The Pennsylvania Global Access Program

The Pennsylvania Global Access Program Program Guidelines October 2015 Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Tom Wolf, Governor Department of Community & Economic Development

Table of Contents Section I General Information................................................1 A. Program Purpose.......................................................1 B. Qualification...........................................................1 C. Qualifying Activities......................................................2 D. Eligible Expenses.......................................................2 E. Ineligible Expenses......................................................2 Section II Application Filing Procedures........................................3 Section III Reimbursement Procedures..........................................3 Section IV Review Process....................................................4 Section V Contact...........................................................4

The Pennsylvania Global Access Program Guidelines 10-5-2015 Section I General Information A. Program Purpose The Pennsylvania Global Access Program (GAP) is designed to enhance the capability of small to mid-sized Pennsylvania companies to increase export sales. GAP is administered by the Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development (OIBD) and provides up to $3,500 per year to qualifying Pennsylvania companies to reimburse 100% of eligible expenses associated with specific export promotion activities. This program is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. B. Qualification Assistance is limited to Pennsylvania companies that meet the following criteria: Operate a licensed business in Pennsylvania to manufacture, assemble and/or distribute a product, or provide an exportable service; Are in good standing with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the IRS; Identify one or more specific, achievable, export initiative requiring financial support; Agree to provide Regional Export Network Partner (REN) with export sales dollars resulting from the GAP-funded initiative as soon as they become available; Meet the U.S. Small Business Administration s (SBA) definition of an eligible small business concern, which is defined as an entity that: 1. Complies with SBA s size standards found in 13 C.F.R. Part 121: www.sba.gov/content/part-121-small-business-size-regulations-1 Follow the link to specific sections of 13 C.F.R. Part 121 See 121.201 for specific size standards by NAICS codes 2. Has been in business for at least one (1) year; 3. Is operating profitably, based on its operations in the U.S.; 4. Has demonstrated understanding of costs associated with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers, including the costs of freight forwarding, customs brokers, packing and shipping; and, 5. Has a strategic plan for exporting in effect. 1

The Pennsylvania Global Access Program Guidelines 10-5-2015 C. Qualifying Activities GAP is designed to provide flexibility and encourage the innovative use of funds to meet the specific international needs of Pennsylvania exporters. Qualifying activities include: Overseas Trade Mission Participation Overseas Trade Show Participation Foreign Market Sales Trip Subscription to US Department of Commerce services Qualifying activities must take place between September 30, 2015 and September 29, 2016. D. Eligible Expenses Qualifying Expense Categories Are Restricted to the Following: Lodging Room and Taxes only based on federal limits (http://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp) Ground transportation fees (no less than $25) Translation / Interpreter Fees (website translation into foreign language, search engine optimization, localization services (capped at $3,000)) Fees for shipping sample products (capped at $2,000) Trade Mission / Trade Show fees including but not limited to: registration fee, booth fee, equipment rental, and utilities Subscription to US Department of Commerce services (Gold Key, ICP, etc.) International marketing brochure development / Printing Costs Only expenses paid between September 30, 2015 and September 29, 2016 are eligible, as evidenced by receipts. Where applicable, funding is limited to two company employees participation in the GAP funded activity. E. Ineligible Expenses Expense categories ineligible for reimbursement include, but are not limited to: Airfare Meals Compensation, wages, or salary Cost of consultants, contractors, or other service providers (such as accountants, lawyers, etc.) Alcoholic beverages Hotel amenities Phone and Internet usage Phone cards Capital goods, product samples and supplies Passport or visa fees Immunization 2

The Pennsylvania Global Access Program Guidelines 10-5-2015 Section II Application Filing Procedures All GAP applications must be submitted through a Regional Export Network Partner (REN) to the GAP Administrator at least three (3) weeks prior to the activity for which funding is sought. All applications must include a recommendation from a REN partner and a signed Letter of Commitment. All applicationts must have on file the following three documents with a date of September 30, 2015 or after, required by SBA: Eligible Small Business Concern form; Certification regarding debarment... form; and the export strategic plan outline form. These forms can be obtained through your REN contact. No more than two (2) applications per company, per year. No less than $1,000 in reimbursable expenses per application. Reimbursements will be based on completion of activity and all receipts compiled in one submission. No requests for partial reimbursement will be accepted. Financial assistance shall not exceed $3,500 per company, per year. Up to two (2) activities can be included in one application as long as both activities are within 6 months of each other. Requests for changes to the approved activities must be submitted through the corresponding REN Partner to the GAP Administrator in writing at a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to the newly proposed activity start. The GAP Administrator shall make a decision and notify the REN Partner of approval/denial in writing. Section III Reimbursement Procedures To qualify for reimbursement, all receipts associated with approved activities must be submitted through a REN Partner to the GAP Administrator within forty five (45) days of activity completion. The reimbursement package must include all of the following: GAP Expense Reimbursement Form (see attached) Individualized receipts with a proof of payment (wire transfer, credit card, etc.) Only payments made between 9/30/2015 and 9/29/2016 are eligible for reimbursement For receipts in foreign currency, a screen print-out of the currency conversion from www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ must be attached to EACH individual receipt. For lodging, a print-out from http://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per diem.asp displaying the maximum reimbursable lodging rate must be included for each city. Recipients must complete all activities for which they have received funding within the timeframe outlined in the application. Funds are limited and subject to availability. Applications will be reviewed and funding decisions rendered on a first-come, first-served basis. 3

The Pennsylvania Global Access Program Guidelines 10-5-2015 When payments are approved by the Office of International Business Development, companies can expect reimbursement within 6-8 weeks. Assistance is subject to all terms and conditions contained in the GAP Guidelines and the submitted Application. Each year, the Department reviews funding options and guidelines and has the final authority in the allocation of funds. In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will have an unlimited license to use data and written materials generated under this SBA grant, whether or not the materials are copyrighted. Transactions with Suspended or Debarred Entities GAP funding is not available for companies that are currently suspended or debarred by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or a Federal Agency. OIBD office will be reviewing and verifying that entities are in good standing and not suspended or debarred before they are approved for reimbursement. Section IV Review Process All applications for funding will be evaluated by the OIBD Review Team using the following criteria: Company Description (15 points) Project Description (50 points) Economic Impact (20 points) Project Budget (15 points) All applications that receive a score of 70 or higher will be granted the award (100 total points possible) subject to funding availability. Section V Contact For more information about the Pennsylvania Global Access Program, please contact your REN representative or Natalia Dominguez Buckley at DCED, Office of International Business (215) 965-9724. PA Department of Community & Economic Development Office of International Business Development Attn: Natalia Dominguez Buckley 200 South Broad Street, 11th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19102 Email: ndominguez@pa.gov 4

DCED-OIBD-004 (10-15) COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GLOBAL ACCESS PROGRAM APPLICATION Activity: COMPANY INFORMATION COMPANY NAME: Amount Requested: $ PENNSYLVANIA VENDOR NUMBER: ADDRESS (INCLUDE STREET, CITY, STATE & ZIP) CONTACT PERSON: TITLE: PHONE: FAX: E-MAIL: COUNTY: NAICS CODE: WEBSITE: FEIN: STATE OF INCORPORATION: ANNUAL SALES: INTERNATIONAL SALES: YEARS EXPORTING: YEARS IN BUSINESS: EMPLOYEES IN PA: EMPLOYEES WORLDWIDE: COMPANY DESCRIPTION (15 POINTS) PROVIDE A BRIEF, NON-TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY S PRODUCTS OR SERVICES AND APPLICATION(S). PROJECT DESCRIPTION (50 POINTS) DESCRIBE THE PROPOSED INTERNATIONAL MARKET ACTIVITY? INCLUDE START AND COMPLETION DATES. HOW DOES THIS ACTIVITY SUPPORT THE COMPANY S OVERALL GROWTH AND EXPORT STRATEGIES?

DCED-OIBD-004 (10-15) GLOBAL ACCESS PROGRAM APPLICATION WHAT ARE THE EXPECTED RESULTS AND FOLLOW-UP PLAN ONCE THE ACTIVITY IS COMPLETED? HAVE YOU RECEIVED FUNDING FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE FOR THIS EVENT/ACTIVITY? IF YES, PLEASE DISCLOSE DETAILS. ECONOMIC IMPACT (20 POINTS) WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED CORPORATE IMPACT UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS ACTIVITY (E.G. INCREASED SALES, EMPLOYMENT, ETC.)? PROVIDE 3 YEAR PROJECTION. HOW DOES THIS ACTIVITY BENEFIT THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA (E.G. USE OF LOCAL SUPPLIERS, PENNSYLVANIA PORT/AIRPORT, ETC.)?

DCED-OIBD-004 (10-15) GLOBAL ACCESS PROGRAM APPLICATION PROJECT BUDGET (15 POINTS) Expense Category Estimated Cost *Lodging (Room and Taxes only).............................................. Ground transportation fees (no less than $25).................................... Translation / Interpreter Fee (capped at $3,000).................................. Trade Mission / Trade Show related fees including but not limited to: registration fee, booth fee, equipment rental and utilities........................... Subscription to USDOC services.............................................. International marketing brochure development................................... Fees for shipping sample products (capped at $2,000)............................. Other grant funding/subsidy received for this activity............................... _( )_ Total................................................................ $ * Expenses must follow federal guidelines available on the following website: http://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp Only expenses paid between September 30, 2015 and September 29, 2016 are eligible for reimbursement, as evidenced by receipts. ACTIVITY 1 ACTIVITY: DATE (MM/DD/YY) - (MM/DD/YY) (must fall within 09/30/15-09/29/16): LOCATION: ACTIVITY 2 ACTIVITY: DATE (MM/DD/YY) - (MM/DD/YY) (must fall within 09/30/15-09/29/16): LOCATION: INFORMATION DISCLOSURE I certify that the information provided in this application is true and correct. I agree to abide by the GAP program funding and reporting policies. I further understand that this information will be reviewed and is pending approval. This application must be signed or it will not be considered. Signature of Authorized Company Official Date Print Name Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

c COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GAP Expense Reimbursement Form SECTION I: GRANTEE INFORMATION COMPANY NAME: ADDRESS (INCLUDE STREET, CITY, STATE & ZIP): CONTACT PERSON: EMAIL: PHONE NUMBER: PENNSYLVANIA VENDOR NUMBER: FEIN #: APPROVED GRANT AMOUNT (PER GAP APPLICATION): REIMBURSABLE AMOUNT REQUESTED: $0.00 SECTION II: REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST INFORMATION (Please attach and number all your receipts and match them to a correspoding 'Receipt #' on this form) Amount in Foreign Amount in USD Currency Expense Description as per Receipt # Receipt Date (complete only if receipt in (per Oanda.com on date Application Budget foreign currency) when payment was processed*) Currency Amount 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Reimbursement in USD (maximum allowable lodging rates apply**) TOTAL EXPENSES $0.00 $0.00 TOTAL REIMBURSEMENT $0.00 * A screen print-out of currency conversion needs to be included with EACH receipt. Conversions are to be obtained at www.oanda.com/currency/converter/. (Please note that the screen print-out will always display a date preceding the date of your actual selection by one day.) ** Maximum allowable lodging rates can be found at http://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp SECTION III: CERTIFICATION I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information contained in this form is true and correct and that the grant funds authorized under the above referenced contract have been expended during the term of the contract for the purpose described and/or modifications, as approved by the Department of Community & Economic Development.in the Proposal, including any amendments NAME/TITLE: SIGNATURE: DATE: APPROVED BY OIBD PROGRAM OFFICER: SIGNATURE: DATE:

GAP (Global Access Program) COMPANY CHECKLIST Vendor Number: Company applies for Vendor Number. (Note: this only needs to be done once. Contact the Vendor Data Management Unit (VDMU) either via phone or via web registration.) ** o To register via phone: Call 1-877-435-7363 o To register via web: Go to www.vendorregistration.state.pa.us o Click on the Non-Procurement Registration Form to apply for the vendor #. GAP Application: Company submits application to SAP&DC for review and submittal to OIBD Harrisburg. Letter of Commitment: Sign and return with your GAP application a copy of the Letter of Commitment form provided by SAP&DC. SBA Self Representation Form: Sign and return with your GAP application a copy of the SBA (Small Business Administration) Self Representation Form to confirm that your company meets the small business guidelines as outlined by the SBA. (See Self Representation Qualification Requirements attached) ** Debarment Form: Sign and return with your GAP application a copy of the Certification regarding Debarment form provided by SAP&DC. ** STEP (SBA) Travel Approval Doc: Complete and return with your GAP application for international travel/events. Form must be supplied four weeks prior to travel. (Note: Not required if not applying for lodging or in-country travel reimbursement) Strategic Export Plan: Complete and return with your GAP application a Strategic Export Plan (see attached outline) IF APPLICABLE TO YOUR APPLICATION. ** GAP Activity: Company completes activity such as Trade Show, Mission, etc. which was applied for on the GAP. Expenses/Reimbursement: Company sends in expense reimbursement form plus receipts. Information is reviewed for approval. Note: When completing the Reimbursement Form, receipts must be inlcuded. Copies of proof of payment (check copies, credit card statements, etc..) to show proof of payment. If currency conversion, company must provide curreny conversion printout from www.oanda.com for the date of the receipt. Upon completion of all the above requirements, payments will be processed by the Commonwealth. If you have any questions regarding GAP processing, please contact SAP&DC. Phone: 814-949-6517 or 814-949-6527 Funded in part through a grant award with the U.S. Small Business Administration. **denotes document/step only required once unless changes within organization, status, personnel, export plan changes, etc

Strategic Plan Outline for Companies Receiving Direct or Indirect Financial Assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration s State Trade and Export Promotion Program 1. Please identify foreign markets that your company intends to pursue. (List up to five). 2. State the objectives you expect to achieve in the foreign markets that you intend to pursue, and relevant time-frames. 3. Are your products or services appropriate to the foreign market(s) you intend to pursue? Yes No Don t Know 4. Are your company s financial resources sufficient to support your company s entry into or expansion in the foreign markets that you intend to pursue? Yes No Don t Know 5. Is your company s productive capacity sufficient for entry into or expansion in the foreign markets that it intends to pursue? Yes No Don t Know 6. Are your company s staff resources and time required to support marketing and develop opportunities in the foreign markets you intend to pursue sufficient? Yes No Don t Know 7. Is your company s international trade infrastructure (i.e., knowledge base of U.S. export requirements, foreign market import market requirements, logistics, export financing, etc.) with respect to the foreign markets that you intends to pursue sufficient? Yes No Don t Know By signing this form you also confirm that you will contact the Office of International Business Development (OIBD) if at any time you learn that the STEP Self Representation As an Eligible Business Concern form was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. Information Prepared By: Company Name: Authorized Representative: Date Completed:

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion Lower Tier Covered Transactions This certification is required by the regulations implementing Executive Order 12549, Debarment and Suspension, 13 CFR Part 145. The regulations were published as Part VII of the May 26, 1988 Federal Register (pages 19160-19211). Copies of the regulations may be obtained by contacting the person to which this proposal is submitted. (BEFORE COMPLETING CERTIFICATION, READ INSTRUCTIONS ON REVERSE) (1) (2) The prospective lower tier participant certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for disbarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal department or agency. Where the prospective lower tier participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal. Business Name Date By Name and Title of Authorized Representative Signature of Authorized Representative SBA Form 1624 (12/92) This form was electronically produced by Elite Federal Forms, Inc.

- 2 - INSTRUCTIONS FOR CERTIFICATION 1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective lower tier participant is providing the certification set out below. 2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment. 3. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. 4. The terms "covered transaction," "debarred," "suspended," "ineligible," "lower tier covered transaction," "participant," "person," "primary covered transaction," "principal," "proposal," and "voluntarily excluded," as used in this clause, have the meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of the rules implementing Executive Order 12549. You may contact the person to which this proposal is submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations (13CFR Part 145). 5. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency with which this transaction originated. 6. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include the clause titled "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions," without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions. 7. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the Nonprocurement List. 8. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings. 9. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 5 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20416 SELF REPRESENTATION AS AN ELIGIBLE SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN The undersigned seeks services from a State grant recipient under Public Law 111 240 1207, Small Business Jobs Act, which authorized the State Trade and Export Promotion Program. A. Section 1207 of P.L. 111-240 defines the term eligible small business concern, as: a small business concern that--(a) has been in business for not less than the 1-year period ending on the date on which assistance is provided using a grant under this section; (B) is operating profitably, based on operations in the United States; (C) has demonstrated understanding of the costs associated with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers, including the costs of freight forwarding, customs brokers, packing and shipping, as determined by the Associate Administrator; and (D) has in effect a strategic plan for exporting;. B. For purposes of implementing the STEP Program, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) operationally defines the term eligible small business concern, as an entity that: 1. Complies with SBA size standards found at 13 C.F.R. Part 121 ( http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/title13/13cfr121_main_02.tpl); 2. Has been in business for not less than the 1-year period ending on the date on which assistance is provided under a STEP grant; 3. Is operating profitably, based on operations in the United States; 4. Has demonstrated understanding of the costs associated with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers, including the costs of freight forwarding, customs brokers, packing and shipping; and, 5. Has in effect a strategic plan for exporting. Submitting false information in order to obtain services from a STEP grant recipient is a violation of Federal law. If you submit false information the Government may seek criminal, civil, and/or administrative remedies against you, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1001, 1040; and 31 U.S.C. 3729 3733. The Government may elect to exclude you from further participation in certain Federal programs and contracts if you submit false information in connection with receiving services from a STEP grant recipient. I hereby certify that the business that I represent is seeking services from a state recipient under the STEP Program, and is an eligible small business concern, pursuant to Paragraph B., above. Signature Title Date Company

LETTER OF COMMITMENT The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the company ( ) agree to comply with the following requirements related to the use of the Global Access Program (GAP): 1. The company will adhere to current GAP Guidelines for qualification. 2. By submitting the completed GAP application to the Regional Export Network (REN) Partner, the company certifies to be in good standing with the IRS and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and agrees to adhere to the specific details (destination, date, agenda or activity) of the Activity as described in the application. 3. REN will advise the company of the funding decision. Approved applications are valid for one fiscal year. Any change to the Activity as outlined on the application without prior approval of the Commonwealth s Office of International Business Development (OIBD) will not be reimbursed. 4. This is a $3,500 maximum award per company, per year. 5. Within 45 days of the activity completion, the company must forward all itemized receipts of eligible expenses only (not all receipts) and a proof of payment directly to the REN. REN will review and forward copies to OIBD for audit and approval. If expenses are not submitted within the 45- day window, they will be denied. 6. The Commonwealth will reimburse the company upon approval of the eligible expenses submitted to and approved by OIBD. Please allow 6 8 weeks for the reimbursement process. 7. The company agrees to return any and all funds to the Commonwealth promptly in the event there is non-compliance with the terms of the approved application or at the termination or cancellation of the approved application. 8. The company agrees to be audited by OIBD if requested by the Commonwealth and will retain all records for a period of 3 years from the date of activity completion. 9. The company agrees to report ALL export sales resulting from GAP-funded activities to the REN partner. 10. This letter of commitment becomes null upon completion of all funded activities and following reimbursement to the company. In witness whereof, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of (date). DCED / OIBD Name: Natalia Dominguez Buckley Title: Regional Director International Business Dvpt. Company Name: Name of Company Rep.: Title: Signature: Signature: