Notice of Fundng Oppt VBOC 2021.pdf

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U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD)

VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER PROGRAM (VBOC)

INITIAL PHASE GRANT

Notice of Funding Opportunity: VBOC- 2021-01

Base Budget Period: May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Opening Date: March 12, 2021

Closing Date: April 4, 2021

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity is to invite proposals for funding from eligible private and non-profit organizations, local and state government agencies and institutions of higher education to provide quality training and counseling to veteran small business owners and entrepreneurs. A key component of this Notice of Funding Opportunity is for applicants to provide training to transitioning military personnel through the Boots to Business (B2B) Training Program and to veterans previously discharged from military through the Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR)

Training Program.

Additionally, applicants will provide counseling, training, technical and financial skill development, comprehensive business assessments, and mentoring services to veteran, active duty, Reserve, National Guard, military spouse/survivor entrepreneurs, and small business owners interested in starting a new venture or expanding and diversifying an established small businesses.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity is subject to the availability of funding.

Other organizations meeting the VBOC program eligibility criteria, as well as other organizations serving socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, are also encouraged to apply.

Proposals responding to this NOFO must be posted to www.grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m.

Eastern Daylight Time, on April 4, 2021.

No other methods of submission are permitted.

Proposals submitted after the stipulated deadline will be rejected without evaluation.

http://www.grants.gov/

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Section I- Funding Opportunity Description

1.1 Program Overview

1.1.1. Federal Agency Name: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

1.1.2. Funding Opportunity Title Veterans Business Outreach Center – Initial Phase Grant

1.1.3. Announcement Type Initial

1.1.4. Funding Opportunity: VBOC – 2021-01

1.1.5. CDFA Number 59.044

1.1.6. Application Closing Date: April 4, 2021 at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time

1.1.7. Authority: Section 9(b) (17) of the Small Business Act, U.S.C. 637(b)(17)

1.1.8. Duration of Authority: 5 Years

1.1.9. Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement

1.1.10. Funding: Fiscal Year 2021

Initial Project Period is May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

1.1.11. Award Amount: Up to $780,000 in funding is available for this NOFO.

The SBA expects to provide funding for a minimum of two (2) Initial Phase Awards under this NOFO. Minimum

Award: $150,000; Maximum Award: $400,000.

1.1.12. Project Duration: Awards will include a base project period of twelve (12) months, with four (4) option periods of twelve (12) months each. Exercise of options is at the SBA’s discretion and is subject to continuing program authority, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance by the non-Federal entity.

1.1.13. Project Starting Date: May 1, 2021

1.1.14. Proposal Evaluation: Proposals will be reviewed for sufficiency as detailed in

Section 5. The SBA may ask applicants for clarification of the technical and cost aspects of their proposals. This must not be construed as a commitment to fund the proposed effort.

1.1.15. Agency Programmatic Point

of Contact:

U.S. Small Business Administration

Office of Veteran’s Business Outreach Center

Sandi Wells

E-mail: sandra.wells@sba.gov mailto:sandra.wells@sba.gov

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1.2 Introduction

The Small Business Act (Act) provides for entrepreneurial training, business development assistance, counseling, and management assistance to small businesses owned and controlled by eligible veterans. Additionally, SBA is authorized to make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements for the establishment and implementation of outreach programs to serve the veteran community.

1.3 Background

Since its inception in 1953, SBA has served to aid, counsel, assist and promote the interest of small businesses; while SBA is best known for its financial support of small businesses through its many lending programs, the Agency also plays a critical role in providing funding to organizations that deliver technical assistance in the form of counseling and training to small business concerns and nascent entrepreneurs to promote growth, expansion, innovation increased productivity and management improvements.

The mission of SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD), which bears responsibility acts as a liaison with the veterans’ business community, writes and reviews policy analysis and reporting; act as Ombudsman for Veterans in Small Business

Administration programs, provide business training, counseling assistance, and supports the Federal Procurement program for veteran and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.

In fulfilling these responsibilities, OVBD has the authority to enter into Cooperative

Agreements with educational institutions, nonprofit community-based organizations, private businesses and Federal, State, local and tribal government agencies (as defined in

Section 3.2) for the establishment and implementation of outreach and entrepreneurial development programs designed to aid veterans, service-disabled veterans, National Guard and Reserve Component members in starting new and expanding or diversifying exiting small businesses.

1.4 Purpose

Eligible applicants (as defined in Section 3.2) may apply for an Initial Phase VBOC Award of financial assistance under this Funding Opportunity to fund implementation of a

Veterans Business Outreach Center in one of the two coverage areas defined in Appendix

A.

Applicants are limited to the defined coverage areas and can apply for all, or part, of a defined coverage area.

As a major component of the VBOC program, Applicants are expected to provide entrepreneurship training through the Boots to Business (B2B) and Reboot Training

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Programs to transitioning military personnel, spouses, National Guard and Reserve

Members and veterans. VBOCs will be expected to participate in 100% of the Boots to

Business classes within their coverage area. Additionally, funds will be used to offer traditional business counseling and technical assistance to veterans, service-members, military spouses, and others interested in starting or growing a small business.

1.5 Leveraging of Resources

The applicants selected for an award under this FOA are required to maximize efforts leveraging the SBA funding by working in conjunction with the SBA’s District Offices and other federal, state, local and tribal government small business development programs and activities; the SBA resource partners (such as SCORE, Small Business Development

Centers, Women Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers); 7(j)

Technical Assistance providers; Small Business Investment Companies; Certified

Development Companies; SBA lenders; universities, colleges, and other institutions of higher education; and private organizations (such as chambers of commerce and trade & industry groups and associations).

Applicants should also demonstrate the capability to establish partnerships with veteran service organizations, employment service organizations, and community-based organizations that service the training needs of veterans by providing copies of partnership agreements and/or letters or emails of support from, the above-listed types of organizations.

1.6 SBA Involvement and Oversight

The VBOC Program is managed by the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Veterans

Business Development (AA/OVBD).

A designated Grants Officer Technical Representative (GOTR) within the Office of

Veterans Business Development at SBA Headquarters will be responsible for overall monitoring and oversight of the Small Business Award Recipients, including compliance with the terms of the Cooperative Agreement. A designated Grants Management Officer

(GMO) within in the SBA’s Office of Grants Management (OGM) will be responsible for issuing the Notice of Award, the Terms and Conditions, making amendments to the award, and processing/approving payments.

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1.7 Changes or Cancellation

The SBA reserves the right to amend or cancel this FOA, in whole or in part, at the agency’s discretion. Should the SBA make material changes to this FOA, the agency will extend the closing date as necessary to afford Applicants sufficient opportunity to address such changes.

1.8 SBA Priorities

Emerging markets are critical to the strength and vitality of the American economy. As a part of on-going participation in the VBOC program, VBOCs must outreach and provide services to entrepreneurs, especially veterans, of all demographics, backgrounds and locations, inclusive of urban and rural populations, and members of Reserve Components of the U.S. Military and National Guard and their spouses.

Section II – Award Information

2.1 Estimated Funding

Up to $780,000 in funding is available for this FOA. The SBA expects to provide funding for a minimum of (2) Initial Phase awards. (Minimum Award: $150,000 – Maximum

Award: $400,000).

2.2 Expected Number of Awards

The SBA expects to issue a minimum of two (2) awards under this FOA.

2.3 Period of Performance/Budget Periods

The Awards will be for a 5-year period of performance, consisting of a base period of 12 months from the date of award and four (4) option periods of 12 months each. Exercise of the option periods will be solely at SBA’s discretion and is subject to the continuing program authority, the availability of funds, and Recipients continued satisfactory performance and compliance with all the terms and conditions of the award. Each of the option periods will constitute a separate and distinct 12-month Budget Period.

2.4 Funding Information

▪ Funds provided under the VBOC Program must be used solely for the purposes stipulated in this FOA and the NOA. Funds provided under the VBOC Program may not be commingled with funds from other sources. Non-Federal entities are required to maintain separate accounting over Federal funds to ensure funds are used for

Page | 6 authorized purposes only. All costs proposed in an applicant’s budget must meet the tests of allowability, allocability, and reasonableness set forth in 2 CFR 200, Subpart

E.

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

▪ No Federal funds provided through an Award under this FOA may be used for the purpose of making a sub-grant. While subcontracting is permitted, successful

Applicants may not spend more than twenty percent (20%) of Award funds on subcontracts. Additionally, under no circumstances may successful Applicants contract out the administration or day-to-day management of this project to any other party.

▪ Indirect Costs - If the VBOC Applicant has never had an approved Indirect Cost Rate

Agreement (ICRA), and the VBOC Applicant’s budget includes indirect costs, it may utilize a de minimus rate of ten percent (10%) of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) to include Federal and non-Federal costs, until the non-Federal entity can provide a copy of a current ICRA either through the SBA or from another cognizant Federal agency. MTDC means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000.00 of each subcontract regardless of the period of performance of the subcontracts under the award. MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs, and the portion of each subcontract in excess of $25,000.00. (2 CFR 200.68)

2.5 Funding Instrument

The funding instrument used will be a Cooperative Agreement.

2.6 Non-Federal Matching Requirement

None

Section III – Eligibility Information

3.1 General

Eligible organizations and institutions of higher learning may submit one (1) proposal in response to this Funding Opportunity. Any additional applications from the same organizations and institutions will be automatically rejected without being evaluated.

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3.2 Eligible Applicants

In order to be eligible for this funding opportunity an applicant must:

• Be a nonprofit organization, local or state agency, private sector firm or institute of higher learning.

• Demonstrate a history of providing quality entrepreneurship and/or business management training to aspiring entrepreneurs or existing small business owners that are members of the following populations: veterans, service-disabled veterans, Reserve

Component members or National Guard, transitioning service members, spouses of service members or veterans, and other beneficiaries interested in starting or growing a small enterprise. The quality of a program can be demonstrated by new business starts, business expansions or diversifications number of contracts awarded and loans approved, as well as jobs created and/or retained, and connection to other programs such as SBA resource partners.

Applicants must document as part of the narrative proposal that they:

▪ Will provide services to transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses and National Guard & Reserve Members.

▪ Continue to be organized and incorporated in the United States and remain in good standing in the state or territory of incorporation. A copy of the certificate of good standing or applicable document must be attached to the applicant’s technical proposal.

▪ Will provide technical assistance to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans and military spouses.

▪ Have an established organizational infrastructure with an internal financial management system that currently meets the requirements of 2 CFR 200.302.

▪ Are responsible for hiring, supervising, and employing staff enough to ensure that the VBOC is open to the public a minimum of forty (40) hours a week, including evening and weekend hours, and to fully provide the services required under this FOA, the NOA, and the applicant’s proposal. Staff must include a full-time (forty (40) hours per week) program director whose time is dedicated one hundred percent (100%) to managing the day-to-day operations of the

VBOC as well as overseeing its staff, volunteers and all financial aspects.

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3.3 Ineligible Applicants

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

▪ Has a Federal delinquent debt subject to offset;

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

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

▪ Any organization that has had a VBOC grant or cooperative agreement involuntarily terminated or not renewed within the past year;

▪ Current SBA Resource Partners, to include; Small Business Development

Centers, SCORE, Women’s Business Centers and Veterans Business Outreach

Centers. Host organizations of SBA Resource Partners are eligible to apply;

▪ Any organization that has filed for bankruptcy within the past five (5) years;

▪ Any organization that proposes to serve as a pass-through and permit another organization to manage the day-to-day operations of the project;

▪ Any organization that does not propose to hire and employ a full-time (forty

(40) hours per week) program director whose time is dedicated 100% to managing the day-to-day operations of the VBOC and staff; and/or

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

Section IV - Application and Submission Information

4.1 Application Instructions

Applications must consist of the following elements: (i) project abstract; (ii) technical proposal; (iii) budget narrative; (iv) certifications, forms and assurances; and (v) attachments and exhibits.

4.1.1 Project Abstract

The applicant must submit an abstract of no more than five (5) pages summarizing the proposed project including, but not limited to the scope of the project and proposed outcomes. The Abstract must include the applicant’s name, telephone number, web address, e-mail address for the applicant’s designated point of contact, and project title, as well as a description of the area to be served, number of participants to be served, and funding level requested. The Abstract is limited to five (5) double-spaced, single one-sided

8.5x11-inch pages with twelve (12)-point text and one (1)-inch margins. When submitting in www.grants.gov this document must be uploaded as an attachment to the application package and specifically labeled “Abstract.”

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4.1.2 Technical Proposal

• The technical proposal serves as the narrative blueprint for the applicant’s planned project and must include the following information:

• Limited to fifteen (15) double-spaced, single one-sided 8.5x11-inch pages with twelve (12)-point text and one (1)-inch margins;

• Detailed description of the applicant’s past experience and present ability to provide entrepreneurship/business management training and counseling assistance to identified beneficiaries with an interest in starting, managing, or growing a successful small enterprise;

• Project plan detailing the ability to provide operational and instructional support to

100% of the Boots to Business classes within the coverage area.

• Outcome data of the Applicant’s existing programs since inception, to include number of business starts, jobs created/retained contracts won, capital acquired, etc.

• General demographic data of Applicant’s past program participants (e.g., military service affiliation, rank at time of separation/retirement)

• The number of beneficiaries served in each 12-month period since program inception and projected number of beneficiaries that will be trained/counseled in future-12-month periods;

• Identification of director and key management personnel and staff, including resumes (position descriptions for unfilled positions). Resumes must include experience relevant to the project and may not be more than two pages in length.

Copies of resumes must be included as attachments in accordance with Section

4.1.5 below and do not count toward the 15-page limit.

• Identification of contractors and consultants and the manner in which they will be selected (i.e., competitively or non-competitively). NOTE: No more than 20% of award funds may be expended on contractor and/or consultant costs. Copies of contracts and consulting agreements (either signed or samples as applicable) must be included as attachments in accordance with Section 4.1.5 below and do not count towards the 15-page limit;

• An organizational chart;

• A timetable of milestones for the 12-month Budget Period; and identification of any additional funds or in-kind resources that will be expended in furtherance of the program.

4.1.3 Budget Narrative (Cost/Budget Proposal)

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

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

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

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

• Copy of the Applicant’s Cost Policy Statement; and

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• Copy of the Applicant’s government-wide Indirect Cost Rate agreement. If the

Applicant does not have an IDCR agreement, the Applicant may claim indirect costs in accordance with the procedures set forth in 2 CFR 200, Appendix III;

Indirect cost is allowable under this program, as described in 2 CFR 200.414 with the exception of recipients who have never negotiated and IDCR. Recipients must have an approved agreement with their cognizant Federal agency to charge indirect cost on the award. In the event that the recipient does not have an indirect cost rate, the recipient may use the 10% de minims rate based on MTDS (as defined by 2 CFR Part

200.68)

Use the following guidance for preparing the budget narrative:

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

(base and four option periods).

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

▪ Travel: Specify the estimated number of in-state and out-of-state trips for project staff, along with each trip’s purpose, mileage, per diem, and the associated staff who traveled.

▪ Equipment: Identify each item of equipment you expect to purchase which has an estimated acquisition cost of $5,000.00 or more per unit (or if your capitalization level is less than $5,000.00, use your capitalization level) and a useful lifetime of more than one year (see 2 CFR 200.33 for the definition of

“Equipment”). List the quantity and unit cost per item. Please note that items with a unit cost of less than $5,000 are classified as “Supplies,” not

“Equipment.” Additionally, we do not generally permit the purchase of equipment during the last funded year of a grant.

▪ Supplies: Identify categories of supplies (e.g., office supplies) in the detailed budget and list the quantity and unit cost per item. Supplies include all tangible personal property that does not qualify as Equipment (see 2 CFR 200.94 for the definition of Supplies).

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

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

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▪ Other: List any item not covered elsewhere here (such as stipends or incentives). Provide clear and specific detail, including costs, for each item so that we can determine whether the costs are necessary, reasonable, and allocable.

▪ Indirect Costs: If you include indirect costs in the budget, you must provide one of the following:

o A current version of your organization’s Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate

Agreement (NICRA), including an explanation of how the indirect costs are calculated. This explanation should include which portion of each line item, along with the associated costs, are included in your cost allocation base; or o Your intention to claim indirect costs using the ten percent (10%) de minimis rate, confirming that your organization meets the requirements as described in 2 CFR 200.414(f). Clearly state that your organization has never received a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate

Agreement (NICRA) and your organization is not one described in

Appendix VII of 2 CFR 200, paragraph (D)(1)(b).

4.1.4 Certifications, Forms, and Assurances

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

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

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

▪ Applicants are responsible for ensuring they are compliant with all the certifications and assurances required to submit a federal grant application.

Information on the requirements can be found at www.sam.gov .

4.1.5 Attachments and Exhibits

Along with the items discussed in the Technical Proposal, Budget Information, and

Evaluation Criteria sections, applicants must submit copies of the following with its proposal (as applicable):

▪ Résumé and position description for the VBOC Director and position descriptions for all other full- and part-time staff (including unfilled http://www.sam.gov/

Page | 12 positions), copies of contracts and consulting agreements (include three quotes for all contracts over $3,501.00, letters of support, pledges of additional funding or in-kind resources, leases, conflict of interest policy consistent with 2 CFR 2701.112. Successful applicants must maintain current signed conflicts of interest policy for all current employees, contractors, which include consultants and instructors providing services to the VBOC;

▪ An organizational chart that depicts the relationship between the VBOC and the host organization, as well as, the VBOC’s operating structure; and

▪ A copy of the applicant’s Cost Policy Statement.

4.2 Submission Instructions

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

If your organization hasn’t already done so, it must register with www.grants.gov before applying for this funding opportunity.

Note: The registration process, which may take up to 1-2 weeks, must be completed in order to submit an application electronically. It is strongly suggested that you start the registration process immediately.

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

If you experience any problems registering with www.grants.gov , please call the

Grants.gov Support Line at 1-800-518-4726 or email at support@grants.gov .

Grants.gov Applicant Support is available 24/7, with the exception of federal holidays.

Section V - Application Review Information

5.1 General

Applications will be rejected without being evaluated if they are submitted by ineligible organizations or they are illegible or materially incomplete due to an Applicant’s failure to include required forms and/or provide the required level of detail.

5.2 Evaluation Criteria

All timely, materially complete applications received from the eligible organizations/ institutions of higher learning will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria listed below.

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

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5.2.1 Organizational Experience and Capacity (Weight 25%)

Applicants will be evaluated on their demonstrated ability to deliver their established training and counseling assistance to beneficiaries.

Applicants must provide the following:

• Detailed description of the applicant’s past experience and present capacity to provide entrepreneurship/business management assistance to veteran-owned and service-disabled-owned small businesses which intend to start new or expand/diversity existing small enterprises

• Specific examples of how the applicant has marketed training and counseling assistance in the past to beneficiaries and description of future communications strategy and marketing

• Projected milestones or timelines for recruitment and selection of training candidates

• Scope of the geographic area and demographics intended to penetrate when recruiting potential candidates

• The number of beneficiaries served in each 12-month period since the inception of your current program(s) and projected number of beneficiaries that will be served in a future 12-month period if this funding opportunity is granted

• Description of established relationships with strategic partners and alliances with veteran organizations within local and regional communities

5.2.2 Project Design (Weight 20%)

Applicants must outline the program objectives and outcomes to be measured as well as the methodology for evaluating and assessing the effectiveness of the program. Applicant narratives should describe any evaluation criteria and delivery methods as part of its Technical Proposal.

• Requirements for marketing and promotions of VBOC program within local and regional veteran business communities, to include methods of assessing the market and targeting potential veteran small business owners and entrepreneurs as clients;

• Project plan detailing the ability to provide operational and instructional support to

100% of the Boots to Business classes within the coverage area;

• Marketing and communications plan/strategy that identifies media (print, internet, television, radio, magazines, newsletters) used to promote VBOC to targeted beneficiaries

• Budget outline of marketing/promotions costs

• General demographic data of past program participants (e.g. veteran, service-disabled veteran, military spouse, branch of service, etc.)

• Description of location of training and delivery channel(s) (e.g., on-site, webinar, in-residence)

• Accessibility of training (physical or technology accommodations available)

• Outcome data of the program since inception such as number of business starts, jobs created or retained, contracts won, capital acquired, etc.

• Description of the evaluation methodology.

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5.2.3 Project Management (Weight 20%)

Applicants will be evaluated on the strength of their staffing and management plans for accomplishing the goals and objectives of the program requirements.

• Applicants must demonstrate they will devote adequate numbers of personnel having sufficient experience to the project, establish clear and direct lines of responsibility and authority for managing and overseeing the project, and show that they will have sufficient facilities and other physical resources at their disposals to accomplish the proposed project. In particular, an Applicant must:

• Identify all key management staff and contractors/consultants, describe their roles in conducting and overseeing the project, stipulate the amount of time they will devote to the project, and provide copies of resumes/position descriptions and an organizational chart;

• Identify all facilities and other physical resources that will be utilized in furtherance of capacity building and provide copies of relevant deeds, leases, free space agreements, rental contracts, memoranda of understanding, etc.;

• Provide copies of all contracts and consulting agreements and identify the employees or officials of the Applicants’ organizations who will be responsible for overseeing and administering those agreements;

• Describe its financial management structure and internal controls and identify all staff members who will be responsible for financial recordkeeping, reporting, the receipt and expenditure of award funds, and addressing audit findings;

• Provide a copy of its conflict-of-interest policy addressing, at a minimum, procedures for ensuring its employees, consultants and contractors do not assist veterans in which they, their principals, or its employees, consultants and contractors do not use their fiduciary duties and/or ensure its employees, consultants and contractors do not use their role in the project as a means for marketing their outside services to project clients.

5.2.4 Collaboration and Leveraging of Resources (Weight 10%)

Applicants will be evaluated on the breadth of their plans for coordinating their proposed activities and working to expand the scope and reach of their project in collaboration with entities such as SBA District Offices, other federal, state, local and tribal government agencies, SBA resource partners, trade associations, business/industry groups, and institutions of higher learning. Specifically, an applicant must provide:

• Copies of agreements with, or letters or emails of support from, the above-listed types of organization pledges;

• Copies of agreements with, or letters or emails from, the above-listed types of organizations pledging to work with the Applicant in order to advance specific VBOC Project objectives.

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• Brief details of how applicant plans to work specifically with SBA’s District Office and resource partners (VBOCs, SCORE, SBDCs and WBCs) to coordinate marketing of the

Boots to Business and Reboot training programs to beneficiaries and post-program business technical assistance referral; and

• Demonstrates the capability to establish partnerships with veteran service organizations, employment services, and community-based organizations that service the training needs of veterans; provide a list of strategic alliances established to date, as an addendum.

• Propose the methods and framework for coordinating and tracking client referrals to outside providers as well as within-collaborative network.

• Propose methods of how Applicant will coordinate efforts with SBA Resource Partners

(SBDCs, WBCs and SCORE Chapters) in delivery of both Boot to Business and Reboot trainings to beneficiaries.

5.2.3 Risk Management (Weight 5%)

Applicants will be evaluated using a risk-based approach pursuant to 2 C.F.R. 200.205(b) based on the following criteria:

1. Financially stability – C.F.O. Certification referencing adequacy of internal controls as applicable with standard accounting practices and in compliance with 2 C.F.R. 200.302;

2. History of Performance – the applicant’s record in managing Federal awards, if it is a prior receipt of Federal awards, including timeliness for compliance with applicable report requirements, accuracy of reimbursement requests, conformance to terms and conditions of pervious Federal awards;

3. Reports and findings from annual audits and independent CPA financial reviews performed;

4. The applicant’s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory and other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities.

5.4 Innovation (Weight 5%)

Describe unique or innovative approaches for delivering the project (Rural Outreach, Virtual

Training & Counseling, Collaboration & Partnerships, etc.)

Criteria Points

(Maximum)

Organizational Experience & capacity 25

Project Design 20

Project Management 20

Budget & Budget Justification 15

Collaboration & Leveraging of Resources 10

Risk Management 5

Innovation 5

Total Points 100

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5.5 Review and Selection Process

Applications will be rejected without being evaluated if they are submitted by ineligible organizations, or they are illegible or materially incomplete due to an Applicant’s failure to include required forms and/or provide the required level of detail.

Applications that are not rejected by grants.gov or SBA’s initial screening process will be evaluated by a team of merit reviewers on the basis of how well the applications meet the

Technical Proposal criteria outlined within this Funding Opportunity. The reviewers may be

SBA employees or employers of other federal agencies. Applicants are therefore encouraged to design proposals that address the criteria listed above in a clear and concise manner.

The SBA merit reviewers will utilize an adjectival rating structure to evaluate eligible applications. The merit reviewers shall measure each application against the Funding

Opportunity and shall be evaluated against the criteria of the Funding Opportunity. These criteria and their respective weighting of each criterion are detailed in Section 5. The reviewers will determine whether the application, in consideration of each category, respective weighting and then taken in its entirety, should be rated as: 1) Highly Responsive; 2) Responsive; 3) Somewhat

Responsive; or 4) Not Responsive.

a. Highly Responsive: Applicant fully addresses all criteria aspects, convincingly demonstrates that it will meet the SBA's performance requirements, and demonstrates no discernable weaknesses;

b. Responsive: Applicant fully addresses all criteria aspects, demonstrates a likelihood of meeting the SBA’s requirements, but may include minor weaknesses;

c. Somewhat Responsive: Applicant addresses most criteria aspects and demonstrates the ability to meet the SBA's performance requirements. However, the Application contains significant weaknesses and/or a number of minor weaknesses. These weaknesses may be addressed by recommending the award and including a specific programmatic or administrative post-award special term(s) and condition(s); or,

d. Not Responsive: Applicant does not sufficiently address the criteria and the information presented indicates a strong likelihood of failure to meet SBA's requirements.

The SBA reviewers shall submit their final evaluations to the SBA’s Office of Veterans Business

Development who will take these assessments, along with other information in the possession, and after careful consideration all information, shall draft individual funding recommendations which will include: 1) not to fund the application; 2) fund the application but not at the level requested;

or 3) fund the application at the level requested.

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Section VI - Award Administration Information

6.1 Award Notification

All applicants will receive written notification of their application status. There will be no debriefing process for unsuccessful applicants.

6.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The selected applicant will be required to comply with the requirements set forth in the

Small Business Act, §§2(h) and 29 (15 U.S.C. §§ 631(h) and 656), as amended; 2 CFR

Chapter I, Chapter II, Part 200, et al., 13 C.F.R. Part 131; and the terms and conditions set forth in their NOA. In addition, the SBA, from time to time, may advise non-Federal entities of awards made under this FOA of new legal requirements and/or policy initiatives with which they must agree to comply.

6.3 Reporting

The non-federal entities are required to submit the reports identified below. The SBA may withhold payment if reports are not received or are deemed inadequate. Failure to report in a timely manner will also be weighed against future applications for grant funding from the same organization and the exercise of any option periods. The reports provided by grant recipients may be made public. In addition, the SBA reserves the right to increase the frequency of reporting as deemed necessary, as well as require grant recipients to post these reports (apart from financial reports) on their websites.

6.3.1 Financial Reports

Grant recipients will be required to submit financial reports quarterly during the project period, within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of each reporting period.

Financial reports will be submitted to the SBA using the SF-425, Federal Financial

Report (FFR) and supporting documents identified by the OVBD. Note: In years two (2) through five (5), VBOC projects deemed “high risk” must continue to submit quarterly financial reports.

6.3.2 Performance Reports

The non-Federal entities will be required to submit quarterly narrative performance reports to the SBA using the report identified by OVBD within thirty (30) days after the completion of each three (3) month period.

6.3.3 Report Submission

Grant recipients will be required to submit reports as instructed by the NOA.

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6.4 Recordkeeping Requirements

6.4.1 Activity Records

Grant recipients will be required to maintain complete and accurate records and supporting documentation. Client counseling, training, and other activities must be fully documented on the SBA Form 641 and the SBA Form 888 and Neoserra CRM. In addition to the performance and program reports already mentioned in the Reporting section, the grant recipient must maintain the following records:

1. Counseling Activity Reports

The grant recipient will be required to document all counseling and training activities on the SBA Form 641 Counseling Information Form (or an equivalent form). Signed copies of these forms must be retained by the grant recipient either electronically or in hard copy and be made available for the SBA’s review upon request. For training activities, the 641 data element - denoting a training - must be used.

2. Training Activity Reports

The grant recipient will be required to utilize the SBA Form 888 Management Training

Report (or an equivalent form) to report small business management training activities

(see Definitions section for more details regarding what qualifies as training). The grant recipient may use a computerized version of this form. Electronic or hard copies of these forms must be retained by the grant recipient and be made available for the SBA’s review upon request.

3. VBOC Client Evaluation Forms

Evaluations of VBOC services or client satisfaction surveys must be collected from clients who receive continuous counseling or attend a VBOC training event. Copies of these evaluations must be retained by the grant recipient and be made available for the SBA’s review upon request.

6.4.2 Protection of Client Contact Information

A VBOC may not disclose the name, address, or telephone number of any individual or small business concern to which it aids without the written consent of that individual or concern, except as authorized by the SBA.

Section VII - Agency Contacts

7.1 Office of Veterans Business Development Point of Contact

Questions concerning general information contained in this FOA should be directed to OVBD at Sandra.wells@sba.gov .

mailto:Sandra.wells@sba.gov

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7.2 Financial/Grants Management Point of Contact

Questions regarding budgetary matters related to this FOA should be directed to

Sandra.wells@sba.gov.

Section VIII - Other Information

8.1 Definitions

The following definitions apply to awards made under this FOA.

8.1.1 Applicant

An eligible organization that applies for funding under this FOA.

8.1.2 Budget Period

The period of performance in which expenditures and obligations are incurred by a VBOC, consistent with 2 CFR § 200.77.

8.1.3 Client

An entrepreneur or existing small business seeking services provided by the VBOC.

8.1.4 Clients Served

Number of unique clients counseled and/or trained. Count of unique SBA client IDs with a reported counseling session or training in the time-period indicated.

8.1.5 Closure

A period when the VBOC plans to cease operations, such as a national holiday, annual local event, or other extended period.

8.1.6 Contact Hours

The amount of time spent directly interacting with a business or individual client.

8.1.7 Cooperative Agreement

Also known as a notice of award. A legal instrument of financial assistance between the SBA and a recipient organization that is consistent with 31 U.S.C. § 6302–6305 and provides for substantial involvement between the SBA and the recipient organization in carrying out the proposed activities.

mailto:Sandra.wells@sba.gov

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8.1.8 Cost Policy Statement

A document describing all accounting policies of an applicant organization and narrating in detail its proposed cost allocation plan. This plan must stipulate the procedures used to identify, measure, and allocate all costs to each benefitting activity.

8.1.9 Counseling

Services provided to an individual and/or small business owner that are specific to a client, substantive in nature and require assistance from a Resource Partner or SBA District Office personnel in the formation, management, financing, and/or operation of a small business enterprise and are specific to the needs of the business or individual. Counseling services require a signed SBA Form 641 or equivalent form that supports the SBA’s management information database.

8.1.10 Counseling Record

A record that provides individual client contact information, demographics about the client/business, and data on the counseling provided.

8.1.11 Distance Learning

The process of connecting learners with remote and virtual resources. Such learning uses communication technologies to stimulate continuous and lifelong learning. The technologies used may include video, audio, computer, satellite, audio-graphic and print.

8.1.12 Electronic Commerce (eCommerce)

Electronic commerce refers to all aspects of business and market processes enabled by the

Internet and other digital technologies.

8.1.13 Goals

VBOC goals are those established in collaboration with the Office of Veterans Business

Development (OVBD).

8.1.14 Grants Management Officer (GMO)

The SBA official with delegated authority to obligate Federal funds by signing the Notice of

Award.

8.1.15 New Business Starts

Clients that were able to start (indicated they are in business) as a result of services received.

8.1.16 Non-Federal Entity

Non-Federal entity means a state, local government, Indian tribe, institution of higher education (IHE), or nonprofit organization that carries out a Federal award as a recipient.

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8.1.17 Notice of Award

See Cooperative Agreement

8.1.18 Option Year:

Additional twelve (12)-month budget period awarded after the first budget period (base period) as determined by the period of performance identified in the cooperative agreement.

8.1.19 Personnel

Full- and part-time personnel employed by the non-Federal entity who serve in a position/role that is deemed necessary to the successful operation of the VBOC.

8.1.20 Preparation Time (hours)

The amount of time spent preparing and researching information for a business or individual client.

8.1.21 VBOC Program Director

A full-time employee - forty (40) hours per week, as required by statute - whose time is dedicated 100% to managing the day-to-day operation of the VBOC. The Program Director’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

▪ Ensuring that the VBOC Project and services are delivered in accordance with the

FOA, Notice of Award, regulations, and statute.

▪ Ensuring that the VBOC is compliant with the FOA, notice of award, regulations, statute, and OMB circulars.

▪ Ensuring that all communications from the OVBD are provided to the appropriate parties of the VBOC.

▪ Development and implementation of strategic plan

▪ Development and implementation of staffing and budget plans

▪ Grants management reporting & compliance (budget, reimbursements, staffing, travel, quarterly/year end reports)

▪ Development and implementation of performance goals (B2B, Reboot, other trainings, counseling, outreach, referrals)

▪ Development and implementation of stakeholder outreach & collaboration plan (B2B installations, SBA resource partners, community partners, SBA district offices, veteran service organizations, etc.)

▪ Performance goal documentation & reporting

▪ Development and implementation of B2B delivery & reporting strategy

▪ Training, counseling & networking

8.1.22 Program Income

Gross income earned by the non-Federal entity, as described in 2 CFR § 200.80.

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8.1.23 Project Period

The period specified in the notice of award that identifies the start and end date of the recipient organization’s project.

8.1.24 Religious Organization

An entity that is organized for religious purposes and engages in activity consistent with, and in furtherance of, such purposes.

8.1.25 SBA Resource Partners

Organizations that provide services through SBA funding or through another recognized relationship with the SBA. Resource partners include, but are not limited to, Small Business

Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE, Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs), SBA

Microloan Program intermediaries, non-lender technical assistance providers, and SBA co-sponsorship and memorandum-of-understanding partners.

8.1.26 Technical Assistance

Counseling or training services provided to an individual and/or business in accordance with the terms of this Funding Opportunity Announcement and a non-Federal entity’s Notice of

Award.

8.1.27 Training

A qualified activity or event presented or cosponsored by a VBOC that delivers a structured program of knowledge, information, or experience on an entrepreneurial or business-related subject.

8.1.28 Travel Hours

The amount of time spent traveling to and from a location (separate from assigned post-of-duty) to meet with businesses or individual clients. If meeting with more than one client, travel time is counted only once.

8.2 Additional Resources and Partnerships

Co-Sponsorship Agreements: If one or more organizations and the SBA are involved with a

VBOC as co-sponsors of an activity, a co-sponsorship agreement must be executed by the

SBA, the VBOC, and all other co-sponsors in accordance with the SBA’s Co-sponsorship SOP

90 75 2 or revised equivalent.

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Appendix A

COVERAGE AREAS

1. Maryland, District of Columbia, Delaware & Pennsylvania: VBOC coverage will include Maryland, District of Columbia, Delaware and Pennsylvania. VBOC will be required to conduct in Boots to Business Training at the following installations:

• Dover AFB - Delaware

• Carlisle Barracks - Pennsylvania

• Coast Guard Headquarters – Washington, DC

• Fort Detrick - Maryland

• Fort McNair – Washington, DC

• Fort Meade - Maryland

• Joint Base Anacostia – Washington, DC

• Joint Base Andrews - Maryland

• Walter Reed Military Medical Center - Maryland

• Naval Air Station Patuxent River - Maryland

• NSA Annapolis - Maryland

• Aberdeen Proving Grounds - Maryland

• U.S. Naval Academy – Maryland

• The Pentagon - Virginia

Boots to Business Classes Completed - Boots to Business Calendar, https://sbavets.force.com/s/

• 2019/2020 Grant Year: 37

• 2018/2019 Grant Year: 63

2. Northern California & Nevada: VBOC Coverage will include Northern California (all counties north of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles & San Bernardino Counties) and

Nevada. VBOC will be required to conduct Boots to Business Training at the following installations:

• China Lake NAWS - California

• Beale AFB - California

• Fallon NAS - Nevada

• Lemoore NAS - California

• Nellis AFB - Nevada

• NSA Monterey - California

• Travis AFB – California

Boots to Business Classes Completed - Boots to Business Calendar,…