Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the Market Access Program, 23893-23895 [2013-09447]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 78 / Tuesday, April 23, 2013 / Notices
regulatory or other non-tariff barriers) to
the effectiveness of emerging market’s
food and rural business systems
previously identified by an EMP project
that are to be implemented by the
applicant, etc.;
(m) Project objectives;
(n) Performance measures:
Benchmarks for quantifying progress in
meeting the objectives;
(o) Rationale: Explanation of the
underlying reasons for the project
proposal and its approach, the
anticipated benefits, and any additional
pertinent analysis;
(p) Explanation as to what specifically
could not be accomplished without
Federal funding assistance and why the
participating organization(s) would be
unlikely to carry out the project without
such assistance;
(q) Timeline(s) for implementation of
activity, including start and end dates;
(r) Information on whether similar
activities are or have previously been
funded with USDA resources in the
target country or countries (e.g., under
MAP and/or Cooperator programs);
(s) Detailed line item activity budget:
• Cost items should be allocated
separately to each participating
organization; and
• Expense items constituting a
proposed activity’s overall budget (e.g.,
salaries, travel expenses, consultant
fees, administrative costs, etc.), with a
line item cost for each, should be listed,
clearly indicating:
(1) Which items are to be covered by
EMP funding;
(2) Which by the participating U.S.
organization(s); and
(3) Which by foreign third parties (if
applicable).
Cost items for individual consultant
fees should show calculation of daily
rate and number of days. Cost items for
travel expenses should show number of
trips, destinations, cost, and objective
for each trip; and
(t) Qualifications of applicant(s)
should be included as an attachment.
3. Funding Restrictions: Certain types
of expenses are not eligible for
reimbursement by the program, and
there are limits on other categories of
expenses, such as indirect overhead
charges, travel expenses, and consulting
fees. CCC will also not reimburse
unreasonable expenditures or
expenditures made prior to approval of
a proposal. Full details of the funding
restrictions are available in the EMP
regulations.
4. Submission Dates and Times: EMP
proposals are reviewed on a rolling
basis during the fiscal year as long as
EMP funding is available as set forth
below:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:51 Apr 22, 2013
Jkt 229001
• Proposals received by, but not later
than, 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May
28, 2013, will be considered for funding
with other proposals received by that
date;
• Proposals not approved for funding
during the review period will be
reconsidered for funding after the
review period only if the applicant
specifically requests such
reconsideration in writing, and only if
funding remains available;
• Proposals received after 5 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time, May 28, 2013,
will be considered in the order received
for funding only if funding remains
available.
5. Other Submission Requirements:
All Internet-based applications must be
properly submitted by 5 p.m., Eastern
Daylight Time, May 28, 2013, in order
to be considered for funding; late
submissions received after the deadline
will be considered only if funding
remains available. All applications
submitted by email must be received by
5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 28,
2013, at podadmin@fas.usda.gov in
order to receive the same consideration.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria: Key criteria used in
judging proposals include:
• The objective of the activities is to
develop, maintain, or expand markets
for U.S. agricultural exports by
improving the effectiveness of the food
and rural business systems in emerging
markets;
• Appropriateness of the activities for
the targeted market(s) and the extent to
which the project identifies market
barriers (e.g., a fundamental deficiency
in the emerging market’s food and rural
business systems, and/or a recent
change in those systems);
• Potential of the project to expand
U.S. market share and increase U.S.
exports or sales;
• Quality of the project’s performance
measures, and the degree to which they
relate to the objectives, deliverables, and
proposed approach and activities;
• Justification for Federal funding;
• Overall cost of the project and the
amount of funding provided by the
applicant and any partners; and
• Evidence that the organization has
the knowledge, expertise, ability, and
resources to successfully implement the
project, including timeliness and quality
of reporting on past EMP activities.
Please see 7 CFR part 1486 for
additional evaluation criteria.
2. Review and Selection Process: All
applications undergo a multi-phase
review within FAS, by appropriate FAS
field offices, and, as needed, by the
private sector Advisory Committee on
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
23893
Emerging Markets to determine the
qualifications, quality, appropriateness
of projects, and reasonableness of
project budgets.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices: FAS will notify
each applicant in writing of the final
disposition of the submitted
application. FAS will send an approval
letter and project agreement to each
approved applicant. The approval letter
and agreement will specify the terms
and conditions applicable to the project,
including the levels of EMP funding and
cost-share contribution requirements.
2. Administrative and National Policy
Requirements: Interested parties should
review the EMP regulations, which are
available at the following URL address:
https://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/emmarkets/em-markets.asp.
3. Reporting. Quarterly progress
reports for all programs one year or
longer in duration are required. Projects
of less than one year generally require
a mid-term progress report. Final
performance reports are due 90 days
after completion of each project.
Content requirements for both types of
reports are contained in the Project
Agreement. Final financial reports are
also due 90 days after completion of
each project as attachments to the final
reports. Please see 7 CFR part 1486 for
additional reporting requirements.
VII. Agency Contact(s)
For additional information and
assistance, contact the Program
Operations Division, Office of Trade
Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Courier address: Room 6512, 1400
Independence Ave. SW., Washington,
DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720–4327,
or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by email:
podadmin@fas.usda.gov.
Signed at Washington, DC, on 28 day of
March 2013.
Suzanne E. Heinen,
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service
and Vice President, Commodity Credit
Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2013–09460 Filed 4–22–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–10–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Commodity Credit Corporation
Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting
Applications for the Market Access
Program
Announcement Type: New.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.601.
E:\FR\FM\23APN1.SGM
23APN1
23894
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 78 / Tuesday, April 23, 2013 / Notices
The Commodity Credit
Corporation (CCC) announces that it is
inviting proposals for the 2014 Market
Access Program (MAP). The intended
effect of this notice is to solicit
applications from eligible applicants for
fiscal year 2014 and to set out criteria
for the award of funds under the
program in October 2013. The MAP is
administered by personnel of the
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
The funding authority for MAP
expires at the end of fiscal year 2013.
This notice is being published at this
time to allow awards to be made early
in fiscal year 2014, provided that
program funding is reauthorized prior to
that time. In the event this program is
not reauthorized, or is substantially
modified, FAS will publish a notice in
the Federal Register rescinding this
Notice of Funds Availability.
DATES: All applications must be
received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight
Time, May 28, 2013. 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, Office of Trade
Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service
by courier address: Room 6512, 1400
Independence Ave. SW., Washington,
DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720–4327,
or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by email:
podadmin@fas.usda.gov. Information is
also available on the FAS Web site at
https://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/
map.asp.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Authority: The MAP is authorized
under Section 203 of the Agricultural
Trade Act of 1978, as amended. MAP
regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1485.
Purpose: The MAP is designed to
create, expand, and maintain foreign
markets for U.S. agricultural
commodities and products through costshare assistance. Financial assistance
under the MAP will be made available
on a competitive basis, and applications
will be reviewed against the evaluation
criteria contained herein and in the
MAP regulations. 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. In deciding
whether a proposed project will
contribute to the effective creation,
expansion, or maintenance of foreign
markets, the FAS considers whether the
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:51 Apr 22, 2013
Jkt 229001
applicant provides 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.
II. Award Information
Under the MAP, the CCC enters into
agreements with eligible Participants to
share the cost of certain overseas
marketing and promotion activities.
MAP Participants may receive
assistance for generic or brand
promotion activities. For generic
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.
Only non-profit U.S. agricultural trade
organizations, nonprofit state regional
trade groups (SRTGs), U.S. agricultural
cooperatives, and State government
agencies can participate directly in the
brand program. The MAP generally
operates on a reimbursement basis.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: To participate
in the MAP, an applicant must be a
nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade
organization, a nonprofit SRTG, a U.S.
agricultural cooperative, or a State
government agency. A small-sized U.S.
commercial entity may participate
through a MAP Participant.
2. Cost Sharing: To participate in the
MAP, an applicant must agree to
contribute resources to its proposed
promotional activities. The MAP is
intended to supplement, not supplant,
the efforts of the U.S. private sector. In
the case of generic promotion, the
contribution must be at least 10 percent
of the value of resources provided by
CCC for such generic promotion. In the
case of brand promotion, the
contribution must be at least 50 percent
of the total cost of such brand
promotion.
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
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
activities. The MAP regulations, in
section 1485.16, 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 MAP applications to the
FAS through the Unified Export
Strategy (UES) application Internet Web
site. The UES allows interested
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 Internetbased system must contact the FAS/
Program Operations Division to obtain
Web site access information. The
Internet-based application may be found
at the following URL address: https://
www.fas.usda.gov/ues/webapp/.
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 of their application to FAS at
podadmin@fas.usda.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application
Submission: To be considered for the
MAP, an applicant must submit to the
FAS information required by the MAP
regulations in section 1485.13. 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
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.
E:\FR\FM\23APN1.SGM
23APN1
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 78 / Tuesday, April 23, 2013 / Notices
In addition, in accordance with 2 CFR
Part 25, each entity that applies to MAP
and does not qualify for an exemption
under 2 CFR 25.110 must:
(i) Be registered in the CCR prior to
submitting an application or plan;
(ii) Maintain an active CCR
registration with current information at
all times during which it has an active
Federal award or an application or plan
under consideration by CCC; and
(iii) Provide its DUNS number in each
application or plan it submits to CCC.
Similarly, in accordance with 2 CFR
Part 170, each entity that applies to
MAP and does not qualify for an
exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b) must
ensure it has the necessary processes
and systems in place to comply with the
applicable reporting requirements of 2
CFR Part 170 should it receive MAP
funding.
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 Foreign Market
Development Cooperator (Cooperator)
program, 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 MAP, but would like to
request assistance through one of the
other programs mentioned should
contact the Program Operations
Division.
3. Submission Dates and Times: All
applications must be received by 5 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time, May 28, 2013.
All MAP applicants, regardless of the
method of submitting an application,
must also submit by the application
deadline, an original signed certification
statement as specified in 7 CFR
1485.13(a)(2)(i)(E) to the Program
Operations Division, Office of Trade
Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room
6512, 1400 Independence Ave. SW.,
Washington, DC 20250. 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 MAP
regulations in section 1485.17.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria and Review Process:
Following is a description of the FAS
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:51 Apr 22, 2013
Jkt 229001
process for reviewing applications and
the criteria for allocating available MAP
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
in sections 1485.12 and 1485.13 of the
MAP regulations. Applications that
meet the requirements then will be
further evaluated by the appropriate
Commodity Branch office of the FAS/
Cooperator Programs Division. The
Commodity Branch will review each
application against the criteria listed in
section 1485.14(b) and (c) of the MAP
regulations as well as in this Notice. 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 as applicable (the number in
parentheses represents a percentage
weight factor):
(a) Applicant’s Contribution Level (40)
• The applicant’s 4-year average share
(2011–2014) of all contributions under
the MAP (cash and goods and services
provided by U.S. entities in support of
overseas marketing and promotion
activities) compared to;
• The applicant’s 4-year average share
(2011–2014) of the funding level for all
MAP Participants.
(b) Past Performance (30)
• The 3-year average share (2010–
2012) of the value of exports promoted
by the applicant compared to;
• The applicant’s 2-year average share
(2012–2013) of the funding level for all
MAP Participants plus, for those groups
participating in the Cooperator program,
the 2-year average share (2012–2013) of
all Cooperator program budgets.
(c) Projected Export Goals (15)
• The total dollar value of projected
exports promoted by the applicant for
2014 compared to;
• The applicant’s requested funding
level.
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 9990
23895
(d) Accuracy of Past Projections (15)
• Actual exports for 2012 as reported
in the 2014 MAP application compared
to;
• Past projections of exports for 2012
as specified in the 2012 MAP
application.
The Commodity Branches’
recommended funding levels for each
applicant are converted to percentages
of the total MAP funds available and
then multiplied by each weight factor as
described above to determine the
amount of funds allocated to each
applicant.
2. Anticipated Announcement Date:
Announcements of funding decisions
for the MAP are anticipated during
October 2013.
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
program agreement to each approved
applicant. The approval letter and
program agreement will specify the
terms and conditions applicable to the
project, including the levels of MAP
funding and cost-share contribution
requirements.
2. Administrative and National Policy
Requirements: Interested parties should
review the MAP regulations, which are
available at the following URL address:
https://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/
map.asp. Hard copies may be obtained
by contacting the Program Operations
Division.
3. Reporting: The FAS requires
various reports and evaluations from
MAP Participants. Reporting
requirements are detailed in the MAP
regulations in section 1485.22 and
1485.23.
VII. Agency Contact(s)
For additional information and
assistance, contact the Program
Operations Division, Office of Trade
Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Courier address: Room 6512, 1400
Independence Ave. SW., Washington,
DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720–4327,
or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by email:
podadmin@fas.usda.gov.
Signed at Washington, DC, on the 28 of
March 2013.
Suzanne E. Heinen,
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service,
and Vice President, Commodity Credit
Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2013–09447 Filed 4–22–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–10–P
E:\FR\FM\23APN1.SGM
23APN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 78 (Tuesday, April 23, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23893-23895]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-09447]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Commodity Credit Corporation
Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the
Market Access Program
Announcement Type: New.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.601.
[[Page 23894]]
SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is
inviting proposals for the 2014 Market Access Program (MAP). The
intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications from eligible
applicants for fiscal year 2014 and to set out criteria for the award
of funds under the program in October 2013. The MAP is administered by
personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
The funding authority for MAP expires at the end of fiscal year
2013. This notice is being published at this time to allow awards to be
made early in fiscal year 2014, provided that program funding is
reauthorized prior to that time. In the event this program is not
reauthorized, or is substantially modified, FAS will publish a notice
in the Federal Register rescinding this Notice of Funds Availability.
DATES: All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight
Time, May 28, 2013. 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, Office of
Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service by courier address: Room
6512, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250, or by phone:
(202) 720-4327, or by fax: (202) 720-9361, or by email:
podadmin@fas.usda.gov. Information is also available on the FAS Web
site at https://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/map.asp.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Authority: The MAP is authorized under Section 203 of the
Agricultural Trade Act of 1978, as amended. MAP regulations appear at 7
CFR part 1485.
Purpose: The MAP is designed to create, expand, and maintain
foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products through
cost-share assistance. Financial assistance under the MAP will be made
available on a competitive basis, and applications will be reviewed
against the evaluation criteria contained herein and in the MAP
regulations. 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. In deciding whether a proposed project will
contribute to the effective creation, expansion, or maintenance of
foreign markets, the FAS considers whether the applicant provides 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.
II. Award Information
Under the MAP, the CCC enters into agreements with eligible
Participants to share the cost of certain overseas marketing and
promotion activities. MAP Participants may receive assistance for
generic or brand promotion activities. For generic 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. Only non-profit U.S. agricultural
trade organizations, nonprofit state regional trade groups (SRTGs),
U.S. agricultural cooperatives, and State government agencies can
participate directly in the brand program. The MAP generally operates
on a reimbursement basis.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: To participate in the MAP, an applicant
must be a nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization, a nonprofit
SRTG, a U.S. agricultural cooperative, or a State government agency. A
small-sized U.S. commercial entity may participate through a MAP
Participant.
2. Cost Sharing: To participate in the MAP, an applicant must agree
to contribute resources to its proposed promotional activities. The MAP
is intended to supplement, not supplant, the efforts of the U.S.
private sector. In the case of generic promotion, the contribution must
be at least 10 percent of the value of resources provided by CCC for
such generic promotion. In the case of brand promotion, the
contribution must be at least 50 percent of the total cost of such
brand promotion.
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 MAP regulations, in section 1485.16, 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 MAP applications to the FAS through the
Unified Export Strategy (UES) application Internet Web site. The UES
allows interested 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 to obtain Web
site access information. The Internet-based application may be found at
the following URL address: https://www.fas.usda.gov/ues/webapp/.
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 of their
application to FAS at podadmin@fas.usda.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission: To be considered for
the MAP, an applicant must submit to the FAS information required by
the MAP regulations in section 1485.13. 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 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.
[[Page 23895]]
In addition, in accordance with 2 CFR Part 25, each entity that
applies to MAP and does not qualify for an exemption under 2 CFR 25.110
must:
(i) Be registered in the CCR prior to submitting an application or
plan;
(ii) Maintain an active CCR registration with current information
at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an
application or plan under consideration by CCC; and
(iii) Provide its DUNS number in each application or plan it
submits to CCC.
Similarly, in accordance with 2 CFR Part 170, each entity that
applies to MAP and does not qualify for an exception under 2 CFR
170.110(b) must ensure it has the necessary processes and systems in
place to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of 2 CFR
Part 170 should it receive MAP funding.
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 Foreign Market Development Cooperator
(Cooperator) program, 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 MAP, but would
like to request assistance through one of the other programs mentioned
should contact the Program Operations Division.
3. Submission Dates and Times: All applications must be received by
5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 28, 2013. All MAP applicants,
regardless of the method of submitting an application, must also submit
by the application deadline, an original signed certification statement
as specified in 7 CFR 1485.13(a)(2)(i)(E) to the Program Operations
Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Room 6512, 1400 Independence Ave. SW.,
Washington, DC 20250. 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 MAP regulations in section 1485.17.
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 MAP 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 in sections 1485.12 and
1485.13 of the MAP regulations. Applications that meet the requirements
then will be further evaluated by the appropriate Commodity Branch
office of the FAS/Cooperator Programs Division. The Commodity Branch
will review each application against the criteria listed in section
1485.14(b) and (c) of the MAP regulations as well as in this Notice.
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 as
applicable (the number in parentheses represents a percentage weight
factor):
(a) Applicant's Contribution Level (40)
The applicant's 4-year average share (2011-2014) of all
contributions under the MAP (cash and goods and services provided by
U.S. entities in support of overseas marketing and promotion
activities) compared to;
The applicant's 4-year average share (2011-2014) of the
funding level for all MAP Participants.
(b) Past Performance (30)
The 3-year average share (2010-2012) of the value of
exports promoted by the applicant compared to;
The applicant's 2-year average share (2012-2013) of the
funding level for all MAP Participants plus, for those groups
participating in the Cooperator program, the 2-year average share
(2012-2013) of all Cooperator program budgets.
(c) Projected Export Goals (15)
The total dollar value of projected exports promoted by
the applicant for 2014 compared to;
The applicant's requested funding level.
(d) Accuracy of Past Projections (15)
Actual exports for 2012 as reported in the 2014 MAP
application compared to;
Past projections of exports for 2012 as specified in the
2012 MAP application.
The Commodity Branches' recommended funding levels for each
applicant are converted to percentages of the total MAP funds available
and then multiplied by each weight factor as described above to
determine the amount of funds allocated to each applicant.
2. Anticipated Announcement Date: Announcements of funding
decisions for the MAP are anticipated during October 2013.
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 program agreement to each approved applicant. The approval
letter and program agreement will specify the terms and conditions
applicable to the project, including the levels of MAP funding and
cost-share contribution requirements.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Interested
parties should review the MAP regulations, which are available at the
following URL address: https://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/map.asp.
Hard copies may be obtained by contacting the Program Operations
Division.
3. Reporting: The FAS requires various reports and evaluations from
MAP Participants. Reporting requirements are detailed in the MAP
regulations in section 1485.22 and 1485.23.
VII. Agency Contact(s)
For additional information and assistance, contact the Program
Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Courier address: Room 6512, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington,
DC 20250, or by phone: (202) 720-4327, or by fax: (202) 720-9361, or by
email: podadmin@fas.usda.gov.
Signed at Washington, DC, on the 28 of March 2013.
Suzanne E. Heinen,
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, and Vice President,
Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2013-09447 Filed 4-22-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-P
