Recompete Pilot Program FAQs

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete Pilot Program) – authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act – will invest $200 million toward interventions that spur economic activity in geographically diverse and persistently distressed communities across the country.

The below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are designed to help the public and applicants better understand the Recompete Pilot Program. Please be sure to carefully read the Phase 1 Notice of Funding Opportunity, which can be found here (PDF).

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) will update these FAQs regularly, so please check them for new information.  EDA also encourages you to subscribe to our newsletters and check the Recompete website regularly for updates on the program.

Table of Contents

General

  1. What is the purpose of the Recompete Pilot Program?

    The Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete Pilot Program) aims to alleviate persistent economic distress and support long-term, comprehensive economic development and job creation in places with a high prime-age (25 to 54 years) employment gap. The program uses prime-age employment gap (PAEG) as an indicator of economic distress because it accounts for prime-age workers who have stopped looking for jobs and left the labor force, as well as those who are currently looking for jobs and are unemployed. In the execution of this goal, EDA will seek to invest in applicants that have a clear understanding of local conditions and pathways to create and connect people with good jobs while ensuring the program’s benefits are shared equitably and across diverse geographies. EDA’s longstanding mission is to ensure that all communities have a path to economic prosperity, and through the pilot program EDA will support communities with high PAEGs through flexible, bottom-up strategy and implementation grants that tackle the unique challenges these communities face.

  2. Why was EDA given authority for this program?

    Through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the 117th Congress authorized EDA, which is the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, to “provide grants to eligible recipients representing eligible areas or Tribal lands to alleviate persistent economic distress and support long-term comprehensive economic development and job creation in eligible areas.” Building on decades of experience, EDA will continue to make significant, strategic, place-based investments in America’s regions, industries, and workers to boost innovation, entrepreneurship, regional coordination, and access to good-paying jobs.

  3. How much funding is available under this program?

    As part of the FY 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, Congress appropriated to EDA $200 million for the Recompete Pilot Program out of a $1 billion authorization in the CHIPS and Science Act.

  4. How is the Recompete Pilot Program different from the EDA Tech Hubs Program?

    The Recompete Pilot Program will provide grant funding to persistently distressed communities across the country to create and connect workers to good jobs. Recompete specifically does this by supporting long-term comprehensive economic development with the aim to reduce high, prime-age (25 to 54 years of age) employment gaps and increase wages.

    The Tech Hubs Program requires applicants to focus on the growth of a single core technology in a given place. Grantees will make investments in places that, with an infusion of funding, will be able to leverage their respective innovation and R&D assets to achieve global competitiveness in technology sectors that are critical to national and economic security within approximately the next ten years.

    Additionally, while Tech Hubs applicants are required to apply as consortia with at least five partners, Recompete applicants are free to apply as individual entities or as coalitions. There are also additional geographic eligibility requirements for the Recompete Pilot Program.

  5. How is the competition different from other recent national Federal challenges like the EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge, EDA Good Jobs Challenge, NSF Regional Engines, DOE Hydrogen Hubs, or DOT SMART Challenge?

    The Recompete Pilot Program is one of several recent or current Biden Harris Administration place-based programs intended to create and connect people with good-paying jobs and expand economic opportunity across America. The Recompete Pilot Program is distinguished by its targeted focus on geographies that have experienced persistent economic distress and low prime-age employment. The Recompete Pilot Program provides large, flexible funding to implement bottom-up, community-driven strategies. The program’s flexible model allows the program to complement other Federal and non-Federal initiatives.

  6. How does this program differ from traditional EDA funding opportunities under the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (PWEAA) programs?

    The Recompete Pilot Program is philosophically aligned with PWEAA in that it is attempting to address distressed communities. However, the Recompete Pilot Program is a completely new program and new statutory authority for EDA under the CHIPS and Science Act. The program is enacted under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 and is not part of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965. Unlike most of EDA’s PWEAA programs, there is no match requirement for Phase 1 or Phase 2 of the Recompete Pilot Program, but match will be a competitive factor in Phase 2.

    Recompete Implementation Grants will support more sizable and transformational objectives than in EDA’s standard programs such as Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance awards. Additionally, unlike PWEAA grants, which are awarded to individual projects, the Implementation Grants will fund a set of 3-8 complementary projects that aim to collectively address the region’s key inhibitors of prime-age employment participation and low wages. Finally, the Recompete Pilot Program has different geographic eligibility criteria, which uses Prime-Age Employment Gap (PAEG) and median household income as indicators of economic distress and eligibility.

  7. What are the phases of the Recompete Program?

    EDA is running the program in two phases through two separate Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs). The Phase 1 NOFO was published on Thursday, June 29, 2023, and can be found here (PDF).

    The Phase 1 NOFO has two components: EDA will fund Strategy Development Grants and will approve Recompete Plans for certain regions. Applicants can apply for (a) a Strategy Development Grant only; (b) Recompete Plan Approval only; or (c) both a Strategy Development Grant and Recompete Plan Approval.

    • Strategy Development Grants provide funding to facilitate a region in becoming more competitive for future approval of a Recompete Plan and thus eventually for Implementation Grants. EDA anticipates awarding approximately $6,000,000 to $12,000,000 in total in Phase 1 as Strategy Development Grants of amounts between $250,000 and $500,000 each, and up to $750,000 only in rare circumstances.
    • Recompete Plan Approval does not come with funding but is a signal that the eligible entity has a multi-year plan for reducing the PAEG of the eligible area with a strong probability of success. Only applicants with an approved Recompete Plan at the conclusion of Phase 1 of the competition (i.e., Finalists) will be permitted to apply for Implementation funds under the Recompete Pilot Phase 2 NOFO. EDA expects to approve at least 20 Recompete Plans.

    The Phase 2 NOFO, will allow eligible entities to compete for Implementation Grants which can fund a wide range of non-construction and construction activities that aim to increase regional capacity across the following four categories: workforce development; business and entrepreneur development; infrastructure; and additional planning, predevelopment, or technical assistance. EDA anticipates funding 4-8 Implementation awards that each fund 3-8 complementary projects. EDA expects to release the Phase 2 NOFO this Winter.

  8. How does an applicant determine whether to apply for a Strategy Development Grant, Recompete Plan Approval, or Both?

    The chart below may help applicants determine what to apply for.

    A Strategy Development Grant Only

    “Our region has relevant ideas, leaders, and/or assets, but we need to do significantly more coordination and planning to be ready for Implementation funding. We do not wish to apply for Implementation funding under the upcoming Phase 2 NOFO.”

    Recompete Plan Approval Only

    “Our region is ready to apply for Implementation funding and does not need additional resources to put together a strong Phase 2 application.”

    Both Plan Approval and a Strategy Development Grant

    “Our region has an understanding of how to address low labor force participation and is close to being ready to apply for Implementation funding. Additional resources would strengthen our coordination, planning, and Phase 2 application development.”

    Whether a region chooses to apply for a Strategy Development Grant won’t affect EDA’s decisions related to Recompete Plan approval in this phase or awarding Implementation Grants in the next phase—each will be evaluated separately.

  9. Will applicants that are awarded a Strategy Development Grant automatically receive Recompete Plan Approval and vice-versa?

    No, applicants who submit for both a Strategy Development Grant and Recompete Plan Approval will submit two applications, each of which will be evaluated separately and independently. Receiving a Strategy Development Grant has no impact on whether an applicant receives Recompete Plan Approval, and vice-versa.

  10. Are previous or active EDA grantees eligible for this program?

    Applicants who have received funding through other recent national federal programs—including EDA programs—are eligible for Strategy Development Grants and Recompete Plan Approval under this NOFO. Relevant existing funding from other sources should be included in application materials as a potential asset if complementary and not duplicative.

  11. What does equity mean in the context of the Recompete Pilot Program?

    Equity is EDA’s top investment priority and embedded in the design of the Recompete Pilot Program. Funding will be provided exclusively to distressed communities. This place-based initiative will seek to address the needs of those who are in communities that face persistent distress and low employment. Within these areas, Recompete Plans should articulate how they will actively engage underserved communities in planning and ensure benefits are shared equitably across all affected populations, including through efforts to reach historically underserved populations and areas.

    Please note that “Equity, inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity” is an evaluation criterion for Recompete Plan Approval in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF).

Eligible Areas

  1. Which areas are eligible to apply for the program?

    Recompete Pilot Program investments must be located in one of two eligible area types. Both types of eligible areas are represented in the Recompete Eligibility Mapping Tool released in June 2023. Eligible Areas under the Recompete program include:

    1. Local Labor Markets (LLMs): a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), a Micropolitan Statistical Area (μMSA), a commuting zone, or Tribal lands. LLMs with a Prime-Age Employment Gap (PAEG) of at least 2.5% are eligible. For the purposes of this competition, all Tribal lands and Pacific Ocean Territories are considered eligible LLMs.
    2. Local Communities (LCs): an area served by a general-purpose unit of local government (e.g., county government, municipal government) that is located within, but does not fully cover, an ineligible LLM (as defined above) and either:
      • The entire area served by the unit of local government on average has a PAEG of at least 5% and a median annual household income of no more than $75,000; or
      • A subset of the area served by the unit of local government has five or more contiguous Census tracts that each individually have a PAEG of at least 5% and median annual household income of no more than $75,000. In this instance, the applicant’s service area must be contained within the identified Census tracts.

  2. What key terms should applicants keep in mind as they evaluate eligible areas?

    Eligible Area: The Local Labor Market or Local Community being served by an applicant.

    Service Area: The particular area(s) that an applicant chooses to focus their proposed interventions on. These area(s) will directly benefit from the Recompete Pilot Program, if the applicant is awarded. Note that an applicant’s service area must be located within an eligible area. The service area may cover all or a subset of the relevant eligible area.

    Project / Activity Location: The locations of non-construction and/or construction activities proposed as part of a Recompete Plan. The project / activity locations will likely be within the eligible area or service area, but this is not required so long as the benefits of the project / activity are accrued to the applicant’s chosen service area.

    Applicant Location: Where the applicant’s HQ, offices, or staff are physically located. The applicant location may be within the eligible area but does not need to be in order to qualify for funding. Any entity that lacks a physical presence within the boundaries of the eligible area should be able to represent and act on behalf of the eligible area.

  3. What is the Prime-Age Employment Gap (PAEG), and how is it calculated?

    PAEG is determined based on the prime-age employment rate, which is the percentage of the age 25-54 population that is currently working. By statute, PAEG is the difference (expressed as a percentage) between (i) the national 5-year average prime-age employment rate; and (ii) the 5-year average prime-age employment rate of the eligible area.

  4. Why does Prime-Age Employment Gap (PAEG) matter?

    Based on statute, the Recompete Pilot Program relies on a metric called the prime-age employment gap (PAEG) to establish geographic eligibility based on economic distress. Because of this, it is unlike EDA programs funded under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1964, as amended, which use 24-month unemployment rates, per-capita income, and special need (e.g., natural disasters) to demonstrate eligibility.

    The Recompete Pilot Program uses PAEG as an indicator of persistent economic distress because it accounts for prime-age workers who have stopped looking for jobs and left the labor force, not just those who are currently unemployed. Whether they stopped looking for work because local job opportunities are extremely limited or because they struggle to meet the qualifications, lack reliable transportation, need assistance with childcare, or have other reasons, these places require significant support for prime-age workers to reengage in the local workforce. Note that in this competition, EDA is targeting geographies where a high prime-age employment gap exists because good jobs are not available and/or barriers keep people out of the workforce (e.g., supportive services are lacking), not places where demographic trends lead to high PAEG (e.g., high numbers of financially secure early retirees or people pursuing higher education).

  5. Why is the Prime-Age Employment Gap (PAEG) the primary metric that the EDA is using to determine eligibility?

    EDA will determine eligibility based on how the Recompete Pilot Program was outlined in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. While recognizing that economic distress can take many forms, EDA will primarily consider an area’s Prime-Age Employment Gap (PAEG) when determining Recompete eligibility. The only other metric that will be considered in addition to PAEG, as required by statute for Local Communities, is median household income.

    However, please note that a competitiveness factor for Recompete Plan Approval is “regional conditions and needs” (see NOFO section A.1.e(1) on page 11). EDA encourages applicants whose regions meet the statutory prime-age employment criterion to demonstrate with supplemental economic data beyond the PAEG a deep understanding of the region, its needs, and the conditions that contributed to a high prime-age employment gap in the first place.

  6. What is the Recompete Eligibility Mapping Tool?

    EDA has developed a Recompete Eligibility Mapping Tool (Mapping Tool), a user-friendly map of areas that are eligible based on the required data about a region’s PAEG and median household income, including all Tribal lands and Pacific Ocean territories.

    Applicants generally should reference the Mapping Tool in their applications and should use the Mapping Tool to submit evidence of their region’s geographic eligibility either by filling out EDA’s optional “Recompete Eligible Area and Service Area Template” or by submitting other documentation (e.g., a screenshot of the map or the underlying data).

    If the applicant represents a region that the map does not indicate is eligible, the applicant may submit data showing eligibility that EDA will verify. 

  7. How was the data analysis conducted for the Mapping Tool? I.e., what units of analysis were used for each of the layers on the map?

    Please reference the methodology report found at the bottom of the Mapping Tool home page for a detailed explanation on data sources and methodology.

  8. Can I submit an application if my region is not eligible according to the Mapping Tool, but I believe it is eligible according to the definition of LLM or LC? (Question updated on 8/3/2023)

    Yes. If the applicant represents a region that the Map does not indicate is eligible, the applicant may submit data showing eligibility based on the eligibility criteria in the NOFO that EDA will verify.  For more information on how EDA calculated eligibility, please reference the methodology report found at the bottom of the Mapping Tool home page.

    Eligible Areas under the Recompete Pilot Program include:

    • Local Labor Markets (LLMs): a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), a Micropolitan Statistical Area (μMSA), a commuting zone, or Tribal lands. LLMs with a Prime-Age Employment Gap (PAEG) of at least 2.5% are eligible. For the purposes of this competition, all Tribal lands and Pacific Ocean Territories are considered eligible LLMs.
    • Local Communities (LCs): an area served by a general-purpose unit of local government (e.g., county government, municipal government) that is located within, but does not fully cover, an ineligible LLM (as defined above) and either:
      • The entire area served by the unit of local government on average has a PAEG of at least 5% and a median annual household income of no more than $75,000; or
      • A subset of the area served by the unit of local government has five or more contiguous Census tracts that each individually have a PAEG of at least 5% and median annual household income of no more than $75,000. In this instance, the applicant’s service area must be contained within the identified Census tracts.

    Applicants are welcome to submit data (e.g., PAEG data from another source, a combination of labor force participation / unemployment rate data, etc.) that indicates the 5-year PAEG likely meets the above criteria.

  9. Can I submit an application with multiple eligible areas? (Question added on 7/19/2023)

    Yes, applicants are free to identify multiple Eligible Areas as their region’s geography in their application. They should also identify the service area within those eligible areas. See above FAQ defining eligible area and service area.

    Please note that “Targeted geographic approach” is a competitiveness factor in the Phase 1 NOFO (see section A.1.e(4) on page 12). Applicants should specifically identify their service area within the eligible geography and how the proposed interventions will create long-run, sustained benefits to that area. EDA has published an optional eligible and service area template that can be submitted with your application. You can find that template here. (XLSX)

  10. Do the benefits of proposed investments need to exclusively extend to eligible areas? (Question added on 7/13/2023) 

    The Recompete Pilot Program is intended to fundamentally improve and increase opportunities in persistently distressed communities. EDA expects applicants to pursue a targeted geographic approach that focuses investments on the applicant’s eligible area. While EDA understands that some degree of impact might occur beyond the eligible area, applicants are expected to strictly focus the benefits of the interventions on the eligible area. EDA encourages applicants to clearly explain how the proposed interventions will create long-run, sustained benefits to the applicant’s eligible area (see NOFO page 12). 

  11. What should I do if I’ve used the Mapping Tool and I’m still not sure if my geographic area is eligible?

    EDA encourages prospective applicants to reach out to their local Economic Development Representative if they have questions about the Mapping Tool. You can find your EDR’s contact information at https://www.eda.gov/about/contact.

    Alternatively, prospective applicants can reach out to the program team by emailing [email protected].

  12. What does it mean if my region is shaded light blue on the map and labeled “Partially Eligible”? (Added on 9/7/2023)

    When a Local Community is shaded light blue and labeled “Partially Eligible” it means that a subset of the area served by the unit of local government has five or more contiguous Census tracts that each individually have a PAEG of at least 5% and median annual household income of no more than $75,000. In this instance, the applicant’s service area must be contained within the identified Census tracts.

    In order to view the eligible Census tracts please go to our Recompete Census Tract Viewer.

Eligible Applicants

  1. Which organizations can apply for this funding?

    By statute, eligible entities for the Recompete program include:

    1. a unit of local government;
    2. the District of Columbia;
    3. a territory of the United States;
    4. a Tribal government;
    5. political subdivision of a State or other entity, including a special-purpose entity engaged in economic development activities;
    6. a public entity or nonprofit organization, acting in cooperation with the officials of a political subdivision of a State or other entity described in the previous bullet;
    7. an economic development district; and
    8. a coalition of any of the specified entities described above which serve or are contained within the same eligible area.

    Applicants must be one of the above eligible entity types and be located within or serve an area indicated as eligible on the Mapping Tool (or provide data showing eligibility if the geography is not reflected in the Mapping Tool). Applicants should be able to represent and act on behalf of the eligible area.

  2. Do I need to submit documentation to prove I am an eligible entity? (Question added on 7/13/2023)

    Depending on the type of organization, an applicant may need to provide documentation that supports its organizational status as an eligible entity:

    • States, federally-recognized Indian tribes, cities or other political subdivisions of States, and institutions of higher education that are 100% publicly controlled are not required to submit organizational documentation.
    • Nonprofit organizations, including unions, must submit documentation that demonstrates their status as nonprofit organizations. This must include articles of incorporation, bylaws, and certificate of good standing, or equivalent. It may also include proof of tax-exempt status.
    • Nonprofit or for-profit tribal entities may need to submit similar documentation that demonstrate the entity is wholly owned by and operated for the benefit of the tribe.
    • Other entities, including institutions of higher education that are not 100% publicly controlled, must provide documentation that demonstrates their organization type.

    During the application review process, EDA may request additional documentation or information from the applicant to make an eligibility determination. Note that this information is not required to submit an application, though applicants may choose to include it upfront with the rest of their materials.

    If you need assistance determining required documentation, please reach out to [email protected] and a staff member will assist you.

  3. How does a public entity or nonprofit organization show that they are acting in cooperation with the officials of a political subdivision of a State or other entity, including a special-purpose entity engaged in economic development activities? (Question added on 7/13/2023)

    Such an entity or organization should provide a letter of support from the leadership of the identified political subdivision. Alternatively, such an entity could form a coalition and apply jointly with the political subdivision as a partner.

  4. What is a political subdivision of a state?

    A “political subdivision of a state” is a unit of government created by and under the authority of a higher level of government. For example, counties, cities, etc.

  5. Are institutions of higher education eligible to apply for this funding? (Question updated on 8/3/2023)

    Institutions of Higher Education can apply for this program if they classify as one of the following:

    • political subdivision of a State or other entity, including a special-purpose entity engaged in economic development activities; and
    • a public entity or nonprofit organization, acting in cooperation with the officials of a political subdivision of a State or other entity described in the above bullet

    Most public colleges and universities should meet this standard. Applicants should identify their entity-type in their application and provide supporting documentation. EDA will validate this once the application has closed.

  6. Is an Alaska Native Village or Regional Corporation eligible to apply for this funding?

    Yes. Alaska Native Villages or Regional Corporations (as defined in or established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act) are eligible to apply as a “Tribal government” entity.

  7. Do I need to be a unit of government in order to apply? I.e., I see that the Local Communities layer of the map is based on boundaries of municipalities and counties.

    You do not need to be a unit of government to apply – please see above FAQ for a list of Eligible Recipient Types. As part of your application, you will need to identify the area for which you’re applying, and that area must meet the geographic eligibility requirements. The map is intended to illustrate which parts of the country are eligible areas.

  8. Do all entities that apply for this program need to be located within the geographies shown as “Eligible” on the map?

    The map is intended to illustrate which parts of the country are eligible areas. While applicants can be located outside of an eligible area, any entity that lacks a physical presence within the boundaries of the eligible area should be able to represent and act on behalf of the eligible area.

Application

  1. What is the Phase 1 application deadline?

    The deadline for Phase 1 applications is 11:59p.m. Eastern Time on October 5, 2023. Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered.

  2. Can an EDA staff member help me develop my project or application strategy?

    Due to the competitive nature of this program, EDA staff cannot offer strategic assistance that would have an impact on the competitiveness of your application. EDA staff members are available and eager to provide applicants with assistance regarding technical aspects of the application process and requirements. For example, EDA staff can assist you in determining whether your area is geographically eligible for the program. EDA encourages prospective applicants to reach out to their local Economic Development Representative if they have questions about the Mapping Tool. You can find your EDR’s contact information at https://www.eda.gov/about/contact. Alternatively, prospective applicants can reach out to the program team by emailing [email protected].

    Additionally, EDA may contact the applicant to clarify application materials after submission.

    EDA will provide technical assistance during the period between Phase 1 announcements and the Phase 2 application deadline to all applicants who receive Strategy Development Grants and/or whose Recompete Plans are approved. Building on the model developed in the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, as part of the two-phase competition, these applicants will have equal access to technical assistance.

  3. What is the purpose of the Recompete Plan Coordinator (RPC)?

    EDA believes local champions and change agents are essential and investments are only successful with the right leadership, including leadership that reflects the diverse populations they serve. The RPC role is meant to coordinate across relevant entities and help ensure a successful implementation of Recompete Plans. The specific obligations of the role may vary based on regional assets and needs. EDA encourages applicants to identify strong, diverse talent. Each awardee should place an RPC in a leadership role to catalyze strong, lasting partnerships across the area, including with the private and public sectors such as other federal partners and philanthropic supporters. Throughout Phase 2 the RPC and other leadership positions will be critical to success. While not all applicants will have an RPC identified in Phase 1, all applicants should provide a strategy for identifying the right leadership team for their community. Having an RPC or a plan to hire one will be a requirement for Phase 2.

  4. Can more than one application be submitted for a geography? I.e., What if there is an eligible municipality within an eligible county? Or, what if two different entities/coalitions within the same geography want to apply?

    Both of these scenarios are allowable during the application process, however applicants focused on similar service areas are encouraged to collaborate where it makes sense. Note that by statute, an eligible region may not receive multiple grants within each phase.

  5. I’m planning to submit applications for both Strategy Development Grants and Recompete Plan approval. Can I submit the same application materials for both?

    There are separate application requirements depending on whether an applicant is seeking a Strategy Development Grant or Recompete Plan Approval. An applicant seeking both a Strategy Development Grant and Recompete Plan Approval must complete both sets of application requirements. Please see the NOFO (PDF) for more details. Moreover, applicants should not assume that materials submitted for Strategy Development Grant applications will be read by those reviewing their Recompete Plan Approval application. However, some content is expected to overlap between the applications (proposed service area, underlying arguments, etc.) and can be repeated across both narratives, and identical letters of support, CD-511, and SF-LLL may be submitted for both applications. You will need to submit two separate applications (don’t attach all materials to only one submission in the EDGE system).

    If you have any questions about this, please reach out to your local Economic Development Representative (EDR). You can find your EDR’s contact information at https://www.eda.gov/about/contact. You can also reach out to the Recompete Program team at [email protected]

Strategy Development Grants

  1. What is the maximum amount of funding an applicant could receive from a Strategy Development Grant? What is the expected period of performance for Strategy Development Grants?

    EDA anticipates approximately $6,000,000 to $12,000,000 in total being awarded in Phase 1 as Strategy Development Grants of between $250,000 and $500,000 each, and up to $750,000 only in rare circumstances.

    The period of performance for a given Phase 1 Strategy Development project may vary depending on the scope of work. EDA expects that most projects will range from 18 to 36 months. EDA expects that all projects will proceed efficiently and expeditiously.

  2. The Phase 1 Strategy Development Grant’s period of performance is 18-36 months. Does this mean we need to complete the Strategy Development Grant if we want to submit a Phase 2 application? (Question added on 8/3/2023)

    No. Applicants who receive a Phase 1 Strategy Development Grant and Recompete Plan Approval are free to continue to spend their Strategy Development Grant funding after they submit a Phase 2 Implementation application and after EDA announces Implementation grant recipients. Should an applicant receive Phase 2 funding they could utilize any Phase 1 Strategy Development Grant funding remaining to complement their use of Implementation funds.

  3. Is there a match requirement for Strategy Development Grants?

    There is no match requirement for Phase 1 or Phase 2 of this competition, but match will be a competitive factor in Phase 2.

  4. Does applying for a Strategy Development Grant have any impact on competitiveness for Phase 2 Implementation funding?

    Applying for a Strategy Development Grant has no impact on competitiveness or eligibility for Phase 2 funding. Those who receive both a Strategy Development Grant and Recompete Plan Approval (or who receive only Recompete Plan Approval) from EDA will be eligible to apply for Phase 2 Implementation funding when EDA releases the Phase 2 NOFO, expected this Winter.

  5. Are applicants who win Strategy Development Grants required to complete those awards before applying for Phase 2 Implementation funding?

    Those who win Strategy Development Grants will not be required to complete those awards before applying for Phase 2 Implementation funding.

Recompete Plan Approval

  1. How many Recompete Plans will EDA approve?

    EDA expects to approve at least 20 Recompete Plans.

  2. Does Recompete Plan Approval come with funds?

    No. While being selected for Recompete Plan Approval is the only way for places to be invited to apply for Implementation funds under the Phase 2 NOFO, Recompete Plan approval does not itself come with funding.

  3. What is the benefit of Recompete Plan Approval other than the opportunity to apply for Phase 2 Implementation funding?

    EDA will provide technical assistance to applicants with Recompete Plan Approval. EDA is also exploring avenues to coordinate internally and with our federal partners to seek to support Finalists in other ways. Recompete Plan Approval is a strong signal to other funders that an applicant has identified interventions for the selected service area could address the causes of the local high prime-age employment gap.

  4. Can I submit a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) or other existing regional planning document as a Recompete Plan?

    No. While existing planning documents will help as you develop a Recompete Plan, they are unlikely to address the specific considerations of the Recompete Pilot Program NOFO. The Recompete Plan is intended to guide implementation and use of Recompete funding, if awarded. It therefore will (i) identify proposed programs and activities to be implemented under the Recompete Pilot Program; (ii) estimate at a high level, project costs, annual expenditures, and proposed annual disbursements; and (iii) describe the recipient’s and any partner organizations’ roles and responsibilities for Recompete implementation projects, if funded.

  5. Can a Recompete Plan be updated after Phase 1 concludes?

    Yes. Recompete Plans from Phase 1 are considered an initial articulation of the applicant’s multi-year plan to reduce their region’s Prime Age Employment Gap (PAEG). A Recompete Plan can and should be edited by those who receive Strategy Development Grants and/or Recompete Plan Approval.

  6. Can the investments I propose target a smaller service area within my eligible area type (e.g., a set of neighborhoods within an LLM)?

    Yes, this is allowed. Applicants can focus their service area on either the full eligible area or a subset of that eligible area. Please note that “Targeted geographic approach” is a competitiveness factor in the Phase 1 NOFO (see section A.1.e(4) on page 12). Applicants should specifically identify their service area within the eligible geography and how the proposed interventions will create long-run, sustained benefits to that area. EDA has published an optional eligible and service area template that can be submitted with your application. You can find that template here (XLSX). Please note that EDA expects to make 4-8 Implementation awards with grants to Local Labor Markets averaging approximately $50,000,000 and grants to Local Communities averaging approximately $20,000,000, though amounts for each awardee will depend on multiple factors.

  7. As we develop potential activities that implementation funding could support, which types of activities can be funded through this program? (Question updated on 8/3/2023) 

    Implementation Grants can fund a wide range of non-construction and construction activities that aim to increase regional capacity across the following four broad categories outlined in statute: workforce development; business and entrepreneur development; infrastructure; and additional planning, predevelopment, or technical assistance. Please see here for a list of sample implementation investments (PDF). The program is designed to provide significant flexibility for applicants to address the necessary physical, social and economic barriers to jobs and career pathways. Given the nature of the program, EDA understands there may be a suite of necessary interventions to increase employment, job quality, and wages, such as wraparound services.

    EDA will not disqualify applicants based on the investments they propose. However, proposed investments will be evaluated based on their ability to “help increase per capita wages and close the prime-age employment gap.” Applicants will need to clearly explain how any requested EDA investments directly serve the purpose of the program and can clearly demonstrate intended economic development results. Please see NOFO section A.1.e(2) on page 11 for more on this competitiveness factor.

  8. Can Phase 2 Implementation funding be used towards housing investments? (Question added on 8/3/2023) 

    Recompete funds cannot be used towards the construction of housing. In rare circumstances, funds may potentially be used for non-construction housing projects if the applicant can effectively demonstrate that such support is necessary to the success of the proposed economic development activities. For example, the applicant may demonstrate that workforce training participants would be unable to participate in training activities without EDA-funded housing supports (e.g., housing counseling, short-term housing during workforce training period).  

    EDA will provide more information on this during Phase 2 of the competition and housing requests will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. EDA encourages applicants with housing needs to specify other local, regional, and federal resources or commitments that can be used to address housing issues contributing to the Prime Age Employment Gap, or to articulate why other funding streams have been explored and cannot meet the need identified. EDA will work to support applicants and grantees in identifying necessary housing resources, to the extent possible. Moreover, those who receive Strategy Development Grants and/or Phase 2 Implementation awards could utilize their Recompete Plan Coordinator and other EDA resources to further identify additional resources or commitments that can be used to address housing issues contributing to the Prime Age Employment Gap.

  9. Can we propose a set of investments that goes below the average award amounts indicated in the Notice of Funding Opportunity ($20 million for Local Communities and $50 million for Local Labor Markets)? (Question added on 8/3/2023) 

    Yes. Please propose investments that are reflective of the cost to implement solutions that would reduce your region’s Prime Age Employment Gap (PAEG).

  10. Will there be future opportunities to apply for Recompete Plan Approval?

    Subject to future appropriations, EDA may conduct additional Recompete Plan Approval and Strategy Development Grant competitions. If an applicant believes they want to apply to the upcoming Phase 2 NOFO, they should apply for Recompete Plan Approval under the Phase 1 NOFO.

  11. Does Recompete Plan Approval apply to an applicant, a selected service area, or both?

    The combination of both. Recompete Plan Approval is a strong signal from EDA that the interventions identified for the selected service area could address the causes of the local high prime-age employment gap.

  12. What is the expected period of performance for Phase 2 Implementation Grants? (Question added on 8/3/2023)

    EDA strongly recommends that applicants propose Phase 2 projects whose period of performance does not exceed five years. If you wish to propose projects that exceed five years, please explain why this is necessary to effectively achieve the purpose of the program and intended economic development results.

  13. Can Phase 2 Implementation funding be used towards Revolving Loan Funds (RLF)? (Question added on 9/7/2023)

    Recompete funds cannot be used towards Revolving Loan Funds.

  14. Can Phase 2 Implementation funding be used to provide workforce training or other services to individuals younger than 25? (Question added on 9/7/2023)

    Yes, this is allowed. However, proposed investments will be evaluated based on their ability to “help increase per capita wages and close the prime-age employment gap.” Thus, any investments that are targeted to individuals outside the prime-age range should have a clear connection to raising employment rates and per capita wages among prime-age individuals.

Procurement and Pre-Award Costs

  1. Are there any restrictions on using consultants, such as for preliminary engineering or environmental reports, for Phase 2 Implementation activities?

    Yes. The Procurement Standards of the Uniform Guidance at 2 C.F.R. 200.317 – 200.327 govern all procurements under the Recompete Pilot Program. 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 the Recompete Pilot Program, 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:

    1. In designing the solicitation for design and engineering services, make sure to include a broad array of such services that will be required under the Recompete Pilot Program, including preliminary and final design. The applicant may also wish to specify that if the preliminary design is successful and the applicant 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 the Recompete Pilot Program.
    2. If an applicant 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 The Recompete Pilot Program 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 your regional POC if you have questions about an existing contract.

    Please reach out to [email protected] further questions. You can find your local EDR on EDA's Contact page.

  2. Can an applicant go out to bid for proposed implementation projects, before being selected for Phase 2 Implementation?

    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., the contract is 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. Can we use the Phase 1 Strategy Development award 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 (e.g., the solicitation incorporates a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements and does not contain features that unduly restrict competition).

    Please see above FAQ 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 above FAQ in this section for important considerations about advertising before receiving a federal award.

Using the EDA Economic Development Grant Experience (EDGE) Portal

  1. What is the EDA Economic Development Grant Experience (EDGE) portal?

    The EDA EDGE portal is a system that was designed so that the entire Grant lifecycle will be in one place for an Applicant or an Applicant’s partner (e.g., coalition members). The system provides visibility to Users from Application intake through final close out, ensuring access to all data, communications, and documents are in one electronic file for review and collaboration with EDA on the path to Award. To access the EDGE Portal, use an internet connection and a recommended browser such as Firefox or Google Chrome to ensure the best User experience. Using Internet Explorer is not recommended. Allow pop-ups in your browser to view and access auto-created forms, reminders, and important information in the EDGE portal.

  2. Do I need to create an account in EDGE to apply?

    Yes, all applicants must create accounts in EDGE to apply for the Recompete Pilot Program. You will need your organization’s UEI and basic contact information when you apply. Please note, an active CAGE code is required at the time of award (see NOFO section E.3). See section D.2.f in the NOFO for more information on obtaining a UEI for your organization.

  3. Do I need to apply in EDGE as a coalition?

    No, the Recompete Pilot Program allows individual entities or coalitions to apply.

  4. How do I apply in EDGE as a coalition?

    If you are applying as a coalition, you will need to identify a Lead Applicant in EDGE. All application materials must be submitted by the Lead Applicant.

    The Lead Applicant will need to create a “coalition” under the “My Associations” tab on the EDGE home page (see image below). To add a coalition member organization to your coalition, you will need to invite a coalition member to make an account in EDGE to verify their organization’s participation as part of the coalition. The invited member will need to provide basic organization information including a Tax ID/EIN.

    Image of the top of EDA's EDGE system

  5. Can a coalition have multiple Lead Applicants?

    No. Each coalition must identify a single Lead Applicant.

  6. When creating a new Association, should we apply as a "consortium” or a “coalition”?

    Recompete Pilot Program applicants MUST apply as a “coalition” in EDGE. It is up to the Lead Applicant to ensure that the application is submitted using the “coalition” option within EDGE.

  7. Are my coalition members required to have organizational identification numbers (UEI, CAGE, Tax ID/EIN) to be part of the application?

    After a coalition member is invited to join your coalition in EDGE, they will need to fill out an organization profile which will ask for the coalition member’s Tax ID/EIN and basic information (organization’s address).

    Lead Applicants on a Recompete Pilot Program application ARE required to have a UEI number to apply and an active CAGE code in SAM.gov at the time of award (see NOFO section E.3); coalition members are NOT required to have active CAGE codes.

  8. Do my coalition members need to create an account in EDGE?

    Yes, after the Lead Applicant adds an organization to the coalition (via the Associations tab), they will need to invite someone from the partner organization by adding the contact’s email address into the system when prompted. The contact from partner organizations will receive an email and directions on how to set up their account and their organization's account, and validate their organization is joining the coalition.

  9. Who can submit an application on behalf of a coalition?

    While many coalition members can access and edit the application, only a person designated within the EDGE system as an “Authorized Representative” for the Lead Applicant organization can submit the application on behalf of the Lead Applicant/Coalition Within the EDGE system, you will need to assign roles to your team members for your application.

  10. If I am applying for both a Strategy Development Grant and Recompete Plan Approval, how do I signal that in the EDGE system?

    If you are applying for both the Strategy Development Grant and Recompete Plan Approval, you will need to submit two separate applications. When you apply to the NOFO, you will be prompted to select which program you will be applying for. Each application has slightly different required documents and evaluation criteria, please see section D.2.a in the NOFO for full details.

  11. I have completed the application in EDGE but the submission button is “greyed out”, what do I do?

    First, make sure each section that is marked “required” is complete. Second, it is possible that you are not assigned as the “Authorized Representative” in EDGE. Only the Authorized Representative can submit the application. To check your application roles, click on the “Application Team” tab, click the “add team member” button, and follow the prompts to assign your Authorized Representative. To make yourself the Authorized Representative, you follow the same process and add yourself as a team member with the same email, which will assign you two roles in EDGE.

Contact Us

  1. How do I get in touch with EDA? (Question updated on 8/3/2023) 

    You can find your EDR’s contact information at https://www.eda.gov/about/contact or email [email protected] with questions. 

    If you have questions about the EDGE platform, please email [email protected].