Page 1 of 39

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Federal Agency Name: Economic Development Administration (EDA or the Agency), 

U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). 

• Federal Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2023 Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program Phase 2 

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (Recompete Pilot Program Phase 2 NOFO). 

• Announcement Type and Date: Recompete Pilot Program Phase 2 NOFO publishing EDA’s 

application submission requirements and application review procedures under the Distressed Area 

Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete Pilot Program), as authorized by section 29 of the StevensonWydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980, as amended (15 U.S.C. § 3722b). Effective date:

December 20, 2023. 

• Funding Opportunity Number: EDA-RECOMPETEPHASE2-2023

• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.040, Distressed Area Recompete Pilot 

Program

• Dates: This is Phase 2 of a two-phase competition. The deadline for Phase 2 applications is 4:59 p.m. 

Eastern Time on April 25, 2024. Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or 

considered. Only applicants that EDA approved a Recompete Plan in Phase 1 will be permitted to 

apply to Phase 2.

EDA may amend, cancel, or withdraw the Recompete Pilot Program Phase 2 NOFO at any time. All 

changes will be communicated via Grants.gov.

• Eligible Applicants: Pursuant to section 29(c) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 

1980 (15 U.S.C. § 3722b(j)(2) and (j)(7)), eligible applicants under this NOFO include: (i) a unit of local 

government; (ii) the District of Columbia; (iii) a territory of the United States; (iv) a Tribal 

government; (v) political subdivisions of a State or other entity, including a special-purpose entity 

engaged in economic development activities; (vi) a public entity or nonprofit organization, acting in 

cooperation with the officials of a political subdivision of a State or other entity described in (v); (vii) 

an economic development district; and (viii) a coalition of any of the above entities that serve or are 

contained within an eligible geographic area. See section A.1.b.1. of this NOFO for a description of 

eligible geographic areas. 

Under this NOFO, EDA is not authorized to provide grants or cooperative agreements to individuals 

or for-profit entities. Requests from such entities will not be considered for funding. 

• Funding Opportunity Description: Subject to the availability of funds, awards made under this 

NOFO will seek to alleviate persistent economic distress and support long-term comprehensive 

economic development and job creation, in places with a high prime-age (25 to 54 years) 

employment gap. Through this NOFO, EDA expects to award implementation funds to 4-8 Finalists, 

which will include selecting approximately 3-8 projects within each. Implementation grants can 

support a wide range of non-construction and construction activities that aim to increase regional 

capacity across the following four broad categories: workforce development; business and 

entrepreneur development; infrastructure; and additional planning, predevelopment, or technical 

assistance.
Page 2 of 39

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

FY 2023 EDA Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Phase 2

Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. Program Description............................................................................................................................... 4

1. Competition Structure and Program Information............................................................................... 4

a. Competition Structure .......................................................................................................................4 

b. General Requirements .......................................................................................................................4 

c. Implementation Grants ....................................................................................................................11

2. Statutory Authorities for EDA’s Recompete Pilot Program............................................................... 16

B. Federal Award Information ..................................................................................................................16

1. What Funding Is Available Under this Announcement?.................................................................... 16

2. What Type of Funding Instrument Will Be Used to Make Awards? How Long Will a Project’s Period 

of Performance Be? .......................................................................................................................... 16

C. Eligibility Information ...........................................................................................................................17

1. Eligible Applicants.............................................................................................................................. 17

2. EDA Investment Rate......................................................................................................................... 17

D. Application and Submission Information .............................................................................................18

1. Obtaining an Application and Electronic Submission through EDGE ................................................ 18

2. Content and Form of Applications..................................................................................................... 19

3. Submission Dates and Times............................................................................................................. 26

4. Intergovernmental Review................................................................................................................ 26

5. Funding Restrictions.......................................................................................................................... 27

6. Other Submission Requirements....................................................................................................... 27

7. EDGE Systems Issues ......................................................................................................................... 27

E. Application Review Information...........................................................................................................28

1. Criteria, Review, and Selection Process............................................................................................. 28

2. Selection Official’s Decision............................................................................................................... 32

3. Review of Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov ...................................................... 32

F. Federal Award Administration Information .........................................................................................33

1. Federal Award Notice ........................................................................................................................ 33

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements............................................................................ 33

3. Reporting ........................................................................................................................................... 34

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact........................................................................................................35

H. Other Information ................................................................................................................................35

1. Right to Use Information ................................................................................................................... 35

2. Freedom of Information Act Disclosure ............................................................................................ 35

3. Notice of Government-Wide Procurement Restriction..................................................................... 36
Page 3 of 39

4. Past Performance and Non-Compliance with Award Provisions....................................................... 36

5. Certifications Required by Annual Appropriations Acts for Corporations and for Awards over $5 

Million............................................................................................................................................... 36

6. EDA’s Non-Relocation Policy ............................................................................................................. 37

7. NOFO Changes Communicated on Grants.gov.................................................................................. 37

8. Disclosure of Information.................................................................................................................. 38

9. Audit Requirements........................................................................................................................... 38

10. Fraud Awareness Training ................................................................................................................. 38

11. Office of Inspector General Rights and Responsibilities.................................................................... 38
Page 4 of 39

A. Program Description 

1. Competition Structure and Program Information

a. Competition Structure

The Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete Pilot Program) will invest in distressed 

communities to create and connect people in those communities to good jobs.

1 The program uses 

prime-age employment gap (PAEG) as an indicator of economic distress, which accounts for prime-age 

workers who have stopped looking for jobs and left the labor force as well as those who are currently 

unemployed.

Phase 1 of the competition identified Finalists that made a clear case for the needs and opportunities of 

their chosen geography and successfully articulated a plan to address those needs. Phase 2 of the 

competition will make implementation awards based on the likelihood of an applicant to raise primeage employment and wages, and promote long-term economic development. 

Through the second phase of the competition, EDA will invest in applicants that have a clear 

understanding of local conditions and pathways to support good jobs while ensuring the benefits are 

shared equitably. EDA’s longstanding mission is to ensure that all communities have a path to economic 

prosperity, and through the Recompete Pilot Program, EDA will support communities with high PAEGs

through flexible, bottom-up implementation grants that tackle the unique challenges these communities 

face.

b. General Requirements 

As in Phase 1 of the Recompete Competition, there are several general requirements that EDA expects 

will be addressed in the application materials for Phase 2 (see sections A.1.c. and D.2. below). 

i. Where can my implementation projects be located? 

EDA expects the geographic scope of Phase 2 proposals to largely match that of Phase 1. However, EDA 

anticipates that there may be certain circumstances where an applicant’s service area may have 

changed (e.g., reducing the geographic Service Area to increase the concentration of investments, 

expanding to bring in another distressed part of the community).

If applicants change their Service Area, they must provide documentation in their application materials 

(1) identifying their original and revised Service Areas (e.g., the populations and specific areas that stand 

to benefit from the Recompete Pilot Program), (2) confirming that the new Service Area is still within an

Eligible Area, and (3) providing rationale on why the change was made. 

1 See https://www.dol.gov/general/good-jobs/principles. 
Page 5 of 39

By statute, Recompete Pilot Program investments must be located in one of two Eligible Area types and 

meet certain PAEG2 requirements, both of which were represented in the Mapping Tool applicants 

utilized in Phase 1.3 The two eligible geographic areas are: 

• Local Labor Markets (LLMs): a Metropolitan Statistical Area, a Micropolitan Statistical Area, 

a commuting zone, or Tribal lands. LLMs with a PAEG of at least 2.5 percent are eligible.

o For the purposes of this competition, all Tribal lands and Pacific Ocean Territories are 

considered eligible LLMs.

• Local Communities (LCs): areas served by a general-purpose unit of local government (e.g., 

county government, municipal government) that is located within but does not cover the 

entire area of an LLM (as defined above) and meets the following criteria:

o It exists within an LLM that does not qualify for Recompete funding; and

o EITHER:

 The entire area served by the unit of local government on average has a PAEG of 

at least 5 percent and a median annual household income of no more than 

$75,000; or

 The area served by the unit of local government has five or more contiguous 

Census tracts that each individually have a PAEG of at least 5 percent and 

median annual household income of no more than $75,000. In this instance, the 

applicant’s service area must be contained within the identified Census tracts.

In Phase 1, applicants must have demonstrated that they are authorized to represent and act on behalf 

of the eligible geographic area, as described above. In their Phase 2 applications, applicants must clearly 

articulate why they are uniquely positioned to serve the region, have the support of key stakeholders 

within the Eligible Area and have the capacity and leadership to meaningfully increase prime-age 

employment over the duration of the proposed grant.

The Service Area may be all or any subset of the Eligible Area. Some proposals may specifically focus on 

certain neighborhoods or communities to have the highest impact. Applicants may propose to

concentrate investments rather than distribute the benefits evenly across the Eligible Area. In any case, 

EDA will prioritize those applications that focus on interventions that aim to significantly increase primeage employment, wages, and long-term economic development.

2 PAEG is determined based on the prime-age employment rate, which is the percentage of the age 25-54 

population that is currently working. PAEG is the difference between (i) the national 5-year average prime-age 

employment rate; and (ii) the 5-year average prime-age employment rate of the eligible area. EDA used the 5-year 

American Community Survey data. The Recompete Pilot Program uses PAEG as an indicator of persistent economic 

distress because it accounts for prime-age workers who have stopped looking for jobs and left the labor force, not 

just those who are currently unemployed. Whether they stopped looking for work because local job opportunities 

are extremely limited or because they struggle to meet the qualifications, lack reliable transportation, need 

assistance with childcare, or have other reasons, these places require significant support for prime-age workers to 

reengage in the local workforce. Note that in this competition, EDA is targeting geographies where a high primeage employment gap exists because good jobs are not available and/or barriers keep people out of the workforce 

(e.g., supportive services are lacking), not places where demographic trends lead to high PAEG (e.g., high numbers 

of financially secure early retirees or people pursuing higher education).

3 15 U.S.C. § 3722b(j)(1).
Page 6 of 39

ii. How much funding can I request?

EDA expects grants to LLMs to average approximately $50,000,000 total and grants to LCs to average

approximately $20,000,000 total for their collection of 3-8 component projects. Applicants are 

permitted to propose investments that are higher or lower than these expected averages, as EDA 

encourages applicants to propose investments reflective of the cost to implement solutions that would 

best reduce their Service Area’s PAEG, increase per capita wages, and promote long-term economic 

development. Similarly, the amount awarded will depend heavily on the types of interventions a 

particular place needs. Budgets are a competitive factor, and EDA encourages applicants to consider the 

highest return on federal investments. EDA also recognizes providing meaningful economic opportunity 

requires more resources in some communities than others. In no event will the amount awarded 

exceed the formula amount provided in the statute. See 15 U.S.C. §3722b(f).4

Further, EDA is aware that the required data to determine the maximum grant amount for Tribal lands 

and Pacific Ocean Territories is not available in a way that can be used in the formula. As such, and 

consistent with EDA’s tribal consultation, the maximum grant amount in Phase 2 for Tribal lands and 

Pacific Ocean Territories will be whichever is higher between: a) $20 million or b) the result of the 

formula found in 15 U.S.C. § 3722b(f) for Pacific Ocean Territories or the combination of 15 U.S.C. § 

3722(f) and (j)(9) for Tribes,

5 provided that the Territory or Tribe submits the required top-line data and 

a certification of its accuracy. EDA will work with Phase 2 applicants to verify appropriate datasets and 

determine maximum grant rates per the statutory formula.

iii. What entities are eligible to participate in the Recompete Pilot Program?

This Phase 2 NOFO is only open to Finalists selected in Phase 1. 

As with the Phase 1 NOFO, eligible applicants under this NOFO include: (i) a unit of local government; (ii) 

the District of Columbia; (iii) a territory of the United States; (iv) a Tribal government; (v) political 

subdivisions of a State or other entity, including a special-purpose entity engaged in economic 

development activities; (vi) a public entity or nonprofit organization, acting in cooperation with the 

officials of a political subdivision of a State or other entity described in (v); (vii) an economic 

development district; and (viii) a coalition of any of the above entities that serve or are contained within 

an eligible geographic area. Some institutes of higher education will also be eligible if they fall within 

one of the above categories.6

4 Awards may not exceed the product obtained by multiplying the prime-age employment gap of the eligible area; 

the prime-age population of the eligible area; and either $70,585 for local labor markets or $53,600 for local 

communities.

5 The term "Tribal prime-age population" shall be equal to the sum obtained by adding-(i) the product obtained by 

multiplying-(I) the total number of individuals ages 25 through 54 residing on the Tribal land of the Tribal 

government; and (II) 0.65; and (ii) the product obtained by multiplying- (I) the total number of individuals ages 25 

through 54 included on the membership roll of the Tribal government; and (II) 0.35. 6 Institutions of Higher Education can apply for this program if they classify as either 1) political subdivision of a 

State or other entity, including a special-purpose entity engaged in economic development activities; or 2) a public 

entity or nonprofit organization, acting in cooperation with the officials of a political subdivision of a State or other 

entity described previously. Most public colleges and universities should meet this standard. Applicants should 

identify their entity-type in their application and provide supporting documentation. EDA will validate this once the 

application has closed.
Page 7 of 39

Applicants must be one of the above eligible entity types, be located within or serve an area indicated as 

eligible, and be able to represent and act on behalf of the Eligible Area. 

For the purposes of this NOFO, “Lead Applicant” is defined as the sole entity applying for entity types (i)-

(vii) or as the coalition member submitting the application on behalf of the coalition for entity type (viii).

For Finalists applying to Phase 2, the geographic scope of Phase 2 proposals should largely match that of 

Phase 1 (see above) and Lead Applicants should largely match those identified in Phase 1. In rare 

circumstances, the Lead Applicant may change (e.g., from one coalition member to another), and 

applicants must receive approval for this from the original Lead and program EDA Point of Contact email 

address identified in section G of this NOFO. Applications submitted with a new Lead Applicant should 

provide rationale in their application materials as to why.

Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 3722b(e)(1), no more than one set of implementation investments may be 

awarded to eligible entities within a single eligible geographic area (i.e., within an LLM, there may be 

only one set of 3-8 implementation investments awarded in Phase 2). 

iv. What are the responsibilities of the Lead Applicant?

In Phase 2, each Finalist application should include (a) an Updated Recompete Plan and (b) Component 

Project Narratives for each of approximately 3-8 tightly aligned component projects that execute on 

their Recompete Plan. 

For all Phase 2 submissions, the Lead Applicant must submit the Updated Recompete Plan and all 

associated documents. Additionally, the Lead Applicant must identify which entity will be the lead on 

each of the component projects, and thus recipient of funds (“Project Lead”). There are two allowable 

approaches to identifying Project Leads on component projects:

1. Lead Applicant serves as Project Lead on all 3-8 Recompete projects. The Lead Applicant will 

submit the Updated Recompete Plan, the Component Project Narratives, and all associated 

materials. Under this scenario, the Lead Applicant may choose to apply as a single organization 

or as a coalition lead. 

2. Lead Applicant and/or other partner entities serve as Project Leads. Under this scenario, the 

Lead Applicant will need to apply as a “coalition lead” in Phase 2 and will need to include any 

other Project Leads in their coalition. Please note that all Project Leads must be one of the 

eligible entity types identified above. 

Regardless of whether an application represents a single organization or coalition, EDA expects all Phase 

2 applicants to have partnerships between applicants, businesses, institutions of higher education, labor 

unions and federations, non-profits, and other regional organizations. Lead Applicants should articulate 

how those partnerships are structured and governed, whether formally or informally. As applicants 

further develop their implementation strategies, EDA encourages Finalists to include new partners in 

their Phase 2 applications where appropriate. 

If selected for Phase 2 funding, Lead Applicants commit to:

• Serve as EDA’s main point of contact during the competition and implementation, for example:

o establish and maintain communication between the regional partners, Project Leads (if 

applicable), and EDA to enable and accelerate collaboration and support; 
Page 8 of 39

o ensure funding and other assistance provided by EDA and any other partners are 

effectively coordinated and braided within communities;

• Be the employer of the Recompete Plan Coordinator (RPC) (described below) or have a formal, 

documented relationship with that employer;

• Be responsible for, or have a formal, documented relationship with an organization that will be 

responsible for:

o convening regional entities and community members to ensure coordination across 

activities as they are implemented;

o ensuring all partners and Project Leads have the necessary back-office infrastructure 

and support needed to execute on the grant for the region’s Recompete efforts; and

• If applying with multiple Project Leads: ensure all Project Leads awarded EDA funding have a 

clear grants management strategy (e.g., ensuring required reporting is coordinated, 

amendments to the award are coordinated among Project Leads and with EDA, and other terms 

of the award are met).

Lead Applicants should ensure proposed budgets account for any funding needed to support overall 

regional management (including hiring an RPC), compliance, or other necessary activities to ensure 

execution of EDA funds. In addition, Lead Applicants may also receive funding for specific 

implementation project(s).

Finalists that have multiple Project Leads do not need to have a formal legal structure (i.e., a contractual 

arrangement or public-private partnership) but should develop a governance plan prior to applying for 

Phase 2 funding. See section D.2.b. of this NOFO to see whether it would be most appropriate for the 

Lead Applicant or another partner entity to apply for funding for a specific component project. The 

email in section G can also help a Finalist decide who is the best entity to apply for each component 

project if it is not the Lead Applicant. 

Finally, EDA also expects that Finalists’ partners (where applicable) may have changed since Phase 1 or 

will change over time. EDA views such changes as a success if more meaningfully contributing partners 

or members join or if the collaboration is refined to align with the Phase 2 Implementation plan or 

otherwise increases the likelihood or magnitude of inclusive economic impacts.

v. What is required in letters of commitment?

EDA expects letters of commitment from regional organizations necessary for success—specific 

examples include targeted employers, labor unions, education and training systems, philanthropy, and 

nonprofit organizations. Letters of commitment should show that the communities being served have 

been involved in the proposal and are brought into the proposed strategy. See section E.1.a.2. of this 

NOFO for more on how equity will be evaluated. A provider of matching share, including an entity 

providing cash or in-kind contributions, may not serve as a contractor under the same award, and may 

not be paid with award funds to provide goods or services to the award recipient. 

EDA expects the quality of commitments made by partners to mature between Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Between Phase 1 and Phase 2 applications, EDA will provide technical assistance to Finalists on what 

constitutes high-quality commitments. While letters of support in Phase 1 were largely general and 

aspirational, in Phase 2 they should be meaningful, specific, timely and measurable. Additional new 

letters of commitment may be submitted as part of Phase 2, as well as re-validated commitments from 

Phase 1. Such commitments may include but are not limited to applying for and executing an individual 

component project, or making hiring, match funding, co-investment, or policy change commitments 
Page 9 of 39

aligned with addressing regional prime age employment, wages, and long-term economic development. 

Please see EDA’s “Menu of Community Commitments” guide from Phase 1 for more guidance on best 

practices. Note that in Phase 2, EDA will continue to prioritize quality of commitments over quantity.

Letters of support should reconfirm and further detail Phase 1 application commitments, and applicants 

should demonstrate new commitments with additional letters of support. EDA encourages letters of 

support to be specific to the entity writing the letter and highlighting the role and commitments of that 

entity. However, if applicants are submitting form letters of support, and not specific letters of 

commitment, from multiple organizations, EDA encourages one general letter that signals general 

support from all relevant entities. 

Applicants may reference the Recompete Community Commitments Template to structure all of their 

letters of commitment in their application. Please submit as one consolidated document, as an 

attachment to the proposal. 

vi. What is the role of the Recompete Plan Coordinator (RPC)?

EDA believes local champions and change agents are essential and investments are only successful with 

the right leadership, including leadership that reflects the diverse populations they serve. The RPC role is 

meant to coordinate across relevant entities and help ensure a successful implementation of Recompete 

Plans. While the specific obligations of the role may vary based on regional assets and needs, in Phase 2, 

EDA expects applicants to identify strong, diverse talent and to ensure that person is in a leadership role 

to catalyze strong, lasting partnerships across the area, including with the private and public sectors 

such as other federal partners, labor unions, and philanthropic supporters. The RPC and other leadership 

positions will be critical to success, both for regions selected for Phase 2 implementation funding as well 

as improving long-term, comprehensive economic development in all Finalist regions. Having an RPC or 

a plan to identify one is a requirement for Phase 2 and should be articulated in the Updated Recompete 

Plan application. Phase 2 applicants should demonstrate this role is sufficiently funded, whether through 

established funding, through EDA funds, or a combination. Please note that the work of an RPC should 

be the identified individual’s primary focus. While the RPC may be staffed by someone with a previous

existing role, EDA expects the RPC role and responsibilities to comprise the majority – if not all – of their 

time. Applicants are also expected to provide the professional biographies (including resumes) of key 

personnel among the management team – including the RPC – as a separate document. If there are 

leadership positions still open, please provide a job description instead. 

vii. How should applicants consider climate and environmental responsibility?

Applicants are expected to design their projects to minimize the potential for adverse impacts on the 

environment and the local community, including communities with environmental justice concerns. 

Applicants should also account for or have a plan to account for current and future weather- and 

climate-related risks, such as wildfires, droughts, extreme heat and cold, inland and coastal flooding, 

and the extreme winds produced by tornadoes, hurricanes, and other weather events.

viii.How should applicants consider equity? 

Consistent with Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved 

Communities through the Federal Government and Executive Order 14091, Further Advancing Racial 

Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, and EDA’s Equity 
Page 10 of 39

Investment Priority, EDA expects projects to advance equity to underserved and underrepresented 

populations.7

 

Specifically, applicants are expected to articulate which populations or communities will benefit from 

the project and how the project will provide for inclusive community engagement, ensuring that the 

economic benefits of the project will be shared by all communities in the service area, including any 

underserved and underrepresented communities. Where applicable, applicants should describe how the 

project will train underserved populations through any workforce development projects, prioritize hiring 

of local and economically disadvantaged individuals, create safe, healthy, and accessible workplaces free 

from discrimination or harassment, and/or how they will promote participation by underserved 

businesses. 

ix. What are characteristics of a strong workforce development project?

Strong workforce development projects should be employer-led to ensure that workers gain the skills 

necessary to perform needed jobs and are connected to quality job opportunities, in line with DOC’s 

workforce best practices8 and the Commerce and Labor Departments’ Good Jobs Principles.9

Additionally, applicants should consider their ability to drive employment into industries and 

occupations that pay and provide family-sustaining wages and benefits by increasing the demand for 

workers in those industries, not simply meeting existing demand in low-wage sectors. Sector-based 

partnerships that convene all parties involved with workforce issues (multiple employers, training 

providers, labor and community organizations) have been proven to drive higher wages for low-skilled 

workers. 

The specific training models that applicants propose should align with the sectors, occupations, and 

skills the project seeks to address; example models include skills training programs, Registered 

Apprenticeships and other quality work-and-learn programs, and programs leading to industryrecognized credentials. Projects should explicitly create pathways for workers to access good jobs and 

should have quantitative targets for placements, with breakdowns for such targets by demographic 

groups. EDA expects applicants to articulate why such placement targets are realistic given the 

populations they serve, the underlying conditions in their geography, and the costs associated with such 

training, and EDA will consider those factors when evaluating project proposals. 

In addition, EDA encourages applicants to (1) secure commitments from employers to hire individuals 

who successfully complete workforce training programs; (2) where necessary, provide wraparound 

services (e.g., childcare, transportation, wage stipends) to training participants; and (3) structure 

7 Underserved and underrepresented populations and communities include but are not limited to 1) women and 

girls, Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders or 2) 

underserved communities within geographies that have been systemically and/or systematically denied a full 

opportunity to participate in aspects of economic prosperity such as Tribal Lands, Persistent Poverty Counties, and 

rural areas. 8 See https://www.commerce.gov/issues/workforce-development; U.S. Dept. Comm., Strategic Plan 2022 – 2026: 

Innovation, Equity, and Resilience, Strengthening American Competitiveness in the 21st Century, Strategic 

Objective 2.2 at 33-34 (Mar. 2022). 9 The Departments of Commerce and Labor have partnered to identify eight principles that create a framework for 

applicants for a shared vision of job quality. Please see the DOC/DOL Good Jobs Principles at: 

https://www.dol.gov/general/good-jobs/principles. 
Page 11 of 39

projects to focus on equitable access to training through recruitment and retention of training 

participants, including from underserved, underrepresented, and disadvantaged communities.

Please note Recompete funds can be used to provide a variety of wraparound services (e.g., childcare, 

transportation, and other necessary worker-focused services) to individuals who are going through 

training programs. While EDA funds may potentially be used by an EDA grantee to provide wage 

stipends directly to training participants, they cannot be used to pay wage subsidies to employers for 

Recompete training participants’ employment and/or on-the-job training. 

Finally, EDA is cognizant of the different base levels of available quality jobs and skills of workers within 

a community and expects applicants to propose projects that make sense in their geographies. 

c. Implementation Grants

i. Requirements for Implementation Grants 

EDA will award Implementation Grants competitively under 

this NOFO to a subset of eligible entities with Recompete 

Plans approved under Recompete Pilot Program Phase 1

NOFO (i.e., Finalists).

Finalists may submit applications for Implementation Grants 

under Phase 2. As noted above, applications for component 

project funding may come from Lead Applicants or other 

Project Leads. Each application under this NOFO should 

include (a) an Updated Recompete Plan and (b) Component 

Project Narratives for approximately 3-8 tightly aligned 

component projects. EDA expects Implementation Grants 

will fund projects described in the approved Recompete 

Plan. EDA expects proposed Implementation Grants to generally match the projects outlined in the 

Phase 1 Recompete Plan, however applicants may make changes so long as they strengthen their ability 

to increase prime age employment and wages and promote long term economic development. If 

applicants do make changes to their proposed project, please explain in the application what informed 

the change. See section D.2 of this NOFO for information on the requirements for a full application.

Applications will be evaluated using the criteria in section E.1, which serve as a strategic planning 

framework for economic growth. Note that Updated Recompete Plans will be evaluated through criteria 

#1-5 as described in E.1.a. below, and Component Projects will be evaluated through criteria #1-2 and 6-

7.

EDA expects to select approximately 4-8 Phase 2 applications for Implementation funding, which will 

include selecting approximately 3-8 component projects within each. Component projects not selected 

for funding in Phase 2 may be eligible for funding from other EDA programs or other federal agencies. 

How will EDA support Finalists

between Phase 1 and Phase 2?

In the months leading up to the Phase 

2 deadline, EDA will provide a variety 

of technical assistance to Phase 1 

Finalists including direct coaching

from the program team, 

consultations with outside experts,

group seminars, and other intensive 

supports. 
Page 12 of 39

ii. Components to a Complete Application

(1) Updated Recompete Plan

Each application should focus on developing a revised and expanded Recompete Plan (no longer than 10

pages). The Updated Recompete Plan should demonstrate how EDA funding for component projects, 

alongside other partner commitments and support, will catalyze the region’s ability to equitably address 

prime age employment, per capita wages, and long-term economic development. 

The Revised Recompete Plan should include strategies for both near-term actions that can be 

accomplished in the first year and a longer-term strategy to maintain, grow, and evolve capacity to 

translate innovation into equitable regional economic growth.

The Updated Recompete Plan should address evaluation criteria #1-5 as described in E.1.a. below. The 

Updated Recompete Plan must cover the following topics:

• An executive summary that includes the Recompete effort’s name, description of the region’s 

geography (including proposed Service Area), the applicant’s investment thesis – i.e., why EDA’s 

investment will make a discernable impact on prime age employment, per capita wages, and 

long-term economic development in the region.

• A list including short descriptions of 3-8 component projects and requested EDA funding, 

including whether the Lead Applicant or a project partner is the lead for each project.

• A high-level overview of deliverables and key milestones, aligned with component project 

scopes of work. 

• A list including short descriptions of complementary investment, policy, or other relevant 

commitments (i.e., any additional initiatives planned by the region, beyond component projects 

for which they are requesting EDA funding, such as philanthropic commitments and legislative 

or regulatory changes). Please highlight your top commitments as well as any that have changed 

between Phase 1 selections and the Phase 2 application submission.

• Discussion on how the proposed projects will relate to and interact with each other as well as 

other external investments – please articulate why you believe funded activities and other 

complementary efforts will mutually reinforce each other.

• A concise description of how the Recompete effort, including via proposed projects and 

commitments, will consider equity, both in terms of intended outcomes (e.g., how underserved

and underrepresented populations within the Service Area will experience employment and 

wage gains) as well as process (including how wraparound services will be provided to those 

who need them, safe, healthy, and accessible workplaces created and maintained, and 

relationships built with trusted intermediaries who have ties with underserved populations).

Where applicable, applicants should detail how benefits of investment will accrue to 

populations living in the Service Area (e.g., through local hiring policies, production or 

preservation of affordable housing, or other safeguards). 

• A concise description of how the Recompete effort, including via proposed projects and 

commitments, will consider climate and environmental responsibility, including by addressing 

climate-related and environmental impacts, opportunities, and risks.

• An overview of the longer-term outcomes (i.e., goals you hope to achieve, for example labor 

force participation gains, employment gains, wage gains, and jobs created, placed, and 

retained), and short-term outputs (i.e., what you plan to measure to demonstrate progress 

towards those outcomes, for example programs launched, participants recruited, placements 

where applicable) expected from the Recompete effort. Identify necessary data and information 
Page 13 of 39

to track these goals, including relevant equity goals, as well as the time frame by which you 

anticipate reaching them. Please propose timelines that are specific and realistic, but also 

ambitious. 

• An overview of the work conducted and/or proposed by the applicant between Phase 1 

selections and the Phase 2 application submission, including any new information or risks 

mitigated. Include a detailed list of any changes to the vision – including to the proposed Service 

Area, projects, or key partners – of the Recompete effort since Phase 1 selections were made. If 

the applicant’s Service Area or key projects have changed, please explain why.

• Additional explanation to address the first five evaluation criteria (#1-5) listed in section E.1.a.

The above elements are important, required parts of a Phase 2 proposal to help EDA make award 

decisions, however they should not constitute the entire Updated Recompete Plan. EDA encourages 

applicants to use the page limit to make their best case by providing whatever information the applicant 

deems most persuasive. 

If the Finalist has multiple different Project Leads, while the Updated Recompete Plan should be 

submitted by the Lead Applicant, EDA expects that the Updated Recompete Plan will represent the joint 

vision of all involved partners.

(2) Component Project Applications

All component project applications should be no longer than five pages. Each component project

included as part of a Phase 2 application should be coordinated such that individual aspects 

complement and mutually reinforce each other, together impacting prime-age employment, wages, and 

long-term economic development. 

EDA, at its discretion, may award individual grants or cooperative agreements for component projects to 

Finalists that are eligible applicant types. EDA at its discretion may fund all or only some of the originally 

proposed component projects, or parts or modified versions thereof, depending on the viability of those 

components and the availability of funds.

EDA encourages applicants to budget for funding – whether from EDA or otherwise – that will be 

devoted to governance and management operations (e.g., subaward management, hiring positions –

including the Recompete Plan Coordinator), and metrics and evaluation. Please note that there is 

flexibility in how this could be achieved (e.g., stand-alone component projects, integrated features of 

component projects, supported via any matched funding). 

In addition to all required forms as detailed in section D.2. of this NOFO, each component application 

must submit a Project Narrative that addresses all activities that will be undertaken to complete the 

individual component project within the region and briefly summarizes how the component supports 

the overall region’s goals, referring back to the Updated Recompete Plan.

The Project Narrative should address evaluation criteria #1-2 and 6-7 in section E.1.a., and cover the 

following topics:

• An executive summary of no more than 250 words that includes the project component title, 

identifies the name of the lead organization, and provides a project overview.

• A scope of work of no more than 1.5 pages linked to the project’s purpose and including 

deliverables and key milestones. EDA may incorporate this section into the award if selected for 

funding.
Page 14 of 39

• Anticipated goals you hope to achieve (i.e., outcomes) and what outputs you plan to measure to 

demonstrate progress towards those outcomes. Anticipated outcomes should be specific, 

measurable, attainable, relevant and timebound (SMART). Include baseline measures that 

describe the current state to help you assess any potential changes. 

• Additional explanation to address evaluation criteria #1-2 and 6-7 in section E.1.a.

Applicants should assume that a given reviewer will read both their Updated Recompete Plan and all of

their Project Narratives, so there is no need to duplicate information across documents. However, there 

should be a clear link between the Updated Recompete Plan and the Project Narratives, which may 

reference each other.

(3) Eligible Activities

Implementation Grants can fund a wide range of non-construction and construction activities that aim 

to increase regional capacity across the following four broad categories: workforce development; 

business and entrepreneur development; infrastructure; and additional planning, predevelopment, or 

technical assistance. 10 The program is designed to provide significant flexibility for applicants to address 

the necessary physical, social, and economic barriers to jobs and career pathways. Given the nature of 

the program, and EDA’s commitment to equity, the program may fund organizations and projects it 

historically has not funded. For example, EDA understands there may be a suite of necessary 

interventions to increase employment, job quality, and wages, such as wraparound services. However, 

applicants will need to clearly explain how any requested EDA investments directly serve the purpose of 

the program and can clearly demonstrate intended economic development results. EDA will provide 

technical assistance on this topic in the period prior to the Phase 2 application deadline.

This large suite of eligible activities is designed to meet the individual needs and address the causes of 

high PAEG and low wages in a particular place. In each region selected for Implementation Grants, EDA 

expects to fund approximately 3-8 Implementation Grant projects that aim to collectively address the 

region’s key inhibitors of prime-age employment and low wages at a total funding level that depends on 

the area of eligibility. EDA expects the component application materials will provide more concrete

funding, timeline, and operational detail than was provided in the approved Recompete Plan. In 

addition, it is highly recommended that applicants include within project design sufficient scope and 

budgeting for overall project management, including both activities required to coordinate within the 

Recompete effort and to comply with EDA grant requirements.

See section B.1. for expected funding levels. While the amount requested and awarded will depend 

heavily on the types of interventions a particular place needs, efforts to create jobs may require larger 

investments in public assets, and efforts to connect workers to existing jobs may be more programmatic 

and thus cost less. Accordingly, it will be critical for applicants in Phase 2 to explain why the requested 

amount is appropriate for the interventions identified as necessary for that region and for the number 

of people expected to be newly employed based on those interventions. 

To support applicants as they consider potential activities, EDA has published an “Illustrative 

Implementation Investments” guide. Please note that the examples provided in this guide are purely 

illustrative and are not indicative of EDA preferences on any particular intervention or approach. 

10 See 15 U.S.C. § 3722b(c) and section A.1.c.ii.(3) and (4) for a more comprehensive list of allowable activities 

within these four broad categories. 
Page 15 of 39

Additionally, please see the Phase 1 Notice of Funding Opportunity (page 13) for more information on 

potential implementation investments. 

(4) What commitments to policy change and outcomes are expected?

EDA’s investments are most effective when combined with local action to change or reform policies, 

practices, and outcomes that make it harder for people to access good jobs. Regardless of whether an 

applicant is connecting workers to jobs or creating new jobs, EDA anticipates all successful Phase 2 

awardees will have credible, specific, and timely commitments to making such changes in their 

communities. 

Over the course of the Phase 2 application period, Finalists should focus on securing, honing, and 

improving the commitments they had preliminarily identified in Phase 1. EDA also welcomes new 

commitments not previously identified that would support the region’s effort to address prime age 

employment, per capita wages, and long-term economic development. Commitments should always be 

tailored to a community’s need and based on regional capacity – EDA will take an applicant and its 

relative level of regional assets into account when considering the quality and impact of community 

commitments. 

EDA will continue to provide supplemental material – building on the “Menu of Community 

Commitments” guide from Phase 1 – as well as technical assistance through the Phase 2 application 

period to all Finalists to support this effort.

(5) Ineligible Projects under this NOFO

Some projects are generally ineligible for EDA funding under this NOFO, including projects that do not 

have a clear and direct nexus with any of the four broad categories of eligible activities (e.g., general 

housing). Projects that are ineligible for funding, however, may be part of the overall concept of the 

Recompete effort and communicated through a complementary commitment (e.g., supported via 

matching dollars, in-kind contribution, policy commitments, or otherwise). Applicants who are unsure 

whether their proposed project is eligible under this NOFO should consult the EDA email listed in section 

G. 

Note that Recompete funds cannot be used towards the construction of housing. In rare circumstances, 

funds may potentially be used for non-construction housing projects if the applicant can effectively 

demonstrate that such support is necessary to the success of the proposed economic development 

activities. For example, the applicant may demonstrate that workforce training participants would be 

unable to participate in training activities without EDA-funded housing supports (e.g., housing 

counseling, short-term housing during workforce training period). 

Additionally, Recompete funds cannot be used to pay wage subsidies to employers for Recompete 

training participants’ employment and/or on-the-job training. Funds may potentially be used by an EDA 

grantee to provide wage stipends directly to the training participant, and EDA will provide Technical 

Assistance to support Finalists in designing this. 

Finally, funds may not be used, directly or indirectly as an offset for other funds, to support or oppose 

collective bargaining.
Page 16 of 39

2. Statutory Authorities for EDA’s Recompete Pilot Program

The statutory authority for this program is section 29 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation 

Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. § 3722b). 

B. Federal Award Information

1. What Funding Is Available Under this Announcement?

Across the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 and the Disaster Relief Supplemental 

Appropriations Act of 2023 (both enacted in Public Law 117-328), Congress appropriated EDA 

$200,000,000 to remain available until expended to implement the Recompete Pilot Program. 

If an applicant is awarded funding, neither DOC nor EDA is under any obligation to provide any future 

funding in connection with that award or to make any future award(s). Amendments or renewals of an 

award to increase funding or to extend the period of performance are at the sole discretion of DOC and 

EDA.

Publication of this announcement does not obligate DOC or EDA to award any specific grant or 

cooperative agreement or to obligate all or any part of available funds. The granting of any award is 

subject to the availability of funds at the time of award as well as to DOC priorities at the time of award.

Neither DOC nor EDA will be held responsible for application preparation costs.

Under Recompete Phase 2, EDA anticipates funding 4-8 applications that will each include 3-8 

Implementation projects with applications addressing Local Labor Markets averaging approximately 

$50,000,000 and applications addressing Local Communities averaging approximately $20,000,000, 

though amounts for each awardee will depend on multiple factors. See sections A.1.c.ii.3. of this NOFO 

for more information on how the award amounts may vary depending on the type of intervention (e.g., 

in general, creating jobs is more costly than connecting people to existing jobs). 

In no event will EDA surpass the maximum amount for a region that results from application of the 

formula in 15 U.S.C. § 3722b(f) or (j)(9). This maximum amount applies over the life of the Recompete 

Pilot Program and is not necessarily the amount the entity will receive in this Phase 2 competition.

For Tribal areas or Pacific Ocean Territories, due to the data being unavailable at this time, the maximum 

grant amount in Phase 2 will be whichever is higher between: a) $20 million or b) the result of the 

formula found in 15 U.S.C. § 3722b(f) for Pacific Ocean Territories or the combination of 15 U.S.C. § 

3722(f) and (j)(9) for Tribes, provided that the Territory or Tribe submits the required top-line data and a 

certification of its accuracy. 

Depending on demand under this NOFO, EDA may exercise its discretion to adjust the total amount 

available under this NOFO to ensure funds are used to maximum effect.

2. What Type of Funding Instrument Will Be Used to Make Awards? How Long Will a Project’s 

Period of Performance Be?

Funding Instrument: EDA will award a cooperative agreement on a case-by-case basis if substantial 

agency involvement is required. For a cooperative agreement, the nature of EDA’s “substantial 

involvement” (to be included in the terms and conditions of the award) will generally be collaboration 

between EDA and the recipient on the scope of work, including administering subawards to other 
Page 17 of 39

coalition members, where relevant. However, other possible examples of EDA’s “substantial 

involvement” may include, but are not limited to: (i) authority to halt immediately an activity if detailed 

performance specifications are not met; (ii) stipulation that the recipient must meet or adhere to 

specific procedural requirements before subsequent stages of a project may continue; (iii) involvement 

in recipient’s selection of key personnel; and (iv) operational involvement and monitoring during the 

project to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Period of Performance: The period of performance for a given Phase 2 Implementation project may vary 

depending on the scope of work. EDA expects that most projects will range from 24 to 60 months, 

however in some circumstances a grant may be awarded beyond that period. EDA expects that all 

projects will proceed efficiently and expeditiously.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

The Phase 2 NOFO is only open to Finalists selected in Phase 1. 

Eligible applicants under this NOFO include: (i) a unit of local government; (ii) the District of Columbia; 

(iii) a territory of the United States; (iv) a Tribal government; (v) political subdivisions of a State or other 

entity, including a special-purpose entity engaged in economic development activities; (vi) a public 

entity or nonprofit organization, acting in cooperation with the officials of a political subdivision of a 

State or other entity described in (v); (vii) an economic development district; and (viii) a coalition of any 

of the above entities that serve or are contained within an eligible geographic area.

2. EDA Investment Rate

In general, Phase 2 Implementation grants, as described in section A.1.c., may be awarded with a

maximum 100 percent federal grant rate (i.e., no local match required).

However, matching dollars, leveraged dollars or commitments, and policy commitments are a 

competitive factor, as described in the “Sustainable Partnerships and Commitments” factor section 

E.1.a.3. below. No particular form of community commitment (including match) is considered inherently

more competitive than any other, but commitments will be evaluated on how impactful they will be in 

supporting the region’s Recompete Plan.

In the Recompete Pilot Program, certain match dollars may not be considered competitive by EDA. 

Match submissions should genuinely be additive to the goals of the Recompete effort. EDA expects 

Phase 2 applicants to use their own judgement to determine and articulate whether a particular type 

of match accomplishes new work, or not. EDA will provide technical assistance on this topic in the 

period prior to the Phase 2 application deadline.

Applications that want to submit matching dollars must include commitment letters or equivalent 

documents that demonstrate, to the satisfaction of EDA, that all matching funds (regardless of kind, e.g., 

cash, loans, bonds, in-kind) from all sources (e.g., any applicant, any co-applicants, and any other 

sources of matching funds) referenced in the application will be unencumbered, unrestricted, and 

committed at the time of award and that are signed by authorized representatives of the sources of the 

matching funds. Authorized representatives must have the authority to execute documents and to 

obligate and expend funds on behalf of their respective organizations.
Page 18 of 39

In addition, applicants should indicate if other Federal funds have been secured for, or have been 

requested to support, any portion of the project for which an EDA investment is proposed. Applicants 

should describe how the EDA investment will complement, leverage, or otherwise align with other 

public and private investments to implement the project. Where other Federal funding may be involved 

in the project, the applicant should provide the Federal program name and contact information with 

their application to facilitate interagency coordination and avoid duplication of resources. Note that 

consistent with 2 CFR § 200.306, not all sources of Federal funding may be allowed as match and 

applicants shall raise any concerns as early as possible with the email listed in section G.

Each matching share commitment letter must state whether the contribution is cash, loans, bonds, or 

in-kind; if in-kind, provide a valuation for in-kind contributions. In-kind match must consist of 

contributions directly related to the proposed project, such as services, equipment, or space. EDA will 

fairly evaluate all in-kind contributions, which must be eligible project costs and which must meet 

applicable federal cost principles and uniform administrative requirements. 

Additional documentation may be requested by EDA to substantiate the availability of the matching 

funds. For example, if bonds are contemplated as match, counsel opinion of the applicant’s bonding 

authority and eligibility of the bonds for use as match, along with full disclosure of the type of bonds and 

the schedule of the applicant’s intended bond issue, are required. 

A provider of matching share, including an entity providing cash or in-kind contributions, may not serve 

as a contractor under the same award, and may not be paid with award funds to provide goods or 

services to the award recipient. 

D. Application and Submission Information

An applicant must submit a complete application, as detailed in Sections A and D.2. of this NOFO to be 

considered for funding. EDA intends to review each application expeditiously upon receipt of the 

complete application. EDA may request additional documentation or information from the applicant to 

make an eligibility determination. EDA also may, in its sole discretion, continue review of any application 

with minor defects or errors, while the applicant supplies the missing information. EDA will reject any 

documentation of eligibility that the agency determines is inaccurate or incomplete, which may cause 

the application to be rejected. Please see section E of this NOFO for more information on award criteria 

and the review and selection process.

1. Obtaining an Application and Electronic Submission through EDGE

An applicant must obtain, complete, and submit an application electronically through the Economic 

Development Grants Experience (EDGE) at sfgrants.eda.gov. EDA will not accept paper, facsimile, or 

email transmissions of applications except as provided below. In order to obtain and submit an 

application through EDGE, an applicant must register for an EDGE account at sfgrants.eda.gov. As part 

of the registration process, you will register one Authorized Representative for your organization, 

however, multiple points of contact may be registered or added by the applicant to the application 

workspace to view or work on completing the application. The Authorized Representative will be the 

only official with the authority to submit applications.

a. Verification of Submission

Applicants should save and print written proof of an electronic submission made through EDGE.

Applicants, specifically the Authorized Representative submitting the application and materials, will 
Page 19 of 39

receive a time and date stamped email from EDGE confirming the submission and receipt of the 

application and other required documents. 

Applicants should save and print both the confirmation screen provided on EDGE after the applicant 

has submitted an application and the confirmation email sent when the application has been

successfully submitted. 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify that its submission was timely received and submitted 

successfully through EDGE. To see the date your application was submitted, log on to EDGE and click on 

the Submitted Application section from the Home Page. 

If you experience a systems issue with EDGE, see section D.7. below for instructions.

b. Alternatives to Submission through EDGE

To accommodate an applicant’s accessibility requirements, a paper version of this application may be 

obtained by contacting the appropriate email listed in section G of this NOFO. If an applicant is 

otherwise unable to submit an application through EDGE for reasons beyond the control of the 

applicant, EDA, in its sole discretion, may pre-approve in writing submission via an alternate method 

(e.g., email).

2. Content and Form of Applications 

a. What is required for a complete Implementation Grant application?11

A Phase 2 application will include (1) an Updated Recompete Plan, (2) Letter(s) of Commitment, (3) 

Component Applications, and (4) all EDA-required forms as described below. EDA expects to select 

approximately 4-8 applications for Implementation funding, which will include selecting approximately 

3-8 component projects within each. 

The following table provides a complete list of documents required for a complete application for an 

Implementation Grant. For Component Application requirements, see section b. below. 

(1) One Updated Recompete Plan (not to exceed 10 single-sided 8.5x11-inch pages, with a 

minimum 12-point font and 1-inch margins) that discusses in detail all the requirements 

outlined in sections A.1.b, A.1.c, and E.1.a. of this NOFO. If more than 10 pages of Project 

Narrative is submitted, only the first 10 pages will be reviewed. Please ensure the 

Updated Recompete Plan addresses both the content outlined in section A.1.c. and the 

criteria in section E.1.a. 

(2) [Optional, to be included if changed from Phase 1]: Eligible/Service Area documentation 

identifying the proposed service areas and verifying that they are within one of the 

eligible areas for the program. Similar to in Phase 1, applicants may choose to use the 

Eligible/Service Area List Template to prove their geographic eligibility and service area.

11 In the event of discrepancies between instructions provided in any of the forms and this NOFO, the 

requirements for complete applications as stated in this NOFO will control.
Page 20 of 39

(3) Letter or letters of Commitment Please see section A.1.b.v. for guidance on what to 

include when submitting Letter(s) of Commitment; applicants may reference the 

Recompete Community Commitments Template. 

(4) Bios of Key Leadership As required in section A.1.b.vi. of this NOFO, EDA expects 

applicants to identify strong, diverse talent for leadership roles, including the Recompete 

Plan Coordinator (RPC), and provide relevant bios. 

(5) 3-8 Component Project Applications See Section b. below.

b. Component Applications

In addition to the Updated Recompete Plan, the Lead Applicant and/or other members of the applicant’s 

coalition should submit a total of approximately 3-8 component applications. EDA expects that each 

component project will have a separate application unless they share leadership and geographic 

location (i.e., it is on the same campus and will be administered by the owner of the campus). In general, 

for projects with a physical location, EDA expects the owner of the location to be an applicant or coapplicant on a component project (e.g., EDA needs to have a grant relationship with the entity that will 

be encumbering any property with EDA funds). Applicants that have multiple potential Project Leads

may consult with EDA via the email listed in section G of this NOFO to determine the best Lead Applicant 

for each Component Application. 

If the applicant is applying alone for Implementation funding, the applicant may submit duplicate copies 

of the CD-511, SF-LLL, and non-profit documentation. The other forms and documentation must be 

specific to the component project. If there are multiple Project Leads, then a Project Lead other than the 

Lead Applicant may apply for component project funding. However, the Phase 1 grantee (i.e., the Lead 

Applicant) must indicate in the Updated Recompete Plan that the Project Lead will be doing so either on 

their own or as a co-applicant. The Project Lead does not need to submit a separate Updated 

Recompete Plan or letter(s) of commitment but must submit all the required documentation and forms 

described below for the relevant component project. 

The narrative (see requirements in sections A.1.b and A.1.c of this NOFO) and tables in section D.2.b 

describe the EDA and Federal grant assistance forms and other documentation required for a Phase 2 

Component Project Application. EDA will require a complete set of forms and documents for each 

component project within the Full Application. For example, if the Recompete Plan is proposing three 

component projects—e.g., 1. A strategic plan, 2. A workforce development project, and 3. an 

entrepreneurship initiative —EDA would in general expect three sets of application forms, each 

appropriate to an application for the given component project. The tables may serve as a checklist for 

applicants in preparing their submissions and are organized by the various construction and nonconstruction project types that might comprise a Recompete Plan. 

While the Updated Recompete Plan is not a component project and is not funded separately, all 

Component Project Applications will be considered holistically in the context of the Updated Recompete 

Plan. For more details on competition criteria, please see section E.1.a. 

EDA staff members are available to provide applicants with technical assistance regarding application 

requirements. Additionally, EDA may contact the applicant to clarify application materials received.
Page 21 of 39

Finally, EDA may request a particular component project not be included in the Full Application or be rescoped to fit within budget and timing constraints. Note that all component projects are expected to be 

completed within five years, however in some circumstances a grant may be awarded beyond that 

period.

Each component project that is part of the Full Application must include the following materials:

(1) One Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance).

(2) Component Project Narrative (not to exceed 5 single-sided 8.5x11-inch pages, with a 

minimum 12-point font and 1-inch margins) that discusses in detail all the requirements 

outlined in sections A.1.b, A.1.c, and E.1.a. of this NOFO. If more than 5 pages of a Project 

Narrative are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed. Please ensure each 

Project Narrative addresses both the content outlined in section A.1.c. and the criteria in 

section E.1.a.

(3) One Form CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying) 

(4) One Form SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities), if applicable. Form SF-LLL is only 

required if the applicant has reportable lobbying activities.

(5) Non-Profit Documentation, if applicable. If the applicant is a non-profit organization that 

is not an institution of higher education, a copy of the applicant’s articles of incorporation, 

bylaws, and a current certificate of good standing.

(6) *Project-Specific Budget and Supplementary Materials, see charts below.

Applications for construction assistance components (including applications for design and 

engineering with construction activities) must include:

1. One Form SF-424C (Budget Information—Construction Programs) per project.

2. One Budget Narrative per project that clearly identifies and justifies how funds in each line 

item of the budget (Form SF-424C) will be used to support the proposed project. The 

Budget Narrative should specifically address each budget line item (including both the 

Federal Share and matching non-Federal Share, if applicable), and the narrative total 

should match the total project costs listed in both the SF-424 question 18 line g and SF424C (“Total Project Costs”). This includes describing any other Federal, state and local, 

private, or philanthropic funds that have been secured or requested to support the 

project. The Budget Narrative should include itemized valuations of any in-kind matching 

funds. 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 applicant’s 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. *Please 

note: In lieu of a separate Budget Narrative, this information may be included in the 

Preliminary Engineering Report as required by section C of the ED-900C.
Page 22 of 39

3. One Form SF-424D (Assurances—Construction Programs) from each co-applicant, as 

applicable.

4. One Form ED-900B (Beneficiary Information Form) from each beneficiary of the proposed 

project, as applicable.

5. One Form ED-900C (EDA Application Supplement for Construction Programs) and 

accompanying supporting documentation, e.g., Preliminary Engineering Report.

6. One Form ED-900E (Calculation of Estimated Relocation and Land Acquisition Expenses).

7. Documentation of Matching Share, if applicable, for each matching share source, such as 

a commitment letter, board resolution, proof of bonding authority, or similar document, as 

applicable. 

8. Environmental Documentation that will enable EDA to comply with its NEPA 

responsibilities. A narrative outline that details required components may be accessed in 

EDA’s website at: https://www.eda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/07_EnvironmentalNarrative-Template-and-Application-Certification-Clause.docx. The documentation should 

reflect whether the component project is categorically excludable or should be a draft 

environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, as funded by the technical 

assistance award. Applicants should consult with the email listed in section G of this NOFO 

to ensure the appropriate documentation is prepared.

9. One Applicant’s Certification Clause (see Appendix A to the environmental narrative 

noted above) completed separately and signed by each co-applicant, as applicable. 

10. Map of project site. 

Applications for non-construction assistance must include:

1. One Form SF-424A (Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs).

2. One Budget Narrative that clearly identifies and justifies how funds in each line item of the 

budget (Form SF-424A) will be used to support the proposed project. The Budget Narrative 

should specifically address each budget line item (including both the Federal Share and 

matching non-Federal Share, if appliable), and the narrative total should match the total 

project costs listed in both the SF-424 question 18 line g and SF-424A (“Totals”). This 

includes describing any other Federal, state and local, private, or philanthropic funds that 

have been secured or requested to support the project. The Budget Narrative should 

include itemized valuations of any in-kind matching funds, where applicable. Any nonFederal 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 applicant’s 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.

3. Documentation of Matching Share for each matching share source, such as a commitment 

letter, board resolution, proof of bonding authority, or similar document, as applicable.
Page 23 of 39

The following table provides a complete list of documents required for a complete component project 

application: construction, design and engineering (without a construction component), and nonconstruction. 

Table: Summary of Required Documentation for Each Component Project

Documentation Construction Design & 

Engineering Non-Construction

Component Project Narrative X X X

SF-424 (Application for Federal 

Assistance) X X X

Matching Share Documentation X X X

CD-511 (Certification Regarding 

Lobbying) X X X

SF-LLL (If Applicable) X X X

SPOC Documentation (If Applicable) X X X

Indirect Cost Rate Documentation (If 

Applicable) X X

Organizational/Non-Profit 

Documentation (If Applicable) X X X

SF-424A (Budget Information—NonConstruction Programs) X

SF-424C (Budget Information—

Construction Programs) X X

SF-424D (Assurances—Construction 

Programs) X X

ED-900B (Beneficiary Information 

Form) from each beneficiary, as 

applicable

X

ED-900C (EDA Application 

Supplement for Construction 

Programs) and supporting 

documentation, e.g., Preliminary 

Engineering Report (PER). 

X

ED-900D (Requirements for Design 

and Engineering Assistance) X

ED-900E (Calculation of Estimated 

Relocation and Land Acquisition 

Expenses)

X

Environmental Narrative X X

Certification Clause (with 

environmental narrative) X X

Project Site Map X X

Budget Narrative X X X
Page 24 of 39

All documentation and data submitted should be current and applicable as of the date submitted. 

Applicants are encouraged to contact the appropriate point of contact for technical assistance before 

submitting an application. EDA staff members are available to provide applicants with technical 

assistance regarding application requirements. Additionally, EDA may contact the applicant to clarify 

application materials received.

c. Environmental and Historic Preservation Requirements

All applicants for EDA construction assistance (including design and engineering assistance) are required 

to provide adequate environmental information. Each application will be reviewed by EDA for 

compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. During the NEPA 

review process, applicants may be instructed to contact the designated State and/or Tribal Historic 

Preservation Officer (SHPO/THPO), provide approvals from other governmental agencies, or provide 

more detailed environmental information. EDA, after compliance with requirements for consultation 

with Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, may require applicants to participate in Tribal consultation, as 

necessary. The implementing regulations of NEPA require EDA to provide public notice of the availability 

of project-specific environmental documents, such as environmental impact statements, environmental 

assessments, findings of no significant impact, and records of decision, to the affected public. For further 

guidance and information, please refer to section G for a contact. Applicants will be notified of any 

changes to these requirements via Grants.gov.

d. Required Use of American Iron, Steel, Manufactured Products, and Construction Materials

All applicants for EDA infrastructure construction under this NOFO are required to comply with the Build 

America, Buy America (BABA) Act as set forth in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. As required 

under BABA, none of the funds provided under any award in this program may be used for a project for 

infrastructure unless: 

1. all iron and steel used in the project are produced in the United States–this means all 

manufacturing processes, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, 

occurred in the United States; 

2. all manufactured products used in the project are produced in the United States—this means the 

manufactured product was manufactured in the United States; and the cost of the components of 

the manufactured product that are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States is 

greater than 55 percent of the total cost of all components of the manufactured product, unless 

another standard for determining the minimum amount of domestic content of the manufactured 

product has been established under applicable law or regulation; and 

3. all construction materials are manufactured in the United States—this means that all 

manufacturing processes for the construction material occurred in the United States. BABA only 

applies to articles, materials, and supplies that are consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to an 

infrastructure project. As such, these BABA requirements do not apply to tools, equipment, and 

supplies, such as temporary scaffolding, brought to the construction site and removed at or before 

the completion of the infrastructure project. Nor does BABA apply to equipment and furnishings, 

such as movable chairs, desks, and portable computer equipment, that are used at or within the 

finished infrastructure project but are not an integral part of the structure or permanently affixed to 

the infrastructure project. 

When necessary, recipients may apply for, and EDA may grant, a waiver from these requirements. EDA 

will notify the recipient of the process for requesting a waiver from these requirements upon request. A 
Page 25 of 39

request to waive the application of BABA must be in writing. Waiver requests are subject to public 

comment periods of no less than 15 days and must be reviewed by the U.S. Made in America Office. 

Further detail on BABA and the waiver process is described at https://www.madeinamerica.gov. 

To help federal agencies and recipients meet BABA requirements, the U.S. Department of Commerce, 

National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership 

(MEP) National NetworkTM provides a service to connect stakeholders, including recipients, to U.S. 

manufacturers that have relevant production capabilities and capacities to help fulfill current market 

and supply chain needs. Recipients considering a BABA nonavailability waiver are strongly encouraged to 

contact the NIST/MEP for assistance with supplier scouting services prior to seeking a BABA 

nonavailability waiver. Further information on the NIST/MEP supplier scouting services is available at: 

https://www.nist.gov/mep/supplier-scouting.

e. Copy of Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

As noted in EDA’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Construction Projects (Construction ST&Cs), 

indirect costs are generally not applicable to construction awards.

If indirect costs are included in the budget, the applicant must include documentation to support the 

indirect cost rate they are using (unless claiming the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate, discussed 

below). The applicant must submit a copy of its current, approved, and negotiated indirect cost rate 

agreement (NICRA). The maximum dollar amount of allocable indirect costs for which EDA will 

reimburse a recipient will be the lesser of the (i) line-item amount for the federal share of indirect costs 

contained in the EDA-approved budget for the award, or (ii) federal share of the total allocable indirect 

costs of the award based on either (i) the indirect 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 (ii) other acceptable documentation as 

indicated below.

If the applicant does not have a current or pending NICRA, 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 calendar days from the award start date (unless claiming the 10 percent de minimis 

indirect cost rate, discussed below). See 2 C.F.R. part 200 Apps. III, IV, V, VI, VII for guidance. The 

allocation plan and the rate proposal shall be submitted to EDA’s Office of Regional Affairs (or the 

applicable cognizant federal agency). The applicant should include a statement in its Strategy 

Development Budget Narrative that it does not have a current or pending NICRA and will submit an 

allocation plan and rate proposal to EDA or the applicant’s cognizant federal agency for approval.

In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414(f), an applicant that does not have a current negotiated or 

provisional NICRA, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs 

(subject to the exceptions of § 200.414(f)). No documentation is required to justify the 10 percent de 

minimis indirect cost rate; however, an applicant electing to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent 

must include a statement in its Budget Narrative that it does not have a current negotiated (including 

provisional) rate and is electing to charge the de minimis rate.

If the applicant is a state or local unit of government that receives less than $35 million in direct federal 

funding per year it may submit any of the following:

• a NICRA; 
Page 26 of 39

• a Certificate of Indirect Costs from the Department of the Interior (DOI) or EDA (See: 

https://www.eda.gov/sites/default/files/filebase/archives/2021/files/tools/granteeforms/Certificate-of-Indirect-Costs-template.pdf); 

• an acknowledgment received from EDA and a Certificate of Indirect Costs in the form prescribed 

at 2 C.F.R. pt. 200, app. VII; or

• a Cost Allocation Plan approved by a federal agency (note that cost allocation plans or indirect 

cost rates approved by state agencies are not acceptable).

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

Applicants are required to: (i) be registered in SAM; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in 

the application; (iii) make certain certifications (see also section H.5 of this NOFO); and (iv) 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 UEI 

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. Recipients will be 

subject to reporting requirements, as identified in OMB guidance published at 2 C.F.R. parts 25 and 170. 

All subawardees must have a UEI before any subawards are made.

3. Submission Dates and Times

The deadline for Phase 2 Applications is 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 25, 2024. Applications received 

after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered. Only those whose Recompete Plans were 

approved in Phase 1 are permitted to apply to Phase 2.

EDA may amend, cancel, or withdraw the Recompete Pilot Program Phase 2 NOFO at any time. 

4. Intergovernmental Review

Applications for Implementation Grants submitted under this Recompete Pilot Program Phase 2 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”). All applicants must give States and local governments a reasonable 

opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Project, including review and comment from areawide planning organizations in metropolitan areas. To find out more about a State’s process under EO 

12372, applicants may contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC). Names and addresses of 

some States’ SPOCs are listed on OMB’s website at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2023/06/SPOC-list-as-of-2023.pdf. 

Based on the applicant’s State, EDA requires the following documentation:

State does not 

participate No documentation required—check SF-424 box 19(c).

State participates; this 

grant program not 

subject to review

Documentation (e.g., a State executive order, a letter from the 

SPOC) showing that this grant program is not subject to review—

provide the documentation as an attachment to the application

and check SF-424 box 19(b).
Page 27 of 39

State participates; this 

grant program subject 

to review

Documentation (e.g., a letter from the SPOC) with comments or 

indicating that this project was not selected for review, or, if the 

comment period has expired or comments were not received, a 

copy of the applicant’s request for comments (e.g., email)—

provide the documentation as an attachment to the application

and check SF-424 box 19(a).

5. Funding Restrictions

EDA may reimburse pre-award project costs under this NOFO but only with advance approval by the 

Selection Official. Under no circumstances will EDA or DOC be held responsible for application 

preparation expenditures, which are distinguished from pre-award project costs.

It is DOC policy that funds may not be used to pay for profits or for management fees in excess of costs, 

unless statutorily authorized. Additionally, the use of project funds to make equity or hybrid 

investments in businesses is not an allowable cost. 

Funds may not be used, directly or indirectly, as an offset for other funds, to support or oppose 

collective bargaining.

6. Other Submission Requirements

After EDA reviews an application, EDA may contact the applicant to request additional documentation 

to clarify or substantiate submitted application materials, depending on the type of project proposed. 

Examples of additional documentation may include, but are not limited to, title verification, 

documentation of the value of in-kind contributions, evidence all funding is available and committed to 

the project, proof of eligibility (e.g., organizational documentation such as articles of incorporation, 

bylaws, and a current certificate of good standing), or documentation required for environmental or 

legal compliance. This additional documentation will be required to ensure that the proposed project 

complies with all applicable rules and regulations prior to EDA’s issuance of an award. EDA will provide 

applicants a reasonable amount of time to provide any additional documentation. Failure to provide 

complete and accurate supporting documentation in a timely manner when requested by EDA may 

result in the denial of an application. 

7. EDGE Systems Issues

If you experience a systems issue with EDGE (i.e., a technical problem or glitch with the platform) that 

you believe threatens your ability to complete a submission, please (i) print any error message 

received; (ii) email the help desk at GrantHDSupport@eda.gov; and (iii) contact EDA using the contact 

information in section G. of this Phase 1 NOFO. Please be sure to track your issue using a case number 

given to you by the help desk. Please note that problems with an applicant’s computer system or 

equipment are not considered systems issues. Similarly, an applicant’s failure to, e.g., (i) complete the 

required registration, (ii) ensure that a registered Authorized Representative submits the application, 

or (iii) notice receipt of an email message from EDGE are not considered systems issues. An EDGE issue 

is an issue occurring in connection with the operations of the website itself, such as the temporary loss 

of service due to unexpected volume of traffic or failure of information technology systems, both of 

which are highly unlikely. In the event of a confirmed systems issue, EDA reserves the right to accept 

an application in an alternate format.
Page 28 of 39

Applicants should go to sfgrants.eda.gov and click on the Resources page for assistance in navigating 

EDGE and for a list of useful resources. 

E. Application Review Information

Throughout the review and selection process, EDA reserves the right to seek clarification in writing from 

applicants whose application packages are being reviewed. EDA may additionally ask applicants to clarify 

application materials, objectives, and work plans, or modify budgets or other specifics necessary to 

comply with Federal requirements. EDA may also use statistical methods to normalize the scoring. EDA 

will screen submitted materials to verify that all required forms are complete, and all required 

documentation is included. Applications that do not contain all elements listed in section D.2 will not be 

reviewed, with limited exceptions where non-substantive missing information or forms can be supplied 

after original submission. EDA, in its sole discretion, may continue the review process for applications 

with non-substantive issues that may be easily rectified or cured.

1. Criteria, Review, and Selection Process

a. Implementation Grants Review

For all complete applications for Implementation Grants, the Updated Recompete Plan and Component 

Projects will be evaluated by at least three reviewers who will make a group evaluation of the merits of 

each full Application based on the extent to which the application meets the program-specific award 

and application requirements and criteria. This group evaluation is known as an Investment Review 

Committee or IRC. The IRC will evaluate the applications using adjectival ratings and thereafter sort the 

applications into tiers of similarly rated applications. EDA may, in its discretion and including at the IRC’s 

request, consult experts outside of EDA on the technical aspects of an application to assist the IRC in its 

evaluation. The IRC will present the Selection Official with a recommended portfolio of applications from 

the top tiered group(s) in addition to recommendations on how to apply the selection factors discussed 

in section E.2. below.

While EDA will evaluate the portfolio of component projects within an application holistically, individual 

component projects within a proposed application may not get funded, and EDA expects in some cases 

to negotiate the scope and nature of certain component projects or the overall mix of projects.

Individual component projects not funded may be funded under another EDA NOFO. 

The IRC will evaluate 1) Updated Recompete Plans and 2) Component Project applications, with specific 

evaluation criteria required for each (below). Each evaluation criteria will be equally weighted except for 

“overall vision and strategy” and “equity” which will be worth double the other evaluation criteria 

because they will be assessed through both 1) Updated Recompete Plans and the 2) Component Project

applications. 

Evaluation Criteria applied to both 1) Updated Recompete Plans and 2) Component Project

applications: 

1. Overall vision and strategy: Will the proposed strategy increase prime age employment, per 

capita wages, and overall long-term economic development? 

a. Updated Recompete Plans: Is the overall strategy clearly informed by regional assets,

and underlying barriers to quality employment, including market conditions? Overall, do 

the individual aspects of the strategy complement and mutually reinforce each other? 
Page 29 of 39

b. Component Project applications: Will the proposed interventions achieve their 

identified goals – are they informed by best practices, prior experience, research, 

metrics, or documented outcomes? Do the component projects work together to 

achieve the proposed strategy? Do the projects take into account other investments, 

policy commitments, and regional activities? Is there real demand for the proposed 

interventions (e.g., employer commitments to hire successful participants in workforce 

training programs, businesses seeking services, etc.)? For workforce projects, to what 

extent do the projects incorporate the best practices for successful workforce projects 

described in Section A.1.b.ix.12? If successful, do individual projects have potential to be 

positive models for other distressed communities around the country – in other words, 

is there a clear and compelling “thesis” for each project (i.e., what is the problem they 

are trying to solve, and how will the project solve it)? 

2. Equity: Will the benefits of this investment be shared equitably, and does the overall effort 

reflect meaningful engagement with the communities it is intended to serve? 

a. Updated Recompete Plans: Does the overall strategy focus on underserved and 

underrepresented communities, and will it specifically benefit targeted populations 

within those areas? Does the strategy demonstrate through its membership or 

engagement practices that the strategy reflects the needs of the population served? Is 

there a plan to ensure community participation and buy-in over the duration of the 

grant period, including accounting for worker voice? 

b. Component Project applications: Is equity reflected in the proposed operations and 

implementation plan of individual projects? For example, is equity incorporated across 

projected outcomes, budgets, staffing model, subawards, timelines, and goals of the 

component projects? Is there a plan for ensuring these priorities remain consistent over 

the lifespan of the grant? 

Evaluation Criteria Exclusive to the Updated Recompete Plan: 

3. Sustainable Partnerships and Commitments: Is the right set of regional partners meaningfully 

engaged, such as targeted employers, labor and worker organizations, education and training 

systems, local government, and community-based organizations? 

• Is there buy-in from the broader community to ensure long-term success, and is the 

proposed execution of the Recompete Plan integrated into the community’s longterm economic development strategy? Are investments and community

commitments from partners set up for the Service Area to have long-term impact 

beyond the grant period? Has the applicant aligned external resources to support 

this effort, such as in-kind contributions (e.g., building or preserving adjacent 

affordable housing), any additional financial match (e.g., from state or local 

funders), or otherwise – for example, through exploring other Biden Administration 

initiatives (e.g., strategies that take advantage of IRA incentives, infrastructure 

spending, CHIPS funding opportunities, or other federal investments). How strongly 

are key private sector partners engaged and is their engagement and participation 

aligned with and sufficient to enable the Recompete Plan? Where applicable, has 

12 See https://www.commerce.gov/issues/workforce-development; U.S. Dept. Comm., Strategic Plan 2022 – 2026: 

Innovation, Equity, and Resilience, Strengthening American Competitiveness in the 21st Century, Strategic 

Objective 2.2 at 33-34 (Mar. 2022). 
Page 30 of 39

the applicant explored and secured private sector commitments (e.g., hiring 

commitments, changes to hiring practices, leadership team participation)?

4. Leadership and Governance: Is the leadership team – including the Recompete Plan 

Coordinator – strong, capable, qualified, and cohesive? 

• Can the Lead Applicant deliver on the responsibilities identified in section A.1.b.iv.

above? Does the leadership team and partnership have an effective decision-making 

and accountability structure, and is this reflected in the plan for overall 

management and governance? Overall, does the investment create or reinforce 

pathways to leadership for community members that have been left out (due to 

race, gender, wealth, or other factors)? Finally, is there a compelling plan for how 

the partners will hold each other accountable on equity goals, in addition to other 

outcomes?

5. Overall Impact and Risk Mitigation: Does the application identify clear outcomes and outputs, 

and is there confidence these will lead to improved prime age employment, per capita wages, 

and long-term economic development over time? 

• If the strategy is successful, how meaningful will the overall impact of the projects 

be for the identified service area? To what degree will workforce development 

activities (if proposed) result in residents in the service area accessing good jobs? 

Does the Updated Recompete Plan identify potential risks to achieving these 

outcomes, for both the overall effort and component projects, and is there a plan 

for if and how these risks can be mitigated? Will identified metrics effectively 

measure equitable outcomes, including disaggregating by population?

Evaluation Criteria Exclusive to the Component Project applications:

6. Capability to implement: Are the applicant and subawardees/contractors/partners capable of 

implementing the proposed plan?

• Do the implementing entities have relevant experience or capabilities that 

demonstrate their ability to execute, including the ability to reach the populations 

they intend to serve? Does leadership of the implementing entities have the 

requisite qualifications? Within the budget narrative, are critical positions properly 

identified and sufficiently funded to accomplish the proposed scope? 

7. Realistic scope and workplan: Is the proposed scope and workplan realistic, simple, and 

executable, or does it risk being overly complicated (e.g., too many implementing 

organizations)? 

• Is it sufficient to accomplish the proposed vision and strategy? Specifically, is there a 

highly effective plan and budget for management operations (e.g., subaward 

management, hiring positions—including the Recompete Plan Coordinator), and 

metrics and evaluation?

EDA’s final decision on whether to fund a project in Phase 2 is dependent upon the ability of the 

applicant to provide sufficient documentation of the project’s compliance with applicable rules and 

regulations. 

EDA at its discretion may fund all or only some of the originally proposed component projects and may 

negotiate with applicants on the scope and nature of certain component project applications of the 
Page 31 of 39

overall mix of applications depending on the viability and feasibility of those components and the 

availability of funds.

b. Due Diligence

If application is recommended for funding, the applicant still may have to complete certain due diligence 

requirements. After an application has been reviewed and evaluated, EDA may request that the 

applicant submit additional documents and information to allow EDA to fully evaluate compliance with 

applicable rules and regulations, including organizational documentation such as articles of 

incorporation, bylaws, and a current certificate of good standing. 

In the case of construction projects, such additional due diligence may include:

i. Title verification (e.g., proof of project ownership); 

ii. Documentation of matching funds; and

iii. Documentation required for environmental or legal compliance. This may include, but is 

not limited to: 404 Clean Water Act permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and 

accompanying environmental documentation (environmental assessment or 

environmental impact statement), Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments, 

state environmental assessment documentation (for compliance with state 

environmental statutes such as the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) or 

the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)), archeological and biological surveys, 

and proof of coordination with resource agencies.

If the applicant provides the requested information and supporting documentation in a timely fashion 

and EDA determines the project is fully compliant with applicable rules and regulations, the application 

will be forwarded to the Selection Official for a final decision. Applicants that do not provide the 

additional information and supporting documentation in a timely fashion or who are deemed not to be 

in compliance with applicable rules and regulations will receive notification their application was not 

successful.

c. Security, Resilience, and Cybersecurity

It is the policy of the United States to strengthen the security and resilience of its critical infrastructure 

against all hazards, including physical and cyber risks, consistent with Presidential Policy Directive 21 -

Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience13 and the National Security Memorandum on Improving 

Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure Control Systems.14 Each applicant selected for Federal funding 

under this notice must demonstrate, prior to the signing of the grant agreement, effort to consider and 

address physical and cyber security risks relevant to the type and scale of the project. Projects that have 

not appropriately considered and addressed physical and cyber security and resilience in their planning, 

design, and project oversight, as determined by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Department 

of Homeland Security, will be required to do so before receiving funds.

Regarding Cybersecurity, applicants must describe measures taken to ensure that practices are 

consistent with current industry best practices for cybersecurity, such as the NIST Cybersecurity 

13 Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-21, Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience (Feb. 12, 2013). 14 National Security Memorandum on Improving Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure Control Systems (Jul. 28, 

2021).
Page 32 of 39

Framework15 and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Cybersecurity Performance 

Goals (CPGs).16 These performance goals provide a baseline set of cybersecurity practices broadly 

applicable across critical infrastructure with known risk-reduction value, a benchmark for critical 

infrastructure operators to measure and improve their cybersecurity maturity, and a combination of 

recommended practices for information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) owners, 

including a prioritized set of security practices.

2. Selection Official’s Decision

Applications recommended for funding that are also deemed fully compliant with applicable rules and 

regulations will be forwarded for final selection review and approval by the Selection Official. The 

Selection Official will select a portfolio of Implementation Grants to fund based on the

recommendations of the IRC and the selection factors listed below. The final portfolio may differ from 

the recommendations of the IRC to ensure the selection factors below are adequately met: 

i. The extent to which the application meets the overall objectives of section 29 of StevensonWydler (15 U.S.C. § 3722b); 

ii. The applicant’s performance under previous Federal financial assistance awards, including 

whether the grantee submitted required performance reports and data; 

iii. The availability of program funding; 

iv. The extent to which the application includes a feasible plan that accounts for the specific 

needs of historically underserved areas and populations with a high likelihood that those 

populations will realize an equitable share of the project’s benefits; 

v. The extent to which workforce development activities (if proposed) are in line with the 

characteristics of strong workforce development projects discussed in section A.1.b.ix.; 

vi. The extent to which the project is located in a geography that has experienced persistent 

economic distress; and 

vii. To achieve balance in the portfolio geographically and across community types, underserved 

populations, industry focuses, and proposed interventions for areas experiencing different 

root causes to high unemployment and/or low labor force participation. 

The Selection Official will prepare a final list of recommendations for funding and document the 

rationale for his or her selections. 

3. Review of Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov

EDA, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal Share greater than the simplified 

acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in 

the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (formerly FAPIIS). See 41 

U.S.C. § 2313.

15 National Institute of Standards and Technology, Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity 

Version 1.1 (Apr. 16, 2018).

16 Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals, 

https://www.cisa.gov/cross-sector-cybersecurity-performance-goals. 
Page 33 of 39

Each applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance 

system accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding 

agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system 

accessible through SAM. EDA will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other 

information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the 

applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing 

the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.206. 

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notice

If an applicant successfully and timely completes all due diligence requirements and the application is 

selected for funding, EDA will notify the successful applicant in writing. This notice is not an 

authorization to begin work, however; work should not be undertaken until the award is signed by EDA 

and the applicant’s authorized representative, as discussed below. 

The EDA Selection Official will issue the award (Notice of Award), which is the authorizing financial 

assistance award document and includes Specific Award Conditions and the DOC Financial Assistance 

Standard Terms and Conditions (DOC ST&Cs), as described in section F.2.b., below.

By accepting the Notice of Award, the applicant agrees to comply with all award provisions. EDA will 

provide the Notice of Award to the applicant’s authorized representative through EDGE. The applicant’s 

authorized representative must review and accept the Notice of Award without modification within 30 

calendar days of the date of receipt.

If an applicant is awarded funding, neither DOC nor EDA is under any obligation to provide any 

additional future funding in connection with that award or to make any future award(s). Amendment or 

renewal of an award to increase funding or to extend the period of performance is at the discretion of 

DOC and EDA. 

EDA will notify unsuccessful applicants in writing to the applicant’s authorized representative. EDA will 

retain unsuccessful applications in accordance with EDA’s record retention schedule. 

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements

Recipients of an EDA award will be bound by the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, 

and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) as set forth in 2 C.F.R. part 200.

b. DOC Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions 

Recipients of all non-construction EDA awards will be bound by the DOC ST&Cs applicable on the date of 

the award. The DOC ST&Cs may be accessed at the following website: 

http://www.osec.doc.gov/oam/grants_management/policy/default.htm. 

Recipients of an EDA construction award will be bound by EDA’s Construction ST&Cs. The Construction 

ST&Cs may be accessed at https://www.eda.gov/grant-resources/find-grant-resources/granteeguidance/construction-awards under the header “Standard Terms and Conditions for RLF and 

Construction Projects.”
Page 34 of 39

Recipients of DOC financial assistance are obligated to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 

1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin, and Section 504 of the 

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, in Federally 

assisted programs or activities. Recipients are obligated to comply with Title IX of the Education 

Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in their Federally-assisted 

education or training programs or activities. 

All applicants must comply with all applicable Federal labor and employment laws, including but not 

limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety 

and Health Act, and the National Labor Relations Act, which protects employees’ right to bargain 

collectively and engage in concerted activities for the purpose of workers’ mutual aid or protection.

c. DOC Pre- Award Notification Requirements

DOC will apply the Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements 

effective December 26, 2014, 79 Fed. Reg. 78,390. The Pre-Award Notice may be accessed at the 

Government Printing Office (GPO) website at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2014-12-

30/pdf/2014-30297.pdf. 

3. Reporting 

a. Report Frequency and Format

All recipients are required to submit financial, performance, and impact reports in accordance with the 

terms and conditions of the grant award, generally no less than semi-annually. All project progress and 

financial reports must be submitted to the applicable EDA program officer in an electronic format to be 

determined at the time of award. 

b. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006

The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 includes a requirement for awardees 

of applicable Federal grants to report information about first-tier subawards and executive 

compensation under Federal assistance awards issued in FY 2011 or later. All awardees of applicable 

grants and cooperative agreements are required to report to the Federal Subaward Reporting System 

(FSRS) available at www.FSRS.gov on all subawards over $30,000. See 2 C.F.R. part 170. 

c. Performance Reporting and Evaluation

EDA will require additional data on activities, outputs, and outcomes of the funded investment, in part 

to fulfill the requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). EDA anticipates that 

recipients will be expected to track their engagement activities within the scope of work, with project 

beneficiaries, and other project stakeholders. EDA further anticipates recipients will be expected to 

collect data, using surveys of beneficiaries or clients if necessary, on the outputs and outcomes of 

project activities, such as jobs created/retained, private investment attracted, the number of strategic 

plans or economic development tools developed, the number of new business partnerships formed, or 

the range of new capabilities acquired. EDA plans to collect this information using Forms ED-915 (Public 

Works, Economic Adjustment Infrastructure and Revolving Loan Fund Investments), ED-916 (Semiannual Program Outputs Questionnaire for EDA grantees), ED-917 (Annual Capacity Outcomes 

Questionnaire for EDA Grantees serving clients), and ED-918 (Annual Capacity Outcomes Questionnaire 

for EDA Grantees). For more information, please refer to https://www.eda.gov/performance/gpra. EDA 
Page 35 of 39

may also engage with external entities to perform third-party program evaluations, which will require 

cooperation between the grantee, organizations within their service area, and the evaluating 

institution(s). 

d. Requirements for Recipients with More than $10 Million in Federal-Wide Funding

As required by appendix XII to 2 C.F.R. part 200, a recipient with more than $10 million in federal-wide 

funding must maintain the currency of information reported to SAM that is made available in the 

designated integrity and performance system (formerly FAPIIS) about civil criminal, or administrative 

proceedings.

e. Data Collection and Reporting

To ensure grantees are addressing their agreed upon job quality, community and economic 

development outcomes—particularly as they relate to at-risk, distressed and demographic target 

populations, EDA will require the collection and publication of workforce and project-level data. EDA will 

provide additional guidance on metrics at the time of award. 

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact

For questions concerning this Recompete Pilot Program Phase 1 NOFO, or more information about EDA

programs, you may contact Recompete@eda.gov. EDA’s website at http://www.eda.gov provides 

additional information on EDA and its programs.

H. Other Information

1. Right to Use Information

The applicant acknowledges and understands that information and data contained in applications for 

financial assistance, as well as information and data contained in financial, performance and other 

reports submitted by applicants, may be used by the U.S. Department of Commerce in conducting 

reviews and evaluations of its financial assistance programs. For this purpose, applicant information and 

data may be accessed, reviewed, and evaluated by U.S. Department of Commerce employees, other 

Federal employees, and also by Federal agents and contractors, and/or by non-Federal personnel, all of 

whom enter into appropriate conflict of interest and confidentiality agreements covering the use of such 

information. As may be provided in the terms and conditions of a specific financial assistance award, 

applicants are expected to support program reviews and evaluations by submitting required financial 

and performance information and data in an accurate and timely manner, and by cooperating with U.S. 

Department of Commerce and external program evaluators. In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.303(e), 

applicants are reminded that they must take reasonable measures to safeguard protected personally 

identifiable information and other confidential or sensitive personal or business information created or 

obtained in connection with a U.S. Department of Commerce financial assistance award. 

2. Freedom of Information Act Disclosure

EDA may publish any applications it receives, including any supporting documentation, on its website or 

through other means. 

In addition, U.S. Department of Commerce regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act 

(FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, are found at 15 C.F.R. part 4, Public Information. These regulations set forth rules 
Page 36 of 39

for the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding making requested materials, information, and records 

publicly available under the FOIA. Applications submitted in response to this Notice of Funding 

Opportunity may be subject to requests for release under the Act. In the event that an application 

contains information or data that the applicant deems to be confidential commercial information that 

should be exempt from disclosure under FOIA, that information should be identified, bracketed, and 

marked as Privileged, Confidential, Commercial or Financial Information. In accordance with 15 C.F.R. § 

4.9, the U.S. Department of Commerce will protect from disclosure confidential business information 

contained in financial assistance applications and other documentation provided by applicants to the 

extent permitted by law.

3. Notice of Government-Wide Procurement Restriction

The general rule for Federal financial assistance is that contractors that develop draft specifications, 

requirements, statements of work, invitations for bids or requests for proposals are prohibited from 

competing for the final procurement. For instance, a professional engineer or architect who prepared 

the Preliminary Engineering Report for an EDA application would be excluded from bidding on the same 

work under the award under 2 C.F.R § 200.319. Under 2 C.F.R. 200.317, only State recipients are 

expressly exempt from this prohibition. Local governments and Indian Tribes may also take advantage of 

the exemption in two narrow circumstances: (i) if they are required (by statute, for example) to follow 

the State’s procurement rules in full and without exception; or (ii) if they are required to follow a 

specific State procurement rule that creates an explicit conflict with the prohibition in 2 C.F.R. § 

200.319(a) (i.e., there is a statute that requires or permits the local government or Indian Tribe to award 

the final procurement to the same contractor that developed the draft specifications). Absent one of 

these two scenarios, the local government or Indian Tribe must comply with the prohibition. Applicants 

are encouraged to contact EDA using the contact information in section G. of this Phase 1 NOFO with 

any questions regarding application of this regulation.

4. Past Performance and Non-Compliance with Award Provisions

Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may result in an application not being 

considered for funding. Failure to comply with any or all of the provisions of an award may have a 

negative impact on future funding by the DOC (or any of its operating units) may be considered grounds 

for any or all of the following actions: (1) establishing an account receivable; (2) withholding payments 

to the recipient under any DOC award(s); (3) changing the method of payment from advance to 

reimbursement only; (4) imposing other specific award conditions; (5) suspending any active DOC 

award(s); and (6) terminating any active DOC award(s).

5. Certifications Required by Annual Appropriations Acts for Corporations and for Awards over 

$5 Million

As discussed in section D.2.f., all applicants are required to be registered in SAM before applying under 

this NOFO. SAM requires registering entities to certify compliance with all limitations imposed by annual 

appropriation acts. For corporations, this certification includes that the corporation: 

(a) Was not convicted of a felony criminal violation under a Federal law within the preceding 24 

months, unless a Federal agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation 

and made a determination that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of 

the Government; and/or 
Page 37 of 39

(b) Does not have any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial 

and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a 

timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax 

liability, unless a Federal agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation 

and made a determination that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of 

the Government.

For financial assistance awards in excess of $5 million, this certification includes that the entity: 

(a) To the best of its knowledge and belief, has filed all Federal tax returns required during the 

three years preceding the certification; 

(b) Has not been convicted of a criminal offense under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; 

and/or 

(c) Has not been notified, more than 90 days prior to certification, of any unpaid Federal tax 

assessment for which the liability remains unsatisfied, unless the assessment is the subject of an 

installment agreement or offer in compromise that has been approved by the Internal Revenue 

Service and is not in default, or the assessment is the subject of a non-frivolous administrative 

or judicial process.

6. EDA’s Non-Relocation Policy

If an application is selected for award, the recipient will be required to adhere to a specific award 

condition relating to EDA’s non-relocation policy as follows:

In signing this award of financial assistance, Recipient(s) attests that EDA funding is not intended by the 

Recipient to assist its efforts to induce the relocation of existing jobs within the U.S. that are located 

outside of its jurisdiction to within its jurisdiction in competition with other U.S. jurisdictions for those 

same jobs. In the event that EDA determines that its assistance was used for those purposes, EDA 

retains the right to pursue appropriate enforcement action in accord with the Standard Terms and 

Conditions of the Award, including suspension of disbursements and termination of the award for 

convenience or material noncompliance, which may include the establishment of a debt requiring the 

Recipient to reimburse EDA.

For purposes of ensuring that EDA assistance will not be used to merely transfer jobs from one location 

in the United States to another, each applicant must inform EDA of all employers that constitute primary 

beneficiaries of the project assisted by EDA. EDA will consider an employer to be a “primary beneficiary” 

if: (i) the employer is specifically named in the application as benefitting from the project, and the 

applicant estimates that the employer will create or save 100 or more permanent jobs as a result of the 

investment assistance (if the jobs in question were originally located in a smaller community, EDA may 

extend this policy to the relocation of 50 or more jobs); or (ii) the employer is or will be located in an 

EDA-assisted building, port, facility, or industrial, commercial, or business park constructed or improved 

in whole or in part with investment assistance prior to EDA’s final disbursement of funds.

7. NOFO Changes Communicated on Grants.gov 

EDA may make changes or additions to this NOFO. All changes will be communicated on Grants.gov. It is 

recommended that applicants set up a Grants.gov account and subscribe to this funding opportunity in 

order to be notified of any updates or changes. DOC or EDA may cancel, modify, or withdraw this NOFO 

at any time. EDA is not obligated to make any federal award or commitment as a result of this 

announcement.
Page 38 of 39

8. Disclosure of Information

For the purpose of achieving rigorous program evaluations, all applications (including those not selected 

for funding) may be shared with EDA staff, outside parties contracted by EDA for the purposes of 

evaluation, and other federal agencies.

9. Audit Requirements

Single or program-specific audits shall be performed in accordance with the requirements contained in 

the Uniform Guidance (see 2 C.F.R. part 200, Subpart F, “Audit Requirements”).

The Uniform Guidance requires any non-Federal entity (i.e., non-profit organizations, including nonprofit institutions of higher education and hospitals, States, local governments, and Indian Tribes) that 

expends Federal awards of $750,000 or more in the recipient’s fiscal year to conduct a single or 

program-specific audit in accordance with the requirements set out in the OMB Uniform Guidance. 

Applicants are reminded that EDA or the DOC’s Office of Inspector General also may conduct an audit of 

an award at any time.

10. Fraud Awareness Training

Consistent with 2 CFR part 200, in signing a financial assistance award, Recipient personnel responsible 

for managing the Recipient’s finances and overseeing any contractors, sub-contractors or sub-grantees, 

will be required to complete the training PowerPoint entitled “Compliance with EDA Program 

Requirements” and return the signed Certificate of Training Completion to EDA as instructed by the 

Agency. Further, Recipient will be required to monitor award activities for common fraud schemes and 

report suspicious activity to EDA and the Office of Inspector General. 

11. Office of Inspector General Rights and Responsibilities

The DOC Office of Inspector General (OIG) seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the 

Department’s programs, including deterring and detecting fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement. 

The OIG accomplishes this mission primarily through investigations, audits, and inspections of 

Department activities, including grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and contracts.

a. Disclosures

Recipients of financial assistance originating from the U.S. Department of Commerce, including EDA, 

shall timely disclose, in writing, to the OIG and awarding agency, whenever, in connection with the 

award, performance, or closeout of this grant or subaward thereunder, the recipient has credible 

evidence that a principal, employee, agent, or sub-recipient has committed:

(i) A violation of federal criminal law involving fraud, conflict of interest, bribery, or gratuity 

violations found in Title 18 of the United States Code; or

(ii) A violation of the civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733).

b. Reporting

The OIG maintains a hotline to receive allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse. To report such allegations, 

please visit https://www.oig.doc.gov/Pages/Hotline.aspx. Upon request, the OIG will take appropriate 

measures to protect the identity of any individual who reports misconduct, as authorized by the 

Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended. Reports to the OIG may also be made anonymously.
Page 39 of 39

c. Whistleblower Protection

Recipients, sub-recipients, and employees working on this grant award will be subject to the 

whistleblower rights and remedies established under 41 U.S.C. § 4712.

An employee of a recipient or sub-recipient may not be discharged, demoted, or otherwise 

discriminated against as a reprisal for disclosing information that the employee reasonably believes is 

evidence of: gross mismanagement of a federal contract or award; a gross waste of federal funds; an 

abuse of authority (i.e., an arbitrary and capricious exercise of authority that is inconsistent with the 

mission of EDA or the U.S. Department of Commerce or the successful performance of a contract or 

grant awarded by EDA or the U.S. Department of Commerce) relating to a federal contract or award; a 

substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; or a violation of a law, rule, or regulation 

related to a federal contract (including the competition for or negotiation of a contract) or grant. 

The recipient or sub-recipient shall inform its employees and contractors, in writing, in the predominant 

language of the workforce or organization, of employee whistleblower rights and protections under 41 

U.S.C. § 4712, as described above and at https://www.oig.doc.gov/Pages/Whistleblower-ProtectionProgram.aspx.