Number:

DOO 45-1

SECTION 1. PURPOSE.

.01This Order prescribes the organization and assignment of functions of the Economic Development Administration (EDA). (Department Organization Order (DOO) 10-4, "Assistant Secretary for Economic Development," prescribes the authority and functions of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development.)

.02 This revision reflects the following changes:

a. Transfers the duties of the Office of Information Technology that remain after the Department of Commerce (Department) assumed EDA’s Chief Information Officer role to the Administrative Division within the Office of Finance and Management Services. These duties include the information technology (IT) oversight and administrative functions formerly executed by the Office of Information Technology. In addition to these remaining duties, the Administrative Division (within the Office of Finance and Management Services) will also identify and promote innovative technology tools.

b. Transfers the website functions of the defunct Office of Information Technology to the renamed Office of External Affairs and Communications.

c. Transfers the EDA-wide information security functions of the Office of Information Technology to the Office of Chief Counsel and the Administrative Division within the Office of Finance and Management Services.

d. Updates the Office of Regional Affairs’ role in administering the programs authorized under Section 27 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (hereinafter, the Stevenson-Wydler Act) (15 U.S.C.3722), to reflect amendments made in section 1741 of the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (Pub. L. 116-92); moves the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship so that it is a sub-office within the Office of Regional Affairs, consistent with the treatment of EDA’s other national program offices; and describes the Office’s responsibility to implement Section 28 of the Stevenson-Wydler Act (15 U.S.C. 3723) as enacted in the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Pub.L. 114-329) (2017).

e. Creates an Economic Development Integration and Disaster Recovery Division within the Office of Regional Affairs to house EDA’s disaster-related and economic development integration responsibilities.

f. Transfers to the Office of the Chief Counsel responsibility for coordinating and reviewing responses to OIG Hotline complaint referrals from the Office of Regional Affairs.

g. Clarifies the role of various offices in drafting and approving Memoranda of Understanding.

h. Renames the Performance and National Programs Division the Performance, Research, and National Technical Assistance Division to more accurately describe the Division’s areas of programmatic responsibility and to acknowledge that there are other “national” EDA programs.

i. Clarifies which Division within the Office of Regional Affairs is responsible for each of EDA’s Notices of Funding Opportunity.

j. Removes some but not all language related to the Office of Finance and Management Services’ responsibility to oversee outstanding loans to acknowledge that this is a constantly reducing element of EDA’s portfolio.

k. Add language to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development and the Office of Finance and Management Services discussing responsibilities for enterprise risk management.

l. Renames the Office of External Affairs the Office of External Affairs and Communications to clarify that it is also responsible for internal EDA communication functions. Also renames the Legislative Affairs Division within this office to the Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Division and the Public Affairs Division within this office to the Public Affairs and Communications Division.

m. Makes various editorial and clarifying changes to reflect more accurately the duties executed by each office.

SECTION 2. ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE.

The principal organization structure and line of authority of the EDA shall be as depicted in the attached organization chart (Exhibit 1).

SECTION 3. OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

.01 The Assistant Secretary for Economic Development directs the programs and is responsible for the conduct of all activities of EDA.

a. Serves as principal advisor to the Secretary of Commerce on economic development responsibilities and activities.

b. Represents the Secretary of Commerce on certain Departmental, Administration, and EDA initiatives.

c. Supports effective partnerships with other federal agencies, national organizations and international organizations concerned with economic development.

d. Develops EDA’s strategic vision and directs the strategic planning process and the development and achievement of EDA goals and objectives.

e. Directs the development and implementation of EDA policy and program guidance.

f. Determines EDA budget priorities.

g. Provides overall policy direction and guidance to EDA, subject to the policies and directives prescribed by the Secretary of Commerce.

h. Manages, directs, and provides leadership for all EDA intergovernmental affairs activities.

i. Assumes executive level responsibility for representing EDA in policy-related intergovernmental workgroups.

.02 The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development serves as the Chief Operating Officer, assists the Assistant Secretary in all matters affecting EDA, and performs the duties of the Assistant Secretary in the event that the Assistant Secretary is unable to carry out the duties of the office or during a vacancy in the office.

a. Guides and coordinates the strategic planning process and directs the implementation of the activities necessary to achieve EDA goals and objectives.

b. Directs the implementation of EDA program policies, procedures, and guidance.

c. Provides direction and coordination to the Offices of Chief Counsel, Regional Affairs, Finance and Management Services, and External Affairs and Communications.

d. Oversees and provides strategic direction to EDA’s enterprise risk management process.

e. Serves as EDA’s official under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347.

SECTION 4. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF COUNSEL.

.01 The Chief Counsel, who directs and supervises the activities of the Office, shall:

a. Render all necessary legal services, subject to the provisions of DOO 10-6, "Office of the General Counsel."

b. Have primary responsibility within EDA for the preparation, coordination, and clearance of all legislation, regulations, and external orders subject to the provisions of all applicable policy and Department Orders.

c. Provide the legal services review required to administer and protect the federal interest in all EDA projects, including with regards to suspension and debarment proceedings.

d. Prepare and transmit Federal Register notices to the Office of the Federal Register, subject to clearance by the Department’s Office of the General Counsel, as appropriate.

e. In conjunction with the Department’s Office of the General Counsel and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration, prepare or arrange for appropriate responses to all Privacy Act or Freedom of Information Act requests.

f. Receive, investigate, and resolve complaints to ensure equality of opportunity by participants in economic development programs.

g. Provide legal counsel for grant audit resolution.

h. Establish effective procedures and systems throughout EDA to ensure compliance with applicable civil rights laws and regulations.

i. In conjunction with the Office of Finance and Management Services, develop and maintain an EDA-wide information privacy and security program, including providing guidance regarding data protection.

j. Coordinate and review EDA responses to Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline complaint referrals.

k. In coordination with the Office of Finance and Management Services and, as appropriate, the Department’s Office of the General Counsel, review and clear all Interagency Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding/Agreement, and procurement actions.

SECTION 5. OFFICE OF REGIONAL AFFAIRS.

.01 The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs, who directs and supervises the activities of the Office of Regional Affairs, including EDA’s National Programs and all six EDA Regional Offices, shall:

a. Develop program policies, procedures and guidance required for implementing and monitoring the following EDA program authorities:

1. Sections 201, 203, 207, and 209 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (PWEDA) (42 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.), as amended.

2. Chapters 3 and 5 of Title II of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2341 et seq.), as amended.

3. The Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 6701 et seq.), which is Title I of the Public Works Employment Act of 1976 (P.L. 94-369), as amended.

4. Sections 25-28 of the Stevenson-Wydler Act (15 U.S.C. 3720-3723), as amended.

5. Special initiatives such as workforce skill enhancement programs and supplemental appropriations for disasters and other emergencies.

b. Develop program and policy recommendations for improving existing regional and national programs and developing new programs and/or complying with legislation, regulations, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars, and Executive Orders, including those related to environmental protection.

c. Develop and maintain program guidance, policies, directives and operating procedures to improve, standardize, or streamline the administration of EDA's various assistance programs, as well as to effectively implement OMB, U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), or OIG recommendations and/or Presidential or Secretarial directives, policies, or initiatives.

d. Recommend and implement policy guidance on all organizational development and management initiatives designed to provide greater efficiency and effectiveness in the management and operation of EDA.

e. Coordinate with the Office of Finance and Management on the development, implementation, and evaluation of internal management controls for grants management and administration.

f. Coordinate, review, and prepare the official responses of EDA to formal reports received from the OIG, GAO, Department staff, and others as required.

g. Direct the development and implementation of a program for performance analysis measurement, and for reporting; and integrate this program with EDA's strategic planning and operations management systems. Working in concert with the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative Officer, he/she will also ensure that the performance analysis, measurement, and reporting program is fully integrated into budget justification and execution activities. In furtherance of this program, he/she will also ensure the integrity of data used for the purposes of this program, provided in response to data requests, and for the support of EDA operations and programs.

h. Direct, coordinate, and provide guidance to the Regional Offices throughout the Regional Offices’ strategic planning process; ensure that each Regional Office’s strategic planning reflects EDA’s mission and strategic planning and the Assistant Secretary’s priorities, and clearly articulates a feasible, proactive plan to maximize job creation and private sector investment; and track implementation of these plans.

i. Be responsible for the oversight of all programmatic functions of the Regions.

j. Lead and coordinate task forces comprised of Regional Office and Headquarters’ staff for the purpose of: disseminating and adopting best practices; developing and implementing standardized operating procedures; implementing OMB, GAO, and OIG recommendations and/or Presidential or Departmental directives; and/or developing the programmatic requirements for IT systems and upgrades.

k. Serve as the representative for the Office of the Assistant Secretary on intergovernmental working groups/task forces, as necessary.

l. Prepare Interagency Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding related to EDA economic development programs for review by the Office of the Chief Counsel and Office of Finance and Management Services.

.02 In addition, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs shall direct and supervise the activities of the following:

a. EDA’s National Programs:

 

1. The Performance, Research, and National Technical Assistance Division, which shall:

 

aa. In furtherance of evidence-based policy and data-driven decision-making, develop performance metrics and targets for program activities, collect and aggregate performance data; identify areas in need of improvement; and provide senior management with timely and accurate analysis of current operational trends, variances in target achievement across programs and Regions, and the effectiveness of EDA programs and special initiatives in achieving Departmental and EDA objectives.

bb. Collect and report performance and Government Performance and Results Act, as amended (GPRA), data quarterly and annually; develop and implement procedures for producing timely and accurate performance and GPRA data and provide oversight for data quality; work with Regional Offices to ensure the accuracy and timely submission of data; and alert senior management to any obstacles in meeting performance or GPRA targets.

cc. Support EDA policies and decision-making, including regarding investment priorities and special need determinations.

dd. Review and analyze Peer Review evaluations of Economic Development Districts and University Centers.

ee. Develop Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for Economic Development Assistance, University Center, Research and National Technical Assistance, and Planning and Local Technical Assistance grant programs.

ff. Participate in Investment Review Committee meetings held by the Regional Offices as staffing and resources allow.

gg. Evaluate and select Research and National Technical Assistance proposals for funding; evaluate deliverables and monitor project milestones; and manage the project to ensure that the final product is of maximum utility to EDA and its stakeholders.

hh. When appropriate and in coordination with EDA’s Contracting Officer Representative, manage contracts for Research and National Technical Assistance projects.

ii. Oversee the Headquarters’ quality assurance process for investments.

jj. Update application forms and procedures as necessary, in consultation with the Office of the Assistant Secretary, the Office of the Chief Counsel, the Office of Finance and Management Services, and the Regional Offices’ staff.

kk. Perform agency-wide monitoring and reporting on EDA’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) portfolio; under the direction of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs, coordinate the revision and implementation of policies and procedures related to the management and administration of the RLF portfolio; and coordinate with the OIG and other interested parties to evaluate the RLF program, respond to audit and other findings, and address programmatic deficiencies as required.

ll. Assist the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs with developing, implementing, and evaluating new policies, procedures, and guidance for EDA programs and operations, as required.

mm. Provide programmatic expertise on EDA’s programs to internal and external clients.

2. The Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which shall:

 

aa. Develop NOFOs for all grant programs authorized by the Stevenson-Wydler Act, as amended.

bb. Implement programs and activities as contemplated by Section 27 of the Stevenson-Wydler Act including developing and directing the regional innovation grant program.

cc. Work closely with the White House, Department, other federal agencies, and State government agencies and institutions to develop policies and programs designed to foster innovation and the commercialization of new technologies, products, processes, and services, including those designed to foster disaster response, relief and resiliency.

dd. Conduct planning to support and promote high-growth entrepreneurship and increase and accelerate commercialization of federally funded research, both in federal labs and universities.

ee. Work with other bureaus at the Department and with other federal agencies to coordinate and collaborate on policies and programs to support entrepreneurship and commercialization.

ff. Facilitate and streamline access to data, research, and technical assistance relating to innovation and commercialization.

gg. In coordination with the Office of the Secretary of Commerce, provide administrative support, as needed, for the operations of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE).

hh. Serve as the principal policy adviser to the Office of the Assistant Secretary on innovation and entrepreneurship issues.

ii. Implement programs and activities as contemplated by Section 28 of the Stevenson-Wydler Act, including: identifying the need for skilled science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workers, expanding STEM apprenticeship programs, and developing and directing the needs assessment and apprenticeship expansion grants.

3. The Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Division, which shall:

 

aa. Prepare NOFOs for grants/cooperative agreements pursuant to the Trade Act of 1974, as amended; process and monitor grants for the operation of Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers and for industry-wide projects; certify/deny the eligibility of firms to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance; prepare the Trade Adjustment Assistance Annual Report to Congress; and approve/deny the adjustment proposals received from certified firms.

4. The Economic Development Integration and Disaster Recovery Division, which shall:

 

aa. Coordinate EDA’s participation in the National Response Framework (NRF) and National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF), including overseeing Mission Assignments and Interagency Agreements with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

bb. Support disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in compliance with Department Administrative Order 210-7.

cc. Coordinate economic recovery activities under the Economic Recovery Support Function (ERSF) on behalf of the Department and, as relevant, the Federal Government.

dd. Provide guidance and training to governmental staff and communities to assist with preparing for, preventing, and mitigating disasters, as well as enhancing resiliency.

ee. In coordination with the Performance, Research, and National Technical Assistance Division, develop NOFOs for disaster grant programs.

ff. Support the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development in his/her role as the Federal Government’s lead integrator for economic development.

gg. Identify ways to provide general economic development assistance and promote a favorable business climate to support long-term economic recovery planning, reconstruction, redevelopment, and resiliency.

hh. Establish tools, methodologies and other resources that enhance the capacity of EDA’s client-facing staff to optimize the investment of federal, state, and local economic development resources.

ii. Establish policies and administrative infrastructure through which EDA will serve as the Federal Government’s central facilitator for interagency collaboration and resource integration.

jj. Build partnerships and communications infrastructure across federal agencies, as well as state and local economic development organizations (both public and private).

kk. In coordination with the Office of External Affairs and Communications, develop comprehensive, understandable, and relevant content on federal, state, and local resources.

ll. Improve community access to federal program information, data, and funding opportunities.

mm. Integrate strategic investments from multiple federal and non-federal resources in high impact economic development projects.

nn. Prepare Interagency Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding related to EDA’s economic development integration activities for review and clearance by the Office of the Chief Counsel and Office of Finance and Management Services.

b. EDA's six Regional Offices, Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, and Seattle (see Exhibit 2 for service areas), each of which is headed by a Regional Director. Each Regional Director shall:

 

3. Provide outstanding customer service by continually soliciting customer feedback to develop and implement operational and process improvements and engaging staff around continual performance improvement.

4. Support EDA’s economic development integration and disaster recovery efforts by:

 

aa. Implementing, monitoring progress, and measuring performance of economic development integration efforts in the Region.

bb. Directing and managing ERSF activities as may be issued from time to time to EDA by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and/or other agencies as prescribed by the NDRF and coordinated by the Office of Regional Affairs and the Economic Development Integration and Disaster Recovery Division.

cc. Directing staff to work with affected communities, economic development organizations, and other stakeholders to identify projects with the potential for supporting disaster recovery and resiliency in those communities

5. Develop and carry out standard office procedures to ensure that staff is appropriately, accurately, and consistently keeping up-to-date on the Operations, Planning and Control System (OPCS), official project files, any tracking spreadsheets or databases, and any grants management and other IT systems.

6. Ensure that staff implement and consistently follow all EDA policies, directives, memoranda, and standardized operating procedures, including with regards to the accurate entry and maintenance of data in all EDA systems; encourage staff to develop and disseminate best practices in service delivery, operational efficiency, and grants management and administration; and to actively participate in agency-wide taskforces and working groups.

7. Direct and supervise staff in the accurate and timely submission of materials requested by Headquarters, including performance and GPRA data, the Annual Report to Congress, data to support Investment Summary claims, information to support Departmental and agency data calls, and information to support agency budget requests.

SECTION 6. OFFICE OF FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

.01 The Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative Officer, who directs and supervises the activities of the Office, shall:

a. As Chief Financial Officer:

1. Direct EDA’s preparation of financial statements and the annual financial audit.

2. Direct the development and execution of EDA’s budget consistent with the budget priorities set forth by OMB, the Department, and the Assistant Secretary.

3. Direct the development, implementation, oversight, and evaluation of internal administrative and financial management control systems.

4. Direct the development and implementation of policies, standards, and procedures for collecting or taking other actions to resolve debts arising from grants made by EDA pursuant to statutory authority.

5. In coordination with the Office of the Chief Counsel, recommend suspension, termination, or compromise of claims in accordance with the Federal Claims Collection Act and implementing regulations, including Department directives.

6. Refer delinquent claims receivable to the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development or the Department’s Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration, as appropriate, for approval prior to compromise, suspension, termination, or referral to the Department of Justice for litigation.

7. Provide guidance and direction to EDA’s headquarters staff, Department officials, and other public officials in implementing EDA’s debt management policies and procedures.

8. In coordination with the Office of Regional Affairs, provide operational, policy and compliance oversight of EDA’s grants programs including streamlining grants management and administration procedures.

b. As Chief Administrative Officer:

1. Provide guidance and oversight for human resources management, acquisition management, and management of all EDA administrative functions to include awards, training, facilities, real and personal property, records management, IT support services, enterprise risk management, and other support activities.

2. Serve as the deciding official on EDA-specific challenges received pursuant to the Federal Activities Inventory Reform (FAIR) Act.

3. Direct and supervise staff in drafting, coordinating, and testing EDA’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).

.02 In addition, the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative Officer shall direct and supervise the activities of the following organizational elements:

a. The Administrative Division, which shall:

1. Manage and maintain EDA’s records and directives system.

2. Coordinate and respond to Departmental and OMB requests for information that relate to all administrative procedures.

3. Manage and coordinate all requests for audits and all audit resolution actions and reports regarding EDA financial assistance recipients.

4. Provide procurement services and liaise with the Department’s servicing procurement office.

5. Draft, coordinate, and lead EDA staff in testing EDA’s COOP.

6. Manage EDA’s enterprise risk management processes in coordination with the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development.

7. Develop and implement property and facilities management protocols for EDA.

8. Manage the contracting and provision of EDA’s telecommunications system.

9. Perform all other administrative functions not elsewhere specified.

10. Develop and manage a competency-based human resources system that integrates succession planning, recruitment, selection and training/development with competency-based performance management to tie employee’s competency and behaviors to EDA’s mission and goals.

11. Assist the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs with the classification of new position descriptions and/or other paperwork to effect organizational changes needed to enhance EDA’s efficiency or effectiveness.

12. In consultation with the Office of Regional Affairs, manage EDA’s organizational development activities.

13. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and reporting as required by the Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness and Paperwork Reduction Acts.

14. Recommend and implement EDA’s training and development policies and programs.

15. Implement EDA’s diversity and equal opportunity programs.

16. In conjunction with the Office of the Chief Counsel, develop and maintain an EDA-wide information privacy and security program.

17. Manage EDA’s IT support services, including:

aa. In coordination with the Department’s Office of the Chief Information Officer: plan, acquire, and coordinate information resources within EDA for office automation, data, and communications systems and equipment; provide for the management and analysis of IT systems, including the establishment and convening of an IT governance board, the conduct of feasibility studies, and the development of plans for systems and programs; and coordinate the development efforts for strategic IT planning and operating budgets.

bb. In coordination with the Office of the Chief Counsel, coordinate and execute Memoranda of Understanding and contracts as needed to complete IT activities.

cc. Identify emerging and innovative IT tools to make EDA operations more efficient.

dd. Train EDA staff on skills needed to promote and implement innovative ideas.

ee. Set up and manage fora for generating new ideas and approaches.

ff. Identify ways to improve how EDA collects, uses, manages, and reports data.

gg. Establish methods for strengthening data quality and develop measures for assessing data quality.

hh. Ensure data is available, reliable, consistent, accessible, secure, and timely to support EDA’s mission and activities.

b. The Budget and Finance Division, which shall:

1. Through the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative Officer, and in coordination with the Office of Regional Affairs, develop allocations and allocation methodologies for the distribution of program resources to the Regional Offices.

2. Exercise budgetary oversight of the total financial program of EDA and the fiscal aspects of EDA programs entrusted to other federal agencies or administered by EDA on behalf of another federal agency.

3. Formulate, justify, and execute EDA’s budget.

4. Review and monitor a fiscal control system for both program and administrative expenses consistent with the requirements of the Antideficiency Act, which shall include, but not be restricted to apportionments, allotment of funds, operating budgets, employment limitations, and analyses of reports and proposed actions.

5. Develop, recommend, and implement policies, standards, and procedures for resolving public debts arising from EDA’s public sector grants and for servicing the direct loan programs and apply sound internal control practices, including proper separation of duties, to maintain the loan servicing functions until all legacy loans are closed-out.

6. Seek recovery of funds determined to be claims of the government under the various grant programs of EDA, including debts arising from excess disbursements, disallowed costs, transfer of financed property, and court-ordered settlements.

7. Resolve audit debt problems, including obtaining acknowledgment of accounts receivable debts, resolving contested or delinquent debts, negotiating extended payment plans, and determining when a claim is uncollectable.

8. In coordination with the Office of Chief Counsel, as appropriate, evaluate and recommend disbursement of previously approved financial assistance to a grantee pending resolution of a debt owed to EDA by the grantee.

9. Work with the Regional Offices and the Office of Chief Counsel to ensure the orderly liquidation of EDA projects incapable of continuing viable operations and disposal of the project assets to the best advantage of the government.

10. Recommend suspension, termination, or compromise of claims in accordance with the Federal Claims Collection Act and implementing regulations, including Department directives.

11. In coordination with EDA’s financial service provider, provide general oversight and monitoring of EDA accounting systems and the process of preparing financial reports and financial statements for internal and external use.

12. Process all reservations of funds and payment vouchers; perform final project close-out in OPCS or appropriate successor system.

13. Provide accounting support for effective control of all funds administered to accurately present the status of the appropriated funds and to meet the requirements of the Antideficiency Act.

14. Coordinate, review, and evaluate EDA vulnerability assessments of its internal controls to ensure conformance with OMB Circular A-123 and prepare the Assistant Secretary’s annual Federal Manager’s Financial Integrity Act statement to the Secretary of Commerce.

15. Analyze financial and operating data to provide useful financial information in support of performance and GPRA requirements.

16. Serve as liaison for the annual financial audit.

SECTION 7. OFFICE OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS.

.01 The Director of External Affairs and Communications, who directs and supervises the activities of the Office, shall:

a. Coordinate EDA congressional, intergovernmental, and public affairs activities, and internal communications.

b. Provide information on the goals, objectives, policies, programs, and activities of EDA.

c. Act as the point of contact for members of Congress, Congressional staff, other federal agencies, state and local governments, the media, and the general public.

d. Participate in public fora and make presentations concerning EDA’s goals, objectives, policies, and procedures as directed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary.

.02 The Director of External Affairs and Communications shall direct and supervise the following divisions:

a. The Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Division, which shall:

1. Assist the Director of External Affairs and Communications in representing EDA to members of Congress, Congressional staff, other federal agencies, state and local elected officials, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations through all manner of written and verbal communication.

2. Communicate the Administration’s legislative agenda regarding economic development matters.

3. Develop and implement a comprehensive legislative and intergovernmental plan and accompanying outreach strategy with milestones and key performance indicators.

4. Coordinate and advise EDA’s Regional Offices’ contact with, and message to, elected and non-elected government officials.

5. Support and assist the Assistant Secretary in responding to requests for testimony regarding the Administration’s economic development policies. Prepare and consolidate EDA briefing and presentation material, including congressional testimony and legislative strategy.

6. Track, research, and analyze legislation that may impact EDA policy and operations in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Counsel and keep relevant EDA staff updated regarding such legislation.

7. Track correspondence, develop and implement programs for the efficient management of all official records of the Office of the Assistant Secretary, and maintain correspondence and policy files.

8. Manage and maintain EDA’s correspondence functions, including the creation of written responses to inquiries by government officials, businesses, community groups, non-governmental organizations, and the general public.

9. Prepare, review, edit, distribute, and dispatch responses to correspondence, projects, and action memoranda to or from the Assistant Secretary. Maintain prompt follow-up of replies to ensure that deadlines are met.

10. Provide appropriate and comprehensive bureau information necessary to respond to Departmental, Congressional, intergovernmental, other federal agency, and public requests.

11. Prepare responses to inquiries and correspondence regarding policy issues, program/project matters, and all other correspondence requiring signature by the Assistant Secretary or Secretary.

12. Facilitate meetings and events with intergovernmental stakeholders including appropriate associations and nonprofit organizations.

b. The Public Affairs and Communications Division, which shall:

1. In coordination with the Department’s Office of Public Affairs, carry out and/or coordinate all EDA public affairs activities, including press releases, media events, and public appearances involving the Office of the Assistant Secretary.

2. Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs and communications plan and accompanying outreach strategy with milestones and key performance indicators

3. Interact with the public on behalf of EDA, focusing on key EDA stakeholders, public and private economic developers, and national interest groups.

4. Develop messaging to communicate EDA’s vision, mission, and goals, including speech material for the Office of the Assistant Secretary.

5. Be responsible for the form, appearance, and content of all materials and information provided to EDA stakeholders, partners, customers, and the general public.

6. Coordinate relationships with local and national media.

7. Be responsible for outreach to stakeholders, including governmental partners, non-governmental organizations, and the communities served by EDA.

8. Act as EDA’s information dissemination center to the public on programs, activities, and policies. Disseminate information about effective economic development programs, projects, and techniques.

9. Develop appropriate informational materials for public distribution and for dissemination via the web. Be responsible for web-enabled outreach and communication.

10. Direct and oversee the operations of EDA’s website. Coordinate with the Office of the Secretary of Commerce, Regional Offices, and Headquarters staff to ensure the website meets EDA standards for quality, functionality, and timeliness.

11. Develop and implement EDA website policies and standards in coordination with the Offices of the Chief Information Officer and Public Affairs and in compliance with existing guidelines.

12. Develop and coordinate EDA internal communications.

13. Manage use of EDA’s seal and logo, consistent with Departmental policies and in coordination with the Office of the Chief Counsel.

SECTION 8. EFFECT ON OTHER ORDERS.

This Order supersedes Department Organization Order 45-1, dated July 16, 2010.

Signed by: Assistant Secretary for Economic Development

Approved by: Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration