13 C.F.R. Subpart E—Proposal and Application Requirements; Evaluation Criteria
Title 13 - Business Credit and Assistance
The EDA Investment Assistance process begins with the submission of an Investment Assistance proposal. Investment proposals are submitted on an EDA Pre-application for Federal Assistance (Form ED–900P or any successor form) that may be obtained from EDA's Internet Web site at http://www.eda.gov or from the appropriate regional office. EDA generally accepts proposals on a competitive and continuing basis to respond to market forces in Regional economies. The timing with which competitive investment opportunities arise, as determined by the criteria set forth in §301.8, paired with the availability of funds in a given fiscal year, will affect EDA's ability to participate in any given Project. EDA will evaluate all proposals using the criteria set forth in §301.8 and will: (a) Solicit a formal application from the proponent; (b) Return the proposal to the proponent for specified deficiencies and suggest resubmission upon corrections; or (c) Deny the proposal for specifically stated reasons and notify the proponent. EDA will screen all proposals for the feasibility of the budget presented and conformance with EDA statutory and regulatory requirements. EDA will assess the economic development needs of the affected Region in which the proposed Project will be located (or will service) as well as the capability of the proponent to implement the proposed Project. Furthermore, EDA will select proposals competitively based on strategic areas of interest and priority considerations identified in the applicable FFO. EDA may also consider the degree to which an Investment in the proposed Project will satisfy one (1) or more of the following criteria: (a) Is market-based and results driven. An Investment will capitalize on a Region's competitive strengths and will positively move a Regional economic indicator measured and evaluated by EDA on a performance matrix system, such as EDA's Balanced Scorecard or other performance matrix. These Regional economic indicators include measures such as an increased number of higher-skill, higher-wage jobs, increased tax revenue, or increased private sector investment resulting from an Investment. (b) Has strong organizational leadership. An Investment will have strong leadership, relevant Project management experience and a significant commitment of human resources talent to ensure a Project's successful execution. (c) Advances productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship. An Investment will embrace the principles of entrepreneurship, enhance Regional industry clusters and leverage and link technology innovators and local universities to the private sector to create the conditions for greater productivity, innovation, and job creation. (d) Looks beyond the immediate economic horizon, anticipates economic changes and diversifies the local and Regional economy. An Investment will be part of an overarching, long-term Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy that enhances a Region's success in achieving a rising standard of living by supporting existing industry clusters, developing emerging new clusters or attracting new Regional economic drivers. (e) Demonstrates a high degree of local commitment. An Investment will exhibit: (1) High levels of local government or non-profit Matching Share and private sector leverage; (2) Clear and unified leadership and support by local elected officials; and (3) Strong cooperation between the business sector, relevant Regional partners and Federal, State and local governments. (f) Other criteria as set forth in the applicable FFO. (a) EDA will review completed proposal materials for compliance with the requirements set forth in PWEDA, this chapter, the applicable FFO and other applicable federal statutes and regulations. From those proposals meeting EDA's technical and legal requirements, EDA will select proposals for further consideration based on: (1) The availability of funds; and (2) The competitiveness of the proposals, judging by the criteria and priorities set forth in §301.8; and (3) The applicable FFO. (b) EDA will endeavor to notify proponents regarding whether their proposals are selected as soon as practicable. (a) General. For Projects selected from successful proposals, EDA will invite the proponents to submit a formal application for Investment Assistance. The appropriate regional office will provide application materials and guidance in completing them. The applicant will generally have thirty (30) days to submit the completed application materials to the applicable regional office. EDA staff will work with the applicant to resolve application deficiencies. (b) Formal application. Each formal application for EDA Investment Assistance must: (1) Include evidence of applicant eligibility (as set forth in §301.2) and of economic distress (as set forth in §301.3); (2) Identify the sources of funds, both eligible federal and non-EDA, and In-Kind Contributions that will constitute the required Matching Share for the Project (see the Matching Share requirements under §301.5); and (3) For construction Projects under parts 305 or 307 of this chapter, include a CEDS acceptable to EDA pursuant to part 303 of this chapter or otherwise incorporate by reference a current CEDS that EDA approves for the Project. The requirements of the preceding sentence shall not apply to: (i) Strategy Grants, as defined in §307.3 of this chapter; and (ii) Projects located in a Region designated as a Special Impact Area pursuant to part 310 of this chapter.
Title 13: Business Credit and Assistance
PART 301—ELIGIBILITY, INVESTMENT RATE AND PROPOSAL AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Subpart E—Proposal and Application Requirements; Evaluation Criteria
§ 301.7 Investment Assistance proposal.
§ 301.8 Proposal evaluation criteria.
§ 301.9 Proposal selection.
§ 301.10 Formal application requirements.
