[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 74 (Thursday, April 17, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21711-21714]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-08623]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 74 / Thursday, April 17, 2014 / 
Notices  

[[Page 21711]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commodity Credit Corporation


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

SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is 
inviting proposals for the 2015 Emerging Markets Program (EMP). The 
intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications from the 
private sector and from government agencies for fiscal year 2015 and to 
set out criteria for the award of funds under the program in October 
2014. The EMP is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural 
Service (FAS).

DATES: To be considered for funding, applications must be received by 5 
p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 19, 2014. Any 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 by courier address: Room 
6512, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250, or by phone: 
(202) 720-4327, or by fax: (202) 720-9361, or by email: 
[email protected]. Information is also available on the Foreign 
Agricultural Service Web site at http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/emerging-markets-program-emp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Announcement Type: New.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.603.
    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 assists U.S. entities in developing, 
maintaining, or expanding exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and 
products by funding activities that improve emerging markets' food and 
rural business systems, including reducing potential trade barriers in 
such 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 develop, 
maintain, or expand emerging markets for 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.
    2. Appropriate Activities. All EMP projects must fall into at least 
one of the following four categories:
    (a) Assistance to teams consisting primarily of U.S. individuals 
expert in assessing the food and rural business systems of other 
countries. This type of EMP project must include all three of the 
following:
     Conduct an assessment of the food and rural business 
system needs of an emerging market;
     Make recommendations on measures necessary to enhance the 
effectiveness of these systems; and
     Identify opportunities and projects to enhance the 
effectiveness of the emerging market's food and rural business systems.
    To be eligible, such proposals must clearly demonstrate that 
experts are primarily agricultural consultants, farmers, other persons 
from the private sector, and government officials, and that they have 
expertise in assessing the food and rural business systems of other 
countries.
    (b) Assistance to enable individuals from emerging markets to 
travel to the United States so that these individuals can, for the 
purpose of enhancing the food and rural business systems in their 
countries, become familiar with U.S. technology and agribusiness and 
rural enterprise operations by consulting with food and rural business 
system experts in the United States.
    (c) Assistance to enable U.S. agricultural producers and other 
individuals knowledgeable in agricultural and agribusiness matters to 
travel to emerging markets to assist in transferring their knowledge 
and expertise to entities in emerging markets. Such travel must be to 
emerging markets. Travel to developed markets is not eligible under the 
program even if the traveler's targeted market is an emerging market.
    (d) Technical assistance to implement the recommendations, 
projects, and/or opportunities identified under 2(a) above. Technical 
assistance that does not implement the recommendations, projects, and/
or opportunities identified by assistance under 2(a) above is not 
eligible under the EMP.
    Proposals that do not fall into one or more of the four categories 
above are not eligible for consideration under the program.
    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 (e.g., 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.

[[Page 21712]]

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 $12,616 (the current ceiling on upper middle income 
economies as determined by the World Bank [World Development 
Indicators; October 2013, 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 directly support or address at least one of the 
goals and objectives in the USDA and FAS Strategic Plans. The USDA 
Strategic Plan and Strategic Plan Update Addendum can be accessed at 
the following link: USDA Strategic Plan--http://www.ocfo.usda.gov/usdasp/sp2010/sp2010.pdf; USDA Strategic Plan Update Addendum--http://www.ocfo.usda.gov/usdasp/sp2010/Strategic%20Plan%20Update.pdf. The FAS 
strategic plan can be accessed at the following link: http://www.fas.usda.gov/sites/development/files/fas_stratplan_2012-2016.pdf. 
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. Each proposal 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. 
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 
interim progress reports and final performance reports. Changes in the 
original project timelines and adjustments within project budgets must 
be approved in advance by FAS.

    Note: EMP funds awarded to government agencies must be expended 
or otherwise obligated by close of business, September 30, 2015.

III. Eligibility and Qualification Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Any U.S. private or government entity 
(e.g., universities, non-profit trade associations, agricultural 
cooperatives, state regional trade groups (SRTGs), state departments of 
agriculture, federal agencies, profit-making entities, and consulting 
businesses) with a demonstrated role or interest in exports of U.S. 
agricultural commodities or products may apply to the program. 
Proposals from research and consulting organizations will be considered 
if they provide evidence of substantial participation by 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. export 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 market development 
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 one 
factor 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 government 
agencies, but is mandatory for all other eligible entities, even when 
they may be party to a joint proposal with a government agency. 
Contributions from USDA or other 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 that 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.
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications to 
FAS through the UES application Internet Web site. The Internet-based 
format reduces paperwork and expedites FAS' processing and review 
cycle. Applicants planning to use the on-line UES system must contact 
the Program Operations Division to obtain site access

[[Page 21713]]

information. The Internet-based application is located at the following 
URL address: https://www.fas.usda.gov/ues/webapp/.
    Although FAS highly recommends applying via the Internet-based 
application, applicants also have the option of submitting an 
electronic version to FAS at [email protected].
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission: To be considered for 
the EMP, an applicant must submit to FAS information required by this 
Notice of Funds Availability and 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/programs/emerging-markets-program-emp.
    In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and 
Budget's issuance of a final policy (68 FR 38402 (June 27, 2003)) 
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.
    In addition, in accordance with 2 CFR Part 25, each entity that 
applies to the EMP and does not qualify for an exemption under 2 CFR 
25.110 must:
    (i) Be registered in the CCR prior to submitting an application or 
plan;
    (ii) Maintain an active CCR registration with current information 
at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an 
application or plan under consideration by CCC; and
    (iii) Provide its DUNS number in each application or plan it 
submits to CCC.
    Similarly, in accordance with 2 CFR Part 170, each entity that 
applies to the EMP and does not qualify for an exception under 2 CFR 
170.110(b) must ensure it has the necessary processes and systems in 
place to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of 2 CFR 
Part 170 should it receive EMP funding.
    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) Specific description of activity/activities to be undertaken;
    (j) Clear demonstration that successful implementation will benefit 
an emerging market's food and rural business system, including 
potential reductions in trade barriers, and will benefit a particular 
industry as a whole, not just the applicant(s);
    (k) Current conditions in the target market(s) affecting the 
intended commodity or product;
    (l) Description of problem(s) (i.e., constraint(s)) to be addressed 
by the project, such as the need to assess and enhance food and rural 
business systems of the emerging market, lack of awareness by foreign 
officials of U.S. technology and business practices, impediments 
(infrastructure, financing, regulatory or other non-tariff barriers) to 
the effectiveness of the emerging market's food and rural business 
systems previously identified by an EMP project that are to be 
implemented by the applicant, etc.;
    (m) Project objectives;
    (n) Performance measures: Benchmarks for quantifying progress in 
meeting the objectives;
    (o) Rationale: Explanation of the underlying reasons for the 
project proposal and its approach, the anticipated benefits, and any 
additional pertinent analysis;
    (p) 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;
    (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 the target country or 
countries (e.g., under MAP and/or Cooperator programs);
    (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; 
and
    (t) Qualifications of applicant(s) should be included as an 
attachment.
    3. 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.
    4. Submission Dates and Times: EMP proposals are reviewed on a 
rolling basis during the fiscal year as long as EMP funding is 
available as set forth below:
     Proposals received by, but not later than, 5 p.m. Eastern 
Daylight Time, May 19, 2014, will be considered for funding with other 
proposals received by that date;
     Proposals not approved for funding during the review 
period will be reconsidered for funding after the review period only if 
the applicant specifically requests such reconsideration in writing, 
and only if funding remains available;
     Proposals received after 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 
19, 2014, will be considered in the order received for funding only if 
funding remains available.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria: Key criteria used in judging proposals include:
     The objective of the activities is to develop, maintain, 
or expand markets for U.S. agricultural exports by improving the 
effectiveness of the food and rural business systems in emerging 
markets;
     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 emerging market's food 
and rural business systems, and/or a recent change in those systems);
     Potential of the project to expand U.S. market share and 
increase U.S. exports or sales;
     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.

[[Page 21714]]

    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 the submitted 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/programs/emerging-markets-program-emp.
    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 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. Please see 7 CFR part 1486 for 
additional reporting requirements.

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.
    Courier address: Room 6512, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, 
DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720-4327, or by fax: (202) 720-9361, or by 
email: [email protected].

    Signed at Washington, DC on 18th day of March 2014.
Bryce Quick,
Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service and Vice President, 
Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2014-08623 Filed 4-15-14; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-P