The Quality Samples Program is designed to encourage the development and expansion of export markets for U.S.

agricultural commodities by assisting U.S.

entities in providing commodity samples to potential foreign importers to promote a better understanding and appreciation for the high

credit: Wikimedia Commons

quality of U.S.

agricultural commodities.

Not Applicable.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Quality Samples Program funds are authorized through project agreements that include the maximum amount that may be reimbursed and identify terms and conditions pursuant to which CCC will reimburse costs.

Under the QSP, participants may be reimbursed for certain costs of purchasing and transporting commodity samples.

Although providing technical assistance is required for all projects, costs of providing the actual technical assistance is not reimbursed under the QSP.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

To be approved, an applicant must be a U.S.

private or government entity.

Beneficiary Eligibility

The Quality Samples Program is intended to benefit a represented U.S. industry rather than a specific company or brand.

Credentials/Documentation

Applicants must submit a written proposal which includes, but is not limited to, the following: a description of the organization and its membership; a description of the organization's prior export promotion experience; a description of the organization's experience in implementing an appropriate trade/technical assistance component; an assessment of the market; a long-term strategy in the market; amount of funding requested; a brief description of the specific market development trade constraint or opportunity to be addressed by the project; a sample description; and the importer's role in the project regarding handling and processing the commodity samples. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Preapplication coordination is not applicable.

Environmental impact information is not required for this program.

This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.

12372.

Application Procedures

2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Each year the availability of funds is announced in a Federal Register notice that details the program application requirements and deadlines.

Award Procedures

Proposals are reviewed against the allocation criteria and factors specified in the Federal Register notice. CCC notifies each applicant of the final disposition of its application and also issues a public announcement concerning the allocation of resources among the applicant organizations. Each approved applicant receives a program agreement and allocation approval letter that specifies any special terms and conditions applicable to a participant's program. Final agreement occurs when both the participating organization and FAS sign the program agreement.

Deadlines

Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.

Authorization

The Quality Samples Program is authorized by Section 5(f) of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act, 15 U.S.C. 714c(f).

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Approximately 30-90 days.

Appeals

Not Applicable.

Renewals

Not Applicable.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Statutory formulas are not applicable to this program. Matching Requirements: Although highly encouraged, financial and in-kind support from the participant is not required. Such contributions may be in the form of cash or goods or services. This program does not have MOE requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Agreements generally include a twelve-month promotional effort and a requirement for program evaluation. Funds awarded in any given fiscal year may be made available for a longer period. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Reimbursement claims are submitted to claim reimbursement of costs associated with completing approved projects. Evaluation reports are submitted within 90 days of expiration of the agreement. The Quality Samples Program is a reimbursable program whereby the applicant incurs the expense and is reimbursed later.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

No reports are required.

Audits

No audits are required for this program.

Records

No Data Available.

Financial Information

Account Identification

12-4336-0-3-999.

Obigations

(Project Grants) FY 16 Not Available; FY 17 est $1,200,000; and FY 18 est $2,000,000

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

range $15,000 to $75,000.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

Not Applicable.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Lona Carlson-Powell 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20050 Email: lona.powell@fas.usda.gov Phone: 2027208557

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

FAS uses the following criteria when evaluating QSP proposals: (1) the ability of the organization to provide an experienced staff with the requisite technical and trade experience to execute the proposal; (2) the extent to which the proposal is targeted to a market in which the United States is generally competitive; (3) the potential for expanding commercial sales in the proposed market; (4) the nature of the specific market constraint or opportunity involved and how well it is addressed by the proposal; (5) the extent to which the importer's contribution in terms of handling and processing enhances the potential outcome of the project; (6) the amount of reimbursement requested and the organization's willingness to contribute resources, including cash and goods and services of the U.S. industry and foreign third parties; and (7) and how well the proposed technical assistance component assures that performance trials will effectively demonstrate the intended end-use benefit.