Economic Development Technical Assistance

EDA administers three Technical Assistance initiatives under this assistance listing: the University Center Economic Development program, the National Technical Assistance Program, and the Local Technical Assistance program. Together, these initiativ

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 and resiliency. University Centers collaborate with other EDA partners, such as Economic Development Districts (EDDs) by providing expertise and technical assistance to develop, implement, and support regional strategies that result in quality job creation , high-skilled regional talent pools, and business expansion in a region's innovation clusters. 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. The National Technical Assistance program funds projects that provide technical assistance with a national scope. These projects support best practices among communities trying to solve problems related to economic development goals. By working in conjunction with its National Technical Assistance partners, EDA helps states, local governments, and community-based organizations achieve their highest economic potential. The NTA program supports activities that are beneficial to the economic development community nationwide and includes, but is not limited to, outreach, training, and information dissemination. It can also aid with implementation of economic development, best practices, and proven techniques. The Local Technical Assistance program helps organizations analyze the feasibility of potential economic development projects, such as an industrial park or a high-technology business incubator. Feasibility studies are an effective tool for determining whether the market will support a particular activity or site. Local Technical Assistance can prevent costly mistakes and misguided investments, such as costly infrastructure improvements to support obsolete industries. Targeted market feasibility studies can help communities overcome these hurdles and identify tomorrow's higher-wage employers. Because of these feasibility studies, many communities have subsequently received funding under EDA's Public Works or Economic Development Assistance programs, or other federal and state programs, to implement those projects

Pursuant to Section 3(6) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122(6)(A)) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3 (Eligible Recipient), eligible applicants for EDA financial assistance under the Public Works and EAA programs include a(n): (i) District Organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; (iii) State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; (v) public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State; (vi) an economic development organization; or (vii) a public-private partnership for public infrastructure. For RNTA awards individuals and for-profit entities may be eligible.

• Description of the technical assistance that will be provided to stakeholders; • Description of how the proposed project increases the economic development capacity of individuals, firms, or communities; • Discussion of how the project will stimulate economic development in distressed regions; and • Explanation of how the proposed project supports EDA's mission to lead the Federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing and supporting American regions for growth and success in the global economy.

Technical assistance is used to provide information, data, resources and toolkits which practitioners and policymakers can utilize when evaluating, shaping and implementing specific projects and programs to promote economic development efforts in their respective economically distressed regions. 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.

Technical assistance is used to provide information, data, resources and toolkits which practitioners and policymakers can utilize when evaluating, shaping and implementing specific projects and programs to promote economic development efforts in their respective economically distressed regions. 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.

EDA anticipates a twelve (12) to eighteen (18) month project period for investments funded under this NOFO, subject to the availability of funds, EDA policy, and satisfactory performance under the award. Applicants should ensure that their proposal and budget clearly specify how they will complete the scope of work outlined above within this timeframe. A typical project period begins with an initial kickoff meeting between the recipient and EDA staff to discuss project scope and to ensure that all parties are in agreement as to the project terms. After the initial meeting, the recipient generally will be required to submit a final work plan to EDA staff for review and approval. Progress and financial reports and project work will be submitted to EDA based on the dates agreed to during the initial meeting and as outlined in the Special Award Conditions.

The evaluation criteria are set forth in the applicable NOFO.

EDA will award investment assistance in accord with the procedures set forth in the applicable announcement of NOFO.