Cluster Grants

 

Under the Regional Innovation Strategies program, EDA currently awards cluster grants that build regional capacity to translate innovations into jobs (1) through proof-of-concept and commercialization assistance to innovators and entrepreneurs and (2) through operational support for organizations that provide essential early-stage risk capital to innovators and entrepreneurs.

Deleted 03/27/2024 (Archived.) 11.020 Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce B - Project Grants Not applicable. Section 27 (15 U.S.C. 3722) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.), Title 15 USC, Part Chapter 63, Section 27 None None Not applicable. Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact statement is required for this listing. An environmental impact assessment is required for this listing. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance if the State has selected the program for review. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. For information on the application process you may access the applicable Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announcement for Cluster Grant assistance at www.grants.gov and at www.eda.gov. EDA will review each application for Cluster Grant assistance in accordance with the evaluation criteria, funding priorities, and selection procedures set forth in the applicable NOFO. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines From 90 to 120 days. Not applicable. Not applicable. EDA will evaluate and select complete applications in accordance with the evaluation criteria, funding priority considerations, availability of funding, competitiveness of the application, and requirements set forth in section 27(b) of Stevenson-Wydler, the FFO, and other applicable Federal statutes and regulations. All awards are subject to the availability of funds. Eligible project activities. (a) Activities eligible for a RIS Program grant include: (1) Feasibility studies; (2) Planning activities; (3) Technical assistance; (4) Developing or strengthening communication and collaboration between and among participants of a regional innovation cluster; (5) Attracting additional participants to a regional innovation cluster; (6) Facilitating market development of products and services of a regional innovation cluster, including through demonstration, deployment, technology transfer, and commercialization activities; (7) Developing relationships between a regional innovation cluster and entities or clusters in other regions; (8) Interacting with the public and State and local governments to meet the goals of the regional innovation cluster; (9) Purchase of equipment and equipment-related modifications or renovations of a facility, but only to the extent that such equipment and any related modifications or renovations are used to support another eligible activity as described in this section (the recipient may be required to secure and record the Federal interest in the equipment); and (10) Any other activity determined appropriate by the Assistant Secretary and consistent with section 27(b) of Stevenson-Wydler. (b) An ineligible activity includes, but is not limited to: (1) Use of Federal funds or matching share for equity investments; (2) Acquisition or improvement of real property; (3) Construction except to the extent provided in paragraph (a)(9) of this section; and (4) Lending programs, such as a direct loan program or capitalizing a revolving loan fund. Performance Reports: EDA requires the submission of the SF-425 Federal Financial Report. EDA reviews progress and financial reports for compliance with all award terms and conditions, as well as EDA regulations. EDA reserves the right to conduct site visits on an as-needed basis Not applicable. All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of recipients or sub-recipients are required to be maintained by the terms of the grant agreement. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching is voluntary. 50%.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. Project periods are specified in the grant award documents, but generally these do not exceed three years. Funds are generally disbursed on a reimbursement basis. www.eda.gov/contact Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
1401 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20230 US
oie@eda.gov
Phone: 202-482-8001 http://www.eda.gov 13-2050-0-1-452 (Project Grants) FY 18$21,000,000.00; FY 19 est $23,500,000.00; FY 20 FY 17$17,000,000.00; - For the 2019 i6 Challenge the maximum Federal share of each i6 Challenge grant is $750,000 and EDA plans to award up to 32 grants. For the 2019 SFS Grant Competition, the maximum Federal share of each SFS Grant is $300,000, and EDA plans to award up to 16 grants. 13 CFR part 312 - Regional Innovation Program Not applicable.