit, before awarding the cooperative agreement.

4.3 Conflicts of Interest

    Applicants must submit signed statements by key personnel and all 
organization principals indicating that they, or members of their 
immediate families, do not have a personal, business or financial 
interest in any DOT-funded transportation projects, nor any 
relationships with local or state transportation agencies that may have 
the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Appendix A--Format for Proposals for the Department of Transportation 
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization's Small Business 
Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) Program

    Submitted proposals for the DOT, Office of Small and Disadvantaged 
Business Utilization's Small Business Transportation Resource Center 
Program must contain the following 12 sections and be organized in the 
following order:

1. Table of Contents

    Identify all parts, sections and attachments of the application.

2. Application Summary

    Provide a summary overview of the following:
     The applicant's proposed SBTRC region and city and key 
elements of the plan of action/strategy to achieve the SBTRC 
objectives.
     The applicant's relevant organizational experience and 
capabilities.

3. Understanding of The Work

    Provide a narrative which contains specific project information as 
follows:
     The applicant will describe its understanding of the 
OSDBU's SBTRC program mission and the role of the applicant's proposed 
SBTRC in advancing the program goals.
     The applicant will describe specific outreach needs of 
transportation-related small businesses in the applicant's region and 
how the SBTRC will address the identified needs.

4. Approach and Strategy

     Describe the applicant's plan of action/strategy for 
conducting the program in terms of the tasks to be performed.
     Describe the specific services or activities to be 
performed and how these services/activities will be implemented.
     Describe innovative and creative approaches to assist 
small businesses to become successful transportation contractors and 
increase their ability to access DOT contracting opportunities and 
financial assistance programs.
     Estimate direct costs, other than labor, to execute the 
proposed strategy.

5. Linkages

     Describe established relationships within the geographic 
region and demonstrate the ability to coordinate and establish 
effective networks with DOT grant recipients and local/regional 
technical assistance agencies.
     Describe the strategy to obtain support and collaboration 
on SBTRC activities from DOT grantees and recipients, transportation 
prime contractors and subcontractors, the SBA, U.S. Department of 
Commerce's Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs), Service Corps 
of Retired Executives (SCORE), Procurement Technical Assistance Centers 
(PTACs), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), State DOTs, and 
State highway supportive services contractors.
     Describe the outreach strategy related to the identified 
needs that can be successfully carried out within the period of this 
agreement and a plan for involving the Planning Committee in the 
execution of that strategy.

6. Organizational Capability

     Describe recent and relevant past successful performance 
in addressing the needs of small businesses, particularly with respect 
to transportation-related small businesses.
     Describe internal technical, financial management, and 
administrative resources.
     Propose a plan for sufficient matching alternative 
financial resources to fund the general and administrative costs of the 
SBTRC.

[[Page 79077]]

7. Staff Capability and Experience

     List proposed key personnel, their salaries and proposed 
fringe benefit factors.
     Describe the education, qualifications and relevant 
experience of key personnel. Attach detailed resumes.
     Proposed staffing plan. Describe how personnel are to be 
organized for the program and how they will be used to accomplish 
program objectives. Outline staff responsibilities, accountability and 
a schedule for conducting program tasks.

8. Cost Proposal

     Outline the total proposed cost of establishing and 
administering the SBTRC in the applicant's geographical region for a 12 
month period, inclusive of costs funded through alternative matching 
resources. Clearly identify the portion of the costs funded by OSDBU.
     Provide a brief narrative linking the cost proposal to the 
proposed strategy.

9. Proof of Tax Exempt Status

10. Assurances Signature Form

    Complete Standard Form 424B ASSURANCES-NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS 
identified as Attachment 1. SF424B may be downloaded from https://www.grants.gov/techlib/SF424B-V1.1.pdf.

11. Certification Signature Forms

    Complete form DOTF2307-1 DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE ACT CERTIFICATION FOR 
A GRANTEE OTHER THAN AN INDIVIDUAL and Form DOTF2308-1 CERTIFICATION 
REGARDING LOBBYING FOR CONTRACTS, GRANTS, LOANS, AND COOPERATIVE 
AGREEMENTS identified as Attachment 2. The forms may be downloaded from 
https://www.osdbu.dot.gov/financial/docs/Cert Drug-Free DOT F 2307-1.pdf 
and https://www.osdbu.dot.gov/financial/docs/Cert Lobbying DOT F 2308-
1.pdf.

12. Signed Conflict of Interest Statements

    The statements must say that they, or members of their immediate 
families, do not have a personal, business or financial interest in any 
DOT-funded transportation projects, nor any relationships with local or 
state transportation agencies that may have the appearance of a 
conflict of interest.

13. Standard Form 424

    Complete Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance 
identified as Attachment 3. SF424 can be downloaded from https://www.grants.gov/techlib/SF424-V2.0.pdf.
    Please be sure that all forms have been signed by an authorized 
official who can legally represent the organization.

    Issued in Washington, DC on December 10, 2010.
Brandon Neal,
Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, 
Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation.
[FR Doc. 2010-31719 Filed 12-16-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-9X-P
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