MBDA-OBD-2021-2006809 NOFO Report (2) (a).pdf

MBDA Business Center Program

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Funding Opportunity Description 3

A. Program Objective 3 B. Program Priorities 4 C. Program Authority 8

II. Award Information 9 A. Funding Availability 9 B. Project/Award Period 9 C. Type of Funding Instrument 9

III. Eligibility Information 9 A. Eligible Applicants 9 B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 9 C. Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility 10

IV. Application and Submission Information 10 A. Address to Request Application Package 10 B. Content and Form of Application 10 C. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) 14 D. Submission Dates and Times 14 E. Intergovernmental Review 14 F. Funding Restrictions 14 G. Other Submission Requirements 15

V. Application Review Information 18 A. Evaluation Criteria 18 B. Review and Selection Process 21 C. Selection Factors 22 D. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates 22

VI. Award Administration Information 22 A. Award Notices 22 B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 23 C. Reporting 23

VII. Agency Contacts 25 VIII. Other Information 25

Notice of Federal Funding Page 1 of 44

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Federal Agency Name(s): Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), Department of Commerce

Funding Opportunity Title: MBDA Business Center Program

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: MBDA-OBD-2021-2006809

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.805, MBDA Business Center

(MBC)

Dates: Complete applications will be accepted in Grants.gov up to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 17, 2021. Applications received after this time will not be reviewed or considered for funding under this Announcement.

Funding Opportunity Description: This notice requests applications for programs aligned with the Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) strategic plans and mission goals to service minority business enterprises (MBE’s). This notice also provides the public with information and guidelines on how MBDA will select proposals and administer discretionary Federal assistance under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Notice of Federal Funding Page 2 of 44

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Program Objective

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, will provide Federal assistance to support innovative projects seeking to promote and ensure the growth of minority enterprises. The MBDA Business Center Program provides technical assistance and business development services to minority business enterprises (MBEs). In accordance with Executive Order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. § 1512, MBDA is soliciting competitive applications from eligible organizations for the operation of MBDA Minority Business Development Centers as described in this NOFO.

MBDA anticipates awarding approximately one (1) individual cooperative agreement pursuant to this NOFO for a business center in each of, or servicing, the following states:

(*The list below reflects approximate anticipated funding amounts and awards per state.)

Proposed Location: (Appx. Funding Amount) (Appx. Number of Centers per state)

Alabama: $375,000 (1) Arizona: $400,000 (1) California: $410,000 (3) Colorado: $400,000 (1) Florida: $410,000 (2) Georgia: $400,000 (1) Hawaii: $410,000 (1) Illinois: $400,0000 (1) Louisiana: $375,000 (1) Maryland: $400,000 (1) Massachusetts: $410,000 (1) Michigan: $400,000 (1) Minnesota: $375,000 (1) Mississippi: $375,000 (1) Missouri: $375,000 (1) Nevada: $400,000 (1) New Jersey: $400,000 (1) New Mexico: $375,000 (1) New York: $410,000 (2) North Carolina: $385,000 (1)

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Ohio: $385,000 (1) Oklahoma: $375,000 (1) Pennsylvania: $400,000 (1) Puerto Rico: $415,000 (1) South Carolina: $375,000 (1) Tennessee: $375,000 (1) Texas: $410,000 (4) Virginia: $400,000 (1) Washington State: $400,000 (1)

TOTAL: $14,300,000.00 (36)

The locations of the Centers are based on the size and ranking of minority populations in each state, the overall number of employer minority firms in states, and other available research, data, and information.

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) provides Federal assistance in support of innovative projects that promote and seek to resolve the challenges faced by minority enterprises. The funds to be awarded by this program are not congressionally directed funds or designated for existing funded awards. In the Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations bill, Congress authorized MBDA to foster, promote, and develop minority business enterprise, through grants, contracts, and other agreements with public or private organizations. See Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Pub. L. No. 116-260 (December 27, 2020). MBDA is authorized pursuant to Executive Order 11625 to provide financial assistance to public and private organizations so that they may render technical and management assistance to minority business enterprises and defray all or part of the costs of pilot or demonstration projects conducted by public or private agencies or organizations that are designed to overcome the special challenges of minority business enterprises.

B. Program Priorities

MBDA leads Federal Government efforts to promote the growth and global competitiveness of MBEs. MBDA has established key priorities designed to overcome the unique challenges faced by MBEs.

The primary drivers of a Minority Business Development Center are: (i) business development and (ii) capacity building. Business development is fostering and securing new opportunities for MBEs that result in revenue generation by:

- Assisting clients to increase sales and service agreements, product requests, task orders

Notice of Federal Funding Page 4 of 44 and exports; and

- Matching opportunities and assisting qualified/vetted MBE clients to access, compete, and secure transactions that lead to a financial benefit (e.g., sales).

Capacity building occurs when MBEs are assisted with management capacity, financial capacity, and technological capacity that results in new capabilities, higher productivity, reduced costs, increased profits, workforce improvement, business expansion, and scalability. The MBDA Business Center will assist MBEs to:

- improve operational efficiencies;

- increase resources;

- build scale;

- manage risk and increase liability thresholds;

- strengthen management teams;

- access and secure financing, equity, and venture capital; raise online capital;

- increase profits and owner equity; and

- implement and integrate new technology and equipment.

The MBDA Business Centers manage relationships and sources of deals by promoting the interests of MBEs; educating MBEs on the benefits of strategic growth alternatives (e.g., mergers, acquisitions, and/or joint ventures); and providing service referrals to MBEs of all sizes.

Note: Projects must be in any area of the U.S. and must provide services that benefit minority business enterprises in any U.S. state or territory.

IMPORTANT: You must have physical office space in the state for which you apply.

This NOFO is focused on capacity building for firms with revenues of $500,000 or more.

MBDA anticipates making 36 awards under this announcement, with the federal funding amount ranging from $375,000 - $415,000 for each award.

1. Agency Requirements for the Center

a) Alignment to MBDA Mission – Each proposed project should align, compliment, and support MBDA’s mission to promote the growth and global competitiveness of America’s MBE community.

b) Service Location - MBDA seeks to fund projects located in the defined locations;

however, a center may serve any U.S. minority business enterprises located in any U.S. state.

c) Services – Funded projects must align with the MBDA program objectives and

Notice of Federal Funding Page 5 of 44 priorities (I.A. and I.B. above). The projects must provide management and technical assistance (i.e., business consulting services) to MBE clients that support their respective business development and capacity building journey.

d) Performance – Funded projects shall be monitored on a regular basis to track progress.

The defined measures and goals are aligned to key outputs, outcomes, and impact under this program.

e) MBE Service Recipients - Organizations that are owned or controlled by the following persons or groups of persons are the organizations that are considered MBEs for the purpose of this NOFO: African-American, Hispanic-American, American Asian and Pacific Islander, Native American (including Alaska Natives, Alaska Native Corporations and Tribal entities), Asian Indian American, and Hasidic Jewish American. See 15 C.F.R. §§ 1400.1, 1400.2 and Executive Order 11625 (1969).

2. Performance Measures and Goals –In order to remain consistent with the Agency’s mission, applications should allow for the measurement of growth of MBEs. Applicants should plan projects that allow them to achieve and report goals noted below. These goals shall determine performance achievements and outcomes that result in direct benefit(s) to the clients served and alignment to the program priorities.

Measures Annual Goals Number of MBEs Served 100 Gross Revenues Generated $50,000,000 Percent Clients that Increase Profits 50% Value of Financing, Capital & Bonding $25,000,000 Value of Capacity Investments $25,000,000 Number of Jobs 250 Capacity Building Engagements 50-100 (See definitions below)

Number of MBEs Served: the actual number of MBEs served during a funding period. This measure shall include MBEs that are served with and without a client engagement. An MBE without a client engagement must complete a minimum intake package. An MBE client must complete an engagement package with the center for services (i.e. a client engagement form, client attestation form, client verification form, and client internal transaction verification attestation form). Note, the center may only take credit for performance if the MBE completes a minimum intake package or client engagement package. Additional instructions (i.e., handbook) for intake process will be provided at the Post Award conference.

Gross Revenue Generated: the total dollar value of sales achieved directly related to the

Notice of Federal Funding Page 6 of 44 assistance provided by the center to the engaged client. Gross revenue generated shall include one or more income generating event(s) such as (but not limited to) overall sales, service agreements, task orders, product requests that result in sales, successfully awarded contracts, and/or the total principal value of executed sales/delivery contracts of services/products/ intellectual rights and/or other binding financial considerations secured for clients of the center.

MBDA recognizes that the financial obligations evidenced by transactions may be long-term and require the delivery of goods and services over an extended period. In some cases, the agreements may have been awarded as indefinite demand indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts. Consequently, it is not necessary that the funds or other financial value specified under these agreements have actually changed hands for the center operator to receive credit.

In the case of multi-year and multiple-year awards (base and option years) and IDIQ contracts, the full contract value, including option years, can be claimed in the year the contract was signed. The period for claiming the amount of multi-year and multiple-year awards cannot exceed the performance period of the cooperative agreement.

Percent Clients that Increase in Profits: the measure of net financial gain from one period to another. The net financial gain is reported as a percentage only .The percentage of clients that report a net increase in profits after engagement with MBDA. The financial gain profit is generally derived from gross revenue less expenses, related to the operations of the business center.

Value of Financing, Capital, & Bonding: includes the total principal value of approved loans, lines of credit, trade credit, subordinated debt, bonds used to raise capital for the MBE, leases (property and equipment), specialized industry financing (e.g., equipment financing), export letters of credit, equity investments, capital formation, assets under management or other binding financial agreements secured by clients of the center, with the assistance of the center staff (with the exception of insurance or bonds used to provide insurance for contracts). For purposes of this performance element, eligible financial transactions are those that have a specific dollar value and that expand the client’s capital base/operations or that produce some other direct and immediate commercial benefit to the client.

Value of Capacity Investments: includes the dollar value of the client’s investment in land, building, infrastructure, technology, equipment, and affiliated costs that transition or transform the client’s ability to improve operation, service offerings, efficiencies, scalability, and production. Reporting under this category may be counted only if not counted in the “Value of Financing, Capital, & Bonding” category.

Number of Jobs: includes new jobs created and retained jobs.

New Jobs Created - are the number of new full time and/or part time employment

Notice of Federal Funding Page 7 of 44 opportunities reported on the client’s payroll during the funding year.

Retained Jobs - are the number of existing full time and/or part time employee positions retained and reported on the client’s payroll during the funding year. Job retention pertains to maintaining the status quo of persons employed by the client in lieu of subjective and objective decisions made by the client to reduce its work force due to economic conditions, lack of capital, failure to secure necessary contracts and/or sales (documentation will be needed to show that the client did not reduce the workforce as a result of the Center operations). Note, persons on paid sick leave, paid holiday, and paid vacations are included as employees, as are salaried officers and executives of corporations.

Capacity Building Engagements: the number of client engagements that results in the below qualitative and/or quantitative improvements. Minimum annual goals shall be 50 engagements (10 in each category) or 100 total engagements across all categories, whichever is achieved first.

Operation efficiencies – The adoption of plans and practices that reduce costs and increase revenues.

Risk management and liability – The identification and forecasting of potential risks, the development of a risk management plan, and the mitigation of risk. Examples include a professional risk analysis or an increase in liability thresholds.

Management team development – Includes initiatives that, from recruiting externally and developing internally, created a well-qualified and diverse executive leadership team for the client.

Financing – Securing new sources of capital, including both traditional finance and alternative finance, and debt and equity.

Technology and equipment – The acquisition and deployment of new technology or equipment that increases scalability. This can include technology/equipment that is either widely accepted, innovative, or both.

C. Program Authority

In the Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations bill, Congress authorized MBDA to provide funding through grants, contracts, and other agreements with public or private organizations.

See Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Pub. L. No. 116-260 (December 27, 2020).

MBDA is authorized pursuant to Executive Order 11625 to provide financial assistance to public and private organizations so that they may render technical and management assistance to minority business enterprises and defray all or part of the costs of pilot or demonstration projects conducted by public or private agencies or organizations which are

Notice of Federal Funding Page 8 of 44 designed to overcome the special challenges of minority business enterprises.

II. Award Information

A. Funding Availability

MBDA expects to expend approximately $14,300,000 in fiscal year (FY) 2021 funds for the financial assistance awards under this Announcement. MBDA anticipates making 36 awards under this announcement. The funding amount for each award in FY 2021 will range from $375,000 - $415,000. MBDA anticipates that up to $57,200,000 will be available in FY 2022 through FY 2026 to support continuation funding for this program. The funding amounts referenced in this NOFO are subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

Publication of this NOFO does not obligate the U.S. Department of Commerce or MBDA to award any specific cooperative agreement or to obligate all or any part of available funds.

B. Project/Award Period

MBDA will issue awards for a five-year term from July 1, 2021 – August 31, 2026.

Receipt of any prospective funding also is contingent upon the availability of funds from Congress, satisfactory performance, and continued relevance to program objectives and will be at the sole discretion of the Department of Commerce.

C. Type of Funding Instrument

Selected applicant(s) will receive funding through a cooperative agreement under this Announcement. After the award is made, MBDA staff may assist the project by means of a post-award conference, ongoing collaboration, and communication.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include: For-profit entities (including but not limited to sole-proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations), non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, commercial organizations, state and local government entities, Tribal governmental entities, and quasi-government entities.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Cost sharing is not required for Years 1 and 2 of the award (due to financial recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19). A non-federal cost share of 33% of the Federal

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Funding is required for years 3 -5.

C. Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility

None

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address to Request Application Package

All application materials and forms are available at the grants.gov website (http://www.grants.gov). Helpful competition materials such as FAQs can be found on the MBDA Internet Portal (www.mbda.gov).

B. Content and Form of Application

General Requirements. The application must provide sufficient information for the agency to make a determination of merit of the proposal. Each applicant’s proposal must describe in detail the programmatic deliverables that address “Agency Requirements for the Center” (See Section I.B.1 above) as well as meet content requirements below.

1. Content Requirements

a) A Complete Application - An application must be submitted for each proposal under this Announcement. Applications should include the elements for each section as described below in order to be eligible for the maximum consideration. Applications that fail to include all the necessary elements may not be reviewed or considered and may be disqualified (see Section V. Application Review Information). A complete application should contain the following:

(1) Title Page (One (1) page limit) At a minimum, the application title page must provide the applicant’s name, address, telephone number, email address, date of submission, and the Funding Opportunity Number.

Applicants are also encouraged to provide the following additional information: project’s title, total budget, start and end dates, and the names, affiliations, complete mailing addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of all persons affiliated with the proposal.

(2) Table of Contents (One (1) page limit) Under the Table of Contents, applicants should outline the full contents of the application

Notice of Federal Funding Page 10 of 44 and provide corresponding page numbers. All pages of the application must be consecutively numbered.

(3) Applicant Narrative (Ten (10) page limit)

A detailed narrative with defined sections as described below.

a) Project Description: The applicant should fully describe and explain the project being proposed, including:

(1) A detailed description of the business development services that will be provided to MBEs and how those are aligned with MBDA’s objectives and priorities (IA, IB).

(2) The specific geographic service area and location for the business center.

(3) An implementation timeline, over the entire period of performance that will be used to accomplish the business development objectives and work requirements.

(4) The Business Center organizational structure, operational processes, and procedures that will be deployed to accomplish the business development objectives and ensure customer satisfaction and financial solvency.

(5) Identification and description of key stakeholders and partners that will be leveraged to accomplish the business development objectives. If the Applicant proposes to leverage third-party partnerships and their respective resources to accomplish the proposed project under this NOFO, the Applicant will need to provide proof of commitment by the third party as an attached document in the proposal.

(6) Specific marketing strategies to reach large quantities of MBEs, recruit MBE clients, and expand visibility of the business development services offered by the Applicant and

MBDA.

b) Applicant Capability: The applicant must present information describing the experience and qualifications of the organization to carry out the proposal. The application should include the following information.

(1) Organization/Company Profile: A concise summary of the Applicant’s organization, its mission and programs, past experience with similar projects or services as those proposed, and a list of previous or current projects or services relevant to the proposal.

(2) Organizational Background. An overview that emphasizes the applicant’s knowledge of strategies for enhancing growth, expansion, and capacity building of businesses; and, accomplishments dealing with the specific issues facing business enterprises.

(3) Organizational Structure. A chart showing the Applicant’s organizational structure, including a functional statement noting the duties and/or responsibilities of all units that will comprise the organization during the period for which the proposal applies. Applicants must also provide a brief narrative outlining the reporting structure and/or governance of the

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Business Center and the financial operation of the organization.

(4) Biographies or Resumes for Major Participant(s). The Applicant should provide a one-page bio or resume showing relevant experience of the Applicant’s key leader(s), for example: President/CEO to oversee the success of the proposed project.

(5) Proof of Capability. Applicants also are encouraged to provide proof of capability such as, but not limited to, public records of accomplishments, public citations, and/or letters of referrals/recommendations as attachments in the proposal.

c) Project Goals and Objectives: The applicant must provide annual goals for each year of the proposal; including a break-down of the goals in semi-annual increments (e.g. first six-months and twelve-months). The Applicant should include the following:

1) A detailed description of the methodology or evidence that was used to propose the semi-annual and annual goals; and identification of key assumptions and/or risks that may impact the Applicant’s ability to meet or exceed the goals.

(2) Proposed contingency plans and/or strategies for meeting goals if or when Applicant falls behind in meeting program objectives.

(3) The organization’s process for monitoring the accomplishment of goals and objectives.

(4) Supporting Documents Literature Cited (if applicable). The applicant may provide additional information that supports the proposed project. If submitted, literature cited in the proposal may support scoring under the Applicant Narrative – Project Description criterion as noted above.

(5) Standard Forms (SF) and Budget Narrative for all 5 years The applicant must provide the required SF, attachments, and budget information as described in the section below.

(a) Standard Application Forms. Please refer to the application package available through www.Grants.gov. Please review each form to determine which is required with a submission.

Each applicant may not be required to submit all forms listed, depending on the project type or the applicant type.

(i) Signed SF-424. The SF-424 must be signed by the authorized representative.

Electronic signatures submitted through grants.gov satisfy this requirement. One form will cover all funding periods.

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

(iii) SF-424B. Assurances for Non-Construction Programs. Budget Narrative Must be completed and submitted for all non-construction applications.

(iv) SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.

(v) Commerce Department (CD)-511. Certification Regarding Lobbying. Certification

Notice of Federal Funding Page 12 of 44 regarding debarment, suspension, and other responsibility matters, drug free workplace requirements, and lobbying.

(b) Budget Breakdown. The applicant must submit the SF-424 (application package) and initial breakout via the SF-424A form (SF-424A non-construction, as appropriate). The applicant must indicate matching funds if provided in the appropriate areas of the SF-424 and SF424A. Costs must align.

(c) Budget Narrative. The applicant must provide a detailed justification for all budget items in sufficient detail to enable the proposal reviewers to evaluate the appropriateness of the funding requested (e.g. staffing, infrastructure, work activities, materials and supplies, equipment, etc.). The budget justification must be broken-out and detailed using the same budget categories as the SF-424A. All costs must align.

(d) Required Travel Item(s). Each applicant should include travel costs for (2) key personnel to attend the events included below. In the event that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause limitations on travel and gatherings, the events will be virtual.

(i) Minority Enterprise Development Week

(ii) National Training Conference

(iii) NOAA Grants Management Workshop (Years 1&3 virtually) All of the applicant’s proposed expenditures for the project must be broken-down into their individual units and discussed. The budget narrative must match the proposed line item budget (as found in the SF-424A). The budget narrative must also align with work activities, goals, staffing, and other proposed resources. Fringe benefits and other percentage item calculations must match the SF-424A for the proposal

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance will be used to determine allowable costs and will apply to the entire amount of the award, including both the federal and non-federal costs. See Uniform Guidance: Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), 2 CFR Part 200 (2015).

Please refer to section VIII. “Other Information” of this Announcement for additional information pertaining to required travel.

(6) Format Requirements All pages should be single-spaced and should be composed in at least 11-point font with one-inch margins on 8-1/2 inch x 11 inch paper. The total proposal shall not exceed 20 pages, including the title page, table of contents, applicant narrative, literature cited, budget narrative, letters of support or letters of commitment (if any), and organizational structure.

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The following items are not included in the 20-page limit: resumes/bios of key personnel and required forms. Failure to follow the requirements may result in the rejection of the application. Any PDF or other attachments that are included in an electronic application must meet the above format requirement when printed.

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

Each applicant (unless the applicant is eligible for an exemption under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or an exception approved by the MBDA under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:

during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by MBDA (or any other Federal agency).

MBDA may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time MBDA is ready to make the award, MBDA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

D. Submission Dates and Times

All proposals must be received on or before March 17, 2021 at 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time (E.T). Applications may be submitted starting from the publication date of this NOFO up to the deadline above. Applications received after this time will not be reviewed or considered for funding. Applications must be submitted electronically via www.grants.gov.

The electronic submission will receive a date and time stamp at www.grants.gov and will be processed after it is fully uploaded. Applicants should anticipate receiving confirmation of successful submission within forty-eight (48) hours. It is imperative that applicants obtain this confirmation as proof of successful submission. Waiting to submit an application until the end of the competition period puts an application at risk; be sure to allow ample time.

E. Intergovernmental Review

Applications under this project are not subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

F. Funding Restrictions

Applicants requesting an indirect cost rate (IDC) are required to submit a copy of their current and signed indirect cost rate agreement with the application package.

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If an applicant does not have a current Facilities and Administrative (Indirect) Cost Rate Agreement that was negotiated and approved by the Department of Commerce (or by the applicable cognizant Federal agency), please provide a statement to this effect. The applicant must prepare and submit a cost allocation plan and rate proposal or a negotiated indirect cost rate as required by 2 CFR Part 200 “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.” See 2 CFR § 200.414. The allocation plan and the rate proposal must be submitted to MBDA (or applicable cognizant Federal agency) within ninety (90) days from the award start date.

Alternatively, in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414(f), a non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs. Applicants proposing a 10 percent de minimis rate pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.414(f) should note this election as part of the budget and budget narrative portion of the application.

Indirect costs proposed under the award must be clearly identified as a separate budget line-item.

G. Other Submission Requirements

The time it takes to completely upload an application will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the application, the speed of the applicant’s Internet connection, and the time it takes www.grants.gov to process the application. If www.grants.gov rejects the application, the applicant must resubmit the entire application and receive a date and time stamp from www.grants.gov. The www.grants.gov time stamp will be considered the date and time of submission receipt. Before beginning to apply through www.grants.gov, please review the application instructions posted at www.grants.gov and in this NOFO.

1. Grants.gov Registration - To submit an application through www.grants.gov, you must register for a user ID and password. This process can take between three to five business days and up to four weeks if all steps are not completed correctly. Information about the registration process can be found at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.

Before applying, your organization needs to register with Grants.gov, which requires appointing one or more Authorized Organization Representatives (AOR). Applicants should register as organizations, not individuals. You must register an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) for your organization. The AORs registered at www.grants.gov are the only officials with the authority to submit applications for your organization. Your organization may authorize multiple AORs for www.grants.gov purposes. Below are

Notice of Federal Funding Page 15 of 44 instructions for registering as an organization.

2. Electronic Submission - The electronic submission date is the date that applications have been submitted electronically and received by www.Grants.gov. Proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that www.Grants.gov receives your application. You must save and print the proof of submission from/on www.Grants.gov. If problems occur while using www.Grants.gov, the applicant is advised to (i) print any error message received and (ii) call www.Grants.gov at 1-800-518-4726 for immediate assistance.

If you experience a grants.gov “systems issue” (technical problems or glitches with the grants.gov website) that you believe threatens your ability to complete a submission, you must (i) print any error message received and (ii) call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1- 800-518-4726 for immediate assistance. Ensure that you obtain and document a case number regarding your communications with grants.gov.

Important note: problems with an applicant organization’s computer system or equipment are not considered “systems issues.” Similarly, an applicant’s failure to: (i) complete the required registration, (ii) ensure that a registered AOR submits the application, or (iii) receive an email message from grants.gov are not considered systems issues. A grants.gov “systems issue” is an issue occurring in connection with the operations of grants.gov system, such as the temporary loss of the service by grants.gov due to unexpected volume of traffic or failure of information technology systems, both of which are highly unlikely.

Confirmation of successful submission requires 48 hours. Applicants are advised to review the Grants.gov tutorial to minimize risk of an unsuccessful submission. Please visit http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-tools-and-tips.html.

3. Returning Grants.Gov Users - Organizations already registered with Grants.gov do not need to re-register, but the organization must maintain a current System for Award Management (SAM) registration (formerly Central Contractor Registration (CCR)). If the applicant’s SAM registration is not up-to-date the application will not be accepted by Grants.gov. An applicant’s CCR username will not work in SAM. Applicants must create a new SAM user account to renew or update registration. To obtain additional information and to verify that all required registrations are current, please visit www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM. SAM is the official U.S. Government system that consolidated the capabilities of CCR Federal Agency Registration (FedReg), Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA), and Excluded Parties List System

(EPLS).

Potential applicants should begin registration early, as the complete registration process

Notice of Federal Funding Page 16 of 44 takes between three business days and three weeks. Before applying for a funding opportunity, your organization needs to register with grants.gov and assign one or more Authorized Organization Representatives (AOR). We recognize registration activities take extra time; however, this is part of the security process the U.S. Government must use to prevent fraud and abuse of funds. The Grants.gov application process is outlined below.

Obtain a DUNS Number. Call 1-866-705-5711 or access the Dun & Bradstreet website http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform (1-2 business days).

Register with SAM. Access https://www.sam.gov. You'll also need the authorizing official of your organization and an Employer Identification Number (EIN) (7-10 business days).

Create Grants.gov Username and Password. Complete your Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) profile and create your username and password. You will need to use your organization's DUNS Number (same day).

Authorize the AOR. Request approval, then your organization's E-Biz POC must log in to Grants.gov to confirm you as an AOR (same day).

Track AOR Status. Log in to Grants.gov and look at the Applicant welcome box for your current status (same day).

Download an application package. Use Funding Opportunity Number MBDA-OBD-2021- 2006809 and Download a Grant Application Package (same day).

Complete your application package. Write your proposal and fill out ALL the required forms, fields, and certifications (allow 3 days).

Submit your application package. Access your completed application package, ensure all the necessary information is entered, check the package for errors, then click the "Save & Submit" button on the cover page (3 days).

Track my application package. Enter the tracking number you received after Step 8 and click the "Submit Tracking Number(s)" button. Note, confirmation of successful submission may require 48 hours (allow 2 days).

www.grants.gov

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V. Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

The successful applicant will possess experience that is relevant and related to the area(s) covered by MBDA’s Priorities (see section I.B.). Each application will be evaluated based on “Agency Requirements for the Center” (see section I.B.1), and the evaluation criteria included below. It is also anticipated (although not mandatory) that the mission of the successful applicant organization will align with the mission of MBDA. The successful applicant also will ensure alignment of budget, resources, objectives, outcomes or goals, and timelines to accomplish the proposed project.

1. Applicant Narrative (65 points) - This section of the project proposal will be evaluated on the criteria identified below.

a) Project Description (25 Points). The applicant should fully describe and explain the project being proposed, including:

(1) A detailed description of the business development services that will be provided to MBEs and how these services are aligned with MBDA’s priorities (IA, IB). (7 points)

(2) The specific geographic service area and location for the business enter. (2 points)

(3) An implementation timeline, covering the entire period of performance, that will be used to accomplish the business development objectives and work requirements. (5 points)

(4) The Business Center organizational structure, operational processes, and procedures that will be deployed to accomplish the business development objectives and ensure customer satisfaction and financial solvency. (4 points)

(5) Identification and description of key stakeholders and partners that will be leveraged to accomplish the business development objectives. If the Applicant proposes to leverage third-party partnerships and their respective resources to accomplish the proposed project under this NOFO, the Applicant will need to provide proof of commitment by the third party as an attachment to the proposal. (4 points)

(6) Specific marketing strategies to reach large quantities of MBEs, recruit MBE clients, and expand visibility of the business development services offered by the Applicant and MBDA. (3 points)

b) Applicant Capability (25 points). The applicant must present information describing the experience and qualifications of the organization to carry out the proposal. The application should include the following information.

(1) Organization/Company Profile . A concise summary of the Applicant’s organization, its mission and programs, past experience projects or services similar to those proposed, and

Notice of Federal Funding Page 18 of 44 a list of previous or current projects or services relevant to the proposal. (7 points)

(2) Organizational Background. An overview that emphasizes the applicant’s knowledge of strategies for enhancing growth, expansion and capacity building of businesses; and, accomplishments dealing with the specific issues facing business enterprises. (7 points)

(3) Organizational Structure. A chart showing the Applicant’s organizational structure, including a functional statement noting the duties and/or responsibilities of all units that will comprise the organization during the period for which the proposal applies. Applicants also must provide a brief narrative outlining the reporting structure and/or governance of the Business Center and the financial operation of the organization. (3 points)

(4) Biographies or Resumes for Major Participant(s). The Applicant should provide a one-page bio or resume showing relevant experience of the Applicant’s key leader(s), for example: President/CEO to oversee the success of the proposed project. (2 points)

(5) Proof of Capability. Applicants are also encouraged to provide proof of capability such as, but not limited to, public records of accomplishments, public citations, and/or letters of referrals/recommendations as attachments in the proposal. (6 points)

c) Project Goals and Objectives (15 points). The applicant must provide annual goals for each year of the proposal, including a break-down of the goals in semi-annual increments (e.g. first six-months and twelve-months). The Applicant should include the following:

(1) A detailed description of the methodology or evidence that was used to propose the semi-annual and annual goals; and identification of key assumptions and/or risks that may impact the Applicant’s ability to meet or exceed the goals. (5 points)

(2) Proposed contingency plans and/or strategies for meeting goals if or when Applicant falls behind in meeting program objectives. (7 points)

(3) The organization’s process for monitoring the accomplishment of goals and objectives. (3 points)

Evaluation Criteria Points Project Description (up to 25 points) Applicant Capability (up to 25 points) Project Goals and Objectives (up to 15 points)

Applicant Narrative Total 65

2. Applicant Budget (35 points) - This section of the proposal will use the Standard Forms and Budget Narrative to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and appropriateness of the funding requested. Applicants should ensure each budget item is described fully so that there is no ambiguity or question regarding its relevance or reasonableness to the project and

Notice of Federal Funding Page 19 of 44 its objectives.

a) Budget Breakdown (15 points). The applicant must submit the SF-424 (application package) and initial breakout via the SF-424A form (SF-424A non-construction, as appropriate). The applicant must indicate matching funds if provided in the appropriate areas of the SF-424 and SF424A. Costs must align.

b) Budget Narrative (20 points). The applicant must provide a detailed justification for all budget items in sufficient detail to enable the proposal reviewers to evaluate the appropriateness of the funding requested (e.g. staffing, infrastructure, work activities, materials and supplies, equipment, etc.). The budget justification must be broken-out and detailed using the same budget categories as the SF-424A. All costs must align. Please note: For Required Travel Item (s), each applicant should include travel costs for key personnel to attend the events listed below. In the event that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause limitations on travel and gatherings, the event will be virtual.

(1) Minority Enterprise Development Week Program

(2) MBDA National Training Conference

(3) NOAA Grants Management Workshop (years 1 & 3 virtually)

Evaluation Criteria Points Budget Breakdown (up to 15 points) Budget Narrative (up to 20 points) Applicant Budget Total 35

Total Available Application Points 100

All applications must adhere to the submission guidelines provided in this section and section IV.B.1.a), “A Complete Application.” Omissions will result in the deduction of points from the final score according to the table below up to and including disqualification of the entire application.

Mandatory Item Failure to Adhere Shall Result In Title Page (5 Point Deduction) Table of Contents (5 Point Deduction) Applicant Narrative (Disqualification) Budget Narrative (Disqualification) Required Standard Forms (SF) and Attachments (Disqualification)

All project proposals will be evaluated and applicant(s) will be selected based on the level at which the proposal addresses the evaluation criteria above, less any points deducted for

Notice of Federal Funding Page 20 of 44 failure to include the mandatory items noted above.

B. Review and Selection Process

1. Initial Screening – Prior to the formal review process, each application will receive an initial administrative screening to ensure that all required forms, signatures, and documents are present. An application will not be evaluated by the review panel if:

a) The application is received after the closing date;

b) The application package is not complete;

c) The project synopsis/description fails to address program objectives (see Section I.B, “Program Priorities” and Section I.B.1, “Agency Requirements for the Center”);

d) The application falls within the scope of an existing MBDA competitive program or announcement for Federal Funding or duplicates a project previously awarded; or

e) The principal purpose of the activities in the application is to provide a direct benefit or service to MBDA and not to MBEs.

2. MBDA Merit Review Panel - Each responsive application will receive an independent, merit review by a panel qualified to evaluate the applications submitted based on the published criteria. The review panel will consist of at least three (3) individuals, all of whom could be a combination of full-time federal employees and/or non-federal civilians at least one of whom will be an MBDA employee. Each reviewer shall evaluate and provide individual scores for each proposal based on the criteria set out in this Section (see Application Review Information, above) for a maximum of 100 points. The Applicant Narrative section of the application will be eligible for a total of 65 points; the Applicant Budget section will be eligible for 35 points. The review panel may discuss the application(s) but will not provide a consensus on scores for each applicant. Each application will be reviewed against the criteria individually.

Prior to review by the panel, MBDA will sort all applications into groups according to geographic service area. The review panel will review and rank the applications within each geographically designated group such that each group will have its own final ranking.

Applications will be ranked by averaging the scores of all reviewers for each application.

The Chairperson of the merit review panel will be responsible for averaging reviewers’ scores, collating reviewer comments, and completing an evaluation. Applications that receive an overall average of 75 points or more will be considered for funding. Applications receiving an average score of 60 to 74 points will be given a second consideration for funding if the panel requests additional information or clarification and if the applicant is able to respond to the panel’s request for additional information/clarification within an allotted time. Thereafter, the merit review panel may rescore these applications.

Notice of Federal Funding Page 21 of 44

Applications receiving fewer than 60 points will not be considered for funding.

C. Selection Factors

The ranked applications receiving an initial average score of 75 points or higher or applications given a second consideration (as noted above) will be forwarded to the Program Manager for review and consideration of the merit panel evaluation and overall average score. Upon completion, the Program Manager will forward funding recommendations to the Selecting Official.

The MBDA National Director is the MBDA Selecting Official and makes the final recommendation to the Grants Officer regarding the funding of applications under this Announcement. The Selecting Official will recommend funding for applications evaluated as meritorious based on the final ranking according to each geographic service area group as prepared by the Merit Review Panel; however, the Selecting Official may recommend an application for an award outside of the rank order recommended by the Merit Review Panel based on one or more of the following selection factors: the availability of funds, Presidential, Department of Commerce, or MBDA priorities; and geographic distribution of centers and/or geographic region/area served by the center.

Prior to making a final recommendation for funding to the Grants Officer, MBDA may conduct negotiations with an applicant regarding the elements of the application and/or may request that the applicant provide written clarifications regarding its application.

D. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Anticipated time for processing awards is one hundred twenty (120) days from the receipt of applications. MBDA anticipates that the awards under this NOFO will be made with start dates of July 1, 2021. Successful applicants may be eligible for pre-award costs.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

The notice of award (CD-450) is executed by the Department of Commerce Grants Officer and is the authorizing document. It is generally provided electronically via the Grants Online system to the Authorized Representative of the recipient organization.