[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 3, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55222-55224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-14638]


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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. This mission is: 
Innovative Technologies for Urban Infrastructure Development Trade 
Mission to the Philippines and Indonesia--November 12-November 20, 
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 this 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, notices by industry trade associations and other 
multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, 
conferences, and trade shows.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Odum, Trade Events 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:

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 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 
canceled.
    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 51 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 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 percent U.S. content by value.
    A trade association/organization applicant must certify to the 
above for all of the companies it seeks to represent on the mission.
    In cases where applicants cannot certify 51 percent U.S. content, 
especially where the applicant intends to pursue investment in major 
project opportunities, the following factors may be considered in 
determining whether the applicant's participation in the mission is in 
the U.S. national interest:
     U.S. materials and equipment content;
     U.S. labor content;
     Contribution to the U.S. technology base, including 
conduct of research and development in the United States;
     Repatriation of profits to the U.S. economy; and
     Potential for follow-on business that would benefit the 
U.S. economy.
    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,

[[Page 55223]]

including the 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.

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).

Innovative Technologies for Urban Infrastructure Development Trade 
Mission to the Philippines and Indonesia--November 12-November 20

Summary

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration (ITA), is organizing an Innovative Technologies for 
Urban Infrastructure Development Trade Mission to the Philippines and 
Indonesia from November 12 through November 20, 2024 with stops in 
Manila and New Clark City in the Philippines, and Jakarta and Denpasar 
in Indonesia. In addition to these stops, mission participants can join 
an optional additional stop in Nusantara, Indonesia's future capital 
city.
    The objective of this mission is to advance U.S. national interests 
by supporting the implementation of ambitious digital transformation 
agendas that the Philippines and Indonesia are pursuing to develop 
urban technology infrastructure for the benefit of their communities. 
The business development mission to Indonesia was jointly announced as 
a digital transformation deliverable to promote increased trade and 
investment relations with the United States by Presidents Biden and 
Jokowi at the White House on November 13, 2023, when the two leaders 
elevated the U.S.-Indonesia relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic 
Partnership. Commerce's trade mission team subsequently added stops in 
the Philippines, to expand opportunities for U.S. companies to 
contribute to digital transformation and infrastructure development 
projects in two dynamic Southeast Asian maritime markets.
    Mission participants will have the opportunity to discuss their 
smart cities technology and service solutions with government 
officials, prospective business partners, and smart city experts. 
Participants will learn about the many smart city business 
opportunities in the Philippines and Indonesia and gain first-hand 
market exposure. Mission participants already doing business in the 
Philippines and Indonesia can further advance business relationships 
and explore new priorities.

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 of a broad range of information and 
communication technology sectors, with an emphasis on sectors that 
advance digital and urban infrastructure development.

 Artificial Intelligence
 Cybersecurity
 Digital Economy
 Energy and Environmental Technologies for Sustainability and 
Climate Resilience
 Green Buildings
 Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
 Smart City Technologies and Services
 Standards
 Telecommunications
 Transportation and Urban Mobility
 Urban Infrastructure Development

Other Products and Services

    Applications from companies selling products or services within the 
scope of this mission, but not specifically identified in the 
categories above 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 Domestic Office to learn about other business development 
missions and services that may provide more targeted export 
opportunities. Companies may go to http://trade.gov to obtain such 
information.

                           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.]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 12, 2024, Manila, Philippines.   All Trade Mission
                                          Participants Arrive in Manila.
November 13, 2024, Manila, Philippines.   Official Trade Mission
                                          Program Commences.
                                          MANILA (Full Day
                                          Sessions).
                                          Networking Reception.
November 14, 2024, New Clark City,        Travel to NEW CLARK
 Philippines--Denpasar, Indonesia.        CITY.
                                          Visit NEW CLARK CITY
                                          (Half-Day Sessions).
                                          Travel to DENPASAR,
                                          Indonesia (Evening).
November 15, 2024, Denpasar, Indonesia.   DENPASAR (Full Day
                                          Sessions).
November 16, 2024, Denpasar, Indonesia.   DENPASAR (Full Day
                                          Sessions).
November 17, 2024, Denpasar, Indonesia--  DENPASAR (Off Day).
 Jakarta, Indonesia.                      Travel to JAKARTA.
November 18, 2024, Jakarta, Indonesia..   JAKARTA (Full Day
                                          Sessions).
                                          Networking Lunch.
                                          Networking Reception
                                          in Jakarta.
November 19, 2024, Jakarta, Indonesia--   Companies
 Balikpapan, Indonesia.                   participating in Spinoffs
                                          travel to the next stop.
                                          SPINOFF: BALIKPAPAN
                                          (Full Day Sessions).

[[Page 55224]]

 
November 20, 2024, Nusantara,             SPINOFF: NUSANTARA
 Indonesia--Jakarta, Indonesia.           (Full Day Sessions).
                                          Travel to JAKARTA
                                          (Evening).
                                          Official Trade Mission
                                          Concludes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the trade mission must 
complete and submit an application package for consideration by the 
Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated on their 
ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection 
criteria as outlined above. A minimum of 12 and a maximum of 15 firms 
and/or trade associations will be selected to participate in the 
mission from the applicant pool.

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 $4,750 for small or medium-sized 
enterprises (SME); \1\ and $5,000 for large firms or trade 
associations. For any participant who wants to travel to Nusantara, 
there will be an additional fee of $500. The fee for each additional 
firm representative (large firm or SME/trade organization) is $800. 
Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the 
responsibility of each mission participant. Interpreter and driver 
services can be arranged for additional cost. Delegation members will 
be able to take advantage of U.S. Embassy rates for hotel rooms.
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    \1\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If and when an applicant is selected to participate in a particular 
mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the amount of the 
designated participation fee above is required. Upon notification of 
acceptance to participate, those selected have five 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 canceled, no personal expenses paid in 
anticipation of a mission will be reimbursed. However, participation 
fees for a canceled mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have 
not already been expended in anticipation of the mission.
    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.
    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 Commerce 
Department 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 September 6, 2024. The U.S. 
Department of Commerce will review applications and inform applicants 
of selection decisions on a rolling basis. Applications received after 
September 6, 2024, will be considered only if space and scheduling 
constraints permit.

Contacts

Christopher Feather, Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy in Indonesia--
Jakarta, +62-21-5083-2272, [email protected]
Oryza Astari, Indonesia Desk Officer, Office of Southeast Asia--
Washington, DC, +1-771-216-4982, [email protected]
Anne Marie Brooks, Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy in the 
Philippines--Manila, +63-998-961-9860, [email protected]
Elliott Brewer, Philippines Desk Officer, Office of Southeast Asia--
Washington, DC, +1-202-430-8025, [email protected]
Molly Ho, Global ICT Team Director, Senior International Trade 
Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service--Denver, +1-303-889-9789, 
[email protected]

Gemal Brangman,
Director, ITA Events Management Task Force.
[FR Doc. 2024-14638 Filed 7-2-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P