[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56297-56301]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-14976]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Announcement of Approved International Trade Administration 
Business Development Mission

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY: The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration (ITA), is announcing one upcoming business development 
mission that will be recruited, organized, and implemented by ITA. This 
mission is: U.S. Aerospace & Defense Trade Mission to Denmark and 
Sweden--October 21-24, 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.

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:

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 are 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 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% 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, are 
marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least 51% U.S. 
content by value.
    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;

[[Page 56298]]

     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. 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 applicant's 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 and 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).

U.S. Aerospace & Defense Trade Mission to Denmark and Sweden--October 
21-24, 2024

Summary

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration (ITA), is organizing a Trade Mission to Denmark and 
Sweden, October 21-24, 2024.
    The objectives for this mission are to give U.S. companies an 
opportunity to provide aerospace and defense equipment, technology, and 
services to Denmark and Sweden, and to advance U.S. national interests. 
Participating U.S. firms will gain market insights, make industry 
contacts, solidify business strategies, and advance specific projects, 
with the goal of increasing U.S. exports and services in the aerospace 
and defense sectors.
    The mission will introduce U.S. firms to aerospace and defense 
stakeholders in the region and assist U.S. companies in developing 
business in Denmark and Sweden.
    The mission will include meetings with government officials and 
industry leaders, networking events, presentations and site visits to 
an Aerospace/Defense Production Facilities or an R&D Center. For 
companies new to the market, this will be an opportunity to make 
initial contacts and learn more about the large defense market in 
Northern Europe.

DENMARK, Copenhagen and SWEDEN, Stockholm

    Aerospace and defense markets in the Nordic region are likely to 
grow in 2024 and beyond, creating opportunities for U.S. aerospace and 
defense manufacturers to increase their exports to markets in Northern 
Europe. The governments of Sweden and Denmark have committed to 
updating and improving their domestic defense capabilities. This 
mission supports NATO's efforts to defend Northern Europe and Ukraine 
coupled with the goals of the 2022 National Defense Strategy to build 
the strongest possible coalition to enhance our collective influence to 
shape the global strategic environment.
    According to the Military Expenditure Database from Stockholm 
International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), for 20 years, Sweden 
and Denmark have spent annually the equivalent of between 1% and 2% of 
their GDPs on military expenditures. As a current NATO ally, Denmark 
has pledged to spend a minimum of 2% of its GDP on national defense but 
has not yet satisfied this pledge. Sweden just joined NATO in 2024, and 
the country's 2024 budget surpassed NATO's target of 2% of GDP on 
defense spending and NATO's guideline to allocate 20% of defense 
expenditures to equipment spending, including research and development, 
offering potential opportunities for U.S. defense exporters. Sweden has 
historically emphasized cutting edge technology and innovation and 
Defense Minister P[aring]l Jonson has announced that a defense 
innovation strategy will be released during 2024. Sweden and Denmark 
membership in NATO establishes the Baltic Sea almost entirely within 
NATO's domain, with related requirements for air and missile defense; 
air and sub-sea dominance; intelligence, surveillance, and 
reconnaissance (including uncrewed systems) and warfighter mission 
training/readiness.
    European NATO allies have faced greater pressure from the United 
States to increase defense spending since the start of Russia's war of 
aggression in Ukraine. The Biden Administration will use the NATO 
Summit in July 2024 to encourage European allies to expedite their 
plans to meet their defense spending pledges and bolster NATO's 
deterrence in Europe. These geopolitical developments could create 
opportunities for U.S. companies in the aerospace and defense industry 
to partner with Nordic allies. In some cases, Nordic countries may 
transfer or donate defense technology to Ukraine, creating gaps in 
their domestic arsenals. Swedish leaders envision Sweden as a NATO net-
contributor with a strong presence in the Nordic-Baltic region and 
within NATO's command structure. Sweden's geostrategic importance, 
advanced military capabilities, strong defense industrial base, 
commitment to democratic values and transatlantic ties, and bolstered 
defense spending makes it a formidable ally. Sweden values its 
reputation as a peace-broker and compromise-finder.
    According to U.S. aerospace and defense data on bilateral trade 
with the Nordic region, 2022 defense exports increased to a record $710 
million (likely due to the war in Ukraine) but decreased slightly in 
2023. In the same years, the value of U.S. aerospace exports reached 
$1.4 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively. Non-defense

[[Page 56299]]

aerospace exports to the Nordic countries are largely comprised of 
civilian aircraft, engines, and parts, including turbojet/turboprop 
parts and gas turbine parts, presenting an opportunity for U.S. 
aerospace parts manufacturers and MRO suppliers to expand business in 
northern Europe.
    In January 2024, the Government of Denmark presented a plan to 
spend approximately $2.3 billion on more military equipment and 
personnel under its new defense legislation. The Danish Ministry of 
Defense will acquire short-range air defense systems for the Danish 
Army to increase protection against air threats (with no known U.S. 
bidders at this time). It also hopes to acquire long endurance uncrewed 
systems (drones) for surveillance and intelligence gathering, close air 
defense missiles for its Navy frigates, and torpedoes for Navy frigates 
and Air Force Sea Hawk helicopters. Denmark is also a Tier III 
participant in the F-35 program and will acquire 27 F-35s for its air 
force. In its 2021 National Defense Industrial Strategy and Action 
Plan, Denmark outlined its interest in integrating its defense supply 
chains with the U.S. companies, specifically in support of the F-35 
program. Denmark has also sought to expand partnerships with U.S. prime 
defense contractors and grow its domestic defense industry.
    In December 2023, the United States and Sweden signed a Defense 
Cooperation Agreement (DCA) which regulates the legal status of U.S. 
forces, access to deployment areas, and pre-positioning of military 
materiel in Sweden. While the agreement does not contain provisions for 
industrial cooperation, it advances efforts for the U.S. and Swedish 
militaries to share capabilities, develop new technology together, and 
achieve interoperability. As a new member of NATO, Sweden intends to 
spend more on defense in 2024, with a budget bill that includes 
investments in artillery systems, tactical transport aircraft, naval 
vessels and surface combatants, electronic warfare, military fixed-wing 
aircraft, tactical communication systems and Blekinge-class submarines. 
Sweden has also stated it will contribute to the NATO Innovation Fund 
(NIF) and Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic 
(DIANA).

Other Products and Services

    The foregoing analysis of the aerospace and defense opportunities 
in Sweden and Denmark is not intended to be exhaustive, but 
illustrative of the many opportunities available to U.S. businesses. 
Applications from companies selling 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. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) 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.

Mission Goals

    The goals of the trade mission are to create opportunities for U.S. 
companies to showcase their defense and aerospace equipment to Denmark 
and Sweden's defense, security, and law enforcement authorities, to 
introduce U.S. firms to aerospace and defense stakeholders in the 
region, to create opportunities for U.S. companies to find foreign 
business partners, to develop stronger industry relationships, and to 
advance U.S. national interests. Participants in this mission will have 
an opportunity to connect with senior-level Danish and Swedish 
officials in a setting that facilitates progress on business 
development projects. For companies new to the market, this will be an 
opportunity to make initial contacts, learn more about aerospace and 
defense opportunities in northern Europe, and gain perspective from ITA 
on specific challenges for U.S. businesses operating in the region. By 
participating in an official U.S. industry delegation, rather than 
traveling to the region individually, U.S. industry representatives 
will enhance their ability to secure meetings and gain greater exposure 
to the region, as well as leverage the networks of industry buyers, 
distributors, and industry stakeholders developed by commercial 
specialists.
    This mission will:
     Strengthen connections between U.S. companies and Danish 
and Swedish aerospace and defense companies, leveraging the U.S. 
Government and coordinating trade mission activities to maximize the 
potential for participating U.S. businesses to expand their business 
and exports to Sweden and Denmark, key NATO allies.
     Develop stronger industry relationships between U.S. and 
Swedish and Danish firms to strengthen the relationship between three 
NATO partners and enhance U.S. economic, national security, and defense 
goals in the region.
     Connect participants with senior-level Swedish and Danish 
officials in a setting that facilitates progress on business 
development projects. For companies new to the market, this will be an 
opportunity to make initial contacts and learn more about two key 
markets in Northern Europe.
     For the U.S. government, this is an unparalleled 
opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Denmark's and Sweden's 
Ministries of Defense to showcase the technology, know-how, and 
capabilities we have to offer, and demonstrate our interest in 
partnering with both countries to increase their national security and 
defense efforts.

[[Page 56300]]

    The mission will travel to Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, 
Sweden, with companies arriving in Copenhagen on Sunday, October 20, 
2024. Companies and staff will meet informally for an optional no-host 
welcome dinner. In each of the two mission stops, participants will 
receive a presentation display table, listen to an embassy briefing, 
attend networking breaks, attend two roundtables with industry 
officials and business contacts, present their companies capabilities 
during company pitch sessions and attend an Ambassador reception. U.S. 
Commercial Service staff will be on-site and available to provide 
market information and offer logistical assistance to mission 
participants. Each location will offer an industry site visit as well.

                           Proposed Timetable
 [*Note: The final schedule and potential site visits will depend on the
  availability of the host government and business officials, specific
        goals of mission participants, and ground transportation]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday October 20............   Trade Mission Participants
                                Arrive; informal no-host dinner and
                                excursion.
                                Kronberg Castle Excursion
                                (Optional).
Monday October 21............   Company Introductions, U.S.
                                Embassy Briefing and Q&A.
                                Office of Defense Cooperation,
                                Political Section, U.S. Commercial
                                Service, Economic Section.
                                Networking/Coffee.
                                Roundtable 1.
                                Lunch/Briefing.
                                Roundtable 2.
                                Networking.
                                Company pitches.
                                Ambassador reception.
Tuesday October 22...........   Site visit.
                                Travel to Stockholm.
                                Optional no host diner.
Wednesday October 23.........   Company Introductions, U.S.
                                Embassy Briefing and Q&A.
                                Office of Defense Cooperation,
                                Political Section, U.S. Commercial
                                Service, Economic Section.
                                Networking/Coffee.
                                Roundtable 1.
                                Lunch/Briefing.
                                Roundtable 2.
                                Networking.
                                Company pitches.
                                Ambassador reception.
Thursday October 24..........   Site visit.
                                Program concludes.
Friday, October 25...........   Return to U.S.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 below. A minimum of 7 and a maximum of 12 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 U.S. 
Aerospace & Defense Trade Mission to Denmark and Sweden will be 
$4,545.00 for small or medium-sized enterprises (SME); \1\ and 
$6,410.00 for large firms or trade associations. The fee for each 
additional firm representative (large firm or SME/trade organization) 
is $1,250.00. 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 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 business development 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. Embassy 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.
    Business Development Mission members participate in missions and 
undertake mission-related travel at their

[[Page 56301]]

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 economies. 
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 July 12, 2024. The U.S. 
Department of Commerce will review applications and inform applicants 
of selection decisions on a rolling basis. Applications received after 
July 12, 2024, will be considered only if space and scheduling 
constraints permit.

Contacts

Trade Mission Lead

Diane Mooney, Director, U.S. Commercial Service--Seattle, WA, 206-553-
7251, [email protected]

U.S. Based Recruitment Lead

April Redmon, Director, U.S. Commercial Service--Virginia/DC, 703-235-
0103, [email protected]
Erik Hunt, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial 
Service--Indianapolis, IN, [email protected]
Jason Sproule, Aerospace & Defense Global Team Leader, Commercial 
Service Los Angeles, 949-283-0690, [email protected]
Kim Wells, Aerospace Team Leader, ITA, Industry & Analysis--Washington, 
DC, [email protected]
Marianne Drain, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Sweden, 
[email protected]
Johan Bjorkman, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Embassy Sweden, 
[email protected]
Tuula Ahlstrom, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Embassy Sweden, 
[email protected]
Christopher Wilken, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Denmark, 
[email protected]
Aleksander Moos, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Embassy Denmark, 
[email protected]

Gemal Brangman,
Director, Global Trade Programs.
[FR Doc. 2024-14976 Filed 7-8-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P