[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 67 (Thursday, April 7, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-8384]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: April 7, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Travel and Tourism Administration
[Docket No. 940226-4026]
RIN 9644--2A00
Disaster Relief Tourism Promotion Financial Assistance; Financial
Assistance for Projects To Promote International Tourism to Specified
States Whose International Tourism Promotion Needs Have Increased Due
to Specified Disasters
AGENCY: United States Travel and Tourism Administration (USTTA),
Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: This notice invites applications for an award of disaster
relief tourism promotion financial assistance, and establishes and sets
forth application and selection procedures, evaluation criteria, and
other requirements.
DATES: Applications for an award of these funds will be accepted
beginning April 7, 1994. Applications postmarked after May 9, 1994,
will not be considered. Awards are anticipated by July 6, 1994.
ADDRESSES: Application kits including application forms (Standard Forms
424 (rev. 4-92), 424A, and 424B) are available from, and completed
applications should be submitted to, the Office of Tourism Marketing,
United States Travel and Tourism Administration, room 1860, Herbert C.
Hoover Building, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington,
DC 20230. Applicants are requested to submit one original application
and four 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
Florida, Hawaii, and Louisiana and the Territory of Guam, their
political subdivisions, and combinations thereof, and to private or
public nonprofit organizations and associations that, pursuant to Pub.
L. No. 102-368, a total of $1,400,000 is available from the USTTA under
the Disaster Relief Tourism Promotion Financial Assistance Program, to
assist projects to promote international tourism to Florida, Hawaii,
Louisiana, and Guam. These States'\1\ International tourism promotion
needs have increased due to Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Iniki or
Typhoon Omar. 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.
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\1\As used in this notice, the terms ``State,'' ``States,'' and
``United States'' include the States of Florida, Hawaii, and
Louisiana, and the Territory of Guam.
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These funds are intended to help defray the costs of increased
tourism promotion needs arising from the above specified disasters.
There is no limit to the amount an applicant may request, nor is
there a limit to the aggregate financial assistance the specified
States or Territory may be provided annually.
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.
I. Selection Procedures
Only eligible applicants from the four eligible States whose
applications receive a final evaluation score of 80 or greater will be
considered for funding. 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.
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.
Awards shall be made based on an equitable geographic distribution
and to those applicants whose final evaluation scores are at least 80
or greater, in descending order starting with the applicant whose
application has the highest final evaluation score, and subject to the
availability of funds. Awards may not necessarily be made to the
highest-scored proposals.
II. Matching Requirements
There is no matching requirement.
III. Award Period
The maximum period of time for which financial assistance shall be
awarded is one year.
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 directly counteract the negative impact of the
disaster on tourism.
(1) Application clearly reflects ability of project to offset
negative impacts of the disaster which have not been largely 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 visitation 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 international tourism promotion needs of the impacted 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 international
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 five project areas set forth below. The project evaluation
component score will be determined by adding the points awarded for
each of the applicable project areas set forth below divided by the
number of applicable project areas.
1. Media Product Information
Media product information projects are those that include the
development of journalist familiarization tours and dissemination of
product information on the destination.
The applicable criteria are:
a. Correlation of media programs with applicant's overall
international tourism marketing strategy. (30 points)
b. Program timing and content, and potential acceptance by the
target media. (25 points)
c. Project cost versus media space/time return (a minimum 10 to 1
return on investment is suggested). (20 points)
d. Measurement plan to assess program effectiveness. (25 points)
2. Market Development
Market development projects are those designed to develop increased
travel to the impacted area from primary international markets of
opportunity. Criteria are set forth for the following three types of
such projects:
a. Operator/Agent Familiarization Tours
1. Preliminary planning and packaging of the familiarization
tour(s) to cities, States or regions for tour operators to introduce
the touristic product for marketing to the foreign consumer. (30
points)
2. Plans for subsequent implementation of the familiarization tour
program in coordination with USTTA or VISIT USA Committees. (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 development
program, i.e., selection of target market and components. (30 points)
2. Plans for subsequent implementation of the program in
conjunction with tour wholesalers, etc. (45 points)
3. Measurement to assess program effectiveness. (25 points)
c. Special Travel Shows/Workshops
1. Preliminary planning and packaging of product primarily in
support of market development efforts in foreign markets. (30 points)
2. Plans for subsequent follow-up and implementation of the
project. (45 points)
3. Measurement of project effectiveness. (25 points)
3. Cooperative Advertising
Applications for advertising projects should include planned
campaign details, including program narrative, description of proposed
layouts, copy and specific media plans. If a complete media schedule is
not available at the time application is submitted, an outline of media
plans will be accepted, provided that specific campaign details are
submitted to the Office of Tourism Marketing prior to the actual
placement of the advertising in the media.
The applicable criteria are:
a. Basic marketing approach and objectives. (20 points)
b. Correlation with existing USTTA initiatives in this marketplace.
(20 points)
c. Evidence that economic, marketing and statistical data necessary
to develop marketing and advertising strategy is available. (10 points)
d. Creative interpretation of this 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 VISIT
USA marketing programs directed toward the members of the travel trade
in foreign markets. Target markets include: Argentina, Australia,
Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Hong Kong,
Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nordic countries, the Netherlands, New
Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and Venezuela. For
application purposes, trade development projects are not concerned with
either the development or promotion of tour packages.
Such projects may include: Trade-oriented travel missions, on-site
training workshops/seminars, in-country training workshops/seminars,
trade advertising, familiarization tours for foreign retail travel
agents, and participation in foreign travel trade shows.
The applicable criteria are:
a. Techniques used to create an awareness and encourage selling of
the destination by the foreign 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 foreign countries. Special attention should be devoted to designing
literature to meet the needs of the target market.
The applicable criteria are:
a. Preliminary planning for design and content of brochures. (15
points)
b. Evidence that market planning research has been utilized to
identify visitor preferences and information needs. (15 points)
c. Correlation between literature program and overall marketing
plan. (25 points)
d. Strategy for distribution of literature. (25 points)
e. Measurement plan to assess program effectiveness. (20 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. Applications under this program 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. Primary Applicant Certification.--All primary applicants must
submit a completed Form CD-511, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment,
Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements and Lobbying,'' and the following explanations are hereby
provided:
a. Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension.--Prospective
participants (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, section 105) are subject to
15 CFR part 26, ``Nonporocurement Debarment and Suspension'' and the
related section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
b. Drug-Free Workplace.--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 the certification form prescribed above applies;
c. Anti-Lobbying.--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
the certification form prescribed above 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; and
d. Anti-Lobbying Disclosures.--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. Lower Tier Certification.--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 Form CD-512, ``Certifications Regarding
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier
Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' and disclosure form, 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. If applicants incur any costs prior to an award being made, they
do so solely at their own risk of not being reimbursed by the
Government. Notwithstanding any verbal or written assurance that may
have been received, there is no obligation on the part of DoC to cover
preaward costs.
10. If an applicant is selected for funding, 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 non-profit and for-profit applicants 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 Public Law 102-368.
This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes
of Executive Order 12866.
The requirements of section 553 of the Administrative Procedure Act
(5. U.S.C. 553) including having to give notice and an opportunity for
comment do not apply to this notice because the notice relates to
grants, benefits, or contracts. Since notice and an opportunity to
comment is not required under any other statute, a Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis is not required under the Regulatory Flexibility
Act and was not prepared.
The Department 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.
The standard forms referenced in this notice are cleared under OMB
Control No. 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, and 0348-0046 pursuant to
the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Greg Farmer,
Under Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism.
[FR Doc. 94-8384 Filed 4-6-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-11-P-M