bert C. Hoover Building, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-2127. Use the same number for FTS. RELATED PROGRAMS: 11.302, Economic Development-Support for Planning Organizations; 11.800, Minority Business Development Centers; 23.009, Appalachian Local Development District Assistance; 59.037, Small Business Development Center. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Support for various activities of: (1) University Center program-projects through which selected universities provide management and technical assistance services to communities, counties, districts, nonprofit development groups, and technology transfer assistance to firms; (2) demonstration projects; (3) funding for national organizations to carry out activities aimed at increasing the economic development capabilities of their member or other appropriate entities or individuals; (4) studies to determine the economic feasibility of various local development projects involving industrial, commercial, and other activities; (5) state-of-the-art reports; (6) workshops; and (7) information dissemination.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Technical assistance projects are more likely to be approved when: Projected effect on employment is relatively specific and realistic, is realizable in the near future and the applicant shows evidence of strong leadership and financial capability to follow up positive findings vigorously; the project will benefit groups disadvantaged in terms of low income and unemployment, the project helps to establish or expand a local organization that is likely to become a self-sustaining agent promoting economic growth; the project is of wide application throughout the Nation; the project otherwise contributes substantially to overall objectives of the Act; the project is in an EDA-designated area or other area of substantial need; the project will benefit additional areas; the project will also support other Department of Commerce goals including technology utilization, tourism, linking of environmental and economic development goals and Indian and Native American Assistance.

11.304 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-PUBLIC WORKS IMPACT PROGRAM

FEDERAL AGENCY: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AUTHORIZATION: Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, Public Law 89-136, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3131, 3135. OBJECTIVES: To promote long-term economic development and assist in providing immediate useful work (i.e. construction jobs) to unemployed and underemployed persons in designated project

areas.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Renovation or construction of public works and development facilities to provide immediate jobs to the unemployed and underemployed in the project area. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility: Eligibility is based on designation of the county or city as a redevelopment area according to the criteria under Section 401(a)(6) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (P.L. 89-136).

Beneficiary Eligibility: Local economies, unemployed and underemployed persons and/or members of low-income families are assisted through the retention or creation of new jobs. Credentials/Documentation: Description of proposed facility, estimated costs, extent of proposed project, direct temporary construction job impact, estimated time for construction implementation, and assurance that the project will satisfy statutory requirements. Most important, documentation must demonstrate how the project will have a positive impact on the community and how the project will provide immediate useful work for unemployed/underemployed residents of the area.

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination: The Agency's Economic Development Representative (EDR) assigned to the State will meet with applicants and community leaders to determine whether a preapplica

tion should be prepared. If a preapplication is accepted and reviewed by the EDR and the applicable EDA Regional Office, the EDR will notify applicants immediately if EDA will accept an application. If project appears viable, a preapplication conference may be arranged with Regional Office personnel. If EDA decides to invite an application, the standard application forms as furnished by EDA must be used for this program. An environmental impact assessment and (when necessary) an environmental impact statement are required for this program. 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: Applicants should contact the appropriate Regional Office. The Economic Development Representative will provide necessary forms and assist completing the applications. Award Procedure: Grant applications invited from eligible applicants are reviewed by the Regional Offices, and final decision is made by the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development, Department of Commerce.

Deadlines: Generally, within 30 days after a formal application has been invited.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Normally within 150 days of acceptance of a fully completed application. Appeals: None.

Renewals: None.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements: The basic grant rate for Public Works Impact Program areas is 50 percent except for Indian areas, where the rate can be 100 percent. Severely distressed areas may receive supplementary grant assistance to bring the Federal contribution up to 80 percent. Local matching share may be waived if appropriate entity can demonstrate that it has exhausted its effective taxing and/or borrowing capacity. On average, EDA grants cover approximately 50 percent of project costs. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: EDA grant funds are disbursed for costs incurred only after all contracts for construction have been awarded.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports: Weekly payrolls of construction employment. Compliance: Applicable statutes include the Architectural Barriers Act, Civil Rights Act, Davis Bacon Act and the Water Pollution Control Act. Standard financial and performance reports are also required. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A128, 'Audits of State and Local Governments." State and local governments that receive financial assistance of $100,000 or more within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made for that year. State and local governments that receive between $25,000 and $100,000 within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made in accordance with Circular No. A-128, or in accordance with Federal laws and regulations governing the programs in which they participate. Audits will also be conducted in accordance with provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 for institutions of higher education, profit and non-profit organizations. Records: As necessary for above-mentioned audit. All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or subgrantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for 3 years after completion of the project or submission of the final financial report, whichever is later, and be readily available for inspection and audit.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification: 13-2050-0-1-452.

Obligations: (Grants) FY 93 (actual is included in total for program 11.300); FY 94 (estimate is included in total for program 11.300); and FY 95 (estimate is included in total for program 11,300) Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Priority is given to projects of $600,000 or less.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1993, six projects were funded.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 13 CFR Chapter 111, Subpart 305.4; Economic Development Administration Civil Rights Guidelines.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office: See Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: David L. McIlwain, Director, Public Works Division, Economic Development Administration, Room H7326, Herbert C. Hoover Building, Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-5265. Use the same number for FTS. RELATED PROGRAMS: 11.300, Economic Development-Grants for Public Works and Development Facilities; 11.302, Economic Development-Support for Planning Organizations; 11.303, Economic Development-Technical Assistance; 11.307, Special Economic Development and Adjustment Assistance Program-Sudden and Severe Economic Dislocation and Long-Term Economic Deterioration. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: 1) Renovation of buildings,

including historic preservation; 2) repairing industrial streets and roads; 3) construction of needed community facilities; 4) rehabilitation of transportation facilities; and 5) construction of water/sewer systems. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Projects must be located in qualified designated area (high unemployment and lowincome levels) and must provide immediate construction employment with a goal of establishing long-term community benefits. Projects must contain a significant amount of on-site labor costs and must provide employment for the unemployed/underemployed residents of the area. There must be a demonstrated need for the project and the applicants must demonstrate that construction can begin quickly, normally within 120 days after acceptance of award, and can be substantially completed within 12 months from start of construction.

11.305 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-STATE AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING (302(a) Grants-State and Urban Planning Programs) FEDERAL AGENCY: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AUTHORIZATION: Public Works And Economic Development Act of 1965, Public Law 89-136, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3151a. OBJECTIVES: To help States and/or local urban governments strengthen the economic development planning capability and formulate and establish comprehensive economic development plans designed to reduce unemployment and increase incomes. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Grants are used for planning staff salaries, related administrative expenses and to conduct studies. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility: Eligible applicants are the Governor of a State, the chief executives of cities, urban counties or substate planning units meeting EDA eligibility criteria.

Beneficiary Eligibility: States, urban areas, the unemployed and lowincome residents of those areas.

Credentials/Documentation: None. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination: Submit a letter of interest, a statement of distress, and a proposed work program not to exceed ten pages. Assistance in the preparation of a formal application may be requested from EDA staff. The standard application form as furnished by EDA and required by 15 CFR, Part 24, 'Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments," must be used for this program.

Application Procedure: Following invitation by the Agency, submit a formal application (original and one copy) to the appropriate EDA Regional Office and a copy to the EDA Economic Development Representative for the State. A State plan is not required.

Applications must be cleared by the State's Intergovernmental Review Process as authorized under Executive Order 12372. Award Procedure: The Assistant Secretary approves initial grant awards and amendments to previously approved grants. Deadlines: Formal applications will be processed in the order received. Applications received after the fiscal year funds are exhausted may be retained by EDA for consideration the following fiscal year, if funds are made available by Congress. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 3 to 4 months. Appeals: Not applicable.

Renewals: Grants are made for up to an 18-month period and may be renewable for up to three awards if program performance is satisfactory, the area continues to exhibit substantial economic distress, and the proposed work program is acceptable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements: This program has no statutory formula. No legal or administrative regulations prescribe factors to be used to allocate funds among eligible applicants. A minimum of 25 percent of the total budget must be obtained from nonfederal sources. This may be in the form of cash and/or in-kind contributions. The primary statistical factors used for eligibility are the unemployment rate, per capita income and population.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Up to 18 months. Funds are released in 2 or more payments over the course of the grant period.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports: Quarterly financial reports, progress report at mid-point of grant and final report 60 days after grant ends.

Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A128, 'Audits of State and Local Governments," State and local governments that receive financial assistance of $100,00 or more within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made for that year. State and local governments that receive between $25,000 and $100,000 within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made in accordance with Circular No. A-128, or in accordance with Federal laws and regulations governing the programs in which they participate.

Records: Financial records must be maintained until 3 years after the completion of the grant project or submission of the final financial report, whichever is later, and be readily available for inspection and audit. All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or subgrantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification: 13-2050-0-1-452.

Obligations: (Grants) FY 93 $4,516,000; FY 94 est $4,516,000, and FY 95 est $0.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance: In fiscal year 1992, the range of funding was $40,000 to $200,000; the average grant was $108,000.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1993, 39 grants to States, territories, cities and urban counties were funded. These entities carried out a variety of planning and related efforts aimed at generating jobs and income for their areas and for unemployed and underemployed residents.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Regulations in 13 CFR Part 307.50.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office: Refer to Appendix IV of the Catalog for EDA Regional Office address.

Headquarters Office: Luis F. Bueso, Director Planning Division, Economic Development Administration, Room H7319, Herbert C. Hoover Building, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-3027. Use the same number for FTS. RELATED PROGRAMS: 11.302, Economic Development-Support for Planning Organizations.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Projects are for the purpose of supporting staff to undertake comprehensive economic development planning by States, cities and urban counties.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Quality of proposed work program, level of distress, evidence that EDA funding can contribute significantly to applicant's economic development efforts.

11.307 SPECIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMSUDDEN AND SEVERE ECONOMIC DISLOCATION AND LONG-TERM ECONOMIC

DETERIORATION

(SSED and LTED)

FEDERAL AGENCY: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AUTHORIZATION: Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended, Public Law 89-136, 42 U.S.C. 3241, 3243, 3244 and 3245.

OBJECTIVES: To assist State and local areas develop and/or implement strategies designed to address adjustment problems resulting from sudden and severe economic dislocation such as plant closings, military base closures and defense contract cutbacks, and natural disasters (SSED), or from long-term economic deterioration in the area's economy (LTED).

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Grants may be made to develop an economic adjustment strategy (Adjustment Strategy Grant), or to implement such strategies (Adjustment Implementation Grants). Implementation grants may be made for the construction of public facilities, business development and financing (including revolving loan funds (RLFs)), technical assistance, training or any other activity that addresses the economic adjustment problem. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility: States, cities, counties or other political subdivisions of a State, consortia of such political subdivisions, public or private nonprofit organizations representing redevelopment areas designated under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, Economic Development Districts established under Title IV of the Act, Indian tribes.

Beneficiary Eligibility: Geographic areas, usually counties, or groups of counties, which meet either the LTED and/or SSED eligibility criteria. The statistical factors used to determine LTED eligibility are: (1) Very high unemployment; (2) low per capita income; and (3) chronic distress. For SSED eligibility, the economic dislocation must exceed certain job loss thresholds for the area. Credentials/Documentation: Applications for assistance to develop an adjustment strategy must identify the actual or anticipated adjustment problem and indicate how the strategy will be developed. Implementation grant applications must include an executive summary of the adjustment strategy.

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination: EDA's Economic Development Representative (EDR) or regional office representative will meet with the proponent to determine whether preparation of a project proposal is appropriate. If appropriate, the proponent will be requested to prepare a brief project proposal according to an outline provided by the EDR. Following a review by the EDA, the Regional Director will determine whether to invite a formal application. An environmental impact assessment is necessary; an environmental impact statement may also be required. 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. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by 15 CFR Part 24 must be used for this program.

Application Procedure: If an application is invited by the regional office, an EDR will provide necessary forms and assist in filling

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements: For all grants, a minimum of 25 percent local share, is required. For RLF grants, the local share must be cash.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Grants for development of a strategy will normally be for a period less than nine months. Grants to implement an approved adjustment strategy will depend upon the time required to implement the strategy. RLF grants continue indefinitely. Disbursements will be made as necessary to implement specific projects.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports: With the exception of strategy grants, annual reports are required until one year after final disbursement of funds. Reports on RLF grants are required semi-annually for a minimum period of one year after final disbursement, and annually thereafter. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A128 'Audits of State and Local Governments," State and local governments that receive financial assistance of $100,000 or more within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made for that year. State and local governments that receive between $25,000 and $100,000 within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made in accordance with Circular A-128, or in accordance with Federal laws and regulations governing the programs in which they participate. Audits will also be conducted in accordance with provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 for institutions of higher education, profit and non-profit organizations.

Records: As necessary for audit and as required by OMB Circular No. A-110 and 15 CFR Part 24. All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports and other records of grantees or subgrantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for 3 years after completion of the project or submission of the final financial report, whichever is later, and be readily available for inspection and audit.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification: 13-2050-0-1-452.

Obligations: (Grants) FY 93 $24,342,351; FY 94 est $240,172,000 (includes funds appropriated for defense adjustment, disaster recovery and Midwest Flood); FY 95 est $152,075 (includes funds for defense adjustment, disaster recovery and Midwest Flood). Range and Average of Financial Assistance: No specific minimum or maximum.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1993, 68 projects were funded.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 13 CFR Chapter 111 Part 308; Civil Rights Guidelines, Adjustment Strategy and RLF Plan guidelines, and program literature available from Regional Offices.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office: Refer to Appendix IV of the Catalog for EDA regional office addresses.

Headquarters Office: David F. Witschi, Director, Economic Adjustment Division, Economic Development Administration, Room H7327, Herbert C. Hoover Building, Department of Commerce, Washington DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-2659. Use the same number for FTS.

RELATED PROGRAMS: 12.600, Community Economic Adjustment. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Grants received under the SSED Program: (1) Develop strategy for recovery from plant closure and major permanent job loss; (2) rehabilitate vacant industrial facility for multi-tenant use or as an incubator; and (3) finance

employee buy-out to prevent plant closing. Grants received under the LTED Program: (1) Establishment of revolving loan funds; and/or (2) recapitalization of revolving loan funds. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: The key factors in the selection of proposals under the SSED program are: (a) Degree to which the number of dislocated workers exceeds eligibility thresholds; (b) the proportion of total job loss represented by a single employer; (c) the proportion of employment in a single industry classification; (d) applicant need for grant funds; (e) estimated creation or retention of jobs; (f) cost per job created or retained; (g) timeliness of response to the dislocation; and (h) creativity used in addressing adjustment problems. The key factors in the selection of proposals under the LTED program are: (a) Severity of economic distress; (b) applicant's ability to use LTED/RLF funds effectively; (c) potential for creating or securing jobs; (d) potential for leveraging private investment; (e) extent job opportunities are directed to the long-term unemployed or underemployed; and (f) cost per job created or retained.

11.312 RESEARCH AND EVALUATION PROGRAM FEDERAL AGENCY: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AUTHORIZATION: Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended, Public Law 89-136, 42 U.S.C. 3151. OBJECTIVES: To assist in the determination of causes of unemployment, underemployment, underdevelopment, and chronic depression in various areas and regions of the Nation. To assist in the formulation and implementation of national, State, and local programs that will raise income levels and otherwise produce solutions to the problems resulting from the above conditions. To evaluate the effectiveness of approaches and techniques employed to alleviate economic distress.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements). USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Funding is for research (including evaluative research), training and evaluations to carry out the objectives of the program.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility: Eligible applicants are private individuals, firms, colleges, universities and other institutions. Profit or nonprofit organizations are eligible.

Beneficiary Eligibility: Program results are intended to benefit jurisdictions, public and private organizations, firms, and individuals engaged in activities directed toward generating or saving jobs and income.

Credentials/Documentation: Qualifications of investigators and researchers are considered during the project review process. Applicants are expected to demonstrate expertise in the proposed area of study.

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination: Applicants for these funds should submit brief proposals to David H. Geddes, Director, Technical Assistance and Research Division, EDA, Room H-7315, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 4824085. Use the same number for FTS. 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 information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for

Application Procedure: Applicants whose proposals are selected for further consideration will be given instructions on submitting formal applications. The appropriate application form is furnished by EDA and required by OMB. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure: Funds are awarded to successful applicants after project approval by the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development, Department of Commerce.

Deadlines: Dates are published in the Federal Register.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Applications are generally approved or disapproved within 3 months of receipt. Appeals: None.

Renewals: Not applicable.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements: None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Funds are for projects activities carried out over a period of up to 15 months from date of award. An initial disbursement is normally made soon after project approval with subsequent payments made as work is performed. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports: Progress reports are required prior to making subsequent disbursement and shall be submitted in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-110 and 15 CFR Part 24, 'Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments," as applicable. Grantees must complete Standard Form 270 to receive disburse

ments.

Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A128, 'Audits of State and Local Governments," State and local governments that receive financial assistance of $100,000 or more within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made for that year. State and local governments that receive between $25,000 and $100,000 within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made in accordance with Circular No. A-128, or in accordance with Federal laws and regulations governing the programs in which they participate. Audits will also be conducted in accordance with provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 for institutions of higher education, profit and nonprofit organizations. Records: Grantees are required to maintain proper books and records to substantiate project accounting for a minimum of 3 years from the date of submission of the final financial status report. All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or subgrantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for three years after completion of the project or submission of the final financial report, whichever is later, and be readily available for inspection and audit.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification: 13-2050-0-1-452.

Obligations: (Grants) FY 93 $499,789; FY 94 est $0; and FY 95 est $500,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance: In fiscal year 1992, grants and cooperative agreements ranged from $6,164 to $150,000. The average EDA support was $55,532.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1993, nine projects were funded.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 13 CFR
307.41 -307.44 and 48 CFR, Part 31.
INFORMATION CONTACTS:
Regional or Local Office: None.

Headquarters Office: David H. Geddes, Room H-7315, EDA, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-4085. Use the same number for FTS.

RELATED PROGRAMS: 11.302, Economic Development-Support for Planning Organizations; 11.303, Economic DevelopmentTechnical Assistance; 11.304, Economic Development-Public Works Impact Program.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Venture Capital, Interfirm Cooperation in Technology Development; Rural Branch Plant Competitiveness and Exurban Industrialization.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Proposals are selected from among those applicants who: (1) Propose research of potential usefulness to State and local development practitioners; (2) can demonstrate knowledge of the program they wish to investigate; (3) have quality work plans that can be carried out in a timely manner; (4) propose qualified investigators and evaluators; and (5) submit adequate budget information.

11.313 TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE

FEDERAL AGENCY:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AUTHORIZATION: Trade Act of 1974, Title II, Public Law 93-618, as amended, 88 Stat. 1978, 19 U.S.C. 2341-2343. OBJECTIVES: To provide trade adjustment assistance to firms and industries adversely affected by increased imports. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements). USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Under Chapter 3 of Title II, a firm may petition the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the Department of Commerce for certification as being impacted by import competition within the context of the Trade Act of 1974. Firms that believe they meet this requirement may contact EDA's Trade Adjustment Assistance Division (TAAD) or one of the 12 EDA funded Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACS). If the firm appears to meet Trade Act certification criteria, the appropriate TAAC will offer its help to the firm in completing and submitting a petition to TAAD. If the firm is certified, it may apply for technical assistance in diagnosing its problems and assessing its opportunities. If the firm appears to have a reasonable chance of recovery, an adjustment proposal is developed which outlines the firm's recovery strategy and any need for implementation of technical assistance. If the firm's adjustment proposal is accepted by TAAD, the firm is authorized to apply for technical assistance to implement the recovery strategy. In virtually all cases, the firm applies to the TAAC for implementation of technical assistance. Organizations representing trade-injured industries may apply to TAAD to receive industry-wide assistance. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: The statute (19 U.S.C. ss 2343 (b)) provides that grants may be awarded to 'intermediary organizations (including Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers)" to provide assistance to trade-injured firms. For an industry association or other organizations to be eligible for industry assistance, evidence must be submitted demonstrating that the industry faces import competition and includes a substantial number of Trade Act certified firms or worker groups.

Beneficiary Eligibility: Firms certified by the Secretary of Commerce as eligible for adjustment assistance. Industries that can demonstrate that they have been injured by imports and have a substantial number of Trade Act certified firm or worker groups. Credentials/Documentation: a) For firms - These TAAC's have been in existence for some time to act as intermediaries for this program; and b) for industries- after discussions with TAAD staff resulting in an invitation to apply for assistance, an industry applicant must submit an acceptable application documenting its import injury and describing the need for the cost and the work elements of the assistance requested.

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination: This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure: The 12 TAACS apply each year for funding for the coming fiscal year. Industry associations or other organizations seeking industry assistance must submit an application identified as Standard Form 424, if encouraged to do so as a result of the meeting with a TAAD representative.

Award Procedure: Awards to TAACS are made based upon applica

tions and previous performance. Awards to industries are made based on conformance with program requirements and availability of funds.

Deadlines: There is no deadline, as long as the application allows enough time for processing to receive fiscal year funds. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable.

Appeals: There is no appeal procedure.

Renewals: Each fiscal year there is a new request for funding which must meet application requirements.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements: Up to 100 percent Federal funds can be used by TAACS for administrative expenses in pro

viding technical assistance to firms; not more than 75 percent Federal funds for the remainder of assistance provided by TAAC Generally, a minimum of 50 percent share is required for industry assistance cooperative agreements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Generally for one year. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports: Periodic reporting of operating results and progress, financial statements, and summary of funds spent.

Audits: All audits will be conducted in accordance with provisions of OMB Circular A-128 for state and local governments and with OMB circular A-133 for institutions of higher education, profit and non-profit organizations.

Records: Records are required to be maintained for 3 years. All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or subgrantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for 3 years after completion of the project or submission of the final financial report, whichever is later, and have them readily available for inspection and audit. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification: 13-2050-0-1-452.

Obligations: (Cooperative Agreements) FY 93 $13,999,750, FY 94 est $13,720,000; and FY 95 est $0. (This program is being proposed for termination in fiscal 1995.)

Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1993, the TAAC provided assistance to firms as follows: 155 firms were certified eligible to receive trade adjustment assistance, 122 adjustment proposals were accepted, and 792 firms received technical assistance; and four trade-injured industry projects were aided. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Copies of pertinent regulations, guidelines, a TAA information package, and forms, are available from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Division or the Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs). INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office: Local Department of Commerce District Offices are listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: For Firm and Industry Assistance Information: Mr. Daniel F. Harrington, U. S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, Trade Adjustment Assistance Division, 14th & Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 377-3373. Use the same number for FTS. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.768, Business and Industrial Loans; 59.012, Small Business Loans.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: There are 12 funded Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACS) covering the 50 States, and the District of Columbia which can help firms become certified and receive trade adjustment assistance. They are awarded Federal cooperative agreements to support the services they provide to businesses. Industries have been aided in developing new manufacturing machines and procedures, expanding exporting opportunities, marketing studies, product diversification, etc. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: TAACS in existence which have successfully carried out previous cooperative agree ments. Industries with a substantial number of TAA certified firms and have developed a proposal providing meaningful near-term benefit to their industry.