MBDA Rural Business Center Program.pdf

MBDA Rural Business Center Program NOFO

Funding Opportunity Number MBDA-OBC-2025-1002158

FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity

MBDA Rural Business Center Program

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Federal Awarding

Agency Name

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)

Funding Opportunity

Title MBDA Rural Business Center Program

Announcement Type

Initial: This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is publishing application submission requirements and application review procedures for MBDA’s Rural Business Center Program through which MBDA plans to award five-year cooperative agreements to eligible entities to operate MBDA Rural Business

Centers.

Funding Opportunity

Number

MBDA-OBC-2025-1002158

Assistance Listing

Number(s)

11.805 Minority Business Center

Key Dates and

Application Submission

Instructions

Email of Intent Deadline: Due February 12, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The Email of Intent is voluntary but strongly encouraged. Applicants who decide to submit

Emails of Intent must email them to RBC@mbda.gov as explained in Section III.D of the NOFO.

Application Deadline: Due March 17, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.

Eastern Standard Time. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered.

All proposals must be received on or before the application deadline. Applications may be submitted starting from the publication date of this NOFO up to the deadline above. Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed or considered for funding. Applications must be submitted electronically via grants.gov.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring the completeness of their application.

mailto:RBC@mbda.gov

Funding Opportunity

Description

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, through the Rural MBDA

Business Center Program, will provide awards to support technical assistance, capacity building, and entrepreneurial development services to rural Minority Business Enterprises

(RMBEs) at all stages, from ideation to maturity.

Cost Share and

Match

Requirements

The eligible applicant shall provide a cost share or match of 20% of the total amount of Federal funding to be made available for the award. See Section III.B, below.

Eligible Applicants

Under the MBDA Act (15 USC 9551), eligible applicants are limited to:

(1) a “minority-serving institution” (as defined by 15 U.S.C.

9551(5)), or

(2) a “consortium of higher education institutions that is led by a minority-serving institution.”

Under 15 U.S.C. 9551(5), the term “minority-serving institution” is defined as an institution described in any of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher

Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)) (detailed below).

Note: In a consortium application, there must be a designated lead applicant; the lead applicant would enter into the award agreement with MBDA and assume primary operational and financial responsibility for completing the project should an award be made.

The lead applicant must be a “minority-serving institution” as defined by 15 U.S.C. 9551(5).

Requests from individuals will not be considered for funding.

See Section III.A, below.

Pre-Application

Technical Assistance

Webinars and Frequently

Asked Questions (FAQ)

Document

MBDA will conduct a series of pre-application technical assistance webinars with focus areas noted below. These webinars are designed to help prospective applicants understand the

Program so they can prepare competitive grant applications.

• Webinar I – Competition overview, Program priorities and objectives, key dates

• Webinar II – Application review criteria

• Webinar III – Budget best practices and pitfalls to avoid, measuring success and performance

Dates and times for the webinars listed above and any additional webinars will be posted on the MBDA website.

Participants should register at least 24 hours in advance of the webinars. Please visit the MBDA website at www.mbda.gov to register and view recordings of the webinars, as well as other additional information.

MBDA will post responses to questions in a compilation of

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on its website to respond to questions. The FAQ will be updated regularly throughout the application period.

Webinar participants can submit questions for possible MBDA inclusion in the FAQs. In addition, applicants may send questions to MBDA via email at RBC@mbda.gov. Please note that MBDA will not provide individual responses to questions.

Award Notification

If selected for potential award and approved by the Grants Officer, the applicant can anticipate receiving an award within approximately 150 calendar days of the closing date of the NOFO.

http://www.mbda.gov/

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Program Description

A. Program Objectives and Priorities

B. Statutory Authority

II. Award Information

A. Funding Availability

B. Project/Award Period

C. Type of Funding Instrument

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

A. Cost Share or Matching Requirement

B. Other Criteria That May Affect Eligibility

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address to Request Application Package

B. Content and Form of Application

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

D. Submission Dates and Times

E. Intergovernmental Review

F. Funding Restrictions

G. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

B. Review and Selection Process

C. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

B. Reporting

VII. Agency Contact(s)

VIII. Other Information

A. Conferences

B. Collaboration with MBDA

C. Past Performance and Non-Compliance with Award Provisions

D. Limitation of Liability

E. Audit Costs

F. Right to Use Information

G. Freedom of Information Act Disclosure

H. NOFO Changes Communicated on Grants.gov

APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS

APPENDICES

I. Program Description

A. Program Objectives and Priorities

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), a bureau of the U.S. Department of

Commerce (DOC), will provide awards to eligible entities to operate MBDA Rural Business

Centers (“RBCs” or “Centers”). RBCs will provide technical assistance, capacity building and entrepreneurial development services to businesses in rural areas throughout all phases of the business process, from ideation to launch and growth. Specifically, RBCs will provide services to Rural Minority Business Enterprises (“RBEs”), defined as (1) MBEs located in a rural area (as defined by 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)1); or (2) MBEs that are located more than 50 miles from an MBDA

Business Center. See 15 U.S.C. 9551-9552.2 An RMBE could range from the ideation stage (e.g., pre-start-up) to any level of revenue and profitability.

In accordance with the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 (“the Act”), MBDA is soliciting competitive applications from eligible entities for the operation of RBCs as described in this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Eligible applicants may be a “minority serving institution” (as defined by 15 U.S.C. 9551) or a consortium of institutions of higher education led by a “minority-serving institution”. See 15 U.S.C. 9551-9552.

The Act established key priorities for this Program designed to overcome the unique challenges faced by RMBEs. In addition to providing technical assistance, capacity building, and entrepreneurial development services to RMBEs, RBCs also will serve as a resource navigator to help strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and support RMBEs with issues related to:

• Adoption and accessibility of broadband internet access

• Digital literacy skills

• Leveraging e-commerce

• Advanced manufacturing

• Promoting trade and export opportunities

• Securing financial capital

• Facilitating entrepreneurship in rural areas

• Creating jobs in rural areas

• The promotion of manufacturing in the United States

• The promotion of agriculture

• Helping RMBEs meet gaps in the supply chain of critical supplies and essential goods and services for the United States

• Improving the connectivity of Rural businesses through transportation and logistics, and

1 The term “rural area” is defined from section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7

U.S.C. 1991(a)) as a city or town that has a population of fewer than 50,000 inhabitants and is not an urbanized area adjacent to and contiguous with a city or town that has more than 50,000 inhabitants.

2 For this Program, “rural minority business enterprise” incorporates the definition of “minority business enterprise”

(MBE) set forth at 15 U.S.C. 9501(9).

• Any other issue relating to the unique challenges faced by rural minority business enterprises.

See 15 U.S.C. 9552(c).

A RBC may be located in any U.S. state or territory and must provide services that benefit

RMBEs.

Rural Business Center Program Requirements

a) Each proposed Center must align, complement, and support priorities to promote the growth and global competitiveness of America’s RMBEs. The applicant should demonstrate how they will leverage public and private sector resources, strategic partnerships and alliances, and inherent resources available through their academic institutions, consortium(s), partnership(s) and/or subcontractors that will further support RMBEs through training, consulting and development.

b) Service Population and Area – MBDA seeks to fund projects with clearly defined geographic service areas; however, a Center may serve any RMBE located in any U.S. state or territory.

c) Services – Funded projects must align with the MBDA program objectives and priorities in this Section (i.e., Section I.A of the NOFO). The Center must provide management and technical assistance (i.e., business consulting services, business training services, business triage and referral) to RMBE clients that support their respective entrepreneurial development and capacity building journey. The Center will provide education, training, legal, financial, and technical assistance to RMBEs directly and/or through partner(s).

d) Performance – Funded projects shall be monitored regularly to track progress. The defined measures and goals are aligned to key outputs, outcomes, and impact under this program.

Applicants must provide clear evidence of impact and justification for any goals and measures they are requested to define.

B. Statutory Authority

The statutory authority for the MBDA Rural Business Center Program is 15 U.S.C. § 9551-9552.

II. Award Information

A. Funding Availability

In fiscal year (FY) 2025, MBDA expects to obligate approximately $4 million for multi-year financial assistance awards made under this NOFO for the selected proposals; the awards, which

MBDA anticipates funding annually, will have an overall five-year period of performance. MBDA anticipates making approximately 10 awards under this NOFO.

The funding amount for each award in FY 2025 will be approximately $400,000. MBDA anticipates that an equivalent amount will be available in FY 2026 through FY 2029 to support continuation of the program for the subsequent budget periods (12 months each) of the selected projects.

Receipt of any prospective funding is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds, satisfactory performance, and continued relevance to program objectives and will be at the sole discretion of MBDA. In addition, MBDA may terminate an award, and thereby decline to fund future years, for failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the award or if an award no longer effectuates MBDA’s program goals or priorities. Publication of this NOFO does not obligate 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

Subject to availability of funding, MBDA expects to issue awards for a total period of performance of five years from August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2030. The initial budget year will be

12 months. Subsequent budget years will be for 12-month terms, as outlined below.

C. Type of Funding Instrument

Funding will be made through a cooperative agreement. After the award is made, MBDA will be substantially involved in the activities of this Program, including but not limited to the following anticipated activities:

• Providing training relating to the purpose of this Program, eligible activities, and program performance measures.

• Requiring recipients to participate in a pre-implementation conference with MBDA to review the proposed services and performance measures that the recipient will provide and measure.

• Providing necessary guidance and facilitating collaborations with other MBDA programs and initiatives.

• Establishing processes and rules regarding appropriate referrals within the RBC Program.

• Facilitating collaborations with DOC programs and other federal agency programs as appropriate.

• Monitoring activities carried out by the awardee, including by soliciting feedback from enrolled RMBEs.

• Conducting periodic Program evaluations and providing findings for improvement.

• Funding and participating in a comprehensive evaluation of the MBDA Rural Business

Center Program conducted by a third-party evaluator.

• Establishing and enforcing administrative, communications, and reporting requirements for each awardee.

Budget Year Fiscal Year Months Start and End Dates

Year 1 FY25 12 months August 1, 2025 July 31, 2026

Year 2 FY26 12 months August 1, 2026 July 31, 2027

Year 3 FY27 12 months August 1, 2027 July 31, 2027

Year 4 FY28 12 months August 1, 2028 July 31, 2029

Year 5 FY29 12 months August 1, 2029 July 31, 2030

• Providing access to and training for a performance management reporting system.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Under the MBDA Act (15 U.S.C. 9551), eligible applicants are limited to:

(1) a “minority-serving institution” (as defined by 15 U.S.C. 9551(5)), or

(2) a consortium of higher education institutions that is led by a minority-serving institution.

Under 15 U.S.C. 9551(5), the term “minority-serving institution” is defined as an institution described in any of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of

1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)). Therefore, for the purposes of this Program, a “minority-serving institution” is limited to:

▪ a Historically Black College or University (see definition of “part B institution” in 20

U.S.C. 1061(2));

▪ a Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1101a);

▪ a Tribal College or University (as defined in 20 U.S.C 1059c);

▪ an Alaska Native-serving institution or a Native Hawaiian-serving institution (as defined in 20 U.S.C.1059d(b));

▪ a Predominantly Black Institution (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1067q(c));

▪ an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1067q(c)); or

▪ a Native American-serving nontribal institution (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1067q(c)).

Note: In a consortium application, there must be a designated lead applicant; the lead applicant would enter into the award agreement with MBDA and assume primary operational and financial responsibility for completing the project should an award be made. For this Program, the lead applicant must be a “minority-serving institution” as defined by 15 U.S.C. 9551(5).

MBDA is not authorized to provide cooperative agreements to individuals under this NOFO, and such requests will not be considered for funding.

A. Cost Share or Matching Requirement

A non-Federal cost share of 20% of the Federal funding is required for each budget year. All cost sharing or matching must be consistent with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.306. Awardees may meet the non-Federal matching requirement by using (i) cash or in-kind contributions, without regard to whether the contribution is made by a third party if the contributions meet the requirements in 2 CFR 200.306(b)(1)-(7); and (ii) Federal funds received from other Federal programs only if those programs allow funding to be used for cost sharing purposes. If contributions include Federal funds received from other Federal programs, the applicant must https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 attest that such program funding may be used for cost sharing purposes. In-kind contributions must be documented and must be directed towards eligible project costs and meet applicable

Federal cost principles and other requirements of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR Part 200.

Revenue may be, but is not required to be, generated from fees for service, client fees, membership fees, or other appropriate fees associated with services or activities funded through this Program as long as they are approved by MBDA. Any income generated may be used towards the matching requirement unless the matching requirement is met from other cash or in-kind sources. Any income generated in excess of the matching requirement must be used to carry out the activities of the program authorized by the award (2 C.F.R. 200.307(e)(2)). Awardees cannot charge fees so high that Program-funded services and activities are not accessible to a broad range of RMBEs.

In accordance with 15 U.S.C. 9552(b)(2)(B), MBDA may determine, based upon a demonstration by the applicant of substantial need, that the applicant shall not be required to provide the full match with respect to the funding to be provided. To qualify for a lower match requirement or no match requirement, an applicant must submit a request with the application, including a justification for the waiver, supporting documentation, and the amount being sought.

B. Other Criteria That May 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 will be made available on the MBDA website (www.mbda.gov).

B. Content and Form of Application

Applications for the Program must be complete and follow the format described in this NOFO. A complete application packet consists of the following forms and required submissions described below. Applications that fail to include all the necessary elements may not be reviewed or considered and may be disqualified.

Required Application Content

1 Project Abstract One (1) page limit

2 Project Narrative Twenty (20) page limit https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.307 http://www.grants.gov/

Required Application Content

3 Supporting Documents (i.e., letters of commitment, resumes)

4 Standard Forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)

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

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs)

• CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying)

• SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) (if applicable)

5 Budget Narrative

7 Indirect Cost Rate (ICR) Agreement Documentation (if applicable)

8 Project Performance Worksheet (see Section IV.2.c, below, for requirements)

1. Project Abstract (One (1) page limit)

At a minimum, the project abstract page must provide the applicant’s name, address, telephone number, email address, date of submission, project executive summary, brief description of project goals (the intended impact and what the applicant hopes to accomplish), and the Funding

Opportunity Number. Applicants should also provide the following additional information: the project title, total budget, start and end dates, and the names, affiliations, complete mailing addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of all key person(s) who will lead the project the proposal. Note: The executive summary should be no more than 250 words and include a description of the proposed services and activities as well as the priorities that will be addressed.

If your application is selected for funding, MBDA may publish this executive summary, or portions of it, on its or other relevant websites and via social media. See Appendix B for a template.

2. Project Narrative (Twenty (20) page limit)

All applications must contain a detailed project narrative with defined sections as described below. All pages of the application must be consecutively numbered. Material beyond 20 pages may not be read or considered. Applicants are encouraged to provide a clear and concise narrative that includes a compelling justification for the project and articulates the needs of the geographic area, the efficacy of the proposed services and activities, and RMBEs to be served.

3. Project Description: The applicant should fully describe and explain what is being proposed, including:

i. The geographic region where services will be provided and a clear description of RMBE needs in that region. This section must include the applicant’s planned location for the Center and a rationale justifying the location of the

Center. The location and geographic area should directly correspond to

Questions 14 and 16 on the SF-424. (see Section V.A.1.a (i.e., Evaluation

Criterion 1.a))

ii. A detailed description of the proposed approach that will be utilized

(including what services will be provided, how they will be provided, and the types of businesses that will be served – e.g., ideation phase entrepreneurs, growth-stage businesses, any industries of focus, etc.) and how it will meet the needs of RMBEs in the region. Proposed approaches and services must address the Program’s priorities and objectives (see Section I.A, above). As part of this section, Applicants must demonstrate an understanding, backed by data, of RMBE needs. (see Section V.A.1.b (i.e., Evaluation Criterion 1.b))

iii. Identification and description of key stakeholders and partners that will be leveraged to accomplish the Program’s objectives. If the Applicant proposes to leverage third-party partnerships and their respective resources to accomplish the proposed project under this NOFO, the Applicant must provide proof of commitment by the third-party as an attachment to the proposal. The Applicant should also describe any strategies to leverage and collaborate with existing Department of Commerce programs and other federal, state, or local government programs in the geographic region, including those that support RMBE’s access to capital. (see Section V.A.1.c

(i.e., Evaluation Criterion 1.c))

iv. Description of the strategies the project will implement to drive the participation of RMBEs in the project. This includes but is not limited to the applicant’s outreach strategy. If the applicant proposes to leverage stakeholders or other partners for outreach or awareness raising, the applicant should provide a description of those stakeholders’/partners’ roles and an indication that they have agreed to collaborate with or partner with the project.

(see Section V.A.1.d (i.e., Evaluation Criterion 1.d)).

4. Applicant Capability: The applicant must present information describing the experience and qualifications of the organization to carry out the proposed project. The application should include the following information:

i. Organization 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. (See Section V.A.2.a (i.e., Evaluation Criterion 2.a). As part of the Organization Profile, the

Applicant must detail:

• The space, facilities, and staffing for the MBDA Rural Business

Center;

• The applicant’s understanding of the current research and other academic resources to support RMBEs;

• The applicant’s knowledge of the community that the applicant serves and the ability to conduct effective outreach to that community to advance the goals of an MBDA Rural Business

Center;

• The alignment of the mission of the applicant with the mission of

MBDA;

• Experience leveraging other federal resources and track record of working with other federal resources;

• The applicant must be able to demonstrate a referral relationship with at least one community-based organization with a track record of serving the target RMBE population in the service area proposed.

ii. Documentation of status as an eligible entity (see Section III.A).

iii. Organizational Background. An overview that emphasizes the applicant’s knowledge of strategies for enhancing economic development; growth, sustainability, and technical assistance provided to rural businesses; and accomplishments dealing with the specific issues facing rural business enterprises, including the following organizational abilities:

• The ability to collaborate with governmental and private sector entities to enhance the capacity of RMBEs through public-private partnerships;

• The ability to provide innovative business solutions, including access to contracts, capital, and markets;

• The ability to leverage resources from within the eligible entity to advance the MBDA Rural Business Center; and

• The ability to provide services that advance the development of science, technology, engineering, and math jobs within RMBEs.

(see Section V.A.2.b (i.e., Evaluation Criterion 2.b))

iv. Proof of capability to implement and manage a project of the scope and breadth proposed. This should include a discussion of financial and management infrastructure and can include but not limited to, public records of accomplishments, public citations, and/or letters of referrals or recommendations as attachments to the proposal. (see Section V.A.2.c

(i.e., Evaluation Criterion 2.c))

v. 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 Project. (see Section

V.A.2.d (i.e., Evaluation Criterion 2.d))

vi. Applicants must provide a one-page bio or resume for each of the

Applicant’s key personnel(s) showing relevant experience of the leader(s). MBDA expects that an Administrator or Department Head or other staff with similar authority will serve as the Project Director, to oversee the success of the proposed project. The biographies and attachments should be included as attachments to your proposal and will not count toward the 20-page limit. Applicants must identify a Project

Director; however, if the identified person is not currently employed by the applicant, the Project Start-up Narrative should note when the person will be onboarded. (see Section V.A.2.d (i.e., Evaluation Criterion 2.d))

5. Project Performance and Start-up: The Project Performance and Start-up narrative communicates how the proposed project’s progress, production, and impact will be measured. This narrative should clearly describe how the project’s activities will generate results for MBDA’s performance measures. Applicants are encouraged to be data driven, which may require them to collect more data than what MBDA requires for performance reporting. The Project Performance and Start-up narrative has three components: 1) Project Impact narrative, 2) Project Performance Worksheet, and 3)

Project Start-up narrative.

i. The Project Impact narrative should clearly describe what your proposed intervention intends to accomplish; how the goals, activities, and measures align; how data will be collected and what system will be used to manage and synthesize client data; how project activities will generate results for

MBDA’s and project specific performance measures, and importantly, how the proposed services and activities will yield improved entrepreneurial outcomes for RMBEs. Applicants must present a clearly articulated theory(s) of change for their proposed services and activities.

Importantly, applicants must describe how data will be collected and how data will be used to inform program delivery. (see Section V.A.3.a (i.e., Evaluation Criterion 3.a))

ii. The Project Performance Worksheet must be in a spreadsheet format that will present the core measures that are required by MBDA as well as project-specific measures that the applicant proposes to track through the life of the project. For each measure, the applicant must propose a numeric target. The template must include the following:

a. Core Measures (Clients Served, Capital Infusion, New Business

Starts, Jobs Supported, Percentage of Businesses Realizing

Revenue Growth), which are quantifiable indicators used to determine if a project or program is achieving its desired objectives. (see Section V.A.3.b (i.e., Evaluation Criteria 3.b)). See

Appendix C for additional details.

b. Numeric Targets keyed to each Core Measure (i.e., the anticipated number of clients you will serve, new business starts to be realized, jobs supported, and the dollar value of capital that program participants will obtain). (see Section V.A.3.c (i.e., Evaluation

Criteria 3.c)).

c. Project-specific measures and related numerical targets, if applicable.

d. Note: Numeric targets must be provided for each quarter with yearly totals listed. Grantees should make every effort to reflect seasonality in their projections (seasonality is the presence of regular fluctuations in a time series with peaks and troughs that can be observed and measured). Similarly, MBDA recommends that applicants ensure that their proposed numeric targets for the beginning of the program reflect project ramp-up and anticipated start date for delivery/implementation of services and activities.

iii. The Project Start-up narrative should clearly describe the operational processes and procedures that will be deployed to launch the project, such as hiring key staff (i.e., Director); securing locations to house the project;

meeting with potential partners and finalizing partnership agreements; and ensuring readiness for transmitting data to MBDA. (see Section V.A.3.d

(i.e., Evaluation Criteria 3.d)). Importantly, awardees are able to use the systems of their choice to collect data. However, MBDA will provide post-award guidance on the submission of data and participation in the evaluation of the MBDA Rural Business Center program.

6. Supporting Documents

If cited in the proposal, the applicant must provide the following additional documentation that supports the proposed project, including:

• Memoranda of Understanding or Memoranda of Agreement between project partners.

• Letters of Support, Letters of Commitment, or other evidence of existing strategic relationships, collaborations, or alliances. Letters of Support or Commitment should be signed by an individual authorized to commit the organization. Letters of Support or

Commitment that provide detail about how the entity intends to support the applicant and/or engage with the project will be viewed as more competitive.

• Resumes of the proposed project director and key project staff

• Data/literature cited in the Project Narrative.

• Letters of recommendation from past recipients of services, including MBEs, if available.

7. Standard Forms (SF), Budget Narrative and Matching Commitment

The applicant must provide the required Standard Forms, attachments, and budget information as described in the section below.

a. Standard Application Forms. Please refer to the application package available through Grants.gov. Please review each form to determine which is required with the application. 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 organization representative. Electronic signatures submitted through

Grants.gov satisfy this requirement. ONE SF-424 form will cover all budget years. Please note that the authorized organization representative will be recognized as the main point of contact to receive official notifications on the application throughout the competition and to sign on behalf of the organization.

ii. SF-424A. Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs. Applicants must submit a SEPARATE 424A for EACH budget year. In Section B of the form, include the federal fund amounts in column 1 and the non-federal matching share amounts in column 2. Federal and non-federal matching share funds must be separated out for each budget year. These should be clearly labeled. In Section C, include the breakdown of projected non-federal sources of match. In Section D, Forecasted Cash

Needs, the total federal amount that can be expended may not exceed

$400,000. The maximum drawdown amount may not exceed $400,000 for each year of the four-year award.

iii. SF-424B. Assurances for Non-Construction Programs. The SF-424B must be signed by the authorized organization representative.

iv. Budget Narrative. A detailed budget narrative must be completed and submitted for all non-construction applications. The Federal and non-federal share amounts must be separated out for each budget year. (see additional information below)

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

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

b. Budget Narrative. Applicants MUST provide a clear budget narrative that identifies and justifies how funds in each cost category will be used to support the proposed project. The budget narrative should specifically address each budget line item (including both the Federal and matching non-Federal share). Please note that the budget narrative total should match exactly the total project costs listed in both the SF-424, Question 18, Line g (“TOTAL”) and the appropriate

Federal and non-Federal total fields of the SF-424A. Please also note that successful applicants will be required to develop and maintain a project-specific webpage through the duration of the project. Applicants should plan their budgets accordingly. MBDA will provide post-award guidance regarding webpage requirements and branding requirements.

c. Required Travel Item(s). Travel expenses for all required travel items should include transportation, lodging, and per diem and must align with the current

Federal travel guidelines, found at https://www.gsa.gov/policy-regulations/regulations/federal-travel-regulation

i. Applicants are required to budget for a 4-day trip for two staff persons

(one of whom must be the project director) to attend MBDA’s Rural

Business Center Program Implementation Meeting in Washington, DC, during the first year of the program. The Implementation Meeting is a one-time event.

https://www.gsa.gov/policy-regulations/regulations/federal-travel-regulation https://www.gsa.gov/policy-regulations/regulations/federal-travel-regulation

ii. Applicants are required to budget for two additional trips for each year of the program for up to two staff persons (one of whom must be the project director):

• MBDA’s Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, and

• MBDA’s National Training Conference.

Applicants should plan for each trip to be 4 days. The location of the events may vary. To estimate costs, please use Washington, DC as the location. Applicants may also budget for a program participant (i.e., an

RMBE) to travel to MED Week each year, subject to MBDA input and approval.

MBDA will notify applicants no later than two months in advance of each planned event whether in-person attendance is required or whether virtual attendance is permissible. If virtual attendance is permissible, applicants will be allowed to reallocate the associated travel budget items to other line items.

8. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement Documentation (as applicable)

Applicants requesting to use established indirect cost rate are required to submit a copy of their current and signed indirect cost rate agreement with the application package. If an applicant does not have a current indirect cost rate established by a cognizant Federal agency, provide a statement to this effect. If a successful applicant includes indirect costs in the budget that exceed the de minimis rate (discussed below) and has not established an indirect cost rate with a cognizant Federal agency, the applicant will be required to obtain such a rate in accordance with

Section B.06 of the Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and

Conditions, dated November 12, 2020.

Alternatively, in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414(f), a non-Federal entity that does not have a current negotiated indirect cost rate may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 15 percent of modified total direct costs. Applicants proposing a 15 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.

9. Format Requirements

All pages should be single-spaced and should be composed in at least 11-point font with one-inch margins. The total proposal shall not exceed 30 pages, including the project abstract, project narrative, literature cited, budget narrative, project timeline, and organizational structure.

The following items are not included in the 30-page limit:

• Resumes/bios of key personnel

• Required forms (i.e., Standard Forms 424, CD-511, etc.)

• Letters of support and/or matching funds letters of commitment https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414

• Letters of recommendation from entrepreneurs served by the applicant

Failure to follow these 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 exception under 2 CFR § 25.110 is required to:

• Register in the System for Award Management (SAM), before applying.

• Provide a valid unique entity identifier in the application; and,

• Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information during the entire period that the applicant has an active Federal award or an application 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, 2025, at 11:59:59 pm Eastern

Standard Time (EST). Applications may be submitted starting from the publication date of this NOFO up to the deadline above. Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed or considered for funding. Applications must be submitted electronically via grants.gov. The electronic submission will receive a date and time stamp 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. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications as early as possible. Waiting to apply until the end of the competition period puts an application at risk; be sure to allow ample time.

In addition, please note the following:

• MBDA will not accept any unsolicited changes, additions, revisions, or deletions to applications after the submission deadline.

• Throughout the review and selection process, MBDA reserves the right to seek clarification from applicants whose applications are being reviewed and considered.

• Applicants may be asked to clarify objectives and work plans and modify budgets or other specifics as necessary to comply with federal requirements and provide supplemental information required by the agency before award.

• See Section V of this NOFO for application review and selection information.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to start early and not to wait until near the application deadline before logging on and reviewing the instructions for submitting an application through

Grants.gov. Applicants should SAVE AND PRINT WRITTEN PROOF of an electronic submission made at Grants.gov. If problems occur while using Grants.gov, the applicant is advised to print any error message received and contact Grants.gov immediately. You can find contact information for Grants.gov on its website, including at https://www.grants.gov/support at the time of publication of this NOFO.

MBDA, in its sole discretion, may pre-approve in writing submission via an alternate method

(e.g., email) due to a systems issue at Grants.gov only insofar as any such systems issue is beyond the control of the applicant. However, any submission via this alternate method must be received before the deadline. See Section IV, part G for what does and does not constitute a systems issue. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED for any reason, including but not limited to late submissions caused by issues with Grants.gov, SAM, or AOR registrations. In situations described in this subsection, applications must have email or facsimile receipt timestamps no later than the application deadline or must be postmarked or the equivalent on or before the application deadline. An application that is not timestamped or postmarked, as applicable, by the application deadline WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring the completeness of their application.

E. Intergovernmental Review

Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental

Review of Federal Programs.

F. Funding Restrictions

The following activities and associated costs are not allowable under this Program. Such costs may not be charged to the Federal share or matching share of the award.

• Construction: Construction activities are not allowable under this Program. For the purposes of an award made pursuant to this NOFO, construction includes any activity that disturbs the ground or modifies a structure.

• Equity Investments & Loans: The use of award funds for equity investments, loans, or grants to entrepreneurs or businesses is not allowable under this Program. Thus, the cost of any equity investment, loan, or grant is not an allowable cost under an award. Neither

Federal nor matching share funds may be invested in startups or other companies, whether through equity, debt, hybrid, or another mechanism. Similarly, services funded by Federal or matching share cannot be exchanged for equity or otherwise used as the basis for an equity stake in a company.

G. Other Submission Requirements

To apply through Grants.gov, an applicant must register for a Grants.gov user ID and password.

Note that this process can take between three to five business days or as long as four weeks if all steps are not completed correctly. The most up-to-date instructions for application submission via Grants.gov can be found at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. Applicants already registered with Grants.gov do not need to re-register; however, all registered organizations must keep their System for Award Management (SAM) registration up to date through sam.gov or their applications will not be accepted by Grants.gov.

10. New Grants.gov Users

New Grants.gov users should note that the registration process can be lengthy, requires interaction with multiple organizations not affiliated with MBDA, and requires confirmation at each step. Applicants should register as organizations, not individuals. The process requires the applicant to appoint one or more Authorized Organization Representatives (AOR). The AORs registered at Grants.gov are the only officials with the authority to submit applications for an applicant. An applicant may authorize multiple AORs for Grants.gov. Below are instructions for registering as an organization:

• Obtain a UEI Number: To obtain the required Unique Entity Identifier, please go to

SAM.gov | Entity Registrations to register. All applicants must have a UEI to do business with the Federal government.

• Register with SAM: Access https://www.sam.gov. The applicant needs to identify the authorizing official of its organization and an Employer Identification Number

(EIN) (7-10 business days).

• Create Grants.gov Username and Password: Complete the Authorized Organization

Representative (AOR) profile and create a username and password. The applicant will need to use its organization's UEI Number (same day).

• Authorize the AOR: Request approval, then the applicant’s E-Biz POC must log in to Grants.gov to confirm the AOR (same day).

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

• Download an application package: Use Funding Opportunity Number MBDA-

OBC-2025-1002158 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).

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/custom/spoExit.jsp?p=/apply/OrcRegister http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/download-application-package.html

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

11. Electronic Submission

The electronic submission date is the date that applications have been submitted electronically and received by 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 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.

The time it takes to completely upload an application will vary depending on several factors, including the size of the application, the speed of the applicant’s Internet connection, and the time it takes Grants.gov to process the application. If Grants.gov rejects the application, the applicant must resubmit the entire application and receive a date and time stamp from

Grants.gov. The Grants.gov time stamp will be considered the date and time of submission receipt. Before beginning to apply through Grants.gov, please review the application instructions posted at Grants.gov.

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. Please see above for the email submission method that you may use if you encounter technical issues with grants.gov. Please note in particular the requirement to provide documentation proving that you diligently attempted to submit your application via 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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/getting-started-checklist.html.

V. Application Review Information

Throughout the review and selection process, MBDA reserves the right to seek clarification and corrected or missing documents in writing from applicants whose applications are being reviewed. MBDA may additionally ask applicants to clarify application materials or modify budgets or other specifics necessary to comply with Federal requirements.

A. Evaluation Criteria

Each application will be evaluated based on criteria included below. The number of points that can be earned for each category of criteria is listed below. A maximum total of 100 points may be earned for required criteria for a maximum possible total of 100 points.

Summary of Evaluation Criteria

1 Project Description 50 points

2 Applicant Capability 25 points

3 Project Objectives, Metrics, and Implementation 25 points

Total Available Application Points 100 points

1. Project Description (50 points total)

This criterion considers the proposal’s alignment with RMBEs’ needs and the geographic context in which the project will operate, the strength of the proposed activities under this

Program, the proposal’s alignment with the Program priorities and objectives, and the strength…