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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Program Descriptions

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE

11.108: Commercial Service

Objectives: Through export counseling, trade promotion, trade finance and advocacy provided by domestic international network of trade professionals, encourage export capable U.S. firms to expand their export marketing efforts or begin exporting; to assist them to identify and assess potential foreign trade contacts and market opportunities; and to facilitate their export efforts through a comprehensive use of export promotion services, including trade events and market research information.

PROGRAM AND AWARD FINANCIAL AND INFORMATION CONTACTS

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO.

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS INFORMATION CONTACTS

RELATED PROGRAMS ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS

11.108 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility: Any U.S. citizen, firm, organization, or branch of government needing information or assistance in international business matters.

Beneficiary Eligibility: Any U.S. citizen, firm, organization or branch of government needing information or assistance in international business matters.

Credentials/Documentation: None.

11.108 APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination: Not applicable. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure: Not applicable.

Award Procedure: Not applicable.

Deadlines: Not applicable.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable.

Appeals: Not applicable.

Renewals: Not applicable.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals: Not applicable.

Examples of Funded Projects: Not applicable.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable.

11.108 RELATED PROGRAMS:

None.

11.108 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Directly contributed to the expansion of U.S. exports, particularly those of small and medium-size firms through one-on-one business counseling. Advocated on behalf of U.S. business firms in their pursuit of major foreign projects and products sales contracts. Provided trade opportunity leads, market research, Agent/Distributor Reports (ADS), International Country Profiles (ICP), Customized Market Analysis (CMA), and a variety of other marketing information products. Introduced visiting U.S. executives to end-users and other potential business partners. Assisted U.S. business firms in their participation in major foreign promotional exhibitions, trade missions, and trade delegations. Provided in-depth counseling and marketing information through, personal visits, by phone, fax, and other correspondence to U.S. business representatives. Aggressively advocated U.S. business interests abroad. Develop E-Commerce programs to expand and expedite market entry programs for U.S. companies.

11.108 FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO:

Federal Agency: INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Type of Assistance: Advisory Services and Counseling.

Obligations: (Operations and Administration) FY 99 $193,200,000; FY 00 est $184,420,000; and FY 01 est $203,033,000.

Budget Account Number: 13-1250-0-1-376.

Authorization: Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, Public Law 100-418, 15 U.S.C. 473; 15 U.S.C. 1512; 15 U.S.C. 649a et seq.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature: Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, Public Law 100-418, Title II, Section 2308, 102 Stat. 1342; 15 U.S.C. 472. A Basic Guide to Exporting; Commercial News USA (CNUSA); program/service literature; conditions of participation, Operations Manual, and Federal Register notices.

11.108 INFO CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office: Export Assistance Centers (EAC): Local Department of Commerce, Commercial Services domestic field offices are listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office: Not applicable.

(See Appendix IV for more contact info.)

11.108 ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable.

Uses and Use Restrictions: Services include the following: 1) Information on foreign market trade opportunities; 2) export counseling for U.S. business on market identification and assessment; 3) non-financial assistance in export promotion (matchmaker missions, multi-state/catalog exhibitions, and other specialized promotions); 4) product promotions through catalog-magazine listings; 5) support to State and private sector organizers of selected domestic and foreign trade fairs and missions through international buyer shows, certified trade fairs and missions; 6) information on foreign tariffs, customs regulations and procedures, market potential in individual countries industry analyses, and other related activities; 7) foreign government-to-government advocacy and representation; 8) advice and counseling on individual foreign markets; and 9) assistance on sources of export finance available from U.S. Export Import Bank, U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Agency for International Development in U.S. Export Assistance Centers; 10) information on locating and evaluating prospective overseas business contacts.

11.108 POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports: None.

Audits: "In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award documents."

Records: None.