This measure determines the perceived value added by the University Centers (UCs) to their clients. EDA funds UCs to provide technical assistance and specialized services (for example, feasibility studies, marketing research, economic analysis, environmental services, and technology transfer) to local officials and communities. This assistance improves the community’s capacity to plan and manage successful development projects. UCs develop client profiles and report findings to EDA, which evaluates the performance of each center once every 3 years and verifies the data. “Taking action as a result of the assistance facilitated” means to implement an aspect of the technical assistance provided by the UC in one of several areas: economic development initiatives and training session development; linkages to crucial resources; economic development planning; project management; community investment package development; geographic information system services; strategic partnering to public or private sector entities; increased organizational capacity; feasibility plans; marketing studies; technology transfer; new company, product, or patent development; and other services.

Tags: commerce & trade, economic development, equity, economic security & policy, international affairs, native american & tribal communities, veterans benefits & services, pma - business of government, workforce development & employment