2024 OSBDC AS Rebid NOFO Final.pdf

U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Small Business Development Centers

Funding Opportunity No.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER PROGRAM

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NO.

OSBDC-2024-02

FOR THE SBDC IN THE U.S. TERRITORY OF AMERICAN SAMOA

Only applications submitted by eligible entities will be considered for funding. For-profit businesses are not eligible for this award.

Opening Date: August 11, 2023

Closing Date for Proposals: September 15, 2023 Proposals responding to this Notice of Funding Opportunity must be posted to www.grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time September 15, 2023. No other methods of submission will be permitted. Proposals submitted after the stipulated deadline will be rejected without being evaluated.

http://www.grants.gov/

Table of Contents

1.0 Section I – Funding Opportunity Description

1.1. Program Overview

1.2. Introduction

1.3. Background

1.4. Purpose

1.5. Leveraging of Resources

1.6. SBA Involvement and Oversight

1.7. Changes or Cancellation

2.0 Section II – Award Information

2.1. Estimated Funding

2.2. Expected Number of Awards

2.3. Period of Performance/Budget Periods

2.4. Project Start Dates

2.5. Funding Information

2.6. Funding Instrument

2.7. Matching Requirement

3.0 Section III – Eligibility Information

3.1. General

3.2. Eligible Applicants

3.3. Ineligible Applicants

4.0 Section IV – Application and Submission Information

4.1. Application Instructions

4.2. Application Submission Instructions

4.3. SBDC Applicant’s Timeline

4.4. Additional Proposal Information

5.0 Section V – Application Review Information

5.1. General

5.2. Evaluation Criteria

5.3. Review and Selection Process

6.0 Section VI – Award Administration

6.1. Award Notification

6.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

6.3. Reporting

6.4. Recordkeeping Requirements

7.0 Section VII - Agency Contacts

7.1. Small Business Development Center Program Point of Contact

7.2. Financial/Grants Management Point of Contact

7.3. Grants.gov Technical Support

8.0 Section VIII - Other Information

8.1. Definitions

8.2. Guidelines

8.3. Advance Understandings

1.0 Section I – Funding Opportunity Description

1.1. Program Overview

1.1.1. Federal Agency Name U. S. Small Business Administration

Office of Small Business Development Centers

1.1.2. Funding Opportunity Title Small Business Development Center Program

1.1.3. Announcement Type Initial

1.1.4. Funding Opportunity Number OSBDC-2024-02

1.1.5. CDFA Number 59.037

1.1.6. Closing Date for Submissions September 15, 2023, 11:59 pm Eastern Time

1.1.7. Authority Small Business Act, Section 21 (15 USC § 648)

1.1.8. Duration of Authority Permanent

1.1.9. Funding Instrument Cooperative Agreement

1.1.10. Funding Funding is for a twenty-four-month period.

1.1.11. Award Amount/Funding Range Section 21 of the Small Business Act sets forth a formula by which funds are to be distributed among the States. This formula, for the most part, rests upon a per capita basis, subject to the amount of an appropriation in any given fiscal year. The funding amount for the SBDC Program for fiscal year 2024 will be funded at the level appropriated by Congress. The Recipient Organization receiving the Cooperative Agreement is required to match funding received on a 1:1 ratio unless otherwise authorized.

1.1.12. Project Duration Awards will be made for a two-year period of performance. SBA intends to continue to fund the SBDC Program annually, subject to availability of funds.

1.1.13. Project Starting Date January 1, 2024, for Funding Opportunity No. OSBDC-2024-02 for PY 2024.

1.1.14. Proposal Evaluation Proposals will be reviewed for sufficiency in meeting the requirements of the Program as defined in 13 CFR Part 130.340. SBA may ask Applicants for clarification of the technical and cost aspects of proposals.

1.1.15. Agency Programmatic Point of

Contact

Small Business Administration, Office of Small Business Development Centers, Email: SBDCGrantsq@sba.gov.

1.2. Introduction

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program is the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) largest matching grant-funded program providing quality service to the small business community.

The SBDC Program has 63 Recipient Organizations - one in each state (with the exception of four regional SBDC networks in Texas and five regional networks in California), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Recipient Organization is responsible for establishing a Lead Center and a network of partner Service Centers to cover its designated area of service. The SBDC Program links the resources of Federal, state, and local http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/search/pagedetails.action?browsePath=Title+15%2FChapter+14a%2FSec.+648&granuleId=USCODE-2010-title15-chap14A-sec648&packageId=USCODE-2010-title15&collapse=true&fromBrowse=true http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/search/pagedetails.action?browsePath=Title+13%2FChapter+I%2FPart+130%2FSection+130.340&granuleId=CFR-2009-title13-vol1-sec130-340&packageId=CFR-2009-title13-vol1&collapse=true&fromBrowse=true&bread=true mailto:SBDCGrantsq@sba.gov governments with the resources of the educational community and the private sector to provide assistance to the small business community. In partnership with SBA’s Office of Small Business Development Centers (OSBDC) and District Offices, SBDCs develop business counseling and training programs, informational tools, and other services that enhance the economic development goals and objectives of SBA in their respective service areas, and their local funding partners.

1.3. Background

Since its inception in 1953, SBA has served to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small businesses. While SBA is best known for its financial support of small businesses through its many lending programs, the Agency also plays a critical role in providing funding to organizations that deliver technical assistance in the form of counseling and training to small business concerns and nascent entrepreneurs in order to promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity, and management improvement.

1.4. Purpose

Eligible organizations, as defined in Section 3.2, may apply to SBA for an award of financial assistance under this Funding Opportunity to fund an SBDC Program. SBDC Programs deliver professional, high quality, individualized business advising and technical assistance to existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs. SBDCs shall provide problem solving assistance to help small businesses access capital, develop and exchange new technologies, and improve business planning, strategy, operations, financial management, personnel administration, marketing, export assistance, sales and other areas required for small business growth and expansion, management improvement, increased productivity, and innovation.

1.5. Leveraging of Resources

Applicants selected for awards under this Funding Opportunity are required to maximize their efforts to leverage SBA funding by working in conjunction with SBA District Offices and other Federal, state, local, and tribal government small business development programs and activities; SBA resource partners such as SCORE, Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), SBA Community Navigators, 7(j) Technical Assistance providers, Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs), U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs) and SBA lenders;

universities, colleges, and other institutions of higher education; and private organizations such as chambers of commerce, and trade and industry groups and associations.

1.6. SBA Involvement and Oversight

The SBDC Program is managed by the Associate Administrator for Small Business Development Centers (AA/SBDC) at SBA Headquarters. The SBA will have substantial involvement in the administration, monitoring, and oversight of the Cooperative Agreement. OSBDC shall assign a Grants Management Specialist (GMS) to review the budget and all fiscal documentation for compliance with applicable Federal and program requirements. The Grants Management Officer (GMO) issues the Notice of Award. A Program Manager within OSBDC serves as the Grants Officer’s Technical Representative (GOTR) responsible for overall monitoring and oversight of the Recipient’s SBDC Program award, including compliance with the terms of the Cooperative Agreement and program service delivery and performance.

The SBA District Office will review the proposal for Agency priorities and performance goals and will designate a Project Officer (PO) to conduct delegated grant monitoring activities on behalf of OSBDC. SBA will also conduct biennial financial and programmatic examinations of each SBDC Recipient Organization, as required by statute. National performance goal measures have been established by OSBDC in coordination with the America’s Small Business Development Centers and the SBA district offices. SBDCs will include metrics for each of the measures in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity and in collaboration with their respective District Office.

1.7. Changes or Cancellation

SBA reserves the right to amend or cancel this Funding Opportunity, in whole or in part, at the Agency’s discretion. Should SBA make material changes to this Funding Opportunity, the Agency will extend the closing date as necessary to afford Applicants sufficient opportunity to address such changes.

2.0 Section II – Award Information

2.1. Estimated Funding

SBA expects to issue awards based on the funds appropriated. The Federal budget for the SBDC Program for program year 2023 was $140,000,000. Section 21 (a)(4)(C) of the Small Business Act sets forth a formula by which funds are to be distributed.

In the event that SBA is operating under a Continuing Resolution (CR) at the time of award, funding will be available during the period of the CR to the extent that funds are provided to the SBA for this purpose by the Office of Management and Budget. The amount available under the period of the CR may be less than the pro rata total anticipated amount of award.

Subject to the availability of funds and compliance with the terms and conditions of the Cooperative Agreement, SBA has the discretion to adjust the award to an amount consistent with the authorized funding level under the federal appropriations law.

2.2. Expected Number of Awards

SBA anticipates making no more than one award under this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

2.3. Period of Performance/Budget Periods

The period of performance for this award is two years.

2.4. Project Start Dates

The project start dates are January 1, 2024, applicants responding to Funding Opportunity No. OSBDC- 2024-02 is for Program Year 2024.

2.4.1. Continuation of Funds

SBA intends to award continuation funding to the Recipient under subsequent annual SBDC Cooperative Agreements for future calendar years, subject to continued program authorization, availability of funds, satisfactory performance, and the continued interest of the Recipient Organization. However, an SBDC may not receive continued funding if there has been a clear showing of poor performance, as measured by SBA. Poor performance is indicated by unsatisfactory oversight reviews (programmatic and/or financial), accreditation issues, improper or insufficient activity affecting the operation and integrity of the SBDC, and/or a failure to follow the rules and procedures set forth in the statute, regulation, and/or Funding Opportunity.

2.4.2. Intent to Renew

The Non-Federal Entity that receives this award and wishes to exercise a renewal option must email the Letter of Intent to Renew to their assigned OSBDC Program Manager by the date listed on the SBDC Applicant’s Timeline in Section 4.3 of this Funding Opportunity.

2.5. Funding Information

Funds provided under the SBDC Program must be used solely for the purposes stipulated in this Funding Opportunity and the Notice of Award and may not be commingled with any other monies. All costs proposed in an Applicant’s budget must meet the tests of allowability, allocability, and reasonableness set forth in the Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E.

Reimbursement of indirect costs from Federal funds will be capped at a maximum of 20 percent, regardless of the amount stipulated in an Applicant’s indirect cost rate (ICR) Agreement.

2.6. Funding Instrument

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement and substantial involvement is expected between the awarding Agency and the Recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated in the Agreement.

2.7. Matching Requirement

The organization receiving the Cooperative Agreement is required, unless otherwise authorized by statute, to match Federal funds on a 1:1 ratio. Non-Federal matching funds may take the form of cash or cash equivalent, in-kind donations provided by a third party or unreimbursed indirect costs (i.e., waived indirect).

Cash match in an amount not less than 50 percent of the Federal funding is required. The remainder may be in the form of additional cash or in-kind contributions and/or waived indirect costs.

No portion of the match may be from federal sources, with the exception of applicable Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Program income (e.g., fees collected from clients and/or attendees for training) may not be used as a source of matching funds.

2.7.1. Insular Area Territory Match Waiver

The SBA has the authority, per U.S. Code Title 48 – Territories and Insular Possessions, Chapter 10 – Territorial Provisions of a General Nature, Section 1469a(d) – Congressional declaration of policy respecting “Insular Areas”, to waive any requirement for matching funds otherwise required by law to be provided by the Insular Area involved. Additionally, § 601 of Pub. L. No. 96-205 and § 6 of Pub. L. No. 98- 213 together mandate that “notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, any department or agency shall waive any requirement for local matching funds under $200,000…”

The Insular Area Territory SBDCs are required to provide a 1:1 match that must include at least 50 percent in cash with the remainder consisting of a combination of cash, in-kind and non-reimbursed Facilities and Administrative costs (i.e., waived indirect costs) on all core SBDC grant funds of $200,000 and above.

The SBA may approve an Insular Area Territory Match Waiver for any amount exceeding $199,999.00.

The requested waiver amount cannot exceed the Network’s allocation for the program year and must include a business justification. The core grant Insular Area Territory Match Waiver will not apply retroactively to previous, ongoing, or expired grants and is not transferable to other non-SBDC funding opportunities from SBA. The waiver must be requested in writing and included with the application in a letter addressed to the Associate Administer of the Office of Small Business Development Centers delivered before the application submission deadline.

3.0 Section III – Eligibility Information

3.1. General

An organization may NOT submit more than one proposal per geographic community in response to this Funding Opportunity.

3.2. Eligible Applicants

To be eligible for this Funding Opportunity an Applicant must be proposing to serve entrepreneurs located in American Samoa and:

• Be an institution of higher education (including, but not limited to, any land-grant college or university, any college or school of business, engineering, commerce, or agriculture, community college or junior college); or

• Be a currently operating Women’s Business Center under §29 of the Small Business Act.

3.3. Ineligible Applicants

The following will automatically be considered ineligible, and their applications will be rejected without being evaluated:

• Any organization currently having an outstanding, unresolved financial obligation to any Federal Agency;

• Any organization that is currently suspended, debarred or otherwise prohibited from receiving awards of contracts or grants from the Federal Government;

• Any organization with an outstanding and unresolved deficiency reported under the requirements of the Single Audit Act or OMB Circular A-133 within the past three years;

• Any organization having at least one non-compliant condition within SBA program guidelines occurring while administering or implementing any SBA program, including denial of Accreditation;

• Any organization that has had a grant or cooperative agreement involuntarily terminated or non-renewed by SBA for cause;

• Any organization that has filed for bankruptcy within the past five years; and/or

• Any organization that proposes to serve as a pass-through and permit another organization to manage the day-to-day operations of the project.

4.0 Section IV – Application and Submission Information

4.1. Application Instructions

General Evaluation Criteria for the SBDC applicant technical proposal for American Samoa are:

4.1.1. Technical Proposal (not to exceed 35 pages)

The technical proposal serves as the blueprint for the Applicant’s planned project. This information must be provided in a paginated attachment not to exceed 35 pages. It must include the following information:

4.1.1.1. Program Narrative:

• History of Service: Narrative describing the applicant’s history of managing successful entrepreneurial development programs; experience providing management, technical and economic development assistance; compliance with staffing and access requirements;

organizational structure; alignment with Host’s strategic plan/mission. (10 points)

Specifically, include:

Applicant experience, qualifications, internal organization structure, and demonstrated ability to manage disciplined results-oriented programs.

The applicant should address the statutory and/or regulatory requirements that fall within this particular evaluation criterion. These would include, but not necessarily be limited to:

• Eligibility Requirements (15 USC § 648(a)(1)).

• Compliance with State/Region SBDC Plan (15 USC §648 (b) (1-2)).

• Ability to provide small business problem-solving assistance (15 USC § 648(c) (1)).

• Compliance with staff and access requirements (15 USC § 648(c) (2) (A-F).

Include the applicant’s experience:

• Providing management and technical assistance programs, and

• Providing economic development support to the small business community.

This section should also address:

• Applicant’s internal organizational structure, and

• Linkage of the SBDC program to the organization’s strategic plan and mission.

• Statement of Work: Description of the strategic plan and the approach for implementation;

ability to provide statutorily required SBDC services and services that meet SBA priorities; ability to modify services to meet the needs of small business concerns in applicant’s designated area of service; details of project objectives and milestones with a tactic for attainment; list of core services and activities to be offered on a quarterly basis; and additional special services and/or initiatives. (15 points)

Specifically include:

A Strategic Plan defining the services and activities to be offered to existing and proposed entrepreneurs as well as the implementation of the plan.

The applicant should address the statutory and/or regulatory requirements that fall within this particular evaluation criterion. These include, but are not limited to – o Ability to provide statutory SBDC services (15 USC § 648(c)(3) (A-U) and meet SBA national priorities.

o Ability to upgrade SBDC services to meet evolving small business community needs (15 USC § 648(c)(4)).

o Ability to utilize and compensate qualified small business vendors (15 USC § 648(c)(5)).

o Identification of resources to be used, the services to be provided, and the method(s) for delivering the services (13 CFR §130).

The applicant should provide a description of program objectives, proposed outputs and outcomes, as well as programs any exemplary projects and/or special activities planned.

The proposal must include a list of the types of assistance, including training to be offered during the budget period. To assist SBA, categorize the type of events to be offered on a quarterly basis by topic (e.g., marketing/sales, accounting/budget, cash flow management, procurement, rural business development, international trade) and use the reporting titles listed in Section VI, Part B to the extent possible. (Success stories do not need to be included in the proposal.)

• Service Delivery Model: Narrative describing a design for statewide service delivery (NOTE:

Proposed service centers must predominantly be institutions of higher education (including but not limited to any land-grant college or university, any college or school of business, engineering, commerce, or agriculture, community college or junior college) or a Women’s Business Center currently funded by SBA and operating under § 29 of the Small Business Act. Narrative should also identify planned partnerships for service delivery; and the ability to reach special target markets. Additionally Narrative should describe the ability to oversee an SBDC Network;

experience and qualification of proposed staff; plan to manage and coordinate the network;

ensure attainment of program goals. Narrative describing a plan for delivery of consulting, advising, counseling, and training needed by both nascent and existing businesses within American Samoa; how the Host will set up Lead and service center locations and the planned locations of service delivery; and qualifications of key personnel and proposed organizational chart. (30 points)

Specifically include:

The ability to establish and operate a network of SBDC service centers and facilities within American Samoa providing services throughout the entire state; the ability to oversee the SBDC Network and to ensure attainment of program goals.

particular evaluation criterion. These include but are not necessarily limited to – o Ability to provide services throughout the state using service center and satellite locations (15 USC § 648(c) (2)).

o Utilization primarily of institutions of higher education and Women's Business Centers to provide services to the small business community. (15 USC § 648 (a) (1)).

o Identification of the Lead Center and other SBDC service providers by name, address and telephone number, the geographic areas to be served (13 C.F.R §130.410).

The applicant must state the approach it will use to oversee the SBDC Network; discuss the management and coordination of the SBDC service delivery points throughout the American Samoa; provide narrative information on the qualifications and experience of the proposed SBDC Network’s key personnel; and describe how the SBDC plans to provide total statewide coverage during the project period. The applicant must show how it intends to deliver counseling, training, and other services needed by nascent and existing small businesses. This plan must indicate where the service delivery locations will be established and how the organization will be set up for delivery of the services.

• Collaboration: Narrative describing plans for collaboration with SBA Resource Partners (including Community Navigators, Women’s Business Centers, SCORE, 7j technical assistance providers, Veterans Business Outreach Centers. Federal Agencies, state, and local small business and economic development entities, and other community and small business organizations to deliver core services; and use of academic and other resources to leverage federal funding. Narrative describing plans to establish a territory wide SBDC Advisory Board; and to cooperate with SBA and ASBDC reviews. (15 points)

Specifically include:

Plans for cooperation and coordination with SBA and other community and small business organizations to identify local business; and the use of academic, public, and private resources to deliver statutorily required services.

particular evaluation criterion. These include, but are not necessarily be limited to:

o Cooperation requirements (15 USC § 648(a)(2)).

o Compliance with the annual Funding Opportunity (15 USC § 648(a)(3)).

o Ability to collaborate with SBA’s local offices, the state small business community as well as state and local agencies (15 USC § 648(c)(7)).

o Ability to participate in the SBDC information sharing system (15 USC § 648(c)(8)).

o Ability to develop and implement a comprehensive plan with the relevant state agency(ies) and the U.S. Department of Commerce for enhancing the export potential of small businesses within the service area (15 USC § 648(d)).

o Ability to cooperate with federal laboratories, the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and respective industrial application centers (15 USC §648(e-g)).

o Compliance with guidance issued by the Associate Administrator for the Office of Small Business Development Centers (AA/OSBDC) (15 USC §648(h)).

o Ability to cooperate with the National SBDC Advisory Board (15 § USC 648(i)).

o Ability to establish and operate an American Samoa SBDC Advisory Board (15 USC

§648(j)); (under 13 CFR §130, applicant needs to include in its proposal a list of proposed members of board).

o Cooperation with the conduct of biennial programmatic and financial examinations conducted by SBA (15 USC § 648(k)(1).

o Cooperation with the SBDC Accreditation reviews conducted by the America’s of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC)(15 USC § 648(k)(2-3)).

o Ability to cooperate with federal agencies, including Department of Defense, Department of Commerce and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (15 USC § 648).

The method of delivering services should include a description of how and to what extent academic, private, and public resources will be used (13 C.F.R. §130). The applicant should discuss other plans for coordination and collaboration with SBA, Community Navigators, SCORE, WBCs, economic development, and small business organizations in this section.

• Financial and Administrative Capacity: Narrative describing the Host’s planned match contribution for the program year and ability to obtain required match; letters of commitment of match for CY 2024 or in the future; Narrative demonstrating in detail the Host’s long-term strategy for securing future match requirements, including letters of support and a plan for future budget periods. Narrative describing the Host’s ability to administer the SBDC in accordance with the Notice of Funding Opportunity, OMB circulars and other federal policies and guidance; ability to control program resources; ability to interface with complex reporting systems; and experience in administering other federal grants; details of a sound financial management system. (30 points)

[Reference Section 2.7.1, Insular Are Territory Match Waiver for additional guidance.]

Specifically include:

particular evaluation criterion. These include but are not necessarily limited to the ability to provide the match requirement if possible. 15 U.S.C. § 648(a)(4).

The applicant must be capable of meeting the non-federal match requirements if applicable. The applicant must provide letters of commitment from non-federal sources and eligible federal sources (qualified Community Development Block Grants) specified for the SBDC to certify the ability to match federal funds for the budget period if applicable. The recipient must report receipt of such contributions no later than the end of each project year.

The applicant must provide a detailed development plan demonstrating how the cash and in-kind match will be raised over the term of the project if applicable. In addition, a detailed development plan is also required for continuation of match for no fewer than three future budget periods if applicable. The applicant must include letters of support from potential sources for continuation of matching funds and in-kind contributions specified for the SBDC for future budget periods if applicable.

The applicant must discuss its ability to administer the proposed Network in accordance with the program requirements, conduct administrative oversight of the SBDC Network, and provide control over program resources as outlined in this Notice of Funding Opportunity and other relevant OMB circulars. This discussion must also detail the applicant’s experience in administering federal grants, their financial management system, and strategic planning.

Applicants subject to the federal Single Audit Act (OMB Circular A-133) should also, upon request, provide a complete copy of their most recent Single Audit Act report.

If selected, the applicant will be responsible for performing these activities.

a. Planned performance service volume and changes, if any:

i. Counseling: List most recent 12-month program year total counseling hours and counseling clients for the Network for activities funded from core award funds and discuss any anticipated changes for the upcoming project period such as the opening or closing of centers; and

b. Training: List prior year total training sessions and clients for the Network for activities from core award funds and discuss any anticipated changes for the upcoming project period such as the opening or closing of centers. Planned milestones and outcomes:

i. List SBDC goals for: Clients Advised, New Business Starts, Capital Infusion Transactions. See also Attachment 3 in Section 4.1.4. SBDCs should submit their goals with their 2024 Program Year funding proposals. Along with the numerical targets for each goal, SBDCs should include the rationale for setting the goal. For example, an SBDC may look at a five-year average performance as a basis for the goal target. Alternatively, the SBDC may utilize other trend data to determine the target. An SBDC can choose any methodology they believe will provide a realistic level of achievement. OSBDC understands economic conditions change, physical disasters happen, and other local events contribute to changes in the state/regional economy. If the proposed goal target is less than the previous year’s achievement, the SBDC should include an explanation or rationale for a lower goal target. If a goal target is too low or too high without a sufficient explanation, OSBDC may request for additional clarification or an adjustment to the target.

OSBDC encourages SBDCs to establish their goals and focus area with their respective District Office. The District Office is not approving the goals; rather, the collaboration should be on the needs of the small business community. If either an SBDC or a District Office has concerns about the goals after the collaborative discussions, either may reach out to OSBDC through their respective Program Manager.

ii. List Focus Area: SBDCs will choose one Focus Area (from Appendix A - SBDC FY24 Regional Focus Areas Matrix) in collaboration with their respective District Office that will focus on state or regional needs. This focus area will allow more flexibility to highlight specific small business needs within the community that align with SBA’s strategic plan, the strategic plans of the SBDC, and the value of SBDC services that are not necessarily or fully captured by the three overarching goals referenced above. The purpose of the focus area is to enable SBDCs and District Offices to partner on areas specific to the state or region they serve. This will also help demonstrate the diversity within the SBDC Network. See also Attachment 3 in Section 4.1.4.

iii. Identify any other key milestones or performance goals for the project period for the core award not captured in part b.i.

c. Collaboration, outreach, and/or jointly planned events the Network is planning to conduct with the District Office and/or other SBA resource partners (e.g., lender roundtables; 8(a) certification training; and events with SBA 7(j) grantees and other SBA Government Contracting and Business Development Resources, Community Navigators, Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs), APEX Accelerators (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers), U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and U.S. Department of Agriculture); and

d. Client Satisfaction Rate: SBDC client satisfaction will be based on overall service, knowledge and expertise of the SBDC advisor, working relationship with the SBDC advisor, and if the client would recommend SBDC services. Describe the Network’s plan to collect client feedback on SBDC services and rate achieved in most recent client satisfaction survey. This should be reported in Section 2300 of the Network’s Annual Report.

e. Online Client Services: SBA views the use of web-based technology as a means to increase outreach within existing budgets, to access populations or areas otherwise difficult to reach, and to offer services 24/7 when appropriate.

f. SBDC Operating Hours and Scheduled Closures: Provide a list of scheduled holidays and planned closures for the Lead Center and each Service Center. SBDC Lead Center and Service Centers must be accessible to the public during normal business hours throughout the year except for the scheduled closures listed in the Proposal. Emergency closures must be reported in writing or by email to the SBA Project Officer and OSBDC Program Manager as soon as possible.

g. Partner Location Information Contact: Identify the SBDC contact designated to maintain information in SBA’s Partner Location Information by name, title, phone number, and email address.

h. Advisory Board:

i. Provide a list of the members of the SBDC’s statewide/region-wide Advisory Board in accordance with 15 U.S.C §648(j), including their titles. A majority of the Advisory Board members must be representatives from small businesses or organizations representing small businesses located throughout the entire area of service. Veterans, women, minorities, and Native Americans should be represented, as appropriate. The SBA District Director should be a non-voting member.

ii. Include a description of the Board’s responsibilities and provide the date of the Board’s last meeting. There should be regular periodic meetings each year.

iii. The reasonable cost of travel of any board member for official board activities may be paid out of the SBDC’s budgeted funds and must follow the Recipient Organization’s policy for per diem and related travel costs. See Section 4 for additional guidance.

i. Conflict of Interest Policy: Include a copy of the SBDC’s current conflict of interest policy for the SBDC Network. Each SBDC Network must have a written conflict of interest policy that is signed annually by all employees, consultants, instructors, and volunteers of the SBDC Network. The policy must include enforceable elements safeguarding the SBDC Program from actual or apparent conflicts.

j. Training: Provide a list of the types of training to be offered during the budget period. The Lead Center is expected to provide the SBA Project Officer with a quarterly calendar of SBDC trainings or with electronic access to comparable information.

k. Personnel Resumes: Attach résumés for any new key personnel directly employed by the SBDC (i.e., Lead and Service Center Directors or managers, managers or directors of specialty centers and programs, such as for technology or international trade and Partner Location Information designee) since the start of the last program year. If not stated on the résumé, please indicate the person’s current position in the SBDC Network. Do not include résumés for trainers, counselors, or support staff.

l. Activities Supported with Program Income: Describe planned activities that will be supported with SBDC program income during the performance period and estimated cost. Program income must be used to expand the quantity or quality of services, resources or outreach provided by the SBDC Network. Planned expenditures from program income are subject to OMB Uniform Guidance and SBDC program rules and requirements as set forth in 13 CFR § 130. However, do NOT include program costs supported with program income on the Application, Network budget summary, or budget justifications.

m. Funds Managed Outside the Cooperative Agreement: Fully describe any other federal or state small business assistance programs, contributions or grant funds (excluding foundation accounts) managed by the SBDC Lead Center outside the SBA Cooperative Agreement (e.g., APEX Accelerator, State Small Business Credit Initiative and Manufacturing Extension Programs).

Include the source and amount of funds provided by each organization and the purpose for which the funds have been provided.

In accordance with 15 USC §648(a)(5), before bidding on another federal contract, the SBDC must obtain prior written approval from the AA/SBDC as to the subject and general scope of the http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/search/pagedetails.action?browsePath=Title+15%2FChapter+14a%2FSec.+648&granuleId=USCODE-2010-title15-chap14A-sec648&packageId=USCODE-2010-title15&collapse=true&fromBrowse=true project. SBDC Lead Centers may not manage other funds, regardless of funding source, when the scope of activity is inconsistent with this Funding Opportunity.

The SBDC must maintain an updated list of funding sources and amounts for each source of funds received by the SBDC Network including grants, contracts, and contributions. In addition, for each source of funds, documentation regarding the name and phone number of the donor/contractor/grantor, the amount of funding, the intended purpose and any requirements, stipulations or deliverables must be maintained and made available during the biennial financial examination process.

SBDCs managing other small business programs outside the SBA Cooperative Agreement must maintain separate accounting/financial records to ensure a clear audit trail for the funds provided under the SBDC Cooperative Agreement.

n. Micro-purchase and the Simplified Acquisition Thresholds for Grantees for Financial Assistance: The SBDC Lead Center must provide a statement acknowledging they are adhering to OMB Memo 18-18 Implementing Statutory Changes to the Micro-Purchase and the Simplified Acquisition Thresholds for Financial Assistance. The SBDC Lead Center will be responsible for ensuring Services Centers are also following the guidelines for the micro-purchase threshold.

The approval to use a higher threshold only applies to the non-federal entity (Lead Center office) and not to each Service Center. For a Network Service Center to use a higher threshold, the Service Center host would also need to follow the same procedure to obtain approval from their cognizant agency for indirect cost and provide that documentation to the SBDC Lead Center Office.

Additionally, if a Network is requesting an increase for their micro-purchase threshold it should be included in the proposal Cost Price Analysis workbook.

4.1.1.2. Planned Milestones Worksheet

Complete all sections of the Planned Milestones Worksheet and include the worksheet as Attachment #3 to the Proposal. The worksheets are available from OSBDC at: SBDC Forms and Worksheets.

4.1.1.3. SBDC Network Listing

Provide a list of all service locations by name, host institution, key contact, physical address, phone number and Partner Location Information code. Identify the Lead Center, and indicate whether each location is a Service Center, specialty center, or other location with a minimum of dedicated part-time personnel.

4.1.2. Cost Proposal

Information on proposed project costs must be provided through the completion or submission of the following:

a. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424). Included in Grants.gov package;

b. Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A). Included in Grants.gov package;

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf

• In Section B of SF-424A, line 6 g titled “Construction” shall be used for Consultant costs as described in the SBDC Budget Justification Instructions Section 4.1.2.3.

c. SBDC Cost Price Analysis and Budget Justifications available from OSBDC’s webpage at: SBDC Forms and Worksheets, reference sba.gov;

• Include a separate budget justification form with required cost detail for the Lead Center and each Network Service Center.

• Personnel lists must include each person’s name, position, salary, and percent time budgeted to the SBDC Program.

• Applicant may use their own budget justification form, as long as the Applicant’s format includes ALL budget detail required in OSBDC’s template and the guidance herein. If the Applicant chooses to use their own budget justification format (i.e., not the OSBDC form) it must ALSO include a separate SF 424A for the Lead Center and each Network Service Center. It must be uploaded as Attachment #4.

d. Budget Narrative If all required cost detail is not shown on the SBDC budget justification and personnel list, include a separate budget narrative for the Lead Center and each Network Service Center.

e. Indirect Cost Rate (ICR) Agreements negotiated with the cognizant Federal Agency; Provide a complete signed copy of the current ICR Agreement for the Lead Center and each Network Service Center that plans to claim indirect costs.

f. Cost Price Analysis and Budget Justifications Worksheet OSBDC recommends the use of the updated template available on OSBDC’s webpage at: SBDC Forms and Worksheets which includes a template for the SBDC Network’s Cost Price Analysis and Budget Justifications Worksheet.

4.1.2.1. Budget Preparation

OSBDC will provide SBDCs with projected funding levels to be used in budget preparation.

• Budget information must describe the financial resources contributed by the Applicant. The amount and source of funds provided as match must be clearly indicated, in Box 18 of SF-424, and in the budget summary SF-424A, Lead Center and each Network Service Center budget justification form must clearly indicate which program costs will be paid by Federal dollars, cash, in-kind and waived indirect. Applicants must show how the value of each in-kind match contribution is determined. This applies to costs incurred by Service Centers as well as Recipient costs.

• In addition, matching funds included in the budget information must also be listed by amount and contributor (i.e., state, university, private sector) in Section 5 of the Planned Milestones worksheet required as part of the Technical Proposal.

• Applicants must NOT include SBDC program income, nor unspent program funds from prior budget periods on the Application SF-424, Budget Information SF-424A or SBDC budget justification forms submitted in response to this Funding Opportunity. Planned program income expenditures should be described instead as part of the Technical Proposal. See Section 4 for guidance. Specifically:

o Leave BLANK and do not include program income on the line f in Box 18, “Total Estimated Funding” of the SF-424;

o Leave BLANK line 7 for “Program Income” on the SF-424A; and o Do NOT include program income costs in the detailed budget justification.

4.1.2.2. Network Service Center Costs

An Applicant may contract with other entities to deliver SBDC services and must include a provision in the Network Service Center agreement to comply with the Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR 200 and all appropriate flow-down provisions.

If an Applicant proposes to use Network Service Centers for delivery of SBDC client services (also referred to herein as subcontracted Service Centers), it shall include the Network Service Center costs in the contractual budget element on the SBDC Network’s SF-424A Budget Summary form, and provide separate detailed budget justifications, with a line item breakout for Federal dollars, cash match, in-kind and indirect costs associated with the SBDC services to be provided by the proposed Network Service Center organization. If the Network Service Center proposes its own contractual costs (sub-subcontracts), it must provide supporting budget details such as a statement of work, the number of hours, and rate of pay must be provided for each contractor.

For those SBDCs operating separate International Trade Centers (ITCs), as part of the Cooperative Agreement, the Proposal must identify each Service Center’s specialty designation. An Applicant may substitute its own forms or spreadsheets in place of the SBDC Budget Justification Worksheet so long as it includes all of the information requested in Section 4.1.2.3.

4.1.2.3. SBDC Budget Justification Instructions

The budget cost categories and required cost detail for each category are described below. The direct cost and indirect cost total must agree with the SF-424 and SF-424A.

a. Personnel: List name and title of all personnel charged to federal and non-federal funds (direct costs).

For vacancies, show position title in budget justification. If additional space is needed to explain the cost, include a budget narrative. Use the personnel list to show annual salary, number of months, level of effort in percentage, and total amount budgeted for each position as the basis used to estimate personnel costs charged to the SBDC Program. Employees of the entity should be budgeted as Federal or cash match.

b. Fringe Benefits: Indicate the fringe rates approved by your cognizant Federal Agency for audits when available. If not available provide the schedule used. Do not include fringe cost in the total amount required for personnel.

c. Travel: For local travel, provide total anticipated mileage, and mileage rate. For out of state/region travel (including foreign travel), provide estimated cost and justification including a.) Purpose, b.)

Destination, c.) Mode of transportation and rate (i.e., airfare or mileage and rate), d.) Number of trips, and e.) Number and position of travelers.

d. Equipment: List items costing $5,000 or greater and having at least one year of useful life. The Recipient Organization must maintain an inventory of equipment purchased with program dollars including cost, location, and detailed description of each item. Equipment inventory must be made available upon request of SBA.

e. Supplies: Show anticipated cost of supply items such as general office, operational, computer supplies and other supply items costing less than $5,000. The Recipient Organization must maintain an inventory of controlled supplies of higher dollar value and high potential for loss such as computers and it must be made available upon request of the SBA.

f. Contractual: List costs for contractual services that support program operations, such as website support, equipment maintenance or meeting facilitation. Provide budget details including a.) Name of contractor, b.) Statement of work, c.) Number of hours and d.) Rate of pay.

If Applicant proposes to contract with another entity to provide SBDC client services (i.e., a Network Service Center), costs for the Network Service Center contract may be included on the Contractual line for the Network SF-424A Budget Summary, but the Applicant must also include a separate budget justification with cost detail by line item for each Network Service Center.

Please be reminded that if the Applicant uses a budget format other than OSBDC template, the Applicant must also include a separate SF-424A Budget Summary form for each Network Service Center along with its detailed budget justification form.

g. Consultants: Provide detail for consultant costs shown on the line 6 g of SF-424A. (Note that form SF- 424A lists category g. as “Construction”, but Applicants are asked to use this line for SBDC Consultant costs only.)

Consultant costs include costs for non-employee SBDC advisors, trainers and other staff who provide client services on an hourly or fee for service basis. Provide consultant(s) name, if known, specify purpose, and indicate the number of hours, and rate of pay.

h. Other: List all expenses included in this cost category separately, with planned cost per item.

Other expense items may include but are not limited to computer software, copying, postage, printing, publications, subscriptions, dues, telephone, conference fees, and office space rental. If rental costs are proposed, provide the square footage required for SBDC activities and rate.

If nominal costs for meals and hospitality expenses associated with client workshops or related events are proposed, include a justification that demonstrates such costs are reasonable and necessary to support the SBDC program mission and goals. Details may be included on the budget justification form, budget narrative or in a clearly marked section of the technical narrative.

Do not list other items with zero amounts.

i. Indirect cost: Show the indirect cost amount on line j of the Budget Justification ONLY. (Do NOT include indirect costs as cash match or as in-kind contributions, or as a contractual cost category).

An Indirect Cost Rate no higher than that approved by your cognizant Agency should be used to estimate indirect costs, except for organizations that have never had an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (ICRA) with the Federal Government. Those organizations may use either the 10 percent de minimis rate provided in 2 CFR § 200.414 or use a 24 percent modified total direct cost with the SBA. See 2 CFR § 200.1 and Section 4.1.5 Financial Guidelines for additional guidance. Reimbursement of indirect costs charged to federal funds will be capped at a maximum of 20 percent. The amount remaining of the total indirect cost is the waived portion (i.e., indirect match, if any).

You may only use rates which appear on the ICR under “Applicable To” which indicate one of the following:

• Other Sponsored Activity

• All Projects

• Instruction

• SBDC Programs

Other categories may apply. Check with the Grants Management Officer for any necessary clarification.

4.1.3. Certification Forms and Assurances

Consistent with 2 CFR. Part 200.415 Financial Certifications must be signed by an authorized individual at a level no lower than vice president or chief financial officer of the organization. Each Applicant must complete and submit the following forms:

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