oppEDA-AUS-TA-AURO-2018-2005671-cfda11.303-instructions.pdf

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NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Federal Agency Name: Economic Development Administration (EDA), U.S.

Department of Commerce (DOC)

• Federal Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2018 EDA University Center Economic

Development Program Competition

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

31, 2018.

• Funding Opportunity Numbers:

o Austin Regional Office: EDA-AUS-TA-AURO-2018-2005671 o Denver Regional Office: EDA-DEN-TA-DRO-2018-2005672

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

Development – Technical Assistance

• Dates: The deadline for receipt of applications is July 15, 2018. Please see section

D.4. of this NOFO for more information on deadlines.

• Notice of Funding Opportunity Description: This NOFO announces the availability of funding for EDA’s FY 2018 University Center Economic Development

Program Competition. This program funds technical assistance provided by an accredited institution of higher education or a consortium of accredited institutions of higher education that is focused on advancing regional commercialization efforts, entrepreneurship, innovation, business expansion in a region’s innovation cluster(s), and a high-skilled regional workforce. EDA solicits competitive applications from accredited institutions of higher education and from consortia of accredited institutions of higher education that are located in and have programs targeting only geographic areas served by EDA’s Austin and Denver Regional Offices:

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

Denver Regional Office

Serves: Colorado, Iowa (excluding

Muscatine and Scott counties), Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and

Wyoming.

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• Addresses and Designated Points of Contact:

1. Austin Regional Office

FY 2018 University Center Program Competition

Economic Development Administration

Austin Regional Office

903 San Jacinto

Suite 206

Austin, TX 78701

Designated Contact:

Sally Waley, 512-381-8141, swaley@eda.gov

2. Denver Regional Office

Denver Regional Office

1244 Speer Boulevard

Suite 431

Denver, CO 80204

Jane Reimer, 303-844-4090, jreimer@eda.gov

• Award Notification: Subject to the availability of funding, successful applicants should expect to receive awards within approximately 75 calendar days from the application closing date and times set out in this NOFO. Awards will have an initial funding period of twelve months (as part of a five-year period of performance) with an estimated start date on or about August 31, 2018. See section F.1. of this NOFO for award notification information.

mailto:jreimer@eda.gov

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FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

A. Program Description

1. Overview

2. EDA Investment Priorities

3. Statutory Authority for the University Center Program

B. Federal Award Information

1. What funding is available under this announcement?

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

3. Post-Approval Requirements

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

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

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) Review

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

H. Other Information

1. Right to Use Information

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2. Freedom of Information Act Disclosure

3. Notice of Government-Wide Procurement Restriction

4. Past Performance and Non-Compliance with Award Provisions

5. Restrictions Governing Making Grants to Corporations Convicted of Felony

Criminal Violations and/or Unpaid Federal Tax Liabilities

6. EDA’s Non-Relocation Policy

7. Audit Requirements

8. Implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

I. Instructions for Application Submission via Grants.gov

Appendix A. Representation by Corporations Regarding an Unpaid Delinquent Tax

Liability or a Felony Conviction Under Any Federal Law

A. Program Description

1. Overview

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

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

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

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EDA recognizes that institutions of higher education are critical players in the development of vibrant economic ecosystems. Universities are sources of significant economic development assets—such as faculty, staff, students, research and proof of concept centers, laboratories, and high-speed broadband networks—that can support regional economic growth. In addition, universities create significant knowledge spillovers and possess broader and deeper networks of expertise that can assist innovators and entrepreneurs. Potential university-based support for economic growth includes the commercialization of research, the conversion of intellectual property and ideas into products and services, and the support of regionally-owned strategies that support business expansion and job creation.

Additionally, universities facilitate environments conducive to trade and global exports by providing services for businesses to connect to international markets.

The purpose of EDA’s University Center Economic Development Program (also referred to in this announcement as the University Center program) is to enable institutions of higher education and consortia of institutions of higher education to establish and operate University

Centers specifically focused on using university assets to build regional economic ecosystems that support innovation and high-growth entrepreneurship. University Centers collaborate with other EDA partners by providing expertise and technical assistance to develop, implement, and support regional strategies that result in job creation, high-skilled regional talent pools, and business expansion in a region’s innovation clusters.1 Expertise and technical assistance may address, for example, workforce training programs, applied research centers, technology commercialization, feasibility studies, market research, economic impact analyses training, and other technical assistance to help communities foster vibrant economic ecosystems.

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

FY 2018

(this competition)

Austin Regional

Office

Denver Regional

Office

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

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

FY 2021

(next competition)

Philadelphia

Regional Office

Serves: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode

1 For purposes of this NOFO, EDA defines clusters as geographic concentrations of firms, workers, and industries that do business with each other and have common needs for talent, technology, and infrastructure.

Clusters are essentially networks of similar, synergistic, or complementary entities that are engaged in or with a particular industry sector; have active channels for business transactions and communication; share specialized infrastructure, labor markets, and services; and leverage the region’s unique competitive strengths to stimulate innovation and create jobs. Clusters may cross municipal, county, and other jurisdictional boundaries.

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Chicago Regional

Office

Island, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and West

Virginia.

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

FY 2022 Atlanta Regional

Seattle Regional

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

Tennessee.

Serves: Alaska, Arizona, American Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Republic of Palau, and

Washington.

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

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

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

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

• Innovation infrastructure (which includes both tangible and non-tangible types) necessary to support innovation such as education, workforce development, and financial infrastructure.

In addition, EDA encourages University Center program applications that:

• Align with the DOC Strategic Plan 2018-2022, with a focus on advancing STEM skills and capabilities, supporting workforce training opportunities in accordance with the needs of local and regional employers, and/or enhancing manufacturing capacities within the region.

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• Benefit distressed communities2 by linking these communities to larger, more vibrant regional economies, including rural-urban linkages;

• Present a clear plan for collaborating with and assisting other EDA investment partners, recipients, and stakeholders, including EDA-funded Economic

Development Districts (EDDs) and Indian Tribes;

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

Planning programs;

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

• Tailor services to the region’s needs and each sponsoring institution’s (or consortium’s) strengths.

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

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

2. EDA Investment Priorities

All projects considered for EDA funding under this NOFO must directly support one or more of EDA’s Investment Priorities. EDA’s Investment Priorities can be found at https://www.eda.gov/about/investment-priorities.htm. The priorities may be updated from time to time, although they will not change during the application period for this NOFO. Any future revisions will be reflected on EDA’s website on January 15, April 15, June 15, or

September 15 of each year.

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

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

https://www.eda.gov/about/investment-priorities.htm

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3. Statutory Authority for the University Center Program

EDA’s authorizing statute is the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.) (PWEDA). The specific authority for the University

Center Economic Development Program is section 207 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3147), which authorizes EDA to make grants for the establishment of University Centers. EDA’s regulations at 13 C.F.R. parts 300–302 and subpart B of 13 C.F.R. part 306 set forth the general and specific regulatory requirements applicable to the University Center program.

EDA’s regulations are codified at 13 C.F.R. chapter III and are accessible at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse. Scroll down to find Title 13, then click on

Chapter III. Likewise, PWEDA is available on the U.S. Government Publishing Office’s

(GPO’s) website at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2016-title42/pdf/USCODE-

2016-title42-chap38.pdf.

B. Federal Award Information

1. What funding is available under this announcement?

For FY 2018, EDA has allocated approximately $7.4 million to the University Center program ($2.5 million for the first year of awards under this competition) under funding appropriated through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (P.L. 115-141). Annual awards for the University Centers selected in past years generally have been in the range of

$80,000 to $200,000 each, and each participating region has generally made 8 to 10 awards.

The Austin Regional Office and the Denver Regional Office may choose to fund awards under this competition outside of these ranges. Subject to the availability of funding at the time of award, the funds allocated to the University Center program are anticipated to be available until expended.

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

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

3. Post-Approval Requirements

In addition to an annual performance evaluation by EDA, recipients’ performance will be subject to a peer review at the end of years two and four of the period of performance. Two weeks before the recipient’s scheduled peer review, the University Center must provide EDA with an abstract of its original proposal, a copy of its presentation on the University Center’s performance, and any relevant papers or work product for dissemination to the peer review panelists. The recipient should be prepared to participate in a moderated discussion with these reviewers at the conclusion of its presentation.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2016-title42/pdf/USCODE-2016-title42-chap38.pdf https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2016-title42/pdf/USCODE-2016-title42-chap38.pdf

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

As part of the required progress reports (see section F.3. of this NOFO), recipients will be required to provide an overview of how activities of the University Centers are fulfilling the needs of their target regions. For example, University Centers could identify how their activities result in a change in per capita income or help assist businesses, or they may submit a summary of their technology commercialization activities. Recipients are required to comply with all terms and conditions of the award, including specific award conditions agreed to by EDA and the University Center.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

An accredited institution of higher education, including a community college or junior college, or a consortium of accredited institutions of higher education is eligible to apply for and to receive funding under the University Center Economic Development Program.

See section 3(12) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122(12)) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3. A university-affiliated research institution also is eligible to apply for and to receive funding under this NOFO, provided it demonstrates (e.g., through a letter or other documentation from the university president or chancellor) that it maintains the full and integral support of the university with respect to its economic development activities. For applicants applying as a consortium, one accredited institution of higher education must be identified as the lead applicant that would have primary responsibility to EDA and to the other members of the consortium for implementing an award. An organization that is affiliated with and directed by an accredited institution of higher education and that is in good standing may partner with an accredited institution of higher education or consortium to participate in a proposed project.

Pursuant to this NOFO, EDA is soliciting applications from accredited institutions of higher education and from consortia of accredited institutions of higher education to operate

University Centers in (and have programs targeting) only the following geographic areas served by the Austin and Denver Regional Offices:

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

Denver Regional Office Serves: Colorado, Iowa (excluding Muscatine and

Scott counties), Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and

Wyoming.

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

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2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Generally, the amount of an EDA award may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the project.3 Projects may receive an additional amount that may not exceed up to 30 percent of the total project cost, based on the relative needs of the Region in which the project will be located, as determined by EDA.4 In addition, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for

Economic Development has the discretion to establish a maximum EDA investment rate of up to 100 percent where the project (i) merits and is not otherwise feasible without an increase to the EDA investment rate; or (ii) will be of no or only incidental benefit to the recipient.5 Additionally, EDA’s regulations provide discretion to establish a maximum EDA investment rate of up to 100 percent for projects of Indian Tribes.6

In-kind contributions may provide the required non-Federal share of the total project cost and can consist of contributions directly related to the proposed project, such as space, equipment, services, or forgiveness or assumptions of debt.7 Funds from other Federal financial assistance awards are considered matching share funds only if authorized by statute, which may be determined by EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the statute.8

EDA will fairly evaluate all in-kind contributions, which must be eligible in accordance with

Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal

Awards (Uniform Guidance). The applicant must show that the matching share will: (i) be committed to the project for the project period, (ii) be available as needed, and (iii) not be conditioned or encumbered in any way that may preclude its use consistent with the requirements of EDA investment assistance.9 To meet these requirements, applicants may submit for each source of matching share a commitment letter or equivalent document signed by an authorized representative of the organization providing the matching funds. Additional documentation may be requested by EDA to substantiate the availability of the matching funds.

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

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

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

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

6 See 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(5).

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

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

9 See 13 C.F.R. § 301.5.

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D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

An applicant may obtain the appropriate application package electronically at https://www.grants.gov/. Applicants in areas served by the Austin Regional Office may search for this funding opportunity on Grants.gov using Opportunity Number “EDA-AUS-

TA-AURO-2018-2005671”, while applicants in areas served by the Denver Regional Office may search for this funding opportunity on Grants.gov using Opportunity Number “EDA-

DEN-TA-DRO-2018-2005672”. All components of the appropriate application package may be accessed and downloaded (in a screen-fillable format) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. Applicants are advised that they must complete the registration process prior to submitting an application through

Grants.gov. Registration is not required for an applicant to access, view, or download the application package. Even though an applicant may be able to view and download an application, if the applicant has not correctly completed the Grants.gov registration process, the applicant will not be able to submit the application electronically for EDA’s review.

To request a paper copy of the application materials, please contact either the Austin or

Denver Regional Office:

Austin

FY 2018 University Center Program Competition

Economic Development Administration

Austin Regional Office

903 San Jacinto

Designated Contact: Sally Waley, 512-381-8141, swaley@eda.gov

Denver

Economic Development Administration

Denver Regional Office

1244 Speer Boulevard

Designated Contact: Jane Reimer, 303-844-4090, jreimer@eda.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Applicants must complete and submit the following components of an application package.

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

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html mailto:swaley@eda.gov

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a. Required Documents

• Form SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance.

• Form SF-424A – Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs.

• Form SF-424B – Assurances—Non-Construction Programs.

• Form CD-511 – Certification Regarding Lobbying.

• Form SF-LLL – Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.

• Form ED-900 – General Application for EDA Programs.

• Form ED-900A – Additional EDA Assurances for Construction or

Non-Construction Investments.

• Project Narrative (as described in section D.2.c. below).

b. Special Instructions for Completing Form ED-900

The following modifications to the general application instructions for Form ED-900 apply to this competition and should be observed. Applicants are advised to read carefully as the following elements have been waived.

In general, certain sections of Form ED-900 require project information that may be included in the applicant’s Project Narrative (described below). To avoid redundancy, the applicant may make the following notation “See Project Narrative” (a cross-reference to the corresponding Project Narrative section is strongly encouraged) in the response boxes corresponding to these sections.

Section B.3 of Form ED-900. Applicants under this NOFO are not required to submit a

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) referenced in section B.3 of

Form ED-900. Applicants should type “Not required for a UC” in the box following the “If

Yes” statement.

Non-governmental applicants must complete section F of Form ED-900 and include all documentation required in that section except that applicants are not required to submit a resolution of (or letter signed by an authorized representative of) a general purpose political subdivision of a State acknowledging that it is acting in cooperation with officials of such political division (section F.3).

Notwithstanding the applicant’s self-designation, EDA may determine that public universities in certain States should be treated as “governmental” even if the universities utilize nonprofit organizations to structure their relationship with Federal grant agencies.

c. Project Narrative

Applicants should submit a Project Narrative in a separate attachment to ensure that their applications include a clear and compelling justification for the project. The Project

Narrative must be no more than 10 pages of double-spaced text (approximately 200 to

300 words per page), including any attachments but not including the cover page.

Where applicable, the preferred electronic file format for attachments is Adobe portable

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The Project Narrative must provide for a five-year scope of work and for a timeline for implementation during the five-year period of performance. The timeline must include benchmarks to gauge program progress as described in section D.2.c.vii., below. The Project

Narrative must include the following items, which should be presented in the following format:

i. Cover Page

ii. Section 1. Program Focus

Identify the program focus of the proposed EDA-supported University Center. Applicants should indicate whether the University Center will focus on supporting regional commercialization efforts, advancing high-growth entrepreneurship, cultivating innovation, encouraging business expansion in a region’s innovation cluster(s), developing a high-skilled regional workforce, or any combination of the above. If the University Center will have more than one program focus, applicants should clearly indicate the anticipated percentage of time devoted to each focus. Applicants that are current or former EDA-funded University Centers are encouraged to demonstrate how the proposed project is different from or builds upon the previously funded University Center project.

iii. Section 2. Service Region, Needs of Service Region, and Target

Audience

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

“Region” in 13 C.F.R. § 300.3.

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

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

List existing and potential partnerships with regional economic development stakeholders

(e.g., regional planning organizations) and trade/export related entities (e.g., U.S. export assistance centers), and describe ongoing activities. Provide specific examples of the https://www.eda.gov/pdf/EDAs_regs-13_CFR_Chapter_III.pdf

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As noted above, EDA strongly encourages University Centers that benefit distressed communities to link these communities to larger, more vibrant regional economies. The applicant should identify the targeted beneficiaries of the proposed University Center and desired outcomes throughout the proposed geographic service region. Describe, using specific examples, how the proposed work program will positively impact the targeted beneficiaries in the proposed geographic service region.

iv. Section 3. Scope of Work and Anticipated Impacts and Results

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

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

“technical assistance” includes all economic development activities whether undertaken at the request of an entity outside of the sponsoring institution (or consortium) or directly by the applicant or co-applicants. Conducting applied research means the direct use of research to address a specific challenge, meet a specific need, or solve a specific problem experienced by innovators, entrepreneurs, economic planners, and cluster-based industries. Disseminating information about the activities of the University Center includes: (1) informing the

University Center’s target audience of available assistance; (2) publicizing research findings and best practices; and (3) demonstrating to EDA how measurable economic development outcomes will be realized during the period of performance.

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

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

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

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

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

• Assisting existing businesses in increasing productivity and quality, streamlining operations, and cutting costs through the introduction or

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

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

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

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

The applicant should also identify the anticipated economic impacts and benefits to the

University Center’s service region, in particular the previously identified economically distressed regions and the target audience. Anticipated benefits may include, but are not limited to:

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

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

• Investments of private sector capital;

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

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

• Any activities that result in measurable outcomes leading to increased innovation, entrepreneurship, emerging and growing clusters, and sustainable economic development practices; and

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

v. Section 4. Supporting Information

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

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

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Outline the processes or strategies the proposed University Center will follow to maximize coordination and interaction with relevant entities, such as District Organizations, Indian

Tribes, Councils of Governments, Regional Planning Commissions, and other University

Centers, to minimize duplication of services and provide services not currently available.

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

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

Discuss past performance in administering economic development technical assistance projects.

vi. Section 5. Project Fit with EDA’s Priorities

Applicants must address EDA Investment Priorities in accordance with section A.2. of this

NOFO. It is not necessary to demonstrate that the project address all EDA Investment

Priorities. Applicants should address the Investment Priorities for which there is a clear fit.

vii. Section 6. Project Timeline

Applicants must submit a detailed five-year timeline for project implementation that includes significant project benchmarks and accomplishments.

viii. Section 7. Project Sustainability

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

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

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

d. Budget, Budget Narrative, and Staffing Plan

i. SF-424A. Applicants must submit Form SF-424A for the entire five-year period of performance. In addition, applicants must attach five separate itemized budgets—including columns reflecting the Federal, non-Federal cash, non-Federal in-kind, and total amounts allocated to each budget line item—for each of the five years in the period of performance. Each of the five budgets should have equal total amounts for the Federal portion.

Applicants should use the budget categories identified in “Section B –

Budget Categories” of Form SF-424A, with sub-categories and explanations as necessary. The allowability of costs under a Federal award is determined in accordance with the provisions of subpart E (“Cost

Principles”) of the Uniform Guidance. Generally, allowable costs include salaries, supplies, and other expenses that are reasonable, allocable, and allowable for successful completion of the scope of work.

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ii. Budget Narrative. The Budget Narrative should specifically address each budget line item (including both the Federal share and matching non-

Federal share) and the Narrative total should match the total project costs listed in both the SF-424 question 18 line g and SF-424A (“Totals”) for the five-year period of performance. The Budget Narrative should include itemized descriptions and valuations of any in-kind matching funds. The activities within the scope of work that are being completed with in-kind matching funds should be clearly identified. The non-Federal share, whether in cash or in-kind, is expected to be paid out at the same general rate as the Federal share; however, if the Budget Narrative proposes otherwise, applicants must also include information that clearly indicates what project elements the matching share funds will support and explain why deviation from paying out at the same general rate is required for the project to be implemented. Subject to the availability of funding, successful applicants under this NOFO must follow the applicable Federal procurement rules prior to selecting or entering into any vendor contracts.

iii. Staffing Plan. In addition to the budget and budget narrative, applicants also must submit a staffing plan listing all positions that will be charged to the Federal and non-Federal portion of the budget for each year of the five-year period of performance. The staffing plan must include position titles, maximum annual salaries, percentage of time dedicated to the project, and the total amount of annual salaries that would be charged to the project. The total amount of annual salaries that would be charged to the project must be consistent with the amount reflected on the

“Personnel” budget line item on the Form SF-424A for each project year.

iv. Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs. If F&A costs (sometimes referred to as indirect costs) are included in the budget, the applicant must include documentation to support the F&A rate it is using. For most applicants, this will entail the submission of a copy of its current, approved and negotiated F&A rate agreement (F&A Agreement). Subject to the limitation on F&A costs set out in section D.6. below (i.e., F&A costs may amount to no more than 20 percent of the total project cost), the maximum dollar amount of allocable F&A costs for which EDA will reimburse a recipient shall be the lesser of the (i) line-item amount for the

Federal share of F&A costs contained in the EDA-approved budget for the award, or (ii) Federal share of the total allocable F&A costs of the award based on either (a) the cost rate approved by EDA (or applicable cognizant

Federal agency), provided that the cost rate is current at the time the costs were incurred and provided that the rate is approved on or before the award end date, or (b) other acceptable documentation as indicated below.

If the applicant does not have a current or pending F&A Agreement, it may propose indirect costs in its budget; however, the applicant must prepare and submit an allocation plan and rate proposal for approval within ninety days from the award start date. See 2 C.F.R. part 200 Apps.

III, IV, V, VI, and VII for guidance. The allocation plan and the rate

– 18 – proposal shall be submitted to EDA’s Office of Regional Affairs (or applicable cognizant Federal agency). If the applicant chooses to pursue this option, it should include a statement in its Budget Narrative that it does not have a current or pending F&A Agreement and will submit an allocation plan and rate proposal to EDA or the applicant’s cognizant

Federal agency for approval.

If the applicant (1) does not have a current F&A Agreement and (2) has never had a negotiated F&A rate, the applicant may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs subject to the exceptions of 2 C.F.R. § 200.414(f). The applicant should include a statement in its Budget Narrative that it does not have an F&A Agreement;

has never had a negotiated F&A rate; and it is electing to charge the de minimis rate.

If the applicant is a State or local unit of government (or a Tribe) that receives less than $35 million in direct Federal funding per year, it may submit any of the following: (a) a Certificate of F&A Costs from EDA or the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), (b) acknowledgment received from EDA and Certificate of F&A Costs, (c) a cost allocation plan approved by a Federal agency, or (d) a negotiated F&A Agreement.

v. Program Income. If the operation of the University Center is expected to generate program income as defined at 2 C.F.R. § 200.80, such amounts must be accounted for in the project budget and must be added to those budget line items pertaining to direct program delivery. Unless otherwise specified in the terms and conditions applicable to a specific award, program income must be added to funds committed to the project, and must be used to further eligible program activities before expiration of the five-year period of performance. See also 2 C.F.R. § 200.307.

e. Organizational Summary and Résumés of Key Project Staff

Applicants must attach the résumés of key project staff, which generally should not exceed two pages in length (per résumé). Applicants also should provide a two-page summary description of all personnel performing for the applicant under the proposed project.

f. Requirements for a Consortium of Applicants

If the applicant is a consortium, each member institution of the consortium must submit the following: Forms SF-424, SF-424B, CD-511, and SF-LLL. For example, if a consortium of three institutions of higher education submitted an application package, a complete application package would consist of:

i. Three Forms SF-424 (one for each consortium member);

ii. One Form SF-424A;

iii. Three Forms SF-424B (one for each consortium member);

iv. Three Forms CD-511 (one for each consortium member);

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v. Three Forms SF-LLL (one for each consortium member);

vi. One Form ED-900;

vii. Three Forms ED-900A (one for each consortium member); and

viii. One Project Narrative and other required attachments.

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

To enable the use of a universal identifier and to enhance the quality of information available to the public as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of

2006, applicants are required to: (i) be registered in SAM before submitting their application;

(ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in their application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which they have an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. EDA may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements, and if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time EDA is ready to make an award, EDA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. Recipients will be subject to reporting requirements, as identified in Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance published at 2 C.F.R. parts 25 and 170. The guidance set out at 2 C.F.R. part 25 may be located at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=09e3da2e07628c469cd429b4e0d5b7a6&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5 and the guidance set out at 2 C.F.R. part 170 may be located at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=09e3da2e07628c469cd429b4e0d5b7a6&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr170

_main_02.tpl. SAM now encompasses the Central Contractor Registration (CCR), and the unique entity identifier is commonly referred to as the Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS) number.

4. Submission Dates and Times

The closing date for receipt of applications for funding under the FY 2018 University Center

Economic Development Program competition is July 15, 2018. The closing time for all applications submitted electronically via www.grants.gov (Grants.gov) is 11:59 p.m. ET

(10:59 p.m. CT or 9:59 p.m. MT) on July 15, 2018. The date and time that an application will be deemed to be electronically received will be determined in accordance with the electronic submission instructions provided at Grants.gov for this NOFO. See sections D.7.a. and I. of this NOFO for information regarding electronic submissions. Applications received after the applicable closing date and time will not be considered for funding.

In addition, please note the following:

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

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=09e3da2e07628c469cd429b4e0d5b7a6&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=09e3da2e07628c469cd429b4e0d5b7a6&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=09e3da2e07628c469cd429b4e0d5b7a6&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr170_main_02.tpl https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=09e3da2e07628c469cd429b4e0d5b7a6&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr170_main_02.tpl https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=09e3da2e07628c469cd429b4e0d5b7a6&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr170_main_02.tpl http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

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

Regional Office may contact an applicant after review of all applications for the purpose of determining whether a proposed project can be completed with a modified scope of work acceptable to EDA or for a smaller budget than that proposed if EDA is unable to fund the full amount requested.

• See section E. of this NOFO for application review and selection information.

5. Intergovernmental Review

Applications submitted under this NOFO are subject to the requirements of Executive Order

(EO) 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” if a State has adopted a process under EO 12372 to review and coordinate proposed Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development (commonly referred to as the “single point of contact review process”).