R -- Public/Private partnerships in connection with its buyusa program and website

Private firms meeting the basic criteria below are invited to contact either Mr. Dave Miller or Antonio Ceballos at the respective e-mail addresses: [email protected] and [email protected] prior to generating any actual partnership proposal or other submission to the Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce/International Trade Administration/ U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service (DOC/ITA/US&FCS) seeks to establish public/private partnerships in connection with its buyusa program and website (http://www.buyusa.com). Buyusa represents a U.S. DOC service introduced in June of 2001 to provide online exporting assistance and facilitation to U.S. firms, particularly small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SME's).Internet-based trade contact and information services operate in conjunction with the U.S.&FCS's worldwide network of 100+ domestic and 170+ overseas export and commercial offices, and include selective matchmaking between U.S. firms and overseas trading partners, trade lead generation and management, market intelligence for both U.S. and international companies, online interaction with U.S.&FCS trade specialists globally, and a "virtual catalog" capability to display and describe products and services of U.S. exporters. The website is developed and operated via a unique collaboration between the DOC which provides substantive content and exporting solutions, and IBM Corporation which provides e-business and supporting technology solutions. The buyusa program operates under the U.S.&FCS cost recovery authority; subscription fees for varying levels of service are paid by U.S. participants, and the resulting revenue is shared by the DOC and IBM, and potentially by other buyusa partners located via this notice. Buyusa registration is free to International companies. During Government FY-2002 buyusa seeks to expand offerings to both U.S. and International companies, and in so doing will consider proposals from private sector entities engaged in one (1) or more business lines which have clear potential to increase and/or facilitate exporting by U.S. SME's. Those seeking buyusa program participation must meet the following criteria: 1. identify at least one existing and operational online service or product which benefits exporting or export-related activities of small-to-medium-sized U.S. businesses. Online capabilities which may meet this criterion include export and trade education, international business intelligence, trade contact location, export logistics and compliance, regulatory or other trade governance information/ services, trade finance, international transaction completion, shipping, payment, currency and language conversion, and the like. 2. demonstrated sustained operation for at least two(2) full-years and a sustainable business plan and model. 3. suitability for presence on a U.S. Government website, indicating that: no criminal or civil violations are on record or charged and pending resolution. no debarment or documented unfair trade practices, or charges thereof by a foreign Government, are on record or pending. No online offerings or business practices are illegal or inappropriate in the U.S. or foreign countries served by buyusa.com, and no clear potential for embarrassment to the U.S. Government exists which might jeopardize the U.S.&FCS mission of promoting U.S. exports abroad. 4. express willingness to offer the online service(s) and/or product(s) in accordance with all applicable terms and conditions of buyusa.com and of U.S. Government websites generally.