Research and Evaluation Program (11.312)
Program
11.312 Research and Evaluation Program
Federal Agency
Agency: Department of Commerce
Office: Economic Development Administration
Authorization
Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. Section 3121 et seq.).
Program Number
11.312
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
The Research and Evaluation Program of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) supports rigorous, practitioner accessible research of leading, world class economic development practice that advances our understanding of economic development. Current funding priorities include proposals that enhance regional competitiveness by focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation strategies.
Types of Assistance
PROJECT GRANTS
Uses and Use Restrictions
The Research and Evaluation Program funds research, including evaluative research, and national technical assistance projects to promote competitiveness and innovation in urban and rural regions throughout the United States.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
In accordance with PWEDA, eligible applicants for and recipients of EDA investment assistance include a(n): (a) District Organization (as defined in 13 CFR Part 304.2); (b) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; (c) 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; (d) institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or (e) 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. 3122) and 13 CFR Part 300.3. For-profit, private-sector entities do not qualify for investment assistance under this program.
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. OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication coordination is not applicable. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. Applicants should submit applications in accordance with the requirements of 13 CFR Part 306 and the applicable federal funding opportunity (FFO) announcement. EDA Headquarters can provide assistance in connection with proposed Research and Evaluation projects. This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372. This program is subject to provisions of 15 CFR Part 14 for institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations or provisions of 15 CFR Part 24 for State, local and Indian Tribal governments, as applicable. 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) 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 office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.
Range of Approval/Disapproval 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.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Statutory Formula: Title 13, Chapter 3, Part 306, Subpart A, Public Law 108-373.
Matching Requirements: Percent: 50.%. All matching shares must be allowable based on cost principles applicable to award.
This program does not have MOE requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The length of time of a project period varies, but is generally one year. Grant funds are disbursed as required and justified. See 13 CFR Part 306.3. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Awards are released by disbursement based on project expenses.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Periodic reporting of operating results and progress, financial statements, and summary of funds spent, consistent with EDA’s reporting requirements. No cash reports are required. Grantees are required to submit bi-annual and annual reports on the progress. EDA requires the submission of the SF-425 Federal Financial Report. EDA reserves the right to conduct site visits.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, recipients that are States, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education are subject to the requirements of the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award agreement. States, local governments, and nonprofit organizations that expend $500,000 or more in a year in federal awards shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year.
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.
Program Accomplishments
Not Applicable.
Financial Information
Account Identification
13-2050-0-1-452.
Obligations
(Project Grants) FY 08 $856,141; FY 09 est $30,000; FY 10 est $1,500,000
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Generally awards range between $100K and $400K.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
13 CFR parts 300-302, 306.
Related Programs
Not Applicable.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Regional Agency Offices. Refer to Appendix IV of the Catalog for EDA regional office contact information.
Headquarters Office
John M. Thompson, 1401 Constitution Ave., NW , Washington, District of Columbia 20230 Email: jthompson@eda.doc.gov Phone: (202) 482-4924.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not Applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
EDA will review all Research and Evaluation applications for the feasibility of the budget presented and conformance with EDA statutory and regulatory requirements. EDA will assess the economic development needs of the region served by the proposed project, as well as the applicants capacity to implement the proposed project. Further, EDA will select proposals competitively based on strategic areas of interest and priority considerations identified in the applicable FFO. EDA also may consider the degree to which a proposed project: (a) is market-based and results driven; (b) has strong organizational leadership; (c) advances productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship; (d) looks beyond the immediate economic horizon, anticipates economic changes and diversifies the local and regional economy; and (e) demonstrates a high degree of local commitment. Applications must meet EDA's investment policy guidelines as set forth in 13 CFR Part 301.8, the requirements of 13 CFR Part 306, as applicable, and other requirements as provided in the applicable FFO.
