[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 52 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-6217]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: March 17, 1994]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part VI
Department of Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
National Institute of Standards and Technology
_______________________________________________________________________
Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program; Notice
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket No. 940247-4047]
Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program
AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),
Technology Administration, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of availability of funds.
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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology invites
proposals from qualified organizations for funding for projects that
accomplish any one of the following objectives:
Program Planning: To support the creation of a program plan for a
state-wide, coordinated technology extension system to enhance the
competitiveness of small and medium-sized manufacturers through the
application of technology.
Program Implementation: To support the initial implementation of a
comprehensive state-wide industrial extension program or the pilot
testing of new program and service concepts to help small and medium-
sized manufacturers improve productivity and competitiveness.
Regional Linkages: To support inter-state or multi-state efforts to
expand the scope and enhance the effectiveness of technical assistance
services available regionally to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
Program Planning projects are open to all states, regardless of
state size, industrial density/sparseness, or number of existing
industrial assistance programs.
For Program Implementation and Regional Linkages projects, NIST
plans to give priority consideration to projects having the best
potential to benefit areas with relatively sparse distribution of
industry, or low industry density areas that do not lend themselves to
large extension centers as a method of service delivery.
DATES: Proposals will be accepted until 4 p.m. EDT on April 18, 1994.
It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that their proposals
are received at the Manufacturing Extension Partnership office by the
time and date stated. Proposals received after the closing time and
date will be returned.
ADDRESSES: Applicants must submit one signed original plus two copies
of the proposal along with Standard Form 424 and Form CD-511 to:
Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Polymers Building (Bldg. 224),
room B-115, National Institute of Standards and Technology,
Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20899-0001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of the content of
this notice telephone: Roger Kilmer at (301) 975-3423. Copies of SF-424
(Rev 4-88) Form CD-511, and other required forms may be obtained from
the NIST Grants Office (301) 975-6394.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
The catalog number for the award of ``State Technology Extension
Program'' funds in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance is
11.613.
Program Description
In accordance with the provisions of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 2781), as amended, NIST will
provide assistance in fiscal year 1994 to help States develop
manufacturing assistance programs aimed at small and medium-sized
manufacturers and help bring those State programs to a level of
performance where they can provide the full range of manufacturing
extension services required by their manufacturers. Under the NIST
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), which includes the State
Technology Extension Program (STEP), NIST will make merit-based awards
to States to help improve their planning, coordination, and
implementation of their technology extension activities. This funding
will also be available to multi-state partnerships which seek to expand
the scope of technology assistance related services regionally
available to small- and medium-sized manufacturers. MEP assumes a broad
definition of manufacturing, and recognizes a wide range of technology
and concepts, including durable goods production; chemical,
biotechnology, and other materials processing; electronic component and
system fabrication; and engineering services associated with
manufacturing, as lying within the definition of manufacturing.
Funding Availability
Approximately, $2,500,000 will be available to support cooperative
agreements on a matching funds basis under this program. Funding size
will vary according to the project category and scope of work. For
example, Program Planning projects have typically averaged less than
$100,000 in past years. Program Planning projects that include pilot
testing of the proposed extension plan or planning for multiple
intrastate regions will be eligible for NIST funding up to $150,000.
For Program Implementation projects and Regional Linkage projects,
awards will also vary, but NIST funds may not exceed $250,000 per
project. States will be able to submit proposals for each of the three
project categories.
Award Period
The cooperative agreements entered into under this program will be
available for one year. If an application is selected for funding, DOC
has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in
connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or
extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of DOC.
Indirect Costs
The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an
application under this program 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.
Proposal Format
The Basic Proposal must not exceed 25 typewritten pages in length.
The applicant may submit a separately bound document of appendices,
containing letters of support or other information in support of the
Basic Proposal. Appendices and other supplemental information must not
exceed 20 pages. Excess pages in either the Basic Proposal (over the 25
page limit) or the supplemental appendices (over the 20 page limit)
will not be considered in the evaluation.
Content of Basic Proposal
The Basic Proposal must, at a minimum, include the following:
A. An executive summary of not more than five (5) pages,
summarizing the planned project consistent with the Evaluation Criteria
stated in this notice.
B. A description of the planned project sufficient to permit
evaluation of the proposal in accordance with the proposal Evaluation
Criteria stated in this notice.
C. A budget for the project which identifies all sources of funds.
D. A description of the qualifications of key personnel who will be
assigned to work on the proposed project.
E. A statement of work that discusses the specific tasks to be
carried out, including a schedule of measurable events and milestones.
F. For Program Planning and Program Implementation projects,
letters from the Governor's office (not considered part of the page
count) indicating that the applicant is the lead organization for
conducting the proposed activities. For Program Planning, the letter
will also acknowledge that there is only one proposal from that state
for Program Planning.
G. A Standard Form 424 (Rev 4-88) prescribed by OMB circular A-102,
and Form CD-511, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and
Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and
Lobbying. SF-424 (Rev 4-88) and Form CD-511 will not be considered part
of the page count of the Basic Proposal.
Invitation for Proposals
Qualified organizations are invited to submit proposals in one or
more of the projects stated in this notice. Each proposal should
address only one project.
Program Planning Projects
Project objective
The purpose of Program Planning projects will be to create plans
for state-wide, coordinated, technology extension programs in order to
enhance the competitiveness of small- and medium-sized manufacturers.
These projects will plan for the development and coordination of
existing and/or newly formed services, such as state industrial
assistance programs; workforce training; university-based industrial
assistance programs; and management assistance programs; into a unified
state-wide program. Plans will include providing access to a wide range
of technology and services, such as technology deployment, workers
skills development, technology transfer and commercialization, or
export and market development.
Applicants may conduct planning activities on multiple intrastate
region basis, when regions are defined by the state. Regions should be
clearly defined by the proposing organizations and it must be clear why
the program is regionally oriented, versus state-wide, and how the
multiple intrastate regions will be integrated into a state-wide plan
or interact such that state-wide coverage is achieved.
Applicants may include pilot testing activities as part of their
planning process. If pilot testing of the proposed extension plan is
included in the project, it should include methods of evaluating the
pilot test's success in implementing the proposed extension plan. Any
proposed pilot activity must be consistent with the program plan
developed for the state.
Program Planning Projects Evaluation Criteria
Proposals from applicants will be evaluated and rated on the basis
of the following criteria by an impartial competitive review panel.
Each proposal should address all five evaluation criteria and
evaluation criteria 1-3 will be weighted more heavily than criteria 4-
5. Selection will be based upon total evaluation score as well as
geographic distribution.
1. Target Population (25 points): Potential applicants should
specify a methodology for identifying a population of beneficiary
companies (the target population) and their technology assistance-
related needs. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Methodology for defining the size and demographic
characteristics of the target population to be served by the program
plan.
(b) Methodology for determining the target population's assistance
needs, eg. technology, training, information, quality improvement,
management, etc.
(c) Methodology to ensure that the plan is appropriate for
addressing identified industry needs.
2. Resource Identification and Assessment (20 points): Applicants
should describe the methodology for collecting information about the
number, size, technical sophistication, type, and relevance of
industrial assistance activities that will be part of the coordination
effort. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Methodology for identifying relevant assistance programs and
other sources of expertise outside applicant's organization.
(b) Methodology for assessing relevance and effectiveness of
resources in addressing identified industry needs.
3. Coordination with Existing Resources (25 points): Applicants
should set forth a plan for interacting or coordinating with
appropriate existing and/or newly-formed state and local technology-
industrial assistance services, potential industry partners, and
appropriate federal services, to develop a coordinated state-wide
delivery system. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Methodology and adequacy of plans for forming effective
linkages and partnerships necessary to plan for and provide a
coordinated range of services to meet the needs of the target
population.
(b) Safeguards to ensure that planned activity does not duplicate
existing services or resources.
4. Management (15 points): Applicants should specify plans for
proper organization, staffing, and management of the planning process.
Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Appropriateness and authority of the governing or managing
organization to conduct a state-wide (or regional) planning process.
(b) Qualifications of the project team and its leadership to
conduct a state-wide (or regional) planning process.
(c) Appropriateness of the organizational approach for carrying out
the planning activity.
(d) Evidence of significant involvement and support by the state
and by private industry.
5. Financial Plan (15 points): Applicants should show the relevance
and cost effectiveness of the financial plan for meeting the objectives
of the project; the firmness and level of the applicant's total
financial support for the project; and the plan to maintain the program
after the cooperative agreement has expired. Factors that will be
considered include:
(a) Cost effectiveness of the budget.
(b) Strength of commitment of proposer's cost share.
(c) Effectiveness of management plans for control of budget.
(d) Appropriateness of matching contribution.
(e) Plan for maintaining the program after the cooperative
agreement has expired.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants for these projects are state technology
extension programs operated by state governments, or on behalf of state
governments by private or public non-profit organizations. All states
will be eligible, regardless of state size, industrial density/
sparseness, or number of existing industrial assistance programs.
States that have received previous planning grants remain eligible for
additional Program Planning projects. Applicants will be able to
propose conducting the planning activities themselves or arranging for
some or all of the planning activities to be carried out by a second
party. One proposal for Program Planning will be accepted per state.
Matching Requirements
A matching contribution from each applicant is required. NIST may
provide financial support up to 50% of the total budget for the
project, however, the federal share may not exceed $150,000. The
applicant's share of the budget may include dollar contributions from
state, county, industrial or other non-federal sources and in-kind
contributions necessary and reasonable for proper accomplishment of
project objectives.
Required Letters
A letter will be required from the Governor indicating that the
eligible applicant is the lead organization in that state for Program
Planning activities, and acknowledging that there is only one proposal
from that state for a Program Planning project. Where more than one
such otherwise qualified Program Planning proposal per state is
submitted, all such proposals from that state may be disqualified.
Program Implementation Projects
Project Objective
The purpose of Program Implementation projects is to support the
implementation of comprehensive, state-wide industrial extension
programs and/or pilot testing of new program and service concepts, such
as pilot outreach centers and other extention activities, to help small
and medium-sized manufacturers improve productivity and
competitiveness.
For projects that support the implementation of a comprehensive
state-wide industrial extension system, activities must build upon
existing services and be consistent with comprehensive state plans, if
such plans exist. Extension programs should provide access to a range
of services, including but not limited to: technical extension,
training, manager assistance, and quality improvement.
Pilot testing of new services and activities will be permitted on a
limited scale where there is an intent to replicate these services on a
larger scale or to move toward full-scale implementation. Accordingly,
pilot testingmust include evaluation, analysis and documentation, and
may include some planning activities as necessary.
NIST plans to give priority consideration to projects having the
best potential to benefit areas with relatively sparse distribution of
industry, or low density industry areas that do not lend themselves to
large extension centers as a method of service delivery.
Program Implementation Projects Evaluation Criteria
Proposals from applicants will be evaluated and rated on the basis
of the following criteria by an impartial competitive review panel.
Each proposal should address all six evaluation criteria and evaluation
criteria 1-4 will be weighted more heavily than criteria 5-6. Selection
will be based upon total evaluation score as well as geographic
distribution.
1. Target Population (20 points): Potential applicants will be
required to identify a population of beneficiary companies (the target
population) and their technology-related assistance needs in the
proposed service area. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) A clear definition of the target population, its size and
demographic characteristics.
(b) Demonstrated understanding of the target population's
assistance needs, e.g. technology, training, information, quality
improvement, management, etc.
(c) Appropriateness of the size of the target population and the
anticipated impact for the proposed expenditure.
2. Delivery Mechanisms (20 points): Applicants will need to specify
the mechanism for delivery of services to the population of beneficiary
companies (the target population). Factors that will be considered
include:
(a) Appropriateness and effectiveness of proposed delivery
mechanism for meeting the identified needs of the target population.
(b) Demonstration of capacity to form effective linkages and
partnerships with other appropriate service providers.
(c) Technical quality of the proposed approach, including knowledge
and use of best industrial modernization practices.
3. Coordination with Existing Resources (20 points): Applicants
will need to describe how they will coordinate with existing or newly
formed state or local technology/industrial assistance services, and
federal services, to allow for increased economies of scale and to
avoid duplication of services in providing assistance to small and
medium-size manufacturers. For a comprehensive, state-wide industrial
extension program, the applicant must show the degree to which
activities integrate with and enhance existing or newly formed state,
local, and appropriate federal technology assistance and industrial
modernization activities to present a unified program of assistance.
Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Demonstrated understanding of existing organizations and
resources relevant for providing technology assistance related services
to the target population.
(b) Adequate linkages and partnerships with existing organizations
and clear definition of those organizations' roles in the proposed
activities.
(c) Proposed activity does not duplicate existing services or
resources.
(d) Consistency with comprehensive state plans if such plans exist.
4. Program Evaluation (20 points): The applicant should specify
plans for evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed program and
for ensuring continuous improvement of program activities. Factors that
will be considered include:
(a) Thoroughness of evaluation plans, including internal evaluation
for management control, external evaluation for accessing outcomes of
the activity, and ``customer satisfaction'' measures of performance.
(b) In the case of pilot projects, the proposer's plan must include
documentation, analysis of the results, and must show how the results
can be used in program development.
5. Financial Plan (10 points): Applicants should show the relevance
and cost effectiveness of the financial plan for meeting the objectives
of the project; the firmness and level of the applicant's total
financial support for the project; and a plan to maintain the program
after the cooperative agreement has expired. Factors that will be
considered include:
(a) Reasonableness of the budget, both in income and expenses.
(b) Strength of commitment of the proposer's cost share.
(c) Effectiveness of management plans for control of budget.
(d) Appropriateness of matching contributions.
(e) Plan for maintaining the program after the cooperative
agreement has expired.
6. Management (10 points): Applicants should specify plans for
proper organization, staffing, and management of the implementation
process. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Appropriateness and authority of the governing or managing
organization to conduct the proposed activities.
(b) Qualifications of the project team and its leadership to
conduct the proposed activity.
(c) Soundness of staffing plans, including recruitment, selection,
training, and continuing professional development.
(d) Appropriateness of the organizational approach for carrying out
the proposed activity.
(e) Evidence of significant involvement and support by private
industry.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants for these projects are state technology
extension programs operated by state governments, or on behalf of state
governments by private or public non-profit organizations. All states
will be eligible, regardless of state size, industrial density/
sparseness, or number of existing industrial assistance programs.
States that have received previous program development or
implementation grants remain eligible for additional Program
Implementation projects. Applicants will be able to propose providing
services themselves or arranging for some or all of the proposed
services to be provided by a second party. More than one proposal for
Program Implementation may be accepted from each state.
Matching Requirements
A matching contribution for each applicant will be required. NIST
may provide financial support up to 50% of the total budget for the
project; however, the federal share may not exceed $250,000. One half
of the applicant's required match (i.e. 25% of the total) must be cash.
Cash may include dollar contributions from state, county, industrial or
other non-federal sources. The applicant's share of the budget may
include in-kind contributions necessary and reasonable for proper
accomplishment of project objectives.
Required Letters
All proposals for Program Implementation projects must contain a
letter from the Governor indicating that the applicant is the lead
organization in that state for conducting the proposed activities.
Where linkages to other organizations are proposed, applicants are
advised to include a letter of support and commitment from the linking
organization.
Regional Linkages Projects
Project Objective
The purpose of Regional Linkage projects is to support inter-state
or multi-state partnerships that will expand the scope and enhance the
effectiveness of technical assistance services regionally available to
small and medium-sized manufacturers. Projects may be assistance
service-led, or industry-led partnerships to provide assistance
services that cross institutional and political boundaries. Assistance
service-led partnerships, for example, can include shared assistance
services that cross state boundaries, or electronic networking.
Industry-led partnerships can include linkage activities between
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers, creating a
multi-state network of suppliers, program planning for multi-state
assistance delivery, or other activities that improve the interactions
between manufacturers.
Regional Projects Evaluation Criteria
Proposals from applicants will be evaluated and rated on the basis
of the following criteria by an impartial competitive review panel.
Each proposal should address all six evaluation criteria and evaluation
criteria 1-4 will be weighted more heavily than criteria 5-6. Selection
will be based upon total evaluation score as well as geographic
distribution.
1. Target Population (20 points): Potential applicants will be
required to identify a population of beneficiary companies (the target
population) and their technology-related assistance needs in the
proposed service area. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) A clear definition of the target population, its size and
demographic characteristics.
(b) Demonstrated understanding of the target population's
assistance needs, eg. technology, training, information, quality
improvement, management, etc.
(c) Appropriateness of the size of the target population and the
anticipated impact for the proposed expenditure.
2. Delivery Mechanisms (20 points): Applicants will need to specify
the mechanism for delivery of services to the population of beneficiary
companies (the target population). Factors that will be considered
include:
(a) Appropriateness and effectiveness of proposed delivery
mechanism for meeting the identified needs of the target population.
(b) Demonstration of capacity to form effective linkages and
partnerships with other appropriate service providers.
(c) Technical quality of the proposed approach, including knowledge
and use of best industrial modernization practices.
3. Coordination with Existing Resources (20 points): Applicants
will need to describe how they will coordinate with existing or newly-
formed technology/industrial assistance services and resources that
will allow for increased economies of scale and complementary
capabilities, and will avoid duplication of efforts in providing
assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturers. It will be
important to show how the proposed approach can reach across political
or institutional boundaries to provide access to services. Factors that
will be considered include:
(a) Demonstrated understanding of existing organizations and
resources relevant for providing technology assistance related services
to the target population.
(b) Strength of plans to establish and maintain linkages and
partnerships with existing organizations (particularly across state
boundaries), and a clear definition of those organizations' roles in
the proposed activities.
(c) Proposed activity does not duplicate existing services or
resources.
(d) Consistency with comprehensive state plans if such plans exist.
4. Program Evaluation (20 points): The applicant should specify
plans for evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed program and
for ensuring continuous improvement of program activities. Factors that
will be considered include:
(a) Thoroughness of evaluation plans, including internal evaluation
for management control, external evaluation for assessing outcomes of
the activity, and ``customer satisfaction'' measures of performance.
(b) Plans for the documentation, analysis of the results, and how
the results can be used in program development.
5. Financial Plan (10 points): Applicants should show the relevance
and cost effectiveness of the financial plan for meeting the objectives
of the project; the firmness and level of the applicant's total
financial support for the project; and the plan to maintain the program
after the cooperative agreement has expired. Factors that will be
considered include:
(a) Reasonableness of the budget, both in income and expenses.
(b) Strength of commitment of the proposer's cost share.
(c) Effectiveness of management plans for control of the budget.
(d) Appropriateness of matching contributions.
(e) Plan for maintaining the program after the cooperative
agreement has expired .
6. Management (10 points): Applicants should specify plans for
proper organization, staffing, and management of the implementation
process. Factors that will be considered include:
(a) Appropriateness and authority of the governing or managing
organization to conduct the proposed interstate or multi-state
activities.
(b) Qualifications of the project team and its leadership to
conduct the proposed activity.
(c) Soundness of staffing plans, including recruitment, selection,
training, and continuing professional development.
(d) Appropriateness of the organizational approach for carrying out
the proposed activity.
(e) Evidence of significant involvement and support by private
industry.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants for these projects will be state and local
governments, representing either themselves or a consortium of states,
and appropriate private or public non-profit organizations, operating
on behalf of a consortium of states or as a representative of states.
Applicants will be able to propose providing services themselves or
arranging for some or all of the proposed services to be provided by a
second party. At least one state represented in the partnership or
consortium must be characterized by relatively sparse distribution of
industry or as having lower industrial densities.
Matching Requirements
A matching contribution from each applicant will be required. NIST
may provide financial support up to 50% of the total budget for the
project, however, the federal share may not exceed $250,000. The
applicant's share of the budget may include dollar contributions from
state, county, industrial or other non-federal sources and in-kind
contributions necessary and reasonable for proper accomplishment of
project objectives.
Proposal Section Process
The proposal evaluation and selection process with consist of three
principal phases: Proposal qualification; Proposal review and selection
of finalists; and Award determination.
a. Proposal Qualification
All proposals will be reviewed by NIST to assure compliance with
the proposal content and other basic provisions of this notice.
Proposals which satisfy these requirements will be designated qualified
proposals; all others will be disqualified at this phase of the
evaluation and selection process.
b. Proposal Review and Selection of Finalists
NIST will appoint an evaluation panel to review and evaluate all
qualified proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria and
values set forth in this notice. From the qualified proposals a group
of finalists will be selected based on this review.
c. Award Determination
The Director of NIST, or her designee, shall select awardees based
on the rank order of total evaluation scores, geographic distribution,
and the availability of funds. Upon the final award decision, a
notification will be made to each of the proposing organizations.
Additional Requirements
Federal Policies and Procedures--Recipients and subrecipients are
subject to all Federal laws and Federal and DOC policies, regulations,
and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance awards.
Past Performance--Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal
awards may result in an application not being considered for funding.
Preaward Activities--If applicants 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 written or verbal
assurance that may have been received, there is no obligation on the
part of DOC to cover preaward costs.
Delinquent Federal Debts--No award of Federal funds shall 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.
Name Check Review--All non-profit 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.
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.
1. 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;
2. 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;
3. 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 prescribed above 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
4. 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.
Lower Tier Certifications. 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 be transmitted to DOC. SF-LLL submitted by
an tier recipient or subrecipient should be submitted to DOC in
accordance with the instructions contained in the award document.
False Statements. A false statement on an application is grounds
for denial or termination of funds and grounds for possible punishment
by a fine or imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
Requirement to Buy American-Made Equipment or Products. Applicants
are hereby notified that any equipment or products authorized to be
purchased with funding provided under this program must be American-
made to the maximum extent feasible in accordance with Public Law 103-
121, section 606. (a) and (b). Adequate justifications will be required
for any proposed purchases of equipment or products that are not
American-made.
Intergovernmental Review. Applications under this program are
subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
Classification: The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is being
carried out under the authority of the Omnibus Trade and
Competitiveness Act of 1988, as amended 15 U.S.C. 2781. This notice
relating to public property, loans, grants benefits, or contracts is
exempt from all requirements of section 553 of the Administrative
Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)) including notice and opportunity for
comment. Therefore, a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required
and was not prepared for this notice for purposes of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 603 and 604). The program is not a major
Federal action requiring an environmental assessment under the National
Environmental Policy Act. This notice does not contain policies with
Federalism implications sufficient to warrant preparation of a
Federalism assessment under Executive Order 12612. This notice contains
collection of information requirements subject to the Paperwork
Reduction Act which have been approved by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB Control Number 0693-0010). This document was not previously
reviewed by OMB under Executive Order 12866.
Dated: March 10, 1994.
Samuel Kramer,
Associate Director.
[FR Doc. 94-6217 Filed 3-16-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-M
