Science and Research Park Development Grants
The Department of Commerce fosters and promotes the nation's economic development and technological advancement through vigilance in international trade policy, domestic business policy and growth, and promoting economic progress at all levels.
Program Accomplishments
Not Applicable.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds may be used for the development of feasibility studies and plans related to the construction or the renovation of science and research parks.
Use of funds must be consistent with the mission of the EDA.
All grants awarded are competitive in nature.
EDA does not award formula grants.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
No additional information.
Beneficiary Eligibility
No additional information.
Credentials/Documentation
No Credentials or documentation are required. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
An EIA will only be required if the applicant intends to hire an architect and/or engineer as part of the proposed scope of work for the project.
An environmental impact assessment is 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 Procedures
OMB Circular No. A-102 applies to this program. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. For information on the application process you may access the applicable federal funding opportunity (FFO) announcement for Science and Research Park Development grant assistance at www.grants.gov and at www.eda.gov. EDA will review each application for Science and Research Park Development grant assistance in accordance with the evaluation criteria, funding priorities, and selection procedures set forth in the applicable FFO.
Award Procedures
EDA Staff review complete applications for eligibility and compatibility with the program s goals and objectives. Applications deemed eligible and at least minimally consistent with the program s goals and objectives are referred to a review panel, which recommends applications for funding to the Grants Officer. The Grants Officer makes final funding determinations for the program.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.
Authorization
Section 27 (15 U.S.C. 3722) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.).
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 90 to 120 days.
Appeals
Not Applicable.
Renewals
Not Applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula.
This program has no matching requirements.
This program does not have MOE requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Project periods are specified in the grant award documents, but generally these do not exceed five years. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Funds are generally disbursed on a reimbursement basis.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
No program reports are required.
No cash reports are required.
Project progress and financial reports are required, generally on a quarterly basis, as required by the Special Terms and Conditions governing the award.
EDA requires the submission of the SF-425 Federal Financial Report.
EDA reviews progress and financial reports for compliance with all award terms and conditions, as well as EDA regulations.
EDA reserves the right to conduct site visits on an as-needed basis.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. The applicant is reminded that EDA or the Department of Commerce s Office of Inspector General also may conduct an audit of an award at any time.
Records
All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of recipients or sub-recipients are required to be maintained by the terms of the grant agreement.
Financial Information
Account Identification
13-2050-0-1-452.
Obigations
(Project Grants) FY 13 Not Available; FY 14 Estimate Not Available; and FY 15 Estimate Not Available
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
No Data Available.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Not Applicable.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Regional Agency Offices.
Headquarters Office
Office of Public Affairs U.S. Department of Commerce
Economic Development Administration
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Suite 71014
, Washington, District of Columbia 20230 Phone: 202-482-4085
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
i. effect the science park will have on regional economic growth and development;
ii. number of jobs to be created at the science park and the surrounding regional community each year during its first 3 years;
iii. funding to be required to construct, renovate or expand the science park during its first 3 years;
iv. amount and type of financing and access to capital available to the applicant;
v. types of businesses and research entities expected in the science park and surrounding regional community;
vi. letters of intent by businesses and research entities to locate in the science park;
vii. capability to attract a well trained workforce to the science park;
viii. the management of the science park during its first 5 years;
ix. expected financial risks in the construction and operation of the science park and the risk mitigation strategy;
x. physical infrastructure available to the science park, including roads, utilities, and telecommunications;
xi. utilization of energy-efficient building technology including nationally recognized green building design practices, renewable energy, cogeneration, and other methods that increase energy efficiency and conservation;
xii. consideration to the transformation of military bases affected by the base realignment and closure process or the redevelopment of existing buildings, structures, or brownfield sites that are abandoned, idled, or underused into single or multiple building facilities for science and technology companies and institutions;
xiii. ability to collaborate with other science parks throughout the world;
xiv. consideration of sustainable development practices and the quality of life at the science park; and
xv. other criteria as outlined in the applicable FFO.
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