95-6261. Economic Development Assistance ProgramsAvailability of Funds

[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 14, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13866-13883]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-6261]




[[Page 13865]]

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Part IX





Department of Commerce





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Economic Development Administration



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Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Availability, Etc.: Economic 
Development Assistance Programs; Notice

Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / 
Notices 
[[Page 13866]] 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development Administration
[Docket No. 950302065-5065-01]


Economic Development Assistance Programs--Availability of Funds

AGENCY: Economic Development Administration (EDA), Department of 
Commerce (DoC).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Economic Development Administration (EDA) announces its 
policies and application procedures for funds available in fiscal year 
1995, as described in Public Law 103-317, Departments of Commerce, 
Justice, State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations, to 
support projects designed to alleviate conditions of substantial and 
persistent unemployment and underemployment in economically-distressed 
areas and regions of the Nation and to address economic dislocations 
resulting from sudden, severe job losses. The purpose of this 
announcement is to communicate to potential applicants for EDA funds 
the policies and procedures that will be used to administer the 
Agency's programs during fiscal year 1995.

DATES: This announcement is effective for applications considered for 
fiscal year 1995. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and 
will be processed as funds are available. Normally, two months are 
required for a final decision after the receipt of a completed 
application that meets all EDA requirements.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties should contact the EDA office in their 
area (see Section XII).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: See information at the end of each 
program section and Section XII for the EDA regional office and 
Economic Development Representative for the area.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Policies

    EDA encourages certain types of project applications such as those 
proposals having the greatest potential to benefit areas experiencing 
or threatened with substantial economic distress. EDA is particularly 
interested in projects located in authorized and designated enterprise 
zones. Distress may exist in a variety of forms, including high levels 
of unemployment, low income levels, large concentrations of low income 
families, significant decline in per capita employment, substantial 
loss of population because of the lack of employment opportunities, 
large numbers (or high rates) of business failures, sudden major 
layoffs or plant closures, and reduced tax bases.
    Potential applicants are responsible for demonstrating to EDA, 
through the provision of statistics and other appropriate information, 
the nature and level of the distress their efforts are intended to 
alleviate. In the absence of evidence of high levels of distress, EDA 
funding is unlikely. In considering proposals to benefit severely 
distressed areas, EDA will give consideration to those that address the 
needs of both rural and urban communities, particularly aid that is 
directed toward the economic diversification of such areas.
    During FY 1995, EDA will place a special emphasis on assisting 
projects that focus on: (1) Exports; (2) entrepreneurship; (3) 
telecommunications; and (4) technology initiatives including 
innovation, staying competitive in high value markets (well paying 
quality jobs), transfer, and commercialization, to alleviate conditions 
of substantial and persistent unemployment and underemployment in 
economically-distressed areas and regions, through the provision of 
grants for Public Works and Development Facilities, Technical 
Assistance, Economic Development Planning, Research and Evaluation, and 
Economic Adjustment Assistance.
    EDA recognizes that small communities experience impediments to 
economic development other than the traditional inadequacies of 
existing water, sewer and roadway systems; therefore, in fiscal year 
1995, EDA will give consideration to projects that will assist an area 
to overcome a special development or infrastructure problem that is 
preventing employment growth and economic development from taking 
place. Such projects may involve, but are not limited to, activities 
designed to enhance the expansion of the service sector of the economy 
when that sector is deemed more growth oriented than the traditional 
industrial sector, or innovative projects designed for the development 
of publicly-owned telecommunications infrastructure when it can be 
demonstrated that such a project is needed to foster productivity or 
enhance economic growth within an EDA-eligible area. Such proposals 
must be appropriately scaled and provide substantial and direct benefit 
to the local economy or otherwise enhance the economic prosperity of 
the area. EDA will consider providing assistance to demonstration type 
projects that are especially creative from an economic development 
standpoint and that leverage a substantial amount of nonfederal 
resources.
    Eligible applicants that can demonstrate substantial local support 
for proposed projects have a better chance to receive EDA assistance. 
Proposals that do not provide evidence of strong support from the 
governmental entities in which the proposed project is located are less 
likely to receive EDA assistance. Support can be demonstrated by the 
commitment of funds necessary to finance all or part of the nonfederal 
share.
    EDA expects those responsible for developing and managing projects 
to maximize the impact of the public funds by implementing projects as 
thoroughly and expeditiously as possible. In the case of projects 
involving construction, EDA expects construction to be initiated and 
completed in a timely manner. Applicants are expected to anticipate 
predictable delays such as those caused by normal weather conditions, 
permits and approvals, legal complications, community disputes, land 
acquisition, etc., and account for them in developing project 
schedules. Projects which by their nature are likely to encounter 
significant delays are less likely to be considered for funding. 
Projects that experience unreasonable delays following EDA approval may 
be terminated and the funds deobligated. These policies are consistent 
with EDA's objective of supporting activities that can begin to benefit 
local economies as soon as possible, thereby meeting the pressing 
development needs identified by project applicants.
    Generally, EDA funding will not be used directly or indirectly to 
assist employers who transfer one or more jobs from one commuting area 
to another. EDA nonrelocation requirements (13 CFR 309.3) apply to all 
grants involving construction, rehabilitation or repair of real estate 
under Titles I, IV, IX, and Section 301(f) of the Public Works and 
Economic Development Act of 1965 (Pub. L. 89-136, 42 U.S.C. 3121-
3246h), as amended and grants under Title IX for any purpose (including 
Revolving Loan Funds).
    No award of Federal funds will be made to an applicant who has an 
outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either:
    1. The delinquent account is paid in full;
    2. A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one 
payment is received, or
    3. Other arrangements satisfactory to DoC are made. [[Page 13867]] 
    Applicants may be subject to a pre-award accounting system survey 
by the Department of Commerce's Office of Inspector General, and fund 
recipients may be subject to audits or other inspections by the same 
office.
    Applicants eligible for additional grant assistance because of 
membership in an economic development district must be active 
participants in the district's economic development planning process.
    EDA will evaluate applications for conformance with published 
statutory, regulatory, and policy requirements. Applications proposed 
for funding under these programs are subject to the requirements of 
Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    EDA will not approve projects that involve actual or potential 
conflict-of-interest situations. If EDA identifies or suspects a 
possible conflict-of-interest situation, or an appearance of such, 
application processing and/or the grant award may be suspended and the 
burden will be on the applicant/grantee to take appropriate steps to 
eliminate the perception or actual conflict of interest before the 
application processing or award is resumed.
    Recipients must agree that no funds made available by EDA will be 
used, directly or indirectly, for paying attorneys' or consultants' 
fees in connection with securing awards made by the Government, such as 
preparation of the application. However, attorneys' and consultants' 
fees incurred for meeting award requirements, such as conducting a 
title search or preparing plans and specifications, may be eligible 
project costs and may be paid out of funds made available by EDA, if 
such costs are otherwise eligible.
    The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an 
application under any EDA programs must not exceed the indirect cost 
rate negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the 
proposed effective date of the award or 100 percent of the total 
proposed direct costs dollar amount in the application, whichever is 
less.
    Primary Applicant Certification--All primary applicants must submit 
a completed Form CD-511, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, 
Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements and Lobbying,'' and the following explanations are hereby 
provided:
    a. Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension--Prospective 
participants (as defined at 15 CFR Part 26, Section 105) are subject to 
15 CFR Part 26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension'' and the 
related section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
    b. Drug-Free Workplace--Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR Part 26, 
Section 605) are subject to 15 CFR Part 26, Subpart F, ``Governmentwide 
Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)'' and the related section 
of the certification form prescribed above applies;
    c. Anti-Lobbying--Persons (as defined at 15 CFR Part 28, Section 
105) are subject to the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, 
``Limitation on use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal 
contracting and financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of 
the certification form which applies to applications/bids for grants, 
cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than $100,000, and loans 
and loan guarantees for more than $150,000, or the single family 
maximum mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever is greater; and
    d. Anti-Lobbying Disclosures--Any applicant that has paid or will 
pay for lobbying using any funds must submit an SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of 
Lobbying Activities,'' as required under 15 CFR Part 28, Appendix B.
    Recipients shall require applicants/bidders for subgrants, 
contracts, subcontracts, or other lower tier covered transactions at 
any tier under the award to submit, if applicable, a completed Form CD-
512, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility 
and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' 
and disclosure form, SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' 
Form CD-512 is intended for the use of recipients and should not be 
transmitted to the Department. SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient 
or subrecipient should be submitted to DoC in accordance with the 
instructions contained in the award document.
    Buy American-Made Equipment or Products--Applicants are hereby 
notified that they will be encouraged, to the greatest extent 
practicable to purchase American-made equipment and products with 
funding provided under these programs in accordance with Congressional 
intent as set forth in the resolution contained in Public Law 103-317, 
Sections 607 (a) and (b).
    The implementing regulations of the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA) require EDA to provide public notice of the availability of 
project specific environmental documents such as environmental impact 
statements, environmental assessments, findings of no significant 
impact, records of decision etc., to the affected public as specified 
in 40 CFR 1506.6(b).
    Depending on the project location, environmental information 
concerning specific projects can be obtained from the Regional 
Environmental Officer (REO) in the appropriate EDA regional office 
listed in Section XII or from Dr. Frank Monteferrante, Environmental 
Branch, Compliance Review Division, EDA, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
Washington, DC 20230, [phone].
    Applicants should be aware that a false statement on the 
application is grounds for denial of the application or termination of 
the grant award and grounds for possible punishment by a fine or 
imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 42 U.S.C. 3220.
    All nonprofit and for-profit applicants are subject to a name check 
review process. Name checks are intended to reveal if any key 
individuals associated with the applicant have been convicted of, or 
are presently facing, criminal charges such as fraud, theft, perjury, 
or other matters which significantly reflect on the applicant's 
management, honesty or financial integrity.

Application Procedures

    Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Processing time 
for applications will depend upon the completeness of the information 
and supporting documents provided in the application at the time of 
submission. Applications that require additional information from 
applicants or other sources will not be processed further pending 
correction of deficiencies, and the official application receipt dates 
will be adjusted accordingly. Normally, two months are required for a 
final decision after the receipt of a completed application that meets 
all EDA requirements. Please see the specific program sections of this 
Notice for appropriate preapplication and application procedures. 
Proponents should contact the appropriate EDR (see Section XII) to 
obtain the necessary application forms.
    An invitation to submit an application does not assure EDA funding. 
Factors that will be considered in selecting proposals include if and 
to what extent the project meets the evaluation criteria and ``General 
Policies'' described above.
    Project applications invited but not funded or denied in any fiscal 
year remain eligible for funding consideration in the next fiscal year. 
Applications invited and received prior to the date of this Notice will 
be processed and evaluated in accordance with the project evaluation 
and selection criteria published for FY 1994 and current legal 
requirements. Those applications invited on or after the date of this 
Notice must be consistent with [[Page 13868]] this Notice. Applicants 
whose projects were invited but not submitted to EDA in FY 1994 should 
contact the appropriate EDA regional office regarding the forms to be 
used for FY 1995.

Selection Procedures

    Generally, preapplications are reviewed by the Economic Development 
Representative, the Project Review Committee and then the Regional 
Director. Based on the evaluation criteria, general policies and 
availability of funds, final funding decisions on all applications 
under Titles I and IX and Title III, Local Technical Assistance and 
Planning, are made by the Regional Directors subject to such conditions 
as the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development may prescribe. All 
other funding decisions are made by the Assistant Secretary for 
Economic Development.
    Recipients and subrecipients are subject to all Federal laws and 
Federal and DoC policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to 
Federal financial assistance awards.
    Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may result in 
an application not being considered for funding.
    If an application is selected for funding, EDA has no obligation to 
provide any additional future funding in connection with an award. 
Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of 
performance is at the total discretion of EDA.
    Applicants should be aware that if they incur any costs prior to an 
award being made they do so solely at their own risk of not being 
reimbursed by the Government. Notwithstanding any verbal or written 
assurance that may have been received, there is no obligation on the 
part of EDA to cover pre-award costs.
    The following material describes other requirements, policies and 
procedures associated with each of EDA's programs.

II. Program: Public Works and Development Facilities Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.300 Economic Development 
Grants and Loans for Public Works and Development Facilities. 11.304 
Economic Development Public Works Impact Program (PWIP)) 13 CFR Part 
305

Authority

    Funds available under the Public Works and Development Facilities 
Program are used to finance projects that contribute to the economic 
development of distressed areas. This program is authorized by Titles I 
and IV of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as 
amended (PWEDA), 42 U.S.C. 3131 and 42 U.S.C. 3171(a)(3).

Eligibility

    Eligible applicants under this program include any state, or 
political subdivision thereof, Indian tribe, the Federated States of 
Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or private or public 
nonprofit organization or association representing any redevelopment 
area or part thereof, provided such project is located within an 
eligible EDA area that is represented by the nonprofit organization or 
association.
    Eligible areas, other than those designated under the Public Works 
Impact Program, must have a current EDA-approved Overall Economic 
Development Program (OEDP). Political entities claiming eligibility 
under OEDPs developed by multicounty economic development organizations 
are expected to continue to participate actively in the organization. 
Further information on eligibility is available from EDA's regional 
offices. Nonprofit applicants are urged to seek the cooperation and 
support of units of local government and, when deemed appropriate by 
EDA, to have the local government serve as co-applicant for EDA 
assistance. This ensures the financial stability and continuity of the 
project, in the event that the nonprofit entity finds itself in a 
position of not having the financial resources to properly and 
efficiently administer, operate, and maintain the EDA-assisted facility 
consistent with the provisions of 13 CFR 314-Property Management 
Standards.

Program Objective

    The purpose of the Public Works Program is to assist communities 
with the funding of public works and development facilities that 
contribute to the creation or retention of private sector jobs and to 
the alleviation of unemployment and underemployment. Such assistance is 
designed to help communities achieve lasting improvement by stabilizing 
and diversifying local economies, and improving local living conditions 
and the economic development of the area. The alleviation of 
unemployment and underemployment among residents of the project area is 
a primary focus of this program.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $195 million are available for this program. 
Grants awarded under this program generally range between $100,000 and 
$1.5 million.

Funding Instrument

    EDA may provide direct grants not to exceed 50 percent of the 
estimated cost of the project. However, under certain circumstances 
supplementary grants to augment the direct grant may be provided up to 
a maximum of 80 percent of the eligible project costs. Supplementary 
grant assistance to finance over 50 percent of the project costs will 
be approved by EDA only for proposals in areas of high distress. 
Decisions on such supplementary grant assistance will be based on the 
nature of the project, the amount of fair user charges or other 
revenues the project may reasonably be expected to generate, and the 
relative needs of the area (see 13 CFR 305.5). But in no event will the 
Federal participation exceed 80 percent of the aggregate cost of any 
such project, except as authorized by section 101(c) of PWEDA of 1965, 
as amended, which permits EDA to waive the nonfederal share under 
certain conditions. Applicants are required to provide the local share 
from acceptable sources including, but not limited to cash, local 
government general obligation or revenue bonds, Community Development 
Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds or balance of state awards, 
Farmers Home Administration loans, and other public and private 
financing, including donations.
    The local share need not be in hand at the time of application, 
however, the applicant must assure EDA that the funds will be available 
to provide the nonfederal share of the project. The local share must 
not be encumbered in any way that would preclude its use consistent 
with the requirements of the grant.

Project Duration

    Projects are expected to be completed in a timely manner consistent 
with the nature of the project. Normally, the maximum period for any 
financial assistance that is provided shall be not more than five (5) 
years from date of award.

Evaluation Criteria

    For both regular public works projects and Public Works Impact 
Program (PWIP) projects, priority consideration will be given to those 
which are the most competitive based upon the project evaluation 
criteria set forth below, that best meet the needs of eligible areas, 
[[Page 13869]] and that are located in areas of substantial economic 
distress. Evaluation criteria will not be assigned weights. Projects 
will be evaluated on the basis of the elements listed below to meet the 
goals described above.
A. Public Works Projects
    Factors that will be taken into account in considering projects 
eligible under section 101(a)(1)(A)--(C) of PWEDA, 42 U.S.C. 
3131(a)(1)(A)--(C), include if and to what extent the project:
    1. Improves opportunities for the successful establishment or 
expansion of industrial or commercial facilities in the area where such 
project will be located.
    2. Is consistent with the EDA approved Overall Economic Development 
Program (OEDP) for the area in which it is, or will be, located, and 
has broad community support.
    3. Assists in creating or retaining private sector jobs in the near 
term and assists in the creation of additional long-term employment 
opportunities, provided the jobs are not transferred from any other 
area of the United States, and will result in a low cost-per-job in 
relation to total EDA cost.
    4. Benefits the long-term unemployed and members of low-income 
families who are residents of the area to be served by the project.
    5. Fulfills a pressing need of the area, or part thereof, in which 
it will be located.
    6. Is supported by significant private sector investment.
    7. Has evidence of adequate local share of funds.
    8. Supports developments taking place in designated empowerment 
zones/enterprise communities.
    9. Demonstrates that necessary permits, land acquisitions, or 
options on land and rights-of-way have been or will be obtained and 
that all other legal requirements of the application process have been 
satisfied.
    10. Maximizes the amount of local, state or other Federal funding 
that is available.
    11. Gives evidence of the ability to begin and complete 
construction in a timely manner in accordance with a schedule to be 
agreed upon by EDA and the applicant and included in the grant award. 
EDA discourages the start of construction prior to grant award and 
cautions that financial hardship may be experienced by applicants whose 
projects are not approved. EDA will require all applicants that request 
approval to proceed with construction prior to grant award to 
acknowledge that they are proceeding at their own risk and without 
recourse to EDA if the grant is not awarded or EDA requirements are not 
met. EDA also requires that compliance with environmental regulations 
be completed before construction begins. EDA's regional office must 
have time to complete its ``Finding of No Significant Impact,'' and 
clearances must be obtained from appropriate state and Federal 
agencies. Furthermore, EDA may view the start of construction prior to 
grant award as an indication that the grant funds are not essential for 
the successful implementation of the project.
    12. If located in an Economic Development Center (i.e., Growth 
Center) that has a stable economy with little distress, includes an 
employment plan that explains how new employment opportunities for 
residents of nearby highly distressed redevelopment areas will be 
provided.
B. Public Works Impact Program
    Factors that will be considered in the evaluation of projects under 
the Public Works Impact Program (PWIP) authorized by section 
101(a)(1)(D) of PWEDA, 42 U.S.C. 3131(a)(1)(D), include if and to what 
extent the project:
    1. Directly assists in creating immediate useful work (i.e., 
construction jobs) for the unemployed and underemployed residents in 
the project area;
    2. Improves the economic or community environment in areas of 
severe economic distress;
    3. Includes a specific plan (i.e., PWIP Employment Strategy) for 
hiring the unemployed and underemployed persons from the project area 
to work on the construction of the project; EDA will evaluate all plans 
to ensure that they contain a logical explanation of how the employment 
objectives will be met;
    4. Assists in providing long-term employment opportunities or other 
economic benefits for the unemployed and underemployed in the project 
area;
    5. Primarily benefits low-income families by providing essential 
community services, or satisfying a pressing public need;
    6. In addition to the requirement for regular public works 
projects, as contained in paragraph A 11., can begin construction 
quickly (normally within 120 days after acceptance of the grant by the 
applicant);
    7. Has significant labor intensity, where labor intensity is the 
proportion of labor costs to the total project costs.
C. Industrial Park Projects
    Projects that will primarily serve an industrial park or site may 
be evaluated on such additional factors as:
    1. A detailed analysis of existing industrial park capacity and 
utilization; occupancy rates for existing developed industrial parks 
currently available within a 25-mile radius of the project site. For 
cities with populations over 50,000, the prescribed area may be 
determined by an analysis of industrial sites within an established 
industrial area, which may be less than a 25-mile radius. Contact the 
economic development representative (EDR) for the area or the 
appropriate EDA regional office for guidance.
    2. Commitments in writing from identified tenants to expand 
existing operations or to locate in the industrial park or site. 
Commitments should include a description of the industry, the number of 
jobs created or saved, an implementation schedule, and the relationship 
of the commitment to the requested grant assistance.
    3. The existence of a documented marketing strategy and 
demonstrated financial ability to market space in the industrial park 
or site. Strong emphasis will be placed upon this evaluation criterion.

Construction Project Implementation

    As indicated in the first section of this Notice, EDA expects 
construction projects to be initiated and completed in a timely manner 
and in accordance with the schedule agreed upon in the grant 
documentation.
    Under most circumstances, EDA will not provide additional funds to 
finance cost overruns that occur during project implementation.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    To establish the merits of project proposals, interested parties 
should first contact the economic development representative (EDR) for 
the area (see listing in Section XII). The economic development 
representative for the area will provide a preapplication form (ED-
101P, OMB Control No. 0610-0011) and arrange for conferences to discuss 
the proposal. EDA will evaluate proposals before inviting the 
submission of an application. As previously mentioned, an invitation to 
submit an application does not assure EDA funding. Proposals will be 
evaluated based upon:
    1. Conformance with the evaluation criteria mentioned above;
    2. Merits of the proposal in addressing the economic development 
needs of the eligible area; and
    3. The availability of program funds.
    Processing time for project proposals depends upon the completeness 
of information and supporting documents provided in the preapplication 
form at the time of submission. Project [[Page 13870]] proposals that 
require additional information from applicants or other sources will 
not be processed further until deficiencies are corrected.

Application Procedures

    Following a review of project proposals, EDA will invite entities 
whose projects are selected for consideration to submit applications 
within 30 days after receipt of an invitation letter. The application 
will include a form ED-101A, as approved by the Office of Management 
and Budget Control No. 0610-0011. The demand for public works 
assistance is expected to exceed available funding. The processing of 
applications that cannot be recommended for approval within 60 days of 
receipt in a regional office because of unresolved issues will be 
suspended. Such applications may be reconsidered at a future date, but 
must compete with other applications for the funds available at that 
time.

Further Information

    For further information contact the appropriate EDA regional office 
or economic development representative for your area (see Section XII 
of this Notice).

III. Program: Local Technical Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.303 Economic 
Development-Technical Assistance) 13 CFR Part 307, Subpart A

Authority

    Funds under the Local Technical Assistance Program are awarded to 
eligible applicants to provide assistance intended to assure the 
successful initiation and implementation of area, state, and regional 
development efforts designed to alleviate economic distress. This 
program is authorized under Section 301(a) of the Public Works and 
Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151(a).

Eligibility

    Eligible applicants for Local Technical Assistance grants or 
cooperative agreements include public or private nonprofit national, 
state, area, district, or local organizations; public and private 
colleges and universities; Indian tribes, local governments, and state 
agencies. In certain circumstances, applications may be considered from 
other applicants such as private individuals, partnerships, firms, and 
corporations.

Program Objective

    The Local Technical Assistance Program is designed to help 
alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment or 
underemployment and problems of economically distressed populations in 
rural and urban areas.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $1.5 million are available for the Local 
Technical Assistance Program. It is expected that these funds will be 
made available for projects serving specific local or substate areas 
and also for projects whose impacts will affect multistate areas within 
EDA regional office boundaries. Individual award amounts have averaged 
$25,000 in recent years.

Funding Instrument

    EDA will provide grants and cooperative agreements not to exceed 75 
percent of the proposed project costs. Applicants are expected to 
provide the remaining share, preferably in cash. The Assistant 
Secretary may waive all or part of the 25 percent share of technical 
assistance grants, if he/she determines that the nonfederal share is 
not reasonably available because of the critical nature of the 
situation requiring technical assistance or for other good cause.

Project Duration

    Assistance will be for the period of time required to complete the 
scope of the work. This typically does not exceed twelve months.

Evaluation Criteria

    Evaluation criteria will not be assigned weights. Projects will be 
evaluated on the basis of the elements listed below in order to meet 
the goals described above. Evaluation criteria include whether the 
local Technical Assistance proposal:
    1. Produces strong evidence that the proposed project will lead to 
the near-term (between one and five years) generation or retention of 
private sector jobs.
    2. Does not depend upon further EDA or other Federal funding 
assistance to achieve results.
    3. Strengthens the capability of state and local organizations and 
institutions, including nonprofit development groups, to undertake and 
promote effective economic development programs targeted to people and 
areas of distress.
    4. Stimulates significant private and nonfederal public investment 
for economic development purposes, including funds from commercial 
lenders, public and private pension funds and other nontraditional 
sources.
    5. Benefits severely distressed areas, both rural and urban 
counties and communities.
    6. Diversifies distressed rural and urban economies by means of 
empowerment zones, enterprise communities and other strategies.
    7. Demonstrates innovative approaches to stimulating economic 
development in depressed areas. EDA is particularly interested in 
receiving innovative proposals in the following areas:
    a. Export development used as an economic development strategy;
    b. Assistance to business in uses of technology; and
    c. Sustainable development.
    8. Is consistent with the EDA approved Overall Economic Development 
Program (OEDP) for the area in which the project is located and has 
been recommended by the OEDP Committee (if appropriate to the nature of 
the project).
    9. Presents an appropriate and clear project design.
    10. Is proposed by organization or individual(s) with the capacity, 
qualifications and staff necessary to undertake the intended 
activities.
    11. Presents a reasonable, itemized budget for the proposed 
activities.
    12. Involves a significant (preferably cash) contribution in excess 
of minimum required from applicant or other nonfederal sources.

Pre-Application Procedures

    Parties seeking support for Local Technical Assistance projects 
should contact the economic development representative (EDR) for the 
area to discuss their proposal. (See EDR listing in Section XII of this 
announcement.)
    EDA will evaluate all proposals as they are received and invite 
applications for those which best satisfy the evaluation criteria. An 
invitation does not, however, assure EDA funding.
    Potential applicants should submit one original and two copies of a 
brief and concise proposal, not to exceed 20 pages. Vita and capability 
information may be appended.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    Potential applicants must submit to the appropriate EDR proposals 
that include:
    1. A cover page giving a short descriptive project title, the name 
and address of the applicant organization, the name and telephone 
number of the project director, the project duration, total project 
cost, the amount of EDA funds requested, and the program (Local 
Technical Assistance) from which EDA funds are being requested; 
[[Page 13871]] 
    2. A brief section indicating why the project is needed, giving its 
objectives, and providing a capsule description of the project;
    3. A more detailed description of the project and its methodology;
    4. A work plan showing different phases of the project and their 
timing;
    5. A detailed budget, not to exceed one page, showing cost 
breakdowns, with EDA-funded and non-EDA-funded costs presented in 
separate columns and with the EDA-funded costs adding to the total 
shown on the cover page;
    6. Resumes for the project director and principal staff; and
    7. A corporate or institutional capability statement, where 
appropriate.
    Parties seeking support for projects where impacts will cross EDA 
regional boundaries should submit proposals to the Director, Technical 
Assistance and Research Division, Economic Development Administration, 
Room 7315, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. 
Individuals or organizations located outside the Washington, DC, 
metropolitan area should submit a copy of the letter transmitting their 
proposal to Washington, and to the EDR for the area in which they are 
located.

Application Procedures

    The appropriate EDA regional office will invite entities whose 
proposals for Local Technical Assistance projects are selected for 
further consideration to submit application packages. The application 
will include a Standard Form-424 (OMB Control No. 0348-0043).

Eligibility for Specific Solicitations

    EDA may, during the course of the year, identify specific economic 
development technical assistance activities it wishes to have 
conducted. Organizations and individuals interested in being invited to 
respond to Solicitations of Applications (SOAs) to conduct such work 
should submit information on their capabilities and experience to the 
Director, Technical Assistance and Research Division, Economic 
Development Administration, Room 7315, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
Washington, DC 20230.

Further Information

    For further information about Local Technical Assistance projects 
contact the appropriate EDR. (See EDR listing in Section XII of this 
announcement.) For further information about submitting projects whose 
impact will cross EDA regional office boundaries, contact the National 
Technical Assistance Coordinator, telephone [phone].

IV. Program: National Technical Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.303 Economic 
Development-Technical Assistance) 13 CFR Part 307, Subpart A

Authority

    Funds under the National Technical Assistance Program are awarded 
to eligible applicants who will offer assistance to local, regional and 
state organizations, and/or conduct demonstrations of and disseminate 
information about innovative development techniques designed to 
alleviate economic distress. This program is authorized under Section 
301(a) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as 
amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151(a).

Eligibility

    Eligible applicants for National Technical Assistance grants or 
cooperative agreements include public or private nonprofit national, 
state, area, district, or local organizations; public and private 
colleges and universities; Indian tribes, local governments, and state 
agencies. In certain circumstances, applications may be considered from 
other eligible applicants such as private individuals, partnerships, 
firms, and corporations.

Program Objective

    The National Technical Assistance Program is designed to help 
alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment or 
underemployment and to address problems of economically distressed 
populations.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $1.85 million are available for the National 
Technical Assistance Program. Individual award amounts may vary and 
generally will not exceed $200,000.

Funding Instrument

    EDA will provide grants not to exceed 75 percent of proposed 
project costs. Applicants are expected to provide the remaining share. 
In cases where EDA issues a Solicitation of Applications, an 
applicant's share may not be required. The Assistant Secretary may 
waive all or part of the 25 percent nonfederal share of technical 
assistance grants, if he/she determines that the nonfederal share is 
not reasonably available because of the critical nature of the 
situation requiring technical assistance or for other good cause.

Project Duration

    Assistance will be for the period of time required to complete the 
scope of the work. Generally, this will not exceed fifteen months.

Evaluation Criteria

    Evaluation criteria will not be assigned weights. Projects will be 
evaluated on the basis of the elements listed below in order to meet 
the goals described above. EDA will consider proposals for National 
Technical Assistance that include whether the proposal:
    1. Effectively supports, through providing information and other 
means, the capability of state and local organizations and 
institutions, including nonprofit development groups, to undertake and 
promote effective economic development programs targeted to people and 
areas in distress.
    2. Demonstrates innovative approaches to stimulating economic 
development in one or more of the following:
    a. Assistance to business in implementing technology initiatives 
including innovations, transfer, and commercialization including high 
value manufacturing through collaboration;
    b. Export assistance;
    c. Entrepreneurship assistance;
    d. Sustainable development and growth management;
    e. Empowerment zones/enterprise communities;
    f. Defense conversion and industrial restructuring;
    g. Assistance to colleges and universities, including community 
colleges in implementing technology and/or developing curricula for 
economic development; and
    h. Other relevant economic development issues.
    3. Presents an appropriate and clear project design.
    4. Is proposed by organizations with the capacity, qualifications, 
and staff necessary to undertake the intended activities.
    5. Presents a reasonable, itemized budget for the proposed 
activities.

Pre-Application Procedure

    Potential applicants should submit one original and two copies of a 
brief and concise proposal, not to exceed 20 pages. Vita and capability 
information may be appended.
    Proposals should include:
    1. A cover page giving a short descriptive project title, the name 
and address of the performing organization, the name and telephone 
number of the project director, the project duration, the project 
costs, the amount of EDA funds requested, and the program (National 
Technical Assistance) from which EDA funds are being requested; 
[[Page 13872]] 
    2. A brief scope-and-objectives section indicating why the project 
is needed, giving its objectives, and providing a capsule description 
of the project;
    3. A more detailed description of the project and its methodology;
    4. A work plan showing different phases of the project and their 
timing;
    5. A detailed budget, not to exceed one page, showing cost 
breakdowns, with EDA-funded and non-EDA-funded costs presented in 
separate columns and with the EDA-funded costs adding to the total 
shown on the cover page;
    6. Resumes for the project director and principal staff; and
    7. A corporate or institutional capability statement, where 
appropriate.
    Proposals should be submitted to the Director, Technical Assistance 
and Research Division, Economic Development Administration, Room 7315, 
U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230.

Application Procedures

    The Technical Assistance and Research Division will invite entities 
whose proposals for National Technical Assistance projects are selected 
for further consideration to submit application packages. Such 
invitation, however, does not assure EDA funding. The application will 
include a Standard Form-424 (OMB Control No. 0348-0043).

Eligibility for Specific Solicitations

    EDA may, during the course of the year, identify additional 
specific economic development technical assistance activities. 
Organizations and individuals interested in being invited to respond to 
Solicitations of Applications (SOAs) to conduct such work should submit 
information on their capabilities and experience to the Director, 
Technical Assistance and Research Division, Economic Development 
Administration, Room 7315, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 
20230.

Further Information

    For further information about National Technical Assistance 
projects contact the Technical Assistance and Research Division, 
telephone [phone].

V. Program: University Center Technical Assistance Projects

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.303 Economic 
Development-Technical Assistance) 13 CFR Part 307, Subpart A

Authority

    Funds for the basic University Center projects are used as seed 
money to help selected colleges and universities mobilize their own and 
other resources to assist in the economic development of distressed 
areas. The efforts of university centers should focus on helping public 
bodies, nonprofit organizations and businesses plan and implement 
activities designed to generate jobs and income. In addition, funds may 
be used for projects which promote the goals of the University Center 
program in other ways that demonstrate innovative economic development. 
Support for these types of projects is authorized under Section 301(a) 
of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended, 
42 U.S.C. 3151(a).

Eligibility

    Eligible applicants for University Center grants are public and 
private colleges and universities, associations representing such 
institutions, and other organizations with expertise in University 
Center program issues.

Program Description

    This program helps educational institutions establish and maintain 
outreach programs which permit them to be active and on-going 
participants in economic development. The objective of the program is 
to use the resources of the educational institutions to provide 
technical assistance to alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive 
unemployment or underemployment and problems of distressed populations 
in individual states or substate areas. The technical assistance 
provided under this program must be directed to clients outside the 
institution of higher education.

Funding Availability

    The FY 1995 budget for this program is $7.57 million. While the 
expected funding range for each award is $75,000 to $150,000, 
circumstances may warrant funding projects at higher or lower levels. 
In FY 1994, EDA provided funding to 66 colleges and universities under 
this program. Since most of them are expected to seek continuation 
funding, it is unlikely that any new University Centers will be funded 
in FY 1995.

Matching Requirements

    A minimum match, equal to 25 percent of the total project cost, is 
required.

Type of Funding Instrument

    This program uses grants as its funding instrument.

Award Period

    The project period for grants awarded under this program generally 
will not exceed twelve months.

Indirect Costs

    EDA encourages applicants to waive indirect costs for this program. 
No more than 20 percent of the Federal grant and the minimum nonfederal 
share may be allocated for indirect costs.

Application Procedures

    The appropriate EDA regional office will invite entities whose 
proposals for University Center Technical Assistance projects are 
selected for further consideration to submit application packages. The 
application will include a Standard Form 424 (OMB Control No. 0348-
0043).

Project Funding Priorities

    Innovative proposals with a variety of economic development foci 
are welcome. However, applicants should note that EDA will not award 
University Center Technical Assistance program funds to provide general 
business assistance (e.g., preparing business plans) in areas served by 
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Minority Business 
Development Centers (MBDCs), or Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers 
(TAACs). Most successful proposals funded in the recent past have 
emphasized providing technical assistance to public sector and 
nonprofit organizations related to economic development planning and 
projects, or helping private sector firms use technology to solve 
manufacturing or processing problems.

Evaluation Criteria

    For existing University Centers, EDA will primarily consider past 
performance in determining whether to continue the award and the amount 
of funding to be offered. In evaluating a proposal for new University 
Center funding, EDA will consider the elements listed below. Evaluation 
criteria are not assigned weights, as all factors are equally important 
and contribute to the overall goals described above.
    1. Addresses the economic development needs of the service area;
    2. Complements the activities of other organizations in the 
proposed service area that are engaged in economic development;
    3. Has the commitment of the highest management levels of the 
sponsoring institution;
    4. Provides evidence of adequate nonfederal financial support, 
either [[Page 13873]] from the sponsoring institution or other sources;
    5. Outlines activities consistent with the expertise of the 
proposed University Center staff and the academic programs and other 
available resources within the sponsoring institution;
    6. Complements and supports the local, regional or state economic 
development strategies in the service area;
    7. Presents a reasonable budget, including both the Federal and 
nonfederal shares;
    8. Documents past experience of the sponsoring institution in 
operating technical assistance programs; and
    9. Adds to the geographic distribution of University Centers across 
the country.
    All proposals must include a work program organized under the 
following categories: (1) providing technical assistance; (2) 
conducting applied research; and (3) disseminating results of the 
University Center activities. For this program, technical assistance is 
defined as an activity carried out by the University Center in response 
to a direct request from a client outside the sponsoring educational 
institution. Applied research is defined as an economic development 
activity undertaken by the University Center at its own initiative.
    All proposals must include quantitative and qualitative evaluation 
criteria for each activity listed under the three categories of the 
work program. These criteria, when accepted by EDA, will be the primary 
guide used in evaluating the performance of the University Center.
    All proposals must include a program budget that, at a minimum, 
indicates the Federal and nonfederal funds allocated to each of the 
three work program categories. At least 70 percent of the direct costs 
of the project budget must be allocated to the first category of the 
work program, providing technical assistance to clients outside the 
sponsoring institutions.

Selection Procedures

    The EDA regional offices review the proposals and make 
recommendations for funding of new grants to the Assistant Secretary 
for Economic Development, who makes the final decisions based on the 
relative merits of the applications.

Proposal Submission Procedures for Continuation Grants

    Each existing University Center will be notified by the appropriate 
regional office of its eligibility for continuation funding. At that 
time, University Centers eligible for continuation funding will be 
notified of the amount of the required nonfederal share and provided 
with additional program guidance.

Proposal Submission Procedures for New Basic Grants

    Institutions seeking funding for a University Center should submit 
a proposal describing the activities to be carried out with the grant 
funds, to the appropriate EDA regional office, or to the EDR for the 
area. (See EDA regional office and EDR listing in Section XII of the 
announcement.)

Further Information

    For further information about the University Center Technical 
Assistance program contact the appropriate regional office or EDR 
(Section XII) or the University Center Coordinator, Technical 
Assistance and Research Division, Economic Development Administration, 
Room H7315, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20230, 
telephone [phone].

VI. Program: Planning Assistance for Economic Development Districts, 
Indian Tribes, and Redevelopment Areas

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.302 Economic 
Development--Support for Planning Organizations) 13 CFR Part 307, 
Subpart D

Authority

    Funds under this program are awarded to defray administrative 
expenses in support of the economic development planning efforts of 
economic development districts (Districts), redevelopment areas (Areas) 
and Indian tribes. This program is authorized under Section 301(b) of 
the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended, 42 
U.S.C. 3151(b).

Eligibility

    Eligible applicants are economic development districts, 
redevelopment areas, organizations representing redevelopment areas (or 
parts of such areas), Indian tribes, organizations representing 
multiple Indian tribes, the Federated States of Micronesia, the 
Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the 
U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands.

Program Objective

    The primary objective of planning assistance for administrative 
expenses under section 301(b) is to support the formulation and 
implementation of economic development programs designed to create or 
retain full-time permanent jobs and income, particularly for the 
unemployed and underemployed in the most distressed areas served by the 
applicant. Planning activities supported by these program funds must be 
part of a continuous process involving significant leadership by public 
officials and private citizens.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $21.484 million are available in two 
categories: Districts/Areas (Category A)--$18.583 million; and Indian 
tribes (Category B)--$2.901 million. Individual awards may vary but 
generally will not exceed $57,000.

Funding Instrument

    Grant assistance can be provided for up to 75 percent of project 
costs for Category A grants with the applicant required to provide the 
remaining share from local (non-federal) sources. Category B grant 
assistance may be provided for up to 100 percent of project costs.

Project Duration

    Assistance will normally be for a period of twelve months.

Evaluation Criteria

    Evaluation criteria will not be assigned weights. EDA will consider 
the elements listed below in order to evaluate funding requests.
    1. The responsiveness of the proposed work program to the program 
regulations contained in 13 CFR 307.22;
    2. Past performance of any currently funded grantee (including 
information provided in scheduled progress reports);
    3. The economic distress of the area served by the applicant;
    4. Management and staff capacity and qualifications in economic 
program/policy development and operations;
    5. The local leaders' involvement in the applicant's economic 
development activities; and
    6. Priority consideration will be given to currently funded 
grantees.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    Application procedures may be obtained from EDA's regional offices 
for the following:
    a. Currently funded planning grantees; and
    b. Proposals from applicants not currently funded under Categories 
A or B, that would fit into either of those categories.
    Eligible applicants under both Categories A and B should submit 
proposals which include:
    1. A letter signed by the chief elected official (Chairman of the 
Board, Tribal [[Page 13874]] Chairman) or another legally authorized 
official of the applicant stating the organization's desire to receive 
funds to carry out the types of planning and administrative activities 
eligible under the 301(b) program.
    2. Significant, verifiable information on the level of economic 
distress in the area, including unemployment and income data. Any major 
changes in distress levels during the past year should be described.
    3. A work program outlining the specific development activities 
that will be carried out under the grant and explaining how they relate 
to the problems identified in the area OEDP, annual report, or other 
documents.
    New applicants should submit one copy of the proposal to the 
appropriate economic development representative, and an original and 
one copy to the appropriate EDA regional office. Addresses of the EDA 
regional offices and listing of the economic development 
representatives are found in Section XII of this Notice.

Formal Application Procedures

    EDA regional offices will contact currently funded grantees to 
inform them of the procedures for submitting applications for 
continuation funding.
    Following review of the proposals submitted, EDA will invite those 
selected for funding consideration to submit formal applications. 
Funding levels will be determined by the economic distress and need of 
the area served by the applicants, past performance of previously 
funded grantees, and availability of program funds. The application 
will include an SF-424 (approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
Control No. 0348-0043), proposed budget, scope of work and staffing 
plan.

Further Information

    For further information contact the appropriate economic 
development representative, EDA regional office (see Section XII of 
this Notice), or the Director, Planning Division, Economic Development 
Administration, Room 7319, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 
20230; telephone [phone].

VII. Program: Planning Assistance for States and Urban Areas

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.305 Economic 
Development--State and Urban Area Economic Development Planning) 13 
CFR Part 307, Subpart D

Authority

    Funds under the State and Urban Planning Program are awarded to 
defray administrative expenses in support of economic development 
planning efforts of eligible applicants. This program is authorized 
under Section 302(a) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act 
of 1965, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151a.

Eligibility

    Eligible applicants under this program are the governors of states, 
the chief executive officers of cities and counties, and substate 
planning and development organizations (including redevelopment areas 
and economic development districts).

Program Objective

    The primary objective of planning assistance under section 302(a) 
is to strengthen significant economic development planning capability 
and initiatives of eligible applicants to ensure a more productive use 
of available resources in reducing the effects of economic problems, 
particularly in those areas experiencing severe economic distress.
    Assistance must be part of a continuous process involving 
significant local leadership from public officials and private citizens 
and should include efforts to reduce unemployment and increase incomes. 
These efforts should be systematic and coordinated, when applicable, 
with other planning organizations in the area, and should strengthen 
the planning capabilities of applicants.
    Activities eligible for support include economic analysis, 
definition of development goals, determination of project 
opportunities, development of economic development policies, processes 
and procedures, and formulation and implementation of an economic 
development program.
    Planning program funds will not be used to provide support to 
activities that more appropriately meet the criteria for funding under 
the EDA Technical Assistance programs.
    EDA is interested in proposals for planning activities designed to 
address problems of economically-distressed segments of the population. 
Funding priority will be given to proposals promoting exports; 
entrepreneurship; and technology initiatives including innovation, 
transfer, commercialization, high value manufacturing through 
collaboration, or that reduce barriers to the development of new 
businesses. In the case of proposals from states, EDA is particularly 
interested in innovative approaches to planning and implementing 
economic development initiatives such as tourism development, 
manufacturing technology, and sustainable growth, as well as efforts 
that lend themselves to replication in other areas.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $4.87 million are available for providing 
grant assistance under this program. Individual grants under this 
program generally will range between $50,000 to $200,000.

Funding Instrument

    Grant assistance may be provided for up to 75 percent of project 
costs. Applicants will be required to provide the remaining share, 
preferably in cash. Applications for grants exceeding $200,000 may be 
given low funding priority. EDA may consider proposals for smaller 
grants to support the aforementioned appropriate activities.

Project Duration

    Assistance will be for the period of time required to complete the 
work. This period is normally 12 to 18 months. If Congress makes funds 
available for this program in subsequent years, grantees may submit 
applications for appropriate projects for up to a total of three 
awards.

Evaluation Criteria

    Evaluation criteria will not be assigned weights. Projects will be 
evaluated on the basis of the elements listed below to meet the goals 
described above. The content of the development plan and overall 
quality of the proposal and the economic distress of the area will be 
the principal factors considered in evaluating proposals from eligible 
entities. In assessing the distress factor, priority consideration will 
be given to proposals from states and urban areas experiencing 
substantial economic distress. In the case of urban areas, high 
priority will be given to those with unemployment rates two or more 
percentage points higher than the U.S. average and per capita income 
levels 80 percent or less of the U.S. average. For states, high 
priority will be given to those that meet both of the above criteria, 
as well as those that meet one of the above criteria and have distress 
equal to or greater than the national level for the other criterion. 
The most recent per capita income and 24-month average unemployment 
data available will be used to measure economic distress.
    Proposals from states or urban areas which do not exhibit 
significant distress on the basis of unemployment or income data will 
not be considered unless other acceptable evidence of 
[[Page 13875]] substantial distress is provided by the applicant.
    Proposals from states and urban areas which are both below the U.S. 
national unemployment rate and above the national per capita income are 
unlikely to be funded.
    Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of the elements listed 
below.
    1. Appropriateness of the work program to the section 302(a) 
program objectives;
    2. The economic distress of the area served by the applicant;
    3. Extent to which the proposed planning activities are expected to 
impact upon the service area's economic development needs, and the 
extent to which the proposal addresses the problems of the unemployed 
and underemployed of the area, including minorities, workers displaced 
by plant closings, etc.;
    4. The proximity of the performing office to the chief executive 
(i.e., likelihood that the activities will have a significant influence 
on the policy and decision making process);
    5. Past performance of currently or formerly funded grantees, when 
applicable;
    6. The amount of local participation provided as matching dollars 
to the Federal funds; and
    7. Other characteristics, such as involvement of the private sector 
businesses and professional groups in the proposed activities, and 
particularly for states, the innovativeness of the proposed approach 
and replicability of the model process or results.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    Potential applicants should submit proposals that include:
    1. A letter, signed by the chief executive of the applicant 
organization, indicating a desire to receive funds to carry out the 
planning activities outlined in the proposal; where the funded planning 
program will be placed in the organization, including the name and 
title of the person to be responsible for program implementation; the 
amount and for what period funding is being requested; and the 
anticipated funding arrangement if the planning activity is to continue 
beyond the period of EDA support.
    2. Significant, verifiable information on the level of economic 
distress in the area, including unemployment and income data. Any major 
changes in distress levels during the past year should be described.
    3. Information indicating the applicant's commitment to the 
proposed work program as demonstrated by amount of local funding and 
the degree of interest displayed by the chief executive.
    4. A time chart showing all major work program elements, projected 
element start and completion dates, and the related financial 
expenditures programmed for each work element.
    5. A work program of no more than 10 pages which outlines the 
specific planning activities that will be carried out under the grant 
and specifies which activities will be handled by in-house staff, 
consultants, etc. The work program should also explain the analysis and 
basis of the need for the proposed activities, expected impacts and 
their timing, target population(s), and involvement of the private 
sector in the proposed activities.
    Current grantees seeking additional funding under this announcement 
should comply with the instructions of this notice. Current grantees 
must also include a 3-5 page progress report for the current grant when 
they submit the proposal and at the time they forward the formal 
application.
    One copy of the proposal should be sent to the appropriate economic 
development representative, and an original and one copy to the 
appropriate EDA regional office. The EDA regional office and the name, 
address and telephone number of the economic development representative 
for the applicant's area can be found in Section XII of this Notice.

Formal Application Procedures

    EDA will evaluate proposals using the selection criteria cited 
above. Once the merits of the proposal are established, EDA will 
initiate discussions with the prospective applicant to clarify and 
improve elements of the proposal, if necessary, and will invite those 
whose proposals are selected for funding consideration to submit formal 
applications, which will include an SF-424 (OMB Control No. 0348-0043), 
scope of work, proposed budget, staffing plan and other requested 
information. It should be noted that an invitation to submit a proposal 
does not assure EDA funding. Applications will be processed as they are 
received. Applications received after FY 1995 funds are exhausted may 
be retained by EDA for consideration for funding the following fiscal 
year, assuming funds are available.

Further Information

    For further information contact the appropriate economic 
development representative, EDA regional office (see Section XII of 
this Notice), or the Director, Planning Division, Economic Development 
Administration, Room 7319, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 
20230; telephone [phone].

VIII. Program: Research and Evaluation Projects

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.312 Economic 
Development--Research and Evaluation Program) 13 CFR Part 307, 
Subpart C

Authority

    Funds under the Research and Evaluation Program are used to support 
studies that will increase knowledge about the causes of economic 
distress and approaches to alleviating such problems. This program is 
authorized under Section 301(c) of the Public Works and Economic 
Development Act of 1965, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151(c).

Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants for research and evaluation grants or 
cooperative agreements include private individuals, partnerships, 
corporations, associations, colleges and universities, and other 
suitable organizations with expertise relevant to economic development 
research.

Program Objective

    The objectives of section 301(c) grants and cooperative agreements 
are the following:
    1. To determine the causes of unemployment, underemployment, 
underdevelopment, and chronic depression in various areas and regions 
of the Nation.
    2. To assist in the formulation and implementation of national, 
state, and local programs that will raise employment and income levels 
and otherwise produce solutions to problems resulting from the above 
conditions.
    3. To evaluate the effectiveness of programs, projects, and 
techniques used to (a) alleviate economic distress and (b) promote 
economic development.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $500,000 are available for this program. 
Funds will be used for projects selected through the application 
procedures described below and through EDA-initiated solicitations. 
Individual awards may vary but generally will not exceed $100,000.

Funding Instrument

    EDA will provide grants and cooperative agreements covering up to 
100 percent of project costs. [[Page 13876]] 

Project Duration

    Assistance under this program will normally be for a period not 
exceeding 15 months.

Evaluation Criteria

    To meet the goals described above, EDA will use the following 
unweighted criteria to evaluate research and evaluation proposals:
    1. Suitability of the subject.
    2. Potential usefulness of the research to state and local economic 
development officials and specialists.
    3. General quality and clarity of the proposal.
    4. Soundness and completeness of the research methodology.
    5. Qualifications of principal investigator(s) and, where 
appropriate, performing organization(s).
    6. Previous performance of principal investigator or performing 
organization on EDA-funded projects, if applicable.
    7. Cost and value of proposed product in relation to cost.
    EDA is interested in receiving proposals dealing with:
    1. Employment and unemployment;
    2. Income and poverty;
    3. Rural and nonmetropolitan economic development;
    4. Urban economic development;
    5. Regional and local growth and competitiveness;
    6. Industrial location, industrial networks, and industrial 
clustering;
    7. Sustainable development and growth management;
    8. Minority businesses and employment;
    9. Export development;
    10. Development finance; and
    11. Productivity and technology.
    Requests should be for specific, well-defined, one-time research 
projects. EDA research grants are not intended for support of 
continuing programs (permanent research programs, publication and 
information programs, periodic forecasts, etc.), or for non-research 
activities. EDA normally prefers research of broad geographic scope, 
that covers the whole country or a large multistate region, as opposed 
to research covering (in declining order of preference) a small region, 
a state, a multicounty area, or a single city or county. Preference 
will be given to practical cause-and-effect research and descriptive 
analyses, and funding for such will receive higher priority than 
theoretical studies, modeling (other than for hypothesis testing), etc. 
Economic development planning and technical assistance will not be 
funded under the Research and Evaluation Program; the Planning and 
Technical Assistance Programs are for those purposes.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    Potential applicants should submit one original and two (2) copies 
of a brief and concise proposal, not to exceed 20 pages, and vita and 
capability information. Proposals should avoid long background 
discussions and literature surveys, but should be reasonably detailed, 
particularly in explaining value to EDA, methodology, and data sources.
    Each proposal should include:
    1. A cover page stating that funding is sought under EDA's Research 
and Evaluation program, giving a short descriptive project title, the 
name and address of the performing organization, the names and 
telephone numbers of the project director and principal investigators, 
the project duration, the amount of EDA funds requested, and total 
project cost;
    2. A brief scope-and-objectives section indicating why the project 
is needed, giving its objectives, and providing a capsule description 
of the project;
    3. A more detailed description of the project and its methodology;
    4. A work plan showing different phases of the project and their 
timing;
    5. A detailed budget, not to exceed two pages, showing cost 
breakdowns, with EDA-funded and non-EDA-funded costs presented in 
separate columns, where applicable, and with the EDA-funded costs 
adding to the total shown on the cover page;
    6. Resumes for the project director and principal investigators; 
and
    7. A corporate or institutional capability statement, where 
appropriate.
    The cover letter accompanying the proposal should inform EDA of 
whether any other organization(s) or Federal agency(ies) is or will be 
considering the proposal. Any non-EDA contributions to the project, 
whether by the performing organization or third parties, should be 
identified.
    The deadline for receipt of proposals will be three months after 
the date of this announcement.
    Proposals should be submitted to the Director, Technical Assistance 
and Research Division, Economic Development Administration, Room 7315, 
U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230.

Formal Application Procedures

    EDA will evaluate the proposals as they are received using the 
selection criteria described above. Organizations and individuals whose 
proposals are selected for further consideration will be invited to 
submit an application. The formal application will include an SF-424 
(OMB Control No. 0348-0043).

Eligibility for Specific Solicitations

    In addition to using research and evaluation funds to support 
proposals submitted under the procedures described above, EDA may 
during the fiscal year identify other studies, including program 
evaluations, for funding consideration.
    Organizations and individuals interested in being invited to 
respond to Solicitations of Applications (SOAs) to conduct such studies 
should submit information on their capabilities and experience to the 
address listed above. This information will be used to determine 
eligibility to compete for projects under specific SOAs.

Further Information

    For further information, contact the Director, Technical Assistance 
and Research Division, at the above address; telephone, [phone].

IX. Program: Economic Adjustment Assistance (Title IX)

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 11.307 Special Economic 
Development and Adjustment Assistance Program--Long-Term Economic 
Deterioration (LTED) and Sudden and Severe Economic Dislocation 
(SSED)) 13 CFR Part 308

Authority

    Funds under the Economic Adjustment Program are used to assist 
areas experiencing changes in their economic situation which are 
causing, or threaten to cause, serious structural damage to the 
underlying economic base. Such changes may occur suddenly or over time, 
and result from industrial or corporate restructuring in response to 
technological advancements or changes in the marketplace, new Federal 
laws or requirements, reductions in defense expenditures, depletion of 
natural resources and natural disasters. Strategy grants provide the 
resources for organizing and conducting a strategic planning process 
and Implementation grants support one or more activities identified in 
an adjustment strategy approved, though not necessarily funded by EDA. 
Such activities include but are not limited to: the creation or 
expansion of strategically targeted business development and financing 
programs, infrastructure improvements, organizational development, and 
market or industry research and analysis. This program is authorized 
under Title IX of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 
1965, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3241-3245.

Program Objective

    The purpose of the Economic Adjustment Program is to enable 
[[Page 13877]] communities in affected areas to meet the challenge of 
economic change, constructively and effectively, through strategies for 
inducing capital investment in production of the types of goods and/or 
services for which the community may have or be able to develop a 
comparative economic advantage, and which will lead to saving and/or 
creating permanent jobs. In providing funding to support the adjustment 
process, EDA's objectives are to: (1) Provide impacted communities with 
the skills and knowledge needed to organize and carry out a strategic 
planning process focusing on increasing the productivity and 
competitiveness of a community's assets, for example, existing 
industries and business acumen, natural resources, and labor force 
skills; (2) expand the capacity of public officials and development 
organizations to work more effectively with their business community to 
identify and address unmet needs of strategically targeted firms for 
management assistance, access to information to help with marketing and 
modernization and finding sources of financing, and in organizing 
collaborative alliances among firms for such activities as product and 
market research, and new product development; (3) assist communities 
overcome critical impediments to implementing their adjustment 
strategy, such as a lack of available financing for the targeted 
businesses or weaknesses in their economic infrastructure for which no 
other sources of funding, including EDA's Title I Program, are 
available; (4) enable communities to coordinate and strategically 
target Federal resources available to support economic recovery from 
Federal actions adversely affecting a major industrial sector and/or 
the economy of a discrete geographic region, and from natural 
disasters; and (5) encourage the development of innovative public/
private approaches to economic restructuring and revitalization.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $45 million are available for the Economic 
Adjustment Program in FY 1995. Grants awarded under this program 
generally range between $25,000 and $5 million.

Funding Instrument

    Title IX funds are awarded through grants generally not to exceed 
75 percent of the project cost. Acceptable sources of the local share 
include, but are not limited to, local government general revenue 
funds; Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds or 
balance of state awards; and other public and private donations. The 
Assistant Secretary may waive all or part of the 25 percent nonfederal 
share of economic adjustment assistance grants, if he determines that 
the nonfederal share is not reasonably available because of the 
critical nature of the situation requiring economic adjustment 
assistance or for other good cause. The full amount of the local share 
need not be in hand at the time of application; however, the applicant 
must have a firm commitment from identified source(s), and the funds 
must be readily available. The local share must not be encumbered in 
any way that would preclude its use as required by the grant agreement. 
The local share for grants to establish or recapitalize a revolving 
loan fund (RLF) must be in cash, and while the local share for grants 
for other activities may be cash or in-kind, priority consideration 
will be given to proposals with a cash local share.

Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants within areas meeting the EDA eligibility 
criteria described below include a redevelopment area or economic 
development district established under Title IV; an Indian tribe; a 
state; a city or other political subdivision of a state, or a 
consortium of such political subdivisions; a Community Development 
Corporation defined in the Community Economic Development Act of 1981, 
42 U.S.C. 9802 (i.e., Community Development Corporations receiving 
financial assistance under the authority of the Community Services 
Block Grant Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9910(d)); a nonprofit 
organization determined by EDA to be the representative of a 
redevelopment area for purposes of the particular project; the 
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American 
Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Eligible Areas

    The area(s) to be assisted by the applicant generally must be 
eligible on the basis of the criteria, described below, for 
establishing that it is experiencing either Long-Term Economic 
Deterioration or a Sudden and Severe Economic Dislocation.
A. Long-Term Economic Deterioration (LTED)
    To receive priority consideration for funding as an LTED area, the 
area must be experiencing at least one of three economic problems: very 
high unemployment; low per capita income; or chronic distress (i.e., 
failure to keep pace with national economic growth trends over the last 
five years). Priority will be given to those areas with two or more of 
these indicators. Eligibility is generally determined statistically. 
Further information is available from EDA's regional offices or the 
economic development representative for your area (see Section XII of 
this Notice).
B. Sudden and Severe Economic Dislocation (SSED)
    To receive priority consideration for funding as an SSED area, the 
area must show actual or threatened permanent job losses that exceed 
the following threshold criteria, unless otherwise determined by the 
Assistant Secretary:
    1. For areas not in Metropolitan Statistical Areas:
    a. If the unemployment rate of the Labor Market Area exceeds the 
national average, the dislocation must amount to the lesser of two 
(2.0) percent of the employed population, or 500 direct jobs.
    b. If the unemployment rate of the Labor Market Area is equal to or 
less than the national average, the dislocation must amount to the 
lesser of four (4.0) percent of the employed population, or 1,000 
direct jobs.
    2. For areas within Metropolitan Statistical Areas:
    a. If the unemployment rate of the Metropolitan Statistical Area 
exceeds the national average, the dislocation must amount to the lesser 
of one-half (0.5) percent of the employed population, or 4,000 direct 
jobs.
    b. If the unemployment rate of the Metropolitan Statistical Area is 
equal to or less than the national average, the dislocation must amount 
to the lesser of one (1.0) percent of the employed population or 8,000 
direct jobs.
    In addition, fifty (50) percent of the job loss threshold must 
result from the action of a single employer, or eighty (80) percent of 
the job loss threshold must occur in a single standard industry 
classification (i.e., two digit SIC code).
    In the case of a Presidentially declared natural disaster, the area 
eligibility criteria are waived. In other exceptional circumstances, 
the criteria may be partially or fully waived at the discretion of the 
Assistant Secretary.
    Actual dislocations must have occurred within one year and 
threatened dislocations must be anticipated to occur within two years 
of the date EDA is contacted.

Project Duration

    Projects are expected to be completed in a timely manner consistent 
with the nature of the project. However, the [[Page 13878]] maximum 
period for which assistance will be provided shall not be more than 
five years from date of award.

Evaluation Criteria

    All proposals, regardless of the basis for the area's eligibility, 
will be screened for conformance to statutory and regulatory 
requirements, the relative severity of the area's economic problem, the 
quality of the strategy developed (or scope of work for the strategy to 
be developed) to address the problem, the merits of the activity(ies) 
for which funding is requested, and ability of the prospective 
applicant to carry out the proposed activity(ies) successfully.
    Particular program requirements and factors are not weighted in 
EDA's evaluation of proposals as all factors are equally important. 
Projects will be evaluated on the basis of the elements listed below in 
order to meet the goals described above.
A. For Strategy Grants
    1. The applicant organization has the necessary authority, mandate 
and capacity to lead and manage the planning process and implementation 
of the resulting strategy.
    2. The planning process provides for the representation of public 
and private sector entities with a contribution to make to the 
development of the strategy and/or on which accomplishment of the 
strategic objectives will depend. These entities include public program 
and service providers, trade and business associations, educational and 
research institutions, community development corporations, etc.
    3. The proposed scope of work focuses on the specific economic 
problems to be addressed and provides for undertaking the appropriate 
research and analysis needed to formulate a realistic, market-based, 
adjustment strategy.
B. For Implementation Grants
    1. Any activity or project proposed for funding must generally be 
clearly identifiable as an integral and priority element within an 
adjustment strategy for the eligible area(s) prepared or updated within 
the preceeding two years. The strategy should address and/or provide 
evidence of the following:
    a. An appropriately designed and conducted planning process;
    b. A thorough understanding of the economic problems being 
addressed;
    c. A sound analysis of the industry sectors and the firms within 
them that comprise the area's economic base, and of the particular 
strengths and weaknesses of the area that contribute to, or detract 
from, its current and potential economic competitiveness.
    d. Strategic objectives that flow from the economic analysis and 
conclusions and focus on stimulating investment in new and/or expanding 
economic activities that offer the best prospects for revitalization 
and growth;
    e. Appropriate and necessary resources in the area and elsewhere 
have been/will be mobilized and coordinated to support implementation 
of the strategy; and
    f. The performance measures which the applicant will use to assess 
progress toward accomplishing its strategic objectives.
    2. All individual activities or projects proposed for funding must 
be consistent with one or more of the Economic Adjustment Program 
objectives stated above. Particular consideration will be given to 
proposals involving innovative approaches to building and implementing 
public/private and multifirm partnerships for such purposes as new 
product development and marketing, and dissemination and application of 
new production technologies and management practices.
    3. Proposals for capitalizing or recapitalizing a RLF must in 
addition describe and/or provide evidence of:
    a. The need for a new or expanded public financing tool to 
complement other business assistance programs and services available to 
firms and/or would-be entrepreneurs in industry sectors and/or 
locations targeted by the adjustment strategy;
    b. The types of financing activities anticipated; and
    c. The prospective RLF's organizational capacity to work 
effectively with the business community and other financing providers, 
to function as an integral part of the overall economic adjustment 
effort and to manage the lending function.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    Interested parties should contact the economic development 
representative for the area or the appropriate EDA regional office (see 
Section XII of this Notice) for a proposal package.

Application Procedures

    Following a review of project proposals, EDA will invite those 
proponents of projects selected for funding consideration to submit 
applications. It should be noted that an invitation to apply does not 
assure funding. The application will include an ED-540, as approved by 
the Office of Management and Budget Control No. 0610-0058. Applicants 
for RLF funding are generally required to submit a RLF Plan in addition 
to the adjustment strategy for the area. Guidelines on RLF's are 
available from the regional offices.

Further Information

    For further information, contact the appropriate economic 
development representative, EDA regional office (see Section XII of 
this Notice), or the Director, Economic Adjustment Division, Economic 
Development Administration, Room 7327, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
Washington, DC 20230; telephone [phone].

X. Program: Defense Conversion Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No: 11.307 Special Economic 
Development and Adjustment Assistance Program--Long-Term Economic 
Deterioration (LTED) and Sudden and Severe Economic Dislocation 
(SSED)) 13 CFR Part 308

Authority

    Funds under the Defense Conversion program are used to enable areas 
where economies are adversely impacted by reductions in defense 
spending, to facilitate the orderly redeployment of their defense 
created assets to activities which help restructure and/or strengthen 
their economic base. Areas experiencing closure of a military facility, 
a defense related Department of Energy facility and/or reductions in 
defense procurements may be eligible for assistance. This program is 
authorized under section 4103(b) of Division D of Public Law 101-510 
for FY 1991, and section 4305 of Division D of Public Law 102-484 for 
FY 1993, 10 U.S.C. 2391 note; and by the Public Works and Economic 
Development Act of 1965, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3131, 3151(a), 3151(b), 
and 3171(a)(3).

Program Objective

    The program is designed to provide defense impacted communities 
with the resources to develop and/or carry out programs and projects, 
singly or in combination, that support implementation of a defense 
conversion strategy or base re-use plan. Commonly funded types of 
programs and projects include, but are not limited to: planning and 
strategy development (only as may be necessary to complement and expand 
work funded by the Office of Economic Adjustment, Department of 
Defense); research and analysis, such as marketing and feasibility 
studies; design and delivery of conversion or development assistance 
and services for affected businesses, typically smaller defense 
contractors in order to, for example, fill gaps in available technical 
services, developing collaborative alliances for [[Page 13879]] new 
product and market development, and establishing or expanding financing 
programs for targeted businesses; and infrastructure improvements 
needed to facilitate the re-use of former military facilities.
    Assistance may be provided directly to affected communities, and 
also through other entities, such as states or regional development 
organizations, when to do so would result in more effective and 
efficient delivery of a particular service or program.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $120 million are available for the Defense 
Conversion program in FY 1995. Grants awarded under this program 
generally range between $25,000 and $5 million.

    Note: The Selection Criteria and Application Procedures set 
forth in this announcement supersede those previously announced in 
the Federal Register of May 6, 1993 (58 FR 27188), and apply to the 
unobligated balance of the $80 million authorized under section 4305 
of Division D of Public Law 102-484 and of the $50 million 
authorized under section 4103(b) of Division D of Public Law 101-
510.

Funding Instrument

    Assistance is in the form of grants, which will normally be awarded 
under the authority of EDA's Title IX Economic Adjustment program. 
However, grants for assistance under the Defense Conversion program may 
also be made to applicants eligible for assistance under the Title I 
Public Works and the Title III Technical Assistance, Research and 
Planning programs.
    Title IX grants may be awarded for up to 75 percent of the total 
project cost. Acceptable sources of the local share include, but are 
not limited to, local government general revenue funds; Community 
Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds or balance of state 
awards; and other public and private donations. The Assistant Secretary 
may waive all or part of the 25 percent nonfederal share of economic 
adjustment assistance grants, if he determines that the nonfederal 
share is not reasonably available because of the critical nature of the 
situation requiring economic adjustment assistance or for other good 
cause. The full amount of the local share need not be in hand at the 
time of application; however, the applicant must have a firm commitment 
from identified source(s), and the funds must be readily available. The 
local share must not be encumbered in any way that would preclude its 
use as required by the grant agreement. The local share for a revolving 
loan fund project must be in cash, and while the local share for other 
types of defense conversion activities may be cash or in-kind, priority 
consideration will be given to proposals with a cash local share.
    For information regarding local share requirements for the Title I 
Public Works and the Title III Technical Assistance, Research and 
Planning programs, Sections II, IV and VI of this Announcement should 
be consulted.
    In accordance with Public Law 103-317, financial assistance may be 
provided for projects to be located on military installations closed or 
scheduled for closure or realignment to eligible grantees under PWEDA 
without it being required that the grantee have title or ability to 
obtain a lease for the property, for the useful life of the project 
when, in the opinion of the Secretary of Commerce such financial 
assistance is necessary for the economic development of the area; and 
the Secretary of Commerce may, as he or she deems appropriate, consult 
with the Secretary of Defense regarding title to the land on military 
installations closed or scheduled for closure or realignment.

Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants within areas meeting the eligibility criteria 
described below include a redevelopment area or economic development 
district established under Title IV of this Act, 42 U.S.C. 3161; an 
Indian tribe; a state; a city or other political subdivision of a 
state, or a consortium of such political subdivisions; a Community 
Development Corporation defined in the Community Economic Development 
Act of 1981, 42 U.S.C. 9802 (i.e., Community Development Corporations 
receiving financial assistance under the authority of the Community 
Services Block Grant Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9910(d)); a nonprofit 
organization determined by EDA to be the representative of a 
redevelopment area; and the Federated States of Micronesia, the 
Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the 
Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands.
    For assistance under the Title I Public Works program, and Title 
III Technical Assistance, Research and Planning programs, Sections II, 
IV and VI of this Announcement should be consulted.
    Applicants must meet either the Department of Defense criteria or 
the Economic Adjustment program criteria described in A and B below:
A. Department of Defense Criteria
    (1) In the case of a proposed or actual establishment, realignment, 
or closure of a military installation, where the Secretary of Defense 
determines that such action is likely to have a direct and 
significantly adverse consequence on the affected community.
    (2) In the case of a publicly announced planned reduction in DOD 
spending, the cancellation or termination of a DOD contract, or the 
failure to proceed with a previously approved major defense acquisition 
program, assistance may be provided only if the reduction, 
cancellation, termination, or failure will have a direct and 
significant adverse impact on a community and will result in the loss 
of the lesser of:
    (a) 2,500 or more employee positions, in the case of a Metropolitan 
Statistical Area (MSA) or similar area (as defined by the Director of 
the Office of Management and Budget);
    (b) 1,000 or more employee positions, in the case of a labor market 
area outside of an MSA; or
    (c) one percent of the total number of civilian jobs in that area.
B. EDA Criteria
    The dislocation must satisfy one of the following criteria (in 
exceptional circumstances, the criteria may be partially waived by the 
Assistant Secretary for Economic Development):
    (1) For areas not in MSAs:
    (a) If the unemployment rate of the Labor Market Area exceeds the 
national average, the dislocation must amount to the lesser of two 
(2.0) percent of the employed population, or 500 direct jobs.
    (b) If the unemployment rate of the Labor Market Area is equal to 
or less than the national average, the dislocation must amount to the 
lesser of four (4.0) percent of the employed population, or 1,000 
direct jobs.
    (2) For areas within MSAs:
    (a) If the unemployment rate of the MSA exceeds the national 
average, the dislocation must amount to the lesser of one-half (0.5) 
percent of the employed population, or 4,000 direct jobs.
    (b) If the unemployment rate of the MSA is equal to or less than 
the national average, the dislocation must amount to the lesser of one 
(1.0) percent of the employed population, or 8,000 direct jobs.
    Under the Defense program, an area will normally be eligible for up 
to two years before the announced date for a base closure or contract 
reduction and for two years after. However, if completion of an area's 
adjustment strategy is delayed for good reason, the 
[[Page 13880]] area's eligibility may be extended for up to one year 
from the date the strategy is accepted by EDA.

Project Duration

    Projects are expected to be completed in a timely manner consistent 
with the nature of the project. However, the maximum period for which 
assistance will be provided shall not be more than five years from date 
of award for Title I and Title IX projects. For projects under Title 
III Technical Assistance, Research and Planning programs, assistance 
will be for the period of time required to complete the scope of work, 
which typically will not exceed twelve months.

Evaluation Criteria

    Evaluation criteria will not be assigned weights as all factors are 
equally important. Projects will be evaluated on the basis of the 
elements listed below in order to meet the goals described above. Key 
factors in EDA's evaluation of proposed defense conversion projects 
include:
    1. The relative severity of the impact of the defense cutbacks on 
the economic and employment base of the area(s).
    2. The quality of the area economic adjustment/defense conversion 
strategy or base reuse plan which is a prerequisite for funding 
consideration. The plan should address and/or provide evidence of the 
following:
    a. An appropriately designed and conducted planning process;
    b. The scale and characteristics of the impact of the defense 
cutbacks on workers, industry sectors and businesses;
    c. Strategic objectives that address the defense related problems 
and opportunities, are appropriate to the area's particular economic 
attributes and circumstances, and are based on sound research and 
analysis;
    d. All appropriate and available Federal, State and local 
resources, programs, services, etc., have been identified and will be 
mobilized and coordinated to support implementation of the strategy; 
and
    e. The performance measures which the applicant will use to assess 
progress toward accomplishing its strategic objectives.

    Note: EDA may, in some instances, consider funding a project 
prior to completion of the strategy/plan, provided that (a) an 
appropriate community planning process is underway, (b) sufficient 
analysis has been done to show that the proposed project is 
economically viable and potentially consistent with the evolving 
strategy and (c) the proposed project has the support of the 
community.

    3. The degree to which the proposed program/project contributes to:
    a. Productive redeployment of defense created assets (facilities, 
workforce skills, industrial technologies and production capacity);
    b. Overcoming critical impediments to a community's ability to 
progress with implementing its strategy or base reuse plan; and
    c. Facilitating/stimulating private sector investment in the 
production of the types of goods and services that will strengthen the 
economic base of the area over the long term, and lead to the 
generation of new employment opportunities and revenue.
    4. The capacity of the prospective applicant to administer the 
proposed project and ensure achievement of the stated objectives.

Proposal Submission Procedures

    When a major defense cutback is announced, EDA's economic 
development representative for the state in which it is to occur will 
normally contact officials of the affected community. Otherwise, the 
interested parties should contact either the economic development 
representative for the area or the appropriate EDA regional office (see 
Section XII of this Notice). The economic development representative 
will track the community's strategy/base reuse planning process and 
provide information regarding activities/projects that could be 
considered for EDA assistance. At such time as the planning process is 
sufficiently advanced for prospective implementation programs and 
projects to have been identified, the economic development 
representative will advise the community on the preparation of a short 
funding proposal.

Application Procedures

    EDA will evaluate proposals using the evaluation criteria cited 
above. Once the merits of the proposal are established, EDA will work 
if necessary with the prospective applicant to clarify elements of the 
proposal and such EDA administrative policies and requirements as may 
apply to the particular type of program or project for which assistance 
is being requested. For example, applicants for assistance to 
capitalize a revolving loan fund (RLF) are generally required to submit 
a RLF Plan.
    When a proposal is selected for funding consideration, EDA will 
invite the proponent to submit a formal application under the authority 
of the specified funding program, i.e., Title I, III or IX. The 
appropriate formal application package will be provided. It should be 
noted that an invitation to apply does not assure funding.

Further Information

    For further information, contact the appropriate economic 
development representative, EDA regional office (see Section XII of 
this Notice), or the Director, Economic Adjustment Division, Economic 
Development Administration, Room 7327, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
Washington, DC 20230; telephone [phone].

XI. Program: Trade Adjustment Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.313 Economic 
Development--Trade Adjustment Assistance) 13 CFR Part 315

Authority

    Funds under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program are awarded to 
a network of Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs), located 
around the Nation, which provide technical assistance to certified 
firms adversely affected by increased imports. This program is 
authorized under Title II, Chapter 3 of the Trade Act of 1974, 19 
U.S.C. 2341-2355.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the amount of $10.0 million are available for trade 
adjustment assistance. Nearly all of these funds will be provided to 
the nationwide network of TAACs through cooperative agreements. 
Individual awards generally range between $650,000 and $1.025 million. 
No new centers will be funded in FY 1995.
    Funds are also awarded under this program to organizations 
representing trade-injured industries. Limited funds are available for 
industry technical assistance for continuation of an existing program. 
No new industry assistance projects are expected to be funded in FY 
1995.

Program Objective

    The Trade Adjustment Assistance Program is designed to provide 
technical assistance to certified firms and industries hurt by the 
impact of increased imports. The TAACs help firms submit certification 
petitions to the Trade Adjustment Assistance Division (TAAD) of EDA. If 
the firm is certified, TAACs provide technical assistance to the firm 
in developing a strategy to adjust to the import injury. A firm should 
work closely with the appropriate TAAC in petitioning for 
certification. Certified firms should also work closely with the 
appropriate TAAC in diagnosing their problems and developing an 
adjustment proposal, and [[Page 13881]] in applying for technical 
assistance if their adjustment proposal is accepted by EDA.
    An industry association or other organization interested in 
receiving an industry assistance cooperative agreement must meet with a 
TAAD representative to discuss the industry's problems, opportunities, 
and assistance needs.

Criteria for Evaluating Industry Assistance Proposals

    Industry associations and other organizations seeking trade 
adjustment industry assistance must demonstrate that the industry is 
injured by foreign trade and that the activities to be funded will 
yield some short-term actions that the industry itself (and individual 
firms) can and will take toward the restoration of the industry's 
international competitiveness. Evaluation criteria will not be assigned 
weights as all factors are equally important. Projects will be 
evaluated on the basis of the elements listed below in order to meet 
the goals described above.
    The emphasis is on practical results that can be implemented in the 
near term, and long-term research and development activities are given 
low priority. It is also expected that the industry will continue 
activities on its own without the need for continued Federal 
assistance.

Application Procedures

    Industry associations or other organizations seeking industry 
assistance must submit an application identified as Standard Form 424 
(OMB Control No. 0348-0043), if encouraged to do so as a result of the 
meeting with a TAAD representative.
    Acceptable industry assistance applications will be processed as 
funds are available; normally one to three months is required for final 
decision on application.

Formula and Matching Requirements

    Generally, a minimum of 50 percent share is required for industry 
assistance cooperative agreements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

    Industry assistance cooperative agreements are generally for a 12-
month period, but may be longer for tasks requiring more time to 
complete.

Further Information

    For further information, contact the Director, Trade Adjustment 
Assistance Division, Economic Development Administration, Room 7023, 
U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230; telephone (202) 482-
3373.

XII. EDA Regional Offices and Economic Development Representatives

    The EDA regional and field offices, states covered, and the 
economic development representatives (EDRs) are listed below.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     EDRs                                                States covered         
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Atlanta Regional Office                                            
                                   401 West Peachtree Street, N.W., Suite 1820                                  
                                           Atlanta, Georgia 30308-3510                                          
                                            Telephone: [phone]                                           
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burnette, F. Wayne, Aronov Building, Room 705, 474 South Court Street,         Alabama.                         
 Montgomery, AL 36104, Telephone: [phone].                                                               
Smith, Lola B., Federal Building, Room 423, 80 North Hughey Avenue, Orlando,   Florida.                         
 FL 32801, Telephone: [phone].                                                                           
Day, William J., Jr., 401 West Peachtree Street, N.W., Suite 1820, Atlanta,    Georgia.                         
 GA 30308-3510, Telephone: [phone].                                                                      
Hunter, Bobby D., 771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Lexington, KY 40503-5477,    Kentucky.                        
 Telephone: [phone].                                                                                     
Ainsworth, Bob, 221 Federal Building, 100 West Capital Street, Jackson, MS     Mississippi.                     
 39269, Telephone: [phone].                                                                              
Jones, Dale L., P.O. Box 2522, Raleigh, NC 27601, Telephone: [phone]..  North Carolina.                  
Dixon, Patricia M., Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835 Assembly Street,     South Carolina.                  
 Room 307, Columbia, SC 29201, Telephone: [phone].                                                       
Parks, Mitchell S., 261 Cumberland Bend Drive, Nashville, TN 37228,            Tennessee.                       
 Telephone: [phone].                                                                                     
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Austin Regional Office                                             
                                         Thornberry Building, Suite 121                                         
                                            903 San Jacinto Boulevard                                           
                                            Austin, Texas 78701-2450                                            
                                            Telephone: [phone]                                           
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spearman, Sam, Room 2509, Federal Building, 700 West Capitol, Little Rock, AR  Arkansas.                        
 72201, Telephone: [phone].                                                                              
Davidson, Pamela, 412 North Fourth Street, Room 104, Baton Rouge, LA 70802-    Louisiana.                       
 5523, Telephone: [phone].                                                                               
Swearingen, James, P.O. Box 2662, Santa Fe, NM 87504, Telephone: (505) 988-    New Mexico.                      
 6557.                                                                                                          
Waters, Alvin X. Jr., 5500 North Western, Suite 148, Oklahoma City, OK 73118-  Oklahoma.                        
 4011, Telephone: [phone].                                                                               
Ramirez, Roy, Suite 121, Thornberry Building, 903 San Jacinto Boulevard,       Texas (south).                   
 Austin, TX 78701-2450, Telephone: [phone].                                                              
Jacob, Lawrence, Suite 121, Thornberry Building, 903 San Jacinto Boulevard,    Texas (north).                   
 Austin, TX 78701-2450, Telephone: [phone].                                                              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                
                                             California Field Office                                            
                                            Oakland Federal Building                                            
                                          1301 Clay Street, Suite 675N                                          
                                         Oakland, California 94612-5217                                         
                                            Telephone: [phone]                                           
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sosson, Deena R., 1345 J Street, Suite B, Sacramento, CA 95814, Telephone:     California (northern).           
 [phone].                                                                                                
Lewis, William J., 1345 J Street, Suite A, Sacramento, CA 95814, Telephone:    California (central).            
 [phone].                                                                                                
[[Page 13882]]                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                
Oaks, Charles W., 297 Marengo Avenue, Room 100, Pasadena, CA 91102-6020,       California (southern).           
 Telephone: [phone].                                                                                     
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Chicago Regional Office                                            
                                        111 North Canal Street, Suite 855                                       
                                             Chicago, IL 60606-7204                                             
                                            Telephone: [phone]                                           
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Casals, Alfred L., 509 West Capitol, Suite 204, Springfield, IL 62704,         Illinois.                        
 Telephone: [phone].                                                                                     
Henderson, Richard L., Federal Building Courthouse, Room 402, 46 East Ohio     Indiana.                         
 Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, Telephone: [phone].                                                     
Collison, James L., 100 North Warren Avenue, Room 1018, Saginaw, MI 48606-     Michigan.                        
 0867, Telephone: [phone].                                                                               
Arnold, John B. III, 104 Federal Building, 515 West First Street, Duluth, MN   Minnesota.                       
 55802, Telephone: [phone].                                                                              
Hickey, Robert F., Federal Building, Room 607, 200 North High Street,          Ohio.                            
 Columbus, Ohio 43214, Telephone: [phone].                                                               
Price, Jack D., 1320 W. Clairemont Ave., Suite 114, Eau Claire, WI 54701,      Wisconsin.                       
 Telephone: [phone].                                                                                     
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Denver Regional Office                                             
                                         1244 Speer Boulevard, Room 670                                         
                                             Denver, Colorado 80204                                             
                                            Telephone: [phone]                                           
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zender, John, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Room 632, Denver, CO 80204, Telephone:     Colorado, Kansas.                
 [phone].                                                                                                
Cecil, Robert, Federal Building, Room 593A, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA  Iowa.                            
 50309, Telephone: [phone].                                                                              
Paul Hildebrandt, Federal Building, Room B-02, 608 East Cherry, Columbia, MO   Missouri.                        
 65201, Telephone: [phone].                                                                              
Rogers, John C., Federal Building, Room 196, Drawer 10074, Helena, MT 59626,   Montana.                         
 Telephone: [phone].                                                                                     
Albertson, Warren A., Federal Building, Room 219, Pierre, SD 57501,            Nebraska, South Dakota.          
 Telephone: [phone].                                                                                     
Grant, Cornelius P., P.O. Box 1911, Bismarck, ND 58501, Telephone: (701) 250-  North Dakota.                    
 4321.                                                                                                          
Ockey, Jack, Federal Building, Room 2414, 125 South State Street, Salt Lake    Utah, Wyoming.                   
 City, UT 84138, Telephone: [phone].                                                                     
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Philadelphia Regional Office                                          
                                                  Curtis Center                                                 
                                            Independence Square West                                            
                                                 Suite 140 South                                                
                                             Philadelphia, PA 19106                                             
                                            Telephone: [phone]                                           
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hammarlund, C.N. Jr., Federal Office Building, Room 453, 450 Main Street,      Connecticut, Rhode Island.       
 Hartford, CT 06103, Telephone: [phone].                                                                 
Flynn, Patricia A., 2568-A Riva Road, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401-7450,     Delaware, Maryland, District of  
 Telephone: [phone].                                                     Columbia.                       
Blitz, Sandford, Federal Building, Room 410D, 40 Western Avenue, Augusta, ME   Maine.                           
 04330, Telephone: [phone].                                                                              
Fitzhenry, William A., Boston Federal Office Building, 10 Causeway Street,     Massachusetts.                   
 Room 420 (Box 2), Boston, MA 02222-1036, Telephone: [phone].                                            
Potter, Rita V., 143 North Main Street, Suite 209, Concord, NH 03301,          New Hampshire, Vermont.          
 Telephone: [phone].                                                                                     
Rossignol, Clifford J., 44 South Clinton Avenue, Room 703, Trenton, NJ 08609,  New Jersey.                      
 Telephone: [phone].                                                                                     
Marshall, Harold J. II, 620 Erie Boulevard West, Suite 104, Syracuse, NY       New York.                        
 13204, Telephone: [phone].                                                                              
Pecone, Anthony M., 1933A New Berwick Highway, Bloomsburg, PA 17815,           Pennsylvania.                    
 Telephone: [phone].                                                                                     
Cruz, Ernesto L., Federal Office Building, Room 620, 150 Carlos Chardon        Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands.     
 Avenue, Hato Rey, PR 00918-1738, Telephone: [phone].                                                    
Noyes, Neal E., 700 Centre Building, Room 230, 704 E. Franklin Street,         Virginia.                        
 Richmond, VA 23219, Telephone: [phone].                                                                 
Davis, R. Byron, Rose City Press Building, 550 Eagan Street, Room 305,         West Virginia.                   
 Charleston, WV 25301, Telephone: [phone].                                                               
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Seattle Regional Office                                            
                                       Jackson Federal Building, Room 1856                                      
                                                915 Second Avenue                                               
                                            Seattle, Washington 98174                                           
                                            Telephone: [phone]                                           
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richert, Bernhard E. Jr., 605 West 4th Avenue, Room G-80, Anchorage, AK 99501- Alaska.                          
 7594, Telephone: [phone].                                                                               
Perot, C. Antony, Phoenix Plaza, Suite 965, 2901 North Central, Phoenix, AZ    Arizona, Nevada (except Elko,    
 85012, Telephone: [phone].                                              Eureka and White) Pine          
                                                                                Counties).                      
[[Page 13883]]                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                
McChesney, Frank, P.O. Box 50264, Federal Building, Room 4106, Honolulu, HI    Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa,    
 96850, Telephone: [phone].                                              Marshall Islands, Micronesia,   
                                                                                Northern Marianas.              
Ames, Aldred F., Room 441, 304 North 8th Street, Boise, ID 83702, Telephone:   Idaho, Nevada (counties of Elko, 
 [phone].                                                                Eureka & White Pine).           
Berblinger, Anne S., One World Trade Center, 121 S.W. Salmon Street, Suite     Oregon.                          
 244, Portland, OR 97204, Telephone: [phone].                                                            
Kirry, Lloyd P., Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1856,       Washington.                      
 Seattle, WA 98174, Telephone: [phone].                                                                  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Dated: March 8, 1995.
William W. Ginsberg,
Assistant Secretary for Economic Development.
[FR Doc. 95-6261 Filed 3-13-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-24-P