[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 136 (Tuesday, July 16, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42503-42505]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17027]


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 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

[Docket No.: 130708596-3596-01]


Call for Applications for the International Buyer Program Select 
Service for Calendar Year 2014

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice and Call for Applications.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) announces that it will 
accept applications for the International Buyer Program (IBP) Select 
service for calendar year 2014 (January 1, 2014 through December 31, 
2014). This announcement sets out the objectives, procedures and 
application review criteria for IBP Select. Under the IBP Select the 
International Trade Administration (ITA) recruits international buyers 
to U.S. trade shows to meet with U.S suppliers exhibiting at those 
shows. The main difference between IBP and IBP Select is that IBP 
offers worldwide promotion, whereas IBP Select focuses on promotion and 
recruitment in no more than five international markets. Specifically, 
through the IBP Select, the DOC selects domestic trade shows that will 
receive DOC assistance in the form of targeted promotion and 
recruitment in five foreign markets, export counseling to exhibitors, 
and export counseling and matchmaking services at the trade show. This 
notice covers selection for IBP Select participation during calendar 
year 2014. It also announces a new pilot initiative for the IBP Select, 
which will allow selected trade show organizers to add target markets 
beyond the five selected markets at a cost.

DATES: Applications for IBP Select must be received by August 16, 2013.
    Application: The IBP Select application is available at http:///
www.export.gov/IBP. Applications must be completed and submitted via 
the online form.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Rand, Director, International 
Buyer Program, Trade Promotion Programs, U.S. and Foreign Commercial 
Service, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Ronald Reagan Building, Suite 
800M--Mezzanine Level--Atrium North, Washington, DC 20004; Telephone 
(202) 482-0691; Facsimile: (202) 482-7800; Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The IBP was established in the Omnibus Trade 
and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-418, title II, Sec.  2304, 
codified at 15 U.S.C. 4724) to bring international buyers together with 
U.S. firms by promoting leading U.S. trade shows in industries with 
high export potential. The IBP emphasizes cooperation between the DOC 
and trade show organizers to benefit U.S. firms exhibiting at selected 
events and provides practical, hands-on assistance such as export 
counseling and market analysis to U.S. companies interested in 
exporting. Shows selected for the IBP Select will provide a venue for 
U.S. companies interested in expanding their sales into international 
markets.
    Through the IBP, the DOC selects trade shows that DOC determines to 
be leading trade shows with participation by U.S. firms interested in 
exporting. DOC provides successful applicants with assistance in the 
form of overseas promotion of the show by U.S. Embassies and 
Consulates; outreach to show participants about exporting; recruitment 
of potential buyers to attend the events; and staff assistance in 
setting up and staffing international trade centers at the events. 
Targeted promotion in no more than five markets can be executed through 
the overseas offices of ITA or in U.S. Embassies in countries where ITA 
does not maintain offices.
    ITA is accepting applications for IBP Select from trade show 
organizers of trade events taking place between January 1, 2014 and 
December 31, 2014. Selection of a trade show for IBP Select is valid 
for one event. A trade show organizer seeking selection for a recurring 
event must submit a new application for selection for each occurrence 
of the event. For events that occur more than once in a calendar year, 
the trade show organizer must submit a separate application for each 
event.
    There is no fee required to submit an application. For IBP Select 
in calendar year 2014, ITA expects to select approximately 10 events 
from among the applicants. ITA will select those events that are 
determined to most clearly support the statutory mandate in 15 U.S.C. 
4721 to promote U.S. exports, especially those of small- and medium-
sized enterprises, and that best meet the selection criteria 
articulated below. Once selected, applicants will be required to enter 
into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DOC, and submit payment 
of the $6,000 2014 participation fee within 30 days of written 
notification of acceptance into IBP Select. The MOA constitutes an 
agreement between the DOC and the show organizer specifying which 
responsibilities for international promotion and export assistance 
services at the trade shows are to be undertaken by the DOC as part of 
the IBP Select and, in turn, which responsibilities are to be 
undertaken by the show organizer. Anyone requesting application 
information will be sent a sample copy of the MOA along with the link 
to the online application form and a copy of this Federal Register 
Notice. Applicants are encouraged to review the MOA closely, as IBP 
Select participants are expected to comply with all terms, conditions, 
and obligations in the MOA. Trade show organizer obligations include 
the construction of an International Trade Center at the trade show, 
production of an export interest directory, and provision of 
complimentary hotel accommodations for DOC staff as explained in the 
MOA. The responsibilities to be undertaken by the DOC will be carried 
out by ITA. ITA responsibilities include targeted promotion of the 
trade show and, where feasible, recruitment of international buyers to 
that show from the five target markets identified, provision of on-site 
export assistance to U.S. exhibitors at the show, and the reporting of 
results to the show organizer.
    For this selection cycle only, ITA is piloting the opportunity for 
selected

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show organizers to procure the services of our staff in the Embassies 
and Consulates beyond the five already agreed-upon markets to (1) 
escort buyers from those markets to the show, and (2) provide at-show 
services such as translation, logistical support, and introductions to 
U.S. suppliers. This secondary level of service for markets beyond the 
original five markets does not include recruitment of the delegations 
from those markets. The cost for this additional service is based on 
the cost of the Embassy or Consulate staff person, i.e., delegation 
leader, escorting the delegation to the show and providing at-show 
services. This secondary service will be priced at $1,250 per each 
additional delegation, and the total fee to be charged will not exceed 
$9,750 (meaning no more than three additional delegations are 
acceptable) for participating in the IBP Select. The show organizer 
will also be responsible for providing complimentary lodging for the 
delegation leader providing this secondary service.
    Selection as an IBP Select show does not constitute a guarantee by 
DOC of the show's success. IBP Select participation status is not an 
endorsement of the show except as to its international buyer 
activities. Neither non-selection of an applicant for IBP Select status 
nor selection for only one calendar year should be viewed as a 
determination that the event will not be successful in promoting U.S. 
exports.
    Eligibility: 2014 U.S. trade events, through the show organizer, 
with 1,200 or fewer exhibitors are eligible to apply for IBP Select 
participation. First-time events will also be considered. Exclusions: 
U.S. trade shows with over 1,200 exhibitors will not be considered for 
IBP Select. General Evaluation Criteria: ITA will evaluate applicants 
for IBP Select participants using the following criteria:
    (a) Level of Intellectual Property Rights Protection (IPR): The 
trade show organizer includes in the terms and conditions of its 
exhibitor contracts provisions for the protection of IPR; has 
procedures in place at the trade show to address IPR infringement, 
which, at a minimum, provide information to help U.S. exhibitors 
procure legal representation during the trade show; and agrees to 
assist the DOC to reach and educate U.S. exhibitors on the Strategy 
Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP!), IPR protection measures available 
during the show, and the means to protect IPR in overseas markets, as 
well as in the United States.
    (b) Export Potential: The trade show promotes products and services 
from U.S. industries that have high export potential, as determined by 
DOC sources, including industry analysts' assessment of export 
potential, US&FCS best prospects lists, and U.S. export analysis.
    (c) Level of International Interest: The trade show meets the needs 
of a significant number of overseas markets and corresponds to 
marketing opportunities as identified by ITA. Previous international 
attendance at the show may be used as an indicator.
    (d) Scope of the Show: The event must offer a broad spectrum of 
U.S. made products and services for the subject industry. Trade shows 
with a majority of U.S. firms as exhibitors are given preference.
    (e) U.S. Content of Show Exhibitors: Trade shows with exhibitors 
featuring a high percentage of products produced in the United States 
or products with a high degree of U.S. content will be preferred.
    (f) Stature of the Show: The trade show is clearly recognized by 
the industry it covers as a leading event for the promotion of that 
industry's products and services both domestically and internationally, 
and as a showplace for the latest technology or services in that 
industry.
    (g) Level of Exhibitor Interest: There is significant interest on 
the part of U.S. exhibitors in receiving international business 
visitors during the trade show. A significant number of U.S. exhibitors 
should be new-to-export or seeking to expand their sales into 
additional export markets.
    (h) Level of Overseas Marketing: There has been a demonstrated 
effort by the applicant to market prior shows overseas. In addition, 
the applicant should describe in detail the international marketing 
program to be conducted for the event, and explain how efforts should 
increase individual and group international attendance.
    (i) Level of Cooperation: The applicant demonstrates a willingness 
to cooperate with ITA to fulfill the program's goals and adhere to the 
target dates set out in the MOA and in the event timetables, both of 
which are available from the program office (see the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section above). Past experience in the IBP will be 
taken into account in evaluating the applications received.
    (j) Delegation Incentives: Waived or reduced admission fees are 
required for international attendees who are participating in the IBP. 
Delegation leaders also must be provided complimentary admission to the 
event. In addition, show organizers should offer a range of incentives 
to delegations and/or delegation leaders recruited by the DOC overseas 
posts. Examples of incentives to international visitors and to 
organized delegations include: Waived or reduced admission fees; 
special organized events, such as receptions, meetings with association 
executives, briefings, and site tours; or complimentary accommodations 
for delegation leaders.
    Review Process: ITA will vet all applications received based on the 
criteria set out in this notice. Vetting will include soliciting input 
from ITA industry analysts, as well as domestic and international field 
offices, focusing primarily on the export potential, level of 
international interest, and stature of the show. In reviewing 
applications, ITA will also consider sector and calendar diversity in 
terms of the need to allocate resources to support selected events. The 
Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion and Director General of the 
US&FCS will make all selection decisions.
    Application Requirements: Show organizers submitting applications 
for the 2014 IBP Select are required to submit: (1) A narrative 
statement addressing each question in the application, OMB 0625-0143; 
and (2) a signed statement that ``The above information provided is 
correct and the applicant will abide by the terms set forth in this 
Call for Applications for the International Buyer Program Select 
(January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014);'' on or before the 
deadline noted above. There is no fee required to apply. ITA expects to 
issue the results of this process in August 2013.
    Legal Authority: The statutory program authority for ITA to conduct 
the IBP is 15 U.S.C. 4724. ITA has the legal authority to enter into 
MOAs with show organizers under the provisions of the Mutual 
Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (MECEA), as amended (22 
U.S.C. sections 2455(f) and 2458(c)). MECEA allows ITA to accept 
contributions of funds and services from firms for the purposes of 
furthering its mission.
    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the 
information collection requirements of the application to this program 
(0625-0143) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) (OMB Control No. 0625-0143). Notwithstanding 
any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor 
shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act, unless that collection of

[[Page 42505]]

information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Rand, Director, International 
Buyer Program ([email protected]).

Elnora Moye,
Trade Program Assistant.
[FR Doc. 2013-17027 Filed 7-15-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P