[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 226 (Tuesday, November 24, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 73166-73168]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-29858]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

[Docket No.: 151106999-5999-01]


Call for Applications for the International Buyer Program Select 
Service for Calendar Year 2017

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice and call for applications.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), International Trade 
Administration (ITA) announces that it will begin accepting 
applications for the International Buyer Program (IBP) Select service 
for calendar year 2017 (January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017). 
This announcement sets out the objectives, procedures and application 
review criteria for IBP Select. Under IBP Select, 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 up to 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 up to 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 2017.

DATES: Applications for IBP Select must be received by Friday, January 
8, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The application form can be found at www.export.gov/ibp. 
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: Vidya Desai, Acting 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) 482-2311; 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

[[Page 73167]]

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 up to 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, 2017, and 
December 31, 2017. 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 2017, ITA expects to select approximately 8 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 2017 participation fee (by check or credit card) 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 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. ITA responsibilities include targeted promotion of the trade show 
and, where feasible, recruitment of international buyers to that show 
from up to 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.
    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 
not be viewed as a determination that the event will not be successful 
in promoting U.S. exports. Eligibility: 2017 U.S. trade events with 
1,350 or fewer exhibitors are eligible to apply, through the show 
organizer, for IBP Select participation. First-time events will also be 
considered. Exclusions: U.S. trade shows with over 1,350 exhibitors 
will not be considered for IBP Select. General Evaluation Criteria: ITA 
will evaluate applicants for IBP Select 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 (by at least 50%) 
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 2017 IBP Select are required to submit: (1) A narrative statement 
addressing each question in the application, OMB 0625-0143 (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, 2017 through December 31, 2017);'' on 
or before the deadline noted above. Applications for IBP Select must be 
received by Friday, January 8, 2016. There is no fee required

[[Page 73168]]

to apply. ITA expects to issue the results of this process in April 
2016.


    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.s 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 information displays a 
currently valid OMB Control Number.
    For further information please contact: Vidya Desai, Acting 
Director, International Buyer Program ([email protected]).

Frank Spector,
Acting Director, Trade Promotion Programs.
[FR Doc. 2015-29858 Filed 11-23-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE P