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Recompete Phase 2 NOFO Cheat Sheet and Application Bundle Checklist

Purpose: The Recompete Pilot Program Phase 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Cheat Sheet and Application Bundle Checklist are 

resources to help Phase 1 Recompete Finalists (and their component project leads) interpret the NOFO as they prepare their Phase 2 

applications. All applications will be evaluated using the criteria established in Section E.1.a. of the Phase 2 NOFO.

This document includes:

1) Phase 2 NOFO Cheat Sheet (pages 2-4), and

2) Application Bundle Checklist (pages 5-9) – full list of documentation required for complete applications.

Eligibility: The Phase 2 NOFO is only open to Recompete Finalists selected in Phase 1. As with the Phase 1 NOFO, eligible applicants under this 

NOFO include: 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.

Definitions:

• Lead Applicant – The Lead Applicant serves as the entity that will submit the Updated Recompete Plan and associated documents for the 

Implementation Grant.

• Component Project – Each Recompete Plan proposes roughly 3-8 projects that represent the investments proposed to execute the 

Recompete Plan. Each of these projects should be submitted as its own “Component Project” in Phase 2 with the requisite documents. 

• Project Lead – Entity serving as the lead for the respective component project(s), and thus the recipient of funds. Lead Applicants may 

serve as Project Leads themselves or identify other eligible partners to serve as Project Leads.

• Subrecipient – An organization to which a Component Lead proposes to make a Phase 2 subaward.

• Beneficiary – A private-sector organization that will be enabled to invest or create jobs in a region by one or more Phase 2 component 

project applications. 

Resources: The Phase 2 NOFO serves as the guiding document for what is required in a Phase 2 application. Additional program resources can be 

found on EDA’s Recompete Pilot Program webpage at: https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/recompete-pilot-program. Recompete Finalists 

should use the EDA Economic Development Grant Experience (EDGE) portal to submit documentation – each Finalist should have received a

private link to apply, and please reach out if you need support.
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Phase 2 NOFO Cheat Sheet

Topic NOFO Section Notes

Phase 2 Application 

Deadline

Pg 1 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 25, 2024.

Grants.gov NOFO 

link

Pg 1 EDA-RECOMPETEPHASE2-2023

Award Size A.1.b.ii Pg 6B.2

Pg 16-17

− The amount EDA awards will depend heavily on the types of interventions required. 

− Budgets are a competitiveness factor. Applicants should consider the highest return on federal 

investments.

− Average awards for LLMs: $50 million

− Average awards for LCs: $20 million 

− Tribal areas or Pacific Ocean Territories: see B.1

− EDA expects budget estimates to be revised between Phase 1 & Phase 2. However, any major 

adjustment to proposed budgets or projects should be discussed with EDA’s Recompete 

Program Officer before final submissions.

Non-Federal Match 

Requirements

C.2 Pg 17-18 − Phase 2 implementation grants may be awarded with a maximum 100 percent federal grant 

rate: no local match is required. However, matching dollars, leveraged dollars, in-kind match, 

and policy commitments are a competitiveness factor where they are additive to the 

Recompete effort. (see NOFO E.1.a.3)

− Entities providing match cannot be contractors paid for with award funds.

Period of 

Performance

B.2 Pg 16-17 − EDA expects that most projects will range from 24 to 60 months.

Lead Applicant

/Change in Lead 

Applicant

A.1.b.iii & iv 

Pg 6-7 

− Serve as the EDA’s main POC. Lead applicants should largely match those found in Phase 1. 

The lead applicant may change, rarely, and must be approved by EDA and original lead 

applicant.

− The updated RCP must ID which entity will be the lead on each component project: either the 

lead applicant serves as lead on all component projects, or multiple entities in the coalition 

serve as project leads, and the lead applicant acts as a coalition lead.

− Employs the Recompete Plan Coordinator

− Facilitates the convening and coordination of community.

− Ensuring execution of RCP grants across coalition, if applicable. 
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− Ensure all Project Leads awarded EDA funding have a clear grants management strategy.

− Any project lead must be an eligible entity type. 

− In general, for projects with a physical location, EDA expects the owner of the location/site to 

be an applicant or co-applicant.

Change in Service 

Area

A.1.b.i Pg 4 − The geographic scope of Phase 2 applications should match that of Phase 1. If Finalists need to 

adjust their service area, they must provide additional documentation in their application 

materials, as detailed in Section A.1.b.i.

Phase 2 Application 

requirements

D.2 Pg 19-26 − Updated Recompete Plan 

− If changed from Phase 1, eligible service area documentation 

− Letters of Commitment

− Biographies of Key Leadership

− 3-8 Component Project Applications (separate from lead application)

− EDA required forms: Please see the Application Bundle Checklist for all required documents.

Letters of 

Commitment and 

Support

A.1.b.v Pg 8-9 − Demonstrate that the communities served have been involved in the proposal and strategy. 

EDA prefers quality letters over quantity.

− High quality commitments are meaningful, specific, timely and measurable.

− Additional new commitments, as well as revalidated commitments from Phase 1, may be 

submitted.

− Please see EDA’s “Menu of Community Commitments” guide from Phase 1 for additional 

ideas.

− If applicants are submitting form letters of support, EDA encourages one general letter that 

signals general support from all relevant entities.

Eligible Project

Activities; Eligible 

Project Costs

A.1.c.i Pg 11 − EDA expects proposed component projects to generally match those outlined in the 

applicant’s Approved Recompete Plan. Any changes must be explained and must increase 

applicant’s ability to address prime-age employment, per capita wages, and long-term 

economic development. 

− A wide range of construction and non-construction activities across workforce development, 

business and entrepreneur development, infrastructure, planning, predevelopment and 

technical assistance. 

− Pre-award costs: allowable with advance approval.

Ineligible Project 

Costs

H.6 Pg 37

D5 Pg 27

− Wage subsidies to employers (however, note that wage stipends directly to participants are 

permissible)

− Hybrid or equity investments in businesses
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A.1.c.ii.5 Pg 15 − Application preparation expenditures

− Activities that support or oppose collective bargaining

− Lobbying

− Construction of housing

− Activities to induce the relocation of existing jobs within the US that are located outside of the 

service area.

Updated 

Recompete Plan

Evaluation Criteria

E.1.a Pg 28 − Overall Vision and Strategy (also a Component Project Criteria)

− Equity (also a Component Project Criteria)

− Sustainable Partnerships and Commitments

− Leadership and Governance

− Overall Impact and Risk Mitigation

Component Project 

Evaluation Criteria 

E.1.a Pg 28-30 − Overall Vision and Strategy (also an Updated Recompete Plan Criteria)

− Equity (also an Updated Recompete Plan Criteria)

− Capability to Implement

− Realistic Scope and Workplan

Submission in 

EDGE

D.7 Pg 27 − For issues with the EDGE system: (i) print any error message received; (ii) email the help desk 

at GrantHDSupport@eda.gov; and (iii) contact EDA your Program Officer or 

Recompete@eda.gov.

 
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Recompete Pilot Program Phase 2 Application Bundle Checklist

Complete Implementation Grant

Document NOFO Section Information to Include Required? Resources

Updated Recompete Plan Section D.2.a

(pg. 19)

Maximum of 10 single-sided 8.5x11-inch pages, 

with a minimum 12-point font and 1-inch 

margins. It should include an executive summary 

of the Plan, short descriptions of the 3-8 

component projects, an overview of deliverables 

and key milestones, how projects and external 

investments will relate to each other, how 

projects consider equity in outcomes and 

process, an overview of work between Phase 1 

and 2, and an overview of outcomes and 

outputs.

Yes; one for 

entire 

Recompete 

effort.

General requirements 

are detailed in A.1.b of 

the Phase 2 NOFO (pgs. 

4-11). Requirements are 

further expanded on in 

sections A.1.c.ii.(1) and 

E.1.a of the Phase 2 

NOFO. (pgs. 12, 13, and 

pgs. 28-30)

Eligible Service Area 

Documentation

Section D.2.a

(pg. 19)

Documentation identifying the proposed service 

areas and verifying that they are within one of 

the eligible areas for the program. If applicants 

change their Service Area: documentation (1) 

identifying their original and revised Service 

Areas, (2) confirming that the new Service Area 

is still within an Eligible Area, and (3) providing 

rationale on why the change was made.

Only if changed 

from Phase 1

Recompete Phase 2 

Eligible Service Area 

Template (if changing 

service area)

Letter(s) of Commitment Section D.2.a

(pg. 20)

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 revalidated commitments from Phase 1.

Yes Phase 2 Recompete 

Community 

Commitments Template

Menu of Community 

Commitments

Bios of Key Leadership Section D.2.a

(pg. 20)

Professional biographies (including resumes) for 

the Recompete Plan Coordinator (RPC) and key 

personnel of the Recompete Plan leadership 

Yes N/A
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team. If positions are open, please provide a job 

description.

Component Project 

Applications

Section D.2.a

(pg. 20)

Dependent on type of project – details outlined 

in tables below

Yes Refer to Component 

Project tables below

For All Component Project Applications

Document NOFO Section Information to Include Required for Each 

Component? Resources

SF-424 (Application for 

Federal Assistance)

Section D.2.b

(pg. 21)

Must be filled out by the component project 

lead. Budget should match budget forms and 

narrative. Please feel free to leave fields 18b –

18f BLANK (match, and other forms of leverage,

can be documented in the Community 

Commitments Template above).

Yes Complete via EDGE

Component Project 

Narrative

Section D.2.b

(pg. 21)

Maximum of 5 single-sided 8.5x11-inch pages, 

with a minimum 12-point font and 1-inch 

margins.

Yes Requirements are 

expanded on in sections 

A.1.c.ii.(2), and E.1.a of 

the Phase 2 NOFO. (pgs. 

13, 14, and 28-31)

CD-511 (Certification 

Regarding Lobbying)

Section D.2.b

(pg. 21)

Must be signed and submitted by the 

component project lead.

Yes

SF-LLL (Disclosure of 

Lobbying Activities)

Section D.2.b

(pg. 21)

Required disclosure of certain lobbying 

activities. If component project lead did not 

conduct these lobbying activities, put “N/A” on 

the form.

Only if 

Component 

Project Lead 

conducts certain 

lobbying 

activities.

Instructions for 

Completing SF-LLL

(includes info on when 

the form is applicable)

Non-Profit Documentation Section D.2.b

(pg. 21)

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, 

Only if 

component 

project lead is a 
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bylaws, and a current certificate of good 

standing.

non-profit 

organization.

Project-Specific Budget 

and Supplementary 

Materials

Section D.2.b

(pg. 21)

Dependent on type of project – details outlined 

in tables below for Construction Component 

Projects and Non-Construction Component 

Projects.

Yes Refer to Component 

Project tables for 

construction or nonconstruction depending 

on project.

Construction Component Projects (including applications for design and engineering with 

construction activities) – Additional Documentation to Submit

Document NOFO Section Information to Include Required for Each 

Component? Resources

SF-424C (Budget 

Information – Construction 

Programs)

Section D.2.b

(pg. 21)

Must be completed and match other 

documentation (budget, narratives, etc.).

Yes

Budget Narrative Section D.2.b

(pg. 21)

Identifies and justifies how each line item of the 

budget will be used. The narrative total should 

match total project costs listed in other 

documentation submitted. Narrative should

describe any other funds that have been 

secured or requested to support the project

and include itemized valuations of any in-kind 

matching funds. 

Yes *Note: In lieu of a 

separate Budget 

Narrative, this info may 

be included in the 

Preliminary Engineering 

Report as required by 

section C of the ED900C.

SF-424D (Assurances –

Construction Programs)

Section D.2.b

(pg. 22)

Must be filled out, signed, and submitted by the 

component project lead.

Yes

ED-900B (Beneficiary 

Information Form)

Section D.2.b

(pg. 22)

Must be filled out thoroughly. Note that only 

one form is required, and should be submitted 

on behalf of all beneficiaries.

Yes; each 

beneficiary (i.e., 

private sector 

employers and

businesses) of 
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proposed project 

as applicable.

ED-900C (EDA Application 

Supplement for 

Construction Programs)

Section D.2.b

(pg. 22)

Fill out form and confirm attachments as 

applicable.

Yes

ED-900E (Calculation of 

Estimated Relocation and 

Land Acquisition Expenses)

Section D.2.b

(pg. 22)

Please fill out. One per application. Yes

Documentation of 

Matching Share

Section D.2.b

(pg. 22)

As applicable, provide proof of bonding 

authority, or similar document, for each 

matching share source, such as a commitment 

letter or board resolution.

Yes; if match is 

being provided.

Phase 2 Recompete 

Community 

Commitments Template

Negotiated Indirect Cost 

Rate Agreement (NICRA)

Section D.2.e

(pgs. 25-26)

If your lead applicant is including indirect costs 

based on a negotiated rate, attach copy of valid 

NICRA. If including costs at the de minimus rate, 

affirm that you meet the requirements to do so. 

Yes, if applicable Refer to Phase 2 NOFO 

(pgs.25-26) for further 

details.

Environmental 

Documentation

Section D.2.b

(pg. 22)

Submit documentation to reflect whether the 

component project is categorically excludable 

or should be a draft environmental assessment 

or environmental impact statement. Applicants 

should consult with Recompete@eda.gov to

ensure the appropriate documentation is 

prepared.

Yes Example – Anytown 

Environmental 

Narrative

Environmental 

Narrative and 

Certification Clause 

Template

Applicant’s Certification 

Clause

Section D.2.b

(pg. 22)

Submit certification found at Appendix A of the 

Environmental Narrative Template and 

Certification Clause document.

Yes Environmental 

Narrative Template and 

Certification Clause

Map of Project Site Section D.2.b

(pg. 22)

Submit one per construction project. Yes
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Non-Construction Component Projects – Additional Documentation to Submit

Document NOFO Section Information to Include Required for Each 

Component?

Resources

SF-424A (Budget 

Information – NonConstruction Programs)

Section D.2.b

(pg. 22)

Please fill out. One per application. Yes; for each nonconstruction 

component.

Budget Narrative Section D.2.b

(pg. 22)

Identifies and justifies how each line item of the 

budget will be used. The narrative total should 

match total project costs listed in other 

documentation submitted.

Yes; for all nonconstruction 

components.

Optional Budget 

Narrative Template for 

Non-Construction

Documentation of 

Matching Share

Section D.2.b

(pg. 22)

As applicable, provide proof of bonding 

authority, or similar document, for each 

matching share source, such as a commitment 

letter or board resolution.

Yes; if match is 

being provided.

Phase 2 Recompete 

Community 

Commitments Template

Negotiated Indirect Cost 

Rate Agreement (NICRA)

Section D.2.b

(pgs. 25-26)

If your lead applicant is including indirect costs 

based on a negotiated rate, attach copy of valid 

NICRA. If including costs at the de minimus rate, 

affirm that you meet the requirements to do so. 

Yes, if applicable Refer to Phase 2 NOFO

(pgs. 25-26) for further 

details.