MBE Equity Multiplier Project | MBDA OBD 2021 2006868

Opportunity Information: Apply for MBDA OBD 2021 2006868

The MBE Equity Multiplier Project (Funding Opportunity Number MBDA OBD 2021 2006868) is a discretionary federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Commerce, administered through the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). It is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the selected recipient should expect an active partnership with the federal agency during the project period rather than a hands-off grant arrangement. The purpose of the opportunity is to fund a program that directly supports minority business enterprises (MBEs) and aligns clearly with MBDA's strategic plans and mission goals. In practical terms, applicants are expected to propose work that strengthens the capacity, competitiveness, and growth prospects of MBEs, especially in ways that connect to equity and capital access outcomes suggested by the project title.

MBDA released this opportunity under a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), which signals that the agency is looking for proposals that fit within defined mission needs while allowing applicants flexibility in how they design solutions. The notice emphasizes that it is not just a call for ideas, but also a public guide explaining how MBDA will evaluate submissions and how it will administer the federal assistance if an award is made. The activity category is listed as "Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development," which suggests that proposed projects may involve research, innovation, technical approaches, or program models that can be evaluated and potentially replicated, even though the core beneficiary focus remains MBEs.

The funding cap (award ceiling) is $300,000, and MBDA anticipated making one award, indicating a competitive selection where only a single applicant would be chosen to carry out the project at the stated scale. The opportunity was created on May 27, 2021, with an original application deadline of June 30, 2021. The CFDA number associated with the program is 11.802, which is commonly used to track MBDA assistance programs.

Eligibility is broadly described as "Others," with the notice pointing applicants to an additional eligibility section for precise definitions and any restrictions, so it is not limited solely to state or local governments. This category often implies that a range of organizations could be eligible, potentially including nonprofits, educational institutions, economic development organizations, and other qualified entities, depending on the detailed eligibility language in the full announcement.

Overall, this opportunity is best understood as a targeted, single-award MBDA project intended to multiply equity-related outcomes for minority-owned firms through a structured program aligned with MBDA strategy, carried out in collaboration with the agency, and delivered within a maximum federal funding level of $300,000.

• The Department of Commerce in the environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "MBE Equity Multiplier Project" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.802.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 27, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 30, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for MBDA OBD 2021 2006868

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