[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 21 (Thursday, January 31, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6807-6809]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02052]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Critical Infrastructure Protection and Cyber Security Trade 
Mission to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, September 28-October 1, 2013

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, is coordinating and 
sponsoring an executive-led Critical Infrastructure Protection and 
Cyber Security mission to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait City, Kuwait, 
from September 28-October 1, 2013. The mission will focus on the cyber 
security, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency management, 
ports of entry, aviation, and border security sectors. This mission is 
designed for

[[Page 6808]]

representatives from U.S. safety and security businesses and trade 
associations that have past experience exporting to the Middle East 
region. This mission will seek to connect U.S. companies in the safety 
and security industries, including Information Communications 
Technology (ICT) companies active in cyber security, with appropriate 
government (state and local) and private entities in Saudi Arabia and 
Kuwait. The mission will include one-on-one appointments with potential 
partners, embassy briefings, technical site visits and networking 
events in Riyadh and and Kuwait City.

Commercial Setting

Saudi Arabia

    The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has prioritized cyber defense and 
infrastructure protection, and is investing heavily in these sectors. 
Saudi Arabia is interested in learning about the U.S. experience in 
defending vital economic infrastructure from cyber attacks in an effort 
to strengthen its capabilities concerning computer systems and other 
potential cyber attack targets. In 2008, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia 
signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement to facilitate the transfer of 
technical knowledge, advice, skills and resources from the United 
States to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the areas of critical 
infrastructure protection and public security, including border 
protection, civil defense capabilities, and coast guard and maritime 
capabilities. In 2012, Saudi infrastructure spending included $9.4 
billion for transport projects such as the expansion of a number of the 
country's airports. Specifically, opportunities exist for companies 
providing surveillance equipment, electronic gates, thermal imaging, 
advanced communication systems, electronic detection equipment, cyber 
intrusion detection and prevention, perimeter control, biometrics, etc.

Kuwait

    The Government of Kuwait has a stated plan to invest considerable 
sums in safety and security equipment through 2020. Kuwait defense and 
security forces will be looking to purchase surveillance equipment, 
perimeter security and control systems, security check point equipment 
(fences, crash barriers, cameras, access points), and contraband 
detection systems, including scanning systems, and consulting services 
in security planning. Additionally, the Government of Kuwait is seeking 
to increase its capabilities in cyber security.
    In particular, several projects currently under consideration by 
the Government of Kuwait, particularly under the Ministry of Interior, 
include (additional) camera surveillance systems to be installed in and 
near most transportation infrastructure points, geospatial intelligence 
connectivity, maritime netting, and sensors to minimize security 
threats to vessels, facilities security of oil refineries and power 
plants (stations), production facilities and loading platforms, 
including ports, and the hardware and software infrastructure needed to 
support a fully integrated C4ISR (C41 Surveillance and Reconnaissance) 
Systems.
    Kuwait plans to spend a total of US$ 28.2 billion on projects in 
the transportation sector, including aviation, airport, rail, roads, 
building and terminals. The expansion of Kuwait International Airport 
is a significant infrastructure development. The planned $6 billion 
project includes a new terminal building and expanding the two existing 
terminals. Moreover, in 2013, Kuwait is expected to award a tender to 
build its third runway. Kuwait is aiming to double the airport capacity 
to 20 million passengers by 2025.
    Other major projects are the construction of the country's fourth 
refinery and the expansion of the existing refineries valued at 
approximately $30 billion.

Mission Goals

    The goals of the Critical Infrastructure Protection and Cyber 
Security mission to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are:
    1. To gain market exposure and introduce participants to potential 
partners and key decision makers, taking advantage of the United 
States' strong ties and positive reputation in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
    2. To develop market knowledge and relationships that can enhance 
potential partnerships with local, safety and security firms, and 
government agencies (state and local).

Mission Scenario

    Participation in the mission will include the following:
     Pre-travel briefings/webinars
     Embassy/consulate and industry briefings
     Networking reception at the Ambassador's Residences in 
Riyadh and Kuwait City; and
     Pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with appropriate 
individuals at the local trade associations, companies, and government 
entities. Transport to meetings in Riyadh and Kuwait City.
    The precise schedule will depend on the specific goals and 
objectives of the mission participants.

            Proposed Timetable--September 28-October 1, 2013
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Saturday, September 28, 2013...........  Arrive Riyadh.
Evening................................  Individual transfer to the
                                          hotel.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
9:00 a.m...............................  Embassy briefing.
                                         Lunch.
12:00-1:00 p.m.........................  Government Meetings.
1:30-17:30 p.m.........................  Networking.
17:30 p.m..............................  Reception at the Ambassador's
                                          Residence.
20:00-21:00 p.m........................  Return to hotel.
Monday, September 30, 2013
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m....................  Individual meetings with Saudi
                                          associations and prospective
                                          agents and other partners.
Afternoon..............................  One on one meetings.
16:05 p.m..............................  Depart for Kuwait City via
                                          Saudi Airways.
17:20 p.m..............................  Arrive Kuwait City.
19:30 p.m.-21:00 p.m...................  Welcome Reception at the
                                          Ambassador's Residence.
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013..................  Kuwait.
8:00-9:00 a.m..........................  Embassy Country Team briefing.
9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m....................  Government of Kuwait meetings.
Afternoon..............................  Lunch.
                                         Site visits.

[[Page 6809]]

 
                                         Roundtable discussions with
                                          local business leaders.
                                         One on One meetings with local
                                          business people.
                                         Trade Mission concludes, on
                                          own.
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Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the Critical 
Infrastructure Protection and Cyber Security mission to Saudi Arabia 
and Kuwait must complete and submit an application for consideration by 
the U.S. Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated on 
their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection 
criteria as outlined below. The mission will include a minimum of 15 
and maximum of 20 qualified U.S. firms and trade associations.

Fees and Expenses

    After an applicant has been selected to participate on the mission, 
a payment to the U.S. Department of Commerce in the form of a 
participation fee is required. The participation fee for one 
representative is $3,911 for a small or medium-sized enterprise and 
$4,288 for a large firm.\1\ The fee for each additional representative 
is $1,000. Expenses for lodging, some meals, incidentals, and all 
travel (except for transportation to and from airports in-country, 
previously noted) will be the responsibility of each mission 
participant.
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    \1\ An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or 
that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations 
(see http://www.sba.gov/services/contractingopportunities/sizestandardstopics/index.html). Parent companies, affiliates, and 
subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The 
dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service's user fee schedule 
that became effective May 1, 2008 (See http://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html for additional information).
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Conditions for Participation

    Applicants must submit a completed and signed mission application 
and supplemental application materials, including adequate information 
on the company's (or in the case of a trade association, represented 
companies') products and/or services, primary market objectives, and 
goals for participation. If the Department of Commerce receives an 
incomplete application, the Department may either: Reject the 
application, request additional information/clarification, or take the 
lack of information into account when evaluating the applications.
    Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it 
seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United 
States, or, if not, are marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have 
at least fifty-one percent U.S. content. In the case of a trade 
association, the applicant must certify that for each company to be 
represented by the association, the products and/or services the 
represented company seeks to export are either produced in the United 
States or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at 
least fifty-one percent U.S. content.

Selection Criteria for Participation

    Selection will be based on the following criteria:
     Suitability of a company's (or in the case of a trade 
association, represented companies') products or services to the 
mission's goals
     Applicant's (or in the case of a trade association, 
represented companies') potential for business in Saudi Arabia and 
Kuwait, including likelihood of exports resulting from the trade 
mission
     Applicant's (or in the case of a trade association, 
represented companies') demonstrated export experience in the Middle 
East region (including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait)
     Consistency of the applicant's (or in the case of a trade 
association, represented companies') goals and objectives with the 
stated scope of the trade mission (i.e., the sectors indicated in the 
mission description)
    Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing 
references to partisan political activities (including political 
contributions) will be removed from an applicant's submission and not 
considered during the selection process.

Selection Timeline

    Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, 
including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce 
Department trade mission calendar (http://export.gov/trademissions) and 
other Internet Web sites, press releases to general and trade media, 
direct mail, notices by industry trade associations and other 
multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, 
conferences, and trade shows. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2013; 
however, the U.S. Department of Commerce will begin reviewing 
applications and making selection decisions on a rolling basis 
beginning on February 11, 2013 until the maximum of 20 participants is 
selected. Applications received after June 30, 2013 will be considered 
only if space and scheduling constraints permit.

Contacts

    Jessica Arnold, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of 
Commerce I Commercial Service, 1400 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, 
DC 20004, Tel: 202-482-2026. [email protected]http://trade.gov.
    Michael Marangell, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department 
of Commerce I Commercial Service, 200 West Adams, Suite 2450, Chicago, 
IL 60606, Tel: 312-353-5097, [email protected]http://export.gov/illinois.
    Amer Kayani, Senior Commercial Officer, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, U.S. 
Department of Commerce I Commercial Service, [email protected].
    Dao M. Le, Senior Commercial Officer, Kuwait City, Kuwait, U.S. 
Department of Commerce I Commercial Service, [email protected].

Elnora Moye,
Trade Program Assistant.
[FR Doc. 2013-02052 Filed 1-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P