Special American Business Internship Training Program (SABIT), 5158-5161 [E5-362]

Download as PDF 5158 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 20 / Tuesday, February 1, 2005 / Notices raw, or otherwise processed in frozen form. The frozen warmwater shrimp and prawn products included under the scope of this order, regardless of definitions in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), are products which are processed from warmwater shrimp and prawns through freezing and which are sold in any count size. The products described above may be processed from any species of warmwater shrimp and prawns. Warmwater shrimp and prawns are generally classified in, but are not limited to, the Penaeidae family. Some examples of the farmed and wild– caught warmwater species include, but are not limited to, whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannemei), banana prawn (Penaeus merguiensis), fleshy prawn (Penaeus chinensis), giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), redspotted shrimp (Penaeus brasiliensis), southern brown shrimp (Penaeus subtilis), southern pink shrimp (Penaeus notialis), southern rough shrimp (Trachypenaeus curvirostris), southern white shrimp (Penaeus schmitti), blue shrimp (Penaeus stylirostris), western white shrimp (Penaeus occidentalis), and Indian white prawn (Penaeus indicus). Frozen shrimp and prawns that are packed with marinade, spices or sauce are included in the scope of this order. In addition, food preparations, which are not ‘‘prepared meals,’’ that contain more than 20 percent by weight of shrimp or prawn are also included in the scope of this order. Excluded from the scope are: 1) breaded shrimp and prawns (HTS subheading 1605.20.10.20); 2) shrimp and prawns generally classified in the Pandalidae family and commonly referred to as coldwater shrimp, in any state of processing; 3) fresh shrimp and prawns whether shell–on or peeled (HTS subheading 0306.23.00.20 and 0306.23.00.40); 4) shrimp and prawns in prepared meals (HTS subheading 1605.20.05.10); 5) dried shrimp and prawns; 6) canned warmwater shrimp and prawns (HTS subheading 1605.20.10.40); 7) certain dusted shrimp; and 8) certain battered shrimp. Dusted shrimp is a shrimp–based product: 1) that is produced from fresh (or thawed–from-frozen) and peeled shrimp; 2) to which a ‘‘dusting’’ layer of rice or wheat flour of at least 95 percent purity has been applied; 3) with the entire surface of the shrimp flesh thoroughly and evenly coated with the flour; 4) with the non–shrimp content of the end product constituting between VerDate jul<14>2003 15:06 Jan 31, 2005 Jkt 205001 four and 10 percent of the product’s total weight after being dusted, but prior to being frozen; and 5) that is subjected to individually quick frozen (IQF) freezing immediately after application of the dusting layer. Battered shrimp is a shrimp–based product that, when dusted in accordance with the definition of dusting above, is coated with a wet viscous layer containing egg and/or milk, and par–fried. The products covered by this investigation are currently classified under the following HTS subheadings: 0306.13.00.03, 0306.13.00.06, 0306.13.00.09, 0306.13.00.12, 0306.13.00.15, 0306.13.00.18, 0306.13.00.21, 0306.13.00.24, 0306.13.00.27, 0306.13.00.40, 1605.20.10.10, and 1605.20.10.30. These HTS subheadings are provided for convenience and for customs purposes only and are not dispositive, but rather the written description of the scope of this order is dispositive. Continuation of Suspension of Liquidation In accordance with section 735(c)(1)(B) of the Act, we are directing CBP to continue to suspend liquidation of all entries of certain frozen warmwater shrimp from Ecuador, except for entries of merchandise produced by Expalsa, which has a de minimis margin and thus is excluded from the antidumping duty order. CPB shall require a cash deposit equal to the estimated amount by which the normal value exceeds the U.S. price as indicated in the chart above. CBP shall discontinue the suspension of liquidation on canned shrimp products, as well as on frozen warmwater shrimp produced by Expalsa, and refund any cash deposits made or bonds posted with respect to this merchandise. These instructions suspending liquidation will remain in effect until further notice. This amended determination and order is issued and published pursuant to sections 735(d), 736(a) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.211. Dated: January 26, 2005. Joseph A. Spetrini, Acting Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E5–373 Filed 1–31–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE: 3510–DS–S PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [Docket No. 050114011–5011–01] Special American Business Internship Training Program (SABIT) International Trade Administration (ITA), U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This Notice announces availability of funds for the Special American Business Internship Training Program (SABIT), for training business executives and scientists (also referred to as ‘‘Interns’’) from Eurasia (see program description for eligible countries). The amount of financial assistance available for the program is $500,000. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on April 1, 2005. Processing of complete applications takes approximately three to six months. All awards will be made by September 30, 2005. ADDRESSES: Request for Applications: Competitive Application Kits will be available from ITA starting on the day this notice is published. To obtain a copy of the Application Kit please contact SABIT by: (1) E-mail at SABITApply@ita.doc.gov, providing your name, company name and address; (2) Telephone (202) 482–0073; (3) The World Wide Web at https:// www.mac.doc.gov/sabit/; (4) Facsimile (202) 482–2443; (5) Mail: Send a written request with two self-addressed mailing labels to Application Request, The SABIT Program, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., FCB 4100W, Washington, DC, 20230. The telephone numbers are not toll free numbers. Only one copy of the Application Kit will be provided to each organization requesting it, but it may be reproduced by the requesters. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracy M. Rollins, Director, SABIT Program, U.S. Department of Commerce, phone—(202) 482–0073, facsimile— (202) 482–2443. These are not toll free numbers. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access: The full funding opportunity announcement for the SABIT program is available via Web site: https:// www.fedgrants.gov/or by contacting the program official identified above. Funding Availability: Pursuant to section 632(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (the ‘‘Act’’) funding to the U.S. Department of DATES: E:\FR\FM\01FEN1.SGM 01FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 20 / Tuesday, February 1, 2005 / Notices Commerce (DOC) for the program will be provided by the United States Agency for International Development (AID). ITA will award financial assistance and administer the program pursuant to the authority contained in section 635(b) of the Act and other applicable grant rules. The amount of financial assistance available for the program is $500,000. Additional funding may become available at a future date. Financial assistance will be provided through cooperative agreements. Statutory Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2395(b). Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): 11.114, Special American Business Internship Training Program. Program Description: The ITA established the SABIT program in September 1990 to assist Eurasia’s transition to a market economy. Since that time, SABIT has been supporting U.S. companies and organizations that wish to provide business executives and scientists from Eurasia three to six month programs of hands-on training in a U.S. market economy. Under the SABIT program, qualified U.S. firms (Host Firms) will receive funds through a cooperative agreement with ITA to help defray the cost of hosting Interns. The training must take place in the United States. ITA will approve Interns nominated by Host Firms, or assist in identifying eligible candidates. Interns may be citizens of any of the following countries in Eurasia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Some Eurasian countries may have certain restrictions with regard to U.S. funding. These restrictions, and any waivers of restrictions, are determined by the U.S. Department of State, not the SABIT program. Information on current restrictions is available upon request, but new restrictions may be put into place after a grant is awarded. The Host Firms will be expected to provide the Interns with a hands-on, non-academic, executive training program designed to maximize their exposure to management or commercially oriented scientific operations. At the end of the training program, the Intern must return to his/ her home country. If there is any evidence of a conflict of interest between the nominated Intern and the Host Firm, the Intern is disqualified. Managers: SABIT assists economic restructuring in Eurasia by providing mid-to-senior level business managers with practical training in American methods of innovation and management VerDate jul<14>2003 15:06 Jan 31, 2005 Jkt 205001 in areas such as strategic planning, financing, production, distribution, marketing, accounting, wholesaling, and/or labor relations. This first-hand experience in the U.S. economy enables Interns to become leaders in establishing and operating a market economy in Eurasia, and creates a unique opportunity for Host Firms to familiarize key executives from Eurasia with their products and services. Host Firms will benefit by establishing relationships with managers in similar industries who are uniquely positioned to assist their Host Firms in doing business in Eurasia. Scientists: SABIT provides opportunities for gifted scientists to apply their skills to peaceful research and development in the civilian sector, in areas such as defense conversion, medical research, and the environment, and exposes them to the role of scientific research in a market economy where applicability of research relates to business success. Host Firms in the U.S. scientific community also benefit from exchanging information and ideas, and different approaches to new technologies. All internships must last between three to six months; however, ITA reserves the right to allow an Intern to stay for a shorter period of time (not less than one month). ITA will reimburse Host Firms for the round trip international travel (coach class tickets) of each Intern from the Intern’s home city in Eurasia to the U.S. internship site, a stipend of $34 per day to the Intern(s), and housing costs of up to $500.00 per month (excluding utilities or telephone services). For cities with higher costs of living, ITA will reimburse Host Firms up to $750.00 a month (excluding utilities or telephone services) for housing costs. Interns must return to their home countries immediately upon completion of their U.S. internships. Host Firms wishing to utilize SABIT in order to be matched with an Intern without applying for financial assistance may do so. Such firms will be responsible for all costs, including travel expenses, related to sponsoring the Intern. However, prior to acceptance as a SABIT Intern, work plans and candidates must be approved by the SABIT program. Furthermore, program training will be monitored by SABIT staff and evaluated upon completion of training. ITA does not guarantee that it will match Host Firms with the Intern profile provided to SABIT. Award Period: Recipient firms will have one year from the date listed on the Financial Assistance Award form, CD–450, to expend all funds. However, PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 5159 DOC reserves the right to extend the award period if the Host Firm can justify the need for extra time. Eligibility: Eligible applicants for the SABIT program include all for-profit or non-profit U.S. corporations, associations, organizations or other public or private entities located in the United States. Agencies or divisions of the Federal Government are not eligible. However, state and local governments are eligible. Matching Requirements: The SABIT program budget does not include matching requirements, however, Host Firms are expected to bear the costs beyond the $34 per day stipend, additional lodging costs (including utilities and local telephone service) beyond the reimbursed amount, any training-related travel within the United States, visa cost, emergency medical insurance, training manuals and provisions of the hands-on training for the Interns. Project Funding Priorities: Applicants must indicate business sector(s). Although applicants operating in any industry sector may apply to the program, priority consideration is given to those operating in the following sectors: (a) Agribusiness (including food processing and distribution, and agricultural equipment), (b) Environment (including environmental clean up), (c) Financial services (including banking and accounting), (d) Construction and infrastructure development (including housing and transportation), (e) Medical equipment, supplies, pharmaceuticals, and health care management. Priority funding will also be given to applicants applying to host Interns from the following countries: Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Evaluation and Selection Procedures: Each application will receive an independent, objective review by one or more three or four-member review panels qualified to evaluate applications submitted under the program. Panels may include federal employees and non-federal individuals. No consensus advice will be given by the panel. Applications received before the deadline will be evaluated on a competitive basis in accordance with the selection evaluation criteria set forth below. Applications that have received a passing score of 70 or above, based on the weighted evaluation criteria, will be ranked and awards will be made by the selecting official based on the evaluation criteria and selection factors until funds are depleted. Applications receiving scores below 70 will not be considered. ITA reserves the right to E:\FR\FM\01FEN1.SGM 01FEN1 5160 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 20 / Tuesday, February 1, 2005 / Notices limit the award amount as well as the number of Interns per applicant. Applicants must provide evidence of a satisfactory record of performance in grants, contracts and/or cooperative agreements with the Federal Government, if applicable. Applicants who are or have been deficient in current or recent performance in their grants, contracts, and/or cooperative agreements with the Federal Government shall be presumed to be unable to meet this requirement. If the applicant has a Federal Government Performance Record Statement, this must be specified in the Application Kit. If there is no record to date, the applicant should indicate this. Applicants who do not have a Federal Government Performance Record Statement will not be penalized. Evaluation Criteria: Consideration for financial assistance will be given to those applications that provide the following (listed in order of decreasing importance so that criterion number 1 is most important, followed by criterion number 2, etc.): (1) Work Plan. The applicant must provide a detailed work plan for the intended training. If the applicant is providing different training plans for different Interns, it MUST attach a separate work plan for each. If Interns will be trained on the same plan, only one plan needs to be attached. If an internship will take place at several organizations, a work plan for each organization must be provided. The work plan must include: (a) A detailed week-by-week description of internship activities; (b) a description of the Intern’s duties and responsibilities; (c) complete contact information for the everyday internship coordinator; (d) locations of training within the company, if the internship(s) will be in different divisions; (e) locations of training outside the company. If the Intern will spend substantial amounts of time at one or more external organizations or companies (over one week) the applicant MUST provide a letter from each of those companies, indicating their willingness and ability to provide the planned training. Evaluation Scale: 0–40 points. (2) Training Objectives Statement. The applicant must provide an objectives statement, clearly titled ‘‘Training Objectives’’ with the name of the applicant noted indicating the reason why the applicant wishes to provide a professional training experience to an Intern. The applicant must explain how the proposed training would further the intent and goals of the SABIT program to provide practical, onthe-job, non-academic, non-classroom VerDate jul<14>2003 15:06 Jan 31, 2005 Jkt 205001 training for a professional-level Intern. Evaluation Scale: 0–30 points. (3) Intern Description(s) and Resume(s): The applicant should provide descriptions of the experience, education, and skills desired in an Intern for the training they intend to provide. If an applicant desires Interns from a specific region or country of Eurasia, it should be indicated in the application. If an applicant has nominated Interns for training, the Interns’ resumes must be attached. Additionally, the applicant must describe the relationship that it has with each Intern. All Interns must meet SABIT criteria in order to participate. Evaluation Scale: 0–15 points. (4) Financial Resources Documentation: Applicants must provide evidence of adequate financial resources to cover the costs involved in providing an internship(s). Evidence may include a published annual report, or a letter from the applicant’s outside, independent accountant attesting to the applicant’s financial ability to support the training program planned and the funds requested or a letter from the applicant’s bank. All letters must be on the accountant’s or bank’s letterhead and addressed to the United States Department of Commerce. Evaluation Scale: 0–15 points. Selection Factors: The selecting official reserves the right to select Host Firms based on U.S. geographic location, organization size as well as priority business sectors and country priorities (listed in Project Funding Priorities, above) and past performance. Host Firms may be eligible, pursuant to approval of an amendment of an active award, to host additional Interns under the program. The Director of the SABIT program is the selecting official for each award. Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.’’ Application Forms and Kit: To obtain an Application Kit, please refer to the section above marked ADDRESSES. An original and two copies of the application (including all relevant standard forms and supplemental material) are to be sent to the address designated in the Application Kit and must be received no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. Applicants are encouraged to sign the original application (including forms) with blue ink. Other Requirements: DOC’s PreAward Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements, which are contained in Federal Register PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389), are applicable to this solicitation. All applicants are advised of the following: 1. Host Firms will be required to comply with all relevant U.S. tax and export regulations. Export controls may relate not only to licensing of products for export, but also to technical data transfer. DOC’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS formerly BXA, the Bureau of Export Administration) reviews applications to determine whether export licenses are required. SABIT will not award a grant until any export license issue has been satisfied. 2. The following statutes apply to this program: Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, Public Law 102–511, 22 U.S.C. 5812 note (Restriction on Assistance to the Government of Azerbaijan); Public Law 107–115 (Waiver of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act); 7 U.S.C. 5201 et seq. (Agricultural Competitiveness and Trade—the Bumpers Amendment); The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, including Chapter 11 of Part I, Section 498A(b), Public Law 102–511, 22 U.S.C. 2295a(b) (regarding ineligibility for assistance); 22 U.S.C. 2420(a), Section 660(a) of The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (Police Training Prohibition); and provisions in the annual Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Acts, concerning impact on jobs in the United States (see, e.g., Section 536 of Pub. L. 106–113). 3. The collection of information is approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OMB Control Number 0625–0225. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be eight hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are voluntary, and will be protected from disclosure to the extent allowed under the Freedom of Information Act. The use of Standard Forms 270, 424 and 424B is approved under OMB Control Numbers 0348–0004, 0348– 0043 and 0348–0040, respectively. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any E:\FR\FM\01FEN1.SGM 01FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 20 / Tuesday, February 1, 2005 / Notices other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Reports Clearance Officer, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce, Room 4001, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230. 4. Executive Order 13132: It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies with Federalism implications as that term is defined in E.O. 13132. 5. Administrative Procedure Act/ Regulatory Flexibility Act: Because prior notice and opportunity for public comment are not required by the Administrative Procedure Act for rules concerning public property, loans, grants, benefits and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)), a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required and has not been prepared for this notice (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). Dated: January 26, 2005. Tracy M. Rollins, Director, SABIT Program. [FR Doc. E5–362 Filed 1–31–05; 8:45 am] The meeting will be held in the Employees’ Lounge, Administration Building, at NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899. Please note admittance instructions under SUMMARY paragraph. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Advisory Board National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of partially closed meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app. 2, notice is hereby given that the Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Advisory Board (MEPNAB), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), will meet Thursday, February 17, 2005, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The MEPNAB is composed of eleven members appointed by the Director of NIST who were selected for their expertise in the area of industrial extension and their work on behalf of smaller manufacturers. The Board was established to fill a need for outside input on MEP. MEP is a unique program consisting of centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The centers have been created by state, federal, and local partnerships. The Board works closely with MEP to provide input and advice on MEP’s programs, plans, and policies. The purpose of this meeting is to update the board on the latest program 15:06 Jan 31, 2005 Jkt 205001 The meeting will convene February 17, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. and will adjourn at 3:30 p.m. on February 17, 2005. DATES: ADDRESSES: BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P VerDate jul<14>2003 developments including a NIST Update, a MEP Policy Overview, and a MEP Program Operations Update. Discussions scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and to end at 3:30 p.m. on February 17, 2005, on MEP budget issues will be closed. All visitors to the National Institute of Standards and Technology site will have to pre-register to be admitted. Anyone wishing to attend this meeting must register 48 hours in advance in order to be admitted. Please submit your name, time of arrival, email address and phone number to Lillian Ware no later than Tuesday, February 15 and she will provide you with instructions for admittance. Ms. Ware’s email address is lillian.ware@nist.gov and her phone number is 301/975–5454. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Hines, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899–4800, telephone number (301) 975–3360. The Assistant Secretary for Administration, with the concurrence of the General Counsel, formally determined on December 27, 2004, that portions of the meeting which involve discussion of proposed funding of the MEP may be closed in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B), because that portion will divulge matters the premature disclosure of which would be likely to significantly frustrate implementation of proposed agency actions; and that portions of the meeting which involve discussion of the staffing of positions in MEP may be closed in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(6), because divulging information discussed in that portion of the meeting is likely to reveal information of a personal nature, where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: January 26, 2005. Hratch G. Semerjian, Acting Director. [FR Doc. 05–1816 Filed 1–31–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 5161 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Docket No. 030602141–5010–14; I.D. 012505A] RIN 0648–ZB55 Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2005 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Omnibus notice announcing the availability of grant funds for fiscal year 2005. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announces a third availability of grant funds for Fiscal Year 2005. The purpose of this notice is to provide the general public with a consolidated source of program and application information related to the Agency’s competitive grant offerings, and it contains the information about those programs required to be published in the Federal Register. This omnibus notice is designed to replace the multiple Federal Register notices that traditionally advertised the availability of NOAA’s discretionary funds for its various programs. It should be noted that additional program initiatives unanticipated at the time of the publication of this notice may be announced later in the year. DATES: Applications must be received by the date and time indicated under each program listing in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted to the addresses listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for each program. This Federal Register notice may be found at the Grants.gov website, https://www.grants.gov, and the NOAA website at https:// www.ofa.noaa.gov/amd/ %SOLINDEX.HTML. For a copy of the full funding opportunity announcement and/or application kit, access it at Grants.gov, via NOAA’s website, https://www.ofa.noaa.gov/amd/ %SOLINDEX.HTML, or by contacting the person listed as the information contact under each program. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NOAA published its first omnibus notice announcing the availability of grant funds for both projects and fellowships/ scholarships/internships for Fiscal Year 2005 in the Federal Register on June 30, 2004 (69 FR 39417). The evaluation FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: E:\FR\FM\01FEN1.SGM 01FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 1, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5158-5161]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-362]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

[Docket No. 050114011-5011-01]


Special American Business Internship Training Program (SABIT)

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

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This Notice announces availability of funds for the Special 
American Business Internship Training Program (SABIT), for training 
business executives and scientists (also referred to as ``Interns'') 
from Eurasia (see program description for eligible countries). The 
amount of financial assistance available for the program is $500,000.

DATES: Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on April 1, 
2005. Processing of complete applications takes approximately three to 
six months. All awards will be made by September 30, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Request for Applications: Competitive Application Kits will 
be available from ITA starting on the day this notice is published. To 
obtain a copy of the Application Kit please contact SABIT by: (1) E-
mail at SABITApply@ita.doc.gov, providing your name, company name and 
address; (2) Telephone (202) 482-0073; (3) The World Wide Web at http:/
/www.mac.doc.gov/sabit/; (4) Facsimile (202) 482-2443; (5) Mail: Send a 
written request with two self-addressed mailing labels to Application 
Request, The SABIT Program, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 
Constitution Avenue NW., FCB 4100W, Washington, DC, 20230.
    The telephone numbers are not toll free numbers. Only one copy of 
the Application Kit will be provided to each organization requesting 
it, but it may be reproduced by the requesters.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracy M. Rollins, Director, SABIT 
Program, U.S. Department of Commerce, phone--(202) 482-0073, 
facsimile--(202) 482-2443. These are not toll free numbers.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access: The full funding 
opportunity announcement for the SABIT program is available via Web 
site: https://www.fedgrants.gov/or by contacting the program official 
identified above.
    Funding Availability: Pursuant to section 632(a) of the Foreign 
Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (the ``Act'') funding to the U.S. 
Department of

[[Page 5159]]

Commerce (DOC) for the program will be provided by the United States 
Agency for International Development (AID). ITA will award financial 
assistance and administer the program pursuant to the authority 
contained in section 635(b) of the Act and other applicable grant 
rules. The amount of financial assistance available for the program is 
$500,000. Additional funding may become available at a future date. 
Financial assistance will be provided through cooperative agreements.
    Statutory Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2395(b).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): 11.114, Special 
American Business Internship Training Program.
    Program Description: The ITA established the SABIT program in 
September 1990 to assist Eurasia's transition to a market economy. 
Since that time, SABIT has been supporting U.S. companies and 
organizations that wish to provide business executives and scientists 
from Eurasia three to six month programs of hands-on training in a U.S. 
market economy. Under the SABIT program, qualified U.S. firms (Host 
Firms) will receive funds through a cooperative agreement with ITA to 
help defray the cost of hosting Interns. The training must take place 
in the United States. ITA will approve Interns nominated by Host Firms, 
or assist in identifying eligible candidates. Interns may be citizens 
of any of the following countries in Eurasia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, 
Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, 
Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Some Eurasian countries may have 
certain restrictions with regard to U.S. funding. These restrictions, 
and any waivers of restrictions, are determined by the U.S. Department 
of State, not the SABIT program. Information on current restrictions is 
available upon request, but new restrictions may be put into place 
after a grant is awarded. The Host Firms will be expected to provide 
the Interns with a hands-on, non-academic, executive training program 
designed to maximize their exposure to management or commercially 
oriented scientific operations. At the end of the training program, the 
Intern must return to his/her home country. If there is any evidence of 
a conflict of interest between the nominated Intern and the Host Firm, 
the Intern is disqualified.
    Managers: SABIT assists economic restructuring in Eurasia by 
providing mid-to-senior level business managers with practical training 
in American methods of innovation and management in areas such as 
strategic planning, financing, production, distribution, marketing, 
accounting, wholesaling, and/or labor relations. This first-hand 
experience in the U.S. economy enables Interns to become leaders in 
establishing and operating a market economy in Eurasia, and creates a 
unique opportunity for Host Firms to familiarize key executives from 
Eurasia with their products and services. Host Firms will benefit by 
establishing relationships with managers in similar industries who are 
uniquely positioned to assist their Host Firms in doing business in 
Eurasia.
    Scientists: SABIT provides opportunities for gifted scientists to 
apply their skills to peaceful research and development in the civilian 
sector, in areas such as defense conversion, medical research, and the 
environment, and exposes them to the role of scientific research in a 
market economy where applicability of research relates to business 
success. Host Firms in the U.S. scientific community also benefit from 
exchanging information and ideas, and different approaches to new 
technologies.
    All internships must last between three to six months; however, ITA 
reserves the right to allow an Intern to stay for a shorter period of 
time (not less than one month). ITA will reimburse Host Firms for the 
round trip international travel (coach class tickets) of each Intern 
from the Intern's home city in Eurasia to the U.S. internship site, a 
stipend of $34 per day to the Intern(s), and housing costs of up to 
$500.00 per month (excluding utilities or telephone services). For 
cities with higher costs of living, ITA will reimburse Host Firms up to 
$750.00 a month (excluding utilities or telephone services) for housing 
costs. Interns must return to their home countries immediately upon 
completion of their U.S. internships.
    Host Firms wishing to utilize SABIT in order to be matched with an 
Intern without applying for financial assistance may do so. Such firms 
will be responsible for all costs, including travel expenses, related 
to sponsoring the Intern. However, prior to acceptance as a SABIT 
Intern, work plans and candidates must be approved by the SABIT 
program. Furthermore, program training will be monitored by SABIT staff 
and evaluated upon completion of training. ITA does not guarantee that 
it will match Host Firms with the Intern profile provided to SABIT.
    Award Period: Recipient firms will have one year from the date 
listed on the Financial Assistance Award form, CD-450, to expend all 
funds. However, DOC reserves the right to extend the award period if 
the Host Firm can justify the need for extra time.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants for the SABIT program include all 
for-profit or non-profit U.S. corporations, associations, organizations 
or other public or private entities located in the United States. 
Agencies or divisions of the Federal Government are not eligible. 
However, state and local governments are eligible.
    Matching Requirements: The SABIT program budget does not include 
matching requirements, however, Host Firms are expected to bear the 
costs beyond the $34 per day stipend, additional lodging costs 
(including utilities and local telephone service) beyond the reimbursed 
amount, any training-related travel within the United States, visa 
cost, emergency medical insurance, training manuals and provisions of 
the hands-on training for the Interns.
    Project Funding Priorities: Applicants must indicate business 
sector(s). Although applicants operating in any industry sector may 
apply to the program, priority consideration is given to those 
operating in the following sectors: (a) Agribusiness (including food 
processing and distribution, and agricultural equipment), (b) 
Environment (including environmental clean up), (c) Financial services 
(including banking and accounting), (d) Construction and infrastructure 
development (including housing and transportation), (e) Medical 
equipment, supplies, pharmaceuticals, and health care management. 
Priority funding will also be given to applicants applying to host 
Interns from the following countries: Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
    Evaluation and Selection Procedures: Each application will receive 
an independent, objective review by one or more three or four-member 
review panels qualified to evaluate applications submitted under the 
program. Panels may include federal employees and non-federal 
individuals. No consensus advice will be given by the panel. 
Applications received before the deadline will be evaluated on a 
competitive basis in accordance with the selection evaluation criteria 
set forth below. Applications that have received a passing score of 70 
or above, based on the weighted evaluation criteria, will be ranked and 
awards will be made by the selecting official based on the evaluation 
criteria and selection factors until funds are depleted. Applications 
receiving scores below 70 will not be considered. ITA reserves the 
right to

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limit the award amount as well as the number of Interns per applicant.
    Applicants must provide evidence of a satisfactory record of 
performance in grants, contracts and/or cooperative agreements with the 
Federal Government, if applicable. Applicants who are or have been 
deficient in current or recent performance in their grants, contracts, 
and/or cooperative agreements with the Federal Government shall be 
presumed to be unable to meet this requirement. If the applicant has a 
Federal Government Performance Record Statement, this must be specified 
in the Application Kit. If there is no record to date, the applicant 
should indicate this. Applicants who do not have a Federal Government 
Performance Record Statement will not be penalized.
    Evaluation Criteria: Consideration for financial assistance will be 
given to those applications that provide the following (listed in order 
of decreasing importance so that criterion number 1 is most important, 
followed by criterion number 2, etc.):
    (1) Work Plan. The applicant must provide a detailed work plan for 
the intended training. If the applicant is providing different training 
plans for different Interns, it MUST attach a separate work plan for 
each. If Interns will be trained on the same plan, only one plan needs 
to be attached. If an internship will take place at several 
organizations, a work plan for each organization must be provided. The 
work plan must include: (a) A detailed week-by-week description of 
internship activities; (b) a description of the Intern's duties and 
responsibilities; (c) complete contact information for the everyday 
internship coordinator; (d) locations of training within the company, 
if the internship(s) will be in different divisions; (e) locations of 
training outside the company. If the Intern will spend substantial 
amounts of time at one or more external organizations or companies 
(over one week) the applicant MUST provide a letter from each of those 
companies, indicating their willingness and ability to provide the 
planned training. Evaluation Scale: 0-40 points.
    (2) Training Objectives Statement. The applicant must provide an 
objectives statement, clearly titled ``Training Objectives'' with the 
name of the applicant noted indicating the reason why the applicant 
wishes to provide a professional training experience to an Intern. The 
applicant must explain how the proposed training would further the 
intent and goals of the SABIT program to provide practical, on-the-job, 
non-academic, non-classroom training for a professional-level Intern. 
Evaluation Scale: 0-30 points.
    (3) Intern Description(s) and Resume(s): The applicant should 
provide descriptions of the experience, education, and skills desired 
in an Intern for the training they intend to provide. If an applicant 
desires Interns from a specific region or country of Eurasia, it should 
be indicated in the application. If an applicant has nominated Interns 
for training, the Interns' resumes must be attached. Additionally, the 
applicant must describe the relationship that it has with each Intern. 
All Interns must meet SABIT criteria in order to participate. 
Evaluation Scale: 0-15 points.
    (4) Financial Resources Documentation: Applicants must provide 
evidence of adequate financial resources to cover the costs involved in 
providing an internship(s). Evidence may include a published annual 
report, or a letter from the applicant's outside, independent 
accountant attesting to the applicant's financial ability to support 
the training program planned and the funds requested or a letter from 
the applicant's bank. All letters must be on the accountant's or bank's 
letterhead and addressed to the United States Department of Commerce. 
Evaluation Scale: 0-15 points.
    Selection Factors: The selecting official reserves the right to 
select Host Firms based on U.S. geographic location, organization size 
as well as priority business sectors and country priorities (listed in 
Project Funding Priorities, above) and past performance. Host Firms may 
be eligible, pursuant to approval of an amendment of an active award, 
to host additional Interns under the program. The Director of the SABIT 
program is the selecting official for each award.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    Application Forms and Kit: To obtain an Application Kit, please 
refer to the section above marked ADDRESSES. An original and two copies 
of the application (including all relevant standard forms and 
supplemental material) are to be sent to the address designated in the 
Application Kit and must be received no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time 
on the closing date. Applicants are encouraged to sign the original 
application (including forms) with blue ink.
    Other Requirements: DOC's Pre-Award Notification Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements, which are contained in Federal 
Register Notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389), are applicable to 
this solicitation.
    All applicants are advised of the following:
    1. Host Firms will be required to comply with all relevant U.S. tax 
and export regulations. Export controls may relate not only to 
licensing of products for export, but also to technical data transfer. 
DOC's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS formerly BXA, the Bureau of 
Export Administration) reviews applications to determine whether export 
licenses are required. SABIT will not award a grant until any export 
license issue has been satisfied.
    2. The following statutes apply to this program: Section 907 of the 
FREEDOM Support Act, Public Law 102-511, 22 U.S.C. 5812 note 
(Restriction on Assistance to the Government of Azerbaijan); Public Law 
107-115 (Waiver of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act); 7 U.S.C. 
5201 et seq. (Agricultural Competitiveness and Trade--the Bumpers 
Amendment); The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, including 
Chapter 11 of Part I, Section 498A(b), Public Law 102-511, 22 U.S.C. 
2295a(b) (regarding ineligibility for assistance); 22 U.S.C. 2420(a), 
Section 660(a) of The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended 
(Police Training Prohibition); and provisions in the annual Foreign 
Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Acts, 
concerning impact on jobs in the United States (see, e.g., Section 536 
of Pub. L. 106-113).
    3. The collection of information is approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB), OMB Control Number 0625-0225. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be eight 
hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, and 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses 
to this collection of information are voluntary, and will be protected 
from disclosure to the extent allowed under the Freedom of Information 
Act.
    The use of Standard Forms 270, 424 and 424B is approved under OMB 
Control Numbers 0348-0004, 0348-0043 and 0348-0040, respectively. 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to 
respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a currently valid OMB control number. Send comments regarding 
the burden estimate or any

[[Page 5161]]

other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions 
for reducing this burden, to the Reports Clearance Officer, 
International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce, Room 4001, 
14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230.
    4. Executive Order 13132: It has been determined that this notice 
does not contain policies with Federalism implications as that term is 
defined in E.O. 13132.
    5. Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act: Because 
prior notice and opportunity for public comment are not required by the 
Administrative Procedure Act for rules concerning public property, 
loans, grants, benefits and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)), a 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required and has not been 
prepared for this notice (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).

    Dated: January 26, 2005.
Tracy M. Rollins,
Director, SABIT Program.
[FR Doc. E5-362 Filed 1-31-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
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