[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 5, 1994)]
[Notices]
[Pages 571-574]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-208]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: January 5, 1994]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
United States Travel and Tourism Administration
[Docket No. 931219-3319]

 

Financial Assistance To Support Tourism Trade Development in 
Midwest States Affected by the Widespread Flooding of 1993

AGENCY: United States Travel and Tourism Administration (USTTA), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Financial assistance funding in the amount of $3 million is 
available from the USTTA to the nine States of the midwest affected by 
the major, widespread flooding of 1993, to assist in promoting tourism 
within the United States and from the contiguous Canadian market. These 
funds are intended to defray the costs of increased tourism promotion 
needs resulting from the flooding. This notice invites applications for 
an award of such funds and sets forth application and award procedures, 
award criteria, and certain limitations.

DATES: Applications for an award of these funds will be accepted from 
January 5, 1994 until February 4, 1994. Applications postmarked after 
February 4, 1994, will not be considered. Awards are anticipated by 
April 15, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Application kits including application forms (Standard Forms 
424, 424A, and 424B) are available from, and completed applications 
should be submitted to, the Office of Tourism Trade Development, United 
States Travel and Tourism Administration, room 1860, Herbert C. Hoover 
Building, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 
20230. Applicants must submit an original of their application and two 
copies.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Karen M. Cardran, Director, 
Marketing Programs (202) 482-1904.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given to the States of 
Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, 
South Dakota, and Wisconsin, their political subdivisions and 
combinations thereof, and to private or public nonprofit organizations 
and associations that, pursuant to Title III of Pub. L. No. 103-75, 
sections 202 (a)(5) and (c) of the International Travel Act of 1961, as 
amended, and 42 U.S.C. 3151, a total of $3 million is available from 
the USTTA to the States affected by the major, widespread flooding of 
1993, to assist projects to promote tourism within the United States 
and from the contiguous Canadian market. As used in this notice, 
``private or public non-profit organization or association'' means an 
institution, organization, or association, either private or public, 
which has tax exempt status as defined in section 501(a) of the 
Internal Revenue Code.
    These funds are intended to defray the costs of increased tourism 
promotion needs resulting from the flooding. An applicant may receive 
no more than one award for this disaster.
    Only eligible applicants from the nine eligible States whose 
applications receive a final evaluation score of 80 or greater will be 
considered for an award. No applicant will be awarded funds unless the 
application includes a project or projects from at least two of the six 
project areas set forth in section IV.C., below. No applicant will be 
awarded funds unless the application includes: (1) Documentation 
demonstrating that all programs set forth in the application are or 
will be effectively coordinated with other affected entities in the 
State; and (2) a marketing plan that contains clearly stated objectives 
for a time period of one year and procedures for credible evaluation 
and tracking, and that is integrated (in terms of multiple activities) 
with a generally cohesive approach. Further, no applicant will be 
awarded funds unless the projects for which funding is sought are aimed 
at market(s) which have potential for mitigating the tourism-related 
negative effects of the disaster. The application must include credible 
market research to support this potential.
    The maximum amount an applicant from the States of Missouri, Iowa 
and Illinois, whose tourism industries have been most severely affected 
by the floods, shall be awarded is $400,000 and cannot exceed an 
aggregate of $400,000 annually for such projects for each State. 
Applicants from the States of Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota, South 
Dakota, Kansas and Wisconsin shall be eligible to receive up to 
$300,000 and cannot exceed an aggregate of $300,000 annually for such 
projects for each State. The minimum amount for which an applicant may 
apply is $200,000.
    Based on individual State funding limitations, applicants will be 
awarded assistance in descending order starting with the applicant 
whose proposal has the highest final evaluation score. Subject to the 
availability of funds, grants will be awarded on a state-by-state basis 
according to final evaluation scores, State funding limitations, and 
broad geographic distribution.
    The funding instrument will be a grant unless it is anticipated 
that the USTTA will be substantially involved in the implementation of 
the project for which an award is to be made, in which case the funding 
instrument will be a cooperative agreement.
    In the event that all funds have not been obligated after the first 
competition, a second competition will be announced. Applicants from 
the eligible States that have not reached their maximum limitation, as 
noted above, will be invited to apply.
    To support the tourism promotional effort financed by this program, 
a comprehensive national public relations campaign will be developed to 
encourage recovery of visitation to the affected region. Components of 
the campaign may include, but are not limited to, public service 
announcements (broadcast or print), development of a ``1-800'' number 
for tourist information, and endorsements by celebrity spokespersons. 
Applicants are encouraged to utilize the umbrella campaign in their 
overall effort.

I. Selection Procedures

    All applications will be reviewed and judged individually, 
independent from all other applications, by each of four qualified 
evaluators acting without consultation among themselves. Each evaluator 
will score each application by awarding points for each of the three 
(3) evaluation criteria set forth in IV, below. Scores awarded for each 
evaluation criterion will be multiplied by the weight assigned to that 
criterion. A maximum score of 100 points may be awarded to an 
application. Once scores have been determined individually by each 
evaluator, a final score for each application will be determined by 
averaging the scores provided by each of the four evaluators.

II. Matching Requirements

    The recipient is required to provide 25 per cent matching funds for 
the total project cost.
    In determining the amount of the non-Federal share, due 
consideration will be given to all contributions both in cash and in-
kind. In-kind contributions shall be made in accordance with OMB 
Circular A-110 (non- or for-profits) or 15 CFR part 24 (state and local 
governments).
    A waiver of the match may be requested if the non-Federal share is 
not reasonably available and the applicant provides documentation 
clearly demonstrating the lack of resources due to the disaster.

III. Award Period

    Financial assistance shall be awarded on a one-year basis.

IV. Evaluation Criteria

    The three evaluation criteria and the weight assigned each 
criterion are:

A. Needs and Effect Criterion (assigned weight--0.4)

    Application demonstrates the need of affected area and the ability 
of the project to counteract directly the negative impact of the 1993 
floods on tourism.
    (1) Application clearly reflects the ability of project to offset 
negative impacts of the disaster which have not been substantially 
mitigated by other aid. (40 points)
    (2) Application includes documentation from Federal, State, or 
local sources demonstrating the current degree of need. This must 
include documentation showing the: (a) Current loss of and tourism-
related employment; (b) level of tourism prior to the disaster; (c) 
current level of tourism; (d) impact in terms of employment and income 
of tourism on the area economy versus other industries; and (e) extent 
to which the negative impact of the disaster on tourism has been 
mitigated. (60 points)

B. General Criterion (assigned weight--0.2)

    Application clearly states objectives that respond directly to the 
specialized tourism promotion needs of the affected area.
    (1) Application states clear and achievable objectives to be 
carried out over an appropriate length of time. (25 points)
    (2) Application demonstrates that project is aimed at markets that 
have been identified using credible market research. (25 points)
    (3) Application demonstrates that project is fully integrated (in 
terms of multiple activities) with a generally cohesive approach. (25 
points)
    (4) Application demonstrates that applicant has the organizational 
quality and competence to effectively carry out the project. The 
application must include an organizational chart and a biographical 
sketch of the program director with the following information: name, 
address, phone number, background and other qualifying experience for 
the project; and a list of other key personnel, consultants, etc. 
engaged in the project, which includes names, training and background. 
Applications by non-profit organizations must include a copy of the 
articles of incorporation, charter, trust statement, or other similar 
documentation which sets forth the authorizing powers and purposes of 
the organization, together with bylaws or other code of regulations; a 
brief description of organizational arrangements for fiscal and 
managerial control, including the extent to which these overlap or are 
integrated with other organizations; a copy of a current financial 
statement of the organization; and a copy of the current Internal 
Revenue Service tax exemption letter which certifies the organization's 
not-for-profit status. (25 points)

C. Project Criterion (assigned weight--0.4)

    Each application must include a project or projects from at least 
two of the six project areas set forth below. The project evaluation 
component score will be determined by adding the points awarded for the 
applicable project areas divided by the number of project areas 
prepared by the applicant.
1. Media Product Information
    Media product information projects are those that include the 
development of media familiarization tours and dissemination of product 
information on the destination.
    The applicable criteria are:
    a. Correlation of media programs with applicant's overall tourism 
marketing strategy. (20 points)
    b. Correlation with USTTA national public relations program. (20 
points)
    c. Program timing and content, and potential acceptance by the 
target media. (15 points)
    d. Project cost versus media space/time return (a minimum 10 to 1 
return on investment is suggested). (20 points)
    e. Measurement plan to assess program effectiveness, i.e., 
methodology to track readership or viewer response. (25 points)
2. Market Development
    Market development projects are those designed to generate 
increased travel to the impacted area from primary markets of 
opportunity. Criteria are set forth for the following three types of 
such projects:
    a. Operator/Agent Familiarization Tours.
    1. Preliminary planning (i.e., proposed itinerary) of the 
familiarization tour(s) to cities, State(s) or regions for operators/
agents to introduce the tourism product to support tour development or 
marketing. (30 points)
    2. Plans for subsequent follow-up with participants to ensure 
continued awareness and potential sale of product. (45 points)
    3. Measurement plan to assess project return versus outlay. (25 
points)
    b. Tour Package Development.
    1. Preliminary planning for and packaging of tour programs, i.e., 
selection of receptive/wholesale operators and program components. (30 
points)
    2. Plans for subsequent implementation and promotion of the program 
in conjunction with tour wholesalers, retailers, etc. (45 points)
    3. Measurement to assess program effectiveness. (25 points)
    c. Consumer Travel Shows/Workshops.
    1. Preliminary planning and packaging of product for information 
delivery to consumer. (30 points)
    2. Plans for subsequent follow-up with trade contacts or potential 
consumers. (45 points)
    3. Measurement of project effectiveness. (25 points)
    An applicant may choose to implement only one of the three 
designated types of market development programs to be considered as 
having satisfied the Market Development project criterion.
3. Advertising
    Applications for advertising projects should include a planned 
campaign outline, including the message to be conveyed (visually and 
written), and an outline of proposed media plans. If layouts, copy and 
media schedules are available at the time application is made, they 
should be submitted with application. If they are not, specific 
campaign details must be submitted to the Office of Tourism Trade 
Development prior to the actual placement of the advertising in the 
media.
    The applicable criteria are:
    a. Basic approach and objectives. (20 points)
    b. Correlation with USTTA national public relations program. (20 
points)
    c. Evidence that customer demographic, psychographic and 
statistical data necessary to develop marketing and advertising 
strategy is available. (10 points)
    d. Creative interpretation of the proposed strategy. (20 points)
    e. Expected reach of the advertising campaign in relation to its 
cost and short-term impact on the market. (15 points)
    f. Measurement plan to assess program cost/return effectiveness. 
(15 points)
4. Trade Development
    Trade development projects are those which complement ongoing 
programs directed toward the members of the travel trade. For 
application purposes, trade development projects are not concerned with 
either the development or promotion of tour packages (which are covered 
in the ``Tour Package Development'' criterion).
    Such projects may include: Trade-oriented product workshops or 
seminars, trade advertising, familiarization tours for retail travel 
agents, and participation in travel trade shows.
    The applicable criteria are:
    a. Techniques used to create awareness and encourage selling of the 
destination by the travel trade. (25 points)
    b. Implementation time and anticipated project benefits derived 
after grant expiration. (25 points)
    c. Goals of project and methods used to measure program results. 
(50 points)
5. Consumer and Trade Literature
    Consumer and trade literature must be designed specifically for use 
in the United States. Special attention should be devoted to designing 
literature to meet the needs of the target market. An applicant may 
choose to implement only one of the two designated types of consumer 
and trade literature project criterion set forth below:
    a. Consumer and trade literature development and production.
    1. Preliminary planning for design and content of brochures. (15 
points)
    2. Evidence that market planning research has been utilized to 
identify visitor preferences and information needs. (15 points)
    3. Correlation between literature program and overall marketing 
plan. (15 points)
    4. Correlation with USTTA national public relations program. (15 
points)
    5. Information adequately covers flood affected area. (20 points)
    6. Measurement plan to assess program effectiveness. (20 points)
    b. Consumer and Trade Literature Distribution.
    1. Soundness of strategy for distribution of literature. (25 
points)
    2. Timeliness of proposed response mechanism. (25 points)
    3. Adequacy of response mechanism to meet anticipated demand. (20 
points)
    4. Evidence of strategy to allow follow-up after initial response. 
(15 points)
    5. Measurement plan to assess program effectiveness. (15 points)
6. Special Events/Festivals
    This category includes the development, promotion and 
implementation of participatory events that draw visitation and 
attention to the area.
    a. Preliminary plan for development of event. (20 points)
    b. Appropriate program timing and content, and potential acceptance 
by the target media. (20 points)
    c. Proposed promotion plan adequately reaches potential trade and 
consumer audiences. (15 points)
    d. Event plan includes adequate service facilities, i.e., parking, 
security, traffic flows, restrooms, food service, to accommodate 
projected audience. (20 points)
    e. Correlation to USTTA national public relations program, i.e., 
use of logo or theme, etc. (15 points)
    f. Measurement plan to determine effectiveness. (10 points)

V. Other Requirements

    1. Recipients and subrecipients are subject to all Federal laws and 
Federal and Department of Commerce policies, regulations, and 
procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance awards.
    2. Indirect costs are allowable; however, ``the total dollar amount 
of the indirect costs proposed in an application under this program 
must not exceed the indirect cost rate negotiated and approved by a 
cognizant Federal agency prior to the proposed effective date of the 
award or 100 percent of the total proposed direct costs dollar amount 
in the application, whichever is less.''
    3. No Federal funds will be awarded to an applicant who has an 
outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either: (a) The delinquent 
account is paid in full; (b) a negotiated repayment schedule is 
established and at least one payment is received; or (c) other 
arrangements satisfactory to the Department of Commerce are made.
    4. Awards of financial assistance are subject to the requirements 
of Executive Order No. 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    5. A false statement on an application is grounds for denial or 
termination of funds and for possible punishment by a fine or 
imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
    6. All primary applicants must submit a completed CD-511, 
``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other 
Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and 
Lobbying.'' Prospective participants (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, 
section 105) are subject to 15 CFR part 26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment 
and Suspension'' and the related section of CD-511 applies. Grantees 
(as defined at 15 CFR part 26, section 605) are subject to 15 CFR part 
26, subpart F, ``Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace 
(Grants)'' and the related section of CD-511 applies. Persons (as 
defined at 15 CFR part 28, section 105) are subject to the lobbying 
provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, ``Limitation on use of appropriated funds 
to influence certain federal contracting and financial transactions,'' 
and the lobbying section of CD-511 applies to applications/bids for 
grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than $100,000, 
and loans and loan guarantees for more than $150,000, or the single 
family maximum mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever is 
greater. Any applicant that has paid or will pay for lobbying using any 
funds must submit an SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' as 
required under 15 CFR part 28, Appendix B.
    7. Recipients shall require applicants/bidders for subgrants, 
contracts, subcontracts, or other lower tier covered transactions at 
any tier under the award to submit, if applicable, a completed CD-512, 
``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and 
Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' and 
a completed SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' CD-512's are 
intended for the use of recipients and should not be transmitted to the 
Department of Commerce. SF-LLL's submitted by any tier recipients or 
subrecipient should be submitted to the Department of Commerce in 
accordance with the instructions contained in the award document.
    8. Unsatisfactory performance of an applicant under prior Federal 
awards may result in an application not being considered for funding.
    9. Costs incurred by an applicant prior to an award being made are 
incurred solely at the applicant's own risk. Applicants are advised 
that notwithstanding any verbal assurance that they may receive, there 
is no obligation on the part of the Department of Commerce to reimburse 
pre-award costs.
    10. If an applicant is selected for an award, the Department of 
Commerce has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in 
connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or 
extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of the 
Department of Commerce.
    11. All applicants who are private or public non-profit 
organizations or associations are subject to a name check review 
process. Name checks are intended to reveal whether any key individuals 
associated with the applicant have been convicted of, or are presently 
facing, criminal charges such as fraud, theft, or perjury, or are 
involved in other matters which significantly reflect on the 
applicant's management honesty or financial integrity.

Classification

    This notice of availability of financial assistance is issued under 
the authority of title I of Public Law No. 103-75, section 202(a)(5) 
and (c) of the International Travel Act of 1961, as amended, and 42 
U.S.C. 3151.
    Because this notice relates to grants, benefits, or contracts, 
section 553 of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA)(5 U.S.C. 553) 
does not require that notice and an opportunity for comment be given 
for this rule or that its effective date be delayed for 30 days. Since 
notice and an opportunity to comment is not required by the APA or by 
any other law, a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required under 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act and none was prepared.
    The Department of Commerce has determined that the Federal 
assistance covered by this notice will not significantly affect the 
quality of the human environment. Therefore, no draft or final 
Environmental Impact Statement has been or will be prepared.
    This notice does not contain policies with Federalism implications 
sufficient to warrant preparation of a Federalism assessment under 
Executive Order 12612.
    All information collection requirements under this notice are 
consistent with those covered in Office of Management and Budget 
Circular A-110.
Leslie R. Doggett,
Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism.
[FR Doc. 94-208 Filed 1-4-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-11-1