Selected Federal Agency Announcements and Related for the Week of September 4, 2018

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. Special thanks to ETA and other federal partners for sharing content included below.

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

Announcements of Federal Funding & Assistance Available:

 

Economic Development

EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Program –Accepting Applications

The US Economic Development Administration posted a Notification of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on www.grants.gov regarding Economic Development Assistance Program grants available for construction, non-construction, and revolving loan fund investments under the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Programs. Through this FY2018 NOFO, EDA will also designate a portion of its EAA funding to support communities and regions that have been negatively impacted by changes in the coal economy (Assistance to Coal Communities, or ACC 2018). Grants made under these programs will leverage regional assets to support the implementation of regional economic development strategies designed to create jobs, leverage private capital, encourage economic development, and strengthen America’s ability to compete in the global marketplace. There are no submission deadlines under this opportunity.  Proposals and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the publication of a new EDAP NOFO. See: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=306735

 

NEW: Inspire! Grants for Small Museums. Apply by Nov 1

Does your economic development strategy include museums and cultural institutions? The Institute of Museum and Library Services has announced availability of Inspire! Grants for Small Museums. This special initiative of the Museums for America Program is designed to inspire small museums to apply for and implement projects that address priorities identified in their strategic plan. IMLS invites applications that focus on providing rich learning experiences for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances; supporting partnerships aimed at assessing and addressing the needs of their communities; strengthening the role of museums as trusted stewards of the collections in their care; and/or expanding access to collections and associated resources.  Closing Date: November 1, 2018

 

Two additional ILMS funding opportunities for museums are also open until Nov 1:

Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services

The goal of the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services program (NANH program) is to support Indian tribes and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians. It is intended to provide opportunities to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge through strengthened activities in areas such as exhibitions, educational services and programming, professional development, and collections stewardship.

Closing Date: November 1, 2018

Museum Grants for African American History & Culture

The goals of the Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program (AAHC program) are to build the capacity of African American museums and support the growth and development of museum professionals at African American museums. The AAHC program supports projects that nurture museum professionals, build institutional capacity, and increase access to museum and archival collections at African American museums and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Closing Date: November 1, 2018

 

Entrepreneurship & Technology Commercialization

NSF Supplemental Funding Opportunity:  Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN). Apply before May 1, 2019

NSF has announced a supplemental funding opportunity available in fiscal years FY 2019 and FY 2020, to provide support for non-academic research internships for graduate students to support career opportunities in any sector of the U.S. economy.

Graduate students have the potential to make important contributions in careers outside academia, in organizations including: startup businesses, small and large corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. It is therefore important that graduate students supported by NSF grants be provided opportunities to develop skills that prepare them to be successful for a broad range of academic and non-academic career paths.

NSF will consider supplemental funding requests that enable PIs to request up to six months of additional support for graduate students with the following goals:

  1. To provide graduate students with the opportunity to augment their research assistantships with non-academic research internship activities and training opportunities that will complement their academic research training;
  2. To allow graduate students to pursue new activities aimed at acquiring professional development experience that will enhance their preparation for multiple career pathways after graduation; and
  3. To encourage the participation of graduate students from groups that have traditionally been underrepresented and underserved in the STEM enterprise: women, persons with disabilities, African Americans/Blacks, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Native Pacific Islanders, veterans, and persons from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The total amount of funding requested must not exceed $55,000 per student per six-month period. NSF plans to fund up to approximately 200 supplements in fiscal years FY 2019 and FY 2020, depending on the availability of funds. Supplemental funding requests may be submitted at any time but no later than May 1, 2019 (for available FY 2019 funds) and May 1, 2020 (for available FY 2020 funds). For more information, see NSF “Dear Colleague Letter” at: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2018/nsf18102/nsf18102.jsp?WT.mc_id=USNSF_179

 

International Trade

NEW USDA Agricultural Trade Promotion Program. Apply by Nov 2

The Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) will help U.S. agricultural exporters develop new markets and will help mitigate the adverse effects of other countries’ tariff and non-tariff barriers. The ATP provides cost-share assistance to eligible U.S. organizations for activities such as consumer advertising, public relations, point-of-sale demonstrations, participation in trade fairs and exhibits, market research, and technical assistance. The ATP is available to all sectors of U.S. agriculture, including fish and forest product producers, mainly through partnerships with non-profit national and regional organizations. FAS administers the ATP under authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act.

Applications must be submitted by November 2, 2018. Funding will be allocated to eligible participants in early 2019. Detailed application information is available here.

 

Fisheries Industry Assistance

NOAA Seeks Application for FY 2019 Marine Fisheries Initiative (MARFIN) grants for Southeast US. Apply by Oct 23

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southeast Region, is seeking proposals under the Marine Fisheries Initiative Program (MARFIN), for research and development projects that optimize the use of fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and off the South Atlantic states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, involving the U.S. fishing industry (recreational and commercial), including fishery biology, resources assessment, socio-economic assessment, management and conservation, selected harvesting methods, and fish handling and processing. This program addresses NOAA’s mission goal “Healthy Oceans.”

 

MARFIN is a competitive Federal assistance program. Projects funded under MARFIN provide answers for fishery needs covered by the NMFS Strategic Plan, particularly those goals relating to: rebuilding over-fished marine fisheries, maintaining currently productive fisheries, and integrating conservation of protected species and fisheries management.

Dates: Applications must be received by http://www.Grants.gov, postmarked, or provided to a delivery service by 11:59 pm, Eastern Daylight Savings Time, Tuesday, October 23, 2018.

Infrastructure

USDA Publishes Notice of Solicitation for FY19 REAP Applications (Rural Energy for America Program)

USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service has published a Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) in the August 14 FEDERAL REGISTER prior to passage of a final appropriations act.  This publication allows potential applicants time to submit applications for financial assistance under Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, and give the Agency time to process applications within the current FY.

The REAP has two types of funding assistance:·         The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Assistance provides grants and guaranteed loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements to their operations. ·         The Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grant is available to establish programs to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses with evaluating the energy efficiency and the potential to incorporate renewable energy technologies into their operations.The Agency will publish the amount of funding received in any continuing resolution or the final appropriations act on its website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas.

 

Workforce

NEW SBA Announces Decrease in Surety Bond Guarantee Fees for Small Businesses/Contractors

The U.S. Small Business Administration announces the first fee decrease in Surety Bond Guarantees in 12 years. The fee decrease will be in effect for guaranteed bonds approved during fiscal year 2019, taking effect October 1, 2018 and ending September 30, 2019.

The Surety Bond Guarantee (SBG) program is reducing the Surety fee from 26 percent to 20 percent of the bond premium charged to the small businesses and reducing its contractor fee from $7.29 per thousand dollars of the contract amount to $6.00 per thousand dollars of the contract amount.

Under its SBG program, the SBA guarantees bid, payment and performance bonds for small and emerging contractors who cannot obtain surety bonds through regular commercial channels.  SBA guarantees contracts up to $10 million, including the streamlined QuickApp application for those up to $400,000.

Currently, there are 34 participating sureties and over 350 active agents in the SBG program.  On average, completed surety bond applications are reviewed and processed in less than two days. The program is currently outperforming its previous year results yielding 27,000 jobs supported, 3,000 final bonds, and $1.7 billion in final bond contract amounts in fiscal year 2018.

For more information about this decrease or further assistance, contact Jermanne Perry, Senior Management Analyst, Office of Surety Guarantees, (202) 401-8275; [email protected], or your local SBA District Office.

 

NEW USDA Seeks Applications under the Delta Health Care Services Grant Program.

The USDA’S Rural Business-Cooperative Service announced it is seeking applications for the Delta Health Care Services Grant program. Discretionary Points may be Awarded to Applications Providing Treatment and Counseling Services for Opioid Abuse. The Service has identified $3,558,000 for investment with a minimum of $50,000 and a maximum of $1,000,000. Electronic Applications due by November 19, 2018. Anticipated Award Date: January 31, 2019. Full background / definitions / eligibility requirements / access to application package / application requirements https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-08-29/pdf/2018-18682.pdf

 

The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to address the continued unmet health needs in the Delta Region through cooperation among health care professionals, institutions of higher education, research institutions, and economic development entities in the Delta Region. To view the areas identified within the Delta Region visit http://dra.gov/about-dra/dra-states

Eligible Project purposes include the development of:

  • Health care services;
  • health education programs;
  • health care job training programs; and
  • the development and expansion of public health-related facilities in the Delta Region.

Additional program information is available on the Rural Development website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/delta-health-care-services-grants   

 

Previously Announced Federal Funding Opportunities Closing Soon:

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
EDAP2018 FY 2018 Economic Development Assistance Programs. Application submission and program requirements for EDA’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs DOC-EDA
TAT-NOFA-18 Rural Utilities Service Training and Technical Assistance Program WEP TAT NOFA FY 18 USDA-RUS 09/09/2018
FOA-ETA-18-04 YouthBuild DOL-ETA 05/18/2018 09/18/2018
NSF 17-590 Improving Undergraduate STEM Education NSF 08/22/2017 10/01/2018
FOA-ETA-18-08 Scaling Apprenticeship Through Sector-Based Strategies DOL-ETA 07/18/2018 10/16/2018
NOAA-NMFS-SE-2019-2005794 FY 2019 Marine Fisheries Initiative (MARFIN) DOC 08/22/2018 10/23/2018
USDA-NIFA-SBIR-006649 Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I Fiscal Year 2019 USDA-NIFA 07/23/2018 10/25/2018
2018-09 Agricultural Trade Promotion Program USDA-FAS-OTP 11/02/2018
EDA-HDQ-RNTA-2018-2005669 Economic Development Research and National Technical Assistance FY18-FY20 DOC 09/30/2020

 

 

Public Meetings, Events and Training

Webinar Sept 6:  Census Bureau Webinar on Release of 2017 American Community Survey Statistics

The Census Bureau will hold a webinar on September 6 from 1-2 p.m. (Eastern) in advance of the September 13 release of the 2017 American Community Survey statistics.

The webinar will show participants how to access new data and online resources from the 2017 American Community Survey. Attendees will also learn about changes related to this release, and tips for comparing geographies and statistics over time.

Full background / speakers / toll-free number / access code:

https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2018/acs-webinar.html

 

Meeting Sept 13 – DHS Announces President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council to Meet

The Department of Homeland Security has announced that the President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) will meet Thursday, September 13, 2018, in Arlington, VA. This meeting will be open to the public.

The NIAC will meet to discuss issues relevant to critical infrastructure security and resilience, as directed by the President. The Council will discuss future tasks and host a cross-sector panel discussion about various risks facing critical infrastructure. All slide presentations will be posted prior to the meeting on the Council’s public web page, www.dhs.gov/NIAC.

 

Full background and contacts for registration and/or provision of comments:

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-08-16/pdf/2018-17716.pdf

 

NEW Opportunity Zones: The Latest Insights from Across the Nation (Recording)

In this August 28 webinar, Enterprise Community Partners’ Rachel Reilly, Zack Patton, and CDFA’s Katie Kramer provided an update on Opportunity Zones. They discussed who’s launching Opportunity Funds, provide updates from the Hill and the latest on additional guidance from the IRS; and how cities, regions, and states are planning for investment. View the webinar and slides here: www.OpportunityZonesInfo.org

 

Visit these sites for additional Opportunity Zones information and resources:

NEW Comments Invited on EDA Data Collections:

The Economic Development Administration has published a number of Paperwork Reduction Act notices seeking public comment on extensions for (and in some cases, revisions to) its data collections. Written comments and

recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of these notices (on August 29, 2018) to OIRA_[email protected] or faxed to (202) 395–5806.

The data collections notices pertain to the following:

  • Economic Development Strategies (CEDS)

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-08-29/pdf/2018-18635.pdf

  • Application for Investment Assistance (revision)

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-08-29/pdf/2018-18633.pdf

  • Requirements for Approved Construction Investments (revision)

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-08-29/pdf/2018-18631.pdf

  • Request to Amend an Investment Award and Project Service Maps

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-08-29/pdf/2018-18634.pdf

 

NEW Exports as a Source of Jobs:  Department of Commerce Updates Trade Fair Certification Program

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Trade Fair Certification program is a cooperative partnership arrangement between private sector show organizers and the U.S. government to increase U.S. exports and to expand U.S. participation in overseas trade shows. Through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, the program provides Department of Commerce endorsement, show-related services, oversight and coordination of event services, promotional support, exhibitor marketing facilitation, and in-country/show site assistance for private sector organizers to recruit and build a U.S. Pavilion at selected foreign trade shows. These shows serve as a vital access vehicle for U.S. firms to enter and expand foreign markets. The certified show/U.S. pavilion ensures a high-quality, multi-faceted opportunity for American companies to successfully market overseas.

The Department’s International Trade Administration has updated the Trade Fair Certification (TFC) program to revise the application mailing address and the deadline for application submission for the Program. In particular, the lead time to apply for certification has been reduced from 270 days prior to the start date of the show to 180 days, and a 5-day grace period has also been included.  The updated TFC program guidelines can be found at: https://2016.export.gov/tradefairs/eg_main_018560.asp.

No Cost TA Available on EPA Brownfields Communities Program

 

EPA’s Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) Communities Program helps communities, states, tribes and others understand risks associated with contaminated or potentially contaminated properties, called brownfields, and learn how to assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse them. EPA funds three organizations—Kansas State University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology and the Center for Creative Land Recycling—to serve as independent sources of technical assistance. Each of these TABs has an extensive network of partners, contractors and other contacts that provides services across the country. They help communities tackle a variety of challenges related to identifying, assessing, cleaning up and redeveloping brownfields. The technical assistance comes at no cost to communities.

 

For more information, visit EPA’s webpage for the full technical assistance description.

 

Also Upcoming:

  • NERETA’s Developing a Talent Pipeline for the Healthcare Industry (September 17 – 18, Scranton, PA) http://summit.nereta.org/

 

·         NTIA Broadband Summit on October 30 (Roanoke, Virginia)

Notice of Virginia Broadband Summit 10/30/2018

 

 

 

Reports, Tools and Data

NEW Department of Labor Announces Launch of Apprenticeship.gov to feature Apprenticeship Finder Tool and Other Resources

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the launch of a new digital platform, Apprenticeship.gov. This innovative web portal features an Apprenticeship Finder tool that offers career seekers a platform to search for apprenticeships by city, state and occupation, as well as connects job seekers to high-skilled, high-paying careers. The Apprenticeship.gov site delivers on the Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion’s recommendations, which identified the need to “compile apprenticeship information in a single, online, centralized website.”

The Apprenticeship Finder, a no-cost tool to employers or career seekers, is addressing a need shared by employers who are looking to promote their apprenticeship opportunities and career seekers searching to access them. The new Apprenticeship Finder tool will not only make it easier for career seekers to find apprenticeship opportunities, it will also help employers promote apprenticeships across new or nontraditional industries where apprenticeships may be less common.

The Department collaborated with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies and DirectEmployers to create the Apprenticeship Finder tool using their jobs database, the National Labor Exchange (NLx). The Apprenticeship Finder tool currently displays thousands of apprenticeship opportunities based on NLx data. Following today’s launch, Apprenticeship.gov will have weekly updates and additional resources in the months to come. The Department encourages apprenticeship sponsors to add their job listings to the NLx at no cost, so they can be included in the Apprenticeship Finder tool. Visit https://www.apprenticeship.gov/why-apprenticeship#step1 to learn how to add your apprenticeship.

Deloitte Releases “Reinventing Workforce Development: Making Job Training More Effective”

NEW Using Evidence Based Strategies to Improve Job Training

Deloitte Insights this week released the first in a two-part series on workforce reinvention focusing on how state governments can use evidence-based strategies to tailor training programs. The next report will look at how governments can work with businesses to source talent and better meet industry demand.

Reinventing Workforce Development: Making Job Training More Effective:

https://www2.deloitte.com/insights/us/en/industry/public-sector/workforce-innovation-government-job-training-programs.html

Disaster Recovery Resources & Info

Primary site for Disaster Recovery Assistance: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Funding Assistance for Recovery Efforts:

USDA Has Nearly $2 Billion Available to Assist Eligible Producers Affected by 2017 Hurricanes and Wildfires

Agricultural producers affected by hurricanes and wildfires in 2017 now may apply for assistance to help recover and rebuild their farming operations. Signup begins July 16, 2018, and continues through November 16, 2018.

See: https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2018/07/16/nearly-2-billion-now-available-eligible-producers-affected-2017

EDA Has Supplemental Funding Available for Areas Impacted by 2017 Hurricanes, Wildfires and Other Disasters

In April 2018, EDA issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity, (EDA-2018-DISASTER) inviting applications for $587 million in grants available to eligible entities to address economic challenges in disaster-impacted areas. These grants will support disaster recovery activities in areas receiving a major disaster designation as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and wildfires and other 2017 natural disasters. EDA plans to accept proposals on a rolling basis until all funds are obligated.  Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis. See the following links for details:

 

Updates on FEMA Response in Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands

  • The federal government remains active in supporting local recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands following the 2017 Hurricanes. Click on these links to find  up-to-date informationon FEMA’s response to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on FEMA’s webpage

Where to Find Federal Disaster Declarations

  • Is your home, business or community included in a federally declared emergency or disaster area? 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.

These are posted in the Federal Register here: https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-emergency-management-agency#documents

Economic Recovery Support