Summary

Creates a short-form grant application process the Economic Development Administration (EDA) must publish for rural communities to use across EDA grant programs. It defines which places count as rural, requires the EDA to get input from rural stakeholders on application length and required materials, and directs publishing of standardized templates, redacted sample successful applications, reviewer guidance, and other applicant guidance to reduce paperwork and duplication.

Key Points

• Requires the EDA to publish a short-form grant application procedure for rural communities across its grant programs.
• Defines "rural community" using a ≤10,000 population threshold or places outside an OMB Metropolitan Statistical Area as determined by the Assistant Secretary.
• Mandates stakeholder consultation on application length, required documents, and standardization of templates and forms.
• Directs publication of redacted sample successful applications and decision-criteria guides to increase transparency.
• Aims to reduce repetitive questions by leveraging existing federal data (e.g., SAM.gov, Census, comprehensive economic development strategies).
• Applies to any EDA grant program—an administrative change intended to ease access for small and rural applicants.
• Does not create new funding or appropriate money; focuses on administrative procedures and guidance.
• Requires standardizing base materials (budgets, forms, attachments) across EDA programs to simplify submissions.

Categories & Tags