Commercial Service (11.108)
Program
11.108 Commercial Service
Federal Agency
Agency: Department of Commerce
Office: International Trade Administration
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.
Program Number
11.108
Last Known Status
Active
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.
Types of Assistance
Advisory Services and Counseling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Financial Information
Account Identification
13-1250-0-1-376.
Obligations
(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.
Related Programs
None.
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.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
