EDA Recompete Pilot Program CEBOT RFI Response

Given the intent of the law1 that creates the Recompete program is to support long-term comprehensive economic development and job creation in eligible areas, EDA should also consider the impact of talent pipelines that connect communities to employers. EDA has a history of driving innovation and entrepreneurship, making it easier for businesses to start and grow in the U.S.. Deploying resources to distressed communities with the intent of economic development and job growth requires an intentional approach to encouraging learning and training for those underserved and active recruitment of businesses that have talent needs which represent high growth, high demand jobs.

Considering the program scale of EDA’s Recompete Program, and the efficacy of place based economic development stimulus plans, history is the best teacher. “In order to consider how place-based policies might promote economic mobility and well-being, it is important to consider how an array of historical and contemporary government decisions and policies have historically harmed black and other non-white Americans; such actions promote racial and place-based inequality”2 (Bradley L. Hardy, Trevon D. Logan, and John Parman 2018).

CEBOT, as an industry representative, encourages “Place-based people strategies” that include a good understanding of and connection to industry needs, careful screening to identify appropriate candidates for an inclusive workforce program enhancement, and an implementation of a sector-focused approach to training and individualized support services. This strategy must be coupled with an ability to keep pace with changes in the local economy, funding agencies or partners and community stakeholders. Given the nature of this funding it is also suggested that the funding be considered research. This will allow more feedback to EDA on how to scale programs based on common success principles that can be learned and duplicated by other like jurisdictions. This information needs to be open and freely distributed to promote the economic growth.

CEBOT represents the minority technology industry, one of the fastest industry sectors in the nation. Tech industry certifications affect earnings and wage gains. The role workforce organizations can play in helping disadvantaged workers and job seekers gain access to jobs once they have attained an industry-recognized certification is critical. Soft skill training and wrap-around services are also a key ingredient to success. The Tech industry is changing its requirements for entry level positions. EDA is encouraged to look to Community Colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Institutions, and Minority Serving Institutions as key stakeholder partners for jurisdictions who are interested in applying for Recompete Program dollars. 1 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section3722b&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.hamiltonproject.org/assets/files/PBP_HardyLoganParman_1009.pdf