Opportunity Information: Apply for 2023 03
The Quality Samples Program (QSP) is a discretionary USDA grant program meant to help U.S. agricultural commodities gain traction in overseas markets by making it easier for foreign buyers to try and evaluate U.S. products firsthand. The basic idea is simple: U.S. entities provide commodity samples to potential importers abroad so those buyers can better understand the quality and usefulness of U.S. agricultural products, which in turn can lead to new or expanded export relationships. The program is administered by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), with FAS overseeing participation and reimbursements.
Under QSP, the participant takes on the operational work of the project. That means the participant is responsible for obtaining the commodity samples (either purchasing them directly or arranging procurement), handling the export process, and providing on-site technical assistance to support successful use of the samples by the foreign importer. While technical assistance is a required part of every project, it is important to note that the program does not reimburse the costs of delivering that assistance. In other words, applicants should plan to fund their technical support activities through other resources even though those activities are mandatory for program participation.
Financially, QSP functions as a reimbursement-based program rather than up-front funding. Participants that receive an award may submit reimbursement claims to FAS, and reimbursement occurs only after FAS reviews the claim and determines it is complete. Eligible reimbursements are limited to two main categories: the purchase price of the samples and specific transportation costs. Transportation is reimbursable only from within the United States to the U.S. port of export and then onward to the first foreign port or point of entry. Costs beyond that first foreign entry point, such as moving the samples from the first foreign port to the importer’s final destination, are not eligible for reimbursement.
The program is also clear about expenses it will not cover. FAS will not reimburse incidental or add-on costs associated with purchasing or shipping samples, including inspection fees, documentation fees, certificates of any kind, tariffs, demurrage, and similar charges. The effect of these rules is that QSP primarily offsets the core cost of the samples and the initial transport to the first point of entry abroad, while participants must budget for a variety of common ancillary and in-country expenses themselves.
For the specific opportunity listing provided, the funding opportunity title is Quality Samples Program, opportunity number 2023 03, and it falls under CFDA 10.605 (Agriculture). The awarding agency is the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Global Programs, with program administration handled by FAS. The maximum award amount listed is $75,000, with an expected 20 awards. The posting date shown is March 18, 2022, and the original closing date is May 20, 2022. Eligibility is described broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement.Apply for 2023 03
- The Department of Agriculture, Global Programs in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Quality Samples Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.605.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 18, 2022.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 20, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $75,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 20 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Quality Samples Program (QSP) FAQs
1) What is the Quality Samples Program (QSP)?
The Quality Samples Program (QSP) is a discretionary USDA grant program designed to help U.S. agricultural commodities gain traction in overseas markets by making it easier for foreign buyers to try and evaluate U.S. products firsthand. The program supports providing commodity samples to potential importers abroad to encourage new or expanded export relationships.
2) What is the main purpose of QSP?
The purpose of QSP is to help foreign buyers better understand the quality and usefulness of U.S. agricultural products through hands-on evaluation of samples, which can lead to new or expanded export relationships for U.S. commodities.
3) Who administers QSP?
The program is administered by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). FAS oversees participation and reimbursements.
4) What does the participant have to do under QSP?
The participant is responsible for the operational work of the project. This includes obtaining the commodity samples (by purchasing them directly or arranging procurement), handling the export process, and providing on-site technical assistance to support successful use of the samples by the foreign importer.
5) Is technical assistance required as part of a QSP project?
Yes. On-site technical assistance is a required part of every QSP project to support the successful use of the samples by the foreign importer.
6) Does QSP reimburse the cost of providing technical assistance?
No. Although technical assistance is mandatory for participation, the program does not reimburse the costs of delivering that assistance. Applicants should plan to fund technical support activities through other resources.
7) Is QSP funding provided up front or as reimbursement?
QSP operates as a reimbursement-based program rather than providing up-front funding. Participants may submit reimbursement claims to FAS after costs are incurred.
8) When does reimbursement occur?
Reimbursement occurs only after FAS reviews a submitted claim and determines the claim is complete.
9) What types of costs are eligible for reimbursement under QSP?
Eligible reimbursements are limited to two main categories: (1) the purchase price of the samples and (2) specific transportation costs as defined by the program.
10) What transportation costs are reimbursable?
Transportation is reimbursable only from within the United States to the U.S. port of export, and then onward to the first foreign port or point of entry.
11) Are costs beyond the first foreign port or point of entry reimbursable?
No. Costs beyond the first foreign port or point of entry are not eligible for reimbursement. This includes moving samples from the first foreign port to the importer’s final destination.
12) What costs will QSP not reimburse?
QSP will not reimburse incidental or add-on costs associated with purchasing or shipping samples. Examples listed include inspection fees, documentation fees, certificates of any kind, tariffs, demurrage, and similar charges.
13) In practical terms, what does QSP primarily cover?
QSP primarily offsets the core cost of the samples and the initial transport to the first point of entry abroad. Participants must budget separately for technical assistance costs and a variety of ancillary and in-country expenses that are not reimbursable.
14) What is the funding opportunity title and number for this listing?
The funding opportunity title is Quality Samples Program, and the opportunity number is 2023 03.
15) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
This opportunity falls under CFDA 10.605 (Agriculture).
16) Who is the awarding agency for this opportunity?
The awarding agency is the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Global Programs, with program administration handled by FAS.
17) What is the maximum award amount listed?
The maximum award amount listed is $75,000.
18) How many awards are expected?
The listing indicates an expected 20 awards.
19) What are the posting date and the (original) closing date shown?
The posting date shown is March 18, 2022, and the original closing date shown is May 20, 2022.
20) Who is eligible to apply based on the information provided?
Eligibility is described broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement.
21) Where can applicants find additional eligibility details?
The listing references that additional eligibility details are provided in the full announcement.
22) Does QSP reimburse common shipping-related add-on charges like certificates and documentation?
No. The program explicitly states it will not reimburse documentation fees, certificates of any kind, and similar incidental charges.
23) Are tariffs and demurrage eligible for reimbursement?
No. The program notes that tariffs, demurrage, and similar charges are not reimbursable.
24) Does the program require participants to procure the samples themselves?
Yes. Participants are responsible for obtaining the commodity samples, either by purchasing them directly or arranging procurement.
25) Who oversees reimbursements for QSP?
FAS oversees participation and reimbursements, including reviewing reimbursement claims for completeness before reimbursement is issued.
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