[Federal Register: January 13, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 9)]
[Notices]
[Page 2376-2380]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13ja05-35]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Commodity Credit Corporation
Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for Emerging
Markets Program
Announcement Type: New.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.603.
SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces the
availability of approximately $8 million in funding for the Emerging
Markets Program (EMP) for fiscal year (FY) 2005. The intended effect of
this notice is to solicit applications from the private sector and from
government agencies for FY 2005 and awards funds in early July 2005.
The EMP is administered by
[[Page 2377]]
personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
DATES: All proposals must be received by 5 p.m. eastern standard time,
March 14, 2005. Applications received after this time will not be
considered.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Entities wishing to apply for funding
assistance should contact the Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign
Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 4932 South,
STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042,
phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: emo@fas.usda.gov.
Information is also available on the Foreign Agricultural Service Web
site at http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets/html.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Authority: The EMP is authorized by section 1542(d)(1)(D) of the
Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (The Act), as
amended. EMP regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1486.
1. Purpose: The EMP provides funding for technical assistance to
assist U.S. organizations, public and private, to improve market access
through generic, rather than branded, activities that can develop and
promote U.S. agricultural products and/or processes in low- to middle-
income countries that offer promise of emerging market opportunities.
Activities funded are those that primarily benefit U.S. industry as
a whole. All agricultural products, except tobacco, are eligible for
consideration. Proposals which include multiple commodities are also
eligible. Only technical assistance activities are eligible for
reimbursement.
2. Appropriate Activities: Following are types of project
activities that may be funded:
--Projects designed specifically to improve market access in emerging
foreign markets. Examples: Activities intended to mitigate the impact
of sudden political events or economic and currency crisis in order to
maintain U.S. market share; responses to time-sensitive market
opportunities;
--Marketing and distribution of value-added products, including new
products or uses. Examples: Food service development; market research
on potential for consumer ready foods or new uses of a product;
--Studies of food distribution channels in emerging markets, including
infrastructural impediments to U.S. exports; such studies should be
specific in their focus and may include cross-commodity activities
which address specific problems. Examples: Grain storage handling and
inventory systems development; distribution infrastructure development;
--Projects that specifically address various constraints to U.S.
exports, including sanitary and phytosanitary issues and other non-
tarrif barriers. Examples: Seminars on U.S. food safety standards and
regulations; assessing pest and disease problems that inhibit U.S.
exports;
--Assessments and follow up activities designed to improve country-wide
food and business systems, to reduce trade barriers, to increase
prospects for U.S. trade and investment in emerging markets, and to
determine the potential use for general export credit guarantees for
commodities and services. Examples: Product needs assessments and
market analysis; assessments to address infrastructural impediments;
--Projects that help foreign governments collect and use market
information and develop free trade policies that benefit American
exporters as well as the target country or countries. Examples:
Agricultural statistical analysis; development of market information
systems; policy analysis; and
--Short-term training in broad aspects of agriculture and agribusiness
trade that will benefit U.S. exporters, including seminars and training
at trade shows designed to expand the potential for U.S. agricultural
exports by focusing on the trading system. Examples: Retail training;
marketing seminars; transportation seminars; training on opening new or
expanding existing markets.
The program funds technical assistance activities on a project-by-
project basis. EMP funds may not be used to support normal operating
costs of individual organizations, nor as a source by which to recover
pre-award costs or prior expenses from previous or ongoing projects.
Ineligible activities include restaurant promotions; branded
product promotions (including labeling and supplementing normal company
sales activities intended to increase awareness and stimulate sales of
branded products); advertising; administrative and operational expenses
for trade shows; and the preparation and printing of brochures, flyers,
posters, etc., except in connection with specific technical assistance
activities such as training seminars. Other items excluded from funding
are contained in the EMP Regulations.
3. Eligible Markets: The Act defines an emerging market as any
country that the Secretary of Agriculture determines:
(a) Is taking steps toward a market-oriented economy through the
food, agriculture, or rural business sectors of the economy of the
country; and
(b) Has the potential to provide a viable and significant market
for United States agricultural commodities or products of United States
agricultural commodities.
Because funds are limited and the range of potential emerging
market countries is worldwide, proposals for technical assistance
activities will be considered which target those countries or regional
groups with per capita income less than $9,076 (the current ceiling on
upper middle income economies as determined by the World Bank [World
Development Indicators]) and populations of greater than 1 million.
Income limits and their calculation can change from year to year,
with the result that a given country may qualify under the legislative
and administrative criteria one year but not the next. Therefore, CCC
has not established a fixed list of ``emerging market'' countries. For
FY 2005, however, the following guidance is provided regarding country
eligibility for the EMP:
--Eligible. All of the countries of Central and South America; most in
the Caribbean; all of sub-Saharan Africa; some countries in the Middle
East; and the developing economies of Asia.
--Ineligible. Canada; Japan; Taiwan; Hong Kong; South Korea; Australia;
New Zealand; all countries of Western Europe; Slovenia; Israel;
Barbados, Aruba, and Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean; and Saudi
Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar in the
Middle East.
Some markets can be more difficult to develop and sustain over a
period of time; proposed activities in such markets should be
considered in terms of whether they provide ``viable and significant
markets'' for U.S. agricultural exports.
In the case of some oil-rich countries in the Middle East, e.g.,
Saudi Arabia, targeted activities may be considered on a case-by-case
basis, for example, addressing technical barriers to exporting U.S.
commodities.
A few countries technically qualify as emerging markets, but
because of political sensitivities may require a separate determination
before funding can be considered.
[[Page 2378]]
II. Award Information
In general, all qualified proposals received before the application
deadline will compete for EMP funding. Priority consideration will be
given to proposals that identify and seek to address specific problems
or constraints to agricultural exports in emerging markets through
technical assistance activities that are intended to expand or maintain
U.S. agricultural exports. Priority will also be given to those
proposals that include the willingness of the applicant to commit its
own funds, or those of the U.S. industry, to seek export opportunities
in an emerging market. The percentage of private funding proposed for a
project will, therefore, be a critical factor in determining which
proposals are funded under the EMP. Proposals will also be judged on
their ability to provide benefits to the organization receiving EMP
funds and to the broader industry which that organization represents.
The limited funds and the range of emerging markets worldwide in
which the funds may be used preclude CCC from approving large budgets
for individual projects. While there is no minimum or maximum amount
set for EMP-funded projects, most are funded at a level of less than
$250,000 and for a duration of one year or less. Multi-year proposals,
and at higher cost, may be considered in the context of a strategic
detailed plan of implementation. Funding in such cases is normally
provided one year at a time, with commitments beyond the first year
subject to interim evaluations.
Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific
agreements. The CCC, through FAS, will be kept informed of the
implementation of approved projects through the requirement to provide
quarterly progress reports and final performance reports. Changes in
the original project time lines and adjustments within project budgets
beyond a certain amount must be approved by FAS.
III. Eligibility and Qualification Information
1. Eligible Applicants. Any United States private or Government
entity with a demonstrated role or interest in exports of U.S.
agricultural commodities or products may apply to the program.
Government organizations consist of Federal, State, and local agencies.
Private organizations include non-profit trade associations,
universities, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups,
and profit-making entities and consulting businesses. Proposals from
research and consulting organizations will be considered if they
provide evidence of substantial participation in and financial support
by the U.S. industry. For-profit entities are also eligible, but may
not use program funds to conduct private business, promote private
self-interests, supplement the costs of normal sales activities, or
promote their own products or services beyond specific uses approved by
CCC in a given project.
U.S. market development cooperators and state regional trade groups
(SRTGs) may seek funding to address priority, market specific issues
and to undertake activities not suitable for funding under other
marketing programs, e.g., the Foreign Market Development Cooperator
(Cooperator) Program and the Market Access Program (MAP). Foreign
organizations, whether government or private, may participate as third
parties in activities carried out by U.S. organizations, but are not
eligible for funding assistance from the program.
2. Cost Sharing. No private sector proposal will be considered
without the element of cost-share from the participant and/or U.S.
partners. The EMP is intended to complement, not supplant, the efforts
of the U.S. private sector. There is no minimum or maximum amount of
cost share, though the range in recent successful proposals has been
between 35 and 75 percent. The degree of commitment to a proposed
project represented by the amount and type of private funding are both
used in determining which proposals will be approved for funding. Cost-
share may be actual cash invested or professional time of staff
assigned to the project. Proposals in which private industry is willing
to commit cash, rather than in-kind contributions such as staff
resources, will be given priority consideration.
Cost-sharing is not required for proposals from U.S. Government
agencies, but is mandatory for all other eligible entities, even when
they may be party to a joint proposal with a U.S. Government agency.
Contributions from USDA or other U.S. Government agencies or programs
may not be counted toward the stated cost share requirement. Similarly,
contributions from foreign (non-U.S.) organizations may not be counted
toward the cost share requirement, but may be counted in the total cost
of the project.
3. Other. Proposals should include a justification for funding
assistance from the program--an explanation as to what specifically
could not be accomplished without Federal funding assistance and why
participating organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project
without such assistance. Applicants may submit more than one proposal.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package. For 2005, EMP applicants
have the opportunity to utilize the Unified Export Strategy (UES)
application process, an online system which provides a means for
interested applicants to submit a consolidated and strategically
coordinated single proposal that incorporates funding requests for any
or all of the market development programs administered by FAS.
Applicants are not required to use the UES, but are strongly
encouraged to do so because it reduces paperwork and expedites the FAS
processing and review cycle. Applicants planning to use the on-line
system must contact the Marketing Operations Staff at (202) 720-4327 to
obtain site access information including a user of id and password. The
Internet-based application, including step-by-step instructions for its
use, is located at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html.
A Help file is available to assist applicants with
the process. Applicants using the online system should also provide,
promptly after the deadline for submitting the on-line application, a
printed or e-mailed version of each proposal (using Word or compatible
format) to one of the following address:
Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff,
Room 4932-South, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-
1042;
U.S. Postal Delivery: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign
Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, STOP 1042, 1400
Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042. E-mail address:
emo@fas.usda.gov.
Applicants electing not to use the online system must submit a
printed copy of their application to one of the above addresses:
2. Content and Form of Application Submission. It is highly
recommended that any organization considering applying to the program
first obtain a copy of the EMP Regulations. The regulations contain
information on requirements that a proposal must include in order to be
considered for funding under the program, along with other important
information. EMP regulations and additional information may be obtained
from the Marketing
[[Page 2379]]
Operations Staff at the address above. The regulations are also
available at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.html
.
In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and
Budget's policy directive regarding the use of a universal identifier
for all Federal grants or cooperative agreements, all applicants must
submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number prior to submitting applications. An applicant may request a
DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number
request line on 1-866-705-5711.
Applications should be no longer than ten (10) pages and include
the following information:
(a) Date of proposal;
(b) Name of organization submitting proposal;
(c) Organization address, telephone and fax numbers;
(d) Tax ID number;
(e) DUNS number;
(f) Primary contact person;
(g) Full title of proposal;
(h) Target market(s);
(i) Current conditions in the target market(s) affecting the
intended commodity or product;
(j) Description of problem(s), i.e., constraint(s), to be addressed
by the project, such as: Inadequate knowledge of the market,
insufficient trade contacts, lack of awareness by foreign officials of
U.S. products and business practices, impediments: infrastructure,
financing, regulatory or other non-tariff barriers, etc.;
(k) Project objectives;
(l) Performance measures: benchmarks for quantifying progress in
meeting the objectives;
(m) Rationale: Explanation of the underlying reasons for the
project proposal and its approach, the anticipated benefits, and any
additional pertinent analysis;
(n) Clear demonstration that successful implementation will benefit
a particular industry as a whole, not just the applicant(s);
(o) Explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished
without Federal funding assistance and why participating
organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project without such
assistance;
(p) Specific description of activity/activities to be undertaken;
(q) Time line(s) for implementation of activity, including start
and end dates (start date should be no earlier than 15 July 2005);
(r) Information on whether similar activities are or have
previously been funded with USDA sources in target country/countries
(e.g., under MAP and/or FMD programs); and
(s) Detailed line item activity budget. Cost items should be
allocated separately to each participating organization. Expense items
constituting a proposed activity's overall budget (e.g., salaries,
travel expenses, consultant fees, administrative costs, etc.), with a
line item costs for each, should be listed, clearly indicating:
(1) Which items are to be covered by EMP funding;
(2) Which by the participating U.S. organization(s); and
(3) Which by foreign third parties (if applicable). Cost items for
individual consultant fees should show calculation of daily rate and
number of days. Cost items for travel expenses should show number of
trips, destinations, cost, and objective for each trip.
Qualifications of applicant(s) should be included as an attachment.
3. Submission Dates and Times. All proposals must be received by 5
p.m. eastern standard time on March 14, 2005, in the MOS office, either
electronically, hand delivered, or by mail. Proposals received after
this date and time will not be reviewed nor considered for program
funding.
4. Funding Restrictions. Certain types of expenses are not eligible
for reimbursement by the program, and there are limits on other
categories of expenses such as indirect overhead charges, travel
expenses and consulting fees. CCC will not reimburse expenditures made
prior to approval of a proposal or unreasonable expenditures. Full
details are available in the EMP regulations.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria. Key criteria used in judging proposals include:
--The appropriateness of the activities for the targeted market(s), and
the extent to which the project identifies market barriers, e.g., a
fundamental deficiency in the market, and/or a recent change in market
conditions;
--Potential of the project to expand U.S. market share, increase U.S.
exports or sales, and/or improve awareness of U.S. agricultural
commodities and products;
--Quality of the project's performance measures, and the degrees to
which they relate to the objectives, proposed approach and activities,
and deliverables;
--Justification for Federal funding;
--Budget: overall cost and the amount of funding provided by
applications, the U.S. private sector and partners, if any; and
--Evidence that the organization has the knowledge, expertise, ability,
and resources to successfully implement the project.
2. Review and Selection Process. All applications undergo a multi-
phase review within FAS, by appropriate FAS field offices, and by the
private sector Advisory Committee on Emerging Markets to determine
qualifications, quality and appropriateness of projects, and
reasonableness of project budgets prior to making recommendations to
the deciding official.
3. Anticipated Announcement Date. Announcements of funding
decisions for the EMP are anticipated on or about July 1, 2005.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices. FAS will notify each applicant in writing of the
final disposition of its application. FAS will send an approval letter
and project agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter
and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the
project, including the levels of EMP funding and cost-share
contribution requirements.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Interested
parties should review the EMP regulations which are available at the
following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.html.
Printed copies may be obtained by contacting MOS at (202)
720-4327.
3. Reporting. Quarterly progress reports for all programs one year
or longer in duration are required. Projects of less than one year
generally require a mid-term progress report. Final performance reports
are due 90 days after completion of each project. Content for both
types of reports is contained in the Project Agreement. Final financial
reports are also due 90 days after completion of each project, as
attachments to the final reports.
VII. Agency Contact(s)
For additional information and assistance, contact the Marketing
Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Room 4932 South, STOP 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-1042, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361,
e-mail: emo@fas.usda.gov.
[[Page 2380]]
Signed at Washington, DC, on January 4, 2005.
A. Ellen Terpstrd,
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service and Vice President,
Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. 05-722 Filed 1-12-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-M