[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 244 (Thursday, December 18, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77000-77003]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-30071]


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 Notices
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  Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 244 / Thursday, December 18, 2008 / 
Notices  

[[Page 77000]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commodity Credit Corporation


Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the 
Emerging Markets Program

Announcement Type: New.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.603.
SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is 
inviting proposals for the FY 2009 Emerging Markets Program (EMP). The 
intended effect of this notice is to solicit additional applications 
from the private sector and from government agencies for FY 2009. The 
EMP is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service 
(FAS).

DATES: All proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 
January 20, 2009. Applications received after this time will be 
considered only if funds are still available.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Entities wishing to apply for funding 
should contact the Grants Management Branch, Foreign Agricultural 
Service, phone: (202) 720-5306, fax: (202) 690-0193, e-mail: 
[email protected]. Information is also available on the Foreign 
Agricultural Service Web site at http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.asp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: The EMP is authorized by section 1542(d)(1) of the Food, 
Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (The Act), as amended. 
The EMP regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1486.
    1. Purpose. The EMP is designed to assist U.S. entities in 
developing, maintaining, or expanding exports of U.S. agricultural 
commodities and products by providing partial funding for technical 
assistance activities that promote U.S. products in emerging foreign 
markets. The EMP is intended primarily to support export market 
development efforts of the private sector, but EMP resources may also 
be used to assist public organizations.
    All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for 
consideration. Agricultural product(s) should be comprised of at least 
50 percent U.S. origin content by weight, exclusive of added water, to 
be eligible for funding. Proposals that seek support for multiple 
commodities are also eligible. EMP funding may only be used to support 
exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and products through generic 
activities.
    2. Appropriate Activities. Following are types of project 
activities that may be funded under the EMP:

--Projects designed specifically to improve market access in emerging 
foreign markets. Example: Activities intended to mitigate the impact of 
political or economic events;
--Projects that specifically address various constraints to U.S. 
exports, including sanitary and phytosanitary issues and other non-
tariff barriers. Examples: Seminars on U.S. food safety standards and 
regulations; and assessing and addressing pest and disease problems 
that inhibit U.S. exports;
--Short-term training in broad aspects of agriculture and agribusiness 
trade that will benefit U.S. exporters. Examples: Retail training or 
transportation and distribution seminars;
--Projects that help foreign governments collect and use market 
information and develop free trade policies that benefit U.S. exporters 
as well as the target country or countries. Examples: Agricultural 
statistical analysis or development of market information systems;
--Assessments and follow-up activities designed to improve country-wide 
food and business systems or to determine potential use of general 
export credit guarantees. Examples: Product needs assessments and 
market analysis;
--Studies of food distribution channels in emerging markets, including 
infrastructural impediments to U.S. exports. Examples: Grain storage 
handling and inventory systems; and distribution infrastructure 
development; and
--Marketing and distribution of value-added products. Example: Market 
research on the potential for consumer-ready foods or new uses of a 
product.

    EMP funds may not be used to support normal operating costs of 
individual organizations, nor as a source to recover pre-award costs or 
prior expenses from previous or ongoing projects. Proposals that 
counter national strategies or duplicate activities planned or underway 
by U.S. non-profit agricultural commodity or trade associations 
(``cooperator'') organizations will not be considered. Other ineligible 
expenditures include branded product promotions (in-store, restaurant 
advertising, labeling, etc.); advertising, administrative, and 
operational expenses for trade shows; Web site development; equipment 
purchases; and the preparation and printing of brochures, flyers, and 
posters (except in connection with specific technical assistance 
activities such as training seminars). For a more complete description 
of ineligible expenditures, please refer to the EMP regulations.
    3. Eligible Markets. The Act defines an emerging market as any 
country that the Secretary of Agriculture determines:
    (a) Is taking steps toward a market-oriented economy through the 
food, agriculture, or rural business sectors of the economy of the 
country; and
    (b) Has the potential to provide a viable and significant market 
for U.S. agricultural commodities or products of U.S. agricultural 
commodities.
    Because EMP funds are limited and the range of potential emerging 
market countries is worldwide, consideration will be given to proposals 
which target countries or regional groups with per capita income less 
than $11,455 (the current ceiling on upper middle income economies as 
determined by the World Bank [World Development Indicators; July 2008, 
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DATASTATISTICS/Resources/CLASS.XLS]) 
and populations of greater than one million.
    Income limits and their calculation can change from year to year 
with the result that a given country may qualify under the legislative 
and administrative criteria one year but not the next. Therefore, CCC 
has not established a

[[Page 77001]]

fixed list of ``emerging market'' countries.
    A few countries technically qualify as emerging markets but may 
require a separate determination before funding can be considered 
because of political sensitivities.

II. Award Information

    In general, all qualified proposals received before the application 
deadline will compete for EMP funding. Priority consideration will be 
given to proposals that identify and seek to address specific problems 
or constraints to agricultural exports in emerging markets through 
technical assistance activities that are intended to expand or maintain 
U.S. agricultural exports. Priority will also be given to proposals 
that directly support or address at least one of the goals and 
objectives in the USDA and FAS Strategic Plans. The applicants' 
willingness to contribute resources, including cash, or goods and 
services will be a critical factor in determining which proposals are 
funded under the EMP. Proposals will also be judged on the potential 
benefits to the industry represented by the applicant and the degree to 
which the proposal demonstrates industry support.
    The limited funds and the range of eligible emerging markets 
worldwide generally preclude CCC from approving large budgets for 
individual projects. While there is no minimum or maximum amount set 
for EMP-funded projects, most are funded at a level of less than 
$500,000 and for a duration of approximately one year. Private entities 
may submit multi-year proposals requesting higher levels of funding 
that may be considered in the context of a detailed strategic plan of 
implementation. Funding in such cases is generally limited to three 
years and provided one year at a time, with commitments beyond the 
first year subject to interim evaluations and funding availability. 
Federal government entities are not eligible for multi-year funding.
    Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific 
agreements. The CCC, through FAS, will be kept informed of the 
implementation of approved projects through the requirement to provide 
quarterly progress reports and final performance reports. Changes in 
the original project time lines and adjustments within project budgets 
must be approved by FAS.

    Note: EMP funds awarded to federal government agencies must be 
expended or otherwise obligated by close of business, September 30, 
2009.

III. Eligibility and Qualification Information

    1. Eligible Applicants. Any United States private or Government 
entity with a demonstrated role or interest in exports of U.S. 
agricultural commodities or products may apply to the program. 
Government organizations consist of federal, state, and local agencies. 
Private organizations include non-profit trade associations, 
universities, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups 
(SRTGs), profit-making entities, and consulting businesses. Proposals 
from research and consulting organizations will be considered if they 
provide evidence of substantial participation in and financial support 
by the U.S. industry. For-profit entities are also eligible, but may 
not use program funds to conduct private business, promote private 
self-interests, supplement the costs of normal sales activities or 
promote their own products or services beyond specific uses approved by 
CCC in a given project.
    U.S. market development cooperators and SRTGs may seek funding to 
address priority, market specific issues and to undertake activities 
not suitable for funding under other marketing programs, e.g., the 
Foreign Market Development Cooperator (Cooperator) Program and the 
Market Access Program (MAP). Foreign organizations, whether government 
or private, may participate as third parties in activities carried out 
by U.S. organizations, but are not eligible for funding assistance from 
the program.
    2. Cost Sharing. No private sector proposal will be considered 
without the element of cost-share from the applicant and/or U.S. 
partners. The EMP is intended to complement, not supplant, the efforts 
of the U.S. private sector. There is no minimum or maximum amount of 
cost-share, though the range in recent successful proposals has been 
between 35 and 75 percent. The degree of commitment to a proposed 
project, represented by the amount and type of private funding, is used 
in determining which proposals will be approved for funding. Cost-share 
may be actual cash invested or professional time of staff assigned to 
the project. Proposals for which private industry is willing to commit 
cash, rather than in-kind contributions such as staff resources, will 
be given priority consideration.
    Cost-sharing is not required for proposals from U.S. Government 
agencies, but is mandatory for all other eligible entities, even when 
they may be party to a joint proposal with a U.S. Government agency. 
Contributions from USDA or other U.S. Government agencies or programs 
may not be counted toward the stated cost-share requirement. Similarly, 
contributions from foreign (non-U.S.) organizations may not be counted 
toward the cost-share requirement, but may be counted in the total cost 
of the project.
    3. Other. Proposals should include a justification for funding 
assistance from the program--an explanation as to what specifically 
could not be accomplished without Federal funding assistance and why 
the participating organization(s) would be unlikely to carry out the 
project without such assistance. Applicants may submit more than one 
proposal.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address To Request Application Package. EMP applicants have the 
opportunity to utilize the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application 
process, an online system which provides a means for interested 
applicants to submit a consolidated and strategically coordinated 
single proposal that incorporates funding requests for any or all of 
the market development programs administered by FAS.
    Organizations are encouraged to submit their application to FAS 
through the UES application Internet Web site. However, applicants are 
not required to use the UES format. The Internet-based format reduces 
paperwork and expedites the FAS processing and review cycle. Applicants 
planning to use the on-line UES system must contact the Program Policy 
Staff at (202) 720-4327 to obtain site access information, including a 
user ID and password. The Internet-based application, including step-
by-step instructions for its use, is located at the following URL 
address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html. A Help file is 
available to assist applicants with the process. Applicants using the 
online system should also provide by hand delivery, promptly after the 
deadline for submitting the online application, a printed or e-mailed 
version of each proposal (using Word or compatible format) to the 
following address:
    Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Grants Management Branch, 
Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., 
Washington, D.C. 20024, or e-mail to [email protected].
    Applicants electing not to use the on-line system must submit both 
(1) two printed copies of their application to the address above and 
(2) an electronic

[[Page 77002]]

version (using Word or a compatible format) to [email protected].
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission. To be considered for 
the EMP, an applicant must submit to the FAS information required by 
the EMP regulations 7 CFR part 1486. EMP regulations and additional 
information are available at the following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.asp.
    In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and 
Budget's issuance of a policy directive (68 FR 38402) regarding the 
need to identify entities that are receiving government awards, all 
applicants must submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering 
System (DUNS) number. An applicant may request a DUNS number at no cost 
by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-
705-5711.
    Applications should be no longer than ten (10) pages and include 
the following information:
    (a) Date of proposal;
    (b) Name of organization submitting proposal;
    (c) Organization address, telephone and fax numbers;
    (d) Tax ID number;
    (e) DUNS number;
    (f) Primary contact person;
    (g) Full title of proposal;
    (h) Target market(s);
    (i) Current conditions in the target market(s) affecting the 
intended commodity or product;
    (j) Description of problem(s), i.e., constraint(s), to be addressed 
by the project, such as inadequate knowledge of the market, 
insufficient trade contacts, lack of awareness by foreign officials of 
U.S. products and business practices, impediments (infrastructure, 
financing, regulatory or other non-tariff barriers), etc.;
    (k) Project objectives;
    (l) Performance measures: benchmarks for quantifying progress in 
meeting the objectives;
    (m) Rationale: Explanation of the underlying reasons for the 
project proposal and its approach, the anticipated benefits, and any 
additional pertinent analysis;
    (n) Clear demonstration that successful implementation will benefit 
a particular industry as a whole, not just the applicant(s);
    (o) Explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished 
without federal funding assistance and why the participating 
organization(s) would be unlikely to carry out the project without such 
assistance;
    (p) Specific description of activity/activities to be undertaken;
    (q) Timeline(s) for implementation of activity, including start and 
end dates;
    (r) Information on whether similar activities are or have 
previously been funded with USDA resources in target country or 
countries (e.g., under MAP and/or Cooperator programs); and
    (s) Detailed line item activity budget:
--Cost items should be allocated separately to each participating 
organization; and
--Expense items constituting a proposed activity's overall budget 
(e.g., salaries, travel expenses, consultant fees, administrative 
costs, etc.), with a line item cost for each, should be listed, clearly 
indicating:
    (1) Which items are to be covered by EMP funding;
    (2) Which by the participating U.S. organization(s); and
    (3) Which by foreign third parties (if applicable).
    Cost items for individual consultant fees should show calculation 
of daily rate and number of days. Cost items for travel expenses should 
show number of trips, destinations, cost, and objective for each trip. 
Qualifications of applicant(s) should be included as an attachment.
    3. Submission Dates and Times. All applications must be received by 
5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, January 20, 2009 in the Grants Management 
Branch either electronically or hand delivered. Applications received 
after this time will be considered only if funds are still available.
    4. Funding Restrictions. Certain types of expenses are not eligible 
for reimbursement by the program, and there are limits on other 
categories of expenses such as indirect overhead charges, travel 
expenses, and consulting fees. CCC will also not reimburse unreasonable 
expenditures or expenditures made prior to approval of a proposal. Full 
details of the funding restrictions are available in the EMP 
regulations.
    5. Other Submission Requirements and Considerations. All Internet-
based applications must be properly submitted by 5 p.m. Eastern 
Standard Time, January 20, 2009.
    All applications on compact disc (using Word or compatible format, 
with two accompanying paper copies) and any other form of application 
must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, January 20, 2009, at 
the following address:
    Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Grants Management Branch, 
Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20024.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria. Key criteria used in judging proposals include:

--Appropriateness of the activities for the targeted market(s) and the 
extent to which the project identifies market barriers, e.g., a 
fundamental deficiency in the market, and/or a recent change in market 
conditions;
--Potential of the project to expand U.S. market share, increase U.S. 
exports or sales, and/or improve awareness of U.S. agricultural 
commodities and products;
--Quality of the project's performance measures, and the degree to 
which they relate to the objectives, deliverables, and proposed 
approach and activities;
--Justification for federal funding;
--Overall cost of the project and the amount of funding provided by the 
applicant and any partners; and
--Evidence that the organization has the knowledge, expertise, ability, 
and resources to successfully implement the project, including 
timeliness and quality of reporting on past EMP activities.

    Please see 7 CFR part 1486 for additional evaluation criteria.
    2. Review and Selection Process. All applications undergo a multi-
phase review within FAS, by appropriate FAS field offices, and as 
needed, by the private sector Advisory Committee on Emerging Markets to 
determine the qualifications, quality, appropriateness of projects, and 
reasonableness of project budgets.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices. FAS will notify each applicant in writing of the 
final disposition of its application. FAS will send an approval letter 
and project agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter 
and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the 
project, including the levels of EMP funding and cost-share 
contribution requirements.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Interested 
parties should review the EMP regulations which are available at the 
following URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.asp.
    3. Reporting. Quarterly progress reports for all programs one year 
or longer in duration are required. Projects of less than one year 
generally require a mid-term progress report. Final performance reports 
are due 90 days

[[Page 77003]]

after completion of each project. Content requirements for both types 
of reports are contained in the Project Agreement. Final financial 
reports are also due 90 days after completion of each project as 
attachments to the final reports.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    For additional information and assistance, contact the Grants 
Management Branch, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, phone: (202) 720-5306, fax: (202) 690-0193, e-mail: 
[email protected].

    Signed at Washington, DC, on this 10th day of December 2008.
Michael W. Yost,
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service and Vice President, 
Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. E8-30071 Filed 12-17-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P