Facts and Figures: EDA Awards Phase 2 Grants Under Tech Hubs and Recompete Programs

In the summer of 2024, U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $688 million through two recently authorized programs:

• $504 million to 12 Regional Technology Hubs (Tech Hubs) grantees (see Figure 2); and
• $184 million to six Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete) grantees (see Figure 3).

For both programs, EDA used a two-phased award process to administer the recently awarded funding, which differs from EDA's typical grant-making approach.

In light of the award announcements, Congress may seek to review select program features (e.g., sizes and geographic diversity of awards, scope of projects) as well as funding levels and outcomes. Observers note that the scope of projects and the size of the awards also make these awards different from EDA's existing programs.

Background and Select Program Features

Both the Regional Tech Hubs program and Recompete Pilot Program were authorized by P.L. 117-167, the CHIPS and Science Act, in August 2022. The programs have distinct policy objectives, yet were both designed as place-based approaches to addressing economic development. The programs support projects comprised of multiple, integrated component activities rather than a single activity. The programs' authorizations also required applicants to involve a consortium or coalition of public and private stakeholders—each with a lead institution as the primary applicant.

EDA administered both programs in two phases with two types of awards (see Figure 1): strategy development grants (SDGs), awarded in Phase 1, and strategy implementation grants (SIGs), awarded in Phase 2. The recent grant announcements were for SIGs—Phase 2 implementation activities. EDA and analysts noted that the phased approach may have helped applicants to plan, coordinate, and enhance governance and future grant management activities. EDA further noted that the phased approach may have contributed to improved Phase 2 applications and applicant readiness, and may help applicants become more competitive for future funding.

The Tech Hubs program is authorized at $10 billion over five years (FY2023-FY2027), and has received $541 million to date from FY2023 and FY2024 appropriations as of August 2024. The Recompete Program is authorized at $1 billion over five years (FY2022-FY2026), and has received $200 million from FY2023 appropriations as of August 2024. The Phase 2 Tech Hubs and Recompete SIG awards ranged from $19 million to $51 million, which is greater than the amounts typically awarded through most EDA grants.

Figure 1. Award Phases

Source: CRS with EDA information.

Tech Hubs

The Tech Hubs program was designed to improve the development and commercialization of key technology focus areas outlined in statute and to support job creation and U.S. innovation capacity. The Phase 2 awardees include projects focused on the development of quantum computing, biomanufacturing, and critical minerals supply chain activities. Numerous Tech Hubs awardees were also awardees of other large-scale EDA awards such as the Build Back Better competition, or federal programs such as the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines Program.

In October 2023, EDA designated 31 Phase 1 finalists as Tech Hubs. Tech Hubs Phase 1 finalists were invited to apply for Phase 2 implementation grants and 12 were selected for Phase 2 funding. Tech Hubs that were designated in Phase 1, but not awarded grants in Phase 2, may still benefit from the designation by receiving technical assistance and access to other federal funding opportunities. According to the EDA, the designation confers "a strong endorsement of a region's plan to supercharge a critical technology ecosystem and become a global leader over the next decade." In July 2024, the EDA also provided $9.5 million in Consortium Accelerator Awards to 19 designated Tech Hubs so that they may "continue implementing their strategies, including the pursuit of additional capital."

The program's authorization allows for awardees to receive multiple awards, with initial awards authorized for amounts up to $150 million per Hub and a maximum total award amount of $1 billion per Hub. EDA is statutorily required to designate at least 20 Tech Hubs. The program's authorization required EDA to "ensure geographic and demographic diversity" in the Hub designations. EDA noted that of the 12 awardees, 10 hubs will serve small and rural communities, nine will serve underserved communities, four include tribal governments in their consortia, and two are located in low-population states.

Figure 2. Tech Hubs Designees and Phase 2 Implementation Grant Awardees

Source: CRS, using EDA data (https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/regional-technology-and-innovation-hubs/2023). Notes: Symbols show the location of the organization's requesting office.

Recompete

The Recompete Program was designed to provide long-term, place-based assistance for areas where the prime-age (25-54 years) employment rate "significantly trails the national average." For Phase 1, EDA instructed applicants to choose either an SDG, approval of a Recompete Plan, or both.

Eligible activities under Recompete Phase 2 implementation grants included development of entrepreneurship, workforce, and infrastructure, as well as childcare and wraparound services, which are not activities that EDA has historically funded. Unlike most EDA grant programs, Recompete did not require matching funds for Phase 1 or 2 awards. Half of the Phase 2 awardees were for fully rural project areas. The statutory minimum grant award for Recompete is $20 million.

Figure 3. Recompete Finalists and Phase 2 Implementation Grant Awardees

Source: CRS, with EDA data (https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/recompete-pilot-program/2023). Notes: Symbols show the location of the organization's requesting office.

Appropriated and Requested Funding Amounts

The two programs received supplemental and annual appropriations in FY2023 for a combined $700 million (see Table 1), which is over two times the amount allocated to all of EDA's other grant programs in FY2022.