80 FR 18588 - Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the Emerging Markets Program
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Commodity Credit Corporation Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 66 (April 7, 2015)
Commodity Credit Corporation
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 66 (April 7, 2015)
| Page Range | 18588-18591 | |
| FR Document | 2015-07940 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 66 (Tuesday, April 7, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 18588-18591] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-07940] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Commodity Credit Corporation Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the Emerging Markets Program SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is inviting proposals for the 2016 Emerging Markets Program (EMP). The intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications from the private sector and from government agencies for fiscal year 2016 and to set out criteria for the award of funds under the program in October 2015. The EMP is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). DATES: To be considered for funding, applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, June 8, 2015. Any applications received after this time will be considered only if funds are still available. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Entities wishing to apply for funding assistance should contact the Program Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service by courier address: Room 6512, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720-4327, or by fax: (202) 720-9361, or by email: [email protected]. Information is also available on the Foreign Agricultural Service Web site at http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/emerging-markets-program-emp. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Funding Opportunity Description Announcement Type: New. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.603. Authority: The EMP is authorized by section 1542(d)(1) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (The Act), as amended. The EMP regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1486. 1. Purpose. The EMP assists U.S. entities in developing, maintaining, or expanding exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and products by funding activities that improve emerging markets' food and rural business systems, including reducing potential trade barriers in such markets. The EMP is intended primarily to support export market development efforts of the private sector, but EMP resources may also be used to assist public organizations. All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration. Agricultural product(s) should be comprised of at least 50 percent U.S. origin content by weight, exclusive of added water, to be eligible for funding. Proposals that seek support for multiple commodities are also eligible. EMP funding may only be used to develop, maintain, or expand emerging markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products through generic activities. EMP funding may not be used to support the export of another country's products to the United States, or to promote the development of a foreign economy as a primary objective. 2. Appropriate Activities. All EMP projects must fall into at least one of the following four categories: (a) Assistance to teams consisting primarily of U.S. individuals expert in assessing the food and rural business systems of other countries. This type of EMP project must include all three of the following:Conduct an assessment of the food and rural business system needs of an emerging market; Make recommendations on measures necessary to enhance the effectiveness of these systems; and Identify opportunities and projects to enhance the effectiveness of the emerging market's food and rural business systems. To be eligible, such proposals must clearly demonstrate that experts are primarily agricultural consultants, farmers, other persons from the private sector, and government officials, and that they have expertise in assessing the food and rural business systems of other countries. (b) Assistance to enable individuals from emerging markets to travel to the United States so that these individuals can, for the purpose of enhancing the food and rural business systems in their countries, become familiar with U.S. technology and agribusiness and rural enterprise operations by consulting with food and rural business system experts in the United States. (c) Assistance to enable U.S. agricultural producers and other individuals knowledgeable in agricultural and agribusiness matters to travel to emerging markets to assist in transferring their knowledge and expertise to entities in emerging markets. Such travel must be to emerging markets. Travel to developed markets is not eligible under the program even if the traveler's targeted market is an emerging market. (d) Technical assistance to implement the recommendations, projects, and/or opportunities identified under 2(a) above. Technical assistance that does not implement the recommendations, projects, and/ or opportunities identified [[Page 18589]] by assistance under 2(a) above is not eligible under the EMP. Proposals that do not fall into one or more of the four categories above, regardless of previous guidance provided regarding the EMP, are not eligible for consideration under the program. EMP funds may not be used to support normal operating costs of individual organizations, nor as a source to recover pre-award costs or prior expenses from previous or ongoing projects. Proposals that counter national strategies or duplicate activities planned or already underway by U.S. non-profit agricultural commodity or trade associations (``cooperators'') will not be considered. Other ineligible expenditures include: Branded product promotions (e.g., in-store, restaurant advertising, labeling, etc.); advertising, administrative, and operational expenses for trade shows; Web site development; equipment purchases; and the preparation and printing of brochures, flyers, and posters (except in connection with specific technical assistance activities such as training seminars). For a more complete description of ineligible expenditures, please refer to the EMP regulations. 3. Eligible Markets. The Act defines an emerging market as any country that the Secretary of Agriculture determines: (a) Is taking steps toward developing a market-oriented economy through the food, agriculture, or rural business sectors of the economy of the country; and (b) Has the potential to provide a viable and significant market for U.S. agricultural commodities or products of U.S. agricultural commodities. Because EMP funds are limited and the range of potential emerging market countries is worldwide, consideration will be given only to proposals that target countries or regional groups with per capita income of less than $12,745 (the current ceiling on upper middle income economies as determined by the World Bank [World Development Indicators; July 2014, http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DATASTATISTICS/Resources/CLASS.XLS]) and populations of greater than 1 million. Income limits and their calculation can change from year to year with the result that a given country may qualify under the legislative and administrative criteria one year, but not the next. Therefore, CCC has not established a fixed list of emerging market countries. A few countries technically qualify as emerging markets but may require a separate determination before funding can be considered because of political sensitivities. B. Award Information In general, and subject to the availability of funding, all qualified proposals received before the application deadline will compete for EMP funding. The applicants' willingness to contribute resources, including cash, goods and services, will be a critical factor in determining which proposals are funded under the EMP. Each proposal will also be judged on the potential benefits to the industry represented by the applicant and the degree to which the proposal demonstrates industry support. The limited funds and the range of eligible emerging markets worldwide generally preclude CCC from approving large budgets for individual projects. While there is no minimum or maximum amount set for EMP-funded projects, most projects are funded at a level of less than $500,000 and for a duration of approximately one year. Private entities may submit multi-year proposals requesting higher levels of funding that may be considered in the context of a detailed strategic implementation plan. Funding in such cases is generally limited to three years and provided one year at a time with commitments beyond the first year subject to interim evaluations and funding availability. Government entities are not eligible for multi-year funding. Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific agreements. The CCC, through FAS, will be kept informed of the implementation of approved projects through the requirement to provide interim progress reports and final performance reports. Changes in the original project timelines and adjustments within project budgets must be approved in advance by FAS. Note: EMP funds awarded to government agencies must be expended or otherwise obligated by close of business, September 30, 2016. C. Eligibility and Qualification Information 1. Eligible Applicants: Any U.S. private or government entity (e.g., universities, non-profit trade associations, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups (SRTGs), state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, profit-making entities, and consulting businesses) with a demonstrated role or interest in exports of U.S. agricultural commodities or products may apply to the program. Proposals from research and consulting organizations will be considered if they provide evidence of substantial participation by and financial support from the U.S. industry. For-profit entities are also eligible but may not use program funds to conduct private business, promote private self-interests, supplement the costs of normal sales activities or promote their own products or services beyond specific uses approved by CCC in a given project. U.S. export market development cooperators and SRTGs may seek funding to address priority, market specific issues and to undertake activities not suitable for funding under other CCC market development programs, e.g., the Foreign Market Development Cooperator (Cooperator) Program and the Market Access Program (MAP). Foreign organizations, whether government or private, may participate as third parties in activities carried out by U.S. organizations, but are not eligible for funding assistance from the program. 2. Cost Sharing: No private sector proposal will be considered without the element of cost-share from the applicant and/or U.S. partners. The EMP is intended to complement, not supplant, the efforts of the U.S. private sector. There is no minimum or maximum amount of cost-share, though the range in recent successful proposals has been between 35 and 75 percent. The degree of commitment to a proposed project, represented by the amount and type of private funding, is one factor used in determining which proposals will be approved for funding. Cost-share may be actual cash invested or professional time of staff assigned to the project. Proposals for which private industry is willing to commit cash, rather than in-kind contributions, such as staff resources, will be given priority consideration. Cost-sharing is not required for proposals from government agencies, but is mandatory for all other eligible entities, even when they may be party to a joint proposal with a government agency. Contributions from USDA or other government agencies or programs may not be counted toward the stated cost-share requirement of other applicants. Similarly, contributions from foreign (non-U.S.) organizations may not be counted toward the cost-share requirement, but may be counted in the total cost of the project. 3. Other: Proposals should include a justification for funding assistance from the program--an explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished without Federal funding assistance and why the participating organization(s) [[Page 18590]] would be unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance. Applicants may submit more than one proposal. D. Application and Submission Information 1. Address to Request Application Package: EMP applicants have the opportunity to utilize the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application process, an online system that provides a means for interested applicants to submit a consolidated and strategically coordinated single proposal that incorporates funding requests for any or all of the market development programs administered by FAS. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications to FAS through the UES application Internet Web site. The Internet-based format reduces paperwork and expedites FAS' processing and review cycle. Applicants planning to use the on-line UES system must contact the Program Operations Division to obtain site access information. The Internet-based application is located at the following URL address: https://www.fas.usda.gov/ues/webapp/. Although FAS highly recommends applying via the Internet-based application, applicants also have the option of submitting an electronic version to FAS at [email protected]. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: To be considered for the EMP, an applicant must submit to FAS information required by this Notice of Funds Availability and the EMP regulations at 7 CFR part 1486. EMP regulations and additional information are available at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/emerging-markets-program-emp. In addition, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, each entity that applies to the EMP and does not qualify for an exemption under 2 CFR Sec. 25.110 must: (i) Provide a valid DUNS number in each application or plan it submits to CCC; (ii) Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting an application or plan; and (iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by CCC. Similarly, in accordance with 2 CFR part 170, each entity that applies to the EMP and does not qualify for an exception under 2 CFR Sec. 170.110(b) must ensure it has the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170 should it receive EMP funding. Applications should be no longer than ten (10) pages and include the following information: (a) Date of proposal; (b) Name of organization submitting proposal; (c) Organization address, telephone and fax numbers; (d) Tax ID number; (e) DUNS number; (f) Primary contact person; (g) Full title of proposal; (h) Target market(s); (i) Specific description of activity/activities to be undertaken; (j) Clear demonstration that successful implementation will benefit an emerging market's food and rural business system and/or reduce potential trade barriers, and will benefit a particular industry as a whole, not just the applicant(s); (k) Current conditions in the target market(s) affecting the intended commodity or product; (l) Description of problem(s) (i.e., constraint(s)) to be addressed by the project, such as the need to assess and enhance food and rural business systems of the emerging market, lack of awareness by foreign officials of U.S. technology and business practices, impediments (infrastructure, financing, regulatory or other non-tariff barriers) to the effectiveness of the emerging market's food and rural business systems previously identified by an EMP project that are to be implemented by the applicant, etc.; (m) Project objectives; (n) Performance measures: Benchmarks for quantifying progress in meeting the objectives; (o) Rationale: Explanation of the underlying reasons for the project proposal and its approach, the anticipated benefits, and any additional pertinent analysis; (p) Explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished without Federal funding assistance and why the participating organization(s) would be unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance; (q) Timeline(s) for implementation of activity, including start and end dates; (r) Information on whether similar activities are or have previously been funded with USDA resources in the target country or countries (e.g., under MAP and/or Cooperator programs); (s) Detailed line item activity budget: Cost items should be allocated separately to each participating organization; and Expense items constituting a proposed activity's overall budget (e.g., salaries, travel expenses, consultant fees, administrative costs, etc.), with a line item cost for each, should be listed, clearly indicating: (1) Which items are to be covered by EMP funding; (2) Which by the participating U.S. organization(s); and (3) Which by foreign third parties (if applicable). Cost items for individual consultant fees should show calculation of daily rate and number of days. Cost items for travel expenses should show number of trips, destinations, cost, and objective for each trip; and (t) Qualifications of applicant(s) should be included as an attachment. 3. Funding Restrictions: Certain types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement by the program, and there are limits on other categories of expenses, such as indirect overhead charges, travel expenses, and consulting fees. CCC will also not reimburse unreasonable expenditures or expenditures made prior to approval of a proposal. Full details of the funding restrictions are available in the EMP regulations. 4. Submission Dates and Times: EMP proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis during the fiscal year as long as EMP funding is available as set forth below: Proposals received by, but not later than, 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, June 8, 2015, will be considered for funding with other proposals received by that date; Proposals not approved for funding during the review period will be reconsidered for funding after the review period only if the applicant specifically requests such reconsideration in writing, and only if funding remains available; Proposals received after 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, June 8, 2015, will be considered in the order received for funding only if funding remains available. 5. Other Submission Requirements: All Internet-based applications must be properly submitted by 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, June 8, 2015, in order to be considered for funding; late submissions received after the deadline will be considered only if funding remains available. All applications submitted by email must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, June 8, 2015, at [email protected] in order to receive the same consideration. [[Page 18591]] E. Application Review Information Evaluation criteria. FAS will consider a number of factors when reviewing proposals, including: Appropriateness of the activity, including the ability of the applicant to provide an experienced U.S.-based staff with knowledge and expertise to ensure adequate development, supervision, and execution of the proposed project; the entity's willingness to contribute resources, including cash and goods and services of the U.S. industry, with greater weight given to cash contributions (for private sector proposals only); and the conditions or constraints affecting the level of U.S. exports and market share for the agricultural commodity/ product (30%); Market Impact, including the degree to which the proposed project is likely to contribute to the development, maintenance, or expansion of U.S. agricultural exports to emerging markets; and demonstration of how a proposed project will benefit a particular industry as a whole; and the quality of the project's proposed performance measures (50%); and the Completeness and viability of the proposal, along with past program results and evaluations, if applicable (20%). Please see 7 CFR part 1486 for additional evaluation criteria. 2. Review and Selection Process: All applications undergo a multi- phase review within FAS, by appropriate FAS field offices, and, as needed, by the private sector Advisory Committee on Emerging Markets to determine the qualifications, quality, appropriateness of projects, and reasonableness of project budgets. F. Federal Award Administration Information 1. Award Notices: FAS will notify each applicant in writing of the final disposition of the submitted application. FAS will send an approval letter and project agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including the levels of EMP funding and cost-share contribution requirements. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Interested parties should review the EMP regulations, which are available at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/emerging-markets-program-emp. 3. Reporting. Quarterly progress reports for all programs one year or longer in duration are required. Projects of less than one year generally require a mid-term progress report. Final performance reports are due 90 days after completion of each project. Content requirements for both types of reports are contained in the Project Agreement. Final financial reports are also due 90 days after completion of each project as attachments to the final reports. Please see 7 CFR part 1486 for additional reporting requirements. G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) For additional information and assistance, contact the Program Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Courier address: Room 6512, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720-4327, or by fax: (202) 720-9361, or by email: [email protected]. Signed at Washington, DC on 1st day of April, 2015. Asif Chaudhry, Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service and Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation. [FR Doc. 2015-07940 Filed 4-6-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE CODE 3410-10-P
![18588 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 66 / Tuesday, April 7, 2015 / Notices
government subject area experts in DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE percent U.S. origin content by weight,
evaluating the merits of a proposal. exclusive of added water, to be eligible
Commodity Credit Corporation for funding. Proposals that seek support
F. Federal Award Administration for multiple commodities are also
Information Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting eligible. EMP funding may only be used
Applications for the Emerging Markets to develop, maintain, or expand
1. Award Notices: FAS will notify Program
each applicant in writing of the final emerging markets for U.S. agricultural
SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit commodities and products through
disposition of the submitted
Corporation (CCC) announces that it is generic activities. EMP funding may not
application. FAS will send an approval
inviting proposals for the 2016 be used to support the export of another
letter and agreement to each approved
Emerging Markets Program (EMP). The country’s products to the United States,
applicant. The approval letter and or to promote the development of a
agreement will specify the terms and intended effect of this notice is to solicit
applications from the private sector and foreign economy as a primary objective.
conditions applicable to the project, 2. Appropriate Activities. All EMP
including levels of funding, timelines from government agencies for fiscal year
2016 and to set out criteria for the award projects must fall into at least one of the
for implementation, and written following four categories:
of funds under the program in October
evaluation requirements. (a) Assistance to teams consisting
2015. The EMP is administered by
2. Administrative and National Policy personnel of the Foreign Agricultural primarily of U.S. individuals expert in
Requirements: The agreements will Service (FAS). assessing the food and rural business
incorporate the details of each project as DATES: To be considered for funding,
systems of other countries. This type of
approved by FAS. Each agreement will applications must be received by 5 p.m. EMP project must include all three of
identify terms and conditions pursuant Eastern Daylight Time, June 8, 2015. the following:
to which CCC will reimburse certain Any applications received after this • Conduct an assessment of the food
costs of each project. Agreements will time will be considered only if funds are and rural business system needs of an
also outline the responsibilities of the still available. emerging market;
participant. Interested parties should • Make recommendations on
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
review the TASC program regulations measures necessary to enhance the
Entities wishing to apply for funding
found at 7 CFR part 1487 in addition to effectiveness of these systems; and
assistance should contact the Program
this announcement. TASC program • Identify opportunities and projects
Operations Division, Office of Trade
to enhance the effectiveness of the
regulations are available at the following Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service
emerging market’s food and rural
URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/ by courier address: Room 6512, 1400
business systems.
programs/technical-assistance- Independence Ave. SW., Washington,
To be eligible, such proposals must
specialty-crops-tasc. Hard copies may DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720–4327,
clearly demonstrate that experts are
be obtained by contacting the Program or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by email:
primarily agricultural consultants,
Operations Division at (202) 720–4327. podadmin@fas.usda.gov. Information is
farmers, other persons from the private
also available on the Foreign
3. Reporting: TASC participants will sector, and government officials, and
Agricultural Service Web site at http://
be required to submit regular interim that they have expertise in assessing the
www.fas.usda.gov/programs/emerging-
reports and a final performance report, food and rural business systems of other
markets-program-emp.
each of which evaluate the TASC countries.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: (b) Assistance to enable individuals
project using the performance measures
presented in the approved proposal, as A. Funding Opportunity Description from emerging markets to travel to the
set forth in the written program United States so that these individuals
Announcement Type: New. can, for the purpose of enhancing the
agreement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance food and rural business systems in their
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact (CFDA) Number: 10.603. countries, become familiar with U.S.
Authority: The EMP is authorized by technology and agribusiness and rural
For additional information and section 1542(d)(1) of the Food, Agriculture, enterprise operations by consulting with
assistance, contact the Program Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (The food and rural business system experts
Operations Division, Office of Trade Act), as amended. The EMP regulations in the United States.
Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, appear at 7 CFR part 1486. (c) Assistance to enable U.S.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1. Purpose. The EMP assists U.S. agricultural producers and other
Courier address: Room 6512, 1400 entities in developing, maintaining, or individuals knowledgeable in
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, expanding exports of U.S. agricultural agricultural and agribusiness matters to
DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720–4327, commodities and products by funding travel to emerging markets to assist in
or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by email: activities that improve emerging transferring their knowledge and
podadmin@fas.usda.gov. markets’ food and rural business expertise to entities in emerging
systems, including reducing potential markets. Such travel must be to
Signed at Washington, DC on the 1st of
trade barriers in such markets. The EMP emerging markets. Travel to developed
April, 2015.
is intended primarily to support export markets is not eligible under the
Asif Chaudhry,
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
market development efforts of the program even if the traveler’s targeted
Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural private sector, but EMP resources may market is an emerging market.
Service, and Vice President, Commodity also be used to assist public (d) Technical assistance to implement
Credit Corporation. organizations. the recommendations, projects, and/or
[FR Doc. 2015–07934 Filed 4–6–15; 8:45 am] All U.S. agricultural commodities, opportunities identified under 2(a)
BILLING CODE CODE 3410–10–P except tobacco, are eligible for above. Technical assistance that does
consideration. Agricultural product(s) not implement the recommendations,
should be comprised of at least 50 projects, and/or opportunities identified
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 66 / Tuesday, April 7, 2015 / Notices 18589
by assistance under 2(a) above is not can be considered because of political Proposals from research and consulting
eligible under the EMP. sensitivities. organizations will be considered if they
Proposals that do not fall into one or provide evidence of substantial
B. Award Information
more of the four categories above, participation by and financial support
regardless of previous guidance In general, and subject to the from the U.S. industry. For-profit
provided regarding the EMP, are not availability of funding, all qualified entities are also eligible but may not use
eligible for consideration under the proposals received before the program funds to conduct private
program. application deadline will compete for business, promote private self-interests,
EMP funds may not be used to EMP funding. supplement the costs of normal sales
support normal operating costs of The applicants’ willingness to activities or promote their own products
individual organizations, nor as a source contribute resources, including cash, or services beyond specific uses
to recover pre-award costs or prior goods and services, will be a critical approved by CCC in a given project.
expenses from previous or ongoing factor in determining which proposals U.S. export market development
projects. Proposals that counter national are funded under the EMP. Each cooperators and SRTGs may seek
strategies or duplicate activities planned proposal will also be judged on the funding to address priority, market
or already underway by U.S. non-profit potential benefits to the industry specific issues and to undertake
agricultural commodity or trade represented by the applicant and the activities not suitable for funding under
associations (‘‘cooperators’’) will not be degree to which the proposal other CCC market development
considered. Other ineligible demonstrates industry support. programs, e.g., the Foreign Market
expenditures include: Branded product The limited funds and the range of Development Cooperator (Cooperator)
promotions (e.g., in-store, restaurant eligible emerging markets worldwide Program and the Market Access Program
advertising, labeling, etc.); advertising, generally preclude CCC from approving (MAP). Foreign organizations, whether
administrative, and operational large budgets for individual projects. government or private, may participate
expenses for trade shows; Web site While there is no minimum or as third parties in activities carried out
development; equipment purchases; and maximum amount set for EMP-funded by U.S. organizations, but are not
the preparation and printing of projects, most projects are funded at a eligible for funding assistance from the
brochures, flyers, and posters (except in level of less than $500,000 and for a program.
duration of approximately one year. 2. Cost Sharing: No private sector
connection with specific technical
Private entities may submit multi-year proposal will be considered without the
assistance activities such as training
proposals requesting higher levels of element of cost-share from the applicant
seminars). For a more complete
funding that may be considered in the and/or U.S. partners. The EMP is
description of ineligible expenditures,
context of a detailed strategic intended to complement, not supplant,
please refer to the EMP regulations.
implementation plan. Funding in such the efforts of the U.S. private sector.
3. Eligible Markets. The Act defines There is no minimum or maximum
an emerging market as any country that cases is generally limited to three years
and provided one year at a time with amount of cost-share, though the range
the Secretary of Agriculture determines: in recent successful proposals has been
(a) Is taking steps toward developing commitments beyond the first year
subject to interim evaluations and between 35 and 75 percent. The degree
a market-oriented economy through the of commitment to a proposed project,
food, agriculture, or rural business funding availability. Government
entities are not eligible for multi-year represented by the amount and type of
sectors of the economy of the country; private funding, is one factor used in
and funding.
Funding for successful proposals will determining which proposals will be
(b) Has the potential to provide a approved for funding. Cost-share may be
viable and significant market for U.S. be provided through specific
agreements. The CCC, through FAS, will actual cash invested or professional
agricultural commodities or products of time of staff assigned to the project.
U.S. agricultural commodities. be kept informed of the implementation
Proposals for which private industry is
Because EMP funds are limited and of approved projects through the
willing to commit cash, rather than in-
the range of potential emerging market requirement to provide interim progress
kind contributions, such as staff
countries is worldwide, consideration reports and final performance reports.
resources, will be given priority
will be given only to proposals that Changes in the original project timelines
consideration.
target countries or regional groups with and adjustments within project budgets Cost-sharing is not required for
per capita income of less than $12,745 must be approved in advance by FAS. proposals from government agencies,
(the current ceiling on upper middle Note: EMP funds awarded to government but is mandatory for all other eligible
income economies as determined by the agencies must be expended or otherwise entities, even when they may be party
World Bank [World Development obligated by close of business, September 30, to a joint proposal with a government
Indicators; July 2014, http:// 2016. agency. Contributions from USDA or
siteresources.worldbank.org/ other government agencies or programs
DATASTATISTICS/Resources/ C. Eligibility and Qualification
may not be counted toward the stated
CLASS.XLS]) and populations of greater Information
cost-share requirement of other
than 1 million. 1. Eligible Applicants: Any U.S. applicants. Similarly, contributions
Income limits and their calculation private or government entity (e.g., from foreign (non-U.S.) organizations
can change from year to year with the universities, non-profit trade may not be counted toward the cost-
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
result that a given country may qualify associations, agricultural cooperatives, share requirement, but may be counted
under the legislative and administrative state regional trade groups (SRTGs), in the total cost of the project.
criteria one year, but not the next. state departments of agriculture, federal 3. Other: Proposals should include a
Therefore, CCC has not established a agencies, profit-making entities, and justification for funding assistance from
fixed list of emerging market countries. consulting businesses) with a the program—an explanation as to what
A few countries technically qualify as demonstrated role or interest in exports specifically could not be accomplished
emerging markets but may require a of U.S. agricultural commodities or without Federal funding assistance and
separate determination before funding products may apply to the program. why the participating organization(s)
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E. Application Review Information performance reports are due 90 days also available on the FAS Web site at
Evaluation criteria. FAS will consider after completion of each project. http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/
a number of factors when reviewing Content requirements for both types of quality-samples-program-qsp.
proposals, including: reports are contained in the Project SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
• Appropriateness of the activity, Agreement. Final financial reports are
also due 90 days after completion of A. Funding Opportunity Description
including the ability of the applicant to
provide an experienced U.S.-based staff each project as attachments to the final Authority: QSP is authorized under
with knowledge and expertise to ensure reports. Please see 7 CFR part 1486 for Section 5(f) of the CCC Charter Act, 15
adequate development, supervision, and additional reporting requirements. U.S.C. 714c(f).
execution of the proposed project; the G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) Purpose: QSP is designed to
entity’s willingness to contribute encourage the development and
For additional information and expansion of export markets for U.S.
resources, including cash and goods and assistance, contact the Program
services of the U.S. industry, with agricultural commodities by assisting
Operations Division, Office of Trade U.S. entities in providing commodity
greater weight given to cash Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service,
contributions (for private sector samples to potential foreign importers to
U.S. Department of Agriculture. promote a better understanding and
proposals only); and the conditions or Courier address: Room 6512, 1400
constraints affecting the level of U.S. appreciation for the high quality of U.S.
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, agricultural commodities.
exports and market share for the DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720–4327,
agricultural commodity/product (30%); QSP participants will be responsible
or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by email:
• Market Impact, including the degree podadmin@fas.usda.gov.
for procuring (or arranging for the
to which the proposed project is likely procurement of) commodity samples,
to contribute to the development, Signed at Washington, DC on 1st day of exporting the samples, and providing
April, 2015. the on-site technical assistance
maintenance, or expansion of U.S.
agricultural exports to emerging Asif Chaudhry, necessary to facilitate successful use of
markets; and demonstration of how a Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural the samples by importers. Participants
proposed project will benefit a Service and Vice President, Commodity Credit that are funded under this
Corporation. announcement may seek reimbursement
particular industry as a whole; and the
quality of the project’s proposed [FR Doc. 2015–07940 Filed 4–6–15; 8:45 am] from QSP for the sample purchase price,
performance measures (50%); and the BILLING CODE CODE 3410–10–P the cost of transporting the samples
• Completeness and viability of the domestically to the port of export, and
proposal, along with past program then to the foreign port or point of entry.
results and evaluations, if applicable DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Transportation costs from the foreign
(20%). port or point of entry to the final
Commodity Credit Corporation destination will not be eligible for
Please see 7 CFR part 1486 for
additional evaluation criteria. Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting reimbursement. CCC will not reimburse
2. Review and Selection Process: All Applications for the Quality Samples the costs incidental to purchasing and
applications undergo a multi-phase Program transporting samples, for example,
review within FAS, by appropriate FAS inspection or documentation fees.
field offices, and, as needed, by the Announcement Type: New. Although providing technical assistance
private sector Advisory Committee on Catalog of Federal Domestic is required for all projects, QSP will not
Emerging Markets to determine the Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.605. reimburse the costs of providing
SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit technical assistance. A QSP participant
qualifications, quality, appropriateness
of projects, and reasonableness of Corporation (CCC) announces it is will be reimbursed after CCC reviews its
project budgets. inviting proposals for the 2016 Quality reimbursement claim and determines
Samples Program (QSP). The intended that the claim is complete.
F. Federal Award Administration effect of this notice is to solicit General Scope of QSP Projects: QSP
Information applications from eligible applicants for projects are the activities undertaken by
1. Award Notices: FAS will notify fiscal year 2016 and to set out the a QSP participant to provide an
each applicant in writing of the final criteria for the award of funds under the appropriate sample of a U.S. agricultural
disposition of the submitted program in October 2015. QSP is commodity to a foreign importer, or a
application. FAS will send an approval administered by personnel of the group of foreign importers, in a given
letter and project agreement to each Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). market. The purpose of the project is to
approved applicant. The approval letter DATES: To be considered for funding, provide information to an appropriate
and agreement will specify the terms applications must be received by 5 p.m. target audience regarding the attributes,
and conditions applicable to the project, Eastern Daylight Time, June 8, 2015. characteristics, and proper use of the
including the levels of EMP funding and Any applications received after this U.S. commodity. A QSP project
cost-share contribution requirements. time will be considered only if funds are addresses a single market/commodity
2. Administrative and National Policy still available. combination.
Requirements: Interested parties should FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: As a general matter, QSP projects
review the EMP regulations, which are Entities wishing to apply for funding should conform to the following
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
available at the following URL address: assistance should contact the Program guidelines:
http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/ Operations Division, Office of Trade • Projects should benefit the
emerging-markets-program-emp. Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service represented U.S. industry and not a
3. Reporting. Quarterly progress by courier address: Room 6512, 1400 specific company or brand;
reports for all programs one year or Independence Ave. SW., Washington, • Projects should develop a new
longer in duration are required. Projects DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720–4327, market for a U.S. product, promote a
of less than one year generally require or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by email: new U.S. product, or promote a new use
a mid-term progress report. Final podadmin@fas.usda.gov. Information is for a U.S. product, rather than promote
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:46 Apr 06, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\07APN1.SGM 07APN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_18654/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2018-02-21 10:05:03
Document Modified: 2018-02-21 10:05:03
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Dates | To be considered for funding, applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, June 8, 2015. Any applications received after this time will be considered only if funds are still available. | |
| Contact | Entities wishing to apply for funding assistance should contact the Program Operations Division, Office of | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 18588 |
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