[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