Applying for EDA Planning Assistance
Application Package Requirements

Applicants for EDA Planning Assistance must submit the following forms (all of which will be shown as mandatory forms when downloading an application package from Grants.gov):

•Application for Federal Assistance (Form SF-424)
Click here for Instructions for Completing Form SF-424

•Certifications Regarding Lobbying (Form CD-511)

•Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs (Form SF-424A)
•Assurances—Non-Construction Programs (Form SF-424B)

•Application for Investment Assistance (Form ED-900)
Note: The new Form ED-900, which was introduced on October 1, 2008, consolidates all EDA-specific requirements into a single application form and replaces EDA’s previous suite of application materials: (i) the Pre-Application for Investment Assistance (Form ED-900P), (ii) the Application for Investment Assistance (Form ED-900A), and (iii) all program-specific components required to complete the ED-900A. EDA is no longer accepting EDA’s old application forms. EDA believes the new single application form will significantly reduce the paperwork burden on applicants and government personnel. According to Paperwork Reduction Act estimates approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the introduction of the new single application will reduce applicant burden from a combined 46 hours to complete Forms ED-900P, ED-900A, and the program-specific component to Form ED-900A to 22 hours for the Form ED-900.

Some applicants also may be required to complete the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Form SF-LLL). Applicants should review this form’s instructions to determine if completion is required.

Non-profit applicants may be required to submit additional documentation, including submitting to an individual background screening using the form entitled Applicant for Funding Assistance (Form CD-346). Details are provided in the body of Form ED-900.

Additional Materials EDA May Request When an Application is Selected for Further Consideration

If, after reviewing an application package, EDA determines that the proposed project merits further consideration, EDA will request the following additional materials:

• A copy of the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) or alternate EDA-approved planning document. (Note: EDA will not require submission of a CEDS or alternate EDA-approved planning document if this document is already on file in the EDA regional office.)

• Letters of commitment to document non-EDA public funding.

If so desired, an applicant may elect to submit these items at the same time as the application package.