[Federal Register: March 22, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 55)]
[Notices]
[Page 13474-13478]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22mr07-35]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economic Development Administration
[Docket No.: 070309052-7053-01]
Solicitation of Proposals and Applications for Economic
Development Assistance Programs
AGENCY: Economic Development Administration (EDA), Department of
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice and request for proposals and applications.
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SUMMARY: The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is soliciting
proposals or applications (as appropriate) for the following programs
authorized by the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42
U.S.C. 3121 et seq.) (PWEDA): (1) Public Works and Economic Development
Investments Program, (2) Planning Program, (3) Local Technical
Assistance Program, and (4) Economic Adjustment Assistance Program.
EDA'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, 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. Under the Trade Act of
1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2341-2391) (Trade Act), EDA also provides
technical assistance to firms adversely affected by increased import
competition.
DATES: Proposals 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. Proposals or applications (as
appropriate) received after the date of this notice will be processed
in accordance with the requirements set forth herein and in the related
Federal funding opportunity (FFO) announcement, until the next annual
FFO is posted on http://www.Grants.gov and related notice and request
for proposals and applications is published in the Federal Register.
Pre-Application and Application Submission Requirements
Proponents are advised to carefully read the instructions contained
in the complete FFO announcement for this request for proposals and
applications, and in the Pre-Application for Investment Assistance
(Form ED-900P) and Application for Investment Assistance (Form ED-
900A). The requirements of the pre-application are different than the
requirements of the application. The content of the pre-application or
the application (as appropriate) is the same for paper submissions as
it is for electronic submissions. EDA will not accept facsimile
transmissions of pre-applications and applications.
Proposals under EDA's Public Works Program (CFDA No. 11.300) or
Economic Adjustment Assistance Program (CFDA No. 11.307) must be
submitted on Form ED-900P, which may be submitted in two formats: (i)
In paper (hardcopy) format at the applicable regional office address
provided below; or (ii) electronically in accordance with the
procedures provided on http://www.Grants.gov.
For projects under EDA's Planning Program (CFDA No. 11.302) or
Technical Assistance Program (CFDA No. 11.303), please contact the
appropriate EDA regional office listed below for instructions as to
whether you should complete a pre-application or an application. In the
case of a continuation grant, no pre-application is required.
The following forms may be accessed and downloaded as follows: (i)
Forms ED-900P and ED-900A at http://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/Application.xml; (ii) Standard Forms (SF) at either http://
www.Grants.gov or at http://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/Application.xml; and (iii) Department of Commerce (CD) forms at http://
http://www.doc.gov/forms.
Addresses and Telephone Numbers for EDA's Regional Offices:
Applicants in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North
Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, may submit paper submissions
to:
Economic Development Administration, Atlanta Regional Office, 401 West
Peachtree Street, NW., Suite 1820, Atlanta, Georgia 30308, Telephone:
(404) 730-3002, Fax: (404) 730-3025.
Applicants in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas,
may submit paper submissions to:
Economic Development Administration, Austin Regional Office, 504
Lavaca, Suite 1100, Austin, Texas 78701-2858, Telephone: (512) 381-
8144, Fax: (512) 381-8177.
Applicants in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and
Wisconsin, may submit paper submissions to:
Economic Development Administration, Chicago Regional Office, 111 North
Canal Street, Suite 855, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Telephone: (312) 353-
7706, Fax: (312) 353-8575.
Applicants in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming, may submit paper
submissions to:
Economic Development Administration, Denver Regional Office, 1244 Speer
Boulevard, Room 670, Denver, Colorado 80204, Telephone: (303) 844-4715,
Fax: (303) 844-3968.
Applicants in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine,
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands,
Virginia and West Virginia, may submit paper submissions to:
Economic Development Administration, Philadelphia Regional Office,
Curtis Center, 601 Walnut Street, Suite 140 South, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania 19106, Telephone: (215) 597-4603, Fax: (215) 597-1063.
Applicants in Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam,
Hawaii, Idaho, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nevada, Northern Mariana
Islands, Oregon, Republic of Palau and Washington, may submit paper
submissions to:
Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office, Jackson
Federal Building, Room 1890, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington
98174, Telephone: (206) 220-7660, Fax: (206) 220-7669.
Paper Submissions: To apply for Public Works or Economic Adjustment
Assistance under this notice, you may submit a proposal on a completed
pre-application (ED-900P) to the applicable EDA regional office listed
above. Proponents choosing this option should
[[Page 13475]]
download and print copies of Form ED-900P and the Application for
Federal Assistance (Form SF-424) at http://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/Application.xml
, complete Parts I, II and III of Form
ED-900P and Form SF-424, and attach the project narrative statement
requested in section IV.B.1. of the FFO announcement for this request
for proposals and applications. To apply for Planning or Technical
Assistance under this notice, the EDA regional office may instruct you
to submit an application in lieu of the pre-application. After
consultation with the regional office, you may submit a completed pre-
application or an application, as instructed, to the applicable EDA
regional office.
A proponent must submit one (1) original and two (2) copies of a
completed pre-application or application (as appropriate) via postal
mail, shipped overnight or hand-delivered to the applicable regional
office, unless otherwise directed by EDA staff. Proponents are advised
that Department of Commerce mail security measures may delay receipt of
United States Postal Service mail for up to two weeks. Proponents may
wish to use guaranteed overnight delivery services.
Electronic Submissions: Proponents applying under the Public Works
Program or the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program may submit pre-
applications electronically in accordance with the instructions
provided at http://www.Grants.gov You may access the pre-application package by following the instructions provided on http://.
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. The preferred file
format for electronic attachments (e.g., the project narrative
statement and exhibits to Form ED-900P) is portable document format
(PDF); however, EDA will accept electronic files in Microsoft Word,
WordPerfect, Lotus or Excel formats.
Applicants for assistance under the Planning Program or the
Technical Assistance Program may not need to submit a pre-application.
If the regional office instructs you to submit an application (Form ED-
900A) instead of a pre-application (Form ED-900P) for projects under
these two programs, you may submit the application in paper (hardcopy)
format or you may submit the application electronically via http://www.Grants.gov.
If the regional office instructs you to submit a pre-
application, you also may submit the pre-application in paper
(hardcopy) format or electronically via http://www.Grants.gov.
Applicants should access the following link for assistance in
navigating http://www.Grants.gov and for a list of useful resources:
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant_help.jsp. If you do not
find an answer to your question under Frequently Asked Questions, try
consulting the Applicant's User Guide. If you still cannot find an
answer to your question, contact http://www.Grants.gov via email at
support@grants.gov or telephone at 1.800.518.4726. The hours of
operation for http://www.Grants.gov are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
(EST) (except for Federal holidays).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or for a
paper copy of the FFO announcement, contact the appropriate EDA
regional office listed above. EDA's Internet Web site at http://www.eda.gov
also contains additional information on EDA and its
programs.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Program Information: EDA encourages the submission of only those
proposals or applications, as appropriate, which will significantly
benefit regions with distressed economies. Distress may exist in a
variety of forms, including high levels of unemployment, low income
levels, large concentrations of low-income families, significant
declines in per capita income, large numbers (or high rates) of
business failures, sudden major layoffs or plant closures, trade
impacts, military base closures, natural or other major disasters,
depletion of natural resources, reduced tax bases, or substantial loss
of population because of the lack of employment opportunities. EDA
believes that regional economic development to alleviate these
conditions is effected primarily through investments and decisions made
by the private sector. EDA will give preference to proposals or
applications (as appropriate) that include cash contributions (over in-
kind contributions) as the matching share.
EDA will evaluate and select proposals or applications (as
appropriate) according to the investment policy guidelines and funding
priorities set forth below under ``Evaluation Criteria'' and ``Funding
Priorities'' and in section V. of the FFO announcement.
Electronic Access: The FFO announcement for the FY 2007 Economic
Development Assistance Programs competition is available at http://www.Grants.gov.
Additional information is available through EDA's
Internet Web site at http://www.eda.gov.
Funding Availability: EDA is operating with appropriations made
available under the Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007,
Public Law 110-5 (February 15, 2007). This Act makes $250.741 million
available in FY 2007 for the economic development assistance programs
authorized by PWEDA and for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms
Program (TAA Program) authorized under the Trade Act.
This notice will remain in effect until it is terminated or
supplanted by a future Federal Register notice. The funding periods and
funding amount(s) referenced in this notice and in the FFO announcement
are subject to the availability of funds at the time of award, as well
as to Department of Commerce and EDA priorities at the time of award.
The Department of Commerce and EDA will not be held responsible for
proposal or application preparation costs. Publication of this notice
and the FFO announcement does not obligate the Department of Commerce
or EDA to award any specific grant or cooperative agreement or to
obligate all or any part of available funds.
This request for proposals and applications covers the following
programs under PWEDA: (1) Public Works and Economic Development
Investments Program; (2) Planning Program; (3) Technical Assistance
Program; and (4) Economic Adjustment Assistance Program. Under the
Technical Assistance Program, this request for proposals and
applications covers Local Technical Assistance only. A separate FFO
announcement will be posted on http://www.Grants.gov that will set
forth the specific funding priorities, application and selection
processes, time frames, and evaluation criteria for certain National
Technical Assistance projects to be funded with FY 2007 appropriations.
Similarly, a separate FFO announcement has been posted at http://www.Grants.gov
that sets forth the specific funding priorities,
application and selection processes, time frames, and evaluation
criteria for University Center projects to be funded with FY 2007
appropriated program funds. With respect to the TAA Program under the
Trade Act, continuation grants will not be competed and no new Trade
Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) grants will be awarded this year.
See 19 U.S.C. 2341-2391 and 13 CFR part 315.
Statutory Authority: The authority for the (1) Public Works and
Economic Development Investments Program, (2) Planning Program, (3)
Technical Assistance Program, and (4) Economic Adjustment Assistance
Program is PWEDA. The authorities for the TAA
[[Page 13476]]
Program are Chapters 3 and 5 of Title II of the Trade Act. EDA
published final regulations (codified at 13 CFR Chapter III) in the
Federal Register on September 27, 2006 (71 FR 56658). The final
regulations became effective upon publication and reflect changes made
to PWEDA by the Economic Development Administration Reauthorization Act
of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-373, 118 Stat. 1756). The final regulations and
PWEDA are accessible on EDA's Internet Web site at http://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/Lawsreg.xml
.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers: 11.300,
Grants for Public Works and Economic Development Facilities; 11.302,
Economic Development--Support for Planning Organizations; 11.303,
Economic Development--Technical Assistance; 11.307, Economic Adjustment
Assistance; 11.313, Economic Development--Trade Adjustment Assistance.
Applicant Eligibility: 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. 3122) and 13 CFR 300.3. Projects eligible for Public
Works or Economic Adjustment investment assistance include those
projects located in regions meeting ``Special Need'' criteria (as
defined in 13 CFR 300.3), as set forth in section VIII.B. of the FFO
announcement.
For-profit, private-sector entities do not qualify for investment
assistance under PWEDA, with one minor exception: EDA may award a grant
under section 207 (42 U.S.C. 3147) of PWEDA under its Local Technical
Assistance Program or National Technical Assistance Program to a for-
profit organization for the specific purposes set forth in 13 CFR
306.1. 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.
Any community affected by the 1988, 1991, 1993, 1995 or 2005 base
realignment and closure (BRAC) actions, which qualifies under EDA's
Public Works Program or Economic Adjustment Assistance Program, may
apply for assistance under one or both of these programs. EDA
anticipates that proponents with construction proposals will seek
funding from the Public Works Program, and strategic planning, credit
enhancement or other innovative financing proposals will compete under
the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program.
Cost Sharing Requirements: Generally, the amount of the EDA grant
may not exceed fifty (50) percent of the total cost of the project.
Projects may receive an additional amount that shall not exceed thirty
(30) percent, based on the relative needs of the region in which the
project will be located, as determined by EDA. See section 204(a) of
PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(1). For Planning Assistance,
the minimum EDA investment rate for projects under 13 CFR part 303 is
fifty (50) percent, and the maximum allowable EDA investment rate may
not exceed eighty (80) percent. See 13 CFR 301.4(b)(3). For projects of
a national scope under 13 CFR part 306 (Training, Research and
Technical Assistance), and for all other projects under 13 CFR part
306, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development has
the discretion to establish a maximum EDA investment rate of up to one-
hundred (100) percent where the project (i) merits and is not otherwise
feasible without an increase to the EDA investment rate; or (ii) will
be of no or only incidental benefit to the recipient. See section
204(c)(3) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13 CFR 301.4(b)(4). In the case
of EDA investment assistance to a(n) (i) Indian Tribe, (ii) State (or
political subdivision of a State) that the Assistant Secretary
determines has exhausted its effective taxing and borrowing capacity,
or (iii) non-profit organization that the Assistant Secretary
determines has exhausted its effective borrowing capacity, the
Assistant Secretary has the discretion to establish a maximum EDA
investment rate of up to one hundred (100) percent of the total project
cost. See sections 204(c)(1) and (2) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 3144) and 13
CFR 301.4(b)(5). Potential applicants should contact the appropriate
EDA regional office to make these determinations.
In the proposal (or application) review process, EDA will consider
the nature of the contribution (cash or in-kind) and the amount of the
matching share funds. While cash contributions are preferred, in-kind
contributions, fairly evaluated by EDA, may provide the required non-
federal share of the total project cost. See section 204(b) of PWEDA
(42 U.S.C. 3144) and section I.B. of the FFO announcement for this
request for proposals and applications. In-kind contributions, which
may include assumptions of debt and contributions of space, equipment
and services, are eligible to be included as part of the non-federal
share of eligible project costs if they meet applicable Federal cost
principles and uniform administrative requirements. Funds from other
federal financial assistance awards are considered matching share funds
only if authorized by statute, which may be determined by EDA's
reasonable interpretation of the statute. See 13 CFR 300.3. The
applicant must show that the matching share is committed to the
project, available as needed and not conditioned or encumbered in any
way that precludes its use consistent with the requirements of EDA
investment assistance. See 13 CFR 301.5.
Intergovernmental Review: Proposals or applications for assistance
under EDA's programs are subject to the State review requirements
imposed by Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
Evaluation and Selection Procedures: Each pre-application or
application (as appropriate) is circulated by a project officer within
the applicable EDA regional office for review and comments. When the
necessary input and information are obtained, the pre-application or
application (as appropriate) is considered by the regional office's
Investment Review Committee (IRC), which is comprised of regional
office staff. The IRC discusses the pre-application or application (as
appropriate) and evaluates it on two levels to (a) determine if the
pre-application or application (as appropriate) meets the program-
specific award and application requirements provided in 13 CFR 305.2
for Public Works investments, 13 CFR 303.3 for Planning investments, 13
CFR 306.2 for Local and National Technical Assistance, and 13 CFR 307.2
and 307.4 for Economic Adjustment Assistance; and (b) evaluate each
pre-application or application (as appropriate) using the general
evaluation criteria set forth in 13 CFR 301.8. These general evaluation
criteria also are provided below under ``Evaluation Criteria.''
In the case of a pre-application, after completing its evaluation,
the IRC recommends to the Regional Director whether an application
should be
[[Page 13477]]
invited, documenting its recommendation in the meeting minutes or in
the Investment Summary and the Project Proposal Summary and Evaluation
Form. For quality control assurance, EDA Headquarters reviews the IRC's
analysis of the project's fulfillment of the investment policy
guidelines set forth below under ``Evaluation Criteria'' and in 13 CFR
301.8. After receiving quality control clearance, the Selecting
Official, who is the Regional Director, considers the evaluations
provided by the IRC and the degree to which one or more of the funding
priorities provided below are included, in making his/her decision as
to which proponents should be invited to submit formal applications for
investment assistance. The Selecting Official then formally invites
successful proponents to submit full applications (on Form ED-900A). If
the Selecting Official declines to invite a full application, he/she
provides written notice to the proponent.
If a proponent is selected to submit a formal application, the
appropriate regional office will provide application materials and
guidance in completing them. The proponent will generally have thirty
(30) days to submit the completed application materials to the regional
office. EDA staff will work with the proponent to resolve application
deficiencies. EDA will notify the applicant if EDA accepts a completed
application, and it is forwarded for final review and processing in
accordance with EDA and Department of Commerce procedures.
Evaluation Criteria: EDA will select investment proposals or
applications (as appropriate) competitively based on the investment
policy guidelines and funding priority considerations identified in
this notice. EDA will evaluate the extent to which a project embodies
the maximum number of investment policy guidelines and funding
priorities possible and strongly exemplifies at least one of each. All
investment proposals or applications (as appropriate) will be
competitively evaluated primarily on their ability to satisfy one (1)
or more of the following investment policy guidelines, each of
equivalent weight and which also are set forth in 13 CFR Sec. 301.8.
1. Be market-based and results driven. An EDA investment will
capitalize on a region's competitive strengths and will positively move
a regional economic indicator measured on EDA's Balanced Scorecard,
such as: An increased number of higher-skill, higher-wage jobs;
increased tax revenue; or increased private sector investment.
2. Have strong organizational leadership. An EDA investment will
have strong leadership, relevant project management experience, and a
significant commitment of human resources talent to ensure a project's
successful execution.
3. Advance productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship. An EDA
investment will embrace the principles of entrepreneurship, enhance
regional industry clusters, and leverage and link technology innovators
and local universities to the private sector to create the conditions
for greater productivity, innovation, and job creation.
4. Look beyond the immediate economic horizon, anticipate economic
changes, and diversify the local and regional economy. An EDA
investment will be part of an overarching, long-term comprehensive
economic development strategy that enhances a region's success in
achieving a rising standard of living by supporting existing industry
clusters, developing emerging new clusters, or attracting new regional
economic drivers.
5. Demonstrate a high degree of local commitment by exhibiting:
High levels of local government or non-profit matching
funds and private sector leverage;
Clear and unified leadership and support by local elected
officials; and
Strong cooperation between the business sector, relevant
regional partners and local, State and Federal governments.
In addition to using the investment policy guidelines set forth
above, EDA also will evaluate all Planning proposals or applications
(as appropriate) based on the (i) quality of the proposed scope of work
for the development, implementation, revision or replacement of a
comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS); and (ii)
qualifications of the proponent to implement the goals and objectives
resulting from the CEDS. See 13 CFR 303.3(a)(1) and (2). To ensure that
the proposal fully meets these requirements, proponents should pay
particular attention to 13 CFR 303.7(b), which sets forth specific
technical requirements for the CEDS.
Funding Priorities: Successful proposals or applications (as
appropriate) for EDA's investment programs will be regionally-driven
initiatives in areas of the Nation that are underperforming and
eligible for EDA assistance, and that meet one or more of the following
core criteria (investment proposals or applications that meet more than
one core criterion will be given more favorable consideration):
1. Investments in support of long-term, coordinated and
collaborative regional economic development approaches:
Establish comprehensive regional economic development
strategies that identify promising opportunities for long-term economic
growth.
Exhibit demonstrable, committed multi-jurisdictional
support from leaders across all sectors:
i. Public (e.g., mayors, city councils, county executives, senior
state leadership);
ii. Institutional (e.g., institutions of higher learning);
iii. Non-profit (e.g., chambers of commerce, development
organizations); and
iv. Private (e.g., leading regional businesses, significant
regional industry associations).
Generate quantifiable positive economic outcomes.
2. Investments that support innovation and competitiveness:
Develop and enhance the functioning and competitiveness of
leading and emerging industry clusters in an economic region.
Advance technology transfer from research institutions to
the commercial marketplace.
Bolster critical infrastructure (e.g., transportation,
communications, specialized training) to prepare economic regions to
compete in the world-wide marketplace.
3. Investments that encourage entrepreneurship:
Cultivate a favorable entrepreneurial environment
consistent with regional strategies.
Enable economic regions to identify innovative
opportunities among growth-oriented small and medium-size enterprises.
Promote community and faith-based entrepreneurship
programs aimed at improving economic performance in an economic region.
Additional consideration will be given to investment proposals or
applications (as appropriate) which also:
Respond to sudden and severe economic dislocations (e.g.,
major layoffs and/or plant closures, disasters).
Enable BRAC-impacted communities to transition from a
military to civilian economy.
Advance the goals of linking historic preservation and
economic development as outlined by Executive Order 13287, ``Preserve
America.''
Support the economic revitalization of brownfields.
The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for
[[Page 13478]]
Grants and Cooperative Agreements: The administrative and national
policy requirements for all Department of Commerce awards, contained in
the Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements, published in the Federal Register on
December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389), are applicable to this competitive
solicitation.
Paperwork Reduction Act: This document contains collection-of-
information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA).
The use of Forms ED-900P (Pre-Application for Investment Assistance)
and ED-900A (Application for Investment Assistance) has been approved
by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the control number
0610-0094. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the PRA unless that collection of information displays
a currently valid OMB control number.
Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review): This notice
has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive
Order 12866.
Executive Order 13132 (Federalism): It has been determined that
this notice does not contain policies with Federalism implications as
that term is defined in Executive Order 13132.
Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act: Prior
notice and an opportunity for public comments are not required by the
Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules concerning
grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). Because notice
and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553
or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a
regulatory flexibility analysis has not been prepared.
Dated: March 16, 2007.
Sandy K. Baruah,
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development.
[FR Doc. E7-5223 Filed 3-21-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-24-P