STEP APPLICATION CHECKLIST 2026.pdf

STEP APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Program Announcement File name and Format structure (recommended)

Required Application Elements

Item Included?

N/A

[2] [State abbreviation]

Technical Proposal Word format

Technical Proposal template Maximum 10 pages

[3]

Proposed Plan:

Performance Measures

Outcomes

Excel format

Proposed Plan: Performance Measures & Outcomes

Non-federal entities will be responsible for preparing a Proposed Plan including Performance Measures and Outcomes in an excel spreadsheet

Budget Information

[4] [State abbreviation]

SF-424

Online and Pdf format

Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance. Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance.

[5]

SF-424A

Online and Pdf format

SF-424A, Budget Information (Non-Construction Programs) - this form requires an estimate of the Applicant's total cost of executing STEP activities described in the technical proposal.

File name and Format

[6] [State abbreviation]

A10-A12 Excel /Pdf format

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

[7] [State abbreviation] Budget Narrative

Pdf format

Budget Narrative

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

Section B.

b. Explain how each cost component directly benefits ESBCs;

c. Indicate which cost category (item and dollar amount) comprises the proposed Non-activity Federal Expense

[8]

Match Certification Pdf format

Match Certification (including match dollar amount and type of match description (cash, indirect expense, or in-kind).

Note:

[9]

Match Commitment letter

Pdf format

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

[10]

Cost Policy Statement Pdf format

Cost Policy Statement - This statement must describe non-Federal entities 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).

Additional Attachments

[11] [State abbreviation] Designation Letter

Word format

Designation Letter - 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 export activities.

File name and Format

[12] [State abbreviation]

Key Personnel Resumes and Position Descriptions

Pdf format

Résumés and position descriptions for ALL key personnel (including vacant positions) supporting the STEP project.

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

b. Other résumés must reflect experience and education relevant to the proposed STEP project;

c. Résumés and position descriptions for board members, contractors, and consultants need not be submitted unless they are also key personnel.

[13]

List of Contractual and Consulting/List of

Contracts Pdf format

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. This might include contracts that the non-federal entity proposes to charge against the project as a direct cost or to meet matching funds requirement that will be outside the indirect cost rate agreement (e.g., a facilities lease). If Applicant does not propose such charges for this award, include this attachment marked “N/A.”

[14]

Single Audit Report

Pdf format

Single Audit Report If the non-federal entity is not subject to the requirements of the Single Audit Act, non-federal entity must instead submit a copy of its most recently audited financial statement and the CPA opinion of this audit (e.g., unqualified, qualified, adverse, etc.)

Note: if the non-federal entities

[15] [State Abbreviation] Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (ICRA)

ICRA - Pdf format For non-federal entities that include indirect costs, provide a current, executed Indirect Cost Rate Agreement from the cognizant Federal agency or a letter from the non-Federal entities cognizant Federal agency approving an extension of a previous indirect cost rate for a period of time that covers the period of performance for this award.