the guidelines set forth each year in the Federal Register. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372 and OMB Circular No. A-102. Application Procedure: 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: Application deadline is announced in the Federal Register. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approximately 120 days. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Continuation or expansion of successful projects funded by the Program may be considered for future funding through separate application. Funding may be considered for projects which have already begun with the support and financial assistance of a private entity, and for which government funding for continuation of the project is justified. Such proposals must meet the criteria of the Emerging Markets Program, including cost-sharing. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: All applications must include an element of cost share. This is the amount of funding U.S. private organizations are willing to commit from their own resources along with those of the Program to seek export business in an emerging market. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: 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. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Implementors are required to submit regular progress reports, depending upon the length and nature of the project. Progress reports are required for all projects with a duration of at least six months. Final reports are to be submitted 60 days after completion of the project, both on diskette and in hard copy. Audits: 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. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-4336-0-3-999. Obligations: (Direct payments) FY 05 $10,000,000; FY 06 $10,000,000; and FY 07 est $10,000,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Projects are funded on a project by project basis and generally range from $5,000 to $500,000. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: EMP receives a large number of project proposals, from both government REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Director, Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone (202) 720-4327. Web Site 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: (1) Study of Distribution, Logistical Bottlenecks for Hi-value Products, (2) Technical Seminars on the Proper Storage and Handling of U.S. Pears, (3) Grain Warehouse Receipts Training Seminar, (4) Resolution of SPS and Quality Problems: Translation, Interpretation, Analysis, (5) Trade Education Seminars for Storage and Handling of California Grapes. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: There are two elements that every private sector proposal must contain in order to be considered for funding under the Program: 1. Cost-share. This is the amount of funding U.S. private organizations are willing to commit from their own resources along with those of the Program to seek export business in an emerging market. No proposal will be considered without the element of cost-sharing, regardless of the underlying value of a proposal (the Emerging Markets Program complements, not supplants, export efforts of the U.S. private sector). A minimum or maximum amount of cost share is not specified. Rather, the degree of commitment to a proposed project represented by the percentage and type of private funding is a critical factor in determining which proposals will be funded under the Program. The type of cost-sharing is also not specified. It may be professional time of staff assigned to the project, or actual cash investment. Cost-sharing is not needed for government proposals, but it is required from private organizations who are party to a joint government/private proposal. 2. Justification for Federal Funding. What other sources of funding might be available? Why is funding from the Program required? What specifically could not be accomplished if funding were not provided? 10.604 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY CROPS PROGRAM (TASC) FEDERAL AGENCY: FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: The Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program is authorized by Section 3205 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, Public Law 107-171. OBJECTIVES: 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 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. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: 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 longterm sales to the market. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372 and OMB Circular No. A-102. Application Procedure: 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: The application deadline is stated in the form of a Federal Register notice. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approximately 30-90 days. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. Program commitments are made on a program year basis. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and 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 and services. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Agreements generally include the project and a provision for project evaluation. Funds awarded in any given fiscal year are typically available for additional years. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Claims are submitted to receive reimbursement of approved expenditures associated with completing program projects. Evaluation reports are submitted by the participant within six months of completion of an approved project. Audits: Participant projects are reviewed by representatives of the Compliance Review Staff (CRS) of FAS. Audits and reviews may be conducted sporadically by representatives of the Office of the Inspector General and the General Accounting Office. Accounts and records must be available for inspection and audit by authorized officials of the U.S. government upon request. 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. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-4336-0-3-999. Obligations: (Direct Payments) FY 05 $2,000,000; FY 06 $2,000,000; and FY 07 est $2,000,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Projects funded on a project by project basis for up to $250,000 per year. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: For the 2005 program year, allocations were made to 24 organizations. Example: After decades of trying to break into the Japanese market, the California Tree Fruit Agreement shipped almost 1,500 specially designed boxes of white flesh nectarines to Japan. TASC funding in the amount of $92,000 was used for a comprehensive pre-clearance program required by the Japanese government. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 1487. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Director, Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-4327. Web Site 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: Pre-clearance program for apples exported to Mexico. 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 Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act, 15 U.S.C. 714c(f). OBJECTIVES: 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 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. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: To be approved, an applicant must be a U.S. private or government entity. Beneficiary Eligibility: 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. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372 and Application Procedure: 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: Application deadline is announced in the form of a Federal Register notice. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approximately 30-90 days. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. Program commitments are made on a program year basis. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and 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 and services. 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. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: 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. Audits: Participant projects are reviewed by representatives of the Compliance Review Staff (CRS) of FAS. Audits and reviews may be conducted sporadically by representatives of the Office of the Inspector General and the General Accounting Office. Accounts and records must be available for inspection and audit at any reasonable time. 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 by such an account or record that took place, whichever is sooner. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-4336-0-3-999. Obligations: (Direct Payments) FY 05 $ 2,500,000; FY 06 $2,500,000; and FY 07 est $2,500,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Projects funded on a project by project basis for up to $75,000. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: For the 2005 program year, allocations were made to 20 organizations. Example: The U.S. Wheat Associates, through the use of QSP funded technical assistance activities, successfully introduced U.S. Desert Durum into the Venezulen market. As a direct result of the QSP funded programs, Venezuela, who exclusively imported Canadian durum wheat, imported 18,200 tons of U.S. wheat. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: None. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Director, Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-4327. Web Site Address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/qsp.asp. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.600, Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program; 10.601, Market Access Program. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: (1) Shipment of samples of peanut flour to China for a technical assistance activity; (2) brown rice sample shipped to Russia that was used to train rice millers to mill U.S. brown rice; and (3) a sample of orange and grapefruit concentrate shipped to China for a processing seminar. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: FAS uses the following criteria when evaluating QSP proposals: (1) the ability of the organization to provide an experienced staff with the requisite technical and trade experience to execute the proposal; (2) the extent to which the proposal is targeted to a market in which the United States is generally competitive; (3) the potential for expanding commercial sales in the proposed market; (4) the nature of the specific market constraint or opportunity involved and how well it is addressed by the proposal; (5) the extent to which the importer's contribution in terms of handling and processing enhances the potential outcome of the project; (6) the amount of reimbursement requested and the organization's willingness to contribute resources, including cash and goods and services of the U.S. industry and foreign third parties; and (7) and how well the proposed technical assistance component assures that performance trials will effectively demonstrate the intended end-use benefit. 10.606 FOOD FOR PROGRESS FEDERAL AGENCY: FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Food for Progress Act of 1985. OBJECTIVES: Agriculture commodities are provided to developing countries and emerging democracies committed to introducing and expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The following restrictions on commodity use and distribution apply: (a) The Cooperating Sponsor may use the commodities provided only in accordance with the terms of the Program Agreement. (b) Commodities shall not be distributed within the importing country on the basis of political affiliation, geographic location, or the ethnic, tribal or religious identity or affiliations of the potential consumers or recipients.(c) Commodities shall not be distributed, handled or allocated by military forces without specific CCC authorization. d) In the event that its participation in the program terminates, the non-government cooperating sponsor will safeguard any undistributed commodities and sales proceeds and dispose of such commodities and proceeds as directed by CCC. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: A Cooperating Sponsor may be either: (a) A foreign government; (b) An entity registered with the Agency for International Development (AID) in accordance with AID regulations; or (c) An entity that demonstrates to CCC's satisfaction: (1) Organizational experience and resources available to implement and manage the type of program proposed, i.e., targeted food assistance or sale of commodities for economic development activities; (2) Experience working in the targeted country; and (3) Experience and knowledge on the part of personnel who will be responsible for implementing and managing the program. CCC may require that an entity submit a financial statement demonstrating that it has the financial means to implement an effective donation program. Beneficiary Eligibility: A Cooperating Sponsor may be either: (a) A foreign government; (b) An entity registered with the Agency for International Development (AID) in accordance with AID regulations; or (c) An entity that demonstrates to CCC's satisfaction: (1) Organizational experience and resources available to implement and manage the type of program proposed, i.e., targeted food assistance or sale of commodities for economic development activities; (2) Experience working in the targeted country; and (3) Experience and knowledge on the part of personnel who will be responsible for implementing and managing the program. CCC may require that an entity submit a financial statement demonstrating that it has the financial means to implement an effective donation program. Credentials/Documentation: Organization's Capabilities to Implement the Program. The organization may provide concise information about its past food aid or development activities, its experience within the country where the program is proposed and any other relevant information to demonstrate its capability to implement the program in the country. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: Not applicable. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Each year FAS announces on it web site http://www.fas.usda.gov/ the invitation period for the Food for Progress program. Organizations apply for program funds by submitting a Plan of Operation required by 7 CFR 1499.5. Organizations may also submit supplemental information that summarizes the need for the program in the country and organizational capabilities to implement the program. Award Procedure: None. Deadlines: Application deadline is included in the announcement on the FAS website. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approximately 90 days. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: None. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: None. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Agreements normally include assistance or program implementation periods of 1-3 years. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: The agreements and regulations require semi-annual reports for commodity logistics and the use of proceeds from the sale of the commodities 7 CFR 1499.17. Organizations must submit quarterly financial reports for all funds advanced and all interested Non-governmental cooperating sponsors are subject of the audit requirements of OMB circular A-133 as implemented in USDA by 7CFR part 3052. Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-profit organizations. The cooperating sponsor is also responsible for auditing the activities of recipient agencies that receive more that $25,000 of provided commodities or sale proceeds. 7 CFR 1499.7. Audits: 7 CFR 1499.17. Records: The Cooperating sponsor shall maintain records for a period of three (3) years from the date of export of the commodities that accurately reflect the receipt and use of the commodities and any proceeds realized from the sale of commodities. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-4336-0-3-999. Obligations: (Total FFP expenditures) FY 05 $122,000,000; FY 06 est $158,000,000; and FY 07 est $161,000,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: None. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None. This is a new program. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7CFR 1499. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Headquarters Office: Director, Programming Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Stop 1034, Washington, D.C. 20250-1034. Telephone (202) 720-4221. Web Site Address: HTTP://WWW.FAS.USDA.GOV/. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Albania Market driven livestock system; Ghana Agri-forestry project in northern Ghana; Guatemala Diversify agricultural production & train farmers on market utilization; Rep. Of Congo Credit programs for farmers; Vietnam Train cocoa farmers on sustainable practices. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Organizational capacity; Substance of activities; Appropriateness of commodities and countries; Quality of proposals Clear, concise and complete Developed ideas Resource ratio Efficiency Beneficiary targeting proposal evaluation criteria. 10.607 SECTION 416(B) FEDERAL AGENCY: FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Agricultural Act of 1949. OBJECTIVES: U.S. agriculture commodities are provided to developing and friendly countries to carry out programs of assistance. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Restrictions on commodity use and distribution. (a) The Cooperating Sponsor may use the commodities provided only in accordance with the terms of the Program Agreement. (b) Commodities shall not be distributed within the importing country on the basis of political affiliation, geographic location, or the ethnic, tribal or religious identity or affiliations of the potential consumers or recipients. (c) Commodities shall not be distributed, handled or allocated by military forces without specific CCC authorization. (d) In the event that its participation in the program terminates, the non-government cooperating sponsor will safeguard any undistributed commodities and sales proceeds and dispose of such commodities and proceeds as directed by CCC. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: A Cooperating Sponsor may be either: (a) A foreign government; (b) An entity registered with the Agency for International Development (AID) in accordance with AID regulations; or (c) An entity that demonstrates to CCC's satisfaction: (1) Organizational experience and resources available to implement and manage the type of program proposed; (2) Experience working in the targeted country and; (3) Experience and knowledge on the part of personnel who will be responsible for implementing and managing the program. CCC may require that an entity submit a financial statement demonstrating that it has the financial means to implement an effective donation program. Beneficiary Eligibility: A Cooperating Sponsor may be either: (a) A foreign government; (b) An entity registered with the Agency for International Development (AID) in accordance with AID regulations; or (c) An entity that demonstrates to CCC's satisfaction: (1) Organizational experience and resources available to implement and manage the type of program proposed; (2) Experience working in the targeted country and; (3) Experience and knowledge on the part of personnel who will be responsible for implementing and managing the program. CCC may require that an entity submit a financial statement demonstrating that it has the financial means to implement an effective donation program. Credentials/Documentation: Organizations capabilities to implement the program. The organization may provide concise information about its past food aid or development activities, its experience within the country where the program is proposed, and any other relevant information to demonstrate its capability to implement the program in the country. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: Not applicable. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Each year FAS announces on it the website http://www.fas.usda.gov/ invitation period for the Section 416(b) program. Organizations apply for program funds by submitting a Plan of Operation required by 7 CFR 1499.5. Organizations may also submit supplemental information that summarizes the need for the program in the country and organizational capabilities to implement the program. Award Procedure: None. Deadlines: Application deadline is included in the announcement on the FAS website HTTP://WWW.FAS.USDA.GOV. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approximately 90 days. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: None. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: None. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Agreements normally include assistance or program implementation periods of 1-3 years. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: The agreements and regulations require semi-annual reports for commodity logistics and the use of proceeds from the sale of the commodities 7 CFR 1499.17. Organizations must submit quarterly financial reports for all funds advanced and all interest earned 7 Non- governmental cooperating sponsors are subject of the audit requirements of OMB circular A-133 as implemented in USDA by 7 CFR part 3052. Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-profit organizations. The cooperating sponsor is also responsible for auditing the activities of recipient agencies that receive more that $25,000 of provided commodities or sale proceeds. 7 CFR 1499.7. Audits: 7 CFR 1499.17. Records: The Cooperating sponsor shall maintain records for a period of three (3) years from the date of export of the commodities that accurately reflect the receipt and use of the commodities and any proceeds realized from the sale of commodities. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-4336-0-3-999. Obligations: FY 05 $8,000,000; FY 06 est $0; and FY 07 est $0. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: None. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None. This is a new program. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 1499. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Director Programming Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Stop 1034, Washington, D.C. 20250-1034. Telephone: (202) 720-4221. Web Site Address: HTTP://WWW.FAS.USDA.GOV/. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: FY 2003 NFDM Section 416(b); Afghanistan- school milk program; Angola distribute to health centers for HIV/AIDS victims; Azerbaijan vaccination program for all children; Peru direct feed and health & nutrition training. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Proposal Evaluation Criteria Organizational capacity; Substance of activities; Appropriateness of commodities and countries; Quality of Proposals. 10.608 FOOD FOR EDUCATION FEDERAL AGENCY: FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: The program was authorized by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 and is administered by the Foreign Agricultural Service. OBJECTIVES: The key objectives of the FFE program are to reduce hunger and improve literacy and primary education, especially for girls. By providing school meals, teacher training, and related support, FFE projects will help boost school enrollment and academic performance. At the same time, nutrition programs will be offered for pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and pre-school youngsters to sustain and improve the health and learning capacity of children before they enter school. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The activities under the program must be in accordance with the terms of the program. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: A Cooperating Sponsor may be either: (a) A foreign government; (b) An entity registered with the Agency for International Development (AID) in accordance with AID regulations; or (c) An entity that demonstrates to CCC's satisfaction: (1) Organizational experience and resources available to implement and manage the type of program proposed, (2) Experience working in the targeted country; and (3) Experience and knowledge on the part of personnel who will be responsible for implementing and managing the program. CCC may require that an entity submit a financial statement |