Selected Federal Agency Announcements and Related for the Week ending May 8, 2020

The following is a selection of recent announcements gleaned from various federal sources and colleagues and is provided to EDA’s Economic Development Integrators to increase our awareness of complementary resources for economic development.

See more open funding opportunities at federal agencies on the EDI webpage at https://www.eda.gov/edi/assistance/

Also visit the following links on our updated EDI webpages at www.eda.gov/edi for additional information about federal resources that are available to support comprehensive regional economic development strategies, including:

Click here to view all weekly federal announcement posts


Contents


Funding & Resource Announcements

ACCESS TO CAPITAL, BUSINESS ASSISTANCE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

NEW:  IRS Extends OZ 180-Day Investment Deadline Until July 15 Due

The Internal Revenue Service has extended the 180-day deadline to invest capital gains in qualified opportunity funds to July 15 for taxpayers whose deadline falls between April 1 and July 15, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notice 2020-23 permits taxpayers with deadlines that fall in that period to automatically postpone their investment deadline. The relief is automatic.

 

NEW UPDATES – SBA Lending Programs Authorized in CARES Act

SBA has been actively updating and issuing guidance for accessing the lending programs authorized under the CARES Act.

On May 4, for example, SBA issued an update to announce that Agriculture Businesses  are now eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs and that SBA will begin accepting new EIDL applications on a limited basis only, in order to provide unprecedented relief to U.S. agricultural businesses. For agricultural businesses that submitted an EIDL loan application through the streamlined application portal prior to the legislative change, SBA will move forward and process these applications without the need for re-applying. All other EIDL loan applications that were submitted before the portal stopped accepting new applications on April 15 will be processed on a first-in, first-out basis.

See these links for full announcement and the latest on SBA’s disaster assistance programs:

Visit SBA webpage for additional guidance and resources for businesses and nonprofits.

Federal Reserve Increase in Mainstreet Loan Program

The Federal Reserve announced additional actions to provide up to $2.3 trillion in loans to support the economy, including the purchase of up to $600 billion in loans through the Main Street Lending Program. The Main Street Lending Program will enhance support for small and mid-sized businesses that were in good financial standing before the crisis by offering 4-year loans to companies employing up to 10,000 workers or with revenues of less than $2.5 billion. Principal and interest payments will be deferred for one year. Businesses apply for these loans through participating banks. See Announcement for more details.

HUD Guidance for Supplemental 2020 CDBG Allocations for COVID-19

The CARES Act provided additional funding for HUD Community Development Programs, including increases to 2020 CDBG allocations for states and entitlement area recipients. Funds can be used for a range of eligible activities including construction of facilities, business assistance, workforce training, and planning and capacity building. HUD has already issued a first tranche of allocations to States and Entitlement Communities. A second and third tranche of funds will follow.  The following links provide more information, including a summary of eligible activities that may be funded:

For more info, click here.

Apply by May 30. MBDA Business Centers Focused on Minority Women Entrepreneurs

The Minority Business Development Agency within the Department of Commerce has announced a funding opportunity that seeks to fund Business Center(s) with a particular focus on supporting minority women entrepreneurs in the U.S. and its territories to build their businesses, secure contracts and capital, and increase employment opportunities.  MBDA anticipates making three awards, each for $500,000 per year, for a total of $1.5M per year ($3M total).  Applications due May 30.  See MBDA’s Enterprising Women of Color NOFO on (MBDA-OBD-2020-2006443) on Grants.gov for details.

 

CEDS, REGIONAL PLANNING and CAPACITY BUILDING

Apply by May 31. DRA States’ Economic Development Assistance Program

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is opening the 2020 application cycle for the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP).  SEDAP, which provides direct investments into community-based and regional projects that address the DRA’s congressionally mandated four funding priorities, is the main investment tool used by the DRA.  The deadline to submit applications is May 31, 2020, and funds are available to DRA’s footprint of 252 counties and parishes in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. All necessary information for application consideration can be found in the 2020 SEDAP Manual. Organizations and communities can apply online at funding.dra.gov.

Apply by Jun 30: EPA Grants to Support Environmental Justice in Pandemic Response

EPA is making $1 million in grant funding available to states, local governments, tribes, and territories for projects to improve the health and welfare of low income, minority, tribal and indigenous communities. EPA will give special consideration to those applications aimed at addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic communities with EJ concerns. The State Environmental Justice (SEJCA) Cooperative Agreement Program will provide funds to eligible states, local governments, tribes and territories. EPA anticipates issuing 5 grants of approximately $200,000 each for a two-year funding period. Application Due Date: Tuesday June 30, 2020 by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. See additional details at: FY2020 SEJCA webpage

Informational Pre-Application Assistance Calls: Potential applicants are invited to participate in conference calls with EPA to address questions about the SEJCA Program and this solicitation. Following are the Dates and Times (Eastern Time) for upcoming calls:

  • Tuesday, May 5, 2020 (LIVE) 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (ET)
  • Thursday, May 7, 2020 (LIVE) 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (ET)
  • Thursday, May 21, 2020 (LIVE) 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (ET)
  • Tuesday, June 2, 2020 (LIVE) 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (ET)

For more information, including dial-in information, please visit the FY2020 SEJCA webpage.

May/June Deadlines:  USDA Priority for Projects Supporting Regional Plans.

Through the Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) authority in the 2018 Farm Bill, USDA has set aside a portion of funding in four programs, for rural projects that support regional economic and community development planning, such as CEDS. The four programs are:

  • Community Facilities Loans, Grants and Loan Guarantees
  • Water and Waste Disposal Program Loans, Grants and Loan Guarantees
  • Business & Industry Program Loan Guarantees
  • Rural Business Development Grants

To apply for the funding, applicants must apply by the due date for the specific program or June 30, whichever is FIRST. Applicants also must meet all other underlying program requirements and submit Application Form (Form RD 1980-88) along with other application materials to their nearest USDA office. Consideration for regional development priority will be based on:

  • How well the project supports a multi-jurisdictional plan, and
  • How well the plan addresses collaboration and investments from other federal and philanthropic agencies.

For more information on how this SECD prioritization works, please contact your local USDA Rural Development office or Gregory Batson at [email protected]. More details can also viewed at page 11947 of the Feb. 28, 2020, Federal Register.

 

INFRASTRUCTURE.

Apply by May 18:  Port Infrastructure Development Program Grants

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA) and the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 authorized and appropriated $225 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to make grants to improve facilities within, connecting to, out of, or around coastal seaports, inland river ports and Great Lakes ports.  The Act directs that at least $200 million of the appropriated funds be for grants to coastal seaports or Great Lakes ports. Minimum award size is $1M.  Funds for the PIDP are to be awarded as discretionary grants on a competitive basis for projects that will improve the safety, efficiency or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around or within a port.  For more information, view the Notice on Grants.gov visit DOT’s webpage here.

RLFs for Water and Waste Water Infrastructure –USDA and EPA Programs

  • Revolving Funds for Financing Water and Wastewater Projects Program
    USDA Rural Development program a supports predevelopment costs for water or wastewater projects to finance short-term and small capital projects that are not part of regular operation and maintenance costs for water and wastewater systems. Application Deadline: June 12, 2020
  • EPA Funding for State Clean Water and Drinking Water System Loan Funds. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has made $2.7 billion available for State Revolving Funds that support water infrastructure. The SRF programs function like infrastructure banks by providing low-interest loans to eligible recipients. Assistance is provided directly from state agencies. Visit these EPA webpages for info: https://www.epa.gov/dwsrf and https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf

Extended to Jun 15: DOI National Tribal Broadband Feasibility Study Funding.

The Department of Interior’s Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development has announced the availability of National Tribal Broadband Grant (NTBG) Feasibility Study Funding.  The Office intends to invest $1,200.000 to support 30 grant awards.  These resources would permit the grantees to hire consultants to perform feasibility studies for deployment or expansion of high-speed internet (broadband) transmitted, variously, through digital subscriber line (DSL), cable modem, fiber, wireless, satellite and broadband over power lines (BPL).  Feasibility studies funded through NTBG will assist Tribes to make informed decisions regarding deployment or expansion of broadband in their communities.  Applications are now due by June 15. View here.

Apply by Jul 13: Second Round for USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants.

USDA is opening a second application window for funding under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. Electronic applications for window two may be submitted beginning April 14, 2020 and are due no later than July 13, 2020. Apply through Grants.gov here: RUS-20-02-DLT

 

MANUFACTURING, INNOVATION and TECHNOLOGY:

NEW: DOD Joint Acquisition Task Force Industry Portal – Procurement and Grant Opportunities

The COVID-19 Joint Acquisition Task Force, in partnership with the Department of the Air Force, created an industry portal to collect information from suppliers for goods and services to meet the urgent need for medical resources. The request for information is on the COVID-19 JATF Industry Portal.

Open Now. NIST Manufacturing USA National Emergency Assistance Program

On March 30, 2020 NIST announced Funding Opportunity: 2020-NIST-MFGUSA-NEAP-01,

inviting applications from current Manufacturing USA institutes not receiving financial assistance under Section 1741(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 ((Pub. L. 116-92, December 20, 2019), to be codified at 15 U.S.C. § 278s(e)) at the time of proposal submission.

Projects should focus on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and may include projects to leverage institute capabilities to strengthen state and community resilience; grants to companies and technical support to accelerate productions of critical materials, equipment, and supplies; technology roadmapping for pandemic response and recovery; reshoring the manufacture of critical materials; or workforce development and training for a skilled advanced manufacturing workforce. See NOFO on Grants.gov for complete information.

NEW: Energy Department Announces Notice of Intent to Issue Funding to Enhance Manufacturing Competitiveness through Innovation

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) announced its intent to issue, on behalf of the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO), a funding opportunity to stimulate technology innovation, improve the energy productivity of American manufacturing, and enable the manufacturing of cutting-edge products in the United States. Specifically, the funding opportunity seeks to invest in new industrial technologies, materials, and processes to create and sustain American leadership in advanced manufacturing.

The potential Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), entitled “FY20 Advanced Manufacturing Multi-topic FOA,” will focus on three areas:

  1. Next-generation manufacturing processes that improve energy efficiency in energy-intensive and energy-dependent industries, including steel manufacturing.
  2. Modular, hybrid, and/or catalytic processes to improve energy efficiency in chemical manufacturing.
  3. Connected, flexible, and efficient manufacturing facilities, products and energy systems, including the integration of direct air capture at industrial facilities.

View the Notice of Intent and submission instructions here. DOE plans to issue the FOA via EERE Exchange in spring 2020.

Apply by Jul 1 Energy Technology Deployment on Tribal Lands
DOE’s Office of Indian Energy is soliciting applications from Indian Tribes to:

  • Install energy generating system(s) and energy efficiency measure(s) for Tribal Building(s)
  • Deploy community-scale energy generating system(s) or energy storage on Tribal Lands
  • Install integrated energy system(s) for autonomous operation or
  • Deploy energy infrastructure and integrated energy system(s) to electrify Tribal Buildings

The intended results of the 50% cost-shared projects selected under this FOA are to reduce or stabilize energy costs and increase energy security and resiliency for Indian Tribes and tribal members.

DOE expects to make approximately $10 million to $15 million of federal funding available for new awards under this FOA, subject to the availability of appropriated funds

Apply by Jul 14.  Department of Energy Announces $14M For Coal Tech R&D

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) announced up to $14 million in federal funding for cost-shared research and development projects under the funding opportunity announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0002185, Advanced Coal Processing Technologies.

The FOA seeks applications for the research and development of coal-derived products as building materials and infrastructure components, as well as other value-added, coal-derived carbon products. The FOA seeks applications for the research and development of technologies capable of continuously producing a carbon foam from a coal-derived feedstock. Additionally, the FOA seeks to support the application, validation, and integration of several carbon-based building products into carbon building structures.

The projects will support FE’s  Advanced Coal Processing Technologies Program, focused on improving coal feedstocks for power production and steel making, producing high-value solid products from coal, and identifying alternative technologies to produce high-performance carbon material from coal.

Read more details here. Apply by Jul 14, 2020.

 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

 

NEW: DOL Workforce Opportunity Grants for Rural Communities (Round 2)

On April 30,  U.S. Department of Labor, in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), announced the availability of approximately $29.2 million in a second round of grant funding for the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative.  Under this FOA, the department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) will award these grants to applicants that demonstrate innovative and sustainable strategies to provide needed career, training and support services to eligible individuals in the Appalachian and Delta regions.

**Highlight for CEDS Alignment:  ETA will award those applicants that align and integrate workforce development activities with existing state, regional, or community development strategies. Learn more about grant eligibility and how to apply.

ARC and DRA will provide technical assistance to prospective applicants in their respective regions, as well as provide assistance and support to grantees across the life of the initiative. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit www.arc.gov or www.dra.gov for more information, including dates and locations for pre-application technical assistance meetings.

DOL Announces $42.5 M Available for Youth Apprenticeship Grants

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) announced  the availability Youth Apprenticeship Readiness grants to support the enrollment of youth apprentices (ages 16-24) into Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). ETA intends to fund approximately 15 to 25 Youth Apprenticeship Readiness grants, with awards ranging from $1 million to $5 million. See here for Direct link to solicitation.

 

Open Federal Funding Opportunities:  

Below is a list of previously highlighted funding opportunities that are still open. Enter the Opportunity Number in Grants.gov to see announcement details. You can also search Grants.gov for a full list of current federal opportunities, including programs not listed below.

Opportunity Number Opportunity Title Agency Posted Date Close Date
PWEAA2020

 

FY 2020 EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs DOC-EDA 10/18/2019 Open
EDA-2019-DISASTER FY 2019 EDA Disaster Supplemental DOC-EDA 08/13/2019 Open
 

2020-NIST-MFGUSA-NEAP-01

NIST Manufacturing USA National Emergency Assistance Program DOC-NIST 03/30/2020 Open
FR-6400-N-54 HUD’s FY2020 and FY2021 Distressed Cities TA Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) HUD 11/26/2019 Open
2020-NIST-MEP-MDAP-01 NIST MEP Disaster Assessment Program DOC-NIST 01/17/2020 Open
FTA-2020-011-TPE-HOPE FY 2020 Helping Obtain Prosperity for Everyone Program DOT-FTA 03/03/2020 05/04/2020
HRSA-20-135

 

Rural Tribal COVID-19 Response Program HHS-HRSA 04/21/2020 05/06/2020
USDA-RD-HCFP-RCDI-2020 Rural Community Development Initiative USDA-RHS 03/04/2020 05/13/2020
FOA-ETA-20-08

 

The National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) Career Services and Training Grants and Housing Grants DOL-ETA 04/14/2020 05/14/2020
MBDA-OBD-2020-2006442 Inner City Innovation Hubs DOC 04/14/2020 05/15/2020
DTOS59-20-RA-BUILD FY 2020 National Infrastructure Investments DOT 02/18/2020 05/18/2020
693JF7-20-BAA-0001 Port Infrastructure Development Grants DOT-MA 02/18/2020 05/18/2020
ETA-TEGL-15-19

 

Building State Capacity to Expand Apprenticeship through Innovation DOL-ETA 04/16/2020 05/21/2020
MBDA-OBD-2020-2006457

 

Entrepreneurship Education Program for Formerly Incarcerated Persons DOC 04/20/2020 05/22/2020
ETA-TEGL-16-19-DW

 

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Dislocated Worker Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2020 DOL-ETA 04/24/2020 05/25/2020
ETA-TEGL-16-19-ES

 

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Employment Service (ES) Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2020 DOL-ETA 04/24/2020 05/25/2020
ETA-TEGL-16-19-WIG

 

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Workforce Information Grants Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2020 DOL-ETA 04/24/2020 05/25/2020
ETA-TEGL-16-19-YOUTH

 

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Activities Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2020 DOL-ETA 04/24/2020 05/25/2020
ETA-TEGL-16-19-ADULT

 

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult Activities Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2020 DOL-ETA 04/24/2020 05/25/20
2020-NIST-SBIR-02 The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Ph II DOC-NIST 03/27/2020 05/26/2020
USDA-NIFA-SBIR-007194 FY 2020 FY2021 SBIR Phase II RFA USDA-NIFA 02/07/2020 05/27/2020
DE-FOA-0002335

 

SHARKS SBIR/STTR DOE-ARPAE 04/09/2020 05/27/2020
MBDA-OBD-2020-2006443 Enterprising Women of Color DOC 03/29/2020 05/30/2020
EPA-R1-HC-2020

 

2020 HEALTHY COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM EPA 04/21/2020 06/05/2020
HHS-2020-ACL-NIDILRR-BISB-0400 Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Ph  II HHS-ACL 03/27/2020 06/10/2020
BIA-IEED-2020 National Tribal Broadband Grant (NTBG) Feasibility Study Funding DOI-BIA 04/06/2020 06/15/2020
FR-CRS-20-001

 

FY20 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements DOT-FRA 04/23/2020 06/19/2020
USDA-AMS-TM-DBII-G-20-0008 Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives USDA-AMS 04/24/2020 06/23/2020
RUS-20-02-DLT

 

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants USDA-RUS 04/15/2020 07/13/2020
DE-FOA-0002185 Coal Derived Materials for Building Infrastructure and other Applications DOE-NETL 04/10/2020 07/14/2020

 Recent Awards to Assist Recovery

Department of Labor Announces  Dislocated Worker Grant Awards

On April 15,  U.S. Department of Labor announced the award of the first installment of 26 Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) totaling $131,384,557 to help address the workforce-related impacts of the coronavirus public health emergency. These awards are funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided $345 million for DWGs to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus. In the case of the coronavirus public health emergency, funding could be used for humanitarian assistance, clean-up and mitigation associated with the virus, and job training for industries still hiring during the health emergency. Additional awards will follow. See this link for the latest info on these Grant awards

Institute of Museum and Library Services Allocates $30M in CARES Funding to States

The agency allocated CARES awards through its in-place funding vehicle for all states and territories, State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs).  The state allotment tables can be viewed here.  States and territories will be able to use the funds to expand digital network access, purchase internet accessible devices, and provide technical support services to citizens to address digital inclusion efforts and related technical support. More information is available at imls.gov/coronavirus

Public Meetings, Notices, Events and Training

NEW FCC Seeks Comment on Proposed $9B 5G Connectivity Program for Rural America

On April 23, 2020 the Federal Communications Commission announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 20-52) seeking comment on establishing the 5G Fund for Rural America. The Notice proposes to distribute up to $9 billion through the Universal Service Fund across rural America for 5G wireless broadband connectivity, including $680 million reserved to support 5G networks serving Tribal lands. FCC seeks comment on two different approaches to identifying eligible areas for the Phase I reverse auction. More info available here.

APLU’s Learning Exchange Forum: Rural Engagement for Resilient Communities

The American Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU) is excited to provide a new monthly forum for those who are working in and/or are interested in supporting rural communities. Members of the forum will exchange best practices, engage philanthropic, private sector, and government funders, and more. Topics include:

  • MAY- Rural Opportunity Zones
  • JUNE- No Meeting. Join the CECE-CoR Joint Summer Meeting in State College, PA.
  • JULY- Infrastructure Development
  • AUGUST- Rural Workforce Development
  • SEPTEMBER- General Rural Economic and Demographic Trends
  • OCTOBER- Value Added Food Manufacturing

Learn more about the Learning Exchange Forum: Rural Engagement for Resilient Communities today!

 

Reports and Data for Economic Development

NEW:  Census Releases Interactive Data HUB for COVID 19

U.S. Census Bureau released a new resource page on Census.gov to help federal agencies, businesses, and communities make decisions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to the Census Bureau’s resources pages created during natural disasters, this resource page includes information on population demographics, economic indicators and businesses.

It features a new interactive data hub that centralizes already-released data from the American Community Survey and the County Business Patterns program to facilitate users’ access to data useful in pandemic-related decision making. The data hub, released as a beta version, will be updated periodically as the situation changes and as feedback is received from users.

The data hub also includes direct links to other Census Bureau data tools that provide additional information to guide decision-making, and also links to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data on COVID-19 case. Learn More at www.census.gov/coronavirus.

NEW:  Federal Reserve Beige Book of Current Economic Conditions Released

The latest release of  the informal review by the Federal Reserve Banks of current economic conditions in their Districtsis was posted April 15 here.  Commonly known as the Beige Book, this report is published eight times per year. Each Federal Reserve Bank gathers anecdotal information on current economic conditions in its District through reports from Bank and Branch directors and interviews with key business contacts, economists, market experts, and other sources. The Beige Book summarizes this information by District and sector.

NEW: GWU Tool Estimates Shortages of COVID19 Health Care Workforce by State

An April 16 advisory from George Washington University As the U.S. healthcare workforce struggles to care for a rise in COVID-19 cases, there are growing reports that there are not enough workers to meet the surge in demand. To meet the potentially explosive demand for healthcare workers, researchers at the George Washington University have created tool that will help states and the federal government estimate the need for health care workers under different scenarios of patient infection rates and health worker attrition. Once the pandemic has passed, the modeling tool could be adapted to anticipate workforce needs for other emerging epidemics. The State Health Workforce Deficit Estimator is supported by an award from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). To find out more and view an interactive map of shortage states, click here.

Census Bureau’s Weekly Business Formation Statistics Data

The U.S. Census Bureau has begun releasing weekly business application data at the national and regional levels in addition to releasing the quarterly Business Formation Statistics (BFS). The BFS, which was first released in February 2018, tracks trends in business applications and formations at the state, regional, and national levels. The weekly data provide timely and granular information on the state of the economy but appropriate caution is required in interpreting fluctuations since high-frequency weekly data are subject to variation from seasonal factors including holidays and beginning and end of calendar year effects.  See also:

Following its initial publication on April 8, 2020, the weekly BFS series will be published each Thursday at noon EDT. The weekly data will be available for a limited time and we will assess the demand for these data on an ongoing basis.

Disaster Recovery Resources & Info

Where to Find Federal Disaster Declarations

  • You can find the latest federal emergency and disaster declarations, as well as prior declarations for other areas, on FEMA’s disaster declarations webpage.
  • Amended Declarations: Existing Declarations may be subsequently amended to expand covered areas, provide notification that an incident has been closed, or make other necessary changes. Link available here.

Funding and other Assistance Available for Economic Recovery:

Resources for COVID-19 Disaster Assistance:

The situation is rapidly changing, and new announcements are being issued frequently.  Some of the following may be of particular interest to economic development stakeholders:

Official Site for Federal Resources

For the latest CDC guidance for individuals, businesses and communities see: cdc.gov/COVID19

For a current compilation of other federal resources visit:  www.usa.gov/coronavirus.  The following announcements are highlighted below for your convenience.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 National Emergency Declaration

Department of Commerce Resources

The Department posts updated information about programs and assistance with Coronavirus impacts at https://www.commerce.gov/coronavirus.  Highlights include:

NIST MEP Centers Received CARES Act Funding. 

NIST MEP launched the application process for $50 million in grants to help manufacturers respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. NIST will issue awards to Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico for COVID-19-related projects. Link here.

NIST Manufacturing USA Offers Emergency Funding to Institutes

NIST opened a funding opportunity for rapid, high-impact projects that support the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the NIST Manufacturing USA National Emergency Assistance Program. Funding will be awarded to eligible Manufacturing USA® institutes, with no requirements for cost matching.

NTIA Broadband USA Funding Guide -Updated. 

NTIA  updated the Federal funding section of the BroadbandUSA website with the FY20 programs and funding levels provided by agencies. See also accompanying blog.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

Learn about the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, which provides working capital loans to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue.

SBA’s Resource Partners (SBDCs and Women’s Business Centers) also received CARES Act funding to increase their technical assistance for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find local assistance here.

DOL Resources to help workers and employers prepare for COVID-19

The U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus (also known as novel coronavirus). Including:

USDA Guide to Federal Programs for Rural Communities Impacted by COVID-19 

USDA’s  The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide (PDF, 349 KB), a first-of-its-kind resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic. USDA has taken many immediate actions to assist farmers, ranchers, producers, rural communities, and rural-based businesses and organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on these actions, visit www.usda.gov/coronavirus

USDA Program Flexibilities to Help Rural Businesses and Communities

On March 25, USDA Rural Development announced a number of immediate actions taken to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Read the full announcement.

Extended FCC Lifeline and Broadband Services:

A number of the major broadband providers announced today that they will be extending their commitments under the Keep Americans Connected Pledge until June 30th in order to support American households and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak. The pledge previously included a 60 day commitment.  Additionally, several deadlines for the Lifeline Program have been extended. The Commission, also, recently adopted an R&O opening up the 6GHz band for unlicensed use. For more information on the FCC’s COVID-19 efforts, visit its Keeping Americans Connected page.

Education Stabilization Fund Grant Programs:

Under the CARES Act, the Department of Education was allocated $30.75 billion to create the Education Stabilization Fund. These funds support State Education Agencies and Local Education Agencies during the pandemic. Funds are split over four major grant programs: Education Stabilization Fund Discretionary Grants, Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. The Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology has also been releasing a blog series titled Keep Calm and Connect All Students.

HUD’s Public Housing Operations Fund Expanded for Coronavirus Response:

HUD received $686 million under the CARES Act for the Public Housing Operations Fund. Money from this fund may be used to support the health and safety of occupants in public housing. Devices like hotspots are considered eligible expenses. More information on HUD’s Coronavirus response can be found on its Coronavirus page.

HHS/HRSA  Issues CARES Grants for Small Rural Hospitals  

HRSA’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) received $150 million through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – PDF to assist hospitals funded through the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) respond to this public health emergency. The CARES Act funding allows hospitals maximum flexibility in how they respond to COVID-19 within their communities, including the provision of testing and laboratory services as well as the purchase of personal protective equipment to minimize COVID-19 exposure.

Non-Federal Resources of Note:

NADO’s RDO COVID-19 Resource Center

Webpages are regularly updated with new Federal, State and Regional resources to assist with economic recovery.  Also includes results of NADO’s March 20 member survey – take a look at the summary here., and has links to several EDD webpages that are responding to the crisis in their areas.

IEDC Covid-19 Resources for Economic Developers

IEDC’s webpage features its guide for economic recovery:  Leadership in Times of Crisis: A Toolkit for Economic Recovery and Resiliency that provides useful information and resources on disaster preparedness, crisis response, business continuity and recovery strategies that a business or community can use to mitigate against the risks posed. IEDC also include links to its  Impact Surveys and Needs Assessments based on member input.

CDFA – COVID19 Resource Center.

The CDFA COVID-19 Resource Center is a collection of financing programs and resources to address disaster relief and recovery.

Assistance for Natural Disasters:

EDA FY19 Disaster Supplemental Funding Available for Areas Impacted by 2018/19 Natural Disasters

EDA’s Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), made available $587 million for eligible grantees in communities impacted by Presidentially declared natural disasters in 2018, and by floods and tornadoes in 2019. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. View Opportunity Number EDA-2019-DISASTER on Grants.gov,  and contact your EDA Regional Office representative for eligibility information and application assistance.

NIST Funding Available for MEP Disaster Assessment Program

NIST invites applications from current recipients of Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center cooperative agreements (MEP Centers) to perform assessments of small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in areas subject to a FEMA Disaster Declaration under the NIST MEP Disaster Assessment Program. NIST will accept applications from MEP Centers on a rolling basis based on the date of the subject FEMA Disaster Declaration. See NOFO (2020-NIST-MEP-MDAP-01) for full details.

EPA Toolkit Features Resources to Prepare for Natural Disasters

The U.S. EPA Urban Waters Federal Partnership has released a new toolkit, How to Prepare for Natural Disasters: A Pre-Disaster Toolkit for Small to Medium-Sized Communities. Click here to access the toolkit.

HUD TA for Disaster Recovery in Small Cities.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is accepting requests for Technical Assistance (TA) under the new Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) Program.  Note that HUD strongly encourages interested jurisdictions to contact your HUD Field Office prior to submitting a request for TA.

HUD Mitigation Funds Available through CDBG-MIT Program.

In August, HUD announced $16B in CDBG-MIT funds for eligible jurisdictions and states, impacted by major disasters in 2015-2017. CDBG-MIT funds are to be used for different purposes than HUD’s traditional disaster funding, or CDBG-DR funds.  It focuses on current and future risks, including actions communities can take to protect themselves from the predictable damage from future events.  To learn more, view this recent HUD webinar on the CDBG-MIT program.

UPDATE HUD Provides Flexibility for CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT Grantees:

On March 31, HUD released guidance on extended deadlines and other flexibilities for CDBG MIT, CDBG-NDR and CDBG-DR grantees in response to COVID-19.  View the Fact Sheet and FAQs here.

Economic Recovery Support & the National Disaster Response Framework

  • Read more about the Economic Recovery Support Function (ERSF) and the National Disaster Response Framework here.