2023 BUILD TO SCALE PROGRAM

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Office of INNOVATION and

ENTREPRENEURSHIP
ii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Federal Awarding 

Agency Name

U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), U.S. Department of 

Commerce (DOC)

Funding Opportunity 

Title 2023 Build to Scale Program

Announcement Type

2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) publishing EDA’s application 

submission requirements and application review procedures for EDA’s Build 

to Scale Program, through which EDA awards grants for activities designed to 

develop and support regional innovation initiatives, as authorized by section

27 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. §

3722).

Funding Opportunity 

Number EDA-HDQ-OIE-2023-B2S

Catalog of Federal 

Domestic Assistance 

(CFDA) Number(s)

11.024 Build to Scale

Key Dates

The application deadline is 11:59 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON JULY 28, 2023.

Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered. 

Applications will only be accepted electronically. Please carefully read the 

application submission information provided in section D.2 (p. 11) of this 

NOFO for full details.

Funding Opportunity 

Description

EDA’s Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship is committed to furthering 

tech-based economic development initiatives that accelerate high-skill and 

high-wage job growth, create economic opportunity, and support the future of 

the next generation of industry leading companies. Funding is available for 

organizations that aid companies in developing the next generation of 

technologies. Under the Build to Scale Program, EDA is soliciting applications 

for two competitions, the

• 2023 Venture Challenge; and

• 2023 Capital Challenge.

Cost Sharing and 

Matching 

Applicants must provide matching share equal to at least 50 percent of the 

total project cost, i.e., applicants must match each dollar requested with at 

least one dollar of applicant match. See section C.3 (p.10) of this NOFO.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants for EDA financial assistance under this NOFO include:

• A State;

• An Indian tribe;

• A city or other political subdivision of a State;

• An entity whose application is supported by a State or a political 

subdivision of a State and that is—

o a nonprofit organization,

o an institution of higher education,

o a public-private partnership,

o a science or research park,
iii

o a Federal laboratory, 

o a venture development organization, or

o an economic development organization or similar entity that is 

focused primarily on improving science, technology, innovation, 

or entrepreneurship; or

• A consortium of any of the aforementioned entities.

EDA is not authorized to provide grants or cooperative agreements to 

individuals under this Program. Requests from individuals will not be

considered for funding.

Informational Webinar

EDA plans to conduct an informational webinar for this NOFO and expects to 

make available scheduling information and a link to a recording at

https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/build-to-scale. 

Award Notification

Subject to the availability of funding, successful applicants should expect to 

receive grant award notification approximately 90-120 days following the 

application deadline set forth in this NOFO.
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FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

2023 BUILD TO SCALE PROGRAM

Executive Summary....................................................................................................................................... ii

A. Program Description.............................................................................................................................. 3

1. Overview............................................................................................................................................ 3

2. Program Information.......................................................................................................................... 4

3. Equity Investment Priority .................................................................................................................. 6

4. Statutory Authority ............................................................................................................................. 7

B. Federal Award Information .................................................................................................................... 7

1. Available Funding Under this Announcement.................................................................................... 7

2. Type of Funding Instrument Used; Period of Performance................................................................ 8

C. Eligibility Information.............................................................................................................................. 8

1. Eligible Applicants.............................................................................................................................. 8

2. Definitions.......................................................................................................................................... 9

3. Cost Sharing or Matching ................................................................................................................ 10

D. Application and Submission Information.............................................................................................. 11

1. Address to Request Application Package........................................................................................ 11

2. Content and Form of Application Submission.................................................................................. 11

3. Environmental and Historic Preservation Requirements.................................................................. 19

4. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)................................................ 19

5. Submission Dates and Times .......................................................................................................... 20

6. Intergovernmental Review............................................................................................................... 20

7. Funding Restrictions ........................................................................................................................ 21

8. Other Submission Requirements..................................................................................................... 21

9. EDGE System Issues ...................................................................................................................... 22

E. Application Review Information............................................................................................................ 22

1. Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................................................... 22

2. Review and Selection Process ........................................................................................................ 24

3. Awards in Excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold............................................................... 26

F. Federal Award Administration Information........................................................................................... 26

1. Federal Award Notices .................................................................................................................... 26

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements ........................................................................... 27

3. Reporting ......................................................................................................................................... 27

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) .................................................................................................. 28

H. Other Information................................................................................................................................. 28

1. Right to Use Information .................................................................................................................. 28

2. Disclosure of Information................................................................................................................. 28

3. Freedom of Information Act Disclosure............................................................................................ 29

4. Past Performance and Non-Compliance with Award Provisions...................................................... 29

5. EDA’s Non-Relocation Policy .......................................................................................................... 29

6. NOFO Changes Communicated on Grants.gov............................................................................... 30

7. Audit Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 30

8. Office of Inspector General Rights and Responsibilities .................................................................. 30

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

Million ......................................................................................................................................... 31
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Appendix A EXAMPLE OUTPUT AND OUTCOME MEASURES AND REPORTING............................. 32

Appendix B OPTIONAL CHECKLIST-STYLE GUIDE FOR REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR 

APPLICATION................................................................................................................................ 33

1. PUBLIC ENTITIES: For States, Indian Tribes, Cities, Other Political Subdivisions of States, and 

Institutions of Higher Education That Are 100% Publicly Controlled........................................... 33

2. NON-PUBLIC ENTITIES: For Nonprofit Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education That Are Not 

100% Publicly Controlled, Public-Private Partnerships, Science or Research Parks, Federal 

Laboratories, Venture Development Organizations, Economic Development or Similar 

Organizations ............................................................................................................................. 34
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A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Overview

Entrepreneurs, especially technology entrepreneurs, flourish in healthy ecosystems. Technology-based 

economic development (TBED) grows ecosystems in which entrepreneurs can build and scale technologydriven businesses, which in turn create high-skill and high-wage jobs, economic opportunity, and the 

industries of the future. EDA’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE) awards grants through the 

Build to Scale (B2S) Program to foster technology-based ecosystems,1 to advance the growth of 

connected, innovation-centric economies that accelerate technology, and to enable commercialization to 

increase regional and global competitiveness.2

EDA invites organizations that are aiding technology-based companies with high growth potential (including 

but not limited to startups) in developing the next generation of technologies to apply for Build to Scale

Program funding. The Build to Scale program aims to:

• build public and private capacity for entrepreneurs and innovators to invent, improve, and bring to 

market new products and services in critical, emerging, and transformative sectors and industries;

• expand regional knowledge ecosystems to realize economic and job growth;

• accelerate the growth of regional economies that are focused on industries of the future;

• catalyze regional leadership through TBED strategies;

• empower communities to provide proof-of-concept and commercialization assistance to technology 

innovators and entrepreneurs; and

• equitably and inclusively increase access to capital for technology-enabled entrepreneurs.

Under the Build to Scale Program, EDA is soliciting applications for two separate competitions: (1) the 

Venture Challenge and (2) the Capital Challenge. Applicants may apply to both Challenges but may only 

1 Through the Build to Scale program, EDA “award[s] grants, on a competitive basis, . . . for activities designed to develop and 

support . . . regional innovation initiative[s].” 15 U.S.C. § 3722(c)(1). “The term ‘regional innovation initiative’ means a

geographically-bounded public or nonprofit activity or program that addresses issues in the local innovation systems in order to—

(A) increase the success of innovation-driven industry; (B) strengthen the competitiveness of industry through new product 

innovation and new technology adoption; (C) improve the pace of market readiness and overall commercialization of innovative

research; (D) enhance the overall innovation capacity and long-term resilience of the region; (E) leverage the region’s unique 

competitive strengths to stimulate innovation; and (F) increase the number of full-time equivalent employment opportunities 

within innovation-based business ventures in the geographic region.” § 3722(a)(2).

2 See 15 U.S.C. §§ 3720, 3722.
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submit one application per Challenge, and each submitted application must have separate and distinct 

scopes of work, and match or cost share commitments. As set forth below, both Challenges are designed 

to develop and support regional innovation initiatives.

This grant program supports organizations that may be operating initiatives to unlock investment capital 

across a region or sector, operating programs to accelerate company growth, empowering the next 

generation of entrepreneurs, or otherwise enabling technology commercialization. Applicants should 

consider aligning their project work with key technology focus areas that the National Science Foundation 

(NSF) updates annually.3

Awards made under Build to Scale may only fund operational and programmatic costs related to 

developing and supporting regional innovation initiatives. Award funds may not be passed or transferred 

directly to beneficiaries (i.e., participant startup companies and individuals) served by the program being

funded by award funds. In addition, award funds may not be used to subsidize such companies’ expenses 

that are unrelated to program activities, including general operating expenses. 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.

Funding may not duplicate other federal funding, including funding awarded under other TBED-centric EDA 

programs (STEM Talent Challenge, Tech Hubs), other Department of Commerce programs, or other 

federal agency programs. EDA will not fund activities that already are or will be paid for with other federal 

funds, or are or will be counted as cost share on another federal award.

2. Program Information

i. Venture Challenge

Under the Venture Challenge, EDA seeks competitive proposals that support technology entrepreneurship 

and accelerate company growth in their community, region, or combination of regions. Competitive 

proposals will outline how the project will strengthen economic competitiveness through new product or 

service innovation or new technology adoption, enhancing research commercialization processes and 

outcomes, remediating structural barriers that inhibit regional innovation capacity and resilience, or 

leveraging regional competitive strengths to stimulate innovation and the creation of high-skill and highwage jobs. Companies served by the applicant organization should be challenging the status quo of 

established markets or commercializing technologies, as well as furthering job creation within their 

businesses. Applicants should provide empirical evidence that illustrates how funds leveraged through this 

competition will not only launch new programming and/or scale existing programming, but also generate 

sustainable added value for the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by augmenting existing regional assets 

for innovation and commercialization.

Funding for the Venture Challenge is available at three levels: Build, Scale, and Ignite. Venture Challenge 

Build applicants may request up to $750,000 over the period of performance, and Venture Challenge 

Scale applicants must request more than $750,000 and may request up to $2,000,000 over the period of 

performance. EDA expects the period of performance for these two levels to be approximately three years.

Venture Challenge Ignite applicants may request up to $300,000 over the period of performance, which 

EDA expects will be approximately 18 to 24 months. If the applicant needs a shorter or longer period of 

performance, the applicant should include in the application a justification, and EDA will review and choose 

to accept that justification for any of the funding levels.

3 42 U.S.C. § 19107; see also section D.2.iii.a.3.c) below.
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Venture Challenge Ignite applicants

• may be establishing new partnerships across sectors, industries, and organizational types to build 

capacity; 

• may be conducting community needs audits and assessments to develop a comprehensive 

technology-based economic development strategy for the region;

• may be establishing governance and other formal agreements and structures among partners and 

identifying regional TBED champions;

• may be establishing a new or reimagined commercialization and technology transfer function;

• may request up to $300,000 over the period of performance (expected to be approximately 18-24 

months); and

• must provide a 1:1 match.

The Ignite Challenge provides operational and programmatic funding to support the development of 

nascent technology-based ecosystems. This program is open only to applicants that are not current or prior 

Build to Scale or Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) program grantees and aims to strengthen 

organizations’ capacities to design and implement Tech Based Economic Development (TBED) projects 

through feasibility studies, impact analyses, and planning to address regional innovation needs, including 

access to capital. These projects should focus on building partnerships, establishing governance, and 

identifying potential sources of matching funds that will enable the organization to implement TBED projects 

in the near future. 

Venture Challenge Build applicants

• should pilot a solution to a demonstrated need or implement a proven solution to a demonstrated 

need in a new region or community;

• must demonstrate a commitment and ability to achieve, measure, and share data that support 

agreed upon impacts;

• may request up to $750,000 over the period of performance (expected to be approximately three 

years); and

• must provide a 1:1 match.

Venture Challenge Scale applicants

• should scale an existing initiative that has demonstrated prior success based on empirical 

evidence;

• must have a proven track record of successful deployment of programs;

• must demonstrate a commitment and ability to achieve, measure, and share data that support 

agreed upon program effects to accelerate technology-based economic development strategies;

• must request more than $750,000 and may request up to $2,000,000 over the period of 

performance (expected to be approximately three years); and

• must provide a 1:1 match.

Organizations interested in applying to the Venture Challenge as a Build or Scale applicant are encouraged 

to review project profiles of past awardees of the Venture Challenge and the i6 Challenge (the predecessor 

to the Venture Challenge) at https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/build-to-scale. 

ii. Capital Challenge

The Capital Challenge provides operational support for the formation, launch, or scale of investment funds 

that seek to raise equity-based capital to deploy in scalable startups (e.g., angel, seed, or venture funds) or 
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of organizations that expand equity-based capital access and deployment within a community, region, or 

regional industry (e.g., angel networks or investor training programs). The Capital Challenge does not 

support strictly debt-based capital.

Funding for the Capital Challenge is available at two levels: Form and Deploy. Capital Challenge Form

applicants may request up to $400,000, and Capital Challenge Deploy application must request more than 

$400,000 and may request up to $750,000 over the period of performance, which EDA expects will be 

approximately three years unless the applicant clearly justifies a shorter or longer period of performance 

and EDA accepts that justification. Although Capital Challenge applicants should operate investment 

vehicles that raise equity or equity-based capital and deploy that capital into scalable technology 

businesses, funding must primarily support operational and programmatic costs and may not be used as 

investment capital.

Capital Challenge Form applicants

• should identify, educate, and connect investors and other potential sources of equity-based capital 

(whether traditional, hybrid, or new structures) within a regional technology cluster;

• should identify sources of potential investments (i.e., dealflow) and build capacity to conduct due 

diligence and close investment deals;

• must demonstrate a commitment and ability to achieve, measure, and share data that support 

agreed upon effects;

• may request up to $400,000 over the period of performance (expected to be approximately three 

years); and

• must provide a 1:1 match.

Capital Challenge Deploy applicants

• should raise and deploy equity or equity-based capital, whether through traditional or hybrid 

models, within a regional technology cluster via a fund or other collaborative investment 

framework;

• should deploy investment capital into technology startups based on an investment thesis that 

clearly supports and fosters the growth of a regional technology cluster and its entrepreneurship 

ecosystem;

• must not use B2S funding or matching share as investment capital but instead to operate or 

support one or more investment vehicles;

• should assess companies for high-growth potential as a central factor of their investment strategy;

• must demonstrate a commitment and ability to achieve, measure, and share data that support 

agreed upon effects;

• must request more than $400,000 and may request up to $750,000 over the period of performance

(expected to be approximately three years); and

• must provide a 1:1 match.

Organizations interested in applying to the Capital Challenge are encouraged to review project profiles of 

past awardees of the Capital Challenge or Seed Fund Support competition (the predecessor to the Capital

Challenge), at https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/build-to-scale/historical. 

3. Equity Investment Priority

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

Communities through the Federal Government, and EDA’s Equity Investment Priority, EDA expects 
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projects to advance equity to underserved populations to the extent practicable. In this context, EDA is 

seeking projects that directly benefit: 1) one or more traditionally underserved populations, including but not 

limited to women, 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 with demonstrated, historical underservice.

A successful project will articulate which populations or communities will benefit (as noted above and 

https://www.eda.gov/funding/investment-priorities) and include a plan for inclusive community engagement 

in the project and ensuring that the economic benefits of the project will be shared by all communities in the 

project region, including any underserved communities. Your explanation should address the communities 

affected, barriers those communities may face in accessing benefits of the project, contemplated outreach 

efforts, and other planned steps to address identified barriers, as appropriate. Applicants should show a 

commitment to equity and diversity, and EDA will consider applicants’ demonstration of prior concrete 

successes related to equity and diversity.

4. Statutory Authority

The statutory authority for the Build to Scale program is section 27 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology 

Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. § 3722). The regulations governing the Build to Scale program are 

located at subparts A and B of 13 C.F.R. part 312.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Available Funding Under this Announcement

EDA has been appropriated $50 million for grants authorized by section 27 of the Stevenson-Wydler 

Technology Innovation Act of 1980, pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.4

The funding periods and funding amounts referenced in this notice are subject to the availability of funds at 

the time of award as well as to DOC and EDA priorities at the time of award. DOC and EDA will not be held 

responsible for application preparation costs. Publication of this announcement does not obligate DOC or

EDA to make any specific grant award or to obligate all or any part of available funds. 

Subject to the availability of funding and based on applications received, EDA expects to make awards

under this NOFO as follows:

i. Venture Challenge

EDA plans to award no less than $40,000,000 under the 2023 Venture Challenge. The maximum federal

share of each Venture Challenge Build award is $750,000; the maximum federal share of each Venture 

Challenge Scale award is $2,000,000. Under Venture Challenge Ignite the maximum federal share is 

$300,000.

ii. Capital Challenge

EDA plans to award no less than $8,000,000 under the 2023 Capital Challenge. The maximum federal 

share of each Capital Challenge Form award is $400,000; the maximum federal share of each Capital 

Challenge Deploy award is $750,000.

4 Public Law 117-328, division B, title 1 (December 29, 2022).
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2. Type of Funding Instrument Used; Period of Performance 

Under this NOFO, EDA may award grants to eligible applicants to support project activities. Periods of 

performance are dependent on the type of project and the scope of work of the grant award. See section

F.1 (p. 26) of this NOFO for award notification information. EDA anticipates awards will typically have an 

initial period of performance of approximately three (3) years, with Venture Challenge Ignite having an 

expected period of performance of 18-24 months; all competitions under this NOFO have an anticipated 

start date of November 1, 2023 (subject to change).

EDA expects all projects to proceed efficiently and expeditiously, and EDA expects applicants to document 

clearly in their applications a reasonable and appropriate timeline that includes the start and completion 

dates of the proposed scope of work. As a condition of their respective awards, grantees will be required to 

provide timely periodic progress reports and performance data as set forth in section F.3 (p. 27).

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Entities that are eligible for funding include:

• a State;5

• an Indian tribe;

• a city or other political subdivision of a State; 6

• an entity whose application is supported by a State or a political subdivision of a state and that 

is—

o a nonprofit organization;

o an institution of higher education;

o a public-private partnership;7

o a science or research park;

5 The term “State” means one of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 

Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any 

other territory or possession of the United States. 15 U.S.C. § 3722(a)(3). Departments within the State government (e.g., State’s 

Department of Labor, etc.) are considered part of the State.

6 A “political subdivision of a state” is a unit of government created by and under the authority of a higher level of government.

For example, counties, cities, etc.

7 For the purposes of the Build to Scale program, EDA defines a public-private partnership (PPP) as a relationship formalized by 

contractual agreement between a public agency and a private-sector entity that reasonably defines the terms of collaboration in 

the delivery and financing of a public project. EDA will typically review agreements for items such as the purpose and objectives 

of the partnership, the binding/contractual nature of the relationship, the duties and responsibilities of each party, and the 

duration of the agreement. The scope of the relationship documented in the agreement may be limited to the proposal set forth in 

a given partnership’s grant application or may encompass a broader program, initiative, or other set of activities or goals. 

Organizations that plan to apply to this NOFO as a PPP may structure their applications in one of four ways: (1) The private 

entity that is party to the PPP applies on behalf of the PPP that includes the contractual agreement establishing the PPP, and 

that clearly documents the roles and responsibilities of each member of the PPP; (2) The public entity that is party to the PPP 

applies on behalf of the PPP that includes the contractual agreement establishing the PPP, and that clearly documents the roles 

and responsibilities of each member of the PPP; (3) The PPP applies as a single entity if the PPP is an established entity, 

independent of the parties to the PPP and with its own organizational structure and clearly defined management team; and the 

application includes the contractual agreement establishing the PPP, and clearly documents the roles and responsibilities of 

each member of the PPP; or (4) If the public and private partners are equally involved in the management and/or carrying out of 

the grant, then the entities of the PPP should submit as co-applicants. The application should include the contractual agreement 

establishing the PPP, and clearly document the roles and responsibilities of each member of the PPP.
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o a Federal laboratory; 

o a venture development organization;8 or

o an economic development organization or similar entity that is focused primarily on 

improving science, technology, innovation, or entrepreneurship;9 or 

• a consortium of any of the aforementioned entities.10

EDA is not authorized to provide grants to individuals or other entity types that are not eligible under this 

NOFO, and such requests will not be considered for funding.

If an organization is currently implementing an OIE award (i.e., under a prior-year Build to Scale or 

Regional Innovation Strategies program funding opportunity) and submitting an application to the same or 

successor challenge11 under this NOFO, EDA will not consider that application for award unless all

activities under the existing award, including but not limited to final reporting requirements, are completed

and submitted to EDA prior to October 1, 2023.

• To be eligible for the 2023 Venture Challenge, all current Venture Challenge, i6 Challenge, and

Industry Challenge – Blue Economy recipients must have completed all activities within their 

current awards’ SOWs and must have fulfilled their final reporting requirements by October 1, 

2023.

• To be eligible for the 2023 Capital Challenge, all current Capital Challenge, Seed Fund Support 

grants, must have completed all activities within their current awards’ SOWs and must have fulfilled 

their final reporting requirements by October 1, 2023.

2. Definitions

Under the Build to Scale program, lead applicants may choose to partner with co-applicants, subrecipients, 

or contractors, which can all potentially serve as federally funded partners under the grant (meaning part of 

the federal budget requested in the application would go to these partner entities). Applications may also 

include unfunded project partners (meaning they would not receive federal funds from this grant); please 

note the following definitions for help determining a partner’s legal classification under this grant. Before 

disbursing any program funds, a case-by-case determination must be made as to whether the partner or 

party receiving the funds has the role of subrecipient or contractor, pursuant to factors listed in 2 CFR § 

200.331, Subrecipient and contractor determinations.

8 To be eligible for funding, a venture development organization must be a State or nonprofit organization that contributes to 

regional or sector-based economic prosperity by providing services for the purposes of accelerating the commercialization of 

research. 15 U.S.C. § 3722(a)(4).

9 For purposes of the Build to Scale program, EDA defines an economic development organization as an organization with a

primary purpose to support the economic development of a community or region. 13 C.F.R. § 312.3. To evaluate an 

organization’s eligibility as an economic development organization or similar entity, EDA will look to the organization’s Articles of 

Incorporation, Charter, Resolutions, Bylaws, and other documents that may be relevant to establish the primary purpose of the

organization. Applicants are encouraged to submit all relevant documentation to EDA for evaluation. EDA reserves the right to 

request additional information from applicants to establish eligibility, as necessary. If applicants have further questions 

concerning these documentation requirements, they should contact the representative listed in section G (p. 27) of the NOFO.

10 A consortium is two or more eligible entities jointly applying for an award as co-applicants.

11 The Regional Innovation Strategies program’s i6 Challenge is the predecessor of the B2S Venture and Industry Challenges

(this NOFO considers the Venture and Industry challenges to be different versions of the same Challenge); the Regional 

Innovation Strategies program’s Seed Fund Support Grant Competition is the predecessor of the B2S Capital Challenge.
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i. Subrecipients

To be considered a subrecipient, an organization must be an eligible entity under this NOFO (see section 

C.1 (p. 8). A subrecipient is an entity that receives a subaward from a pass-through entity (i.e., the lead 

applicant) to carry out part of a Federal award; but does not include an individual that is a beneficiary of 

such award.12 Subrecipients generally carry out a portion of project activities on behalf of the applicant or 

co-applicant(s). Additional documentation may be required for each potential subrecipient. For more 

information on application requirements, see Appendix B. Please note: When deciding between applying as 

a co-applicant or relying on subrecipients to perform part of the scope of work, EDA prefers subrecipients.

ii. Co-applicants

Each co-applicant must be an eligible entity under this NOFO (see section C.1 (p. 8)); generally, coapplicants jointly manage and implement the scope of work of an award. Co-applicants have a significant 

role in the project scope of work. Co-applicants are generally required to submit the same forms that the 

primary applicant must submit. See section D (p. 11) and Appendix B for specific application requirements 

and a comprehensive checklist of the documents required for all co-applicants. Co-applicants of an 

application that is awarded funding will be considered “Co-recipients.”

iii. Contractors

Contractors are entities that receive a contract, defined as a legal instrument by which a recipient or 

subrecipient purchases property or services needed to carry out a project or program under a Federal 

award (for definition of “contractor” see 2 CFR 200.1). Contractors do not have to meet eligibility 

requirements under this NOFO; however, all contracts (including with contractors listed in application 

materials) must be procured in accordance with the procurement standards at 2 CFR §§ 200.317-327.

Please note: Contractors that receive federal funds under a B2S award cannot provide match or cost share 

for the same award.

iv. Technology-Based Economic Development (TBED)

Technology-Based Economic Development (TBED) supports a climate where technology and innovation 

help drive an economy. Strategies often include a research base that generates new knowledge; 

mechanisms for transferring knowledge to the marketplace; an entrepreneurial culture; sources of risk 

capital; and a technically skilled workforce.13

3. Cost Sharing or Matching

A minimum one-to-one (1:1) match is required for all Build to Scale awards. Applicants must demonstrate 

at the time of the application a matching share of at least 50 percent of the total project cost; i.e., for every 

dollar of federal funds requested, applicants must demonstrate a commitment of at least one dollar of 

matching share. Matching share greater than the 1:1 requirement will be accepted but is not 

necessary to qualify for funding and WILL NOT MAKE AN APPLICATION MORE COMPETITIVE. EDA in its sole 

discretion may agree to reduce the matching share prior to, at, or during an award to no lower than 1:1.

12 For full definition, see 2 CFR 200.1.

13 https://ssti.org/TBED.
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Applicants must provide documentation (e.g., a signed letter, resolution, MOU, etc.) to show that all

matching share is committed, whether provided by the applicant or a third party. For full details on what is 

included and allowed to meet match requirements, see section D.2.i (p.11).

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package 

An applicant must submit a complete application, as detailed in Section D.2 (p.11) of this NOFO, to be 

considered for funding. EDA intends to review each application within 60 days after receiving the complete 

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

eligibility determination. EDA will reject any documentation that the agency determines is inaccurate or 

incomplete, which may cause the application to be rejected.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

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 assign one Authorized Representative for your organization, however, multiple 

points of contact may be registered or added by the lead 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. The required electronic file format for attachments is text-searchable Portable

Document Format (PDF), word, and where appropriate, Microsoft Excel.

i. Verify That Your Submission Was Successful

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 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.

ii. Alternatives to Submission through EDGE

To accommodate applicants’ accessibility requirements, a paper version of the application may be obtained

by contacting EDA’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE) via email at oie@eda.gov or via 

phone at (202) 482-8001.
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12

All Build to Scale applications, whether under the Venture or Capital Challenges, must include the following 

documents to be considered for funding (also, see Appendix B for application checklist):

Project Design and Substance

Project Narrative

Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan

Matching Share Commitment Letters

State/Local Government Support (if applicable, depending on your organization type)

Forms and Supporting Documentation

SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)

SF-424A (Budget Information Non-Construction Programs)

CD-511 (Certification Regarding Lobbying)

SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities)

State Single-Point-of-Contact (SPOC)/Executive Order 12372 Compliance Documentation (if 

applicable)14

Organizational Documentation (if applicable, depending on your organization type)15

Indirect Cost Rate (ICR) Documentation (if applicable)

Project Service Area and FIPS Codes

iii. Project Design and Substance

Document Number

Project Narrative One per application

Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan One per application

Matching Share Commitment Letters One per match source

State/Local Government Support (if applicable, depending on your 

organization type)

One per application

a. Project Narrative

All applicants must provide a Project Narrative of no more than ten (10) total pages with margins no less 

than one-half inch (0.5”) using Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or a similar font of size no less than eleven 

(11) points to be considered for funding. Material beyond the tenth page will not be read or considered. 

Any appendices will not be considered in scoring. Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide a clear 

and concise narrative that includes a compelling justification for the project and articulates a clearly defined 

regional economic gap, how the proposed project will uniquely meet this need, and the expected 

outcome(s) that will result from the proposed project. Lengthy applications will not receive greater 

consideration. Project Narratives must address the following areas:

1) Project Description and Overview

a) Executive Summary

Provide an executive summary of no more than 250 words that includes a project title and the name of 

the Challenge and funding level to which the application is being submitted (i.e., Venture Challenge Build, 

14 Only certain States participate in the SPOC compliance process. See section D.2.ii (p.17).

15 Only non-public, eligible entities are required to submit organization documents, and the documentation required varies by 

eligible entity type. See section Appendix B.
Section D

13

Venture Challenge Scale, Venture Challenge Ignite, Capital Challenge Form, Capital Challenge Deploy). If 

the application is selected for funding, EDA may publish this executive summary, including but not limited to 

on its or other websites and via social media.

b) Vision, Mission, Goals, Roles

What are your organization’s vision and mission for this project? How are you positioned to support a

technology entrepreneurship ecosystem and lead this project work? What are the program goals? 

Describe the roles you currently play in the innovation ecosystem, and how those roles enable you to 

achieve those goals. How are you positioned to support a technology entrepreneurship ecosystem? Will 

other organizations be involved in this work and if so, what roles and responsibilities will they have? Please 

include any funded partners’ organizational type, formal relationship, and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

number (Ex: 501(c)(3) non-profit, subrecipient, UEI: ABC12345) Describe how the proposed programming 

leverages and builds upon regional assets, and uses data to support claims.

2) Ecosystem Resources and Assets

Describe the project’s location and region, including its primary service area, the communities or regions 

served (e.g., assets, financial and business resources, workforce, and infrastructure), stakeholders 

leveraged, and the region’s assets and opportunities. The location and region should directly correspond to 

Questions 14 and 16 of the SF-424. If the applicant expects impacts beyond the noted region, the applicant 

should note the region of expected impact.

3) Proposed Solution

a) Problems and Solutions

What problems is your project trying to solve? What solutions are being proposed to further innovation

ecosystem development and support commercialization? To what extent do the solutions align with any of 

EDA’s investment priorities?16 To what extent does existing evidence suggest that the proposed actions will 

address the problems you are trying to solve? Describe in detail how the solutions align with specific 

regional opportunities or tackle structural challenges. Explain how achievable the solution is. For example, 

has the idea already been piloted in the area? Do you have examples of where this or similar solutions 

have been implemented before? If the solution is completely new, what research has been done that leads 

you to believe the outcomes are achievable?

b) Affected Groups

Describe the specific communities and groups that the solution will serve and affect, and explain the 

rationale for how participants are targeted. Provide an estimate of how many people, organizations, and

communities will be affected by the project either directly or indirectly, and indicate to what extent, if any,

you expect the solution to serve and benefit historically underserved populations and increase the diversity, 

equity, inclusion, and accessibility of your regional innovation economy.

c) Region-Opportunity Alignment

Why is this opportunity ripe for the region? Identify the factors through data that contribute to the region’s 

innovation and job creation strengths and challenges (e.g., ecosystem resources, emerging sectors, R&D 

systems and infrastructure, other regional assets). How will the lead applicant leverage available regional

16 U.S. Econ. Dev. Admin., Investment Priorities, https://www.eda.gov/funding/investment-priorities.
Section D

14

resources to support ecosystem efforts? What technology area(s) will your project focus on? How do the 

area(s) align with the NSF-identified key technology focus areas?17

4) Partnerships

Describe any former, current, or future partnerships or working relationships with public and private entities 

at the national, State, regional, and local level that will be working on this project. Provide a brief description 

of each entity and specific detail on the roles and responsibilities of these collaborators including 

effectiveness of past collaboration efforts.

5) Outcomes

What are the anticipated goals you hope to achieve (i.e., outcomes) and what outputs do you plan to 

measure to assess to demonstrate progress towards those outcomes? Anticipated outcomes should be 

specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timebound (SMART), and the application should indicate why 

and how these outcomes were selected, including existing evidence that suggests these outcomes are 

appropriate. Include baseline measures that describe the current state to help you assess any potential 

changes.. How will your organization achieve those outcomes? Applicants selected for funding must 

employ a data and client management system to track their metrics in a machine-readable format; 

applicants should include a description of their respective systems and, if no such system exists, should 

include their acquisition and implementation in the project narrative and budget. Applicants should also be 

prepared to participate in a program evaluation activities required by EDA. 

6) Program Sustainability

Provide a program sustainability plan, including anticipated challenges, potential barriers, a forecast of 

post-award period operations. What is the vision for this program after the grant period ends? Explicitly 

indicate how you plan to continue and evolve operations after you have spent all Build to Scale grant funds, 

including any existing long-term funding commitments.

7) Scope of Work (1 page)

Applicants must submit no more than one (1) page as the scope of work for the project. This document 

should outline all activities that will be conducted under this program and a timeline to support its 

implementation. The scope of work should include work performed by the applicant, any subrecipient(s), 

any co-applicant(s), and any unfunded project partner(s), and should outline roles and responsibilities. The 

scope of work should align with and support claims made in the project narrative and the budget narrative. 

EDA may incorporate this section into any award if selected for funding.

17 42 U.S.C. § 19107 lists the initial set of key technology focus areas:

(1) Artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomy, and related advances;

(2) High performance computing, semiconductors, and advanced computer hardware and software;

(3) Quantum information science and technology;

(4) Robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing;

(5) Natural and anthropogenic disaster prevention or mitigation;

(6) Advanced communications technology and immersive technology;

(7) Biotechnology, medical technology, genomics, and synthetic biology;

(8) Data storage, data management, distributed ledger technologies, and cybersecurity, including biometrics;

(9) Advanced energy and industrial efficiency technologies, such as batteries and advanced nuclear technologies, 

including but not limited to for the purposes of electric generation (consistent with 42 U.S.C. § 1874); and

(10) Advanced materials science, including composites 2D materials, other next-generation materials, and related 

manufacturing technologies.
Section D

15

b. Budget Narrative & Staffing Plan

Applicants must provide a clear budget narrative that identifies and justifies each budget line item (including 

both the federal share and matching non-federal share) and the narrative total should match the total 

project costs listed in both the SF-424, Question 18, Line g (“TOTAL”) and the appropriate totals fields of 

the SF-424A. The budget narrative should include an itemized list of the matching share sources, 

the total match contribution per each matching share source, and whether the match is cash or inkind. The budget narrative should include itemized valuations of any in-kind matching funds (which, for 

personnel costs, should be supported by the staffing plan). Applicants may use the optional budget and 

staffing template available at https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/build-to-scale to supplement the 

budget narrative. Each line item in the budget narrative should clearly indicate

• the budget category (from the SF-424A) to which the line item corresponds;

• a description of the intended use of funds for each line item; and

• if any matching share is allocated to a given line item, a citation to the one or more commitment 

letters that documents each relevant matching organization’s commitment to provide the matching 

share of the given line item.

Recipients generally must expend non-federal share, whether in cash or in-kind, at the same general rate 

as the federal share. However, if the applicant’s budget narrative proposes otherwise (e.g., if the project’s 

implementation depends on a higher proportion of federal share expenditure upfront), the applicant must 

clearly explain why project implementation requires different expenditure rates.

As part of the budget narrative, applicants also must submit a staffing plan that lists key positions that 

would be charged to the federal and non-federal portions of the budget for each year of the period of 

performance. The staffing plan must include position titles, maximum annual salaries, percentage of time 

dedicated to the project, and the total amount of annual salaries that would be charged to the project. The 

total amount of annual salaries that would be charged to the project must be consistent with the amount 

reflected on the “Personnel” budget line item on the Form SF-424A for each project year.

c. Matching Share Commitment Letters

Applicants must submit commitment letters or equivalent documents for all matching funds (whether cash 

or in-kind) from all sources (i.e., applicant, subrecipients, and any other third-party sources of matching 

funds) that are SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE of the contributing organization. (Authorized 

Representatives must have the authority to execute documents and to obligate and expend funds on behalf 

of their respective organizations.) 

Each matching share commitment letter (whether from the applicant or a third party) must:

1. state whether the contribution is cash or in-kind;

2. if in-kind, provide a valuation and description for in-kind contributions;

3. state whether the contribution is from a non-federal source or from a federal source that is explicitly 

authorized by statute to be used as matching share; and

4. state that, at the time of award, the matching share

a. is committed to the project,

b. will be available as needed, and

c. is neither conditioned nor encumbered in any way that would preclude its use consistent 

with the requirements of EDA investment assistance.
Section D

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A provider of matching share, whether cash or in-kind contributions, may not serve as a contractor under 

the award for which it provides matching share. Match documentation should include a quantitative 

valuation and note whether the contribution is cash or in-kind. Funds from other federal financial assistance 

awards can serve as matching share funds only if authorized by statute, which may be determined by 

EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the statute.

In-kind contributions may be used for the required matching share and must consist of contributions directly

related to the proposed project, such as services, equipment, or space. An in-kind contribution is a nonmonetary contribution. Goods or services offered free or at less than (discounted) the usual charge can be 

considered an in-kind contribution and still require a signed letter of commitment. 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. As with other match sources, a commitment letter is 

required for both applicant-provided and third-party sources of in-kind match, as provided in section C.3 . 

This letter should include details on what the in-kind contribution will consist of and a valuation (ex: 40 

hours of consulting time at $100 hourly rate for a total in-kind contribution of $4,000 across the period of 

performance). As noted above, contractors receiving EDA funding under this grant cannot provide in-kind

(or cash) match.

Please note that all project funds—both federal funds and matching funds—are subject to the funding 

restrictions set forth in section D.7 (p.21). Additionally, recipients generally must expend non-federal share, 

whether in cash or in-kind, at the same general rate as the federal share. However, if the applicant’s budget 

narrative proposes otherwise (e.g., if the project’s implementation depends on a higher proportion of federal 

share expenditure upfront), the applicant must clearly explain in the budget narrative why project 

implementation requires different expenditure rates.

Entities submitting applications to more than one competition (ex: one to Venture Challenge, one to Capital 

Challenge) must submit separate matching share documentation for each application. EDA may request 

additional documentation to substantiate that the matching funds meet these requirements.

d. State/Local Government Support

Applicants that are a non-public entity (e.g., non-profits, private institutions of higher education) must 

submit one or more resolutions or letters that demonstrate that the application is supported by one or more 

States or political subdivisions of States (e.g., counties, municipalities) that encompass all or a substantial 

portion of the communities served by this project. Letters should be signed by executives from the State or 

political subdivision of the State. Examples of authorities who may indicate such support include State and 

local executive branch officials (e.g., State governors, State cabinet members, mayors, city managers, city 

finance directors, county executives, or other municipal executives) and State and local legislators (e.g.,

State legislators, city councilpersons).

Support from Federal officials, including but not limited to members of the United States Congress, does 

not meet this requirement. Other examples of support letters that do NOT meet this requirement include 

letters from non-profits, chambers of commerce, public universities, etc.

If an applicant or co-applicant is a State, an Indian tribe, a city or other political subdivision of a State, or an 

institution of higher education that is 100% publicly controlled, this requirement does not apply.
Section D

17

iv. Forms and Supporting Documentation

a. Forms

Applications must include the following documents, either per applicant or co-applicant or per application, 

as noted:

Form Description Number

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance One per applicant

SF-424A Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs One per application

CD-511 Certification Regarding Lobbying One per applicant

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities One per applicant

b. Supporting Documentation

Applications must include the following documentation, as applicable, depending on a given project’s 

primary service area and the type and history of each applicant organization.

Documentation Number

SPOC Compliance (if applicable) For each participating State in primary service area

Organizational Documentation (if 

applicable)

For each applicant, depending on entity type

ICR Documentation (if applicable) For each applicant

Project Service Area and FIPS 

Codes

One per application

1) SPOC Compliance

If the proposed project is covering a service area in a State that has adopted a process under Executive 

Order (EO) 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” the applicant must give State and 

local governments a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the proposed project, including 

review and comment from area-wide planning organizations in metropolitan areas. Applicants with a project 

service area that is within a participating State(s) must submit documentation demonstrating compliance 

with that State’s or those States’ processes. To ensure compliance, applicants should reach out to their 

State’s Single Points of Contact (SPOC) to understand that State’s specific processes. See section D.6

“Intergovernmental Review” of this NOFO for further detail. EDA strongly encourages applicants to contact 

SPOCs early in the application period to determine the relevant State’s or States’ processes. 18 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 signed letter from the SPOC) 

showing that this grant program is not subject to review—provide the 

documentation as an attachment and check SF-424 box 19(b).

State participates; this grant 

program subject to review

Documentation (e.g., a signed 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—

provide the documentation as an attachment and check SF-424 box 19(a).

18 EDA strongly encourages applicants with any questions about SPOC compliance (i.e., intergovernmental review) to contact 

the respective state’s SPOC representative listed in the SPOC list as linked in section D.2.ii.) above.
Section D

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2) Organizational Documentation

Each non-public applicant and co-applicant must provide documentation that supports each applicant’s or 

co-applicant’s organizational status as an eligible entity, depending on the type of organization:

• Nonprofit organizations must submit documentation that demonstrates their status as nonprofit 

organizations, including articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, bylaws, and, if 

applicable, proof of tax-exempt status.

• Applicants applying as (a) institutions of higher education that are not 100% publicly controlled, (b) 

science or research parks, (c) Federal laboratories, (d) venture development organizations, or (e) 

economic development organizations19 or similar entities must provide documentation that 

demonstrates their organization’s status as the relevant entity type as discussed in section C.1 .

• Entities applying as public-private partnerships must submit documentation of their contractual 

relationship. See the definition of public-private partnerships at 13 C.F.R. § 312.3 and the 

discussion of documentation for public-private partnerships in footnote 8 to section C.1 (p.8) .

• States, Indian tribes, cities or other political subdivisions of States, and institutions of higher 

education that are 100% publicly controlled are not required to submit organizational 

documentation.

Regardless of entity type, EDA reserves the right to request documentation or additional proof of 

organizational status.

3) Indirect Cost Rate (ICR) Documentation

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

cost rate it is 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), if it wishes to rely on the 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_Indirect@ibc.doi.gov (or the applicable cognizant federal 

agency). The applicant should include a statement in its 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 

19 EDA strongly encourages applicants that may be eligible under this entity category to contact the representative listed in 

section G of this NOFO with any questions regarding eligibility.
Section D

19

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:

• Negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA);

• A Certificate of Indirect Costs from the Department of the Interior (DOI) or EDA 

(https://www.eda.gov/grant-resources/grantee-guidance/indirect-costs/how-to);

• 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).

4) Project Service Area and FIPS Codes

Applicants MUST identify their proposed primary service area(s) by county or counties. Counties should be 

identified by both name and 5-digit FIPS codes. See 2020 State, County, Minor Civil Division, and 

Incorporated Place FIPS Codes available at https://www.census.gov/geographies/referencefiles/2020/demo/popest/2020-fips.html.

Please find an optional spreadsheet template at https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/build-to-scale. 

3. Environmental and Historic Preservation Requirements

Applications may be reviewed by EDA for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 

as amended (NEPA), depending on the nature and specific elements of each given application. 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 federallyrecognized Indian tribes, may require applicants to participate in Tribal consultation, as necessary. The 

implementing regulations for 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.20 For further guidance and 

information, please contact the representative listed in section G (p.28) of this NOFO.

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

In accordance with Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, applicants and coapplicants, are required to: (i) be registered in SAM before submitting an application, (ii) provide a valid 

unique entity identifier (UEI) in the application (UEI is also required for subrecipients), (iii) make certain 

certifications (see also section D.8.i (p.21) 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 unique entity identifier and SAM 

requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the EDA is ready 

to make an award, EDA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that 

determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. Recipients will be subject to reporting 

20 As specified in 40 C.F.R. § 1506.6(b).
Section D

20

requirements, as identified in OMB guidance published at 2 C.F.R. parts 25 and 170. See Section D.8.ii

(p.21) for instructions on how to register with SAM.gov.

5. Submission Dates and Times 

The deadline for the receipt of an application is 11:59 PM EASTERN TIME ON JULY 28, 2023. Applications

received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered. Applications will only be accepted 

electronically through the Economic Development Grants Experience (EDGE) at sfgrants.eda.gov.

Applicants are advised to carefully read the submission information provided in section D of this NOFO.

The date and time that an application will be deemed to be electronically received will be determined in 

accordance with the electronic submission instructions provided through EDGE. See sections D.8.i (p.21) 

of this NOFO for information regarding electronic submissions. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE

APPLICATION DEADLINE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING. EDA strongly suggests that applicants submit 

applications substantially before the deadline.

In addition, please note the following:

• EDA will not accept any unsolicited changes, additions, revisions, or deletions to applications or 

supporting documents after the submission deadline.

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

applicants whose applications are being reviewed and considered.

• Applicants may be asked to clarify objectives and work plans and modify budgets or other specifics 

as necessary to comply with federal requirements and provide supplemental information required 

by the agency before award.

• See section E.2 (p.24) of this NOFO for application review and selection information.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to start early and not to wait until near the application deadline before 

logging on and reviewing the instructions for submitting an application. Applicants should SAVE AND PRINT 

WRITTEN PROOF of an electronic submission.

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED for any reason, including but not limited to late submissions 

caused by issues with EDGE or SAM. See sections D.8.i (p. 21) and H.6 (p.30) of this NOFO for more 

information on electronic submissions. In situations described in this subsection, applications must have 

email or facsimile receipt timestamps no later than the application deadline or must be postmarked or the 

equivalent on or before the application deadline. An application that is not timestamped or postmarked, 

as applicable, by the application deadline WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

6. Intergovernmental Review

If the proposed project is covering a service area in a State that has adopted a process under Executive 

Order (EO) 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” the applicant must give State and 

local governments a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the proposed project, including 

review and comment from area-wide planning organizations in metropolitan areas.21 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 at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf. Question 19 of Form SF-424 allows applicants to indicate 

compliance with EO 12372; however, note that applicants must supply as part of their application 

21 As provided for in 15 C.F.R. part 13. 
Section D

21

packages documentation that supports the answer provided to Question 19 (i.e., that demonstrates 

compliance). See section D.2.ii (p.11) for additional details to meet this requirement.

7. Funding Restrictions

The following activities are not allowable, and associated costs are not allowable costs, under any Build to 

Scale award. Such costs may not be charged to the federal share or to the matching share of a Build to 

Scale award.

• Construction: Construction activities are not allowable. For the purposes of an award made 

pursuant to this NOFO, construction includes any activity that disturbs the ground or modifies a 

structure. The purchase of equipment and equipment-related installation in a facility may be 

considered allowable, but only to the extent that such equipment and any related modifications are 

used to support another eligible activity under the award.

• Equity Investments & Loans: The use of funds to make equity investments or issue debt is not an 

allowable cost. Neither federal nor matching share funds may be invested in startups or other 

companies, whether through equity, debt, hybrid, or another mechanism.

• Subsidies to Participant Firms: Award funds may not be passed or transferred to companies 

(i.e., startups and individuals) being served by the applicant organization, nor may they be used to 

subsidize such companies’ expenses that are unrelated to program activities, including general 

operating expenses. Neither federal nor matching share funds may be used for such costs.

• Advertising & Marketing: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.421(b) and (d), the costs of promotional 

items and memorabilia, including models, gifts, and souvenirs, as well as the costs of advertising 

and public relations designed to promote the applicant are not allowable. However, certain costs 

related specifically to recruiting participants and conducting program outreach (ex: social media 

ads, press releases, flyers, etc.) may be allowable.

• Internships & Wages/Stipends: Establishing and administering an internship or similar work 

experience program are not allowable activities. Stipends, wages, and other payments to interns or 

similar work experience program participants are not allowable costs.

• Cloud Service Credits: Credits to be distributed to companies (i.e., startups and individuals) being 

served by the applicant organization are not allowable costs and thus are not an allowable source 

of matching share.

Additionally, it is DOC policy that award funds may not be used to pay for management fees in excess of 

costs or profits, unless statutorily authorized.

8. Other Submission Requirements 

i. Pre-Submission Registration

ENSURE THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION AND ANY REQUIRED INDIVIDUALS ARE REGISTERED WITH REQUIRED SYSTEMS AS 

SOON AS POSSIBLE. Before submitting an application under this NOFO, each applicant must register its 

organization with EDGE. Applicants should note that this process can be lengthy, requires 

interaction with multiple other organizations (e.g., SAM.gov), and requires confirmation at each 

step. Applicant organizations that have not previously completed any of the above steps may 

require three to four weeks to accomplish these tasks due to system processing requirements. EDA 

STRONGLY ENCOURAGES prospective applicants to begin the pre-submission process as early as possible in 

the application period.

For more information about
Section E

22

• how to register your organization with SAM.gov (or how to renew your organization’s 

registration), visit SAM.gov’s Getting Started with Registration page;

• how to check an organization’s current SAM.gov registration status, visit SAM.gov’s Check 

Entity Registration Status page; and

• how to create an EDGE account, visit https://sfgrants.eda.gov.

The hyperlinks (i.e., the URLs) to these resources are up-to-date as of the date of publication of this NOFO, 

but please note that EDA does not control all these systems, and the URLs may change without notice. If 

you encounter problems or questions that are not answered by the pages linked above, please visit the 

respective system’s entry page (e.g., SAM.gov) and navigate to its respective “Help,” “Support,” or similar 

section.

9. EDGE System Issues

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

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

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

oie@eda.gov. Please be sure to track your issue using a case number given to you by the help desk 

regarding their communications with EDGE. 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) failure to receive a 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.

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, at its sole discretion, may seek clarification, including 

but not limited to written clarifications and corrected or missing documents, from applicants whose 

applications are being reviewed and considered and require that applicants provide such clarifications or 

corrections to continue to be considered for an award under this NOFO. EDA will provide applicants a 

reasonable amount of time to provide any additional documentation. An applicant’s failure to provide 

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

the removal of that application from consideration.

1. Evaluation Criteria

Applications to all competitions under this NOFO will be reviewed against the following criteria. Merit 

Reviewers will respond to prompts for each criterion by indicating the extent to which they agree with the 

statement as it applies to an application, from “strongly disagree” (1 point) to “strongly agree” (5 points):

1 2 3 4 5

Strongly 

Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
Section E

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Applications from each competition will be scored competitively against applications received for that same 

competition using the following common criteria. Criteria will be weighted as noted below:

Summary of Criteria

Leveraging Ecosystem Resources and Assets – 15%

Proposed Solution and Implementation – 30%

Capacity and Feasibility – 15%

Likelihood of Growing Innovation Economies – 20%

Continued Effects – 5%

Equity – 15%

i. Leveraging Ecosystem Resources and Assets (15%)

Under this criterion, consider whether the regional service area is clearly defined, and the proposed 

programming leverages and builds upon regional assets and provides data to support claims. The applicant 

should have defined the role of potential partner entities and how they will effectively leverage ecosystem 

resources (may include former, current, or future partnerships/working relationships with federal, State, 

regional, and/or local entities that the application highlights, including any details on past collaboration 

efforts) To what extent do you agree that the region’s assets and needs are clearly defined,

explained, and aligned with the proposed project?

ii. Proposed Solution and Implementation (30%)

Under this criterion, consider whether the proposed solution is clearly stated and aligned with community or 

region’s needs. Consider whether the proposed solution(s) will effectively address the challenges this 

regional ecosystem is facing in its efforts to support TBED strategies and innovation. Project goals and 

milestones should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) and, if achieved, 

would advance the innovation ecosystem and be achievable as outlined in the Scope of Work. To what 

extent do you agree that the proposed solution is achievable, and meets the regional ecosystem

needs?

iii. Capacity and Feasibility (15%)

Under this criterion, consider the Budget Narrative and staffing plan proposed in the application and 

whether the operations and management capacities and experiences of the applicant organization(s) and 

team demonstrate the ability and/or prior experience, to execute the proposed project successfully. To 

what extent do you agree that the application clearly identifies the financial, human, and 

programmatic resources that will support the successful execution of this proposed project and 

that the applicant organization and team have the operations and management capacities to 

execute the proposed project successfully?

iv. Likelihood of Growing Innovation Economies (20%)

Under this criterion, consider whether, if successful, the project will meet Build to Scale program goals and 

if the solution will advance TBED strategies in the regional economy. To what extent do you agree that 

the submission will accelerate regional innovation economies?

Build to Scale program goals include:
Section E

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• build public and private capacity for entrepreneurs and innovators to invent, improve, and bring to 

market new products and services in critical, emerging, and transformative sectors and industries;

• expand regional knowledge ecosystems to realize economic and job growth;

• accelerate the growth of regional economies that are focused on industries of the future;

• catalyze regional leadership through TBED strategies;

• empower communities to provide proof-of-concept and commercialization assistance to technology 

innovators and entrepreneurs; and

• equitably and inclusively increase access to capital for technology-enabled entrepreneurs.

v. Continued Effects (5%)

Under this criterion, consider the likelihood that the investment will continue to deliver effects. If the project 

fills an ongoing need within the ecosystem, how will the applicant deliver these services after the term of 

the grant? If the project fills a temporary need, how will the services evolve to continue to provide impact, 

and how will the applicant identify and deliver these evolved services after the term of the grant? To what 

extent do you agree that the proposed project will continue to increase the ecosystem’s ability to 

enable technology entrepreneurs to start and grow after the grant period?

vi. Equity (15%)

Consider the extent to which the project benefits are shared across all affected communities. Plans should

address and mitigate systemic barriers to ensure full participation of these communities and stakeholders

from target populations. Plans should show a commitment to equity and diversity, and applicants should 

demonstrate prior concrete successes related to equity and diversity. The application should include 

relevant evidence of support from and partnerships with entities that represent underserved communities, 

businesses, and workers. Successful applicants will align budgets, coalition leadership, and governance to 

their equity and diversity priorities. EDA strongly encourages efforts to include Historically Black Colleges 

and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, or Minority-Serving Institutions, in addition to historically 

underserved populations, such as women, Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, 

Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and areas, other groups facing barriers such as persons with 

disabilities, individuals in recovery, individuals with past criminal records including justice-impacted, 

veterans and military spouses; and any underserved communities within geographies that have been 

systemically and/or systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in economic prosperity, such as 

Tribal Lands, Persistent Poverty Counties, and rural areas with demonstrated, historical underservice. To 

what extent do you agree that the proposed project benefits are shared across all affected 

communities, and stakeholders from target populations in an equitable way?

2. Review and Selection Process

i. Review for Eligibility and Completeness (Technical Review)

EDA staff will conduct an eligibility and technical completeness review (the “Technical Review”) of all 

applications received by the application deadline. Applications received from ineligible entities will not be 

considered for funding. Applications that do not contain all forms and required documentation listed in

section of this NOFO may be deemed non-responsive and excluded from further consideration. EDA 

expects all applications to complete and include all required forms and documentation. However, EDA, in 

its sole discretion, may determine that an omission is curable and therefore may continue its consideration 

of the application despite the deficiency. Technical Review will be conducted separately for each

application for each competition.
Section E

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ii. Merit Review

Merit Reviewers will evaluate applications against the evaluation criteria in section E.1 (p.22) of this NOFO.

Each application will be reviewed by at least three Merit Reviewers. Merit Reviewers may include, but are 

not limited to, DOC and EDA personnel and other federal and non-federal subject matter experts. EDA, in 

its sole discretion, may use a statistical technique to normalize, aggregate, and group Merit Reviewers’ 

quantitative evaluations (i.e., scores) and may consider qualitative Merit Reviewer evaluation information. 

For each competition, the most highly ranked applications will be recommended to the Grants Officer as the

applications that merit consideration for EDA funding.

iii. Grants Officer Decision

The most highly ranked applications under this NOFO will be forwarded to the Grants Officer, which EDA 

anticipates will be the Director of OIE. The Grants Officer has been delegated the authority to make the 

final decision on whether to fund an application and may select a project for funding that differs from the 

most highly ranked applications based on any of the following Selection Factors or use these Selection 

Factors to break a tie for applications that are otherwise considered substantially equal in merit:

1. the extent to which the application meets the overall objectives of section 27 of the StevensonWydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980; 

2. the extent to which the selection of the application, alone or in the context of other applications, 

supports EDA’s compliance with appropriations law requirements and report language guidance;

3. the ability of a project to start quickly, realistically achieve project goals, and catalyze additional 

resources; 

4. the comparative financial or management capability of the applicant; 

5. the applicant’s performance under previous federal financial assistance awards, including whether 

the grantee submitted required performance reports and data;

6. for previous grantees, the extent to which the application builds upon and creates synergies with 

previously funded work;

7. for applicants to all competitions under this NOFO, the extent to which the proposal leverages 

dollars across the multiple programs to make their overall approach stronger;

8. the extent to which the application leverages complementary public or private sector programs or 

policies, including but not limited to those operated or managed by the Federal Government; 

9. the availability of program funding;

10. the extent to which the project supports EDA’s goals of balance in distribution of program funds

within the overall portfolio of EDA’s awards granted under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology 

Innovation Act of 1980, including geographic balance (including but not limited to geographic 

diversity among urban and rural States and diversity among regions of the United States), project 

type balance (including but not limited to diversity among Build, Scale, and Ignite awards under the 

Venture Challenge and among Form and Deploy awards under the Capital Challenge), sectoral 

focus balance (including but not limited to advanced wood products; advanced manufacturing;

artificial intelligence; bioscience; commercial space; energy; marine energy; nanotechnology;

telecommunications, including broadband; etc.), and organizational type balance (including but not 

limited to organization size and stage of development);

11. the extent to which the project incorporates innovative strategies or untested models and may build 

evidence for new approaches;

12. the extent to which any budget flaws or legal issues in the application may impact an applicant’s 

ability to execute the project or achieve the desired impacts; and
Section F

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13. the extent to which the project demonstrates support from and involvement with regional 

stakeholders, e.g., private, public, and non-profit entities, civil rights- and equity-focused 

organizations, community-based organizations, civil society and consumer-focused groups, unions 

and worker organizations, workforce boards, economic development organizations, schools, 

community colleges, neighborhood and housing associations, and the communities that stand to 

benefit.

The final decision of the Grants Officer must be consistent with this NOFO and applicable law. There is no 

appeal process for denied applications.

iv. Due Diligence

If an application is selected, the applicant still may have to complete certain due diligence requirements. 

EDA may request that the applicant submit additional documents and information to allow EDA to fully 

evaluate compliance with applicable rules and regulations. If the applicant provides the requested 

information and supporting documentation in a timely fashion and EDA determines that the project is fully 

compliant with applicable rules and regulations, the application may be forwarded to the Grants Officer for a 

final decision and award approval. Applicants that do not provide the additional information and supporting 

documentation in a timely fashion or that are deemed to be not in compliance with applicable rules and 

regulations will receive notification that their application was not successful.

3. Awards in Excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Before making a federal award with a total amount of federal share greater than the simplified acquisition 

threshold (currently $250,000 but periodically adjusted), EDA is required to review and consider any 

information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible 

through SAM.gov (formerly FAPIIS). See 41 U.S.C. § 2313.

Each applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems 

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 Notices

Under this NOFO, EDA expects to notify applicants of its decision in writing approximately 90-120 days 

after the application deadline. If an application is selected for funding, the EDA Grants Officer will issue a 

signed grant award (Notice of Award), which is the authorizing financial assistance award document and 

includes the DOC Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions and Specific Award Conditions as 

described in section F.2 (p.27).

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. Failure to the Notice of Award during this timeframe may be 

considered grounds for appropriate enforcement action pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.339 (“Remedies 

for noncompliance”), INCLUDING AWARD TERMINATION.
Section F

27

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 awards. 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 provide written notice to all applicants informing them whether their application was selected for 

funding. EDA will retain unsuccessful applications in accordance with EDA’s record retention schedule.

2. Administrative and National Policy 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.

For all projects, DOC will apply the DOC ST&Cs applicable on the date of the award. The DOC ST&Cs may 

be accessed at the following website: https://www.commerce.gov/oam/policy/financial-assistance-policy.

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.

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 http://www.gpo.gov/

fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-12-30/pdf/2014-30297.pdf.

3. Reporting

i. Financial, Performance, and Reports

All recipients are required to submit progress reports and financial status reports generally no less than 

semi-annually, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant award. In addition, all recipients will 

be required to track and submit performance data on EDA-sponsored outputs and resulting outcomes, 

semi-annually and annually, respectively. All reports must be submitted in electronic format as specified in 

the terms of the award. As part of its administration of the Build to Scale program, EDA may conduct 

program evaluations. If so, EDA may share performance data with evaluators, and recipients of grants 

under this program may need to furnish additional data to evaluators, including but not limited to EDA staff 

and outside parties contracted by EDA. EDA may also, for research purposes linked to improving economic 

outcomes, choose to share data with other federal partners, including but not limited to statistical agencies.

ii. 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 sub-awards over $30,000. Please see the OMB guidance published at 2 C.F.R. part 

170.

iii. Performance Reporting, including Government Performance and Results Act

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). 

Award recipients must submit Outputs Questionnaires (Form ED-916) to EDA on a semi-annual basis 

during the period of performance or as otherwise directed by EDA. The first Outputs Questionnaire must be 
Section H

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submitted to EDA six months after the date the period of performance starts. The Outputs Questionnaire 

must be submitted to EDA every six months thereafter through the end of the Period Performance, or any 

portion thereof if applicable, or as otherwise directed by EDA.

Award recipients must submit Outcomes Questionnaires (Form ED-917) to EDA on an annual basis for a 

total of five years after the date the period of performance starts. The first Outcomes Questionnaire must be 

submitted to EDA one year after the date the period of performance starts. The Outcomes Questionnaire 

must be submitted to EDA at the end of every year thereafter for a total of five years, or as otherwise 

directed by EDA.

For more information, please refer to https://www.eda.gov/performance/.

iv. 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 about civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT(S)

For questions concerning this NOFO or for more information about EDA programs, you may contact your 

respective EDA Economic Development Representative (EDR). Up to date EDR contact information is 

available at https://eda.gov/contact/. If you are unable to connect with your designated EDR, contact the 

Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship via email (preferred) at oie@eda.gov or via phone at (202) 482-

8001.

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 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 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 Department of Commerce and external program 

evaluators. In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.303I, 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 Department of 

Commerce financial assistance award.

2. Disclosure of Information

For the purposes of achieving rigorous program evaluations, all applications (including those that are not 

selected for funding) may be shared with EDA staff, outside parties contracted by EDA for the purposes of 

evaluation, and other federal agencies.
Section H

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3. 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, 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 for the 

Department 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 CFR § 4.9, the 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.

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 DOC (or any of its operating units) and 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. EDA’s Non-Relocation Policy

Applicants are advised that, should an application be 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. If

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 cause, 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 merely to 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.
Section H

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6. 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 (“EDAHDQ-OIE-2023-B2S”) 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.

7. Audit Requirements

Single or program-specific audits shall be performed in accordance with the requirements contained in the 

OMB Uniform Guidance (see 2 C.F.R. part 200, Subpart F, “Audit Requirements”). The OMB Uniform 

Guidance requires any non-federal entity (e.g., nonprofit 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.

8. 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.

i. 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 sub-award 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).

ii. 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.

iii. 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 

Department) relating to a federal contract or award; a substantial and specific danger to public health or 
Section H

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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. 

A 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.

9. Certifications Required by Annual Appropriations Acts for Corporations and for Awards 

over $5 Million

As discussed in section D.4 (p.19), 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

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:

c. To the best of its knowledge and belief, has filed all Federal tax returns required during the 

three years preceding the certification;

d. Has not been convicted of a criminal offense under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and/or

e. 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 proceeding.
Appendix A

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APPENDIX A EXAMPLE OUTPUT AND OUTCOME MEASURES AND REPORTING

Applications for all competitions under this NOFO will be assessed on their approaches to implementing 

stated goals including activities, outputs, and outcomes. See, e.g., section D.2.i (p.11Error! Bookmark not 

defined.) and section E.1 (p.22). Applicants are encouraged to consider a broad range of relevant output 

and outcome measures in developing their proposed scope of work, and to ensure that the outputs and 

outcomes identified align to the project scope of work.

As noted in section F.3.iii (p.27), all grantees will be required to report using the following: 

• ED-916 Semi-Annual Program Outputs Questionnaire for EDA Grantees:

https://www.eda.gov/sites/default/files/filebase/archives/2021/files/performance/gpra/ED-916-

Semi-annual-Program-Outputs-Questionnaire.pdf

• ED-917 Annual Capacity Outcomes Questionnaire for EDA Grantees serving clients: 

(https://www.eda.gov/sites/default/files/filebase/archives/2021/files/performance/gpra/ED-917-

Annual-Outcomes-Questionnaire-with-clients.pdf
Appendix B

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APPENDIX B OPTIONAL CHECKLIST-STYLE GUIDE FOR REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR APPLICATION

1. PUBLIC ENTITIES: For States, Indian Tribes, Cities, Other Political Subdivisions of States, and Institutions of Higher Education 

That Are 100% Publicly Controlled

The following checklist table is meant to assist applicants that are States, Indian tribes, cities, other political subdivisions of States, and Institutions of 

Higher Education that are 100% publicly controlled (including consortia of one or more of these types of entities). As set forth in section D.2 (p.11) of 

this NOFO, all documents are required for a complete application.

Note that this list DOES NOT APPLY to nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education that are not 100% publicly controlled, public-private 

partnerships, science or research parks, Federal laboratories, venture development organizations, or economic development or similar 

organizations. For these organizations, see Appendix B2 of this NOFO. 

Document Checklist for State, Indian Tribe, City, and Other Political State Subdivision Applicants/Co-Applicants

Document Title/Description/Reference Checklist

Project Narrative See section D.2.i One per Application

Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan See section D.2.i One per Application

Matching Share Commitment Letters See section D.2.i One per match source

Form SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance One per Applicant or Co-applicant (not needed for subrecipients)

Form SF-424A Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs One per Application

Form CD-511 Certification Regarding Lobbying (if applicable) One per Applicant or Co-applicant (not needed for subrecipients)

Form SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities If applicable, one per Applicant or Co-applicant (not needed for 

subrecipients)

SPOC/EO 12372 Compliance 

Documentation 

See section D.2.ii and https://www.whitehouse.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf (if applicable) If applicable, one per State served

ICR Agreement See section D.2.ii18 (if applicable) One per Applicant

Project Area and FIPS Codes See sectionD.2.ii. Add as an attachment to the SF-424. One per Application
Appendix B

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2. NON-PUBLIC ENTITIES: For Nonprofit Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education That Are Not 100% Publicly Controlled, 

Public-Private Partnerships, Science or Research Parks, Federal Laboratories, Venture Development Organizations, Economic 

Development or Similar Organizations

The following checklist table is meant to assist applicants that are nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education that are not 100% publicly

controlled, public-private partnerships, science or research parks, Federal laboratories, venture development organizations, or economic 

development or similar organizations (as well as consortia that include one or more of these types of entities). As set forth in section D.2 (p.1111) of

this NOFO, all documents are required for a complete application.

Document Checklist for Nonprofit Organization, Institution of Higher Education, Public-Private Partnership, Science or Research Park, Federal

Laboratory, Venture Development Organization, and Economic Development or Similar Organization Applicants/Co-Applicants

Document Title/Description/Requirements Checklist

Project Narrative See section D.2.i One per Application

Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan See section D.2.i 15 One per Application

Matching Share Commitment Letters See section D.2.i 15 One per match source

State/Local Government Support See section D.2.i One per Application

Form SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance One per Applicant or Co-applicant (not 

needed for subrecipients)

Form SF-424A Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs One per Application

Form CD-511 Certification Regarding Lobbying (if applicable) One per Applicant or Co-applicant (not 

needed for subrecipients)

Form SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

If applicable, one per Applicant or Coapplicant (not needed for 

subrecipients)

SPOC/EO 12372 Compliance 

Documentation

See section D.2.ii and https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC4-13-20.pdf (if applicable)If applicable, one per State in the 

project’s service area

Organizational Documentation E.g., certificates of good standing, articles of incorporation, bylaws, establishing 

authorities; see section D.2.ii (if applicable)

If applicable, per Applicant Or Coapplicant (not needed for 

subrecipients)

Public Private Partnership 

Documentation

If applicable, documentation defining the public private partnership which contains details 

of the agreement, including roles and responsibilities, and is signed by all parties. See 

13. C.F.R. § 312.5 and the discussion of documentation for public-private partnerships in 

footnote 8 to section C.1. Please note, Public Private Partnerships must also provide all 

documentation required for Co-applicants.

One per Application

Indirect Cost Rate (ICR) Agreement See section D.2.ii One per Applicant

Project Area and FIPS Codes See section D.2.ii. Add as an attachment to the SF-424. One per Application
Appendix B

35