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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Program Descriptions

59.044:  Veterans Entrepreneurial Training and Counseling

Popular Name:  VBOP

Objectives:  To provide long term training, counseling, and mentoring to benefit small business concerns and potential small business concerns owned and controlled by eligible veterans. Eligible veterans means (A) a veteran who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary, or (B) a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

PROGRAM AND AWARD	FINANCIAL AND INFORMATION CONTACTS
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS	FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO.
APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS	INFORMATION CONTACTS
RELATED PROGRAMS	ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS
PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS	POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS

59.044 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:  An eligible applicant for the Veterans' Outreach Program cooperative agreement is a responsible educational institution, private business, veterans' nonprofit community-based organization, and Federal, State and local departments and agencies for the establishment and implementation of outreach programs for eligible veterans.

Beneficiary Eligibility:  First beneficiaries are eligible veterans and former POWs who seek to start and manage a small business; second beneficiaries are other veterans; third beneficiaries are other disabled; and fourth beneficiaries are all others.

Credentials/Documentation:  Credentials and documentation can be found on the annual program announcement.

59.044 APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination:  None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:  Applicants will submit proposals based on a request for proposal (RFP). The RFP may request that the applicant apply for a grant or contract. This will be made clear at the time of the RFP is issued. Instructions for applying will be contained in the RFP document. No unsolicited proposal will be considered for this program.

Award Procedure:  The proposal will be subject to an independent panel review. The elements of the panel review will include a review of a technical and cost proposals, each under a separate cover. The technical proposal will consist of four sections: (1) programmatic concept, (2) understanding the problem or need, (3) coordination of resources, and (4)organizational qualifications. The cost proposal will be evaluated based on reasonableness of cost and compliance with OMB Circulars A-110 or A-112. Additionally the cost proposal must contain (1) a comprehensive development plan, (2) budget preparation, and (3) expenditures for fundraising activities may not be charged as a cost item and demonstration of adequate community based resources to achieve matching formula for non-Federal funds.

Deadlines:  Designated on the RFP.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:  Usually within 30 to 90 days after closing date of the RFP.

Appeals:  In accordance with FAR Part 33 if a contract; or not applicable if a grant.

Renewals:  Subject to the exercise of option years.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals:  The technical proposal will consist of four sections: (1) programmatic concept, (2) understanding the problem or need, (3) coordination of resources, and (4) organizational qualifications. The cost proposal will be evaluated based on reasonableness of cost and compliance with OMB Circulars A-110 or A-112. Additionally the cost proposal must contain (1) a comprehensive development plan, (2) budget preparation, and (3) expenditures for fundraising activities may not be charged as a cost item and demonstration of adequate community based resources to achieve matching formula for non-Federal funds.

Examples of Funded Projects:  Not applicable.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  $350 to $1,500 per client.

59.044 RELATED PROGRAMS:

• 59.005 Business Development Assistance to Small Business.

59.044 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

59.044 FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO:

Federal Agency:  SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Type of Assistance:  Cooperative Agreements.

Obligations:  (Grants) FY 99 $0; FY 00 est $600,000; and FY 01 est $600,000.

Budget Account Number:  73-0100-0-1-376.

Authorization:  Small Business Act of 1953, Sections 8(b)(1)(A) and (B), 15 U.S.C. 637(B)(17).

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature:  Contact the Federal agency for more information.

59.044 INFO CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:  For addresses of the SBA field offices, see Appendix IV of the Catalog under Small Business Administration.

Headquarters Office:  Director, Office of Veteran Affairs, Small Business Administration, Fifth Floor, 409 Third Street, SW., Washington DC 20416. Phone: (202) 205-6773. Use same number for FTS. Contact: Reginald Teamer.

(See Appendix IV for more contact info.)

59.044 ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:  The applicant must be capable of meeting the non-SBA matching requirements. The applicant must provide letters of commitment form other sources to certify the ability to match SBA contributions. The applicant who becomes a recipient/contractor must be prepared to report receipt of such contributions no later than the end of each program year.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:  Usually not to exceed 12 months for the basic effort and four option years. Funds are made available on a cost reimbursement basis.

Uses and Use Restrictions:  To establish Veteran Business Outreach Centers for the benefit of small business concerns and potential small business concerns owned and controlled by eligible veterans.

59.044 POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:  Quarterly performance and financial reports to the SBA Central Office no later than 30 days following the end of the quarter. A final report is due 90 days after the completion of the project year.

Audits:  When necessary, on a case-by-case basis.

Records:  The recipient should be prepared to maintain detailed, complete, and accurate client activity records of a sufficiency to reflect clearly the nature and variety of the services provided. Financial records must be maintained until 3 years after the completion of the grant project or submission of the final report, whichever is later. The recipient should be prepared to participate in the development of a program-wide intranet system.