81_FR_19184 81 FR 19120 - Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program

81 FR 19120 - Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Commodity Credit Corporation

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 64 (April 4, 2016)

Page Range19120-19122
FR Document2016-07633

The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is inviting proposals for the 2017 Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program. The intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications from the private sector and from government agencies for fiscal year 2017 and to set out criteria for the award of funds in October 2016. The TASC program is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 64 (Monday, April 4, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 64 (Monday, April 4, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19120-19122]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07633]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commodity Credit Corporation


Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the 
Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program

    Announcement Type: New.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.604.
SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is 
inviting proposals for the 2017 Technical Assistance for Specialty 
Crops (TASC) program. The intended effect of this notice is to solicit 
applications from the private sector and from government agencies for 
fiscal year 2017 and to set out criteria for the award of funds in 
October 2016. The TASC program 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 3, 2016. 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: 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 FAS Web 
site at http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/technical-assistance-specialty-crops-tasc.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: The TASC program is authorized by section 3205 of Pub. 
L. 107-171. TASC regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1487.
    Purpose: The TASC program is designed to assist U.S. organizations 
by providing funding for projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary, 
or technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. 
specialty crops. U.S. specialty crops, for the purpose of the TASC 
program, are defined to include all cultivated plants, or the products 
thereof, produced in the United States except wheat, feed grains, 
oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar, and tobacco.
    Prior to the enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Act) on 
February 7, 2014, the TASC program was not available to address 
technical barriers to trade except for those that were related to 
sanitary or phytosanitary issues. The Act amended the statute 
authorizing the TASC program to allow the program to be used to address 
technical barriers to trade regardless of whether the barriers are 
related to a sanitary or phytosanitary barrier. The TASC regulations 
have been amended to reflect the recent statutory change.
    As a general matter, TASC program projects should be designed to 
address the following criteria:
     Projects should identify and address a sanitary, 
phytosanitary, or technical barrier that prohibits or threatens the 
export of U.S. specialty crops;
     Projects should demonstrably benefit the represented 
industry rather than a specific company or brand;
     Projects must address barriers to exports of commercially-
available U.S. specialty crops for which barrier removal would 
predominantly benefit U.S. exports; and
     Projects should include an 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.
    Examples of expenses that CCC may agree to reimburse under the TASC 
program include, but are not limited to: Initial pre-clearance 
programs, export protocol and work plan support, seminars and 
workshops, study tours, field surveys, development of pest lists, pest 
and disease research, reasonable logistical and administrative support, 
and travel and per diem expenses.

B. Award Information

    In general, all qualified proposals received before the specified 
application deadline will compete for funding. The limited funds and 
the range of barriers affecting the exports of U.S. specialty crops 
worldwide preclude CCC from approving large budgets for individual 
projects. Proposals requesting more than $500,000 in any given year 
will not be considered. Additionally, private entities may submit 
multi-year proposals that may be considered in the context of a 
detailed strategic implementation plan. The maximum duration of an 
activity is five years. Funding in such cases may, at FAS' discretion, 
be provided one year at a time with commitments beyond the first year 
subject to interim evaluations and funding availability. In order to 
validate funding eligibility, proposals must specify previous years of 
TASC funding for each proposed activity/title/market/constraint 
combination. Government

[[Page 19121]]

entities are not eligible for multi-year funding.
    Applicants may submit multiple proposals, and applicants with 
previously approved TASC proposals may apply for additional funding. 
The number of approved projects that a TASC participant can have 
underway at any given time is five. Please see 7 CFR part 1487 for 
additional restrictions.
    FAS will consider providing either grant funds as direct assistance 
to U.S. organizations or technical assistance on behalf of U.S. 
organizations, provided that the organization submits timely and 
qualified proposals. FAS will review all proposals against the 
evaluation criteria contained in the program regulations.
    Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific 
agreements. These agreements will incorporate the proposal as approved 
by FAS. FAS must approve in advance any subsequent changes to the 
project. FAS or another Federal agency may be involved in the 
implementation of approved projects.

C. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Any U.S. organization, private or 
government, with a demonstrated role or interest in exporting U.S. 
agricultural commodities may apply to the program. Government 
organizations consist of Federal, State, and local agencies. Private 
organizations include non-profit trade associations, universities, 
agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and private 
companies.
    Foreign organizations, whether government or private, may 
participate as third parties in activities carried out by U.S. 
organizations, but are not eligible for direct funding assistance from 
the program.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: FAS considers the applicant's 
willingness to contribute resources, including cash, goods, and 
services of the U.S. industry and foreign third parties, when 
determining which proposals are approved for funding.
    3. Funding Justification: 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) would be unlikely 
to carry out the project without such assistance.

D. Application and Submission Information

    1. Application through the Unified Export Strategy (UES): 
Organizations are strongly encouraged to submit their applications to 
FAS through the web-based UES application. Using the UES application 
process reduces paperwork and expedites FAS's processing and review 
cycle. Applicants planning to use the UES system must contact FAS' 
Program Operations Division to obtain site access information, 
including a user ID and password. The UES Internet-based application 
may be found at the following URL address: https://www.fas.usda.gov/ues/webapp/.
    Although FAS highly recommends applying via the web-based UES 
application, applicants have the option of submitting an electronic 
version to FAS at [email protected].
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission: All TASC proposals 
must contain complete information about the proposed projects as 
described in Sec.  1487.5(b) of the TASC program regulations. In 
addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's 
policy directive (68 FR 38402 (June 27, 2003)) regarding the need to 
identify entities that are receiving government awards, all applicants 
must submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 
number. An applicant may request a DUNS number at no cost by calling 
the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line at (866) 705-5711.
    In addition, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, each entity that 
applies to the TASC and does not qualify for an exemption under 2 CFR 
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 TASC program and does not qualify for an exception under 
2 CFR 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 TASC funding.
    Incomplete applications and applications that do not otherwise 
conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review.
    3. Submission Dates and Times: TASC proposals are reviewed on a 
rolling basis during the fiscal year as long as TASC funding is 
available as set forth below:
     Proposals received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, June 
3, 2016, 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 3, 2016, will be considered in the order received for funding only 
if funding remains available.
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, a proposal may be submitted for 
expedited consideration under the TASC Quick Response process if, in 
addition to meeting all requirements of the TASC program, a proposal 
clearly identifies a time-sensitive activity. In these cases, a 
proposal may be submitted at any time for an expedited evaluation. Such 
a proposal must include a specific request for expedited evaluation.
    FAS will track the time and date of receipt of all proposals.
    4. Funding Restrictions: Although funded projects may take place in 
the United States or abroad, all eligible projects must specifically 
address sanitary, phytosanitary, or technical barriers to the export of 
U.S. specialty crops.
    Certain types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement by the 
program, such as the costs of market research, advertising, or other 
promotional expenses, and will be set forth in the written program 
agreement between CCC and the participant. CCC will also not reimburse 
unreasonable expenditures or any expenditure made prior to approval of 
a proposal.
    5. Other Submission Requirements: All applications must be properly 
submitted through the UES by 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, June 3, 
2016, 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 3, 2016, at [email protected] in 
order to receive the same consideration.

E. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria: FAS follows the evaluation criteria set forth in Sec.  
1487.6 of the TASC regulations. Reviewers will evaluate according to 
the following criteria:
    (1) The nature of the specific export barrier and the extent to 
which the proposal is likely to successfully remove, resolve, or 
mitigate that barrier (12.5%);

[[Page 19122]]

    (2) The potential trade impact of the proposed project on market 
retention, market access, and market expansion, including the potential 
for expanding commercial sales in the targeted market (12.5%);
    (3) The completeness and viability of the proposal. Among other 
things, this can include the cost of the project and the amount of 
other resources dedicated to the project, including cash, goods, and 
services of the U.S. industry and foreign third parties (15%);
    (4) The ability of the organization to provide an experienced staff 
with the requisite technical and trade experience to execute the 
proposal (15%);
    (5) The extent to which the proposal is targeted to a market in 
which the United States is generally competitive (17.5%);
    (6) The degree to which time is essential to addressing specific 
export barriers (5%);
    (7) The ability of the applicant to provide a broad base of 
producer representation (12.5%);
    (8) The effectiveness and potential of the performance measures 
(10%);
    2. Review and Selection Process: FAS will review proposals for 
eligibility and will evaluate each proposal against the criteria 
referred to above. The purpose of this review is to identify 
meritorious proposals, recommend an appropriate funding level for each 
proposal based upon these factors, and submit the proposals and funding 
recommendations to the Deputy Administrator, Office of Trade Programs. 
FAS may, when appropriate, request the assistance of other U.S. 
government subject area experts in evaluating the merits of a proposal.

F. Award Administration Information

    1. Federal Award Notices: FAS will notify each applicant in writing 
of the final disposition of the submitted application. FAS will send an 
approval letter and agreement to each approved applicant. The approval 
letter and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable 
to the project, including levels of funding, timelines for 
implementation, and written evaluation requirements.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: The agreements 
will incorporate the details of each project as approved by FAS. Each 
agreement will identify terms and conditions pursuant to which CCC will 
reimburse certain costs of each project. Agreements will also outline 
the responsibilities of the participant. Interested parties should 
review the TASC program regulations found at 7 CFR part 1487 in 
addition to this announcement. TASC program regulations are available 
at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/technical-assistance-specialty-crops-tasc. Hard copies may be obtained 
by contacting the Program Operations Division at (202) 720-4327.
    3. Reporting: TASC participants will be required to submit regular 
interim reports and a final performance report, each of which evaluate 
the TASC project using the performance measures presented in the 
approved proposal, as set forth in the written program agreement.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact

    For additional information and assistance, contact the Program 
Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture by courier: Room 6512, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720-
4327, or by fax: (202) 720-9361, or by e-mail: [email protected].

    Signed at Washington, DC on the 25th of March, 2016.
Bryce Quick,
Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, and Vice President, 
Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2016-07633 Filed 4-1-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-10-P



                                                  19120                           Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices

                                                     2. Review and Selection Process: All                 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                             were related to sanitary or phytosanitary
                                                  applications undergo a multi-phase                                                                            issues. The Act amended the statute
                                                  review within FAS, by appropriate FAS                   Commodity Credit Corporation                          authorizing the TASC program to allow
                                                  field offices, and, as needed, by the                                                                         the program to be used to address
                                                                                                          Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting                technical barriers to trade regardless of
                                                  private sector Advisory Committee on
                                                                                                          Applications for the Technical                        whether the barriers are related to a
                                                  Emerging Markets to determine the                       Assistance for Specialty Crops
                                                  qualifications, quality, and                                                                                  sanitary or phytosanitary barrier. The
                                                                                                          Program                                               TASC regulations have been amended to
                                                  appropriateness of projects and the
                                                  reasonableness of project budgets.                         Announcement Type: New.                            reflect the recent statutory change.
                                                                                                             Catalog of Federal Domestic                           As a general matter, TASC program
                                                  F. Federal Award Administration                         Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.604.                     projects should be designed to address
                                                  Information                                             SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit                         the following criteria:
                                                                                                          Corporation (CCC) announces that it is                   • Projects should identify and
                                                     1. Award Notices: FAS will notify                    inviting proposals for the 2017                       address a sanitary, phytosanitary, or
                                                  each applicant in writing of the final                  Technical Assistance for Specialty                    technical barrier that prohibits or
                                                  disposition of the submitted                            Crops (TASC) program. The intended                    threatens the export of U.S. specialty
                                                  application. FAS will send an approval                  effect of this notice is to solicit                   crops;
                                                  letter and project agreement to each                    applications from the private sector and                 • Projects should demonstrably
                                                  approved applicant. The approval letter                 from government agencies for fiscal year              benefit the represented industry rather
                                                  and agreement will specify the terms                    2017 and to set out criteria for the award            than a specific company or brand;
                                                  and conditions applicable to the project,               of funds in October 2016. The TASC                       • Projects must address barriers to
                                                  including the levels of EMP funding and                 program is administered by personnel of               exports of commercially-available U.S.
                                                  cost-share contribution requirements.                   the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).               specialty crops for which barrier
                                                     2. Administrative and National Policy                DATES: To be considered for funding,                  removal would predominantly benefit
                                                  Requirements: Interested parties should                 applications must be received by 5 p.m.               U.S. exports; and
                                                  review the EMP regulations, which are                   Eastern Daylight Time, June 3, 2016.                     • Projects should include an
                                                  available at the following URL address:                 Any applications received after this                  explanation as to what specifically
                                                  http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/                       time will be considered only if funds are             could not be accomplished without
                                                  emerging-markets-program-emp.                           still available.                                      Federal funding assistance and why the
                                                                                                          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      participating organization(s) would be
                                                     3. Reporting. Quarterly progress                     Entities wishing to apply for funding                 unlikely to carry out the project without
                                                  reports for all programs one year or                    assistance should contact the Program                 such assistance.
                                                  longer in duration are required. Projects               Operations Division, Office of Trade                     Examples of expenses that CCC may
                                                  of less than one year generally require                 Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service                agree to reimburse under the TASC
                                                  a mid-term progress report. Final                       by courier: Room 6512, 1400                           program include, but are not limited to:
                                                  performance reports are due 90 days                     Independence Ave. SW., Washington,                    Initial pre-clearance programs, export
                                                  after completion of each project.                       DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720–4327,                protocol and work plan support,
                                                  Content requirements for both types of                  or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by email:               seminars and workshops, study tours,
                                                  reports are contained in the Project                    podadmin@fas.usda.gov. Information is                 field surveys, development of pest lists,
                                                  Agreement. Final financial reports are                  also available on the FAS Web site at                 pest and disease research, reasonable
                                                  also due 90 days after completion of                    http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/                     logistical and administrative support,
                                                  each project as attachments to the final                technical-assistance-specialty-crops-                 and travel and per diem expenses.
                                                  reports. Please see 7 CFR part 1486 for                 tasc.
                                                                                                                                                                B. Award Information
                                                  additional reporting requirements.                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                                                                                   In general, all qualified proposals
                                                  G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)                   A. Funding Opportunity Description                    received before the specified application
                                                                                                            Authority: The TASC program is                      deadline will compete for funding. The
                                                    For additional information and
                                                                                                          authorized by section 3205 of Pub. L.                 limited funds and the range of barriers
                                                  assistance, contact the Program
                                                                                                          107–171. TASC regulations appear at 7                 affecting the exports of U.S. specialty
                                                  Operations Division, Office of Trade                                                                          crops worldwide preclude CCC from
                                                                                                          CFR part 1487.
                                                  Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service,                                                                       approving large budgets for individual
                                                                                                            Purpose: The TASC program is
                                                  U.S. Department of Agriculture by                       designed to assist U.S. organizations by              projects. Proposals requesting more than
                                                  courier: Room 6512, 1400 Independence                   providing funding for projects that                   $500,000 in any given year will not be
                                                  Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250, or by                   address sanitary, phytosanitary, or                   considered. Additionally, private
                                                  phone: (202) 720–4327, or by fax: (202)                 technical barriers that prohibit or                   entities may submit multi-year
                                                  720–9361, or by email: podadmin@                        threaten the export of U.S. specialty                 proposals that may be considered in the
                                                  fas.usda.gov.                                           crops. U.S. specialty crops, for the                  context of a detailed strategic
                                                    Signed at Washington, DC, on 25th day of              purpose of the TASC program, are                      implementation plan. The maximum
                                                  March, 2016.                                            defined to include all cultivated plants,             duration of an activity is five years.
                                                  Bryce Quick,                                            or the products thereof, produced in the              Funding in such cases may, at FAS’
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                          United States except wheat, feed grains,              discretion, be provided one year at a
                                                  Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural
                                                                                                          oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar,               time with commitments beyond the first
                                                  Service and Vice President, Commodity Credit
                                                  Corporation.                                            and tobacco.                                          year subject to interim evaluations and
                                                                                                            Prior to the enactment of the                       funding availability. In order to validate
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–07638 Filed 4–1–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                          Agricultural Act of 2014 (Act) on                     funding eligibility, proposals must
                                                  BILLING CODE 3410–10–P                                  February 7, 2014, the TASC program                    specify previous years of TASC funding
                                                                                                          was not available to address technical                for each proposed activity/title/market/
                                                                                                          barriers to trade except for those that               constraint combination. Government


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   19:03 Apr 01, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00009   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM   04APN1


                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices                                            19121

                                                  entities are not eligible for multi-year                based UES application. Using the UES                  will be considered for funding with
                                                  funding.                                                application process reduces paperwork                 other proposals received by that date;
                                                    Applicants may submit multiple                        and expedites FAS’s processing and                       • Proposals not approved for funding
                                                  proposals, and applicants with                          review cycle. Applicants planning to                  during the review period will be
                                                  previously approved TASC proposals                      use the UES system must contact FAS’                  reconsidered for funding after the
                                                  may apply for additional funding. The                   Program Operations Division to obtain                 review period only if the applicant
                                                  number of approved projects that a                      site access information, including a user             specifically requests such
                                                  TASC participant can have underway at                   ID and password. The UES Internet-                    reconsideration in writing, and only if
                                                  any given time is five. Please see 7 CFR                based application may be found at the                 funding remains available;
                                                  part 1487 for additional restrictions.                  following URL address: https://                          • Proposals received after 5 p.m.
                                                    FAS will consider providing either                    www.fas.usda.gov/ues/webapp/.                         Eastern Daylight Time, June 3, 2016,
                                                  grant funds as direct assistance to U.S.                   Although FAS highly recommends                     will be considered in the order received
                                                  organizations or technical assistance on                applying via the web-based UES                        for funding only if funding remains
                                                  behalf of U.S. organizations, provided                  application, applicants have the option               available.
                                                  that the organization submits timely and                of submitting an electronic version to                   Notwithstanding the foregoing, a
                                                  qualified proposals. FAS will review all                FAS at podadmin@fas.usda.gov.                         proposal may be submitted for
                                                  proposals against the evaluation criteria                  2. Content and Form of Application                 expedited consideration under the
                                                  contained in the program regulations.                   Submission: All TASC proposals must                   TASC Quick Response process if, in
                                                    Funding for successful proposals will                 contain complete information about the                addition to meeting all requirements of
                                                  be provided through specific                            proposed projects as described in                     the TASC program, a proposal clearly
                                                  agreements. These agreements will                       § 1487.5(b) of the TASC program                       identifies a time–sensitive activity. In
                                                  incorporate the proposal as approved by                 regulations. In addition, in accordance               these cases, a proposal may be
                                                  FAS. FAS must approve in advance any                    with the Office of Management and                     submitted at any time for an expedited
                                                  subsequent changes to the project. FAS                  Budget’s policy directive (68 FR 38402                evaluation. Such a proposal must
                                                  or another Federal agency may be                        (June 27, 2003)) regarding the need to                include a specific request for expedited
                                                  involved in the implementation of                       identify entities that are receiving                  evaluation.
                                                  approved projects.                                      government awards, all applicants must                   FAS will track the time and date of
                                                  C. Eligibility Information                              submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data                      receipt of all proposals.
                                                                                                          Universal Numbering System (DUNS)                        4. Funding Restrictions: Although
                                                     1. Eligible Applicants: Any U.S.                     number. An applicant may request a
                                                  organization, private or government,                                                                          funded projects may take place in the
                                                                                                          DUNS number at no cost by calling the                 United States or abroad, all eligible
                                                  with a demonstrated role or interest in                 dedicated toll-free DUNS number
                                                  exporting U.S. agricultural commodities                                                                       projects must specifically address
                                                                                                          request line at (866) 705–5711.                       sanitary, phytosanitary, or technical
                                                  may apply to the program. Government                       In addition, in accordance with 2 CFR
                                                  organizations consist of Federal, State,                                                                      barriers to the export of U.S. specialty
                                                                                                          part 25, each entity that applies to the              crops.
                                                  and local agencies. Private organizations               TASC and does not qualify for an
                                                  include non-profit trade associations,                                                                           Certain types of expenses are not
                                                                                                          exemption under 2 CFR 25.110 must:                    eligible for reimbursement by the
                                                  universities, agricultural cooperatives,                   (i) Provide a valid DUNS number in
                                                  state regional trade groups, and private                                                                      program, such as the costs of market
                                                                                                          each application or plan it submits to
                                                  companies.                                                                                                    research, advertising, or other
                                                                                                          CCC;
                                                     Foreign organizations, whether                          (ii) Be registered in the System for               promotional expenses, and will be set
                                                  government or private, may participate                  Award Management (SAM) prior to                       forth in the written program agreement
                                                  as third parties in activities carried out              submitting an application or plan; and                between CCC and the participant. CCC
                                                  by U.S. organizations, but are not                         (iii) Continue to maintain an active               will also not reimburse unreasonable
                                                  eligible for direct funding assistance                  SAM registration with current                         expenditures or any expenditure made
                                                  from the program.                                       information at all times during which it              prior to approval of a proposal.
                                                     2. Cost Sharing or Matching: FAS                     has an active Federal award or an                        5. Other Submission Requirements:
                                                  considers the applicant’s willingness to                application or plan under consideration               All applications must be properly
                                                  contribute resources, including cash,                   by CCC.                                               submitted through the UES by 5 p.m.,
                                                  goods, and services of the U.S. industry                   Similarly, in accordance with 2 CFR                Eastern Daylight Time, June 3, 2016, in
                                                  and foreign third parties, when                         part 170, each entity that applies to the             order to be considered for funding; late
                                                  determining which proposals are                         TASC program and does not qualify for                 submissions received after the deadline
                                                  approved for funding.                                   an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b)                   will be considered only if funding
                                                     3. Funding Justification: Proposals                  must ensure it has the necessary                      remains available. All applications
                                                  should include a justification for                      processes and systems in place to                     submitted by email must be received by
                                                  funding assistance from the program—                    comply with the applicable reporting                  5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, June 3,
                                                  an explanation as to what specifically                  requirements of 2 CFR part 170 should                 2016, at podadmin@fas.usda.gov in
                                                  could not be accomplished without                       it receive TASC funding.                              order to receive the same consideration.
                                                  Federal funding assistance and why the                     Incomplete applications and                        E. Application Review Information
                                                  participating organization(s) would be                  applications that do not otherwise
                                                  unlikely to carry out the project without               conform to this announcement will not                   1. Criteria: FAS follows the evaluation
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                  such assistance.                                        be accepted for review.                               criteria set forth in § 1487.6 of the TASC
                                                                                                             3. Submission Dates and Times:                     regulations. Reviewers will evaluate
                                                  D. Application and Submission                           TASC proposals are reviewed on a                      according to the following criteria:
                                                  Information                                             rolling basis during the fiscal year as                 (1) The nature of the specific export
                                                     1. Application through the Unified                   long as TASC funding is available as set              barrier and the extent to which the
                                                  Export Strategy (UES): Organizations are                forth below:                                          proposal is likely to successfully
                                                  strongly encouraged to submit their                        • Proposals received by 5 p.m.                     remove, resolve, or mitigate that barrier
                                                  applications to FAS through the web-                    Eastern Daylight Time, June 3, 2016,                  (12.5%);


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                                                  19122                           Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices

                                                     (2) The potential trade impact of the                regulations are available at the following            by courier: Room 6512, 1400
                                                  proposed project on market retention,                   URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/                 Independence Ave. SW., Washington,
                                                  market access, and market expansion,                    programs/technical-assistance-                        DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720–4327,
                                                  including the potential for expanding                   specialty-crops-tasc. Hard copies may                 or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by email:
                                                  commercial sales in the targeted market                 be obtained by contacting the Program                 podadmin@fas.usda.gov. Information is
                                                  (12.5%);                                                Operations Division at (202) 720–4327.                also available on the FAS Web site at
                                                     (3) The completeness and viability of                  3. Reporting: TASC participants will                http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/
                                                  the proposal. Among other things, this                  be required to submit regular interim                 quality-samples-program-qsp.
                                                  can include the cost of the project and                 reports and a final performance report,
                                                                                                                                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                  the amount of other resources dedicated                 each of which evaluate the TASC
                                                  to the project, including cash, goods,                  project using the performance measures                A. Funding Opportunity Description
                                                  and services of the U.S. industry and                   presented in the approved proposal, as
                                                  foreign third parties (15%);                            set forth in the written program                         Authority: QSP is authorized under
                                                     (4) The ability of the organization to               agreement.                                            Section 5(f) of the CCC Charter Act, 15
                                                  provide an experienced staff with the                                                                         U.S.C. 714c(f).
                                                  requisite technical and trade experience                G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact                       Purpose: QSP is designed to
                                                  to execute the proposal (15%);                            For additional information and                      encourage the development and
                                                     (5) The extent to which the proposal                 assistance, contact the Program                       expansion of export markets for U.S.
                                                  is targeted to a market in which the                    Operations Division, Office of Trade                  agricultural commodities by assisting
                                                  United States is generally competitive                  Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service,               U.S. entities in providing commodity
                                                  (17.5%);                                                U.S. Department of Agriculture by                     samples to potential foreign importers to
                                                     (6) The degree to which time is                      courier: Room 6512, 1400 Independence                 promote a better understanding and
                                                  essential to addressing specific export                 Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250, or by                 appreciation for the high quality of U.S.
                                                  barriers (5%);                                          phone: (202) 720–4327, or by fax: (202)               agricultural commodities.
                                                     (7) The ability of the applicant to                  720–9361, or by e–mail: podadmin@                        QSP participants will be responsible
                                                  provide a broad base of producer                        fas.usda.gov.                                         for procuring (or arranging for the
                                                  representation (12.5%);                                   Signed at Washington, DC on the 25th of             procurement of) commodity samples,
                                                     (8) The effectiveness and potential of               March, 2016.                                          exporting the samples, and providing
                                                  the performance measures (10%);                         Bryce Quick,                                          the on-site technical assistance
                                                     2. Review and Selection Process: FAS                                                                       necessary to facilitate successful use of
                                                  will review proposals for eligibility and               Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural
                                                                                                          Service, and Vice President, Commodity                the samples by importers. Participants
                                                  will evaluate each proposal against the                 Credit Corporation.                                   that are funded under this
                                                  criteria referred to above. The purpose                                                                       announcement may seek reimbursement
                                                                                                          [FR Doc. 2016–07633 Filed 4–1–16; 8:45 am]
                                                  of this review is to identify meritorious                                                                     from QSP for the sample purchase price
                                                                                                          BILLING CODE 3410–10–P
                                                  proposals, recommend an appropriate                                                                           and for the cost of transporting the
                                                  funding level for each proposal based                                                                         samples domestically to the port of
                                                  upon these factors, and submit the                      DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                             export and then to the foreign port or
                                                  proposals and funding                                                                                         point of entry. Transportation costs from
                                                  recommendations to the Deputy                           Commodity Credit Corporation                          the foreign port or point of entry to the
                                                  Administrator, Office of Trade                                                                                final destination are not eligible for
                                                  Programs. FAS may, when appropriate,                    Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting                reimbursement. CCC will not reimburse
                                                  request the assistance of other U.S.                    Applications for the Quality Samples                  the costs incidental to purchasing and
                                                  government subject area experts in                      Program                                               transporting samples, such as:
                                                  evaluating the merits of a proposal.                                                                          Inspection or documentation fees,
                                                                                                             Announcement Type: New.
                                                  F. Award Administration Information                        Catalog of Federal Domestic                        certificates of any kind, tariffs, etc.
                                                     1. Federal Award Notices: FAS will                   Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.605.                     Although providing technical assistance
                                                  notify each applicant in writing of the                 SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit                         is required for all projects, QSP will not
                                                  final disposition of the submitted                      Corporation (CCC) announces it is                     reimburse the costs of providing
                                                  application. FAS will send an approval                  inviting proposals for the 2017 Quality               technical assistance. A QSP participant
                                                  letter and agreement to each approved                   Samples Program (QSP). The intended                   will be reimbursed after CCC reviews its
                                                  applicant. The approval letter and                      effect of this notice is to solicit                   reimbursement claim and determines
                                                  agreement will specify the terms and                    applications from eligible applicants for             that the claim is complete.
                                                  conditions applicable to the project,                   fiscal year 2017 and to set out the                      General Scope of QSP Projects: QSP
                                                  including levels of funding, timelines                  criteria for the award of funds under the             projects are the activities undertaken by
                                                  for implementation, and written                         program in October 2016. QSP is                       a QSP participant to provide an
                                                  evaluation requirements.                                administered by personnel of the                      appropriate sample of a U.S. agricultural
                                                     2. Administrative and National Policy                Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).                   commodity to a foreign importer, or a
                                                  Requirements: The agreements will                       DATES: To be considered for funding,                  group of foreign importers, in a given
                                                  incorporate the details of each project as              applications must be received by 5 p.m.               market. The purpose of the project is to
                                                  approved by FAS. Each agreement will                    Eastern Daylight Time, June 3, 2016.                  provide information to an appropriate
                                                                                                          Any applications received after this                  target audience regarding the attributes,
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                  identify terms and conditions pursuant
                                                  to which CCC will reimburse certain                     time will be considered only if funds are             characteristics, and proper use of the
                                                  costs of each project. Agreements will                  still available.                                      U.S. commodity. A QSP project
                                                  also outline the responsibilities of the                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      addresses a single market/commodity
                                                  participant. Interested parties should                  Entities wishing to apply for funding                 combination.
                                                  review the TASC program regulations                     assistance should contact the Program                    As a general matter, QSP projects
                                                  found at 7 CFR part 1487 in addition to                 Operations Division, Office of Trade                  should conform to the following
                                                  this announcement. TASC program                         Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service                guidelines:


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Document Created: 2016-04-02 03:53:30
Document Modified: 2016-04-02 03:53:30
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
DatesTo be considered for funding, applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, June 3, 2016. Any applications received after this time will be considered only if funds are still available.
ContactEntities wishing to apply for funding assistance should contact the Program Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service by courier: 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 FAS Web site at http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/technical-assistance- specialty-crops-tasc.
FR Citation81 FR 19120 

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