Accelerate R2 NOFO.pdf

ACCELERATE R2 NETWORK

CHALLENGE

N o t i ce o f Fu nd i n g Op p o rt u n i t y

Office of INNOVATION and

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

i n co l l a bo r at i o n w i t h t he

N A T I O N A L I N S T I T U T E O F S T A N D A R D S A N D T E C H N O L O G Y a nd t h e

F I R S T R E S P O N D E R N E T W O R K A U T H O R I T Y ii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Federal Awarding Agency Name

U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)

Funding Opportunity Title

Accelerate R2 Network Challenge

Announcement Type

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) publishing EDA’s application submission requirements and review procedures for applications received for the Accelerate R2 Network Challenge, under EDA’s Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program as authorized by the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 § 27, 15 U.S.C. § 3722 (2015) (originally enacted as the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, Pub. L. No. 111-358, sec. 603, § 27, 124 Stat. 3982, 4030-37 (2011) and subsequently amended by the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014, Pub. L.

No. 113-235, sec. 705, § 27, 128 Stat. 2130, 2231-34 (2014)); see also 13 C.F.R. §§ 312.1-.12 (2017).

Funding Opportunity Number

EDA-HDQ-OIE-2019-2006301

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s)

11.020 Cluster Grants

Key Dates

Applicants are strongly encouraged (but not required) to submit a Letter of Intent by 11:59pm Eastern Time on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2019.

Applicants must submit a Full Application by 11:59 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2019. Full Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered. Full Application submissions will only be accepted electronically through www.grants.gov (Grants.gov). Applicants are advised to read the application carefully and submission information provided in Section D (p. 8) of this NOFO.

Funding Opportunity Description

EDA, in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), is seeking applications from eligible parties to create a strategic nationwide network of organizations working to address disaster response and resiliency (R2) challenges with innovative technologies. The Accelerate R2 Network Challenge seeks to create a nationwide network or networks that will enable and support innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors to bring transformative technologies into the response and resiliency markets.

Eligible Applicants

EDA is not authorized to provide grants or cooperative agreements to individuals under this Program. Requests from individuals will not be considered for funding. Eligible applicants for EDA financial assistance under this NOFO include:

• A State;

• An Indian tribe;

• A city or other political subdivision of a State;

iii

• An entity whose application is supported by a State or a political subdivision of a State and that is— a nonprofit organization, an institution of higher education, a public-private partnership, a science or research park, a Federal laboratory, or an economic development organization or similar entity; or

• A consortium of any of the immediately aforementioned entities.

Cost Sharing and Matching

Applicants must provide a matching share from non-Federal sources of at least 50 percent of the total project cost; i.e., applicants must match each Federal dollar requested with at least one dollar of local match. See Section C.2 (p. 8) of this NOFO.

Informational Webinar

EDA plans to conduct an informational webinar for this NOFO and expects to make available scheduling information and a link to a recording at http://www.eda.gov/oie/.

Award Notification

Subject to the availability of funding, successful applicants should expect to receive grant award notification approximately 60 days from the Full Application Deadline set forth in this NOFO. See Section D.5 (p. 15).

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

ACCELERATE R2 NETWORK CHALLENGE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................... ii

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Overview

2. Background

3. Accelerate R2 Network Strategies and Goals

4. Statutory Authorities for the Accelerate R2 Network Challenge

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Available Funding Under this Announcement

2. Type of Funding Instrument Used; Period of Performance

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Full Application Package

2. Content and Form of Submissions

i. Letter of Intent

ii. Full Application

3. Environmental and Historic Preservation Requirements

4. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

5. Submission Dates and Times

i. Systems Issues

6. Intergovernmental Review

7. Funding Restrictions

8. Other Submission Requirements

i. Means of Submission

ii. Pre-Submission Registration

E. LETTER OF INTENT AND FULL APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Evaluation Criteria

i. Letter of Intent Review

ii. Full Application Review

2. Review and Selection Process

i. Review for Eligibility and Completeness (Technical Review)

ii. Merit Review

iii. Grants Officer Decision

3. Awards in Excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

i. Federal Awardee Performance Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) Review

ii. Applicant Review of and Comment on Integrity and Performance Information

iii. Agency Consideration of Applicant Comments

4. Anticipated Announcement of Federal Award Dates

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

i. Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements

ii. Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions

iii. Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements

3. Reporting

i. Financial, Performance, and Impact Reports

ii. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006

iii. Government Performance and Results Act

iv. Information Sharing

v. Requirements For Recipients With More Than $10 Million in Federal-wide Funding

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT(S)

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 Felony Criminal Violations and/or Unpaid Federal Tax Liabilities

6. EDA’s Non-Relocation Policy

7. Audit Requirements

8. Implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

9. Instructions for Application Submission via Grants.gov

i. Register Early and Submit Early

ii. AOR Requirement

iii. Field Limitations and Special Characters

iv. Verify That Your Submission Was Successful

v. Grants.gov Systems Issues

APPENDIX A Representation by Corporations Regarding an Unpaid Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction Under Any Federal Law APPENDIX B Example Output and Outcome measures APPENDIX C Optional Checklist-style Guide for Required Full Application Documents

Section A

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Overview

EDA, in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), is seeking applications from eligible parties to create a nationwide network or networks of organizations working to address the nation’s most pressing disaster response and resiliency (R2) challenges with innovative technologies. The Accelerate R2 Network Challenge seeks to connect stakeholders engaged in:

• Response innovation – innovation in the communications, technology, and equipment first responders1 use when responding to disasters and events

• Resiliency innovation – finding new ways to build, protect, and connect networks and infrastructure to help communities recover and build readiness and resilience in the face of future disasters

Specifically, the Accelerate R2 Network Challenge seeks applications to build, launch, and operate a nationwide network or networks that will:

• develop and deepen relationships between R2 stakeholders such as entrepreneurs, first responders, investors, and early adopters within and across regions;

• establish and strengthen communication and collaboration between and among core groups of stakeholders;

• facilitate market development and access, such as through fostering connections between entrepreneurs and first responders to understand operational needs early in the innovation development process, including procurement considerations;

• increase awareness among core groups of stakeholders, as well as reach new partners that were otherwise not participating in these technology industries;

• serve as an industry liaison and convener for Federal stakeholders, for instance to distribute grant notifications, technology needs, and industry requirements; and

• help advance technologies used by first responders.

The application process involves two phases: a pre-application Letter of Intent and a Full Application.

Applicants are strongly encouraged (but not required) to submit a Letter of Intent, which program staff will review and provide feedback to encourage or discourage a Full Application. Full Applications will be encouraged only for Letters of Intent that align with program goals and priorities set forth in Section A.3, below. However, applicants that do not submit a Letter of Intent or are discouraged will not be precluded from submitting a Full Application.

Applicants must submit a Full Application to be considered for an award. Full Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov, and applicants are encouraged to start the application process early to avoid submission complications.

2. Background

EDA is committed to fostering connected, innovation-centric economies that increase job growth and global competitiveness through technology commercialization and entrepreneurship as described in Section 27 of

1 First responders include law enforcement officers, fire fighters, emergency medical professionals, emergency management professionals, public safety communications dispatchers, and others that provide public safety services.

the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (hereinafter “Section 27”).2 In addition, EDA serves as the Coordinating Agency for the Economic Recovery Support Function under the National Disaster Recovery Framework and has a long history of successfully supporting disaster recovery and resiliency efforts. Because innovation is necessary to meet America’s evolving response and resiliency challenges, the Accelerate R2 Network Challenge will help EDA accomplish both of these strategic goals.

EDA’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE) will administer the program. OIE has significant experience increasing the nation’s capacity for innovation-based, high-growth entrepreneurship through management of the Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program and other innovation-centric initiatives.3

The Accelerate R2 Network Challenge is a new grant program designed to connect stakeholders in the disaster response and resiliency industries across geographies to accelerate the pace at which startups, established corporations, and other organizations bring technological innovations into the market. Research and data from the Center for Economic Studies4 and the US Cluster Mapping Project5 show that the more connected and fluid an industry or business region is, the quicker new ideas can come to market and the more competitive those businesses are. Similarly, the better connected all R2 stakeholders and investors are, the better they can bring competitive, meaningful technology to end users.

In that spirit, to help foster a connected R2 ecosystem across the Department of Commerce, EDA is collaborating with NIST and FirstNet on this funding opportunity. EDA and NIST are co-funding this grant opportunity to make up to $1,000,000 available: EDA is making up to $750,000 available in funding, and NIST is contributing up to $250,000 to connect stakeholders engaged in advancing technologies used by first responders. See Section B.1 (p.6) for funding details. FirstNet will provide program support and technical assistance as needed to the awarded network/s.

At the NIST Communications Technology Laboratory, the Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division conducts research, development, testing, and evaluation of technologies for the first responder community. Current PSCR programs include its Innovation Accelerator, established in 2016 to spearhead R&D efforts with the goal of creating innovative solutions to improve first responder communications and operations. More information on PSCR and its current opportunities can be found at pscr.gov.

FirstNet, an independent authority of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), is responsible for deploying, maintaining, and operating the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). FirstNet’s strategic goals include fostering a first responder technology ecosystem that enables improved outcomes for public safety. For more information on FirstNet, go to firstnet.gov.

3. Accelerate R2 Network Strategies and Goals

Currently, there is not an efficient channel or platform to solicit, support, encourage, or coordinate innovation and collaboration across the diverse geographies, stakeholders, and industries relevant to R2

2 15 U.S.C. § 3722 (2015) [originally enacted as the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, Pub. L. No. 111-358, sec. 603, § 27, 124 Stat. 3982, 4030-37 (2011) and subsequently amended by the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014, Pub. L. No. 113-235, sec. 705, § 27, 128 Stat. 2130, 2231-34 (2014)].

3 For more information on these initiatives, visit https://www.eda.gov/oie/ris/.

4 Mercedes Delgado, Michael E. Porter, and Scott Stern, Clusters and Entrepreneurship, Center for Economic Studies (September 2010), https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Publication%20Files/Clusters-and-Entrepreneurship---SSRN-id1689084_549e39ca-b09a-47d2-b81a-73c77745cb27.pdf.

5 Harvard Business School, http://www.clustermapping.us/ (last visited April 23, 2019).

https://www.nist.gov/ctl/pscr https://firstnet.gov/ https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Publication%20Files/Clusters-and-Entrepreneurship---SSRN-id1689084_549e39ca-b09a-47d2-b81a-73c77745cb27.pdf https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Publication%20Files/Clusters-and-Entrepreneurship---SSRN-id1689084_549e39ca-b09a-47d2-b81a-73c77745cb27.pdf http://www.clustermapping.us/ technologies. These industries have not yet matured into a nationally recognized business sector and lack central points for information, planning, collaboration, and innovation among related R2 stakeholders:

innovators, entrepreneurs, first responders, investors, and early adopters. Such a lack of connectivity can lead to inefficient business practices and slower technology commercialization because firms and entrepreneurs are disconnected from the resources, information, and customers they need to test, build, and scale new technologies and business models.

The Accelerate R2 Network Challenge seeks to address these gaps by funding the creation or expansion of a nationwide network or networks to establish and deepen relationships between and among stakeholders to provide and improve opportunities for collaboration and technology commercialization in each of the disaster response and resiliency domains. The Accelerate R2 Network Challenge will make either: a) a single grant award to build a nationwide network to connect response and resiliency stakeholders; or b) two separate grant awards to build nationwide networks for each of the response or resiliency domains.

Pursuant to Section 27, funding may be used for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to personnel, program development, and equipment; however, construction costs are not eligible.6

Successful applicants to the Accelerate R2 Network Challenge will clearly articulate a strategy to launch, operate, and build the R2 Network, thereby fostering opportunities for the creation of competitive American companies that drive job growth while protecting and strengthening our communities. Compelling proposals will identify stakeholders across the country that can contribute to and support the launch and operations of a nationwide network. Suggested network participants include but are not limited to research and development centers, entrepreneurship support organizations, industry organizations, first responder and disaster resiliency stakeholders, and investment firms working to support technology commercialization and scaling businesses in the R2 technology categories.

Example activities of the nationwide network could include:

• organizing and hosting summits or special events to develop and deepen relationships among stakeholders, and promote the exchange of ideas;

• establishing channels for increased communication between and among stakeholder groups;

• creating a centralized platform to provide information and increase awareness of R2 technology-related opportunities and advancements, including funding sources;

• generating an asset map of capabilities and resources for entrepreneurs working on R2 technologies; and

• identifying opportunities for connecting or matching entrepreneurs and first responder practitioners and/or disaster resiliency organizations to accelerate technology development.

The proposed activities should result in a more efficient and connected innovation ecosystem focused on R2 technologies as measured by meaningful outputs and outcomes, such as the following examples, and the example output and outcome measures in Appendix B:

• increased connectivity, as measured by the number and distribution of new or improved information resources, or the number and attendance of special events

• increased entrepreneurial support for R2 technologies, as measured by the number of firms started, number of firms served and graduated by incubators and accelerators, number of people employed by client or graduated firms, or amount of venture capital invested into new technologies

6 See infra note 11 (p. 8) (explaining the limited exception to this rule).

Section B

• increased awareness or participation in grants or prize competitions related to R2, as measured by the number of applications to Federal grants or other challenges and funding opportunities, or by number of new applicants or participants

• increased research commercialization, as measured by the number of R2-related technologies licensed or of products and services brought to (or brought closer to) market, or by improved or increased access to mentors or seed funding

• increased collaboration with practitioners, as measured by new or expanded events or opportunities to engage with first responder or disaster resiliency organizations to understand operational patterns and needs, or number of technologies demonstrated or tested by first responders.

Successful applicants will also clearly describe how proposed activities will focus on and stimulate first responder technology innovation specifically in order to be eligible for NIST’s funding contribution (see Section A.2, above, for background). Activities focused exclusively on stimulating resiliency innovation are not eligible for the NIST portion of funding. Applicants should define how they propose to allocate funding in their Letter of Intent and Project Narrative (see Section D.2 (p. 9) for additional details).

4. Statutory Authorities for the Accelerate R2 Network Challenge

The statutory authority for the Accelerate R2 Network Challenge is Section 27 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980.7 Funds contributed by NIST are authorized under 15 U.S.C § 3706 and 47 U.S.C. § 1443 and are governed by an Interagency Agreement in line with its programmatic authority.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Available Funding Under this Announcement

The funding periods and funding amounts referenced in this notice are subject to the availability of funds at the time of award as well as to DOC, EDA, and NIST priorities at the time of award. Publication of this announcement does not obligate DOC, EDA, or NIST to award any specific grant or cooperative agreement or to obligate all or any part of available funds.

Subject to the availability of funding and based on applications, EDA expects to award up to $1,000,000.

Of this total amount, EDA expects to award $750,000 from EDA, and another $250,000 on behalf of NIST to stimulate first responder technology innovation specifically. Therefore, applicants should clearly define in their Project Narrative how they expect to allocate funding in support of the advancement of technologies used by first responders to be eligible for the NIST portion of funding.

EDA expects to make either:

• a single award up to $1 million for a nationwide R2 Network; or

• two awards, one for a nationwide Response Network and one for a nationwide Resiliency Network, each of which may be up to $700,000.

EDA retains the discretion to make two awards if so doing would better advance the overall goal of fostering connections between each group of stakeholders.

Neither DOC nor EDA nor NIST will be held responsible for application preparation costs.

7 15 U.S.C. § 3722.

Section C

2. Type of Funding Instrument Used; Period of Performance

Subject to the availability of funds, EDA anticipates using a Cooperative Agreement as the funding instrument to provide financial and other support to the award recipient(s). Through Cooperative Agreements, EDA provides financial or other support to accomplish a public purpose in support of or authorized by Federal statute and anticipates substantial involvement in the performance of the approved scope of work.

Given the involvement of additional Federal partners in this funding opportunity, substantial involvement will enable EDA, NIST, and FirstNet to deepen collaboration with the award recipients. Substantial involvement may include but is not limited to:

• collaboration (e.g., on major project decision-making points and planning, especially early in the project lifecycle);

• participation (e.g., in special events or regular calls with network members or participants); and

• intervention (e.g., through modification of the execution of project activities for programmatic reasons)

EDA anticipates making an award or awards that will run up to 36 months in length, with an estimated start date on or about 30 days after the date on which EDA makes the award.

EDA expects the project to proceed efficiently and expeditiously, and EDA expects applicants to document clearly in their applications a reasonable and appropriate timeline that includes the start and completion dates of the proposed scope of work. As a condition of award, the grantee(s) will be required to provide timely periodic progress reports and performance data as set forth in Section F of this NOFO.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

EDA is not authorized to provide grants to individuals, and such requests will not be considered for funding.

Pursuant to Section 278, eligible applicants for and eligible recipients of EDA funding under this NOFO include:

• a State;

• an Indian tribe;

• a city or other political subdivision of a State;

• an entity whose application is supported by a State or a political subdivision of a state and that is— a nonprofit organization;

an institution of higher education;

a public-private partnership;

a science or research park;

a Federal laboratory; or an economic development organization or similar entity9; or

8 See also 13 C.F.R. § 312.6.

9 Examples of economic development organizations or similar entities include regional planning organizations, chambers of commerce, community development corporations, and economic development corporations, whether operated as for- or nonprofits. EDA strongly encourages prospective applicants that may be eligible under this entity category to contact the representative listed in Section G (p. 30) of this NOFO with any questions regarding eligibility.

Section D

• a consortium of any of the immediately aforementioned entities.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Under this NOFO, applicants must demonstrate AT THE TIME OF FULL APPLICATION a matching share of at least 50 percent of the total project cost from non-Federal10 sources; i.e., for every dollar of Federal funds requested, applicants must demonstrate a commitment of at least one dollar of matching share. Applicants must show as part of their Full Application that matching shares will be, at the time of award: (i) COMMITTED to the project for the period of performance, (ii) AVAILABLE as needed, and (iii) NOT

CONDITIONED OR ENCUMBERED in any way that may preclude its use consistent with the requirements of EDA investment assistance. In order to demonstrate this, applicants must submit from each source organization providing matching share a commitment letter or equivalent document signed by an authorized representative of that organization. The amount of an EDA grant may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the project. Additional documentation may be requested by EDA in order to substantiate the availability of the matching funds.

i. In-Kind Matching Share

In-kind contributions may provide the required non-Federal share of the total project cost and can consist of contributions directly related to the proposed project, such as services, equipment11, or space. Applicants must provide a valuation of the in-kind matching share. EDA will fairly evaluate all in-kind contributions, which must be eligible project costs and which must meet applicable Federal cost principles and uniform administrative requirements.12

Applicants intending to use in-kind matching share are strongly encouraged to contact EDA 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.

ii. Certain Specific Matching Share Restrictions

Please note that all project funds—both Federal funds and matching funds—are subject to certain restrictions. In particular, 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 for this competition, neither Federal nor matching share funds can be used for construction activities, except in limited circumstances13. See Section D.7 (p. 17) of this NOFO.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Full Application Package

An applicant may obtain the Full Application package electronically at https://www.grants.gov/ (Grants.gov).

There is no similar official application package for Letters of Intent other than the requirements identified below in Section D.2.i (p.9), below.

Applicants may search for this funding opportunity on Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number “EDA- HDQ-OIE-[xxxx].” All components of the appropriate application package may be accessed and

10 Funds from other Federal financial assistance awards can serve as matching share funds only if authorized by statute, which may be determined by EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the statute.

11 The purchase of equipment and equipment-related modifications or renovations of a facility may comprise matching share, but only to the extent that such equipment and any related modifications or renovations are used to support another eligible activity.

See 13 C.F.R. § 312.9.

12 See 2 C.F.R. § 200.306.

13 See supra note 111 (p.8) (noting that equipment-related modifications or renovations of a facility are eligible activities).

https://www.grants.gov/ downloaded via https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html. The preferred electronic file format for attachments is Adobe portable document format (PDF) and, where appropriate, Microsoft Excel;

however, EDA will accept Microsoft Word-formatted electronic files. Alternatively, an applicant eligible for assistance under this announcement may request a paper application package by contacting EDA’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE) via email at oie@eda.gov or via phone at (202) 482-8001.

Applicants must submit their Full Applications via Grants.gov and are advised that they must complete the registration process prior to submitting an application through Grants.gov; however, registration is not required for applicants to access, view, or download the Full Application package. 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 Full Application for EDA’s review. See Section D.8 (p. 17), and H.9 (p. 25) of this NOFO for details of the Grants.gov registration process.

2. Content and Form of Submissions

The application process includes two phases: a pre-application Letter of Intent and a Full Application.

Letters of Intent are strongly encouraged, but not required. Letters of Intent provide an opportunity for EDA, NIST, and FirstNet to review and provide feedback on project concepts based on its relevancy and alignment to project goals to encourage or discourage a Full Application. Letters of Intent that suggest a Full Application would have little or no chance of funding will receive feedback discouraging a Full Application, to allow applicants to avoid incurring the cost of preparing Full Applications that are not consistent with the program goals and objectives. Whether an applicant chooses to submit a Letter of Intent and notwithstanding any positive or negative feedback, any eligible entity may submit a Full Application.

All submissions must conform to the following form and content requirements, including maximum page lengths, described below. Materials with page length maximums must have margins no less than one-half inch (0.5”) using Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or similar font size no less than eleven (11) points to be considered. Material beyond the maximum specified page count will not be read or considered.

Full Application materials must be submitted via Grants.gov. Full Application forms submitted through Grants.gov must be signed electronically by an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR).

See Section D.8 (p.17) of this NOFO for information on AOR requirements and submitting your Full Application.

i. Letter of Intent

Prior to submitting a Full Application, applicants are strongly encouraged (but not required) to submit a pre-application to EDA in the form of a Letter of Intent. Through a Letter of Intent, program staff can provide feedback on an applicant’s eligibility and on whether its project ideas align with the goals and objectives of the Accelerate R2 Network Challenge, thereby allowing applicants to avoid incurring the cost of preparing Full Applications that are inconsistent with the program’s goals and objectives. However, applicants that do not submit a Letter of Intent or who are not encouraged to submit a Full Application after review will not be precluded from submitting a Full Application.

The Letter of Intent should provide a concise description of the proposed work and a brief budget.

Specifically, the Letter of Intent must:

• be no more than three (3) pages in length, and the first page must include the name of the applicant organization and any co-applicants;

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html mailto:oie@eda.gov

• contain a brief description of the intended strategy to launch, operate, and build the R2 Network, including a summary of any supporting organizations; and

• include a brief budget which summarizes how resources will be allocated, along with a brief budget justification, including a description of if and how the applicant plans to allocate resources specifically in support of the advancement of technologies used by first responders.

Letters of Intent must be received by EDA via email (oie@eda.gov) no later than 11:59pm Eastern Time on the date of the Letter of Intent Deadline (see Section D.5 (p.15) for details).

ii. Full Application

To be considered for funding, applicants must submit a complete Full Application package by the Full Application Deadline. A complete application includes all required documents set forth below. All documentation and data submitted as part of the Full Application should be current as of the date of the application submission.

Full Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov. All Full Application forms submitted through Grants.gov must be signed electronically by an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR); see Section D.8 (p.17) of this NOFO for information on AOR requirements.

The following table provides a complete list of documents required for a Full Application:

Document or Form Maximum

Page Count Number

Project Narrative 10 One per application

Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan 4 One per application

Matching Share Commitment Letters n/a One per source

State/Local Government Support (if applicable) n/a At least one per application

SF-424 (Proposal for Federal Assistance) n/a One per applicant

SF-424A (Budget Information Non-Construction Programs) n/a One per application

SF-424B - Assurances of Non-Construction Programs n/a One per applicant

CD-511 - Certification Regarding Lobbying n/a One per applicant

SF-LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable) n/a One per applicant

State Single-Point-of-Contact/Executive Order 12372 Compliance Documentation (if applicable) n/a One per applicant

Organizational Documentation (if applicable) n/a For each applicant

Indirect Cost Rate (ICR) Documentation (if applicable) n/a For each applicant

a. Project Narrative

Applicants should provide a clear and concise narrative of no more than 10 pages that articulates a strategy to build, launch, and operate a nationwide R2 Network. Furthermore, applicants should clearly articulate how they propose to allocate resources specifically in support of the advancement of technologies used by first responders. A competitive application will contain the following elements:

• An executive summary of no more than 250 words (note: this may be published on EDA’s website if your application is selected)

• A description of the project’s primary location and region14, and a description of the regional innovation cluster15 supported by the project (e.g., assets, financial and business resources, workforce, and infrastructure)

• A description of the applicant’s or applicants’ key personnel and any essential partners

• An outreach and engagement plan to identify and establish relationships with R2 stakeholders across multiple regions to establish a nationwide effort

• A scope of work, clearly indicating specific activities aligned with the purpose of the R2 Network Challenge, linked with key milestones, and including deliverables

• 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 o Applicants must provide a clear and compelling justification of the long-term economic impact and impact on R2 technology innovation of the proposed project, including metrics.

See Section A.3 and Appendix B for examples.

o Applicants must document the baseline of and expected benefit to their primary location and regional cluster, provide third-party data or information to support these claims, and include practical and clear tracking and reporting mechanisms for metrics that will measure the economic impact during and after the project.

o Applicants who are selected for funding must employ a data and client management system to track its metrics in a machine-readable format.

• A sustainability plan, including anticipated challenges, potential barriers, and forecast of post-award period operations

b. Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan

Applicants must provide a clear Budget Narrative, inclusive of a Staffing Plan, of no more than four (4) pages that identifies and justifies how funds in each line item of the budget (both Federal share and matching share) will be used to support the proposed project, and that links each line item to its relevant commitment letter. The narrative total should match the total project costs listed in SF-424 (Question 18, Line g) and SF-424A. 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 the SF-424A) to which the line item corresponds;

• the Federal share allocated to the line item;

• the matching share allocated to the line item; and

14 Applicants should provide the location of their primary base of operations (i.e., location where they are headquartered or will be primarily operating from at time of application). This description should correspond to the applicant’s answers to Questions 14 and 16 of the SF-424, and also be used for Executive Order 12372 (SPOC) Compliance, Government Letters of Support, and impact measurements.

15 Per Section 27: The term ‘regional innovation cluster’ means a geographically bounded network of similar, synergistic, or complementary entities that— (A) are engaged in or with a particular industry sector and its related sectors; (B) have active channels for business transactions and communication; (C) share specialized infrastructure, labor markets, and services; and

(D) leverage the region’s unique competitive strengths to stimulate innovation and create jobs.

• if any matching share is allocated to a given line item, a citation to the one or more commitment letters (see Section D.2.ii.c, below), that documents each relevant matching organization’s commitment to provide the matching share of the given line item.

The matching 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 the matching 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 matching 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 the Form SF-424A for each project year.

c. 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, unrestricted, and committed at the time of award and that are signed by authorized representatives16 of the sources of the matching funds.

d. State/Local Government Support

Applicants must submit one or more resolutions or letters that demonstrate that the application is supported by one or more States or political subdivisions of States (e.g., counties, municipalities) where the applicant is primarily located (consistent with the location described in the applicant’s Project Narrative and Questions 14 and 16 of the SF-424). 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 State and local executive branch officials (e.g., State governors, State cabinet members, mayors or other municipal executives) and State and local legislators (e.g. State legislators, city councilpersons). If, however, the applicant or co-applicant is a State, an Indian tribe, or a city or other political subdivision of a State, this requirement does not apply.

e. SF-424

Each applicant must submit an SF-424 and should note the following:

• For questions 14 and 16, applicants’ responses should correspond to their description of primary geographic location in their Project Narrative.

• For question 19, please note that not all States participate in the intergovernmental review process established by Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”17 Applicants should first check to see if the State where they are primarily located participates.

Names and addresses of some States’ SPOCs are listed at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-

16 Authorized representatives must have the authority to execute documents and to obligate and expend funds on behalf of their respective organizations.

17 Exec. Order No. 12372, 3 C.F.R. CFR, 1982 Comp., p. 197.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SPOC-Feb.-2018.pdf content/uploads/2017/11/SPOC-Feb.-2018.pdf. Question 19 of Form SF-424 allows applicants to indicate compliance with Executive Order 12372 at the time of submission. Note that applicants must supply documentation that supports this answer. See Section D.2.ii.h (p. 13).

f. SF-424A

Each application must include an SF-424A. Applicants will be expected to justify how funds in each line item of the budget—both Federal Share and matching share—will be used to support the proposed project and that links its line item to its relevant commitment letter. Amounts herein should correspond to the Budget Narrative.

g. SF-424B - Assurances of Non-Construction Programs

Each applicant must submit an SF-424B unless as part of the registration process for SAM each co-applicant has already completed the assurances for non-construction programs. In that case, each co-applicant must inform EDA that this was completed in SAM.

h. CD-511 - Certification Regarding Lobbying

Each applicant must submit a CD-511.

i. SF-LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)

Each applicant must submit an SF-LLL if applicable.

j. State Single-Point-of-Contact/Executive Order 12372 Compliance Documentation

(if applicable) For applicants and co-applicants that are primarily located in a State that participates 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 intergovernmental review processes. See Section D.6 (p. 16) of this NOFO.

If an applicant’s primary location is in a participating State but the Full Application does not include documentation of compliance with that participating State’s process, THAT APPLICATION WILL BE

REJECTED WITHOUT FURTHER REVIEW. Based on the applicant’s State, EDA requires the following 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 is 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 were not received, a copy of the applicant’s request for comments

k. Organizational Documentation Each applicant and co-applicant must provide documentation that supports each applicant’s or co-applicant’s organizational status as an eligible entity where applicable (e.g., articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, bylaws, proof of tax-exempt status). Note:

o States, Indian tribes, cities or other political subdivisions of States, and institutions of higher education that are 100% publicly-controlled are not required to submit organizational documentation.

o Nonprofit organizations must submit documentation that demonstrates their status as nonprofit organizations. See 13 C.F.R. § 312.3 (referring to 2 C.F.R. § 200.70).

o Applicants applying as (a) institutions of higher education that are not 100% publicly-controlled, (b) science or research parks, (c) Federal laboratories, or (d) economic development organizations18 or similar entities must provide documentation that demonstrates their organization’s status as the relevant entity type as defined in EDA’s regulations. See 13 C.F.R. § 312.5.

o Entities applying as public-private partnerships must submit documentation of their contractual relationship. See 13. C.F.R § 312.5.

Regardless of entity type, EDA reserves the right to request documentation or other proof of organizational status.

l. Indirect Cost Rate (ICR) Documentation (if applicable) 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 their 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 (i) line-item amount for the Federal Share of indirect costs contained in the EDA approved budget for the award, or (ii) Federal Share of the total allocable indirect costs of the award based on either (i) 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 (ii) 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 ninety days from the award start date. See 2 C.F.R. part 200 Apps. III, IV, V, VI, VII for guidance. The allocation plan and the rate proposal shall be submitted to EDA’s Office of Regional Affairs (or applicable cognizant Federal agency). The applicant 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 is not required to submit this documentation. The applicant may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs subject to the exceptions of 2 C.F.R. § 200.414(f).

The applicant should include a statement in its Budget Narrative that it does not have a NICRA; it has never received an ICR; and it is electing to charge the de minimis rate.

Note that if the applicant is a state or local unit of government (or an Indian tribe) that receives less than $35 million in direct Federal funding per year it may submit any of the following:

1. A Certificate of Indirect Costs from the 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.

18 Examples of economic development organizations or similar entities include regional planning organizations, chambers of commerce, community development corporations, and economic development corporations, whether operated as for- or nonprofits. EDA strongly encourages prospective applicants that may be eligible under this entity category to contact the representative listed in Section G (p. 31) of this NOFO with any questions regarding eligibility

3. Environmental and Historic Preservation Requirements

Applications may be reviewed by EDA for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), depending 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 of 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.19 For further guidance and information, please contact the representative listed in Section G (p. 23) of this NOFO.

4. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

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, to the extent applicable, applicants are required to: (i) be registered in SAM before submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its 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 the 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.