Small business Minority Grants Black Business Planet

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $4,077,000 Total: $4,077,000
OBJECTIVES: To foster business ownership by individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged; and to promote the competitive viability of such firms by providing business development assistance including, but not limited to, management and technical assistance, access to capital and other forms of financial assistance, business training and counseling, and access to sole source and limited competition Federal contract opportunities, to help the firms to achieve competitive viability. ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES: (a) Minority group; (b) Small business; (c) Black; (d) American Indian; (e) Spanish Origin; (f) Oriental; (g) Other Nonwhites; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Written application to SBA offices listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog, Division of Program Certification and Eligibility. Application forms, detailed instructions, and if necessary, assistance in completing application is available at SBA District offices and on SBA’s home page at http://www.sba.gov. Award Procedure: Applicant is notified of program participation approval or decline by a letter from the SBA headquarters office. Broad range of business development assistance, including procurement, and access to capital and other forms of financial assistance and business training and counseling is provided to approved program participants. Deadlines: Applications for program participation are accepted on an ongoing basis. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approximately 90 days. Appeals: Within 45 days of the date of decline letter, applicant has right to request that the decision be reconsidered. For applications declined solely on the basis of negative finding with regard to social disadvantage, economic disadvantaged ownership or control of business by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, the applicant within 45 days of the date of the decline letter or reaffirmation of decline, has a right to appeal the decision to the SBA’s Office of Hearing and Appeals. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street, SW., Washington, DC 20416. Telephone: (202) 205-6421.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
Current Year: Grants: $189,152,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $189,152,000
OBJECTIVES: To work in partnership with industry to foster the development and broad dissemination of challenging, high-risk technologies that offer the potential for significant, broad- based economic benefits for the nation. ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES: (a) Sponsored Organization;
(b) Small business; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Proposals should be submitted only in response to formal competition announcements and requests for proposals periodically published in the Commerce Business Daily. Award Procedure: Competitive award process. Deadlines: Deadlines for proposal submissions are contained in the formal competition announcements and requests for proposals published in the Commerce Business Daily. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: 120 to 180 days. Appeals: None. Renewals: ATP awards may be renewed within the statutory time limitation based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds from Congress. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Advanced Technology Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive Stop 4701 Gaithersburg, MD 20899-4701. Telephone: 1-800-AlP-FUND. FAX: (301) 926-
9524. E-mail: atp@nist.gov.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE TO SMALL BUSINESS
Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $1,280,000 Total: $1,280,000
OBJECTIVES: To help the prospective, as well as the present small businessperson improve skills to manage and operate a business. ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES: (a) Specialized group (e.g. health professionals, students, veterans); (b) Small business; (c) Veteran/Service person/Reservist (including dependents); APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Pre- application Coordination: None. Application Procedure: Personal or written application to SBA field offices. Award Procedure: Not applicable. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval

Time: Not applicable. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Upon request. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Initial contact should be made with the field offices (see Appendix IV of the SBA Catalog). Headquarters Office: Associate Administrator for Business Initiatives, Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., Washington, DC 20416. Telephone: (202) 205-6665. SBA ON-LINE: For information on SBA’s publications, programs and services, SBA’s electronic bulletin board system, SBA ON-LINE, can be accessed by calling 1-
800-6974636, 1-9004634636, or 202-401-9600 or via Internet, on “SBA Online.”

BUSINESS SERVICES
Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $1,910,000 Total: $l,9l0,000
OBJECTIVES: To promote the interest and participation of business concerns, especially small businesses and small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses, and businesses located in labor-surplus areas in government procurement, and to provide publications to assist businesses in their marketing efforts. ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES: (a) Small business; (b) Profit organization; (c) Other private institution/organization; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Pre-application Coordination: None. Application Procedure: Contact the nearest GSA Business Counseling Offices by letter, telephone, or in person. Award Procedure: Not applicable. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Small Business Center, General Services Administration Headquarters Office: Associate Administrator, Office of Enterprise Development (E). Telephone: (202) 501-1021.
CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LOANS (504 LOANS)

Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $3,000,000,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $3,000,000,000
OBJECTIVES: To assist small business concerns by providing long- term, fixed-rate financing for fixed assets through the sale of debentures to private investors. ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES; (a) Small business; (b) Private non-profit institution/organization; (c) Small Business Person; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Application must be made on SBA Form 1244 and requirements set forth thereon must be fully complied with by the Certified Development Company and the small business being assisted. Award Procedure: the SBA Office notifies Applicant in writing. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Within 10 working days after formal acceptance of application. Appeals: Requests for reconsideration of a declined loan will be granted at any time within 6 months from the date of decline, providing that reasonable evidence is submitted to substantially overcome the stated reasons for decline. Renewals: Not applicable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: See Appendix IV of the Catalog for a listing of the Small Business Administration offices. Headquarters Office: Office of Financial Assistance, Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW., Washington, DC 20416. Telephone: (202) 205-6490.

ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS
Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $0,000
OBJECTIVES: To assist business concerns suffering economic injury as a result of Presidential, Small Business Administration (SBA), and/or Secretary of Agriculture declared disasters. BENEFICIARY ELIGIBILITY: Small businesses and small agricultural cooperatives benefit. Credentials/Documentation: Financial Statements to prove cause and extent of economic injury, establish eligibility and demonstrate repayment ability. A signed IRS Form 8821 to enable SBA to obtain information from IRS and complete copies of Federal tax returns for the past 3 prior years. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Applications are filed with the nearest available SBA disaster area office or special disaster field office. One copy of SBA Form
5 and Form 1368 are provided for this purpose. Award Procedure: Applicant is notified of approval by authorization letter from SBA disaster office. Deadlines: Deadlines are established for each declaration. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From? to 21 days depending on complexity of case and availability of resources. Appeals: Requests for reconsideration of a declined application may be made within 6 months of the initial decline action; 30 days from the reconsideration decline action. Renewals: Not applicable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: :

Regional or Local Office: For reference to the Disaster Area Office, see Appendix IV of the Catalog under the Small Business Administration. Headquarters Office: Office of Disaster Assistance, Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., Washington, DC 20416. Program Contact: Herbert Mitchell. Telephone: (202) 205-6734. E-Mail address: disaster.assistance@sba.gov.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOWER INCOME PERSONS AND BUSINESSES
Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $0,000
OBJECTIVES: Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968 requires that employment and other economic opportunities generated by certain HUD financial assistance shall, to the greatest extent feasible, be directed to low-and very low-income persons, particularly those who are recipients of government assistance for housing, and to business concerns which provide economic opportunities to low-and very low-income persons. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Small business
(less than 500 employees); (b) Anyone/general public; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Complaints may be sent to any HUD Field Office Fair Housing Enforcement Center, Program Operations and Compliance Center or Headquarters. Award Procedure: Not applicable. Deadlines: Complaints must be received within 180 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance with Section 3. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approximately six months. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: HUD Field Office, Fair Housing Enforcement Center or Program Operations and Compliance Center: Director, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity in the appropriate HUD Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: John H. Wailer, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Department of Housing and Urban Development,
451 7th Street, SW., Room 5112, Washington, DC 20410. Telephone: (202) 708-2251.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
Current Year: Grants: $761,735,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $761,735,000
OBJECTIVES: To place persons in employment by providing a variety of placement-related services without charge to jobseekers and to employers seeking qualified individuals to fill job openings. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals); (b) U.S. Territories and possessions (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Each State prepares a Statewide Plan. The State Plan is developed as provided under Section 8 of the Wagner-Peyser Act, as amended and in accordance with the regulations. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-l 10. Award Procedure: Review of State Plan occurs at Employment and Training Administration regional offices. Final award is provided the grantee agencies before July 1, the start of the program year. Deadlines: Established each year (contact Federal agency for deadline for application submission). Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: As provided in regulations. Appeals: As provided in regulations. Renewals: Not applicable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Contact the nearest office of the State Employment Security Agency or the appropriate Employment and Training Administration regional office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: Director, United States Employment Service, Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor, Washington, DC 20210. Telephone: (202) 219-5257. Contact: John R. Beverly, III.
HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Current Year: Grants: $480,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $0,000 Total:$480,000
OBJECTIVES: To support the efforts of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU5) to achieve their principal mission; utilize the resources of HBCUs to increase ability of small and disadvantaged businesses (S/DBEs) to participate in transportation-related projects; and assist S/DBEs to obtain information on DOT procurement opportunities and provide training to enhance DBEs and small businesses opportunity to successfully compete on DOT contracts and DOT- funded projects. ETI’AP is intended to increase collaboration and establish partnerships among HBCUs, other minority educational institutions, LOSP organizations, SBDCs, MBDCs, State

supportive services contractors, local transportation agencies; and DOT, its grantees, recipients, contractors, subcontractors and S/DBEs. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Public non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (b) Minority Group; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Announcements are published in the Commerce Business Daily. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-l 10. Award Procedure: an independent review panel evaluates Applications. The Director, OSDBU, makes decisions on acceptability. The Department of Transportation will award the cooperative agreements. Only one project will be awarded to an HBCU; therefore, institutions with multiple campuses should coordinate and submit only one application per HBCU. Further, in order to avoid duplication of efforts, only one cooperative agreement will be awarded in any State. Deadlines: To be determined. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Selections for award are announced by DOT press release. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Renewals will be based upon funding availability and program evaluation. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Patricia A. Martin, Program Coordinator, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, S40, Office of the Secretary, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room 9414, Washington, DC 20590, or toll free (800) 532-1169. Telephone: (202) 366-
2852.
MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES

Current Year: Grants: $2,600,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $2,600,000
OBJECTIVES: To provide management and technical assistance and access to capital and other forms of financial assistance and business training and counseling through qualified individuals, public or private organizations to 8(a) certified firms and other existing or potential businesses, which are economically and socially disadvantaged; businesses operating in areas of high unemployment or low income; firms owned by low-income persons; or participants in activities authorized by Sections 7(i), 7(j) and 8(a) of the Small Business Act. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Public non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
(b) Other public institution/organization; (c) Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; (d) Individual/Family; (e) Profit organization; (f) Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (g) Quasi-public non-profit institution/organization;
(h) Other private institutions/organizations; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Application proposal forwarded to District Office Director for appropriate geographic area. (See Appendix IV under Small Business Administration for a listing of field Offices.) The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. State and local governments must use A-102 for this program. Award Procedure: The Office of Procurement makes Decisions on acceptance and Grants Management based upon recommendations of the Associate Administrator for 8(a) Business Development or his/her designee. The Grants Management Officer notifies successful applicants by Notice of Award. Decisions on services from lending and financial institutions and sureties, and business training and counseling will be made by the Associate Administrator for 8(a) Business Development. Deadlines: As announced within individual “Request for Application Proposals.” Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Variable. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Contact the Federal agency. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: SBA District Offices listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: Associate Administrator for Minority Enterprise Development, 409 3rd Street, SW., Washington, DC 20416. Telephone: (202) 205-6410

MICROLOAN DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
Current Year: Grants: $12,000,000 Loans: $71,995,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $83,995,000
OBJECTIVES: To assist women, low-income, and minority entrepreneurs, business owners, and other individuals possessing the capability to operate successful business concerns and to assist small business concerns in those areas suffering from a lack of credit due to economic downturns. Under the Program, the Small Business Administration (SBA) will make loans or provide guaranties to private, non-profit, and quasi-governmental organizations (intermediary lenders) who will use the loan funds to make short-term, fixed interest rate micro-loans in amounts up to $25,000 to start-up, newly established, and growing small business concerns.

These micro-loans are to be used exclusively for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery, and/or equipment. In addition, the SBA will make grants to participating intermediary lenders to provide marketing, management, and technical assistance to borrowers receiving micro-loans. In addition, the SBA will make grants to non-profit organizations, which are not intermediary lenders, to provide marketing, management, and technical assistance to low- income individuals seeking private sector financing for their businesses. Under the Program, SBA will also provide training for intermediary lenders and non-lenders participating in the Program. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Public non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (b) Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (c) Quasi-public non-profit institution/organization; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Micro-loan Borrowers: Apply directly to intermediary lenders. Intermediary Lenders: Apply to the SBA Office of Financial Assistance prior to deadlines and according to established procedures. Award Procedure: SBA notifies Intermediaries. The intermediaries notify micro-borrowers. Deadlines: Not applicable. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Loan applicants can expect an answer from the SBA approved intermediary lender Within 15 days from the date of application acceptance. Appeals: Decisions on the part of the SBA are final. SBA will not become involved in appeals by micro- borrowers to intermediary lenders except in the case of suspected violation of Federal regulations. Renewals: Based on performance. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Small Business Administration, Office of Financial Assistance, Micro-enterprise Development Branch, 409 Third Street SW., Eighth Floor, Washington, DC 20416. Mail Code 7881. Telephone: (202) 205-6490.

NURSING RESEARCH
Current Year: Grants: $58,l30,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $58,130,000
OBJECTIVES: The National Institute of Nursing Research supports clinical and basic research to establish a scientific basis for the care of individuals across the life span—from management of patients during illness and recovery to the reduction of risks for disease and disability and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. According to its broad mandate, the Institute seeks to understand and ease the symptoms of acute and chronic illness, to prevent or delay the onset of disease or disability or slow its progression, to find effective approaches to achieving and sustaining good health, and to improve the clinical settings in which care is provided. The NINR’s research extends to problems encountered by patients, families, and caregivers. It also emphasizes the special needs of at-risk and underserved populations. These efforts are crucial in translating scientific advances into cost-effective health care that does not compromise quality. NINR accomplishes its mission by supporting grants to universities and other research organizations as well as by conducting intramural research at laboratories in Bethesda, Maryland. The research fosters multidisciplinary collaborations to ensure a comprehensive approach to research an illness and disabling conditions. This approach is especially relevant in research aimed at long- term care for the elderly, the special needs of women across the lifespan, bioethical issues related to genetic testing and counseling, bio-behavioral aspects of managing the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, and environmental influences on risk factors related to chronic illnesses. In addition, the Institute supports comprehensive research training programs to prepare individuals with requisite interdisciplinary skills to conduct nursing research. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program: To expand and improve the SBIR program; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development; to increase small business participation in Federal research and development; and to foster and encourage participation of socially and economically disadvantaged mall business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program: To stimulate and foster scientific and technological innovation through cooperative research and development carried out between small business concerns and research institutions; to foster technology transfer between small business concerns and research institutions; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development; and to foster and encourage participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation. Centers Program: To promote interdisciplinary research,

offer an environment for research training and career development, and concentrate research through Core Centers for Nursing Research. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals); (b) Local (includes State- designated Indian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (c) Public non- profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (d) Individual/Family; (e) Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Research Grants: Application Form PHS 398 (Rev. May 1995) is the standard form. Application kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701
Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, e-mail: ASKNIH@odrockml.od.nih.gov. Completed applications should be submitted to the Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892. The standard application forms, as furnished by PHS and required by 45 CFR, Part 92 for State and local governments, must be used for this program. NRSAs (Individual): Application material for pre-doctoral research training is available from the National Institute of Nursing Research; application material for postdoctoral research is available from the Division of Research Grants (see address above). This program is subject to the provisions of 45 CFR, Part 92 for State and local governments arid OMB Circular No. A-l10 for nonprofit organizations. SBLR and STTR Grant Solicitations and SBIR Contract Solicitation may be obtained electronically through the NIH’s “Small Business Funding Opportunities” home page at www.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbir.htm on the World Wide Web. A limited number of hard copies of these publications are produced. Subject to availability, they may be obtained by contacting the NIH support services contractor: phone: (301) 206-9385; fax: (301) 206-9722; e-mail: a2y@cu.nih.gov. The Solicitations include submission procedures, review considerations, and grant application or contract proposal forms. SBIR and STTR grant applications should be submitted to the Center for Scientific Review, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040 - MSC 7710, Bethesda, MD 20892-77 10. Award Procedure: Research Grants and NRSAs (Institutional): All accepted applications are reviewed for scientific merit by an appropriate initial review group and then by a national advisory council (Individual NRSA applications are not reviewed by council.) All applications favorably recommended compete for available funds on the basis of scientific merit and program emphasis. All accepted a national advisory council or board evaluates SBIR/SITR applications for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate scientific peer review panel and. All applications receiving a priority score compete for available SBIR/SITR set-aside funds on the basis of scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the proposed research, program relevance, and program balance among the areas of research. Deadlines: Research Grants: February 1, June 1, and October 1. Renewals: March 1, July 1, and November 1. Individual NRSA5: April 5, August 5, and December 5. Institutional NRSA’s: May 10 only. SBIR: April 15, August 15, and December 15. SITR: December 1 only. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Research Grants: From 6 to 9 months. NRSAs: From 6 to 9 months. SBIR/STR: About 7-1/2 months. Appeals: Research Grants: A principal investigator (P.1.) may question the substantive or procedural aspects of the review of his/her application by communicating with the staff of the NINR. Renewals: Research Grants: Renewal applications are accepted. NRSAs: Awards may be made for up to 5 years. No individual may receive more than 5 years of aggregate NRSA support beyond the pre-doctoral level, and no individual may receive NRSA support for more than 3 years of support beyond the postdoctoral level. Institutional awards may be renewed. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Program Contract: For research in neuro-function such as pain, sleep, Alzheimer’s disease, other brain disorders, and general acute care, contact Dr. Karin Helmers. Reproductive and infant health, including low birth weight infants and prenatal care, contact Dr. Cars Krulewitch. Immune, infectious, and neoplastic diseases, contact Dr. June Lunney. Cardiopulmonary, critical care, trauma, and transplantation issues, contact Dr. Hilary Sigmon. Long-term care and chronic illnesses including arthritis, diabetes, and urinary incontinence, contact Dr. Nell Armstrong. Human development, health and risk behaviors, and women’s health issues, contact Dr. Janice Phillips. Address: National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Building 45, Room 3AN 12, 45 Center Drive MSC 6300, Bethesda, MD
20892-6300. Telephone: (301) 594-6906. Grants Management Contact: Mr. Jeff Carow; Grants

Management Officer, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Building 45,Room 3AN32, 45 Center Drive MSC 6301, Bethesda, MD 20892-6301. Telephone:
(301) 594-6869.

PHYSICAL DISASTER LOANS
Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $1,100,000,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $l,l00,000,000
OBJECTIVES: To provide loans to the victims of declared physical- type disasters for uninsured losses.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Public non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (b) Other public institution/organization; (c) Individual/Family; (d) Small business (less than 500 employees); (e) Profit organization; (f) Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (g) Quasi-public non-profit institution/organization; (h) Other private institutions/organizations; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Application is made on a standard form for either a home or business type loan and filed in a single copy with the nearest available SBA Disaster Area office or special disaster office. Only one copy required. Award Procedure: Applicant is notified of approval by authorization letter from SBA Disaster Area or Special Disaster Branch. Deadlines: Eligibility to file terminates 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration, or on other deadlines if extended. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 7 to 21 days depending on complexity of case and availability of resources. Appeals: Reconsideration can be requested of a declined application at any time within 6 months of the decline, and appeals within 30 days from the reconsideration decline action. Renewals: Not applicable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: For reference to the Disaster Area Office, see Appendix IV of the Catalog under the Small Business Administration. Headquarters Office: Office of Disaster Assistance, Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., Washington, DC 20416. Program Contact: Herbert Mitchell. Telephone: (202) 205-6734. E-Mail address: disaster.assistance®sba.gov.

PROCUREMENT ASSISTANCE TO SMALL BUSINESSES
Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $16,930,000 Total: $16,930,000
OBJECTIVES: To assist small business in obtaining a “fair” share of contracts and subcontracts for Federal government supplies and services and a “fair” share of property sold by the government. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Small business (less than 500 employees); APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Forms to obtain necessary assistance are provided by SBA field offices. Award Procedure: Not applicable. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: The range is about 15 days for certificate of competency; no approval is required on other programs. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Headquarters Office: Associate Administrator for Government Contracting, Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., Washington, DC 20416. Telephone: (202) 205-6460.

SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES ASSOCIATION
Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $3,500,000 Total: $3,500,000
OBJECTIVES: To use the management experience of retired and active business management professionals to counsel and train potential and existing small business owners. All client counseling information is confidential. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Individual/Family; (b) Small business (less than 500 employees); (c) Profit organization; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Personal or written application (SBA Form 641, Request for Counseling). Award Procedure: Not applicable. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: None. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Headquarters Office: National SCORE Office, 409 3rd Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 205-6762 or 800-634-0245 or Small Business Administration, Office of Business Development, 409 3rd Street, SW., Washington, DC 20416. Telephone: (202) 205-
7414. Contacts: W. Kenneth Yancey, Jr. Executive Director. Telephone: 1(800) 634-0245; or
Christine Goodno, M.A., ABC, Public Information and Communications Director. Telephone:
1(800) 634- 0245 or (202) 205-6762.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Current Year: Grants: $90,296,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $90,296,000
OBJECTIVES: To provide management counseling, training, and technical assistance to the small business community through Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Local (includes State-designated Indian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (b) Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (c) Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: All eligible entities within a State interested in establishing an SBDC should coordinate with each other in order to develop a proposal for a statewide SBDC service plan. This program is subject to the provisions of 13 CFR 143 (for State and local governments) and A-i 10
(for nonprofit organizations). The proposal should be submitted to the local SBA District Office, listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Award Procedure: Central Office of SBA executes cooperative agreements to approved applicants. Deadlines: Fiscal Year: September 30. Calendar Year: December 31. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Varies with individual proposals. Appeals: Varies with individual proposals. Renewals: This program is on going and is renewed annually subject to availability of funds. SBDCs are required to update their proposal and submit a current year budget. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Headquarters Office: Small Business Administration, Office of Small Business Development Center, 409 Third Street, SW., 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20416. Telephone: (202) 205-6766. Fax: (202) 205-7727.

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH
Current Year: Grants: $l3,309,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $l3,309,000
OBJECTIVES: To stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting Federal research and development needs, increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from USDA-supported research and development efforts, and foster and encourage participation, by women-owned and socially disadvantaged small business firms in technological innovation. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Small business
(less than 500 employees);
APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Formal proposal to SBIR Program, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the SBLR program solicitation. Application procedures are contained in the SBIR program solicitation. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-i 10. Award Procedure: The SBIR Program staff reviews and evaluates all proposals with the assistance and advice of a peer panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal. Deadlines: Deadlines are announced in the Federal Register and SBIR Program Solicitation for each fiscal year. Deadline for submission for fiscal year 1999 proposals was September 3, 1998. The deadline for submission of fiscal year 2000 proposals is expected to be September 2, 1999. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Six months from application receipt to notification of approval/disapproval. Appeals: Phase I applications may be revised and resubmitted during a later funding cycle, provided the subject matter of the proposal is not changed, and the topic area under which the proposal was originally submitted is still listed in the solicitation. Phase I grantees may apply for a Phase II grant only once for each project funded. Renewals: None. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: SBIR Director, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2243, 14th and Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-2243. Telephone: (202) 401-4002.

SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $1,400,000,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $l,400,000,000
OBJECTIVES: To establish privately owned and managed investment companies, which are licensed and regulated by the U.S. Small Business Administration; to provide equity capital and long term loan funds to small businesses; and to provide advisory services to small businesses. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Small business (less than 500 employees); APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Request information and appropriate forms from

SBA Central office. Complete application requirements and submit with a minimum application fee payment of $10,000 to SBA Central Office. Award Procedure: Applicant is notified by issuance of a license from the Investment Division of the Small Business Administration. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Average of 120 days. Appeals: Proponents may reapply at any time. Renewals: None. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Associate Administrator for Investment, Investment Division, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street, SW., Washington, DC 20416. Telephone: (202) 205-6510.

SMALL BUSINESS LOANS
Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $10,000,000,000 Other. $0,000 Total: $l0,000,000,000
OBJECTIVES: To provide guaranteed loans to small businesses, which are unable to obtain financing in the private credit marketplace, but can demonstrate an ability to repay loans granted. Guaranteed loans are made available to low-income business owners or businesses located in areas of high unemployment, nonprofit sheltered workshops and other similar organizations which produce goods or services; to small businesses being established, acquired or owned by handicapped individuals; and enable small businesses to manufacture, design, market, install, or service specific energy measures. The SBA’s 7(a) lending authority includes: 1) the Low Documentation Loan Program (Low Doc); 2) the Cap Line Program; 3) FA$ TRAK Program, formerly the Small Loan Express; 4) the Women’s Pre-qualification Program; and 5) Minority Pre- qualification Program ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Small business (less than 500 employees); APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Applications are filed by the participating lender in the field office serving the territory in which the applicant’s business is located. Where the participating lender is in another territory, applications may be accepted and processed by the field office serving that territory, provided there is mutual agreement between the two field offices involved. (See listing of field offices in Appendix IV of the Catalog.) Award Procedure: authorization letter from the District SBA Office, or participating bank notifies Applicant. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 1 to 10 days from date of application acceptance, depending on type of loan and type of lender program. Appeals: If reconsideration is requested within 6 months after decline or withdrawal, no new application is required. Renewals: Not applicable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Headquarters Office: Director, Loan Policy and Procedures Branch, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street, SW., Washington, DC 20416. Telephone: (202) 205-6570.

SUPPORT MECHANISMS FOR DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES
Current Year: Grants: $1,100,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $l,100,000
OBJECTIVES: To develop support mechanisms, including liaison and assistance programs, which will provide outreach and referrals for technical assistance to small disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE5) to successfully compete on transportation-related contracts. Recipients will provide a communications network link between the Department of Transportation; its grantees, recipients, contractors, subcontractors; and minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises (DB Es) in order to increase their participation in existing DOT programs and DOT funded projects. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals); (b) Local (includes State- designated Indian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (c) Public non- profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (d) Other public institution/organization; (e) Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; (f) Small business (less than 500 employees); (g) Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (h) Other private institutions/organizations; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Application proposal forwarded to Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-i 10. Award Procedure: A review panel will review and score each application based upon the evaluation criteria included in the announcement. The Director, OSDBU, makes final decisions on acceptance. The Director, OSDBU, notifies successful applicants by letter. Deadlines: As announced within individual “Request for Application/Proposals.” Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Variable. Appeals: Not applicable.

Renewals: Variable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, S-40, Office of the Secretary, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone (202) 366-1930; toll-free
(800) 532- 1169.

Small Private Business
ATTESTATIONS BY EMPLOYERS USING NON-IMMIGRANT ALIENS IN SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS

Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $31,300,000 Total: $31,300,000
OBJECTIVES: To provide greater protection for U.S. and foreign workers without interfering with an employer’s right to obtain temporary aliens to work in specialty occupations. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Specialized group (e.g. health professionals, students, veterans); (b) Small business (less than 500 employees); (c) Profit organization; (d) Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (e) Quasi-public non-profit institution/organization; (f) Other private institutions/organizations; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Employers contact the appropriate office of the Employment and Training Administration and aliens contact a U.S. Consul abroad of the Immigration and Naturalization Service in the United States. Award Procedure: None. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From I to 7 days. Appeals: No procedure for appealing ETA’s determination to accept or reject a Labor Condition Application. Complaints regarding misrepresentation in the attestation or failure of the employer to carry out the terms of the attestation may be filed with the Wage and Hour Division, Employment Standards Administration, Department of Labor. Renewals: Treated as filing of new labor condition applications. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Contact the local office of the State Employment Service and Employment and Training Administration regional offices listed in Appendix IV of the catalog. Headquarters Office: Director, United States Employment Service, Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Telephone: (202) 219- 5257. Contact: John M. Beverly.

ENERGY-RELATED INVENTIONS
Current Year: Grants: $2,900,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $0,000 Total: $2,900,000
OBJECTIVES: To encourage innovation in developing non-nuclear energy technology by providing assistance to individual and small business companies in the development of promising energy-related inventions. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Anyone/general public; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Proposals should be prepared to respond to details contained in the competitive program solicitation. The details of the solicitation are posted on the Office of Industrial Technologies homepage at http://www.oit.gov. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-I 10. Award Procedure: Size of the Federal grant awards range from up to $40,000 for ideas at the conceptual stage, or up to $100,000 for the developmental stage of an idea. The level of financial assistance will be will be determined during the review process by DOE. Proposals will be evaluated and selected for grant awards by a panel of knowledgeable program and technical personnel. In addition to financial assistance this program offers technical guidance and commercialization support to successful applicants. Deadlines: Applications are due on the date and time specified in the program solicitation. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: The range is from 90 to 120 days from the close of the solicitation to award announcement Appeals: Unsuccessful applicants are entitled to a debriefing by DOE program and procurement officials with a clear explanation of why the proposal was not accepted for funding. Renewals: Not applicable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Jennifer Squire, Golden Field Office, U.S. Department of Energy, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO
80401. Telephone: (303) 275-4764; Internet: Jennifer_squire@nrel.gov; or Jim Damm, Contract Specialist. Telephone: (303) 275-4744, Fax: (303) 2754788. Internet: jim_danim@nrel.gov. Headquarters Office: Sandra Glatt, Office of Industrial Technologies, (EE-23), Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585. Telephone: (202) 586-3987.

LABOR CERTIFICATION FOR ALIEN WORKERS
Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $3l,300,000 Total: 31,300,000
OBJECTIVES: To protect jobs of American workers and assure that the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers will not be adversely affected by the admission of nonagricultural workers. To assist employers by supplementing the work force with needed skills. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Other public institution/organization; (b) Individual/Family; (c) Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals); (d) Quasi-public non-profit institution/organization; (e) Other private institutions/organizations; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: Employers contact the appropriate local office of the State employment security system, and aliens contact a U.S. Consul abroad or the Immigration and Naturalization Service in the United States. Award Procedure: None. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 6 months to 2 years. Appeals: Review of denials for permanent alien workers may be made to the Department of Labor’s Office of Administrative Law Judges. Denials of temporary nonagricultural workers are appealed to the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Renewals: Not applicable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Contact the local office of the State employment service and Employment and Training Administration regional offices listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: Director, United States Employment Service, Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Telephone: (202)
219- 5257. Contact: John Beverly.
MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES Current Year: Grants: $0,000 Loans: $0,000 Other: $542,000 Total: $542,000
OBJECTIVES: (1) To support increased participation of minority, and women-owned small businesses and operated business enterprises (MBE’s); (2) to develop energy-related minority small business assistance programs; (3) to encourage public/private partnerships to provide technical assistance to MBE’s; (4) to transfer applicable technology from national Federal laboratories to MBE’s; and (5) to increase DOE’s high technology research and C development contracting activities. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: (a) Minority Group; APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: MBES are to contact DOE and request assistance. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-l 10. Award Procedure: Not Applicable. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Office of Economic Impact and Diversity, Department of Energy, ED-I, Forrestal Building, Room SB-l 10, Washington. DC 20585. Contact: Sterling Nichols. Telephone: (202) 586-8698.

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