FY 23 UC NOFO FINAL - updated 07052023.pdf

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NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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

• Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2023 EDA University Center Economic Development Program Competition

• Announcement Type and Date: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) dated May 4, 2023

• Funding Opportunity Numbers:

o Austin Regional Office: EDA-UC-2023-AURO o Denver Regional Office: EDA-UC-2023-DRO

• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.303, Economic Development – Technical Assistance

• Dates: The deadline for receipt of applications is 11:59 pm Eastern Time/8:59 Pacific Time on July 10, 2023. Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered.

Applications only will be accepted electronically through Economic Development Grants Experience (EDGE) at sfgrants.eda.gov. Applicants are advised to carefully read the application and submission information provided in section D of this NOFO.

• Funding Opportunity Description: This NOFO announces the availability of funding for EDA’s FY 2023 University Center Economic Development Program Competition. This program funds technical assistance provided by an accredited institution of higher education or a consortium of accredited institutions of higher education that is focused on one or more of the following program focus areas: advancing regional commercialization efforts, advancing high-growth entrepreneurship, cultivating innovation, encouraging business expansion in a region’s innovation cluster(s), developing a high-skilled regional workforce, and increasing the resiliency of a region. EDA solicits competitive applications from accredited institutions of higher education and from consortia of accredited institutions of higher education that are located in and have programs targeting only geographic areas served by EDA’s Austin and Denver Regional Offices:

Austin Regional Office Serves: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

Denver Regional Office Serves: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

• Eligible Applicants: An accredited institution of higher education, including a community college, junior college, tribal college, Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), or other Minority Serving Institution (MSI) that meets EDA’s eligibility requirements as an accredited institution of higher education, or a consortium of accredited https://sfgrants.eda.gov/s/

– 2 – institutions of higher education is eligible to apply for and to receive funding under the University Center Economic Development Program. See section C.1 of this NOFO.

• Award Notification: Subject to the availability of funding, successful applicants should expect to receive awards within approximately 75 calendar days from the application closing date and times set out in this NOFO. Awards will have an initial funding period of twelve months (as part of a five-year period of performance) with an estimated start date on or about October 1, 2023. See section F.1. of this NOFO for award notification information.

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FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

A. Program Description

1. Overview

2. EDA Investment Priorities

3. Statutory Authority for the University Center Program

B. Federal Award Information

1. What funding is available under this announcement?

2. What type of funding instrument will be used to make awards and how long will a project’s period of performance be?

3. Post-Approval Requirements

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Obtaining an Application and Electronic Submission through EDGE

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

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

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

8. EDGE Systems Issues

E. Application Review Information

1. Evaluation Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Review of Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notification

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

H. Other Information

1. Right to Use Information; Freedom of Information Act Disclosure

2. Notice of Government-Wide Procurement Restriction

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3. Past Performance and Non-Compliance with Award Provisions

4. EDA’s Non-Relocation Policy

5. NOFO Changes Communicated on Grants.gov

6. Audit Requirements

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

Million

8. Office of Inspector General Rights and Responsibilities

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A. Program Description

1. Overview

EDA’s mission is to lead the Federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for economic growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA fulfills this mission through strategic investments and partnerships that create the conditions for economic growth and improved quality of life by expanding the capacity of individuals, firms, and communities to maximize the use of their talents and skills to support innovation, lower transaction costs, and responsibly produce and trade valuable goods and services. The achievement of economic development potential results in regional economic ecosystems that foster globally competitive regions throughout the United States. The economic ecosystem is a multifaceted concept that links together a highly networked regional talent pool, innovation infrastructure (both tangible and intangible), research and science support systems, and a culture of collaboration sustained by institutions focused on advancing mutual gain for the public and the private sector.

Innovation is the key to greater productivity and global competitiveness, resulting in the creation of new and better jobs, a more resilient economy, and the attainment of national economic goals. Regional collaboration is essential for economic recovery and advancement because regions encompass the centers of growth and competition in the new global economy. Regions achieve greater results because of the presence of diverse economic agents and, more often than not, clusters of services and industry.

Quite simply, regions that work together will fare better than those that do not. Infusing more innovation and collaboration into America’s regions has the potential to help communities create and retain higher-wage and sustainable jobs, leverage the flow of private capital, and strengthen America’s ability to compete in the global marketplace.

EDA recognizes that institutions of higher education are critical players in the development of vibrant economic ecosystems. Universities are sources of significant economic development assets—such as faculty, staff, students, research and proof of concept centers, laboratories, and high-speed broadband networks—that can support regional economic growth. In addition, universities create significant knowledge spillovers and possess broader and deeper networks of expertise that can assist innovators and entrepreneurs. Potential university-based support for economic growth includes the commercialization of research, the conversion of intellectual property and ideas into products and services, and the support of regionally-owned strategies that support business expansion and job creation. Universities have also been leaders in addressing impacts of climate change on regional economic ecosystems and helping to facilitate environments conducive to trade and global exports by providing services for businesses to connect to international markets.

Through this NOFO EDA intends to advance university-based support for economic development in accordance with EDA’s investment priorities, but also to pursue, where practicable, certain specific priorities related to equity, workforce development,1 and climate change resiliency so that investments can benefit everyone for decades to come.

The purpose of EDA’s University Center Economic Development Program (also referred to in this announcement as the University Center program) is to enable institutions of higher education and consortia of institutions of higher education to establish and operate University Centers specifically focused on using university assets to build regional economic ecosystems that support innovation and

1 See https://www.commerce.gov/issues/workforce-development.

https://www.commerce.gov/issues/workforce-development

– 6 – high-growth entrepreneurship, resiliency and inclusiveness. University Centers collaborate with other EDA partners, such as Economic Development Districts (EDDs) by providing expertise and technical assistance to develop, implement, and support regional strategies that result in quality job creation2, high-skilled regional talent pools, and business expansion in a region’s innovation clusters.3 Expertise and technical assistance may address, for example, workforce training programs, applied research centers, technology commercialization, feasibility studies, market research, economic impact analyses training, and other technical assistance to help communities foster vibrant economic ecosystems.

EDA encourages efforts to reach historically underserved populations and areas, communities of color, women, and other groups facing labor market barriers such as persons with disabilities, disconnected youth, individuals in recovery, individuals with past criminal records, including justice-impacted and reentry participants, individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and veterans and military spouses, and underserved communities within geographies that have been systemically and/or systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic prosperity such as Tribal Lands, Persistent Poverty Counties, and rural areas with demonstrated, historical underservice.

Since FY 2004, EDA has administered the University Center program as a competitive multi-year program. As presented in the table below and contingent upon availability of appropriations, EDA will hold University Center program competitions in two of its six regional offices on a rotating basis.

FY 2023

(this competition)

Austin Regional Office

Denver Regional Office

Serves: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

Serves: Colorado, Iowa (excluding Muscatine and Scott counties), Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

FY 2026 Chicago Regional

Philadelphia Regional

Serves: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Muscatine and Scott counties in Iowa

Serves: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and West Virginia

FY 2027

Atlanta Regional

Serves: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee

Serves: Alaska, Arizona, American Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Republic of Marshall Islands, 2 For more information on what constitutes a quality job, see https://www.dol.gov/general/good-jobs/principles.

3 For purposes of this NOFO, EDA defines clusters as geographic concentrations of firms, workers, and industries that do business with each other and have common needs for talent, technology, and infrastructure. Clusters are essentially networks of similar, synergistic, or complementary entities that are engaged in or with a particular industry sector; have active channels for business transactions and communication; share specialized infrastructure, labor markets, and services; and leverage the region’s unique competitive strengths to stimulate innovation and create jobs. Clusters may cross municipal, county, and other jurisdictional boundaries.

https://www.eda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-06/EDA-FY21-Investment-Priorities-Definitions.pdf#Geographies https://www.eda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/EDA_FY23_PPCs.xlsx https://www.dol.gov/general/good-jobs/principles

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Seattle Regional Office Federated States of Micronesia, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Republic of Palau, and Washington

EDA does not anticipate creating or funding any additional University Centers outside of this competitive solicitation unless a University Center grantee withdraws from the program or does not perform to EDA’s satisfaction. In such cases, the appropriate EDA regional office may choose to hold an intervening competition.

EDA encourages the submission of applications that will create and nurture regional economic ecosystems through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skill development, workforce training opportunities including Registered Apprenticeships, applied research and development, technology commercialization, and targeted activities that cultivate entrepreneurship and improve regional economic development. A regional economic ecosystem supports innovation clusters through three main components:

• A highly networked inclusive regional talent pool, with specialized expertise relevant to the region’s innovation clusters (including connections along the supply chain and across disciplines so that researchers, academics, investors, suppliers, and entrepreneurs can efficiently share ideas and best practices);

• A support system for turning discoveries into marketable goods and services, including business counseling, incubation programs, and proof-of-concept centers; and

• Innovation infrastructure, both tangible and intangible, necessary to support innovation and resiliency such as education, workforce development, and financial infrastructure.

In addition, EDA encourages University Center program applications that:

• Align with the DOC Strategic Plan4, with a focus on advancing STEM skills and capabilities, supporting workforce training opportunities that meet the needs identified by local and regional employers, and/or enhancing manufacturing capacities within the region;

• Benefit distressed communities, in particular small, rural, and underserved communities5, by linking these communities to larger, more vibrant regional economies, including rural-urban linkages, thereby enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in regional economies;

• Present a clear plan for inclusive community engagement in the project to ensure that the economic benefits of the project will be shared by all communities in the project region, including any underserved communities. This plan should address the communities affected, barriers those communities may face in accessing benefits of the project, contemplated

4 https://www.commerce.gov/about/strategic-plan.

5 Distress, as delineated in the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C.

§ 3121 et seq.), may exist in a variety of forms, including high levels of unemployment, low income levels, large concentrations of low-income families, and significant declines in per capita income because of large numbers (or high rates) of business failures, sudden major layoffs or plant closures significantly adversely affecting a region’s economic base, military base closures, natural or other major disasters, depletion of natural resources or reduced tax bases, or substantial loss of population because of the lack of employment opportunities. See 13 C.F.R. § 301.3.

https://www.commerce.gov/about/strategic-plan

– 8 – outreach efforts, and other planned steps to address identified barriers, as appropriate;

• Present a clear plan for collaborating with and assisting other EDA investment partners, award recipients, and stakeholders, including EDDs, Indian Tribes, and local and regional businesses;

• Encompass regional, Statewide, and multi-State programs, and create synergies within EDA’s Public Works, Economic Adjustment Assistance, and Partnership Planning programs;

• Offer services within a well-defined geographic region in the States and territories covered by the Austin and Denver Regional Offices, and provide a full range of economic development research and technical assistance services to EDA regional partners; and

• Tailor services to the region’s needs, including the needs identified by local and regional businesses, and each sponsoring institution’s (or consortium’s) strengths.

EDA will strive to avoid funding duplicative services among selected University Centers.

University Center applicants should demonstrate how they will integrate their programs across their respective institutions and regional stakeholders in order to increase the impact of programs that support economic development. Applicants should also demonstrate a record of success in fostering higher-skill, higher-wage private sector job creation, as well as the ability to collaborate with the private sector and leverage other sources of financial support.

Please note that applicants will be required to identify a program focus of the proposed EDA-supported University Center. See section D.2.a.i of this NOFO for additional details.

2. EDA Investment Priorities

All projects considered for EDA funding under this NOFO must be consistent with at least one of EDA’s Investment Priorities:

1. Equity

2. Recovery & Resilience

3. Workforce Development

4. Manufacturing

5. Technology-Based Economic Development

6. Environmentally-Sustainable Development

7. Exports & Foreign Direct Investment

More information about these Investment Priorities, including definitions, can be found at https://www.eda.gov/funding/investment-priorities. The priorities may be updated from time to time, although they will not change during the application period for this NOFO.

3. Statutory Authority for the University Center Program

EDA’s authorizing statute is the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.) (PWEDA). The specific authority for the University Center Economic Development Program is section 207 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3147), which authorizes EDA to make grants for the establishment of University Centers. EDA’s regulations at 13 C.F.R. parts 300–302 and subpart B of 13 C.F.R. part 306 set forth the general and specific regulatory requirements applicable to the University Center program. EDA’s regulations are codified at 13 C.F.R. chapter III and are accessible at eCFR :: 13 https://www.eda.gov/funding/investment-priorities https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/chapter-III

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CFR Chapter III -- Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce. Likewise, PWEDA is available at https://www.eda.gov/about/regulations.

B. Federal Award Information

1. What funding is available under this announcement?

For FY 2023, EDA plans to allocate approximately $8.4 million to the University Center program ($2.4 million for the first year of awards under this competition). These amounts are based on funding levels appropriated through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328). Annual awards for the University Centers selected in past years generally have been in the range of $80,000 to $200,000 each, and each participating region has generally made 8 to 10 awards. The Austin and Denver Regional Offices may choose to fund awards under this competition outside of these ranges. Subject to the availability of funding at the time of award, the funds allocated to the University Center program are anticipated to be available until expended.

2. What type of funding instrument will be used to make awards and how long will a project’s period of performance be?

Under this competitive solicitation, EDA may, subject to the availability of funds, award grants to selected University Centers. The awards will have a five-year period of performance, with an initial funding period of one year. The selected University Centers will not have to compete for the second, third, fourth, and fifth years of funding. Funding beyond the initial year will be dependent upon the availability of funds and upon the recipients’ satisfactory performance and progress in achieving milestones and program goals as determined by EDA and expressed in writing.

3. Post-Approval Requirements

In accordance with 13 C.F.R. § 306.7, EDA will conduct a performance evaluation of each University Center within three years after the initial start date of the award. EDA may conduct an additional performance evaluation prior to the end of the five-year award. The goal of these performance evaluations is to assess the University Center’s contribution to providing technical assistance, conducting applied research, meeting program performance objectives, and disseminating project outcomes in accordance with the scope of work funded during the period of performance.

This performance evaluation will include the participation of at least one other University Center on a cost-reimbursement basis as part of the required peer review process.

Two weeks before the recipient’s scheduled peer review, the University Center must provide EDA with an abstract of its original proposal, a copy of its presentation on the University Center’s performance, and any relevant papers or work product for dissemination to the peer reviewer(s). The recipient should be prepared to respond to questions about their presentation and engage in a discussion about areas of weakness, best practices, and opportunities for further engagement with other EDA stakeholders.

Recipients may also be occasionally asked to participate in various events, including conferences, meetings, and webinars, during the period of performance to share best practices and discuss the program’s challenges and opportunities. The topics for these events may not be limited to accomplishments and program progress. Recipients shall provide EDA with an electronic copy or links to recorded webinars of any presentations suitable for posting on EDA’s website.

As part of the required progress reports (see section F.3. of this NOFO), recipients will be required to provide an overview of how activities of the University Centers are fulfilling the needs of their target https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/chapter-III https://www.eda.gov/about/regulations

– 10 – regions. For example, University Centers could identify how their activities result in a change in per capita income or help assist businesses, or they may submit a summary of their technology commercialization activities. Recipients are required to comply with all terms and conditions of the award, including specific award conditions required by EDA.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

An accredited institution of higher education, including a community college, junior college, tribal college, Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) or other Minority Serving Institution (MSI) that meets EDA’s eligibility requirements as an accredited institution of higher education, or a consortium of accredited institutions of higher education is eligible to apply for and to receive funding under the University Center Economic Development Program. See section 3(12) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122(12)) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3. A university-affiliated research institution also is eligible to apply for and to receive funding under this NOFO, provided it demonstrates (e.g., through a letter or other documentation from the university president or chancellor) that it maintains the full and integral support of the university with respect to its economic development activities. For applicants applying as a consortium, one accredited institution of higher education must be identified as the lead applicant that would have primary responsibility to EDA and to the other members of the consortium for implementing an award. An organization that is affiliated with and directed by an accredited institution of higher education and that is in good standing may partner with an accredited institution of higher education or consortium to participate in a proposed project.

Pursuant to this NOFO, EDA is soliciting applications from accredited institutions of higher education and from consortia of accredited institutions of higher education to operate University Centers in (and have programs targeting) only the following geographic areas served by the Austin and Denver Regional Offices:

Austin Regional Office Serves: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

Denver Regional Office Serves: Colorado, Iowa (excluding Muscatine and Scott counties), Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Generally, the amount of an EDA award may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the project.6 Projects may receive an additional amount that may not exceed up to 30 percent of the total project cost, based on the relative needs of the Region in which the project will be located, as determined by EDA.7 In addition, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development has the discretion to establish a maximum EDA investment rate of up to 100 percent where the project (i) merits and is not otherwise feasible without an increase to the EDA investment rate; or (ii) will be of no or only incidental

6 See section 204(a) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144) and 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(1).

7 See section 204(a) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144) and 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(1).

https://www.eda.gov/pdf/EDAs_regs-13_CFR_Chapter_III.pdf

– 11 – benefit to the recipient.8 Additionally, EDA’s regulations provide discretion to establish a maximum EDA investment rate of up to 100 percent for projects of Indian Tribes.9

In-kind contributions may provide the required non-Federal share of the total project cost and can consist of contributions directly related to the proposed project, such as space, equipment, services, or forgiveness or assumptions of debt.10 Funds from other Federal financial assistance awards are considered matching share funds only if authorized by statute, which may be determined by EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the statute.11

EDA will fairly evaluate all in-kind contributions, which must be eligible in accordance with Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 C.F.R. part

200) (Uniform Guidance). The applicant must show 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.12 To meet these requirements, applicants may submit for each source of 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.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to work with the appropriate EDA representative listed in section G of this NOFO to determine how in-kind contributions can be utilized to satisfy the matching share requirement for their respective project concept and application.

D. Application and Submission Information

An applicant must submit a complete application, as detailed in section D.2 of this NOFO, to be considered for funding. EDA may seek additional information or documentation from the applicant to clarify information presented in the application. Please see section E of this NOFO for more information on EDA’s review and selection process.

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

1. Obtaining an Application and Electronic Submission through EDGE

An applicant must obtain, complete, and submit an application electronically through the Economic Development Grants Experience (EDGE) at sfgrants.eda.gov. EDA will not accept paper, facsimile, or email transmissions of applications except as provided below. In order to obtain and submit an application through EDGE, an applicant must register for an EDGE account at sfgrants.eda.gov. As part of the registration process, you will register one Authorized Representative for your organization;

however, multiple points of contact may be registered or added by the applicant to the application

8 See section 204(c)(3) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144) and 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(4).

9 See 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(5).

10 See section 204(b) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144).

11 See the definition of “Local Share or Matching Share” at 13 C.F.R. § 300.3.

12 See 13 C.F.R. § 301.5.

– 12 – workspace to view or work on completing the application. The Authorized Representative will be the only official with the authority to submit applications.

a. Verification of Submission

Applicants should save and print written proof of an electronic submission made through EDGE.

Applicants, specifically the Authorized Representative submitting the application and materials, will receive a time and date stamped email from EDGE confirming the submission and receipt of the application and other required documents.

Applicants should save and print both the confirmation screen provided on EDGE after the applicant has submitted an application and the confirmation email sent when the application has been successfully submitted.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify that its submission was timely received and submitted successfully through EDGE. To see the date your application was submitted, log on to EDGE and click on the Submitted Application section from the Home Page. If you experience a systems issue with EDGE, see Section D.8. below for instructions.

b. Alternatives to Submission through EDGE

To accommodate an applicant’s accessibility requirements, a paper version of this application may be obtained by contacting the appropriate POC listed in section G of this NOFO. Or if an applicant is otherwise unable to submit an application through EDGE for reasons beyond the control of the applicant, EDA, in its sole discretion, may pre-approve in writing submission via an alternate method (e.g., email).

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

A complete application includes all required documents outlined below in Table 1. All relevant forms must be signed electronically by the applicant’s Authorized Representative; please see section I.2 of this NOFO for information on Authorized Representative requirements. The preferred electronic file format for attachments is Adobe PDF and, when appropriate, Microsoft Excel; however, EDA will accept electronic files in Microsoft Word. EDA will not accept paper, facsimile, or email transmissions of applications. Please refer to important information on submitting your application provided in section I of this NOFO.

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

Applicants are encouraged to contact the appropriate EDA representative listed in section G of this NOFO for technical assistance regarding application requirements. Additionally, EDA may reach out to the applicant to clarify application materials received.

An application that does not have all of the required components may be considered incomplete and not receive further consideration. See section E of this NOFO for information regarding application review.

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Table 1: Required Application Documentation

Project Design and Substance Information

Project Narrative

Applicant Capacity and Project Management

Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan

Matching Share Commitment Letters

Resumes of Key Project Staff

Forms and Supporting Documentation

Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)

Form SF-424A (Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs)

Form CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying)

Form SF-LLL (Disclosure Regarding Lobbying)

Form ED-900 GA (General Application for EDA Programs)

State Single Point-of-Contract (SPOC)/Executive Order 12372 Compliance Documentation (if applicable)

Organizational Documentation (if applicable)

Indirect Cost Rate Documentation (if applicable)

a. Project Design and Substance

This section provides additional details on project design and subject documentation.

Table 2: Project Design and Substance Documentation

Document Number

Project Narrative One per application

Applicant Capacity and Project Management One per application

Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan One per application

Project Sustainability One per application

Resumes of Key Project Staff One resume for each key staff member under the application

Matching Share Commitment Letters One per matching share source

i. Project Narrative

All applicants must provide a Project Narrative of no more than ten (10) total pages with margins no less than one-half inch (0.5”) using Times New Roman font of size twelve (12) points in order to be considered for funding. Material beyond the tenth page will not be read or considered. The Project Narrative must provide for a five-year scope of work and for a timeline for implementation during the

– 14 – five-year period of performance. Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide a clear and concise narrative that includes a compelling justification for the project and the expected outcome(s) that will result from the proposed project. Lengthy applications will not receive greater consideration. A competitive application will contain the following elements in the Project Narrative:

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

• Description of Service Region: Identifies the primary service area, along with a description of the communities or regions to be served, and the communities’ or region’s needs and opportunities.

• Geographic Service Region: Define the geographic service region of the University Center. For purposes of this competition, a region is defined as “an economic unit of human, natural, technological, capital or other resources, defined geographically.” Geographic areas comprising a region need not be contiguous or defined by political boundaries but should constitute a cohesive area capable of undertaking successful economic development. See the definition of “Region” in 13 C.F.R. § 300.3.

o Please include a map outlining your service region.

o If your service region includes a geography smaller than an entire state, please provide county level FIPS codes for the applicable geographic service region.

• Industries and Regional Strategies: Describe the service region’s industries and existing regional economic development strategies. Applicants should identify linkages between the regional strategies and the proposed University Center’s activities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to support any claims with independent, third-party data, regional strategy plans, and existing impact studies.

Visit https://www.eda.gov/grant-resources/tools for a list of tools and resources funded by EDA that may be helpful in developing applications.

• Economic Ecosystem: Describe the current state of the geographic service region’s economic ecosystem, including the regional talent pool, innovation infrastructure, and support systems to facilitate commercialization of research and technology transfer, as well as the connections between economic ecosystem components and regional economic development strategies. Identify the proposed University Center’s measurable activities that will assist the proposed service area in filling economic ecosystem gaps and achieving regional economic development goals that are part of the regional strategy or strategies.

• Partnerships: List existing and potential partnerships with regional economic development stakeholders (e.g., regional planning organizations, Economic Development Districts), trade/export related entities (e.g., U.S. export assistance centers), and other relevant entities associated with the academic institution, and describe ongoing activities. Provide specific examples of the partnerships and the specific activities to be carried out by this partnership during the period of performance.

• Targeted Beneficiaries: As noted above, EDA strongly encourages University Centers that benefit distressed communities, in particular small, rural, and underserved communities, to link these communities to larger, more vibrant regional economies, thereby enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in regional economies. EDA encourages efforts to reach and achieve inclusive engagement with historically underserved populations and areas, communities of color, women, and other groups facing labor market barriers such as persons with disabilities, disconnected youth, individuals in recovery, individuals with past criminal records, including justice-impacted and reentry participants, individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), https://www.eda.gov/pdf/EDAs_regs-13_CFR_Chapter_III.pdf https://www.eda.gov/pdf/EDAs_regs-13_CFR_Chapter_III.pdf https://www.eda.gov/grant-resources/tools

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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and veterans and military spouses. The applicant should identify the targeted beneficiaries of the proposed University Center and clearly describe the logical connection between the intended outcomes and the program activities in the proposed geographic service region. Describe, using specific examples, how the proposed program will positively impact the targeted beneficiaries in the proposed geographic service region. The applicant should present a clear plan for inclusive community engagement in the project to ensure that the economic benefits of the project will be shared by all communities in the project region, including any underserved communities. This plan 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.

• Project Timeline: Applicants must submit a detailed five-year timeline for project implementation that includes significant project benchmarks to gauge program success and accomplishments.

• Program Focus: Identify one or more program focus areas of the proposed EDA-supported University Center:

o Regional commercialization efforts o Advancing high-growth entrepreneurship o Cultivating innovation o Encouraging business expansion in a region’s innovation cluster(s) o Developing a high-skilled regional workforce o Increasing the resiliency of a region

If the University Center will have more than one program focus, applicants should clearly indicate the anticipated percentage of time devoted to each focus. Applicants that are current or former EDA-funded University Centers are encouraged to demonstrate how the proposed program is different from or builds upon the previously funded University Center program. Competitive applications will identify how the proposed University Center will support regional economic resiliency and inclusiveness.

• Project Fit with EDA Investment Priorities: Applicants must address one or more of the EDA Investment Priorities in accordance with section A.2 of this NOFO. It is not necessary to demonstrate that the project address all EDA Investment Priorities. Applicants should address the Investment Priorities for which there is a clear fit and should strive to advance equity in accordance with EDA’s top investment priority.

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

Table 3: Scope of Work Components

Overview of Scope of Work

Specific Activities

Anticipated Economic Impacts and Benefits

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Overview of Scope of Work

Present an overview of the scope of work, explaining how the proposed scope of work will address the specific economic ecosystem gaps identified in paragraph D.2.a.i above.

Specific Activities Describe specific activities to be undertaken by the University Center during the period of performance, including but not limited to providing technical assistance, conducting applied research, and disseminating information about, and the results of, the University Center’s economic development activities.

a. For purposes of the University Center program, “technical assistance” includes all economic development activities whether undertaken at the request of an entity outside of the sponsoring institution (or consortium) or directly by the applicant or co-applicants.

b. Conducting applied research means the direct use of research to address a specific challenge, meet a specific need, or solve a specific problem experienced by innovators, entrepreneurs, economic planners, and cluster-based industries.

c. Disseminating information about the activities of the University Center includes: (1) informing the University Center’s target audience of available assistance; (2) publicizing research findings and best practices; and

(3) demonstrating to EDA how measurable economic development outcomes will be realized during the period of performance.

EDA-sponsored University Centers engage in various activities to support the economic ecosystem of a region, including targeted commercialization of research, workforce development, and business counseling services. Examples of such activities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinating with regional economic development organizations, such as EDDs, to support the development and implementation of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS);

• Assisting communities in identifying and defining their workforce talent pool and entrepreneurial capacity related to growing innovation clusters and growth strategies through strategic and sustainable economic development planning efforts;

• Supporting or accelerating technology commercialization and entrepreneurship by assisting in licensing and patenting activities;

• Supporting new product development by using student and faculty expertise and university laboratories and equipment to develop prototypes;

• Assisting entrepreneurs in the establishment of companies to commercialize technology or innovate products and services;

• Assisting existing businesses in increasing productivity and quality,

– 17 – streamlining operations, and cutting costs through the introduction or extension of advanced manufacturing, quality management, and other processes and techniques;

• Supporting business development strategies and enhancing profitability through marketing and sales techniques, new product development analyses, and identification of new markets (including international markets);

• Supporting the regional talent pool through industry-led workforce development, professional and leadership development, and core business training; and

• Assisting communities in addressing financial challenges through innovative financing techniques.

These examples are informational only and in no way limit the range of potential proposed activities.

Anticipated Economic Benefits The applicant should also identify the anticipated economic impacts and benefits to the University Center’s service region, in particular the previously identified economically distressed communities—especially those that are small, rural, and underserved—and the target beneficiaries. Anticipated benefits may include, but are not limited to:

• Economic impacts of projects assisted as measured by direct, indirect, and induced output, jobs, and income;

• Longitudinal economic impacts over a defined period of at least three years after the University Center assistance is provided to the service region, including identified economically distressed regions;

• Investments of private sector capital;

• The percentage of University Center clients initiating action as a result of the technical assistance provided by the University Center;

• The percentage of University Center clients that achieve the anticipated results;

• Any activities that result in measurable outcomes leading to increased innovation, entrepreneurship, emerging and growing clusters, sustainable economic development practices, and improved resilience to natural or other disasters; and

• Activities that create or enhance inclusive networks supporting innovation, transfer of knowledge, and entrepreneurship.

ii. Applicant Capacity and Project Management

All applicants must provide a statement describing Applicant Capacity and Project Management capabilities. This should not exceed one (1) page with margins no less than one-half inch (0.5”) using Times New Roman font of size twelve (12) points in order to be considered for funding. A competitive application will:

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• Discuss the sponsoring institution’s (or consortium’s) capacity and experience in successfully operating economic development technical assistance programs, especially those focused on regional commercialization, entrepreneurship, and innovation cluster and infrastructure development. Applicants are encouraged to document specific results of past economic development activities and programs.

• Identify other organizations in the proposed service area that provide potentially complementary or duplicative services.

• Outline the processes or strategies the proposed University Center will follow to maximize coordination and interaction with relevant entities, such as District Organizations, Indian Tribes, Councils of Governments, Regional Planning Commissions, and other University Centers, to minimize duplication of services and provide services not currently available. The proposed University Center should also consider engaging with technical assistance and/or membership organizations such as the University Economic Development Association (UEDA). This can be incorporated into the overall budget for the proposed project.

• Outline the processes or strategies for coordinating economic development efforts among private and public institutions in the proposed service area.

• Outline the processes or strategies for coordinating and accessing key resources of the sponsoring institution (or consortium) to support economic development efforts.

• Discuss past performance in administering economic development technical assistance projects.

• Applicants also should provide an additional two-page summary description of all personnel performing for the applicant under the proposed project.

iii. Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan

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 line 18.g of Form SF-424 and the “Totals” calculated in Form SF-424A for the five-year period of performance.

• Non-Federal Share: The Budget Narrative should include itemized descriptions and valuations of any in-kind matching funds. The activities within the scope of work that are being completed with in-kind matching funds should be clearly identified. 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 Budget Narrative proposes otherwise, applicants must also include information that clearly indicates what project elements the matching share funds will support and explain why deviation from paying out at the same general rate is required for the project to be implemented.

• Successful applicants under this NOFO must follow the applicable Federal procurement rules when selecting or entering into any vendor contracts.

• Applicants may use the optional budget spreadsheet available at https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/university-centers, to supplement the narrative.

The Staffing Plan must list all positions that will be charged to the Federal and non-Federal portion of the budget for each year of the five-year period of performance.

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• The staffing plan must include position titles, maximum annual salaries, percentage of time dedicated to the project, and the total amount of annual salaries that would be charged to the project. The total amount of annual salaries that would be charged to the project must be consistent with the amount reflected on the “Personnel” budget line item on the Form SF-424A for each project year.

• Applicants may use the optional staffing plan spreadsheet available at https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/university-centers/Gantt-Chart-Staffing-and-Budget- Template-Disclaimer.

iv. Project Sustainability

Applicants must describe the sustainability of the proposed project beyond the period of performance by identifying:

• Sources of funding or a revenue model that supports proposed activities beyond the period of performance, without future EDA funding; and

• Additional resources and partnerships that will continue to support the project beyond the period of performance.

v. Resumes of Key Personnel

Applicants must attach the resumes of key project staff, each of which should not exceed two (2) pages in length. Resumes should be compiled and uploaded together as one PDF file. Pages outside of the 2-page limit will not be considered during review of the application.

vi. Matching Share Documentation (as applicable)

Applicants must submit commitment letters or equivalent documents that demonstrate that all matching funds (whether cash or in-kind) from all sources (i.e., any applicant, any co-applicants, and…