[Federal Register: April 29, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 81)]
[Notices]
[Page 19495-19498]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29ap09-33]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Commodity Credit Corporation
Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the
Emerging Markets Program
Announcement Type: New.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.603.
SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is
inviting proposals for the 2010 Emerging Markets Program (EMP). The
intended effect of this notice is to solicit additional applications
from the private sector and from government agencies for FY 2010. The
EMP is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service
(FAS).
DATES: All proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time,
May 29, 2009. Applications received after this time will be considered
only if funds are still available.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Entities wishing to apply for funding
assistance should contact the Program Operations Division, Office of
Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, Portals Office Building,
Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024, phone:
(202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: podadmin@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.asp.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 19496]]
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. The EMP regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1486.
1. Purpose. The EMP assists U.S. entities in developing,
maintaining, or expanding exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and
products by funding technical assistance activities that promote U.S.
products in emerging foreign markets. The EMP is intended primarily to
support export market development efforts of the private sector, but
EMP resources may also be used to assist public organizations.
All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for
consideration. Agricultural product(s) should be comprised of at least
50 percent U.S. origin content by weight, exclusive of added water, to
be eligible for funding. Proposals that seek support for multiple
commodities are also eligible. EMP funding may only be used to support
exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and products through generic
activities. EMP funding may not be used to support the export of
another country's products to the United States, or to promote the
development of a foreign economy as a primary objective. Funding
provided for government participation may only be used to support the
activities of government officials expert in assessing the food and
rural business systems of other countries.
2. Appropriate Activities. Following are examples of the types of
project activities that may be considered for funding under the EMP:
--Projects designed specifically to improve market access in emerging
foreign markets. Example: Activities that mitigate the impact of
political or economic events;
--Projects that specifically address various constraints to U.S.
exports, including sanitary and phytosanitary issues and other non-
tariff barriers. Examples: Seminars on U.S. food safety standards and
regulations; assessing and addressing pest and disease problems that
inhibit U.S. exports;
--Short-term expert training in agricultural and agribusiness trade
that will benefit U.S. exporters. Examples: Retail training;
transportation/distribution seminars;
--Projects that help foreign governments collect and use market
information and develop free trade policies that benefit U.S.
exporters. Examples: Agricultural statistical analysis; development of
market information systems;
--Assessments and follow-up activities designed to improve country-wide
food and business systems, and to determine potential use of general
export credit guarantees. Examples: Product needs assessments and
market analysis;
--Studies of food distribution channels in emerging markets, including
infrastructural impediments to U.S. exports. Examples: Studies of grain
storage handling and inventory systems or of distribution
infrastructure development; and
--Marketing and distribution of value-added products. Examples: Market
research on the potential for consumer-ready U.S. foods or new uses of
a U.S. product.
EMP funds may not be used to support normal operating costs of
individual organizations, nor as a source to recover pre-award costs or
prior expenses from previous or ongoing projects. Proposals that
counter national strategies or duplicate activities planned or already
underway by U.S. non-profit agricultural commodity or trade
associations (``cooperators'') will not be considered. Other ineligible
expenditures include: Branded product promotions (in-store, restaurant
advertising, labeling, etc.); advertising, administrative, and
operational expenses for trade shows; Web site development; equipment
purchases; and the preparation and printing of brochures, flyers, and
posters (except in connection with specific technical assistance
activities such as training seminars). For a more complete description
of ineligible expenditures, please refer to the EMP regulations.
3. Eligible Markets. The Act defines an emerging market as any
country that the Secretary of Agriculture determines:
(a) Is taking steps toward developing a market-oriented economy
through the food, agriculture, or rural business sectors of the economy
of the country; and
(b) Has the potential to provide a viable and significant market
for U.S. agricultural commodities or products of U.S. agricultural
commodities.
Because EMP funds are limited and the range of potential emerging
market countries is worldwide, consideration will be given only to
proposals that target countries or regional groups with per capita
income of less than $11,455 (the current ceiling on upper middle income
economies as determined by the World Bank [World Development
Indicators; July 2008, http://siteresources.worldbank.org/
DATASTATISTICS/Resources/CLASS.XLS] and populations of greater than 1
million.
Income limits and their calculation can change from year to year
with the result that a given country may qualify under the legislative
and administrative criteria one year but not the next. Therefore, CCC
has not established a fixed list of emerging market countries.
A few countries technically qualify as emerging markets but may
require a separate determination before funding can be considered
because of political sensitivities.
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 trade in emerging markets through technical
assistance activities that are intended to expand or maintain U.S.
agricultural exports. Priority consideration will also be given to
proposals that directly support or address at least one of the goals
and objectives in the USDA and FAS Strategic Plans. The applicants'
willingness to contribute resources, including cash, goods and services
will be a critical factor in determining which proposals are funded
under the EMP. Proposals will also be judged on the potential benefits
to the industry represented by the applicant and the degree to which
the proposal demonstrates industry support.
The limited funds and the range of eligible emerging markets
worldwide generally preclude CCC from approving large budgets for
individual projects. While there is no minimum or maximum amount set
for EMP-funded projects, most projects are funded at a level of less
than $500,000 and for a duration of approximately one year. Private
entities may submit multi-year proposals requesting higher levels of
funding that may be considered in the context of a detailed strategic
implementation plan. Funding in such cases is generally limited to
three years and provided one year at a time with commitments beyond the
first year subject to interim evaluations and funding availability.
Federal government entities are not eligible for multi-year funding.
Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific
agreements. The CCC, through FAS, will be kept informed of the
implementation of approved projects through the requirement to provide
quarterly progress reports and final performance reports. Changes in
the original project
[[Page 19497]]
timelines and adjustments within project budgets must be approved by
FAS.
Note: EMP funds awarded to Federal government agencies must be
expended or otherwise obligated by close of business, September 30,
2010.
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;
and state universities. Private organizations include non-profit trade
associations, private universities, agricultural cooperatives, state
regional trade groups (SRTG), 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 from the U.S. industry. For-profit entities are
also eligible but may not use program funds to conduct private
business, promote private self-interests, supplement the costs of
normal sales activities or promote their own products or services
beyond specific uses approved by CCC in a given project.
U.S. market development cooperators and SRTGs may seek funding to
address priority, market specific issues and to undertake activities
not suitable for funding under other CCC 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 applicant and/or U.S.
partners. The EMP is intended to complement, not supplant, the efforts
of the U.S. private sector. There is no minimum or maximum amount of
cost-share, though the range in recent successful proposals has been
between 35 and 75 percent. The degree of commitment to a proposed
project, represented by the amount and type of private funding, is used
in determining which proposals will be approved for funding. Cost-share
may be actual cash invested or professional time of staff assigned to
the project. Proposals for which private industry is willing to commit
cash, rather than in-kind contributions such as staff resources, will
be given priority consideration.
Cost-sharing is not required for proposals from 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 of other
applicants. Similarly, contributions from foreign (non-U.S.)
organizations may not be counted toward the cost-share requirement, but
may be counted in the total cost of the project.
3. Other: Proposals should include a justification for funding
assistance from the program--an explanation as to what specifically
could not be accomplished without Federal funding assistance and why
the participating organization(s) would be 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: 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.
Organizations are encouraged to submit their application to FAS
through the UES application Internet Web site. However, applicants are
not required to use the UES format. The Internet-based format reduces
paperwork and expedites the FAS processing and review cycle. Applicants
planning to use the on-line UES system must contact the Program
Operations Division at (202) 720-4327 to obtain site access
information, including a user 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 a
printed or e-mailed version of each proposal (using Word or compatible
format) to the following address:
Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Office of Trade Programs,
Program Operations Division, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250
Maryland Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20024.
Applicants electing not to use the on-line system must submit: (1)
two printed copies of their application to the address above; and (2)
an electronic version to emo@fas.usda.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission: To be considered for
the EMP, an applicant must submit to the FAS information required by
the EMP regulations at 7 CFR part 1486. EMP regulations and additional
information are available at the following URL address: http://
www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.asp.
In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and
Budget's issuance of a final policy (68 FR 38402) 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 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
[[Page 19498]]
Federal funding assistance and why the participating organization(s)
would be unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance;
(p) Specific description of activity/activities to be undertaken;
(q) Timeline(s) for implementation of activity, including start and
end dates;
(r) Information on whether similar activities are or have
previously been funded with USDA resources in target country or
countries (e.g., under MAP and/or Cooperator programs); and
(s) Detailed line item activity budget:
--Cost items should be allocated separately to each participating
organization; and
--Expense items constituting a proposed activity's overall budget
(e.g., salaries, travel expenses, consultant fees, administrative
costs, etc.), with a line item cost for each, should be listed, clearly
indicating:
(1) Which items are to be covered by EMP funding;
(2) Which by the participating U.S. organization(s); and
(3) Which by foreign third parties (if applicable).
Cost items for individual consultant fees should show calculation
of daily rate and number of days. Cost items for travel expenses should
show number of trips, destinations, cost, and objective for each trip.
Qualifications of applicant(s) should be included as an attachment.
3. Submission Dates and Times: All applications must be received by
5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time May 29, 2009 in the Program Operations
Division. Applications received after this time will be considered only
if funds are still available.
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 also not reimburse unreasonable
expenditures or expenditures made prior to approval of a proposal. Full
details of the funding restrictions are available in the EMP
regulations.
5. Other Submission Requirements and Considerations: All Internet-
based applications must be properly submitted by 5 p.m. Eastern
Daylight Time, May 29, 2009.
All applications on compact disc (with two accompanying paper
copies) and any other form of application must be received by 5 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time, May 29, 2009, at the following address:
Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Office of Trade Programs,
Program Operations Division, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250
Maryland Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20024.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria: Key criteria used in judging proposals include, among
others:
--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 degree to
which they relate to the objectives, deliverables, and proposed
approach and activities;
--Justification for Federal funding;
--Overall cost of the project and the amount of funding provided by the
applicant and any partners; and
--Evidence that the organization has the knowledge, expertise, ability,
and resources to successfully implement the project, including,
timeliness and quality of reporting on past EMP activities.
Please see 7 CFR part 1486 for additional evaluation criteria.
2. Review and Selection Process: All applications undergo a multi-
phase review within FAS, by appropriate FAS field offices, and as
needed, by the private sector Advisory Committee on Emerging Markets to
determine the qualifications, quality, appropriateness of projects, and
reasonableness of project budgets.
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.asp.
3. Reporting. Quarterly progress reports for all programs one year
or longer in duration are required. Projects of less than 1 year
generally require a mid-term progress report. Final performance reports
are due 90 days after completion of each project. Content requirements
for both types of reports are contained in the Project Agreement. Final
financial reports are also due 90 days after completion of each project
as attachments to the final reports.
VII. Agency Contact(s)
For additional information and assistance, contact the Program
Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Portals Office Building, Suite
400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024, phone: (202) 720-
4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: podadmin@fas.usda.gov.
Signed at Washington, DC, on the 17th day of April 2009.
Patricia R. Sheikh,
Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, Vice President,
Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. E9-9740 Filed 4-28-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-P