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

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 http://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]

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