Feds again seek input on program funded by “CHIPS and Science Act of 2022”
Earlier this month, the U.S. Economic Development Administration sought feedback on the “Tech Hubs” program. Now, the agency wants input on the "Recompete Pilot Program."
For the second time in two weeks, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has sought public input on the design of a new program approved by Congress as part of the “CHIPS and Science Act of 2022” and for which it received several hundred million dollars in the FY2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.
On February 16, the federal agency asked for input on the “Tech Hubs” program that was appropriated $500 million and was described in this teknovation.biz post. This time it is the new “Recompete Pilot Program” that will make focused investments in distressed communities across the country, creating and connecting workers to good jobs and supporting long-term comprehensive economic development by helping to reduce the high, prime-age (25 to 54 years of age) employment gap. The program was authorized at $1 billion and appropriated $200 million.
Through this latest Request for Information, EDA seeks input in several areas, including but not limited to information on:
- structuring a program that most effectively builds capacity, creates jobs and addresses challenges in communities grappling with persistent economic distress and high prime-age unemployment;
- identifying metrics to assess a successful Recompete Pilot Program;
- designing a competitive, inclusive and accessible grant funding selection process; and
- identifying best practices and evidence-based research that could inform how to most effectively support persistently economically distressed areas.
Responses are due by 5 p.m. EDT on March 27 and should be submitted via email to Recompete@eda.gov.
