Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the Emerging Markets Program, 19117-19120 [2016-07638]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices
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/programs/
market-access-program-map. Hard
copies may be obtained by contacting
the Program Operations Division.
3. Reporting: FAS requires various
reports and evaluations from MAP
Participants. Reporting requirements are
detailed in sections 1485.22 and
1485.23 of the MAP regulations.
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 by
courier: Room 6512, 1400 Independence
Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250, or by
phone: (202) 720–4327, or by fax: (202)
720–9361, or by email: uesadmin@
fas.usda.gov.
Signed at Washington, DC, on the 25th of
March, 2016.
Bryce Quick,
Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural
Service, and Vice President, Commodity
Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2016–07636 Filed 4–1–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–10–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Commodity Credit Corporation
Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting
Applications for the Emerging Markets
Program
The Commodity Credit
Corporation (CCC) announces that it is
inviting proposals for the 2017
Emerging Markets Program (EMP). The
intended effect of this notice is to solicit
applications from the private sector and
from government agencies for fiscal year
2017 and to set out criteria for the award
of funds under the program in October
2016. The EMP is administered by
personnel of the Foreign Agricultural
Service (FAS).
DATES: To be considered for funding,
applications must be received by 5 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time, June 3, 2016.
Any applications received after this
time will be considered only if funds are
still available.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Entities wishing to apply for funding
assistance should contact the Program
Operations Division, Office of Trade
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SUMMARY:
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Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service
by courier: 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 Foreign
Agricultural Service Web site at https://
www.fas.usda.gov/programs/emergingmarkets-program-emp.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. Funding Opportunity Description
Announcement Type: New.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.603.
Authority: The EMP is authorized by
section 1542(d)(1) of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation and Trade
Act of 1990 (The Act), as amended. The
EMP regulations appear at 7 CFR part
1486.
1. Purpose. The EMP assists U.S.
entities in developing, maintaining, or
expanding exports of U.S. agricultural
commodities and products by funding
activities that improve emerging
markets’ food and rural business
systems, including reducing potential
trade barriers in such markets. The EMP
is intended primarily to support export
market development efforts of the
private sector, but EMP resources may
also be used to assist public
organizations.
All U.S. agricultural commodities,
except tobacco, are eligible for
consideration. Agricultural product(s)
should be comprised of at least 50
percent U.S. origin content by weight,
exclusive of added water, to be eligible
for funding. Proposals that seek support
for multiple commodities are also
eligible. EMP funding may only be used
to develop, maintain, or expand
emerging markets for U.S. agricultural
commodities and products through
generic activities. EMP funding may not
be used to support the export of another
country’s products to the United States,
or to promote the development of a
foreign economy as a primary objective.
2. Appropriate Activities. All EMP
projects must fall into at least one of the
following four categories:
(a) Assistance to teams consisting
primarily of U.S. individuals expert in
assessing the food and rural business
systems of other countries. This type of
EMP project must include all three of
the following:
• Conduct an assessment of the food
and rural business system needs of an
emerging market;
• Make recommendations on
measures necessary to enhance the
effectiveness of these systems; and
• Identify opportunities and projects
to enhance the effectiveness of the
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emerging market’s food and rural
business systems.
To be eligible, such proposals must
clearly demonstrate that experts are
primarily agricultural consultants,
farmers, and other persons from the
private sector and government officials,
and that they have expertise in assessing
the food and rural business systems of
other countries.
(b) Assistance to enable individuals
from emerging markets to travel to the
United States so that these individuals
can, for the purpose of enhancing the
food and rural business systems in their
countries, become familiar with U.S.
technology and agribusiness and rural
enterprise operations by consulting with
food and rural business system experts
in the United States.
(c) Assistance to enable U.S.
agricultural producers and other
individuals knowledgeable in
agricultural and agribusiness matters to
travel to emerging markets to assist in
transferring their knowledge and
expertise to entities in emerging
markets. Such travel must be to
emerging markets. Travel to developed
markets is not eligible under the
program even if the traveler’s targeted
market is an emerging market.
(d) Technical assistance to implement
the recommendations, projects, and/or
opportunities identified under 2(a)
above. Technical assistance that does
not implement the recommendations,
projects, and/or opportunities identified
by assistance under 2(a) above is not
eligible under the EMP.
Proposals that do not fall into one or
more of the four categories above,
regardless of previous guidance
provided regarding the EMP, are not
eligible for consideration under the
program.
EMP funds may not be used to
support normal operating costs of
individual organizations, nor as a source
to recover pre-award costs or prior
expenses from previous or ongoing
projects. Proposals that counter national
strategies or duplicate activities planned
or already underway by U.S. non-profit
agricultural commodity or trade
associations (‘‘cooperators’’) will not be
considered. Other ineligible
expenditures include: branded product
promotions (e.g., in-store, restaurant
advertising, labeling, etc.); advertising;
administrative and operational expenses
for trade shows; Web site development;
equipment purchases; and the
preparation and printing of brochures,
flyers, and posters (except in connection
with specific technical assistance
activities such as training seminars). For
a more complete description of
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ineligible expenditures, please refer to
the EMP regulations.
3. Eligible Markets. The Act defines
an emerging market as any country that
the Secretary of Agriculture determines:
(a) Is taking steps toward developing
a market-oriented economy through the
food, agriculture, or rural business
sectors of the economy of the country;
and
(b) Has the potential to provide a
viable and significant market for U.S.
agricultural commodities or products of
U.S. agricultural commodities.
Because EMP funds are limited and
the range of potential emerging market
countries is worldwide, consideration
will be given only to proposals that
target countries or regional groups with
per capita income of less than $12,736
(the current ceiling on upper middle
income economies as determined by the
World Bank [World Development
Indicators; July 2015, https://
siteresources.worldbank.org/
DATASTATISTICS/Resources/
CLASS.XLS]) and populations of greater
than 1 million.
Income limits and their calculation
can change from year to year with the
result that a given country may qualify
under the legislative and administrative
criteria one year, but not the next.
Therefore, CCC has not established a
fixed list of emerging market countries.
A few countries technically qualify as
emerging markets but may require a
separate determination before funding
can be considered because of political
sensitivities.
B. Award Information
In general, all qualified proposals
received before the application deadline
will compete for EMP funding. The
applicant’s willingness to contribute
resources, including cash, goods, and
services, will be a critical factor in
determining which proposals are
funded under the EMP. Each proposal
will also be judged on the potential
benefits to the industry represented by
the applicant and the degree to which
the proposal demonstrates industry
support.
The limited funds and the range of
eligible emerging markets worldwide
generally preclude CCC from approving
large budgets for individual projects.
While there is no minimum or
maximum amount set for EMP-funded
projects, most projects are funded at a
level of less than $500,000 and for a
duration of approximately one year.
Private entities may submit multi-year
proposals requesting higher levels of
funding that may be considered in the
context of a detailed strategic
implementation plan. Funding in such
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cases is generally limited to three years
and provided one year at a time with
commitments beyond the first year
subject to interim evaluations and
funding availability. Proposals from
government entities are not eligible for
multi-year funding.
Funding for successful proposals will
be provided through specific
agreements. The CCC, through FAS, will
be kept informed of the implementation
of approved projects through the
requirement to provide interim progress
reports and final performance reports.
Changes in the original project timelines
and adjustments within project budgets
must be approved in advance by FAS.
Note: EMP funds awarded to government
agencies must be expended or otherwise
obligated by close of business, September 30,
2017.
C. Eligibility and Qualification
Information
1. Eligible Applicants: Any U.S.
private or government entity (e.g.,
universities, trade associations,
agricultural cooperatives, state regional
trade groups (SRTGs), state departments
of agriculture, federal agencies, forprofit entities, and consulting
businesses) with a demonstrated role or
interest in exports of U.S. agricultural
commodities or products may apply to
the program. Proposals from research
and consulting organizations will be
considered if they provide evidence of
substantial participation by and
financial support from the U.S.
industry. For-profit entities may not use
program funds to conduct private
business, promote private self-interests,
supplement the costs of normal sales
activities, or promote their own
products or services beyond specific
uses approved by CCC in a given
project. Foreign organizations, whether
government or private, may participate
as third parties in activities carried out
by U.S. organizations but are not eligible
for direct funding assistance from the
program.
U.S. export market development
cooperators and SRTGs may seek
funding to address priority, market
specific issues and to undertake
technical assistance activities supported
by an approved EMP assessment.
2. Cost Sharing: No private sector
proposal will be considered without the
element of cost-share from the applicant
and/or U.S. partners. The EMP is
intended to complement, not supplant,
the efforts of the U.S. private sector.
There is no minimum or maximum
amount of cost-share, though the degree
of commitment to a proposed project,
represented by the amount and type of
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private funding, is one factor used in
determining which proposals will be
approved for funding. Cost-share may be
actual cash invested or professional
time of staff assigned to the project.
Proposals for which private industry is
willing to commit cash, rather than inkind contributions, such as staff
resources, will be given priority
consideration.
Cost-sharing is not required for
proposals from government agencies,
but is mandatory for all other eligible
entities, even when they may be party
to a joint proposal with a government
agency. Contributions from USDA or
other government agencies or programs
may not be counted toward the stated
cost-share requirement of other
applicants. Similarly, contributions
from foreign (non-U.S.) organizations
may not be counted toward the costshare requirement, but may be counted
in the total cost of the project.
3. Other: Proposals 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 the participating organization(s)
would be unlikely to carry out the
project without such assistance.
Applicants may submit more than one
proposal.
D. Application and Submission
Information
1. Address To Request Application
Package: EMP applicants have the
opportunity to utilize the Unified
Export Strategy (UES) application
process, an online system that provides
a means for interested applicants to
submit a consolidated and strategically
coordinated single proposal that
incorporates funding requests for any or
all of the market development programs
administered by FAS.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to
submit their applications to FAS
through the web-based UES application.
The Internet-based format reduces
paperwork and expedites FAS’
processing and review cycle. Applicants
planning to use the on-line UES system
must contact the Program Operations
Division to obtain site access
information. The Internet-based
application is located at the following
URL address: https://www.fas.usda.gov/
ues/webapp/.
Although FAS highly recommends
applying via the UES, applicants also
have the option of submitting an
electronic application to FAS at
podadmin@fas.usda.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application
Submission: To be considered for the
EMP, an applicant must submit to FAS
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information required by this Notice of
Funds Availability and the EMP
regulations at 7 CFR part 1486. EMP
regulations and additional information
are available at the following URL
address: https://www.fas.usda.gov/
programs/emerging-markets-programemp.
In addition, in accordance with the
Office of Management and Budget’s
issuance of a final 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 (866) 705–5711.
In addition, in accordance with 2 CFR
part 25, each entity that applies to the
EMP and does not qualify for an
exemption under 2 CFR 25.110 must:
(i) Provide a valid DUNS number in
each application or plan it submits to
CCC;
(ii) Be registered in the System for
Award Management (SAM) prior to
submitting an application or plan; and
(iii) Continue to maintain an active
SAM registration with current
information at all times during which it
has an active Federal award or an
application or plan under consideration
by CCC.
Similarly, in accordance with 2 CFR
part 170, each entity that applies to the
EMP 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 EMP
funding.
Applications should be no longer than
ten (10) pages and include the following
information:
(a) Date of proposal;
(b) Name of organization submitting
proposal;
(c) Organization address, telephone,
and fax;
(d) Tax ID number;
(e) DUNS number;
(f) Primary contact person;
(g) Full title of proposal;
(h) Target market(s);
(i) Specific description of activity/
activities to be undertaken;
(j) Clear demonstration that successful
implementation will benefit an
emerging market’s food and rural
business system and/or reduce potential
trade barriers, and will benefit a
particular industry as a whole, not just
the applicant(s);
(k) Current conditions in the target
market(s) affecting the intended
commodity or product;
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(l) Description of the need to assess
the food and rural business systems of
the emerging market, or of the
recommendations, projects, and/or
opportunities previously identified by
an approved EMP assessment that are to
be addressed by the project;
(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
the MAP and/or Cooperator programs);
(s) Detailed line item activity budgets:
• Cost items should be allocated
separately to each participating
organization;
• Individual expense items
constituting a proposed activity’s
overall budget (e.g., salaries, travel
expenses, consultant fees,
administrative costs, etc.) should be
listed on separate line items, each
clearly indicating:
(1) Which items are to be covered by
EMP funding;
(2) Which are to be covered by the
participating U.S. organization(s); and
(3) Which are to be covered by foreign
third parties (if applicable);
• Cost line items for consultant fees
should show the calculation of the daily
rate and the number of days;
• Cost line items for travel expenses
should show the number of trips and
the destination, 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
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19119
basis during the fiscal year as long as
EMP funding is available as set forth
below:
• Proposals received by 5 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time, June 3, 2016,
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, June 3, 2016,
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, June 3, 2016, 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, June 3,
2016, at podadmin@fas.usda.gov in
order to receive the same consideration.
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria: Key criteria used in
judging proposals include:
Evaluation criteria. FAS will consider
a number of factors when reviewing
proposals, including:
• Appropriateness of the Activity,
including the ability of the applicant to
provide an experienced U.S.-based staff
with knowledge and expertise to ensure
adequate development, supervision, and
execution of the proposed project; the
entity’s willingness to contribute
resources, including cash and goods and
services of the U.S. industry, with
greater weight given to cash
contributions (for private sector
proposals only); and the conditions or
constraints affecting the level of U.S.
exports and market share for the
agricultural commodity/product (30%);
• Market Impact, including the degree
to which the proposed project is likely
to contribute to the development,
maintenance, or expansion of U.S.
agricultural exports to emerging
markets; demonstration of how a
proposed project will benefit a
particular industry as a whole; and the
quality of the project’s proposed
performance measures (50%); and
• Completeness and Viability of the
proposal along with past program
results and evaluations, if applicable
(20%).
Please see 7 CFR part 1486 for
additional evaluation criteria.
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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
Emerging Markets to determine the
qualifications, quality, and
appropriateness of projects and the
reasonableness of project budgets.
F. Federal 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/programs/
emerging-markets-program-emp.
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.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
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For additional information and
assistance, contact the Program
Operations Division, Office of Trade
Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture by
courier: 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 25th day of
March, 2016.
Bryce Quick,
Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural
Service and Vice President, Commodity Credit
Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2016–07638 Filed 4–1–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–10–P
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Commodity Credit Corporation
Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting
Applications for the Technical
Assistance for Specialty Crops
Program
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 2017
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 fiscal year
2017 and to set out criteria for the award
of funds in October 2016. The TASC
program is administered by personnel of
the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
DATES: To be considered for funding,
applications must be received by 5 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time, June 3, 2016.
Any applications received after this
time will be considered only if funds are
still available.
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: 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/programs/
technical-assistance-specialty-cropstasc.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. Funding Opportunity Description
Authority: The TASC program is
authorized by section 3205 of Pub. L.
107–171. TASC regulations appear at 7
CFR part 1487.
Purpose: The TASC program is
designed to assist U.S. organizations by
providing funding for projects that
address sanitary, phytosanitary, or
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.
Prior to the enactment of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (Act) on
February 7, 2014, the TASC program
was not available to address technical
barriers to trade except for those that
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were related to sanitary or phytosanitary
issues. The Act amended the statute
authorizing the TASC program to allow
the program to be used to address
technical barriers to trade regardless of
whether the barriers are related to a
sanitary or phytosanitary barrier. The
TASC regulations have been amended to
reflect the recent statutory change.
As a general matter, TASC program
projects should be designed to address
the following criteria:
• Projects should identify and
address a sanitary, phytosanitary, or
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;
• Projects must address barriers to
exports of commercially-available U.S.
specialty crops for which barrier
removal would predominantly benefit
U.S. exports; and
• Projects should include an
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.
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, reasonable
logistical and administrative support,
and travel and per diem expenses.
B. Award Information
In general, all qualified proposals
received before the specified application
deadline 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. Proposals requesting more than
$500,000 in any given year will not be
considered. Additionally, private
entities may submit multi-year
proposals that may be considered in the
context of a detailed strategic
implementation plan. The maximum
duration of an activity is five years.
Funding in such cases may, at FAS’
discretion, be provided one year at a
time with commitments beyond the first
year subject to interim evaluations and
funding availability. In order to validate
funding eligibility, proposals must
specify previous years of TASC funding
for each proposed activity/title/market/
constraint combination. Government
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 64 (Monday, April 4, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19117-19120]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07638]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Commodity Credit Corporation
Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the
Emerging Markets Program
SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is
inviting proposals for the 2017 Emerging Markets Program (EMP). The
intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications from the
private sector and from government agencies for fiscal year 2017 and to
set out criteria for the award of funds under the program in October
2016. The EMP is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural
Service (FAS).
DATES: To be considered for funding, applications must be received by 5
p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, June 3, 2016. Any applications received
after this time will be considered only if funds are still available.
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: 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 Foreign
Agricultural Service Web site at https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/emerging-markets-program-emp.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. Funding Opportunity Description
Announcement Type: New.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.603.
Authority: The EMP is authorized by section 1542(d)(1) of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (The Act), as amended.
The EMP regulations appear at 7 CFR part 1486.
1. Purpose. The EMP assists U.S. entities in developing,
maintaining, or expanding exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and
products by funding activities that improve emerging markets' food and
rural business systems, including reducing potential trade barriers in
such markets. The EMP is intended primarily to support export market
development efforts of the private sector, but EMP resources may also
be used to assist public organizations.
All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for
consideration. Agricultural product(s) should be comprised of at least
50 percent U.S. origin content by weight, exclusive of added water, to
be eligible for funding. Proposals that seek support for multiple
commodities are also eligible. EMP funding may only be used to develop,
maintain, or expand emerging markets for U.S. agricultural commodities
and products through generic activities. EMP funding may not be used to
support the export of another country's products to the United States,
or to promote the development of a foreign economy as a primary
objective.
2. Appropriate Activities. All EMP projects must fall into at least
one of the following four categories:
(a) Assistance to teams consisting primarily of U.S. individuals
expert in assessing the food and rural business systems of other
countries. This type of EMP project must include all three of the
following:
Conduct an assessment of the food and rural business
system needs of an emerging market;
Make recommendations on measures necessary to enhance the
effectiveness of these systems; and
Identify opportunities and projects to enhance the
effectiveness of the emerging market's food and rural business systems.
To be eligible, such proposals must clearly demonstrate that
experts are primarily agricultural consultants, farmers, and other
persons from the private sector and government officials, and that they
have expertise in assessing the food and rural business systems of
other countries.
(b) Assistance to enable individuals from emerging markets to
travel to the United States so that these individuals can, for the
purpose of enhancing the food and rural business systems in their
countries, become familiar with U.S. technology and agribusiness and
rural enterprise operations by consulting with food and rural business
system experts in the United States.
(c) Assistance to enable U.S. agricultural producers and other
individuals knowledgeable in agricultural and agribusiness matters to
travel to emerging markets to assist in transferring their knowledge
and expertise to entities in emerging markets. Such travel must be to
emerging markets. Travel to developed markets is not eligible under the
program even if the traveler's targeted market is an emerging market.
(d) Technical assistance to implement the recommendations,
projects, and/or opportunities identified under 2(a) above. Technical
assistance that does not implement the recommendations, projects, and/
or opportunities identified by assistance under 2(a) above is not
eligible under the EMP.
Proposals that do not fall into one or more of the four categories
above, regardless of previous guidance provided regarding the EMP, are
not eligible for consideration under the program.
EMP funds may not be used to support normal operating costs of
individual organizations, nor as a source to recover pre-award costs or
prior expenses from previous or ongoing projects. Proposals that
counter national strategies or duplicate activities planned or already
underway by U.S. non-profit agricultural commodity or trade
associations (``cooperators'') will not be considered. Other ineligible
expenditures include: branded product promotions (e.g., in-store,
restaurant advertising, labeling, etc.); advertising; administrative
and operational expenses for trade shows; Web site development;
equipment purchases; and the preparation and printing of brochures,
flyers, and posters (except in connection with specific technical
assistance activities such as training seminars). For a more complete
description of
[[Page 19118]]
ineligible expenditures, please refer to the EMP regulations.
3. Eligible Markets. The Act defines an emerging market as any
country that the Secretary of Agriculture determines:
(a) Is taking steps toward developing a market-oriented economy
through the food, agriculture, or rural business sectors of the economy
of the country; and
(b) Has the potential to provide a viable and significant market
for U.S. agricultural commodities or products of U.S. agricultural
commodities.
Because EMP funds are limited and the range of potential emerging
market countries is worldwide, consideration will be given only to
proposals that target countries or regional groups with per capita
income of less than $12,736 (the current ceiling on upper middle income
economies as determined by the World Bank [World Development
Indicators; July 2015, https://siteresources.worldbank.org/DATASTATISTICS/Resources/CLASS.XLS]) and populations of greater than 1
million.
Income limits and their calculation can change from year to year
with the result that a given country may qualify under the legislative
and administrative criteria one year, but not the next. Therefore, CCC
has not established a fixed list of emerging market countries.
A few countries technically qualify as emerging markets but may
require a separate determination before funding can be considered
because of political sensitivities.
B. Award Information
In general, all qualified proposals received before the application
deadline will compete for EMP funding. The applicant's willingness to
contribute resources, including cash, goods, and services, will be a
critical factor in determining which proposals are funded under the
EMP. Each proposal will also be judged on the potential benefits to the
industry represented by the applicant and the degree to which the
proposal demonstrates industry support.
The limited funds and the range of eligible emerging markets
worldwide generally preclude CCC from approving large budgets for
individual projects. While there is no minimum or maximum amount set
for EMP-funded projects, most projects are funded at a level of less
than $500,000 and for a duration of approximately one year. Private
entities may submit multi-year proposals requesting higher levels of
funding that may be considered in the context of a detailed strategic
implementation plan. Funding in such cases is generally limited to
three years and provided one year at a time with commitments beyond the
first year subject to interim evaluations and funding availability.
Proposals from government entities are not eligible for multi-year
funding.
Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific
agreements. The CCC, through FAS, will be kept informed of the
implementation of approved projects through the requirement to provide
interim progress reports and final performance reports. Changes in the
original project timelines and adjustments within project budgets must
be approved in advance by FAS.
Note: EMP funds awarded to government agencies must be expended
or otherwise obligated by close of business, September 30, 2017.
C. Eligibility and Qualification Information
1. Eligible Applicants: Any U.S. private or government entity
(e.g., universities, trade associations, agricultural cooperatives,
state regional trade groups (SRTGs), state departments of agriculture,
federal agencies, for-profit entities, and consulting businesses) with
a demonstrated role or interest in exports of U.S. agricultural
commodities or products may apply to the program. Proposals from
research and consulting organizations will be considered if they
provide evidence of substantial participation by and financial support
from the U.S. industry. For-profit entities may not use program funds
to conduct private business, promote private self-interests, supplement
the costs of normal sales activities, or promote their own products or
services beyond specific uses approved by CCC in a given project.
Foreign organizations, whether government or private, may participate
as third parties in activities carried out by U.S. organizations but
are not eligible for direct funding assistance from the program.
U.S. export market development cooperators and SRTGs may seek
funding to address priority, market specific issues and to undertake
technical assistance activities supported by an approved EMP
assessment.
2. Cost Sharing: No private sector proposal will be considered
without the element of cost-share from the applicant and/or U.S.
partners. The EMP is intended to complement, not supplant, the efforts
of the U.S. private sector. There is no minimum or maximum amount of
cost-share, though the degree of commitment to a proposed project,
represented by the amount and type of private funding, is one factor
used in determining which proposals will be approved for funding. Cost-
share may be actual cash invested or professional time of staff
assigned to the project. Proposals for which private industry is
willing to commit cash, rather than in-kind contributions, such as
staff resources, will be given priority consideration.
Cost-sharing is not required for proposals from government
agencies, but is mandatory for all other eligible entities, even when
they may be party to a joint proposal with a government agency.
Contributions from USDA or other government agencies or programs may
not be counted toward the stated cost-share requirement of other
applicants. Similarly, contributions from foreign (non-U.S.)
organizations may not be counted toward the cost-share requirement, but
may be counted in the total cost of the project.
3. Other: Proposals 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
the participating organization(s) would be unlikely to carry out the
project without such assistance. Applicants may submit more than one
proposal.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package: EMP applicants have the
opportunity to utilize the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application
process, an online system that provides a means for interested
applicants to submit a consolidated and strategically coordinated
single proposal that incorporates funding requests for any or all of
the market development programs administered by FAS.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications to
FAS through the web-based UES application. The Internet-based format
reduces paperwork and expedites FAS' processing and review cycle.
Applicants planning to use the on-line UES system must contact the
Program Operations Division to obtain site access information. The
Internet-based application is located at the following URL address:
https://www.fas.usda.gov/ues/webapp/.
Although FAS highly recommends applying via the UES, applicants
also have the option of submitting an electronic application to FAS at
podadmin@fas.usda.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission: To be considered for
the EMP, an applicant must submit to FAS
[[Page 19119]]
information required by this Notice of Funds Availability and the EMP
regulations at 7 CFR part 1486. EMP regulations and additional
information are available at the following URL address: https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/emerging-markets-program-emp.
In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and
Budget's issuance of a final 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 (866) 705-5711.
In addition, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, each entity that
applies to the EMP and does not qualify for an exemption under 2 CFR
25.110 must:
(i) Provide a valid DUNS number in each application or plan it
submits to CCC;
(ii) Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior
to submitting an application or plan; and
(iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current
information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or
an application or plan under consideration by CCC.
Similarly, in accordance with 2 CFR part 170, each entity that
applies to the EMP 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 EMP funding.
Applications should be no longer than ten (10) pages and include
the following information:
(a) Date of proposal;
(b) Name of organization submitting proposal;
(c) Organization address, telephone, and fax;
(d) Tax ID number;
(e) DUNS number;
(f) Primary contact person;
(g) Full title of proposal;
(h) Target market(s);
(i) Specific description of activity/activities to be undertaken;
(j) Clear demonstration that successful implementation will benefit
an emerging market's food and rural business system and/or reduce
potential trade barriers, and will benefit a particular industry as a
whole, not just the applicant(s);
(k) Current conditions in the target market(s) affecting the
intended commodity or product;
(l) Description of the need to assess the food and rural business
systems of the emerging market, or of the recommendations, projects,
and/or opportunities previously identified by an approved EMP
assessment that are to be addressed by the project;
(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 the MAP and/or Cooperator programs);
(s) Detailed line item activity budgets:
Cost items should be allocated separately to each
participating organization;
Individual expense items constituting a proposed
activity's overall budget (e.g., salaries, travel expenses, consultant
fees, administrative costs, etc.) should be listed on separate line
items, each clearly indicating:
(1) Which items are to be covered by EMP funding;
(2) Which are to be covered by the participating U.S.
organization(s); and
(3) Which are to be covered by foreign third parties (if
applicable);
Cost line items for consultant fees should show the
calculation of the daily rate and the number of days;
Cost line items for travel expenses should show the number
of trips and the destination, 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:
Proposals received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, June
3, 2016, 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,
June 3, 2016, 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, June 3,
2016, 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, June 3, 2016, at podadmin@fas.usda.gov in
order to receive the same consideration.
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria: Key criteria used in judging proposals include:
Evaluation criteria. FAS will consider a number of factors when
reviewing proposals, including:
Appropriateness of the Activity, including the ability of
the applicant to provide an experienced U.S.-based staff with knowledge
and expertise to ensure adequate development, supervision, and
execution of the proposed project; the entity's willingness to
contribute resources, including cash and goods and services of the U.S.
industry, with greater weight given to cash contributions (for private
sector proposals only); and the conditions or constraints affecting the
level of U.S. exports and market share for the agricultural commodity/
product (30%);
Market Impact, including the degree to which the proposed
project is likely to contribute to the development, maintenance, or
expansion of U.S. agricultural exports to emerging markets;
demonstration of how a proposed project will benefit a particular
industry as a whole; and the quality of the project's proposed
performance measures (50%); and
Completeness and Viability of the proposal along with past
program results and evaluations, if applicable (20%).
Please see 7 CFR part 1486 for additional evaluation criteria.
[[Page 19120]]
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 Emerging Markets to
determine the qualifications, quality, and appropriateness of projects
and the reasonableness of project budgets.
F. Federal 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/programs/emerging-markets-program-emp.
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.
G. Federal Awarding 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 by courier: 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 25th day of March, 2016.
Bryce Quick,
Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service and Vice President,
Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2016-07638 Filed 4-1-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-P