Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms

The Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program helps import-impacted U.S. firms develop and implement projects to regain global competitiveness, expand markets, strengthen operations, increase profitability, thereby increasing U.S. jobs. Ke

The TAAF program provides technical assistance to U.S. businesses that have lost sales and employment due to increased imports of similar goods and services. Technical assistance is provided through a nationwide network of eleven Economic Development Administration (EDA) funded Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs).

Section 253 of the Trade Act (19 U.S.C. § 2343(b)) provides that grants may be awarded to "intermediary organizations (including Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers)" to provide assistance to trade-injured firms. For an industry association or other organizations to be eligible for industry assistance under section 265 of the Trade Act (19 U.S.C. § 2355(a)), the applicant must submit evidence demonstrating that the industry faces import competition and includes a substantial number of Trade Act-certified firms or worker groups. Current funding is limited to the existing Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers.

Only firms certified by EDA on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce are eligible for assistance under the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program. The principal benefit is cost-shared technical assistance: the TAAF program pays up to one-half of the cost of assistance by private-sector consultants and contractors for operational improvements at certified firms. There are no direct cash grants or awards to firms.

Under Chapters 3 and 5 of Title II of Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. § 2341 et seq.), a firm may apply to the applicable TAAC supported by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the Department of Commerce for certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) related technical assistance. Interested firms that believe they meet the requirements set forth in 13 CFR part 315 may contact EDA or one of the EDA-funded TAACs. TAACs will assist firms, at no cost, in completing and submitting a petition (Form ED-840P or any successor form) to EDA. Before a firm receives technical assistance under the program, the firm must have an adjustment proposal approved by EDA. Usually the adjustment proposal, which includes an unbiased diagnostic of the firm's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, is prepared by the TAAC in cooperation with the certified firm.

Under Chapters 3 and 5 of Title II of Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. § 2341 et seq.), a firm may apply to the applicable TAAC supported by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the Department of Commerce for certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) related technical assistance. Interested firms that believe they meet the requirements set forth in 13 CFR part 315 may contact EDA or one of the EDA-funded TAACs. TAACs will assist firms, at no cost, in completing and submitting a petition (Form ED-840P or any successor form) to EDA. Before a firm receives technical assistance under the program, the firm must have an adjustment proposal approved by EDA. Usually the adjustment proposal, which includes an unbiased diagnostic of the firm's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, is prepared by the TAAC in cooperation with the certified firm.

Generally, the cooperative grant agreement provides up to five years of services to import-impact firms.

EDA may invite existing (currently funded) TAACs to submit either new or amended applications provided they have performed successfully and complied with previous conditions in their cooperative agreements with EDA and contingent upon the availability of funds. As needed, EDA may invite new organizations to submit applications through an applicable Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcement.

Awards are made based upon the quality of submitted applications, previous performance under cooperative agreements with EDA, and the availability of funds. Acceptance of an application or amended application for a cooperative agreement does not guarantee funding by EDA.

Awardees may apply for no-cost extensions and renewals annually. Awardees must contact EDA for submission guidance.