National Technical Assistance, Training, Research, and EvaluationRequest for Grant Proposals

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 103 (Friday, May 28, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29194-29197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-13611]



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Part VIII





Department of Commerce





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Economic Development Administration



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National Technical Assistance, Training, Research, and Evaluation--
Request for Grant Proposals; Notices

Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 103 / Friday, May 28, 1999 / 
Notices

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development Administration
[Docket No. 990506121-9121-01]
RIN 0610-ZA11


National Technical Assistance, Training, Research, and 
Evaluation--Request for Grant Proposals

AGENCY: Economic Development Administration (EDA), Department of 
Commerce (DoC).

ACTION: Request for Grant Proposals (RFP) upon availability of funds.

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SUMMARY: A total of $368,379,000 is available to EDA for all its 
programs in FY 1999 (See Notice of Funding Availability for FY 1999 at 
64 FR 9221), of which approximately $1,601,000 will be available for 
National Technical Assistance, Training, Research, and Evaluation. EDA 
is soliciting proposals for the specific projects described herein: (1) 
Evaluation of EDA's University Center Program; (2) Evaluation of EDA's 
Local Technical Assistance Program; (3) Identifying Technology 
Infrastructure Needs in America's Distressed Communities; (4) Handbook 
for Local Technology Strategic Planning, (5) Reviews of Economic 
Development Literature and Practice, and (6) Determining a Methodology 
for Estimating Infrastructure Demand. These projects will be funded if 
acceptable proposals are received. Remaining funding, if any, may be 
used to fund additional projects. EDA issues this Notice describing the 
conditions under which eligible applications for these National 
Technical Assistance, Training, Research, and Evaluation projects under 
13 CFR part 307, subpart C (64 FR 5347, 5428-5429) will be accepted and 
selected for funding.

DATES: Prospective applicants are advised that EDA will conduct a pre-
proposal conference on June 17, 1999, at 10 a.m. EDT in the Department 
of Commerce, Herbert C. Hoover Building, 14th and Constitution Avenue, 
NW, Washington, DC 20230, Room 1414, at which time questions on these 
projects can be answered. Potential applicants are encouraged to 
provide written questions (See Address section below) by June 10, 1999. 
Prospective applicants unable to attend this pre-proposal conference 
may participate by telephone conference. Teleconference information may 
be obtained by calling (202) 482-4085 between 8:30-5 EDT on June 16, 
1999.
    Proposals for funding under this program will be accepted through 
July 2, 1999. Proposals received after 5 p.m. EDT, on July 2, 1999, at 
the address provided below, will not be considered for funding.
    By July 21, 1999, EDA will advise successful proponents to submit 
full applications, OMB Control Number 0610-0094.
    Completed applications must be submitted to EDA by August 5, 1999, 
at the address below. EDA will make these awards no later than 
September 30, 1999.

ADDRESS: Send proposals to John J. McNamee, Director, Research and 
National Technical Assistance Division, Economic Development 
Administration, Room 7019, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 
20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John J. McNamee (202) 482-4085.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I Introduction

A. Authority

    The Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended 
(Pub. L. 89-136, 42 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.), including the comprehensive 
amendments by the Economic Development Administration Reform Act of 
1998 (Pub. L. 105-393) (PWEDA) authorizes EDA to make grants for 
training, research, and technical assistance, including grants for 
program evaluation and project impact analyses, that would be useful in 
alleviating or preventing conditions of excessive unemployment or 
underemployment (42 U.S.C. 3147, section 207). This RFP is dependent 
upon the availability of funds in FY 1999 for this program. Pub. L. 
105-277 makes funds available for this program.

B. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

11.303  Economic Development Technical Assistance.
11.312  Research and Evaluation.

C. Program Description

    For a description of this program see PWEDA and 13 CFR chapter III, 
part 307 (64 FR 5347).
    EDA assistance is focused on areas experiencing significant 
economic distress, defined principally as per capita income of 80 
percent or less of the national average, or an unemployment rate that 
is, for the most recent 24-month period for which data are available, 
at least one percent greater than the national average.

D. Costs

    Ordinarily, the applicant is expected to provide a 50% non-federal 
share of project costs. However, the Assistant Secretary may waive the 
required 50% matching share of the total project costs, provided the 
applicant can demonstrate: (1) The project is not feasible without, and 
the project merits such a waiver, or (2) the project is addressing 
major causes of distress in the area serviced and requires the unique 
characteristics of the applicant, which will not participate if it must 
provide all or part of a 50 percent non-federal share, or (3) the 
project is for the benefit of local, state, regional, or national 
economic development efforts, and will be of no or only incidental 
benefit to the recipient (See 13 CFR 307.9; 64 FR 5429).

E. Briefings and Reports

    Unless otherwise noted, each award includes a requirement that the 
applicant conduct a total of up to seven briefings and/or training 
workshops for individuals and organizations interested in the results 
of this project. Potential applicants should be aware that the 
completion dates set forth below are for completion of the project and 
submission of the final written report. Briefings/workshops will take 
place no later than one year after submission of the final report. 
Locations and dates of the briefings/workshops are at EDA's discretion. 
Usually, these consist of at least one briefing in Washington, DC, with 
the other briefings/workshops held in conjunction with one or more of 
EDA's regional conferences.
    Unless otherwise noted, each award includes a requirement that the 
applicant submit 200 copies of the final report.

II. Areas of Special Emphasis

•  Evaluation of EDA's University Center Program

    EDA invites proposals to evaluate the effectiveness of EDA's 
University Center Program.
Background
    EDA's University Center Program funds selected colleges and 
universities to help them address economic development problems and 
opportunities in the states they serve, especially in distressed areas. 
The centers provide technical assistance to clients outside the 
university, conduct applied research, and disseminate information. The 
centers complement other forms of technical assistance by helping local 
communities mobilize diverse public and private resources.

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Many centers cover an entire state; others cover a substantial portion 
of the state's population or geographic area.
    The proposed research is intended to evaluate the degree to which 
EDA's University Center Program has helped centers identify local 
needs, alleviate economic distress, disseminate information, and 
increase local economic development capacity. This research examines 
the overall program and should not be confused with the evaluation of 
individual university centers required under section 506 of PWEDA. It 
may be necessary to examine and consult with individual centers in 
order to determine overall program effectiveness.
    EDA will not accept proposals for this project from current EDA-
funded centers or their representatives. Other organizational units 
within universities and colleges hosting centers may be funded, 
providing they demonstrate independence between themselves and the 
center.
Scope of Work
    The successful applicant will: (1) Evaluate the effectiveness of 
EDA's University Center Program in addressing economic development 
problems and opportunities in the centers' service areas; (2) make 
recommendations as needed for improving the University Center Program; 
(3) review the EDA evaluation guidelines (currently under development) 
that will be used to assess individual centers, as required under 
Section 506 of PWEDA; and (4) conduct briefings and/or training 
workshops as set forth in I.E. above.
    In its evaluation of the University Center Program, EDA anticipates 
the successful applicant will examine output, client satisfaction, 
cost-effectiveness, and ability to leverage other sources of funding 
for economic development. Potential measures of output may include 
numbers of short and long-term services provided, number of clients 
served, newsletters published, conferences held, etc.
    In evaluating EDA's University Center Program, relevant questions 
include (but are not restricted to):
    a. Is the number and distribution of centers appropriate given 
overall budget constraints?
    b. Are the centers effective in meeting economic development needs?
    c. Does the University Center Program serve a unique role, or is it 
duplicative of programs offered by other federal agencies?
    d. Does the program effectively target distressed areas?
Cost
    The total EDA share of the cost of this project may not exceed 
$200,000.
Timing
    The project should be completed and the final report submitted by 
September 30, 2000.

•  Evaluation of EDA's Local Technical Assistance Program

Background
    EDA's Local Technical Assistance Program provides funding to help 
communities solve specific economic development problems, respond to 
development opportunities, and build and expand local organizational 
capacity in distressed areas. Often, Local Technical Assistance 
projects consist of feasibility studies, support for other economic 
development providers, or similar projects necessary to prepare a 
community for further EDA support. In recent years, funding for the 
program has been approximately $1.5 million per year, with the average 
grant size approximately $25,000. The program was last evaluated in 
1990.
Scope of Work
    The successful applicant will: (1) Examine selected projects funded 
in FY's 1996-1997, provided they have been completed no later than 
September 30, 1998, to identify common and variable features of 
representative projects; (2) where appropriate, make site visits to 
obtain more detailed project information; (3) evaluate the 
effectiveness of the Local Technical Assistance Program in fulfilling 
its goals; (4) make recommendations as needed for improving the 
program; and (5) conduct briefings and/or training workshops as set 
forth in I.E. above. In evaluating program effectiveness, relevant 
questions include (but are not restricted to):
    a. Has the program helped communities undertake or eliminate 
specific economic development projects from their overall strategy?
    b. Has the program influenced the design, implementation, or timing 
of local projects?
    c. Has the program helped communities build long-term economic 
development capacity?
    d. Has the program supported innovative approaches and/or given 
local officials needed expertise?
    e. To what extent has the program targeted distressed areas?
    f. Were projects completed in a timely and cost-effective fashion?
    g. Were there common features that contributed to project success 
or failure?
Cost
    The total EDA share of the cost of this project may not exceed 
$150,000.
Timing
    The project should be completed and the final report submitted by 
August 31, 2000.

•  Identifying Technology Infrastructure Needs in America's 
Distressed Communities

    EDA seeks proposals to assess the technology infrastructure needs 
of America's distressed communities to support critical economic 
development activities, including: Integration of new technologies into 
existing economic activities; ongoing technology and skills upgrading 
at the local level; development and commercialization of new 
technologies; and dissemination of information about new technologies.
Background
    Most experts agree that the future prosperity of American firms and 
workers will depend on their abilities to identify, develop, assess, 
manage and integrate new technologies. However, some communities have 
far greater cumulative resources to undertake these tasks than others. 
We refer to these resident, cumulative community resources as 
``technology infrastructure,'' recognizing that they are as important 
to future economic development as sewers, roads, schools and other 
traditional forms of infrastructure. EDA is committed to helping 
distressed communities pursue technology-led economic development. To 
pursue this goal most effectively, the agency must understand the 
technology infrastructure needs of these communities as precisely as 
possible. Possible examples of technology infrastructure include fiber 
optic networks; geographic information systems; smart buildings; 
specialized training facilities; smart water supply systems, water and 
waste water treatment systems, transportation systems, etc. This 
project will complement and build on, but should not duplicate, current 
EDA-sponsored research to assess technology infrastructure needs in 
Native American and Alaska Native communities, and to identify best 
practices of technology transfer and commercialization.
Scope of Work
    The successful applicant will: (1) Broadly outline the types of 
technology infrastructure needed for ongoing economic development in 
U.S. communities; (2) determine which types of technology are most 
needed by, and

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appropriate for, America's distressed communities; (3) identify the 
major constraints to improving the state of technology infrastructure 
in America's distressed communities; (4) prepare a final written report 
of findings, including recommendations regarding how EDA can most 
effectively use its limited resources to help distressed communities 
upgrade their technology infrastructure; and (5) conduct briefings and/
or training workshops as set forth in I.E above.
    As part of Task (1), EDA anticipates the successful applicant will 
develop a working definition of technology infrastructure, as well as a 
list of representative types of technology infrastructure. These should 
include cutting-edge technology improvements to traditional forms of 
infrastructure. In Task (2), EDA expects the researchers may wish to 
conduct case studies in communities that meet EDA's definitions of 
distress. The researchers would consider the resources and skills 
available in these communities, as well as acknowledged weaknesses in 
such economies that would have an impact, either positively or 
negatively, on the various types of technology infrastructure that are 
identified. In Task (3), the successful applicant should consider 
barriers to both private and public investment.
Costs
    The total EDA share of the cost for this project may not exceed 
$200,000.
Timing
    The project should be completed and the final report submitted by 
August 31, 2000.

•  Handbook for Local Technology Strategic Planning

    EDA seeks proposals to create a handbook for use by local economic 
development practitioners in preparing technology strategic plans.
Background
    In recent years, state and local economic development agencies have 
implemented a rapidly growing number and variety of technology-based 
economic development policies. As a result, it is becoming increasingly 
important that these policies be integrated smoothly into overall 
economic development planning (including EDA's required Comprehensive 
Economic Development Strategy). Among other things, economic 
development practitioners need to: identify technology-based economic 
development needs and opportunities; determine which kinds of projects 
are most appropriate for their community; recognize possible 
constraints on technology-based development strategies; and understand 
how technology strategies affect other aspects of economic development. 
In accordance with section 502 of PWEDA, EDA seeks to support the 
efforts of practitioners by developing a handbook that will help them 
undertake strategic planning for technology-based economic development. 
The handbook should provide practitioners with information regarding: 
what is typically included in a technology plan; how this content might 
vary in different contexts; how to prepare these plans; how to 
integrate these plans with other local or regional development plans, 
such as EDA's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy; and how to 
maximize the likelihood the plan will be implemented. The handbook 
should also identify potential sources for funding and technical 
assistance for preparing technology strategic plans. This project 
builds on earlier EDA-sponsored research which identified best 
practices and assessed the general status of technology strategic 
planning at the state level.
Scope of Work
    The successful applicant will: (1) Review prior literature and 
other materials documenting practical experience with technology 
strategic planning for economic development; (2) consult with experts 
in developing the contents and organization of the handbook; (3) 
prepare a detailed outline of the handbook's contents and circulate it 
among the experts for comment; (4) prepare the handbook; and (5) 
conduct briefings and/or training workshops as set forth in I.E above.
Costs
    The total EDA share of the cost for this project may not exceed 
$150,000
Timing
    The project should be completed and the final handbook submitted by 
July 31, 2000.

•  Reviews of Economic Development Literature and Practice

    EDA seeks proposals to review the literature and practical 
experience regarding issues of critical importance to economic 
development practitioners nationally.
Background
    One of EDA's main functions is to disseminate information about 
economic development policies, issues, strategies, and techniques to 
practitioners. EDA fulfills this function by a number of means, 
including newsletters, conferences, use of the Internet, and targeted 
research. This project would help present important and emerging 
theoretical issues to practitioners and policy makers. Compared to most 
other EDA research, this project also gives researchers greater 
latitude to choose the topic of study.
    As appropriate, EDA expects that the reviews selected will describe 
and critically analyze: key debates in the literature, analytical 
techniques of broad importance to practitioners, and the range of 
experience with specific economic development strategies. Where 
possible, reviews should identify important policy implications of the 
research. The subject, content, and writing style of proposed reviews 
should be targeted at practitioners and policy makers rather than 
academics. EDA expects proposals to be for original research, and 
proposed reviews should not have been submitted for publication 
elsewhere.
    EDA is especially interested in reviews of literature on issues 
related to EDA's core programs. Examples include: Costs of job 
creation; economic development in Native American and Alaska Native 
communities; innovative public infrastructure financing; and 
international trade impacts on regional economies. EDA, however, 
welcomes a broader range of topics of importance to domestic economic 
development.
    EDA expects researchers to demonstrate familiarity with the 
proposed topic and ability to conduct a timely, thorough, and objective 
review. EDA anticipates making multiple awards, but will not make 
multiple awards to any individual researcher.
Scope of Work
    Successful applicants will: (1) Prepare a paper of length and 
quality suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and (2) 
conduct one presentation as described in I.E. above. Authors are 
encouraged to submit the final review paper for publication.
Cost
    EDA may provide funding up to $100,000 for all reviews funded under 
this RFP. The total EDA share of the cost for any single review may not 
exceed $20,000. EDA anticipates that most proposals will be in the 
range of $10,000 to $15,000.
Timing
    EDA anticipates that most reviews will take 6 months or less, but 
recognizes that this will vary with the

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nature of the research. A presentation may take place up to one year 
after the final paper is submitted.

•  Determining a Methodology for Estimating Infrastructure Demand

    EDA requests proposals to determine whether a methodology exists to 
estimate the nature and approximate cost of the infrastructure that is 
needed for the economic development of distressed areas.
Background
    Under its Public Works program, EDA grants assist distressed 
communities generate long-term, private sector jobs and diversify local 
economies by growing new industry, and by encouraging private 
investment and business expansion. EDA funds critically-needed 
infrastructure such as water and sewer facilities and modern 
technological improvements for industry and commerce, access roads to 
industrial sites, business incubators, and skill training facilities. 
EDA is cognizant of the fact that infrastructure investment needs grow 
out of a local planning process where the community or region 
identifies, among other needs, the type of infrastructure that is 
needed for the economic development of the area. Under this request, 
EDA is interested in determining whether there is a methodology for 
assessing the infrastructure needs of these economically-distressed 
areas that is valid and cost-effective. The availability of 
comprehensive data on local infrastructure investments and the causal 
relationship between the level of infrastructure investment and 
regional development must be established.
Scope of Work
    The successful applicant will: (1) Bring together a roundtable 
panel of experts to determine whether there is a valid and cost-
effective methodology to determine the demand for economic development 
infrastructure; (2) prepare a report on the findings, conclusions, and 
recommendations; and (3) conduct up to two presentations as described 
in I.E. above.
Cost
    The total EDA share of the cost for this project may not exceed 
$25,000.
Timing
    The project should be completed and the final report of the 
findings, conclusions, and recommendations submitted by December 31, 
1999.

III. How To Apply

A. Eligible Applicants

    See EDA's interim final rule at 13 CFR Sec. 300.2 (64 FR 5347). 
Eligible applicants are as follows: areas meeting requirements under 13 
CFR 301.2; Economic Development Districts; Indian tribes; consortiums 
of Indian Tribes; states, cities or other political subdivisions of a 
state; consortiums of political subdivisions of states; institutions of 
higher education, consortiums of institutions of higher education; 
public or private nonprofit organizations or associations acting in 
cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a state, for-
profit organizations, and private individuals.
    EDA encourages submission of proposals by a broad spectrum of 
potential applicants, including minority institutions and individuals.

B. Proposal Submission Procedures

    Proposals submitted by potential applicants should include: (1) A 
description of how the researcher(s) intend(s) to carry out the scope 
of work (not to exceed fifteen pages in length); (2) a proposed budget 
and accompanying explanation; (3) resumes/qualifications of key staff 
(not to exceed two pages per individual), and (4) a proposed time line. 
EDA will not accept proposals submitted by FAX or email. Proposals 
received after 5 p.m. EDT, on July 2, 1999, at the address provided 
above, will not be considered.

IV. Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals will receive initial review by EDA to assure that they 
meet all requirements of this announcement and 13 CFR Chapter III (64 
FR 5347), including eligibility and relevance to the specified project 
as described herein. All proposals must meet EDA's statutory and 
regulatory requirements. If a proposal is selected, EDA will provide 
the proponent with an Application for Federal Assistance (OMB Control 
Number 0610-0094). EDA will carry out its selection process using the 
following criteria:
    (1) The quality of a proposal's response to the scope of work 
proposed; and
    (2) The ability of the prospective applicant to successfully carry 
out the proposed activities.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

V. Additional Information and Requirements

    See 64 FR 9221-9226, Part II for additional information and 
requirements (available on the Internet at https://www.doc.gov/eda/html/
notice.htm, under the heading ``Economic Development Programs--
Availability of Funds'').

    Dated: May 24, 1999.
Phillip A. Singerman,
Assistant Secretary for Economic Development.
[FR Doc. 99-13611 Filed 5-27-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-24-P