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Tech Hubs FY25 FAQs

(Last updated: 9/30/2025)

The below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are designed to help Tech Hubs better understand the FY 2025 competition process and Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). If you have any questions that are not addressed in the FAQs below, nor in the NOFO, feel free to contact your Program Officer or the team at [email protected].

EDA will update these FAQs regularly, noting at the top of this page the date of the latest update.

​​Contents

​Competition Process

  1. Who is eligible to apply to this NOFO?
    1. Only 19 applicants are eligible to apply to this FY 2025 Tech Hubs NOFO. These are Tech Hub consortia which were: designated in October 2023 as Tech Hubs, have received Consortium Accelerator Awards (CAAs), and have not received any other EDA Tech Hubs Implementation funds.
  2. What is the application deadline?
    1. The deadline for Stage I applications is 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 7, 2025. Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered for advancement to Stage II. The deadline for Stage II applications is 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 18, 2026.
  3. When will awards be announced?
    1. EDA expects to announce awards in Spring 2026.
  4. How many Hubs will receive Implementation awards, and how many projects will be awarded per Hub?
    1. The total number of Hubs awarded, and federal funding amounts per Hub and per project, will vary depending on the nature of the projects, the location of the Hub, and the selected core technology area. EDA has no target for the number of Hubs to be funded and anticipates selecting anywhere from zero to approximately five component projects per Hub.
  5. How is this competition process different than previous processes?
    1. A new feature of the FY25 competition is that it will be administered in two stages.
      1. In Stage I, eligible consortia will have the opportunity to submit a Preliminary Application Package for EDA’s review. EDA will evaluate submitted materials based on the merit criteria outlined in the NOFO. EDA will notify applicants of the component projects it determines have the greatest potential and thus can advance to Stage II. A consortium may have all, some, or none of its proposed projects advance to Stage II.
      2. In Stage II, invited consortia will submit Comprehensive Application Packages for each of the projects selected in Stage I by EDA to proceed and will be asked to present their overall Tech Hub vision through a formal, recorded pitch.
    2. This process change considers grantee and EDA staff capacity, helping them focus effort and resources on the most promising projects.
  6. How else is this Tech Hubs NOFO different than previous NOFOs?
    1. This FY 25 NOFO requires applicants to clarify their Hub’s commercialization gaps and centralize it in their Implementation strategy. It also requires applicants to clarify why any individual entity cannot address these gaps alone, and why federal funding is necessary to solve it.
    2. This NOFO eliminates certain requirements of previous NOFOs, such as those pertaining to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion requirements, housing plan requirements, and emphasis on engaging labor unions and incorporating prevailing wage and local hire provisions.
    3. This NOFO requires an explanation of how proposed Implementation projects will benefit the American taxpayer by maximizing impact at the lowest cost and demonstrating potential for economic gains like business growth, job growth, or tax revenues. Applicants should also propose ways to share returns with taxpayers if revenues are realized by for-profit entities.
      1. See examples in the NOFO under Appendix B - Taxpayer Bargain- Contribution to the U.S. Taxpayer Guidance.
  7. Can EDA provide further feedback on our Hub’s previous application?
    1. EDA provided individualized feedback on previous Tech Hubs applications in distinct calls to all 31 Hubs in summer and fall 2024. Note that while previous feedback can be useful, it should be carefully assessed for relevance to this NOFO.
    2. The EDA team will not repeat this individualized feedback process ahead of the FY25 Stage I application deadline, but is willing to solicit Hubs’ specific questions.
    3. After Stage I of the current competition, EDA may provide feedback to RIOs or Component Project Lead Organizations on the scope and nature of certain component projects in preparation for Stage II.
  8. Will there be future opportunities for non-designated regions to apply for Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grants, or Designation?
    1. EDA does not have information on the design of future competitions for which appropriations have not been secured.
  9. Will there be future opportunities for Designated Hubs that have already received Implementation awards to apply for follow-on awards?
    1. EDA does not have information on the design of future competitions for which appropriations have not been secured.

  10. How will EDA use Performance Progress Reports and survey data related to Consortium Accelerator Awards (CAA) in evaluating applications under this NOFO? (Question added on 9/30/2025)

    1. Hubs are asked to provide an update on their relevant activities and progress in the Overarching Narrative, under the Current Status of the Hub section.

    2. Previously submitted Performance Progress Reports may be used to validate a Tech Hub’s activities and progress during the review process.

    3. Survey data will not be used in the review process. 

Consortium Structure

  1. Can my consortium add or remove members between previous competitions and this one?
    1. Yes, membership can change. Members can be added so long as their entity type is an eligible recipient. The applicant should describe these changes in the Overarching Hub Narrative, in the Current Status of the Tech Hub section. Please refer to the NOFO section A.3.I (p.6) for guidance on specific eligibility of types of members.
  2. Can the Lead Consortium Member change between previous competitions and this one?
    1. Yes, if sufficient justification is provided. Please notify your Program Officer as soon as possible. Note that a consortium cannot have more than one Lead Consortium Member.
  3. Can a consortium member be the Component Project Lead for more than one component project for the application?
    1. Yes, however, any consortium member leading multiple component projects should demonstrate its capacity to manage each of those projects individually as well as the full portfolio of projects as a coordinated whole.
  4. What is the responsibility of the Component Project Lead if funded?
    1. If awarded, the Component Project Lead will be a direct grantee of EDA, receiving and signing their own award for that project. Upon acceptance of the award, they enter a legally binding relationship with EDA. They will be responsible for managing their project’s administration and finances and regular reporting on their project progress. They will also be responsible for coordinating with the RIO, Consortium Lead, the other Component Project Leads, and their own project’s subrecipients.
    2. Note that for construction projects, the owner of the property being built on or improved needs to be a direct grantee of EDA, either as Component Project Lead or as a Co-Applicant.
  5. Can our consortium’s geographic footprint change from that of previous Tech Hubs competitions?
    1. Applicants are expected to retain their designated Tech Hub geography for their FY 25 Tech Hubs NOFO application.
    2. Tech Hubs that wish to change their geography should discuss the potential change with their Program Officer (PO). Any requests for changes to a Hub’s defined geography must be reviewed and approved in advance of submitting a proposal to the FY25 Tech Hubs NOFO.
    3. While applicants are free to identify benefits of a Tech Hub that go beyond their chosen geography, EDA anticipates that a substantial majority of the benefits (e.g., job creation and retention, worker placements, capital formation and deployment, firm creation and growth) expected to result from EDA funding should accrue within the Tech Hub. See this question regarding changes to consortia membership.
  6. Are consortia required to create a separate legal entity to apply for funding?
    1. There is no formal requirement and EDA does not prefer a particular consortium structure. Consortia may choose to create a new legal entity, use MOUs, or use an informal structure. However, EDA does expect that consortium members are actively collaborating and aligned on their Tech Hubs strategy as coordinated by the Lead Consortium Member and RIO.
    2. If you intend to create a new entity that would receive EDA funds, consider when it will be created in relation to an award announcement in Spring 2026. You should start the process soon (and register it in SAM.gov for a CAGE code and UEI number), though it still may not be ready by Spring 2026. Late SAM.gov registration or entity changes may cause delays in a potential award, disbursements, etc.
  7. Can our consortium include members based in other countries?
    1. Yes, foreign entities may be members of Tech Hubs consortia. However, EDA prohibits all participation by foreign entities of concern (FEOCs) in Tech Hubs consortia, including but not limited to consortia membership. FEOCs are entities that are owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign country of concern as defined in 10 USC 4872(d)(2). See 15 CFR Part 231.104.
    2. EDA encourages Hubs to continue to seek investment and partnerships domestically and abroad, as this is part of what it means for a Hub to be globally competitive. However, in accepting foreign direct investment, Hubs must ensure proper protocol/protections are in place. See NOFO section A.4.II.a.12 (p.25) for more information.
    3. Note that a substantial majority of the benefits expected to result from EDA funding should accrue within the Tech Hub geography.
  8. Can an organization belong to more than one consortium?
    1. Yes. However, every consortium member should play a clear role in and actively add value to their consortium, and a consortium member’s capacity to effectively implement project activities across multiple consortia will be relevant.
  9. Can a federal entity be a consortium member?
    1. With the exception of National Labs, Federal labs, and Manufacturing USA Institutes, federal entities may not be consortium members. However, we welcome Tech Hubs to engage federal entities as advisors on strategy. Reach out to your Program Officer with any further questions.
  10. Should the RIO focus full-time on the Tech Hub? Can they also focus on other regional economic development efforts?
    1. EDA expects the RIO to spend the majority of their time coordinating and leading the Tech Hub.
  11. How should we distinguish between co-applicants, subrecipients, and contractors?
    1. Subrecipients: Each subrecipient must be an eligible entity under this NOFO. A subrecipient is an entity that receives a subaward from a pass-through entity (i.e., the Component Project Lead Organization) to carry out part of a Federal award. Subrecipients generally carry out a portion of project activities on behalf of the lead applicant or co-applicant(s). Additional documentation may be required for each potential subrecipient. Note that, when deciding between applying with a co-applicant or relying on subrecipients to perform part of the scope of work, EDA generally prefers subrecipients absent specific facts and contexts that require a co-applicant relationship. Please consult your Program Officer if you believe you are in such a situation. The Lead Consortium Member is expected to monitor and manage all subrecipient finances and activities in adherence with the terms and conditions of the award.
    2. Co-applicants: Each co-applicant must be an eligible entity under this NOFO. Generally, co-applicants jointly manage and implement the project scope of work. Co-applicants are generally required to submit the same forms that the primary applicant must submit. Co-applicants of an awarded application will be considered “Co-recipients.”
      1. In the case of construction grants, if the property owner is not the Component Project Lead, they SHOULD be listed a co-applicant.
      2. See the NOFO Section D.2 (p.33) for a comprehensive list of the documents required for all co-applicants.
    3. Contractors: Contractors are entities that receive a contract, defined as a legal instrument by which a recipient or subrecipient purchases property or services needed to carry out a project or program under a Federal award (for definition of “contractor” see 2 CFR 200.1). Contractors do not have to meet entity type eligibility requirements under this NOFO. All contractors (including contractors listed in application materials) must be procured in accordance with the procurement standards at 2 CFR §§ 200.317-327.
      1. Note: Contractors that receive federal funds under this award cannot provide match or cost share for the same award. See this question about how contractual services provided by consortium members are treated in the implementation of grants.
      2. If an applicant has already gone through the procurement process and chosen a contractor (supported by documentation as described in EDA’s Procurement Guide), the applicant should name the vendor in its budget and application.

Component Project Strategy & Management

  1. Can our consortium’s technology focus change from that of previous competitions?
    1. All applicants for Tech Hubs Designation were required to identify a core technology area within or at the intersection of one or more of 10 key technology focus areas (KTFAs) in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (see 42 U.S.C. § 19107). Applicants are expected to retain their designated Tech Hub core technology area for their FY 25 Tech Hubs NOFO application.
    2. A Tech Hub can request a change to their core technology area if there have been changes to the economic and national security environment since designation that have significantly harmed the competitiveness of their current technology area. The burden of proof will be on the requesting Hub to show why the change is needed, and that the new core technology area is aligned with national and economic security priorities and has a strong connection to the Hub’s original designation. While Hubs can request changes to their core technology area, they must retain the same KTFA from designation. Hubs that would like to change their core technology area should discuss any potential changes with their Program Officer (PO).
  2. How should applicants account for other federal grant programs, including both active investment from other programs and pending applications for investment?
    1. To succeed in increasing their global competitiveness over the next decade, Tech Hubs will require policy and investment commitments beyond EDA’s investment. To that end, applicants should clearly identify and describe other public and private investments or applications that support their Tech Hub’s strategy and how those investments complement and reinforce (rather than duplicate) proposed EDA Tech Hubs investments.
    2. EDA will not make duplicative investments, and only in rare cases can applicants use other federal investments as matching funds, so applicants should ensure that proposed projects and activities are not otherwise funded by a match-ineligible federal investment.
    3. See NOFO section A.4.I.5 (p.11) for more detail.
  3. Can Tech Hubs apply for Disaster 2025 funds?
    1. Yes, any Tech Hub may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements in the Disaster 2025 NOFO, regardless of whether they have been awarded—or will be awarded— Tech Hubs implementation funds. Note that it is anticipated that Hubs will learn whether they advance to Stage II of the Tech Hubs competition by the end of 2025, so they may be able to resubmit proposed projects to Disaster (with adjustments to align with Disaster guidelines).
    2. Note: EDA will not fund the same activities under two different competitions.
  4. Does our Hub need to submit five component projects for each of the five broad categories of eligible activities (workforce development, business and entrepreneurship development, technology maturation, governance, and related infrastructure activities)?
    1. No. This is not a requirement. You should select areas on which to focus your component projects based on your Hub’s strategy to meaningfully close your technology commercialization gap. You may also have multiple component projects align with one broad category (e.g., two distinct workforce development projects). The Overarching Hub Narrative should describe proposed projects and justify why those projects are strongly linked to the Hub’s success and how that success could not be realized but for these projects. See NOFO section A.4.I.b (p.10)
  5. What is the expected start date for the period of performance?
    1. EDA expects to announce Stage II (funded) awardees in Spring 2026, with the period of performance starting soon after. EDA recommends that applicants choose a start date no earlier than July 2026. The Tech Hubs team will confirm the appropriate start date as part of due diligence or negotiations prior to any award. See NOFO section C.5 (p.32) for details.
  6. Is there a need to repeat content across the Overarching Application and the Component Project Narratives, or across two or more Component Project Narratives that are related (e.g. a construction project and a non-construction project with programming)?
    1. EDA recommends that applicants include at least some baseline content across components for reviewers. However, you can reference elements or text from your other applications without necessarily repeating the full content.
  7. Is there a need to repeat content from the Case for Designation application under the FY23 competition?
    1. No, applicants are not required to repeat content from their original Case for Designation application. However, applicants should not assume all reviewers in this competition have read that application, and they are welcome to restate elements of it to contextualize and strengthen their application.
  8. How is intellectual property stemming from an EDA award treated? Will consortium members retain ownership of that IP?
    1. The non-Federal entity owns any work produced or purchased under a Federal award subject to the DOC’s royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the work for Government purposes. See pages 17 and 18 of the Department of Commerce Standard Terms and Conditions (PDF) (ST&Cs), which apply to all EDA awards. These sections of the ST&Cs are based on relevant laws and regulations, including but not limited to 2 CFR 200.315 (Intangible property).
  9. Will EDA impose any restrictions on the dissemination or publication of Tech Hubs-generated intellectual property?
    1. EDA does not anticipate imposing any such restrictions. However, Hubs and their consortia members should be aware of and abide by all applicable laws and regulations (e.g., Export Administration Regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations, etc.).
    2. See the above question on ownership of intellectual property.

  10. How should costs for governance and project administration be spread across component projects? (Question added on 9/30/2025)

    1. Costs that support the overall Hub and all component projects (e.g., salaries for the RIO and finance manager(s)) should generally be included in the Governance component project budget.

    2. Costs for administering a specific component project (e.g., salaries for program managers) should generally be included in that project’s budget. See NOFO section C.2.V (p.30) for a list of eligible governance activities.

    3. Hubs may choose not to include governance costs in their budgets (whether as federal share or match) as long as they confirm they will cover governance activities—such as the RIO’s salary, required reporting, and risk mitigation—through secured outside funds. In this case, EDA may ask the applicant to confirm their resources for governance activities not supported by the grant at the time of award. If your Hub is interested in this path, reach out to your PO. 

  11. How should the six Hubs whose awards were announced and then canceled earlier this year think about re-proposing those projects that had been selected for funding? (Question added on 9/30/2025)

    1. All component projects proposed under this FY25 competition will be evaluated anew according to the merit criteria and review process outlined in the FY25 NOFO.

Eligible Uses Of Award Funds

  1. Are for-profit, private sector organizations eligible to receive funding?
    1. Yes.
  2. Can award funds be used to capitalize a venture fund or loan fund to seed start-ups or organizations unknown at the time of submission?
    1. No. This is not an allowable expense. EDA funds cannot be used to capitalize a venture fund, loan fund, or otherwise be used to take equity stakes in companies.
  3. Can award funds be used for prize competitions?
    1. No. Prize competitions, as defined in 15 USC 3719, are not allowed.
  4. Can award funds be used to cover in-person convenings related to our Tech Hub?
    1. Yes. All travel must support the Hub’s goals and project budgets should clearly show how travel funds will be used. Budget line items will be reviewed under the merit criteria in NOFO section (p.36).
    2. At this time EDA does not have plans to host Tech Hubs in Washington, DC.
  5. Can award funds be used for cloud service credits?
    1. No, cloud service credits are not an eligible use of award funds or match.
  6. Can award funds be used for equipment?
    1. Yes. Equipment is defined by federal code as exceeding $10,000 per unit AND has a useful life greater than 1 year. See the definitions of capital assets, computing devices, general purpose equipment, information technology systems, special purpose equipment, and supplies eCFR :: 2 CFR 200.1 -- Definitions.
    2. Note that once if an award is made, equipment purchases will require:
      1. competitive procurement
      2. an executed security agreement with attached equipment list
      3. a copy of the filed UCC-1 form (or equivalent documentation depending on local requirements and the type of property being secured) that identifies EDA as the Secured Party,
      4. and a statement from the equipment owner’s attorney opining that EDA has a perfected security interest and first priority lien in the equipment listed in any related UCC-1 (or equivalent form).
  7. Can award funds be used for a consortium-run competitive grant program, managed by a grantee, to share EDA funds with organizations unknown at the time of application submission?
    1. Yes, this may be an allowable expense depending on the proposed grant program’s design. Applicants considering this should discuss their approach with their Program Officer and ensure they have organizational capacity to both a) manage their own set of grantees requesting funds from and reporting to them, and b) to request funds from and report up to EDA.
  8. Can award funds be used for wage subsidies to employers for employment or on-the-job training?
    1. No. Tech Hubs funds may not be used to pay wage subsidies to employers for ongoing employment or on-the-job training.
    2. This prohibition on wage subsidies does not affect the allowability of personnel costs for delivery of a Tech Hubs-funded project's scope of work, including where the recipient or subrecipient is a private, for-profit entity.
  9. Can award funds be used for research activities? (E.g., hiring grad students to do research, materials for experiments, feasibility studies for new technologies, clinical trials, etc.)
    1. The Tech Hubs program is not intended to fund basic research activities, e.g., studies of a technology’s basic properties or components, proof-of-concept development, or laboratory demonstrations.
    2. Tech Hubs funding should be used to increase the speed and effectiveness with which industry and other organizations transition technologies upward from Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) six through nine (generally, validation, demonstration, and production). Associated activities include but are not limited to clinical trials, prototype testing in simulated and operational environments, IP protection and licensing, quality assurance testing of final design, and production at scale.
    3. Project costs (personnel, equipment, construction, etc.) relevant to technology maturation should enable activities within TRLs six through nine.
  10. Can award funds be used for lease costs?
    1. Yes. The amount applied to the budget (under the ‘Other” category) should be proportionate to the amount of lease time the project will use. (E.g., If the space will be used for the project 5 days a week, 8 hours per day, then EDA will be willing to pay or accept match contribution for 100% of the lease cost. If the space will be used for the project 3 days a week, 8 hours per day, then EDA will be willing to pay or accept match contribution for 60% of the lease.)
    2. Please provide three comps so that EDA can make sure it aligns with fair market value conditions in your project geography.
  11. Can a grantee lease out property as part of a funded project?
    1. Yes. Any leasing or renting out of any facilities or property involved will be subject to the following: (a) That said lease arrangement is consistent with the authorized general and special purpose of the Award; (b) That said lease arrangement is for adequate consideration; (c) That said lease arrangement is consistent with applicable EDA requirements concerning but not limited to nondiscrimination and environmental compliance; and (d) That any program income derived from said leasing arrangement shall be subject to 2 CFR § 200.307.

Procurement And Pre-Award Costs

  1. Can we use Consortium Accelerator Award (CAA) funds for FY25 NOFO application preparation costs?
    1. Yes. CAA awards may be used to cover FY25 NOFO application preparation costs. However, any awarded Implementation funds resulting from this current competition may not be used to backfill FY25 NOFO application preparation costs under any circumstance.
  2. Can an applicant start the contractor solicitation process for a proposed implementation project before being selected for an Implementation award?
    1. In general, an applicant can start necessary solicitation processes before a potential implementation award, but the applicant must understand it is proceeding at its own risk and there is no guarantee of a federal award. The applicant should take this risk into account in the contracting process as appropriate (e.g., by making the contract contingent upon successfully obtaining a federal award, options, etc.). If an applicant does receive a federal award, please note that a procurement must be compliant with the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR 200.317 – 200.327 for the costs to be eligible.
    2. See EDA’s Procurement Guide (PDF) for more information.
  3. Should consortium members providing services be treated as subrecipients or contractors?
    1. In cases where the consortium member is providing specialized services (e.g., advisory services by a technological expert, staffing, etc.), the entity should be treated as a subrecipient for the purpose of this award.
    2. However, if the consortium member is providing generically available goods and services (valued above $10,000), the entity should be treated as a contractor and their services must be competitively procured using the standards described at 2 CFR 200317-200.327.
    3. For additional guidance on subrecipient and contractor determinations, please review 2 CFR 200.331 (Subrecipient and contractor determinations) and EDA’s Procurement Guide (PDF).
  4. Can a consortium use consultants for preliminary engineering or environmental reports as part of an implementation project?
    1. Yes. All use of consultants is subject to the following requirements:
    2. The Procurement Standards of the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.317 – 200.327 govern all procurements under Tech Hubs. The “Competition” regulation at 2 CFR 200.319 sets out the general rule for federal financial assistance—that contractors that develop or draft specifications, requirements, statements of work, or invitations for bids or requests for proposals must be excluded from competing for such procurements. In the context of Tech Hubs, this means that a professional engineer or architect that undertakes preliminary design and engineering activities (i.e., a Preliminary Engineering Report) for an EDA component project application cannot bid on the same work (i.e., final design activities) if awarded by EDA.
    3. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.317, only state recipients are expressly exempt from this procurement restriction. Local governments and Indian Tribes may also take advantage of the procurement exemption in certain narrow circumstances.
    4. If you already have a contractor secured under an existing general or broad services contract that was competed consistent with the Procurement Standards of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.317 – 200.327) and that would cover all anticipated tasks required to develop a Tech Hubs application and implement an award, then the contractor exclusion requirement may not be an issue. Please note that in this situation the contract must be competed regularly—in general, the performance period should extend no longer than five years. In addition, the services must be within the scope of the existing contract, as interpreted by EDA.
    5. The following options help avoid unintentionally excluding contractors by helping to ensure all competing contractors are on equal footing from the beginning:
      1. In designing the solicitation for design and engineering services, make sure to include the expected funding level, period of performance, and a broad array of such services that will be required under Tech Hubs, including preliminary and final design. You may wish to specify that if the preliminary design is successful and the consortium is selected for an award, final design work is anticipated.
    6. The PER does not need to be filled out by a third party, though it should be completed by an engineer or architect.
    7. Please reach out to [email protected] further questions.
    8. See EDA’s Procurement Guide (PDF) for more information.
  5. Can the A/E firm contracted by a government entity prepare the PER and the final design work if the firm was already on the government’s approved listing of professional services providers on task order contract?
    1. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.317, only state recipients are expressly exempt from this procurement restriction. Local governments and Indian Tribes may also take advantage of the exemption in two narrow circumstances: (i) if they are required (by statute, for example) to follow the State’s procurement rules in full and without exception; or (ii) if they are required to follow a specific State procurement rule that creates an explicit conflict with the prohibition in 2 CFR 200.319(a) (i.e., there is a statute that requires or permits the local government or Indian Tribe to award the final procurement to the same contractor that developed the draft specifications).
    2. If the entity who procured the firm that handled the PER is not a state, but a local government, they would need to show they are required to follow the state’s procurement rules in full and without exception, or they are required to follow a specific state procurement rule that creates an explicit conflict with the prohibition in 2 CFR 200.319(a).
    3. Absent one of these two scenarios, the local government or Indian Tribe must comply with the prohibition. Applicants are encouraged to contact their PO with any questions regarding application of this regulation.

Construction

  1. Should component projects under the category “infrastructure” only consist of construction projects?
    1. Yes. All projects categorized as “infrastructure” must consist of the building of facilities and site connectivity infrastructure to carry out activities under the other four project categories: workforce development, business and entrepreneur development, technology development and maturation, and governance.
    2. Site connectivity infrastructure means localized driveways and access roads to a facility as well as hookups to the new facility for drinking water, wastewater, broadband, and other basic infrastructure services already present in the area.
    3. See the eight cost categories for non-construction projects and twelve cost categories for construction projects in NOFO section A.4.I.f (p.21)
  2. Can applicants submit one component project application comprising both non-construction and construction activities?
    1. Non-construction activities and construction activities should be separated into their own component projects. To indicate that projects are directly related (e.g., the construction of a facility and the programming to take place in the facility once built), consider clearly naming the projects (e.g., “[Project Name]—Construction” and “[Project Name]—Programming”).
    2. See the eight cost categories for non-construction projects and twelve cost categories for construction projects in NOFO section 4.I.f (p.21).
  3. Is the renovation of an existing building interior considered construction?
    1. Yes. Generally, when there is proposed disturbance of existing physical conditions, a construction project application is required.
  4. Is equipment installation considered construction?
    1. The answer depends on the specific scenario and the extent of the disturbance. If you are uncertain, please send your Tech Hubs Project Officer the following information so we can advise on the component application type (construction vs. non-construction) you need to submit: 1) a description of the activities and whether the activities include fixed installation, building modification, or ground-disturbing activities, 2) the estimated cost of the activities, 3) if the proposed activities trigger Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements, and 4) if the proposed activities trigger any environmental or historic preservation requirements.
  5. Can property be leased rather than owned for construction purposes?
    1. Yes, while it is preferable that all EDA construction activities be located on property owned by an eligible applicant, it is possible to construct on it subject to a long-term lease, so long as the value of the lease does not exceed fair market value. EDA must review the lease to determine whether its terms and conditions adequately safeguard the Federal government’s interest in the property. The property and improved infrastructure provided through the EDA investment must be administered, operated, and maintained for the useful life of the property, subject to the exceptions listed at 13 CFR § 314.7(c).
    2. Further, as a general requirement, the property owner or lessee must either be the lead applicant or a co-applicant on all EDA assistance awards that will support design, engineering, or construction activity.
    3. In instances where an applicant is leasing the property, we suggest that the actual owner join the project as a co-recipient.
  6. What is the allowable construction contingency percentage?
    1. The risk of uncertainty leading to potential cost overruns is unique to each individual construction project. The applicant should choose an appropriate contingency percentage and provide the basis for the contingency within the estimated construction cost section the PER. EDA historically adheres to a ~10% construction contingency rate, but given the complexity and technical specificity of Tech Hubs projects, applicants may justify a higher contingency rate.
  7. How will disbursements be handled for construction projects?
    1. All construction projects will be paid on a reimbursement basis unless EDA approves a request for advance payment. Requests for advance payment will only be granted in rare and compelling circumstances for construction projects. Once the recipient has cleared all preconditions for reimbursement per the specific award conditions for a given award (which may include demonstrating proof of title, recording a statement of the federal interest, etc.), the recipient may submit contractor invoices along with relevant required forms.
    2. Specific reimbursement schedules will be negotiated through Special Award Conditions and will generally be made in incremental installments as projects progress (e.g., reimbursements at the 25%, 50%, 75% and 90% project milestones). It is important to plan for this cashflow accordingly.
  8. How is a beneficiary defined in relation to the ED-900B – Beneficiary Information Form?
    1. Beneficiaries are entities that will directly benefit from an EDA investment and will translate the benefit into jobs created or private investment generated. EDA considers an employer to be a “primary beneficiary” if: (i) the employer is specifically named in the application as benefitting from the project, and the applicant estimates that the employer will create or save 15 or more permanent jobs as a result of the investment assistance; or (ii) the employer is or will be located in an EDA-assisted building, port, facility, or industrial, commercial, or business park constructed or improved in whole or in part with investment assistance prior to EDA’s final disbursement of funds. See NOFO section A.4.II.13.ii (p.26).

Budget

  1. What timeline should be used for component project budgets and timelines?
    1. The period of performance for an Implementation project may vary depending on the scope of work. EDA expects that most projects will range from 24 to 60 months and that all projects will proceed efficiently and expeditiously.
  2. Can a subrecipient use their own indirect cost rate (ICR) in a subaward?
    1. While the overall budget for each component project must follow the ICR appropriate to its Component Project Lead, a subrecipient can use their own ICR in their subaward at the discretion of the Component Project Lead.
  3. If my organization elects to use the de minimis indirect cost rate (ICR), how should I calculate the base cost?
    1. If using the de minimis indirect cost rate, you would use the Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) as your base. MTDC is defined in 2 CFR 200.1. MTDC includes: all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, the full amount of each contract, and up to the first $50,000 of each subaward. MTDC excludes: equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $50,000.

  4. Are the federal share funding caps outlined in the NOFO section B.2 (p.28) for each component project or for each component project type? (Question added on 9/30/2025)

    1. The outlined federal share funding caps are for each component project. For example, if a Hub proposes two distinct Technology Development and Maturation component projects, the federal share for each project could be up to $20 million (for a total of up to $40 million across the two).

    2. Hubs should not divide a single component project into two simply to request more funding for it.

Match

  1. When calculating the match requirement, does the match rate apply for each component project budget, or is it calculated across the entire application and total funding request amount?
    1. Applicants should calculate the match requirement across all component projects rather than individually. E.g., you could propose Component Project A for $100 ($40 federal, $60 match), Component Project B for $200 ($200 federal, $0 match), and Component Project C for $300 ($300 federal, $0 match) for a total request of $600 ($540 federal, $60 match) that meets the 10% match requirement.
    2. Note that you must meet your minimum match rate even if EDA does not select every component project for funding. This could mean you would need to identify match funds to support a project (in a short period of time) to meet the required overall match rate. E.g., if EDA selects your Hub for funding but only selects Component Projects B and C, you will need to shift the $60 in match associated with Component Project A to one or both of Component Projects B and C or otherwise identify additional matching funds to meet the minimum match requirement.
    3. If an applicant is proposing a governance component project, EDA prefers that a large portion of match funding is allocated to that component project. This illustrates that non-federal funders are committed to the long-term viability of the Tech Hub.
  2. Will EDA evaluate an application with a match ratio above 10% more favorably than an application with only the minimum 10% match requirement?
    1. No, exceeding the minimum 10% match requirement (which does not apply to Tribal government-led applications) will not make an application more competitive. Match is an eligibility requirement.
    2. The nature and magnitude of commitments, however, will impact an application’s competitiveness. (See Hub-wide Criteria merit criteria “Tech Hub Strength” and “Taxpayer Bargain” and Component Project-Specific merit criterion “Taxpayer Bargain.”
  3. If the Lead Consortium Member is not a Tribal Entity, but a Component Project Lead Organization is a Tribal Entity, will the 10% match requirement be waived?
    1. No. You will still need to meet the 10% match rate across the entire project portfolio, though any given component project could propose a $0 match if it is made up for by a higher match for a different component project.
  4. Can we use funds from another federal grant to meet our matching share requirement?
    1. In general, funds from other federal grants may not be used to satisfy matching requirements. However, funds from some federal financial assistance laws specifically authorize their use in meeting other federal grants’ matching requirements, and this language may be included in the fund award. In these instances, these funds may be used to satisfy the match requirement, subject to EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the statute. When including these and other federal funds in your project budget, please cite the Federal program name, statute, and program contact information to facilitate interagency coordination and avoid duplication of federal resources.
  5. Can equipment costs be used toward the match requirement?
    1. Yes. Equipment costs are eligible for federal award and therefore can be used toward the match requirement, valued at fair market value and categorized as an in-kind contribution. Be sure to include detailed valuations in your budget narrative.
    2. The cost of equipment purchased before the start of the period of performance can also count as in-kind match. However, when valuing the equipment for match, you must incorporate depreciation, valuing the equipment at the time of award, not at the time of purchase.
    3. Note that all equipment expenses used as match are required to fulfill all procurement and equipment requirements as stated in the Specific Award Conditions and summarized in this question.
  6. Can waived indirect costs be used toward the match requirement?
    1. It is possible to use waived indirect costs to satisfy the match requirement. Waived indirect costs are the difference between the amount charged to the Federal award and the amount which could have been charged to the Federal award under the recipient’s approved negotiated indirect cost rate. Such costs should be clearly identified as match in the budget and are subject to pre-approval by the Grants Officer, who will consider the magnitude of the indirect cost rate in their decision. EDA will contact you if there is an issue with the match. If you have specific questions, contact your PO.
  7. Can loans or bonds be used toward the match requirement?
    1. Yes. If using bonds as match, the applicant must provide documentation of its counsel opinion of the bonding authority and eligibility of the bonds for use as match, along with full disclosure of the type of bonds and the schedule of the applicant’s bond issue. Include this with your match commitment letter.
    2. The use of loans as match does not necessitate special documentation beyond what is noted in section A.4.I.b.10 (p.13) and section A.4.I.c of the NOFO (p.16).

Application Documentation

  1. Should we submit the Overarching Narrative as a separate application, without a budget?
    1. Yes. The Overarching Hub Narrative (and its associated documentation detailed in section A.4.1.b of the NOFO (p.10) should be submitted as one application under the “Overarching Application.”
    2. The Overarching Narrative should NOT have a budget attached to it. Consortium governance costs should be integrated into one or multiple component projects.
    3. Each of your component projects should be submitted as separate applications.
  2. Can we include an appendix with our application?
    1. You are not required to submit an appendix. Regardless of how you organize your application, if you include an appendix, it must fit within the page limit of the associated narrative. Do not submit an appendix as a separate document.
  3. Can we include hyperlinks in the text of our application documents?
    1. Yes, you may include hyperlinks to websites, though EDA does not guarantee that reviewers will click into the links.
  4. Can we use a smaller font size for tables, figures, or captions in our application?
    1. Yes, you can use a smaller font size for tables, figures, or captions. Please be reasonable. Narrative text should be at least 12-point font size as noted in NOFO section D.2 (p.33).
  5. For Tech Hubs in states that require Single Point of Contact (SPOC) compliance, is it sufficient to obtain one SPOC letter for the entire Tech Hub? Or does each Component Project application need its own SPOC letter?
    1. Please submit a SPOC letter for each Component Project. This is because some Component Projects will have different service areas than their Tech Hub’s core geography.
  6. Is the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) requirement based on where the applicant organization is located OR where the project service area is located?
    1. The SPOC requirement is based on where the project service area is located. If any part of a Component Project’s service area is located in a state that requires SPOC compliance, EDA will need to see evidence of SPOC compliance attached to the component application.
  7. Which types of entities are required to submit organizational (nonprofit) documentation?
    1. Nonprofit entities that are Lead Consortium Members, Component Project Lead Organizations, Co-applicants, or Subrecipients, and that are not institutions of higher education, should provide proof of eligibility, such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, and a current certificate of good standing.

  8. How granular should the technology End Product table be on NOFO A.4.I.b.3 (p.11)? (Question added on 9/30/2025)

    1. Indicate the envisioned product form that would be adopted by industry or end users. The more specific the better, as these are a set of examples rather than the full set of technologies your Hub is creating.

    2. For example, “biosensors” would be too broad, but “wearable biosensor for continuous glucose monitoring” would generally be the right level of granularity. Similarly, “polymers” would be too broad, but “biodegradable packaging polymer derived from lignin” would be about the right level of granularity. 

Application Evaluation

  1. Who will review the applications and what is the review process?
    1. For all consortia that submit a Full Application for Implementation Grants, the entire application, including the Overarching Narrative and all Component Projects, will be evaluated by at least three individuals and scored against the criteria set forth in the NOFO section E.1 (p.36) EDA will sort the resultant scores into tiers of similarly scored applications which will help EDA to determine which Hubs and component projects have the greatest potential, and thus, will be invited to submit revised applications in Stage II.
    2. Submitted Stage II application packages will be reviewed by EDA program staff to once again ensure application completeness. Once confident in an application’s completeness, program staff will evaluate updates to the Stage II applications and prepare Stage II application packages for the Investment Review Committee (IRC), of at least three reviewers. The IRC will review the applications collectively using the same merit criteria listed in NOFO section E.1 (p.36) and relevant selection factors listed in NOFO section E.3.I (p.42). EDA may, in its discretion and including at the IRC’s request, consult experts outside of EDA on the merits of proposed component projects to assist the IRC in its evaluation. The IRC will present the Selection Official with a recommended portfolio of applications and how to apply the selection factors.

Edge Portal

  1. What is the EDA Economic Development Grant Experience (EDGE) portal?
    1. EDGE is the web platform via which you and EDA will manage the full lifecycle of your grant, from application to closeout. EDGE performs best on Firefox or Google Chrome browsers, with pop-ups allowed in order to view forms, reminders, and other important information. Click here to see the EDGE Quick Reference Guides.
  2. Where do I apply for implementation grants?
    1. Applications are only open to the 19 Designated Tech Hubs that have not received implementation funds. The Lead Consortium Member will receive an email from EDGE with a link to the FY25 NOFO. Lead Consortium Members should not share this link with consortium members as they will not be able to access it.
    2. Once a funding request is created, the person who holds the EDGE role of “Lead Applicant” will be allowed to invite team members. See this resource on how to do so.
    3. For Stage I, all application materials should be submitted as a single application on behalf of the Hub. (This package will include all component project materials.)
    4. For document categories that require multiple documents to be upload, we recommend you combine them into a single document or save them in a zip file to upload for that document category in EDGE.
    5. Please note that once you provide a name for your application (“funding request” in EDGE), you cannot rename it without contacting the EDA IT department.
    6. For additional EDGE support or IT issues please contact [email protected]
  3. Are all Component Projects to be uploaded independently into EDGE by the Component Project Lead Applicants?
    1. In Stage I, no. All materials will be uploaded and submitted in one comprehensive package by the Lead Consortium Member.
    2. If component project leads would like visibility into the application, the Lead Consortium Member may add them as a “team member” to the funding request.
  4. How do I update or change the Authorized Representative for my consortium?
    1. An Authorized Representative is considered to be a person with signatory authority for that organization. The Authorized Representative is the only person who can submit component applications or the overarching application. You can update the team roles per application by using the “Application Team” tab. By moving an Authorized Representative’s status from “current” to “former” you can add in a new Authorized Representative.
  5. Do all consortia members need to be registered in EDGE?
    1. For Stage I, only the Lead Consortium Member needs to be registered in EDGE.
  6. How can I view my previous Tech Hubs applications in EDGE?
    1. When you log into your home screen in EDGE, you should be able to click on the title of your funding request application. From there, you can see your entire submitted application. By scrolling over the fourth sub tab titled “application documents,” you should be able to download everything you’ve submitted.
  7. What do I do if my organization shares an EIN/TIN number with an entity that is already registered in EDGE?
    1. EDA acknowledges that some organizations have units that serve different roles in supporting a consortium and that those units may share the same Employer Identification Number/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN). The EDGE system does not allow for registering multiple organizations with the same EIN/TIN numbers. If this presents issues for a Lead Organization attempting to register in EDGE, please email [email protected] and [email protected] for support.
  8. My organization’s information needs to be updated (such as UEI or CAGE code), how do I go about that?
    1. Reach out to [email protected] for assistance.
  9. Is there a file naming convention we should follow as we submit files?
    1. There is no formal file naming convention; however, please clearly name each submitted document and include your Hub name or acronym in all file names.
  10. Can a single email address be associated with multiple EDGE accounts?
    1. No. An email address can only be associated with one EDGE account.
  11. What forms are web-based forms to be completed in EDGE, and what forms will need to be submitted as attachments to EDGE?
    1. The SF-424 is incorporated into EDGE as a web-based form. All other forms must be submitted as Supplemental Documents in EDGE. See Grants.gov for downloadable forms: https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/350598.
  12. I have completed the application in EDGE but the submission button is “grayed out,” what do I do?
    1. First, make sure each section that is marked “required” is complete.
    2. Second, you are most likely not assigned as the “Authorized Representative” in EDGE. Only the Authorized Representative can submit the application. To check your application roles, click on the “Application Team” tab, click “add team member,” and follow the prompts to assign your Authorized Representative. To make yourself the Authorized Representative, follow the same process and add yourself as a team member with the same email, which will assign you two roles in EDGE.
    3. See https://www.eda.gov/news/media/video/3635/ for a recorded demo.