Energy and Infrastructure Mission to Saudi Arabia, 21598-21600 [2010-9597]

Download as PDF 21598 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 79 / Monday, April 26, 2010 / Notices best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. U.S. companies already doing business in the target sectors as well as U.S. companies seeking to enter these markets for the first time are encouraged to apply. Fees and Expenses After a company has been selected to participate in the mission, a payment to the U.S. Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. The participation fee will be $5,200 for a single participant for a small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME)* and $6,000 for a single participant for a large firm. Participants per company will be limited, due to space constraints. The additional participant fee will be $3,600 per individual, (this includes the individual person’s security fee of $3,000). Applicants are encouraged to provide justification for each additional applicant in their application documents. Interpretation services for official activities are included in the fee. Expenses for travel, lodging, some meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Delegation members will be able to take advantage of Embassynegotiated rates for hotel rooms. Conditions for Participation • An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission application and supplemental application materials, including adequate information on the company’s products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation. If the U.S. Department of Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may reject the application, request additional information, or take the lack of information into account when evaluating the application. • 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, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES Selection Criteria for Participation Selection will be based on the following criteria: * An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or that otherwise qualifies as small business under SBA regulations (see https:// www.sba.gov/services/contracting opportunities/ sizestandardstopics/). Parent companies, affiliates, and subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service’s user fee schedule that became effective May 1, 2008 (for additional information see https://www.export.gov/newsletter/ march2008/initiatives.html). VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:56 Apr 23, 2010 Jkt 220001 • Suitability of the company’s products or services to Iraq’s market. • Applicant’s potential for business in Iraq, including likelihood of exports resulting from the mission. • Consistency of the applicant’s goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission. Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing references to partisan political activities (including political contributions) will be removed from an applicant’s submission and will not be considered during the selection process. Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including posting on the U.S. Department of Commerce trade missions calendar—https://www.ita.doc.gov/ doctm/tmcal.html—and other Internet Web sites, publication in domestic trade publications and association newsletters, direct outreach to the Department’s clients and distribution lists, posting in the Federal Register, and announcements at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no later than July 19, 2010, by the close of business. Applications received after July 19, 2010, will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. Disclaimer, Security, and Transportation Trade mission members participate in the trade mission and undertake related travel at their own risk and are advised to obtain insurance accordingly. Any question regarding insurance coverage must be resolved by the participant and its insurer of choice. The U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees as to the safety or security of participants. Companies should consult the State Department’s travel warning for Iraq: https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/ tw/tw_921.html. The U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees as to the commercial success of businesses which participate in this trade mission. ITA will coordinate with the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad to arrange for transportation of the mission participants to and from the airport and hotel. The hotel that will be the primary venue for the mission has strong security measures in place. Security will be furnished by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and private hotel security. The PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees as to the commercial success of businesses which participate in this trade mission. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND AN APPLICATION PACKET CONTACT: U.S. Commercial Service Domestic Contacts: Jessica Arnold, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, Washington, DC, Tel.: 202–482–2026, Iraqmission2010@trade.gov. Joshua Leibowitz, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, Washington, DC, Tel.: 202–482–4437, Iraqmission2010@trade.gov. U.S. Commercial Service Iraq Contact: Brian McCleary, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service, Baghdad, Brian.mccleary@mail.doc.gov. Jessica Arnold, Global Trade Programs, Commercial Service Trade Missions Program. [FR Doc. 2010–9590 Filed 4–23–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–FP–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Energy and Infrastructure Mission to Saudi Arabia AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice. Mission Description The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (CS) is organizing an energy and infrastructure trade mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, December 6–8, 2010. Led by a senior Department of Commerce official, the mission to Saudi Arabia is intended to include representatives from a variety of U.S. energy and infrastructure industry suppliers and service providers. The mission will introduce mission participants to end-users and prospective partners whose needs and capabilities are targeted to the respective U.S. participant’s strengths. Participating in an official U.S. industry delegation, rather than traveling to Saudi Arabia independently, will enhance the companies’ ability to secure meetings in Saudi Arabia, especially in light of discussions on this topic between the Government of Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. The mission will include appointments, briefings and receptions E:\FR\FM\26APN1.SGM 26APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 79 / Monday, April 26, 2010 / Notices in Riyadh and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia’s primary energy and infrastructure industry hubs. Trade mission participants will have the opportunity to interact with Commercial Service (CS) specialists covering the energy and infrastructure industries to discuss industry developments, opportunities, and sales strategies. Commercial Setting The Saudi Arabian energy and infrastructure sectors rank among the world’s most dynamic. Government contracts worth approximately $140 billion have been awarded so far this year, of which around $110 billion were for non-oil projects. U.S. goods exports to Saudi Arabia in 2008 were $12.5 billion, up 20 percent from the previous year. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES The Oil and Gas Sector Being the largest producer and exporter of crude oil, Saudi Aramco, the national oil company, is augmenting capacity to maintain a surplus production of 1.5–2.0 million barrels per day. The company is also expanding its Master Gas System, building an NGL recovery plant, a new grass-roots gas plant, and enhancing capacity at an existing plant. While the global recession that began in 2008 has presented new economic challenges, Saudi Arabia is pushing forward with many of its development projects in the oil and gas sector. In March 2009, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced plans to spend approximately $60 billion on upstream and downstream operations through 2014. The budget includes allocations for 144 projects, including 17 mega-projects (those valued at more than $1 billion), 30 large projects, 17 medium-sized projects, and 80 small schemes. Petrochemicals Industry sources believe that more than $70 billion in petrochemical projects are under development and Saudi Arabia Basic Industries Corporation has $48 billion projects planned for 2011–2020. The development of downstream, value added industry is a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to diversify the economy away from oil and gas. The Saudi Government aims at consolidating the country’s position as the leading bulk petrochemicals commodities producer of the 21st century; as such, a new wave of specialty petrochemical products is being developed, including polycarbonates, phenols, engineering plastics and thermoplastic olefins. Recent projects to produce specialty VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:56 Apr 23, 2010 Jkt 220001 chemicals include the Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company complex, which will produce the region’s first polycarbonates and phenols; the mega Ras Tanura refinery upgrade and integrated petrochemicals complex, which will produce more than 300 different products, and the third-phase Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) complex, which will produce synthetic fibers. The planned expansion at Jubail Industrial City II with around 20 petrochemical and infrastructure projects worth more than $21.6 billion dollars will also bring various opportunities for U.S. petrochemical and engineering companies, as well as to American U.S. manufacturers/suppliers of equipment, parts, supplies, and services related to the petrochemical industry. Construction At a time when some Middle Eastern countries are facing financial difficulties, Saudi Arabia’s star is clearly rising. With tens of billions of dollars of projects awarded, the Saudi construction sector is rolling forward. Saudi Arabia’s ambitious rail plans are fueling activity in the infrastructure sector, with $30 billion worth of contracts under way or at the bidding stage. Likewise, the Saudi real estate market is set to grow significantly over the next four years. Saudi Arabia has the largest real estate market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with more commercial (office, retail and residential) floor space than all of the other GCC countries combined. This impressive growth is being driven by a combination of a large and growing economy and strong demographic fundamentals. Among Saudi Arabia’s super-projects are as many as six ‘‘economic cities,’’ to be completed by the year 2020 at an initial cost of US$ 87.8 billion, as part of a public-private partnership strategy led by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA). The ‘‘cities’’ are expected to contribute $150 billion to GDP, and to collectively create over 1.5 million jobs by 2020, as well as living space for more than 2.5 million residents. Around $6 billion is being poured into Saudi Arabia’s housing sector, to accommodate the population increase. Roughly $2 billion is being spent on schools and universities. Billions more are going toward ultramodern mega-commerce and tourism projects, and the country’s stronglycompetitive industrial sector. Hundreds of new factories are to be constructed. All of this fast-paced construction sector activity is creating a wealth of investment opportunity for American PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 21599 architecture, engineering, design and construction firms. Saudi Arabia’s transport sector— including road infrastructure, airports and seaports—is also part of an ambitious investor-friendly expansion plan. Not surprisingly, these forwardlooking plans are fuelling strong demand for a broad variety of cuttingedge construction materials and products from leading international suppliers. Mission Goals The short term goals of the energy and infrastructure trade mission to Saudi Arabia are to (1) introduce U.S. companies to potential joint-venture partners and other industry representatives, and (2) introduce U.S. companies to industry and government officials in Saudi Arabia to learn about various program opportunities in those industries. Mission Scenario In Riyadh, the U.S. mission members will be presented with a briefing by the U.S. Embassy’s Counselor for Commercial Affairs, the Senior Commercial Specialist for the energy and infrastructure sectors and other key U.S. Government and corporate officials. Participants will also take part in business matchmaking appointments with Saudi private-sector organizations. In addition, they will attend a networking event with multipliers. In Dhahran, participants will receive a market briefing by the Senior Commercial Specialist for the energy and infrastructure sectors at the U.S. Consulate, and they will participate in one-on-one business matchmaking appointments, and networking activities. Energy participants will also receive a briefing on market opportunities by Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil corporation. Matchmaking efforts will involve multipliers such as Council of Saudi Chambers. U.S. participants will be counseled before and after the mission by domestic mission coordinator. Participation in the mission will include the following: • Pre-travel briefings/webinar on subjects ranging from business practices in Saudi Arabia to security; • Pre-scheduled meetings with potential partners, distributors, end users, or local industry contacts in Riyadh and Dhahran; • Transportation to airports in Riyadh and Dhahran; • Meetings with Saudi Government officials; • Participation in industry receptions in Riyadh and Dhahran; E:\FR\FM\26APN1.SGM 26APN1 21600 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 79 / Monday, April 26, 2010 / Notices • Meetings with CS Saudi Arabia’s energy and infrastructure industry specialists in Riyadh and Dhahran; and • Networking receptions in two cities of the trade mission. Proposed Mission Timetable Mission participants will be encouraged to arrive December 5, 2010 and the mission program will proceed from December 6 through December 8, 2010. December 6 December 7 December 8 Riyadh Market briefings by U.S. Embassy Riyadh officials. One-on-one business matchmaking appointments. Networking reception. Dhahran Travel to Dhahran. Market briefing by U.S. Consulate Dhahran officials. Networking reception. Dhahran Meeting at Saudi Aramco. One-on-one business matchmaking appointments. Participation Requirements All parties interested in participating in the Energy and Infrastructure Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia must complete and submit an application 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 10 and a maximum of 15 companies will be selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool. U.S. companies already doing business in Saudi Arabia as well as U.S. companies seeking to enter the market for the first time are encouraged to apply. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES Fees and Expenses After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. The participation fee will be $3,680 for large firms and $2,925 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) 1 or small organization, which will cover one representative. The fee for each additional firm representative (large firm or SME) is $500. Expenses for travel, lodging, most meals, and 1 An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations (see https:// www.sba.gov/services/contracting opportunities/ sizestandardstopics/). Parent companies, affiliates, and subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service’s user fee schedule that became effective May 1, 2008 (see https:// www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/ initiatives.html for additional information). VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:56 Apr 23, 2010 Jkt 220001 incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Conditions for Participation • An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission application and supplemental application materials, including adequate information on the company’s products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation. If the U.S. Department of Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may reject the application, request additional information, or take the lack of information into account when evaluating the applications. • 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, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content. Selection Criteria for Participation Selection will be based on the following criteria: • Suitability of a company’s products or services to the mission’s goals. • Applicant’s potential for business in Saudi Arabia, including likelihood of exports resulting from the trade mission. • Consistency of the applicant’s goals and objectives with the stated scope of the trade mission (as an example—be in the energy and/or infrastructure sectors indicated in the mission description). Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing references to partisan political activities (including political contributions) will be removed from an applicant’s submission and not considered during the selection process. 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 (https://www.ita.doc.gov/ doctm/tmcal.html) and other Internet Web sites, press releases to general and trade media, direct mail, notices by industry trade associations and other multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no later than September 15, 2010. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review all applications immediately after the deadline. We will inform applicants of PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 selection decisions as soon as possible after September 15, 2010. Applications received after that date will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. Contacts U.S. Commercial Service Domestic Contact Sean Timmins, 202–482–1841, Sean.Timmins@trade.gov. U.S. Commercial Service Saudi Arabia Contacts Mr. Habeeb Saeed, U.S. Commercial Service Riyadh, Tel: 966–1–488–3800, Habeeb.Saeed@mail.doc.gov. Mr. Ishtiaq Hussain, U.S. Commercial Service Dhahran, Tel: 966–3–330– 3200, Ishtiaq.Hussain@mail.doc.gov. Sean Timmins, Global Trade Programs, Commercial Service Trade Missions Program. [FR Doc. 2010–9597 Filed 4–23–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–FP–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XW07 Groundfish Fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area and the Gulf of Alaska; King and Tanner Crab Fisheries in the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands; Scallop and Salmon Fisheries Off the Coast of Alaska AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notification of a call for proposals for Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPCs) and associated fishery management measures. SUMMARY: The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS are soliciting proposals for candidate sites that could be identified as HAPCs and managed within Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). The Council has identified skate nurseries as a priority for consideration during this call for proposals, and proposals must meet the identified priority. DATES: Proposals must be submitted by August 16, 2010. ADDRESSES: Proposals should be submitted to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, 605 W. 4th Ave., Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99501–2252. E:\FR\FM\26APN1.SGM 26APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 79 (Monday, April 26, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21598-21600]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-9597]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Energy and Infrastructure Mission to Saudi Arabia

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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

Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (CS) is organizing 
an energy and infrastructure trade mission to the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia, December 6-8, 2010. Led by a senior Department of Commerce 
official, the mission to Saudi Arabia is intended to include 
representatives from a variety of U.S. energy and infrastructure 
industry suppliers and service providers. The mission will introduce 
mission participants to end-users and prospective partners whose needs 
and capabilities are targeted to the respective U.S. participant's 
strengths. Participating in an official U.S. industry delegation, 
rather than traveling to Saudi Arabia independently, will enhance the 
companies' ability to secure meetings in Saudi Arabia, especially in 
light of discussions on this topic between the Government of Saudi 
Arabia and the U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. The mission will 
include appointments, briefings and receptions

[[Page 21599]]

in Riyadh and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia's primary energy and infrastructure 
industry hubs. Trade mission participants will have the opportunity to 
interact with Commercial Service (CS) specialists covering the energy 
and infrastructure industries to discuss industry developments, 
opportunities, and sales strategies.

Commercial Setting

    The Saudi Arabian energy and infrastructure sectors rank among the 
world's most dynamic. Government contracts worth approximately $140 
billion have been awarded so far this year, of which around $110 
billion were for non-oil projects. U.S. goods exports to Saudi Arabia 
in 2008 were $12.5 billion, up 20 percent from the previous year.

The Oil and Gas Sector

    Being the largest producer and exporter of crude oil, Saudi Aramco, 
the national oil company, is augmenting capacity to maintain a surplus 
production of 1.5-2.0 million barrels per day. The company is also 
expanding its Master Gas System, building an NGL recovery plant, a new 
grass-roots gas plant, and enhancing capacity at an existing plant. 
While the global recession that began in 2008 has presented new 
economic challenges, Saudi Arabia is pushing forward with many of its 
development projects in the oil and gas sector. In March 2009, the 
Saudi Arabian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced 
plans to spend approximately $60 billion on upstream and downstream 
operations through 2014. The budget includes allocations for 144 
projects, including 17 mega-projects (those valued at more than $1 
billion), 30 large projects, 17 medium-sized projects, and 80 small 
schemes.

Petrochemicals

    Industry sources believe that more than $70 billion in 
petrochemical projects are under development and Saudi Arabia Basic 
Industries Corporation has $48 billion projects planned for 2011-2020. 
The development of downstream, value added industry is a cornerstone of 
the government's efforts to diversify the economy away from oil and 
gas. The Saudi Government aims at consolidating the country's position 
as the leading bulk petrochemicals commodities producer of the 21st 
century; as such, a new wave of specialty petrochemical products is 
being developed, including polycarbonates, phenols, engineering 
plastics and thermoplastic olefins. Recent projects to produce 
specialty chemicals include the Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company 
complex, which will produce the region's first polycarbonates and 
phenols; the mega Ras Tanura refinery upgrade and integrated 
petrochemicals complex, which will produce more than 300 different 
products, and the third-phase Saudi International Petrochemical Company 
(Sipchem) complex, which will produce synthetic fibers. The planned 
expansion at Jubail Industrial City II with around 20 petrochemical and 
infrastructure projects worth more than $21.6 billion dollars will also 
bring various opportunities for U.S. petrochemical and engineering 
companies, as well as to American U.S. manufacturers/suppliers of 
equipment, parts, supplies, and services related to the petrochemical 
industry.

Construction

    At a time when some Middle Eastern countries are facing financial 
difficulties, Saudi Arabia's star is clearly rising. With tens of 
billions of dollars of projects awarded, the Saudi construction sector 
is rolling forward. Saudi Arabia's ambitious rail plans are fueling 
activity in the infrastructure sector, with $30 billion worth of 
contracts under way or at the bidding stage. Likewise, the Saudi real 
estate market is set to grow significantly over the next four years. 
Saudi Arabia has the largest real estate market in the Gulf Cooperation 
Council (GCC), with more commercial (office, retail and residential) 
floor space than all of the other GCC countries combined. This 
impressive growth is being driven by a combination of a large and 
growing economy and strong demographic fundamentals. Among Saudi 
Arabia's super-projects are as many as six ``economic cities,'' to be 
completed by the year 2020 at an initial cost of US$ 87.8 billion, as 
part of a public-private partnership strategy led by the Saudi Arabian 
General Investment Authority (SAGIA). The ``cities'' are expected to 
contribute $150 billion to GDP, and to collectively create over 1.5 
million jobs by 2020, as well as living space for more than 2.5 million 
residents. Around $6 billion is being poured into Saudi Arabia's 
housing sector, to accommodate the population increase. Roughly $2 
billion is being spent on schools and universities.
    Billions more are going toward ultra-modern mega-commerce and 
tourism projects, and the country's strongly-competitive industrial 
sector. Hundreds of new factories are to be constructed. All of this 
fast-paced construction sector activity is creating a wealth of 
investment opportunity for American architecture, engineering, design 
and construction firms.
    Saudi Arabia's transport sector--including road infrastructure, 
airports and seaports--is also part of an ambitious investor-friendly 
expansion plan. Not surprisingly, these forward-looking plans are 
fuelling strong demand for a broad variety of cutting-edge construction 
materials and products from leading international suppliers.

Mission Goals

    The short term goals of the energy and infrastructure trade mission 
to Saudi Arabia are to (1) introduce U.S. companies to potential joint-
venture partners and other industry representatives, and (2) introduce 
U.S. companies to industry and government officials in Saudi Arabia to 
learn about various program opportunities in those industries.

Mission Scenario

    In Riyadh, the U.S. mission members will be presented with a 
briefing by the U.S. Embassy's Counselor for Commercial Affairs, the 
Senior Commercial Specialist for the energy and infrastructure sectors 
and other key U.S. Government and corporate officials. Participants 
will also take part in business matchmaking appointments with Saudi 
private-sector organizations. In addition, they will attend a 
networking event with multipliers. In Dhahran, participants will 
receive a market briefing by the Senior Commercial Specialist for the 
energy and infrastructure sectors at the U.S. Consulate, and they will 
participate in one-on-one business matchmaking appointments, and 
networking activities. Energy participants will also receive a briefing 
on market opportunities by Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil 
corporation.
    Matchmaking efforts will involve multipliers such as Council of 
Saudi Chambers. U.S. participants will be counseled before and after 
the mission by domestic mission coordinator. Participation in the 
mission will include the following:
     Pre-travel briefings/webinar on subjects ranging from 
business practices in Saudi Arabia to security;
     Pre-scheduled meetings with potential partners, 
distributors, end users, or local industry contacts in Riyadh and 
Dhahran;
     Transportation to airports in Riyadh and Dhahran;
     Meetings with Saudi Government officials;
     Participation in industry receptions in Riyadh and 
Dhahran;

[[Page 21600]]

     Meetings with CS Saudi Arabia's energy and infrastructure 
industry specialists in Riyadh and Dhahran; and
     Networking receptions in two cities of the trade mission.

Proposed Mission Timetable

    Mission participants will be encouraged to arrive December 5, 2010 
and the mission program will proceed from December 6 through December 
8, 2010.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 6.........................  Riyadh
                                     Market briefings by U.S. Embassy
                                      Riyadh officials.
                                     One-on-one business matchmaking
                                      appointments.
                                     Networking reception.
December 7.........................  Dhahran
                                     Travel to Dhahran.
                                     Market briefing by U.S. Consulate
                                      Dhahran officials.
                                     Networking reception.
December 8.........................  Dhahran
                                     Meeting at Saudi Aramco.
                                     One-on-one business matchmaking
                                      appointments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the Energy and 
Infrastructure Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia must complete and submit 
an application 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 10 and a maximum of 15 companies will be selected to 
participate in the mission from the applicant pool. U.S. companies 
already doing business in Saudi Arabia as well as U.S. companies 
seeking to enter the market for the first time are encouraged to apply.

Fees and Expenses

    After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a 
payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation 
fee is required. The participation fee will be $3,680 for large firms 
and $2,925 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) \1\ or small 
organization, which will cover one representative. The fee for each 
additional firm representative (large firm or SME) is $500. Expenses 
for travel, lodging, most meals, and incidentals will be the 
responsibility of each mission participant.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or 
that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations 
(see https://www.sba.gov/services/contracting opportunities/
sizestandardstopics/). Parent companies, affiliates, and 
subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The 
dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service's user fee schedule 
that became effective May 1, 2008 (see https://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html for additional information).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Conditions for Participation

     An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission 
application and supplemental application materials, including adequate 
information on the company's products and/or services, primary market 
objectives, and goals for participation. If the U.S. Department of 
Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may reject 
the application, request additional information, or take the lack of 
information into account when evaluating the applications.
     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, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm 
and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content.

Selection Criteria for Participation

    Selection will be based on the following criteria:
     Suitability of a company's products or services to the 
mission's goals.
     Applicant's potential for business in Saudi Arabia, 
including likelihood of exports resulting from the trade mission.
     Consistency of the applicant's goals and objectives with 
the stated scope of the trade mission (as an example--be in the energy 
and/or infrastructure sectors indicated in the mission description).

Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing 
references to partisan political activities (including political 
contributions) will be removed from an applicant's submission and not 
considered during the selection process.

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 (https://www.ita.doc.gov/doctm/tmcal.html) and other Internet Web sites, press releases to general and 
trade media, direct mail, notices by industry trade associations and 
other multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, 
conferences, and trade shows.
    Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no 
later than September 15, 2010. The U.S. Department of Commerce will 
review all applications immediately after the deadline. We will inform 
applicants of selection decisions as soon as possible after September 
15, 2010.
    Applications received after that date will be considered only if 
space and scheduling constraints permit.

Contacts

U.S. Commercial Service Domestic Contact

Sean Timmins, 202-482-1841, Sean.Timmins@trade.gov.

U.S. Commercial Service Saudi Arabia Contacts

Mr. Habeeb Saeed, U.S. Commercial Service Riyadh, Tel: 966-1-488-3800, 
Habeeb.Saeed@mail.doc.gov.
Mr. Ishtiaq Hussain, U.S. Commercial Service Dhahran, Tel: 966-3-330-
3200, Ishtiaq.Hussain@mail.doc.gov.

Sean Timmins,
Global Trade Programs, Commercial Service Trade Missions Program.
[FR Doc. 2010-9597 Filed 4-23-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P
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