Minority Business Development Agency 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) publishes this notice to: (1) Announce that it is canceling the Solicitation of Applications for the Native American Business Enterprise Center (NABEC) (formerly Native American Business Development Center (NABDC)) Program as published on September 6, 2006, and (2) Amend the August 29, 2003 Federal Register notice solicitation to extend the total project award period for cooperative agreements under the NABEC program from three (3) years to four (4) years. MBDA is taking both actions in order to permit MBDA to solicit input from all stakeholders on any proposed Program changes. This notice also identifies certain NABECs currently funded through December 31, 2006, that will be eligible for an additional year of funding beyond the three (3) years normally allowed between competitions.

In accordance with Executive Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. Section 1512, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting for competitive applications from organizations to operate a Native American Business Enterprise Center (NABEC) (formerly Native American Business Development Center (NABDC)). This is not a grant program to help start a business. Applications submitted must be to operate a Native American Business Enterprise Center (NABEC) and to provide business consultation to eligible clients. Applications that do not meet these requirements will be rejected. The NABEC will provide services in the outlined geographic areas (refer to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this Notice).

In accordance with Executive Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. Section 1512, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting competitive applications from organizations to operate a Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) (formerly Minority Business Development Center). This is not a grant program to help start a business. Applications submitted must be to operate a Minority Business Enterprise Center and to provide business consultation to eligible minority clients. Applications that do not meet these requirements will be rejected. The MBEC will provide services in the outlined geographic areas (refer to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this Notice). The MBEC Program requires MBEC staff to provide standardized business assistance services (as outlined in the Federal Funding Opportunity Announcement) to minority firms with $500,000 or more in annual revenues and/or ``rapid growth-potential'' minority businesses (``Strategic Growth Initiative'' or ``SGI'' firms) directly; to develop a network of strategic partnerships; and to provide strategic business consulting. This is a fee for service program, therefore, the MBEC is required to charge client fees. These requirements will be used to generate increased results with respect to financing and contracts awarded to minority-owned firms and thus, are a key component of this program. The MBEC Program will concentrate on serving SGI firms capable of generating significant employment and long-term economic growth. The MBEC Program shall leverage telecommunications technology, including the Internet, and a variety of online computer-based resources to dramatically increase the level of service that the MBEC can provide to minority-owned firms.

In accordance with Executive Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. Section 1512, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting competitive applications from organizations to operate a Minority Business Opportunity Center (MBOC) (formerly Minority Business Opportunity Committees) in Baton Rouge/New Orleans, Louisiana. The Minority Business Opportunity Centers through their staff will provide brokering services and assistance to minority business enterprises (MBEs) that (a) generate $500,000 or more in annual gross revenues or (b) are capable of creating significant employment and long-term economic impact (commonly referred to as ``rapid growth-potential'' MBEs). In addition, MBOCs provide access to buyers of goods and services and procurement and financing opportunities within the public and private sectors. MBOC operators and executive directors should have experience in and knowledge of the local minority business sector and established working relationships with buying organizations. MBOCs are supported by a volunteer advisory committee that assists the MBOC in implementing program requirements and providing contract and financing opportunities to MBEs. The program is primarily evaluated by MBDA based on the number and dollar value of contracts and financial transactions awarded to minority business enterprises.