[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 146 (Tuesday, August 1, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35756-35762]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16082]


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 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Calendar of Upcoming 2018 Trade Missions

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration (ITA) is announcing four upcoming trade missions that 
will be recruited, organized and implemented by ITA. These missions 
are:
     10th Annual U.S. Industry Program at the International 
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference Trade Mission to Vienna, 
Austria--September 18-19, 2017
     Smart Grid and Energy Storage Business Development Trade 
Mission to India--March 5-9, 2018
     Horizontal Trade Mission to the Caribbean in Conjunction 
with Trade Americas--Business Opportunities in the Caribbean Region 
Conference--May 6-11, 2018
     Oil and Gas Trade Mission to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil--
September 19-21, 2018
    A summary of each mission is found below. Application information 
and more detailed mission information, including the commercial setting 
and sector information, can be found at the trade mission Web site: 
http://export.gov/trademissions.
    For each mission, recruitment will be conducted in an open and 
public manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting 
on the Commerce Department trade mission calendar (http://export.gov/trademissions) and other Internet Web sites, press releases to general 
and trade media, direct mail, broadcast fax, notices by industry trade 
associations and other multiplier groups, and publicity at industry 
meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows.
    The following Conditions for Participation will be used for each 
mission: Applicants must submit a completed and signed mission 
application and supplemental application materials, including adequate 
information on their products and/or services, primary market 
objectives, and goals for participation. If the Department of Commerce 
receives an incomplete application, the Department may either: Reject 
the application, request additional information/clarification, or take 
the lack of information into account when evaluating the application. 
If the requisite minimum number of participants is not selected for a 
particular mission by the recruitment deadline, the mission may be 
cancelled.
    Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it 
seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United 
States, or, if not, are marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have 
at least fifty-one percent U.S. content by value. In the case of a 
trade association or organization, the applicant must certify that, for 
each firm or service provider to be represented by the association/
organization, the

[[Page 35757]]

products and/or services the represented firm or service provider seeks 
to export are either produced in the United States or, if not, marketed 
under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least 51% U.S. content.
    A trade association/organization applicant must certify to the 
above for all of the companies it seeks to represent on the mission.
    In addition, each applicant must:
     Certify that the products and services that it wishes to 
market through the mission would be in compliance with U.S. export 
controls and regulations;
     Certify that it has identified any matter pending before 
any bureau or office in the Department of Commerce;
     Certify that it has identified any pending litigation 
(including any administrative proceedings) to which it is a party that 
involves the Department of Commerce; and
     Sign and submit an agreement that it and its affiliates 
(1) have not and will not engage in the bribery of foreign officials in 
connection with a company's/participant's involvement in this mission, 
and (2) maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the bribery of 
foreign officials.
    In the case of a trade association/organization, the applicant must 
certify that each firm or service provider to be represented by the 
association/organization can make the above certifications.
    The following Selection Criteria will be used for each mission: 
Targeted mission participants are U.S. firms, services providers and 
trade associations/organizations providing or promoting U.S. products 
and services that have an interest in entering or expanding their 
business in the mission's destination country. The following criteria 
will be evaluated in selecting participants:
     Suitability of the applicant's (or in the case of a trade 
association/organization, represented firm or service provider's) 
products or services to these markets;
     The applicant's (or in the case of a trade association/
organization, represented firm or service provider's) past, present, 
and prospective business activity in relation to the Mission's target 
market(s) and sector(s);
     The applicant's (or in the case of a trade association/
organization, represented firm or service provider's) potential for 
business in the markets, including likelihood of exports resulting from 
the mission; and
     Consistency of the applicant's (or in the case of a trade 
association/organization, represented firm or service provider's) goals 
and objectives with the stated scope of the mission.
    Referrals from a political party or partisan political group or any 
information, including on the application, containing references to 
political contributions or other partisan political activities will be 
excluded from the application and will not be considered during the 
selection process. The sender will be notified of these exclusions.
    Trade Mission Participation Fees: If and when an applicant is 
selected to participate on a particular mission, a payment to the 
Department of Commerce in the amount of the designated participation 
fee below is required. Upon notification of acceptance to participate, 
those selected have 5 business days to submit payment or the acceptance 
may be revoked.
    Participants selected for a trade mission will be expected to pay 
for the cost of personal expenses, including, but not limited to, 
international travel, lodging, meals, transportation, communication, 
and incidentals, unless otherwise noted. Participants will, however, be 
able to take advantage of U.S. Government rates for hotel rooms. In the 
event that a mission is cancelled, no personal expenses paid in 
anticipation of a mission will be reimbursed. However, participation 
fees for a cancelled mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have 
not already been expended in anticipation of the mission.
    If a visa is required to travel on a particular mission, applying 
for and obtaining such visas will be the responsibility of the mission 
participant. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such 
visas are not included in the participation fee. However, the 
Department of Commerce will provide instructions to each participant on 
the procedures required to obtain business visas.
    Trade Mission members participate in trade missions and undertake 
mission-related travel at their own risk. The nature of the security 
situation in a given foreign market at a given time cannot be 
guaranteed. The U.S. Government does not make any representations or 
guarantees as to the safety or security of participants. The U.S. 
Department of State issues U.S. Government international travel alerts 
and warnings for U.S. citizens available at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. Any question regarding 
insurance coverage must be resolved by the participant and its insurer 
of choice.
    Definition of Small and Medium Sized Enterprise: For purposes of 
assessing participation fees, the Department of Commerce defines Small 
and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME) as a firm with 500 or fewer 
employees or that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA 
regulations (see http://www.sba.gov/services/contractingopportunities/sizestandardstopics/index.html). Parent companies, affiliates, and 
subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The 
dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service's user fee schedule that 
became effective May 1, 2008 (see http://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html for additional information).
    Mission List: (additional information about each mission can be 
found at http://export.gov/trademissions).

10th Annual U.S. Industry Program at the International Atomic Energy 
Agency (IAEA) General Conference Trade Mission to Vienna, Austria, 
September 18-19, 2017

Summary

    The United States Department of Commerce's (DOC) International 
Trade Administration (ITA), with participation from the U.S. 
Departments of Energy and State, is organizing the 10th Annual U.S. 
Industry Program at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 
General Conference, to be held September 18-19, 2017, in Vienna, 
Austria. The IAEA General Conference is the premier global meeting of 
civil nuclear policymakers and typically attracts senior officials and 
industry representatives from all 162 Member States. The U.S. Industry 
Program is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce's (DOC) Civil 
Nuclear Trade Initiative, a U.S. Government effort to help U.S. civil 
nuclear companies identify and capitalize on commercial civil nuclear 
opportunities around the world. The purpose of the program is to help 
the U.S. nuclear industry promote its services and technologies to an 
international audience, including senior energy policymakers from 
current and emerging markets as well as IAEA staff.
    Representatives of U.S. companies from across the U.S. civil 
nuclear supply chain are eligible to participate. In addition, 
organizations providing related services to the industry, such as 
universities, research institutions, and U.S. civil nuclear trade 
associations, are eligible for participation. The mission will help 
U.S. participants gain market insights, make industry contacts, 
solidify business strategies, and identify or advance specific projects 
with the goal of increasing U.S. civil nuclear

[[Page 35758]]

exports to a wide variety of countries interested in nuclear energy.
    The schedule includes: Meetings with foreign delegations and 
discussions with senior U.S. Government officials and IAEA staff on 
important civil nuclear topics including regulatory, technology and 
standards, liability, public acceptance, export controls, financing, 
infrastructure development, and R&D cooperation. Past U.S. Industry 
Programs have included participation by the U.S. Secretary of Energy, 
the Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and senior 
U.S. Government officials from the Departments of Commerce, Energy, 
State, the U.S. Export-Import Bank and the National Security Council.
    There are significant opportunities for U.S. businesses in the 
global civil nuclear energy market. With 60 reactors currently under 
construction in 15 countries and 158 nuclear plant projects planned in 
27 countries over the next 8-10 years, this translates to a market 
demand for equipment and services totaling $500-740 billion over the 
next ten years. This mission contributes to DOC's Civil Nuclear Trade 
Initiative by assisting U.S. businesses in entering or expanding in 
international markets.

Schedule

    ****Note that specific events and meeting times have yet to be 
confirmed****

Monday, September 18

7:00 a.m. Industry Program breakfast begins
8:00-9:45 a.m. U.S. Policymakers Roundtable
9:45-10:00 a.m. Break
10:00-11:00 a.m. USG Dialogue with Industry
11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. IAEA Side Events
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Break
12:30-6:00 p.m. Country Briefings for Industry Delegation (presented by 
foreign delegates)
7:30-9:30 p.m. U.S. Mission to the IAEA Reception

Tuesday, September 19

9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Country Briefings for Industry (presented by 
foreign delegates)
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. IAEA Side Event Meetings

Participation Requirements

    Applicants must sign and submit a completed Trade Mission 
application form and satisfy all of the conditions of participation in 
order to be eligible for consideration. Applications will be evaluated 
on the applicant's ability to best satisfy the participation criteria.
    A minimum of 15 and maximum of 50 companies and/or trade 
associations and/or U.S. academic and research institutions will be 
selected to participate in the mission. The Department of Commerce will 
evaluate applications and inform applicants of selection decisions on a 
rolling basis until the maximum number of participants has been 
selected.

Fees and Expenses

    After a company or organization has been selected to participate on 
the mission, a payment to the DOC in the form of a participation fee is 
required. The fee covers ITA support to register U.S. industry 
participants for the IAEA General Conference Participants will be able 
to take advantage of U.S. Embassy rates for hotel rooms.
     The fee to participate in the event is $1,600 for a large 
company and $1,200 for a small or medium-sized company (SME), a trade 
association, or a U.S. university or research institution. The fee for 
each additional representative (large company, trade association, 
university/research institution, or SME) is $900.
    Participants selected for the Trade Mission will be expected to pay 
for the cost of all personal expenses, including, but not limited to, 
international travel, lodging, meals, transportation, communication, 
and incidentals, unless otherwise noted. In the event that the Mission 
is cancelled, no personal expenses paid in anticipation of a Trade 
Mission will be reimbursed. However, participation fees for a cancelled 
Trade Mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have not already 
been expended in the anticipation of the Mission.

Timeline for Recruitment

    Recruitment for participation in the U.S. Industry Program as a 
representative of the U.S. nuclear industry will be conducted in an 
open and public manner, including publication in the Federal Register, 
posting on the DOC trade mission calendar, notices to industry trade 
associations and other multiplier groups. Recruitment will begin 2 
weeks after publication in the Federal Register and conclude no later 
than June 30, 2017. The ITA will review applications and make selection 
decisions on a rolling basis. Applications received after June 30, 
2017, will be considered only if space and scheduling permit.

Contacts

Jonathan Chesebro, Industry & Analysis, Office of Energy and 
Environmental Industries, Washington, DC, Tel: (202) 482-1297, Email: 
[email protected].
Devin Horne, Industry & Analysis, Office of Energy and Environmental 
Industries, Washington, DC, Tel: (202) 482-0775, Email: 
[email protected].

Smart Grid and Energy Storage Business Development Mission to India, 
March 5-9, 2018

Summary

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration (ITA), is organizing an executive-led Smart Grid and 
Energy Storage Business Development Mission to India.
    At a time when India strives to bring modernization, stability, and 
efficiency to its expanding power grid, U.S. companies can offer 
expertise, technology and solutions to meet the demand for innovative 
power transmission and distribution equipment, smart grid technology, 
and energy storage products and services. Mission participants will 
have the opportunity to discuss with key Indian decision makers how to 
foster policies, regulations, and financial investment that support the 
development of a sustainable and profitable grid. Participants will 
network with Indian Government officials, be introduced to prospective 
business partners, and facilitate discussions on best practices in 
their areas of technical expertise.
    Mission participants will visit New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai to 
gain market insights, make industry contacts, solidify business 
strategies, and advance specific projects, with the goal of increasing 
U.S. exports of products and services to India. The mission will 
include customized one-on-one business appointments, meetings with 
state and local government officials, and networking events. In New 
Delhi, mission participants will have special access to the India Smart 
Grid Week conference, which will entail matchmaking and networking with 
utilities and officials visiting New Delhi from other states/regions.

Proposed Timetable

    * Note: The final schedule and potential site visits will depend on 
the availability of host government and business officials, specific 
goals of mission participants, and ground transportation.

[[Page 35759]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, March 4...................   Trade Mission Participants
                                     Arrive to New Delhi.
Monday, March 5...................   Welcome Breakfast Briefing.
                                     U.S. Embassy Briefing with
                                     Energy Agencies.
                                     Site Visit to Tata Power
                                     Delhi Distribution Ltd/Energy
                                     Storage Facility.
                                     Networking Lunch with
                                     Industry Chamber Membership.
                                     B2G Ministry Meetings/
                                     National Power Generation Co/
                                     National Grid Co.
                                     G2G Ministry Meetings in
                                     New Delhi.
                                     Networking Reception at
                                     Ambassador's Residence.
Tuesday, March 6..................   India Smart Grid Week
                                     Inauguration/Keynote by USG
                                     Executive Lead.
                                     Networking Lunch.
                                     One-on-One Business
                                     Matchmaking Appointments.
                                     India Smart Grid Week
                                     Conference.
Wednesday, March 7................   India Smart Grid Week
                                     Conference.
                                     U.S.-India Smart Grid
                                     Workshop (Finance, Standards, etc).
                                     Invitational Lunch with
                                     Regional Utilities.
                                     One-on-One Business
                                     Matchmaking Appointments.
                                     Travel to Hyderabad.
Thursday, March 8.................   Breakfast Briefing with
                                     U.S. Consul General Hyderabad.
                                     Group Meeting with State of
                                     Telangana, Energy Officials.
                                     Site Visit to Telangana
                                     Distribution Company.
                                     Networking Lunch with
                                     Industry Chamber/Regional
                                     Utilities.
                                     One-on-One Business
                                     Matchmaking Appointments.
                                     Travel to Mumbai.
Friday, March 9...................   Briefing with U.S. Consul
                                     General Mumbai.
                                     Energy Finance Roundtable
                                     with Financial Institutions.
                                     Meeting with State of
                                     Maharastra, Energy Officials.
                                     Networking Lunch with
                                     Industry Chamber.
                                     One-on-One Business
                                     Matchmaking Appointments.
                                     Closing Remarks/Networking
                                     Cocktail.
                                     Trade Mission Participants
                                     Depart.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Participation Requirements

    Applicants must sign and submit a completed Trade Mission 
application form and satisfy all of the conditions of participation in 
order to be eligible for consideration. A minimum of 10 and maximum of 
15 firms and/or trade associations will be selected to participate in 
the mission.

Fees and Expenses

    After a firm or trade association has been selected to participate 
on the mission, a payment to the U.S. Department of Commerce in the 
form of a participation fee is required. The participation fee for this 
Business Development Mission will be $5,800 for small or medium-sized 
enterprises (SME) \1\; and $6,300 for large firms or trade 
associations. The fee for each additional firm representative (large 
firm, SME or trade association) is $500.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or 
that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations 
(see http://www.sba.gov/services/contractingopportunities/sizestandardstopics/index.html). Parent companies, affiliates, and 
subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The 
dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service's user fee schedule 
that became effective May 1, 2008 (see http://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html for additional information).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Participants selected for the Trade Mission will be expected to pay 
for the cost of all personal expenses, but not limited to, 
international travel, lodging, meals, transportation, communication, 
and incidentals, unless otherwise noted. In the event that the Mission 
is cancelled, no personal expenses paid in anticipation of the Trade 
Mission will be reimbursed. However, participation fees for a cancelled 
Trade Mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have not already 
been expended in anticipation of the Mission. Delegation members will 
be able to take advantage of U.S. Embassy rates for hotel room package, 
which typically includes breakfast and airport-hotel transfers. Local 
ground transportation within New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai for 
meetings and events will be provided for the group.
    Participation in the India Smart Grid Week 2018 conference and 
networking lunches are included in the Trade Mission fee. Companies 
interested in opportunities for sponsoring, speaking, or exhibiting at 
India Smart Grid Week 2018 may contact the show organizers directly.
    Participants must obtain a visa to enter India. Government fees and 
processing expenses to obtain visas are not included in the mission 
costs. The U.S. Department of Commerce will provide instructions to 
each participant on the procedures to obtain the required visas.
    Trade mission members participate in this Business Development 
Mission and undertake mission-related travel at their own risk. The 
nature of a security situation in a given foreign market at a given 
time cannot be guaranteed. The U.S. Government does not make any 
representations or guarantees as to the safety or security of 
participants. The U.S. Department of State issues U.S. Government 
international travel alerts and warnings for U.S. citizens, available 
at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. 
Any question regarding insurance coverage must be resolved by the 
participant and his/her insurers of choice.
    Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, 
including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the U.S. 
Department of Commerce trade mission calendar (http://export.gov/trademissions) and other Internet Web sites, press releases to general 
and trade media, direct mail, notices by industry trade associations 
and other multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, 
symposia, conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission 
will begin immediately and conclude no later than December 12, 2017.
    The Department of Commerce will evaluate applications and inform 
applicants of selection decisions three times during the recruitment 
period. All applications received subsequent to an evaluation date will 
be considered at the next evaluation. Deadlines for each round of 
evaluation are as follows:
 First round: July 28
 Second round: September 28
 Final round: December 12
    Applications received after December 12, 2017, will be considered 
only if

[[Page 35760]]

space and scheduling constraints permit.

Contacts

Dinah McDougall, Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy New Delhi, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, Tel: +91-11-2347-2192, Fax: +91-11-2331-5172, 
Email: [email protected].
Victoria Gunderson, International Trade Specialist, Office of Energy 
and Environmental Industries, International Trade Administration, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, [email protected], Office: +1-202-
482-7890, Mobile: +1-202-839-0000.
David Nufrio, International Trade Specialist, Office of South Asia, 
U.S. Department of Commerce, Phone: 202-482-5175, Email: 
[email protected].
Shannon Fraser, Global Energy Team, U.S. Commercial Service--San Jose/
Silicon Valley, U.S. Department of Commerce, Email: 
[email protected], Cell: 408-335-8979.
Mark Wells, Project Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, 
DC, Tel: 202-482-0904, Email: [email protected].

Horizontal Trade Mission to the Caribbean Region in Conjunction With 
the Trade Americas--Business Opportunities in the Caribbean Region 
Conference--May 6-11, 2018

Summary

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration, is organizing a trade mission to the Caribbean region, 
in conjunction with the Department of Commerce's Trade Americas--
Business Opportunities in the Caribbean Region Conference in Miami, 
Florida. Trade mission participants will arrive in Miami on May 6, and 
will attend the Trade Americas--Business Opportunities in the Caribbean 
Region Conference on May 6th and 7th. On May 7th, following the morning 
session of the conference, trade mission participants will participate 
in one-on-one consultations with U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service 
(US&FCS) Commercial Officers and/or Economic/Commercial Officers from 
the following U.S. Embassies in the Caribbean region: The Bahamas, 
Barbados, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. 
The following day, May 8, trade mission participants will travel to 
engage in business-to-business appointments, each of which will be with 
a pre-screened potential buyer, agent, distributor or joint-venture 
partner, in up-to two markets in the Caribbean Region.
    The Department of Commerce's Trade Americas--Business Opportunities 
in the Caribbean Region Conference will focus on regional specific 
sessions, market access, logistics and trade financing resources as 
well as pre-arranged one-one-one consultations with US&FCS Commercial 
Officers and/or Department of State Economic/Commercial Officers with 
expertise in commercial markets throughout the region.
    The mission is open to U.S. companies from a cross section of 
industries with growing potential in the Caribbean region, but is 
focused on U.S. companies in best prospects sectors such as Automotive 
Parts and Services, Construction Equipment/Road Building Machinery/
Building Products/Infrastructure projects, Medical Equipment and 
Devices/Pharmaceuticals, ICT, Energy Equipment and Services, Safety and 
Security Equipment, Hotel and Restaurant Equipment, Franchise, 
Manufacturing Equipment, Yachting industry/Maritime services/Sailing 
Equipment.
    The combination of participation in the Trade Americas--Business 
Opportunities in the Caribbean Region Conference and business-to-
business matchmaking appointments in six Caribbean countries, will 
provide participants with access to substantive information about and 
strategies for entering or expanding their business across the 
Caribbean region.

Schedule

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 6, 2018.......................  Travel Day/Arrival in Miami, FL.
May 7, 2018.......................  Miami, FL.
                                    Morning: Registration and Trade
                                     Americas--Business Opportunities in
                                     the Caribbean Region Conference.
                                    Afternoon: U.S. Embassy Officer
                                     Consultations.
                                    Evening: Networking Reception.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Optional

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 8-11, 2018....................  Travel and Business-to-Business
                                     Meetings in (choice of two
                                     markets):
                                    Option (A) Dominican Republic.
                                    Option (B) Bahamas.
                                    Option (C) Barbados.
                                    Option (D) Haiti.
                                    Option (E) Jamaica.
                                    Option (F) Trinidad and Tobago.
May 12, 2018......................  Travel Day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Participation Requirements

    All applicants must sign and submit a completed Trade Mission 
application form and satisfy all of the conditions of participation in 
order to be eligible for consideration. Applications will be evaluated 
on the applicant's ability to best satisfy the participation criteria.
    A minimum of 20 and a maximum of 30 companies will be selected to 
participate in the mission. The Department of Commerce will evaluate 
applications and inform applicants of selection decisions on a rolling 
basis until the maximum number of

[[Page 35761]]

participants has been selected. During the registration process, 
applicants will indicate their markets of choice and will receive a 
brief market assessment for each of those markets. Applicants can 
select up-to two markets based on the selection criteria below. 
Companies that received favorable market opportunities in various 
markets may be able to participate in business-to-business meetings in 
a third market, if that post can accommodate those meetings. The number 
of companies that may be selected for each country are as follows: 20 
companies for Dominican Republic, 3 companies for the Bahamas; 3 
companies for Barbados; 4 companies for Haiti; 3 companies for Jamaica; 
and 3 companies for Trinidad and Tobago. U.S. companies already doing 
business in, or seeking to enter these markets for the first time may 
apply.

Fees and Expenses

    After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a 
payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation 
fee is required.
    For business-to-business meetings in one market, the participation 
fee will be $2,100 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) * and 
$3,100 for large firms *.
    For business-to-business meetings in two markets, the participation 
fee will be $2,800 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) \2\ * 
and $3,800 for large firms *.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or 
that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations 
(see http://www.sba.gov/services/contractingopportunities/sizestandardstopics/index.html). Parent companies, affiliates, and 
subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The 
dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service's user fee schedule 
that became effective May 1, 2008 (see http://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html for additional information).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The mission registration fee includes the Trade Americas--Business 
Opportunities in the Caribbean Region Conference registration fee of 
$400 per participant from each firm.
    There will be a $200 fee for each additional firm representative 
(large firm or SME) that wishes to participate in business-to-business 
meetings in any of the markets selected.
    Participants selected for the Trade Mission will be expected to pay 
for the cost of all personal expenses, including, but not limited to, 
international travel, lodging, meals, transportation, communication, 
and incidentals, unless otherwise noted. In the event that the Mission 
is cancelled, no personal expenses paid in anticipation of a Trade 
Mission will be reimbursed. However, participation fees for a cancelled 
Trade Mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have not already 
been expended in the anticipation of the Mission.

Timeframe for Recruitment and Application

    Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, 
including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce 
Department trade mission calendar on www.export.gov, the Trade Americas 
Web page at http://export.gov/tradeamericas/index.asp, and other 
Internet Web sites, press releases to the general and trade media, 
direct mail and broadcast fax, notices by industry trade associations 
and other multiplier groups and announcements at industry meetings, 
symposia, conferences, and trade shows.
    Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no 
later than Friday, March 16, 2018. The U.S. Department of Commerce will 
review applications and make selection decisions on a rolling basis 
until the maximum of 30 participants are selected. After March 16, 
2018, companies will be considered only if space and scheduling 
constraints permit.

Contacts

U.S. Trade Americas Team Contact Information

Diego Gattesco, Director, U.S. Commercial Service--Wheeling, WV, 
[email protected], Tel: 304-243-5493.
Delia Valdivia, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial 
Service--Los Angeles (West), CA, [email protected], Tel: 310-
235-7203.

Caribbean Region Contact Information

David McNeill, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service--U.S. 
Embassy, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, [email protected].
Maria Elena Portorreal, Regional Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial 
Service--U.S. Embassy, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 
[email protected].

Oil and Gas Trade Mission to Rio De Janiero, Brazil--September 19-21, 
2018

Summary

    The United States Department of Commerce International Trade 
Administration's (ITA) is organizing an Oil and Gas Trade Mission to 
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, September 19-21, 2018.
    The Trade Mission offers a timely and cost-effective means for U.S. 
firms to engage with key stakeholders and to enter the promising 
Brazilian oil and gas market for oil and gas equipment, technology, and 
services. The delegation will be comprised of at least 10 U.S. firms 
and a maximum of 15 U.S. firms representing a cross-section of U.S. oil 
and gas segments that have developed products and services for subsea 
(deep water) and onshore, oil and gas exploration and production U.S. 
oil and gas operators and representatives of U.S. oil and gas trade 
associations may also apply to be part of the 10-15 total participants.

Schedule

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, Sep 18, 2018........   Delegation arrives in Rio.
                                Welcome lunch at hotel
                                restaurant.
                                Afternoon free.
Wednesday, Sep 19, 2018......   Country Team Briefing at U.S.
                                Consulate General Rio de Janeiro by
                                Brazil Mission team. Topics: Brazil's
                                economy, commercial environment,
                                investment climate, IP issues, etc.
                                Commercial & Legal Briefing by
                                key industry players and a Law Office.
                                Topics: Oil and Gas Opportunities in
                                Brazil/Understanding Petrobras Tenders.
                                Lunch with the Brazilian
                                Speakers of the Commercial/Legal
                                Briefing.
                                One group meeting with Petrobras
                                (U.S. companies to make presentations to
                                Petrobras).
                                Welcome cocktail Reception.
Thursday, Sep 20, 2018.......   U.S. companies individual
                                business-to-business appointments at the
                                Brazilian company's offices.

[[Page 35762]]

 
Friday, Sep 21, 2018.........   Site visit to a U.S. OEM (e.g.:
                                Oceaneering or GE Wellstream--TBD).
                                Mission participants lunch.
                                One group meeting with another
                                oil company (e.g.: Shell--TBD).
                                Evening Departure (**).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(**) As an option, trade mission participants may stay over the weekend
  and attend at least one day of the Rio Oil and Gas Trade Show that
  will take place from September 24-27, 2018. There is no additional
  costs to the participation fee for the optional trade show
  participation. There is free transportation offered by the show
  organizers to and from the conference grounds. All additional costs
  that TM participants will have do not apply to the TM participation
  fee.

Participation Requirements

    Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no 
later than July 30, 2018. All parties interested in participating in 
the trade mission must complete and submit an application package for 
consideration by the Department of Commerce. All applications must be 
submitted before July 30, 2018. The Department of Commerce will 
evaluate all applications and inform applicants of selection decisions 
as soon as possible after this application deadline.
    Applications received after July 30, 2018, will be considered only 
if space and scheduling constraints permit.

Fees and Expenses

    After a company or organization has been selected to participate in 
the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a 
participation fee is required. The participation fee for the Trade 
Mission will be $2,010 for a small or medium-sized firm (SME), and 
$2,320 for large firms. The fee for each additional firm representative 
(large firm or SME/trade organization) is USD $750.00.
    Participants selected for the Trade Mission will be expected to pay 
for the cost of all personal expenses, including, but not limited to, 
international travel, lodging, meals, transportation, communication, 
and incidentals, unless otherwise noted. In the event that the Mission 
is cancelled, no personal expenses paid in anticipation of a Trade 
Mission will be reimbursed. However, participation fees for a cancelled 
Trade Mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have not already 
been expended in the anticipation of the Mission.
    Participants will be able to take advantage of U.S. Government 
rates for hotel rooms. Business or entry visas may be required to 
participate in the mission. Applying for and obtaining such visas will 
be the responsibility of the mission participant. Government fees and 
processing expenses to obtain such visas are not included in the 
participation fee. However, the Department of Commerce will provide 
instructions to each participant on the procedures required to obtain 
necessary business visas.

Timeframe for Recruitment and Application

    Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, 
including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce 
Department trade mission calendar (http://export.gov/trademissions) and 
other Internet Web sites, press releases to general and trade media, 
direct mail, notices by industry trade associations and other 
multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, 
conferences, and trade shows.
    Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no 
later than July 30, 2018. Applications received after July 30, 2018, 
will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.

Contacts

Regina Cunha, Senior Commercial Specialist, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, Address: U.S. Consulate General. Avenida Presidente Wilson 
147. Centro, Rio de Janeiro. Brazil. Tel.: # +55 21 38232416, Email: 
[email protected].
Rodrigo Correa, Commercial Assistant, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
Address: U.S. Consulate General. Avenida Presidente Wilson 147. Centro, 
Rio de Janeiro. Brazil. Tel.: # +55 21 38232406, Email: 
[email protected].
Stefan Popescu, Commercial Specialist, CS Toronto, Tel: 1 416-595-5412 
x223, [email protected].
Connie Irrera, Commercial Specialist, CS Montreal, Tel: 1 514-908-3662, 
[email protected].
Julius Svoboda, Senior Oil & Gas Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, Address: 1401 Constitution Ave., Tel.: +1-202-482-5430, 
Email: [email protected].

Frank Spector,
Senior Advisor for Trade Missions.
[FR Doc. 2017-16082 Filed 7-31-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P