[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 163 (Thursday, August 24, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57926-57929]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-18225]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Announcement of Approved International Trade Administration Trade 
Mission

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

SUMMARY: The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration (ITA), is announcing one upcoming trade mission that 
will be recruited, organized, and implemented by ITA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Odum, Events Management Task 
Force, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 
482-6397 or email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    This mission is:
    Clean EDGE (Enhancing Development and Growth through Clean Energy) 
and Environmental Technologies Business Development Mission to India--
March 4-11, 2024.
    A summary of the 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 website: 
https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions.
    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 (https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions-schedule) and other internet websites, 
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 the 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 that is adequate to allow the Department of Commerce 
to evaluate their application. If the Department of Commerce receives 
an incomplete application, the Department of Commerce 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

[[Page 57927]]

the association/organization, the 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 and agree 
to the above for every company 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 the 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's or service provider's) 
products or services to these markets;
     The applicant's (or in the case of a trade association/
organization, represented firm's 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's or service provider's) 
goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission. Balance of 
company size and location may also be considered during the 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. 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.

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 as a ``small 
business'' 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.
    Mission List: (additional information about trade missions can be 
found at https://www.trade.gov/trade-missions).

Clean EDGE (Enhancing Development and Growth Through Clean Energy) and 
Environmental Technologies Business Development Mission to India--March 
4-11, 2024

Summary

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration (ITA), is organizing an executive-led Clean EDGE and 
Environmental Technologies Business Development Mission to India on 
March 4-11, 2024, with stops in Delhi and Mumbai. In addition to these 
stops, mission participants can select an optional additional stop in 
Hyderabad or Chennai. The additional optional stops will not be 
executive led.
    The trade mission will support the U.S. vision to grow sustainable 
and secure clean energy markets in India by promoting U.S. exports and 
removing trade barriers. This trade mission will accelerate the 
adoption and deployment of energy and environmental solutions, helping 
India to meet its climate commitments. The trade mission builds on U.S. 
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo's March 2023 trip to India to co-
lead the U.S.-India Commercial Dialogue. This mission also supports 
ITA's ongoing efforts to strengthen the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global 
Strategic Partnership, develop inclusive and fair trade and investment 
policies, and leverage the interests of the private sector in pursuing 
new market opportunities that advance prosperity in both countries. The 
mission builds on several existing energy and environmental technology 
programs and events, including those organized under the Department of 
Commerce-led Clean EDGE U.S.-India Energy Industry Network.
    Mission participants will have the opportunity to participate in 
meetings with key Indian decision makers to discuss how to foster 
policies, regulations, and financial investments that support the 
development of sustainable, secure, and clean energy markets, 
supporting the protection of human health and the environment. Mission 
participants will network with Indian national and state 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 clean energy and environmental technologies, products, and 
services to India. The mission will include customized one-on-one 
business matchmaking appointments and networking events. Participation 
in the trade mission will be open to energy sector and environmental 
technology businesses meeting the prerequisites for participation 
outlined in the Conditions of Participation below.
    Following the mission, participants may want to take advantage of 
the India Smart Utility Week trade show held in Delhi on March 12-16, 
2024. India Smart Utility Week is a major international event on smart 
grids, electric mobility, and smart cities. The trade show includes 
international participation from policy makers, regulators, and the 
private sector. Representatives from more than 50 countries have 
participated in previous years. The India Smart Utility Week trade show 
is not a part of the mission nor a Department of Commerce event.

Best Prospects

    The below list, while not exhaustive, identifies key products, 
services, and technologies that would be an appropriate fit for the 
trade mission. ITA is committed to assembling a trade mission 
delegation that is representative

[[Page 57928]]

of a broad range of energy and environmental technology sectors, with 
an emphasis on sectors that advance clean and sustainable energy and 
environment goals.

 Renewable power generation (solar, offshore wind, green 
hydrogen, etc.)
 Carbon abatement technologies for thermal power generation, 
including Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies
 Energy efficiency technologies specific to the energy and 
environmental technologies sectors
 Distributed energy resources
 Microgrids
 Transmission and Distribution (T&D) equipment
 Smart grid information communications technologies and 
services
 Distribution automation/substation automation
 Energy storage technologies
 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems
 Energy cybersecurity software and services
 Engineering, procurement, and construction for energy and 
environment-related infrastructure projects
 Energy management systems
 Air pollution monitoring and control technologies
 Water and wastewater management systems
 Waste-to-energy equipment

Other Products and Services

    Applications from companies exporting products or services within 
the scope of this 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. Commercial Service office to learn about other 
business development missions and services that may provide more 
targeted export opportunities. Companies may visit https://www.trade.gov/contact-us to obtain such information. This information 
also may be found on the website: https://www.trade.gov/.

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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, March 4, 2024.............   All Trade Mission
                                     Participants Arrive in DELHI.
Tuesday, March 5, 2024............   Official Trade Mission
                                     Program Commences.
                                     DELHI (Full Day Sessions).
                                     Networking Reception.
Wednesday, March 6, 2024..........   DELHI (Full Day Sessions).
                                     Travel to MUMBAI (Evening).
Thursday, March 7, 2024...........   MUMBAI (Full Day Sessions).
                                     Networking Reception.
Friday, March 8, 2024.............   MUMBAI (Full Day Sessions).
                                     Official Trade Mission
                                     Concludes.
Saturday, March 9, 2024...........   Companies participating in
                                     Spinoffs travel to next stop.
Sunday, March 10, 2024............   Opportunities for Tourism.
                                     Companies participating in
                                     Spinoffs travel to next stop.
Monday, March 11, 2024............   SPINOFFS: HYDERABAD or
                                     CHENNAI (Full Day Sessions).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. ITA plans to select a minimum of 15 and a 
maximum of 20 firms to participate in the official trade mission 
program. Business-to-business meetings will be offered and will include 
a total of 5-7 meetings in Delhi and Mumbai. A maximum number of 
companies has been set for each of the spinoff programs: Hyderabad-
three company maximum; Chennai-ten company maximum.

Fees and Expenses

    After a firm or trade association 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 Business 
Development Mission will be $4,093 for small or medium-sized 
enterprises (SME) and $6,276 for large firms. The fee for the 
additional program in Hyderabad is $950 for SMEs and $3,400 for large 
firms; the fee for the optional program in Chennai is $1,315 for SMEs 
and $1,818 for large firms or trade associations. The fee for each 
additional firm representative (large firm or SME) is $1000. Meetings 
will be conducted in English and ground transportation to meetings will 
be provided for delegation participants. Personal interpreters and 
driver services can be arranged for additional cost.
    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 a visa will be the responsibility of the mission 
participant. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such a 
visa 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/

[[Page 57929]]

passports/en/alertswarnings.html. Any question regarding insurance 
coverage must be resolved by the participant and its insurer of choice.
    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 
previously selected applicants with the option to opt-in to the new 
virtual program.

Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications

    Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, 
including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the 
Department of Commerce trade mission calendar (http://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 and conclude no later than October 20, 2023.
    The Department of Commerce will review applications and inform 
applicants of selection decisions in two tranches. The first 
recruitment deadline will end on September 15, 2023. At most eight 
companies will be approved during the first recruitment deadline. The 
second deadline will be on October 20, 2023. Applicants from the first 
tranche that were not one of the eight approved companies will be 
considered in the second tranche. Applications received after October 
20, 2023, will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints 
permit.

Contacts

Matthew Eiss, International Trade Specialist, Office of South Asia, 
Phone: +1-202-893-1470, Email: [email protected]
Frances Selema (Recruitment Lead), Global Asia Team Leader, U.S. 
Commercial Service--Greensboro, Phone: +1-919-695-6366, Email: 
[email protected]
Victoria Yue, Senior Climate Trade Policy Specialist, Office of Energy 
and Environmental Industries, Phone: +1-202-482-3492, Email: 
[email protected]
Debra Martin, Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy in India--New Delhi, 
Phone: +91-11-2347-2192, Email: [email protected]
Haisum Shah, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial 
Service--Portland, Oregon, Phone: +1-503-347-1708, Email: 
[email protected]
Danielle Caltabiano, Global Energy Team Leader, U.S. Commercial 
Service--Houston, Phone: +1-281-228-5655, Email: 
[email protected]
Elizabeth Laxague, Global Environmental Technologies Team Leader, U.S. 
Commercial Service--Seattle, Phone: +1-206-406-8903, Email: 
[email protected]

Gemal Brangman,
Director, Trade Events Management Task Force.
[FR Doc. 2023-18225 Filed 8-23-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P