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technical barriers to the export of U.S. specialty crops.

Certain types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement by the program, such as the costs of market research, advertising, or other promotional expenses, and will be set forth in the written program agreement between CCC and the participant. CCC
will also not reimburse unreasonable expenditures or any expenditure made prior to approval of a proposal.

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: FAS follows the evaluation criteria set forth in § 1487.6 of the TASC regulations and in this Notice.

2. Review and Selection Process: FAS will review proposals for eligibility and will evaluate each proposal against the criteria referred to above. The purpose of this review is to identify meritorious proposals, recommend an appropriate funding level for each proposal based upon these factors, and submit the proposals and funding recommendations to the Deputy Administrator, Office of Trade Programs. FAS may, when appropriate, request the assistance of other U.S. government subject area experts in evaluating the merits of a proposal.

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 agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including levels of funding, timelines for implementation, and written evaluation requirements.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: The agreements will incorporate the details of each project as approved by FAS. Each agreement will identify terms and conditions pursuant
to which CCC will reimburse certain costs of each project. Agreements will also outline the responsibilities of the participant. Interested parties should review the TASC program regulations found at 7 CFR part 1487 in addition to this announcement. TASC program regulations are available at the following
URL address: http://www.fas.usda.gov/ mos/tasc/default.asp. Hard copies may be obtained by contacting the Program Operations Division at (202) 720–4327.

3. Reporting: TASC participants will be required to submit regular interim reports and a final performance report,
each of which evaluate the TASC project using the performance measures presented in the approved proposal, as set forth in the written program
agreement.

VII. Agency Contact

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 Herman, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, and Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation.

[FR Doc. 2013–09469 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 Foreign Market**  **Development Cooperator Program**

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

**SUMMARY :**  The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is inviting proposals for the 2014 Foreign Market Development Cooperator (Cooperator) program. 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 Cooperator program is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

The funding authority for FMD 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 http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/ fmdprogram.asp.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :** 
I. Funding Opportunity Description

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

Purpose: The Cooperator program is designed to create, expand, and maintain foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products through cost-share assistance. Financial assistance under the Cooperator program will be made available on a competitive basis and applications will be reviewed against the evaluation
criteria contained herein and in the Cooperator program 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 Cooperator program, the FAS enters into agreements with eligible nonprofit U.S. trade organizations to


### 23889 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 78 / Tuesday, April 23, 2013 / Notices

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

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants: To participate in the Cooperator program, an applicant must be a nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization.

2. Cost Sharing: To participate in the Cooperator program, an applicant must agree to contribute resources to its proposed promotional activities. The Cooperator program is intended to supplement, not supplant, the efforts of the U.S. private sector. The contribution must be at least 50 percent of the value of resources provided by CCC for activities conducted under the project
agreement.

The degree of commitment of an applicant to the promotional strategies contained in its application, as represented by the agreed cost-share contributions specified therein, is considered by the FAS when determining which applications will be approved for funding. Cost-share may be
actual cash invested or in-kind contributions, such as professional staff time spent on design and execution of activities. The Cooperator program regulations, including sections 1484.50 and 1484.51, provide detailed discussion of eligible and ineligible
cost-share contributions.

3. Other: Applications should include a justification for funding assistance from the program—an explanation as to what specifically could not be accomplished without federal funding assistance and why participating organization(s) are unlikely to carry out the project without such assistance.

IV. Application and Submission
Information

1. Address to Request Application Package: Organizations are encouraged to submit their FMD applications to the FAS through the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application Internet Web site. The UES allows applicants to submit a single consolidated and strategically coordinated proposal that incorporates requests for funding and recommendations for virtually all of the FAS marketing programs, financial assistance programs, and market access programs. The suggested UES format encourages applicants to examine the constraints or barriers to trade faced, 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 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 Cooperator program, an applicant must submit to the FAS information required by the Cooperator program regulations in section 1484.20. In addition, in
accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s policy (68 FR 38402 (June 27, 2003)) regarding the need to identify entities that are 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.

In addition, in accordance with 2 CFR Part 25, each entity that applies to the Cooperator program 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 the Cooperator program 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 funding under the Cooperator program. Incomplete applications and applications that do
not otherwise conform to this announcement will not be accepted for

review. The FAS administers various other agricultural export assistance programs, including the Market Access Program (MAP), the Emerging Markets Program, the Quality Samples Program, and the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program. Any organization that is not interested in applying for the Cooperator program but would like to request assistance through one of the other programs mentioned should contact the Program Operations

Division.

3. Submission Dates and Times: All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 28, 2013. All Cooperator program applicants, regardless of the method of submitting an application, also must submit by the application deadline, an original signed certification statement as specified in 7 CFR 1484.20(a)(14) 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 Cooperator program regulations, including sections 1484.54 and 1484.55.

V. Application Review Information

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

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

Applications received by the closing date will be reviewed by FAS to determine the eligibility of the applicants and the completeness of the applications. These requirements appear
in sections 1484.14 and 1484.20 of the Cooperator program regulations as well as in this Notice. 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 1484.21 of the Cooperator program regulations. The purpose of this review is to identify meritorious proposals. The Commodity Branch then recommends an appropriate funding level for each approved application for


### 23890 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 78 / Tuesday, April 23, 2013 / Notices

consideration by the Office of the Deputy Administrator, Office of Trade Programs.

(2) Phase 2—Competitive Review

Meritorious applications are passed on to the Office of the Deputy Administrator, Office of Trade Programs, for the purpose of allocating available funds among those applicants. Applicants will compete for funds on the basis of the following allocation criteria as appropriate (the number in parentheses represents a percentage weight factor):

(a) Contribution Level (40)

• The applicant’s 6-year average share (2009–2014) of all contributions under the Cooperator program (contributions may include cash and goods and services provided by U.S. entities in support of foreign market development activities) compared to;

• The applicant’s 6-year average share (2009–2014) of the funding level for all Cooperator program participants.

(b) Past Export Performance (20)

• The 6-year average share (2008– 2013) of the value of exports promoted by the applicant compared to;

• The applicant’s 6-year average share (2008–2013) of the funding level for all Cooperator participants plus, for those groups participating in the MAP program, a 6-year average share (2008– 2013) of all MAP budgets.

(c) Past Demand Expansion Performance (20)

• The 6-year average share (2008– 2013) of the total value of world trade of the commodities promoted by the applicant compared to;

• The applicant’s 6-year average share (2008–2013) of all Cooperator program expenditures plus, for those groups participating in the MAP program, a 6- year average share (2008–2013) of all MAP expenditures.

(d) Future Demand Expansion Goals (10)

• The projected total dollar value of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2019 compared to;

• The applicant’s requested funding
level.

(e) Accuracy of Past Demand Expansion Projections (10)

• The actual dollar value share of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2012 compared to;

• The applicant’s past projected share of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2012, as specified in the 2009 Cooperator program application.

The Commodity Branches’ recommended funding levels for each applicant are converted to percentages of the total Cooperator program funds available and then multiplied by each weight factor to determine the amount of funds allocated to each applicant.

2. Anticipated Announcement Date: Announcements of funding decisions for the Cooperator program are anticipated during October 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 project agreement to each approved applicant. The approval letter and project agreement will specify the terms and conditions applicable to the project, including the levels of Cooperator program funding, and cost-share contribution requirements.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Interested parties should review the Cooperator program regulations, which are available at the following URL address: http:// www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/ fmdprogram.asp. Hard copies may be obtained by contacting the Program Operations Division.

3. Reporting: The FAS requires various reports and evaluations from Cooperators. Reporting requirements are detailed in the Cooperator program regulations in sections 1484.53, 1484.70,

and 1484.72.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

For additional information and assistance, contact the Program 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. 2013–09461 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 Emerging Markets**  **Program**

**SUMMARY :**  The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces that it is inviting proposals for the 2014 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
2014 and to set out criteria for the award of funds under the program in October 2013. The EMP is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

The statutory authority for EMP 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 the program 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 :**  To be considered for funding, applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 28, 2013. 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 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 Foreign Agricultural Service Web site at http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/emmarkets.asp

.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :** 
I. 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