2027 FMD NOFO Final.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program

Table of Contents

1. Basic Information

2. Eligibility

3. Program Description

4. Application Contents and Format

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

6. Application Review Information

7. Award Notices

8. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

9. Other Information

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Foreign Agricultural Service

1. Basic Information

1.1 Executive Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, announces this Notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to support the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program (Cooperator Program) by issuing new awards. This opportunity is available to nonprofit U.S.

agricultural trade organizations and is intended to create, expand, and maintain long-term export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products.

1.2 Federal Agency Name

United States Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS)

1.3 Funding Opportunity Title

2027 Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program

1.4 Announcement Type

New Announcement

1.5 Funding Opportunity Number

USDA-FAS-FMD-2027

1.6 Assistance Listing Number

10.600 Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program

1.7 Funding Details

Total Available Federal Funding: Anticipated to be $69,000,000. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, as extended, provided no less than $34.5 million per year for the Cooperator Program through FY 2026. In addition, USDA intends to make $34.5 million of the supplemental funding authorized at 7 U.S.C. § 5623a available for use through the Cooperator Program. Awards may be granted up to the maximum available program amount.

This NOFO is being released prior to Congress appropriating funding for the Cooperator Program for FY 2027. If Congress ultimately makes available an amount of funding for the Cooperator Program other than $69 million, USDA/FAS reserves the right to allow applicants to amend their original applications.

Anticipated Number of Awards: 20 awards.

USDA/FAS reserves the right to make additional awards under this opportunity if additional funding becomes available after the original selections are made, consistent with agency policy and guidance.

1.8 Key Dates

Deadline for Question Submission: July 24, 2026. All requests for UES access from new applicant organizations must be received by USDA/FAS by this date. No new requests for UES access will be accepted after this date.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section5623a&num=0&edition=prelim

Application Submission Deadline: August 14, 2026 at 5:00 pm, Eastern Time

1.9 Agency Contact Information

For all inquiries, contact:

Name: Curt Alt Email Address: curt.alt@usda.gov Phone Number: (202) 690-4784 Hours of Operation: M-F, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

2. Eligibility

2.1 Eligible Applicants

An applicant must be a nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization that promotes the exports of one or more U.S. agricultural commodities and does not have a business interest in or receive remuneration from specific sales of agricultural commodities.

All applicants must have an active registration in the U.S. Government System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) before the application submission deadline of the announcement.

Applicants with inactive, expired, pending, or excluded listings will be deemed ineligible.

Exceptions, waivers, or extensions will not be considered. More information about SAM.gov registration can be found in Section 9, Other Information.

2.2 Substantial Compliance

All applications will be reviewed for eligibility and must meet the eligibility requirements described above. Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of the threshold eligibility review will be notified within 15 calendar days of the ineligibility determination.

To be deemed eligible, applications must substantially comply with the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section 4, Application Contents and Format, of this solicitation.

2.3 Evidence of Eligibility

Applicants are responsible for including documentation, if necessary, establishing that they meet the stated eligibility requirements, when it is not immediately obvious. Applicants should not presume that USDA/FAS is sufficiently familiar with their organization, and USDA/FAS will not make assumptions as to the nature of an applicant’s organization.

2.4 Funding Restrictions

Generally, funds may not be used in any manner that is prohibited by applicable regulations, including 7 CFR 1484, 2 CFR Part 200, and 2 CFR Part 400. Awards issued pursuant to this NOFO may only be used for the purpose set forth in the award, consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Capital expenses, such as the purchase of equipment, not entirely attributable to this award, must be pro-rated.

mailto:curt.alt@usda.gov http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/subchapter-C/part-1484 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/appendix-Appendix%20XII%20to%20Part%20200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-400

For example, agreement funds and other support may not be used for matching contributions for other federal grants or cooperative agreements, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. Federal employees are prohibited from acting as an agent of the applicant in any capacity (paid or unpaid) on any proposal submitted under this program. Also, federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal Government or any other government entity.

As specified in 7 CFR 1484.50(a), indirect costs are not allowed under this program.

2.5 Multiple Applications

An individual applicant may not submit more than one application in response to this NOFO and may not be offered more than one award.

2.6 Cost Share/Match Requirement

Cost share is required for this program. The minimum level of cost share is specified at 7 CFR

1484.12. Cost share may be actual cash invested or in-kind contributions.

3. Program Description Under the Cooperator Program, USDA/FAS enters into agreements with nonprofit agricultural trade organizations (“Cooperators”) to share the costs of maintaining and developing foreign markets for United States agricultural commodities and products. Financial assistance under the Cooperator Program is made available on a competitive basis, and USDA/FAS endeavors to enter into agreements with eligible Cooperators to cover as broad an array of agricultural commodities as possible. All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration.

3.1 Authorizing Statutes and Regulations

Agricultural Export Trade Expansion Act of 1978, as amended, 7 USC § 5623(c).

Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program regulations, 7 CFR part 1484.

3.2 Type of Assistance Instrument

USDA/FAS anticipates that Grant Agreements will be funded pursuant to this funding opportunity.

In this type of agreement, the recipient is expected to implement the project autonomously with little programmatic involvement from USDA/FAS. However, USDA/FAS maintains an oversight role, and the recipient must ensure that USDA/FAS is kept apprised of progress under the project.

4. Application Contents and Format

4.1 Complete Application Package

A complete application package must include:

• A marketing plan that provides the information outlined in this NOFO.

• Proof of 501(c) status documentation to support nonprofit eligibility, if not already on file with USDA/FAS.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1484/section-1484.50#p-1484.50(a) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1484.12 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1484.12 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:5623%20edition:prelim) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/subchapter-C/part-1484

The marketing plan required by this NOFO must include the following information:

A. Participant Profile:

1) The name, address, and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov for the applicant organization;

2) The name, telephone number, and email address of the applicant’s primary contact person;

3) The name(s) of the person(s) responsible for managing the proposed program;

4) The type of organization (e.g., nonprofit agricultural trade association, agricultural cooperative, etc.);

5) The applicant’s Federal tax identification number;

6) A description of the applicant organization, including its membership and membership criteria;

7) An executive summary of the applicant’s overall market development strategy and how its proposed Cooperator Program activities fit into that overall strategy;

8) An explanation for why Federal funding assistance is needed and why the applicant is unlikely to carry out the proposed program without assistance;

9) A description of the applicant organization’s mission;

10) A discussion of the applicant’s efforts at developing collaborative cross-commodity partnerships;

11) A description of the applicant’s prior export promotion experience, including the applicant’s management and administrative capability and an explanation of the organization’s strategic planning process and how it identifies priority target markets; and

12) A discussion of any organizations affiliated with the applicant, including parent organizations, subsidiaries, and partnerships.

B. Industry Goal:

1) U.S. export goals and world trade amounts for the commodities being promoted.

Applicants should provide 5 years of historical data and 6 years of future target goals.

C. Promoted Commodity:

1) A name for each promoted U.S. agricultural commodity, the applicable commodity aggregate code (from the UES), and the percentage of U.S. origin content by weight, exclusive of added water;

2) A description of the domestic situation, outlook, and strengths and weaknesses for the promoted U.S. agricultural commodity;

3) A description of the world market situation, outlook, and competitive threats from other exporters for the exported U.S. agricultural commodity; and

4) U.S. and world production and trade data for the promoted commodity.

D. Targeted Market:

1) For each targeted market, provide a market assessment and strategy that discusses the market situation, constraint(s)/opportunity(ies), and the strategy proposed to overcome constraints or take advantage of the opportunities;

2) A discussion of the past performance and results achieved from previous activities in the market, and the projected impact on U.S. exports of the proposed program;

3) For each targeted market, provide 5 years of the volume, value, and U.S. market share of historical exports of the promoted U.S. agricultural commodity(s) to the targeted market; and

4) For each targeted market, provide 3 years of projected U.S. export data and U.S.

market share for the promoted U.S. agricultural commodity(s) to the targeted market.

E. Constraint:

1) A description of the constraint impeding U.S. exports or the opportunities present in the market and the proposed strategy; and

2) A description of the performance metrics/indicators against which future success in addressing the constraint will be measured. Every constraint must include at least one outcome performance measure.

F. Activity:

1) A description of each proposed activity and the requested budget;

2) A description of the expected results and the overall long-term strategic goals to be advanced by the proposed activity for the ensuing 3-5 years; and

3) A description of any demonstration projects, if applicable.

G. Administrative Activity:

1) A justification for any new overseas offices, including a list of job titles, corresponding position descriptions, salary ranges, and any request for approval of salaries above the Foreign Service National (FSN) salary plan. To request approval of a salary above the FSN salary plan, the Cooperator shall include a detailed description of both the duties and responsibilities of the position, and of the qualifications and background of the individual concerned. The Cooperator shall also justify, based on a verifiable local salary survey or other documented local salary information, why the highest FSN salary level is inappropriate.

H. Worldwide Personnel:

1) If applicable, provide an accounting of the number of U.S. citizens employed overseas by the applicant, the number of those U.S. citizens whose salaries will be paid in whole or in part with FMD funds, and the total dollar amount of overseas U.S. citizen salaries and allowances that will be paid with FMD funds.

I. Contingent Liability:

1) If applicable, provide an accounting of all contingent obligations that would be due if overseas offices supported by program funds were to close on the last day of the marketing year.

J. Promised Contribution:

1) Value, in U.S. dollars, of proposed contributions from the applicant or the applicant’s proposed contribution stated as a percentage of the total dollar amount of Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) resources requested; and

2) Value, in U.S. dollars, of proposed contributions from other sources.

4.2 Programmatic Capability and Past Performance

If the applicant has not previously participated in a USDA/FAS market development program, the applicant may submit a list of federally funded assistance agreements (assistance agreements include Federal grants and cooperative agreements but not Federal contracts) performed by the organization within the last three years (no more than 5 agreements, and preferably USDA or USDA/FAS agreements) and describe:

(i) Whether, and how, the applicant was able to successfully complete and manage those agreements; and

(ii) The organization’s history of meeting the reporting requirements under those agreements including whether the organization adequately and timely reported progress towards achieving the expected outputs and outcomes of those agreements (and if not, explain why not) and whether the organization submitted acceptable final technical reports under the agreements; and

(iii) The organization’s experience and plan for timely and successfully achieving the objectives of the proposed project, and staff expertise/qualifications, staff knowledge, and resources or the ability to obtain them, to successfully achieve the goals of the proposed project.

In evaluating applicants under these factors in Section 6, USDA/FAS will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources, including information from USDA/FAS files and from current/prior grantors (e.g., to verify and/or supplement the information provided by the applicant). If an applicant does not have any relevant or available past performance or past reporting information, the applicant should indicate this in the application and will receive a neutral score for these factors (a neutral score is half of the total points available in a subset of possible points). If no response is provided for any response for these items, the application will receive a score of 0 for these factors.

4.3 Electronic Signatures

Consistent with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN Act), USDA/FAS uses and accepts electronic signatures for application and award documents.

USDA/FAS will neither solicit nor send physical copies of documents.

4.4 Proprietary Information

Applicants should generally refrain from including the details of proprietary information in applications. In cases where, in the applicant’s judgement, the inclusion of proprietary information is essential to application review and scoring, the applicant should clearly indicate information it wishes to designate as proprietary.

4.5 Other Application Information

Successful applicants must submit the following information after USDA/FAS notification of our intent to make a Federal award, but prior to a Federal award, if the applicant request for funding or the intended award amount is over $100,000:

• Grants.gov Lobbying Form

• Standard Form SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable to the applicant

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

5.1 Address to Request Application Package

This NOFO contains all information required to submit a complete application package.

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/GG_LobbyingForm-V1.1.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SFLLL_2_0-V2.0.pdf

5.2 Unique Entity ID and System for Award Management (SAM)

Each applicant must:

(i) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;

(ii) Provide a valid unique entity ID in its application; and

(iii) Continue to maintain an active registration in SAM with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal agency.

5.3 Submission Instructions

Cooperator Program applications must be submitted to USDA/FAS through the web-based Unified Export Strategy (UES) system, which allows applicants to submit a single application that outlines their proposed foreign market development strategy, activities, and requested funding across the various USDA market development programs. The UES system is accessible at https://apps.fas.usda.gov/ues2. Applications submitted outside of the UES will not be considered. Applicants needing help or access to the UES should email the UES team at uesadmin@usda.gov for assistance, but all new requests for UES access must be received prior to the deadline noted in Section 1.8.

USDA-managed computer systems require applicants to have an identity-proofed account through the login.gov platform, and in some cases may require at least two persons. Identity-proofing and subsequent registration with any USDA-managed computer system may take several days, and applicants who do not already have system access should begin the registration process immediately, even if they are unsure they will apply to this funding opportunity.

5.4 Submission Dates and Times

Application Submission Deadline: August 14, 2026, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time.

5.5 Intergovernmental Review

Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, may be applicable to awards resulting from this announcement. USDA/FAS may require applicants selected for funding to provide a copy of their application to their State Point of Contact (SPOC) for review.

These reviews are not required before submitting an application. Only applicants that USDA/FAS selects for funding under this announcement are subject to the Intergovernmental Review requirement. For more information about USDA’s implementation for Intergovernmental Review, please click here.

6. Application Review Information USDA/FAS will, subject to the availability of funds, approve those applications that it considers to best meet the objectives outlined in this announcement.

When determining funding recommendations, USDA/FAS will give priority to organizations that have the broadest producer representation and affiliated industry participation of the commodity being promoted. If USDA/FAS receives applications from multiple organizations representing the same commodity, USDA/FAS may require the organizations to work collaboratively under a joint coalition award, or may elect to only fund the organization with the broadest producer representation and affiliated industry participation of the commodity being promoted.

https://apps.fas.usda.gov/ues2 mailto:uesadmin@usda.gov https://login.gov/ https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/federal-financial-assistance-policy/intergovernmental-review

USDA/FAS may require that new applicants approved for funding participate in the Cooperator Program through another Cooperator until such time as USDA/FAS determines that they can effectively administer and implement their own program.

USDA/FAS conducts the process outlined in Sections 6.1-6.3 when reviewing applications and allocating available Cooperator Program funds:

6.1 Eligibility Threshold Review

Eligibility Threshold Review (Phase 1): In Phase 1 of the review, USDA/FAS will conduct an eligibility threshold review of all applications submitted to determine that:

• The applicant is eligible, as defined in Section 2, Eligibility; and

• The application was submitted by the application submission deadline as specified in

Section 5, Submission Requirements; and

• The applicant submitted a complete application, including all required forms and documents, as defined in Section 4.1, Complete Application Package.

Applications determined to be ineligible will receive no further consideration and will not be considered for funding. If an application is determined to be ineligible, USDA/FAS will notify the applicant, usually within 15 business days of the application submission deadline. An applicant that feels such a determination was made in error may request reconsideration, highlighting evidence supporting their claim, by email to the program officer(s) listed in Section 1.9, Agency Contact Information, within 3 business days of notification.

Applications that are deemed eligible and complete will be passed on to USDA/FAS’ Cooperator Programs Division (CoPD) to begin the Phase 2 review.

6.2 Review Criteria

Divisional Review (Phase 2): Each eligible application will be assigned a Primary Reviewer and an Auxiliary Reviewer. These two roles will be filled by two different CoPD marketing specialists. The Auxiliary Reviewer will only score the “Activity and Budget Alignment with Program Goals” criterion. To do this, the Auxiliary Reviewer will first assess each proposed activity and its associated budget, using the standards noted in the chart below, and will notate a status of either “Hold” or “Modify” for each activity’s proposed budget. The Auxiliary Reviewer will then provide an overall score for the application (out of the possible 10 points) for the “Activity and Budget Alignment with Program Goals” criterion and will provide this supplemental input to the Primary Reviewer. The Primary Reviewer will then review and score the rest of the application criteria noted below and determine the application’s overall score (out of the possible 100 points). The reviewers will use the following criteria to score each application:

Program Strategic Planning (total of 25 possible points)

Criterion Description Total Possible Points

Overall Quality and Clarity, and Program Description and Objectives

Applicants will be evaluated based on the overall quality and clarity of their marketing plan and the extent to which they present a clear and convincing vision of the project reflective of the identified needs and targeted geographic area. Applicants will also be evaluated based on the extent to which the proposed program identifies specific target markets, target audiences, and market share goals, and whether the program prioritizes markets with clear, differentiated, and appropriate marketing strategies.

Innovation and Originality Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which they showcase uniqueness or innovation in the proposed approach.

Significance and Impact Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which they demonstrate the importance of the program within the relevant market(s) or region(s), and the potential positive impact of the program on the target market(s) or region(s).

Activity and Budget Alignment with Program Goals (Auxiliary Reviewer)

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following: the extent to which the proposed plan aligns with the program goals stated in this NOFO, the plan’s anticipated return on investment, the growth potential of target markets, the extent to which a reasonable implementation plan and well-developed plans to measure impact are presented, the expected trade impact of the plan, whether or not the plan includes quantifiable measures, the level of FAS post and program area support for the plan, whether the activities proposed are allowable within the guidelines of this NOFO announcement and program regulations, and whether the proposed activities are contrary to the obligations of the United States by treaty or international obligation.

Program Management and Implementation (total of 25 possible points):

Points

Qualifications and Expertise Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which they demonstrate that they possess: (1) the qualifications, experience, and expertise relevant to the program, (2) adequate resources and capabilities to carry out the program, (3) adequate and appropriate staffing/organizational capacity to implement the program, and (4) collaboration and communication within their industry.

Methodology and Approach Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which they demonstrate a well-defined program methodology, an appropriate approach to achieve the stated objectives, and a clear timeline for program activities.

Quality of Constraints/Opportunities and Performance Measures

Applicants will be evaluated based on the percentage of constraint/opportunities that are appropriate, specific, actionable, and contain at least one outcome performance measure.

Budget and Budget Justification

Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which their proposed budget is reasonable for the proposed activities, and the extent to which they have provided a clear explanation of why Federal funding assistance is needed and why the applicant is unlikely to carry out the programs without assistance.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which the long-term strategy includes input from a broad representation of industry and affiliated industries that meet regularly to update the strategic priorities, and any demonstrated partnerships or collaborations that enhance the program’s potential success.

Program Evaluation and Results Reporting (total of 50 possible points)

Points

Reported Results Demonstrate Progress in Markets

Applicants will be evaluated by assessing past reported results against a participant’s performance measures and determining whether they demonstrate progress towards meeting established goals.

Program Evaluation Requirements

Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which they have previously submitted evaluation plans that are appropriate and reasonable and address program evaluation requirements.

Quality of Success Stories Applicants will be evaluated based on quality of success stories submitted, and whether they demonstrate linkages between their strategies and target audience behavior change. Success stories should represent the scope of programming (products, markets, and strategies), and provide a linkage between the results reported and the trade situation in the market. More effective success stories can reflect the impact of multiple activities in the market in that year, and/or cumulative program accomplishments over time.

Past Performance and Feedback Used to Adjust Programming

Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which they demonstrate that they have previously used the results from past performance, evaluation feedback, and Agency feedback to adjust their programming. Applicants should provide a clear plan for the implementation of recommendations and past examples where programming and/or strategic direction changed as a result of program results and evaluation.

Demonstrates Linkages Between Programming Results and U.S. Exports

Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which they demonstrate clear links between their programming and increased exports, maintaining exports, or minimizing losses over time.

After the Phase 2 Primary and Auxiliary reviewers score the application, the Primary Reviewer will provide a funding endorsement for the application. The Primary Reviewer’s funding endorsement will be based on factors such as the application’s score, the reviewer’s assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the application, the extent of the applicant’s producer representation and affiliated industry participation for the commodity being promoted, the applicant’s market development program history and experience, and feedback received from USDA/FAS program areas and Posts. If the Primary Reviewer is recommending that an application should not receive funding, they will note this with a funding endorsement of “Do Not Fund.”

6.3 Review and Selection Process

CoPD Funding Recommendation (Phase 3): The CoPD management team will review the Phase 2 results and will develop funding recommendations for each applicant by using the following steps. The development of the funding recommendations is an iterative process, and CoPD management may make adjustments to a particular application’s funding recommendation at any step in the process.

Step 1 - CoPD management will rank the applications from highest to lowest (based on the application scores) and will make note of the Primary Reviewers’ Phase 2 funding endorsements.

Step 2 - Working in order from highest score to lowest, CoPD management will consider each application’s funding endorsement and designate a funding recommendation for each application.

When developing funding recommendations, CoPD management will consider factors such as the application’s score, past expenditure rates, ability to meet program requirements, results of recent compliance findings, feedback received from USDA/FAS program areas and Posts, and the applicant’s market development program history and experience, if applicable.

Step 3 - CoPD management will then review any application with a “Do Not Fund” endorsement and will determine whether the unsuccessful applicant should be rejected outright or should participate in the program through another Participant until such time as USDA/FAS determines that the applicant can effectively administer and implement their own program.

Step 4 - This iterative process will continue until all available program funding has been allocated to recommended applicants.

Formula (Phase 4): CoPD’s recommended funding levels for each applicant from Phase 3 are adjusted by the following criteria, with the number in parentheses representing the percentage weight of each factor, to determine adjusted funding recommendations for each applicant.

New entrants to the program do not participate in the formula until they have built up enough historical data (i.e., six years’ worth) to meet all of the formula criteria. Once they have participated in the program for six years, they will join the formula. In addition, certain

Cooperators that represent commodities that overlap directly with other Cooperators and whose export numbers cannot, therefore, be easily parsed for the separate groups also do not participate in the formula. Any Cooperator that does not participate in the formula will be recommended at the unchanged funding level recommended by CoPD in Phase 3.

The Phase 4 formula consists of the following criteria:

Criterion Description

Applicant’s Contribution Level (40%)

The applicant’s 6-year average share (2022-2027) of all contributions under the Cooperator program compared to the applicant’s 6-year average share (2022-2027) of the funding level for all Cooperator Program participants.

Past U.S. Export Performance (20%)

The 6-year average share (2021-2026) of the value of U.S. exports promoted by the applicant compared to the applicant’s 6-year average share (2021-2026) of the funding level for all Cooperator participants plus, for those groups participating in the MAP program, the 6-year average share (2021-2026) of all MAP budgets.

Past Demand Expansion Performance (20%)

The 6-year average share (2021-2026) of the total value of world trade of the commodities promoted by the applicant compared to the applicant’s 6-year average share (2021-2026) of all Cooperator program expenditures plus, for those groups participating in the MAP program, a 6-year average share (2021-2026) of all MAP expenditures.

Future Demand Expansion Goals (10%)

The total dollar value of projected world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2032 compared to the applicant’s requested funding level.

Accuracy of Past Demand Expansion Projections (10%)

The actual dollar value share of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for the year 2025 as reported in the 2027 Cooperator program application compared to the projection of world trade of the commodities being promoted by the applicant for 2025 as specified in the applicant’s 2022 Cooperator program application.

Final Review and Allocation Decision Making (Phase 5): A summary of all applications and the recommended funding levels for each will be provided to the Office of the Deputy Administrator, Global Programs for the purpose of finalizing the Cooperator Program funding recommendations. Once finalized, the recommendations will be presented to the USDA/FAS Administrator for final deliberation, determination, and approval. USDA/FAS leadership (including the Deputy Administrator, Associate Administrator, and Administrator) may elect to review and adjust the funding recommendations based on factors including, but not limited to:

agency priorities, priority markets, program impact, the record of performance of the organization in managing past market development funds, and the organization’s likelihood of success.

6.4 Risk Review

Prior to making a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency is required by 2 CFR 200.206, 31 USC 3321, and 41 USC 2313 to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government-wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information.

Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant: (1) financial stability; (2) quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards; (3) history of performance in managing federal award; (4) reports and findings from audits; and (5) ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

Prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, currently $350,000, the Federal agency must review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov (41 USC 2313).

• An applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.

• Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

7. Award Notices Applicants will be notified of the status of their application/award by phone or email.

Notification to successful applicants is not authorization to proceed, and such notification should be construed as provisional until an award document has been signed by authorized officials of USDA/FAS and the recipient.

Award documents will be transmitted by email to the individuals or offices who submitted them, or to those persons or offices that USDA/FAS believes, to the best of its information, are proper.

The applicant is recommended to ensure that the agency is provided with the correct point(s) of contact.

8. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

8.1 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

All successful applicants are required to comply with the applicable General Terms and Conditions, which can be found at https://fas.usda.gov/grants/general_terms_and_conditions.

The applicant is presumed to have read, understood, and accepted these terms when accepting a USDA/FAS award. Applicants with questions about the applicable terms should contact the program officer(s) listed in Section 1.9, Agency Contact Information.

Before accepting an award, the applicant should carefully read all award documents for instructions on administering the award and the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under Federal Awards. Recipients must accept all conditions in this NOFO as https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section3321&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section3321&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://fas.usda.gov/grants/general_terms_and_conditions well as any Special Terms and Conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program.

8.2 Reporting

Financial Reporting Cooperators are required to submit all expense claims and a report detailing actual contributions no later than six months after the end of the program year. All expense claims and contribution reports must be submitted via the UES system.

Performance Reporting Cooperators must submit an annual performance report that includes, for each performance indicator, a comparison of actual results against the baseline and the targets established for the period. When actual results deviate significantly from targeted goals, the Cooperator must provide an explanation in the report as to why the goal was not achieved. This report should be submitted via the UES. Cooperators also must provide program success stories when appropriate or as required by USDA/FAS.

For awards in which the total lifetime value exceeds $500,000, additional reporting may be required as described in Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.

Subaward and Executive Compensation Reporting Applicants must ensure that they have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the subaward and executive total compensation reporting requirements established at 2 CFR 170, should they be selected for funding.

Closeout Within six months after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to close out a grant, whichever comes first, USDA/FAS will confirm that the Cooperator has supplied all the required reports and will review the reports for completeness and content.

Once the required reports are approved, USDA/FAS will prepare a closeout letter that advises the Cooperator that the agreement’s period of performance has ended, specify that any remaining funds will be de-obligated, provide any additional necessary guidance, and indicate that the award has been closed out. The Cooperator is responsible for returning any unused funds to CCC. Records must be retained for a minimum of three years after the final reports are submitted.

8.3 Monitoring

USDA/FAS, through its authorized representatives, has the right, at all reasonable times, to make site visits to review project accomplishments and management control systems and to provide such technical assistance as may be required. During site visits, USDA/FAS will review recipients’ files related to the program.

As part of any monitoring and program evaluation activities, recipients must permit USDA/FAS, upon reasonable notice, to review assistance agreement-related records and to interview the organization’s staff and other knowledgeable persons regarding the program, and to respond in a timely and accurate manner to agency requests for information relating to the program.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/appendix-Appendix%20XII%20to%20Part%20200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-170.210 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-170.210

8.4 Conflict of Interest

The applicant’s Conflict of Interest (COI) Point of Contact as defined in USDA/FAS Conflict of Interest Policy must notify the USDA/FAS contact identified in Section 1.9, Agency Contact Information, of this solicitation of any actual or potential conflict of interest that they are aware of that may provide the applicant with an unfair competitive advantage in competing for USDA/FAS financial assistance awards within 10 calendar days of becoming aware of the conflict of interest. Examples of an unfair competitive advantage include, but are not limited to, situations in which a USDA/FAS employee reviewed and commented on or drafted all or part of an applicant’s application. Note that USDA/FAS does not generally consider receiving information from an USDA/FAS employee limited to whether the applicant or the applicant’s proposed project is eligible to compete for funding to confer an unfair competitive advantage. In addition, assistance agreements made under this solicitation will include a term and condition notifying recipients of their COI disclosure obligations and responsibilities under the award including the need to have systems in place to address, resolve and disclose COIs to USDA/FAS.

8.5 Mandatory Disclosures

As required by 2 CFR 200.113, non-federal entities or applicants for a Federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.339 including suspension and debarment.

9. Other Information

9.1 Extensions

Extensions to this program are not permitted.

9.2 No Awards

USDA/FAS reserves the right to make no awards under this competition.

9.3 SAM.gov Registration Instructions

Organizations applying to this funding opportunity must have an active SAM.gov registration. If you have never done business with the Federal Government, you will need to register your organization in SAM.gov. If you do not have a SAM.gov account, then you will create an account using login.gov1 to complete your SAM.gov registration. SAM.gov registration is FREE. The process for entity registrations includes several steps and validations and is not complete until the registration is shown as Active. Please review the Entity Registration Checklist for details on this process.

If you have done business with the Federal Government previously, you can check your entity status using your government issued UEI to determine if your registration is active. SAM.gov requires you renew your registration every 365 days to keep it active.

1 Login.gov is a secure sign in service used by the public to sign into Federal Agency systems including SAM.gov and Grants.gov. For help with login.gov accounts, visit http://login.gov/help.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR86b76dde0e1e9dc/section-200.339 https://login.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=82f480491b4dfd142fe5ed7ae54bcb0c https://www.fsd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=82f480491b4dfd142fe5ed7ae54bcb0c http://login.gov/help

Please note that SAM.gov registration is different than obtaining a UEI only. Obtaining an UEI only validates your organization’s legal business name and address. Please review the Frequently Asked Question on the difference for additional details.

Organizations should ensure that their SAM.gov registration includes a current e-Business (EBiz) point of contact name and email address. The EBiz point of contact is critical for Grants.gov Registration and system functionality.

Contact the Federal Service Desk for help with your SAM.gov account, to resolve technical issues or chat with a help desk agent: (866) 606-8220. The Federal Service desk hours of operation are Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm ET.

9.4 Faith-Based Organizations

(i) Faith-based organizations may apply for an award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at, and subject to the protections and requirements of 7 CFR part 16 and any applicable constitutional and statutory requirements, including 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq.

USDA/FAS will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate for or against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character, motives, or affiliation, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization.

(ii) A faith-based organization that participates in this program will retain its independence from the Government and may continue to carry out its mission consistent with religious freedom and conscience protections in Federal law. Religious accommodations may also be sought under many of these religious freedom and conscience protection laws.

(iii) A faith-based organization may not use direct Federal financial assistance from USDA/FAS to support or engage in any explicitly religious activities except when consistent with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and any other applicable requirements. An organization receiving Federal financial assistance also may not, in providing services funded by USDA/FAS, or in their outreach activities related to such services, discriminate against a program beneficiary or prospective program beneficiary on the basis of religion, a religious belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to attend or participate in a religious practice.

https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0051214&sys_kb_id=dd40f4ef1b9641d0937fa64ce54bcb7a&spa=1 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0051214&sys_kb_id=dd40f4ef1b9641d0937fa64ce54bcb7a&spa=1 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-A/part-16 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-2000-title42-chapter21B&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy0yMDAwLXRpdGxlNDItc2VjdGlvbjIwMDBiYg%3D%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7C2000&edition=2000