[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 96 (Friday, May 19, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22959-22962]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10105]


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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 2018 Emerging Markets Program (EMP). The 
intended effect of this notice is to solicit proposals from the private 
sector and from government agencies for fiscal year 2018 and to set out 
the criteria for the awarding of funds under the program. The EMP is 
administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

DATES: To be considered for funding, proposals must be received by 5 
p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, August 15, 2017. Any applications received 
after this time will be considered only if funds remain available.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants needing assistance should 
contact Curt Alt in the Program Operations Division, Office of Trade 
Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service by courier: 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:

A. 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, 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 enhance emerging markets' food and 
rural business systems, including reducing trade barriers. 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 for generic 
activities intended to develop, maintain, or expand emerging markets 
for U.S. agricultural commodities and products. 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 those systems; and
     Identify opportunities and projects to enhance the 
effectiveness of the emerging market's food and rural business systems 
in order to grow U.S. exports.
    To be eligible, such proposals must clearly demonstrate that 
experts are primarily agricultural consultants, farmers, other persons 
from the private sector, or 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, consult 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 the emerging market to enhance the 
market's rural and food business systems in support of U.S. exports. 
Such travel must be to emerging markets. Travel to developed markets is 
not eligible under the program even if the targeted market is an 
emerging market.
    (d) Technical assistance to implement the recommendations or to 
carry out projects and/or opportunities identified under 2(a) above. 
Technical assistance that does not implement the recommendations, 
projects, and/or opportunities identified under 2(a) above is not 
eligible under the EMP.
    Proposals that do not fall into one or more of the four categories 
above, regardless of previous guidance provided regarding the EMP, 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 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. Because EMP funds are limited and the range of 
potential emerging market countries is broad, consideration will be 
given only to proposals that target countries or regional groups 
classified below the World Bank's threshold for upper middle-income 
economies. World Bank income limits and country classifications 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, applicants should consult the current World 
Bank country classification list for guidance.
    A few countries technically qualify as emerging markets but may 
require a separate determination before funding can be considered 
because of political sensitivities.

B. Award Information

    In general, all qualified proposals received before the application 
deadline

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will compete for EMP funding. The applicant's willingness to contribute 
resources towards the project, 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 available and the wide 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 one year. Private entities may 
submit multi-year proposals requesting higher levels of funding, 
although 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. Proposals from 
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 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, 2018.

C. Eligibility and Qualification Information

    1. Eligible Organizations: Any U.S. private or government entity 
(e.g., universities, trade associations, agricultural cooperatives, 
state regional trade groups, state departments of agriculture, federal 
agencies, for-profit entities, and consulting businesses) with a 
demonstrated role or interest in the export 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 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. 
Foreign organizations, whether government or private, may participate 
as third parties in activities carried out by U.S. organizations but 
are not eligible for direct funding assistance through the program.
    2. Cost Sharing: No private sector proposal will be considered 
without a cost-share element 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 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 as cost-share by 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.

D. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Submit 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 all of the 
market development programs administered by FAS.
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications to 
FAS through the web-based UES application. The Internet-based format 
reduces paperwork and expedites FAS' processing and review cycle. 
Applicants planning to use the on-line UES system must first contact 
the Program Operations Division to obtain site access 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 UES, applicants 
also have the option of submitting an electronic application to FAS via 
email to [email protected].
    Applicants experiencing difficulty or otherwise needing assistance 
applying to the program should contact the Program Operations Division, 
Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service by courier: 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].
    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 
at (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) Provide a valid DUNS number in each application it submits to 
CCC;
    (ii) Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior 
to submitting an application; and
    (iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current 
information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or 
an application under consideration by CCC.
    FAS may not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has 
complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM 
requirements, and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the 
requirements by the time FAS is ready to make the award,

[[Page 22961]]

FAS may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive the 
award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to 
another applicant.
    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;
    (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 enhance 
the emerging market's food and rural business system and/or reduce 
trade barriers, and will benefit the industry as a whole and not just 
the applicant(s);
    (k) Current conditions and market analysis (production, supply, 
demand, import competition, U.S. trade) in the target market(s) 
affecting the commodity or product;
    (l) Description of the need to assess the food and rural business 
systems of the emerging market, or of the recommendations, projects, 
and/or opportunities previously identified by an approved EMP 
assessment that are to be addressed by the project;
    (m) Project objectives;
    (n) Performance measures for quantifying progress and demonstrating 
results. In the development of performance measures, FAS believes the 
measures should meet the following criteria:
     Aligned: The indicator should, as closely as possible, 
measure exactly the relevant result.
     Clear: The indicator should be precise and unambiguous 
about what is being measured and how. There should be no doubt on how 
to measure or interpret the indicator.
     Quantifiable: The indicator(s) should sufficiently capture 
all of the elements of a result.
     Include an identified methodology: The data can be 
obtained to inform the indicator in a timely and efficient manner and 
the data are of high-quality.
    The full set of indicators selected to monitor project performance 
should be sufficient to inform project management and oversight.
    (o) 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 the MAP and/or Cooperator programs);
    (s) Detailed line item activity budgets:
     Cost items should be allocated separately to each 
participating organization;
     Costs for consultant fees should show the calculation of 
the daily rate and the number of days;
     Costs for travel expenses should show the number of trips 
and the destination, number of travelers, cost, and objective for each 
trip;
     Individual expense line items (e.g., salaries, travel 
expenses, consultant fees, administrative costs, etc.) should be listed 
on separate lines, each clearly indicating:
    (1) Which items are to be covered by EMP funding;
    (2) Which are to be covered by the participating U.S. 
organization(s); and
    (3) Which are to be covered by foreign third parties (if 
applicable); 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 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, August 
15, 2017, will be considered for funding with other proposals received 
by that date;
     Proposals not approved for funding during the initial 
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, 
August 15, 2017, will be considered for funding in the order received 
only if funding remains available.
    5. Other Submission Requirements: All Internet-based applications 
must be properly submitted by 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, August 15, 
2017, in order to be considered for funding; late submissions received 
after the deadline will be considered only if funding remains 
available. All applications submitted by email must be received at 
[email protected] by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, August 15, 2017, 
in order to receive the same consideration. After August 15, 2017, 
proposals will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis as long as 
funding remains.

E. Application Review Information

    1. Evaluation criteria. FAS will consider a number of factors when 
reviewing proposals, including:
     Appropriateness of the Activity, which will vary based on 
the type of proposal but will include: For assessment proposals: Does 
the proposal present a methodology that is likely to result in the 
needed recommendations and identification of specific opportunities and 
projects? Is the assessment team comprised of credible U.S. experts 
with experience in assessing food and rural business systems? For 
travel proposals: Is the exchange of knowledge and expertise clearly 
described in terms of enhancements to the emerging market's food and 
rural business systems? Do we understand how travelers are selected? 
For technical assistance proposals: Are the proposed activities 
identified in the supporting assessment? Is the potential for the 
proposed activities to enhance the effectiveness of the emerging 
market's food and rural business systems sufficiently justified? (30%);
     Market Impact, including the degree to which the proposed 
project is likely to contribute to the development, maintenance, or 
expansion of U.S. agricultural exports to emerging markets; the 
conditions or constraints affecting the level of U.S. exports and 
market share for the agricultural commodity/product; demonstration of 
how a proposed project will benefit the industry as a whole; and the 
quality of the project's proposed performance measures and the ability 
of the performance measures to measure outcomes (impact) and not just 
outputs. (50%); and

[[Page 22962]]

     Completeness and Viability of the proposal, including 
evidence that the organization has the knowledge, expertise, ability, 
and resources to successfully implement the project, the entity's 
willingness to contribute resources to the project, and the applicant's 
reported past EMP results and evaluations, if applicable. (20%).
    2. Review and Selection Process: All proposals will 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 rate the qualifications, quality, and appropriateness of projects 
and the reasonableness of project budgets.
    In addition, FAS, prior to making a Federal award with a total 
amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition 
threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the 
applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system 
accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313). An 
applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated 
integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on 
any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously 
entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance 
system accessible through SAM. FAS will consider any comments by the 
applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated 
integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the 
applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under 
Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants 
as described in 2 CFR 200.205 ``Federal awarding agency review of risk 
posed by applicants.''

F. Federal Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: FAS will notify each applicant in writing of the 
final disposition of the submitted proposal. 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. Program reporting requirements are detailed in 7 CFR 
part 1486 and are provided in the Project Agreement.

G. Federal Awarding 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 by courier: 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 May 12, 2017.
Holly Higgins,
Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, and Acting Vice 
President, Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2017-10105 Filed 5-18-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-10-P