U.S. Small Business Administration Office of International Trade State Trade Expansion

Program Notice of Funding Opportunity No. OIT-STEP-2026-01

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U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Manufacturing and Trade

STATE TRADE EXPANSION PROGRAM (STEP)

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity is to invite proposals for funding from eligible state entities interested in and capable of providing assistance and guidance to eligible small business concerns (ESBCs) to increase the number of such firms that export and the dollar value of small business exports.

Opening Date: July 9, 2026

Closing Date: August 10, 2026

Proposals responding to this Notice of Funding Opportunity must be posted to www.Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, August 10, 2026. No other method of submission will be permitted.

Proposals submitted after the stipulated deadline will be rejected without being evaluated.

http://www.grants.gov/

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Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 SECTION I NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION

2.0 SECTION II AWARD INFORMATION

3.0 SECTION III ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

4.0 SECTION IV APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

5.0 SECTION V APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

6.0 SECTION VI AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

8.0 DEFINITIONS

9.0 KEY POLICIES APPLICABLE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT

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1.0 Section I Notice of Funding Opportunity Information

1.1 Program Overview

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

1.1.2 Notice of Funding Opportunity

Title

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

1.1.3. Announcement Type Initial

1.1.4. Notice of Funding Opportunity

Number:

Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement No.

OIT- STEP-2026-01

1.1.5. CFDA Number 59.061

1.1.6. Closing Date for Submissions: August 10, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time

1.1.7. Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 649(l)

1.1.8. Duration of Authority: Permanent

1.1.9. Funding Instrument: Grant

1.1.10. Funding: Funding is for 12 months

1.1.11. Award Amount/Funding Range: The amount of STEP funding in FY 2026 is $20 million.

Applicants can apply for awards ranging from $100,000.00 (minimum) to $900,000.00 (maximum).

Per the statutory authority above, the 10 States with the highest number of small business exporters shall receive no more than 40% of the total Federal fiscal year appropriation. Based upon the latest data available from the U.S. Department of Commerce, for purposes of this Notice of Funding Opportunity, these states are California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

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1.1.12. Project Duration: Awards will have a twelve (12) month period of performance.

1.1.13. Project Starting Date: September 30, 2026

1.1.14. Proposal Evaluation: An initial screening for eligibility (in accordance with Section 3.1) will be conducted by the program office.

Proposals will be reviewed for sufficiency and quality as detailed in Sections 4 and 5. SBA may ask Applicant for clarification of technical proposal and cost aspects of Proposals.

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1.1.15. Agency Programmatic Point of

Contact:

Mina Wales, Program Manager, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Entrepreneurial Development

Applicants may submit questions to the STEP email address (STEP@SBA.gov) during the open period (July 9, 2026, through July 20, 2026). SBA will post answers to the questions on www.sba.gov/STEP by about July 30, 2026. No additional questions will be accepted after July 20, 2026 by 11:59 PM.

1.2 Introduction

The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (PL 114–125), signed into law on February 24, 2016, made the State Trade Expansion Program a permanent provision of the Small Business Act to make grants to States, and the equivalent thereof, to carry out projects that support developing exports by eligible small business concerns (ESBCs) (as defined in Section 8.1.5). The objective of STEP is to increase (1) the number of U.S. small businesses that export, (2) the dollar value of exports, and (3) the number of U.S. small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities (as defined in 8.1.15).

1.3 Background

Since its inception in 1953, SBA has served to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small businesses. SBA offers a wealth of financial support, resources, and services to small businesses through an array of loan, contract, and grant opportunities. The Agency also provides funding to organizations that deliver business counseling and training to small businesses and nascent entrepreneurs. The primary purpose is to promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity, and management improvement.

The mission of the STEP program, is to build the capacity of current and future small business exporters to compete in the global marketplace through capital, counseling, and the advancement of commercial interests at home and abroad.

1.4 Purpose and Allowable Statutory Activities

The underlying premise of STEP is to supplement non-federal entities’ (as defined in Section 3.1) funds for export activities, not to substitute federal funds to cover costs that applicants would normally or otherwise cover. Per 2 C.F.R. Section 200.408, non-federal entities’ proposed use of federal funds for STEP will be limited to the below statutory uses of funds that directly benefit ESBCs to become an exporter, increase their export sales, and/or increase new export opportunities.

1.4.1 Allowable Statutory Activities Guidance

1. Participation in foreign trade missions. For the purposes of STEP, a foreign trade mission is defined as travel to a foreign country by ESBCs that will enable them to explore or expand international business opportunities.

2. Participate in reverse trade missions/shows. Reverse trade missions are defined as bringing foreign buyers to the United States to meet with potential suppliers of U.S. manufactured goods and services. Proposals for this activity are limited to costs borne directly by ESBCs to participate mailto:STEP@SBA.gov http://www.sba.gov/STEP

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Page | 6 in a reverse trade mission and paid for by a STEP grantee which directly benefit ESBCs (e.g., meeting space, audio/visual support). Payment of any costs associated with travel (transportation, lodging, etc.) of foreign buyers is not allowed.

3. Participate in commerce subscription services. grant recipients may elect to utilize the services available from the U.S. Commercial Service, to assist with choosing the best market for their products or services; evaluating prospective foreign business partners; increasing market potential; and gold key matchmaking services.

4. Website and product translation, SEO, Localization. The translation of websites into foreign languages, localization for foreign markets, and search engine optimization for ESBCs.

5. International marketing media design. STEP defines marketing media as the ability to promote ESBCs’ products or services to strengthen their export sales potential, using any of the following: brochures; social media platforms; websites; billboards; newspapers; posters; branding and advertising.

6. Participation in trade show exhibition. A trade show is defined by STEP as an exhibition for

ESBCs to showcase and demonstrate their products and services. This includes foreign trade shows appropriate for ESBC export development, and domestic trade shows, according to the domestic trade show policy.

7. Participation in export training workshops. Training workshops and education courses that are offered to recipients of STEP funds must have a direct benefit to, and assist, ESBCs with gaining credible knowledge of export policies, regulations, and/or best practices.

8. Any other initiative determined appropriate by the SBA.

1.4.2 STEP Priorities

To ensure the full utilization of all STEP funds, it is strongly recommended that every non-federal entity request a federal award amount that can be managed and realistically expended within a 12-month period of performance. A non-federal entity’s technical proposal and budget should be clearly focused and targeted based on the top priority exporting needs of small businesses in the non-federal entity’s state that addresses the key performance measures outlined below.

1.4.3 Key Performance Measures

1. Increase the number of ESBCs in the state that export.

2. Increase the value of exports by ESBCs in the state.

3. Increase the number of ESBCs exploring significant new trade opportunities.

1.4.4 Direct Support to Eligible Small Business Concerns:

Federal funds must directly support development of New-to-Export ESBCs (NTE) (as defined in Section 8.1.11) and Market Expansion ESBCs (ME) (as defined in Section 8.10). Accordingly, applicants must reflect in their technical proposal and budget narrative the use of at least 85% of their proposed federal award for the purpose of providing direct benefit to ESBCs, drawn from the above list of eight allowable statutory activities. An application with less than 85% will be considered “not responsive” to the Notice of Funding Opportunity requirements and will not be evaluated. S e e S e c t i o n 4 . 6 . 2 f o r e x p l a n a t i o n o f i n d i r e c t c o s t s . Proposed costs that directly benefit ESBCs are composed of:.

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i. Costs directly borne by an ESBC to participate in an approved export activity as part of a trade expansion program;

ii. Approved travel by state STEP personnel listed on the A-10 form and with the funding designated on the SF 424A to develop the pipeline of ESBCs and to assist ESBCs on trade missions and shows; and,

iii. Approved contract services that directly support ESBCs (e.g., interpreters that are engaged in meetings between ESBCs and foreign buyers, companies engaged in ESBC website development, and providers of export training).

iv. Applicants may propose efforts that comprise financial assistance awards (e.g., vouchers, stipends) for reimbursements to STEP clients (as defined in Section 8.18) for participation in approved export activities.

1.5 Leveraging of Resources

The SBA’s District Offices, SBA’s Export Finance Managers (EFMs), and SBA’s resource partners such as Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE, Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and SBA lenders are all helpful resources. SBA is particularly interested in demonstrated collaboration with Federal agencies (such as the U.S.

Commercial Service) and other federal, state, local, and tribal government export development programs and activities provided by institutions of higher education (e.g., colleges and universities), trade and vocational schools, and private organizations such as chambers of commerce and trade and industry groups and associations.

1.6 Changes or Cancellation

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

2.0 Section II Award Information

2.1 Estimated Funding

SBA will award up to $20 million in FY2026.

The award amounts that can be proposed under this Announcement are a minimum of $100,000.00 and a maximum of $900,000.00.

2.2 Expected Number of Awards

SBA anticipates making no more than 56 awards under this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

2.3 Period of Performance/Budget Periods

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The period of performance for this award is one year.

2.4 Continuation of Funds

The 2027 Budget does not request funding for the STEP program. If Congress appropriates funding for the program in future years, SBA may issue a funding opportunity to invite proposals for award continuation. However, a STEP grantee may not receive continued funding if there has been a clear showing of poor performance, as measured by SBA. Poor performance is indicated by unsatisfactory oversight reviews (programmatic and/or financial), failure to comply with Executive Orders, improper or insufficient activity affecting the operation and integrity of STEP and/or failure to follow the rules and procedures set forth in the statute, regulation, and/or Funding Opportunity.

2.5 Funding Information

In accordance with 2 C.F.R. Section 200.408, allowability of costs is restricted to the statutory export activities specified in Section 1.4 above.

CFR § 200.458 Pre-award costs defines pre-award cost as follows: Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.

Recipients are not eligible for pre-award costs incurred more than one year in advance of the STEP award. .

Funds provided under STEP must be used solely for the purposes stipulated in this announcement and the Notice of Award for this performance period and may not be commingled with any other monies or transfer of funds from one award to another. All costs proposed in an Applicant’s budget must meet the tests of allowability, allocability, and reasonableness set forth in the applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance.

2.6 Funding Instrument

The funding instrument used will be a Grant.

2.7 Matching Requirement

The federal share of the total project cost for States that have high export volumes will be 65% and the State matching funds required will be 35% of the total project cost. High export volume was determined based upon U.S. Census Bureau export data by state. This means STEP non-federal entities must match 54%. For purposes of this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the high export volume States are California, Texas, and New York.

2.7.1 The federal share of the total project cost for states that do not have high export volume will be 75% and state matching funds required will be 25% of the total project cost. This means STEP

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2.7.2 SBA will waive up to $200,000 of the matching funds required for an insular area non-federal entity that is an agency or instrumentality of an area’s government pursuant to 48 U.S.C. § 1469a, which includes American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. If the insular area non-federal entity is not an agency or instrumentality of the area’s government, the full matching funds requirement applies.

2.7.3 Matching funds must be comprised of not less than 50% cash and not more than 50% of indirect and in-kind contributions. Matching funds may not be derived from any federal program.

Non-federal entity personnel salary and fringe proposed as match will be counted as cash.

2.7.4 Non-federal entities may not use program income for the purpose of meeting their match.

2.8 Program Income (reference 2 CFR 200.1 2 CFR 200.307)

Program income is gross income from fees, or any other monies collected by a STEP non-federal entity or a partner entity from a STEP ESBC. For STEP, program income must be:

2.8.1 Included in the applicant-proposed and SBA-approved budget.

2.8.2 Accounted for separately from other federal and non-federal monies.

2.8.3 Added to the approved STEP federal award amount.

2.8.4 Used to directly benefit STEP ESBCs for activities approved by the assigned SBA STEP Program

Manager and must be expended before the grant closes.

Fees paid by a STEP ESBC directly to a recognized provider of export services are not considered program income. The provider can be a separate entity (e.g., U.S. Department of Commerce, trade show organizer, export trainer). The entity can be under contract to a STEP non-federal entity to provide export-related services.

Program income may not be used for the purpose of meeting match requirement.

When an applicant intends to serve solely as a fiscal agent and simply receive monies from ESBCs and then provide 100% of the collected costs to third parties for services for those ESBCs (rather than using the monies to recoup costs the applicant has already paid), this approach can be requested, and if approved, those monies will not be considered program income.

3.0 Section III Eligibility Information

3.1 Eligible Recipient (Eligible Applicant)

The Small Business Act provides in § 22(l)(1)(E) (15 USC § 649(l)(1)(E)) provides that STEP grants may be awarded only to “states,” meaning any of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Therefore, only non-federal entities that meet this definition are eligible to apply for and administer an award under this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

For purposes of this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the term “eligible non-federal entity” means a state agency or other entity that, prior to the date of application for this announcement, has been officially designated by the state governor, or equivalent thereof (e.g., mayor of the District of Columbia), as the sole applicant and lead entity for conducting the State’s trade and export activities.

i. The organizational structure of the state’s designated international trade arm must show an

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ii. Only those proposals accompanied by the written designation of the state governor, or his/her designee, may apply for funding consideration.

iii. Should the governor, or equivalent thereof, assign to a designee the signatory responsibility for the designation letter, the designation letter must include an acknowledgement that the governor, or his/her equivalent, has authorized the designee to sign the letter on his/her behalf.

iv. For insular areas, the equivalent of a state governor is the appropriate signatory.

3.2 Ineligible Recipient

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

v. Any organization that has not been officially designated by a state governor as the sole applicant and lead entity for conducting the State’s trade and export activities (See Section

3.1 Eligible non-federal entity, above.);

vi. Any organization that owes an outstanding and unresolved financial obligation to the federal government;

vii. Any organization that is currently suspended, debarred or otherwise prohibited from receiving awards of contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements from the federal government;

viii. Any organization with an outstanding and unresolved material deficiency reported under the requirements of the Single Audit Act or OMB Circular A-133 within the past three years;

ix. Any organization that has had a STEP grant or cooperative agreement involuntarily terminated or non-renewed by SBA for cause within the past year;

x. Any organization that has filed for bankruptcy within the past five years;

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

xii. Any organization that was convicted or had an officer or agent acting on its behalf convicted, of a felony criminal violation under any federal law within the past two years.

4.0 Section IV Application and Submission Information

4.1 General

4.1.1 A state may submit only one proposal in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

4.1.2 Any additional applications from a state will automatically be rejected without being evaluated.

4.1.3 Non-federal entities must round all monetary values to the nearest whole dollar in all budgetary and financial application document submissions.

4.2 Application Instruction and Submission Information

Applications must consist of the following elements: a.) Technical proposal; b.) Budget information;

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The technical proposal serves as the blueprint for the Applicant’s planned project. This information must be provided in a paginated attachment not to exceed 10 pages.

Non-federal entities do NOT need to address every allowable statutory export activity (identified in Section 1.4).

Non-federal entities are strongly encouraged to prepare focused proposals including performance measures and supporting activities that can realistically be achieved within the performance period.

It must include the following information:

4.2.1 Technical Proposal template (Maximum 10 pages) - See Application Instructions Appendix

[1] [State abbreviation] Technical Proposal-Word format

To expedite the proposal review process, applicants must submit their technical proposal using the template provided in the application instructions appendix. The proposal elements must be in the same order as the evaluation criteria in Section 5.2 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity. The proposal may not exceed 10 pages (excluding title page and cover page) and must be double-spaced on 8 ½ x 11- inch paper. Times New Roman in 12-point font is required. Only the first 10 pages will be reviewed and evaluated. An applicant will not be notified and consulted if additional pages are eliminated and not reviewed.

i. Introduction: Start the technical proposal with an ‘Introduction’ section on page one (not on the title page) that summarizes in no more than one (1) paragraph, your organization’s requested federal and non-federal award amount, targeted number of eligible small business concerns, brief description of proposed statutory activities that will be achieved with STEP funds in the 1 year period of performance, the total expected export sales, and anticipated return on investment that is realistic and achievable.

ii. Exporting Experience: In an estimated (1) page, this section must describe the organizational capability to achieve success in the past and/or present to increase the number of small business exporters, export sales, and significant new trade opportunities.

iii. Project Design: In an estimated 1-7 pages, labeled with the main heading ‘Project Design’, this section should demonstrate how credible and impactful the non-federal entity’s organization can leverage partnerships to produce new small business exporters, increase ESBCs’ export sales, and expand significant new export opportunities. This section must address all components as described in Section 5.2

a. Performance measures & outcomes.

b. Direct benefit to ESBCs.

c. Collaboration.

iv. Financial Assistance Plan - In an estimated 1 page, labeled with the main heading ‘Financial

Assistance Plan’, this section must outline the five elements (detailed in Section 5.2) for ESBCs seeking assistance with award funds.

v. Data Collection & Measurement of Outcomes - In an estimated 1 page, labeled with the main

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Page | 12 heading ‘Data Collection and Measurement of Outcomes’, this section must address the required data collection elements identified in Section 5.2.7 (and listed in technical proposal template); and the applicant’s ability to quantitatively measure progress towards achieving proposed outcomes. STEP’s proven results are measured by an increase in the number of firms that export an increase in the value of ‘actual’ export sales, and an increase in the number of ESBCs exploring significant new export trade opportunities. Refer to the Technical Proposal template for more details. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the benefit that can be realized to your state’s economy as a result of jobs created and/or jobs retained stemming from ESBCs participation in export activity. Non-federal entities shall include a question on the STEP application that is completed by the clients to capture the data including number of jobs created and jobs retained.

4.2.2 Proposed Plan: Performance Measures & Outcomes - See Application Instructions Appendix

[2] [State abbreviation] Proposed Plan - Excel format

Non-federal entities will be responsible for preparing a Proposed Plan including, performance measures and outcomes in an excel spreadsheet (Instructions’ on how to complete the proposed plan can be found in the application instructions as an Appendix.) based on the milestone goals submitted in the technical proposal.

The Proposed Plan serves as the data blueprint to measure the extent to which the STEP grant recipient achieves program activities and the results (outcomes) of those measures. If awarded a grant, the grant recipient will be assigned a STEP Program Manager who is responsible for reviewing and approving your plan. Grant recipients will be required to report performance measures achieved, activities completed, and measurable results on a bi-annual basis for the one-year award period. SBA will collect, analyze, and utilize this data to evaluate the program’s overall success. Client data will be kept confidential.

4.3 Budget Information

Each applicant must provide budget information according to the specific instructions for each item.

Submit budget information documents separately, in the following order, with the file name labeled as follows:

4.3.1 Standard Form (SF) 424 V4, Application for Federal Assistance

[3] [State abbreviation] SF 424 Online and Pdf format SF 424

Application for Federal Assistance. This standardized form requires basic information about your organization. The STEP Project Director must be listed in block 8f on the SF 424, not a grant writer or any other contact person, since this is where SBA obtains the contact information to generate the Notice of Award (NOA) for acceptance of the grant. Pertinent information regarding this announcement and all programmatic matters will also need to be provided to the STEP Project Director listed in block 8f.

4.3.2 SF-424A, Budget Information (Non-Construction Programs)

[4] [State abbreviation] SF 424A - Online and Pdf format

This form requires an estimate of the Applicant's total cost of executing STEP activities described in the

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i. Include only applicant staff travel in the “Travel” cost category and ESBC travel in the “Other” cost category.

ii. For Section A, fill in columns (a) with ‘STEP’, (b) with 59.061, and appropriate total amounts in (e), (f), and (g).

iii. For Section B, label column (1) ‘federal’, label column (2) with exact ‘non-federal’ (cash) match, label column (3) with any ‘non-federal’ (in-kind) contribution (from applicant or a third party). The ‘total’ federal and non-federal amount is in column (5) and across line K.

iv. Prepare SF424A, Section D to match approved plan expenditures for the four quarters. In other words, the ‘forecasted cash needs’ for the full year, federal amount (line 13) and non-federal amount (line 14) must match the activity expenditure amounts on your proposed plan by quarter. Line 15, the total amount of expenditures you proposed in your federal and non-federal budget and approved plan for all activities must be the same for the four quarters.

4.3.3 Attachments A-10 through A-12 (Budget Detail Worksheets)

[5] [State abbreviation] A10 - A12- Pdf format

i. A STEP Project Director must devote 25% of their time each quarter throughout the duration of the grant cycle, to the STEP project. The Director may not divide their time across all STEP years to meet the minimum 25% requirement.

ii. On the A-10, identify all personnel who will be funded by federal and/or match amounts who will support the STEP project (follow the sample shown on the A-9 ‘Supplementary Instructions’ for personnel calculations. Do not include the A-9 instruction page in the application package).

iii. All subtotals and totals on the A-10 through A-12 must match all dollar amounts reflected on the SF- 424A.

iv. Non-federal entities may substitute their own forms or spreadsheets in place of the A-10 through A- 12, provided these alternate forms include all the same cost elements and columns in the same order as the A-10 through A-12.

v. The STEP Director (PI/PD) and/ or Authorized Representative (AOR) should be identified beside their name when listed on the A-10. Ensure all current contact information is listed by that person who will represent that role.

4.3.4 Budget Narrative

[6] [State abbreviation] Budget Narrative - Pdf format

i. Provide a detailed explanation of the components of each budget cost category listed on the SF-424A;

Section B.

ii. Explain how each cost component directly benefits ESBCs.

iii. Indicate which cost category (item and dollar amount) comprises the proposed non-activity related federal expense that was entered in the yellow highlighted section at the bottom row (P 21) in the proposed plan.

4.3.5 Match Certification - See Application Instructions Appendix

[7] [State abbreviation] Match Certification - Pdf format - See Application Instructions Appendix

Provide a match certification letter that reflects the Applicant’s match components composed of the following elements:

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a. Match dollar amount.

b. Type of match (cash, indirect expense, or in-kind).

c. Description.

d. Entity providing match.

A sample match certification letter is included in the application instructions package as an appendix.

Include as attachments any commitment letter(s) from sources from which the applicant intends to obtain in- kind matching funds.

4.3.6 Match Commitment letter(s)

[8] [State abbreviation] Commitment Letter - Pdf format

Commitment letter(s) from sources which the non-federal entity intends to obtain in-kind matching funds (if applicable).

4.4 Certification Forms and Assurances

Submit certification and assurances forms separately in the following order, with the file name labeled as follows:

Note: Where applicable, if the applicant has submitted these certifications and assurances via www.SAM.gov over the past 12 months, the applicant can rely on those forms instead of submitting new versions. Applicable forms are marked below.

4.4.1 Cost Policy Statement

[9] [State abbreviation] Cost Policy Statement - (Signed) Pdf format

The Cost Policy Statement must describe the non-federal entity’s general accounting policies and a description of their cost allocation methodology (how each type of proposed cost is allocated: direct, indirect, or match).

This policy must be signed by the Authorized Representative (AOR) (or equivalent thereof, holding analogous responsibilities, and having analogous expertise).

4.4.2 Designation Letter

[10] [State abbreviation] Governor Designation Letter - (Signed) Pdf format

Governor’s letter, or equivalent thereof (e.g., mayor of the District of Columbia), designating the applicant as the State’s sole applicant and lead entity for conducting the State’s trade and export activities.

▪ Address the letter to:

Ms. Mina Wales, Program Manager Office of Entrepreneurial Development

409 3rd Street, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20416

For insular areas, the governor, or equivalent must state that the applicant is an agency or instrumentality of the area to receive the waiver of matching funds. See Section 3.1.

4.5 Organizational Management

http://www.sam.gov/

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Each Applicant must provide budget information according to the specific instructions for each item. Submit organizational management documents separately in the following order, with the file name labeled as follows:

4.5.1 Key Personnel Résumés and Position Descriptions

[11] [State abbreviation] Key Personnel Resumes and Position Descriptions - Pdf format

Résumés and position descriptions for key personnel supporting the STEP project.

i. Résumé of STEP Project Director should reflect knowledge and experience with both administering a federal award and executing the proposed export activities;

ii. The only other resume required is that of a designated Project Manager, should there be one, and this must reflect experience and education relevant to the proposed STEP project.

Résumés may not be more than one page in length. Only the first page of each resume will be reviewed and evaluated. An applicant will not be notified and consulted if additional pages are eliminated and not reviewed.

4.5.2 Lists of Contractual and Consulting Agreements

[12] [State abbreviation] List of Contractual and Consulting- Pdf format

Provide two separate lists of contracts and agreements as follows:

1. List of Contractual and Consulting Agreements - List of all current or anticipated contractual and consulting agreements that directly support the applicant’s proposed export activities which must include:

i. Contract provider name or TBD if contractor is anticipated.

ii. Manner in which the provider was or will be selected (i.e., competitively or sole source).

iii. Summary of support provided.

iv. Actual or estimated contract cost to support the proposed STEP activities.

v. Identity of the employee or official of the applicant’s organization who will be responsible for overseeing the agreements, and,

vi. Description of the oversight process.

The recipient shall follow their own procurement policies and procedures when contracting with project funds but must comply with the requirements of 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.317-200.326.: Additionally, when using project funds to procure supplies and/or equipment, you are encouraged to purchase American- manufactured goods to the maximum extent practicable. American-manufactured goods are those products for which the cost of their component parts that were mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States exceeds 50% of the total cost of all their components. For further guidance regarding what constitutes an American-manufactured good (also known as a domestic end product), see 48 C.F.R. Part 25.

The following additional rules apply to contracts involving $10,000 or less:

a. The recipient does not need to submit copies of the proposed contracts to the GOTR for approval before executing them.

b. The contracts are not required to be awarded via competition if the organization considers their prices to be reasonable.

The following additional rules apply to contracts involving between $10,001 and $250,000 in project funds:

a. The recipient does not need to submit copies of the proposed contracts to the GOTR for approval before executing them.

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b. The recipient must obtain price quotes (in writing) from at least three qualified sources and inform SBA of these quotes in the corresponding payment requests/financial reports.

c. If the recipient does not choose to go with the lowest price quote, an explanation must be provided.

The following additional rules apply to contracts involving more than $250,000 in project funds:

a. The recipient must submit copies of the proposed contracts to the GOTR for approval before executing the contract.

b. The contracts must be awarded via competition. Non-competitive contracting at this level is only allowed if you can demonstrate to SBA’s satisfaction either: (i) there is only one possible source for a particular good or service or (ii) there is an emergency involving the risk of imminent damage to property or injury to people.

If the recipient does not propose any contract support for this award, include this attachment marked “N/A.”

4.6 Financial Management

Each Applicant must provide financial management information according to the specific instructions for each item. Submit financial management documents separately in the following order, with the file name labeled as follows:

4.6.1 Single Audit Report

[13] [State abbreviation] Audit Report - Pdf format

Attach the copy or a link to the most recent Single Audit report.

4.6.2 Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (ICRA) or Extension Letter (if applicable)

Indirect Costs: Applicants may waive indirect costs, and choose not to include indirect costs in their budget.

Applicants may request reimbursement for indirect costs using their established Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate

Agreement (NICRA, if applicable) or the de minimis rate of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) per 2

CFR § 200.414. o MTDC are calculated as defined in 2 CFR § 200.1 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)”.

For more information on indirect costs for recipients, refer to 2 CFR §§ 200.413 and 200.414. If applying using a NICRA, a copy of the NICRA is required to be provided.

Organizations that do not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, may elect the De Minimis rate

(2 CFR 200.414). The Uniform Guidance offers the option of electing to charge a de Minimis rate of 15 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. As detailed in 2 CFR 200.403, costs must be charged consistently as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If elected, this methodology must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which it may do at any time.

4.7 Submission Instructions

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This section provides the application submission and receipt instructions for applications submitted for this Announcement. Please read the following instructions carefully and completely.

4.7.1 Electronic Delivery

SBA is using www.Grants.gov to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. Applicants must submit their applications online through www.Grants.gov

4.7.2 How to Register with Grants.gov

SBA requires the use of the www.Grants.gov website for submission of all directed announcement grant application packages. If you have problems registering with www.Grants.gov, call the support desk at 1-800-518- 4726. Complete instructions for registering with www.Grants.gov are located at www.Grants.gov.

4.7.3 How to Submit an Application to SBA via www.Grants.gov

www.Grants.gov applicants must apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application.

For each Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on www.Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities, refer to: Home | GRANTS.GOV

Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive support.

Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out web forms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader. NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on www.Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software.

Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and UEI. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. www.Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a www.Grants.gov Tracking Number is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the confirmation page that is http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

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For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to: Home | GRANTS.GOV

Applicant Support: Home | GRANTS.GOV provides applicants 24/7 support. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant you are applying for.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the www.Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist the SBA with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

4.7.4 Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

Online Submission. All applications must be received by [11:59 p.m.] Eastern Day light Savings Time on xxxx xx,

xxxx. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by www.Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by www.Grants.gov. The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from www.Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application.

This applicant with the AOR role will also receive the official date/time stamp from www.Grants.gov tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When SBA successfully retrieves the application from www.Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, www.Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that www.Grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by www.Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by SBA.

Non-Federal entities should save and print written proof of an electronic submission made at www.Grants.gov If problems occur while using www.Grants.gov, the applicant is advised to (i) print any error message received;

and (ii) contact www.Grants.gov for immediate assistance.

Applicants may obtain advice and assistance with the www.Grants.gov process by visiting Home | GRANTS.GOV or by calling 1-800-518-4726

5.0 Section V Application Review Information

5.1 General

All applications successfully submitted to SBA via www.Grants.gov will undergo a screening process, consisting of a review for eligibility and application completeness. Applications will be rejected without further evaluation if they are submitted by ineligible entities or they are non-responsive to the requirements of this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

https://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.govwillundergoascreeningprocess/

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In addition, an applicant must disclose in its application if it currently holds any other financial assistance awards from SBA or has any other applications for SBA financial assistance awards still pending. If it does, the applicant must identify how it will avoid duplication of efforts, commingling of funds, and overlapping or double claiming of costs among those projects.

Applicants must treat each SBA project as separate and discrete with individual outcomes and deliverables and provide each application and award with its own reporting, accounting, and audit trails. Failure to sufficiently distinguish between an application and one or more current SBA awards, may result in rejection of an application on the grounds that it is duplicative of proposed or existing efforts.

SBA will be evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed use of grant funds; SBA will show preference for proposals that maximize funds leading to greater outcomes. Pursuant to Executive Order 14332—Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking, dated August 7, 2025, all else being equal, SBA will provide deference to organizations with lower indirect cost rates.

5.1 Evaluation Criteria

A timely, complete application received from eligible organizations will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria listed below.

Applications must receive a minimum score of 70 total points (combining Tier I and Tier II score) to receive a grant. If an applicant receives a passing score, the amount of the applicant’s grant award will be determined based on the availability of funds. The past performance will be based on FY2024 STEP 12 award. If an applicant did not have a STEP 12 award the applicant will automatically be awarded 55 points in Tier II.

SBA reserves the right to award automatic 55 points in Tier II to an applicant that had a STEP 12 grant award if it was unable to fully expend federal funds and/or carry out STEP activities due to circumstances that uniquely affected the applicant beyond the control of the grantee. An example of the failure or inability to execute STEP grant is a given applicant having been uniquely subjected to severe weather (i.e., hurricanes, tornados, tsunami) that caused damage to property, prolonged disruption to the small businesses in that community, or closure of lead agency’s office.

SBA also reserves the right to adjust awards based on financial management and internal controls established by the grantee or based on other factors that may have negatively impacted prior year performance but have since been resolved (i.e., change in management within a non-federal entity’s STEP office).

Tier I will consist of an evaluation of project design totaling 20 points.

Tier II will consist of an evaluation of past performance, totaling 80 points.

Tier I Evaluation

Technical Proposal (20 Points) - The non-federal entities will be evaluated based on their technical proposal, budget narrative, and accompanying proposed plan (excel spreadsheet). The project design should be very clear, concise and focused (based on a careful assessment of top priorities, key export industries and markets) on the non-federal entity’s state or territory. It must address credible and impactful outcomes pertaining to the program’s objectives which are: to increase the number of ESBC exporters, value of exports, and significant new trade opportunities through collaborative efforts. To receive the full 20 points, all the following components must be included in the technical proposal.

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i. Exporting Experience (5 points)– Non-federal entities will be evaluated according to their organizational capability to achieve success in increasing the number of small business exporters, export sales, and significant new trade opportunities.

ii. Performance Measures & Outcomes (5 points) (Milestone Goals) –Non-federal entities will be evaluated on their capability and experience with developing credible and impactful performance measures and outcomes that are commensurate with statutory requirements.

a. Directly Benefit ESBCs– 85% of the proposed federal award is the minimum percentage required to directly benefit ESBC export activities. The proposal and budget narrative must demonstrate the non-federal entity’s capacity to recruit, prepare and assist new small business exporters, specifically:

b. Building a pipeline and developing small businesses into new exporters (e.g., recruiting, preparing, and assisting NTEs participation in export activities); and

c. Building a pipeline of existing small business exporters and expanding their markets (e.g., recruiting, preparing, and assisting MEs participation in export activities).

d. Directly Benefit ESBCs from Small Business Communities – The proposal must include a plan to increase the number of ESBCs from Small Business Communities (e.g., recruiting, preparing, and assisting ESBCs from Small Business Communities to participate in export activities). It also must address ESBCs from rural areas and communities that have not previously received grants.

iii. Collaboration (5 points) – Non-federal entities are expected to establish and leverage collaborative partnerships with relevant organizations to accomplish the proposed performance measures and supporting export activities. Based on information contained in the Technical Proposal, non- Federal entities will be evaluated on how well they will collaborate on proposed export activities with each of their identified partners, drawn from the following entities:

a. SBA’s District Offices, SBA’ Office of Manufacturing and Trade EFMs and SBA’s resource partners such as Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), SCORE, Women’s Business Centers, Veterans Business Outreach Centers, Small Business Investment Companies, Certified Development Companies, SBA lenders, and other SBA award recipients;

b. Other Federal, State, local and tribal government agencies.