Government Grant for Census Bureau Data Products, $1,295,000 total funding

Purpose of this program:

To provide statistical results of censuses, surveys, and other programs on the Internet, in printed reports, floppy discs, CD-ROMs, DVDs and online, and to provide maps showing area boundaries and codes.
11.001 CENSUS BUREAU DATA PRODUCTS

(Census Bureau Publications, CD-ROMs, DVDs, Online (Internet), and Other Media)

FEDERAL AGENCY
CENSUS BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

AUTHORIZATION
sssAct of August 31, 1954, Public Law 83-740.

OBJECTIVES
To provide statistical results of censuses, surveys, and other programs on the Internet, in printed reports, floppy discs, CD-ROMs, DVDs and online, and to provide maps showing area boundaries and codes.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Dissemination of Technical Information.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS
Statistical products are used by Federal, State, and local agencies, businesses, industries, educational institutions, and the general public. Data are available for many types of geographic areas from a variety of programs: (1) The censuses of population and housing; American Community Survey, retail trade; wholesale trade; service industries; construction industries; transportation, communications, and utilities; manufactures; mineral industries; financial, insurance, and real estate industries; and governments; (2) periodic and special surveys covering the preceding subjects; (3) population estimates and projections programs; and (4) foreign trade statistics program. Also available are statistical compendia, directories, indexes, catalogs, and guides to statistical data. Restrictions: Census laws guarantee the confidentiality of data concerning individual persons, households, and business establishments.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicant Eligibility
Census Bureau products are available for review and for purchase by all interested persons.

Beneficiary Eligibility
General public.

Credentials/Documentation
Not applicable.

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS

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

Application Procedure
Not applicable.

Award Procedure
Not applicable.

Deadlines
Not applicable.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Not applicable.

Appeals
Not applicable.

Renewals
Not applicable.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS

Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS

Reports
None.

Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), audits of states, local governments, and non-profit organizations. Nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in federal awards are exempt from federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records
None.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Account Identification
13-0450-0-1-376; 13-0401-0-1-376.

Obligations
(Salaries and Expenses) FY 06 $352,000; FY 07 est $275,000; and FY 08 est not available.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Customer Services Center, Marketing Services Office, received orders for various data products (namely, DVDs, CD-ROM and print on demand reports)in fiscal year 2005. Also, substantial amounts of data were disseminated online. The Census Bureau's Internet site continued to expand its data offerings in fiscal year 2005. (Internet address: http://www.census.gov/). Customers may now order Census Bureau products online and pay for them using all major credit cards or electronic checks.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE
The Census Bureau's Customer Services Center maintains an online sales catalog listing all data products available for sale. The Center issues the Census Product Update, a biweekly email and online newsletter to customers at no charge; please contact Customer Services (301) 763-INFO (4636) for ordering information, or check "Catalog" on the Internet site(http://www.census.gov).

INFORMATION CONTACTS

Regional or Local Office
See list of Department of Commerce District Offices, and 12 Bureau of the Census Regional Offices at http://www.census.gov/field/www/.

Headquarters Office
Customer Services Center, Marketing Services Office, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC 20233. Telephone: (301) 763- INFO (4636). Information on Census Bureau training opportunities is available at: http://www.census.gov/mso/www/training/index.htm. Additional information about regional events and meetings and conferences in which the Census Bureau will participate is available at: http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/mso/cencal/.

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

RELATED PROGRAMS
10.153, Market News; 11.002, Census Customer Services; 11.003, Census Geography; 11.004, Census Intergovernmental Services; 11.005, Census Special Tabulations and Services; 11.025, Measures and Analyses of the U.S. Economy; 17.002, Labor Force Statistics.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS
Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS
Not applicable.

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Disadvantaged Business Enterprises_Short Term Lending Program, $8,000,000 total funding

Purpose of this program:

To enhance and further the opportunity of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) to obtain accounts receivable financing for the performance of transportation-related contracts emanating from the DOT, its grantees, recipients, their contractors and subcontractors.
20.905 DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES_SHORT TERM LENDING PROGRAM

(Short Term Lending Program)

FEDERAL AGENCY
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

AUTHORIZATION
Public Law 97-449, 49 U.S.C. 332.

OBJECTIVES
To enhance and further the opportunity of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) to obtain accounts receivable financing for the performance of transportation-related contracts emanating from the DOT, its grantees, recipients, their contractors and subcontractors.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Direct Loans.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS
The lines of credit are issued in support of transportation related contracts. Transportation related means a contract for the maintenance, rehabilitation, restructuring, improvement, or revitalization of any of the Nation's modes of transportation with any public or commercial provider of transportation or any Federal, State or local transportation agency.

Applicant Eligibility
The recipient of a line of credit must be a certified DBE, minority-owned business enterprise or women-owned business enterprise. These certifications must be performed under DOT guidelines, 49 CFR Part 26. All firms certified by the Small Business Administration as 8(a) firms, HUBZONE Empowerment elgible, or Disabled Veterans are eligible to participate in the Lending program. The applicant must be in business for 2-3 years. This program is not for start-up businesses.

Beneficiary Eligibility
Minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises.

Credentials/Documentation
Certification letter from the recipient agencies must be current.

Preapplication Coordination
Information and consultation is available at the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU); however applicants are encouraged to get the application information on the loan program from the OSDBU webpage. Also, applicants can request technical assistance from the nearest Small Business Development Center. Telephone: (800) 532-1169 or (202) 366-2852. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure
Applications are submitted directly to one of the participating banks. Applicants may obtain a copy of the application and identify the bank servicing each region on the OSDBU internet site at: http://osdbuweb.dot.gov or by contacting the OSDBU or the participating bank.

Award Procedure
All lines of credit are approved through separate decisions by the bank and by DOT and are administered by the bank.

Deadlines
Not applicable.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
OSDBU staff performs completeness review within 3 to 5 days of receipt of application. Decisions are made within 30 to 60 days from the time the application is submitted.

Appeals
Not applicable.

Renewals
DBEs can apply for renewal of existing lines of credit. Renewals and increases in in lines of credit are encouraged. The maximum length in the program is 5 years.

Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Lines of credit are generally approved for a one year period.

Reports
Monthly, internal OSDBU reports; reports to the Secretary of Transportation on all line of credit approvals and loan readiness approvals.

Audits
DOT has the right to audit its accounts with the banks.

Records
OSDBU maintains records of all applicant files, such as approvals, pending review, loan readiness, denials, etc. All line of credit approvals will be maintained for 7 years and non- approvals will be maintained for 3 years.

Account Identification
69-0102-0-1-407.

Obligations
(Loans) FY 06 not available; FY 07 est not available; and FY 08 est not available.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The maximum line of credit is $500,000, and there is no minimum amount.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
During fiscal year 2005, 18 applications were approved.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE
Public Law 97- 449, 49 U.S.C. 332.

Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.

Headquarters Office
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, S-40, Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 366-2852; toll-free (800) 532-1169.

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

RELATED PROGRAMS
59.006, 8(a) Business Development Program; 59.043, Women's Business Ownership Assistance.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS
Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS
Not applicable.

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Commercial Service, $198,154,000 total funding

Purpose of this program:

Through export counseling, trade promotion, trade finance and advocacy provided by domestic international network of trade professionals, encourage export capable U.S. firms to expand their export marketing efforts or begin exporting; to assist them to identify and assess potential foreign trade contacts and market opportunities; and to facilitate their export efforts through a comprehensive use of export promotion services, including trade events and market research information.
11.108 COMMERCIAL SERVICE

FEDERAL AGENCY
INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

AUTHORIZATION
Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, Public Law 100-418, 15 U.S.C. 473; 15 U.S.C. 1512; 15 U.S.C. 649a et seq.

OBJECTIVES
Through export counseling, trade promotion, trade finance and advocacy provided by domestic international network of trade professionals, encourage export capable U.S. firms to expand their export marketing efforts or begin exporting; to assist them to identify and assess potential foreign trade contacts and market opportunities; and to facilitate their export efforts through a comprehensive use of export promotion services, including trade events and market research information.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Advisory Services and Counseling.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS
Services include the following: (1) Information on foreign market trade opportunities; (2) export counseling for U.S. business on market identification and assessment; (3) non-financial assistance in export promotion (matchmaker missions, multi-state/catalog exhibitions, and other specialized promotions); 4) product promotions through catalog-magazine listings; 5) support to State and private sector organizers of selected domestic and foreign trade fairs and missions through international buyer shows, certified trade fairs and missions; (6) information on foreign tariffs, customs regulations and procedures, market potential in individual countries industry analyses, and other related activities; (7) foreign government- to-government advocacy and representation; (8) advice and counseling on individual foreign markets; and (9) assistance on sources of export finance available from U.S. Export Import Bank, U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Agency for International Development in U.S. Export Assistance Centers; (10) information on locating and evaluating prospective overseas business contacts.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicant Eligibility
Any U.S. citizen, firm, organization, or branch of government needing information or assistance in international business matters.

Beneficiary Eligibility
Any U.S. citizen, firm, organization or branch of government needing information or assistance in international business matters.

Credentials/Documentation
None.

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS

Preapplication Coordination
Not applicable. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure
Not applicable.

Award Procedure
Not applicable.

Deadlines
Not applicable.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Not applicable.

Appeals
Not applicable.

Renewals
Not applicable.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS

Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS

Reports
None.

Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award documents.

Records
None.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Account Identification
13-1250-0-1-376.

Obligations
(Operations and Administration) FY 06 est $222,839,000; FY 07 est $237,291,000; and FY 08 est not available.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Directly contributed to the expansion of U.S. exports, particularly those of small and medium-size firms through one-on-one business counseling. Advocated on behalf of U.S. business firms in their pursuit of major foreign projects and products sales contracts. Provided trade opportunity leads, market research, Agent/Distributor Reports (ADS), International Country Profiles (ICP), Customized Market Analysis (CMA), and a variety of other marketing information products. Introduced visiting U.S. executives to end-users and other potential business partners. Assisted U.S. business firms in their participation in major foreign promotional exhibitions, trade missions, and trade delegations. Provided in-depth counseling and marketing information through, personal visits, by telephone, fax, and other correspondence to U.S. business representatives. Aggressively advocated U.S. business interests abroad. Develop E-Commerce programs to expand and expedite market entry programs for U.S. companies.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE
Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, Public Law 100-418, Title II, Section 2308, 102 Stat. 1342; 15 U.S.C. 472. A Basic Guide to Exporting; Commercial News USA (CNUSA); program/service literature; conditions of participation, Operations Manual, and Federal Register notices.

INFORMATION CONTACTS

Regional or Local Office
Export Assistance Centers (EAC): Local Department of Commerce, Commercial Services domestic field offices are listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office
Not applicable.

Web Site Address
http://ita.doc.gov

RELATED PROGRAMS
None.

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Business and Industry Loans, $857,000,000 total funding

Purpose of this program:

To assist public, private, or cooperative organizations (profit or nonprofit), Indian tribes or individuals in rural areas to obtain quality loans for the purpose of improving, developing or financing business, industry, and employment and improving the economic and environmental climate in rural communities including pollution abatement and control.

10.768 BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY LOANS

FEDERAL AGENCY
RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended, Section 310B, Public Law 92-419, 7 U.S.C. 1932.

OBJECTIVES
To assist public, private, or cooperative organizations (profit or nonprofit), Indian tribes or individuals in rural areas to obtain quality loans for the purpose of improving, developing or financing business, industry, and employment and improving the economic and environmental climate in rural communities including pollution abatement and control.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Guaranteed/Insured Loans.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS
Guaranteed loans may be extended for: (a) modernization, development costs; (b) purchasing and development of land, easements, rights-of-way, buildings, facilities, leases or materials; (c) purchasing equipment, leasehold improvements, machinery and supplies; (d) projects involving agricultural production, when not eligible for Farm Service Agency farmer program assistance and when it is part of an integrated business also involved in the processing of agricultural products and the agricultural production portion of the loan does not exceed the lessor of 50 percent of the total loan or $1 million; and (e) pollution control and abatement. Maximum loan size is $25 million. For cooperative organizations under certain conditions, the maximum loan size is $40 million. Maximum time allowable for final maturity is limited to 30 years for land and buildings, the usable life of machinery and equipment purchased with loan funds, not to exceed 15 years, and 7 years for working capital. Interest rates for guaranteed loans are negotiated between the lender and the borrower. For loans of $5 million or less, the maximum percentage of guarantee is 80 percent. For loans over $5 million but not over $10 million, the maximum percentage of guarantee is 70 percent. For loans in excess of $10 million up to $40 million, the maximum percentage of guarantee is 60 percent. Losses on principal advanced, including protective advances, and accrued interest, may be guaranteed by the Agency, but the maximum loss paid by RBS will never exceed the original principal plus accrued interest. Loans may not be made for: (a) distribution or payment to the owner, partners, shareholders, or beneficiaries of the applicant or members of their families when such persons shall retain any portion of their equity in the business; (b) the transfer of ownership of a business unless the loan will keep the business from closing, or prevent the loss of employment opportunities in the area, or provide expanded job opportunities; (c) the guarantee of lease payments; (d) charitable institutions, churches, fraternal organizations, lending and investment institutions and insurance companies; (e) any legitimate business activity where more than 10 percent of the annual gross income is derived from legalized gambling; (f) the guarantee of loans made by other Federal agencies except those made by Banks for Cooperatives, Federal Land Bank or Production Credit Associations; (g) golf courses; (h) racetracks where individual prizes are awarded in the amount of $500 or more; (i) owner-occupied housing; (j) projects eligible for the Rural Rental Housing and Rural Cooperative Housing loans under sections 515, 521, and 538 of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended; and (k) any project which is likely to result in the transfer of business or employment from one area to another or cause production which exceeds demand. Interested parties should contact the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) or the nearest Rural Development State Office which administers the programs at the local level. Insurance companies; (e) any legitimate business activity where more Than 10 percent of the annual gross income is derived from legalized gambling; (f) the guarantee of loans made by other Federal agencies except those made by Banks for Cooperatives, Federal Land Bank or Production Credit Associations; (g) golf courses; (h) racetracks where individual prizes are awarded in the amount of $500 or more; (i) owner-occupied housing; (j) projects eligible for the Rural Rental Housing and Rural Cooperative Housing loans under sections 515, 521, and 538 of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended; and (k) any project which is likely to result in the transfer of business or employment from one area to another or cause production which exceeds demand. Interested parties should contact the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) or the nearest Rural Development State Office
whichadministers the programs at the local level.

Applicant Eligibility
An applicant may be a cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, or other legal entity organized and operated on a profit or nonprofit basis; an Indian tribe; a municipality, county, or other political subdivision of a State; or individuals in rural areas. Applicants for guaranteed loans must be located in one of the fifty States, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of the Marshall Islands in rural areas other than a city, having a population of fifty thousand or more and its contingent adjacent urbanized area, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture according to the latest decennial census of the United States. Preference is given to loans in open country, rural communities and towns with populations of 25,000 or less, and, on applications of equal priority, to veterans. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for permanent residence and, if corporations, at least 51 percent owned by such individuals.

Beneficiary Eligibility
Beneficiaries include cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, trust or legal entities organized and operated for profit or nonprofit, Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments and individuals in rural cities and towns of less than 50,000 population.

Credentials/Documentation
Evidence of legal capacity, economic feasibility and financial responsibility relative to the activity for which assistance is requested. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Preapplication Coordination
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. All preapplication letters must be coordinated fully with appropriate State agencies in keeping with E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," in a manner that will assure maximum support of the State's strategies for development of its rural areas. The application form as furnished by the Federal agency must be used for this program. An environmental assessment is required and an environmental impact statement may be required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102.

Application Procedure
Form 4279-1 is used for guaranteed loans and filed at the Rural Development State Office. These programs are excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure
Applications are forwarded to the Rural Development State Director for review and final approval.

Deadlines
None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 60 to 120 days.

Appeals
If an application is denied, the reasons for denial are fully stated. The lender or applicant may individually or jointly request mediation or an appeal hearing by the National Appeals Staff within 30 days provided the request is in writing. The requestor and State Director are notified of the decision by the Hearing Officer.

Renewals
None.

Formula and Matching Requirements
Matching funds are not required. For existing businesses, applicants are required to provide a minimum of 10 percent tangible balance sheet equity for guaranteed loans. For new businesses, at least 20 percent is required for guaranteed loans. Feasibility studies are normally required. Exceptions to the feasibility study requirement may be made to businesses with adequate financial history.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The letter of conditions for the direct loan and the Conditional Commitment for the guaranteed loan specifies the time limit for the use of funds. The Loan Note Guarantee for a guaranteed loan will be issued when all of the requirements of the Conditional Commitment have been or will be met.

Reports
Each guaranteed lender will be required to monitor and report to RBS on actual performance during the construction of each project financed, in whole or in part, with RBS assistance. When the project is in operation, field visits will be made and customary financial statements provided as determined by the guaranteed lender and RBS.

Audits
Independent accountant compiled or reviewed financial statements prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles are required annually for guaranteed loans and for direct loans with a principal and interest balance of less than $ 1 million. RBS may require audited statements for guaranteed loans in excess of $3 million.

Records
Records and accounts must be maintained to reflect the operations of the project.

Account Identification
12-4155-0-3-452; 12-0400-0-1-452.

Obligations
(Guaranteed Loans) FY 06 $766,314,301; FY 07 $830,435,486; and FY 08 est $990,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$35,000 to $17.5 million for guaranteed loans. $2.0 million (average size) for B&I guaranteed loans.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
There were 350 guarantees made in fiscal year 2006. There was 390 guarantees made in fiscal year 2007 and it is anticipated 395 guarantees made in fiscal year 2008.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE
Guaranteed Loans: 7 CFR Part 4279-A, Section 4279.1 through 4279.100, Part 4279-B, Section 4279.101 through 4279.200, and Part 4287-B, Section 4287.101 through 4279.200.

Regional or Local Office
Consult your local telephone directory for appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-3201. Telephone: (202) 690-4730. Fax: (202) 690-4737.

Web Site Address
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

RELATED PROGRAMS
10.766, Community Facilities Loans and Grants; 10.769, Rural Business Enterprise Grants.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS
Loans made and guaranteed by RBS have been in order to assist a wide variety of manufacturing, retail, wholesale, and service businesses. Some recent loans and loan guarantees have assisted an agribusiness in expanding its service area, helped a radio station begin operations, constructed and equipped an ethanol plant, assisted a textile firm in modernizing and expanding its operations, and provided working capital and financing for machinery and equipment for a printing company.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS
(1) Those projects that will save existing jobs, (2) improve existing business and industry, (3) create the greatest number of permanent jobs, (4) contribute to the overall economic stability of rural areas.

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