[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 65 (Friday, April 4, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18887-18889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-07513]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

[Docket No. 140326277-4277-01]


Call for Applications for the International Buyer Program Select 
Service for Calendar Year 2015

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 
begin accepting applications for the International Buyer Program (IBP) 
Select service for calendar year 2015 (January 1, 2015 through December 
31, 2015). This announcement sets out the objectives, procedures and 
application review criteria for IBP Select. Under 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 2015. 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 May 19, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Applications may be submitted by any of the following 
methods: (1) Mail/Hand Delivery Service: International Buyer Program, 
Trade Promotion Programs, International Trade Administration, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. 
NW., Suite 800--Mezzanine Level--Atrium North, Washington, DC 20004; 
(2) Facsimile: (202) 482-7800; or (3) email: [email protected]. 
Facsimile and email applications will be accepted as interim 
applications, and must be followed by a signed original application 
that is received by the program no later than five (5) business days 
after the application deadline. To ensure that applications are 
received by the deadline, applicants are strongly urged to send 
applications by express delivery service (e.g., U.S. Postal Service 
Express Delivery, Federal Express, UPS, etc.).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Rand, Director, International 
Buyer Program, Trade Promotion Programs, 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 targeted 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, 2015 and 
December 31, 2015. 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 2015, 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 2015 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

[[Page 18888]]

application information will be sent a sample copy of the MOA along 
with the 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.
    Selected show organizers will also be able 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. Non-selection of an applicant for IBP Select status should 
be viewed as a determination that the event will not be successful in 
promoting U.S. exports.
    Eligibility: 2015 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) 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, ITA best prospects lists, and U.S. export analysis.
    (b) 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.
    (c) 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 priority.
    (d) 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.
    (e) 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.
    (f) 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.
    (g) 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.
    (h) 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.
    (i) Delegation Incentives: Waived or reduced admission fees are 
required for international attendees who are participating in IBP 
Select. 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: 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.
    Application Requirements: Show organizers submitting applications 
for 2015 IBP Select are required to submit: (1) A narrative statement 
addressing each question in the application, OMB 0625-0151 (found at 
www.export.gov/ibp); 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, 2015 through December 31, 2015);'' on 
or before the deadline noted above. There is no fee required to apply. 
ITA expects to issue the results of this process in July 2014.

    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 (0625-0151) under the provisions of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) (OMB 
Control No. 0625-0151). 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 information displays a currently valid OMB 
Control Number.

[[Page 18889]]

    For further information please contact: Gary Rand, Director, 
International Buyer Program ([email protected]).


Elnora Moye,
Trade Program Assistant.
[FR Doc. 2014-07513 Filed 4-3-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P