The U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has announced a competitive solicitation for candidates interested in operating four new MBDA advanced manufacturing projects. MBDA will award four cooperative agreements totaling $5 million during a five-year period, and the projects can be operated in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
The projects will provide targeted assistance to minority manufacturers to increase the number of “Made in America” products that can be sold domestically and globally. The project funding is designed to help identify, screen, promote and refer minority business enterprises (MBEs) to specialized advanced manufacturing programs, and provide technical and business development services.
“These projects are essential to supporting minority-owned businesses and helping them excel in the areas of innovative technology that create high quality manufacturing jobs,” says MBDA National Director Alejandra Y. Castillo. “There is a great need for more minority manufacturers and we want to help cultivate the talent that exists in our minority communities.”
MBDA invites for-profit entities, non-profit organizations, state and local governments, American Indian tribes and educational institutions to apply to operate the MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Project. Applications are due June 17. More information is available at www.grants.gov or www.mbda.gov.
