13866 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development

Administration

[Docket No. 950302065–5065–01]

Economic Development Assistance

Programs—Availability of Funds

AGENCY: Economic Development

Administration (EDA), Department of

Commerce (DoC).

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: The Economic Development

Administration (EDA) announces its

policies and application procedures for

funds available in fiscal year 1995, as

described in Public Law 103–317,

Departments of Commerce, Justice,

State, the Judiciary, and Related

Agencies Appropriations, to support

projects designed to alleviate conditions

of substantial and persistent

unemployment and underemployment

in economically-distressed areas and

regions of the Nation and to address

economic dislocations resulting from

sudden, severe job losses. The purpose

of this announcement is to

communicate to potential applicants for

EDA funds the policies and procedures

that will be used to administer the

Agency’s programs during fiscal year

1995.

DATES: This announcement is effective

for applications considered for fiscal

year 1995. Applications are accepted on

a continuous basis and will be

processed as funds are available.

Normally, two months are required for

a final decision after the receipt of a

completed application that meets all

EDA requirements.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties should

contact the EDA office in their area (see

Section XII).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: See

information at the end of each program

section and Section XII for the EDA

regional office and Economic

Development Representative for the

area.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Policies

EDA encourages certain types of

project applications such as those

proposals having the greatest potential

to benefit areas experiencing or

threatened with substantial economic

distress. EDA is particularly interested

in projects located in authorized and

designated enterprise zones. Distress

may exist in a variety of forms,

including high levels of unemployment,

low income levels, large concentrations

of low income families, significant

decline in per capita employment,

substantial loss of population because of

the lack of employment opportunities,

large numbers (or high rates) of business

failures, sudden major layoffs or plant

closures, and reduced tax bases.

Potential applicants are responsible

for demonstrating to EDA, through the

provision of statistics and other

appropriate information, the nature and

level of the distress their efforts are

intended to alleviate. In the absence of

evidence of high levels of distress, EDA

funding is unlikely. In considering

proposals to benefit severely distressed

areas, EDA will give consideration to

those that address the needs of both

rural and urban communities,

particularly aid that is directed toward

the economic diversification of such

areas.

During FY 1995, EDA will place a

special emphasis on assisting projects

that focus on: (1) Exports; (2)

entrepreneurship; (3)

telecommunications; and (4) technology

initiatives including innovation, staying

competitive in high value markets (well

paying quality jobs), transfer, and

commercialization, to alleviate

conditions of substantial and persistent

unemployment and underemployment

in economically-distressed areas and

regions, through the provision of grants

for Public Works and Development

Facilities, Technical Assistance,

Economic Development Planning,

Research and Evaluation, and Economic

Adjustment Assistance.

EDA recognizes that small

communities experience impediments

to economic development other than the

traditional inadequacies of existing

water, sewer and roadway systems;

therefore, in fiscal year 1995, EDA will

give consideration to projects that will

assist an area to overcome a special

development or infrastructure problem

that is preventing employment growth

and economic development from taking

place. Such projects may involve, but

are not limited to, activities designed to

enhance the expansion of the service

sector of the economy when that sector

is deemed more growth oriented than

the traditional industrial sector, or

innovative projects designed for the

development of publicly-owned

telecommunications infrastructure

when it can be demonstrated that such

a project is needed to foster productivity

or enhance economic growth within an

EDA-eligible area. Such proposals must

be appropriately scaled and provide

substantial and direct benefit to the

local economy or otherwise enhance the

economic prosperity of the area. EDA

will consider providing assistance to

demonstration type projects that are

especially creative from an economic

development standpoint and that

leverage a substantial amount of

nonfederal resources.

Eligible applicants that can

demonstrate substantial local support

for proposed projects have a better

chance to receive EDA assistance.

Proposals that do not provide evidence

of strong support from the governmental

entities in which the proposed project is

located are less likely to receive EDA

assistance. Support can be demonstrated

by the commitment of funds necessary

to finance all or part of the nonfederal

share.

EDA expects those responsible for

developing and managing projects to

maximize the impact of the public funds

by implementing projects as thoroughly

and expeditiously as possible. In the

case of projects involving construction,

EDA expects construction to be initiated

and completed in a timely manner.

Applicants are expected to anticipate

predictable delays such as those caused

by normal weather conditions, permits

and approvals, legal complications,

community disputes, land acquisition,

etc., and account for them in developing

project schedules. Projects which by

their nature are likely to encounter

significant delays are less likely to be

considered for funding. Projects that

experience unreasonable delays

following EDA approval may be

terminated and the funds deobligated.

These policies are consistent with

EDA’s objective of supporting activities

that can begin to benefit local

economies as soon as possible, thereby

meeting the pressing development

needs identified by project applicants.

Generally, EDA funding will not be

used directly or indirectly to assist

employers who transfer one or more

jobs from one commuting area to

another. EDA nonrelocation

requirements (13 CFR 309.3) apply to all

grants involving construction,

rehabilitation or repair of real estate

under Titles I, IV, IX, and Section 301(f)

of the Public Works and Economic

Development Act of 1965 (Pub. L. 89–

136, 42 U.S.C. 3121–3246h), as

amended and grants under Title IX for

any purpose (including Revolving Loan

Funds).

No award of Federal funds will be

made to an applicant who has an

outstanding delinquent Federal debt

until either:

1. The delinquent account is paid in

full;

2. A negotiated repayment schedule is

established and at least one payment is

received, or

3. Other arrangements satisfactory to

DoC are made.
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices 13867

Applicants may be subject to a preaward accounting system survey by the

Department of Commerce’s Office of

Inspector General, and fund recipients

may be subject to audits or other

inspections by the same office.

Applicants eligible for additional

grant assistance because of membership

in an economic development district

must be active participants in the

district’s economic development

planning process.

EDA will evaluate applications for

conformance with published statutory,

regulatory, and policy requirements.

Applications proposed for funding

under these programs are subject to the

requirements of Executive Order 12372,

‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal

Programs.’’

EDA will not approve projects that

involve actual or potential conflict-ofinterest situations. If EDA identifies or

suspects a possible conflict-of-interest

situation, or an appearance of such,

application processing and/or the grant

award may be suspended and the

burden will be on the applicant/grantee

to take appropriate steps to eliminate

the perception or actual conflict of

interest before the application

processing or award is resumed.

Recipients must agree that no funds

made available by EDA will be used,

directly or indirectly, for paying

attorneys’ or consultants’ fees in

connection with securing awards made

by the Government, such as preparation

of the application. However, attorneys’

and consultants’ fees incurred for

meeting award requirements, such as

conducting a title search or preparing

plans and specifications, may be eligible

project costs and may be paid out of

funds made available by EDA, if such

costs are otherwise eligible.

The total dollar amount of the indirect

costs proposed in an application under

any EDA programs must not exceed the

indirect cost rate negotiated and

approved by a cognizant Federal agency

prior to the proposed effective date of

the award or 100 percent of the total

proposed direct costs dollar amount in

the application, whichever is less.

Primary Applicant Certification—All

primary applicants must submit a

completed Form CD–511,

‘‘Certifications Regarding Debarment,

Suspension and Other Responsibility

Matters; Drug-Free Workplace

Requirements and Lobbying,’’ and the

following explanations are hereby

provided:

a. Nonprocurement Debarment and

Suspension—Prospective participants

(as defined at 15 CFR Part 26, Section

105) are subject to 15 CFR Part 26,

‘‘Nonprocurement Debarment and

Suspension’’ and the related section of

the certification form prescribed above

applies;

b. Drug-Free Workplace—Grantees (as

defined at 15 CFR Part 26, Section 605)

are subject to 15 CFR Part 26, Subpart

F, ‘‘Governmentwide Requirements for

Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)’’ and the

related section of the certification form

prescribed above applies;

c. Anti-Lobbying—Persons (as defined

at 15 CFR Part 28, Section 105) are

subject to the lobbying provisions of 31

U.S.C. 1352, ‘‘Limitation on use of

appropriated funds to influence certain

Federal contracting and financial

transactions,’’ and the lobbying section

of the certification form which applies

to applications/bids for grants,

cooperative agreements, and contracts

for more than $100,000, and loans and

loan guarantees for more than $150,000,

or the single family maximum mortgage

limit for affected programs, whichever is

greater; and

d. Anti-Lobbying Disclosures—Any

applicant that has paid or will pay for

lobbying using any funds must submit

an SF–LLL, ‘‘Disclosure of Lobbying

Activities,’’ as required under 15 CFR

Part 28, Appendix B.

Recipients shall require applicants/

bidders for subgrants, contracts,

subcontracts, or other lower tier covered

transactions at any tier under the award

to submit, if applicable, a completed

Form CD–512, ‘‘Certifications Regarding

Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility

and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier

Covered Transactions and Lobbying’’

and disclosure form, SF–LLL,

‘‘Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.’’

Form CD–512 is intended for the use of

recipients and should not be transmitted

to the Department. SF–LLL submitted

by any tier recipient or subrecipient

should be submitted to DoC in

accordance with the instructions

contained in the award document.

Buy American-Made Equipment or

Products—Applicants are hereby

notified that they will be encouraged, to

the greatest extent practicable to

purchase American-made equipment

and products with funding provided

under these programs in accordance

with Congressional intent as set forth in

the resolution contained in Public Law

103–317, Sections 607 (a) and (b).

The implementing regulations of the

National Environmental Policy Act

(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, records of

decision etc., to the affected public as

specified in 40 CFR 1506.6(b).

Depending on the project location,

environmental information concerning

specific projects can be obtained from

the Regional Environmental Officer

(REO) in the appropriate EDA regional

office listed in Section XII or from Dr.

Frank Monteferrante, Environmental

Branch, Compliance Review Division,

EDA, U.S. Department of Commerce,

Washington, DC 20230, (202) 482–4208.

Applicants should be aware that a

false statement on the application is

grounds for denial of the application or

termination of the grant award and

grounds for possible punishment by a

fine or imprisonment as provided in 18

U.S.C. 1001 and 42 U.S.C. 3220.

All nonprofit and for-profit applicants

are subject to a name check review

process. Name checks are intended to

reveal if any key individuals associated

with the applicant have been convicted

of, or are presently facing, criminal

charges such as fraud, theft, perjury, or

other matters which significantly reflect

on the applicant’s management, honesty

or financial integrity.

Application Procedures

Applications are accepted on a

continuous basis. Processing time for

applications will depend upon the

completeness of the information and

supporting documents provided in the

application at the time of submission.

Applications that require additional

information from applicants or other

sources will not be processed further

pending correction of deficiencies, and

the official application receipt dates will

be adjusted accordingly. Normally, two

months are required for a final decision

after the receipt of a completed

application that meets all EDA

requirements. Please see the specific

program sections of this Notice for

appropriate preapplication and

application procedures. Proponents

should contact the appropriate EDR (see

Section XII) to obtain the necessary

application forms.

An invitation to submit an application

does not assure EDA funding. Factors

that will be considered in selecting

proposals include if and to what extent

the project meets the evaluation criteria

and ‘‘General Policies’’ described above.

Project applications invited but not

funded or denied in any fiscal year

remain eligible for funding

consideration in the next fiscal year.

Applications invited and received prior

to the date of this Notice will be

processed and evaluated in accordance

with the project evaluation and

selection criteria published for FY 1994

and current legal requirements. Those

applications invited on or after the date

of this Notice must be consistent with
13868 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices

this Notice. Applicants whose projects

were invited but not submitted to EDA

in FY 1994 should contact the

appropriate EDA regional office

regarding the forms to be used for FY

1995.

Selection Procedures

Generally, preapplications are

reviewed by the Economic Development

Representative, the Project Review

Committee and then the Regional

Director. Based on the evaluation

criteria, general policies and availability

of funds, final funding decisions on all

applications under Titles I and IX and

Title III, Local Technical Assistance and

Planning, are made by the Regional

Directors subject to such conditions as

the Assistant Secretary for Economic

Development may prescribe. All other

funding decisions are made by the

Assistant Secretary for Economic

Development.

Recipients and subrecipients are

subject to all Federal laws and Federal

and DoC policies, regulations, and

procedures applicable to Federal

financial assistance awards.

Unsatisfactory performance under

prior Federal awards may result in an

application not being considered for

funding.

If an application is selected for

funding, EDA has no obligation to

provide any additional future funding in

connection with an award. Renewal of

an award to increase funding or extend

the period of performance is at the total

discretion of EDA.

Applicants should be aware that if

they incur any costs prior to an award

being made they do so solely at their

own risk of not being reimbursed by the

Government. Notwithstanding any

verbal or written assurance that may

have been received, there is no

obligation on the part of EDA to cover

pre-award costs.

The following material describes

other requirements, policies and

procedures associated with each of

EDA’s programs.

II. Program: Public Works and

Development Facilities Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance:

11.300 Economic Development Grants and

Loans for Public Works and Development

Facilities. 11.304 Economic Development

Public Works Impact Program (PWIP)) 13

CFR Part 305

Authority

Funds available under the Public

Works and Development Facilities

Program are used to finance projects

that contribute to the economic

development of distressed areas. This

program is authorized by Titles I and IV

of the Public Works and Economic

Development Act of 1965, as amended

(PWEDA), 42 U.S.C. 3131 and 42 U.S.C.

3171(a)(3).

Eligibility

Eligible applicants under this program

include any state, or political

subdivision thereof, Indian tribe, the

Federated States of Micronesia, the

Republic of the Marshall Islands, the

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the

Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa

and the Commonwealth of the Northern

Mariana Islands, or private or public

nonprofit organization or association

representing any redevelopment area or

part thereof, provided such project is

located within an eligible EDA area that

is represented by the nonprofit

organization or association.

Eligible areas, other than those

designated under the Public Works

Impact Program, must have a current

EDA-approved Overall Economic

Development Program (OEDP). Political

entities claiming eligibility under

OEDPs developed by multicounty

economic development organizations

are expected to continue to participate

actively in the organization. Further

information on eligibility is available

from EDA’s regional offices. Nonprofit

applicants are urged to seek the

cooperation and support of units of

local government and, when deemed

appropriate by EDA, to have the local

government serve as co-applicant for

EDA assistance. This ensures the

financial stability and continuity of the

project, in the event that the nonprofit

entity finds itself in a position of not

having the financial resources to

properly and efficiently administer,

operate, and maintain the EDA-assisted

facility consistent with the provisions of

13 CFR 314–Property Management

Standards.

Program Objective

The purpose of the Public Works

Program is to assist communities with

the funding of public works and

development facilities that contribute to

the creation or retention of private

sector jobs and to the alleviation of

unemployment and underemployment.

Such assistance is designed to help

communities achieve lasting

improvement by stabilizing and

diversifying local economies, and

improving local living conditions and

the economic development of the area.

The alleviation of unemployment and

underemployment among residents of

the project area is a primary focus of

this program.

Funding Availability

Funds in the amount of $195 million

are available for this program. Grants

awarded under this program generally

range between $100,000 and $1.5

million.

Funding Instrument

EDA may provide direct grants not to

exceed 50 percent of the estimated cost

of the project. However, under certain

circumstances supplementary grants to

augment the direct grant may be

provided up to a maximum of 80

percent of the eligible project costs.

Supplementary grant assistance to

finance over 50 percent of the project

costs will be approved by EDA only for

proposals in areas of high distress.

Decisions on such supplementary grant

assistance will be based on the nature of

the project, the amount of fair user

charges or other revenues the project

may reasonably be expected to generate,

and the relative needs of the area (see

13 CFR 305.5). But in no event will the

Federal participation exceed 80 percent

of the aggregate cost of any such project,

except as authorized by section 101(c) of

PWEDA of 1965, as amended, which

permits EDA to waive the nonfederal

share under certain conditions.

Applicants are required to provide the

local share from acceptable sources

including, but not limited to cash, local

government general obligation or

revenue bonds, Community

Development Block Grant (CDBG)

entitlement funds or balance of state

awards, Farmers Home Administration

loans, and other public and private

financing, including donations.

The local share need not be in hand

at the time of application, however, the

applicant must assure EDA that the

funds will be available to provide the

nonfederal share of the project. The

local share must not be encumbered in

any way that would preclude its use

consistent with the requirements of the

grant.

Project Duration

Projects are expected to be completed

in a timely manner consistent with the

nature of the project. Normally, the

maximum period for any financial

assistance that is provided shall be not

more than five (5) years from date of

award.

Evaluation Criteria

For both regular public works projects

and Public Works Impact Program

(PWIP) projects, priority consideration

will be given to those which are the

most competitive based upon the project

evaluation criteria set forth below, that

best meet the needs of eligible areas,
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices 13869

and that are located in areas of

substantial economic distress.

Evaluation criteria will not be assigned

weights. Projects will be evaluated on

the basis of the elements listed below to

meet the goals described above.

A. Public Works Projects

Factors that will be taken into account

in considering projects eligible under

section 101(a)(1)(A)—(C) of PWEDA, 42

U.S.C. 3131(a)(1)(A)—(C), include if and

to what extent the project:

1. Improves opportunities for the

successful establishment or expansion

of industrial or commercial facilities in

the area where such project will be

located.

2. Is consistent with the EDA

approved Overall Economic

Development Program (OEDP) for the

area in which it is, or will be, located,

and has broad community support.

3. Assists in creating or retaining

private sector jobs in the near term and

assists in the creation of additional longterm employment opportunities,

provided the jobs are not transferred

from any other area of the United States,

and will result in a low cost-per-job in

relation to total EDA cost.

4. Benefits the long-term unemployed

and members of low-income families

who are residents of the area to be

served by the project.

5. Fulfills a pressing need of the area,

or part thereof, in which it will be

located.

6. Is supported by significant private

sector investment.

7. Has evidence of adequate local

share of funds.

8. Supports developments taking

place in designated empowerment

zones/enterprise communities.

9. Demonstrates that necessary

permits, land acquisitions, or options on

land and rights-of-way have been or will

be obtained and that all other legal

requirements of the application process

have been satisfied.

10. Maximizes the amount of local,

state or other Federal funding that is

available.

11. Gives evidence of the ability to

begin and complete construction in a

timely manner in accordance with a

schedule to be agreed upon by EDA and

the applicant and included in the grant

award. EDA discourages the start of

construction prior to grant award and

cautions that financial hardship may be

experienced by applicants whose

projects are not approved. EDA will

require all applicants that request

approval to proceed with construction

prior to grant award to acknowledge that

they are proceeding at their own risk

and without recourse to EDA if the grant

is not awarded or EDA requirements are

not met. EDA also requires that

compliance with environmental

regulations be completed before

construction begins. EDA’s regional

office must have time to complete its

‘‘Finding of No Significant Impact,’’ and

clearances must be obtained from

appropriate state and Federal agencies.

Furthermore, EDA may view the start of

construction prior to grant award as an

indication that the grant funds are not

essential for the successful

implementation of the project.

12. If located in an Economic

Development Center (i.e., Growth

Center) that has a stable economy with

little distress, includes an employment

plan that explains how new

employment opportunities for residents

of nearby highly distressed

redevelopment areas will be provided.

B. Public Works Impact Program

Factors that will be considered in the

evaluation of projects under the Public

Works Impact Program (PWIP)

authorized by section 101(a)(1)(D) of

PWEDA, 42 U.S.C. 3131(a)(1)(D),

include if and to what extent the

project:

1. Directly assists in creating

immediate useful work (i.e.,

construction jobs) for the unemployed

and underemployed residents in the

project area;

2. Improves the economic or

community environment in areas of

severe economic distress;

3. Includes a specific plan (i.e., PWIP

Employment Strategy) for hiring the

unemployed and underemployed

persons from the project area to work on

the construction of the project; EDA will

evaluate all plans to ensure that they

contain a logical explanation of how the

employment objectives will be met;

4. Assists in providing long-term

employment opportunities or other

economic benefits for the unemployed

and underemployed in the project area;

5. Primarily benefits low-income

families by providing essential

community services, or satisfying a

pressing public need;

6. In addition to the requirement for

regular public works projects, as

contained in paragraph A 11., can begin

construction quickly (normally within

120 days after acceptance of the grant by

the applicant);

7. Has significant labor intensity,

where labor intensity is the proportion

of labor costs to the total project costs.

C. Industrial Park Projects

Projects that will primarily serve an

industrial park or site may be evaluated

on such additional factors as:

1. A detailed analysis of existing

industrial park capacity and utilization;

occupancy rates for existing developed

industrial parks currently available

within a 25-mile radius of the project

site. For cities with populations over

50,000, the prescribed area may be

determined by an analysis of industrial

sites within an established industrial

area, which may be less than a 25-mile

radius. Contact the economic

development representative (EDR) for

the area or the appropriate EDA regional

office for guidance.

2. Commitments in writing from

identified tenants to expand existing

operations or to locate in the industrial

park or site. Commitments should

include a description of the industry,

the number of jobs created or saved, an

implementation schedule, and the

relationship of the commitment to the

requested grant assistance.

3. The existence of a documented

marketing strategy and demonstrated

financial ability to market space in the

industrial park or site. Strong emphasis

will be placed upon this evaluation

criterion.

Construction Project Implementation

As indicated in the first section of this

Notice, EDA expects construction

projects to be initiated and completed in

a timely manner and in accordance with

the schedule agreed upon in the grant

documentation.

Under most circumstances, EDA will

not provide additional funds to finance

cost overruns that occur during project

implementation.

Proposal Submission Procedures

To establish the merits of project

proposals, interested parties should first

contact the economic development

representative (EDR) for the area (see

listing in Section XII). The economic

development representative for the area

will provide a preapplication form (ED–

101P, OMB Control No. 0610–0011) and

arrange for conferences to discuss the

proposal. EDA will evaluate proposals

before inviting the submission of an

application. As previously mentioned,

an invitation to submit an application

does not assure EDA funding. Proposals

will be evaluated based upon:

1. Conformance with the evaluation

criteria mentioned above;

2. Merits of the proposal in addressing

the economic development needs of the

eligible area; and

3. The availability of program funds.

Processing time for project proposals

depends upon the completeness of

information and supporting documents

provided in the preapplication form at

the time of submission. Project
13870 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices

proposals that require additional

information from applicants or other

sources will not be processed further

until deficiencies are corrected.

Application Procedures

Following a review of project

proposals, EDA will invite entities

whose projects are selected for

consideration to submit applications

within 30 days after receipt of an

invitation letter. The application will

include a form ED–101A, as approved

by the Office of Management and

Budget Control No. 0610–0011. The

demand for public works assistance is

expected to exceed available funding.

The processing of applications that

cannot be recommended for approval

within 60 days of receipt in a regional

office because of unresolved issues will

be suspended. Such applications may be

reconsidered at a future date, but must

compete with other applications for the

funds available at that time.

Further Information

For further information contact the

appropriate EDA regional office or

economic development representative

for your area (see Section XII of this

Notice).

III. Program: Local Technical

Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance:

11.303 Economic Development-Technical

Assistance) 13 CFR Part 307, Subpart A

Authority

Funds under the Local Technical

Assistance Program are awarded to

eligible applicants to provide assistance

intended to assure the successful

initiation and implementation of area,

state, and regional development efforts

designed to alleviate economic distress.

This program is authorized under

Section 301(a) of the Public Works and

Economic Development Act of 1965, as

amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151(a).

Eligibility

Eligible applicants for Local

Technical Assistance grants or

cooperative agreements include public

or private nonprofit national, state, area,

district, or local organizations; public

and private colleges and universities;

Indian tribes, local governments, and

state agencies. In certain circumstances,

applications may be considered from

other applicants such as private

individuals, partnerships, firms, and

corporations.

Program Objective

The Local Technical Assistance

Program is designed to help alleviate or

prevent conditions of excessive

unemployment or underemployment

and problems of economically

distressed populations in rural and

urban areas.

Funding Availability

Funds in the amount of $1.5 million

are available for the Local Technical

Assistance Program. It is expected that

these funds will be made available for

projects serving specific local or

substate areas and also for projects

whose impacts will affect multistate

areas within EDA regional office

boundaries. Individual award amounts

have averaged $25,000 in recent years.

Funding Instrument

EDA will provide grants and

cooperative agreements not to exceed 75

percent of the proposed project costs.

Applicants are expected to provide the

remaining share, preferably in cash. The

Assistant Secretary may waive all or

part of the 25 percent share of technical

assistance grants, if he/she determines

that the nonfederal share is not

reasonably available because of the

critical nature of the situation requiring

technical assistance or for other good

cause.

Project Duration

Assistance will be for the period of

time required to complete the scope of

the work. This typically does not exceed

twelve months.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria will not be

assigned weights. Projects will be

evaluated on the basis of the elements

listed below in order to meet the goals

described above. Evaluation criteria

include whether the local Technical

Assistance proposal:

1. Produces strong evidence that the

proposed project will lead to the nearterm (between one and five years)

generation or retention of private sector

jobs.

2. Does not depend upon further EDA

or other Federal funding assistance to

achieve results.

3. Strengthens the capability of state

and local organizations and institutions,

including nonprofit development

groups, to undertake and promote

effective economic development

programs targeted to people and areas of

distress.

4. Stimulates significant private and

nonfederal public investment for

economic development purposes,

including funds from commercial

lenders, public and private pension

funds and other nontraditional sources.

5. Benefits severely distressed areas,

both rural and urban counties and

communities.

6. Diversifies distressed rural and

urban economies by means of

empowerment zones, enterprise

communities and other strategies.

7. Demonstrates innovative

approaches to stimulating economic

development in depressed areas. EDA is

particularly interested in receiving

innovative proposals in the following

areas:

a. Export development used as an

economic development strategy;

b. Assistance to business in uses of

technology; and

c. Sustainable development.

8. Is consistent with the EDA

approved Overall Economic

Development Program (OEDP) for the

area in which the project is located and

has been recommended by the OEDP

Committee (if appropriate to the nature

of the project).

9. Presents an appropriate and clear

project design.

10. Is proposed by organization or

individual(s) with the capacity,

qualifications and staff necessary to

undertake the intended activities.

11. Presents a reasonable, itemized

budget for the proposed activities.

12. Involves a significant (preferably

cash) contribution in excess of

minimum required from applicant or

other nonfederal sources.

Pre-Application Procedures

Parties seeking support for Local

Technical Assistance projects should

contact the economic development

representative (EDR) for the area to

discuss their proposal. (See EDR listing

in Section XII of this announcement.)

EDA will evaluate all proposals as

they are received and invite

applications for those which best satisfy

the evaluation criteria. An invitation

does not, however, assure EDA funding.

Potential applicants should submit

one original and two copies of a brief

and concise proposal, not to exceed 20

pages. Vita and capability information

may be appended.

Proposal Submission Procedures

Potential applicants must submit to

the appropriate EDR proposals that

include:

1. A cover page giving a short

descriptive project title, the name and

address of the applicant organization,

the name and telephone number of the

project director, the project duration,

total project cost, the amount of EDA

funds requested, and the program (Local

Technical Assistance) from which EDA

funds are being requested;
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices 13871

2. A brief section indicating why the

project is needed, giving its objectives,

and providing a capsule description of

the project;

3. A more detailed description of the

project and its methodology;

4. A work plan showing different

phases of the project and their timing;

5. A detailed budget, not to exceed

one page, showing cost breakdowns,

with EDA-funded and non-EDA-funded

costs presented in separate columns and

with the EDA-funded costs adding to

the total shown on the cover page;

6. Resumes for the project director

and principal staff; and

7. A corporate or institutional

capability statement, where appropriate.

Parties seeking support for projects

where impacts will cross EDA regional

boundaries should submit proposals to

the Director, Technical Assistance and

Research Division, Economic

Development Administration, Room

7315, U.S. Department of Commerce,

Washington, DC 20230. Individuals or

organizations located outside the

Washington, DC, metropolitan area

should submit a copy of the letter

transmitting their proposal to

Washington, and to the EDR for the area

in which they are located.

Application Procedures

The appropriate EDA regional office

will invite entities whose proposals for

Local Technical Assistance projects are

selected for further consideration to

submit application packages. The

application will include a Standard

Form-424 (OMB Control No. 0348–

0043).

Eligibility for Specific Solicitations

EDA may, during the course of the

year, identify specific economic

development technical assistance

activities it wishes to have conducted.

Organizations and individuals

interested in being invited to respond to

Solicitations of Applications (SOAs) to

conduct such work should submit

information on their capabilities and

experience to the Director, Technical

Assistance and Research Division,

Economic Development Administration,

Room 7315, U.S. Department of

Commerce, Washington, DC 20230.

Further Information

For further information about Local

Technical Assistance projects contact

the appropriate EDR. (See EDR listing in

Section XII of this announcement.) For

further information about submitting

projects whose impact will cross EDA

regional office boundaries, contact the

National Technical Assistance

Coordinator, telephone (202) 482–2127.

IV. Program: National Technical

Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance:

11.303 Economic Development-Technical

Assistance) 13 CFR Part 307, Subpart A

Authority

Funds under the National Technical

Assistance Program are awarded to

eligible applicants who will offer

assistance to local, regional and state

organizations, and/or conduct

demonstrations of and disseminate

information about innovative

development techniques designed to

alleviate economic distress. This

program is authorized under Section

301(a) of the Public Works and

Economic Development Act of 1965, as

amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151(a).

Eligibility

Eligible applicants for National

Technical Assistance grants or

cooperative agreements include public

or private nonprofit national, state, area,

district, or local organizations; public

and private colleges and universities;

Indian tribes, local governments, and

state agencies. In certain circumstances,

applications may be considered from

other eligible applicants such as private

individuals, partnerships, firms, and

corporations.

Program Objective

The National Technical Assistance

Program is designed to help alleviate or

prevent conditions of excessive

unemployment or underemployment

and to address problems of

economically distressed populations.

Funding Availability

Funds in the amount of $1.85 million

are available for the National Technical

Assistance Program. Individual award

amounts may vary and generally will

not exceed $200,000.

Funding Instrument

EDA will provide grants not to exceed

75 percent of proposed project costs.

Applicants are expected to provide the

remaining share. In cases where EDA

issues a Solicitation of Applications, an

applicant’s share may not be required.

The Assistant Secretary may waive all

or part of the 25 percent nonfederal

share of technical assistance grants, if

he/she determines that the nonfederal

share is not reasonably available

because of the critical nature of the

situation requiring technical assistance

or for other good cause.

Project Duration

Assistance will be for the period of

time required to complete the scope of

the work. Generally, this will not exceed

fifteen months.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria will not be

assigned weights. Projects will be

evaluated on the basis of the elements

listed below in order to meet the goals

described above. EDA will consider

proposals for National Technical

Assistance that include whether the

proposal:

1. Effectively supports, through

providing information and other means,

the capability of state and local

organizations and institutions,

including nonprofit development

groups, to undertake and promote

effective economic development

programs targeted to people and areas in

distress.

2. Demonstrates innovative

approaches to stimulating economic

development in one or more of the

following:

a. Assistance to business in

implementing technology initiatives

including innovations, transfer, and

commercialization including high value

manufacturing through collaboration;

b. Export assistance;

c. Entrepreneurship assistance;

d. Sustainable development and

growth management;

e. Empowerment zones/enterprise

communities;

f. Defense conversion and industrial

restructuring;

g. Assistance to colleges and

universities, including community

colleges in implementing technology

and/or developing curricula for

economic development; and

h. Other relevant economic

development issues.

3. Presents an appropriate and clear

project design.

4. Is proposed by organizations with

the capacity, qualifications, and staff

necessary to undertake the intended

activities.

5. Presents a reasonable, itemized

budget for the proposed activities.

Pre-Application Procedure

Potential applicants should submit

one original and two copies of a brief

and concise proposal, not to exceed 20

pages. Vita and capability information

may be appended.

Proposals should include:

1. A cover page giving a short

descriptive project title, the name and

address of the performing organization,

the name and telephone number of the

project director, the project duration,

the project costs, the amount of EDA

funds requested, and the program

(National Technical Assistance) from

which EDA funds are being requested;
13872 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices

2. A brief scope-and-objectives section

indicating why the project is needed,

giving its objectives, and providing a

capsule description of the project;

3. A more detailed description of the

project and its methodology;

4. A work plan showing different

phases of the project and their timing;

5. A detailed budget, not to exceed

one page, showing cost breakdowns,

with EDA-funded and non-EDA-funded

costs presented in separate columns and

with the EDA-funded costs adding to

the total shown on the cover page;

6. Resumes for the project director

and principal staff; and

7. A corporate or institutional

capability statement, where appropriate.

Proposals should be submitted to the

Director, Technical Assistance and

Research Division, Economic

Development Administration, Room

7315, U.S. Department of Commerce,

Washington, DC 20230.

Application Procedures

The Technical Assistance and

Research Division will invite entities

whose proposals for National Technical

Assistance projects are selected for

further consideration to submit

application packages. Such invitation,

however, does not assure EDA funding.

The application will include a Standard

Form-424 (OMB Control No. 0348–

0043).

Eligibility for Specific Solicitations

EDA may, during the course of the

year, identify additional specific

economic development technical

assistance activities. Organizations and

individuals interested in being invited

to respond to Solicitations of

Applications (SOAs) to conduct such

work should submit information on

their capabilities and experience to the

Director, Technical Assistance and

Research Division, Economic

Development Administration, Room

7315, U.S. Department of Commerce,

Washington, DC 20230.

Further Information

For further information about

National Technical Assistance projects

contact the Technical Assistance and

Research Division, telephone (202) 482–

2127.

V. Program: University Center

Technical Assistance Projects

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance:

11.303 Economic Development-Technical

Assistance) 13 CFR Part 307, Subpart A

Authority

Funds for the basic University Center

projects are used as seed money to help

selected colleges and universities

mobilize their own and other resources

to assist in the economic development

of distressed areas. The efforts of

university centers should focus on

helping public bodies, nonprofit

organizations and businesses plan and

implement activities designed to

generate jobs and income. In addition,

funds may be used for projects which

promote the goals of the University

Center program in other ways that

demonstrate innovative economic

development. Support for these types of

projects is authorized under Section

301(a) of the Public Works and

Economic Development Act of 1965, as

amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151(a).

Eligibility

Eligible applicants for University

Center grants are public and private

colleges and universities, associations

representing such institutions, and other

organizations with expertise in

University Center program issues.

Program Description

This program helps educational

institutions establish and maintain

outreach programs which permit them

to be active and on-going participants in

economic development. The objective of

the program is to use the resources of

the educational institutions to provide

technical assistance to alleviate or

prevent conditions of excessive

unemployment or underemployment

and problems of distressed populations

in individual states or substate areas.

The technical assistance provided under

this program must be directed to clients

outside the institution of higher

education.

Funding Availability

The FY 1995 budget for this program

is $7.57 million. While the expected

funding range for each award is $75,000

to $150,000, circumstances may warrant

funding projects at higher or lower

levels. In FY 1994, EDA provided

funding to 66 colleges and universities

under this program. Since most of them

are expected to seek continuation

funding, it is unlikely that any new

University Centers will be funded in FY

1995.

Matching Requirements

A minimum match, equal to 25

percent of the total project cost, is

required.

Type of Funding Instrument

This program uses grants as its

funding instrument.

Award Period

The project period for grants awarded

under this program generally will not

exceed twelve months.

Indirect Costs

EDA encourages applicants to waive

indirect costs for this program. No more

than 20 percent of the Federal grant and

the minimum nonfederal share may be

allocated for indirect costs.

Application Procedures

The appropriate EDA regional office

will invite entities whose proposals for

University Center Technical Assistance

projects are selected for further

consideration to submit application

packages. The application will include

a Standard Form 424 (OMB Control No.

0348–0043).

Project Funding Priorities

Innovative proposals with a variety of

economic development foci are

welcome. However, applicants should

note that EDA will not award University

Center Technical Assistance program

funds to provide general business

assistance (e.g., preparing business

plans) in areas served by Small Business

Development Centers (SBDCs), Minority

Business Development Centers

(MBDCs), or Trade Adjustment

Assistance Centers (TAACs). Most

successful proposals funded in the

recent past have emphasized providing

technical assistance to public sector and

nonprofit organizations related to

economic development planning and

projects, or helping private sector firms

use technology to solve manufacturing

or processing problems.

Evaluation Criteria

For existing University Centers, EDA

will primarily consider past

performance in determining whether to

continue the award and the amount of

funding to be offered. In evaluating a

proposal for new University Center

funding, EDA will consider the

elements listed below. Evaluation

criteria are not assigned weights, as all

factors are equally important and

contribute to the overall goals described

above.

1. Addresses the economic

development needs of the service area;

2. Complements the activities of other

organizations in the proposed service

area that are engaged in economic

development;

3. Has the commitment of the highest

management levels of the sponsoring

institution;

4. Provides evidence of adequate

nonfederal financial support, either
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices 13873

from the sponsoring institution or other

sources;

5. Outlines activities consistent with

the expertise of the proposed University

Center staff and the academic programs

and other available resources within the

sponsoring institution;

6. Complements and supports the

local, regional or state economic

development strategies in the service

area;

7. Presents a reasonable budget,

including both the Federal and

nonfederal shares;

8. Documents past experience of the

sponsoring institution in operating

technical assistance programs; and

9. Adds to the geographic distribution

of University Centers across the country.

All proposals must include a work

program organized under the following

categories: (1) providing technical

assistance; (2) conducting applied

research; and (3) disseminating results

of the University Center activities. For

this program, technical assistance is

defined as an activity carried out by the

University Center in response to a direct

request from a client outside the

sponsoring educational institution.

Applied research is defined as an

economic development activity

undertaken by the University Center at

its own initiative.

All proposals must include

quantitative and qualitative evaluation

criteria for each activity listed under the

three categories of the work program.

These criteria, when accepted by EDA,

will be the primary guide used in

evaluating the performance of the

University Center.

All proposals must include a program

budget that, at a minimum, indicates the

Federal and nonfederal funds allocated

to each of the three work program

categories. At least 70 percent of the

direct costs of the project budget must

be allocated to the first category of the

work program, providing technical

assistance to clients outside the

sponsoring institutions.

Selection Procedures

The EDA regional offices review the

proposals and make recommendations

for funding of new grants to the

Assistant Secretary for Economic

Development, who makes the final

decisions based on the relative merits of

the applications.

Proposal Submission Procedures for

Continuation Grants

Each existing University Center will

be notified by the appropriate regional

office of its eligibility for continuation

funding. At that time, University

Centers eligible for continuation

funding will be notified of the amount

of the required nonfederal share and

provided with additional program

guidance.

Proposal Submission Procedures for

New Basic Grants

Institutions seeking funding for a

University Center should submit a

proposal describing the activities to be

carried out with the grant funds, to the

appropriate EDA regional office, or to

the EDR for the area. (See EDA regional

office and EDR listing in Section XII of

the announcement.)

Further Information

For further information about the

University Center Technical Assistance

program contact the appropriate

regional office or EDR (Section XII) or

the University Center Coordinator,

Technical Assistance and Research

Division, Economic Development

Administration, Room H7315, U.S.

Department of Commerce, Washington,

D.C. 20230, telephone (202) 482–2127.

VI. Program: Planning Assistance for

Economic Development Districts,

Indian Tribes, and Redevelopment

Areas

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance:

11.302 Economic Development—Support for

Planning Organizations) 13 CFR Part 307,

Subpart D

Authority

Funds under this program are

awarded to defray administrative

expenses in support of the economic

development planning efforts of

economic development districts

(Districts), redevelopment areas (Areas)

and Indian tribes. This program is

authorized under Section 301(b) of the

Public Works and Economic

Development Act of 1965, as amended,

42 U.S.C. 3151(b).

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are economic

development districts, redevelopment

areas, organizations representing

redevelopment areas (or parts of such

areas), Indian tribes, organizations

representing multiple Indian tribes, the

Federated States of Micronesia, the

Republic of the Marshall Islands, the

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S.

Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa,

and the Commonwealth of the Northern

Mariana Islands.

Program Objective

The primary objective of planning

assistance for administrative expenses

under section 301(b) is to support the

formulation and implementation of

economic development programs

designed to create or retain full-time

permanent jobs and income, particularly

for the unemployed and underemployed

in the most distressed areas served by

the applicant. Planning activities

supported by these program funds must

be part of a continuous process

involving significant leadership by

public officials and private citizens.

Funding Availability

Funds in the amount of $21.484

million are available in two categories:

Districts/Areas (Category A)—$18.583

million; and Indian tribes (Category B)—

$2.901 million. Individual awards may

vary but generally will not exceed

$57,000.

Funding Instrument

Grant assistance can be provided for

up to 75 percent of project costs for

Category A grants with the applicant

required to provide the remaining share

from local (non-federal) sources.

Category B grant assistance may be

provided for up to 100 percent of project

costs.

Project Duration

Assistance will normally be for a

period of twelve months.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria will not be

assigned weights. EDA will consider the

elements listed below in order to

evaluate funding requests.

1. The responsiveness of the proposed

work program to the program

regulations contained in 13 CFR 307.22;

2. Past performance of any currently

funded grantee (including information

provided in scheduled progress reports);

3. The economic distress of the area

served by the applicant;

4. Management and staff capacity and

qualifications in economic program/

policy development and operations;

5. The local leaders’ involvement in

the applicant’s economic development

activities; and

6. Priority consideration will be given

to currently funded grantees.

Proposal Submission Procedures

Application procedures may be

obtained from EDA’s regional offices for

the following:

a. Currently funded planning

grantees; and

b. Proposals from applicants not

currently funded under Categories A or

B, that would fit into either of those

categories.

Eligible applicants under both

Categories A and B should submit

proposals which include:

1. A letter signed by the chief elected

official (Chairman of the Board, Tribal
13874 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices

Chairman) or another legally authorized

official of the applicant stating the

organization’s desire to receive funds to

carry out the types of planning and

administrative activities eligible under

the 301(b) program.

2. Significant, verifiable information

on the level of economic distress in the

area, including unemployment and

income data. Any major changes in

distress levels during the past year

should be described.

3. A work program outlining the

specific development activities that will

be carried out under the grant and

explaining how they relate to the

problems identified in the area OEDP,

annual report, or other documents.

New applicants should submit one

copy of the proposal to the appropriate

economic development representative,

and an original and one copy to the

appropriate EDA regional office.

Addresses of the EDA regional offices

and listing of the economic

development representatives are found

in Section XII of this Notice.

Formal Application Procedures

EDA regional offices will contact

currently funded grantees to inform

them of the procedures for submitting

applications for continuation funding.

Following review of the proposals

submitted, EDA will invite those

selected for funding consideration to

submit formal applications. Funding

levels will be determined by the

economic distress and need of the area

served by the applicants, past

performance of previously funded

grantees, and availability of program

funds. The application will include an

SF–424 (approved by the Office of

Management and Budget Control No.

0348–0043), proposed budget, scope of

work and staffing plan.

Further Information

For further information contact the

appropriate economic development

representative, EDA regional office (see

Section XII of this Notice), or the

Director, Planning Division, Economic

Development Administration, Room

7319, U.S. Department of Commerce,

Washington, DC 20230; telephone (202)

482–3027.

VII. Program: Planning Assistance for

States and Urban Areas

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance:

11.305 Economic Development—State and

Urban Area Economic Development

Planning) 13 CFR Part 307, Subpart D

Authority

Funds under the State and Urban

Planning Program are awarded to defray

administrative expenses in support of

economic development planning efforts

of eligible applicants. This program is

authorized under Section 302(a) of the

Public Works and Economic

Development Act of 1965, as amended,

42 U.S.C. 3151a.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants under this program

are the governors of states, the chief

executive officers of cities and counties,

and substate planning and development

organizations (including redevelopment

areas and economic development

districts).

Program Objective

The primary objective of planning

assistance under section 302(a) is to

strengthen significant economic

development planning capability and

initiatives of eligible applicants to

ensure a more productive use of

available resources in reducing the

effects of economic problems,

particularly in those areas experiencing

severe economic distress.

Assistance must be part of a

continuous process involving significant

local leadership from public officials

and private citizens and should include

efforts to reduce unemployment and

increase incomes. These efforts should

be systematic and coordinated, when

applicable, with other planning

organizations in the area, and should

strengthen the planning capabilities of

applicants.

Activities eligible for support include

economic analysis, definition of

development goals, determination of

project opportunities, development of

economic development policies,

processes and procedures, and

formulation and implementation of an

economic development program.

Planning program funds will not be

used to provide support to activities that

more appropriately meet the criteria for

funding under the EDA Technical

Assistance programs.

EDA is interested in proposals for

planning activities designed to address

problems of economically-distressed

segments of the population. Funding

priority will be given to proposals

promoting exports; entrepreneurship;

and technology initiatives including

innovation, transfer, commercialization,

high value manufacturing through

collaboration, or that reduce barriers to

the development of new businesses. In

the case of proposals from states, EDA

is particularly interested in innovative

approaches to planning and

implementing economic development

initiatives such as tourism development,

manufacturing technology, and

sustainable growth, as well as efforts

that lend themselves to replication in

other areas.

Funding Availability

Funds in the amount of $4.87 million

are available for providing grant

assistance under this program.

Individual grants under this program

generally will range between $50,000 to

$200,000.

Funding Instrument

Grant assistance may be provided for

up to 75 percent of project costs.

Applicants will be required to provide

the remaining share, preferably in cash.

Applications for grants exceeding

$200,000 may be given low funding

priority. EDA may consider proposals

for smaller grants to support the

aforementioned appropriate activities.

Project Duration

Assistance will be for the period of

time required to complete the work.

This period is normally 12 to 18

months. If Congress makes funds

available for this program in subsequent

years, grantees may submit applications

for appropriate projects for up to a total

of three awards.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria will not be

assigned weights. Projects will be

evaluated on the basis of the elements

listed below to meet the goals described

above. The content of the development

plan and overall quality of the proposal

and the economic distress of the area

will be the principal factors considered

in evaluating proposals from eligible

entities. In assessing the distress factor,

priority consideration will be given to

proposals from states and urban areas

experiencing substantial economic

distress. In the case of urban areas, high

priority will be given to those with

unemployment rates two or more

percentage points higher than the U.S.

average and per capita income levels 80

percent or less of the U.S. average. For

states, high priority will be given to

those that meet both of the above

criteria, as well as those that meet one

of the above criteria and have distress

equal to or greater than the national

level for the other criterion. The most

recent per capita income and 24-month

average unemployment data available

will be used to measure economic

distress.

Proposals from states or urban areas

which do not exhibit significant distress

on the basis of unemployment or

income data will not be considered

unless other acceptable evidence of
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices 13875

substantial distress is provided by the

applicant.

Proposals from states and urban areas

which are both below the U.S. national

unemployment rate and above the

national per capita income are unlikely

to be funded.

Proposals will be evaluated on the

basis of the elements listed below.

1. Appropriateness of the work

program to the section 302(a) program

objectives;

2. The economic distress of the area

served by the applicant;

3. Extent to which the proposed

planning activities are expected to

impact upon the service area’s economic

development needs, and the extent to

which the proposal addresses the

problems of the unemployed and

underemployed of the area, including

minorities, workers displaced by plant

closings, etc.;

4. The proximity of the performing

office to the chief executive (i.e.,

likelihood that the activities will have a

significant influence on the policy and

decision making process);

5. Past performance of currently or

formerly funded grantees, when

applicable;

6. The amount of local participation

provided as matching dollars to the

Federal funds; and

7. Other characteristics, such as

involvement of the private sector

businesses and professional groups in

the proposed activities, and particularly

for states, the innovativeness of the

proposed approach and replicability of

the model process or results.

Proposal Submission Procedures

Potential applicants should submit

proposals that include:

1. A letter, signed by the chief

executive of the applicant organization,

indicating a desire to receive funds to

carry out the planning activities

outlined in the proposal; where the

funded planning program will be placed

in the organization, including the name

and title of the person to be responsible

for program implementation; the

amount and for what period funding is

being requested; and the anticipated

funding arrangement if the planning

activity is to continue beyond the period

of EDA support.

2. Significant, verifiable information

on the level of economic distress in the

area, including unemployment and

income data. Any major changes in

distress levels during the past year

should be described.

3. Information indicating the

applicant’s commitment to the proposed

work program as demonstrated by

amount of local funding and the degree

of interest displayed by the chief

executive.

4. A time chart showing all major

work program elements, projected

element start and completion dates, and

the related financial expenditures

programmed for each work element.

5. A work program of no more than

10 pages which outlines the specific

planning activities that will be carried

out under the grant and specifies which

activities will be handled by in-house

staff, consultants, etc. The work

program should also explain the

analysis and basis of the need for the

proposed activities, expected impacts

and their timing, target population(s),

and involvement of the private sector in

the proposed activities.

Current grantees seeking additional

funding under this announcement

should comply with the instructions of

this notice. Current grantees must also

include a 3–5 page progress report for

the current grant when they submit the

proposal and at the time they forward

the formal application.

One copy of the proposal should be

sent to the appropriate economic

development representative, and an

original and one copy to the appropriate

EDA regional office. The EDA regional

office and the name, address and

telephone number of the economic

development representative for the

applicant’s area can be found in Section

XII of this Notice.

Formal Application Procedures

EDA will evaluate proposals using the

selection criteria cited above. Once the

merits of the proposal are established,

EDA will initiate discussions with the

prospective applicant to clarify and

improve elements of the proposal, if

necessary, and will invite those whose

proposals are selected for funding

consideration to submit formal

applications, which will include an SF–

424 (OMB Control No. 0348–0043),

scope of work, proposed budget, staffing

plan and other requested information. It

should be noted that an invitation to

submit a proposal does not assure EDA

funding. Applications will be processed

as they are received. Applications

received after FY 1995 funds are

exhausted may be retained by EDA for

consideration for funding the following

fiscal year, assuming funds are

available.

Further Information

For further information contact the

appropriate economic development

representative, EDA regional office (see

Section XII of this Notice), or the

Director, Planning Division, Economic

Development Administration, Room

7319, U.S. Department of Commerce,

Washington, DC 20230; telephone (202)

482–3027.

VIII. Program: Research and Evaluation

Projects

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance:

11.312 Economic Development—Research

and Evaluation Program) 13 CFR Part 307,

Subpart C

Authority

Funds under the Research and

Evaluation Program are used to support

studies that will increase knowledge

about the causes of economic distress

and approaches to alleviating such

problems. This program is authorized

under Section 301(c) of the Public

Works and Economic Development Act

of 1965, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151(c).

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants for research and

evaluation grants or cooperative

agreements include private individuals,

partnerships, corporations, associations,

colleges and universities, and other

suitable organizations with expertise

relevant to economic development

research.

Program Objective

The objectives of section 301(c) grants

and cooperative agreements are the

following:

1. To determine the causes of

unemployment, underemployment,

underdevelopment, and chronic

depression in various areas and regions

of the Nation.

2. To assist in the formulation and

implementation of national, state, and

local programs that will raise

employment and income levels and

otherwise produce solutions to

problems resulting from the above

conditions.

3. To evaluate the effectiveness of

programs, projects, and techniques used

to (a) alleviate economic distress and (b)

promote economic development.

Funding Availability

Funds in the amount of $500,000 are

available for this program. Funds will be

used for projects selected through the

application procedures described below

and through EDA-initiated solicitations.

Individual awards may vary but

generally will not exceed $100,000.

Funding Instrument

EDA will provide grants and

cooperative agreements covering up to

100 percent of project costs.
13876 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices

Project Duration

Assistance under this program will

normally be for a period not exceeding

15 months.

Evaluation Criteria

To meet the goals described above,

EDA will use the following unweighted

criteria to evaluate research and

evaluation proposals:

1. Suitability of the subject.

2. Potential usefulness of the research

to state and local economic

development officials and specialists.

3. General quality and clarity of the

proposal.

4. Soundness and completeness of the

research methodology.

5. Qualifications of principal

investigator(s) and, where appropriate,

performing organization(s).

6. Previous performance of principal

investigator or performing organization

on EDA-funded projects, if applicable.

7. Cost and value of proposed product

in relation to cost.

EDA is interested in receiving

proposals dealing with:

1. Employment and unemployment;

2. Income and poverty;

3. Rural and nonmetropolitan

economic development;

4. Urban economic development;

5. Regional and local growth and

competitiveness;

6. Industrial location, industrial

networks, and industrial clustering;

7. Sustainable development and

growth management;

8. Minority businesses and

employment;

9. Export development;

10. Development finance; and

11. Productivity and technology.

Requests should be for specific, welldefined, one-time research projects.

EDA research grants are not intended for

support of continuing programs

(permanent research programs,

publication and information programs,

periodic forecasts, etc.), or for nonresearch activities. EDA normally

prefers research of broad geographic

scope, that covers the whole country or

a large multistate region, as opposed to

research covering (in declining order of

preference) a small region, a state, a

multicounty area, or a single city or

county. Preference will be given to

practical cause-and-effect research and

descriptive analyses, and funding for

such will receive higher priority than

theoretical studies, modeling (other than

for hypothesis testing), etc. Economic

development planning and technical

assistance will not be funded under the

Research and Evaluation Program; the

Planning and Technical Assistance

Programs are for those purposes.

Proposal Submission Procedures

Potential applicants should submit

one original and two (2) copies of a brief

and concise proposal, not to exceed 20

pages, and vita and capability

information. Proposals should avoid

long background discussions and

literature surveys, but should be

reasonably detailed, particularly in

explaining value to EDA, methodology,

and data sources.

Each proposal should include:

1. A cover page stating that funding is

sought under EDA’s Research and

Evaluation program, giving a short

descriptive project title, the name and

address of the performing organization,

the names and telephone numbers of the

project director and principal

investigators, the project duration, the

amount of EDA funds requested, and

total project cost;

2. A brief scope-and-objectives section

indicating why the project is needed,

giving its objectives, and providing a

capsule description of the project;

3. A more detailed description of the

project and its methodology;

4. A work plan showing different

phases of the project and their timing;

5. A detailed budget, not to exceed

two pages, showing cost breakdowns,

with EDA-funded and non-EDA-funded

costs presented in separate columns,

where applicable, and with the EDAfunded costs adding to the total shown

on the cover page;

6. Resumes for the project director

and principal investigators; and

7. A corporate or institutional

capability statement, where appropriate.

The cover letter accompanying the

proposal should inform EDA of whether

any other organization(s) or Federal

agency(ies) is or will be considering the

proposal. Any non-EDA contributions to

the project, whether by the performing

organization or third parties, should be

identified.

The deadline for receipt of proposals

will be three months after the date of

this announcement.

Proposals should be submitted to the

Director, Technical Assistance and

Research Division, Economic

Development Administration, Room

7315, U.S. Department of Commerce,

Washington, DC 20230.

Formal Application Procedures

EDA will evaluate the proposals as

they are received using the selection

criteria described above. Organizations

and individuals whose proposals are

selected for further consideration will

be invited to submit an application. The

formal application will include an SF–

424 (OMB Control No. 0348–0043).

Eligibility for Specific Solicitations

In addition to using research and

evaluation funds to support proposals

submitted under the procedures

described above, EDA may during the

fiscal year identify other studies,

including program evaluations, for

funding consideration.

Organizations and individuals

interested in being invited to respond to

Solicitations of Applications (SOAs) to

conduct such studies should submit

information on their capabilities and

experience to the address listed above.

This information will be used to

determine eligibility to compete for

projects under specific SOAs.

Further Information

For further information, contact the

Director, Technical Assistance and

Research Division, at the above address;

telephone, (202) 482–4085.

IX. Program: Economic Adjustment

Assistance (Title IX)

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.

11.307 Special Economic Development and

Adjustment Assistance Program—Long-Term

Economic Deterioration (LTED) and Sudden

and Severe Economic Dislocation (SSED)) 13

CFR Part 308

Authority

Funds under the Economic

Adjustment Program are used to assist

areas experiencing changes in their

economic situation which are causing,

or threaten to cause, serious structural

damage to the underlying economic

base. Such changes may occur suddenly

or over time, and result from industrial

or corporate restructuring in response to

technological advancements or changes

in the marketplace, new Federal laws or

requirements, reductions in defense

expenditures, depletion of natural

resources and natural disasters. Strategy

grants provide the resources for

organizing and conducting a strategic

planning process and Implementation

grants support one or more activities

identified in an adjustment strategy

approved, though not necessarily

funded by EDA. Such activities include

but are not limited to: the creation or

expansion of strategically targeted

business development and financing

programs, infrastructure improvements,

organizational development, and market

or industry research and analysis. This

program is authorized under Title IX of

the Public Works and Economic

Development Act of 1965, as amended,

42 U.S.C. 3241–3245.

Program Objective

The purpose of the Economic

Adjustment Program is to enable
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices 13877

communities in affected areas to meet

the challenge of economic change,

constructively and effectively, through

strategies for inducing capital

investment in production of the types of

goods and/or services for which the

community may have or be able to

develop a comparative economic

advantage, and which will lead to

saving and/or creating permanent jobs.

In providing funding to support the

adjustment process, EDA’s objectives

are to: (1) Provide impacted

communities with the skills and

knowledge needed to organize and carry

out a strategic planning process focusing

on increasing the productivity and

competitiveness of a community’s

assets, for example, existing industries

and business acumen, natural resources,

and labor force skills; (2) expand the

capacity of public officials and

development organizations to work

more effectively with their business

community to identify and address

unmet needs of strategically targeted

firms for management assistance, access

to information to help with marketing

and modernization and finding sources

of financing, and in organizing

collaborative alliances among firms for

such activities as product and market

research, and new product

development; (3) assist communities

overcome critical impediments to

implementing their adjustment strategy,

such as a lack of available financing for

the targeted businesses or weaknesses in

their economic infrastructure for which

no other sources of funding, including

EDA’s Title I Program, are available; (4)

enable communities to coordinate and

strategically target Federal resources

available to support economic recovery

from Federal actions adversely affecting

a major industrial sector and/or the

economy of a discrete geographic

region, and from natural disasters; and

(5) encourage the development of

innovative public/private approaches to

economic restructuring and

revitalization.

Funding Availability

Funds in the amount of $45 million

are available for the Economic

Adjustment Program in FY 1995. Grants

awarded under this program generally

range between $25,000 and $5 million.

Funding Instrument

Title IX funds are awarded through

grants generally not to exceed 75

percent of the project cost. Acceptable

sources of the local share include, but

are not limited to, local government

general revenue funds; Community

Development Block Grant (CDBG)

entitlement funds or balance of state

awards; and other public and private

donations. The Assistant Secretary may

waive all or part of the 25 percent

nonfederal share of economic

adjustment assistance grants, if he

determines that the nonfederal share is

not reasonably available because of the

critical nature of the situation requiring

economic adjustment assistance or for

other good cause. The full amount of the

local share need not be in hand at the

time of application; however, the

applicant must have a firm commitment

from identified source(s), and the funds

must be readily available. The local

share must not be encumbered in any

way that would preclude its use as

required by the grant agreement. The

local share for grants to establish or

recapitalize a revolving loan fund (RLF)

must be in cash, and while the local

share for grants for other activities may

be cash or in-kind, priority

consideration will be given to proposals

with a cash local share.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants within areas

meeting the EDA eligibility criteria

described below include a

redevelopment area or economic

development district established under

Title IV; an Indian tribe; a state; a city

or other political subdivision of a state,

or a consortium of such political

subdivisions; a Community

Development Corporation defined in the

Community Economic Development Act

of 1981, 42 U.S.C. 9802 (i.e.,

Community Development Corporations

receiving financial assistance under the

authority of the Community Services

Block Grant Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C.

9910(d)); a nonprofit organization

determined by EDA to be the

representative of a redevelopment area

for purposes of the particular project;

the Federated States of Micronesia, the

Republic of the Marshall Islands, the

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the

Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa,

and the Commonwealth of the Northern

Mariana Islands.

Eligible Areas

The area(s) to be assisted by the

applicant generally must be eligible on

the basis of the criteria, described

below, for establishing that it is

experiencing either Long-Term

Economic Deterioration or a Sudden

and Severe Economic Dislocation.

A. Long-Term Economic Deterioration

(LTED)

To receive priority consideration for

funding as an LTED area, the area must

be experiencing at least one of three

economic problems: very high

unemployment; low per capita income;

or chronic distress (i.e., failure to keep

pace with national economic growth

trends over the last five years). Priority

will be given to those areas with two or

more of these indicators. Eligibility is

generally determined statistically.

Further information is available from

EDA’s regional offices or the economic

development representative for your

area (see Section XII of this Notice).

B. Sudden and Severe Economic

Dislocation (SSED)

To receive priority consideration for

funding as an SSED area, the area must

show actual or threatened permanent

job losses that exceed the following

threshold criteria, unless otherwise

determined by the Assistant Secretary:

1. For areas not in Metropolitan

Statistical Areas:

a. If the unemployment rate of the

Labor Market Area exceeds the national

average, the dislocation must amount to

the lesser of two (2.0) percent of the

employed population, or 500 direct jobs.

b. If the unemployment rate of the

Labor Market Area is equal to or less

than the national average, the

dislocation must amount to the lesser of

four (4.0) percent of the employed

population, or 1,000 direct jobs.

2. For areas within Metropolitan

Statistical Areas:

a. If the unemployment rate of the

Metropolitan Statistical Area exceeds

the national average, the dislocation

must amount to the lesser of one-half

(0.5) percent of the employed

population, or 4,000 direct jobs.

b. If the unemployment rate of the

Metropolitan Statistical Area is equal to

or less than the national average, the

dislocation must amount to the lesser of

one (1.0) percent of the employed

population or 8,000 direct jobs.

In addition, fifty (50) percent of the

job loss threshold must result from the

action of a single employer, or eighty

(80) percent of the job loss threshold

must occur in a single standard industry

classification (i.e., two digit SIC code).

In the case of a Presidentially

declared natural disaster, the area

eligibility criteria are waived. In other

exceptional circumstances, the criteria

may be partially or fully waived at the

discretion of the Assistant Secretary.

Actual dislocations must have

occurred within one year and

threatened dislocations must be

anticipated to occur within two years of

the date EDA is contacted.

Project Duration

Projects are expected to be completed

in a timely manner consistent with the

nature of the project. However, the
13878 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices

maximum period for which assistance

will be provided shall not be more than

five years from date of award.

Evaluation Criteria

All proposals, regardless of the basis

for the area’s eligibility, will be screened

for conformance to statutory and

regulatory requirements, the relative

severity of the area’s economic problem,

the quality of the strategy developed (or

scope of work for the strategy to be

developed) to address the problem, the

merits of the activity(ies) for which

funding is requested, and ability of the

prospective applicant to carry out the

proposed activity(ies) successfully.

Particular program requirements and

factors are not weighted in EDA’s

evaluation of proposals as all factors are

equally important. Projects will be

evaluated on the basis of the elements

listed below in order to meet the goals

described above.

A. For Strategy Grants

1. The applicant organization has the

necessary authority, mandate and

capacity to lead and manage the

planning process and implementation of

the resulting strategy.

2. The planning process provides for

the representation of public and private

sector entities with a contribution to

make to the development of the strategy

and/or on which accomplishment of the

strategic objectives will depend. These

entities include public program and

service providers, trade and business

associations, educational and research

institutions, community development

corporations, etc.

3. The proposed scope of work

focuses on the specific economic

problems to be addressed and provides

for undertaking the appropriate research

and analysis needed to formulate a

realistic, market-based, adjustment

strategy.

B. For Implementation Grants

1. Any activity or project proposed for

funding must generally be clearly

identifiable as an integral and priority

element within an adjustment strategy

for the eligible area(s) prepared or

updated within the preceeding two

years. The strategy should address and/

or provide evidence of the following:

a. An appropriately designed and

conducted planning process;

b. A thorough understanding of the

economic problems being addressed;

c. A sound analysis of the industry

sectors and the firms within them that

comprise the area’s economic base, and

of the particular strengths and

weaknesses of the area that contribute

to, or detract from, its current and

potential economic competitiveness.

d. Strategic objectives that flow from

the economic analysis and conclusions

and focus on stimulating investment in

new and/or expanding economic

activities that offer the best prospects for

revitalization and growth;

e. Appropriate and necessary

resources in the area and elsewhere

have been/will be mobilized and

coordinated to support implementation

of the strategy; and

f. The performance measures which

the applicant will use to assess progress

toward accomplishing its strategic

objectives.

2. All individual activities or projects

proposed for funding must be consistent

with one or more of the Economic

Adjustment Program objectives stated

above. Particular consideration will be

given to proposals involving innovative

approaches to building and

implementing public/private and

multifirm partnerships for such

purposes as new product development

and marketing, and dissemination and

application of new production

technologies and management practices.

3. Proposals for capitalizing or

recapitalizing a RLF must in addition

describe and/or provide evidence of:

a. The need for a new or expanded

public financing tool to complement

other business assistance programs and

services available to firms and/or

would-be entrepreneurs in industry

sectors and/or locations targeted by the

adjustment strategy;

b. The types of financing activities

anticipated; and

c. The prospective RLF’s

organizational capacity to work

effectively with the business community

and other financing providers, to

function as an integral part of the

overall economic adjustment effort and

to manage the lending function.

Proposal Submission Procedures

Interested parties should contact the

economic development representative

for the area or the appropriate EDA

regional office (see Section XII of this

Notice) for a proposal package.

Application Procedures

Following a review of project

proposals, EDA will invite those

proponents of projects selected for

funding consideration to submit

applications. It should be noted that an

invitation to apply does not assure

funding. The application will include

an ED–540, as approved by the Office of

Management and Budget Control No.

0610–0058. Applicants for RLF funding

are generally required to submit a RLF

Plan in addition to the adjustment

strategy for the area. Guidelines on

RLF’s are available from the regional

offices.

Further Information

For further information, contact the

appropriate economic development

representative, EDA regional office (see

Section XII of this Notice), or the

Director, Economic Adjustment

Division, Economic Development

Administration, Room 7327, U.S.

Department of Commerce, Washington,

DC 20230; telephone (202) 482–2659.

X. Program: Defense Conversion

Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No:

11.307 Special Economic Development and

Adjustment Assistance Program—Long-Term

Economic Deterioration (LTED) and Sudden

and Severe Economic Dislocation (SSED)) 13

CFR Part 308

Authority

Funds under the Defense Conversion

program are used to enable areas where

economies are adversely impacted by

reductions in defense spending, to

facilitate the orderly redeployment of

their defense created assets to activities

which help restructure and/or

strengthen their economic base. Areas

experiencing closure of a military

facility, a defense related Department of

Energy facility and/or reductions in

defense procurements may be eligible

for assistance. This program is

authorized under section 4103(b) of

Division D of Public Law 101–510 for

FY 1991, and section 4305 of Division

D of Public Law 102–484 for FY 1993,

10 U.S.C. 2391 note; and by the Public

Works and Economic Development Act

of 1965, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3131,

3151(a), 3151(b), and 3171(a)(3).

Program Objective

The program is designed to provide

defense impacted communities with the

resources to develop and/or carry out

programs and projects, singly or in

combination, that support

implementation of a defense conversion

strategy or base re-use plan. Commonly

funded types of programs and projects

include, but are not limited to: planning

and strategy development (only as may

be necessary to complement and expand

work funded by the Office of Economic

Adjustment, Department of Defense);

research and analysis, such as marketing

and feasibility studies; design and

delivery of conversion or development

assistance and services for affected

businesses, typically smaller defense

contractors in order to, for example, fill

gaps in available technical services,

developing collaborative alliances for
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices 13879

new product and market development,

and establishing or expanding financing

programs for targeted businesses; and

infrastructure improvements needed to

facilitate the re-use of former military

facilities.

Assistance may be provided directly

to affected communities, and also

through other entities, such as states or

regional development organizations,

when to do so would result in more

effective and efficient delivery of a

particular service or program.

Funding Availability

Funds in the amount of $120 million

are available for the Defense Conversion

program in FY 1995. Grants awarded

under this program generally range

between $25,000 and $5 million.

Note: The Selection Criteria and

Application Procedures set forth in this

announcement supersede those previously

announced in the Federal Register of May 6,

1993 (58 FR 27188), and apply to the

unobligated balance of the $80 million

authorized under section 4305 of Division D

of Public Law 102–484 and of the $50 million

authorized under section 4103(b) of Division

D of Public Law 101–510.

Funding Instrument

Assistance is in the form of grants,

which will normally be awarded under

the authority of EDA’s Title IX

Economic Adjustment program.

However, grants for assistance under the

Defense Conversion program may also

be made to applicants eligible for

assistance under the Title I Public

Works and the Title III Technical

Assistance, Research and Planning

programs.

Title IX grants may be awarded for up

to 75 percent of the total project cost.

Acceptable sources of the local share

include, but are not limited to, local

government general revenue funds;

Community Development Block Grant

(CDBG) entitlement funds or balance of

state awards; and other public and

private donations. The Assistant

Secretary may waive all or part of the

25 percent nonfederal share of economic

adjustment assistance grants, if he

determines that the nonfederal share is

not reasonably available because of the

critical nature of the situation requiring

economic adjustment assistance or for

other good cause. The full amount of the

local share need not be in hand at the

time of application; however, the

applicant must have a firm commitment

from identified source(s), and the funds

must be readily available. The local

share must not be encumbered in any

way that would preclude its use as

required by the grant agreement. The

local share for a revolving loan fund

project must be in cash, and while the

local share for other types of defense

conversion activities may be cash or inkind, priority consideration will be

given to proposals with a cash local

share.

For information regarding local share

requirements for the Title I Public

Works and the Title III Technical

Assistance, Research and Planning

programs, Sections II, IV and VI of this

Announcement should be consulted.

In accordance with Public Law 103–

317, financial assistance may be

provided for projects to be located on

military installations closed or

scheduled for closure or realignment to

eligible grantees under PWEDA without

it being required that the grantee have

title or ability to obtain a lease for the

property, for the useful life of the

project when, in the opinion of the

Secretary of Commerce such financial

assistance is necessary for the economic

development of the area; and the

Secretary of Commerce may, as he or

she deems appropriate, consult with the

Secretary of Defense regarding title to

the land on military installations closed

or scheduled for closure or realignment.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants within areas

meeting the eligibility criteria described

below include a redevelopment area or

economic development district

established under Title IV of this Act, 42

U.S.C. 3161; an Indian tribe; a state; a

city or other political subdivision of a

state, or a consortium of such political

subdivisions; a Community

Development Corporation defined in the

Community Economic Development Act

of 1981, 42 U.S.C. 9802 (i.e.,

Community Development Corporations

receiving financial assistance under the

authority of the Community Services

Block Grant Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C.

9910(d)); a nonprofit organization

determined by EDA to be the

representative of a redevelopment area;

and the Federated States of Micronesia,

the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the

Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa,

and the Commonwealth of the Northern

Mariana Islands.

For assistance under the Title I Public

Works program, and Title III Technical

Assistance, Research and Planning

programs, Sections II, IV and VI of this

Announcement should be consulted.

Applicants must meet either the

Department of Defense criteria or the

Economic Adjustment program criteria

described in A and B below:

A. Department of Defense Criteria

(1) In the case of a proposed or actual

establishment, realignment, or closure

of a military installation, where the

Secretary of Defense determines that

such action is likely to have a direct and

significantly adverse consequence on

the affected community.

(2) In the case of a publicly

announced planned reduction in DOD

spending, the cancellation or

termination of a DOD contract, or the

failure to proceed with a previously

approved major defense acquisition

program, assistance may be provided

only if the reduction, cancellation,

termination, or failure will have a direct

and significant adverse impact on a

community and will result in the loss of

the lesser of:

(a) 2,500 or more employee positions,

in the case of a Metropolitan Statistical

Area (MSA) or similar area (as defined

by the Director of the Office of

Management and Budget);

(b) 1,000 or more employee positions,

in the case of a labor market area

outside of an MSA; or

(c) one percent of the total number of

civilian jobs in that area.

B. EDA Criteria

The dislocation must satisfy one of

the following criteria (in exceptional

circumstances, the criteria may be

partially waived by the Assistant

Secretary for Economic Development):

(1) For areas not in MSAs:

(a) If the unemployment rate of the

Labor Market Area exceeds the national

average, the dislocation must amount to

the lesser of two (2.0) percent of the

employed population, or 500 direct jobs.

(b) If the unemployment rate of the

Labor Market Area is equal to or less

than the national average, the

dislocation must amount to the lesser of

four (4.0) percent of the employed

population, or 1,000 direct jobs.

(2) For areas within MSAs:

(a) If the unemployment rate of the

MSA exceeds the national average, the

dislocation must amount to the lesser of

one-half (0.5) percent of the employed

population, or 4,000 direct jobs.

(b) If the unemployment rate of the

MSA is equal to or less than the national

average, the dislocation must amount to

the lesser of one (1.0) percent of the

employed population, or 8,000 direct

jobs.

Under the Defense program, an area

will normally be eligible for up to two

years before the announced date for a

base closure or contract reduction and

for two years after. However, if

completion of an area’s adjustment

strategy is delayed for good reason, the
13880 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices

area’s eligibility may be extended for up

to one year from the date the strategy is

accepted by EDA.

Project Duration

Projects are expected to be completed

in a timely manner consistent with the

nature of the project. However, the

maximum period for which assistance

will be provided shall not be more than

five years from date of award for Title

I and Title IX projects. For projects

under Title III Technical Assistance,

Research and Planning programs,

assistance will be for the period of time

required to complete the scope of work,

which typically will not exceed twelve

months.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria will not be

assigned weights as all factors are

equally important. Projects will be

evaluated on the basis of the elements

listed below in order to meet the goals

described above. Key factors in EDA’s

evaluation of proposed defense

conversion projects include:

1. The relative severity of the impact

of the defense cutbacks on the economic

and employment base of the area(s).

2. The quality of the area economic

adjustment/defense conversion strategy

or base reuse plan which is a

prerequisite for funding consideration.

The plan should address and/or provide

evidence of the following:

a. An appropriately designed and

conducted planning process;

b. The scale and characteristics of the

impact of the defense cutbacks on

workers, industry sectors and

businesses;

c. Strategic objectives that address the

defense related problems and

opportunities, are appropriate to the

area’s particular economic attributes

and circumstances, and are based on

sound research and analysis;

d. All appropriate and available

Federal, State and local resources,

programs, services, etc., have been

identified and will be mobilized and

coordinated to support implementation

of the strategy; and

e. The performance measures which

the applicant will use to assess progress

toward accomplishing its strategic

objectives.

Note: EDA may, in some instances,

consider funding a project prior to

completion of the strategy/plan, provided

that (a) an appropriate community planning

process is underway, (b) sufficient analysis

has been done to show that the proposed

project is economically viable and potentially

consistent with the evolving strategy and (c)

the proposed project has the support of the

community.

3. The degree to which the proposed

program/project contributes to:

a. Productive redeployment of defense

created assets (facilities, workforce

skills, industrial technologies and

production capacity);

b. Overcoming critical impediments

to a community’s ability to progress

with implementing its strategy or base

reuse plan; and

c. Facilitating/stimulating private

sector investment in the production of

the types of goods and services that will

strengthen the economic base of the area

over the long term, and lead to the

generation of new employment

opportunities and revenue.

4. The capacity of the prospective

applicant to administer the proposed

project and ensure achievement of the

stated objectives.

Proposal Submission Procedures

When a major defense cutback is

announced, EDA’s economic

development representative for the state

in which it is to occur will normally

contact officials of the affected

community. Otherwise, the interested

parties should contact either the

economic development representative

for the area or the appropriate EDA

regional office (see Section XII of this

Notice). The economic development

representative will track the

community’s strategy/base reuse

planning process and provide

information regarding activities/projects

that could be considered for EDA

assistance. At such time as the planning

process is sufficiently advanced for

prospective implementation programs

and projects to have been identified, the

economic development representative

will advise the community on the

preparation of a short funding proposal.

Application Procedures

EDA will evaluate proposals using the

evaluation criteria cited above. Once the

merits of the proposal are established,

EDA will work if necessary with the

prospective applicant to clarify

elements of the proposal and such EDA

administrative policies and

requirements as may apply to the

particular type of program or project for

which assistance is being requested. For

example, applicants for assistance to

capitalize a revolving loan fund (RLF)

are generally required to submit a RLF

Plan.

When a proposal is selected for

funding consideration, EDA will invite

the proponent to submit a formal

application under the authority of the

specified funding program, i.e., Title I,

III or IX. The appropriate formal

application package will be provided. It

should be noted that an invitation to

apply does not assure funding.

Further Information

For further information, contact the

appropriate economic development

representative, EDA regional office (see

Section XII of this Notice), or the

Director, Economic Adjustment

Division, Economic Development

Administration, Room 7327, U.S.

Department of Commerce, Washington,

DC 20230; telephone (202) 482–2659.

XI. Program: Trade Adjustment

Assistance

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance:

11.313 Economic Development—Trade

Adjustment Assistance) 13 CFR Part 315

Authority

Funds under the Trade Adjustment

Assistance Program are awarded to a

network of Trade Adjustment

Assistance Centers (TAACs), located

around the Nation, which provide

technical assistance to certified firms

adversely affected by increased imports.

This program is authorized under Title

II, Chapter 3 of the Trade Act of 1974,

19 U.S.C. 2341–2355.

Funding Availability

Funds in the amount of $10.0 million

are available for trade adjustment

assistance. Nearly all of these funds will

be provided to the nationwide network

of TAACs through cooperative

agreements. Individual awards generally

range between $650,000 and $1.025

million. No new centers will be funded

in FY 1995.

Funds are also awarded under this

program to organizations representing

trade-injured industries. Limited funds

are available for industry technical

assistance for continuation of an

existing program. No new industry

assistance projects are expected to be

funded in FY 1995.

Program Objective

The Trade Adjustment Assistance

Program is designed to provide

technical assistance to certified firms

and industries hurt by the impact of

increased imports. The TAACs help

firms submit certification petitions to

the Trade Adjustment Assistance

Division (TAAD) of EDA. If the firm is

certified, TAACs provide technical

assistance to the firm in developing a

strategy to adjust to the import injury.

A firm should work closely with the

appropriate TAAC in petitioning for

certification. Certified firms should also

work closely with the appropriate

TAAC in diagnosing their problems and

developing an adjustment proposal, and
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices 13881

in applying for technical assistance if

their adjustment proposal is accepted by

EDA.

An industry association or other

organization interested in receiving an

industry assistance cooperative

agreement must meet with a TAAD

representative to discuss the industry’s

problems, opportunities, and assistance

needs.

Criteria for Evaluating Industry

Assistance Proposals

Industry associations and other

organizations seeking trade adjustment

industry assistance must demonstrate

that the industry is injured by foreign

trade and that the activities to be funded

will yield some short-term actions that

the industry itself (and individual firms)

can and will take toward the restoration

of the industry’s international

competitiveness. Evaluation criteria will

not be assigned weights as all factors are

equally important. Projects will be

evaluated on the basis of the elements

listed below in order to meet the goals

described above.

The emphasis is on practical results

that can be implemented in the near

term, and long-term research and

development activities are given low

priority. It is also expected that the

industry will continue activities on its

own without the need for continued

Federal assistance.

Application Procedures

Industry associations or other

organizations seeking industry

assistance must submit an application

identified as Standard Form 424 (OMB

Control No. 0348–0043), if encouraged

to do so as a result of the meeting with

a TAAD representative.

Acceptable industry assistance

applications will be processed as funds

are available; normally one to three

months is required for final decision on

application.

Formula and Matching Requirements

Generally, a minimum of 50 percent

share is required for industry assistance

cooperative agreements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Industry assistance cooperative

agreements are generally for a 12-month

period, but may be longer for tasks

requiring more time to complete.

Further Information

For further information, contact the

Director, Trade Adjustment Assistance

Division, Economic Development

Administration, Room 7023, U.S.

Department of Commerce, Washington,

DC 20230; telephone (202) 482–3373.

XII. EDA Regional Offices and

Economic Development Representatives

The EDA regional and field offices,

states covered, and the economic

development representatives (EDRs) are

listed below.

EDRs States covered

Atlanta Regional Office

401 West Peachtree Street, N.W., Suite 1820

Atlanta, Georgia 30308–3510

Telephone: (404) 730–3002

Burnette, F. Wayne, Aronov Building, Room 705, 474 South Court Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, Telephone:

(205) 223–7008.

Alabama.

Smith, Lola B., Federal Building, Room 423, 80 North Hughey Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801, Telephone: (407) 648–

6572.

Florida.

Day, William J., Jr., 401 West Peachtree Street, N.W., Suite 1820, Atlanta, GA 30308–3510, Telephone: (404)

730–3000.

Georgia.

Hunter, Bobby D., 771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Lexington, KY 40503–5477, Telephone: (606) 224–7426 .......... Kentucky.

Ainsworth, Bob, 221 Federal Building, 100 West Capital Street, Jackson, MS 39269, Telephone: (601) 965–4342 .. Mississippi.

Jones, Dale L., P.O. Box 2522, Raleigh, NC 27601, Telephone: (919) 856–4570 ...................................................... North Carolina.

Dixon, Patricia M., Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835 Assembly Street, Room 307, Columbia, SC 29201,

Telephone: (803) 765–5676.

South Carolina.

Parks, Mitchell S., 261 Cumberland Bend Drive, Nashville, TN 37228, Telephone: (615) 736–5911 ......................... Tennessee.

Austin Regional Office

Thornberry Building, Suite 121

903 San Jacinto Boulevard

Austin, Texas 78701–2450

Telephone: (512) 482–5461

Spearman, Sam, Room 2509, Federal Building, 700 West Capitol, Little Rock, AR 72201, Telephone: (501) 324–

5637.

Arkansas.

Davidson, Pamela, 412 North Fourth Street, Room 104, Baton Rouge, LA 70802–5523, Telephone: (504) 389–

0227.

Louisiana.

Swearingen, James, P.O. Box 2662, Santa Fe, NM 87504, Telephone: (505) 988–6557 ........................................... New Mexico.

Waters, Alvin X. Jr., 5500 North Western, Suite 148, Oklahoma City, OK 73118–4011, Telephone: (405) 231–4198 Oklahoma.

Ramirez, Roy, Suite 121, Thornberry Building, 903 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, TX 78701–2450, Telephone:

(512) 482–5118.

Texas (south).

Jacob, Lawrence, Suite 121, Thornberry Building, 903 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, TX 78701–2450, Telephone:

(512) 482–5119.

Texas (north).

California Field Office

Oakland Federal Building

1301 Clay Street, Suite 675N

Oakland, California 94612–5217

Telephone: (510) 637–2988

Sosson, Deena R., 1345 J Street, Suite B, Sacramento, CA 95814, Telephone: (916) 551–1541 ............................. California (northern).

Lewis, William J., 1345 J Street, Suite A, Sacramento, CA 95814, Telephone: (916) 551–2160 ................................ California (central).
13882 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices

EDRs States covered

Oaks, Charles W., 297 Marengo Avenue, Room 100, Pasadena, CA 91102–6020, Telephone: (818) 583–6967 ..... California (southern).

Chicago Regional Office

111 North Canal Street, Suite 855

Chicago, IL 60606–7204

Telephone: (312) 353–7706

Casals, Alfred L., 509 West Capitol, Suite 204, Springfield, IL 62704, Telephone: (217) 492–4224 ........................... Illinois.

Henderson, Richard L., Federal Building Courthouse, Room 402, 46 East Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204,

Telephone: (317) 226–6104.

Indiana.

Collison, James L., 100 North Warren Avenue, Room 1018, Saginaw, MI 48606–0867, Telephone: (517) 758–

4097.

Michigan.

Arnold, John B. III, 104 Federal Building, 515 West First Street, Duluth, MN 55802, Telephone: (218) 720–5326 .... Minnesota.

Hickey, Robert F., Federal Building, Room 607, 200 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214, Telephone: (614)

469–7314.

Ohio.

Price, Jack D., 1320 W. Clairemont Ave., Suite 114, Eau Claire, WI 54701, Telephone: (715) 834–4079 ................. Wisconsin.

Denver Regional Office

1244 Speer Boulevard, Room 670

Denver, Colorado 80204

Telephone: (303) 844–4714

Zender, John, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Room 632, Denver, CO 80204, Telephone: (303) 844–4902 ......................... Colorado, Kansas.

Cecil, Robert, Federal Building, Room 593A, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, Telephone: (515) 284–

4746.

Iowa.

Paul Hildebrandt, Federal Building, Room B–02, 608 East Cherry, Columbia, MO 65201, Telephone: (314) 442–

8084.

Missouri.

Rogers, John C., Federal Building, Room 196, Drawer 10074, Helena, MT 59626, Telephone: (406) 449–5074 ...... Montana.

Albertson, Warren A., Federal Building, Room 219, Pierre, SD 57501, Telephone: (605) 224–8280 ......................... Nebraska, South Dakota.

Grant, Cornelius P., P.O. Box 1911, Bismarck, ND 58501, Telephone: (701) 250–4321 ............................................ North Dakota.

Ockey, Jack, Federal Building, Room 2414, 125 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84138, Telephone: (801)

524–5119.

Utah, Wyoming.

Philadelphia Regional Office

Curtis Center

Independence Square West

Suite 140 South

Philadelphia, PA 19106

Telephone: (215) 597–4603

Hammarlund, C.N. Jr., Federal Office Building, Room 453, 450 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103, Telephone: (203)

240–3256.

Connecticut, Rhode Island.

Flynn, Patricia A., 2568–A Riva Road, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401–7450, Telephone: (410) 962–2513 ............ Delaware, Maryland, District

of Columbia.

Blitz, Sandford, Federal Building, Room 410D, 40 Western Avenue, Augusta, ME 04330, Telephone: (207) 622–

8271.

Maine.

Fitzhenry, William A., Boston Federal Office Building, 10 Causeway Street, Room 420 (Box 2), Boston, MA

02222–1036, Telephone: (617) 565–7235.

Massachusetts.

Potter, Rita V., 143 North Main Street, Suite 209, Concord, NH 03301, Telephone: (603) 225–1624 ........................ New Hampshire, Vermont.

Rossignol, Clifford J., 44 South Clinton Avenue, Room 703, Trenton, NJ 08609, Telephone: (609) 989–2192 ......... New Jersey.

Marshall, Harold J. II, 620 Erie Boulevard West, Suite 104, Syracuse, NY 13204, Telephone: (315) 423–5203 ....... New York.

Pecone, Anthony M., 1933A New Berwick Highway, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Telephone: (717) 389–7560 .............. Pennsylvania.

Cruz, Ernesto L., Federal Office Building, Room 620, 150 Carlos Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, PR 00918–1738,

Telephone: (809) 766–5187.

Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands.

Noyes, Neal E., 700 Centre Building, Room 230, 704 E. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219, Telephone: (804)

771–2061.

Virginia.

Davis, R. Byron, Rose City Press Building, 550 Eagan Street, Room 305, Charleston, WV 25301, Telephone:

(304) 347–5252.

West Virginia.

Seattle Regional Office

Jackson Federal Building, Room 1856

915 Second Avenue

Seattle, Washington 98174

Telephone: (206) 220–7660

Richert, Bernhard E. Jr., 605 West 4th Avenue, Room G–80, Anchorage, AK 99501–7594, Telephone: (907) 271–

2274.

Alaska.

Perot, C. Antony, Phoenix Plaza, Suite 965, 2901 North Central, Phoenix, AZ 85012, Telephone: (602) 640–2541 . Arizona, Nevada (except

Elko, Eureka and White)

Pine Counties).
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 1995 / Notices 13883

EDRs States covered

McChesney, Frank, P.O. Box 50264, Federal Building, Room 4106, Honolulu, HI 96850, Telephone: (808) 541–

3391.

Hawaii, Guam, American

Samoa, Marshall Islands,

Micronesia, Northern

Marianas.

Ames, Aldred F., Room 441, 304 North 8th Street, Boise, ID 83702, Telephone: (208) 334–1533 ............................ Idaho, Nevada (counties of

Elko, Eureka & White

Pine).

Berblinger, Anne S., One World Trade Center, 121 S.W. Salmon Street, Suite 244, Portland, OR 97204, Telephone: (503) 326–3078.Oregon.

Kirry, Lloyd P., Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1856, Seattle, WA 98174, Telephone: (206)

220–7682.

Washington.

Dated: March 8, 1995.

William W. Ginsberg,

Assistant Secretary for Economic

Development.

[FR Doc. 95–6261 Filed 3–13–95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510–24–P