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 telephone, 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.

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.

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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.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Not applicable.

This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.

12372.

Application Procedures

Not applicable.

Award Procedures

Not applicable.

Deadlines

Not applicable.

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.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Not applicable.

Appeals

Not applicable.

Renewals

Not applicable.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Not applicable.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

None.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Nonprofit 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.

Financial Information

Account Identification

13-1250-0-1-376.

Obigations

(Operations and Administration) FY 07 $237,291,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Not applicable.

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.

Information 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.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Not applicable.