FY20 Scaling Pandemic Resilience through Innovation and Technology Cleared- October 14.pdf

FY 2020 SCALING PANDEMIC RESILIENCE

THROUGH INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

(SPRINT) CHALLENGE

No t i c e o f Fund i ng Oppor t un i t y

Office of I N N O V A T I O N and E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

FY 2020 Scaling Pandemic Resilience through Innovation and Technology (SPRINT)

Challenge Under EDA’s Economic Adjustment Assistance Program

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Federal Agency Name: Economic Development Administration (EDA or the Agency), U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC).

• Federal Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge (the Challenge) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

• Announcement Type and Date: FY 2020 NOFO publishing EDA’s application submission requirements and review procedures for applications received under the Challenge. For this NOFO, applications will be awarded under EDA’s Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, which is authorized under Section 209 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (PWEDA) (42 U.S.C. § 3149). Effective date: October 14, 2020.

• Funding Opportunity Number: EDA-HDQ-OIE-2020-SPRINTCHALLENGE

• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers: 11.307, Economic Adjustment Assistance.

• Dates: The deadline for receipt of applications is 11:59 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020. Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered. Applications will only be accepted electronically through www.grants.gov (Grants.gov). Applicants are advised to carefully read the application and submission information provided in Section D (p. 12) of this NOFO.

• Funding Opportunity Description: EDA provides strategic investments on a competitive merit basis to support economic development, foster job creation, and attract private investment in economically distressed areas of the United States. Under this NOFO, EDA solicits applications for investments that support regional innovation economies to address the economic, health, and safety risks caused by the coronavirus pandemic through entrepreneurship and innovation.

• Eligible applicants: Under the FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge, EDA is not authorized to provide grants or cooperative agreements to individuals or for-profit entities. Requests from such entities will not be considered for funding. Eligible applicants for EDA financial assistance include a(n): (i) District Organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; (iii) State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or (v) public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State.

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

A. Program Description

1. Overview

2. EDA Investment Priorities

3. Program Information

4. Statutory Authority for the FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge; Relevant Regulations

B. Federal Award Information

1. What Funding Is Available Under This Announcement and How Long Will a Project’s Period of Performance Be?

2. What Type of Funding Instrument Will Be Used to Make Awards?

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Economic Distress Criteria and Special Need

3. Cost Sharing or Matching

4. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Requirements

D. Application Submission Information

1. Address to Request an Application

2. Content and Form of the Application

3. Submission Dates and Times

4. Funding Restrictions

E. Application Review Information

1. Evaluation Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity System (FAPIIS) Review

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notification

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

H. Other Information

1. Right to Use Information

2. Freedom of Information Act Disclosure

3. Notice of Government-Wide Procurement Restriction

4. Past Performance and Non-Compliance with Award Provisions

5. Restrictions Governing Making Grants to Corporations Convicted of Federal Felony and Federal Criminal Tax Violations, Unpaid Federal Tax Assessments, and Delinquent Federal Tax Returns

6. EDA’s Non-Relocation Policy

7. Audit Requirements

I. Instructions for Application Submission via Grants.gov

1. Register Early and Submit Early

2. Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) requirement

3. Field Limitations and Special Characters

4. Verify That Your Submission Was Successful

5. Grants.gov Systems Issues

Attachment 1. Certifications Regarding Federal Felony and Federal Criminal Tax Convictions, Unpaid Federal Tax Assessments and Delinquent Federal Tax Returns

Attachment 2: Application Budget Template

A. Program Description

1. Overview

EDA’s Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (OIE) is committed to furthering technology-based economic development initiatives that accelerate high quality job growth, create economic opportunities, and support the next generation of industry-leading companies.

As the nation faces an unprecedented pandemic, these regional innovation initiatives are critical to develop the technologies and supply chains needed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, bolster the support networks and resources entrepreneurs need to pivot and excel in this new operating environment, and help build more resilient regional economies for the future. America’s entrepreneurs are creative and resilient but need community and regional support to accelerate technological innovation and effectively respond to the crisis at hand.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides EDA with $1.5 billion to remain available until September 30, 2022 to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus through the EAA program authorized under Section 209 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (PWEDA) (42 U.S.C. § 3149).1 To help meet the critical innovation needs of communities and regions and as part of the CARES Act Recovery Assistance, EDA is launching the FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge to focus exclusively on the entrepreneurship support communities and regions need to grow innovative, technology-driven businesses that will help respond to the economic, health, or safety risks created by the coronavirus pandemic.

2. EDA Investment Priorities

All Project Narratives2 must explain how the proposed project meets EDA’s Recovery and Resilience investment priority, which provides:

Recovery and Resilience: Projects that assist with economic resilience (including business continuity and preparedness) and long-term recovery from natural disasters and economic shocks to ensure U.S. communities are globally competitive.

The Project Narrative should focus on Recovery and Resilience in the context of the project location and region’s innovation and entrepreneurship challenges and needs. Applicants may also demonstrate in the Project Narrative how the proposed project is consistent with one or more of EDA’s other Investment Priorities. EDA’s Investment Priorities can be found at https://www.eda.gov/about/investment-priorities.htm. EDA’s website will be updated on January 15, April 15, June 15, or September 15 of each year if there are any revisions to these Investment Priorities.

1 Pub. L. No. 116-136, March 27, 2020.

2 See Section D.2.a.i (p. 14) of this NOFO for more information on Project Narratives.

https://www.eda.gov/about/investment-priorities.htm

3. Program Information

FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge

The FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge aims to enable regional innovation economies to rapidly address the economic, health, and safety risks caused by the coronavirus pandemic through entrepreneurship and innovation. This competition invites eligible applicant organizations to submit applications that support entrepreneurship and accelerate innovation in their community, region, or combination of regions – please note that individual entrepreneurs or businesses are not eligible applicants3 under this NOFO. Applicant organizations should leverage and convene innovation and entrepreneurship assets across their communities and regions to create or amplify new technologies, businesses, resources, capital investment strategies, and more to help our communities respond to and thrive in this new business environment.

To be competitive, applications should focus on activities that will increase regional competitiveness through new product innovation or new technology adoption, improve the commercialization of research, enhance the overall innovation capacity and resilience of a region, and/or leverage regional competitive strengths to overcome challenges inhibiting innovation and job creation due to the coronavirus pandemic. The companies served by applicant organizations should be commercializing scalable technologies and furthering high quality, high-wage job creation within their businesses. Applicant organizations should articulate a clearly defined strategy to leverage grant funds to support one or more of the following activities to help address the needs of and unique operating environment necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic:

o scaling innovative biotechnology, health security, and supply chain technologies and solutions to market;

o increasing regional, national, and government connectivity across innovation clusters to support commercialization and entrepreneurship;

o developing new and unique investment capital models to address the financial needs of entrepreneurs; and o developing and scaling innovative entrepreneurship support models to address the virtual and remote work environment of the pandemic.

The FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge is a single competition, welcoming applications of all types that address some or all of the example activities described below to meet the desired economic, health, and/or safety goals of this Challenge. A total of $25 million has been allocated for this Challenge. Applicants may request up to $500,000 in Federal funds over a 12-month period of performance, or up to $750,000 over an 18-month period of performance.

Please see the FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge website at https://www.eda.gov/oie/sprint for additional information on the Challenge, as well as a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and an informational webinar.

3 See Section C.1 (p. 10) of this NOFO for more information on Eligible Entities.

https://www.eda.gov/oie/sprint

Example Project Focus Areas and Desired Outputs and Outcomes

The FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge will provide funding to invest in the development, creation, or expansion of programs that accelerate technology-based economic development in pursuit of vibrant, innovative economies and economic growth by addressing the economic, health, and safety risks caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The following provides an outline of four broad focus areas that EDA seeks to support through this Challenge, along with desired outputs and outcomes aligned to those areas of focus. The outputs and outcomes described below are not a list of requirements that applications must meet to be considered; rather, they are intended to help applicants think about how their projects may meet the goals of this Challenge. Proposed projects may aim for one or more of the following focus areas and include outputs and outcomes from any focus area, considering each proposed project’s regional, sectoral, and economic contexts. Applicants are also encouraged to thoroughly review the evaluation criteria defined in Section E.1 (p. 21) of this NOFO to assess their alignment with this funding opportunity.

Biotechnology, Health Security, and Supply Chain Innovation This focus area seeks to promote innovation and commercialization of technologies and supply chain resources that are particularly important in the response to the coronavirus pandemic. Projects and activities that align with this focus area should generally aim to convert ideas, research, or prototypes into viable products and services that can be brought to market in a rapid manner to respond to the urgent community health and safety needs created by the pandemic. Outputs and outcomes may include:

• Providing access to mentors, industry catalysts, and entrepreneurs-in-residence that provide advisory services and that link technology and researchers to external networks;

• Connecting scientific, research, and governmental assets with entrepreneurs and technologists to provide insight and expedite regulatory approval and bring products to market quickly, particularly in bioscience development (e.g., vaccines, therapeutic drugs, discovery programs, etc.) and/or medical devices, diagnostics, and ancillary supplies;

• Developing strategies and providing technical assistance for the repurposing of existing small to medium manufacturing facilities, maker spaces, and equipment to expedite the production of essential coronavirus-related shortages, such as medical devices, ancillary supplies (needles and syringes), personal protective equipment including respiratory protective devices (N95 masks), and more;

• Assisting with market evaluation, business planning, business opportunity articulation, and intellectual property (IP) protection; and

• Developing processes that integrate scientific review with market potential to accelerate the best ideas from lab to market.

Entrepreneurship Support This focus area seeks to promote technology-enabled entrepreneurialism to help diversify regional economies, so they are more resilient to economic shocks like the one caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Projects and activities that align with this focus area should generally aim to drive innovations from the initial idea phase to research and development and on towards commercialization, including supporting the development of IP; developing entrepreneurs within their regions; and/or creating ecosystems in which innovators and entrepreneurs can experiment with and create businesses and jobs from their innovations to diversify regional economies during the coronavirus pandemic. Outputs and outcomes may include:

• Pivoting business models to virtual and remote programming using collaborative, digital platforms to continue convening and supporting entrepreneurs through mentorship, partnership development, and matching of technical talent and/or businesses with resources and opportunities;

• Equipping entrepreneurs and researchers with the knowledge and resources to strongly protect their IP, pivot their business models to address anticipated conditions, build teams, enter markets, and scale businesses;

• Exposing industry professionals, investors, and successful entrepreneurs to innovations at their earliest stages to create the best climates, teams, and opportunities for emerging, high-growth startups or for the acceleration of existing startups that create high-quality jobs; and

• Growing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems to ensure a steady stream of high-growth startups that drive job and value creation in the primary service area, community, and region.

Regional, National, and Government Connectivity This focus area seeks to promote general regional, national, and government connectivity to address the shortages of entrepreneurship and innovation resources and support that resulted from or were exposed by the coronavirus pandemic. Projects and activities that align with this focus area should generally aim to connect economic development and technology commercialization resources across communities, regions, or clusters across multiple regions, to address these critical shortages created or exacerbated by the pandemic. Outputs and outcomes may include:

• Hosting events to showcase inventions, research, technologies, and/or entrepreneurs to promote the exchange of ideas that leads to the formation of new collaborations and, ultimately, to the commercialization of innovations;

• Forging new and reinforcing existing relationships among an inclusive group of regional and national stakeholders, to include partnerships with manufacturing groups and product development experts to catalyze technology infrastructure; and

• Engaging local business associations and governments to ensure that high growth entrepreneurs and companies are more fully integrated into the local business community and that their growing needs are addressed by a robust support network that includes specialized and readily-accessed technical assistance and access to capital, business associations, and government officials.

Access to Capital This focus area seeks to support organizations that are addressing the urgent capital needs of entrepreneurs and startups due to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Projects and activities that align with this focus area should generally aim to address these urgent capital needs. Outputs and outcomes may include:

• Implementing and supporting innovative investment models to increase access to capital for businesses across the capital spectrum, to include debt, equity, hybrid, and philanthropic funding in response to the coronavirus pandemic;

• Launching or scaling investment groups and associations such as angel investor networks, venture capital mentorship programs, and other initiatives that will help connect entrepreneurs with investors;

• Addressing critical gaps and shortcomings in the financing landscape, to include launching hybrid financing mechanisms that remove barriers for startups and businesses, including socioeconomic and geographic barriers;

• Developing and disseminating platforms or tools to allow for virtual due diligence to expedite fundraising or other open source capital resources and tools for entrepreneurs and investors to access philanthropic or government funds in response to the coronavirus pandemic; and

• Identifying access to seed funding to support the commercialization of promising research.

Please note that neither Federal nor matching non-Federal Share funds can include funds to be invested in startups or other companies, whether through equity, debt, or hybrid mechanisms under this program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at oie@eda.gov or (202) 482-8001 for specific guidance pertaining to the eligible use of program funds.

4. Statutory Authority for the FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge; Relevant Regulations

The statutory authority for the FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge is the EAA Program (Section 209 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3149)).

Applicant eligibility and program requirements are set forth in EDA’s regulations (codified at 13 CFR chapter III), and all applicants must address these requirements. Specific requirements for the EAA program are set out at 13 CFR part 307.

B. Federal Award Information

1. What Funding Is Available Under This Announcement and How Long Will a Project’s Period of Performance Be?

EDA is allocating $25 million of CARES Act Recovery Assistance for the FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge.

The funding periods and amounts referenced in this NOFO are subject to the availability of funds at the time of award as well as DOC and EDA priorities at the time of award. Neither DOC nor EDA will be held responsible for application preparation costs. Publication of this announcement does not obligate DOC or EDA to award any specific grant or cooperative agreement or to obligate all or any part of available funds.

Applicants may request up to $500,000 in Federal funds over a 12-month period of performance, or up to $750,000 over an 18-month period of performance. For any specific project, EDA may approve an award amount that is higher or lower than requested and may mailto:oie@eda.gov https://www.eda.gov/pdf/EDAs_regs-13_CFR_Chapter_III.pdf https://www.eda.gov/pdf/EDAs_regs-13_CFR_Chapter_III.pdf approve a period of performance that is longer or shorter than originally requested depending on the nature of the proposed project and the availability of funds. EDA will work closely with recipients to accommodate their projected timelines within reason and allowances of regulations and grant policies. EDA expects that all projects will proceed efficiently and expeditiously, and EDA encourages applicants to clearly document how quickly they will be able to start and complete the proposed project scope of work.

2. What Type of Funding Instrument Will Be Used to Make Awards?

Subject to the availability of funds, EDA may award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible applicants to help support projects as described in Section A.3 (p. 6) of this NOFO.

EDA will award a cooperative agreement on a case-by-case basis if substantial agency involvement is required. For a cooperative agreement, the nature of EDA’s “substantial involvement” (to be included in the terms and conditions of the award) will generally be collaboration between EDA and the recipient on the scope of work. Other possible examples of EDA’s “substantial involvement” pursuant to a cooperative agreement may include, but are not limited to: (i) authority to halt immediately an activity if detailed performance specifications are not met; (ii) stipulation that the recipient must meet or adhere to specific procedural requirements before subsequent stages of a project may continue; (iii) involvement in the recipient’s selection of key personnel; and (iv) operational involvement during the project to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants for investment assistance under the FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge include a(n):

a. District Organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District;

b. Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes;

c. State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions;

d. Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or

e. Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State.4

Under the FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge, EDA is not authorized to provide grants or cooperative agreements to individuals or to for-profit entities, and such requests will not be considered for funding. Please see the FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge website at https://www.eda.gov/oie/sprint for a list of FAQs on the Challenge, including on eligibility and application submission questions.

4 See Section 3 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122) and 13 CFR § 300.3.

https://www.eda.gov/oie/sprint

2. Economic Distress Criteria and Special Need

In accordance with EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, EDA has determined that economic injury from the coronavirus pandemic constitutes a “Special Need,” and eligibility may be established on that basis without reference to the other economic distress criteria under PWEDA.

To be eligible for funding under the FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge, an applicant must propose a project that invests in the development, creation, or expansion of programs that accelerate technology-based economic development in pursuit of vibrant, innovative economies and economic growth consistent with Section A (p. 5) of this NOFO. The applicant must clearly demonstrate how the proposed project will help communities, regions, or clusters across multiple regions “prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus” or respond to “economic injury as a result of coronavirus.”

3. Cost Sharing or Matching

For the FY 2020 SPRINT Challenge, consistent with the requirements of EDA’s CARES Act Recovery Assistance and in accordance with the agency’s statutory authority under Section 703 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3233), EDA generally expects to fund up to 80% of eligible project costs. EDA may establish a maximum investment rate of up to 100% for projects of Indian Tribes and for projects where the Assistant Secretary determines the applicant has exhausted its effective taxing or borrowing capacity.

Any portion of the costs for the EDA scope of work funded below 100% must be borne by the recipient or provided to the recipient by a third party as a contribution for the purposes of and subject to the terms of the award. The applicant must submit from each organization providing matching share, including the applicant organization, if applicable, a commitment letter signed by an authorized representative of that organization demonstrating that matching share will, at the time of award:

• be committed to the project for the period of performance,

• be available as needed, and

• not be conditioned or encumbered in any way that may preclude its use consistent with the requirements of EDA investment assistance.5

Additional documentation may be requested by EDA to substantiate the availability of the matching funds.

In-kind contributions may be used for the required matching share and must consist of contributions directly related to the proposed project, such as services, equipment, or space. The in-kind matching share may include the purchase of equipment and equipment-related modifications or renovations of a facility but only to the extent that such equipment and any related modifications or renovations are used to support another eligible activity. EDA will fairly evaluate all in-kind contributions, which must be eligible project costs and meet applicable Federal cost principles and uniform administrative requirements. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at oie@eda.gov or

5 See 13 CFR § 301.5.

mailto:oie@eda.gov

(202) 482-8001 to determine how in-kind contributions may be utilized to satisfy the matching share requirement based upon the project concept and application and how those in-kind contributions may be valued.

Please note that all project funds—both Federal funds and matching funds—are subject to certain restrictions. NEITHER FEDERAL NOR MATCHING SHARE FUNDS CAN

INCLUDE FUNDS TO BE INVESTED IN STARTUPS OR OTHER COMPANIES,

whether through equity, debt, or hybrid mechanisms. Additionally, neither Federal nor matching share funds can be used for construction activities, except in limited circumstances related to equipment installation, as approved by EDA.

4. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Requirements

Each project funded under EAA must be consistent with the region’s current CEDS or equivalent EDA-accepted regional economic development strategy that meets EDA’s CEDS or strategy requirements. In accordance with 13 CFR § 303.7(c)(1), in certain circumstances EDA may accept a non-EDA-funded CEDS that does not contain all the elements EDA requires of a CEDS.6 The EDA Economic Development District (EDD) webpage at https://www.eda.gov/edd/ can help applicants identify the EDD of the relevant project region, which generally is responsible for developing and maintaining the region’s CEDS.

Some regions may not be covered by an EDD and, in these cases, EDA can help identify the relevant economic development strategy. Please contact the EDA Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship as specified in Section G (p. 26) of this NOFO for more information on CEDS and this requirement.

D. Application Submission Information

An applicant must submit a complete application, as detailed in Section D.2 (p. 13) of this NOFO, to be considered for funding. EDA may seek additional information or documentation from the applicant to clarify information presented in the application. Please see Section E

(p. 21) of this NOFO for more information on EDA’s review and selection process.

EDA strongly encourages applicants to consult with the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at oie@eda.gov or (202) 482-8001 to discuss whether their project is in alignment with the requirements outlined in this NOFO. This consultation is limited to clarification of technical matters involving their proposed project, project alignment with EDA’s mission and Investment Priorities, and all other relevant and publicly available information relating to general technical matters.

1. Address to Request an Application

An applicant may obtain the appropriate application electronically at https://www.grants.gov (Grants.gov). Applicants may search for this funding opportunity on Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number “EDA-HDQ-OIE-2020-SPRINTCHALLENGE”. All components of the

6 In doing so, EDA shall consider the circumstances surrounding the application, including emergencies or natural disasters and the fulfillment of the requirements of Section 302 of PWEDA.

https://www.eda.gov/edd/ https://www.grants.gov/ appropriate application may be accessed and downloaded (in a screen-fillable format) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html.

Applicants are advised that they must complete the registration process prior to submitting an application through Grants.gov; please note, however, registration is not required for an applicant to access, view, or download the application. Even though an applicant may be able to view and download an application, if the applicant has not correctly completed the Grants.gov registration process, the applicant will not be able to submit the application electronically for EDA’s review.

2. Content and Form of the Application

A complete application includes all required documents outlined below in Table 1. All relevant forms must be signed electronically by the applicant’s Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR); please see Section I.2 (p. 29) of this NOFO for information on AOR requirements. The preferred electronic file format for attachments is Adobe PDF and, when appropriate, Microsoft Excel; however, EDA will accept electronic files in Microsoft Word.

EDA will not accept paper, facsimile, or email transmissions of applications. Please refer to important information on submitting your application provided in Section I (p. 28) of this

NOFO.

All documentation and data submitted should be current and applicable as of the date submitted. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at oie@eda.gov or (202) 482-8001 for technical assistance regarding application requirements.

Additionally, EDA may reach out to the applicant to clarify application materials received.

Table 1: Required Application Documentation Project Design and Substance Information

Project Narrative Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan Matching Share Commitment Letters State/Local Government Support (if applicable)

Forms and Supporting Documentation Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) Form SF-424A (Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs) Form CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying) Form SF-LLL (Disclosure Regarding Lobbying) (if applicable) State Single Point-of-Contract (SPOC)/Executive Order 12372 Compliance Documentation (if applicable) Organizational Documentation (if applicable) Indirect Cost Rate Documentation (if applicable) https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html

a. Project Design and Substance This section provides additional details on project design and subject documentation.

Table 2: Project Design and Substance Documentation Document Number

Project Narrative One per application Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan One per application Matching Share Commitment Letters One per matching share source Local Government Support (if applicable) One per application

i. Project Narrative

All applicants must provide a Project Narrative of no more than ten (10) total pages with margins no less than one-half inch (0.5”) using Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or a similar font of size no less than eleven (11) points in order to be considered for funding. Material beyond the tenth page will not be read or considered. Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide a clear and concise narrative that includes a compelling justification for the project and the expected outcome(s) that will result from the proposed project. Lengthy applications will not receive greater consideration. A competitive application will contain the following elements in the Project Narrative:

• An executive summary that includes a project title and a summary of no more than 250 words (note: this may be published on EDA’s website if your application is selected for funding).

• A description of the project’s location and region, identifying the primary service area, along with a description of the communities or regions to be served (e.g., assets, financial and business resources, workforce, and infrastructure), and the communities’ or region’s needs and opportunities. The location and region should directly correspond to Questions 14 (Areas Affected by Project (Cities, Counties, States, etc.) and 16 (Congressional Districts) of Form SF-424. Additionally, applicants must identify their proposed primary service area(s) by county or counties. Counties should be identified by both name and 5-digit FIPS codes. See https://www.census.gov/geo/ reference/codes/cou.html. This description should not exceed two pages.

• A description of the proposed project, including a statement of the project’s purpose that clearly demonstrates how it will enable regional innovation economies to address the economic, health, and safety risks caused by the coronavirus pandemic through entrepreneurship and innovation consistent with the Program Information set out in Section A.3 (p. 6) of this NOFO. This description should specify the roles of all key personnel, the project’s essential partners, and an outreach and engagement plan.

• A scope of work of no more than one page linked to the project’s purpose and key milestones, including deliverables that clearly indicate the specific activities that are part of the scope of work.

• A project timeline including an estimated project start date, key milestones with expected completion dates, and an estimated project completion date.

• Evidence- and data-based anticipated impacts, including outputs and outcomes, metrics, and tracking mechanisms. Please note: an applicant that is selected for funding is highly encouraged to employ a data and client management system to track project metrics in a machine-readable format. Each applicant should include a description of its tracking system and, if no such system exists, should describe how it will meet this requirement in the Project Narrative and Budget.

• A short description of how the project will address Recovery and Resilience in the context of innovation and entrepreneurship challenges and needs specific to the project’s location and region, including anticipated challenges, potential barriers to long-term recovery from economic shock, and/or a transition plan to post-pandemic operations. In addition, the applicant must detail how the project will support the economic needs and objectives outlined in the applicable region’s CEDS or equivalent EDA-accepted regional economic development strategy. The applicant should identify the CEDS or equivalent EDA-accepted regional economic development strategy and provide a copy of this planning document, either by attaching the document to the application or including a web link for the document.

• If the application proposes supporting the operations of an eligible organization that raises or operates a fund, the application must provide fund information, whether existing or planned, including total assets under management, proportions of assets invested and on hand, historical performance (both direct—e.g., returns, and indirect— e.g., jobs created), proportions of assets invested to date inside and outside the primary service area, and fund age.

ii. Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan

Attachment 2 (p. 35) to this NOFO contains an optional budget and staffing plan template that may be used for the application.

Applicants must provide a clear Budget Narrative that identifies and justifies how funds in each line item of the budget will be used to support the proposed project. The Budget Narrative should specifically address each budget line item (including both the Federal Share and matching non-Federal Share), and the narrative total should match the total project costs listed in both Form SF-424, Question 18, Line g (“TOTAL”) and the appropriate totals fields of Form SF-424A. The Budget Narrative should show any in-kind matching contribution for each line item and should link the in-kind matching contribution to the relevant commitment letter.

The Budget Narrative should also include itemized valuations of any in-kind matching contributions (which, for personnel costs, should be supported by the Staffing Plan). Each line item in the budget narrative should clearly indicate:

• A description of the intended use of funds for each line item;

• The budget category (from Form SF-424A) to which the line item corresponds;

• The Federal Share allocated to the line item; and

• The matching non-Federal Share allocated to the line item.

The matching non-Federal Share, whether in cash or in-kind, is expected to be paid out at the same general rate as the Federal Share; however, if the applicant’s Budget Narrative proposes otherwise, applicants must also include information that clearly indicates what project elements matching non-Federal Share funds will support and explain why deviation from paying out at the same general rate is required for the project to be implemented.

As part of the Budget Narrative, applicants also must submit a Staffing Plan that lists all positions that would be charged to the Federal and Non-Federal portions of the budget for each year of the period of performance. The Staffing Plan must include position titles, maximum annual salaries, percentage of time dedicated to the project, and the total amount of annual salaries that would be charged to the project. The total amount of annual salaries that would be charged to the project must be consistent with the amount reflected on the “Personnel” budget line item on Form SF-424A for each project year.

iii. Matching Share Commitment Letters

Applicants must submit commitment letters or equivalent documents that demonstrate that all matching funds (whether cash or in-kind) from all sources (i.e., any applicant, any co-applicants, and any other sources of matching funds) referenced in the application will be unencumbered, available as needed, and committed at the time of award and that are signed by authorized representatives of the sources of the matching funds. Authorized representatives must have the authority to execute documents and to obligate and expend funds on behalf of their respective organizations.

iv. Local Government Support

A non-profit applicant must submit a resolution or letter that demonstrates that the applicant is acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State (e.g., a county or municipality) that encompasses all or a substantial portion of the communities served by the proposed project. Support from Federal officials, including but not limited to members of the United States Congress, does not meet this requirement. Examples of authorities who may indicate such support include local executive or legislative branch officials (e.g., mayor or other appropriate municipal executive; town council). If, however, the applicant or co-applicant is an Economic Development District, a State, an Indian tribe, a city or other political subdivision of a State, or an institution of higher education, this requirement does not apply.

b. Forms and Supporting Documentation

i. Forms

Applications must include the following documents, either per applicant or per application, as noted.

Table 3: Forms

Form Description Number SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance One per applicant

SF-424A Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs One per application

CD-511 Certification Regarding Lobbying One per applicant SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if required) One per applicant

ii. Supporting Documentation

Applications must include the following documentation, as applicable, depending on a given project’s primary service area and the type of each applicant organization.

Table 4: Supporting Documentation Documentation Number

SPOC Compliance (if applicable) For each participating State in primary service area Organizational Documentation

(if applicable) For each non-profit applicant

ICR Documentation (if applicable) For each applicant

a. SPOC Compliance/Intergovernmental Review

For projects with primary service areas located within one or more States that participate in the intergovernmental review process established by Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” applicants must submit documentation demonstrating compliance with that State’s or those States’ processes. The current list of participating States and their Single Points of Contact (SPOC) can be found at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/spoc_1_16_2020.pdf. Each State may participate for all or a subset of Federal grant programs. If applicable, EDA strongly encourages each applicant to contact their SPOC early in the application period to determine the relevant State’s or States’ processes. If an application’s primary service area encompasses one or more participating States, the applicant is highly encouraged to begin the process to receive documentation of compliance before submitting an application. While not required at the time of application, full documentation of compliance with each State’s process will be a requirement before an award can be made. Based on the applicant’s State, EDA requires the following documentation:

Table 5: SPOC Documentation State does not participate No documentation required.

State participates; this grant program not subject to review

Documentation (e.g., a State executive order, a signed letter from the SPOC) showing that this grant program is not subject to review.

State participates; this grant program subject to review

Documentation (e.g., a signed letter from the SPOC) with comments or indicating that this project was not selected for review, or, if the comment period has expired, or comments https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/spoc_1_16_2020.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/spoc_1_16_2020.pdf were not received, a copy of the applicant’s request for comments.

b. Organizational Documentation for Non-Profit Applicants

Each non-profit applicant must provide documentation that demonstrates its status as a non-profit organization (see 2 CFR § 200.70 - e.g., articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, and bylaws).

c. Indirect Cost Rate (ICR) Documentation

If indirect costs are included in the budget, the applicant must include documentation to support the indirect cost rate they are using. The applicant must submit a copy of its current, approved, and negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA). The maximum dollar amount of allocable indirect costs for which EDA will reimburse a recipient shall be the lesser of the (1) line-item amount for the Federal Share of indirect costs contained in the EDA approved budget for the award, or (2) Federal Share of the total allocable indirect costs of the award based on either

(a) the indirect cost rate approved by EDA (or applicable cognizant Federal agency), provided that the cost rate is current at the time the costs were incurred and provided that the rate is approved on or before the award end date, or (b) other acceptable documentation as indicated below.

If the applicant does not have a current or pending NICRA, it may propose indirect costs in its budget; however, the applicant must prepare and submit an allocation plan and rate proposal for approval within 90 days from the award start date. See 2 CFR part 200 Apps. III, IV, V, VI, VII for guidance. The allocation plan and the rate proposal must be submitted to EDA’s Office of Regional Affairs (or applicable cognizant Federal agency). If the applicant chooses to pursue this option, it should include a statement in its Budget Narrative that it does not have a current or pending NICRA and will submit an allocation plan and rate proposal to EDA or the applicant’s cognizant Federal agency for approval.

If the applicant (1) does not have a current NICRA and (2) has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, the applicant may alternatively elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs subject to the exceptions of 2 CFR § 200.414(f). The applicant should include a statement in its Budget Narrative that it does not have a NICRA; it has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate; and it is electing to charge the de minimis rate.

Note if the applicant is a State or local unit of government (or a Tribe) that receives less than $35,000,000 in direct Federal funding per year it may submit any of the following:

1. A Certificate of Indirect Costs from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) or EDA;

2. Acknowledgment received from EDA and Certificate of Indirect Costs;

3. Cost Allocation Plan approved by a Federal agency; or

4. NICRA.

c. Environmental and Historic Preservation Requirements

Applications will be reviewed by EDA under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA). The extent of review will depend on the nature and specific elements of each given application. During the NEPA review process, applicants may be instructed to contact the designated State and/or Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO/THPO), provide approvals from other governmental agencies, or provide more detailed environmental information. EDA, after compliance with requirements for consultation with Federally-recognized Indian tribes, may require applicants to participate in Tribal consultation, as necessary. The implementing regulations for 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, and records of decision, to the affected public. For further guidance and information, please contact the EDA Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship as specified in Section G (p. 26) of this NOFO.

d. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

To enable the use of a universal identifier and to enhance the quality of information available to the public as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, applicants are required to: (i) be registered in the SAM before submitting their application;

(ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in their application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which they have an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. EDA may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements, and if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time EDA is ready to make an award, EDA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Recipients will be subject to reporting requirements, as identified in OMB guidance published at 2 CFR parts 25 and 170.

3. Submission Dates and Times

The deadline for the receipt of applications is 11:59 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020 (Application Deadline). Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered. Applications will only be accepted electronically through www.grants.gov (Grants.gov). Applicants are advised to carefully read the submission information provided in Section D (p. 12) of this NOFO. Applications submitted electronically Grants.gov must be received by the Application Deadline. The date and time that an application will be deemed to be electronically received will be determined in accordance with the electronic submission instructions provided at Grants.gov. See Section I (p. 28) of this NOFO for information regarding electronic submissions. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED

AFTER THE APPLICATION DEADLINE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR

FUNDING.

In addition, please note the following:

• EDA will not accept any unsolicited changes, additions, revisions, or deletions to applications after the submission deadline.

• Throughout the review and selection process, EDA reserves the right to seek clarification from applicants whose applications are being reviewed and considered.

• Applicants may be asked to clarify objectives and work plans and modify budgets or other specifics as necessary to comply with Federal requirements and provide supplemental information required by the agency before award.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to start early and not to wait until near the application deadline before logging on and reviewing the instructions for submitting an application through Grants.gov. There are several steps that must be completed correctly before an applicant can register with and submit an application through Grants.gov. Applicants should SAVE AND PRINT WRITTEN PROOF of an electronic submission made at Grants.gov.

Once an application is submitted, it undergoes a validation process through Grants.gov during which the application may be accepted or rejected by the system. Please be advised that the validation process may take 24 to 48 hours to complete. Applications that contain errors will be rejected by Grants.gov and will not be forwarded to EDA for review. The applicant must correct the error before Grants.gov will accept and validate the application. EDA WILL NOT

ACCEPT LATE APPLICATIONS THAT WERE REJECTED BY GRANTS.GOV…