CFDA#
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Funder Type
Federal Government
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IT Classification
B - Readily funds technology as part of an award
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Authority
Economic Development Administration (EDA)
Summary
This ARPA BBBRC notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is designed to support clusters in transforming their regional economy through groups of complementary, aligned construction and non-construction projects. The projects should be organized under a singular vision to support industry growth across the region. Interested regions should form regional coalitions, in coordination with private sector partners and other partners, that share a common vision for how significant investment from EDA could catalyze wage growth, increased economic growth, the creation of a new industry, and/or the scaling or growth of existing industries in their region. The identified projects should foster economic growth and competitiveness through job creation, capacity building, and attracting private investment.
While geographic diversity is encouraged, the applicant's footprint should be designed and bounded in a way that ensures maximum collaboration and impact. The target region could correspond closely to statistical labor market areas such as metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas, or to an industry that may be geographically dispersed but has unusually strong connectivity due to an established coalition of local government, industry, labor, and academic leaders. Regional growth clusters might reflect a hub and spoke model, anchored around a hub” such as a city, business park, port, educational or research institution, or technology center, and complemented by significant investment strategies in multiple spokes” that represent demographic and geographic diversity. Coalitions should clearly articulate how the chosen geographic footprint presents potential for globally competitive industries and a purposeful approach to ambitious yet actionable economic transformation, leading to quality jobs, 1 longterm economic competitiveness, and creates stronger urban-rural linkages or stronger rural regional growth clusters. Regardless of the geographic and economic characteristics of the regions, it must be clear how the proposed projects will address economic distress, both historical challenges and those created by the global pandemic.
Although supported by several distinct projects, each regional growth cluster should be interconnected and work to drive competitiveness at a transformational scale, and be linked to a long-term strategic planning developed with community involvement.
History of Funding
A total of 529 applicants submitted proposals for phase 1: https://eda.gov/files/arpa/build-back-better/BBBRC-Phase-1-applicant-list.pdf.
60 regional coalitions were selected to be finalists https://eda.gov/arpa/build-back-better/finalists/.
Additional Information
Some projects are generally ineligible for EDA funding under this NOFO, including projects that directly improve facilities or improvements owned by a for-profit entity, projects that are primarily residential in nature, projects to create community amenities (e.g., swimming pools, zoos, recreational centers), projects that support general governmental or public safety functions (e.g., buildings to house municipal government, firehouses, public safety equipment), and requests for funding to supplement operating budgets or replace lost revenue (including lost tax revenue).
In addition, EDA will not fund projects that are primarily directed at public health responses to the coronavirus pandemic (e.g., testing or vaccination centers, increased hospital capacity, acquisition of personal protective equipment (PPE) for general government use or public distribution) because there are other ARPA funds dedicated to these efforts; however, incidental public health costs may be included in project budgets (e.g., the cost of PPE for personnel providing technical assistance, larger spaces to accommodate social distancing, increased travel costs to accommodate pandemic safety measures).
Applicants who are unsure whether their proposed project is eligible under this NOFO should consult the appropriate EDA Regional Office Point of Contact (POC). Funds may not be used, directly or indirectly as an offset for other funds, to support or oppose collective bargaining.
Eligibility Details
EDA invites eligible applicants to form regional coalitions to apply for funding to implement a collection of three to eight distinct but related projects in their region, in coordination with industry and community partners, and aligned around a holistic vision to build and scale a strategic industry cluster. Applicants should identify one key coordinating lead institution per regional cluster to lead the concept and projects into the implementation phase, while fostering collaboration and coordinating resources to ensure these investments have the greatest economic impact on our communities, regions, and the nation.
Coalition members eligible to apply for investment assistance for their region include a(n):
- District Organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District
- Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes
- 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
- Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education
- Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State
Individuals or for-profit entities are not eligible.
Deadline Details
Phase 1 applications must be submitted by October 19, 2021. Phase 2 applications must be submitted by March 15, 2022. This is anticipated to be a one-time funding opportunity.
Award Details
Up to $1 billion is available for awards in 20-30 regions.
- Phase 1: 50-60 regional coalitions of partnering entities will be awarded ~$500,000 in technical assistance funds to develop and support three to eight projects to grow a regional growth cluster. No cost sharing is required.
- Phase 2: EDA will award 20-30 regional coalitions $25 million to $75 million, and up to $100 million, to implement those projects. Cost sharing up to 20% is required.
As part of the $300 million Coal Communities Commitment, EDA will allocate at least $100 million of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge funding to support coal communities.
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