Research and Evaluation Program

 

Through the R&E program, EDA supports the development of tools, recommendations, and resources that shape Federal economic development policies and inform economic development decision-making. R&E program investments provide critical, cutting-edge research and best practices to regional, state, and local practitioners in the economic development field, thereby enhancing understanding and implementation of economic development concepts throughout the country. EDA also regularly evaluates the impacts and outcomes of its various programs as a means of identifying policy and program modifications that will increase the Agencys efficiency and effectiveness.

General information about this opportunity
Last Known Status
Active
Program Number
11.312
Federal Agency/Office
Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce
Type(s) of Assistance Offered
B - Project Grants
Program Accomplishments
Not applicable.
Authorization
Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.) (PWEDA). Effective date: 5/31/2018.
Who is eligible to apply/benefit from this assistance?
Applicant Eligibility
Pursuant to PWEDA, eligible applicants for and eligible recipients of EDA investment assistance under this NOFO include a(n): a. District Organization; b. Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; c. State, county, 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; d. Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; e. Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State; f. A private individual or g. For-profit organization
Beneficiary Eligibility
Not applicable. Research and Evaluation investments are designed to finance projects for research into techniques that promote competitiveness and innovation in urban and rural regions throughout the United States.
Credentials/Documentation
Researcher qualifications are considered in the application review process. Applicants must have demonstrated expertise in the proposed area of study.
What is the process for applying and being award this assistance?
Pre-Application Procedure
Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact statement is required for this listing. An environmental impact assessment is required for this listing. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedure
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Applicants should submit applications in accordance with the requirements of 13 C.F.R. part 306 and the applicable federal funding opportunity (FFO) announcement. EDA Headquarters can provide assistance in connection with proposed Research and Evaluation projects. Costs will be determined in accordance with applicable federal cost principles and uniform administrative requirements.
Award Procedure
The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development (Assistant Secretary), or other designated individual, is the selecting official for Research and Evaluation projects. EDA will award investment assistance in accord with the procedures set forth in the applicable FFO.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines
Approval/Disapproval Decision Time
From 60 to 90 days. Generally, two months are required for EDA to reach a final decision after receipt of a completed application that meets all requirements.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Not applicable.
How are proposals selected?
EDA will review all Research and Evaluation applications for the feasibility of the budget presented and conformance with EDA statutory, regulatory requirements, and those enumerated in the applicable federal funding opportunity (FFO). Applications must meet EDA's investment policy guidelines as set forth in 13 C.F.R. ? 301.8, the requirements of 13 C.F.R. part 306, as applicable, and other requirements as provided in the applicable FFO.
How may assistance be used?
Through the R&E program, EDA supports the development of tools, recommendations, and resources that shape Federal economic development policies and inform economic development decision-making. R&E program investments provide critical, cutting-edge research and best practices to regional, state, and local practitioners in the economic development field, thereby enhancing understanding and implementation of economic development concepts throughout the country. EDA also regularly evaluates the impacts and outcomes of its various programs as a means of identifying policy and program modifications that will increase the Agency’s efficiency and effectiveness. R&E investments may be awarded to: • Research and evaluate topics or issues to improve the understanding of economic development principles, strategies, and concepts; • Improve understanding of the causes of economic distress and distressed communities and potential remedies thereof; • Evaluate success of economic development programs, policies and strategies for improving economic outcomes; • Develop innovative tools, measures and widely applicable data sets for studying economic development outcomes, principles and policies; or • Perform other activities determined by EDA to be appropriate under the R&E program.
What are the requirements after being awarded this opportunity?
Reporting
Performance Reports: EDA reserves the right to conduct site visits.
Auditing
Not applicable.
Records
All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of recipients or sub-recipients must be maintained pursuant to the terms of investment award.
Other Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Statutory Formula: Title 13 Chapter 3 Part 306 Subpart A Public Law 108-373

Matching is voluntary. 50%. All matching shares must be allowable based on cost principles applicable to award.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
EDA anticipates a twelve (12) to eighteen (18) month project period for investments funded under this NOFO, subject to the availability of funds, EDA policy, and satisfactory performance under the award. Awards are released by reimbursement based on project expenses.
Who do I contact about this opportunity?
Regional or Local Office
Refer to Appendix IV of the Catalog for EDA regional office contact information.
Headquarters Office
Bernadette Grafton
1401 Constitution Ave., NW, Room 71030
Washington, DC 20230 US
Bgrafton1@eda.gov
Phone: 202-482-2917
Website Address
http://www.eda.gov
Financial Information
Account Identification
13-2050-0-1-452
Obligations
(Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements)) FY 22$2,000,000.00; FY 23 est $2,000,000.00; FY 24 est $2,000,000.00; FY 21$1,500,000.00; FY 20$1,500,000.00; FY 18$1,500,000.00; FY 19 est $1,500,000.00; FY 17$1,500,000.00; FY 16$1,051,000.00; -
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
In recent years, the average size of R&E and NTA investments has been approximately $350,000, and investments generally range from $200,000 to $500,000. Historically, EDA has funded approximately five R&E projects and three NTA projects per year. EDA anticipates making similar awards in FY 2021-2023, subject to availability of funds.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
13 CFR parts 300-302, 306.
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.

 



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