OpportunityTitle: Economic Development Assistance Programs&#151;Availability of Funds under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965
CategoryExplanation: EDA&#146;s mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. In implementing this mission pursuant to its authorizing statute, the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. &#167; 3121 et seq.) (PWEDA), EDA advances economic growth by assisting communities and regions experiencing chronic high unemployment and low per capita income to create an environment that fosters innovation, promotes entrepreneurship, and attracts increased private capital investment.  EDA also administers the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Program (TAA Program) under the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. &#167;&#167; 2341-2391) (Trade Act).   Under this program, EDA funds a national network of eleven (11) non-profit organizations known as Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers, with each being assigned a different geographic service region, which in turn provide technical assistance to firms that have been adversely affected by increased import competition.
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: Pursuant to PWEDA, eligible applicants for and eligible recipients of EDA investment assistance include a(n): (i) District Organization; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; (iii) State, a city or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or (v) public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State. See section 3 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. &#167; 3122) and 13 C.F.R. &#167; 300.3.  Projects eligible for Public Works or Economic Adjustment investment assistance include those projects located in regions meeting &#147;Special Need&#148; criteria (as defined in 13 C.F.R. &#167; 300.3), as set forth in section VIII.B. of this  announcement.  For-profit, private-sector entities do not qualify for investment assistance under PWEDA.  Nonetheless, under its Local Technical Assistance Program or National Technical Assistance Program, EDA may make an award to a for-profit organization to carry out specific research or for other purposes set forth in 13 C.F.R. &#167; 306.1. See also 42 U.S.C. &#167; 3147.  EDA is not authorized to provide grants directly to individuals or to for-profit entities seeking to start or expand a private business. Such requests may be referred to State or local agencies, or to non-profit economic development organizations serving the region in which the project will be located.
Description: EDA&#146;s mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. Under this announcement, EDA solicits proposals or applications (as appropriate) for the following programs under PWEDA: (i) Public Works; (ii) Planning; (iii) Local Technical Assistance; and (iv) Economic Adjustment Assistance. EDA will provide Public Works investments to support the construction or rehabilitation of essential public infrastructure and facilities necessary to generate or retain private sector jobs and investments, attract private sector capital, and promote regional competitiveness, including investments that expand and upgrade infrastructure to attract new industry, support technology-led development, accelerate new business development, and enhance the ability of regions to capitalize on opportunities presented by free trade. The Planning Program helps support planning organizations, including District Organizations and Indian Tribes, in the development, implementation, revision or replacement of comprehensive economic development strategies (CEDS), and for related short-term planning investments and State plans designed to create and retain higher-skill, higher-wage jobs, particularly for the unemployed and underemployed in the nation&#146;s most economically distressed regions. The Local Technical Assistance Program helps fill the knowledge and information gaps that may prevent leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors in economically distressed regions from making optimal decisions on local economic development issues. This competitive solicitation covers Local Technical Assistance only. The Economic Adjustment Assistance Program provides a wide range of technical, planning, and infrastructure assistance in regions experiencing adverse economic changes that may occur suddenly or over time. This program is designed to respond flexibly to pressing economic recovery issues and is well suited to help address challenges faced by U.S. communities and regions.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: jlipsey@eda.doc.gov
GrantorContactText: Jamie Lipsey &lt;br/&gt;Phone 202-482-3467
CloseDateExplanation: Proposals under this competitive soliciation are accepted on a continuing basis and applications are invited and processed as received.  Generally, two months are required for EDA to reach a final decision after receipt of a complete application that meets all requirements.