Quality Samples Program

 

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 quality of U.S. agricultural commodities.

Active 10.605 Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture B - Project Grants; C - Direct Payments For Specified Use Fiscal Year 2023 The QSP is a small but impactful program that is used extensively by the U.S. wheat, tree fruit and nuts, hides, rice, seafood, livestock genetics, and soybean industries to demonstrate the quality of their U.S. commodities and reach new potential target markets. Program participants often use QSP in conjunction with the other FAS market development programs to leverage the impact of the samples to spur interest in their products. 15 U.S.C. 714c(f) To be approved, an applicant must be a U.S. private or government entity. The Quality Samples Program is intended to benefit a represented U.S. industry rather than a specific company or brand. Not applicable. Preapplication coordination is required. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Proposals are evaluated by FAS, which rates the qualifications of applicants and determines an appropriate level of funding. Deadlines will appear in the annual Notice of Funding Opportunity posted to Grants.gov. From 90 to 120 days. Not applicable. From 30 to 60 days. Extension requests must be received at least 45 days before the agreement expiration date. Criteria for selecting proposals will appear in the annual Notice of Funding Opportunity posted to Grants.gov. 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. Performance Reports: Please see the NOFO for reporting requirements. Not applicable. Grant records shall be retained for a period of 3 years from the day the recipient submits its final expenditure report. If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, or other action involving the records has been started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records must be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all issues which arise from it, or until the end of the regular 3-year period, whichever is later. Grant records include financial and program/progress reports, support documents, statistical records, and other documents that support the activity and/or expenditure of the recipient or subrecipient under the award. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching is voluntary. 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.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. 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. 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. None/Not specified. Vincent Cornetto - Program Manager
1400 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20050
Washington, DC 20050 USA
Vincent.Cornetto@usda.gov
Phone: 202-720-7927 http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/quality-samples-program-qsp 12-4336-0-3-999 (Project Grants) FY 22$2,500,000.00; FY 23 est $2,500,000.00; FY 24 est $2,500,000.00; FY 21$2,500,000.00; FY 20$2,500,000.00; FY 19$2,500,000.00; FY 18$2,500,000.00; FY 17$1,223,975.00; FY 16 est $1,381,344.00; - range $15,000 to $75,000 Not applicable. Fiscal Year 2023 The QSP 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 quality of U.S. agricultural commodities. The QSP allows these overseas customers to discover the quality and benefits of U.S. products and to do test runs to assess the improvements that U.S. products can make in their production processes, thereby stimulating interest and demand for U.S. agricultural products.