Application Notes:

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on March 17, 2025.

Applications must be submitted online at www.ecivis.com/grants.gov.

Applications must include:

• SF 424
• SF 424A
• SF 424B
• CD 511
• SF LLL (if applicable)
• Project abstract (1 page max)
• Project narratives (20 pages max)
• Budget narrative, including required travel items
• Indirect cost rate (ICR) agreement documentation (if applicable)
• Project performance worksheet
• Other supporting documentation (as applicable):
  • Memoranda of understanding or memoranda of agreement between project partners
  • Letters of support, letters of commitment, or other evidence of existing strategic relationships, collaborations, or alliances (recommended)
  • Resumes of the proposed project director and key project staff
  • Cited data/literature
  • Letters of recommendation from entrepreneur(s) who were served by the applicant (if available)

Applications are limited to 30 pages in length, excluding the documents detailed on page 18 of the NOFA file. Applications must be formatted on single-spaced pages with one-inch margins using at least an 11-point font.

The following are required in order to submit an application:

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number
• SAM (System for Award Management) registration

Applicants may obtain a UEI number and verify or renew SAM registration status at www.ecivis.com/sam.

Prior to submitting an application, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an optional email of intent via email at the address provided in the Contact section by 5:00 p.m. ET on February 12, 2025.

Optional technical assistance webinars are expected to be scheduled for this program. Additional information regarding the webinars will be posted online at www.mbda.gov/financial-resources.

Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Project description (50 points)
• Applicant capability (25 points)
• Project objectives, metrics, and implementation (25 points)
• Bonus points (10 points)

Applications must receive an overall average of at least 75 points to be considered for funding. Applications that receive an average score of 60 to 74 points may be given second consideration for funding if the applicant is able to respond to the funding agency's request for additional information or clarification.

Refer to pages 27-28 of the NOFA file for information regarding additional application evaluation criteria.

Refer to the NOFA file for additional application information.

Match Notes:

Matching funds are not required for this program. The provision of in-kind contributions will not be considered during the application evaluation process.

Costs for paying a student’s college or university tuition in the form of a scholarship or fellowship may not be used as a match; however, the costs of developing and implementing a scholarship program may be allowable.

The following costs may not be used as a match:

• Development of classes or modules that are limited to traditionally enrolled students
• Projects that charge fees so high that provided services and activities are not accessible to a broad range of entrepreneurs
• Construction
• Equity investments and loans

Funding Notes:

An estimated $5 million is expected to be available to support approximately ten cooperative agreements of approximately $500,000 each through this program.

Awards will be made within approximately 150 calendar days of the application deadline.

The project period is expected to last four years from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2029. Each budget period will last 12 months, as follows:

• FY 2025 budget period: August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026
• FY 2026 budget period: August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027
• FY 2027 budget period: August 1, 2027, to July 31, 2028
• FY 2028 budget period: August 1, 2028, to July 31, 2029

Continuation funding for subsequent budget periods beyond the initial budget period will be contingent on the availability of appropriated funds, the award recipient's satisfactory performance, and continued relevance to program objectives at the sole discretion of the funding agency.

Revenue generated from fees for service, client fees, membership fees, or other appropriate fees associated with services or activities funded through this program must be used toward the project.

The budget must include travel costs for award recipients to attend required meetings and conferences, as detailed on pages 16-17 of the NOFA file.

Award recipients may be eligible for pre-award costs, as detailed under title 2, section 200.458 of the CFR.

Funds may not be used for paying a student’s college or university tuition in the form of a scholarship or fellowship; however, the costs of developing and implementing a scholarship program may be allowable.

Funds may not be used for:

• Development of classes or modules that are limited to traditionally enrolled students
• Projects that charge fees so high that provided services and activities are not accessible to a broad range of entrepreneurs
• Construction
• Equity investments and loans
• Child care activities or stipends