[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 81 (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19495-19498]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-9740]


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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 2010 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 2010. 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, 
May 29, 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 
assistance should contact the Program Operations Division, Office of 
Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, Portals Office Building, 
Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024, phone: 
(202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, 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: 

[[Page 19496]]

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: The EMP is authorized by section 1542(d)(1)(D) 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 assists U.S. entities in developing, 
maintaining, or expanding exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and 
products by funding 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. EMP funding may not be used to support the export of 
another country's products to the United States, or to promote the 
development of a foreign economy as a primary objective. Funding 
provided for government participation may only be used to support the 
activities of government officials expert in assessing the food and 
rural business systems of other countries.
    2. Appropriate Activities. Following are examples of the types of 
project activities that may be considered for funding under the EMP:

--Projects designed specifically to improve market access in emerging 
foreign markets. Example: Activities that 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; assessing and addressing pest and disease problems that 
inhibit U.S. exports;
--Short-term expert training in agricultural and agribusiness trade 
that will benefit U.S. exporters. Examples: Retail training; 
transportation/distribution seminars;
--Projects that help foreign governments collect and use market 
information and develop free trade policies that benefit U.S. 
exporters. Examples: Agricultural statistical analysis; development of 
market information systems;
--Assessments and follow-up activities designed to improve country-wide 
food and business systems, and 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: Studies of grain 
storage handling and inventory systems or of distribution 
infrastructure development; and
--Marketing and distribution of value-added products. Examples: Market 
research on the potential for consumer-ready U.S. foods or new uses of 
a U.S. 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 already 
underway by U.S. non-profit agricultural commodity or trade 
associations (``cooperators'') 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 developing 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 only to 
proposals that target countries or regional groups with per capita 
income of 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 1 
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 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 trade in emerging markets through technical 
assistance activities that are intended to expand or maintain U.S. 
agricultural exports. Priority consideration 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, 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 projects 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 
implementation plan. 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

[[Page 19497]]

timelines 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, 
2010.

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; 
and state universities. Private organizations include non-profit trade 
associations, private universities, agricultural cooperatives, state 
regional trade groups (SRTG), 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 from 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 CCC 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 of other 
applicants. 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 
Operations Division 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 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, Office of Trade Programs, 
Program Operations Division, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 
Maryland Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20024.
    Applicants electing not to use the on-line system must submit: (1) 
two printed copies of their application to the address above; and (2) 
an electronic version 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 at 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 final policy (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

[[Page 19498]]

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 Daylight Time May 29, 2009 in the Program Operations 
Division. 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 
Daylight Time, May 29, 2009.
    All applications on compact disc (with two accompanying paper 
copies) and any other form of application must be received by 5 p.m. 
Eastern Daylight Time, May 29, 2009, at the following address:
    Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Office of Trade Programs, 
Program Operations Division, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 
Maryland Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20024.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria: Key criteria used in judging proposals include, among 
others:

--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 1 year 
generally require a mid-term progress report. Final performance reports 
are due 90 days 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 Program 
Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Portals Office Building, Suite 
400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024, phone: (202) 720-
4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: [email protected].

    Signed at Washington, DC, on the 17th day of April 2009.
Patricia R. Sheikh,
Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, Vice President, 
Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. E9-9740 Filed 4-28-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-P