Opportunity Information: Apply for EDA HDQ ARPBBB 2021 2006976
The FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Act Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) is a competitive funding opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA), created to help U.S. regions recover from the economic harm caused by the coronavirus pandemic and to come out of that recovery stronger and more resilient. The program is aimed at places that experienced significant disruption and is built around the idea that long-term recovery is not just about replacing lost jobs, but about reshaping regional economies so they are more diversified, innovative, and better able to withstand future shocks. At its core, BBBRC is meant to support bold, coordinated regional strategies that can realistically transform an economy, rather than isolated, one-off projects.
The notice is structured as a two-phase competition, but the specific opportunity described here covers Phase 1 only, which focuses on concept proposals. In Phase 1, EDA plans to select roughly 50 to 60 regional coalitions, each organized under a lead institution, and provide them with technical assistance grants to refine their plans. These selected coalitions are treated as "finalists." The Phase 1 funding is meant to give regions the time, capacity, and expert support to turn a promising concept into a detailed, implementation-ready package. This includes shaping a cohesive economic development strategy, defining a targeted industry or set of related industries to scale, aligning partners, and developing a clear set of connected projects that together form a regional growth cluster.
If a coalition becomes a finalist and performs well in Phase 1, the intent is for that coalition to compete in Phase 2 for much larger implementation funding. In Phase 2, EDA anticipates funding about 20 to 30 of the finalist coalitions with awards typically ranging from $25 million to $75 million, with the possibility of awards up to $100 million in exceptional cases. Phase 2 funding is designed to pay for the collection of projects the coalition proposes, with grants going out to coalition members for those component projects. The emphasis is on a holistic package of investments that reinforce each other, such as workforce development aligned to employer needs, commercialization and entrepreneurship supports, infrastructure or facilities (including construction where appropriate), and other initiatives that help a strategic industry cluster expand and generate quality jobs.
For this Phase 1 opportunity, EDA expected to award up to $30 million total across all technical assistance grants, with individual Phase 1 awards capped at $500,000. The anticipated number of Phase 1 awards was about 55. While Phase 2 is not what applicants are applying for in this particular posting, the NOFO provides important context about scale and expectations: EDA envisioned individual component projects within a regional growth cluster often falling in the approximate range of $750,000 to $25 million, and noted that projects could be larger if warranted by the overall cluster strategy or the strength of the proposal. This framing signals that EDA wanted coalitions to think big and design packages that could move regional economic indicators, not just fund small pilot efforts.
Eligibility is broad and designed to support multi-organization regional partnerships. Eligible applicants include state and local governments (including counties and special districts), public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, federally recognized tribal governments, and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions under that category). Because the program is coalition-based, the practical expectation is that regions assemble a group of partners that can collectively cover planning, training, industry engagement, project delivery, and long-term sustainability, even though a single lead institution submits the application and manages the award.
Administratively, this is a discretionary funding opportunity from the Department of Commerce, and EDA indicated it could use grants and cooperative agreements as the funding instruments. The assistance is tied to CFDA number 11.307. The opportunity was created on July 22, 2021, and the original closing date for Phase 1 concept proposals was October 19, 2021. The award ceiling for this Phase 1 competition was $500,000 per award, reflecting the planning and technical assistance nature of the first phase rather than the larger buildout and implementation costs anticipated later.
Overall, the BBBRC Phase 1 concept proposal opportunity is best understood as an entry point into a larger, high-dollar regional transformation competition. Phase 1 is about proving that a region has a credible coalition, a compelling strategic industry focus, and a coherent, integrated plan that can be developed into a full-scale investment package. Regions that succeed in Phase 1 position themselves for Phase 2 funding that could underwrite major projects intended to accelerate cluster growth, expand opportunity for workers, and strengthen the economic resilience of the region for years beyond the immediate pandemic recovery period.Apply for EDA HDQ ARPBBB 2021 2006976
- The Department of Commerce in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Act Build Back Better Regional Challenge" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.307.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 22, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 19, 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 $500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 55 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, Special district governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Act Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) - Phase 1 (Concept Proposals)
What is the Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC)?
The FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Act Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) is a competitive funding opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). It was created to help U.S. regions recover from the economic harm caused by the coronavirus pandemic and to emerge stronger and more resilient.
What is the main goal of BBBRC?
The program focuses on long-term regional economic recovery that goes beyond replacing lost jobs. It emphasizes reshaping regional economies to be more diversified, more innovative, and better able to withstand future economic shocks.
Is BBBRC meant to fund standalone projects?
No. BBBRC is designed to support bold, coordinated regional strategies that can realistically transform an economy. The program prioritizes integrated packages of connected projects over isolated, one-off efforts.
Which phase does this opportunity cover?
This posting covers Phase 1 only, which is focused on concept proposals.
What happens in Phase 1?
In Phase 1, EDA planned to select roughly 50 to 60 regional coalitions organized under a lead institution. Selected coalitions receive technical assistance grants to refine and strengthen their plans and are treated as "finalists."
What is the purpose of the Phase 1 technical assistance grant?
Phase 1 funding is intended to provide time, capacity, and expert support so a region can turn a promising concept into a detailed, implementation-ready package. This includes refining a cohesive economic development strategy, selecting a targeted industry (or related set of industries), aligning partners, and developing a clear set of connected projects that function together as a regional growth cluster.
How many Phase 1 awards were anticipated?
EDA anticipated making about 55 Phase 1 awards.
How much total funding was expected for Phase 1?
For Phase 1, EDA expected to award up to $30 million total across all technical assistance grants.
What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount for Phase 1?
The award ceiling for this Phase 1 competition was $500,000 per award.
What does it mean to be selected as a Phase 1 finalist?
Being selected as a Phase 1 finalist means the regional coalition is chosen to receive a technical assistance grant and support to further develop its concept into an implementation-ready strategy and project package.
Does Phase 1 funding automatically lead to Phase 2 funding?
No. Phase 1 finalists may compete in Phase 2, but Phase 2 awards are competitive. The intent described is that coalitions that become finalists and perform well in Phase 1 would then compete for larger implementation funding in Phase 2.
What is Phase 2 and how is it different from Phase 1?
Phase 2 is the implementation stage of the competition. While Phase 1 supports concept development and technical assistance, Phase 2 is intended to fund the coalition's proposed collection of projects with substantially larger awards.
How many Phase 2 awards were anticipated?
EDA anticipated funding about 20 to 30 of the finalist coalitions in Phase 2.
What is the typical award size for Phase 2?
Phase 2 awards were anticipated to typically range from $25 million to $75 million, with the possibility of awards up to $100 million in exceptional cases.
What kinds of activities or investments are emphasized in Phase 2?
Phase 2 emphasizes a holistic package of investments that reinforce each other. Examples mentioned include workforce development aligned to employer needs, commercialization and entrepreneurship supports, and infrastructure or facilities (including construction where appropriate), as well as other initiatives that help a strategic industry cluster expand and generate quality jobs.
How large are individual component projects expected to be within a regional growth cluster?
EDA envisioned individual component projects often falling in an approximate range of $750,000 to $25 million, and noted that projects could be larger if warranted by the overall cluster strategy or the strength of the proposal.
Who can apply for this Phase 1 opportunity?
Eligible applicants include state and local governments (including counties and special districts), public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, federally recognized tribal governments, and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions under that nonprofit category).
Is this opportunity intended for a single organization or a coalition?
The program is coalition-based. Regions are expected to assemble multi-organization partnerships that can collectively support planning, training, industry engagement, project delivery, and long-term sustainability.
If it is coalition-based, who submits the application?
A single lead institution submits the application and manages the award, even though the overall strategy is expected to be built and carried out by a broader coalition of partners.
What federal agency runs BBBRC?
The opportunity is run by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA).
Is this a competitive grant?
Yes. BBBRC is described as a competitive funding opportunity.
What type of federal funding opportunity is this administratively?
It is a discretionary funding opportunity from the Department of Commerce.
What funding instruments may be used for awards?
EDA indicated it could use grants and cooperative agreements as the funding instruments.
What is the CFDA number associated with this assistance?
The assistance is tied to CFDA number 11.307.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on July 22, 2021.
What was the original closing date for Phase 1 concept proposals?
The original closing date for Phase 1 concept proposals was October 19, 2021.
How should a region think about the ambition and scale of a Phase 1 concept proposal?
Phase 1 is positioned as an entry point into a larger, high-dollar regional transformation competition. The framing signals that EDA wanted coalitions to design coordinated packages that can move regional economic indicators, rather than focusing only on small pilot efforts.
What is the core idea behind the BBBRC approach to regional recovery?
The core idea is that durable recovery requires regions to develop credible coalitions, choose a compelling strategic industry focus, and build a coherent, integrated plan that can be developed into a full-scale investment package supporting long-term resilience beyond immediate pandemic recovery.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): International Foreign Language Education (IFLE): Centers for International Business Education (CIBE) Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.220A
Previous opportunity: Request for Information: Section 242 Hydroelectric Incentive Payments Updated Definitions
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for EDA HDQ ARPBBB 2021 2006976
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (EDA HDQ ARPBBB 2021 2006976) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Statewide Planning, Research, and Networks Apply for EDA HDQ ARPRN 2021 2006986 Funding Number: EDA HDQ ARPRN 2021 2006986 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $6,000,000 |
| FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Act Economic Adjustment Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity Apply for EDA 2021 ARPAEAA Funding Number: EDA 2021 ARPAEAA Agency: Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Act Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Notice of Funding Opportunity Apply for EDA 2021 ARPATOURISM Funding Number: EDA 2021 ARPATOURISM Agency: Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Act Indigenous Communities Notice of Funding Opportunity Apply for EDA 2021 ARPAINDIGENOUS Funding Number: EDA 2021 ARPAINDIGENOUS Agency: Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Library of Congress - Of the People: Widening the Path: Community Collections grant to Individuals Apply for 030ADV21R0636 Funding Number: 030ADV21R0636 Agency: Library of Congress Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| Library of Congress - Of the People: Widening the Path: Community Collections grants to Organizations Apply for 030ADV21R0637 Funding Number: 030ADV21R0637 Agency: Library of Congress Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| Accelerating Social Entrepreneurship in Ethiopia (ASE) 2021 NOFO Apply for AFADD 21 02 Funding Number: AFADD 21 02 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Ethiopia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| Net Zero & Energy Conservation Study, Fort Hood, TX Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 5123 Funding Number: W9126G 21 2 SOI 5123 Agency: Department of Defense, Fort Worth District Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $113,000 |
| Media Program for Renewable Energy Apply for DOS KAZ NS AEECA 21 015 Funding Number: DOS KAZ NS AEECA 21 015 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $46,000 |
| Promoting Transparent and Inclusive Governance in The Gambia Apply for BJL ARDF FY20 21 Funding Number: BJL ARDF FY20 21 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Gambia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Project to Increase Collective Action to Address Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Other Unacceptable Conditions of Work in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras Apply for FOA ILAB 21 11 Funding Number: FOA ILAB 21 11 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $7,000,000 |
| Improving compliance with labor laws in Mexico Apply for NOI ILAB 21 14 Funding Number: NOI ILAB 21 14 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Improving Gender Equity in the Mexican Workplace Apply for NOI ILAB 21 13 Funding Number: NOI ILAB 21 13 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Species Recovery Grants to States (Section 6 Program) Apply for NOAA NMFS PRPO 2022 2006985 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS PRPO 2022 2006985 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| Species Recovery Grants to Tribes Apply for NOAA NMFS PRPO 2022 2006990 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS PRPO 2022 2006990 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Somalia Marginalized and Minority Fellows Program Pilot Cohort Apply for AF MOG ARDF FY20 01 Funding Number: AF MOG ARDF FY20 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Somalia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| Establishing the U.S. Palestinian Affairs Unit eHub Apply for PAUPDFY21009 Funding Number: PAUPDFY21009 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Jerusalem Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $55,000 |
| English as a Second Language & American Cultural Programming for American Center Cairo (ACC) Youth Apply for PAS EGY FY21 03 Funding Number: PAS EGY FY21 03 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Egypt Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $18,600 |
| Promoting Safe and Healthy Workplaces in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador Apply for FOA ILAB 21 10 Funding Number: FOA ILAB 21 10 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $8,000,000 |
| Building a comprehensive government approach to combating child labor and forced labor in Mexico Apply for NOI ILAB 21 15 Funding Number: NOI ILAB 21 15 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $18,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "EDA HDQ ARPBBB 2021 2006976", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.