Community Navigator Program FY2021 NOFO (2).pdf

U.S. Small Business Administration

Office of Entrepreneurial Development (OED)

COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR PILOT PROGRAM

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

FY 2021

Funding Opportunity Number: CNP-2021-01

Opening Date: May 25, 2021

Closing Date: July 12, 2021

Contents

1.0 Section I – Funding Opportunity Description

1.1.1 Federal Agency Name U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Entrepreneurial Development (OED)

1.1.2 Funding Opportunity Title:

1.1.3 Announcement Type:

1.1.4 Funding Opportunity Number: CNP-2021-01

1.1.5 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) 59.077

1.1.6 Closing Date for Submission:

1.1.7 Authority: American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (Pub. L. No. 117-2, § 5004)

1.1.8 Duration of Authority:

1.1.9 Funding Instrument: Grant Agreement

1.1.10 Funding:

1.1.11 Award Amount/Funding Range:

1.1.12 Project Duration:

1.1.13 Project Starting Date: September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2023

1.1.14 Proposal Evaluation:

1.1.15 Agency Programmatic Point of Contact: Office of Entrepreneurial Development (OED)

1.2 Introduction

1.3 Background

1.4 Purpose

1.5 Leveraging of Resources

1.6 SBA Involvement and Oversight

1.7 Changes or Cancellation

2.0 Section II – Award Information

2.1 Funding

2.2 Expected Number of Awards

2.3 Period of Performance/Budget Periods

2.4 Funding Information

2.5 Funding Instrument

3.0 Section III – Eligibility Information

3.1 General

3.2 Eligible Applicants

3.3 Ineligible Applicants

4.0 Section IV - Application and Submission Information

4.1 Application Instructions

4.1.1 Cover Letter

4.1.2 Technical Proposal

4.1.3 Cost Proposal

4.1.4(a) Certifications, Forms, and Assurances

4.1.5 Attachments and Exhibits

4.2 Submission Instructions

4.3 Required Proposal Submission Date

5.0 Section V - Award Administration Information

5.1 Proposal Evaluation

5.1.1 Project Objectives (25 Points)

5.1.2 Use of Partner Entities (20 Points)

5.1.3 Measurable Goals & Program Innovation (20 Points)

5.1.4 Ecosystem Resources and Assets (20 Points)

5.1.5 Budget and Staffing Plan (15 Points)

5.2 Review and Selection Process

5.3 Award Notification

5.4 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

5.5 Reporting

5.5.1 Financial Reports

5.5.2 Performance Reports

5.5.3 Performance Data System Upload

5.5.4 Report Submission

5.6 Recordkeeping Requirements

5.7 Risk Assessment

6.0 Section VI – Important Priorities

6.1 Community Navigator Pilot Program will explore, offer or expand services targeted toward markets to increase outreach and assistance to the following entrepreneurial audiences:

7.0 Section VII - Agency Contacts

7.1 Office of Entrepreneurial Development Point of Contact

7.2 Financial/Grants Management Point of Contact

8.0 Section VIII - Other Information

8.1 Definitions

1.0 Section I – Funding Opportunity Description

1.1 Program Overview

1.1.1 Federal Agency Name U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Entrepreneurial Development (OED)

1.1.2 Funding Opportunity Title:

Community Navigator Pilot Program

1.1.3 Announcement Type:

2021 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) publishing SBA’s application submission requirements and review procedures for applications received under SBA’s Community Navigator Pilot Program, through SBA grant awards for activities designed to provide a unique collaborative approach to delivering long-term economic small business recovery and resiliency, as authorized by section 5004 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

1.1.4 Funding Opportunity Number: CNP-2021-01

1.1.5 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) 59.077

1.1.6 Closing Date for Submission:

The application deadline is 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on July 12, 2021. Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered. Applications will only be accepted electronically through http://www.grants.gov (Grants.gov).

1.1.7 Authority: American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (Pub. L. No. 117-2, § 5004)

1.1.8 Duration of Authority:

The Community Navigator Pilot Program will be a two-year Project Period, not to exceed twenty-four (24) months.

1.1.9 Funding Instrument: Grant Agreement

1.1.10 Funding:

Grantees have two years after award to expense the funds. SBA will withdraw all unexpended funds under this award 24 months after start of award.

1.1.11 Award Amount/Funding Range:

SBA is committed to conducting targeted outreach to specific sectors of the entrepreneurial community.

Funding is available for organizations that provide a unique collaborative approach to delivering long-term economic small business recovery and resiliency. Under the Community Navigator Pilot Program, SBA is soliciting applications for three separate competitions:

• Tier 1 - $5.0M

• Tier 2 - $2.5M

• Tier 3 - $1.0M

1.1.12 Project Duration:

The Project Period will be for 24 months from the date of award. No option year periods will be exercised by SBA. (Project must expire 24 months after award.)

http://www.grants.gov/ http://Grants.gov

1.1.13 Project Starting Date: September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2023

1.1.14 Proposal Evaluation:

Proposals will be scored against the evaluation criteria in Section 5.0. SBA may ask Applicants for clarification on the technical and cost aspects of proposals. This must not be construed as a commitment to fund the proposed effort.

1.1.15 Agency Programmatic Point of Contact: Office of Entrepreneurial Development (OED) U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Email: navigators@sba.gov

1.2 Introduction

The American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (Pub. L. No. 117-2, § 5004) authorizes SBA to establish the Community Navigator Pilot Program to make grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, private nonprofit organizations, SBA Resource Partners, States, Tribes, and units of entities. OED will support the Community Navigator Pilot Program. OED’s mission is to help small businesses start, grow, and compete in global markets by providing quality training, counseling, and access to resources.

1.3 Background

The Administration is committed to strengthening engagement of its technical assistance to economically disadvantaged individuals as part of a broader outreach strategy. Under the community navigator approach, organizations enlist trusted, culturally and technically knowledgeable partners to conduct targeted outreach to specific sectors of the entrepreneurial community.

1.4 Purpose

The Administration is committed to ensuring that the nation’s small businesses receive the support they need to access federal relief programs that can help them weather the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of this program is to reach, and support underserved small businesses, including micro and rural businesses, with emphasis and those owned by women, veterans and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

To better reach these small businesses, SBA is launching the Community Navigator Pilot Program that will strengthen outreach to underserved businesses by partnering with organizations with established relationships and experience within their communities. The Community Navigator Pilot Program is designed to provide high quality technical assistance with pandemic relief programs and recovery services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Recovery services can include financial assistance, access to capital, contracting and procurement assistance, marketing, operations, and business development, export and industry specific training, among other areas of technical assistance to aid businesses in stabilization and expansion. Programming that focuses on supporting communities where English is a second language and that offers technical assistance in languages other than English is encouraged.

“Hub” and “Spoke” “Navigator” Model

The “Hub” and “Spoke” approach features a lead organization – a “Hub” – at the center of a network of “Spoke” organizations that deploy trusted messengers to work with businesses in targeted communities.

These networks leverage the business development expertise of the central “Hub” organization and the community credibility of spoke organizations to better connect business mailto:navigators@sba.gov owners in underserved communities with critical services and assistance programs. Key principles for effective use of this model includes the following:

“Hubs” at the center of action:

• “Hubs” coordinate navigator activities via regular meetings, joint planning, and collaborative strategy development.

• “Hubs” drive and coordinate the communication strategies with SBA, including planning outreach events, and webinars, and coordinate activities with SBA District Offices and Resource Partners.

• “Hubs” develop training curricula to prepare “Spoke” to work with businesses 1:1 serving as a clearing house for best practices on outreach, education, and 1:1

• counseling.

• “Hubs” train and help “Spoke” with document preparation and data collection

• “Hubs” receive and distribute technical knowledge and updates received from SBA.

• “Hubs” obtain prior approvals from SBA, as outlined in the terms and conditions for the award.

• “Hubs” collect and synthesize evaluation and performance metrics for all parties, including “spokes,” and produce reports to the SBA in a timely manner.

• “Hubs” translate all Hub produced documents and materials into languages required by communities served through “Spoke” and for ensuring that data and performance metrics are translated into English for submission to SBA.

“Spokes” are trusted ambassadors:

• “Spokes” are dedicated to engaging direct outreach and 1:1 loan, grant, and relief assistance application preparation for businesses and to providing additional technical assistance as needed.

• Skilled in providing technical assistance to small businesses in areas including, but not limited to financial literacy, credit counseling, financial assistance, accessing government contracts and exporting.

• Provide in-language technical assistance.

• “Spokes” focus on reaching or exceeding agreed upon goals for participation in aid and technical assistance programs by underserved communities (socially and economically disadvantaged, rural, veterans, women, and individuals with disabilities).

• “Spokes” conduct focused, grassroots outreach including phone calls, texts, emails, and other forms of engagement and outreach.

• “Spokes” provide linguistically and culturally knowledgeable experts such as CPAs, attorneys, or other professionals to offer counseling for entrepreneurs in underserved communities.

• “Spokes” work to amplify communications via earned and paid media and leverage other trusted partners like schools, churches, and local elected officials.

• “Spokes” collect client’s data in accordance with required metric collections outlined in the performance management section and furnish such information to the “Hub” for additional analysis and reporting in a timely manner.

Effective “Hub” and “Spoke” networks are data-driven and accountable:

• An effective network supports underserved businesses to complete necessary paperwork to engage with SBA programs and services, including loan packaging assistance and assistance finding lenders or other sources of financial assistance.

• “Navigator” networks keep track of applicants assisted by documenting loans/grants and other assistance program metrics.

• “Navigator” networks establish numerical goals for applications filed and loans/grants

• received and track progress.

• “Navigators” track business technical assistance and business training provided.

• “Navigator” networks provide service to assist applicants denied loan/grant approvals to resolve outstanding matters to secure qualified funding opportunities.

“Hub” will be responsible for:

• Creating and following regulations and policies.

• Managing consortia agreements.

• Providing technical assistance

• Formulating partnership goals and objectives.

• Overseeing operations of activities, programs, and paid staff.

• Creating and following a strategic action plan.

• Translate all “Hub” produce documents and materials into languages required by communities served.

“Spoke” will be responsible for:

• Being a community leader amongst the represented sector(s).

• Ensuring clear communication between the sector represented and the partnership.

• Providing technical assistance

• Supporting the partnership’s mission.

• Attending partner meetings which are held on an agreed upon frequency with “Hub”.

• Contributing to the strategic planning process.

Duration of “Hub” and “Spoke” consortia partnership relationship:

The relationship between the “Hub” and “Spoke” shall be from August 1, 2021 until the end of the performance period.

1.5 Leveraging of Resources

Selected applicants must maximize their efforts and leverage SBA funding by working in conjunction with SBA District Offices and other Federal, state, local and tribal governments, economic business development programs and activities; SBA Resource Partners, such as Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), SCORE and Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs); Regional Innovation Clusters; 7(j) Technical Assistance providers; Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs); U.S.

Export Assistance Centers (USEACs); Certified Development Companies (CDCs); SBA lenders; Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), universities, colleges, and other institutions of higher education;

as well as private organizations, such as chambers of commerce and trade and industry groups and associations.

1.6 SBA Involvement and Oversight

OED provides SBA’s oversight of this grant. A designated national Program Manager (PM) located within OED at SBA Headquarters will be responsible for the overall monitoring and oversight of the Community Navigator Pilot Program grantees, including compliance with the terms and conditions of the Grant Agreement. A District Program Officer (DPO), located within the Office of Field Operations (OFO), will be assigned to each award to assist the PM in ensuring overall compliance with the Grant Agreement. A designated Grants Management Officer (GMO) within OED will be responsible for issuing the Notice of Award (NoA), making amendments to the award, and approving payments.

1.7 Changes or Cancellation

SBA reserves the right to amend or cancel this NOFO, in whole or in part, at the Agency’s discretion. Should SBA make material changes to this NOFO, the Agency will extend the Closing Date as necessary to afford the Applicant sufficient opportunity to address such changes.

2.0 Section II – Award Information

2.1 Funding

SBA has been appropriated $100 million for grants authorized by Section 5004 of the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021. 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 SBA priorities at the time of award. SBA will not be held responsible for application preparation costs. Publication of this announcement does not obligate SBA to make any specific grant award or to obligate all or any part of available funds.

Subject to the availability of funding and based on applications received, SBA expects to make awards under this NOFO as follows:

• Tier 1 - $5.0M

• Tier 2 - $2.5M

• Tier 3 - $1.0M

2.2 Expected Number of Awards

The SBA will provide funding for multiple awards (maximum of 100 awards) under this NOFO. Applicants (“Hubs”) and the partner organizations (“Spokes”) identified in the proposal will not be approved for more than one award, at any Tier, under this NOFO.

2.3 Period of Performance/Budget Periods

The Community Navigator Pilot Program award will be made for a two-year project period not to exceed 24 months. Ability to and process for requesting any extensions are addressed in the Terms and Conditions and

NOA.

IMPORTANT: Funding Period of Performance from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2023.

SBA expects all projects to proceed efficiently and expeditiously and 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 their respective awards, grantees will be required to provide timely periodic progress reports and performance data as set forth in section 5.5.2 and NOA.

2.4 Funding Information

SBA proposes to award grants in the amounts depicted below, depending on strength of application, communities served, and service delivery models. Each award is for a Performance Period of 24 months.

A tiered approach has been established to ensure the greatest amount of equity and diversity of geographical and service delivery reach possible.

Award Amounts

1. National - Tier 1 – $5.0M Eligible applicants must identify a minimum of five service areas (markets) not within the same state serving a total service population of greater than 500,000.

2. State/Local - Tier 2 – $2.5M Eligible applicants must focus on supporting an individual state, region, municipality, or city with total service population of greater than or equal to 500,000.

3. Local - Tier 3 – $1.0M Eligible applicants must focus on supporting a region, municipality, city, tribal or rural community with total service population of less than 500,000.

Funds provided under the Community Navigator Pilot Program must be used solely for the purposes stipulated in this NOFO and the NOA and may not be commingled with any other monies. All costs proposed in an Applicant’s budget must meet the tests of allowability, allocability, and reasonableness set forth in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200, Subpart E.

The SBA will not reimburse applicants for their proposal preparation costs. Applicants may request pre-award costs, which require prior approval from SBA. Pre-award costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work of the project and meet the tests of allowability, allocability, and reasonableness.

2.5 Funding Instrument

The funding instrument used will be a Grant Agreement.

3.0 Section III – Eligibility Information

3.1 General

Applicants will submit only one proposal in response to this NOFO. To the extent that they satisfy all eligibility criteria the same as all other applicant organizations, Religious Organizations are entitled to compete for Federal financial assistance (grants and/or cooperative agreements) used to support government programs. Generally, such organizations are not required to alter their religious character to participate in a government program, nor to cease engaging in explicitly religious activities outside the program, nor effectively to relinquish their Federal statutory protections for religious hiring decisions.

3.2 Eligible Applicants

• A Nonprofit having a 501(c) status with the IRS,

• An economic development organization or similar organization,

• Native American tribal organization (other than Federally recognized tribal governments),

• Native American tribal government (Federally recognized),

• County governments,

• State governments,

• City or township governments,

• SBA Resource Partners,

• Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs),

• Women’s Business Centers,

• SCORE,

• Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs),

• Community Development Financial Institutions, and

• Nonprofit Colleges and Universities

Applicants must have been in operation for two years or more. All existing SBA Resource Partners must be in good standing.

3.3 Ineligible Applicants

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

• Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible.

• Any organization that owes an outstanding and unresolved financial obligation to the federal government.

• Any organization with an outstanding and unresolved material deficiency reported under the requirements of the Single Audit Act within the past three years.

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

• Any organization that has filed for bankruptcy within the past five (5) years.

• Any organization that had an officer or agent acting on its behalf convicted, of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding twenty-four (24) months.

4.0 Section IV - Application and Submission Information

4.1 Application Instructions

Application must consist of the following elements: (i) a cover letter; (ii) a technical proposal; (iii) budget information; (iv) certifications, forms and assurances; and (v) attachments and exhibits.

4.1.1 Cover Letter

The first page of the application must be a cover letter that includes the following information:

• Statement that the application is in response to NOFO No. CNP-2021-01;

• Applicant’s name and address;

• Applicant’s website address (if applicable);

• Applicant’s DUNs number;

• Name, telephone number, and email address for the Applicant’s designated point of contact; and

• Dollar amount of assistance being requested.

• Proposed service area

4.1.2 Technical Proposal

Project Narratives must address the following areas:

A. Project Narrative All applicants must provide a Project Narrative of no more than twenty (20) total pages, double spaced, with margins no less than one-half inch (0.5”) using Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or a similar font of size no less than eleven (11) points in order to be considered for funding. Project Narrative beyond the twentieth page will not be read or considered.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide a clear and concise narrative that includes a compelling justification for the project and articulates a clearly defined regional economic gap, how the proposed project will uniquely meet this need, and the expected outcome(s) that will result from the proposed project. Lengthy applications will not receive greater consideration.

Section 1: Project Description and Overview

Section 1(a): Executive Summary

Provide an executive summary including a project title, and a summary of no more than 250 words (note:

this may be published on SBA’s website if your application is selected for funding).

Section 1(b): Mission and Experience

Provide the organization’s mission, length of existence and relevant experience. Describe how these factors contribute to the organization’s ability to implement the program requirements and expectations including how the organization is best positioned to support a Community Navigator Pilot Program. Please also describe the role(s) the organization currently plays in an existing community navigator or similar model/structure.

Section 1(c): Approach

Describe the approach to implementing the Community Navigator Pilot Program including all outreach, training and engagement strategies and information on proposed service area and reach into underserved communities.

Section 1(d): Staffing and Organizational Structure

Provide information on the organization’s current structure, staffing, and length of existence. This section should include a detailed staffing plan for existing and proposed programming that describes how staff will contribute to the accomplishment of the Project’s goals.

Detail qualifications and experience of all project staff. Such qualifications and experience must demonstrate the staff’s ability to manage a strategic partnership, including fiscal and administrative management, outreach, and promotion. In addition, qualifications and experience must demonstrate the staff’s ability and expertise in serving the proposed service area and underserved communities. Include copies resumes and position descriptions of all Key Personnel, including the Project Director or equivalent as attachments.

Provide organizational charts that display proposed Project’s staffing plan and partnership plan must also be included which outlines services delivery for existing organization and proposed Community Navigator model.

Section 2: Ecosystem Resources and Assets

Section 2(a): Service Market

Provide a description of the project’s location and region, including its primary service area, a description of the communities or regions served (e.g., regional assets, financial and business resources, workforce, and infrastructure), a description of the underserved communities being targeted and stakeholders leveraged.

The location and region should directly correspond to Questions 14 and 16 of the SF-424. If the applicant expects impacts beyond the noted region, the applicant should note the region of expected impact.

Additionally, applicants must identify their proposed primary service area(s) by states, county or counties, cities or township. Counties should be identified by both name and 5-digit FIPS codes. See https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files.2019.html.

Section 2(b): Regional Factors

Describe factors that make this investment opportune for the region. Identify the factors that justify the regions’ need for additional focused relief (e.g., ecosystem resources, emerging sectors, other regional assets). Discuss how you will leverage available resources to support the Community Navigator Pilot Program efforts.

Section 3: Partnerships

Section 3(a): Describe any former, current, or future partnerships/working relationships with public and/or private entities at the applicable national, state, regional, and/or local level that will be working on this project. Provide a description of each organization and specific detail on the roles and responsibilities of these collaborators including effectiveness of past collaboration efforts. Provide a description of previous partnership or work with SBA District Offices or resource partners, if applicable. Each applicant must have no less than five “Spokes” per market (market size will vary by Tier).

Of note: Preference will be given to organizations with demonstrated experience and partnerships in underserved communities for which the proposal endeavors to serve. For national “Hub” submissions (Tier 1), “Spokes” may vary or remain the same by market but a minimum of five spoke partners are required per https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files.2019.html market (as geographically defined by the proposal) with a minimum of five service areas (markets) not within the same state.

Section 4: Measurable Goals & Feasibility

Outline the program’s evidence- and data-based anticipated goals, including outputs and outcomes.

Applicants should explain what the identified service area(s) and communities need and how it will meet and measure those needs. Anticipated goals should be discussed in terms of the SMART framework— specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timebound—and the application should speak to why and how the organization selected these goals. Include benchmarks to communicate both base-level goals that adhere to the SMART framework, as well as stretch goals.

Of note: applicants selected for funding must employ a data and client management system with the partner organizations (“Spokes”) to track their metrics in an XML or other SBA approved electronic format;

applicants should include a description of their respective systems and, if no such system exists, should include their acquisition and implementation in the project narrative and budget.

B. Budget Narrative Applicants must provide a clear budget narrative that identifies and justifies how funds in each line item of the budget will be used to support the proposed project and that links each line item to its Partner Organization Commitment Letter. The budget narrative should specifically address each budget line item and the narrative total should match the total project costs listed in both the SF-424, Question 18, Line g (“TOTAL”) and the appropriate totals fields of the 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; and

• The federal share allocated to the line item.

As part of the budget narrative, applicants also must submit a staffing plan that lists all positions paid with grant funds each year of the period of performance. The staffing plan must include position titles, maximum annual salaries, and percentage of time.

Purpose of the “Hub” to “Spoke” Funding Distribution Agreement Duties:

All applications must submit a Funding Distribution Agreement between a “Hub” to “Spoke” that establishes the terms, conditions, and requirements governing the administration and use of the financial assistance received by or used by “Spoke” pursuant to the Funding Distribution Agreement.

Responsibilities of “Hub” “Hub” agrees to:

• Provide funding to “Spoke” in accordance with the Funding Distribution Agreement and Federal, state and local laws, in a timely manner.

• Monitor “Spoke” to ensure the funding is used in accordance with all applicable conditions, requirements, and restrictions.

• Provide information on current and any subsequent changes to the terms and conditions of the grant awards addressed by the funding in the Funding Distribution Agreement.

• Coordinate with SBA to obtain prior approvals outlined in the terms and conditions such as use of SBA logo, changes to grant personnel and budget modifications.

• Provide technical assistance and training as requested to assist “Spoke” in fulfilling its obligations under the Funding Distribution Agreement.

• Take action to recover funds that are not used in accordance with conditions, requirements, or restrictions applicable to funds awarded.

• Meet the SBA’s performance requirements that are outlined in the Reporting section (and subsequent Notice of Award) and maintain adequate records.

Responsibilities of “Spoke” “Spoke” agrees to:

• Ensure the funds subject to the Funding Distribution Agreement are used in accordance with conditions, requirements and restrictions of federal, state and local laws, as well as the federal terms and conditions of the grant award.

• Adhere to all financial reporting requirements as are necessary for the “Spoke” to meet its operational needs and obligations to “Hub” and the federal government.

• Promptly reimburse “Hub” for any funds “Hub” pays to any organization because of an adverse audit finding, adverse quality control finding, final disallowance of federal financial participation, or other sanction or penalty for which “Hub” is responsible.

• Coordinate with “Hub” for approvals outlined in the terms and conditions such as use of SBA logo, changes to grant personnel and budget modifications prior to moving forward with any changes.

• Take prompt corrective action, including paying amounts resulting from an adverse finding, sanction, or penalty, if “Hub”, SBA, any federal agency, or other organization authorized by federal, state or local law to determine compliance with the conditions, requirements, and restrictions applicable to the federal program from which these funds are awarded determines compliance has not been achieved.

• Make records available to “Hub”, SBA, federal agencies, and other authorized governmental agencies for review, audit and investigation.

• Meet the “Hub’s” performance requirements and maintain adequate records.

All applicants must include a “Hub” to “Spoke” funding distribution budget. “Spoke” organizations should be reflected in the budget narrative and resources should be sufficient for them to execute efforts outlined by their respective partnership roles and responsibilities.

Two-year total funding per Spoke partner may range in size based on the following Tiers:

National - Tier 1: Between $50,000 and $500,000 State/Local - Tier 2: Between $100,000 and $250,000 Local - Tier 3: Between $50,000 to $100,000

Example of Funding Distribution Model:

The following is a hypothetical example of multi-entity partnership that this grant could fund. The “Hub” is responsible for applying for the grant and reporting collected data but is not responsible for the performance of each entity.

Applicant Name: Acme Coalition – Coordinator: Small Business Inc.

Brief Description:

A coalition develops an economic recovery team comprised of a XYZ, ABC, a local Accelerator, a local city-focused Economic Development non-profit, and a State Economic Development Agency. In an initial planning meeting, the group selects the “Hub”.

In the planning meeting, the team identifies the client needs of small business concerns in underserved areas as a result of the negative impact COVID-19. The “Hub”, identifies key outcomes, such as X, Y, Z.

Additionally, focus is placed on specific areas, industries, and client categories known to have higher rates on Payroll Protection Program declines, etc. The team executes a Memorandum of Understanding among all partners to include documentation of the “Hub” and creates a proposal to support the execution of the listed economic outcomes. The proposal also includes how the execution of the recovery outcomes will strengthen the viability of serviced business clients in select communities. Each entity in the team works on specific areas of economic development, with entities collaborating together on a singular project:

The State Economic Development Agency works to identify impacted small businesses and industries in the area and reports information to the team. The agency also coordinates outreach events with some or all entities to raise awareness of new services and collect local information. The State Economic Agency is the overall projects Coordinator or the Hub. The State Development Agency submits the completed grant package on behalf of the consortia and manages functions in accordance with the roles and responsibilities of the Hub including financial distribution.

The XYZ provides immediate assistance to women-owned and disadvantaged small businesses through coaching and one day workshops. The XYZ also helps early-stage women-owned and disadvantaged small businesses create a business plan and financial statements. The State Economic Development Agency receives a two-year funding allotment of $250,000

The ABC provides immediate assistance to established small businesses through increased counseling and focused workshops. The ABC also helps businesses prepare their financial statements and guide them to receive capital. ABC receives a two-year funding allotment of $125,000.

The 123 provides mentorship and training to nascent entrepreneurs. 123 also partners with the local Accelerator providing additional counseling and support. 123 receives a two-year funding allotment of $150,000.

The local Accelerator provides intense counseling/mentorship, incubator space, and direct access to computers for on-line access and loan application completion. The accelerator partners with the city Economic Development non-profit for access to incubator/workspace. The Accelerator receives a two-year funding allotment of $115,000.

The city Economic Development non-profit provides incubator/workspace and retail and storefront relief support to local businesses. The Economic Development nonprofit receives a two-year funding allotment of $200,000.

C. Partner Organization Commitment Letters:

Applicants must submit a copy of a written agreement(s) or equivalent document(s) signed by the authorized representative of each Partner Organization (otherwise known as “Spokes”) that reflects a binding commitment to undertake the proposed project, the respective scopes of work, and perform the duties, roles, responsibilities, and budget allocation identified in the Technical Proposal. The Agreement must include the project title and list each partner. It should also identify the designated person(s) responsible for the project. Each applicant must have no less than five “Spokes” per market. For national “Hub” submissions, “Spokes” may vary or, in the event of working with other national partners with local operations, may remain the same by market.

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) that encompass all or a substantial portion of the communities served by this project. Support from Federal officials, including but not limited to members of the United States Congress, does not meet this requirement. Examples of authorities who may indicate such support include 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 is a State, an Indian tribe, or a city or other political subdivision of a State, this requirement does not apply.

In addition, the Community Navigator “Hub” must disclose in its application if it currently holds any other financial assistance awards from SBA or has any other applications for SBA financial assistance awards still pending. If it does, the Community Navigator “Hub” must identify how it will avoid duplication of efforts, commingling of funds, and overlapping or double claiming of costs among those projects. The Community Navigator “Hub” must treat each SBA project as separate and discrete with individual outcomes and deliverables and provide each application and award with its own reporting, accounting, and audit trails.

Failure to sufficiently distinguish between an application and one or more current SBA awards, may result in rejection of an application on the ground that it is duplicative of proposed or existing efforts.

E. Past Performance:

SBA relies on the recency and relevancy of past performance information when determining awards to applicants. Recency is defined as the awards recipient has performance as either a “Hub” or “Spoke” within the last 1-3 years. Relevancy is defined as awards the recipient has received for projects with a similar scope and magnitude as this requirement. Include three examples of past performance meeting this criterion.

Please share your understanding and experience addressing the challenges of accessing economic relief by the underrepresented and underserved communities for which this program aims to serve.

4.1.3 Cost Proposal

Budget Information must be provided through the completion and submission of the following:

• Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance.

• SF- 424A Budget Information (Non-Construction Programs).

• Budget Detailed Worksheet (Attachment A-9 through A-12 to the SF 424A).

• Copy of the Applicant’s Cost Policy Statement.

Indirect Cost Rate:

Indirect cost is allowable under the Community Navigator Pilot Program, but it is capped at the 10% de minims rate as described in 2 CFR 200.414. The recipient may use the 10% de minims rate based on Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) as defined by 2 CFR Part 200.68.

Use the following guidance for preparing the budget narrative:

• Personnel: List all staff positions by title (both proposed and current, if applicable). Give the annual salary of each position, the percentage of each position’s time devoted to the Project, the amount of each position’s salary funded by the grant, and the total personnel cost for the period of performance (base and four option periods).

• Fringe Benefits: For salaried employees, provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement, etc.

• Travel: Specify the estimated number of in-state and/or out-of-state trips for project staff, along with each trip’s purpose, mileage, per diem, purpose, and the associated staff who travel. All travel must be directly related to service delivery.

• Equipment: Identify each item of equipment you expect to purchase which has an estimated acquisition cost of $5,000.00 or more per unit (or if your capitalization level is less than $5,000.00, use your capitalization level) and a useful lifetime of more than one year (see 2 CFR 200.33 for the definition of “Equipment”). List the quantity and unit cost per item. Note that items with a unit cost of less than $5,000 are classified as “Supplies,” not “Equipment.” Additionally, we do not generally permit the purchase of equipment during the last funded year of a grant. Equipment may also include software, platform licensing fees, or other technology needs related to delivery of service delivery to small business and program deployment and design.

• Supplies: Identify categories of supplies (e.g., program related supplies such as training materials, printed content, etc.) in the detailed budget and list the quantity and unit cost per item. Supplies include all tangible personal property that does not qualify as Equipment (see 2 CFR 200.94 for the definition of Supplies).

• Contractual: Contracts are defined according to 2 CFR 200.22 as a legal instrument by which a non-Federal entity purchases property or services needed to carry out the project or program under a Federal award. For each proposed contract and subaward, specify the purpose and estimated cost.

• Construction: Construction costs are not allowed, so this line must be left as zero.

• Other: List any item not covered elsewhere here (such as stipends or incentives).

Provide clear and specific detail, including costs, for each item so that we can determine whether the costs are necessary, reasonable, and allocable.

4.1.4(a) Certifications, Forms, and Assurances Consistent with 2 C.F.R. Part 200.415 financial Certifications must be signed by an authorized individual at a level no lower than vice president or chief financial officer of the organization. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities:

• SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities or SBA Form 1711 (as applicable);

• Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Regulatory

Secretariat Division the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) implemented a new process in the System for Award Management (SAM), for pre-award registration requirements for federal Grant Recipients. These revisions will enable non-Federal entities to submit common federal government-wide certifications and representations for Federal financial assistance at the time of registration in SAM.

• Non-federal entities are required to complete funding system assessment and submit a letter from the applicant’s Auditor, Certified Public Accountant, Treasurer, Comptroller, Chief Financial Officer, or similarly qualified individual certifying that your organization’s financial management system currently meets the requirements of 2 CFR 200.302.

• Applicants are responsible for ensuring they are compliant with all the certifications and assurances required to submit a federal grant application. Information on the requirements can be found at www.sam.gov.

• SF-424B, assurances for Non-Construction Programs (if not already submitted electronically as part of SAM.gov registration).

4.1.5 Attachments and Exhibits

Along with the items discussed in the Technical Proposal, Budget Information, and Evaluation Criteria sections, applicants must submit copies of the following with its proposal:

• Key Personnel resumes

• Position descriptions for key roles

• Organizational charts for “Hub” and “Spokes”.

• Applicants Cost Policy Statement.

• Conflict of interest policy addressing, at a minimum, the principles identified in 2 C.F.R.

§2701.112.

4.2 Submission Instructions

SBA requires all application packages be submitted electronically via www.grants.gov (See attached document named SUBMISSION INSTRUCTION PACKAGE).

If your organization hasn’t already done so, it must register with www.SAM.gov, receive a DUNS number and register on www.grants.gov before applying for this funding opportunity.

Note: The SAM registration process, may take up to 4 weeks, must be completed in order to submit an application electronically. It is strongly suggested that you start the registration process immediately.

The attached document named SUBMISSION INSTRUCTION PACKAGE will provide in depth instructions on how to submit the application into www.grants.gov.

If you experience any problems registering with www.grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Support Line at 1-800-518-4726 or email at mailto:support@grants.gov. Grants.gov Applicant Support is available 24/7, with the exception of federal holidays.

http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov http://SAM.gov

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

Instructions: Read the instructions below about registering to apply for Community Navigator Pilot Program NOFO. Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants. If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity, then you may begin with step 3, Create a Grants.gov Account, listed below.

As of February 2, 2019, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Regulatory Secretariat Division of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) implemented a new process in the System for Award Management (SAM), to the currently approved information collection requirement regarding the pre-award registration requirements for federal Prime Grant Recipients. These revisions will enable non-Federal entities to submit common federal government-wide certifications and representations for Federal financial assistance at the time of registration in SAM. You must have an up-to-date SAM profile before your grant application can be reviewed for possible award.

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but DUNS and SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, an organization's registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the organization’s ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Complete organization instructions can be found on Grants.gov here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html http://Grants.gov http://Grants.gov http://Grants.gov

a. Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a DUNS Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Applicants must enter the DUNS Number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the SF-424 form. For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS Number, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns number.html

b. Register with SAM: All organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register and maintain registration with the System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually and kept current at all times. For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html

c. Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to register an account with Grants.gov. Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the detailed instructions here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

d. Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all of your grant applications.

e. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the DUNS Number for the organization in the DUNS field while adding a profile. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html

f. EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, the organization applicant's request for Grants.gov roles and access are sent to the EBiz POC. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been assigned the AOR role. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html

g. Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the AOR role; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions

How to Submit an Application to SBA via Grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns%20number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns%20number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html…