Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program, 19492-19494 [E9-9729]

Download as PDF 19492 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 81 / Wednesday, April 29, 2009 / Notices Dated: April 14, 2009. Pat Fiala, Acting Administrator, Rural BusinessCooperative Service. [FR Doc. E9–9759 Filed 4–28–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Commodity Credit Corporation Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program Announcement Type: New. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.600. SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is inviting proposals for the 2010 Foreign Market Development Cooperator (Cooperator) program. The intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications from eligible applicants and award funds in October 2009. The Cooperator program is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). DATES: All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 29, 2009. Applications received after this date will not be considered. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Entities wishing to apply for funding assistance should contact the Program Operations Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024, phone: (202) 720–4327, fax: (202) 720– 9361, e-mail: podadmin@fas.usda.gov. Information is also available on the Foreign Agricultural Service Web site at https://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/ fmdprogram.asp. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Funding Opportunity Description pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Authority: The Cooperator program is authorized by title VII of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978, as amended. Cooperator program regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1484. Purpose: The Cooperator program is designed to create, expand, and maintain foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products through cost-share assistance. Financial assistance under the Cooperator program will be made available on a competitive basis and applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained herein. All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration. VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:48 Apr 28, 2009 Jkt 217001 The FAS allocates funds in a manner that effectively supports the strategic decision-making initiatives of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 and the USDA’s Food and Agricultural Policy (FAP). In deciding whether a proposed project will contribute to the effective creation, expansion, or maintenance of foreign markets, the FAS seeks to identify a clear, long-term agricultural trade strategy, and a program effectiveness time line against which results can be measured at specific intervals using quantifiable product or country goals. The FAS also considers the extent to which a proposed project targets markets with the greatest growth potential. These factors are part of the FAS resource allocation strategy to fund applicants who can demonstrate performance and address the objectives of the GPRA and FAP. II. Award Information Under the Cooperator program, the FAS enters into agreements with eligible nonprofit U.S. trade organizations to share the cost of certain overseas marketing and promotion activities. Funding priority is given to organizations that have the broadest possible producer representation of the commodity being promoted and that are nationwide in membership and scope. Cooperators may receive assistance only for generic activities that do not involve promotions targeted directly to consumers. The program generally operates on a reimbursement basis. III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants: To participate in the Cooperator program, an applicant must be a nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization. 2. Cost Sharing: To participate in the Cooperator program, an applicant must agree to contribute resources to its proposed promotional activities. The Cooperator program is intended to supplement, not supplant, the efforts of the U.S. private sector. The contribution must be at least 50 percent of the value of resources provided by CCC for activities conducted under the project agreement. The degree of commitment of an applicant to the promotional strategies contained in its application, as represented by the agreed cost share contributions specified therein, is considered by the FAS when determining which applications will be approved for funding. Cost-share may be actual cash invested or in-kind contributions, such as professional staff time spent on design and execution of activities. The Cooperator program PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 regulations, in sections 1484.50 and 1484.51, provide detailed discussion of eligible and ineligible cost-share contributions. 3. Other: Applications should include a justification for funding assistance from the program—an explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished without federal funding assistance and why participating organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance. IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Address To Request Application Package: Organizations are encouraged to submit their FMD applications to the FAS through the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application Internet Web site. The UES allows applicants to submit a single consolidated and strategically coordinated proposal that incorporates requests for funding and recommendations for virtually all of the FAS marketing programs, financial assistance programs, and market access programs. The suggested UES format encourages applicants to examine the constraints or barriers to trade that they face, identify activities that would help overcome such impediments, consider the entire pool of complementary marketing tools and program resources, and establish realistic export goals. Applicants planning to use the Internet-based system must contact the FAS/Program Operations Division at (202) 720–4327 to obtain site access information. The Internet-based application, including a help file that contains step-by-step instructions, may be found at the following URL address: https://www.fas.usda.gov/ cooperators.html. The FAS highly recommends applying via the Internet-based application as this format virtually eliminates paperwork and expedites the FAS processing and review cycle. However, applicants also have the option of submitting an electronic version (along with two paper copies) of their application to the FAS on compact disc. Organizations that choose to submit applications on compact disc can obtain the application format by contacting the Program Operations Division on (202) 720–4327. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: To be considered for the Cooperator program, an applicant must submit to the FAS information required by the Cooperator program regulations in section 1484.20. In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s policy (68 FR 38402 (June 27, 2003)) regarding the need to identify entities that are E:\FR\FM\29APN1.SGM 29APN1 pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 81 / Wednesday, April 29, 2009 / Notices receiving government awards, all applicants must submit a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. An applicant may request a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line at 1–866–705–5711. Incomplete applications and applications that do not otherwise conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review. The FAS administers various other agricultural export assistance programs, including the Market Access Program (MAP), the Emerging Markets Program, the Quality Samples Program, and the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program. Any organization that is not interested in applying for the Cooperator program but would like to request assistance through one of the other programs mentioned should contact the Program Operations Division on (202) 720–4327. 3. Submission Dates and Times: All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 29, 2009. All Cooperator program applicants, regardless of the method of submitting an application, also must submit by the application deadline, an original signed certification statement as specified in 7 CFR section 1484.20(a)(14). Applications or certifications received after this date will not be considered. 4. Funding Restrictions: Certain types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement by the program, and there are limits on other categories of expenses. CCC also will not reimburse unreasonable expenditures or expenditures made prior to approval. Full details are available in the Cooperator program regulations in sections 1484.54 and 1484.55. 5. Other Submission Requirements and Considerations: All Internet-based applications must be properly submitted by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 29, 2009. Signed certification statements also must be received by that time at the address listed below. All applications on compact disc (with two accompanying paper copies and a signed certification statement) and any other form of application must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 29, 2009, at the following address: Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Program Operations Division, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20024. VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:48 Apr 28, 2009 Jkt 217001 V. Application Review Information 1. Criteria and Review Process: Following is a description of the FAS process for reviewing applications and the criteria for allocating available Cooperator program funds. (1) Phase 1—Sufficiency Review and FAS Divisional Review Applications received by the closing date will be reviewed by the FAS to determine the eligibility of the applicants and the completeness of the applications. These requirements appear at sections 1484.14 and 1484.20 of the Cooperator program regulations. Applications that meet the requirements then will be further evaluated by the appropriate Commodity Branch in the FAS Cooperator Programs Division. The Commodity Branch will review each application against the criteria listed in sections 1484.21 and 1484.22 of the Cooperator program regulations. The purpose of this review is to identify meritorious proposals and to recommend an appropriate funding level for each application based upon these criteria. (2) Phase 2—Competitive Review Meritorious applications then will be passed on to the Office of the Deputy Administrator, Office of Trade Programs, for the purpose of allocating available funds among the applicants. Applicants will compete for funds on the basis of the following allocation criteria (the number in parentheses represents a percentage weight factor): (a) Contribution Level (40) • The applicant’s 6-year average share (2005–2010) of all contributions (contributions may include cash and goods and services provided by U.S. entities in support of foreign market development activities) compared to; • The applicant’s 6-year average share (2005–2010) of all Cooperator marketing plan expenditures. (b) Past Export Performance (20) • The 6-year average share (2004– 2009) of the value of exports promoted by the applicant compared to; • The applicant’s 6-year average share (2004–2009) of all Cooperator marketing plan expenditures plus a 6-year average share (2004–2009) of MAP expenditures. (c) Past Demand Expansion Performance (20) • The 6-year average share (2004– 2009) of the total value of world trade of the commodities promoted by the applicant compared to; PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 19493 • The applicant’s 6-year average share (2004–2009) of all Cooperator marketing plan expenditures plus a 6-year average share (2004–2009) of MAP expenditures. (d) Future Demand Expansion Goals (10) • The projected total dollar value of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2015 compared to; • The applicant’s requested funding level. (e) Accuracy of Past Demand Expansion Projections (10) • The actual dollar value share of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2008 compared to; • The applicant’s past projected share of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2008, as specified in the 2005 Cooperator program application. The Commodity Branches’ recommended funding levels for each applicant are converted to percentages of the total Cooperator program funds available and then multiplied by each weight factor to determine the amount of funds allocated to each applicant. 2. Anticipated Announcement Date: Announcements of funding decisions for the Cooperator program are anticipated during October 2009. VI. Award Administration Information 1. Award Notices: The FAS will notify each applicant in writing of the final disposition of its application. The FAS will send an approval letter and project agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and project agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including the levels of Cooperator program funding, and cost-share contribution requirements. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Interested parties should review the Cooperator program regulations, which are available at the following URL address: https:// www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/ fmdprogram.asp. Hard copies may be obtained by contacting the Program Operations Division at (202) 720–2379. 3. Reporting: The FAS requires various reports and evaluations from Cooperators. Reporting requirements are detailed in the Cooperator program regulations in sections 1484.53, 1484.70, and 1484.72. VII. Agency Contact(s) For additional information and assistance, contact the Program E:\FR\FM\29APN1.SGM 29APN1 19494 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 81 / Wednesday, April 29, 2009 / Notices Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mailing Address: AgBox 1020, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–1020. Courier Address: Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone: (202) 720–4327, fax: (202) 720–9361, e-mail: podadmin@fas.usda.gov. Signed at Washington, DC, on the 17th of April 2009. Patricia R. Sheikh, Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, and Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation. [FR Doc. E9–9729 Filed 4–28–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–10–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Commodity Credit Corporation Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Announcement Type: New. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.604. SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is inviting proposals for the 2010 Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program. The intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications from the private sector and from government agencies for FY 2010 and award funds in October 2009. The TASC program is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). DATES: See paragraph IV.4 below for a detailed description of relevant dates. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Entities wishing to apply for funding assistance should contact the Program Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024, phone: (202) 720–4327, fax: (202) 720–9361, e-mail: podadmin@fas.usda.gov. Information is also available on the Foreign Agricultural Service Web site at https:// www.fas.usda.gov/mos/tasc/tasc.asp. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Funding Opportunity Description Authority: The TASC program is authorized by section 3205 of Public Law 107–171. TASC regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1487. Purpose: The TASC program is designed to assist U.S. organizations by VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:48 Apr 28, 2009 Jkt 217001 providing funding for projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary, or related technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops. U.S. specialty crops, for the purpose of the TASC program, are defined to include all cultivated plants, or the products thereof, produced in the United States, except wheat, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar, and tobacco. As a general matter, TASC program projects should be designed to address the following criteria: • Projects should address a sanitary, phytosanitary, or related technical barrier that prohibits or threatens the export of U.S. specialty crops; • Projects should demonstrably benefit the represented industry rather than a specific company or brand; and • Projects must address barriers to exports of commercially-available U.S. specialty crops for which barrier removal would predominantly benefit U.S. exports. Examples of expenses that CCC may agree to reimburse under the TASC program include, but are not limited to: Initial pre-clearance programs, export protocol and work plan support, seminars and workshops, study tours, field surveys, development of pest lists, pest and disease research, database development, reasonable logistical and administrative support, and travel and per diem expenses. II. Award Information In general, all qualified proposals received before the specified application deadlines will compete for funding. The limited funds and the range of barriers affecting the exports of U.S. specialty crops worldwide preclude CCC from approving large budgets for individual projects. Applicants may submit multiple proposals, and applicants with previously approved TASC proposals may apply for additional funding. Please see 7 CFR part 1487 for additional restrictions. FAS will consider providing either grant funds as direct assistance to U.S. organizations or technical assistance on behalf of U.S. organizations, provided that the organization submits timely and qualified proposals. FAS will review all proposals against the evaluation criteria contained in the program regulations. Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific agreements. These agreements will incorporate the proposal as approved by FAS. FAS must approve in advance any subsequent changes to the project. FAS or another Federal agency may be PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 involved in the implementation of approved projects. III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants: Any U.S. organization, private or government, with a demonstrated role or interest in exporting U.S. agricultural commodities may apply to the program. Government organizations consist of Federal, State, and local agencies. Private organizations include non-profit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and private companies. Foreign organizations, whether government or private, may participate as third parties in activities carried out by U.S. organizations, but are not eligible for funding assistance from the program. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: FAS considers the applicant’s willingness to contribute resources, including cash, goods, and services of the U.S. industry and foreign third parties, when determining which proposals are approved for funding. IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Application through the Unified Export Strategy (UES): Organizations are encouraged to submit their applications to FAS through the UES application Internet Web site. Using the UES application process reduces paperwork and expedites FAS’ processing and review cycle. Applicants planning to use the UES Internet-based system must contact FAS Program Operations Division on (202) 720–4327 to obtain site access information including a user ID and password. The UES Internetbased application, including a help file containing step-by-step instructions for its use, may be found at the following URL address: https://www.fas.usda.gov/ cooperators.html. 2. Application through electronic and hard copies: The FAS highly recommends applying via the Internetbased UES application. However, applicants also have the option of submitting an electronic version of their application to FAS (along with two paper copies) on compact disc. Applicants may request the application format from the Program Operations Division at (202) 720–4327 or obtain the application format on the Internet at: https://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/tasc/ proposals.html. 3. Content and Form of Application Submission: All TASC proposals must contain complete information about the proposed projects as described in 1487.5(b) of the TASC program regulations. In addition, in accordance E:\FR\FM\29APN1.SGM 29APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 81 (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19492-19494]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-9729]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commodity Credit Corporation


Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the 
Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program

    Announcement Type: New.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.600.

Summary: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is 
inviting proposals for the 2010 Foreign Market Development Cooperator 
(Cooperator) program. The intended effect of this notice is to solicit 
applications from eligible applicants and award funds in October 2009. 
The Cooperator program is administered by personnel of the Foreign 
Agricultural Service (FAS).

Dates: All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight 
Time, May 29, 2009. Applications received after this date will not be 
considered.

For Further Information Contact: Entities wishing to apply for funding 
assistance should contact the Program Operations Division, Foreign 
Agricultural Service, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 
720-9361, e-mail: podadmin@fas.usda.gov. Information is also available 
on the Foreign Agricultural Service Web site at https://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/fmdprogram.asp.

Supplementary Information: 

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authority: The Cooperator program is authorized by title VII of 
the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978, as amended. Cooperator program 
regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1484.

    Purpose: The Cooperator program is designed to create, expand, and 
maintain foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products 
through cost-share assistance. Financial assistance under the 
Cooperator program will be made available on a competitive basis and 
applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained 
herein. All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible 
for consideration.
    The FAS allocates funds in a manner that effectively supports the 
strategic decision-making initiatives of the Government Performance and 
Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 and the USDA's Food and Agricultural Policy 
(FAP). In deciding whether a proposed project will contribute to the 
effective creation, expansion, or maintenance of foreign markets, the 
FAS seeks to identify a clear, long-term agricultural trade strategy, 
and a program effectiveness time line against which results can be 
measured at specific intervals using quantifiable product or country 
goals. The FAS also considers the extent to which a proposed project 
targets markets with the greatest growth potential. These factors are 
part of the FAS resource allocation strategy to fund applicants who can 
demonstrate performance and address the objectives of the GPRA and FAP.

II. Award Information

    Under the Cooperator program, the FAS enters into agreements with 
eligible nonprofit U.S. trade organizations to share the cost of 
certain overseas marketing and promotion activities. Funding priority 
is given to organizations that have the broadest possible producer 
representation of the commodity being promoted and that are nationwide 
in membership and scope. Cooperators may receive assistance only for 
generic activities that do not involve promotions targeted directly to 
consumers. The program generally operates on a reimbursement basis.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: To participate in the Cooperator program, 
an applicant must be a nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization.
    2. Cost Sharing: To participate in the Cooperator program, an 
applicant must agree to contribute resources to its proposed 
promotional activities. The Cooperator program is intended to 
supplement, not supplant, the efforts of the U.S. private sector. The 
contribution must be at least 50 percent of the value of resources 
provided by CCC for activities conducted under the project agreement.
    The degree of commitment of an applicant to the promotional 
strategies contained in its application, as represented by the agreed 
cost share contributions specified therein, is considered by the FAS 
when determining which applications will be approved for funding. Cost-
share may be actual cash invested or in-kind contributions, such as 
professional staff time spent on design and execution of activities. 
The Cooperator program regulations, in sections 1484.50 and 1484.51, 
provide detailed discussion of eligible and ineligible cost-share 
contributions.
    3. Other: Applications should include a justification for funding 
assistance from the program--an explanation as to what specifically 
could not be accomplished without federal funding assistance and why 
participating organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project 
without such assistance.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address To Request Application Package: Organizations are 
encouraged to submit their FMD applications to the FAS through the 
Unified Export Strategy (UES) application Internet Web site. The UES 
allows applicants to submit a single consolidated and strategically 
coordinated proposal that incorporates requests for funding and 
recommendations for virtually all of the FAS marketing programs, 
financial assistance programs, and market access programs. The 
suggested UES format encourages applicants to examine the constraints 
or barriers to trade that they face, identify activities that would 
help overcome such impediments, consider the entire pool of 
complementary marketing tools and program resources, and establish 
realistic export goals.
    Applicants planning to use the Internet-based system must contact 
the FAS/Program Operations Division at (202) 720-4327 to obtain site 
access information. The Internet-based application, including a help 
file that contains step-by-step instructions, may be found at the 
following URL address: https://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html.
    The FAS highly recommends applying via the Internet-based 
application as this format virtually eliminates paperwork and expedites 
the FAS processing and review cycle. However, applicants also have the 
option of submitting an electronic version (along with two paper 
copies) of their application to the FAS on compact disc. Organizations 
that choose to submit applications on compact disc can obtain the 
application format by contacting the Program Operations Division on 
(202) 720-4327.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission: To be considered for 
the Cooperator program, an applicant must submit to the FAS information 
required by the Cooperator program regulations in section 1484.20. In 
addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's 
policy (68 FR 38402 (June 27, 2003)) regarding the need to identify 
entities that are

[[Page 19493]]

receiving government awards, all applicants must submit a Dun and 
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. An applicant 
may request a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711.
    Incomplete applications and applications that do not otherwise 
conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review.
    The FAS administers various other agricultural export assistance 
programs, including the Market Access Program (MAP), the Emerging 
Markets Program, the Quality Samples Program, and the Technical 
Assistance for Specialty Crops Program. Any organization that is not 
interested in applying for the Cooperator program but would like to 
request assistance through one of the other programs mentioned should 
contact the Program Operations Division on (202) 720-4327.
    3. Submission Dates and Times: All applications must be received by 
5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 29, 2009. All Cooperator program 
applicants, regardless of the method of submitting an application, also 
must submit by the application deadline, an original signed 
certification statement as specified in 7 CFR section 1484.20(a)(14). 
Applications or certifications received after this date will not be 
considered.
    4. Funding Restrictions: Certain types of expenses are not eligible 
for reimbursement by the program, and there are limits on other 
categories of expenses. CCC also will not reimburse unreasonable 
expenditures or expenditures made prior to approval. Full details are 
available in the Cooperator program regulations in sections 1484.54 and 
1484.55.
    5. Other Submission Requirements and Considerations: All Internet-
based applications must be properly submitted by 5 p.m. Eastern 
Daylight Time, May 29, 2009. Signed certification statements also must 
be received by that time at the address listed below.
    All applications on compact disc (with two accompanying paper 
copies and a signed certification statement) and any other form of 
application must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 29, 
2009, at the following address:
    Hand Delivery (including FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Program Operations Division, 
Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Ave., SW., 
Washington, DC 20024.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria and Review Process: Following is a description of the 
FAS process for reviewing applications and the criteria for allocating 
available Cooperator program funds.

(1) Phase 1--Sufficiency Review and FAS Divisional Review

    Applications received by the closing date will be reviewed by the 
FAS to determine the eligibility of the applicants and the completeness 
of the applications. These requirements appear at sections 1484.14 and 
1484.20 of the Cooperator program regulations. Applications that meet 
the requirements then will be further evaluated by the appropriate 
Commodity Branch in the FAS Cooperator Programs Division. The Commodity 
Branch will review each application against the criteria listed in 
sections 1484.21 and 1484.22 of the Cooperator program regulations. The 
purpose of this review is to identify meritorious proposals and to 
recommend an appropriate funding level for each application based upon 
these criteria.

(2) Phase 2--Competitive Review

    Meritorious applications then will be passed on to the Office of 
the Deputy Administrator, Office of Trade Programs, for the purpose of 
allocating available funds among the applicants. Applicants will 
compete for funds on the basis of the following allocation criteria 
(the number in parentheses represents a percentage weight factor):
(a) Contribution Level (40)
     The applicant's 6-year average share (2005-2010) of all 
contributions (contributions may include cash and goods and services 
provided by U.S. entities in support of foreign market development 
activities) compared to;
     The applicant's 6-year average share (2005-2010) of all 
Cooperator marketing plan expenditures.
(b) Past Export Performance (20)
     The 6-year average share (2004-2009) of the value of 
exports promoted by the applicant compared to;
     The applicant's 6-year average share (2004-2009) of all 
Cooperator marketing plan expenditures plus a 6-year average share 
(2004-2009) of MAP expenditures.
(c) Past Demand Expansion Performance (20)
     The 6-year average share (2004-2009) of the total value of 
world trade of the commodities promoted by the applicant compared to;
     The applicant's 6-year average share (2004-2009) of all 
Cooperator marketing plan expenditures plus a 6-year average share 
(2004-2009) of MAP expenditures.
(d) Future Demand Expansion Goals (10)
     The projected total dollar value of world trade of the 
commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2015 compared 
to;
     The applicant's requested funding level.
(e) Accuracy of Past Demand Expansion Projections (10)
     The actual dollar value share of world trade of the 
commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2008 compared 
to;
     The applicant's past projected share of world trade of the 
commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2008, as 
specified in the 2005 Cooperator program application.
    The Commodity Branches' recommended funding levels for each 
applicant are converted to percentages of the total Cooperator program 
funds available and then multiplied by each weight factor to determine 
the amount of funds allocated to each applicant.
    2. Anticipated Announcement Date: Announcements of funding 
decisions for the Cooperator program are anticipated during October 
2009.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: The FAS will notify each applicant in writing of 
the final disposition of its application. The FAS will send an approval 
letter and project agreement to each approved applicant. The approval 
letter and project agreement will specify the terms and conditions 
applicable to the project, including the levels of Cooperator program 
funding, and cost-share contribution requirements.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Interested 
parties should review the Cooperator program regulations, which are 
available at the following URL address: https://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/fmdprogram.asp. Hard copies may be obtained by contacting the 
Program Operations Division at (202) 720-2379.
    3. Reporting: The FAS requires various reports and evaluations from 
Cooperators. Reporting requirements are detailed in the Cooperator 
program regulations in sections 1484.53, 1484.70, and 1484.72.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    For additional information and assistance, contact the Program

[[Page 19494]]

Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mailing Address: AgBox 1020, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1020. Courier 
Address: Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20024. Phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-
mail: podadmin@fas.usda.gov.

    Signed at Washington, DC, on the 17th of April 2009.
Patricia R. Sheikh,
Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, and Vice President, 
Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. E9-9729 Filed 4-28-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-P
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