The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) is a government wide compendium of Federal programs, projects, services, and activities which provide assistance or benefits to the American public. It contains financial and non financial assistance programs administered by departments and establishments of the Federal government.
In addition to the hard copy Catalog data, program information is available on machine-readable magnetic tape, high density floppy diskettes, and CD-Rom. This information is also available on tape, diskettes, or CD-ROM and may be purchased from GSA.

Contact:
Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Staff (MVS),
General Services Administration,
300 7th Street, S.W., Suite 101,
Washington, DC 20407.
(202) 708-5126

This HTML copy was prepared by:
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DOC Aquaculture Mission: A mission of the Department of Commerce(DOC) is to create sustainable economic opportunities in aquaculture in amanner that is environmentally sound and consistent with applicable laws andAdministration policy. This mission complements and is an integral part of theDepartment's effort to restore and maintain sustainable wild stock fisheries inorder to maximize the benefits of U.S. coastal resources for its citizens.Aquaculture in the United States can make major contributions to the local,regional, and national economies by providing employment in a new and diverseindustry and by creating business opportunities both here and abroad. TheUnited States can lead the world in the development of aquaculture technologiesand advance international guidelines for the industry in order to maintain ahealthy environment.

Definition: Aquaculture is defined as the propagation and rearing ofaquatic organisms in controlled or selected aquatic environments for anycommercial, recreational, or public purpose.

DOC Aquaculture Objectives: The DOC and its agencies, working inpartnership with USDA, DOI, other Federal agencies, state, local, and tribalgovernments, environmental organizations, industry, academia, and otherstakeholders at the national and regional levels will create a business climateand technological base for industry to develop environmentally soundaquaculture. The specific objectives by the year 2025 are to:

1. Increase the value of domestic aquaculture production from the present $900million annually to $5 billion, which will help offset the $6-billion annualU.S. trade deficit in seafood.
2. Increase the number of jobs in aquaculture from the present estimate of180,000 to 600,000.
3. Develop aquaculture technologies and methods both to improve production andsafeguard the environment, emphasizing where possible those technologies thatemploy pollution prevention rather than pollution control techniques.
4. Develop a code of conduct for responsible aquaculture by the year 2002 andhave 100% compliance with the code in Federal waters.
5. Double the value of non-food products and services produced by aquaculturein order to increase industry diversification.
6. Enhance depleted wild fish stocks through aquaculture, thereby increasingthe value of both commercial and recreational landings and improving the healthof our aquatic resources.
7. Increase exports of U.S. aquaculture goods and services from the presentvalue of $500 million annually to $2.5 billion.

• Work with stakeholders to develop a set of aquaculture guidelines for DoCaquaculture activities by the end of the year 2000 and ensure that allsubsequent Departmental activities conform to these guidelines.
• Conduct research and help develop guidelines for an environmentally soundand sustainable aquaculture industry and promote domestic and internationalcompliance with the guidelines.
• Consistent with these guidelines, conduct basic and applied research todomesticate additional species, giving preference to high-value species and tothose that are least likely to create problems for the environment.
• Deliver U.S. government aquaculture services, assistance, and research tostate and local governments and industry in a comprehensive and coordinatedmanner.
• Hold national and regional meetings with aquaculture constituents toinventory present resources and issues and set priorities for the future.
• Develop an efficient and transparent permitting process for aquaculture.
• Accelerate the implementation of new aquaculture production methods bydeveloping both pilot scale and demonstration projects where necessary.
• Develop effective enhancement strategies, where appropriate, for aquaticspecies to help wild stock fisheries recover and to provide additionalrecreational opportunities.
• Integrate aquaculture development with wild fish stock management andenvironmental stewardship to maximize the value of our aquatic resources forthe benefit of the nation.
• Minimize the adverse impacts of aquaculture on protected species throughproper design and siting of facilities and the application of appropriatedeterrent technologies.
• Provide financial, marketing, and trade assistance to the aquacultureindustry.
• Provide extension, training, and education programs to ensure acompetitive, safe industry.
• Provide an information clearinghouse and information dissemination system to facilitate achieving aquaculture objectives.

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Pages 1--9 NOAA Aquaculture Policy

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NOAA'S AQUACULTURE POLICY Approved February 1998

I. Introduction

Worldwide fisheries production will be inadequate to meet the needs of the world's population, without supplementation through aquaculture. Constituent and Congressional support for aquaculture dictates that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) bring together its diverse programs to develop a comprehensive aquaculture policy and strategy to provide a context for agency activities for the next ten to twenty years. The impetus for the development of aquaculture extends beyond food production. NOAA involvement in aquaculture can help to foster sustainable economic development and environmentally friendly technologies, create new employment opportunities, reduce the trade deficit in fish products, reduce fishing pressure on living marine resources, and rebuild depleted stocks.

The 1980 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Departments of Agriculture (USDA), Commerce (DOC) and Interior (DOI), defined aquaculture as "the propagation and rearing of aquatic species in controlled or selected environments". Pursuant to this MOU, DOC, through NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the National Sea Grant College Program, carried out aquaculture research and development on marine, estuarine, and anadromous species. Work on anadromous species has been coordinated with DOI and USDA (Forest Service). The National Sea Grant College Program has conducted research, education, training and advisory services in aquaculture; its advisory services programs have been carried out in collaboration with USDA's Extension Service. Subsequent to the establishment of this MOU, the Fisheries Finance Program, administered by NMFS, and the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), administered by NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS), were amended to include comprehensive planning, conservation and management of aquaculture facilities within the coastal zone.

Furthermore, the National Aquaculture Development Act of 1980, amended in 1985, established a coordinating group, the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture (JSA), chaired by USDA. The JSA has been responsible for developing the National Aquaculture Development Plan, which identifies the relative roles of USDA, DOI and DOC, and establishes a strategy for the development of an aquaculture industry in the United States.

NOAA, the Federal Oceans agency, has a strong statutory basis for the promotion and regulation of marine aquaculture. A listing of the legislative authorities is attached (Attachment 1). NOAA, having the greatest responsibility for the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources and the environment, is best suited to oversee aquaculture activities that affect marine ecosystems and occur in public waters. NOAA has a variety of established responsibilities for marine, estuarine, and anadromous species aquaculture; including research, development, and outreach, for stock enhancement and private sector development, as well as the adoption of appropriate environmental safeguards and technology.

If the current estimates for world per capita consumption of seafood are accurate, the projected demand for seafood will not be met without growth and technological advancement in aquaculture. (end 1)
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to supplement the harvest of wild stocks. Aquaculture is one method to meet the projected demand, and should be conducted in concert with a variety of fisheries management techniques, including better product utilization, improved processing technology, improved habitat conditions to support natural fisheries, and consumption of species currently not utilized.

The development of a robust aquaculture industry has the most potential to fill the seafood needs of the domestic market by reducing imports of fishery products and benefiting the nation's balance of trade. Aquaculture for the purposes of marine stock enhancement also has associated economic benefits, such as increased employment associated with the enhancement effort, and the continued health of the commercial fishing and recreational fisheries industries. In addition, aquaculture technologies and consulting services for private industry and enhancement efforts, as well as superior, disease-free strains of broodstock are valuable exports that contribute to the U. S. economy.

II. Current Status of Aquaculture in NOAA
NOAA's primary focus for aquaculture has historically been through NMFS programs, and the National Sea Grant College Program in the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). Many aquaculture-based enterprises have benefited from NOAA research and extension activities. In 1996, Congress, in amending the CZMA, administered by NOS, encouraged States to work with NOAA in aquaculture, siting, management and planning activities. The types of activities undertaken to support aquaculture in each of the three line organizations are described below.

NMFS

NMFS plays a significant role in promoting aquaculture that is environmentally sound, through scientific research and technology development, financial assistance and its regulatory programs. NMFS has carried out aquaculture programs since its inception as the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 125 years ago; since then NMFS/ NOAA has been involved in aquaculture research and development for finfish and shellfish in commercial applications and for enhancement. Intensive U. S. marine aquaculture research and development on salmon in the late 1960's provided the basis for the development of industries in the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom and Chile. NMFS basic research on finfish and shellfish biology and reproduction, habitat utilization and restoration, environmental impact assessment, and fish pathology supports private and government aquaculture and marine enhancement activities. Much of the information developed by NMFS has been used both in the commercial sector where it has been instrumental in the development of the farmed salmon industry, as well as shellfish hatcheries and shrimp culture operations throughout the world. NMFS has also played an integral role in the rearing of threatened and protected species for stock recovery.

NMFS presently spends approximately $10 million per year for the operation of 25 major salmon hatcheries in the Columbia River Basin through the 1938 Mitchell Act which was established to mitigate loss of salmon runs because of construction of hydroelectric projects. The Mitchell Act hatchery program is the largest Federally-funded marine fisheries enhancement program in the United States. (end 2 )
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NMFS-administered state/Federal and industry grant programs have addressed aquaculture development in response to industry needs and state management priorities. In the last five years, the Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program has provided funding for commercial aquaculture projects of between $500,000 and $1.7 million dollars annually. In Alaska, since ratification of the U. S./ Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty in 1985, NMFS has provided over $20.0 million for salmon enhancement projects. In FY1994 and FY1995, the Northeast Fishing Industry Grants program supplied $1.2 million and $2.19 million respectively for aquaculture -related projects. These projects were aimed at creating commercial development opportunities for displaced New England fishermen. Additionally, the NMFS Fisheries Finance Assistance Program has been specifically authorized to guarantee aquaculture loans, facilitating financing for qualified applicants.

On the regulatory front, the Fisheries Management Councils are becoming involved in the decision-making process for offshore permitting for aquaculture. Because permit-granting may involve the granting of exclusive use in a designated area to an aquaculture business, the traditional users of the resource must be incorporated into the regulatory process. This process has involved the granting of a lease to an experimental scallop culture project off the coast of Massachusetts, through an amendment to the New England Scallop Fishery Management Plan, and the consideration of an experimental permit for the culture of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. NMFS, through the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1996, has regulatory responsibilities that will affect aquaculture development in the EEZ.

OAR

Aquaculture has been a major component of the National Sea Grant College Program's research and outreach activities since the program's establishment in 1968. Sea Grant, administered through OAR, has supported technology development for the existing U. S. industry in many areas including offshore and recirculating marine systems, hormonal control of growth and reproduction, growout technology, feeds and nutrition, disease control, regulation, marketing, food processing, and environmental technologies to meet water quality standards.

Aquaculture related projects account for approximately $10 million direct and matching Sea Grant funds on an annual basis. This figure does not include approximately $1.5 million annually in outreach-related activities provided through the Sea Grant Extension Service, or nationwide programs such as the Oyster Disease Research Program. Sea Grant supports aquaculture activities in research, education, and technology transfer. Sea Grant research on systems development, genetics, physiology and endocrinology, nutrition, disease, policy, and economics has contributed to the creation of several new industries including the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic soft shell crab industry, the Pacific Northwest oyster and clam industry, the hybrid striped bass industry, and the Mid-Atlantic hard clam industry. Sea Grant research and outreach has helped to establish scores of new businesses throughout the U. S., and to provide improved technologies to these businesses. The combined impact of Sea Grant-developed technology amounts to at least $100 million annually and supports thousands of jobs in the U. S. economy.

Sea Grant has also collaborated extensively in the international arena, creating opportunities for aquaculture technology exchange between the U. S. and Japan, China, Israel, France, Russia and (end 3)

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Ireland. NOAA, through Sea Grant, and Japan have been working together for more than 20 years to enhance the development of freshwater and marine aquaculture through the Aquaculture Panel of the U. S. Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources. Technology exchange between the U. S. and China on scallop culture has been conducted by Sea Grant through a bilateral agreement. The U. S. Israel Science and Technology Foundation has provided funds for aquaculture research with Sea Grant members. Sea Grant's efforts have been important in promoting NOAA as an important global resource in the development of aquaculture.

The Sea Grant program is also a participant in the Sustainable Development Extension Network, which is a collaboration among Federal education and extension services and their public/ private partners. DOC has pledged to assist communities in developing eco-industrial parks, stabilize and redevelop brownfield industrial sites, integrate environmental technical assistance into the manufacturing extension network, expand and improve access to environmental information, support research, and restore the Nation's fisheries. The network provides NOAA with an opportunity to facilitate Federal coordination in aquaculture extension.

NOS

Congress, in passing the CZMA of 1972, encouraged states and territories to exercise their responsibilities of wise use of the land and water resources of the coastal zone through the development and implementation of management programs. The national coastal zone management program balances competing demands on the coast and coastal waters. The CZMA created a partnership between the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), state and territorial governments and Federal agencies. Under the CZMA, Federal actions that are reasonably likely to affect any coastal use or resource (including direct Federal agency activities, non-Federal activities requiring a Federal license or permit, and Federal funding to state or local governments) must be conducted in a manner that is consistent with the enforceable policies of state coastal management programs.

Aquaculture is an aspect of coastal management which has received increased attention in the past decade with the passage of amendments to the CZMA in 1990 and 1996. The 1990 amendments encouraged states and territories to support comprehensive planning, conservation and management for living marine resources including aquaculture facilities. The 1996 amendments provided new authorization for states to use CZMA funds for: (1) the adoption of procedures and policies to evaluate and facilitate the siting of public and private aquaculture facilities in the coastal zone; (2) to enable States to formulate, administer, and implement strategic plans for marine aquaculture; and (3) to develop a coordinated process among State agencies to regulate and issue permits for aquaculture facilities in the coastal zone.

Past and on-going projects have ranged from: development of aquaculture net-pen guidelines (Mississippi); impact of aquaculture on the eutrophication of coastal bays (Maine); revision of aquaculture lease rules (Maine); development of a marine aquaculture management plan and geographic information system (Rhode Island); and development and implementation of a marine aquaculture regulatory and leasing program (Virginia). (end 4)

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Additionally, OCRM's system of 14 marine protected areas, the National Marine Sanctuary Program, manages and protects significant natural and historic treasures. The National Estuarine Research Reserve System, currently totaling 21 sites, protects coastal resources and provides a network of laboratories for investigating estuarine processes and offers educational opportunities for coastal managers and the public. Although aquaculture has not been a major focus of the sanctuary and reserve programs, both have ample opportunities to address aquaculture issues.

III. NOAA Policy
For the purposes of this document aquaculture is defined as the propagation and rearing of aquatic organisms in controlled or selected aquatic environments for any commercial, recreational, or public purpose. Potential purposes of aquaculture include bait production, wild stock enhancement, fish culture for zoos and aquaria, rebuilding of populations of threatened and endangered species, and food production for human consumption.

A successful NOAA program to meet public needs for aquaculture development and environmental protection will focus on: 1) Research, Development, and Technology Transfer; 2) Financial Assistance to Businesses; 3) Environmental Safeguards including Regulatory and Permit Procedures; and, 4) Coordination. NMFS, OAR and NOS will incorporate these priorities into their aquaculture-related activities.

Research, Development, and Technology Transfer

Basic research and development through NMFS, NOS, and Sea Grant programs provide the scientific basis for further enhancement and commercial activities with species not currently being cultured as well as support for existing industries. NOAA considers the following topics to be important to the development of U. S. aquaculture:

Environmental impacts and standards -Research on ways to minimize any adverse impacts of aquaculture on the environment and wild stocks. Using scientific information develop criteria for marine aquaculture operations including determination of permissible discharges, optimal treatment of effluents, requirements for siting new operations, assessment of ecological impacts, both deleterious and beneficial, and necessary information for establishing siting protocols and standards to facilitate the permitting process. Deliver this information to Federal, state and local agencies for
state planning, regulatory and permitting processes.

Systems development -Development of cost-effective, environmentally sound aquaculture and hatchery technology for transfer to the private commercial sector and to governmental agencies operating stock enhancement and habitat restoration programs. Focus on two areas for research and development identified as having high potential for involvement by NOAA: open ocean aquaculture and closed system (or "urban") aquaculture. Conduct research on recirculating technologies for inland facilities, and on environmentally sound systems for offshore development.

Growth and production of marine species -Maintenance of marine aquaculture species in captivity throughout their life cycle; control and synchronization of reproductive and growth cycles; (end 5)

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improvement of technology for production and handling of larvae and all life stages in hatcheries; definition and improvement of nutritional requirements and nutritional value of live feeds; and definition of ecological and pheromonal factors affecting production and develop techniques for spawning and early-stage rearing.

Biotechnology -Development of DNA technology for manipulation, introduction, and expressing genes in aquaculture human food species and species with potential for use either in production of chemical products or in industrial processing to provide strains that grow faster, have higher feed efficiency, produce higher proportions of muscle or desirable compounds, synthesize metabolites at greater rates, or catabolize waste materials or toxic effluents more efficiently; production technology to produce sterile animals for commercial culture to reduce the possibility of genetic contamination from accidental escapements: development of gene probes, compound probes and molecular assays for assessment of endocrine activities and detection and measurement of pathogenic viruses and bacteria; development of vaccines and other measures for controlling disease and parasites.

Technology transfer -Technology transfer to the U. S. aquaculture industry and to Federal, state and local agencies relating to production system management, culture techniques, nutrition, disease diagnosis and control, business management, marketing and environmental technologies to meet water quality standards, will continue to be an important part of NOAA's aquaculture program. Using education and training develop logical and economically viable alternatives for displaced fishermen. Improve extension, outreach and education efforts to support aquaculture planning, regulatory and permitting efforts and to support existing industry and to train fishermen, students and other new industry entrants in aquaculture techniques.

Coastal Management -Coordination with management agencies to identify areas in Federal, state and local waters that are appropriate for aquaculture facilities. Develop more efficient Federal and state regulatory and permitting procedures and innovative management tools for resolving user conflicts. Plan for disaster mitigation and prevention related to aquaculture.

Financial Assistance to Businesses
The aquaculture industry has been slow to develop in the United States in part due to the difficulty in accessing capital for investment purposes. A statutory change to the Fisheries Finance Assistance Program (formerly known as the Fisheries Obligation Guarantee Program in 1992 provided authority to include aquaculture facilities. The Fisheries Finance Assistance Program, closed $6 million in aquaculture guarantees in FY '94 and estimates that the majority of its $25 million FY '95 loan authority will be expended on aquaculture projects. In addition the Capital Construction Fund (CCF)could be authorized to also include aquaculture projects. The Capital Construction Fund currently allows commercial fishermen to save pre-tax fishing income dollars (much like an individual's retirement IRA account) to acquire, construct, or reconstruct fishing vessels. The CCF at present allows withdrawals only for investment in fishing vessels. Taxes on deferred income are recouped by the Federal government as the vessel is used, since no depreciation deduction is allowed for CCF capital invested. Adding aquaculture to the CCF program would provide an alternative use for some of the $240 million in existing CCF accounts. (end 6)

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Environmental Safeguards
Permit Procedures: A primary objective of a Federal aquaculture policy is to develop, in coordination with responsible agencies, more efficient Federal and state permit processes to promote industry development. This will involve establishment of national criteria for environmentally safe aquaculture operations. Federal and state agencies will be encouraged to use the national criteria to make consistent and reasonable Federal and state aquaculture regulations and permitting decisions. One Federal agency should be responsible for coordinating the administrative process for Federal aquaculture permitting decisions: the receipt of permit applications, consultation with all permitting agencies, and the issuance of Federal permits. This will reduce the time required for permit approval or denial, reduce the cost to industry, foster better cooperation between Federal and state agencies, and assure that sound science is used as the basis for decisions. To further facilitate the permit approval process within the Exclusive Economic Zone and promote responsible development of the industry, NOAA will identify areas that reduce conflicts with vessel transit lanes, traditional fishing grounds, and protected species habitat, as well as minimize the potential for negative impacts on the environment. Permit requests for aquaculture activities in these areas would receive rapid responses because the areas would have already been designated as approved for aquaculture. NOAA will work closely with coastal states to ensure that the identification of such areas and permit approvals are consistent with applicable provisions of Federally approved state coastal management programs.

Environmental Research and Planning: Growth of aquaculture has brought attention to its potential environmental effects. Most questions focus on the potential adverse impacts of disease, loss of genetic diversity, introduction of non-indigenous species and potential habitat degradation. Federal and State governments must conduct strategic planning to cope with the expected economic development from aquaculture and to ensure that environmental quality is not compromised. These issues apply to most forms of aquaculture. If the U. S. aquaculture industry is to expand, a healthy aquatic environment must be sustained for all users, including the aquaculture industry. Given the high cost of applied research, every effort will be made to use commercial platforms to obtain environmental data, conduct basic biological research, and determine the environmental effects of aquaculture, particularly in the Exclusive Economic Zone. Other issues that merit consideration are the possible accumulation of marine toxins in cultured organisms; the effects of pollution on aquaculture operations; the effects of major discharges from aquaculture operations on fisheries and other biotic resources; the effects of nutrient enrichment, physical alteration (through dredging, filling or construction), and alteration of freshwater flows, to habitat upon which living resources depend.

Finally, it is important that the feedback derived from research is taken into account in the Federal and State regulatory and planning processes. The best scientific information available will be considered in guiding these processes, and where there is insufficient science a precautionary approach will be taken to adequately safeguard the environment and wild stocks. NOAA will accomplish this mainly through NMFS and the Coastal Zone Management Program administered by OCRM. NMFS has the ability to set environmental standards for regulation on the Federal level. OCRM can encourage and work with state coastal management programs to do the same on the State level.

(end 7)

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Coordination
The responsibility and capability to assist in building an economically and environmentally sustainable aquaculture industry in the U. S. rests with various Federal agencies. By providing a coordinated effort between regulatory agencies, agencies offering economic incentives, the financial sector, and the potential user, NOAA can promote the use of environmentally sound aquaculture technologies and practices, while creating job opportunities in localized areas. NOAA will pursue opportunities to accomplish its policies through joint activities and programs with Federal, State and local agencies, as well as industry, academia and foreign institutions.

Conclusion
A strong NOAA role in aquaculture will create jobs, revitalize communities suffering from the collapse of traditional fisheries stocks, utilize advanced technologies to resolve natural resource conflicts, reduce the fisheries trade deficit, and increase domestic production of finfish and shellfish and recreational opportunities, and ensure that aquaculture is done in an environmentally sound manner. Marine aquaculture can augment restoration efforts of depleted marine stocks and can provide safe, high-quality seafood for consumers. (End 8)

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AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION -Attachment I

• Agriculture and Food Act of 1980 Anadromous Fish Conservation Act
• Clean Water Act Coastal Zone Management Act, 1990 and 1996 Amendments
• Columbia River Basin Fishery Development Program Commercial Fisheries Research and Development Act
• Endangered Species Act Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956
• Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act
• Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
• Marine Mammal Protection Act
• Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act
• National Sea Grant College Program Act
• National Aquaculture Improvement Act of 1985
• National Environmental Policies Act
• National Aquaculture Act of 1980
• Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990
• Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899
• Saltonstall-Kennedy Act
• Title XI, Merchant Marine Act of 1936 as amended.
• Water Resources Development Act

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The Advanced Technology Program  The Advanced Technology Program (ATP) bridges the gap between the research lab and the market place, stimulating prosperity through innovation. Through partnerships with the private sector, ATP’s early stage investment is accelerating the development of innovative technologies that promise significant commercial payoffs and widespread benefits for the nation. As part of the highly regarded National Institute of Standards and Technology, the ATP is changing the way industry approaches R&D, providing a mechanism for industry to extend its technological reach and push out the envelope of what can be attempted.  Technology research in the private sector is driven by today’s global, economic realities. The pace of technological change is faster than ever before, and victory goes to the swift. These realities force companies to make narrower, shorter-term investments in R&D that maximize returns to the company quickly.  The ATP views R&D projects from a broader perspective – its bottom line is how the project can benefit the nation. In sharing the relatively high development risks of technologies that potentially make feasible a broad range of new commercial opportunities, the ATP fosters projects with a high payoff for the nation as a whole – in addition to a direct return to the innovators. The ATP has several critical features that set it apart from other government R&D programs:   ATP projects focus on the technology needs of American industry, not those of government. Research priorities for the ATP are set by industry, based on their understanding of the marketplace and research opportunities. For-profit companies conceive, propose, co-fund, and execute ATP projects and programs in partnerships with academia, independent research organizations and federal labs.  The ATP has strict cost-sharing rules. Joint Ventures (two or more companies working together) must pay at least half of the project costs. Large, Fortune-500 companies participating as a single firm must pay at least 60 percent of total project costs. Small and medium-sized companies working on single firm ATP projects must pay a minimum of all indirect costs associated with the project.  The ATP does not fund product development. Private industry bears the costs of product development, production, marketing, sales and distribution.  The ATP awards are made strictly on the basis of rigorous peer-reviewed competitions. Selection is based on the innovation, the technical risk, potential economic benefits to the nation and the strength of the commercialization plan of the project.  The ATP’s support does not become a perpetual subsidy or entitlement – each project has goals, specific funding allocations, and completion dates established at the outset. Projects are monitored and can be terminated for cause before completion. The ATP partners with companies of all sizes, universities and non-profits, encouraging them to take on greater technical challenges with potentially large benefits that extend well beyond the innovators – challenges they could not or would not do alone. For smaller, start-up firms, early support from the ATP can spell the difference between success and failure. To date, more than half of the ATP awards have gone to individual small businesses or to joint ventures led by a small business. Large firms can work with the ATP, especially in joint ventures, to develop critical, high-risk technologies that would be difficult for any one company to justify because, for example, the benefits spread across the industry as a whole. Universities and non-profit independent research organizations play a significant role as participants in ATP projects. Out of the more than 460 projects selected by the ATP since its inception, well over half of the projects include one or more universities as either subcontractors or joint-venture members. All told, there are more than 140 individual universities participating in ATP projects.  ATP awards are selected through open, peer-reviewed competitions. All industries and all fields of science and technology are eligible. Proposals are evaluated by one of several technology-specific boards that are staffed with experts in fields, such as biotechnology, photonics, chemistry, manufacturing, information technology, or materials. All proposals are assured an appropriate, technically competent review even if they involve a broad, multi-disciplinary mix of technologies. The ATP accepts proposals only in response to specific, published solicitations. Notices of ATP competitions are published in Commerce Business Daily. You may also request to be placed on a mailing list to receive notification of ATP competitions and other events by calling the ATP automated hotline (1-800-ATP-FUND) or by sending e-mail to atp@nist.gov. The ATP Proposal Preparation Kit may be requested at any time. In addition to the necessary application forms, the kit includes a thorough discussion of the ATP goals and procedures as well as useful guidelines in the preparation of a proposal. Further information can also be found on the program’s web site.   Hotline 1-800-ATP-FUND (1-800-287-3863)  Email atp@nist.gov Fax: (301) 926-9524  Homepage: www.atp.nist.gov Economic Assessment Office  Tel: (301) 975-3189  Email: atp-eao@nist.gov Electronics and Photonics Technology Office  Tel: (301) 975-4355  Email: atp-electronics@nist.gov Information Technology and Applications Office Tel: (301) 975-4643  Email: atp-infotech@nist.gov Chemistry and Life Sciences Office Tel: (301) 975-4714  Email: atp-chemistry@nist.gov Email: atp-biotech@nist.gov Return to Top of Page.

The "Small Business Innovation Research Program Reauthorization Act of 2000" requires the Department of Commerce to establish a three-phase SBIR program by reserving a percentage of its extramural R&D budget to be awarded to small business concerns for innovation research.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will administer an SBIR Program within the agency.

NOAA has the unilateral right to select SBIR research topics and awardees in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, and to award several or no awards under a given topic.

SBIR supports creative advanced research in scientific and engineering areas that encourages the conversion of Government-funded research into a commercial application. SBIR awards lead to new technology, major breakthroughs, innovative new products, and next-generation products or processes.

Objectives of this program include stimulating technological innovation in the private sector and strengthening the role of small business in meeting Federal research and development (R&D) needs. This program also seeks to foster and encourage participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses.

Small businesses are invited to submit research proposals for Phase I. Firms with strong research capabilities in any of the areas listed in the NOAA solicitation are encouraged to participate. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
 
 
 

NOAA's Solicitation FY 2002 Amendment 1 All sections of the Table of Contents are hyperlinked to their respective sections in the text.  Requests for general information on the NOAA SBIR Program may be addressed to:  Dr. Joseph M. Bishop  DOC NOAA SBIR Program Manager  1335 East West Highway  Silver Spring, MD 20910-3284  Telephone (301) 713-3565  Fax (301) 713-4100  Email: joseph.bishop@noaa.gov Abstracts of Awards for previous years can be found at:  NOAA Abstracts of Awards

Please continue to review this page for any amendments.
 

The National SBIR Conference Center is where you will find the most recent news concerning SBIR Conferences and important hot links to information about the National SBIR Program.

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Top11.106  Remedies for Unfair Foreign Trade Practices   Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations

FEDERAL AGENCY:

INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Tariff Act of 1930, as amended; Trade Agreements Act of 1979; Trade and Tariff Act of 1984; Trade Act of 1988; Uruguay Round Agreements Act, 19 U.S.C. 1339, 1516a, 1673-1673h, 1675-1677n.

To protect U.S. industry from injury by sales of foreign merchandise at less than fair value in the United States and by unfair subsidies bestowed by foreign governments.

Provision of Specialized Services;  Investigation of Complaints.

Antidumping Duty petitions filed by domestic industry are investigated. Special dumping duties are assessed against imported foreign merchandise entering in the U.S. at less than the foreign market price should the Secretary of Commerce determine that dumping has occurred, and the International Trade Commission find the dumping to cause, or threaten to cause, material injury to the competing U.S. industry. Countervailing Duty petitions filed by domestic industry are investigated. If the Secretary of Commerce determines a countervail able subsidy is being bestowed and the International Trade Commission determines that the subsidy causes, or threatens to cause material injury to U.S. industry, countervailing duties are assessed on imports of subsidized merchandise from the bestowing country. Duties are intended to offset the unfair competitive effects of dumping or subsidies.

Applicant Eligibility:   Any interested party who has information that merchandise is being, or is likely to be, imported into the United States under such circumstances as to bring it within the purview of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, may, on behalf of the industry in the United States which produces like merchandise, communicate such information to the Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. Domestic producers or workers who support the petition must account for at least 25 percent of the domestic production of the like merchandise.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   The industry being adversely affected by imports of like products which are the subject of a dumping or subsidy finding.

Credentials/Documentation:   Communications must contain: The name and address of the petitioner with pertinent documentation; the names and addresses of all known foreign firms believed to be exporting the dumped or subsidized products to the U.S.; a description of the merchandise involved; information with respect to home market or third country sales prices and/or cost, prices and sales in the U.S.; information with respect to the alleged countervail able subsidy; and information indicating that an industry in the U.S. is being injured materially by the imports.

Preapplication Coordination:   Not required; a conference with Import Administration officials is recommended. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Representatives of U.S. industries should consult 19 CFR 351.202.

Award Procedure:   Generally within 20 days of receipt of a proper petition, a decision regarding the initiation of an investigation is made. If the investigation is initiated by the Department of Commerce, a notice is published in the Federal Register. Then, generally within 45 days of receipt of a proper petition, the International Trade Commission (ITC) must determine whether there is a reasonable indication of injury to the domestic industry. If sales are subsequently found to have been made at less than fair value (dumped) or a subsidy has been bestowed, the Secretary of Commerce issues a determination to that effect. The case is then sent back to the ITC for a final determination as to whether or not the dumped or subsidized imports are causing, or are likely to cause, material injury to the industry in the United States. If the ITC determination is affirmative, the Secretary of Commerce issues an anti-dumping or countervailing duty order and special dumping or countervailing duties are assessed against that merchandise which is being sold in the United States at less than fair value or being subsidized.

Deadlines:   A preliminary antidumping determination normally must be made by the Department of Commerce 140 to 190 days (depending on the complexity of the case) from the date of initiation of an investigation. A final determination will be due 75 or 135 days, as appropriate, after the preliminary determination. A preliminary countervailing determination normally must be published within 65 or 130 days of initiation of the investigation (depending on the complexity of the case) and final determination is generally within 75 days from the date of the preliminary determination.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   All antidumping or countervailing investigations must be concluded within statutory deadlines pursuant to the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended.

Appeals:   See 19 U.S.C. 1516A.

Renewals:   Not applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   An antidumping or countervailing duty finding will be revoked after a review in the fifth year unless the Secretary of Commerce and the International Trade Commission determine that revocation would be likely to lead to a recurrence or continuation of dumping or a countervail able subsidy and injury.

Reports:   Not applicable.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document.

Records:   Not applicable.

Account Identification:   13-1250-0-1-376.

Obligations:   (Operations and administration) FY 00 $23,513,978; FY 01 est $29,678,725; and FY 02 est $29,680,928.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Not applicable.

Antidumping and countervailing duty trade remedies have been successfully pursued by a variety of domestic industries, including producers of steel, industrial equipment, computer chips, agricultural products, textiles, chemicals, and consumer products. Both the Import Administration and the International Trade Commission have staff available to assist domestic industries in deciding whether there is sufficient evidence to file a petition for antidumping or countervailing duty investigations. The staff may also assist eligible small businesses with the filing process.

Commerce Regulations, Part 351 (19 CFR 351).

Regional or Local Office:   Not applicable.

Headquarters Office:   Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. Inquiries or requests for assistance should be directed to the Office of Policy (202) 482-4412. Use the same numbers for FTS.

Web Site Address: http://www.esa.doc.gov.

None.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Top11.300  Grants for Public Works and Economic Development

FEDERAL AGENCY:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended; 42 U.S.C. 3141, Section 201, Public Law 105-393; 112 Stat. 3596.

To promote long-term economic development and assist in the construction of public works and development facilities needed to initiate and support the creation or retention of permanent jobs in the private sector in areas experiencing substantial economic distress.

Project Grants.

Grants for such public facilities as water and sewer systems, industrial access roads, industrial parks, port facilities, railroad sidings and spurs, tourism facilities, distance learning facilities, skill-training/vocational schools, business incubator facilities, and infrastructure improvements needed for business expansion. Grants may include projects for acquisition, rehabilitation, design and engineering, or improvement of public land or a development facility including machinery and equipment. They may include also infrastructure for broadband deployment and other types of telecommunications-enabling projects and other kinds of technology infrastructure. Qualified projects must fulfill a pressing need of the area and must: (1) tend to improve the opportunities for the successful establishment or expansion of industrial or commercial plants or facilities; (2) assist in the creation of additional long-term employment opportunities; or (3) benefit the long-term unemployed/underemployed and members of low-income families. In addition, proposed projects must be consistent with the currently approved Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the area, and for the Economic Development District, if any, in which it will be located, and must have adequate local share of funds. Projects must be capable of being started and completed in a timely manner.

Applicant Eligibility:   States, cities, counties, an institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education, and other political subdivisions, Indian tribes, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Commonwealths and territories of the U.S. flag, Economic Development Districts, and private or public nonprofit organizations or associations acting in cooperation with officials of a Political Subdivision of a State or Indian Tribe. Individuals, companies, corporations, and associations organized for profit are not eligible.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Local economies, unemployed and underemployed persons, and/or members of low-income families are assisted through the creation of new jobs or retention of jobs.

Credentials/Documentation:   Applications must describe the type of facility proposed, estimated costs, purpose of proposed project, permanent private sector job impact (estimated payrolls, estimated private investment), estimated time for construction implementation and completion, and assurances that the project will satisfy statutory requirements. Most important, documentation must demonstrate how the project will satisfy a pressing need of the area and have a positive impact on the economic development of the community.

Preapplication Coordination:   The Economic Development Representative (EDR) or other appropriate EDA official will meet with the applicant and community leaders to explore the applicability of the proposed project for EDA funding. If deemed appropriate, a proposal will be requested. After reviewing the proposal, the EDR and/or the regional office will notify the applicant if EDA decides to invite an application. If the project appears viable, a Preapplication conference with regional office personnel may be arranged at EDA's discretion. If EDA invites a formal application, the OMB-approved application form furnished by EDA must be used. An environmental impact assessment is required for this program. The review of the environmental impact assessment may result in an environmental impact statement being required. 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 Procedure:   Applicants should contact the EDR servicing the State in which the project is located or other designated EDA Official. The economic development representative or other appropriate EDA Official assigned as coordinator for the project will provide necessary forms and assistance to interested applicants.

Award Procedure:   Grant applications are invited and approved by the Regional Director, and announced by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development.

Deadlines:   Generally, the applicants are given 30 days after their applications have been invited to submit the formal application.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Normally within 60 days of acceptance of a fully completed application.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   None.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   The basic grant rate may be up to 50 percent of the project cost. Severely depressed areas may receive supplementary grants to bring the Federal contribution up to 80 percent of the project cost; recognized Indian tribes may be eligible for up to 100 percent assistance. Additionally, eligible areas located within and actively participating in the operations of Economic Development Districts are, subject to the 80 percent maximum Federal grant limit, eligible for a 10 percent bonus on grants for public works projects. On average, EDA grants cover approximately 50 percent of project costs.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   EDA grant funds are generally disbursed for costs incurred after all contracts for construction have been awarded.

Reports: Standard financial and performance reports are required, and special reports for specific projects may be requested. Compliance: Applicable statutes include the Architectural Barriers Act, Civil Rights Act, Davis Bacon Act, the Water Pollution Control Act, other applicable Acts.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). States, local governments, and non-profit governments that expend $300,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year.

Records:   All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or sub grantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for 3 years from the date when the final expenditure report is submitted.

Account Identification:   13-2050-0-1-452.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $204,512,000; FY 01 est $286,069,260; and FY 02 est $250,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   No specific minimum or maximum project amount, average $904,920.

In fiscal year 2000, 226 Public works projects were approved.

Title 13 CFR Chapter III, Part 302, 305, 316, 314 and 317; Annual Report; Economic Development Administration Civil Rights Guidelines. Department of Commerce Organization Order 10-4, as amended (40 FR 56702, as amended).

Regional or Local Office:   Refer to Appendix IV of the Catalog for EDA Regional Office addresses.

Headquarters Office:   David L. McIlwain, Director, Public Works Division, Economic Development Administration, Room H7326, Herbert C. Hoover Building, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-5265. Use the same number for FTS.

Web Site Address: http://www.doc.gov/eda/.

11.303, Economic Development_Technical Assistance;  11.307, Economic Adjustment Assistance;   15.124, Indian Loans_Economic Development;   23.001, Appalachian Regional Development (See individual Appalachian Programs).

1) Infrastructure for industrial park development; 2) port development and expansion; 3) infrastructure necessary for economic development (e.g. water/sewer facilities); 4) renovation and recycling of old industrial buildings; 5) construction of vocational-technical facilities and skill centers; 6) construction of incubator facilities; 7) redevelopment of brownfields and 8) ECO-industrial development.

Project proposals must be located within an economically distressed, EDA eligible area and be in conformance with a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the eligible area. Projects must also contribute to long-term economic development of the area by creating or retaining permanent jobs and raising income levels. In FY-2001, EDA will give priority consideration to projects that assist the nation's most economically distressed areas, such as (1) areas with persistently high rates of poverty, (2) previously unserved distressed areas and applicants, (3) involve innovative partnerships and leveraging, (4) support sub-state regional networks and collaborations, and (5) areas undergoing significant economic downturns and dislocations. Conformance with the Federal Register announcement and other EDA and/or Federal program requirements such as NEPA, Civil Rights, and Historic Preservation is part of the selection criteria.

Top11.307  Economic Adjustment Assistance (Economic Adjustment)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended, Public Law 105-393, 42 U.S.C. 3149 et seq.; 112 Stat. 3596.

To assist State and local interests design and implement strategies to adjust or bring about change to an economy. Program focuses on areas that have experienced or are under threat of serious structural damage to the underlying economic base. Such economic change may occur suddenly or over time, and generally results from industrial or corporate restructuring, new Federal laws or requirements, reduction in defense expenditures, depletion of natural resources, or natural disaster.

Project Grants.

Strategy Grants help organize and carry out a planning process resulting in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) tailored to the community's specific economic problems and opportunities. Implementation Grants support one or more activities identified in an EDA-approved CEDS. Activities may include, but are not limited to, the creation/expansion of strategically targeted business development and financing programs such as: Revolving loan funds, infrastructure improvements, organizational development, and market or industry research and analysis.

Applicant Eligibility:   Eligible applicants include economic development districts; States, cities or other political subdivisions of a State or a consortium of political subdivisions; Indian tribes or a consortium of Indian tribes; institutions of higher learning or a consortium of such institutions; or public or nonprofit organizations or associations acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State. Applicants using EDA defense appropriations are limited to defense-impacted areas. Applicants using EDA supplemental disaster assistance will generally be restricted to disaster-impacted areas.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Geographic areas, usually counties or groups of counties, which meet one of the following criteria: 1) An unemployment rate that is, for the most recent 24 month period for which data are available, at least one percent greater than the national average unemployment rate; 2) per capita income that is, for the most recent period for which data are available, 80 percent or less of the national per capita average income; or 3) a special need, as determined by EDA, arising from actual or threatened severe unemployment or economic adjustment problems resulting from severe short-term changes in economic conditions. Special need criteria are listed in the Agency's annual NOFA.

Credentials/Documentation:   Applicants for assistance to develop a CEDS must identify the actual or anticipated adjustment problem and indicate how the strategy will be developed. Implementation grant applications must be consistent with an approved CEDS.

Preapplication Coordination:   EDA's Economic Development Representative (EDR) or regional office representative will meet with the proponent to determine whether preparation of a project proposal is appropriate. If appropriate, the proponent will be requested to prepare a brief project proposal according to an outline provided by the EDR. Following a review by the EDR and Regional Office Staff, the Regional Director will determine whether to invite a formal application. An environmental impact assessment is necessary; an environmental impact statement may also be required. 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. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by 15 CFR Part 24 must be used for this program.

Application Procedure:   If an application is invited by the regional office, an EDR or regional office representative will provide necessary forms and assist in filling them out. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 and 15 CFR Part 24.

Award Procedure:   Final decision on grant applications from eligible applicants is made by the Regional Office Director of the Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce.

Deadlines:   Dates are published in the Federal Register.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Normally within 120 days of acceptance of a fully completed application.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   None.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   EDA my generally fund 50 percent of a project's cost, however certain conditions of high economic distress or an applicant's inability to provide all of the matching share may permit a higher grant rate. Grant rate requirements may be found in EDA's regulations at 13 CFR Chapter III.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   None.

Reports:   With the exception of strategy grants, quarterly financial reports are required until one year after final disbursement of funds. Reports on RLF grants are initially required semi-annually but may be graduated to annual reports with the consent of the agency. Grantees are also required to report on program performance and project outcomes at intervals prescribed by the agency in compliance with GPRA of 1993.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. States, local governments, and non-profit governments that expend $300,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year.

Records:   As necessary for audit and as required by OMB Circular No. A-110 and 15 CFR Part 24. All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports and other records of grantees or sub grantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for 3 years after completion of the project or submission of the final financial report, whichever is later, and be readily available for inspection and audit.

Account Identification:   13-2050-0-1-452.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $127,647,000 (includes funds appropriated for economic adjustment, defense adjustment, 1996 Floods, NE Fisheries, Hurricane Fran and Hortense, Tropical Storm Alberto, Libby, Montana, Hurricane Andrew and Alaska Fisheries); FY 01 est $154,655,626 (includes funds for economic adjustment, defense adjustment, 1997 Upper Midwest Floods, Northeast Fisheries, S. California Earthquake, Norton Sound, Hurricane Floyd and Alaska Fisheries); and FY 02 est $40,900,000 (includes funds for economic adjustment only).

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   No specific minimum or maximum.

In fiscal year 2000, 253 projects were funded.

13 CFR, Chapter 111, Part 308; Civil Rights Guidelines, RLF Plan Guidelines, CEDS Guidelines, RLF Audit Guidelines, RLF Administrative Manual and Standard Terms and Conditions; and program literature available from Regional Offices.

Regional or Local Office:   Refer to Appendix IV of the Catalog for EDA regional office addresses.

Headquarters Office:   David F. Witschi, Director, Economic Adjustment Division, Economic Development Administration, Room H7327, Herbert C. Hoover Building, Department of Commerce, Washington DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-2659.

Web Site Address: http://www.doc.gov/eda/.

None.

Grants received under the Economic Adjustment Program: (1) develop strategy for recovery from plant closure and major permanent job loss; (2) rehabilitate vacant industrial facility for multi-tenant use or as an incubator; (3) establish revolving loan funds, and/or recapitalization of revolving loan funds.

All proposals and applications for funding submitted to EDA are evaluated competitively for: 1) Conformance to statutory and regulatory requirements; 2) relative severity of the economic problem of the area; 3) quality of the scope of work proposed to address the problem; 4) merits of the activity(ies) for which funding is requested; and 5) the ability of the prospective applicant to carry out the proposed activity(ies). Additional criteria in the project selection process will be reviewed, as applicable, for: Strategy Grants: 1) Proper authority, mandate, and capacity of the applicant to lead and manage the planning process and strategy implementation; 2) representation of the public and private sectors in the development of the strategy's objectives, which may include: public program and service providers, trade and business associations, educational and research institutions, community development corporations, minorities, labor, low-income, etc; and 3) the proposed scope of work for the strategy focuses on the structural economic problem(s) and includes provisions for undertaking appropriate research and analysis to support a realistic, market-based, adjustment strategy. Implementation Grants: 1) An understanding of the economic problems being addressed; 2) an analysis of the economic sectors that constitute the community's economic base, including particular strengths and weaknesses that contribute to or detract from a community's current and potential economic competitiveness; 3) strategic objectives that focus on stimulating investment in new and/or existing economic activities that offer good prospects for revitalization and growth; and 4) identified resources and plans for coordinating such resources to implement the overall strategy. The proposed project must also be identified as a necessary element of or consistent with the strategy. Revolving Loan Fund Grants: 1) The need for a new or expanded public financing tool to enhance other business assistance programs and services targeting economic sectors and/or locations described in the strategy; 2) the types of financing activities anticipated; and 3) the capacity of the RLF organization to manage lending, create networks between the business community and other financial providers, and contribute to the adjustment strategy.

Top11.415  Fisheries Finance Program

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

46 U.S.C. 1271 et seq., 50 CFR 253.

Provides direct loans for certain fisheries costs. Vessel financing available for the purchase of used vessels or the reconstruction of vessels (limited to reconstructions that do not add to fishing capacity). Refinancing available for existing debt obligations. FFP loans are not issued for purposes which could contribute to over capitali