83_FR_21355 83 FR 21265 - Notice of Funding Availability: Inviting Applications for the Emerging Markets Program

83 FR 21265 - Notice of Funding Availability: Inviting Applications for the Emerging Markets Program

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Commodity Credit Corporation
Foreign Agricultural Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 90 (May 9, 2018)

Page Range21265-21269
FR Document2018-09866

The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is inviting proposals for the 2019 Emerging Markets Program (EMP). The EMP is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on behalf of CCC. The intended effect of this notice is to solicit proposals from the private sector and from government agencies for fiscal year 2019 and to set out the criteria for the awarding of funds under the program. Future announcements of funding availability for the EMP will be made through the Grants.gov website.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 90 (Wednesday, May 9, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 9, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21265-21269]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-09866]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commodity Credit Corporation

Foreign Agricultural Service


Notice of Funding Availability: Inviting Applications for the 
Emerging Markets Program

SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is 
inviting proposals for the 2019 Emerging Markets Program (EMP). The EMP 
is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) 
on

[[Page 21266]]

behalf of CCC. The intended effect of this notice is to solicit 
proposals from the private sector and from government agencies for 
fiscal year 2019 and to set out the criteria for the awarding of funds 
under the program. Future announcements of funding availability for the 
EMP will be made through the Grants.gov website.

DATES: To be considered for funding, proposals must be received by 5 
p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, on Friday, June 8, 2018. Any proposals 
received after this time will be considered only if funds remain 
available. FAS anticipates that the initial funding selections will be 
made by the end of December 2018, with the initial award dates 
estimated to be by the end of February 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants needing 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 Foreign Agricultural Service website at http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/emerging-markets-program-emp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

A. Funding Opportunity Description

    Announcement Type: New.
    Award Instrument: Grant.
    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, as amended. The EMP 
regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1486.
    Purpose. The EMP assists U.S. entities in developing, maintaining, 
or expanding exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and products by 
funding activities that enhance emerging markets' food and rural 
business systems, including reducing trade barriers. 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.

B. Eligibility and Qualification Information

    1. Eligible Organizations: Any U.S. private or government entity 
(e.g., universities, trade associations, agricultural cooperatives, 
state regional trade groups, state departments of agriculture, federal 
agencies, for-profit entities, and consulting businesses) with a 
demonstrated role or interest in the export 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. 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 
through the program.
    2. Eligible Commodities: 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 U.S. commodities are also eligible.
    3. Eligible Markets. Only proposals that target countries or 
regional groups made up of countries classified below the World Bank's 
threshold for upper middle-income economies will be considered for 
funding. Countries classified as high income are not eligible markets 
under EMP. World Bank income limits and country classifications 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, applicants should consult the current World 
Bank country classification list for guidance. In addition, due to 
political sensitivities a few countries technically qualify as emerging 
markets but may require a separate determination before funding can be 
considered.
    4. Eligible 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 to enable such teams to make assessments of the food and 
rural business systems needs of the target market. 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 those systems; and
     Identify opportunities and projects to enhance the 
effectiveness of the emerging market's food and rural business systems 
in order to grow U.S. exports.
    To be eligible, such proposals must clearly demonstrate that 
experts are primarily agricultural consultants, farmers, other persons 
from the private sector, or 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, consult 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 the emerging market to enhance the 
market's food and rural business systems in support of U.S. exports. 
Such travel must be to emerging markets. Travel to developed markets is 
not eligible under the program even if the targeted market is an 
emerging market.
    (d) Technical assistance to implement the recommendations or to 
carry out projects and/or opportunities identified under 4(a) above. 
Technical assistance that does not implement the recommendations, 
projects, and/or opportunities identified under 4(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.
    5. Ineligible Activities: EMP funding may only be used for generic 
activities. For-profit entities 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 FAS in a given project. 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. 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. FAS will also not reimburse 
unreasonable expenditures or expenditures made prior to approval of a 
proposal. For a complete description of ineligible expenditures, please 
refer to the EMP regulations at 7 CFR 1486.
    6. Funding Limits: This NOFA is being released prior to the EMP 
program being reauthorized by Congress for FY

[[Page 21267]]

2019. USDA makes no commitment to fund any particular application or to 
make a specific number of awards regardless of whether or at what level 
EMP program funding for FY 2019 is provided. The EMP is a relatively 
small program intended for focused projects with specific activities, 
rather than expansive concept papers that contain only broad ideas. 
While there is no minimum or maximum amount set for EMP-funded 
projects, most projects are funded at $500,000 or less and are 
typically approved for a duration of one year. Private entities may 
submit multi-year proposals requesting higher levels of funding, 
although funding in such cases is generally provided one year at a time 
with commitments beyond the first year subject to interim evaluations 
and funding availability. Proposals from government entities are not 
eligible for multi-year funding. Funding for continuing and 
substantially similar projects is capped at five years. After that 
time, the project is assumed to have proven its viability and, if 
necessary, should be continued by the recipient with its own or with 
alternative sources of funding.
    7. Cost Sharing: As the EMP is intended to complement, not 
supplant, the efforts of the U.S. private sector, all private sector 
proposals must include a cost-share element from the applicant and/or 
U.S. partners. Cost-share may be actual cash invested or in-kind 
contributions to the project. While there is no minimum or maximum 
amount of cost-share, 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. 
Proposals for which private industry is willing to commit cash, rather 
than in-kind contributions such as staff resources, will be given 
priority consideration. Contributions from USDA or other government 
agencies or programs may not be counted as cost-share by 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.
    8. Other Eligibility Information: 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. 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. Proposals that counter national 
strategies or duplicate activities planned or already underway by U.S. 
non--profit agricultural commodity or trade associations will not be 
considered. Applicants may submit more than one proposal.
    9. Intergovernmental Review: An intergovernmental review may be 
required. Applicants must contact their state's Single Point of Contact 
(SPOC) to comply with their state's process under Executive Order 12372 
(see http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf). To ensure 
currency, the names and addresses of the SPOCs are maintained at the 
Office of Management and Budget's home page at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc.

C. Award Information

    It is anticipated that FAS will award approximately 40 awards under 
the 2019 EMP, subject to programmatic approval and available funding. 
In general, all qualified proposals received before the application 
deadline will compete for EMP funding. The applicant's willingness to 
contribute resources towards the project, including cash, goods, and 
services, is an important 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.
    Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific 
agreements. Applicants approved for funding must provide annual 
progress reports and a final performance report to FAS. Changes in the 
original project timelines and adjustments within project budgets must 
be approved in advance by FAS. All reports will be submitted through 
the Unified Export Strategy system.
    Once an award reaches its completion date, FAS will confirm that 
the participant has provided all of the required reports and will 
review the reports for completeness and content. Once the required 
reports are approved, FAS will prepare a closeout letter that advises 
the participant of the award closeout procedures. Closeout letters must 
be countersigned and returned to FAS as soon as the final claim is 
submitted and paid, but within 60 days of receipt. Once the closeout 
procedures have been completed, any remaining funding on the agreement 
will be deobligated.

    Note: EMP funds awarded to government agencies must be expended 
or otherwise obligated by close of business September 30, 2019.

D. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Submit Application Package: EMP applicants have the 
opportunity to utilize the Unified Export Strategy (UES) system for the 
application process. The UES is an online system that provides a means 
for interested applicants to submit a consolidated and strategically 
coordinated single proposal that incorporates funding requests for all 
of the market development programs administered by FAS.
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications to 
FAS through the web-based UES application. The internet-based format 
reduces paperwork and expedites FAS' processing and review cycle. 
Applicants planning to use the on-line UES system must first 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 UES, applicants 
also have the option of submitting an electronic application to FAS via 
email to [email protected].
    Applicants experiencing difficulty or otherwise needing assistance 
applying to the program 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].
    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 Funding Availability and the EMP regulations at 7 CFR part 
1486. The EMP regulations and additional information are available at 
the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/emerging-markets-program-emp.
    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;
    (d) Tax ID number;
    (e) DUNS number;
    (f) Primary contact person;
    (g) Full title of proposal;
    (h) Target market(s);

[[Page 21268]]

    (i) Specific description of activity/activities to be undertaken;
    (j) Clear demonstration that successful implementation will enhance 
the emerging market's food and rural business system, including, if 
applicable, potential reductions in trade barriers, and will benefit 
the industry as a whole and not just the applicant(s);
    (k) Current conditions and market analysis (production, supply, 
demand, import competition, U.S. trade) in the target market(s) 
affecting the commodity or product;
    (l) Description of the need to assess the food and rural business 
systems of the emerging market, or of the recommendations, projects, 
and/or opportunities previously identified by an approved EMP 
assessment that are to be addressed by the project;
    (m) Project objectives that are focused and clearly explained and 
for which there is a clear and logical connection between the 
constraints, project objectives, activity descriptions, and expected 
results;
    (n) Projects should include performance measures for quantifying 
progress and demonstrating results. In the development of performance 
measures, FAS believes the measures should meet the following criteria:
     Aligned: The indicator should, as closely as possible, 
measure exactly the relevant result.
     Clear: The indicator should be precise and unambiguous 
about what is being measured and how. There should be no doubt on how 
to measure or interpret the indicator.
     Quantifiable: The indicator(s) should sufficiently capture 
all of the elements of a result.
     Include an identified methodology: The data can be 
obtained to inform the indicator in a timely and efficient manner and 
the data are of high-quality.
    (o) 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 or U.S. Government resources in the 
target country or countries (e.g., under the MAP, Cooperator program, 
or other government programs like food aid or USAID development 
programs and studies);
    (s) Detailed line item activity budgets:
     Individual expense items (e.g., salaries, travel expenses, 
consultant fees, administrative costs, etc.) should be listed on 
separate line items, each clearly indicating:
    (1) Which items are to be covered by EMP funding;
    (2) Which are to be covered by the participating U.S. 
organization(s); and
    (3) Which are to be covered by foreign third parties (if 
applicable);
     Cost line items for consultant fees should show the 
calculation of the daily rate and the number of days;
     Cost line items for travel expenses should show the number 
of trips and the destination, the number of travelers, cost, and 
objective for each trip; and
    (t) Qualifications of applicant(s) should be included as an 
attachment.
    3. Other Required Information: In accordance with the Office of 
Management and Budget's issuance of a final policy (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 EMP and does not qualify for an exemption under 2 CFR 
25.110 must:
    (i) Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to 
submitting an application or plan; and
    (ii) 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 FAS; and
    (iii) Provide its DUNS number in each application or plan it 
submits to FAS.
    FAS may not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has 
complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM 
requirements, and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the 
requirements by the time FAS is ready to make the award, FAS may 
determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and 
use that determination as a basis for making an award to another 
applicant.
    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 
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.
    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:
     All proposals received via the UES or email by 5 p.m. 
Eastern Daylight Time, on Friday, June 8, 2018, will be considered for 
funding with other proposals received by that date;
     Proposals not approved for funding during the initial 
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, on 
Friday, June 8, 2018, will be considered for funding in the order 
received only if funding remains available.

E. Application Review Information

    1. Review and Selection Process: All proposals deemed eligible for 
the program will undergo a multi-phase review within FAS by appropriate 
FAS experts and field offices to rate the qualifications, quality, and 
appropriateness of projects, determine the reasonableness of project 
budgets, and make recommendations on meritorious proposals for funding.
    2. Evaluation criteria and weight: FAS will consider a number of 
factors when reviewing proposals, including:
     Appropriateness of the Activity (30%), which will vary 
based on the type of proposal but will include:
     For assessment proposals: Does the proposal present a 
methodology that is likely to result in the needed recommendations and 
identification of specific opportunities and projects? Is the 
assessment team comprised of credible U.S. experts with experience in 
assessing food and rural business systems?
     For travel proposals: Is the exchange of knowledge and 
expertise clearly described in terms of enhancements to the emerging 
market's food and rural business systems? Do we understand how 
travelers are selected?
     For technical assistance proposals: Are the proposed 
activities identified in the supporting assessment? Is the potential 
for the proposed activities to enhance the effectiveness of the 
emerging market's food and rural business systems sufficiently 
justified?;
     Market Impact (50%), 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; the conditions or constraints affecting the level of U.S. 
exports and

[[Page 21269]]

market share for the agricultural commodity/product; and the 
demonstration of how a proposed project will benefit the industry as a 
whole; and
     Completeness and Viability of the proposal (20%), 
including evidence that the organization has the knowledge, expertise, 
ability, and resources to successfully implement the project, the 
entity's willingness to contribute resources to the project, and the 
applicant's reported past EMP results and evaluations, if applicable.
    3. Other Review Information: FAS, prior to making a Federal award 
with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified 
acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any 
information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and 
performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 
U.S.C. 2313). An applicant, at its option, may review information in 
the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM 
and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding 
agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity 
and performance system accessible through SAM. FAS will consider any 
comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the 
designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about 
the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance 
under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by 
applicants as described in 2 CFR 200.205 ``Federal awarding agency 
review of risk posed by applicants.''

F. Federal Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: FAS will notify each applicant in writing of the 
final disposition of the submitted proposal. 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. All successful applicants for all grant and 
cooperative agreements are required to comply with the Standard 
Administrative Terms and Conditions, which are available online at: 
https://www.fas.usda.gov/grants/general_terms_and_conditions/default.asp. The applicable Standard Administrative Terms and 
Conditions will be for the last year specified at that URL, unless the 
application is to continue an award first awarded in an earlier year. 
In that event, the terms and conditions that apply will be those in 
effect for the year in which the award was originally made unless 
explicitly stated otherwise in subsequent mutually-agreed amendments to 
the award.
    Before accepting the award the potential awardee should carefully 
read the award package for instructions on administering the grant 
award and the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities 
under Federal Awards. Recipients must accept all conditions in this 
NOFA as well as any special terms and conditions in the approval letter 
and program agreement to receive an award under this program.
    2. Reporting. EMP participants must provide interim and final 
performance reports for each approved project. An interim report must 
be submitted after each program year, and a separate final report no 
later than 90 days after the activity is completed. All performance 
reports must be submitted through the UES. In addition, a final 
financial report must be submitted no later than 90 days after 
completion of the project. This report must provide a final accounting 
of all project expenditures by cost category and include the accounting 
of actual contributions made to the project by the applicant and all 
other participating entities.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

    1. Application Submission Contact(s) and Program Support: 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 email: [email protected].
    2. Grants Management Contact(s): Eric Bozoian, Grants Management 
Specialist, Foreign Agricultural Service, United States, Department of 
Agriculture, Email: [email protected], Office: (202) 378-1054.

    Signed at Washington, DC on 26th day of April, 2018.
James Higgiston,
Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service and Acting Vice 
President, Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2018-09866 Filed 5-8-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-10-P



                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2018 / Notices                                                   21265

                                                (1) Phase 1—Sufficiency Review and                      In addition, FAS, prior to making a                and conditions in the approval letter
                                             FAS Divisional Review: Applications                     Federal award with a total amount of                  and program agreement to receive an
                                             received by the closing date will be                    Federal share greater than the simplified             award under this program.
                                             reviewed by FAS to determine the                        acquisition threshold, is required to                   2. Reporting: FAS requires various
                                             eligibility of the applicants and the                   review and consider any information                   reports and evaluations from MAP
                                             completeness of the applications. These                 about the applicant that is in the                    Participants. Required reports include
                                             requirements appear in sections 1485.12                 designated integrity and performance                  an annual contributions report that
                                             and 1485.13 of the MAP regulations.                     system accessible through SAM                         identifies, by cost category and in U.S.
                                             Applications that meet the requirements                 (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).              dollar equivalents, contributions made
                                             will then be further evaluated by the                   An applicant, at its option, may review               by the Participant, the U.S. industry,
                                             appropriate Commodity Branch office of                  information in the designated integrity               and the States during that program year.
                                             FAS’ Cooperator Programs Division. The                  and performance systems accessible                    All MAP Participants must also report
                                             Commodity Branches will review each                     through SAM and comment on any                        annual results against their target
                                             application against the criteria listed in              information about itself that a Federal               market and/or regional constraint/
                                             section 1485.14(b) and (c) of the MAP                   awarding agency previously entered and                opportunity performance measures and
                                             regulations as well as in this Notice. The              is currently in the designated integrity              must provide program success stories on
                                             purpose of this review is to identify                   and performance system accessible                     an annual basis, or more often when
                                             meritorious proposals and to                            through SAM. FAS will consider any                    appropriate or required by FAS. There
                                             recommend an appropriate funding                        comments by the applicant, in addition                are additional reporting requirements
                                             level for each application based upon                   to the other information in the                       for trip reports, evaluation reports, and
                                             these criteria.                                         designated integrity and performance                  research reports. Full reporting
                                                (2) Phase 2—Competitive Review:                      system, in making a judgment about the                requirements are detailed in sections
                                             Meritorious applications then will be                   applicant’s integrity, business ethics,               1485.22 and 1485.23 of the MAP
                                             passed on to the Office of the Deputy                   and record of performance under                       regulations.
                                             Administrator, Office of Trade                          Federal awards when completing the
                                             Programs, for the purpose of allocating                 review of risk posed by applicants as                 G. Agency Contact(s)
                                             available funds among the applicants.                   described in 2 CFR 200.205 ‘‘Federal                    1. Application Submission Contact(s)
                                             Applicants will compete for funds on                    awarding agency review of risk posed by               and Program Support: For additional
                                             the basis of the following allocation                   applicants.’’                                         information and assistance, contact the
                                             criteria as applicable (the number in                                                                         Program Operations Division, Office of
                                             parentheses represents the percentage                   F. Award Administration Information
                                                                                                                                                           Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural
                                             weight factor):                                            1. Award Notices: FAS will notify                  Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
                                                (a) Applicant’s Contribution Level                   each applicant in writing of the final                by courier: Room 6512, 1400
                                             (40): The applicant’s 4-year average                    disposition of its application. FAS will              Independence Ave. SW, Washington,
                                             share (2016–2019) of all contributions                  send an approval letter and program                   DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720–4327,
                                             under the MAP compared to the                           agreement to each approved applicant.                 or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by email:
                                             applicant’s 4-year average share (2016–                 The approval letter and program                       podadmin@fas.usda.gov.
                                             2019) of the funding level for all MAP                  agreement will specify the terms and                    2. Grants Management Contact(s):
                                             Participants.                                           conditions applicable to the project,                 Eric Bozoian, Grants Management
                                                (b) Past U.S. Export Performance (30):               including the levels of MAP funding                   Specialist, Foreign Agricultural Service,
                                             The 3-year average share (2015–2017) of                 and cost-share contribution                           United States, Department of
                                             the value of U.S. exports promoted by                   requirements. All successful applicants               Agriculture, Email: Eric.Bozoian@
                                             the applicant compared to the                           for all grant and cooperative agreements              fas.usda.gov, Office: (202) 378–1054.
                                             applicant’s 2-year average share (2017–                 are required to comply with the
                                             2018) of the funding level for all MAP                  Standard Administrative Terms and                       Signed at Washington, DC, on the 26th of
                                                                                                     Conditions, which are available online                April, 2018.
                                             Participants plus, for those groups
                                             participating in the Cooperator program,                at: https://www.fas.usda.gov/grants/                  James Higgiston,
                                             the 2-year average share (2017–2018) of                 general_terms_and_conditions/                         Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural
                                             all Cooperator program budgets.                         default.asp. The applicable Standard                  Service, and Acting Vice President,
                                                (c) Projected U.S. Export Goals (15):                Administrative Terms and Conditions                   Commodity Credit Corporation.
                                             The total dollar value of projected U.S.                will be for the last year specified at that           [FR Doc. 2018–09871 Filed 5–8–18; 8:45 am]
                                             exports of the commodities being                        URL, unless the application is to                     BILLING CODE 3410–10–P
                                             promoted by the applicant for the year                  continue an award first awarded in an
                                             2019 compared to the applicant’s                        earlier year. In that event, the terms and
                                             requested funding level.                                conditions that apply will be those in                DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
                                                (d) Accuracy of Past U.S. Export                     effect for the year in which the award
                                             Projections (15): The actual dollar value               was originally made unless explicitly                 Commodity Credit Corporation
                                             share of U.S. exports of the commodities                stated otherwise in subsequent
                                             being promoted by the applicant for the                 mutually-agreed amendments to the                     Foreign Agricultural Service
                                             year 2017 as reported in the 2019 MAP                   award.                                                Notice of Funding Availability: Inviting
                                             application compared to the projection                     Before accepting the award the                     Applications for the Emerging Markets
                                             of U.S. exports for 2017 as specified in                potential awardee should carefully read               Program
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                                             the 2017 MAP application.                               the approval letter and program
                                                The Commodity Branches’                              agreement for instructions on                         SUMMARY:   The Commodity Credit
                                             recommended funding levels for each                     administering the grant award and the                 Corporation (CCC) announces that it is
                                             applicant are adjusted by each weight                   terms and conditions associated with                  inviting proposals for the 2019
                                             factor as described above to determine                  responsibilities under Federal Awards.                Emerging Markets Program (EMP). The
                                             the amount of funds allocated to each                   Recipients must accept all conditions in              EMP is administered by personnel of the
                                             applicant.                                              this NOFA as well as any special terms                Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on


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                                             21266                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2018 / Notices

                                             behalf of CCC. The intended effect of                   export of U.S. agricultural commodities               farmers, other persons from the private
                                             this notice is to solicit proposals from                or products may apply to the program.                 sector, or government officials and that
                                             the private sector and from government                  Proposals from research and consulting                they have expertise in assessing the food
                                             agencies for fiscal year 2019 and to set                organizations will be considered if they              and rural business systems of other
                                             out the criteria for the awarding of funds              provide evidence of substantial                       countries.
                                             under the program. Future                               participation by and financial support                   (b) Assistance to enable individuals
                                             announcements of funding availability                   from the U.S. industry. Foreign                       from emerging markets to travel to the
                                             for the EMP will be made through the                    organizations whether government or                   United States so that these individuals
                                             Grants.gov website.                                     private, may participate as third parties             can, for the purpose of enhancing the
                                             DATES: To be considered for funding,                    in activities carried out by U.S.                     food and rural business systems in their
                                             proposals must be received by 5 p.m.                    organizations but are not eligible for                countries, consult with food and rural
                                             Eastern Daylight Time, on Friday, June                  direct funding assistance through the                 business system experts in the United
                                             8, 2018. Any proposals received after                   program.                                              States.
                                             this time will be considered only if                       2. Eligible Commodities: All U.S.                     (c) Assistance to enable U.S.
                                                                                                     agricultural commodities, except                      agricultural producers and other
                                             funds remain available. FAS anticipates
                                                                                                     tobacco, are eligible for consideration.              individuals knowledgeable in
                                             that the initial funding selections will
                                                                                                     Agricultural product(s) should be                     agricultural and agribusiness matters to
                                             be made by the end of December 2018,
                                                                                                     comprised of at least 50 percent U.S.                 travel to emerging markets to assist in
                                             with the initial award dates estimated to
                                                                                                     origin content by weight, exclusive of                transferring their knowledge and
                                             be by the end of February 2019.
                                                                                                     added water, to be eligible for funding.              expertise to entities in the emerging
                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                                                              market to enhance the market’s food and
                                                                                                     Proposals that seek support for multiple
                                             Applicants needing assistance should                    U.S. commodities are also eligible.                   rural business systems in support of
                                             contact the Program Operations                             3. Eligible Markets. Only proposals                U.S. exports. Such travel must be to
                                             Division, Office of Trade Programs,                     that target countries or regional groups              emerging markets. Travel to developed
                                             Foreign Agricultural Service by courier:                made up of countries classified below                 markets is not eligible under the
                                             Room 6512, 1400 Independence Ave.                       the World Bank’s threshold for upper                  program even if the targeted market is
                                             SW, Washington, DC 20250, or by                         middle–income economies will be                       an emerging market.
                                             phone: (202) 720–4327, or by fax: (202)                 considered for funding. Countries                        (d) Technical assistance to implement
                                             720–9361, or by email: podadmin@                        classified as high income are not eligible            the recommendations or to carry out
                                             fas.usda.gov. Information is also                       markets under EMP. World Bank                         projects and/or opportunities identified
                                             available on the Foreign Agricultural                   income limits and country                             under 4(a) above. Technical assistance
                                             Service website at http://                              classifications can change from year to               that does not implement the
                                             www.fas.usda.gov/programs/emerging-                     year, with the result that a given country            recommendations, projects, and/or
                                             markets-program-emp.                                    may qualify under the legislative and                 opportunities identified under 4(a)
                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              administrative criteria one year, but not             above is not eligible under the EMP.
                                                                                                     the next. Therefore, applicants should                   Proposals that do not fall into one or
                                             A. Funding Opportunity Description                                                                            more of the four categories above,
                                                                                                     consult the current World Bank country
                                                Announcement Type: New.                              classification list for guidance. In                  regardless of previous guidance
                                                Award Instrument: Grant.                             addition, due to political sensitivities a            provided regarding the EMP, are not
                                                Catalog of Federal Domestic                          few countries technically qualify as                  eligible for consideration under the
                                             Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.603.                       emerging markets but may require a                    program.
                                                Authority: The EMP is authorized by                  separate determination before funding                    5. Ineligible Activities: EMP funding
                                             section 1542(d)(1) of the Food,                         can be considered.                                    may only be used for generic activities.
                                             Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade                       4. Eligible Activities. All EMP projects           For–profit entities may not use program
                                             Act of 1990, as amended. The EMP                        must fall into at least one of the                    funds to conduct private business,
                                             regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1486.                  following four categories:                            promote private self–interests,
                                                Purpose. The EMP assists U.S. entities                  (a) Assistance to teams consisting                 supplement the costs of normal sales
                                             in developing, maintaining, or                          primarily of U.S. individuals expert in               activities, or promote their own
                                             expanding exports of U.S. agricultural                  assessing the food and rural business                 products or services beyond specific
                                             commodities and products by funding                     systems of other countries to enable                  uses approved by FAS in a given
                                             activities that enhance emerging                        such teams to make assessments of the                 project. EMP funds may not be used to
                                             markets’ food and rural business                        food and rural business systems needs                 support normal operating costs of
                                             systems, including reducing trade                       of the target market. This type of EMP                individual organizations, nor as a source
                                             barriers. The EMP is intended primarily                 project must include all three of the                 to recover pre–award costs or prior
                                             to support export market development                    following:                                            expenses from previous or ongoing
                                             efforts of the private sector, but EMP                     • Conduct an assessment of the food                projects. Certain types of expenses are
                                             resources may also be used to assist                    and rural business system needs of an                 not eligible for reimbursement by the
                                             public organizations.                                   emerging market;                                      program, and there are limits on other
                                                                                                        • Make recommendations on                          categories of expenses, such as indirect
                                             B. Eligibility and Qualification                                                                              overhead charges, travel expenses, and
                                                                                                     measures necessary to enhance the
                                             Information                                                                                                   consulting fees. FAS will also not
                                                                                                     effectiveness of those systems; and
                                                1. Eligible Organizations: Any U.S.                     • Identify opportunities and projects              reimburse unreasonable expenditures or
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                                             private or government entity (e.g.,                     to enhance the effectiveness of the                   expenditures made prior to approval of
                                             universities, trade associations,                       emerging market’s food and rural                      a proposal. For a complete description
                                             agricultural cooperatives, state regional               business systems in order to grow U.S.                of ineligible expenditures, please refer
                                             trade groups, state departments of                      exports.                                              to the EMP regulations at 7 CFR 1486.
                                             agriculture, federal agencies, for–profit                  To be eligible, such proposals must                   6. Funding Limits: This NOFA is
                                             entities, and consulting businesses) with               clearly demonstrate that experts are                  being released prior to the EMP program
                                             a demonstrated role or interest in the                  primarily agricultural consultants,                   being reauthorized by Congress for FY


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2018 / Notices                                               21267

                                             2019. USDA makes no commitment to                       unlikely to carry out the project without             obligated by close of business September 30,
                                             fund any particular application or to                   such assistance. Proposals that counter               2019.
                                             make a specific number of awards                        national strategies or duplicate activities
                                             regardless of whether or at what level                  planned or already underway by U.S.                   D. Application and Submission
                                             EMP program funding for FY 2019 is                      non—profit agricultural commodity or                  Information
                                             provided. The EMP is a relatively small                 trade associations will not be                          1. Address to Submit Application
                                             program intended for focused projects                   considered. Applicants may submit                     Package: EMP applicants have the
                                             with specific activities, rather than                   more than one proposal.                               opportunity to utilize the Unified
                                             expansive concept papers that contain                      9. Intergovernmental Review: An                    Export Strategy (UES) system for the
                                             only broad ideas. While there is no                     intergovernmental review may be                       application process. The UES is an
                                             minimum or maximum amount set for                       required. Applicants must contact their               online system that provides a means for
                                             EMP–funded projects, most projects are                  state’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to             interested applicants to submit a
                                             funded at $500,000 or less and are                      comply with their state’s process under               consolidated and strategically
                                             typically approved for a duration of one                Executive Order 12372 (see http://                    coordinated single proposal that
                                             year. Private entities may submit multi–                www.fws.gov/policy/library/                           incorporates funding requests for all of
                                             year proposals requesting higher levels                 rgeo12372.pdf). To ensure currency, the               the market development programs
                                             of funding, although funding in such                    names and addresses of the SPOCs are                  administered by FAS.
                                             cases is generally provided one year at                 maintained at the Office of Management                  Applicants are strongly encouraged to
                                             a time with commitments beyond the                      and Budget’s home page at http://                     submit their applications to FAS
                                             first year subject to interim evaluations               www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc.                   through the web–based UES
                                             and funding availability. Proposals from                                                                      application. The internet–based format
                                             government entities are not eligible for                C. Award Information                                  reduces paperwork and expedites FAS’
                                             multi–year funding. Funding for                           It is anticipated that FAS will award               processing and review cycle. Applicants
                                             continuing and substantially similar                    approximately 40 awards under the                     planning to use the on–line UES system
                                             projects is capped at five years. After                 2019 EMP, subject to programmatic                     must first contact the Program
                                             that time, the project is assumed to have               approval and available funding. In                    Operations Division to obtain site access
                                             proven its viability and, if necessary,                 general, all qualified proposals received             information. The internet–based
                                             should be continued by the recipient                    before the application deadline will                  application is located at the following
                                             with its own or with alternative sources                compete for EMP funding. The                          URL address: https://www.fas.usda.gov/
                                             of funding.                                             applicant’s willingness to contribute                 ues/webapp/.
                                                7. Cost Sharing: As the EMP is                       resources towards the project, including                Although FAS highly recommends
                                             intended to complement, not supplant,                   cash, goods, and services, is an                      applying via the UES, applicants also
                                             the efforts of the U.S. private sector, all             important factor in determining which                 have the option of submitting an
                                             private sector proposals must include a                 proposals are funded under the EMP.                   electronic application to FAS via email
                                             cost–share element from the applicant                   Each proposal will also be judged on the              to podadmin@fas.usda.gov.
                                             and/or U.S. partners. Cost–share may be                 potential benefits to the industry                      Applicants experiencing difficulty or
                                             actual cash invested or in–kind                         represented by the applicant and the                  otherwise needing assistance applying
                                             contributions to the project. While there               degree to which the proposal                          to the program should contact the
                                             is no minimum or maximum amount of                      demonstrates industry support.                        Program Operations Division, Office of
                                             cost–share, the degree of commitment to                   Funding for successful proposals will               Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural
                                             a proposed project, represented by the                  be provided through specific                          Service by courier: Room 6512, 1400
                                             amount and type of private funding, is                                                                        Independence Ave. SW, Washington,
                                                                                                     agreements. Applicants approved for
                                             one factor used in determining which                                                                          DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720–4327,
                                                                                                     funding must provide annual progress
                                             proposals will be approved for funding.                                                                       or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by email:
                                                                                                     reports and a final performance report to
                                             Proposals for which private industry is                                                                       podadmin@fas.usda.gov.
                                                                                                     FAS. Changes in the original project
                                             willing to commit cash, rather than in–                                                                         2. Content and Form of Application
                                                                                                     timelines and adjustments within
                                             kind contributions such as staff                                                                              Submission: To be considered for the
                                                                                                     project budgets must be approved in
                                             resources, will be given priority                                                                             EMP, an applicant must submit to FAS
                                                                                                     advance by FAS. All reports will be
                                             consideration. Contributions from                                                                             information required by this Notice of
                                                                                                     submitted through the Unified Export
                                             USDA or other government agencies or                                                                          Funding Availability and the EMP
                                                                                                     Strategy system.
                                             programs may not be counted as cost–                                                                          regulations at 7 CFR part 1486. The EMP
                                             share by other applicants. Similarly,                     Once an award reaches its completion
                                                                                                     date, FAS will confirm that the                       regulations and additional information
                                             contributions from foreign (non–U.S.)                                                                         are available at the following URL
                                             organizations may not be counted                        participant has provided all of the
                                                                                                     required reports and will review the                  address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/
                                             toward the cost–share requirement, but                                                                        programs/emerging-markets-program-
                                             may be counted in the total cost of the                 reports for completeness and content.
                                                                                                     Once the required reports are approved,               emp.
                                             project.                                                                                                        Applications should be no longer than
                                                8. Other Eligibility Information: EMP                FAS will prepare a closeout letter that
                                                                                                     advises the participant of the award                  ten (10) pages and include the following
                                             funding may not be used to support the                                                                        information:
                                             export of another country’s products to                 closeout procedures. Closeout letters
                                                                                                     must be countersigned and returned to                   (a) Date of proposal;
                                             the United States, or to promote the                                                                            (b) Name of organization submitting
                                             development of a foreign economy as a                   FAS as soon as the final claim is
                                                                                                                                                           proposal;
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                                             primary objective. Proposals should                     submitted and paid, but within 60 days
                                                                                                                                                             (c) Organization address, telephone,
                                             include a justification for funding                     of receipt. Once the closeout procedures
                                                                                                                                                           and fax;
                                             assistance from the program—an                          have been completed, any remaining                      (d) Tax ID number;
                                             explanation as to what specifically                     funding on the agreement will be                        (e) DUNS number;
                                             could not be accomplished without                       deobligated.                                            (f) Primary contact person;
                                             Federal funding assistance and why the                    Note: EMP funds awarded to government                 (g) Full title of proposal;
                                             participating organization(s) would be                  agencies must be expended or otherwise                  (h) Target market(s);


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                                             21268                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2018 / Notices

                                               (i) Specific description of activity/                    (s) Detailed line item activity budgets:              4. Submission Dates and Times: EMP
                                             activities to be undertaken;                               • Individual expense items (e.g.,                  proposals are reviewed on a rolling
                                               (j) Clear demonstration that successful               salaries, travel expenses, consultant                 basis during the fiscal year as long as
                                             implementation will enhance the                         fees, administrative costs, etc.) should              EMP funding is available as set forth
                                             emerging market’s food and rural                        be listed on separate line items, each                below:
                                             business system, including, if                          clearly indicating:                                      • All proposals received via the UES
                                             applicable, potential reductions in trade                  (1) Which items are to be covered by               or email by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight
                                             barriers, and will benefit the industry as              EMP funding;                                          Time, on Friday, June 8, 2018, will be
                                             a whole and not just the applicant(s);                     (2) Which are to be covered by the                 considered for funding with other
                                               (k) Current conditions and market                     participating U.S. organization(s); and               proposals received by that date;
                                             analysis (production, supply, demand,                      (3) Which are to be covered by foreign                • Proposals not approved for funding
                                             import competition, U.S. trade) in the                  third parties (if applicable);                        during the initial review period will be
                                             target market(s) affecting the commodity                   • Cost line items for consultant fees              reconsidered for funding after the
                                             or product;                                             should show the calculation of the daily              review period only if the applicant
                                               (l) Description of the need to assess                 rate and the number of days;                          specifically requests such
                                             the food and rural business systems of                     • Cost line items for travel expenses              reconsideration in writing and only if
                                             the emerging market, or of the                          should show the number of trips and                   funding remains available;
                                             recommendations, projects, and/or                       the destination, the number of travelers,                • Proposals received after 5 p.m.
                                             opportunities previously identified by                  cost, and objective for each trip; and                Eastern Daylight Time, on Friday, June
                                             an approved EMP assessment that are to                     (t) Qualifications of applicant(s)                 8, 2018, will be considered for funding
                                             be addressed by the project;                            should be included as an attachment.                  in the order received only if funding
                                               (m) Project objectives that are focused                  3. Other Required Information: In                  remains available.
                                             and clearly explained and for which                     accordance with the Office of                         E. Application Review Information
                                             there is a clear and logical connection                 Management and Budget’s issuance of a
                                             between the constraints, project                                                                                 1. Review and Selection Process: All
                                                                                                     final policy (68 FR 38402 (June 27,
                                             objectives, activity descriptions, and                                                                        proposals deemed eligible for the
                                                                                                     2003)) regarding the need to identify
                                             expected results;                                                                                             program will undergo a multi-phase
                                                                                                     entities that are receiving government
                                               (n) Projects should include                                                                                 review within FAS by appropriate FAS
                                                                                                     awards, all applicants must submit a
                                             performance measures for quantifying                                                                          experts and field offices to rate the
                                                                                                     Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
                                             progress and demonstrating results. In                                                                        qualifications, quality, and
                                                                                                     Numbering System (DUNS) number. An
                                             the development of performance                                                                                appropriateness of projects, determine
                                                                                                     applicant may request a DUNS number
                                             measures, FAS believes the measures                                                                           the reasonableness of project budgets,
                                                                                                     at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-
                                             should meet the following criteria:                                                                           and make recommendations on
                                                                                                     free DUNS number request line at (866)
                                               • Aligned: The indicator should, as                                                                         meritorious proposals for funding.
                                                                                                     705–5711.                                                2. Evaluation criteria and weight: FAS
                                             closely as possible, measure exactly the
                                                                                                        In addition, in accordance with 2 CFR              will consider a number of factors when
                                             relevant result.
                                               • Clear: The indicator should be                      part 25, each entity that applies to the              reviewing proposals, including:
                                             precise and unambiguous about what is                   EMP and does not qualify for an                          • Appropriateness of the Activity
                                             being measured and how. There should                    exemption under 2 CFR 25.110 must:                    (30%), which will vary based on the
                                             be no doubt on how to measure or                           (i) Be registered in the System for                type of proposal but will include:
                                             interpret the indicator.                                Award Management (SAM) prior to                          • For assessment proposals: Does the
                                               • Quantifiable: The indicator(s)                      submitting an application or plan; and                proposal present a methodology that is
                                             should sufficiently capture all of the                     (ii) Maintain an active SAM                        likely to result in the needed
                                             elements of a result.                                   registration with current information at              recommendations and identification of
                                               • Include an identified methodology:                  all times during which it has an active               specific opportunities and projects? Is
                                             The data can be obtained to inform the                  Federal award or an application or plan               the assessment team comprised of
                                             indicator in a timely and efficient                     under consideration by FAS; and                       credible U.S. experts with experience in
                                             manner and the data are of high-quality.                   (iii) Provide its DUNS number in each              assessing food and rural business
                                               (o) Explanation of the underlying                     application or plan it submits to FAS.                systems?
                                             reasons for the project proposal and its                   FAS may not make an award to an                       • For travel proposals: Is the
                                             approach, the anticipated benefits, and                 applicant until the applicant has                     exchange of knowledge and expertise
                                             any additional pertinent analysis;                      complied with all applicable unique                   clearly described in terms of
                                               (p) Explanation as to what specifically               entity identifier and SAM requirements,               enhancements to the emerging market’s
                                             could not be accomplished without                       and, if an applicant has not fully                    food and rural business systems? Do we
                                             Federal funding assistance and why the                  complied with the requirements by the                 understand how travelers are selected?
                                             participating organization(s) would be                  time FAS is ready to make the award,                     • For technical assistance proposals:
                                             unlikely to carry out the project without               FAS may determine that the applicant is               Are the proposed activities identified in
                                             such assistance;                                        not qualified to receive an award and                 the supporting assessment? Is the
                                               (q) Timeline(s) for implementation of                 use that determination as a basis for                 potential for the proposed activities to
                                             activity, including start and end dates;                making an award to another applicant.                 enhance the effectiveness of the
                                               (r) Information on whether similar                       Similarly, in accordance with 2 CFR                emerging market’s food and rural
                                             activities are or have previously been                  part 170, each entity that applies to the             business systems sufficiently justified?;
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                                             funded with USDA or U.S. Government                     EMP and does not qualify for an                          • Market Impact (50%), including the
                                             resources in the target country or                      exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b) must                 degree to which the proposed project is
                                             countries (e.g., under the MAP,                         ensure it has the necessary processes                 likely to contribute to the development,
                                             Cooperator program, or other                            and systems in place to comply with the               maintenance, or expansion of U.S.
                                             government programs like food aid or                    applicable reporting requirements of 2                agricultural exports to emerging
                                             USAID development programs and                          CFR part 170 should it receive EMP                    markets; the conditions or constraints
                                             studies);                                               funding.                                              affecting the level of U.S. exports and


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2018 / Notices                                              21269

                                             market share for the agricultural                       event, the terms and conditions that                  DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
                                             commodity/product; and the                              apply will be those in effect for the year
                                             demonstration of how a proposed                         in which the award was originally made                Commodity Credit Corporation
                                             project will benefit the industry as a                  unless explicitly stated otherwise in
                                             whole; and                                              subsequent mutually-agreed                            Foreign Agricultural Service
                                                • Completeness and Viability of the                  amendments to the award.
                                             proposal (20%), including evidence that                                                                       Notice of Funding Availability: Inviting
                                             the organization has the knowledge,                        Before accepting the award the                     Applications for the Foreign Market
                                             expertise, ability, and resources to                    potential awardee should carefully read               Development Cooperator Program
                                             successfully implement the project, the                 the award package for instructions on
                                                                                                     administering the grant award and the                 SUMMARY:   The Commodity Credit
                                             entity’s willingness to contribute                                                                            Corporation (CCC) announces that it is
                                             resources to the project, and the                       terms and conditions associated with
                                                                                                                                                           inviting proposals for the 2019 Foreign
                                             applicant’s reported past EMP results                   responsibilities under Federal Awards.
                                                                                                                                                           Market Development Cooperator
                                             and evaluations, if applicable.                         Recipients must accept all conditions in
                                                                                                                                                           (Cooperator) program. The Cooperator
                                                3. Other Review Information: FAS,                    this NOFA as well as any special terms                program is administered by personnel of
                                             prior to making a Federal award with a                  and conditions in the approval letter                 the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
                                             total amount of Federal share greater                   and program agreement to receive an                   on behalf of CCC. The intended effect of
                                             than the simplified acquisition                         award under this program.                             this notice is to solicit applications from
                                             threshold, is required to review and
                                             consider any information about the                         2. Reporting. EMP participants must                eligible applicants for fiscal year 2019
                                             applicant that is in the designated                     provide interim and final performance                 and to set out criteria for the awarding
                                             integrity and performance system                        reports for each approved project. An                 of funds under the program.
                                             accessible through SAM (currently                       interim report must be submitted after                DATES: All applications must be
                                             FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313). An                        each program year, and a separate final               received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight
                                             applicant, at its option, may review                    report no later than 90 days after the                Time, on Friday, June 8, 2018.
                                             information in the designated integrity                 activity is completed. All performance                Applications received after this date
                                             and performance systems accessible                      reports must be submitted through the                 will not be considered. FAS anticipates
                                             through SAM and comment on any                          UES. In addition, a final financial report            that the initial funding selections will
                                             information about itself that a Federal                 must be submitted no later than 90 days               be made by the end of October 2018,
                                             awarding agency previously entered and                  after completion of the project. This                 with the initial award dates estimated to
                                             is currently in the designated integrity                report must provide a final accounting                be by the end of December 2018.
                                             and performance system accessible                       of all project expenditures by cost                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                             through SAM. FAS will consider any                      category and include the accounting of                Applicants needing assistance should
                                             comments by the applicant, in addition                  actual contributions made to the project              contact the Program Operations
                                             to the other information in the                         by the applicant and all other                        Division, Office of Trade Programs,
                                             designated integrity and performance                    participating entities.                               Foreign Agricultural Service by courier:
                                             system, in making a judgment about the                                                                        Room 6512, 1400 Independence Ave
                                             applicant’s integrity, business ethics,                 G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)                 SW, Washington, DC 20250, or by
                                             and record of performance under                                                                               phone: (202) 720–4327, or by fax: (202)
                                             Federal awards when completing the                        1. Application Submission Contact(s)                720–9361, or by email: uesadmin@
                                             review of risk posed by applicants as                   and Program Support: For additional                   fas.usda.gov. Information, including a
                                             described in 2 CFR 200.205 ‘‘Federal                    information and assistance, contact the               copy of the program regulations, is also
                                             awarding agency review of risk posed by                 Program Operations Division, Office of                available on the FAS website at the
                                             applicants.’’                                           Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural                  following URL address: http://
                                                                                                     Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture               www.fas.usda.gov/programs/foreign-
                                             F. Federal Award Administration
                                                                                                     by courier: Room 6512, 1400                           market-development-program-fmd.
                                             Information
                                                                                                     Independence Ave. SW, Washington,                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                1. Award Notices: FAS will notify                    DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720–4327,
                                             each applicant in writing of the final                  or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by email:               A. Funding Opportunity Description
                                             disposition of the submitted proposal.                  podadmin@fas.usda.gov.                                  Announcement Type: New.
                                             FAS will send an approval letter and                                                                            Award Instrument: Grant.
                                             project agreement to each approved                        2. Grants Management Contact(s):                      Catalog of Federal Domestic
                                             applicant. The approval letter and                      Eric Bozoian, Grants Management                       Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.600.
                                             agreement will specify the terms and                    Specialist, Foreign Agricultural Service,               Authority: The Cooperator program is
                                             conditions applicable to the project,                   United States, Department of                          authorized by Title VII of the
                                             including the levels of EMP funding and                 Agriculture, Email: Eric.Bozoian@                     Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C.
                                             cost-share contribution requirements.                   fas.usda.gov, Office: (202) 378–1054.                 5722), as amended. Cooperator program
                                             All successful applicants for all grant                   Signed at Washington, DC on 26th day of             regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1484.
                                             and cooperative agreements are required                 April, 2018.                                            Purpose: The Cooperator program is
                                             to comply with the Standard                             James Higgiston,
                                                                                                                                                           designed to maintain and develop
                                             Administrative Terms and Conditions,                                                                          foreign markets for United States
                                             which are available online at: https://                 Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural            agricultural commodities and products
                                                                                                     Service and Acting Vice President,
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES




                                             www.fas.usda.gov/grants/general_                                                                              through cost-share assistance. Financial
                                                                                                     Commodity Credit Corporation.
                                             terms_and_conditions/default.asp. The                                                                         assistance under the Cooperator
                                                                                                     [FR Doc. 2018–09866 Filed 5–8–18; 8:45 am]
                                             applicable Standard Administrative                                                                            program will be made available on a
                                             Terms and Conditions will be for the                    BILLING CODE 3410–10–P                                competitive basis and applications will
                                             last year specified at that URL, unless                                                                       be reviewed against the evaluation
                                             the application is to continue an award                                                                       criteria contained herein and in the
                                             first awarded in an earlier year. In that                                                                     Cooperator program regulations. All


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Document Created: 2018-05-09 03:18:04
Document Modified: 2018-05-09 03:18:04
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, proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, on Friday, June 8, 2018. Any proposals received after this time will be considered only if funds remain available. FAS anticipates that the initial funding selections will be made by the end of December 2018, with the initial award dates estimated to be by the end of February 2019.
ContactApplicants needing 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 Foreign Agricultural Service website at http:// www.fas.usda.gov/programs/emerging-markets-program-emp.
FR Citation83 FR 21265 

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