FY 2021-2023 Research and National Technical Assistance (RNTA) Program

Grants to USA and territories nonprofit organizations, for-profits, tribal and government units, IHEs, and individuals for technical assistance and research projects that promote economic development in distressed regions. Applicants are advised that required registrations may take several days to complete.
The EDA mission is to lead the Federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. Through its RNTA programs, EDA works towards fulfilling this mission by funding research, evaluation, and national technical assistance projects that promote competitiveness and innovation in distressed rural and urban regions throughout the United States and its territories. Such projects will support the DOC Strategic Plan (2018-2022) and the EDA Learning Agenda by providing analysis that supports evidence-based policy-making consistent with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (the Evidence Act).Under this NOFO, EDA solicits applications for investments that support research, evaluation, and national technical assistance projects under EDA’s Research and Evaluation (R&E) and National Technical Assistance (NTA) programs.R&E ProgramThrough the R&E program, EDA supports the development of tools, recommendations, and resources that shape Federal economic development policies and inform economic development decision-making. R&E program investments provide critical, cutting-edge research and best practices to regional, state, and local practitioners in the economic development field, thereby enhancing understanding and implementation of economic development concepts throughout the country. EDA also regularly evaluates the impacts and outcomes of its various programs as a means of identifying policy and program modifications that will increase the Agency’s efficiency and effectiveness.NTA ProgramEDA’s NTA program supports a small number of projects that provide technical assistance at a national scope. These projects support best practices among communities trying to solve problems related to economic development goals. By working in conjunction with its national technical assistance partners, EDA helps States, local governments, and community-based organizations to achieve their highest economic potential. The NTA program supports activities that are beneficial to the economic development community nationwide and includes, but is not limited to, outreach, training, and information dissemination. It can also provide assistance with implementation of economic development best practices and proven techniques.For more information and project examples for each of these programs, see pages 5-6 of the NOFO document in Attached Files below.