Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center for Florida; Availability of Funds, 11413-11417 [2014-04475]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 40 / Friday, February 28, 2014 / Notices exported by SRF, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the date of publication of the final results of this review. We intend to instruct CBP to continue to collect cash deposits for non-reviewed companies at the applicable company-specific countervailing duty rate for the most recent period or all-others rate established in the investigation. These deposit rates, when imposed, shall remain in effect until further notice. Administrative Protective Order This notice also serves as a reminder to parties subject to an administrative protective order (APO) of their responsibility concerning the return or destruction of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3), which continues to govern business proprietary information in this segment of proceeding. Timely written notification of the return/destruction of APO materials or conversion to judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and terms of an APO is a violation which is subject to sanction. These final results are issued and published in accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act. Dated: February 21, 2014. Paul Piquado, Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance. Appendix Comment: The Department Miscalculated The Short-Term Benchmark Interest Rate. [FR Doc. 2014–04436 Filed 2–27–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology [Docket Number: 140218152–4152–01] RIN 0693–ZB07 Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center for Florida; Availability of Funds National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), United States Department of Commerce (DoC). ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: NIST invites applications from eligible applicants for funding one (1) MEP center in the State of Florida. The objective of the MEP center is to provide manufacturing extension services to primarily small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:47 Feb 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 state of Florida. The MEP center will become part of the MEP national system of extension service providers, currently comprised of more than 400 centers and field offices located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. DATES: Electronic applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 14, 2014. Paper applications must be received by NIST by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 14, 2014. Applications received after the respective deadline will not be reviewed or considered. The earliest anticipated start date for awards made under this notice and the corresponding Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcement is expected to be October 1, 2014. ADDRESSES: For applicants without Internet access, the standard application package may be obtained by contacting Diane Henderson, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 4800, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–4800, phone (301) 975–5105. Applicants with Internet access should obtain the standard application package by downloading the application package through Grants.gov. Paper submissions should be sent to: Diane Henderson, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 4800, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–4800. Electronic submissions should be submitted to www.grants.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Administrative, budget, cost-sharing, and eligibility questions and other programmatic questions should be directed to Diane Henderson at Tel: (301) 975–5105; Email: diane.henderson@nist.gov; Fax: (301) 963–6556. Grants Administration questions should be addressed to: Jannet Cancino, Grants and Agreements Management Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1650, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–1650; Tel: (301) 975–6544; Email: jannet.cancino@nist.gov; Fax: (301) 926–6319. For assistance with using Grants.gov contact Christopher Hunton at Tel: (301) 975–5718; Email: christopher.hunton@nist.gov; Fax: (301) 975–8884. All questions and responses will be posted on the MEP Web site, www.nist.gov/mep. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic access: Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the corresponding Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcement available at www.grants.gov for complete information about this PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 11413 program, including all program requirements and instructions for applying by paper or electronically. The FFO may be found by searching under the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number provided below. Authority: 15 U.S.C. 278k, as implemented in 15 CFR part 290. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number: Manufacturing Extension Partnership— 11.611. Webinar Information Session: NIST MEP will hold an information session for organizations that are considering applying to this opportunity. This webinar will provide general information regarding MEP and offer general guidance on preparing proposals. NIST/MEP staff will be available on the webinar to answer general questions. During the webinar, proprietary technical discussions about specific project ideas will not be permitted. Also, NIST/MEP staff will not critique or provide feedback on any project ideas during the webinar or at any time before submission of a proposal to MEP. However, NIST/MEP staff will provide information about the MEP eligibility and cost-sharing requirements, evaluation criteria and selection factors, selection process, and the general characteristics of a competitive MEP proposal during this webinar, and by phone and email. The webinar will be held approximately 14 business days after posting of the FFO and publication in the Federal Register. The exact date and time of the webinar will be posted on the MEP Web site at www.nist.gov/mep. The webinar will be recorded and a link to the recording will be posted on the MEP Web site. In addition, the webinar presentation will be available after the webinar on the MEP Web site. Organizations wishing to participate in the webinar must sign up by contacting Diane Henderson at diane.henderson@nist.gov. Program Description: NIST invites applications from eligible applicants for funding one (1) MEP center to provide manufacturing extension services to primarily small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the state of Florida. The MEP center will become part of the MEP national system of extension service providers, currently comprised of more than 400 centers and field offices located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The objective of an MEP center is to provide manufacturing extension services that enhance productivity, innovative capacity, and technological performance, and strengthen the global competitiveness of primarily small- and E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1 11414 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 40 / Friday, February 28, 2014 / Notices and will be considered as part of the evaluation review under Section V.1(c) of the FFO. All non-Federal cost share contributions require a letter of commitment signed by an authorized official from each source. Any cost sharing must be in accordance with the ‘‘cost sharing or matching’’ provisions of 15 CFR Part 14, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, Other Non-Profit, and Commercial Organizations or 15 CFR part 24, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments, as applicable. As with the Federal share, any proposed costs included as non-Federal cost sharing must be an allowable/ eligible cost under this Program and the following applicable Federal cost principles: (1) Institutions of Higher Education: 2 CFR part 220 (OMB Circular A–21); (2) Nonprofit Organizations: 2 CFR part 230 (OMB Circular A–122); and (3) State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments: 2 CFR part 225 (OMB Circular A–87). As with the Federal share, any proposed non-Federal cost sharing will be made a part of the cooperative agreement award and will be subject to audit if the project receives MEP funding. Eligibility: The eligibility requirements given in this section will be used for this competition only in lieu of those published in the MEP regulations found at 15 CFR part 290, Minimum specifically 15 CFR § 290.5(a)(1). Each Year of center Maximum non-federal award recipient must be a U.S.-based operation NIST share share nonprofit institution or organization. 1–3 .................... 1/2 1/2 For the purpose of this funding 4 ........................ 2/5 3/5 opportunity, nonprofit organizations 5 and beyond .... 1/3 2/3 include universities and state and local governments. An eligible organization Non-Federal cost sharing is that may work individually or include portion of the project costs not borne by proposed subawards or contracts with the Federal Government. The others in a project application, applicant’s share of the MEP center effectively forming a team. Existing MEP expenses may include cash, services, awardees who meet the eligibility and third party in-kind contributions, as criteria set forth in this section may described at 15 CFR § 14.23 or § 24.24, apply. However, as discussed in Section as applicable, and the MEP program III.3.b. of the FFO, NIST will generally rule, 15 CFR § 290.4(c). No more than not fund applications that propose an 50% of the applicant’s total non-Federal organizational or operational structure cost share may be third party in-kind that, in whole or in part, delegates or contributions of part-time personnel, transfers to another person, institution, equipment, software, rental value of or organization the applicant’s centrally located space, and related responsibility for core MEP management contributions, per 15 CFR § 290.4(c)(5). and oversight functions. The source and detailed rationale of the Application Requirements: cost share, including cash, full- and Applications must be submitted in part-time personnel, and in-kind accordance with the requirements set donations, must be documented in the forth in the corresponding FFO budget submitted with the application announcement. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES medium-sized U.S.-based manufacturing firms in its service region. Manufacturing extension services are provided by utilizing the most cost effective, local, leveraged resources for those services through the coordinated efforts of a regionally-based MEP center and local technology resources. The management and operational structure of an MEP center is not prescribed, but should be based upon the characteristics of the manufacturers in the region and locally available resources with demonstrated experience working with manufacturers. It is not the intent of this program that the centers perform research and development. Information regarding MEP and these centers is available at www.nist.gov/ mep. Funding Availability: NIST anticipates funding one (1) application at the level of approximately $3,500,000 for an initial award for an MEP Center in the state of Florida. The project awarded under the FFO will have a budget and performance period of one (1) year. The award may be renewed on an annual basis in accordance with 15 CFR § 290.4. NIST may provide annual renewal funding at a higher or lower level in the future based on availability of funds. Cost Share Requirements: NonFederal cost sharing of at least 50 percent of the total project costs is required for the first year of operation. Any renewal funding of an award will require non-Federal cost sharing as follows: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:47 Feb 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Application/Review Information: The evaluation criteria, selection factors, and review and selection process provided in this section will be used for this competition only in lieu of those provided in the MEP regulations found at 15 CFR part 290, specifically 15 CFR §§ 290.6 and 290.7. The evaluation criteria that will be used in evaluating applications and assigned weights, with a maximum score of 100, are listed below. a. Project Narrative. (60 points; Subcriteria i–iii will be weighted equally) The extent to which the applicant’s proposal demonstrates how the applicant will efficiently and effectively establish an MEP center to provide manufacturing extension services to primarily small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the state of Florida will be evaluated. Reviewers will consider the following topics when evaluating the Project Narrative: i. Market Understanding. Reviewers will assess the strategy proposed for the Center to define the target market, understand the needs of manufacturers, with an emphasis on the small- and medium-sized manufacturers, and determine appropriate services to meet identified needs. The following subtopics will be evaluated: (1) Geographic Scope and Targeting. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the applicant • delineates target service regions and manufacturers; • makes use of appropriate quantitative and qualitative data sources and market intelligence to support proposed strategies and approaches to defining and segmenting the market; and • aligns priority industries and regions with other state and regional priorities and investments. (2) Needs Identification and Service Offerings. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the applicant’s proposed Center • serves the region’s manufacturing base, industry types, and technology requirements; • meets existing and emerging needs of manufacturers in the service region; • makes use of multiple sources of qualitative and quantitative information to determine manufacturers’ needs and how to address them; • makes use of resources, tools and services appropriate for the targeted small- and medium-sized manufacturers to meet identified needs of the region; and • incorporates a range of complementary service providers and partners to deliver broad expertise and E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 40 / Friday, February 28, 2014 / Notices maximum value to manufacturing clients. ii. Center Strategy. Reviewers will assess the strategy proposed for the Center to deliver services that meet manufacturers’ needs and generate impact. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the proposed Center: • Incorporates the market analysis described in criterion (i) above to inform strategies, products and services; • defines a strategy for delivering services that balances market penetration with impact and revenue generation, addressing the needs of manufacturers, with an emphasis on the small- and medium-sized manufacturers; • defines a state or regional ecosystem in which the Center will operate, including universities, community colleges, technology-based economic developers, and others; and • supports achievements of the MEP mission and objectives while also satisfying the interests of other stakeholders, investors, and partners. iii. Business Model. Reviewers will assess the proposed business model of the Center and its ability to execute the strategy proposed in criterion (ii) based on the market understanding described in Section V.1.a.i. above. The following sub-topics will be evaluated: (1) Approach to the Market. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the proposed Center: • Reaches area manufacturers; • enables the use of delivery methods (direct delivery, third party, account management); and • facilitates the engagement of manufacturers’ leadership in strategic discussions related to new technologies, new products, and new markets. (2) Products and Services. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the proposed Center: • Engages expertise both from within the Center and from other sub-recipients and partners to make available a wide range of experts and services to manufacturers; • delivers services to small- and medium-sized manufacturers to encourage adoption of new technologies, developing new products, and selling products in new markets; • balances delivering process improvement services with services that will transform and grow manufacturers; and • delivers advanced manufacturing technology to small- and medium-sized manufacturers and mechanisms for accelerating the adoption of technologies for both process improvement and new product adoption. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:47 Feb 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 (3) Partnership Leverage and Linkages. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the proposed Center: • Establishes a sustainable business model, incorporating investment from NIST, other public investors (federal, state, and local), small- and mediumsized manufacturing clients, and other sources; and • makes use of effective resources or partnerships with third parties such as industry, universities, nonprofit economic organizations, and state governments likely to amplify the Center’s capabilities for delivering growth services. b. Qualifications of the Applicant and Program Management (20 points; Subcriteria i and ii will be weighted equally). Reviewers will assess the ability of the key personnel and the management structure proposed to deliver the program and services envisioned for the Center. Reviewers will consider the following topics when evaluating the Qualifications of the Applicant and Program Management i. Key Personnel and Organizational Structure. Reviewers will assess the extent to which: • Proposed key personnel have the appropriate experience and education in manufacturing, outreach and partnership development to support achievements of the MEP mission and objectives; • proposed key personnel have the appropriate experience and education to plan, direct, monitor, organize and control the monetary resources of the proposed Center to achieve its business objectives and maximize its value; • the proposed management structure (leadership and governance) is aligned to support the execution of the strategy, products and services; • the proposed staffing plan flows logically from the specified approach to the market and products and service offerings. • the organizational roles and responsibilities of key personnel and staff are clearly delineated; • the proposed field staff structure sufficiently supports the geographic concentrations and industry targets for the region; and • a workable governance structure is delineated, including an oversight Board with a membership representing small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the region. ii. Program Management. Reviewers will assess the extent to which: • The proposed methodology of program management and internal evaluation is likely to ensure effective operations and oversight and meet program and service delivery objectives; PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 11415 • the proposed evaluation plan is aligned to support the execution of the proposed Center’s strategy and business model; and • the proposed approach aligns effectively with the proposed key personnel, staff and organizational structure. c. Budget Narrative and Financial Plan. (20 points; Sub-criteria i and ii will be weighted equally) Reviewers will assess the suitability and focus of the applicant’s detailed one-year budget. The application will be assessed in the following areas: i. Plans for Financial Cost Share. Reviewers will assess the extent to which: • The applicant’s funding commitments for cost share are identified and demonstrate stability and duration; and • the applicant clearly describes the total level of cost share and detailed rationale of the cost share, including cash and in-kind, within the proposed budget. ii. Financial Viability. Reviewers will assess the extent to which: • The proposed projections for income and expenditures are appropriate for the scale of services that are to be delivered by the proposed Center and the service delivery model envisioned; • the proposal’s narrative of each of the budgeted items explains the rationale for each of the budgeted items, including assumptions the applicant used in budgeting for the Center; • the overall financial plan is sufficiently robust and diversified so as to support the long term sustainability of the Center; and • the proposed financial plan is aligned to support the execution of the proposed Center’s strategy and business model. Selection Factors. The Selecting Official shall select applications for award based upon the rank order of the applications, and may select an application out of rank based on one or more of the following selection factors: a. The availability of Federal funds. b. Relevance of the proposed project to MEP program goals and policy objectives. c. Reviewers’ evaluations, including technical comments. d. The need to assure appropriate distribution within Florida and the surrounding region. e. Whether the project duplicates other projects funded by DoC or by other Federal agencies. Review and Selection Process: (1) Initial Administrative Review of Applications. An initial review of E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 11416 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 40 / Friday, February 28, 2014 / Notices timely received applications will be conducted to determine eligibility, completeness, and responsiveness to this notice and the corresponding FFO and the scope of the stated program objectives. Applications determined to be ineligible, incomplete, and/or nonresponsive may be eliminated from further review. However, NIST, in its sole discretion, may continue the review process for an application that is missing non-substantive information that can easily be rectified or cured. (2) Full Review of Eligible, Complete, and Responsive Applications. Applications that are determined to be eligible, complete, and responsive will proceed for full reviews in accordance with the review and selection processes below: (3) Evaluation and Review. Each application will be reviewed by at least three technically qualified reviewers, who will evaluate each application based on the evaluation criteria (see Section V.1. of the FFO). Each reviewer will assign each application a numeric score for each application. If a nonFederal employee reviewer is used, the reviewers may discuss the applications with each other, but scores will be determined on an individual basis, not as a consensus. Reviewers will assign each application a score, based on the application’s responsiveness to the criteria above, with a maximum score of 100. Applicants whose applications receive an average score of 70 or higher out of 100 will be deemed finalists. Finalists may receive written followup questions in order for the reviewers to gain a better understanding of the applicant’s proposal. Once the reviewers have completed their review of the applicant’s responses, a conference call or site visit may be deemed necessary. If deemed necessary, either all finalists will participate oneon-one with reviewers in a conference call or all finalists will receive site visits that will be conducted by the reviewers referenced in the preceding paragraph. Finalists will be reviewed and evaluated, and reviewers may revise their assigned numeric scores based on the evaluation criteria (see Section V.1. of the FFO) as a result of the conference call or site visit. (4) Ranking and Selection. Based on the reviewers’ final numeric scores, a rank order will be prepared and provided to the Selecting Official for further consideration. The Selecting Official, who is the Director of the NIST MEP Program, will then select funding recipients based upon the rank order and the selection factors (see Section V.2. of the FFO). VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:47 Feb 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 NIST reserves the right to negotiate the budget costs with any applicant selected to receive an award, which may include requesting that the applicant remove certain costs. Additionally, NIST may request that the successful applicant modify objectives or work plans and provide supplemental information required by the agency prior to award. NIST also reserves the right to reject an application where information is uncovered that raises a reasonable doubt as to the responsibility of the applicant. NIST may select part, some, all, or none of the applications. The final approval of selected applications and issuance of awards will be by the NIST Grants Officer. The award decisions of the NIST Grants Officer are final. Anticipated Announcement and Award Date. Review, selection, and award processing is expected to be completed in September 2014. The earliest anticipated start date for awards made under this notice and the corresponding FFO is expected to be October 1, 2014. Additional Information a. Application Replacement Pages. Applicants may not submit replacement pages and/or missing documents once an application has been submitted. Any revisions must be made by submission of a new application that must be received by NIST by the submission deadline. b. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing. c. Retention of Unsuccessful Applications. For paper applications, one (1) of each non-selected application will be retained for three (3) years for record keeping purposes and the other two (2) copies will be destroyed. After three (3) years, the remaining copy will be destroyed. For electronic applications, an electronic copy of each non-selected application will be retained for three (3) years for record keeping purposes. After three (3) years, it will be destroyed. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. The Department of Commerce PreAward Notification Requirements: The DoC Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements, which are contained in the Federal Register notice of December 17, 2012 (77 FR 74634), are applicable to this notice and the corresponding FFO and are available at https://www.osec.doc.gov/oam/grants_ management/policy/documents/ Department%20of%20Commerce%20 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Financial%20Assistance%20 Pre%20Award%20Notice%20-%20 77%20FR%2074634.pdf Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN), Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), and System for Award Management (SAM): All applicants for Federal financial assistance are required to obtain a universal identifier in the form of DUNS number and maintain a current registration in the Federal government’s primary registrant database, SAM. On the form SF–424 items 8.b. and 8.c., the applicant’s 9digit EIN/TIN and 9-digit DUNS number must be consistent with the information in SAM (https://www.sam.gov/) and the Automated Standard Application for Payment System (ASAP). For complex organizations with multiple EINs/TINs and DUNS numbers, the EIN/TIN and DUNS numbers MUST be the numbers for the applying organization. Organizations that provide incorrect/ inconsistent EIN/TIN and DUNS numbers may experience significant delays in receiving funds if their application is selected for funding. Confirm that the EIN/TIN and DUNS number are consistent with the information on the SAM and ASAP. Please note that a federal assistance award cannot be issued if the designated recipient’s registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is not current at the time of the award. Per 2 CFR part 25, each applicant must: 1. Be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) before submitting an application, noting the CCR now resides in SAM; 2. Maintain an active CCR registration, noting the CCR now resides in SAM, with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by an agency; and 3. Provide its DUNS number in each application or application it submits to the agency. The applicant can obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet. A DUNS number can be created within one business day. The CCR or SAM registration process may take five or more business days to complete. If you are currently registered with the CCR, you may not need to make any changes. However, please make certain that the EIN/TIN associated with your DUNS number is correct. Also note that you will need to update your CCR registration annually. This may take three or more business days to complete. Information about SAM is available at www.sam.gov. See also 2 CFR part 25 and the Federal Register E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 40 / Friday, February 28, 2014 / Notices notice published on September 14, 2010, at 75 FR 55671. See also 2 CFR part 25 and the Federal Register notice published on September 14, 2010, at 75 FR 55671. Paperwork Reduction Act: The standard forms in the application kit involve a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, SF–LLL, and CD–346 have been approved by OMB under the respective Control Numbers 0348–0043, 0348– 0044, 0348–0040, 0348–0046, and 0605– 0001. MEP program-specific application requirements have been approved by OMB under Control Number 0693–0056. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. DoC Representation by Corporations Regarding an Unpaid Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction Under Any Federal Law. In accordance with the Federal appropriations law expected to be in effect at the time of project funding, NIST anticipates that the selected applicants will be provided a form and asked to make a representation regarding any unpaid delinquent tax liability or felony conviction under any Federal law. Funding Availability and Limitation of Liability: Funding for the program listed in this notice and the corresponding FFO is contingent upon the availability of appropriations. In no event will NIST or DoC be responsible for application preparation costs if this program fails to receive funding or is cancelled because of agency priorities. Publication of this notice and the corresponding FFO does not oblige NIST or DoC to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. Executive Order 12866: This funding notice was determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism): It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies with federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132. Executive Order 12372: Proposals under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.’’ Administrative Procedure Act/ Regulatory Flexibility Act: Notice and comment are not required under the VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:47 Feb 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) or any other law, for matters relating to public property, loans, grants, benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553 (a)). Moreover, because notice and comment are not required under 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, for matters relating to public property, loans, grants, benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)), a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required and has not been prepared for this notice, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. Dated: February 24, 2014. Phillip Singerman, Associate Director for Innovation & Industry Services. [FR Doc. 2014–04475 Filed 2–27–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–13–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology Smart Grid Advisory Committee Meeting National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. AGENCY: The Smart Grid Advisory Committee (SGAC or Committee), will meet in open session on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time and Wednesday, March 19, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern time. The primary purposes of this meeting are to discuss the updated NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, updated Guidelines for Smart Grid Cyber Security (NISTIR 7628), NIST Smart Grid Testbed activities, and interactions between Cyber-Physical Systems and Smart Grid. The agenda may change to accommodate Committee business. The final agenda will be posted on the Smart Grid Web site at https://www.nist.gov/ smartgrid. SUMMARY: The SGAC will meet on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time and Wednesday, March 19, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern time. The meeting will be open to the public. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the Portrait Room, Administration Building, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899. Please note admittance instructions under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 11417 Mr. Cuong Nguyen, Smart Grid and CyberPhysical Systems Program Office, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8200, Gaithersburg, MD 20899– 8200; telephone 301–975–2254, fax 301–948–5668; or via email at cuong.nguyen@nist.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee was established in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. The Committee is composed of nine to fifteen members, appointed by the Director of NIST, who were selected on the basis of established records of distinguished professional service in their professional community and knowledge of issues affecting Smart Grid deployment and operations. The Committee advises the Director of NIST on carrying out duties authorized by section 1305 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110–140). The Committee provides input to NIST on Smart Grid standards, priorities, and gaps, on the overall direction, status, and health of the Smart Grid implementation by the Smart Grid industry, and on Smart Grid Interoperability Panel activities, including the direction of research and standards activities. Background information on the Committee is available at https://www.nist.gov/ smartgrid/committee.cfm. Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App., notice is hereby given that the Smart Grid Advisory Committee (SGAC or Committee) will meet in open session on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time and Wednesday, March 19, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern time. The meeting will be open to the public and held in the Portrait Room, in the Administration Building at NIST in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The primary purposes of this meeting are to discuss the updated NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, updated Guidelines for Smart Grid Cyber Security (NISTIR 7628), NIST Smart Grid Testbed activities, and interaction between Cyber-Physical System and Smart Grid. The agenda may change to accommodate Committee business. The final agenda will be posted on the Smart Grid Web site at https://www.nist.gov/ smartgrid. Individuals and representatives of organizations who would like to offer comments and suggestions related to the Committee’s affairs are invited to request a place on the agenda by FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 40 (Friday, February 28, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11413-11417]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-04475]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology

[Docket Number: 140218152-4152-01]
RIN 0693-ZB07


Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center for Florida; 
Availability of Funds

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), United 
States Department of Commerce (DoC).

ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability.

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SUMMARY: NIST invites applications from eligible applicants for funding 
one (1) MEP center in the State of Florida. The objective of the MEP 
center is to provide manufacturing extension services to primarily 
small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the state of Florida. The MEP 
center will become part of the MEP national system of extension service 
providers, currently comprised of more than 400 centers and field 
offices located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

DATES: Electronic applications must be received no later than 11:59 
p.m. Eastern Time on May 14, 2014. Paper applications must be received 
by NIST by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 14, 2014. Applications 
received after the respective deadline will not be reviewed or 
considered. The earliest anticipated start date for awards made under 
this notice and the corresponding Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) 
announcement is expected to be October 1, 2014.

ADDRESSES: For applicants without Internet access, the standard 
application package may be obtained by contacting Diane Henderson, 
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Manufacturing Extension 
Partnership, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 4800, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4800, 
phone (301) 975-5105. Applicants with Internet access should obtain the 
standard application package by downloading the application package 
through Grants.gov. Paper submissions should be sent to: Diane 
Henderson, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
Manufacturing Extension Partnership, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 4800, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4800. Electronic submissions should be submitted 
to www.grants.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Administrative, budget, cost-sharing, 
and eligibility questions and other programmatic questions should be 
directed to Diane Henderson at Tel: (301) 975-5105; Email: 
diane.henderson@nist.gov; Fax: (301) 963-6556. Grants Administration 
questions should be addressed to: Jannet Cancino, Grants and Agreements 
Management Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1650, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1650; Tel: (301) 
975-6544; Email: jannet.cancino@nist.gov; Fax: (301) 926-6319. For 
assistance with using Grants.gov contact Christopher Hunton at Tel: 
(301) 975-5718; Email: christopher.hunton@nist.gov; Fax: (301) 975-
8884. All questions and responses will be posted on the MEP Web site, 
www.nist.gov/mep.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Electronic access: Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the 
corresponding Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcement available 
at www.grants.gov for complete information about this program, 
including all program requirements and instructions for applying by 
paper or electronically. The FFO may be found by searching under the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number provided below.
    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 278k, as implemented in 15 CFR part 290.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number: 
Manufacturing Extension Partnership--11.611.
    Webinar Information Session: NIST MEP will hold an information 
session for organizations that are considering applying to this 
opportunity. This webinar will provide general information regarding 
MEP and offer general guidance on preparing proposals. NIST/MEP staff 
will be available on the webinar to answer general questions. During 
the webinar, proprietary technical discussions about specific project 
ideas will not be permitted. Also, NIST/MEP staff will not critique or 
provide feedback on any project ideas during the webinar or at any time 
before submission of a proposal to MEP. However, NIST/MEP staff will 
provide information about the MEP eligibility and cost-sharing 
requirements, evaluation criteria and selection factors, selection 
process, and the general characteristics of a competitive MEP proposal 
during this webinar, and by phone and email. The webinar will be held 
approximately 14 business days after posting of the FFO and publication 
in the Federal Register. The exact date and time of the webinar will be 
posted on the MEP Web site at www.nist.gov/mep. The webinar will be 
recorded and a link to the recording will be posted on the MEP Web 
site. In addition, the webinar presentation will be available after the 
webinar on the MEP Web site. Organizations wishing to participate in 
the webinar must sign up by contacting Diane Henderson at 
diane.henderson@nist.gov.
    Program Description: NIST invites applications from eligible 
applicants for funding one (1) MEP center to provide manufacturing 
extension services to primarily small- and medium-sized manufacturers 
in the state of Florida. The MEP center will become part of the MEP 
national system of extension service providers, currently comprised of 
more than 400 centers and field offices located throughout the United 
States and Puerto Rico.
    The objective of an MEP center is to provide manufacturing 
extension services that enhance productivity, innovative capacity, and 
technological performance, and strengthen the global competitiveness of 
primarily small- and

[[Page 11414]]

medium-sized U.S.-based manufacturing firms in its service region. 
Manufacturing extension services are provided by utilizing the most 
cost effective, local, leveraged resources for those services through 
the coordinated efforts of a regionally-based MEP center and local 
technology resources. The management and operational structure of an 
MEP center is not prescribed, but should be based upon the 
characteristics of the manufacturers in the region and locally 
available resources with demonstrated experience working with 
manufacturers.
    It is not the intent of this program that the centers perform 
research and development.
    Information regarding MEP and these centers is available at 
www.nist.gov/mep.
    Funding Availability: NIST anticipates funding one (1) application 
at the level of approximately $3,500,000 for an initial award for an 
MEP Center in the state of Florida. The project awarded under the FFO 
will have a budget and performance period of one (1) year. The award 
may be renewed on an annual basis in accordance with 15 CFR Sec.  
290.4. NIST may provide annual renewal funding at a higher or lower 
level in the future based on availability of funds.
    Cost Share Requirements: Non-Federal cost sharing of at least 50 
percent of the total project costs is required for the first year of 
operation. Any renewal funding of an award will require non-Federal 
cost sharing as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Minimum non-
           Year of center operation               Maximum      federal
                                                 NIST share     share
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-3...........................................          1/2          1/2
4.............................................          2/5          3/5
5 and beyond..................................          1/3          2/3
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Non-Federal cost sharing is that portion of the project costs not 
borne by the Federal Government. The applicant's share of the MEP 
center expenses may include cash, services, and third party in-kind 
contributions, as described at 15 CFR Sec.  14.23 or Sec.  24.24, as 
applicable, and the MEP program rule, 15 CFR Sec.  290.4(c). No more 
than 50% of the applicant's total non-Federal cost share may be third 
party in-kind contributions of part-time personnel, equipment, 
software, rental value of centrally located space, and related 
contributions, per 15 CFR Sec.  290.4(c)(5). The source and detailed 
rationale of the cost share, including cash, full- and part-time 
personnel, and in-kind donations, must be documented in the budget 
submitted with the application and will be considered as part of the 
evaluation review under Section V.1(c) of the FFO.
    All non-Federal cost share contributions require a letter of 
commitment signed by an authorized official from each source.
    Any cost sharing must be in accordance with the ``cost sharing or 
matching'' provisions of 15 CFR Part 14, Uniform Administrative 
Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements with Institutions of 
Higher Education, Hospitals, Other Non-Profit, and Commercial 
Organizations or 15 CFR part 24, Uniform Administrative Requirements 
for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments, 
as applicable.
    As with the Federal share, any proposed costs included as non-
Federal cost sharing must be an allowable/eligible cost under this 
Program and the following applicable Federal cost principles: (1) 
Institutions of Higher Education: 2 CFR part 220 (OMB Circular A-21); 
(2) Nonprofit Organizations: 2 CFR part 230 (OMB Circular A-122); and 
(3) State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments: 2 CFR part 225 (OMB 
Circular A-87).
    As with the Federal share, any proposed non-Federal cost sharing 
will be made a part of the cooperative agreement award and will be 
subject to audit if the project receives MEP funding.
    Eligibility: The eligibility requirements given in this section 
will be used for this competition only in lieu of those published in 
the MEP regulations found at 15 CFR part 290, specifically 15 CFR Sec.  
290.5(a)(1). Each award recipient must be a U.S.-based nonprofit 
institution or organization. For the purpose of this funding 
opportunity, nonprofit organizations include universities and state and 
local governments. An eligible organization may work individually or 
include proposed subawards or contracts with others in a project 
application, effectively forming a team. Existing MEP awardees who meet 
the eligibility criteria set forth in this section may apply. However, 
as discussed in Section III.3.b. of the FFO, NIST will generally not 
fund applications that propose an organizational or operational 
structure that, in whole or in part, delegates or transfers to another 
person, institution, or organization the applicant's responsibility for 
core MEP management and oversight functions.
    Application Requirements: Applications must be submitted in 
accordance with the requirements set forth in the corresponding FFO 
announcement.
    Application/Review Information: The evaluation criteria, selection 
factors, and review and selection process provided in this section will 
be used for this competition only in lieu of those provided in the MEP 
regulations found at 15 CFR part 290, specifically 15 CFR Sec. Sec.  
290.6 and 290.7.
    The evaluation criteria that will be used in evaluating 
applications and assigned weights, with a maximum score of 100, are 
listed below.
    a. Project Narrative. (60 points; Sub-criteria i-iii will be 
weighted equally) The extent to which the applicant's proposal 
demonstrates how the applicant will efficiently and effectively 
establish an MEP center to provide manufacturing extension services to 
primarily small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the state of Florida 
will be evaluated. Reviewers will consider the following topics when 
evaluating the Project Narrative:
    i. Market Understanding. Reviewers will assess the strategy 
proposed for the Center to define the target market, understand the 
needs of manufacturers, with an emphasis on the small- and medium-sized 
manufacturers, and determine appropriate services to meet identified 
needs. The following sub-topics will be evaluated:
    (1) Geographic Scope and Targeting. Reviewers will assess the 
extent to which the applicant
     delineates target service regions and manufacturers;
     makes use of appropriate quantitative and qualitative data 
sources and market intelligence to support proposed strategies and 
approaches to defining and segmenting the market; and
     aligns priority industries and regions with other state 
and regional priorities and investments.
    (2) Needs Identification and Service Offerings. Reviewers will 
assess the extent to which the applicant's proposed Center
     serves the region's manufacturing base, industry types, 
and technology requirements;
     meets existing and emerging needs of manufacturers in the 
service region;
     makes use of multiple sources of qualitative and 
quantitative information to determine manufacturers' needs and how to 
address them;
     makes use of resources, tools and services appropriate for 
the targeted small- and medium-sized manufacturers to meet identified 
needs of the region; and
     incorporates a range of complementary service providers 
and partners to deliver broad expertise and

[[Page 11415]]

maximum value to manufacturing clients.
    ii. Center Strategy. Reviewers will assess the strategy proposed 
for the Center to deliver services that meet manufacturers' needs and 
generate impact. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the proposed 
Center:
     Incorporates the market analysis described in criterion 
(i) above to inform strategies, products and services;
     defines a strategy for delivering services that balances 
market penetration with impact and revenue generation, addressing the 
needs of manufacturers, with an emphasis on the small- and medium-sized 
manufacturers;
     defines a state or regional ecosystem in which the Center 
will operate, including universities, community colleges, technology-
based economic developers, and others; and
     supports achievements of the MEP mission and objectives 
while also satisfying the interests of other stakeholders, investors, 
and partners.
    iii. Business Model. Reviewers will assess the proposed business 
model of the Center and its ability to execute the strategy proposed in 
criterion (ii) based on the market understanding described in Section 
V.1.a.i. above. The following sub-topics will be evaluated:
    (1) Approach to the Market. Reviewers will assess the extent to 
which the proposed Center:
     Reaches area manufacturers;
     enables the use of delivery methods (direct delivery, 
third party, account management); and
     facilitates the engagement of manufacturers' leadership in 
strategic discussions related to new technologies, new products, and 
new markets.
    (2) Products and Services. Reviewers will assess the extent to 
which the proposed Center:
     Engages expertise both from within the Center and from 
other sub-recipients and partners to make available a wide range of 
experts and services to manufacturers;
     delivers services to small- and medium-sized manufacturers 
to encourage adoption of new technologies, developing new products, and 
selling products in new markets;
     balances delivering process improvement services with 
services that will transform and grow manufacturers; and
     delivers advanced manufacturing technology to small- and 
medium-sized manufacturers and mechanisms for accelerating the adoption 
of technologies for both process improvement and new product adoption.
    (3) Partnership Leverage and Linkages. Reviewers will assess the 
extent to which the proposed Center:
     Establishes a sustainable business model, incorporating 
investment from NIST, other public investors (federal, state, and 
local), small- and medium-sized manufacturing clients, and other 
sources; and
     makes use of effective resources or partnerships with 
third parties such as industry, universities, nonprofit economic 
organizations, and state governments likely to amplify the Center's 
capabilities for delivering growth services.
    b. Qualifications of the Applicant and Program Management (20 
points; Sub-criteria i and ii will be weighted equally). Reviewers will 
assess the ability of the key personnel and the management structure 
proposed to deliver the program and services envisioned for the Center. 
Reviewers will consider the following topics when evaluating the 
Qualifications of the Applicant and Program Management
    i. Key Personnel and Organizational Structure. Reviewers will 
assess the extent to which:
     Proposed key personnel have the appropriate experience and 
education in manufacturing, outreach and partnership development to 
support achievements of the MEP mission and objectives;
     proposed key personnel have the appropriate experience and 
education to plan, direct, monitor, organize and control the monetary 
resources of the proposed Center to achieve its business objectives and 
maximize its value;
     the proposed management structure (leadership and 
governance) is aligned to support the execution of the strategy, 
products and services;
     the proposed staffing plan flows logically from the 
specified approach to the market and products and service offerings.
     the organizational roles and responsibilities of key 
personnel and staff are clearly delineated;
     the proposed field staff structure sufficiently supports 
the geographic concentrations and industry targets for the region; and
     a workable governance structure is delineated, including 
an oversight Board with a membership representing small- and medium-
sized manufacturers in the region.
    ii. Program Management. Reviewers will assess the extent to which:
     The proposed methodology of program management and 
internal evaluation is likely to ensure effective operations and 
oversight and meet program and service delivery objectives;
     the proposed evaluation plan is aligned to support the 
execution of the proposed Center's strategy and business model; and
     the proposed approach aligns effectively with the proposed 
key personnel, staff and organizational structure.
    c. Budget Narrative and Financial Plan. (20 points; Sub-criteria i 
and ii will be weighted equally) Reviewers will assess the suitability 
and focus of the applicant's detailed one-year budget. The application 
will be assessed in the following areas:
    i. Plans for Financial Cost Share. Reviewers will assess the extent 
to which:
     The applicant's funding commitments for cost share are 
identified and demonstrate stability and duration; and
     the applicant clearly describes the total level of cost 
share and detailed rationale of the cost share, including cash and in-
kind, within the proposed budget.
    ii. Financial Viability. Reviewers will assess the extent to which:
     The proposed projections for income and expenditures are 
appropriate for the scale of services that are to be delivered by the 
proposed Center and the service delivery model envisioned;
     the proposal's narrative of each of the budgeted items 
explains the rationale for each of the budgeted items, including 
assumptions the applicant used in budgeting for the Center;
     the overall financial plan is sufficiently robust and 
diversified so as to support the long term sustainability of the 
Center; and
     the proposed financial plan is aligned to support the 
execution of the proposed Center's strategy and business model.
    Selection Factors. The Selecting Official shall select applications 
for award based upon the rank order of the applications, and may select 
an application out of rank based on one or more of the following 
selection factors:
    a. The availability of Federal funds.
    b. Relevance of the proposed project to MEP program goals and 
policy objectives.
    c. Reviewers' evaluations, including technical comments.
    d. The need to assure appropriate distribution within Florida and 
the surrounding region.
    e. Whether the project duplicates other projects funded by DoC or 
by other Federal agencies.
    Review and Selection Process:
    (1) Initial Administrative Review of Applications. An initial 
review of

[[Page 11416]]

timely received applications will be conducted to determine 
eligibility, completeness, and responsiveness to this notice and the 
corresponding FFO and the scope of the stated program objectives. 
Applications determined to be ineligible, incomplete, and/or non-
responsive may be eliminated from further review. However, NIST, in its 
sole discretion, may continue the review process for an application 
that is missing non-substantive information that can easily be 
rectified or cured.
    (2) Full Review of Eligible, Complete, and Responsive Applications. 
Applications that are determined to be eligible, complete, and 
responsive will proceed for full reviews in accordance with the review 
and selection processes below:
    (3) Evaluation and Review. Each application will be reviewed by at 
least three technically qualified reviewers, who will evaluate each 
application based on the evaluation criteria (see Section V.1. of the 
FFO). Each reviewer will assign each application a numeric score for 
each application. If a non-Federal employee reviewer is used, the 
reviewers may discuss the applications with each other, but scores will 
be determined on an individual basis, not as a consensus. Reviewers 
will assign each application a score, based on the application's 
responsiveness to the criteria above, with a maximum score of 100. 
Applicants whose applications receive an average score of 70 or higher 
out of 100 will be deemed finalists.
    Finalists may receive written follow-up questions in order for the 
reviewers to gain a better understanding of the applicant's proposal. 
Once the reviewers have completed their review of the applicant's 
responses, a conference call or site visit may be deemed necessary. If 
deemed necessary, either all finalists will participate one-on-one with 
reviewers in a conference call or all finalists will receive site 
visits that will be conducted by the reviewers referenced in the 
preceding paragraph. Finalists will be reviewed and evaluated, and 
reviewers may revise their assigned numeric scores based on the 
evaluation criteria (see Section V.1. of the FFO) as a result of the 
conference call or site visit.
    (4) Ranking and Selection. Based on the reviewers' final numeric 
scores, a rank order will be prepared and provided to the Selecting 
Official for further consideration. The Selecting Official, who is the 
Director of the NIST MEP Program, will then select funding recipients 
based upon the rank order and the selection factors (see Section V.2. 
of the FFO).
    NIST reserves the right to negotiate the budget costs with any 
applicant selected to receive an award, which may include requesting 
that the applicant remove certain costs. Additionally, NIST may request 
that the successful applicant modify objectives or work plans and 
provide supplemental information required by the agency prior to award. 
NIST also reserves the right to reject an application where information 
is uncovered that raises a reasonable doubt as to the responsibility of 
the applicant. NIST may select part, some, all, or none of the 
applications. The final approval of selected applications and issuance 
of awards will be by the NIST Grants Officer. The award decisions of 
the NIST Grants Officer are final.
    Anticipated Announcement and Award Date. Review, selection, and 
award processing is expected to be completed in September 2014. The 
earliest anticipated start date for awards made under this notice and 
the corresponding FFO is expected to be October 1, 2014.

Additional Information

    a. Application Replacement Pages. Applicants may not submit 
replacement pages and/or missing documents once an application has been 
submitted. Any revisions must be made by submission of a new 
application that must be received by NIST by the submission deadline.
    b. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants. Unsuccessful applicants 
will be notified in writing.
    c. Retention of Unsuccessful Applications. For paper applications, 
one (1) of each non-selected application will be retained for three (3) 
years for record keeping purposes and the other two (2) copies will be 
destroyed. After three (3) years, the remaining copy will be destroyed. 
For electronic applications, an electronic copy of each non-selected 
application will be retained for three (3) years for record keeping 
purposes. After three (3) years, it will be destroyed.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

    The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements: The 
DoC Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements, which are contained in the Federal Register notice of 
December 17, 2012 (77 FR 74634), are applicable to this notice and the 
corresponding FFO and are available at https://www.osec.doc.gov/oam/grants_management/policy/documents/Department%20of%20Commerce%20Financial%20Assistance%20Pre%20Award%20Notice%20-%2077%20FR%2074634.pdf
    Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN), Dun and 
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), and System for Award 
Management (SAM): All applicants for Federal financial assistance are 
required to obtain a universal identifier in the form of DUNS number 
and maintain a current registration in the Federal government's primary 
registrant database, SAM. On the form SF-424 items 8.b. and 8.c., the 
applicant's 9-digit EIN/TIN and 9-digit DUNS number must be consistent 
with the information in SAM (https://www.sam.gov/) and the Automated 
Standard Application for Payment System (ASAP). For complex 
organizations with multiple EINs/TINs and DUNS numbers, the EIN/TIN and 
DUNS numbers MUST be the numbers for the applying organization. 
Organizations that provide incorrect/inconsistent EIN/TIN and DUNS 
numbers may experience significant delays in receiving funds if their 
application is selected for funding. Confirm that the EIN/TIN and DUNS 
number are consistent with the information on the SAM and ASAP. Please 
note that a federal assistance award cannot be issued if the designated 
recipient's registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) 
is not current at the time of the award.
    Per 2 CFR part 25, each applicant must:
    1. Be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) 
before submitting an application, noting the CCR now resides in SAM;
    2. Maintain an active CCR registration, noting the CCR now resides 
in SAM, with current information at all times during which it has an 
active Federal award or an application under consideration by an 
agency; and
    3. Provide its DUNS number in each application or application it 
submits to the agency.
    The applicant can obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet. A 
DUNS number can be created within one business day. The CCR or SAM 
registration process may take five or more business days to complete. 
If you are currently registered with the CCR, you may not need to make 
any changes. However, please make certain that the EIN/TIN associated 
with your DUNS number is correct. Also note that you will need to 
update your CCR registration annually. This may take three or more 
business days to complete. Information about SAM is available at 
www.sam.gov. See also 2 CFR part 25 and the Federal Register

[[Page 11417]]

notice published on September 14, 2010, at 75 FR 55671.
    See also 2 CFR part 25 and the Federal Register notice published on 
September 14, 2010, at 75 FR 55671.
    Paperwork Reduction Act: The standard forms in the application kit 
involve a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction 
Act. The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 have 
been approved by OMB under the respective Control Numbers 0348-0043, 
0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-0001. MEP program-specific 
application requirements have been approved by OMB under Control Number 
0693-0056.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.
    DoC Representation by Corporations Regarding an Unpaid Delinquent 
Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction Under Any Federal Law. In 
accordance with the Federal appropriations law expected to be in effect 
at the time of project funding, NIST anticipates that the selected 
applicants will be provided a form and asked to make a representation 
regarding any unpaid delinquent tax liability or felony conviction 
under any Federal law.
    Funding Availability and Limitation of Liability: Funding for the 
program listed in this notice and the corresponding FFO is contingent 
upon the availability of appropriations. In no event will NIST or DoC 
be responsible for application preparation costs if this program fails 
to receive funding or is cancelled because of agency priorities. 
Publication of this notice and the corresponding FFO does not oblige 
NIST or DoC to award any specific project or to obligate any available 
funds.
    Executive Order 12866: This funding notice was determined to be not 
significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    Executive Order 13132 (Federalism): It has been determined that 
this notice does not contain policies with federalism implications as 
that term is defined in Executive Order 13132.
    Executive Order 12372: Proposals under this program are not subject 
to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act: Notice and 
comment are not required under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 
U.S.C. 553) or any other law, for matters relating to public property, 
loans, grants, benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553 (a)). Moreover, 
because notice and comment are not required under 5 U.S.C. 553, or any 
other law, for matters relating to public property, loans, grants, 
benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)), a Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis is not required and has not been prepared for this notice, 5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.

    Dated: February 24, 2014.
Phillip Singerman,
Associate Director for Innovation & Industry Services.
[FR Doc. 2014-04475 Filed 2-27-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-P
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