### 26191 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 90 / Tuesday, May 11, 2010 / Notices

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, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024, or by phone: (202) 720–4327, or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by e-mail: podadmin@fas.usda.gov.

Signed at Washington, DC, on May 4, 2010.
John D. Brewer,
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service and Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation.

[FR Doc. 2010–11146 Filed 5–10–10; 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 2011 Foreign Market Development Cooperator (Cooperator) program. The intended
effect of this notice is to solicit applications from eligible applicants
and award funds in October 2010. The Cooperator program is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

**DATES :**  All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, June 11, 2010. 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, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington,
DC 20024, or by phone: (202) 720–4327,

or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by e-mail: 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. All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration.

The FAS allocates funds in a manner that effectively supports the strategic decision-making initiatives of the
Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 and the USDA’s Food and Agricultural Policy (FAP). In deciding whether a proposed project will contribute to the effective creation, expansion, or maintenance of foreign markets, the FAS 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 and

FAP.

II. Award Information

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

III. Eligibility Information

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

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

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

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

IV. Application and Submission
Information

1. Address to Request Application Package: Organizations are encouraged to submit their FMD applications to the FAS through the Unified Export Strategy (UES) application Internet Web site. The UES allows applicants to submit a single consolidated and strategically coordinated proposal that incorporates requests for funding and recommendations for virtually all of the FAS marketing programs, financial assistance programs, and market access programs. The suggested UES format encourages applicants to examine the constraints or barriers to trade that they face, identify activities that would help overcome such impediments, consider the entire pool of complementary marketing tools and program resources, and establish realistic export goals.

Applicants planning to use the Internet-based system must contact the FAS/Program Operations Division 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


### 26192 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 90 / Tuesday, May 11, 2010 / Notices

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.

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, June 11, 2010. All Cooperator program applicants, regardless of the method of submitting an application, also must submit by the application deadline, an original signed certification statement as specified in 7 CFR section 1484.20(a)(14) to the following address: Program Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture at: Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024. Applications or certifications
received after this date will not be
considered.

4. Funding Restrictions: Certain types of expenses are not eligible for reimbursement by the program, and there are limits on other categories of expenses. CCC also will not reimburse unreasonable expenditures or expenditures made prior to approval.
Full details are available in the Cooperator program regulations in
sections 1484.54 and 1484.55.

V. Application Review Information

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

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

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

(2) Phase 2—Competitive Review Meritorious applications then will be passed on to the Office of the Deputy Administrator, Office of Trade Programs, for the purpose of allocating available funds among the applicants. Applicants will compete for funds on the basis of the following allocation criteria (the number in parentheses represents a percentage weight factor):

(a) Contribution Level (40)

• The applicant’s 6-year average share (2006–2011) of all contributions (contributions may include cash and goods and services provided by U.S. entities in support of foreign market development activities) compared to;

• The applicant’s 6-year average share (2006–2011) of all Cooperator marketing plan expenditures.

(b) Past Export Performance (20)

• The 6-year average share (2005– 2010) of the value of exports promoted by the applicant compared to;

• The applicant’s 6-year average share (2005–2010) of all Cooperator marketing plan expenditures plus a 6-year average share (2005–2010) of MAP expenditures, if any.

(c) Past Demand Expansion Performance (20)

• The 6-year average share (2005– 2010) of the total value of world trade of the commodities promoted by the applicant compared to;

• The applicant’s 6-year average share (2005–2010) of all Cooperator marketing plan expenditures plus a 6-year average share (2005–2010) of MAP expenditures, if any.

(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 2016 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 2009 compared to;

• The applicant’s past projected share of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2009, as specified in the 2006 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 2010.

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: Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024, or by phone: (202) 720–4327, or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by e-mail: podadmin@fas.usda.gov.


### 26193 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 90 / Tuesday, May 11, 2010 / Notices

Signed at Washington, DC, on May 4, 2010.
John D. Brewer,
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, and Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation.

[FR Doc. 2010–11151 Filed 5–10–10; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 3410–10–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE**

**Commodity Credit Corporation**

**Notice of Funds Availability: Inviting Applications for the Technical**  **Assistance for Specialty Crops Program** 

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 2011 Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program. The intended
effect of this notice is to solicit applications from the private sector and from government agencies for FY 2011
and award funds in October 2010. The TASC program is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

**DATES :**  See paragraph IV.3 below for a detailed description of relevant dates.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Entities wishing to apply for funding assistance should contact the Program Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington,
DC 20024, or by phone: (202) 720–4327,

or by fax: (202) 720–9361, or by e-mail: podadmin@fas.usda.gov. Information is
also available on the FAS Web site at http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/tasc/
tasc.asp.

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

Authority: The TASC program is authorized by section 3205 of Public Law 107–171. TASC regulations appear at 7 CFR
part 1487.

Purpose: The TASC program is designed to assist U.S. organizations by providing funding for projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary, or related technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops. U.S. specialty crops, for the purpose of the TASC program, are defined to include all cultivated plants, or the products thereof, produced in the United States, except wheat, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar,
and tobacco. As a general matter, TASC program projects should be designed to address the following criteria:

• Projects should address a sanitary, phytosanitary, or related technical barrier that prohibits or threatens the export of U.S. specialty crops;

• Projects should demonstrably benefit the represented industry rather than a specific company or brand; and

• Projects must address barriers to exports of commercially-available U.S. specialty crops for which barrier removal would predominantly benefit U.S. exports.

Examples of expenses that CCC may agree to reimburse under the TASC program include, but are not limited to: initial pre-clearance programs, export protocol and work plan support, seminars and workshops, study tours, field surveys, development of pest lists, pest and disease research, database development, reasonable logistical and administrative support, and travel and per diem expenses.

II. Award Information

In general, all qualified proposals received before the specified application deadlines will compete for funding. The limited funds and the range of barriers affecting the exports of U.S. specialty crops worldwide preclude CCC from approving large budgets for individual projects. Proposals requesting more than $500,000 in any given year will not be considered. Additionally, the maximum duration of an activity is five years.

Applicants may submit multiple proposals, and applicants with previously approved TASC proposals may apply for additional funding. The number of approved projects that a TASC participant can have underway at any given time is five. Please see 7 CFR part 1487 for additional restrictions.

FAS will consider providing either grant funds as direct assistance to U.S. organizations or technical assistance on behalf of U.S. organizations, provided that the organization submits timely and qualified proposals. FAS will review all proposals against the evaluation criteria contained in the program regulations.

Funding for successful proposals will be provided through specific agreements. These agreements will incorporate the proposal as approved by FAS. FAS must approve in advance any subsequent changes to the project. FAS or another Federal agency may be involved in the implementation of approved projects.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants: Any U.S. organization, private or government,
with a demonstrated role or interest in exporting U.S. agricultural commodities may apply to the program. Government organizations consist of Federal, State, and local agencies. Private organizations include non-profit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and private companies.

Foreign organizations, whether government or private, may participate as third parties in activities carried out by U.S. organizations, but are not eligible for funding assistance from the

program.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: FAS considers the applicant’s willingness to contribute resources, including cash, goods, and services of the U.S. industry and foreign third parties, when determining which proposals are approved for funding.

IV. Application and Submission
Information

1. Application through the Unified Export Strategy (UES): Organizations are strongly encouraged to submit their applications to FAS through the UES application Internet website. Using the UES application process reduces paperwork and expedites FAS’ processing and review cycle. Applicants planning to use the UES Internet-based system must contact FAS Program Operations Division to obtain site access information, including a user ID and password. The UES Internet-based application may be found at the following URL address: https:// www.fas.usda.gov/ues/webapp/.

Although FAS highly recommends applying via the Internet-based UES application as this format virtually eliminates paperwork and expedites the FAS processing and review cycle. Applicants also have the option of submitting an electronic version to FAS

at podadmin@fas.usda.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application
Submission: All TASC proposals must contain complete information about the proposed projects as described in § 1487.5(b) of the TASC program regulations. In addition, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s policy directive (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 on 1–866–705–5711. Incomplete applications and applications that do not otherwise
conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review.