EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not Applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Allocations are made in a manner that effectively support the strategic decision-making initiatives of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993. In assessing whether the applicant will effectively create, expand or maintain foreign markets, the following factors are considered: (1) effectiveness of program management; (2) past and present contribution levels; (3) soundness of the strategic plan; (4) past export performance; and (5) past demand expansion performance (6) future demand expansion goals; and (7) accuracy of past demand expansion projections. 10.601 MARKET ACCESS PROGRAM (MAP) FEDERAL AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture AUTHORIZATION: Agricultural Trade Act of 1978, as amended, Section 203. To encourage the creation, maintenance, and expansion of commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities through cost-share assistance to eligible trade organizations that implement a foreign market development program. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: DIRECT PAYMENTS FOR A SPECIFIED USE USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Market Access Program (MAP) funds are authorized through program agreements that provide for partial reimbursement of eligible promotional expenses in a Unified Export Strategy application approved by the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the agency which administers the program for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). MAP participants may receive assistance for either generic or brand promotion activities. Program funds help finance activities such as consumer advertising, point of sale demonstrations, public relations, trade servicing activities, participation in trade fairs and exhibits, market research and technical assistance. Applicant Eligibility: To be approved, applicants must be: (1) A nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization; (2) a nonprofit State regional trade group; (3) a U.S. agricultural cooperative; (4) a State agency; or (5) a U.S. commercial entity that is a small-sized entity (other than a cooperative or producer association). Beneficiary Eligibility: CCC will enter into MAP agreements only where the eligible agricultural commodity is comprised of at least 50 percent U.S. origin content by weight, exclusive of added water. Credentials/Documentation: Applicants are required to provide a competent, experienced staff and other resources to assure adequate development, supervision, and execution of promotion activities. All applicants must submit a written proposal which provides a brief discussion of the commodity for which assistance is requested; the proposed program with a justification; and a strategic plan. In addition, all applicants must submit a statement certifying that any CCC resources received will supplement, but not supplant, any private or third party funds or other contributions to program activities. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. Preapplication Coordination: Preapplication coordination is not applicable. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedures: This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Each year the availability of funds is announced in a Federal Register notice. At this time a written export strategy should be submitted to the Director, Marketing Operations Staff, FAS. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Award Procedure: Applications are reviewed against the allocation criteria and factors set forth in 7 CFR Part 1485. CCC notifies each applicant of the final disposition of its application and also issues a public announcement concerning the allocation of resources among the applicant organizations. Each approved applicant receives a program agreement and allocation approval letter which specifies any special terms and conditions applicable to a participant's program. Final agreement occurs when both the participating organization and the Administrator of FAS in the Administrator's capacity as Vice President, CCC, sign the program agreement. Deadlines: Not Applicable. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approximately 90 days. Appeals: Not Applicable. Renewals: Not Applicable. Formula and Matching Requirements: This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this program. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Agreements generally include a twelve-month promotional effort and a provision for program evaluation by an independent third party. Funds awarded in any given fiscal year are typically available for two additional years. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Each approved applicant receives a program agreement and allocation approval letter which specifies any special terms and conditions applicable to a participant's program. Final agreement occurs when both the participating organization and the Administrator of FAS in the Administrator's capacity as Vice President, CCC, sign the program agreement. Reports: Not Applicable. Audits: Not Applicable. Records: Must be maintained for not less than 3 years after completion or termination of the agreement or not more than 5 full calendar years following the year of the transaction that is evidenced by such an account or record that took place, whichever is sooner. Account Identification: 12-4336-0-3-999. Obligations: (Direct Payments for Specified Use) FY 11 $200,000,000; FY 12 est $200,000,000; and FY 13 Estimate Not Available(Exp: Subject to reauthorization.) Range and Average of Financial Assistance: From $22,000 to $9,611,000; $1,375,000. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Not Applicable. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 1485. Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Program Operations Division 1400 Independence Ave., SW, , Washington, District of Columbia 20250 Phone: (202) 720-4327 Website Address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/map.asp. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.600 Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not Applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Allocations will only be made to applicants that present the best opportunity for developing or expanding export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. In assessing the applicant, the following factors are considered: (1) effectiveness of program management; (2) soundness of accounting procedures; (3) the nature of the organization; (4) prior export promotion or direct export experience; (5) previous MAP funding and performance; (6) adequacy of the applicant's strategic plan; (7) past and present contribution levels; (8) export goals; and the (9) accuracy of past projected export goals. In providing assistance for brand promotions, priority will be given to small-sized entities. Qualifying products whose composition is less than 50 percent U.S. origin are not eligible. 10.602 CCC'S DAIRY EXPORT INCENTIVE PROGRAM The DEIP Program FEDERAL AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture AUTHORIZATION: Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990; the Uruguay Round Agreemtns Act of 1995; and the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996., Title 7, Part CFR, Section 1494. OBJECTIVES: The major objective of the program is to develop export markets for dairy products where U.S. products are not price competitive and thereby, make sales in targeted overseas markets for the purpose of market development or where competitor countries are making subsidized sales. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Payments for Specified Use USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The Dairy Export Incentive Program helps exporters of US dairy products meet prevailing world prices for targeted dairy products and destinations. Under the program, the US Department of Agriculture pays cash to exporters as bonuses, allowing them to sell certain US dairy products at prices lower than the exporter's costs of acquiring them. Applicant Eligibility: All sales under the DEIP are made by the private sector, not the U.S. government. An invitation for offers issued by USDA may be one of two types: those inviting exporters to submit a competitive offer for a bonus, and those inviting exporters to apply for an announced bonus. Once an invitation for offers is issued, it is up to agricultural exporters to contact prospective buyers in eligible countries and negotiate a sales contract covering price, quantity, quality, delivery, and other terms. The sale may be contingent on USDAs approval of a bonus. Each prospective exporter submits an offer to USDA requesting a bonus that would allow the sale to take place at the agreed price. Under an invitation for competitive offers, USDA reviews all bids for the competitiveness of the bonus value requested and compares the bids with offers from other U.S. exporters and with sales of competitor countries. Under an announced bonus, compliant offers meeting all program requirements are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. USDA has the right to reject any or all bids. Once USDA accepts a bid, the exporter and USDAs Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) enter into an agreement. USDA notifies exporters submitting offers of the acceptance or rejection of their offers by 10 a.m. Eastern U.S. time the next business day after the date the offers were submitted for consideration. USDA also makes the information available in a program announcement on the FAS Web site. Beneficiary Eligibility: Who Benefits The DEIP, administered by USDAS Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), helps U.S. agricultural producers, processors, and exporters gain access to foreign markets. Eligible Products Commodities eligible under DEIP initiatives are milk powder, butterfat, and various cheeses. Participation An exporter interested in participating in the DEIP must provide specific information. Credentials/Documentation: No Credentials or documentation are required. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. Preapplication Coordination: Preapplication coordination is not applicable. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedures: This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Award Procedure: Receiving the Bonus: The bonus is paid to the U.S. exporter in cash. The CCC determines the bonus payment by multiplying the bonus specified in the agreement by the net quantity of the commodity exported. Once an exporter furnishes USDA with evidence that the specified commodity has been exported to the target destination under the terms of the agreement, the exporter can request payment of the bonus. Deadlines: Not Applicable. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not Applicable. Appeals: Not Applicable. Renewals: Not Applicable. Formula and Matching Requirements: This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this program. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: The DEIP Program is based on Program Annoucements and they expire at the end of the fiscal year or when the quantity announced has been exchausted which ever comes first. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: The bonus is in the form of a cashiers check paid by our Kansas City Commodity office. Reports: Not Applicable. Audits: Not Applicable. Records: Export Documentation. Account Identification: 12-4336-0-3-999. Obligations: (Direct Payments for Specified Use) FY 11 $0; FY 12 est $0; and FY 13 est $3,000,000 Range and Average of Financial Assistance: PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Not Applicable. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Not Applicable. Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Office of Trade Programs 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20250 Phone: (202)720-0624 Website Address: No Data Available RELATED PROGRAMS: Not Applicable. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not Applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not Applicable. 10.603 EMERGING MARKETS PROGRAM (EMP) FEDERAL AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture AUTHORIZATION: The Emerging Markets Program is authorized by the Food, Agriculture, OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the Emerging Markets Program is to promote, enhance or expand the exports of U.S. agricultural commodities to overseas emerging markets through cost-share assistance to eligible organizations that implement an Emerging Markets Program. The program supports the activities of U.S. agricultural and agribusiness firms--particularly those that may need assistance in obtaining or maintaining access in overseas markets. The program is aimed at improving market access opportunities for agricultural products or processes in low- to middle-income countries that are likely to emerge as promising export markets in the near to medium term. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: DIRECT PAYMENTS FOR A SPECIFIED USE USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Emerging Markets Program funds are authorized through project agreements that serve as binding instruments and create a legal obligation on the part of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to make appropriated funds available to the participant. The agreement creates a cooperative relationship between CCC and the implementor with each side contributing resources to support achievement of mutual goals. Program funds help finance activities such as feasibility studies, market research, sectorial assessments, orientation visits, specialized training, and business workshops. The Program is not intended for projects targeted at end-user consumers. Ineligible activities include in-store promotions, restaurant promotions, branded product promotions, administrative and operational expenses for trade shows and advertising, except in connection with specific technical assistance activities such as training seminars. Applicant Eligibility: Applicants must be a: (1) U. S. agricultural or agribusiness organization -nonprofit, trade association, university, consultant group (under certain conditions), (2) State Department of Agriculture, or (3) USDA agency (or other Federal agency involved in agricultural issues). Beneficiary Eligibility: (1) a U. S. agricultural or agribusiness organization -- nonprofit, trade association, university, consultant group (under certain conditions), (2) State Department of Agriculture, or (3) USDA agency (or other Federal agency involved in agricultural issues). Credentials/Documentation: All eligible applicants must submit a written proposal in accordance with the guidelines set forth each year in the Federal Register. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. Preapplication Coordination: Preapplication coordination is not applicable. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedures: This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Each year solicitation of proposals is announced in the Federal Register. At that time written project proposals should be submitted to the Director, Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Award Procedure: FAS will notify each applicant in writing of the final disposition of its application. For approvals, letters will contain the notice of approval and any qualifications or adjustments made to the original proposal. For rejections, letters will contain details explaining the reasons why the proposals were not approved for funding. FAS will send an Agreement to each approved applicant. The Agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including the levels of program funding and cost-share contribution. An applicant who accepts the terms and conditions contained in the Agreement should so indicate by having the appropriate authorizing officer sign the Agreement and submit it to the Director, Marketing Operations Staff, FAS, USDA. The Agreement will become effective when the Deputy Administrator signs the Agreement on behalf of CCC. Deadlines: Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Appeals: Not Applicable. Renewals: Continuation or expansion of successful projects funded by the Program may be Statutory formulas are not applicable to this program. Agreements generally include a beginning and end date. Projects are normally funded for one year although some multi-year projects may befunded by the Program, usually on a year-to-year basis. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: lump sum. Reports: See above. No cash reports are required. See above. No expenditure reports are required. No performance monitoring is required. Audits: This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-133. Participant projects are reviewed as needed, but normally at least every two years, by representatives of the Compliance Review Staff (CRS) of FAS. Audits and reviews are also conducted sporadically by representatives of the Office of the Inspector General and the General Accounting Office. Accounts and records must be available for inspection or audit at any reasonable time. Records: Records must be maintained for at least three years after completion or termination of the Agreement or not more than five full calendar years following the year of the transaction that is evidenced by such an account or record that took place, whichever is sooner. Account Identification: 12-4336-0-3-999. Obligations: (Direct Payments for Specified Use) FY 11 $10,000,000; FY 12 est $10,000,000; and FY 13 est $0 Range and Average of Financial Assistance: No Data Available. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Not Applicable. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: The Program currently operates under guidelines. Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: FAS/OTP/Program Operations Staff 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20250 Phone: 2027204327 Website Address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.html. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.600 Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program; 10.601 Market Access Program EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not Applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not Applicable. 10.604 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY CROPS PROGRAM (TASC) FEDERAL AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture The Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program is reauthorized by The Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program is designed to assist U.S. organizations by providing funding for projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: DIRECT PAYMENTS FOR A SPECIFIED USE USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program funds are authorized through project agreements that include the maximum amount that may be reimbursed and identify terms and conditions pursuant to which the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) will reimburse costs. The agreements also outline any specific responsibilities of the participant. Types of activities that may be funded under this program include initial pre-clearance programs, export protocol and work plan support, seminars and workshops, study tours, field surveys, development of pest lists, pest and disease research, database development, reasonable logistical and administrative support, travel and per diem expenses. Applicant Eligibility: To be approved, an applicant must be a: (1) U.S. government agency; (2) U.S. State government agency; (3) U.S. non-profit trade association; (4) U.S. university; (5) U.S. agricultural cooperative; (6) U.S. private company or (7) any other U.S. organization. Beneficiary Eligibility: The Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program is intended to benefit the represented U.S. industry rather than a specific company or brand. Credentials/Documentation: Applicants must submit a written proposal which includes, but is not limited to, the following: a brief discussion of the commodity for which funding is requested; a market assessment, including a description of the specific export barrier to be addressed; a description of the activities planned to address the export barrier; and export information that includes performance measures, benchmark performance, and the viability of long-term sales to the market. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. Preapplication Coordination: Preapplication coordination is not applicable. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedures: This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Each year the availability of funds is publicly announced in a Federal Register notice. Following the announcement, applications for funding may be submitted to the Director, Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Award Procedure: Proposals are reviewed against the allocation criteria and factors specified in 7 CFR 1487. The CCC notifies each applicant of the final disposition of its application and also issues a public announcement concerning the allocation of resources among the applicant organizations. Each approved applicant receives a program agreement and allocation approval letter that specifies any special terms and conditions applicable to a participant's program. Final agreement occurs when both the participating organization and the Deputy Administrator for Commodity and Marketing Programs, FAS, sign the program agreement. Deadlines: Not Applicable. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approximately 30-90 days. Appeals: Not Applicable. Renewals: Program commitments are made on a program year basis. Statutory formulas are not applicable to this program. Agreements generally include the project and a provision for project evaluation. Not Applicable. Audits: Not Applicable. Records: Records must be maintained for not less than 3 years after completion or termination of the agreement or not more than 5 full calendar years following the year the transaction that is evidenced in an account or record that took place, whichever is sooner. Account Identification: 12-4336-0-3-999. Obligations: (Direct Payments for Specified Use) FY 11 $9,000,000; FY 12 est $9,000,000; and FY 13 est $0 Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Projects funded on a project by project basis for up to $250,000 per year. Not Applicable. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 1487. Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Office of Trade Programs/FAS 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20250 Phone: 2027204327 Website Address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/tasc/tasc.asp. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.600 Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program; 10.601 Market Access Program EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not Applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: The FAS will consider the following criteria in evaluating proposals: (1) The identification and nature of the specific export barrier and the extent to which the proposal is likely to successfully remove, resolve, or mitigate that barrier; (2) The potential trade impact of the proposed project on market retention, market access, and market expansion, including the potential for expanding commercial sales in the targeted market; (3) The completeness and viability of the proposal; (4) The applicant organization's ability to provide an experienced staff with the technical and trade experience necessary to economically and effectively execute the proposal; (5) The extent to which the proposal is targeted to an eligible export market in which the United States is generally competitive; (6) The cost of the project and the amount of other (non-TASC) resources specifically dedicated to the project, including cash and goods and services of the U.S. industry and foreign third parties; (7) The degree to which time is essential in addressing the specific export barriers; and, (8) In cases where the CCC receives multiple proposals from different applicants which address essentially the same barrier, the nature of the applicant organization will be taken into consideration, with a greater weight given to those organizations with the broadest base of producer representation. 10.605 QUALITY SAMPLES PROGRAM (QSP) FEDERAL AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture AUTHORIZATION: The Quality Samples Program is authorized by Section 5(f) of the Commodity The Quality Samples Program is designed to encourage the development and expansion of export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities by assisting U.S. entities in providing commodity samples to potential foreign importers to promote a better understanding and appreciation for the high quality of U.S. agricultural commodities. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: DIRECT PAYMENTS FOR A SPECIFIED USE USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Quality Samples Program funds are authorized through project agreements that include the maximum amount that may be reimbursed and identify terms and conditions pursuant to which CCC will reimburse costs. Under the QSP, participants may be reimbursed for certain costs of purchasing and transporting commodity samples. Although providing technical assistance is required for all projects, costs of providing the actual technical assistance is not reimbursed under the QSP. Applicant Eligibility: To be approved, an applicant must be a U.S. private or government entity. The Quality Samples Program is intended to benefit a represented U.S. industry rather than a specific company or brand. Credentials/Documentation: Applicants must submit a written proposal which includes, but is not limited to, the following: a description of the organization and its membership; a description of the organization's prior export promotion experience; a description of the organization's experience in implementing an appropriate trade/technical assistance component; an assessment of the market; a long-term strategy in the market; amount of funding requested; a brief description of the specific market development trade constraint or opportunity to be addressed by the project; a sample description; and the importer's role in the project regarding handling and processing the commodity samples. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. Preapplication Coordination: Preapplication coordination is not applicable. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedures: This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Each year the availability of funds is announced in a Federal Register notice. At that time, proposals should be submitted to the Director, Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Award Procedure: Proposals are reviewed against the allocation criteria and factors specified in the Federal Register notice. CCC notifies each applicant of the final disposition of its application and also issues a public announcement concerning the allocation of resources among the applicant organizations. Each approved applicant receives a program agreement and allocation approval letter that specifies any special terms and conditions applicable to a participant's program. Final agreement occurs when both the participating organization and the Deputy Administrator for Commodity and Marketing Programs, FAS, sign the program agreement. Deadlines: Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approximately 30-90 days. Appeals: Not Applicable. Renewals: Not Applicable. Formula and Matching Requirements: Statutory formulas are not applicable to this program. Matching Requirements: Although highly encouraged, financial and in-kind support from the participant is not required. Such contributions may be in the form of cash or goods or services. This program does not have MOE requirements. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Agreements generally include a twelve-month promotional effort and a requirement for program evaluation. Funds awarded in any given fiscal year may be made available for a longer period. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Reimbursement claims are submitted to claim reimbursement of costs associated with completing approved projects. Evaluation reports are submitted within 90 days of expiration of the agreement. The Quality Samples Program is a reimbursable program whereby the applicant incurs the expense and is reimbursed later. |