EDA's NTA program supports a small number of projects that provide technical assistance at a national scope. These projects support best practices among communities trying to solve problems related to economic development goals. By working in conjunction with its national technical assistance partners, EDA helps States, local governments, and community-based organizations to achieve their highest economic potential. The NTA program supports activities that are beneficial to the economic development community nationwide and includes, but is not limited to, outreach, training, and information dissemination. It can also provide assistance with implementation of economic development best practices and proven techniques.
NTA investments may be awarded to:
Examples of NTA projects include:
EDA Investment assistance may not be used to start or expand a private business.
In general, EDA does not reimburse pre-award project costs. Applicants that are in need of such reimbursement should work closely with the EDA representative for their State to determine if their pre-award costs may be considered for reimbursement. In order for contracted pre-award costs to be eligible for reimbursement, the applicant must competitively procure services pursuant to the Federal government's procurement procedures. All pre-award costs are incurred at an applicant's own risk and will be considered for reimbursement, in EDA's sole discretion, only if an applicant receives an award and such costs are approved by EDA in writing. Under no circumstances will EDA or DOC be held responsible for application preparation expenditures, which are distinguished from pre-award project costs.
Eligible applicants for and recipients of EDA RNTA investment assistance include: a District Organization; an Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; a 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; an institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; a public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State; a private individual; or a for-profit organization.
There are no submission deadlines under this NOFO. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the termination of this NOFO or publication of a superseding RNTA NOFO.
EDA was appropriated $1.5 million for the R&E program and $1 million for the NTA program. In recent years, the average size of R&E and NTA investments has been approximately $350,000, and investments generally range from $200,000 to $500,000. Historically, EDA has funded approximately five R&E projects and three NTA projects per year. EDA anticipates making similar awards in FY 2021-2023, subject to availability of funds.
EDA encourages cost sharing, and applications that include matching funds may be more competitive than those that do not. Generally, the amount of an EDA award may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the project. However, for RNTA awards, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development (Assistant Secretary) has the discretion to establish a maximum investment rate of up to 100 percent where the project: (i) merits, and is not otherwise feasible without, an increase to the investment rate; and (ii) will be of no or only incidental benefit to the eligible recipient