The fiscal year 2006 program included initial or continued support of the following topics: Assessment of the National and State Energy Policy Trends: Appalachian Regional Energy Blueprint Research Brief; Non-Renewable Energy Innovation, Research to Support the Appalachian Energy Initiative; Assessment of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Appalachia: Policy and Potential; Economic Development Potential of Conventional and Potential Alternative Sources in Appalachian Counties; An Evaluation of the Outcomes of the ARC-Oak Ridge National Laboratory Summer Math/Science/Technology Institutes; Initial Design Study for Impact Assessment of Completing the ADHS; An Assessment of Economic Base of Distressed and Transitional Counties in the Appalachian Region; Assessment of Access to Capital and Credit in the Appalachian Region: An Examination of Regional Performance and Gaps in Lending, Bank Services and Development Finance; A Program Evaluation of ARC's Infrastructure and Public Works Projects; An Analysis of the College-going and Perseverance Rates in Appalachia; Continuity and Change in Appalachia: An Analysis of Long Form Decennial Census Data for Trends in Family Income, Inequality, Earnings and Skill Levels, and Consumption Measures of Quality of Life; Assessment of Socioeconomic Correlates of Health Disparities in the Appalachian Region; Assessment of the Role of Highway Investments on Economic Growth in Appalachia, 1969-2000: Update and Extension of Twin County Growth Study.

Uses and Use Restrictions

To research or demonstrate the feasibility of plans and programs for concerted economic and community development.

Priority will be given to technical assistance related to job creation projects.

Project activities can include investigations, research, studies, evaluations, and assessments of needs, potentials, or attainments of the people of the region, technical assistance, training programs, demonstrations and the construction of necessary facilities incident to such activities.

All developments resulting from such research, and demonstration projects must be made freely available to the general public.

Existing research by other agencies is to be utilized as much as possible.

Research projects are also subject to the uses and use restrictions described under the Appalachian Regional Development program (23.001).

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Qualified candidates with subject matter experience who respond to Commission issued requests for proposals that are advertised on the Appalachian Regional Commission website (www.arc.gov).

Beneficiary Eligibility

States and local public bodies.

Credentials/Documentation

Projects must conform to the Appalachian Regional Commission Strategic Plan. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

The Appalachian Regional Commission reviews and prioritizes research and evaluation projects necessary to further the goals of the agency's strategic plan.

The Executive Director approves individual projects.

This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.

12372.

Application Procedures

Candidates with subject matter expertise can respond to publicly advertised requests for proposals. Requests for proposals are located on the ARC website: www.arc.gov. The Commission, comprised of the Federal Co-Chair and the 13 State governors, review and prioritize research projects to be completed each year. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedures

Upon determination that the approved project is eligible within a Commission approved Appalachian Strategic Plan, the Federal Co-chairman and Executive Director determines that the project satisfies all Federal requirements.

Deadlines

None, except those imposed by each State and the general requirement of the Commission.

Authorization

Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, Section 302, Public Law 89-4, as amended; 40 U.S.C. 14101-14704; Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2002, Public Law 107-149.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

From 36 to 60 days after the receipt of the application at the Commission.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Yes, processed in the same manner as the original application.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

A limited amount of discretionary authority is made available to the Commission under (40 U.S.C. 14321) of the Appalachian Regional Development Act. Annually the Commission allocates this authority to the Co-Chairmen's Committee and among the Appalachian States. The authority can be used to raise the statutory limits on ARC funding in projects implementing special regional initiatives approved by the Commission. It can also be used, with the approval of the Co-Chairmen's Committee, in cases of emergency economic distress. This discretionary authority, however, cannot be used to eliminate the funding restrictions on projects in competitive and attainment counties.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Usually 12 months. Assistance is provided as required.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

A member of the Commission staff is designated as project coordinator to maintain liaison with the contractor, and monitor and evaluate progress and performance under the contract.

Audits

As required by the Commission, in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996, Public Law 104-156. 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 form Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records

As required by the terms of the contract.

Financial Information

Account Identification

46-0200-0-1-452.

Obigations

FY 07 $763,536; and FY 08 est $1,000,000; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$6 to $239,706; $13,234.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

"The Appalachian Regional Commission Code" (limited distribution); "Appalachian Regional Commission Project Guidelines" (limited distribution); "Appalachia" a journal devoted to the special problems of regional development (no charge); Research Program Prospectus (limited distribution) Performance and Accountability Report.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Refer to Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office

Inquiries and proposals for projects should be submitted first to the Appalachian State office designated by the Governor. (See Appendix IV of the Catalog). Other inquiries may be addressed to: Executive Director, Appalachian Regional Commission, 1666 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20009. Telephone: (202) 884-7700. Use the same number for FTS.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

See APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS.