ONAA 7J-TCU Manufacturing NOFO FY2026

The Small Business Administration's Office of Native American Affairs is soliciting applications for manufacturing training grants to Tribal Colleges and Universities, tribal-serving institutions, community colleges on or near tribal lands, and trade schools on or near tribal lands, with an application deadline of August 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

The SBA expects to make up to five awards totaling up to $10 million to eligible applicants providing hands-on, in-person manufacturing training and technical assistance to 8(a) and HUBZone-eligible small businesses under the Empower to Grow Program (Section 7(j) of the Small Business Act). No matching fund requirement applies. Awards support 12-month project periods beginning within 30 days of award notification.

Eligible applicants must have been continuously operating for at least three years and demonstrate experience providing manufacturing or skilled labor training on a regional or national basis. No more than 49 percent of award funds may be expended on contractor or consultant costs. Applicants may waive indirect costs or request reimbursement using an established Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or the de minimis rate of 15 percent of Modified Total Direct Costs.

The SBA will evaluate proposals on organizational experience and capacity (25 points), project management (20 points), project design and innovation including measurable outcomes (35 points), collaboration and resource leveraging (10 points), and ability to reach E2G-eligible firms (10 points). The agency will prioritize proposals demonstrating lower indirect costs and ensure geographic dispersion of awards across regional service areas.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, technical proposal not exceeding 15 pages, completed SF-424 and SF-424(a) forms, and supporting documentation including resumes, organizational charts, board listings, fringe benefit formulas, contractor agreements, indirect cost rate proposals where applicable, cost policy statements, and the last three years of Single Audit reports or audited financial statements. All submissions are required through Grants.gov. Recipients must provide quarterly financial reports using SF-425 within 30 days of quarter completion and quarterly performance reports documenting participant outcomes, placement rates, wage data, federal contract awards, bonding capacity increases, and job creation, with annual reports due 120 days after the performance period ends. Direct questions to ONAA@sba.gov; technical assistance with Grants.gov submission is available at 1-800-518-4726.