Opportunity Information: Apply for OIT STEP 2020 01
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under CFDA 59.061, focused on business and commerce activities that support export development. The program is authorized by the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, which limits who can receive and administer these grants. In practical terms, STEP funding is designed to be managed at the state or territory level to help small businesses pursue international market opportunities.
Eligibility is restricted to "States" as defined in the authorizing law. That definition includes any of the U.S. states as well as the District of Columbia and certain U.S. territories: the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. The opportunity makes clear that only non-federal entities that fall within this "State" definition may apply for and administer an award under the notice of funding opportunity. This means local governments, private organizations, universities, and federal entities are not eligible applicants unless they are part of, and applying through, an eligible state or territorial government structure that meets the definition.
For this specific funding cycle (Funding Opportunity Number: OIT STEP 2020 01), the SBA anticipated making up to 48 awards, with an award ceiling of $900,000 per award. The opportunity was posted on February 6, 2020, and had an original application closing date of April 7, 2020. As a grant (not a contract), it supports programmatic activities rather than procurement of goods or services for the federal government, and it is categorized as discretionary, meaning awards are competitively reviewed rather than awarded automatically by formula.
Overall, STEP is a federal-to-state (or territory) funding mechanism intended to strengthen export assistance capacity and expand small business participation in international trade. The defining feature of this notice is its narrow applicant eligibility: only state and designated territorial governments, as explicitly listed in the statute, can apply and serve as the award administrator.Apply for OIT STEP 2020 01
- The Small Business Administration in the business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "State Trade Expansion Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 59.061.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 06, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 07, 2020. (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 $900,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 48 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments.
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State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant FAQs
What is the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)?
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under CFDA 59.061. It supports business and commerce activities that strengthen export development and help small businesses pursue international market opportunities.
Who administers the STEP grant program?
STEP is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Funding is designed to be managed at the state or territory level by eligible governments that receive and administer the award.
Is STEP a grant or a contract?
STEP is a grant, not a contract. It supports programmatic activities (export development support) rather than procurement of goods or services for the federal government.
Is STEP a formula grant or a competitive (discretionary) grant?
This opportunity is categorized as discretionary, which means awards are competitively reviewed rather than awarded automatically by a formula.
What law authorizes STEP and affects eligibility?
STEP is authorized by the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. That authorizing law limits who can receive and administer STEP grants.
Who is eligible to apply for and administer a STEP award?
Eligibility is restricted to "States" as defined in the authorizing law. Only non-federal entities that fall within that "State" definition may apply for and administer an award under this notice of funding opportunity.
What does "State" mean for STEP eligibility?
For STEP eligibility, "State" includes any of the U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and certain U.S. territories: the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.
Are local governments eligible to apply directly?
No. The opportunity states that only entities meeting the specific "State" definition may apply and administer an award. Local governments are not eligible applicants unless they are part of, and applying through, an eligible state or territorial government structure that meets the definition.
Are private organizations eligible to apply directly?
No. Private organizations are not eligible applicants unless they are part of, and applying through, an eligible state or territorial government structure that meets the statutory "State" definition and is the applicant/award administrator.
Are universities eligible to apply directly?
No. Universities are not eligible applicants unless they are part of, and applying through, an eligible state or territorial government structure that meets the statutory "State" definition and is the applicant/award administrator.
Are federal entities eligible to apply for STEP?
No. The notice specifies that only non-federal entities that fall within the "State" definition may apply for and administer an award.
Can a non-eligible entity participate if it works with an eligible state or territory?
The notice indicates that non-eligible entities (such as local governments, private organizations, and universities) are not eligible applicants unless they are part of, and applying through, an eligible state or territorial government structure that meets the definition. In practical terms, the award is intended to be managed at the state or territory level.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this STEP cycle?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed for this cycle is OIT STEP 2020 01.
How many awards were anticipated for this funding cycle?
The SBA anticipated making up to 48 awards for this funding cycle.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling for this opportunity is $900,000 per award.
When was this opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on February 6, 2020.
What was the original application closing date?
The original application closing date was April 7, 2020.
What is the main purpose of STEP funding?
STEP is a federal-to-state (or territory) funding mechanism intended to strengthen export assistance capacity and expand small business participation in international trade, helping small businesses pursue international market opportunities.
What is the defining feature of this notice?
The defining feature is narrow applicant eligibility: only state and designated territorial governments, as explicitly listed in the authorizing statute, can apply and serve as the award administrator.
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