MSI MBDA-OBD-2022-2007301 6 1 22.pdf

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Minority Colleges and Universities

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Funding Opportunity Description 3

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

II. Award Information 4 A. Funding Availability 4 B. Project/Award Period 5 C. Type of Funding Instrument 5

III. Eligibility Information 5 A. Eligible Applicants 5 B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 6 C. Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility 6

IV. Application and Submission Information 6 A. Address to Request Application Package 6 B. Content and Form of Application 6 C. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) 10 D. Submission Dates and Times 11 E. Intergovernmental Review 11 F. Funding Restrictions 11 G. Other Submission Requirements 11

V. Application Review Information 14 A. Evaluation Criteria 14 B. Review and Selection Process 15 C. Selection Factors 16 D. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates 17

VI. Award Administration Information 17 A. Award Notices 17 B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 18 C. Reporting 19

VII. Agency Contacts 20 VIII. Other Information 20

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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: Minority Colleges and Universities

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: MBDA-OBD-2022-2007301

Federal Assistance Listings Number: 11.802, Minority Business Resource Development

Dates: Complete applications will be accepted in Grants.gov up to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on June 7, 2022. Applications received after this time will not be reviewed or considered for funding under this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).

Funding Opportunity Description: This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) requests applications from eligible institutions of higher educations for proposals to develop and implement programs for the education and training of undergraduate students in subjects directly relating to successful entrepreneurship. The proposals must align with the Minority Business Development Agency’s strategic mission goals to support minority business enterprises (MBEs), including building a diverse entrepreneurial pipeline to grow the number of MBEs, and the Administration’s strategic priority to advance racial equity and support for underserved communities through the Federal government.

Pre-Application Teleconference: MBDA will conduct a series of pre-application teleconferences at 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on May 5th, 12th, and 19th, 2022. Participants must register at least 24 hours in advance of the teleconference. Please visit the MBDA website at www.mbda.gov to register and additional information.

http://www.mbda.gov/

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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, has developed a program to support entrepreneurship for undergraduate students at eligible institutions of higher education: Through this BAA, MBDA will provide funding for entrepreneurship programs, including curricula, courses, seminars, and replicable products and tools, that teach students how to develop businesses and commercialize products and services in the domestic and global marketplace. The curricula should be designed to stimulate and accelerate entrepreneurial skill sets in support of the development of minority business enterprises. Through this BAA, MBDA envisions supporting entrepreneurship education and development.

MBDA is soliciting applications from eligible institutions to establish six (6) projects as described in this BAA. MBDA anticipates awarding a total of approximately $1,800,000 to lay the foundation for a future generation of entrepreneurial leaders and innovators that will help strengthen U.S. global competitiveness, job creation, and the overall U.S. economy.

B. Program Priorities

While growth rates in entrepreneurship are increasing compared to rates of participation in the labor market, there are systemic challenges for MBE entrepreneurs. MBDA recognizes these challenges as well as the important role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities, (TCUs) Alaska Native Serving Institutions (ANSIs), and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (NHSIs) leading the nation in producing minority business leaders and entrepreneurs. These institutions are important engines of economic growth and public service and are proven pillars for intergenerational advancement. However, these institutions may lag in adequate resources if they are highly dependent on tuition from small student populations, small endowments, lower alumni giving, and less access to other revenue generating resources, such as federal programs, research and development, grants, and contracts that could enhance their program capacity and infrastructure.

These projects shall prioritize the entrepreneurial training and business preparation of undergraduates and the unique challenges faced by MBE entrepreneurs through the expansion of entrepreneurial curriculum offered by HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, ANSIs, and NHSIs.

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Performance Measures and Goals

The applicant must propose a project that clearly defines a plan for the entrepreneurship program to be developed, taught, and delivered to students. The proposed activities should be designed to deliver impact aligned with the following performance measures:

• Number of Entrepreneurship Courses Taught – A quantitative estimate of the number of entrepreneurship courses, seminars, and apprenticeships that will be taught based on the curriculum/entrepreneurial program established.

• Number of Students Impacted – Quantify how many students will benefit from the training, programming, courses, and activities associated with the project.

• Number of Product/Service Innovations Created – Quantify how many products/service innovations will be created by students participating in the Project programming.

• Number of Strategic Partners – Quantify how many strategic partners you anticipate collaborating with to carry out the deliverables associated with the success of the Project.

These might include public and private sector entities.

• Number of Business Plans – Quantify how many business plans you anticipate students will deliver based on their product/service innovation(s).

Applicants must include a time-phased plan for the development and implementation of their entrepreneurial program. The timing of goals should take into consideration the academic planning cycle. To ensure success in meeting proposed performance goals, for each year of the proposal for the measures listed above, the applicant should ensure alignment of their activities and anticipated impact.

C. Program Authority

The statutory authority for this program is the Minority Business Development Act (“MBDA Act”), 15 U.S.C. §§ 9501-9598, specifically, §§9543(a).

II. Award Information

A. Funding Availability

MBDA expects to expend approximately $1,804,266 in fiscal year (FY) 2022 funds for the financial assistance awards under this BAA to cover the first budget period of the selected projects. Awards will be for a two-year term but funded one year at a time. MBDA anticipates making six awards under this announcement. The funding amount for each award in FY 2022 will be approximately $300,711, and MBDA expects to make at least one

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• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

• Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)

• Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)

• Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (NHSIs)

• Alaska Native Serving Institutions (ANSIs) MBDA anticipates that up to $1,804,266 will be available in FY 2023 to support continuation funding for the second budget period of those 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 BAA does not obligate the Department of Commerce or MBDA to award any specific grant or to obligate all or any part of available funds.

B. Project/Award Period

MBDA expects to issue awards for a total term of two years from October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2024.

C. Type of Funding Instrument

Selected applicant(s) will receive funding through a grant under this Announcement.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include the following institutions of higher education:

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) (otherwise known as Part B Institutions as defined in 20 USC § 1061)

• Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) (as defined in 20 U.S.C. § 1101a)

• Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) (as defined in 20 U.S.C. § 1059c)

• Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (NHSIs) (as defined in 20 U.S.C. § 1059d(b))

• Alaska Native Serving Institutions (ANSIs) (as defined in 20 USC § 1059d(b))

Note: Projects must be located in the U.S. or any U.S. territory, including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. MBDA is not authorized to provide awards to individuals under

Notice of Federal Funding Page 6 of 26 this BAA, and applications from individuals will not be considered under this request.

Award funds cannot be used to make investments in individual businesses.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Cost sharing is not required.

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 will be made available on the MBDA website (www.mbda.gov).

B. Content and Form of Application

The application must provide sufficient information for the agency to make a determination of merit of the proposal and follow the format described in this BAA. 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. However, MBDA in its sole discretion also may continue review of applications with minor defects that easily can be cured.

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 should also 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 key 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 and provide corresponding page numbers. All pages of the application must be consecutively numbered.

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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) Executive Summary: Provide an executive summary of the project of no more than 250 words.

(2) Program Activities and Rationale: Provide a detailed description of the curriculum and the programming/activities that the applicant will develop and deliver and an evidence-based rationale for the alignment of the activities to the unique needs of its student populations and prospective entrepreneurs.

(3) Institution Overview and Location: Provide an overview of the specific minority college/university, including its location, student demographics and numbers, degree programs offered and location for the Project. Include a description of any entrepreneurial ecosystem advantages that the location of the project may provide, such as start-up lab space, market-ready research programs, patent offices, local business pitch competitions, innovation-ready local industries, etc.

(4) Project Implementation Timeline: Provide a timeline over the entire period of performance with progressive milestones demonstrating how the applicant will accomplish the project. Please include operational processes and procedures that will be deployed to accomplish the desired outcomes of the entrepreneurial program curriculum and ensure student and entrepreneurial success.

(5) Key Partners: Identification and description of key stakeholders and partners that will be leveraged to accomplish the objectives and support a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem (e.g. seed capital opportunities, incubators, mentorship). If the Applicant proposes to leverage third-party partnerships and their respective resources to accomplish the proposed project under this BAA, the Applicant must provide proof of commitment by the third party as an attached document in the proposal.

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

(1) Project Organization/Institution Profile and Experience: 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. An overview that emphasizes the applicant’s experience and strategies for curricula development and knowledge of entrepreneurship and business development.

Describe how this grant funding will be leveraged to support other sources of future funding for the MSI.

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(2) Project Organizational Structure: A chart showing the Applicant’s organizational structure, and departmental responsibility for curriculum development, 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 Project.

(3) Biographies or Resumes for Major Participant(s): The Applicant should provide a bio or resume for each of the Applicant’s key leaders(s) showing relevant experience of the leader(s), for example: Administrator or Department Head to oversee the success of the proposed project.

(4) 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 referral/recommendation or letters of commitment consistent with section 6, below, as attachments in the proposal.

c) Project Goals and Objectives: The applicant must propose 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 proposed goals if or when Applicant falls behind in meeting program objectives.

(3) The organization’s process for monitoring the accomplishment of goals and objectives. The process should include minimum program measures commensurate with the definitions in the “Performance Measures and Goals” section above.

4. Supporting Documents The applicant may provide additional information that supports the proposed project. This should include any memorandum of understanding, commitment letters, or other evidence of existing strategic partnerships, as well as biographies or resumes of the applicant’s key leaders and key project personnel. It may also include literature cited in the proposal, which may support scoring under the Applicant Narrative – Project Description criterion as noted above.

5. Standard Forms (SF) and Budget Narrative for two (2) years

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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: Must be signed by the authorized representative. Electronic signatures submitted through Grants.gov satisfy this requirement. One form will cover all funding periods.

i. SF-424A: Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs. Should be submitted for all budget periods.

i. Signed SF-424B: Assurances for Non-Construction Programs. Budget Narrative must be completed and submitted for all non-construction applications. Must be signed by the authorized representative.

i. SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.

i. Signed Commerce Department (CD)-511: Certification Regarding Lobbying.

Certification regarding debarment, suspension, and other responsibility matters, drug free workplace requirements, and lobbying. Must be signed by the authorized representative.

b. 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, consistent with section 4, above, 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 total costs on the Budget Narrative must match the SF-424 and SF-424 A exactly. The SF-424, SF-424A and Budget Narrative must have the same breakdown of Federal and non-Federal (if applicable) costs.

c. Required Travel Item(s). Each applicant should include in its budget forms and narrative 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 event(s) will be virtual.

i. Minority Enterprise Development Week

i. National Training Conference

(ii) NOAA Grants Management Workshop Please refer to section VIII “Other Information” of this BAA for additional information pertaining to required travel.

http://www.grants.gov/

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d. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (as applicable). Applicants requesting an 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 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 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.

Costs must be consistent with the Uniform Guidance: Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), 2 CFR Part 200.

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.

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 exception under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or an exception approved under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:

• Register in SAM before submitting an application;

• Provide a valid unique entity identifier in the application; and, Notice of Federal Funding Page 11 of 26

• Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times 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.

Entities that do not have a unique entity identifier (UEI) by July 5, 2022 at 11:59:59 Eastern Time (E.T.) will be ineligible to receive an award. See section D, below, for application submission options for entities that have not received a UEI by the June 7, 2022 application deadline but have requested and received a ticket number from SAM related to the processing of their request for a UEI.

D. Submission Dates and Times

All proposals must be received on or before June 7, 2022 at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (E.S.T). Applications may be submitted starting from the publication date of this BAA 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.

Applicants that are unable to submit their application electronically on grants.gov because they have not received a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM may email their complete application to mbdagrants@mbda.gov by the submission deadline. Applicants may only use this alternate email application submission method if they have not yet received a UEI but have applied for a UEI and have received an Electronic Verification System (EVS) ticket number from sam.gov related to the processing of their request for a UEI. Applicants that choose to submit their applications via the alternate email submission method MUST include their SAM EVS ticket number in the body of the transmittal email with their application.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring the completeness of their application.

Applicants that use the alternate email submission method are encouraged to email mbdagrants@mbda.gov as soon as SAM issues a final UEI number. Applicants MUST submit their final assigned UEI number via email to mbdagrants@mbda.gov and clearly indicate the name of the applicant entity in that email no later than July 5, 2022 at 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time (E.T.). Applicants that fail to obtain a UEI and provide the UEI to MBDA by the established deadline of July 5, 2022 will not be eligible to receive an award.

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E. Intergovernmental Review

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

F. Funding Restrictions

Award funds cannot be used to make investments in individual businesses.

G. Other Submission Requirements

In order to submit an application 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 http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

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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:

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).

The Unique Entity ID is the official identifier for doing business with the U.S. Government as of April 4, 2022. Entities registering in SAM.gov are assigned a Unique Entity ID as a part of the registration process. If your entity is registered in SAM.gov today, you already have your Unique Entity ID, and it is viewable in SAM.gov. This includes inactive registrations.

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 current status (same day).

Download an application package: Use Funding Opportunity Number MBDA-OBD-2022- 2007301 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 http://www.sam.gov/

Notice of Federal Funding Page 14 of 26 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).

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.

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 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.

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.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-tools-and-tips.html

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V. Application Review Information

Throughout the review and selection process, MBDA reserves the right to seek clarification 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.

www.grants.gov

V. Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

Each application will be evaluated based on criteria included below. The number of points that can be earned for each criterion is listed below, with 100 points the maximum total that can be earned.

1. Impact of the Proposed Project (40 points)

This criterion considers the effectiveness of the proposed project, including:

the quality of the proposed curricula and programming and their alignment to the needs of prospective minority entrepreneurs (10 points) the thoroughness of the overview of the institution, student body and quality of the entrepreneurial support ecosystem advantages (4 points) the quality and feasibility of the project implementation timeline (5 points) the breadth and quality of the applicant’s strategic partners and alliances to support an entrepreneurial ecosystem (6 points) the appropriateness of the proposed Project Goals and Objectives section of the application, including the monitoring and contingency plans, and in particular how well the analysis ties with the project implementation timeline. (15 points)

Applicant Capability (25 points)

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This criterion assesses whether the applicant and its personnel possess the experience, background, and qualifications to accomplish the project, including the quality of the knowledge, experience and demonstrated track record of the applicant (or key implementing partners) related to curriculum development, entrepreneurship and business development with weight toward specific examples of success (20 points) the knowledge, experience, and qualifications of the key project personnel and understanding of their roles in implementing the project (5 points)

Applicant Budget (35 points)

This criterion evaluates the budget to determine if it is realistic and commensurate with the project needs and time frame, as well as the accuracy of budget breakdown.

Total Available Application Points 100

All applications must adhere to the submission guidelines provided in this section and section IV, “Application and Submission Information.” 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 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:

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The application is received after the closing date;

The application package does not include all required components.;

The project fails to address program objectives and priorities (see Section I); ;

The application falls within the scope of an existing MBDA competitive program or announcement for Federal Funding or duplicates a project previously awarded; or The principal purpose of the activities in the application is to provide a direct benefit or service to MBDA.

2. MBDA Merit Review Panel - Each responsive application will receive an independent, merit review by a panel (Merit Review Panel) qualified to evaluate the applications submitted based on the published criteria. The Merit 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. 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 Merit 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 (i.e., applications will not be compared to each other).

The scores of all reviewers will be averaged for each application to produce a final application score. Applicants may receive written follow-up questions during the review process from the MBDA program office relative to requested clarifications of items contained in the applicant’s proposal. The Chairperson of the Merit Review Panel will be responsible for averaging reviewers’ scores, collating reviewer comments, and completing an overall evaluation form that documents the scores and comments of the merit reviewers.

Any applicant scoring at least 60 and above will be considered for selection. Applications that receive fewer than 60 points will not be considered for funding.

C. Selection Factors

Proposals deemed meritorious will be passed to the selection review panel composed of no more than five federal employees, which will provide a final portfolio of proposals to be selected and may take into consideration one or more of the following selection factors:

The availability of funds;

The extent to which the application meets the overall objectives and priorities of the program as provided in Section I.A and B;

The performance of the applicant under previous Federal financial assistance awards, as well

Notice of Federal Funding Page 18 of 26 as the performance of any third parties the applicant identifies who will be responsible for carrying out a substantial portion of the project;

The project’s likelihood to educate the intended audience of minority entrepreneurs and anticipated potential number of minority entrepreneurs impacted;

The extent to which the minority-serving institution will use these funds to lay the foundation for the establishment of entrepreneurial programming and institutional advancement and that will, in turn, lead to improved endowments for students and entrepreneurs for years to come;

Location of the project in or adjacent to an area that is federally designated as an area of distress or serving a State or region that has a significant population of socially or economically disadvantaged individuals;

Operator diversity – e.g. Type of MSI - HBCU, HSI, TCU, NHSI, ANSI; size; location;

experience.

The Under Secretary, or their designee, will serve as the Selecting Official for this competition The Under Secretary will generally select and recommend applications for funding based on the portfolio prepared by the selection panel; however, as the Selecting Official, the Under Secretary retains discretion to select and recommend an application for funding that was not recommended by the selection panel based on one or more of the selection factors enumerated above.

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 approximately one hundred forty (140) days from the receipt of applications. MBDA anticipates that the awards under this BAA will be made with start dates of October 1, 2022. Successful applicants may be eligible for pre-award costs (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.458).

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

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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. The Authorized Representative for a successful applicant will receive instructions from MBDA on how to access the Grants Online system to accept the award.

MBDA will notify unsuccessful applicants, in writing, after a final selection has been made and after an offer has been accepted. Those applications that are not ultimately selected for funding will be retained by MBDA for a period of three (3) years after which they will be destroyed.

On occasion, competitive solicitations or competitive panels may produce less than optimum results, such as a competition resulting in the receipt of no applications or a competition resulting in all unresponsive applications received.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements For Grants And Cooperative Agreements – the Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements, published in the Federal Register on December 30, 2014, effective December 26, 2014 (79 FR 78390) are applicable to this solicitation and may be accessed online at:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/12/30/2014-30297/department-ofcommerce-pre-award-notification-requirements-for-grants-and-cooperativeagreements

2. Awards made under this BAA are subject to the Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions. This document will be provided in the award package. This document can be found at:

https://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/2020- 11/DOC%20Standard%20Terms%20and%20Conditions%20- %2012%20November%202020%20PDF_0.pdf

3. Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements:

Through 2 C.F.R. § 1327.101, the Department of Commerce adopted Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, which apply to awards in this program. Refer to http://go.usa.gov/SBYh and http://go.usa.gov/SBg4

4. Review of Risk - After Applications are proposed for funding by the Selecting Official, the Grants Office will perform administrative reviews, including an assessment of risk posed http://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/12/30/2014-30297/department-http://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/2020-http://go.usa.gov/SBYh http://go.usa.gov/SBg4

Notice of Federal Funding Page 20 of 26 by the applicant under 2 C.F.R. 200.206. These may include assessments of the financial stability of an applicant and the quality of the applicant’s management systems, history of performance, and the applicant’s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities. Special conditions that address any risks determined to exist may be applied. Applicants may submit comments to the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) about any information included in the system about their organization for consideration by the awarding agency.

C. Reporting

1. Reviews - MBDA will conduct performance assessments every six months from the start date of the project.

MBDA will monitor the project throughout the funding award period and maintain open communications with key project staff. As such, a member of the project team is required to enter performance measure outcomes within three (3) business days of an activity or outcome. The level of monitoring will be dependent on the awarded applicant’s proposed breakdown of measures, milestones (e.g., outputs and outcomes), and goals.

2. Reporting Requirements - The project is required to provide the following reports:

a. Financial Reports –The financial report shall include details on the use of Federal funds and contributions of non-Federal funds (if proposed). The financial reports are to be submitted to the Department of Commerce via Grants Online on a semi-annual and annual basis. The semi-annual and annual reports are due thirty (30) days after the end of the initial six-month period in each funding period. The final report is due within one-hundred twenty

(120) days after the expiration of the award.

a. Progress Report – Progress reports are to be submitted to the Department of Commerce via Grants Online on a semi-annual and annual basis. The semi-annual report is due forty-five (45) days after the end of the initial six-month period in each funding period. The final report is due within one hundred twenty (120) days after the expiration of the award.

The periodic reports must include data and information to determine project progression and success. MBDA will rely on these reports, data, and information as evidence for success stories, future program design, policy recommendations, and/or statistical purposes.

Note: failure to submit reports in a timely manner may result in MBDA award enforcement and/or delayed access to Federal funds.

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a. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 Reporting - The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, 31 U.S.C. 6101 note, includes a requirement for awardees of applicable federal grants to report information about first-tier subawards and executive compensation under Federal assistance awards. All awardees of applicable grants and grant agreements are required to report to the Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) available at www.FSRS.gov on all sub-awards over $30,000.

Please see the OMB guidance published at 2 CFR Parts 170 and 200, which can be accessed at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl.

a. Restrictions Governing Making Grants to Corporations Convicted of Felony Criminal Violations and/or Unpaid Federal Tax Liabilities - In accordance with current Federal appropriations law, execution by an applicant of the Representation by Corporations Regarding an Unpaid Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction Under Any Federal Law may be required in a format requested by NOAA before any award will be made under this BAA. This information is, however, a required Representation and Certification within

SAM.

3. Follow-up Study – Should MBDA choose to conduct a follow-up longitudinal impact study after the award period, the operator agrees to provide all reasonable support for tracking student outcomes post-graduation, where relevant.

VII. Agency Contacts

Prospective applicants may contact:

Ms. Nakita Chambers MBDA Program Manager U.S. Department of Commerce Email: nchambers@mbda.gov Tel: 202-482-0065

VIII. Other Information

1. Pre-Application Teleconference

MBDA will conduct a series of pre-application teleconferences at 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on May 5th, 12th, and 19th, 2022. Participants must register at least 24 hours in advance of the teleconference. Please visit the MBDA website at www.mbda.gov to register and additional information.

http://www.fsrs.gov/ http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl mailto:nchambers@mbda.gov http://www.mbda.gov/

Notice of Federal Funding Page 22 of 26

2. Post Award Teleconference MBDA shall conduct a mandatory post-award virtual conference to ensure that the successful applicant has a clear understanding of the project award, terms, conditions, and expectations. During the post-award teleconference, MBDA will: introduce Federal officers, orient the project operator and key project staff, explain project reporting requirements and procedures, identify available Federal resources that can enhance the capabilities of the project, and provide detailed information about key online systems.

3. National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference The project operator and key project staff will be required to attend the MED Week conference unless otherwise noted by MBDA. MED Week is a national recognition of the success and contributions of minority business enterprises to the U.S. economy. The President of the United States designates the specific dates on which MED Week falls.

MBDA conducts an annual conference featuring workshops, seminars, and business matchmaking activities that inform minority business attendees of new opportunities and information related to contracts, capital, and markets. MBDA MED Week hosts a celebratory awards program in recognition of MBE clients that have made significant economic impact and minority business advocates that have supported supplier diversity.

The location of MED Week varies annually in major cities across the country.

Note: applicants should include expenses to accommodate (2) individuals to travel to MED Week in the proposed budget, including travel and registration. In the event that the COVID- 19 pandemic continues to cause limitations on travel and gatherings, the conference will be virtual.

4. MBDA National Training Conference The project operator and key project staff will be required to attend the MBDA National Training Conference (NTC), unless otherwise noted by MBDA. The NTC is a 2-3-day conference designed to review key MBDA initiatives among all MBDA sponsored programs and MBDA staff. Specialized programmatic training as well as formal meetings and/or trainings with the Program Manager and the Grants Management Unit are also offered at this event. The NTC is held once a year, depending on the availability of funds. The location of this event varies.

Note: applicants should include expenses related to the NTC in the proposed budget to accommodate (2) individuals to travel, including travel (no conference registration costs).

The duration of the conference is approximately 2-3 days. In the event that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause limitations on travel and gatherings, the conference will be

Notice of Federal Funding Page 23 of 26 virtual.

5. NOAA Grants Management Workshop The project operator and key project staff will be required to attend the NOAA Financial Assistance and Grants Management Workshop, unless otherwise noted by MBDA. The NOAA Grants Management Workshop is a 2-3-day interactive event hosted by the NOAA/GMD grants team.

Note: In the event that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause limitations on travel and gatherings, the workshop will be virtual.

B. Collaboration with MBDA MBDA welcomes working collaboratively with each award recipient and project to serve the minority entrepreneurship community. The project and its staff are encouraged to support MBDA by communicating the mission and values of the MBDA to the minority entrepreneurship community. Collaboration with MBDA may include items such as:

promotion of MBDA sanctioned events and conferences, annual nomination of minority entrepreneurs for MED Week recognition, inclusion of MBDA to project-led activities, submission of project success stories and/or profiles for MBDA social media promotion, and co-promotion of project and MBDA-led activities.

C. Past Performance and…