FEDERAL AGENCY:

INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

AUTHORIZATION:

Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2002, Public Law 107-77.

To assist various organizations identified by Congress to expand exports; to promote job creation through projects designed to provide small-medium sized businesses with export assistance to specified overseas markets.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Assistance is used to provide information, contracts, and research and development in shaping and implementing specific projects and programs that promote exports in various markets.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Organizations or individuals specifically identified by Congress in agency appropriations legislation.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Beneficiaries are the companies served by the organizations receiving awards, and the organizations or individuals specifically identified by Congress.

Credentials/Documentation:   None.

Pre-application Coordination:   Not applicable. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Submit all standard forms, project proposal and budget following the format specified by the Department of Commerce.

Award Procedure:   Applications are reviewed by the International Trade Administration, Trade Development, Office of Planning, Coordination and Management, and awards are issued by the Office of the Executive Assistance Management.

Deadlines:   Not applicable.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Not applicable.

Appeals:   Not applicable.

Renewals:   Renewals are contingent upon future Congressional funding.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Not applicable.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Financial and progress reports are to be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award. Financial status reports (SF-269) are submitted on a quarterly basis. Federal cash transaction reports (SF-272) are submitted for each award where funds are advanced to recipients. Performance reports are submitted on a quarterly basis.

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 document. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No.A-133, (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for the year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of recipients or sub- recipients must be maintained in accordance with the terms of the award. Generally, the recipient must retain records for 3 years from the date on which the final expenditure report is submitted.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   13-1250-0-1-376.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 01 $13,505,000; FY 02 est $13,500,000; and FY 03 undetermined.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   From $255,000 to $7,500,000.

ITA grant recipients receiving continuation funding have developed new technologies and established new companies; a number of companies have reached the stage where they can attract new foreign and domestic investments. This has resulted in job creation and led to increased opportunities to export the technologies developed.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Allowable costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular Nos. A-21 for institutions of higher education, A-87 for State and local governments, A-122 for nonprofit organizations; and 48 CFR Part 31 for-profit organizations. Grants management will be in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 for institutions of higher education, other nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations; and 15 CFR Part 24 for State and local governments.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   Not applicable.

Headquarters Office:   Jerry Morse, Planning and Management Division, Trade Development/OPCM, Room 3215, HCHB, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-3197. FAX: (202) 482-4462.

Web Site Address:   None.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

The development of a series of programs to assist small businesses in targeting new domestic and international markets; assist new high tech start-up companies by writing business plans, locating financing for export, and conducting market research for export; research and development in the textiles and apparel industry.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

The U.S. Congress designates those entities that receive funding in annual appropriations of the Department of Commerce.