ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Funding Opportunity Description:
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, will provide Federal assistance to support innovative projects that promote and seek to ensure the growth and resolve the challenges faced by minority business enterprises. The primary drivers of a MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Project (AMP) program are capacity building and job creation/retention (see additional details on page 2 of NOFO).
A total of $1.6 million will be available to fund the financial assistance awards under this announcement utilizing FY2021 appropriated funds. The FY21 funding will be approximately $400,000 (see page 5 of NOFO).
MBDA will issue awards for a 5-year term from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2026. Receipt of any prospective funding also is contingent upon the availability of funds from Congress, satisfactory performance, and continued relevance to program objectives and will be at the sole discretion of the Department of Commerce.
MBDA anticipates making four (4) awards under this announcement, with the funding amount of $400,000 for each award. Projects must be in any area of the U.S. and must provide services that benefit minority business enterprises in any U.S. state or territory. (see pages 2-3 of NOFO).
Agency Requirements for the AMP Center:
Alignment to MBDA Mission – Each proposed project should align, compliment, and support MBDA’s mission to promote the growth and global competitiveness of America’s MBE community.
Service Location - MBDA seeks to fund projects located in the defined locations; however, a Project may serve any U.S. minority business enterprises located in any U.S. state.
Services – Funded projects must align with the MBDA program objectives and priorities (I.A. and I.B. above). The projects must provide management and technical assistance (i.e., business consulting services) to MBE clients that support their respective business development and capacity building journey.
Performance – Funded projects shall be monitored on a regular basis to track progress. The defined measures and goals are aligned to key outputs, outcomes, and impact under this program.
MBE Service Recipients - Organizations that are owned or controlled by the following persons or groups of persons are the organizations that are considered MBEs for the purpose of this NOFO: African-American, Hispanic-American, American Asian and Pacific Islander, Native American (including Alaska Natives, Alaska Native Corporations and Tribal entities), Asian Indian American, and Hasidic Jewish American. See 15 C.F.R. §§ 1400.1, 1400.2 and Executive Order 11625 (1969).
Submission Requirements:
Eligible applicants include: For-profit entities (including but not limited to sole-proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations), non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, commercial organizations, state and local government entities, Tribal governmental entities, and quasi-government entities.
All proposals must be received on or before 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 8, 2021.
For more information and to register for a pre-application teleconference visit:
Pre-Application Conference Call
MBDA will conduct a pre-application teleconference on March 12, 2021 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT Participants must register at least 24 hours in advance of the teleconference. Please visit the MBDA Internet Portal at www.mbda.gov to register and additional information.
Link to register:
Applicants should visit MBDA at www.mbda.gov/grants for more information.
