Tech Hubs Frequently Asked Questions – Phase 1 Process and Phase 2 NOFO

The below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are designed to help Tech Hubs Phase 1 applicants better understand the Phase 1 process, and to help the Designated Tech Hubs better understand the Phase 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). If you have any questions that are not addressed in the FAQs below, please feel free to contact us at TechHubs@eda.gov. Please also be sure to carefully read the Tech Hubs Phase 2 NOFO, which can be found here.

EDA will update these FAQs every two weeks, so please check them for new information. EDA also encourages you to subscribe to our newsletter and to check the Tech Hubs website for updates on the program.

Phase 1 Process

Phase 2

Phase 1 Process

  1. Will EDA publish a list of all Phase 1 applicants and/or post all Phase 1 applications?
    • EDA will publish a list of all Phase 1 Lead Consortium Members and application titles and will publish the five-page narratives of the Designated Tech Hubs.
  2. Can EDA provide feedback on our consortium’s Phase 1 application?
    • EDA will provide individualized feedback to Designated Tech Hubs during the Phase 2 application window. We will provide individualized feedback to Strategy Development Grant (SDG) awardees in the first half of 2024. We will provide aggregated feedback to applicants who were not awarded Designation or a Strategy Development Grant in a webinar. We will provide details of the webinar to applicants via email.
  3. Our consortium applied for both a Strategy Development Grant and for Designation but we were only awarded one or the other. What does this mean for our consortium?
    • EDA awarded Strategy Development Grants based on the criteria listed in the Phase 1 NOFO section E.1.a and awarded Designations based on the criteria listed in the Phase 1 NOFO section E.1.b. Applications from the same consortium were evaluated separately.
    • For those consortia awarded Strategy Development Grants but not Designation, EDA expects the grant-funded activities to make your consortia more competitive for potential future competitions for Designation.
    • For those consortia awarded Designation but not Strategy Development Grants, EDA considers you and all Designated Tech Hubs well-positioned to submit high-quality Phase 2 applications for Implementation grants.
  4. What else does it mean for a consortium to be a Designated Tech Hub?
    • EDA is committed to supporting all designated Tech Hubs in successfully realizing their vision. To that end, we have developed a list of benefits and commitments from EDA and other U.S. Government Departments and Agencies to support the Tech Hubs.  In particular, Designated Tech Hubs are invited to submit Phase 2 applications for implementation funding. EDA will continue to identify, provide, and facilitate additional benefits to Designated Tech Hubs throughout Phase 2.
  5. Will there be future opportunities to apply for Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grants or Designation?
    • EDA plans to conduct additional Tech Hubs competitions for Designation and Strategy Development Grants if EDA receives future appropriations. While the program was authorized for $10 billion in the CHIPS and Science Act, EDA has not yet been appropriated additional funds for the Tech Hubs program and cannot forecast if or when that will occur.

Phase 2

Consortium Structure

  1. Can my consortium add or remove members between Phase 1 and Phase 2?
    • Yes, membership can change. Members can be added so long as their entity type is an eligible recipient. Please refer to the Phase 2 NOFO section C.1 for guidance on specific eligibility of types of members. The applicant should describe in the Overarching Narrative of their Phase 2 application how new members or other membership changes improve the likelihood or magnitude of success. See this question regarding unallowed changes to consortia’s geographic footprints between Phase 1 and Phase 2.
  2. Can the Lead Consortium Member change between Phase 1 and Phase 2?
    • Yes. Please notify the Tech Hubs team at techhubs@eda.gov as soon as possible so we can ensure the invitation to apply goes to the correct entity.  In addition, the applicant should justify the change in the Overarching Narrative of their Phase 2 application. Note that a consortium cannot have more than one Lead Consortium Member.
  3. Can our consortium’s geographic footprint change between Phase 1 and Phase 2?
    • No. Although consortia may include assets or members outside their chosen geography, applicants identified their chosen geography in Phase 1 and must retain it in their Phase 2 application. See section A.1.b.i of the Phase 2 NOFO. See this question regarding changes to consortia’s membership between Phase 1 and Phase 2.
  4. Can a consortium member be the Component Project Lead for multiple or all component projects for the Phase 2 application?
    • Yes; however, any consortium member leading multiple component projects should demonstrate its capacity to manage each of those component projects individually as well as the multiple component projects jointly.
  5. Are consortia required to create a separate legal entity to apply for funding? (Question updated on 11/20/2023)
    • There is no formal requirement and EDA does not prefer a particular consortium structure. Consortia may choose to create a new legal entity, use MOUs, or use an informal structure. However, EDA does expect that consortium members are actively collaborating and aligned on their Tech Hubs strategy as coordinated by the Lead Consortium Member and Regional Innovation Officer.
    • If you intend to create a new entity that would receive EDA funds, consider when it will be created in relation to a potential award announcement in summer 2024. You should start the process soon (and register it in SAM.gov for a CAGE code and UEI number), though it still may not be ready by summer 2024 when EDA expects to announce awards. Late SAM.gov registration or entity changes may cause delays in a potential award, disbursements, etc.
    • Another EDA competition, the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, held a webinar on this topic that may be helpful. See the fourth and fifth rows on this webpage: the “BBR COP Webinar: Tax Exemption Statuses and Organizational Models” and the “BBR COP Webinar Slides: Tax Exemption Statuses and Organizational Models.”
  6. Can our consortium include members based in other countries?
    • Yes, foreign entities may be members of Tech Hubs consortia. However, EDA prohibits all participation, including but not limited to consortia membership, of foreign entities of concern (FEOCs) in Tech Hubs consortia. FEOCs are entities that are owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign country of concern as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 4872(d)(2). See 15 C.F.R. Part 231.  
    • A substantial majority of the benefits (e.g., job creation and retention, worker placements, capital formation and deployment, firm creation and growth) expected to result from EDA funding should accrue within the Tech Hub.
  7. Can I belong to more than one consortium? (Question added on 11/9/2023)
    • Yes. However, every consortium member should play a clear role in and actively add value to their consortium, and a consortium member’s capacity to effectively implement project activities across multiple consortia will be relevant.
  8. What is the responsibility of the Component Project Lead, and what is the rationale behind having each Component Project Lead submit their own application, instead of having the Lead Consortium Member submit everything? (Question added on 11/9/2023)
    • If awarded, the Component Project Lead will be a direct grantee of EDA, receiving and signing their own award for that project. Upon acceptance of the award, they enter a legally binding relationship with EDA. They will be responsible for managing their project’s administration and finances and regular reporting on their project progress. They will also be responsible for coordinating with the RIO, Consortium Lead, the other Component Project Leads, and their own project’s sub-recipients.
    • In addition, for construction projects, the owner of the property being built on or improved needs to be a direct grantee of EDA.
  9. Should the RIO be hired by the time we submit our Phase 2 application? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • If awarded, the Component Project Lead will be a direct grantee of EDA, receiving and signing their own award for that project. Upon acceptance of the award, they enter a legally binding relationship with EDA. They will be responsible for managing their project’s administration and finances and regular reporting on their project progress. They will also be responsible for coordinating with the RIO, Consortium Lead, the other Component Project Leads, and their own project’s sub-recipients.
    • In addition, for construction projects, the owner of the property being built on or improved needs to be a direct grantee of EDA.

Application

  1. What is the Phase 2 application deadline? (Question updated on 11/21/2023)
    • The deadline for Phase 2 applications is 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 29, 2024. Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered.
  2. How should applicants account for other federal grant programs, including both active investment from other programs and pending applications for investment?
    • To succeed in increasing their global competitiveness over the next decade, Tech Hubs will require policy and investment commitments beyond EDA’s investment.  To that end, applicants should identify and describe other public and private investments that support their respective Tech Hub’s strategy and how those investments align with proposed Tech Hubs investments.
    • With respect to federal investments, applicants should consider and explain how other federal investments not only complement but are aligned with their proposed Tech Hubs projects and activities.  EDA will not make duplicative investments, and only in rare cases can applicants use other federal investments as matching funds, so applicants should ensure that proposed projects and activities are not otherwise funded by a match-ineligible federal investment.  In the case of pending applications in which applicants are pursuing federal investment for the same or similar activities, applicants should ensure they have a distinct proposal.  In all cases, applicants should explicitly state in their component applications how Tech Hubs and any other relevant federal investments align to increase the likelihood and magnitude of shared impacts.
  3. Who will review the Phase 2 applications and what is the review process?
    • For all consortia that submit a Full Application for Implementation Grants, the entire application, including the Overarching Narrative and all Component Projects, will be evaluated by at least three individuals and scored against the criteria set forth in the NOFO section E1. EDA will sort the resultant scores into tiers of similarly scored applications, and some or all applications will advance to a second level of review by an Investment Review Committee (IRC) of at least three reviewers. The IRC will review the applications collectively using the same criteria listed above and relevant selection factors. EDA may, in its discretion and including at the IRC’s request, consult experts outside of EDA on the merits of proposed component projects to assist the IRC in its evaluation. The IRC will present the Selection Official with a recommended portfolio of applications and how to apply the selection factors listed in the Phase 2 NOFO section E.2.
  4. Will all Designated Tech Hubs receive Phase 2 Implementation funds?
    • At current funding levels, EDA expects to select approximately 5-10 of the Designated Tech Hubs to receive Implementation funding. Only Designated Tech Hubs are eligible to apply for Implementation funding under this Phase 2 NOFO. 
  5. Could EDA award an Implementation grant to more than one Tech Hub in a given state?
    • Yes, this is a possibility. All Designated Tech Hubs have an equal chance at being awarded implementation funds. However, as stated in the NOFO, EDA will consider geographic diversity in selecting a portfolio of implementation awards.
  6. Will there be an opportunity for Designated Tech Hubs that receive Implementation grants to apply for more funds beyond the amount awarded in Phase 2?
    • If appropriated more funding, EDA plans to conduct additional Tech Hubs competitions.  EDA’s design of future iterations of the program will depend on the timing and amount of potential future appropriations, which may or may not enable EDA to invite recipients of implementation funding to apply for follow-on funding.  EDA cannot forecast the likelihood of future appropriations or the specific details of future Tech Hubs NOFOs.
  7. Can we include an appendix with our application?
    • Regardless of how you organize your application, if you include an appendix, it must fit within the page limit of the associated narrative. Do not submit an appendix as a separate document. You are not required to submit an appendix.
  8. Can we include hyperlinks in the text of our application documents?
    • Yes, you may include hyperlinks to websites, though EDA does not guarantee that reviewers will click into the links.
  9. What is EDA expecting for the Risk Mitigation plan?
    • The Overarching Risk Mitigation plan should include the Tech Hub’s cybersecurity plan (including how they are acquiring, funding, and coordinating the services of a cybersecurity and threat intelligence firm), critical infrastructure security plan (i.e., how they plan to physically protect Tech Hubs-funded projects and related critical infrastructure), intellectual property (IP) protection and technology control plan (including but not limited to an agreement governing IP management among consortium members), personnel security plan, and investment security plan (i.e., how they plan to prevent potential adversaries from exploiting investment to undermine U.S. national security and economic competitiveness). The plans may also address how the consortium is addressing other vulnerabilities or threats, including supply chain, research, operational, or other security.
    • The Component Project Risk Mitigation plan should describe the specific cybersecurity, critical infrastructure security, intellectual property security, personnel security, and investment security activities relevant to the Component Project and aligned with the Overarching Risk Mitigation Plan.
    • EDA advises that Tech Hubs explore the Safeguarding Science webpage developed by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which includes resources to help the scientific community protect against the theft and misuse of emerging technologies.
  10. Should component projects under the category “infrastructure” only consist of construction projects? Should non-construction projects also be categorized as "infrastructure"? (Question added on 11/9/2023)
    • All projects categorized as “infrastructure” must consist of the building of facilities and site connectivity infrastructure to carry out activities under the other three project categories: workforce development, business and entrepreneur development, and technology development and maturation.
    • Site connectivity infrastructure means localized driveways and access roads to a facility as well as hookups to the new facility for drinking water, waste water, broadband, and other basic infrastructure services already present in the area.
  11. Is our consortium allowed to change our strategy or focus between Phase 1 and Phase 2? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • Strategy development and refinement are allowed and any changes should be explained in the Overarching Narrative. If your consortium is considering a substantial pivot, which EDA discourages, please email your Tech Hubs team Point of Contact (POC) and techhubs@eda.gov.
  12. Does our Hub need to submit four component projects for each of the four broad categories of eligible activities (workforce development, business and entrepreneur development, technology development and maturation, and related infrastructure activities)? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • No. This is not a requirement. You can select which areas to focus your component projects based on your regional strategy. You can also have multiple component projects align with one broad category. The Overarching Narrative should describe proposed projects and justify why those projects are strongly linked to the Hub’s success and how that success could not be realized but for these projects. See page 11 of the NOFO.

Procurement and Pre-Award Costs

  1. Can my consortium use consultants for preliminary engineering or environmental reports as part of Phase 2 implementation activities?
    • Yes. All use of consultants is subject to the following requirements:
    • The Procurement Standards of the Uniform Guidance at 2 C.F.R. 200.317 – 200.327 govern all procurements under Tech Hubs. The “Competition” regulation at 2 C.F.R. 200.319 sets out the general rule for federal financial assistance that contractors that develop or draft specifications, requirements, statements of work, or invitations for bids or requests for proposals must be excluded from competing for such procurements. In the context of Tech Hubs, this means that a professional engineer or architect that undertakes preliminary design activities for the project, including a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) for an EDA application, must be excluded from bidding on the same work under an EDA award.
    • In accordance with 2 C.F.R 200.317, only state recipients are expressly exempt from this procurement restriction. Local governments and Indian Tribes may also take advantage of the procurement exemption in certain narrow circumstances.
    • Practically speaking this means that if a recipient has a selection process that will involve two separate competitions—one solicitation and contract for undertaking preliminary design for a project and then a separate solicitation and contract to select a contractor for final design activities—the successful contractor that undertakes preliminary design (including developing the PER) would be excluded from competing for final design under a Phase 2 award.
    • There are options to help avoid unintentionally excluding contractors by helping to make sure all competing contractors are on equal footing from the beginning:
      • In designing the solicitation for design and engineering services, make sure to include a broad array of such services that will be required under Tech Hubs, including preliminary and final design. The consortium may also wish to specify that if the preliminary design is successful and the consortium is selected for an award, final design work is anticipated. The solicitation should also cover the expected funding level and performance period that will be required under Tech Hubs.
      • If a consortium already has a contractor on an existing general or broad services contract that would cover all anticipated tasks required to develop an application and to implement an award under Phase 2 of Tech Hubs and that was competed consistent with the Procurement Standards of the Uniform Guidance (2 C.F.R. 200.317 – 200.327), the contractor exclusion requirement may not be an issue. Please note that in this situation the contract must be competed regularly—in general, the performance period should extend no longer than five years. In addition, the services must be within the scope of the existing contract, as interpreted by EDA.
    • Please reach out to TechHubs@eda.gov further questions.
  2. Can an applicant go out to bid for proposed implementation projects before being selected for an Implementation grant?
    • In general, an applicant can start necessary solicitation processes before a Phase 2 implementation award, but the applicant must understand it is proceeding at its own risk and there is no guarantee of a federal award. The applicant should take this risk into account in the contracting process as appropriate (e.g., by making the contract contingent upon successfully obtaining a federal award, options, etc.). If an applicant does receive a federal award, please note that a procurement must be compliant with the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR 200.317 – 200.327 to be eligible for reimbursement.
  3. If our consortium was awarded the Phase 1 Strategy Development award, can we use it to solicit consulting services for multiple projects under a single solicitation?
    • Yes. The applicant may advertise for services needed for multiple projects, so long as the procurement is compliant with the procurement standards of 2 CFR 200.317 - 200.327, including 2 CFR 200.319 (which, among other things, requires that the solicitation incorporate a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements and does not contain features that unduly restrict competition).
    • Please see this question in this section for important information about the competitive procurement restrictions for contractors that develop a PER for a project and then compete for design, and for important considerations to avoid unintentionally excluding contractors. Also, see this question in this section for important considerations about advertising before receiving a federal award.
  4. Can Designees use Phase 1 Strategy Development Grant (SDG) awards for Phase 2 application preparation costs? (Question added on 11/9/2023)
    • Yes. If your consortium received an SDG award in Phase 1, you may use it to cover Phase 2 application preparation costs. Phase 2 Implementation awards may not be used to backfill Phase 2 application preparation costs under any circumstance.
  5. How are contractual services provided by consortium members treated in the implementation of Strategy Development Grants? (Question added on 11/9/2023)
    • In cases where entities within the consortium are identified within the budget as providing specialized services (e.g., advisory services by a technological expert), staffing, etc., those entities are treated like subrecipients for the purpose of this award. This treatment does not apply to contracts for the provision of generically available goods and services (valued above $10,000) by entities outside of the consortium. Such general goods and services should be procured using the standards described at 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.317-200.327. For additional guidance on subrecipient and contractor determinations, please review 2 CFR § 200.331 (Subrecipient and contractor determinations).

Compliance and Budget

  1. How will reimbursement be handled for Phase 2?
    • All Phase 2 construction projects will be paid on a reimbursement basis unless EDA approves a request for advance payment. Requests for advance payment will only be granted in rare and compelling circumstances. Once the Phase 2 recipient has cleared all preconditions for reimbursement (e.g., demonstrating proof of title, recording a statement of the federal interest), the recipient may submit contractor invoices along with form SF-271, Outlay Report and Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs. EDA will determine the allowable share of the invoiced costs and then reimburse the recipient for the federal share of those costs. Please note that regardless of the costs incurred, EDA will retain 10% of the federal award amount until project closeout to ensure compliance with all grant requirements.
    • For non-construction projects, EDA’s usual practice is to disburse grant funds on a reimbursement basis, as described above. EDA will consider requests for advance payment of non-construction awards on a case-by-case basis.
  2. What timeline should be used for component project budgets and timelines?
    • The period of performance for a Phase 2 Implementation project may vary depending on the scope of work. EDA expects that most projects will range from 12 to 48 months and that all projects will proceed efficiently and expeditiously.
  3. Can we use funds from another federal grant to meet our matching share requirement?
    • In general, funds from other federal grants may not be used to meet matching share requirements. Funds from other federal financial assistance awards may be considered matching share funds only if authorized by statute, which may be determined by EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the statute. If so authorized, the use of funds must be eligible under the respectiv­e programs.
  4. Can other federal agency grants be used toward a 10% match requirement, if applicable? (Question added on 11/9/2023)
    • In general, funds from other federal grants may not be used to satisfy matching requirements. However, funds from some federal financial assistance laws specifically authorize their use in meeting other federal grants’ matching requirements, and this language may be included in the fund award. In these instances, these funds may be used to satisfy the match requirement, subject to EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the statute. When including these and other federal funds in your project budget, please cite the Federal program name, statute, and program contact information to facilitate interagency coordination and avoid duplication of federal resources. Reach out to techhubs@eda.gov and your Tech Hubs primary Point of Contact (POC) if you have questions.
  5. What overall budget range should we target?  (Question added on 11/9/2023)
    • In Phase 2, EDA expects to award total of approximately $470 million in implementation funding. EDA expects to awarding implementation funding to 5-10 Hubs. If 10 Hubs receive Phase 2 funding, they would each receive an average of approximately $45 million. If fewer Hubs receive implementation funding in Phase 2, the average funding per Hub would be higher.
  6. When calculating the minimum match requirement, does the match rate apply for each component project budget, or is it calculated across the entire application and total funding request amount? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • Applicants should calculate the match requirement across all component projects. E.g., you could propose Component Project A for $100 ($40 federal, $60 match), Component Project B for $200 ($200 federal, $0 match), and Component Project C for $300 ($300 federal, $0 match) for a total request of $600 ($540 federal, $60 match) that meets the 10% match requirement. However, you must meet your minimum match rate even if EDA does not select every component project for funding,. This could mean you would need to identify match funds to support a project (in a short period of time) to meet the required overall match rate. E.g., if EDA selects your Hub for funding but only selects Component Projects B and C, you will need to shift the $60 in match associated with Component Project A to one or both of Component Projects B and C or otherwise identify additional matching funds to meet the minimum match requirement.
  7. How does EDA distinguish between matching funds and investment commitments? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • Matching funds (cash or in-kind) contribute directly to the operations of the proposed scope of work. EDA will a) monitor matching funds for compliance with uniform guidance as set forth in 2 C.F.R. part 200 and b) track the burn rates of federal share and matching funds. EDA generally expects recipients to maintain burn rates proportionally to the grant rate to reduce the risk that a recipient provides less matching funds than required, which may require the recipient to return disbursed grant funding to EDA. See page 22 of the NOFO for a list of required documentation to demonstrate sufficient matching funds.
    • Investment commitments are financial investments that contribute to Tech Hubs’ development and strategic goals and which may or may not be directly connected to Component Projects. Investment commitments are not subject to grants management compliance monitoring but should be included in progress reporting to EDA. These commitments are not subject to 2 C.F.R. part 200. See NOFO p.19 and p.34 for more details on commitments.

Eligible Uses of Award Funds

  1. Can Phase 2 funding capitalize a venture capital fund to fund start-ups or organizations unknown at the time of submission? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • No. This is not an allowable expense. EDA funds cannot be used to capitalize a venture fund or otherwise be used to take equity stakes in companies.
  2. Can Phase 2 funding be used for a consortium-run competitive grant program, managed by a grantee, to share EDA funds with organizations unknown at the time of application submission? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • Yes, this may be an allowable expense depending on the program’s design. Applicants considering this should discuss their approach with their program officer and ensure they have organizational capacity to both a) manage their own set of grantees requesting funds from and reporting to them, and b) to request funds from and report up to EDA.
  3. Can funds from Strategy Development Awards be allocated to subawards and consultant activities? How are contractual services provided by consortium members treated in the implementation of Strategy Development Grants? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • Yes, funds from Strategy Development Awards can be allocated to subawards and consultant activities. EDA does not require subaward agreement submissions in cases where entities within the consortium are identified within the budget as providing specialized services (e.g., technology expert consulting), staffing, etc. Small purchase and public bid procedures still apply to contracts for the provision of generically available good and services (valued above $10,000) by entities outside of the consortium. Such general goods and services should be procured using the standards described at 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.317-200.327. For additional guidance on subrecipient and contractor determinations, please review 2 CFR § 200.331 (Subrecipient and contractor determinations).
  4. Is the Lead Consortium Member eligible to receive funding? How can the Lead Consortium Member fund governance-related activities (e.g., RIO salary)? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • The Lead Consortium Member can request funding through a proposed component project, either as the lead of that project (if they plan to administer the project) or as a sub-grantee on the project (if another organization will administer the project). Governance-related activities (e.g., RIO salary) should be submitted as an independent (non-construction) component project or as part of other (non-construction) component projects. Please ensure your budget narratives clearly define all activities involved in each project.
  5. Is a for-profit, private sector organization eligible to receive funding? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • Yes.

Grant Evaluation and Administration

  1. Will all submitted component projects be funded if a Hub receives a Phase 2 award? Or will EDA fund only a selection of component projects submitted? (Question added on 11/9/2023)
    • Both are possible. If selected for an implementation grant, EDA could either award some of a consortium’s submitted component projects or all of them. If a project is not funded, EDA could consider funding it in future program rounds, if appropriated additional Tech Hubs funds.
  2. When will Phase 2 awards be announced? (Question added on 11/9/2023)
    • EDA expects to announce the Phase 2 awards in summer 2024.
  3. Will EDA cover wraparound services such as childcare, travel stipends for students to go to classes, or tuition stipends as part of a Phase 2 component project? (Question added on 11/9/2023)
    • EDA is committed to removing barriers for workers, particularly from underserved populations, to access quality training. In general, these types of costs may be allowable as part of a workforce development project, provided they meet the definition of “participant support costs.” See 2 C.F.R. § 200.1. The applicant must document that these costs are necessary and reasonable for participants to be able to participate in the program.
    • EDA’s preference is to cover these costs through a contracted service provider (for example, a childcare provider or a transportation provider) procured in accordance with the procurement standards of 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.317-200.327. However, in some cases it may not be possible or cost effective to do so. In these cases, EDA can approve providing stipends directly to participants for certain costs such as travel costs. The applicant must justify why the provision of stipends is the most cost-effective and reasonable method of covering these costs. Additionally, the applicant must have a method to estimate that the costs are closely related to the actual costs a participant incurs to participate in the program (for example, if the applicant’s proposed program is two days a week, EDA funds cannot be used to cover a participant’s travel for five days a week).
    • From a competitiveness perspective, applicants should consider which costs are best covered by EDA funds, and which are best covered by a strong financial commitment from a consortium member or other entity.
  4. Is each component project graded against all the evaluation criteria? Or is the entire application graded against all the evaluation criteria? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • o EDA will evaluate the entire Tech Hub application against the evaluation criteria. The Component Project Applications should be coherent with the Overarching Narrative. All Component Project Applications will be considered holistically in the context of the Overarching Narrative. For more details on competition criteria, please see NOFO 2 section E.1.
  5. Will implementation funding be offered on an advancement or reimbursement basis? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • Construction projects will be funded on a reimbursement ONLY basis. Specific reimbursement schedules will be negotiated through Special Award Conditions and will generally be made via 25% incremental installments as projects progress (e.g., reimbursements at the 25%, 50%, 75% and 90% project milestones). It is important to plan for this cashflow accordingly.
    • Non-construction projects can be funded on either an advancement or reimbursement basis.
  6. Can our consortium use the benefits of Designation, even if we don’t win implementation funds? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • Yes. EDA encourages all 31 Designated Tech Hubs to take advantage of the benefits of Designation. This applies to benefits already announced and those that will be announced at a future date.

Using the EDA Economic Development Grant Experience (EDGE) Portal

  1. What is the EDA Economic Development Grant Experience (EDGE) portal? (Question updated on 11/9/2023)
    • EDGE is the web platform via which you and EDA will manage the full lifecycle of your grant, from application to closeout. EDGE performs best on Firefox or Google Chrome browsers, with pop-ups allowed in order to view forms, reminders, and other important information.  Click here to see the EDGE Quick Reference Guide.
  2. Where do I apply for Phase 2 implementation grants?
    • Phase 2 applications are only open to Designated Tech Hubs. The Lead Consortium Member will receive an email from EDGE with a link to the Phase 2 NOFO. Lead Consortium Members should not share this link with consortium members as they will not be able to access it. To invite a consortium member to be a Component Project Lead, the Lead Consortium Member should email the Component Project Lead’s organizational information (organization name, organization’s primary Point of Contact (POC), UEI, and CAGE code from SAM.gov) as soon as possible to techhubs@eda.gov. Component Project Leads will then receive their own link to apply for a component project from EDGE. This private link will be linked to your Lead Consortium application. All Component Project Leads will need to be registered in EDGE (with an active UEI) prior to submission of application by the deadline.
  3. Our consortium hired a Regional Innovation Officer (RIO) after submitting our Phase 1 application. Where should we include their resume in the application?
    • As part of your “Overarching” application submitted by the Lead Consortium Member, there is an optional upload for “Key Personnel”. We recommend you upload the RIO’s Resume here.
  4. How do I update or change the Authorized Representative for my consortium?
    • An Authorized Representative is considered to be a person with signatory authority for that organization. The Authorized Representative is the only person who can submit component applications or the overarching application. You can update the team roles per application by using the “Application Team” tab. By moving an Authorized Representative’s status from “current” to “former” you can add in a new Authorized Representative.
  5. How and where do I update or change any other points of contact for my consortium?
    • Using the “Associations” tab, please be sure to update your consortium members. Consortium members may need to verify their organization’s participation as part of the consortium. The invited member may need to provide basic organizational information including a Tax ID/EIN.
My Associations tab in Edge
  1. Do all consortia members need to be registered in EDGE?
    • For the Phase 2 application, only the Lead Consortium Member and the Component Project Leads need to register in EDGE. To create an account, you will need your organization’s UEI number, CAGE code, and basic contact information. Note that once an entity is registered in EDGE, they must join the consortium.
  2. How do I signal in EDGE that my consortium membership changed between Phase 1 and Phase 2?
    • Applicants should justify the change in the Overarching Narrative to the Phase 2 application. Please make sure your consortium is up to date in EDGE before submission using the “Associations” tab.
  3. How can I view my Phase 1 application in EDGE?
    • When you log into your home screen in EDGE, you should be able to click on the title of your funding request application. From there, you can see your entire submitted application. By scrolling over the fourth sub tab titled “application documents,” you should be able to download everything you’ve submitted.
  4. What do I do if my organization shares an EIN/TIN number with an entity that is already registered in EDGE?
    • EDA acknowledges that some organizations have units that serve different roles in supporting a consortium and that those units may share the same Employer Identification Number/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN). The EDGE system does not allow for registering multiple organizations with the same EIN/TIN numbers. If this presents issues for a Lead Organization attempting to register in EDGE, please email TechHubs@eda.gov and GrantHDSupport@eda.gov for support.  
  5. My organization’s information needs updating (such as UEI or CAGE code), how do I go about that?
  6. Is there a file naming convention we should follow as we submit files?  (Question added on 11/9/2023)
    • There is no formal file naming convention; however, please clearly name each submitted document and include your Hub name or acronym in all file names.
  7. I am the Consortium Lead – can I see the applications submitted by my component leads?  (Question added on 11/9/2023)
    • Yes. For the Consortium Lead to have visibility into the Component applications, the Component Project Lead must add the Consortium Lead as a “team member” to the application.
  8. How do I start an application for a component project in EDGE? (Question added on 11/20/2023)
    • The Lead Consortium Member should email techhubs@eda.gov with the Component Project Lead information:
      • Organization Name
      • POC Name
      • POC Email
      • Tech Hub Name
      That recipient will receive an email from EDGE with their own custom application link for a new component project.

Contact Us

  1. How do I get in touch with EDA?
    • EDA will provide more information to Phase 2 applicants via webinars, individualized feedback, and guidance posted to the Tech Hubs website. Email TechHubs@eda.gov with questions.