When is the application due?
Application acceptance will close on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 11:59PM.
Can I save my application and return to it at a later time?
Yes. The system allows for you to save your progress and return to complete your application.
Will individuals be able to apply?
Only individuals who are land developers or commercial property owners may apply. All other eligible applicants are listed in the Eligible Applicants section above. Sole proprietorships will need to provide owner information. Sole proprietors will be permitted to use their Social Security Numbers as their Tax ID Number, but are strongly encouraged to obtain a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS.
Can an eligible entity apply on behalf of a commercial property owner?
Yes. However, this type of application will count towards the three eligible applications by one entity.
What type of COVID-related harm do I need to provide?
Examples of COVID-related harm can include the inability to proceed with the project due to documented COVID-related revenue loss, financing issues, supply chain issues, and labor shortages.
Can I use other ARPA-related funds as the required 25% match?
Yes. Matching funds can include Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, Community Service Tax Credit Program funds, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and funds from a general operating account.
If I apply, am I automatically awarded funding?
No. There is a team at the Kansas Department of Commerce that will review the project based on merit, project eligibility, and compliance with the American Rescue Plan Act.
What are the funding minimums and maximums?
While there is no minimum award amount, these awards are intended to be impactful (catalytic) capital projects. Maximum awards however shall not exceed $25,000,000.
When will funding be awarded?
Funding announcements are expected to occur on March 25, 2022. The first funding allocation of 50% of the award will occur within 30 days of an executed award agreement. The second 50% of the award will occur no earlier than January 2023 following two consecutive quarterly reports with successful progress of the project.
When do I have to start and finish my project?
All projects must start within 6 months of a fully executed award document. Construction of BASE funded project components must be completed within 2 years of the award date.
How many applications may I submit?
No more than 3 applications may be submitted by one entity. Application acceptance will close on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 11:59PM.
How do I register for a DUNS number?
Visit https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html or call 1-866-705-5711.
Do I need to register with SAM.gov prior to submitting an application?
Yes. If your SAM.gov registration is not completed before submitting an application, you must finalize the process before the issuance of a final award agreement. This process can take several weeks so please start the process as soon as possible in order to not delay a potential grant award.
Are these grants taxable?
The IRS has published information [irs.gov] indicating that “receipt of a government grant by a business is generally not excluded from the business’s gross income under the Federal Tax Code and therefore is taxable.” Please consult your accountant or tax professional to understand more about your particular tax situation and how this guidance applies.
If my business or organization receives an award, will my business or organization name, address, and award amount be made public?
Yes. The federal funding used for these grant awards requires the public disclosure of business names, addresses, and award amounts. If a business does not want this information to be made public, it should not submit the Grant Application.
Are these funds subject to federal flow-down requirements?
Most of the provisions of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) apply to this program, including the Cost Principles and procurement requirements. Recipients should refer to the Assistance Listing for detail on the specific provisions of the Uniform Guidance that do not apply to this program. The Assistance Listing will be available on SAM.gov.
What are the audit implications for these awards?
Keep in mind that a non-Federal entity that expends $750,000 or more during the non-federal entity’s fiscal year in Federal awards must have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of Part 200.
What are the reporting expectations for these awards?
The provisions of ARPA require all governments to provide periodic reports to the U.S. Treasury providing a detailed accounting of the use of funds and any other information the Secretary of the Treasury may require. To meet this requirement, Commerce will be requesting regular reporting from each recipient with specific information to be included in the award document.
How will grant awards be delivered?
Grant awards will be e-mailed to the email address included in the application. Please make sure the addresses used to apply are accurate to ensure timely receipt of materials.
I never received my check. What should I do?
If it has been two weeks since notification of your award and you have not received your payment, please email [email protected]. Please do not contact us regarding lost checks until at least two weeks. Grant award checks that have not been cashed or deposited after 1 year will be voided.
Would the cost of a master plan for a mixed-use housing and retail downtown development qualify?
Funding requests for housing must be linked to current or future economic development projects.
Can an individual business owner use these funds for their own private building on commercial property?
Requests for funds to be used by a private commercial property owner must be tied to current or future economic development projects. This would require a net increase or anticipated net increase in economic activity occurring at the property (e.g., adding additional tenant(s) or workforce).
Can BASE funds be utilized to purchase property to expand an existing industrial park?
If part of an effort to recruit or implement a specific economic development project or tenant of the industrial park, then property purchase would be eligible.
Can communities or counties use BASE funds to improve or replace existing public services, such as fire stations or police stations for increased insurance ratings and business attraction?
Stand-alone improvements for community facilities are not permissible under funding for this program. These improvements must be tied to an existing or future economic development project.
Can the required match for BASE funding come from the budget of multiple years for a city or county government?
Yes. A commitment letter or resolution should be provided as confirmation of the match requirement.
Can BASE funds be used for broadband projects not related to cybersecurity?
No.
Can BASE fund be used for street repairs or improvements?
Street repairs and improvements must be tied to existing or future economic development projects.
Can a city or county-owned water facility be improved upon using BASE funds?
Only if tied to an existing or future economic development project, or the facility is associated with an existing or proposed business or industrial park.
Can BASE funding be used for housing projects?
BASE funding can only be used for infrastructure of housing requests, including utility connection, ground leveling, and connecting roadways. BASE funding cannot be used for the construction of residence units.
Can existing costs from a project in progress be allowed as contributing match funds?
Yes. Funds dating back to January 1, 2019 will be considered eligible for the required match.
Can existing funds from a project in progress be reimbursed through the BASE program?
No. Existing funds can be part of the required match but are not reimbursable.
No. BASE funding is specifically for business development and expansion related projects.
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