20.903 Support Mechanisms for Disadvantaged Businesses (Liaison and Outreach Services Program (LOSP))

To develop support mechanisms, including liaison and assistance programs, that will provide outreach and referrals for technical assistance to small disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) 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 (DBEs) in order to increase their participation in existing DOT programs and DOT funded projects.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants.
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USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Financial assistance under this section may be given for projects which respond to needs as outlined in each respective program request for proposal. Assistance must provide a special level of effort or service in outreach, technical assistance, information dissemination and linkage to governmental entities. Also provide support for Department Short Term Lending & Bonding Assistance to certified minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Established 501 C(6) tax-exempt Chambers of Commerce or Trade Associations which have the documented experience and capacity necessary to successfully operate and administer a coordinated, regional liaison outreach effort within a region of the United States.
Beneficiary Eligibility:   Small businesses (minority and non- minority), socially and economically disadvantaged persons, and businesses which are owned and operated by women.
Credentials/Documentation:   Proof of tax-exempt status and 501c(6) IRS status.

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APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Pre-application Coordination:   Consultation and assistance available at the OSDBU, Minority Business Resource Center. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
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-110.
Award Procedure:   A review panel will review and score each application based upon the evaluation criteria included in the announcement. Final decisions on acceptance are made by the Director, OSDBU. 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.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements: None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Awards are generally made for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of one year. Extensions over a longer period are possible, contingent upon the needs of the OSDBU. Disbursements are made in partial payments based on activities successfully performed.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Program and fiscal reports, as described in each award. A final report is required after completion of the agreement.
Audits:   DOT's Inspector General and the Comptroller General of the United States may at all reasonable times investigate and audit in the offices of the grantee all documents, papers, books and records, relevant to the execution and implementation of the conditions of this agreement.
Records:   Recipient is required to retain all documents, files, books, and records relevant to the execution and implementation of then conditions of this agreement for a period of not less than 3 years, except, if any litigation, dispute, exception, or audit is commenced, the records and other materials shall be retained until the litigation, dispute, exception, or audit is judicially or administratively made final.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   69-0119-0-1-407.
Obligations:   (Cooperative Agreements) FY 01 $950,500; FY 02 est $1,100,000; and FY 03 est $1,000,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Average $134,000.

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PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

In fiscal year 2002 seven new cooperative agreements will be funded.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Not yet available.

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.
Web Site Address:   http://www.dot.gov.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

As described in each announcement.

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