ARPA Tourism NOFO.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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

• Federal Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Act Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (ARPA Tourism NOFO).

• Announcement Type and Date: ARPA Tourism NOFO announcement publishing EDA’s application submission requirements and application review procedures under EDA’s Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, as authorized by sections 209 and 703 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.) (PWEDA). Effective date: July 22, 2021.

• Funding Opportunity Number: EDA-2021-ARPATOURISM

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

• Dates: There are two components under this NOFO: (1) State Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Grants (State Tourism Grants) and (2) EDA Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Competitive Grants (EDA Competitive Tourism Grants).

For State Tourism Grants, EDA will invite States to apply using specific streamlined procedures and will specify application submission dates in the application letter.

For EDA Competitive Tourism Grants, there are no application submission deadlines.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the publication of a new ARPA Tourism NOFO, cancellation of this NOFO, or all available funds have been expended.

While EDA encourages eligible applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible, EDA strongly advises eligible applicants to submit complete applications no later than January 31, 2022 so that EDA can review and process the application in time to get a potential award in place prior to deadlines imposed by Congress. Submission by January 31, 2022 is not a guarantee of funding. Any award is subject to the availability of funds.

See Section E of this ARPA Tourism NOFO regarding EDA’s review process.

• Eligible Applicants: For State Tourism Grants, eligible applicants are limited to States.

Under section 3(10) of PWEDA the term “State” includes the fifty States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

For EDA Competitive Tourism Grants, eligible entities include a(n): (i) District Organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District (EDD); (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 general purpose political subdivision of a State. 42 U.S.C. § 3122(4)(A); 13 C.F.R. § 300.3.

Under this program, EDA is not authorized to provide grants or cooperative agreements to individuals or to for-profit entities. Requests from such entities will not be considered for funding.

• Funding Opportunity Description: Subject to the availability of funds, awards made under this NOFO will help communities and regions devise and implement sustainable economic recovery strategies through a variety of non-construction and construction projects to respond to damage to the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors from the coronavirus pandemic and to promote the economic resilience of regions dependent on those industries.

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

FY 2021 EDA American Rescue Plan Act Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. Program Description

1. Overview and Program Information

2. EDA Investment Priorities

3. Statutory Authorities for EDA’s Programs

4. How does EDA Interpret Resilience?

B. Federal Award Information

1. What Funding Is Available Under this Announcement?

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

Project’s Period of Performance Be?

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Applicable Disaster Declaration and Responsiveness to the Coronavirus Pandemic

3. Cost Sharing or Matching

D. Application Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

3. Submission Dates and Times

4. Intergovernmental Review

5. Pre-award Costs

6. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

1. Review and Selection Process

2. Grants Officer’s Decision

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

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notification

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. DOC Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions and EDA Standard Terms and

Conditions for RLF and Construction Projects

4. DOC Pre-Award Notification Requirements

5. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

Atlanta Regional Office Austin Regional Office

Chicago Regional Office Denver Regional Office Philadelphia Regional Office Seattle Regional Office

H. Other Information

1. Right to Use Information

2. Publication of Applications and Freedom of Information Act Disclosure

3. Notice of Government-Wide Procurement Restriction

4. Past Performance and Non-Compliance with Award Provisions

5. Certifications Required by Annual Appropriations Acts for Corporations and for Awards over $5 Million

6. EDA’s Non-Relocation Policy

7. Audit Requirements

8. Implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

9. Fraud Awareness Training

I. Instructions for Application Submission via Grants.gov

1. Register Early and Submit Early

2. AOR Requirement

3. Field Limitations and Special Characters

4. Verify That Your Submission Was Successful

5. Grants.gov Systems Issues

A. Program Description

1. Overview and Program Information

a. Overview

EDA’s mission is to lead the Federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. Through this ARPA Tourism NOFO, EDA aims to assist communities and regions in recovery from the coronavirus pandemic’s significant negative impact on the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors.

EDA’s ARPA Tourism NOFO is designed to provide a wide-range of financial assistance to communities and regions to rebuild and strengthen their travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation industry through various infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. Under this NOFO, EDA solicits applications under the authority of the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, which is flexible and responsive to the economic development needs and priorities of local and regional stakeholders.

EDA’s travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation grants will be delivered through two components:

(1) State Tourism Grants and (2) EDA Competitive Tourism Grants; each is discussed in more detail below.

EDA may make changes or additions or cancel the ARPA Tourism NOFO at any time. All changes will be communicated via Grants.gov.

b. State Tourism Grants

Under this component, EDA will provide one grant to each State, in an amount determined by EDA based on the pre-pandemic travel and tourism sectors’ percentage of State Gross Domestic Product (GDP), along with employment and GDP loss in the travel and tourism sectors during the pandemic.

States may spend the funds directly or make subawards on a competitive basis to eligible applicants (defined in section C) within the state for implementation projects that would support the economic recovery of the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors.1 For all subawards, States must report to EDA the identity of the subrecipient, the amount of the subaward, and the scope of work of the subaward. In addition, EDA may require States to report additional information for certain subawards to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Eligible uses of State Tourism Grants include:

1 To the extent that a State sub-awards any of these funds, the State is responsible for compliance with the pass-through requirements contained in 2 C.F.R. § 200.332.

• State, county, city, or community/regional tourism marketing and promotion campaigns,2 including through nonprofit Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO). Messaging must be consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidelines.

o Note: Due to statutory restrictions, advertising on behalf of private companies is not permitted.

• Workforce training that supports the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries to improve the skills and job opportunities for workers, including Registered Apprenticeship Programs and other work and learn models. Grant recipients and their partners are encouraged to make connections with the American Job Centers that connect individuals to workforce training.

• Short-term and long-term economic development planning and coordination to respond to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the regional travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation industry.

• Technical assistance projects to assist regional economies to recover from damage to the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries, including technical assistance to businesses, entrepreneurs, and small and rural communities to respond to changes to those industries brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

• Upgrades/retrofits to existing travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation infrastructure, such as convention centers, to increase travel/tourism activity or to make such infrastructure more functional under pandemic social distancing conditions (e.g., consistent with CDC guidelines).

o These activities can include general accessibility upgrades (e.g., disability access).

• Infrastructure projects that lead to long-term increases in tourist activity in a region, including in communities adjacent to National Park Service units, State Parks, National Marine Sanctuaries, or other natural destinations, and nature-based infrastructure projects and projects enhancing public access to outdoor recreational opportunities.3 o Note: Subawards for construction projects including upgrades/retrofits will require submission of additional information and advance approval by EDA. All subawards for infrastructure projects are subject to federal environmental and real property requirements, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

States will be required to submit additional documentation on NEPA compliance (e.g., application of a categorical exclusion or draft environmental assessment or environmental impact statement) and must ensure subrecipients comply with Davis-Bacon wage requirements, environmental rules and regulations, and the

2 This includes activities such as: campaign development, media purchases, advertising, and promotional events.

3 The U.S. Department of Agriculture has developed a resource guide that may be helpful for rural communities seeking to develop recreation economies. See:

https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/RD_Recreation_Economy_USDA.pdf.

https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/RD_Recreation_Economy_USDA.pdf property and construction-related requirements of 2 C.F.R. part 200 and 13 C.F.R.

part 314. See also section D.2.b of this NOFO.

• Other uses to support the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries, as approved by EDA.

All projects must support the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors and be consistent with CDC guidelines for safe travel. Projects that do not support these sectors or are intended to support diversification away from the sectors are not permitted.

The Governor, or equivalent, of each State is authorized to designate an entity to receive and administer the State Tourism Grant, which may be the State, an agency thereof, or another entity that is an Eligible Applicant as described in section C.1. For State Tourism Grants only, EDA will invite States to apply using specific streamlined procedures; therefore, the application submission and review information in Sections D and E is inapplicable for State Tourism Grant applications.

c. EDA Competitive Tourism Grants

Under this component, EDA will fund travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation projects that include non-construction and construction activities. For the most part, this component is intended to fund projects that are focused on new and expanded infrastructure, projects with a multi-state or national focus, and projects in regions most adversely affected by damage to the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors from the coronavirus pandemic.

Through this program, EDA can support both the development of travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation pandemic recovery strategies and the implementation of recovery projects, including in communities adjacent to National Park Service units, State Parks, National Marine Sanctuaries, and other natural destinations. This includes construction activities where the project is owned by the Eligible Applicant such as:

• Water and stormwater/wastewater improvements,

• Pier construction and improvements,

• New outdoor recreation and trail infrastructure and public access enhancements,

• Nature-based infrastructure projects to improve access to recreation,

• Cultural, arts, and tourism facilities (e.g., visitor or tourist information centers),

• Workforce training facilities and capacity building programs,

• Accessibility enhancements, and

• Country-wide or multi-state travel, tourism, or outdoor recreation promotion.

Please note the following:

• Because state and local tourism promotion and marketing projects are eligible uses of funds under State Tourism Grants, such projects are not eligible under the EDA Competitive Tourism Grants component.

• While EDA prefers projects that directly support the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors, it will consider diversification projects under this component.4

• The applicant must clearly notify EDA in the application if the applicant is also seeking or receives any other funding for the project, including funding under a State Tourism Grant.

• All project proposals must be consistent with CDC guidelines for safe travel.

If a specific project is part of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge NOFO it will only be considered under this ARPA Tourism NOFO to the extent that the Build Back Better Regional Challenge package of projects was not selected. We encourage all other travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation projects be submitted to this NOFO. If an applicant has inadvertently applied to the incorrect NOFO, or if an application is not selected for funding under the relevant NOFO, depending on the availability of funds, EDA in its discretion may move the project to the more appropriate NOFO.

In EDA’s experience with post-disaster recovery, the most effective rebuilding efforts are based on long-term regional development or redevelopment strategies that leverage Federal funding in coordination with state, local, and private sector resources. For this reason, EDA encourages the submission of applications based on long-term, regionally oriented, coordinated, and collaborative economic development or redevelopment strategies that foster economic growth and resilience.

It is important that investments support the economic recovery through strong employment opportunities for workers, including but not limited to opportunities for workforce development, rehiring of laid off workers, and creating and retaining union jobs and well-paying jobs with good benefits. Moreover, it is important that investments in infrastructure and construction projects be carried out in ways that produce high-quality infrastructure, avert disruptive and costly delays, and promote efficiency. EDA understands the importance of promoting workforce development and encourages recipients to ensure that construction projects use strong labor standards, including project labor agreements and community benefit agreements that offer wages at or above the prevailing rate and include local hire provisions to promote effective and efficient delivery of high-quality infrastructure projects, as well as the economic recovery. Using these practices in construction projects may help to ensure a reliable supply of skilled labor that would minimize disruptions, such as those associated with labor disputes or workplace injuries.

Prospective applicants should note that section C sets out eligibility criteria for applications, and only applications meeting the eligibility criteria will be considered. EDA will evaluate and select applications according to the evaluation criteria set forth in section E.

4 Projects to establish or recapitalize a revolving loan fund (RLF) or design or construct a business incubator, technology, or other type of incubator or accelerator are not eligible uses of funds under the EDA Competitive Tourism Grants component.

d. Ineligible Projects

Some projects are generally ineligible for EDA funding under this NOFO, including projects that are primarily residential in nature, projects to create community amenities that are not specific to regional tourism (e.g., swimming pools, golf courses), projects that directly support casinos or gaming, projects that support general governmental or public safety functions (e.g., buildings to house municipal government, firehouses, public safety equipment), and requests for funding to supplement operating budgets or replace lost revenue (including lost tax revenue). In addition, EDA will not fund projects that are primarily directed at public health responses to the coronavirus pandemic (e.g., testing or vaccination centers, increased hospital capacity, acquisition of PPE for general government use or public distribution); however, incidental public health costs may be included in project budgets (e.g., the cost of PPE for personnel providing technical assistance, larger spaces to accommodate social distancing, increased travel costs to accommodate pandemic safety measures). Applicants who are unsure whether their proposed project is eligible under this NOFO should consult the appropriate EDA Regional Office Point of Contact (POC) listed in section G.

Funds may not be used, directly or indirectly as an offset for other funds, to support or oppose collective bargaining.

e. CEDS Alignment

Each project funded under this NOFO must be consistent with the region’s current Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) or an equivalent EDA-accepted regional economic development strategy meeting EDA’s CEDS or strategy requirements. In accordance with 13 C.F.R. § 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.5 Applicants must detail how the proposed project will support the economic development needs and objectives outlined in the CEDS or equivalent strategy, and provide a copy of this planning document, either by attaching the document to the application or providing a web link for the document. In addition, applicants should indicate if other Federal funds have been secured or requested to support any portion of the project for which an EDA investment is proposed. Applicants should describe how the EDA investment will complement, leverage, or otherwise align with other public and private investments to accomplish the planned deliverables and outcomes. Where other Federal funding may be involved in the project, the applicant should provide the Federal program name and contact information with the application to facilitate interagency coordination and avoid duplication of resources.

2. EDA Investment Priorities

All projects considered for EDA funding under this ARPA Tourism NOFO must be consistent with EDA’s Recovery and Resilience Investment Priority. Applicants may also demonstrate that a project is consistent with any of EDA’s other Investment Priorities, and projects meeting

5 In doing so, EDA shall consider the circumstances surrounding the application for Investment Assistance, including emergencies or natural disasters and the fulfillment of the requirements of section 302 of PWEDA.

multiple investment priorities may be considered more competitive as a result. EDA’s Investment Priorities are located at https://www.eda.gov/about/investment-priorities/. The priorities may be updated from time to time. Any future revisions will be reflected on EDA’s website on January 15, April 15, June 15, or September 15 of each year.

3. Statutory Authorities for EDA’s Programs

The statutory authority for the EAA program is section 209 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3149). The statutory authorization of supplemental appropriations for economic disaster recovery activities is section 703 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3233). Additional programmatic authority is provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Pub. L. 117-2).

Applicant eligibility and program requirements are set forth in EDA’s regulations (codified at 13 C.F.R. Chapter III), and all applicants must address these requirements. EDA’s regulations are accessible at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations website at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse. Under “Browse,” select “Title 13 – Business Credit and Assistance”, then “Go”, then “300-399”.

4. How does EDA Interpret Resilience?

In terms of economic development, EDA defines resilience broadly as the ability of a community or region to anticipate, withstand, and bounce back from various disruptions to its economic base. These disruptions can be caused by a variety of things, including a downturn in the national or local economy as a result of the pandemic. Enhancing resilience in the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors in the face of the pandemic, especially in light of the ongoing impacts of a changing climate, is a multi-dimensional effort emphasizing engagement and support from all aspects of the community, including economic development practitioners. Some examples include:

• Efforts to enhance business retention and expansion to strengthen these sectors;

• Development and construction of high-performance and resilient infrastructure and buildings (e.g., broadband, energy, flexible and natural infrastructure, safe development practices) to mitigate future risk and vulnerability; and

• Comprehensive planning efforts that involve extensive engagement from the community to define and implement a collective vision for economic recovery.

The development and adoption of new technologies play vital roles in strengthening economic resilience: deploying technologies (e.g., through more robust broadband networks) enables resilience in the face of natural disasters made worse by pandemics and changing climates, and nurturing technology ecosystems supports dynamic, diverse economies that better withstand acute disruptions.

Resilience (within the context of economic development) should include methods and measures to mitigate the potential for future economic injury, promote a faster “up-time” for the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors, and strengthen local and regional capacity to troubleshoot and address vulnerabilities within the regional economy. As noted above, to be competitive under this ARPA Tourism NOFO, application submissions must explicitly https://www.eda.gov/about/investment-priorities/ https://www.eda.gov/about/investment-priorities/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse incorporate resilience principles. Additional information about this subject is available at https://www.eda.gov/ceds/content/economic-resilience.htm.

B. Federal Award Information

1. What Funding Is Available Under this Announcement?

Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2), Congress provided EDA with $3,000,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2022, to “prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus and for necessary expenses for responding to economic injury as a result of coronavirus.” Of the $3 billion in appropriated funds, Congress specifically directed $750,000,000 be provided to “States and communities that have suffered economic injury as a result of job and gross domestic product losses in the travel, tourism, or outdoor recreation sectors” and this NOFO implements that Congressional direction. Consistent with the above, EDA has allocated $750,000,000 into the two components under this NOFO.

If an applicant is awarded funding, neither DOC nor EDA is under any obligation to provide any future funding in connection with that award or to make any future award(s). Amendments or renewals of an award to increase funding or to extend the period of performance are at the sole discretion of DOC and EDA.

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. The award of any grant is subject to the availability of funds at the time of award as well as to DOC priorities at the time of award. Neither DOC nor EDA will be held responsible for application preparation costs.

a. State Tourism Grants

For State Tourism Grants, EDA anticipates awarding up to $510,000,000 to States based on the pre-pandemic travel and tourism sectors’ percentage of State Gross Domestic Product (GDP), along with employment and GDP loss in the travel and tourism sectors during the pandemic.

b. EDA Competitive Tourism Grants; Initial EDA Regional Office Allocations

For EDA Competitive Tourism Grants, EDA anticipates allocating the remaining $240,000,000 among EDA’s six Regional Offices consistent with the formula applied to the State Tourism Grants, as follows:

Atlanta Regional Office – $24,376,044 Austin Regional Office – $16,635,106 Chicago Regional Office – $26,236,391 Denver Regional Office – $19,849,552 Philadelphia Regional Office – $95,146,537 Seattle Regional Office – $57,756,370

For EDA Competitive Tourism Grants, EDA anticipates funding approximately 150 non-construction and construction projects that cost between approximately $500,000 and $10,000,000, although EDA will consider applications above and below these amounts.

https://www.eda.gov/ceds/content/economic-resilience.htm https://www.eda.gov/ceds/content/economic-resilience.htm

Note: When appropriate, EDA may exercise its discretion to adjust the allocations to its offices or adjust the total amount available under this NOFO and other American Rescue Plan Act NOFOs based on its experience in administering the supplemental appropriations to ensure funds are used to maximum effect or to adjust to unforeseen changes in recovery efforts.

2. What Type of Funding Instrument Will Be Used to Make Awards? How Long Will a Project’s Period of Performance Be?

Funding Instrument: Subject to the availability of funds, EDA may award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible applicants. 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. However, other possible examples of EDA’s “substantial involvement” 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 and monitoring during the project to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Period of Performance: Under the EAA program, the project period of performance depends on the nature of the project for which the grant or cooperative agreement is awarded. Typically, economic recovery strategy grants and non-construction implementation projects may range in duration from 12 to 24 months. Implementation grants involving construction of project facilities and infrastructure generally are expected to range from 12 to 48 months. EDA will work closely with award 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 document specifically when they will be able to start and complete the proposed project scope of work. EDA’s American Rescue Plan appropriations are available for making awards through September 30, 2022. No disbursements of grant funds may be made after September 30, 2027.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

For State Tourism Grants, the Governor, or equivalent, of each State is authorized to designate an entity to receive and administer the State Tourism grant, which may be the State, an agency thereof, or another entity that is an Eligible Applicant described below. Under section 3(10) of PWEDA the term “State” includes the fifty States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern

Marianas, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.6

Eligible applicants for EDA Competitive Tourism Grants include a(n):

a. District Organization;

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.7

2. Applicable Disaster Declaration and Responsiveness to the Coronavirus Pandemic

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. This determination of nationwide eligibility for these funds is consistent with the March 13, 2020 emergency declaration for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic pursuant to the Stafford Act for all states, tribes, territories, local governments, and the District of Columbia (https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/disaster-declarations#).

EDA has further determined that due to the pervasive nature of the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, any construction or non-construction project that would address those impacts by creating or retaining jobs, or increasing the economic diversity or resilience of a region, is eligible for funding. For example, an infrastructure project that creates new jobs in a region is responsive to the requirement that the funds be spent to respond to “economic injury as a result of coronavirus.”

3. Cost Sharing or Matching

a. EDA Investment Rate

For State Tourism Grants, EDA will make awards at a 100% federal grant rate. No matching share is required.

For EDA Competitive Tourism Grants, given the extent of the economic impact and in accordance with the agency’s statutory authority under section 703 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C.

§ 3233), EDA generally expects to fund at least 80%, and up to 100%, of eligible project costs.

In determining the grant rate, EDA’s Grants Officers in the applicable Regional Office will consider on a case-by-case basis whether the circumstances of the proposed project warrant a

6 42 U.S.C. § 3122.

7 See section 3 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3.

https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/disaster-declarations https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/disaster-declarations

Federal share in excess of 80%, including whether the applicant has exhausted its effective taxing or borrowing capacity; the extent of the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the region’s travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sector; or whether the region meets other thresholds for elevated need based on the relative economic distress of the region. Applicants that submit projects with increased levels of match may be considered more competitive.

Additionally, EDA may establish a maximum investment rate of up to 100% for projects of Indian Tribes. 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.

b. Documentation of Cost Sharing or Matching

For EDA Competitive Tourism Grants subject to a matching requirement, the applicant must document that the matching share will: (i) be committed to the project for the period of performance, (ii) be available as needed, and (iii) not be conditioned or encumbered in any way that may preclude its use consistent with the requirements of EDA investment assistance.8 To meet these requirements, applicants must submit for each source of the matching share a commitment letter or equivalent document signed by an authorized representative of the organization providing the matching funds.

Additional documentation may be requested by EDA to substantiate the availability of the matching funds. Please contact the appropriate EDA Regional Office Point of Contact (POC) listed in section G of this ARPA Tourism NOFO with questions regarding EDA’s matching share requirements.

Documented in-kind contributions may provide the required non-Federal Share of the total project cost, but they must be eligible project costs and meet applicable Federal cost principles and uniform administrative requirements. Examples of possible in-kind contributions include space, equipment, services, or forgiveness or assumptions of debt.9 Funds from other Federal financial assistance awards may be considered matching share funds only if authorized by statute, which may be determined by EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the statute.10

Applicants are strongly encouraged to work with the appropriate POC listed in section G of this ARPA Tourism NOFO to determine how in-kind contributions may be utilized to satisfy the matching share requirement for their application.

D. Application Submission Information

For State Tourism Grants, applications must follow the format prescribed in the EDA invitation letter. The application submission requirements specified in this section apply only to applications for EDA Competitive Tourism Grants.

8 See 13 C.F.R. § 301.5.

9 See section 204(b) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144) and the definition of “In-Kind Contribution” at 13 C.F.R.

§ 300.3.

10 See the definition of “Local Share or Matching Share” at 13 C.F.R. § 300.3. See also 2 C.F.R. § 200.306.

All submissions under the EDA Competitive Tourism Grants component of this ARPA Tourism NOFO are subject to the following review process. An applicant must submit a complete application, as detailed in section D.2.a of this ARPA Tourism NOFO, to be considered for funding. EDA intends to review an application expeditiously upon receipt of the complete application. EDA may seek additional information or documentation from the applicant to clarify information presented in the application. Please see section E of this ARPA Tourism NOFO for more information on EDA’s review and selection process.

EDA strongly encourages applicants to consult with the appropriate POC listed in section G to discuss whether their project is in alignment with EDA’s Investment Priorities as well as EDA’s eligibility requirements, cost-sharing requirements, property standards, and other requirements outlined in this ARPA Tourism NOFO. This consultation is limited to clarification of technical matters involving their proposed project, project alignment with EDA’s mission and EDA’s Investment Priorities, and all other relevant and publicly available information relating to general technical matters.

1. Address to Request Application Package

An electronic version of the application for this ARPA Tourism NOFO may be obtained at Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number “EDA-2021-ARPATOURISM.” To accommodate applicants’ accessibility requirements, a paper version of the application may be obtained by contacting the appropriate POC listed in section G of this NOFO. Please see section I below for instructions on submitting an application though grants.gov.

All applicants must apply through grants.gov unless they request and receive authorization to submit a paper application package by contacting the appropriate POC listed in section G.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

The tables in section D.2.a below describe the EDA and Federal grant assistance forms and other documentation required for a complete application for each type of assistance available under the EDA Competitive Tourism Grants component of this NOFO. The tables may serve as a checklist for applicants in preparing their submissions.

All relevant forms must be signed electronically by the applicant’s Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR); please see section I.2 of this ARPA Tourism NOFO for information on AOR requirements. The preferred electronic file format for attachments is Adobe PDF; however, EDA will accept electronic files in Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel formats. EDA will not accept paper, facsimile or email transmissions of applications except as described below in section D.4. Please refer to important information on submitting your application provided in section D.3.

All documentation and data submitted should be current and applicable as of the date submitted.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the appropriate POC for technical assistance before submitting an application. EDA staff members are available to provide applicants with technical assistance regarding application requirements. Additionally, EDA may contact the applicant to clarify application materials received.

a. What is required for a complete application?11

The following table provides a list of documents required for a complete application based on the type of EDA assistance: construction, design and engineering (without a construction component), and non-construction.12

Applications for construction assistance (including applications for design and engineering with construction activities) must include:

1. One Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) from each co-applicant, as applicable.

2. One Form SF-424C (Budget Information—Construction Programs) per project.

3. One Budget Narrative per project that identifies and justifies how funds in each line item of the budget (Form SF-424C) 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 the SF-424 question 18 line g and SF-424C (“Total Project Costs”). This includes describing any other Federal funds that have been secured or requested to support the project (see section A.1). The Budget Narrative should include itemized valuations of any in-kind matching funds. The 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 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. *Please note: In lieu of a separate Budget Narrative, this information may be included in the Preliminary Engineering Report as required by section C of the ED-900C.

4. One Form SF-424D (Assurances—Construction Programs) from each co-applicant, as applicable.

5. One Form ED-900 (General Application for EDA Programs) per project.

• In section B.2, explain whether and if so how the project will incorporate strong labor standards, including project labor agreements and community benefit agreements, that offer wages at or above the prevailing rate and include

11 In the event of discrepancies between instructions provided in any of the forms and this ARPA Tourism NOFO, the requirements for complete applications as stated in this ARPA Tourism NOFO will control.

12 EDA may temporarily waive certain application requirements if the applicant demonstrates that it cannot meet a requirement in a timely fashion because of the impact of the disaster. Applicants are advised to reach out to their appropriate POC for more information on this temporary waiver. See 13 C.F.R. § 302.2 (“When non-statutory EDA administrative or procedural conditions for Investment Assistance awards under PWEDA cannot be met by an Eligible Applicant as a result of a disaster, EDA may waive such conditions”).

local hire provisions, and a description of the applicant’s workforce plans and practices.

• In section B.6, explain how the proposed project would meet EDA’s Recovery and Resilience investment priority, which all American Rescue Plan projects are expected to meet. You may also explain in this space how the proposed projects will meet any of EDA’s other investment priorities.

• In section B.8, explain the steps that you will take to ensure that the economic benefits of the project will be shared by all communities in the project region, including any underserved communities. Your explanation should address the communities affected, barriers those communities may face in accessing benefits of the project, contemplated outreach efforts, and other planned steps to address identified barriers, as appropriate.

6. One Form ED-900A (Additional EDA Assurances for Construction or

Non-Construction Investments) from each co-applicant, as applicable.

7. One Form ED-900B (Beneficiary Information Form) from each beneficiary of the proposed project, as applicable.

8. One Form ED-900C (EDA Application Supplement for Construction Programs) and accompanying supporting documentation, e.g., Preliminary Engineering Report.

9. One Form ED-900E (Calculation of Estimated Relocation and Land Acquisition Expenses).

10. Documentation of Matching Share for each matching share source, such as a commitment letter, board resolution, proof of bonding authority, or similar document, as applicable. This should be attached to Form ED-900 (section B.10.d of the form).

11. An environmental narrative that will enable EDA to comply with its NEPA responsibilities. A narrative outline that details required components may be accessed in EDA’s website at: https://eda.gov/files/programs/eda-programs/Environmental-Narrative-Template-and-Application-Certification- Clause.docx.

12. One Applicant’s Certification Clause (see Appendix A to the environmental narrative noted above) completed separately and signed by each co-applicant, as applicable.

13. One Form CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying) from each co-applicant, as applicable.

14. One Form SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) from each co-applicant, if applicable. Form SF-LLL is only required if the applicant has retained a registered lobbyist in conjunction with the proposed project.

https://eda.gov/files/programs/eda-programs/Environmental-Narrative-Template-and-Application-Certification-Clause.docx https://eda.gov/files/programs/eda-programs/Environmental-Narrative-Template-and-Application-Certification-Clause.docx https://eda.gov/files/programs/eda-programs/Environmental-Narrative-Template-and-Application-Certification-Clause.docx https://eda.gov/files/programs/eda-programs/Environmental-Narrative-Template-and-Application-Certification-Clause.docx

15. Map of project site.

Applications for design and engineering assistance only (without a construction component) must include:

1. One Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) from each co-applicant, as applicable.

2. One Form SF-424C (Budget Information—Construction Programs).

3. One Budget Narrative that identifies and justifies how funds in each line item of the budget (Form SF-424C) 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 the SF-424 question 18 line g and SF-424C (“Totals”). This includes describing any other Federal funds that have been secured or requested to support the project (see section A.1). The Budget Narrative should include itemized valuations of any in-kind matching funds. The 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 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.

4. One Form SF-424D (Assurances—Construction Programs) from each co-applicant, as applicable, 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.

5. One Form ED-900 (General Application for EDA Programs).

• In section B.6, explain how the proposed project would meet EDA’s Recovery and Resilience investment priority, which all American Rescue Plan projects are expected to meet. You may also explain in this space how the proposed projects will meet any of EDA’s other investment priorities.

• In section B.8, explain the steps that you will take to ensure that the economic benefits of the project will be shared by all communities in the project region, including any underserved communities. Your explanation should address the communities affected, barriers those communities may face in accessing benefits of the project, contemplated outreach efforts, and other planned steps to address identified barriers, as appropriate.

6. One Form ED-900A (Additional EDA Assurances for Construction or Non-Construction Investments) from each co-applicant, as applicable.

7. One Form ED-900D (Requirements for Design and Engineering Assistance).

8. Documentation of Matching Share for each matching share source, such as a commitment letter, board resolution, proof of bonding authority, or similar document, as applicable. This should be attached to Form ED-900 (section B.10.d of the form).

9. An environmental narrative that will enable EDA to comply with its NEPA responsibilities. A narrative outline that details required components may be accessed in EDA’s website at: https://eda.gov/files/programs/eda-programs/Environmental-Narrative-Template-and-Application-Certification- Clause.docx.

10. One Applicant’s Certification Clause (see Appendix A to the environmental narrative noted above) completed separately and signed by each co-applicant, as applicable.

11. One Form CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying) from each co-applicant, as applicable.

12. One Form SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) from each co-applicant, if lobbyist in conjunction with the proposed project.

Applications for non-construction assistance must include:

1. One Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) from each co-applicant, as applicable.

2. One Form SF-424A (Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs).

3. One Budget Narrative that identifies and justifies how funds in each line item of the budget (Form SF-424A) 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 the SF-424 question 18 line g and SF-424A (“Totals”). This includes describing any other Federal funds that have been secured or requested to support the project (see section A.1). The Budget Narrative should include itemized valuations of any in-kind matching funds. The 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 indicates what project elements the matching share funds will support and explain https://eda.gov/files/programs/eda-programs/Environmental-Narrative-Template-and-Application-Certification-Clause.docx https://eda.gov/files/programs/eda-programs/Environmental-Narrative-Template-and-Application-Certification-Clause.docx https://eda.gov/files/programs/eda-programs/Environmental-Narrative-Template-and-Application-Certification-Clause.docx https://eda.gov/files/programs/eda-programs/Environmental-Narrative-Template-and-Application-Certification-Clause.docx why deviation from paying out at the same general rate is required for the project to be implemented.

4. One Form ED-900 (General Application for EDA Programs).13

• In B.6, explain how the proposed project would meet EDA’s Recovery and

Resilience investment priority, which all American Rescue Plan projects are expected to meet. You may also explain in this space how the proposed projects will meet any of EDA’s other investment priorities.

• In section B.8, explain the steps that you will take to ensure that the economic benefits of the project will be shared by all communities in the project region, including any underserved communities.