Our assistance to cooperators vary but the overarching goal is three-fold (a.) Obtain FAS funds, (b.) Assure FAS programs expenditures are in compliance; (c.) Seek new markets, often with EMP funds.

Experience working as an independent contracted agency providing FAS program administration service to cooperator organizations encompassing MAP, FMD, EMP, TASC, and RAPP funding.

The project team has successfully managed FAS-related programs for their entire careers, beginning in the program’s early stages as the Targeted Export Assistance Program in the early 1990s. We’ve gone through dozens of UES submission and approval cycles and have gained a deep understanding of how the programs work as well as a rapport with those at FAS that administer it.

Equally as important is our dedication to program integrity and compliance. Over the years, International Trade Associates has undergone numerous FAS compliance review audits with several cooperators. We are proud of a nearly flawless audit record of over $60 million in ATP, RAPP, MAP, FMD, TASC, and EMP program funds. Mr. Barabino’s audit record is also nearly flawless with numerous zero-finding compliance reviews.

Our work includes:

Grant and Report Writing. With strong communication skills we have authored dozens of FAS grant requests which were awarded millions of dollars in ATP, RAPP, MAP, FMD, EMP, and TASC resources towards the industry’s global export objectives. Over the years we’ve developed an understanding of how the UES system has evolved as well as those at FAS that administer it. We’d be pleased to do same for COC.

Importantly, International Trade Associates has developed an understanding of how to “finesse” language to give the industry needed flexibility when it comes to carrying out the project and assuring compliance with frequent FAS audits.

Handling the myriads of new program regulations and forms now required by FAS (SF-424, SF-425, evaluation requirements, Civil Rights Compliance, etc.) as they sync its program regulations with that of other federal grant programs (2 CFR 200).

Assuring compliance with FAS program regulations, in particular travel regulations which are highly scrutinized in FAS compliance reviews/audits.

Overseeing foreign contracts, invoicing and assuring compliance with FAS bidding and contracting requirements. Messrs. Hingle and Barabino have reviewed, coded, and logged thousands of invoices over the years from dozens of foreign vendors, in numerous languages, for FAS compliance.

Managing cooperator program budgets, expenditures, and reimbursement claims including assuring that all necessary backup documentation is in place for FAS’s compliance reviews.

Developing end-of-year contribution reports, including developing timesheets (if preferred) to track staff and industry time spent in support of FAS programs.

Working within the online UES system, including submitting UESs, progress reports, financials, program change requests, etc. We work in the UES system nearly daily.

Assuring cooperator compliance with Civil Rights certifications, fraud prevention programs, and contracting procedures.

Industries

FOREST PRODUCTS including softwood lumber, specialty products, structural panels and engineered wood products.

HIGH-VALUE PRODUCE including strawberries, tart cherries, and sweet potatoes.

GRAINS including feedgrains and hops.

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