[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 34 (Friday, February 18, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9320-9322]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03502]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Notice of Recruitment for the Clean EDGE Asia Business 
Development Mission to Indonesia and Vietnam

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The International Trade Administration (ITA), United States 
Department of Commerce, is announcing recruitment for the Clean EDGE 
Asia Business Development Mission to Indonesia and Vietnam (previously 
announced and published in the Federal Register as the Asia EDGE 
Business Development Mission to Indonesia and Vietnam). The Mission 
will be hosted from June 6-10, 2022, with dates, fee structure, and 
scope as outlined below. The Mission includes stops to Indonesia and 
Vietnam, with an optional stop to the Philippines.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of dates, pricing, and scope for the 
Clean EDGE Asia Business Development Mission to Indonesia and Vietnam.

Background

    The International Trade Administration (ITA), United States 
Department of Commerce, is announcing dates, pricing, and scope for the 
executive-led Clean EDGE Asia Business Development Mission to Indonesia 
and Vietnam. The Mission will take place from June 6-10, 2022 and 
includes stops to Indonesia (Jakarta) and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and 
Hanoi), with an optional program in the Philippines (Manila) from June 
13-14, 2022. The Mission was previously announced and published in the 
Federal Register as the Asia EDGE Business Development Mission (84 FR 
48590) and was initially scheduled for March 16-24, 2020. The Mission 
was postponed multiple times due to COVID-19. The Mission is now being 
organized under the Biden-Harris Administration's new Indo-Pacific 
clean energy initiative, Clean EDGE Asia, and is focused on promoting 
U.S. products and services exports that strengthen energy security, 
enhance energy access, promote open and efficient energy markets, and 
advance clean energy and climate goals in Southeast Asia.
    The Mission will support the U.S. vision to grow sustainable, 
secure, and clean energy markets throughout Asia by promoting U.S. 
exports, mobilizing private sector investment, removing trade barriers, 
and strengthening standards and procurement practices. Drawing on 
expertise and resources from across the U.S. government, this trade 
mission will advance global efforts to realize net-zero emissions by 
midcentury, while supporting the strategic objectives of strengthening 
energy security, expanding energy access, and promoting energy markets 
that are open, efficient, rule-based, and transparent. The Mission will 
highlight the range of energy sectors in which U.S. companies are 
competitive, including those that are at the forefront of supporting 
efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonize the 
energy sector. The Mission will build on several existing energy 
programs and events, including those organized under the U.S.-Indonesia 
and U.S.-Vietnam Energy Industry Networks.
    Mission participants will have the opportunity to meet with key 
Southeast Asian decision makers to discuss how to foster policies, 
regulations, and financial investment that support the development of 
sustainable, secure, and profitable energy markets. Mission 
participants will network with regional government officials, be 
introduced to prospective business partners, and facilitate discussions 
on best practices in their areas of technical expertise. Participants 
will gain market insights, make industry contacts, solidify business 
strategies, discuss enabling policies, and advance specific projects, 
with the primary goal of increasing U.S. exports of products and 
services to the Indo-Pacific. The Mission will include customized one-
on-one business appointments, meetings with state and local government 
officials, and networking events. Participation will be open to energy 
sector stakeholders meeting the prerequisites for participation 
outlined in the Conditions of Participation.

Best Prospects

    The below list, while not exhaustive, identifies key products, 
services, and technologies that would be an appropriate fit for the 
trade mission. Companies across all energy sectors are welcome to 
apply. ITA is committed to assembling a trade mission delegation that 
is representative of a broad range of energy sectors, with an emphasis 
on those sectors that advance clean and sustainable energy goals.

 Renewable Power Generation (Solar, Wind, Geothermal, etc.)
 Civil Nuclear Power Generation
 Carbon Abatement Technologies for Thermal Power Generation
 Distributed Energy Resources
 Microgrids

[[Page 9321]]

 Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Equipment
 Smart Grid Information Communications Technologies and 
Services
 Distribution Automation/Substation Automation
 Energy Storage Technologies
 Supervisory Control and DataAcquisition (SCADA) Systems
 Energy Cybersecurity Software and Services
 Engineering and Design Services
 Project Management Services/Consulting Services
 Predictive Maintenance/Corrosion Control/Condition Monitoring 
Systems
 Energy Management Systems
 Biofuels
 Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Other Products and Services

    Applications from companies exporting products or services within 
the scope of the Mission, but not specifically identified, will be 
considered and evaluated by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Companies 
whose products or services do not fit the scope of the Mission may 
contact their local U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) to learn 
about other business development missions and services that may provide 
more targeted export opportunities. Companies may call 1-800-872-8723 
or visit https://help.export.gov/ to obtain such information. This 
information also may be found on the website: https://www.export.gov.

Proposed Timetable *

June 4-14, 2022

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Saturday/Sunday, June 4/5,      Travel to JAKARTA.
 2022.
Monday, June 6, 2022.........   Official Trade Mission Program
                                Commences.
                                JAKARTA (Full Day Sessions).
Tuesday, June 7, 2022........   JAKARTA (Morning Sessions).
                                Travel to HO CHI MINH CITY.
Wednesday, June 8, 2022......   HO CHI MINH CITY (Full Day
                                Sessions).
Thursday, June 9, 2022.......   Travel to HANOI.
                                HANOI (Evening Reception).
Friday, June 10, 2022........   HANOI (Full Day Sessions).
Saturday/Sunday, June 11/12,    Optional Spin Off Program
 2022.                          Commences.
                                Travel to MANILA.
Monday, June 13, 2022........   MANILA (Full Day Sessions).
Tuesday, June 14, 2022.......   MANILA (Full Day Sessions).
                                Trade Mission Concludes.
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* Note: The final schedule of meetings, events, and site visits will
  depend on the availability of host government and business officials,
  specific goals of mission participants, and flight availability and
  ground transportation options.

Participation Requirements

    Applicants must sign and submit a completed trade mission 
application form and satisfy all the conditions of participation to be 
eligible for consideration. Applicants are also asked to submit a 
supplemental statement to ITA outlining how their products and services 
advance clean energy and climate goals in Southeast Asia and elaborate 
on any current sustainable energy projects that they are supporting in 
the region. ITA plans to select a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 
firms and/or trade associations to participate in the Mission. Firms 
that were previously selected to the Asia EDGE Business Development 
Mission are encouraged to review the new scope of the trade mission and 
re-apply if interested.

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 $4,700 for small or medium-sized 
enterprises (SME) \1\; and $6,700 for large firms or trade 
associations. The fee for each additional firm representative (large 
firm, SME or trade association) is $1,000. The fee for the spin off to 
Manila will be $1,300 for SMEs; and $2,000 for large firms or trade 
associations.
    Participants selected for the 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 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 for meetings and events will be provided for the 
group.
    Participants must obtain individual country visas to enter 
Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines (if electing to join the 
optional spin-off activities in Manila). 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 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 his/her insurers of choice.

Definition of Small and Medium Sized Enterprise

    For purposes of assessing participation fees, an applicant is a 
small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) if it qualifies under the Small 
Business Administration's (SBA) size standards (https://www.sba.gov/document/support-table-size-standards), which vary by North American 
Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code. The SBA Size Standards 
Tool [https://www.sba.gov/size-standards/] can help you determine the 
qualifications that apply to your company.

[[Page 9322]]

Important Note About the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Travel and in-person activities are contingent upon the safety and 
health conditions in the United States and the mission countries. 
Should safety or health conditions not be appropriate for travel and/or 
in-person activities, the Department will consider postponing the event 
or offering a virtual program in lieu of an in-person agenda. In the 
event of a postponement, the Department will notify the public and 
applicants previously selected to participate in this mission will need 
to confirm their availability but need not reapply. Should the decision 
be made to organize a virtual program, the Department will adjust fees, 
accordingly, prepare an agenda for virtual activities, and notify the 
previous selected applicants with the option to opt-in to the new 
virtual program.

Conditions of Participation

    An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission application 
and supplemental application materials, including adequate information 
on the company's products and/or services, primary market objectives, 
and goals for participation. Applicants must also submit a supplemental 
statement to ITA outlining how their products and services advance 
clean energy and climate goals in Southeast Asia and describing any 
current sustainable energy projects they are supporting in the region. 
If an incomplete application is received, the U.S. Department of 
Commerce may reject the application, request additional information, or 
take the lack of information into account when evaluating the 
applications.
    Each applicant must provide certification that its products and/or 
services are being manufactured or produced in the United States or, if 
manufactured/produced outside of the United States, its products and/or 
services are marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have U.S. 
content representing at least 51 percent of the value of the finished 
product or service. In the case of a trade association, the applicant 
must certify that, for each company to be represented by the trade 
association on the mission, the products and services that the 
represented company 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 percent U.S. content. Applicants are encouraged to reach out 
to ITA staff if they have any questions.
    In addition, each applicant must:
     Certify that the export of 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 U.S. Department of Commerce;
     Certify that it has identified any pending litigation 
(including any administrative proceedings) to which it is a party that 
involves the U.S. Department of Commerce;
     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; and
     Certify that it meets the minimum requirements as stated 
in this announcement.
    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 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;
     Firm's or service provider's (or in the case of a trade 
association/organization, represented firms') potential for business in 
the markets visited and broader Indo-Pacific region, including 
likelihood of U.S. exports resulting from or otherwise advanced by the 
mission.
     Consistency of the firm's or service provider's (or in the 
case of a trade association/organization, represented firms') goals and 
objectives with the stated scope of the mission.
    Balance of company size and location may also be considered during 
the overall review process. 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.

Timeline for Recruitment and Applications

    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 (https://export.gov/trademissions) and other internet websites, 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.
    The Department of Commerce will evaluate applications and inform 
applicants of selection decisions following the recruitment period. 
Applications received after April 1, 2022, will be considered only if 
space and scheduling constraints permit.

Contacts

Victoria Yue, Senior International Trade Specialist, Office of Energy 
and Environmental Industries, U.S. Department of Commerce, Phone: 1-
202-482-3492, Email: [email protected]
Daniel Pint, Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh 
City (Vietnam), U.S. Department of Commerce, Phone: 84-28-3520-4651, 
Email: [email protected]
Paul Taylor, Senior Commercial Officer (Acting), U.S. Embassy Jakarta 
(Indonesia), U.S. Department of Commerce, Phone: 62-815-1080-0475, 
Email: [email protected]
Darrel Ching, Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippines, 
U.S. Department of Commerce, Phone: 63-2-5301-6366, Email: 
[email protected]

Barton Meroney,
Executive Director for Manufacturing, Office of Manufacturing.
[FR Doc. 2022-03502 Filed 2-17-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P