USTDA Mission Statement

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries. The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, feasibility studies, training, orientation visits and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair and open trading environment.

USTDA's strategic use of foreign assistance funds to support sound investment policy and decision-making in host countries creates and enabling environment for trade, investment and sustainable economic development. Operating at the nexus of foreign policy and commerce, USTDA is uniquely positioned to work with U.S. firms and host countries in achieving the agency's trade and development goals. In carrying out its mission, USTDA gives emphasis to economic sectors that may benefit from U.S. exports of goods and services.

Background on USTDA in Latin America and the Caribbean

The USTDA program in Latin America and the Caribbean has grown substantially since its inception, and demand for USTDA support is at record levels. Most of the initial USTDA projects in Latin America and the Caribbean grew out of public sector ministries and agencies in host countries. As many countries initiated broad privatization programs, however, responsibility for the infrastructure of these countries has been transferred to the private sector. In response to this trend, USTDA is considering a growing number of privately sponsored infrastructure projects in the region. USTDA does not consider projects that entail the military, prison work, surveillance of people, drug interdiction, or projects that are dependent on technology or processes that have not been proven successful through sustained commercial operations.

Target Markets

USTDA actively markets its program in Latin American and Caribbean countries with the exception of Cuba which is not currently eligible. USTDA prioritizes the use of its funds based on multiple factors including financability, likelihood of U.S. procurement, developmental impact and other factors affecting the probability of implementation. USTDA considers projects that fall under the auspices of the Inter-American Development Bank, Andean Development Corporation or the World Bank and its private sector affiliates.

USTDA Grant Approval Process

USTDA provides grants to both public and private sector entities for a variety of early project planning activities. Potential projects come to USTDA's attention from several sources. A foreign government agency may approach USTDA directly with a funding request directly, or USTDA may learn about a project indirectly through a U.S. Embassy, Consulate or trade center. International agencies such as the World Bank, Andean Development Corporation or the Inter-American Development Bank may also approach USTDA. In addition, foreign or U.S. private sector firms may solicit assistance in developing a project, in the capacity of either a project sponsor or an investor. USTDA requires that private sector projects secure the endorsement of the host government prior to receiving USTDA support.

Formal consideration of a project begins with a written request from the sponsoring foreign government agency or private sector entity. This request may be submitted directly to USTDA, or routed through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. USTDA will not accept formal requests from consultants or counselors, but the agency will entertain informal discussions with such parties.

USTDA does not require a specific application form. Instead, a project sponsor should submit a written description of the proposed project and the USTDA grant assistance that is requested. Applicants may use a model proposal outline, which is available on the USTDA website at www.tda.gov. Upon receipt and review of a preliminary proposal, USTDA may proceed by engaging a consultant to conduct an evaluation of the proposed project. This review is called a Desk Study (DS) if the research is conducted in the United States and a Definitional Mission (DM) if it involves travel to the country or region in question. The consultant measures the project's potential for implementation, determines whether it meets basic USTDA criteria for funding, and makes recommendations for further USTDA consideration.

The primary component of a DS or DM report consists of measuring the project against USTDA basic criteria for funding. These criteria are whether a proposed project: (1) is a developmental priority for the host country; (2) is likely to receive implementation financing and have a procurement process that provides "equal access" to U.S. firms; (3) has the potential to result in significant U.S. exports during project implementation (generally $20 million or more); and (4) whether USTDA support will help to level the playing field for U.S. firms relative to foreign competitors. The DM or DS report also includes a detailed Scope of Work and Budget for the work to be performed under a USTDA grant, as well as the criteria for the evaluation of technical proposals to be used by the Grantee.

Mechanics of a USTDA Grant

If USTDA approves funding for a project, it signs a grant agreement with the project sponsor (Grantee). Afterward, a competitive process is normally undertaken to select the U.S. contractor to perform the USTDA-funded activity. The selection process is carried out by the Grantee, according to procedures developed by the DM or DS, and approved by USTDA. Normally, this entails publication of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the study or consultancy on the Federal Business Opportunities website at www.fedbizopps.gov.

U.S. bidders then submit their qualifications and proposals directly to the Grantee. Under certain circumstances, the process may be divided into a two-step process. The first step results in a "short list" of qualified entities, which are then invited to submit technical proposals for final selection in the second step. The selection of the top-rated firm is made in accordance with the criteria developed by the DM or DS contractor. After USTDA approves the selection, the Grantee invites the winning firm to negotiate a contract to complete the USTDA-funded activity. USTDA then reviews and approves the contract (model contracts are available for guidance).

The U.S. contractor is required to submit invoices for the work it performs to the Grantee for approval. When invoices are approved by the Grantee, they are forwarded to USTDA for payment. Payment is made directly from USTDA to the U.S. contractor.

Sole-Source Activities

From time to time, USTDA will entertain applications for assistance where approval of a pre-selected technical consultant is requested. Generally speaking, these may be approved under one of three sets of circumstances: (1) when there is an investor relationship in a private sector project; (2) when the proposed pre-selected firm can demonstrate that it has already expended considerable effort developing a project; or (3) when there is no evidence of significant interest on the part of competing U.S. firms. USTDA routinely requires cost sharing of the proposed activity in these cases. In addition, USTDA may require the firm carrying out the study to reimburse part or all of the USTDA funding, if the project is implemented and the firm reaps a substantial economic benefit.

USTDA Training Grants

Sometimes USTDA becomes involved in a project after a foreign government or private sector entity has already solicited proposals for project implementation. In such cases, where a U.S. firm has already been "short-listed" for a major contract along with other non-U.S. firms, USTDA may make an offer of a grant conditional on the U.S. firm being selected for project implementation. USTDA funding generally is reserved only for services carried out by U.S. firms. However, in appropriate circumstances, a specified portion of the USTDA grant, not to exceed 20%, may be used for host-country services, support staff or sub-contractors.

USTDA Projects in Latin America and The Caribbean

The following list of USTDA-funded activities in the LA&C region indicates the amount of the USTDA contribution, the name of the contractor or status of the contractor selection process and the fiscal year (FY) in which USTDA approved the project.

ARGENTINA
2001
Feasibility Study - Tight Gas Reservoir Project - USTDA approved funding ($500,000), with a cost share of ($158,000) by the grantee (Perez Companc), for a ($658,000) feasibility study for Perez Companc and their efforts to commercialize newly discovered gas-bearing horizons in Argentina's Punta Rosada formation. Merklein and Associates conducted the definitional mission. (FY 01)

Technical Assistance - Tecpetrol Fracture Characterization Project - USTDA approved funding ($500,000), with a cost share of ($146,000) by the grantee (Argentine company Tec Petrol), for a ($646,000) technical assistance for Tecpetrol and their efforts to optimize the production potential from existing and new wells in the Golfo de San Jorge basin Argentina. (FY 01)

Orientation Visit Province of Neuquen Mining Officials - USTDA approved funding ($60,000), for an orientation visit to bring four officials from the Argentine Province of Neuquen and one FSN from the Embassy in Buenos Aires, to the U.S. to conduct a business briefing and to meet with potential U.S. investors and/or developers of mining and mineral projects. (FY 01)

Technical Assistance for Customs Equipment and Scanner Technology Implementation - USTDA approved funding ($122,285), for a technical assistance for the Argentina Customs Authority (ACA). R.F. Reiter & Associates conducted the technical assistance. (FY 01)

Metrovias Central Maintenance Facility Project Feasibility Study - USTDA approved funding ($400,000), for a feasibility study for Metrovias' new central maintenance facility for the fleet of subway trains in their system. Metrovias selected Louis Berger Int'l to perform the feasibility study. (FY 01)

2000
Buenos Aires ITS Architecture Project - USTDA approved funding ($315,000) for an evaluation of the deployment of ITS systems in Buenos Aires. IBI Group was selected to complete the study. (FY 00)

Mining Line 500 kV Transmission Line Project - USTDA approved ($235,000) for a feasibility study for the Mining Line 500kV transmission line project submitted by the Argentine Mining Secretariat and National Electrical Energy Advisory. LECG performed the feasibility study. (FY 00)

Argentine Government Census Officials Orientation Visit - USTDA approved funding ($55,000) for an orientation visit to bring 5 officials from Argentine's Census Agency (INDEC) and one FSN from the Embassy in Buenos Aires, to the U.S. to meet with the U.S. Census. Louis Berger International organized the orientation visit. (FY 00)

Commuter Lane Barrier/Quickchange Moveable Barriers Project - USTDA approved funding ($120,000) for a feasibility study to evaluate the deployment of Quickchange Moveable Barrier (QMB) system technology along the major toll highways 25 de Mayo and Perito Moreno. DBR Associates completed the feasibility study. (FY 00)

BOLIVIA
2003
Pacific Liquified Natural Gas Project Technical Assistance - USTDA approved funding ($415,280), for technical assistance on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Government of Bolivia for the proposed private sector Pacific LNG Project. Ellington and Associates, Inc. has been selected to perform the definitional mission. (FY 03)

2002
Feasibility Study - San Bartolomé Silver Mine Project - USTDA approved funding ($760,000), for partial funding of a $1,767,210 feasibility study for the San Bartolomé silver mine project in Potosí, Bolivia. Gustavson and Associates performed an expanded desk study. (FY 02)

2001
CNS/ATM Modernization Feasibility Study - Public Sector - USTDA approved funding ($327,560), or 50% of the cost of a ($655,120) feasibility study for Communications, Navigation, Surveillance, and Air Traffic Management, or CNS/ATM, modernization in Bolivia. USTDA approved additional funding ($80,000), in order to accommodate a new capacity building task to be added to the original Terms of Reference (TOR). (FY 01)

BRAZIL
2003
Fortaleza Pintos Martins International Airport Project - USTDA approved funding ($265,500), for a feasibility study on the Fortaleza Pinto Martins International Airport Project. (FY 03)

Sao Paulo Underground Utilities Project - USTDA approved funding ($25,000), for a definitional mission to evaluate a request from the Municipality of Sao Paulo for a feasibility study on the underground utilities project. (FY 03)

Juiz da Fora Light Rail Project - USTDA approved funding ($25,000), for a definitional mission to evaluate the Juiz da For a Light Rail Project. (FY 03)

2001
State of Bahia Rural Potable Water Systems - USTDA approved funding ($400,000), to the State Secretariat of Infrastructure to provide technical assistance as the State of Bahia carries out a project to install alternative energy powered potable water supply systems in rural communities that are not connected to the state energy grid. Contractor selection is under way. (FY 01)

Advanced Control Systems for the Mining Industry - USTDA approved funding for an orientation visit for a delegation of eight to ten representatives of Brazilian mining companies that are interested in procuring advanced control systems. Labat Anderson organized the visit. (FY 01)

Integrated Corporate Network - USTDA approved funding for a desk study to evaluate a feasibility study on the Integrated Corporate Network Project. Telecommunications Management Group conducted the desk study. (FY 01)

Automatic External Defibillators Orientation Visit - USTDA approved funding ($80,000), for an orientation visit designed to help further the development of a market for automatic external defibrillators in Brazil. Technical Resources International organized the visit. (FY 01)

Orientation Visit for Petrobras Environmental Officials - USTDA approved funding ($95,000), for an orientation visit for officials responsible for environmental projects at Petrobras, the Brazilian national oil company. BETA Corporation organized the visit. (FY 01)

Power Projects - USTDA contracted with Commonwealth Power Corporation to conduct an expanded definitional mission to identify and evaluate power projects in Brazil. (FY 01)

Urban Transport Projects - USTDA is evaluating requests for feasibility study funding for urban transport projects in Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro. Raul Bravo & Associates conducted the definitional mission. (FY 01)

Wastewater Treatment and Industrial Re-use Projects - USTDA approved funding ($24,950) for the evaluation of wastewater and industrial re-use projects in the states of Paraná. RKR Associates conducted the definitional mission. (FY 01)

Construction Sector Orientation Visit - USTDA approved funding ($65,000), for an orientation visit for a delegation of up to five Brazilian officials in the construction sector and one Commercial Specialist from the US Commercial Service in Brazil. (FY 01)

2000
São Paulo Metropolitan Transport Electrical System Privatization Project - USTDA approved funding ($200,000) for a feasibility study for Metrô of São Paulo on the privatization of the electrical systems that serve the state's metropolitan transport systems. Ernst & Young conducted the study. (FY 00)

Environmental Analysis for the Seival Mine Mouth Coal Project - USTDA provided partial funding for an environmental impact study and report of the environmental impact for the Seival Mine Mouth Coal-Fired Power Project. Parsons performed the study. (FY 00)

Petrobras Environmental Remediation Projects - USTDA approved funding ($25,000) for a definitional mission to evaluate environmental projects with Petrobras, the Brazilian state oil company. Millennium Science and Engineering conducted the definitional mission. (FY 00)

CPM Zinc Refinery Project - USTDA approved ($500,000) to partially fund a feasibility study on a zinc refinery project in Brazil for the Companhia Paraibuna de Metais. Feasibility study contractor selection is underway. (FY 00)

Environmental Remediation Projects - USTDA approved ($25,000) for a definitional mission to evaluate several environmental projects in Brazil. Envirolatina conducted the definitional mission. (FY 00)

Private Sector Mining Projects - USTDA approved funding ($25,000) for a definitional mission to evaluate requests for funding from two private Brazilian companies. Anderson and Schwab conducted the definitional mission. (FY 00)

CMM Zinc Recovery Project - USTDA provided funding (US$363,000) for technical assistance for the Companhia Mineira de Metais (CMM) for a zinc concentrate recovery improvement project. Behre Dolbear & Company conducted the study. (FY 00)

CMM Geophysical Survey - USTDA provided funding ($250,000) to the Companhia Mineira de Metais (CMM) for technical assistance perform geophysical surveys of CMM's mineral concessions in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. FUGRO-LCT conducted the technical assistance. (FY 00)

MBR Cross-belt Online Analyzers - USTDA approved funding ($55,000) for Minerações Brasileiras Reunidas S.A. (MBR) for technical assistance regarding the use of crossbelt on-line analyzers and GPS truck dispatching equipment at MBR's iron ore operations. (FY 00)

Underground Fuel Storage Tank Systems in the State of São Paulo - USTDA provided a grant ($425,000) to partially fund technical assistance for the Companhia de Tecnologia de Saneamento Ambiental (CETESB) for the regulation and upgrade of underground fuel storage tanks in the State of São Paulo. Camp, Dresser and McKee carried out the study. (FY 00)

CHILE
2003
Definitional Mission on Environmental Projects - USTDA approved funding ($40,000), for an expanded definitional mission to evaluate environmental projects in Chile that will support U.S. and Chilean environmental cooperation and capacity building under the framework of the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement. (FY 03)

Hospital Salvador Development and Remodeling Project - USTDA approved funding ($30,000), for a definitional mission to evaluate the request for feasibility study funding for the redevelopment of the Hospital Salvador in Santiago Chile. (FY 03)

2002
Orientation Visit for Agriculture and Biotechnology Officials - USTDA approved funding ($100,000), for an orientation visit for officials responsible for Chile's agricultural and biotechnology projects. Agland Investment Services, Inc. coordinated the visit. (FY 02)

Orientation Visit - Officials from the Nuevo Hospital Militar - USTDA approved funding ($85,000), for an orientation visit by officials from the Chilean Army who are responsible for the equipment purchases for the Nuevo Hospital Militar de la Reina. TRI coordinated the visit. (FY 02)

Orientation Visit for Enersis Home Automation and Home Networking Officials - USTDA approved funding ($55,000), for an orientation visit by three officials from Enersis Power Line Communications to meet with appropriate U.S. companies and potential strategic partners for the proposed home networking and automations project in Chile. (FY 02)

Orientation Visit for Subsole- Agricultural Produciton and Storage - USTDA approved funding ($70,000), for an orientation visit by five officials from private Chilean agribusiness company Subsole, S.A. Agland Investment Services, Inc. coordinated the visit. (FY 02)

Modernization of the Public Real Estate Administration Project - USTDA approved funding ($350,000), through the Evergreen Fund at the Inter-American Development Bank to provide technical assistance for the Modernization of the Real Estate Administration Project in Chile. (FY 02)

2001
Temuco Airport Project - USTDA approved funding in the amount of ($222,000), with an implied cost share of ($30,000), for a feasibility study for an airport project in the south central city of Temuco, Chile. Louis Berger International Inc. was selected to perform the feasibility study. (FY 01)

Canal San Carlos Mass Transit System Project - USTDA approved funding in the amount of ($300,000), or 51% of the study budget, for a feasibility study for a new mass transit light rail system in Santiago, Chile. Ove Arup and Partners, together with Chilean partners performed the feasibility study. (FY 01)

Feasibility Study - National Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Architecture - USTDA approved funding ($358,000), for a feasibility study for the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) - Direccion de Vialidad - for a national ITS Architecture in Chile. The study is currently being competed. (FY 01)

2000
Calama Wind Farm Project - USTDA approved funding ($275,000) for a feasibility study for a large scale wind energy project, 37.5 MW wind farm at Calama in northern Chile. Sea West was selected to perform the feasibility study. (FY 00)

Chilean Information Technology Industry Officials/E-Commerce OV - USTDA approved funding ($58,000) for an orientation visit to enable six Chilean Technology decision makers to travel to the U.S. to meet with information technology companies. Meridian International Center organized the orientation visit. (FY 00)

COLOMBIA
2003
Aeronautical Meteorology System Development Plan - USTDA approved funding ($370,000), for technical assistance to help the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority develop an aeronautical meteorology system development plan for the years 2004-2014. (FY 03)

Bogota Mass Transit Modernization Study - USTDA approved funding (5,000), for an expanded desk study to provide an evaluation, analysis and improvement design for the TransMilenio mass transit system in Bogota, Colombia. (FY 03)

2002
Feasibility Study to Evaluate Aguadulce Port Project - USTDA approved funding ($355,000), for a feasibility study to evaluate a port development project (Aguadulce) in Buenaventura, Colombia. Moffatt & Nichol International performed the feasibility study. (FY 02)

Aeronautical Meteorology Orientation Visit - USTDA approved funding ($1000,000), for an Aeronautical Meteorology orientation visit to enable Colombian civil aviation officials to examine US capabilities in the meteorology sector. TRI Inc. coordinated the visit. (FY 02)

Cartagena Refinery Orientation Visit - USTDA approved funding ($76,000), for an orientation visit for technical planners and decision-makers from the Colombian petroleum refining sector, in order to introduce them to contemporary US refining technologies, products and services. (FY 02)

CRA Water Loss Improvements and Regulatory Reform Project - USTDA approved funding ($482,000), for technical assistance for a water loss improvements and regulatory project for the Comisión de Regulación de Agua Potable y Saneamiento Básico (CRA) of Colombia. (FY 02)

2001
Commuter Rail Orientation Visit - USTDA funded an orientation visit for Colombian officials from the commuter rail sector in late February 2001. Louis Berger International organized the visit. (FY 01)

Gas Treatment Plant Project - USTDA approved funding ($395,000), for a feasibility study for a gas treatment plant project in Colombia. The Wood Group has been selected as that contractor for the USTDA funded portion of the project. (FY 01)

2000
Santa Marta Cargo Terminal Expansion Project - USTDA approved ($320,400) with a Grantee cost-share of $40,000 and an implied cost-share of $15,000 for a feasibility study on the Santa Marta Cargo Terminal Expansion Project in Colombia. Frederic R. Harris conducted the feasibility study. (FY 00)

Railroad Sector Definitional Mission - USTDA funded ($25,000) a definitional mission to evaluate the current trends in Colombian railway reform and anticipated concession planning. ICF Consulting conducted the definitional mission. (FY 00)

CNS/ATM Transition Plan Studies - USTDA approved ($4,000) for a desk study to evaluate a request from the Special Administrative Unit, Civil Aviation (UAEAC) for a study to plan the transits on to CNS/ATM. Montgomery Consulting Group conducted the definitional mission. (FY 00)

COSTA RICA
2003
De Minimus Training Grant to ICE - USTDA approved funding ($300,000), for a de minimus Training Grant to ICE, Costa Rica's state-owned electricity and communications company in support of Motorola. (FY 03)

2000
Information Technology and Telecom Projects - USTDA funded a definitional mission to evaluate a proposed wide area network project with Costa Rica's Social Security Institute and other IT and telecom projects. Stephen Dachi conducted the definitional mission. (FY 00)

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
2003
Feasibility Study for the Mining Exploration of the Cerro de Maimon Deposit - USTDA approved funding ($300,000), for a feasibility study on the Cerro de Maimon Deposit mining project in the Dominican Republic. Pincock Allen & Holt is conducting the study. (FY 03)

2002
Technical Assistance to Develop Institutional Capacity for Environmental Protection in the Mining Sector - USTDA approved funding ($600,000), for a technical assistance program for the Government of the Dominican Republic and the Unidad Corporative Minera (ICM), with regards to environmental protection as it pertains to the mining sector. (FY 02)

2001
Pueblo Viejo Intergrated Mine Project Technical Assistance - USTDA approved funding ($345,000), for technical assistance for the Unidad Corporativa Minera (UCM) Technomine Services conducted the definitional mission. Pincock, Allen and Holt conducted the technical assistance. (FY 01)

Technical Assistance for Power Market Development Project - USTDA approved funding in the amount of ($89,000), for technical assistance for the World Bank through the USTDA Evergreen Fund. Commonwealth Power conducted the desk study. (FY 01)

Feasibility Study - Corporacion Dominicana de Electricidad (CDE) Fiber Optic Network Project - USTDA approved funding ($331,000), for a feasibility study for a fiber optic project in the Dominican Republic. Domus, AD conducted the completed definitional mission. The competition for the study is underway. (FY 01)

ECUADOR
2002
Feasibility Study - Guayaquil Water Loss Improvement Project - USTDA approved funding ($441,000), or approximately 44% of the cost of $998,570 feasibility study for a water loss improvement project in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Nexant Inc. is conducting the feasibility study. (FY 02)

New Quito International Airport Access Highway Concession - USTDA approved funding ($570,000), for technical assistance to prepare and manage the concession process for the access road highway for the New Quito International Airport in Ecuador. LPA Group Incorporated is providing the technical assistance. (FY 02)

Technical Assistance - Ecuador Land Cadastre - USTDA approved funding ($149,800), for technical assistance through the USTDA Evergreen Fund of the IDB for a land cadastre technical cooperation project in Ecuador. (FY 02)

EL SALVADOR
2003
Definitional Mission - National Energy Policy Development - USTDA approved funding ($30,000), for an expanded definitional mission to assist the Government of El Salvador to structure an energy policy. (FY 03)

2002
Telecommunications Regulatory Framework Technical Assistance - USTDA approved funding ($293,000), for technical assistance to the Superintendencia General de Electricidad y Telecomunicaciones in order to strengthen the telecommunications regulatory framework in El Salvador. (FY 02)

2001
Irrigation Damage Assessment Technical Assistance - USTDA approved funding ($28,660), for technical assistance through the USTDA Evergreen Fund of the IDB related to Irrigation Infrastructure Damage Assessment and Analysis in El Salvador. (FY 01)

HONDURAS
2003
CONATEL Telecommunications Regulatory - USTDA approved funding ($359,000), for technical assistance and capacity building for Honduras' national telecommunications regulatory agency, the Comision Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL). USTDA contracted Martin Morell to conduct an expanded definitional mission to Honduras and Peru. (FY 03)

2000
El Cangrejal Hydroelectric Energy Project - USTDA approved funding ($2,500) for a desk study to evaluate a request for USTDA feasibility study funding for a 50 MW hydroelectric project in La Ceiba, Honduras. Richard Hunt and Associates performed the desk study. (FY 00)

JAMAICA
2001
Feasibility Study - National Water Commission Water Supply - USTDA approved funding ($310,000), for a feasibility study that will collectively assess three priority water supply and improvement projects being developed by the Government of Jamaica's (GOJ) National Water Commission (NWC). Armentrout Roebuck and Matheny conducted the desk study. (FY 01)

MEXICO
2003
Intelligent Transportation Systems - USTDA approved funding ($431,000), for a technical assistance and capacity building for Mexico's Secretariat for Communication and Transportation for the National Intelligent Transportation Systems Architechture project. (FY 03)

North American Island Port Network - USTDA approved funding ($5,000), for an expanded desk study to evaluate a request from the North American International Trade Corridor Partnership for technical assistance funding for the North American Inland Port Network. (FY 03)

2002
Orientation Visit on the National e-Mexico System - USTDA approved funding ($80,000), for an orientation visit (OV) for a delegation of up to ten Mexican government officials involved in the National e-Mexico System. (FY 02)

Feasibility Study for the Puebla International Airport Modernization and Air Cargo Terminal Project - USTDA approved funding ($550,000), for a feasibility study on the Puebla International Airport modernization and air cargo terminal project. (FY 02)

Feasibility Study for Intermodal México's Terminal Network Project - USTDA approved funding ($200,000), to partially fund a feasibility study that would help Intermodal México, S.A. de C.V. plan the development of its intermodal terminal network in Mexico. (FY 02)

Feasibility Study for the Veracruz Port Expansion Project - USTDA approved funding ($408,000), for a feasibility study on the Veracruz Port Expansion Project. The Administración Portuaria Integral de Veracruz, S.A. de V.V. (FY 02)

Technical Assistance on Venture Capital Funds through the Nacional Financiera Master Grant Agreement - USTDA approved funding ($222,000), for technical assistance to Nacional Financiera, S.N.C. to support the work of the U.S.-Mexico Task Force on Venture Capital in Mexico. (FY 02)

Technical Assistance for the IDB Support for Strengthening Competition Policy Project - USTDA approved funding ($431,360), through the USTDA Evergreen Fund at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), to provide technical assistance for the Support for Strengthening Competition Policy Project in Mexico. (FY 02)

Sonora Airport Projects - USTDA approved funding ($25,000), for a definitional mission to evaluate a request for a feasibility study on the Ciudad Obregon Air Cargo Project and to evaluate other prospective projects on the airport sector in Mexico. (FY 02)

Hydropower Rehabilitation & Modernization Orientation Visit - USTDA approved $48,000), for an orientation visit/business briefing to enable Mexican officials from the hydroelectric power sector to examine U.S. capabilities in the rehabilitation and modernization of hydroelectric systems. (FY 02)

2001
Integrated Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Collection and Treatment in Poza Rica, Veracruz - USTDA funded a ($265,000) feasibility study for the integrated municipal and industrial wastewater collection and treatment project in Poza Rica, Veracruz, Mexico. Harza Engineering conducted the study. (FY 01)

Feasibility Study on the Luz y Fuerza del Centro Distribution Automation Project - USTDA approved funding ($400,000), for a feasibility study to assist Luz y Fuerza del Centro (LYFC) with planning the implementation of the next phase of its distribution automation project in Mexico. KEMA was selected to carry out the study. (FY 01)

Detailed Design and Engineering for TFM Intermodal Terminal in Toluca - USTDA approved partial funding ($750,000) to TFM, S.A. de C.V. for detailed design and engineering for an intermodal-automotive-cross docks facility to be located near Toluca. Contractor selection is under way. (FY 01)

2000
Mexico City Traffic Signaling Project - USTDA approved funding ($390,000) for a feasibility study for the Mexico City Secretariat of Transport and Roads' traffic management and signaling system project. Booz, Allen and Hamilton conducted the study. (FY 00)

Monterrey Solid Waste Management Project -  USTDA approved funding ($188,700) to partially fund a feasibility study on a solid waste management project in Monterrey, Mexico. Brown, Vence and Associates, Inc carried out the study. (FY 00)

NICARAGUA 2002
Technical Assistance- Off-grid Rural Electrification Project - USTDA approved funding ($59,940), for technical assistance for the World Bank's Nicaragua Off-grid Electrification for Development Project. (FY 02)

PANAMA
2002
Feasibility Study - Panama City Traffic Signalization Project - USTDA approved funding ($364,000), for a feasibility study for the Autoridad del Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre (ATTT) in Panama for a new traffic signaling and control system for Panama City. USTDA contracted with Transportation and Economic Research Associates (TERA) to conduct a definitional mission. (FY 02)

Technical Assistance Panama Bay Clean Up Project Complementary Studies - USTDA approved funding ($517,000), for technical assistance for complementary studies to the consolidated master plan for the Panama Bay Clean Up Project. (FY 02)

Digital Broadcast Standard - Technical Assistance - USTDA approved funding ($280,000), for the Ente Regulador de los Servicios Publicos (Ente) for technical assistance to develop suitable framework for the migration from analog to digital television and radio broadcasting in Panama. USTDA contracted Martin Morell to conduct an expanded definitional mission to. (FY 02)

2001
Linea Paralela Project Feasibility Study - USTDA approved funding ($375,000) with an implied cost share of ($33,000) for the expansion of existing Lago Alhajuela Reservoir drinking water plant. Harza Engineering performed the feasibility study. (FY 01)

2000
Regional Electric Utility Infrastructure - USTDA approved funding ($300,000) with a cost-share by the grantee and an implied cost-share by the contractor for technical assistance to produce a substantive engineering and design study. DigitaLogic performed the technical assisitance. (FY 00)

Irrigation and Reforestation Through IESC Volunteer Expert Grant - USTDA approved funding for a 90-day technical assistance package for the Ministry of Agriculture in Panama, to identify near-term irrigation needs and prospects for reforestation initiatives. IESC carried out the assistance. (FY 00)

Review of Engineering and Planning for Panama City Transportation Projects - USTDA approved funding ($150,000), to be provided through USTDA Evergreen Fund at the Inter-American Development Bank, for technical assistance involving the evaluation and technical review of transportation projects in Panama City. HDR Inc. performed the technical assistance. (FY 00)

PARAGUAY
2002
Feasibility Study Asunción Airport Concession Project - USTDA approved funding ($5000,000), for a feasibility study of the Asunción Airport Concession Project. The study will be conducted under the auspices of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) through the USTDA Evergreen Fund. (FY 02)

PERU
2003
Perupetro Hydrocarbon Exploration - USTDA approved funding ($465,500) for technical assistance to Perupetro to configure areas with favorable hydrocarbon potential for promotional acreage offerings to private upstream investors. Ellington and Associates, Inc. was selected to perform the definitional mission. (FY 03)

OSIPTEL Telecom Capacity Building - USTDA approved funding ($325,830), for capacity building technical assistance to support the liberalization and improved competition environment in the telecommunications industry in Peru. (FY 03)

Port of Callao New Container Terminal - USTDA approved funding ($5,000), for a desk study to evaluate a proposal for USTDA to fund a feasibility study of the Master Plan for the development of the Port of Callao in Lima, Peru. (FY 03)

2002
Orientation Visit - Energy Sector Companies and Regulatory - USTDA approved funding ($80,000), for an orientation visit by officials form the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and the Peruvian energy regulatory body OSINERG, to meet with U.S. energy regulatory officials and U.S. private sector energy companies. (FY 02)

Orientation Visit - Alternative Energy Officials - USTDA approved funding ($10,000), for an orientation visit by officials form the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines, and officials from the municipal government of Lima, Peru. (FY 02)

Rice Hull Power Plant Project - USTDA funded ($150,000), for a feasibility study being developed by Econergy International Corporation together with Energy Systems International both U.S. companies, and Monder, SAC of Peru for a rice hull-fired power plant to serve the Santa Lila and San Luis rice mills in northwest Peru. (FY 02)

2001
Feasibility Study - Agricola Cerro Prieto Intergrated Sugar Project - USTDA approved funding ($325,000), or 60% of the cost of a ($542,000) feasibility study for an integrated sugar project in the Jequetepeque Valley of northern Peru. CORE International completed the desk study. (FY 01)

2000
PetroPeru Modification of the Talara Refinery - USTDA approved funding ($346,000) for a feasibility study for PetroPeru for modifications to the Talara petroleum refinery in Peru. Foster Wheeler USA Corporation carried out the feasibility study. (FY 00)

URUGUAY
2002
Orientation Visit for Agricultural Producers and Processors - USTDA approved funding ($85,000), for an orientation visit by nine officials representing Uruguay's fruit and citrus sector in order to facilitate commercial linkages in the citrus and fruit sector between the U.S. and Uruguay. (FY 02)

2001
Technical Assistance for Customs Equipment Technology Implementation - USTDA approved funding ($30,844), for technical assistance for the Uruguayan Customs Authority (UCA). The study will be competed shortly. (FY 01)

VENEZUELA
2002
Nueva Esparta Wastewater and Potable Water System Infrastructure Improvement Project - USTDA funded ($482,000), for a feasibility study for wastewater and potable water infrastructure improvement projects for the Island of Margarita, Venezuela. Armentrout, Roebuck Matheny Consulting Group, PC (ARMCG), has been selected for the project. (FY 02)

Feasibility Study - Port of Guanta Rehabiliation Projects - USTDA approved funds ($255,000), for a feasibility study to evaluate several small projects for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Port of Guanta in the State of Anzoategui, Venezuela. (FY 02)

2001
Venoco LAB Petrochemical Project - USTDA funded ($500,000), with a Grantee Cost-Share of ($100,000), and an implied cost-share of ($52,000), for a feasibility study for a proposed Linear Alkyl Benzene plant in Venezuela. (FY 01)

Venezuelan Natural Gas Projects Orientation Visit - USTDA approved funding ($81,000), for an orientation visit/business briefing to enable Venezuelan officials from the natural gas sector to examine US capabilities in that field. (FY 01)

ELEVAL 160MW Power Project Feasibility Study - USTDA approved funding ($235,000), for a feasibility study for 160MW IPP project in Valencia, Venezuela. (FY 01)

2000
Puerto Cabello Bid Procedure - USTDA approved funding ($50,000) for a technical assistance award to the Puerto Cabello Port Authority to assist with the preparation and evaluation of bid documents for the construction and operation of the port. Louis Berger International, Inc. carried out the technical assistance. (FY 00)

Amuay Bay Clean-up - USTDA approved funding ($115,000) for a feasibility study for the Amuay Bay Environment Impact Evaluation project in Venezuela. Dresser and McKee was selected to perform the study. (FY 00)

CADAFE Masparro River Hyrdoelectric Power Project - USTDA approved funding ($250,000) with an implied cost-share of $50,000, to partially fund a $300,000 feasibility study on the Masparro River Hydroelectric Power Project in Venezuela. Feasibility study contractor selection is underway. (FY 00)

ELECAR Transmission and Distribution System Upgrades - USTDA approved funding ($244,000) with an implied cost-share of $40,000, for a $284,000 feasibility study on the ELECAR Transmission and Distribution System Upgrades project in Venezuela. Feasibility study contractor selection is underway. (FY 00)

Tocoma Hydroelectric Power Project - USTDA approved funding ($4,000) for a desk study to evaluate a feasibility study proposal in Tocoma Hydroelectric Power Project in Bolivar State, Venezuela. Commonwealth Power carried out the desk study. (FY 00)

Toxic Waste Management OV - USTDA funded ($85,000) an orientation visit/business briefing to enable Venezuelan officials from the toxic waste management sector to examine U.S. capabilities in that environmental sub-sector. Louis Berger International, Inc. arranged the visit. (FY 00)

CADAFE Combined Cycle Upgrade Project - USTDA approved funding ($180,000) a feasibility study for combined cycle upgrade project in Venezuela. (FY 00)

Hidrocentro Wastewater Treatment Facility - USTDA funded ($173,000) a feasibility study for Hidrocentro on the development of a wastewater treatment facility in La Victoria and San Mateo areas. Contractor selection is underway. (FY 00)

Aguas de Yaracuy Wastewater Treatment Facility - USTDA funded ($230,000) a feasibility study on the construction of new wastewater facilities for Aguas de Yaracuy. Contractor selection is underway. (FY 00)

Hidrosureste Water Storage Reservoir - USTDA funded ($170,000) a feasibility study for Hidrosureste to plan the development of an "off-line" raw water storage reservoir and expanded water treatment facility. Paul C. Rizzo Associates have been selected to perform the study. (FY 00)

Hidrocaribe Pump Station Renovation Project - USTDA funded ($70,000) a feasibility study for Hidrocaribe on the rehabilitation of the pump station that delivers water from the Cumana system to residents located on the Peninsula de Araya. Contractor selection is underway. (FY 00)

REGIONAL
2003
Central America Regional: Technical Assistance for Trade Capacity Technology - USTDA approved funding ($300,000), for five definitional missions to identify and define one or two Informational Technology projects in each of the five Central American Free Trade Agreement partner countries. (FY 03)

Technical Assistance for Analysis of IDB Evergreen Fund - USTDA approved funding ($45,000), to support technical assistance to conduct an analysis of the performance of the USTDA Evergreen Fund at the Inter-American Development Bank. (FY 03)

Intern-American E-Business Fellowship Program - USTDA approved funding (80,000), to support the third annual Inter-American E-Business Fellowship Program. (FY 03)

2002
Digital Television Orientation Visit - USTDA approved funding ($137,000), to fund an orientation visit for officials from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela, to enable the delegates to learn more about the US digital television standard, and to examine US capabilities in that sector. (FY 02)

Orientation Visit for Waste Management and Recycling Officials - USTDA approved funding ($130,000), for an Orientation Visit for a delegation of 15 officials from Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela to the U.S. to meet with solid waste management and recycling companies and to attend the annual Waste Expo Trade Event in Las Vegas, Nevada. (FY 02)

Orientation Visit for Port Officials - USTDA approved funding ($88,000), for an orientation visit by ten port officials from Colombian and Ecuador, and one FSN from the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá Colombia. (FY 02)

Conference and Orientation Visit for Telecommunication Officials - USTDA approved funding ($107,500), for conference funding and an eight-day orientation visit, with a combined budget of ($156,000), to the United States by eleven (11) officials from Latin America representing upcoming telecommunications projects, with an emphasis on rural telecommunications connectivity. (FY 02)

Orientation Visit for Port Officials - USTDA approved funding ($37,000), for the addition of six Brazilian delegates to the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Port orientation visit. (FY 02)

Orientation Visit for Waste Management and Recycling Officials - USTDA approved funding ($35,000), for the addition of six delegates to the Latin American and Caribbean Regional orientation visit to the Waste Expo Trade Event. The additional six delegates would come from El Salvador and Panama, in addition to the 15 previously approved delegates from Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, and Brazil. (FY 02)

Orientation Visit for Airport Security Officials - USTDA approved funding ($95,000), for an orientation visit to the U.S. for twelve airport and aviation officials from Latin America and the Caribbean in order to introduce the delegation to U.S. expertise and technology in the airport security sector. (FY 02)

2000
Environmental Review of IIC Projects - USTDA approved funding ($100,000) to be provided through USTDA Evergreen Fund at the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) for technical assistance involving an environmental review of IIC projects. (FY 00)

Hydroelectric Energy Projects in Honduras and Panama - USTDA approved funding ($25,000) for a definitional mission to evaluate and formulate feasibility study criteria for hydroelectric projects in Honduras and Panama. Richard Hunt and Associates conducted the definitional mission. (FY 00)

Energy and Power Projects in the Americas Conference Organizer and Briefing Document - USTDA approved funding ($255,000) to partially fund the cost of a regional conference in the power and energy sectors that was held in Houston in October 2000. (FY 00)

Telecommunications and Information Technology Projects in Uruguay and Argentina - USTDA approved funding ($25,000) for a definitional mission to evaluate possible Telecommunications and IR projects for USTDA support in Uruguay and Argentina. Jefferson Consulting Group conducted the definitional mission. (FY 00)

Airport Projects in Argentina and Chile - USTDA approved funding ($25,000) for a definitional mission to evaluate and formulate the scope of the feasibility study for the Tongoycillo International Airport project at Puerto Velero in Chile's IV Region. QEO Airport and Aviation consultants conducted the study. (FY 00)

Costa Rica and Panama Water and Sewer Projects - USTDA approved funding ($25,000) for a definitional mission to evaluate and formulate study terms of reference for potable water projects in Panama and economic and financial studies for a sewage system public service concession in Costa Rica. EIC conducted the study. (FY 00)

For More Information

For more information on any of the above projects or on other USTDA programs in Latin America and the Caribbean, inquiries may be addressed to Albert W. Angulo, Regional Director; Anne McKinney, Country Manager (South America); Kenny Miller, Country Manager (Central America and the Caribbean); Michael Derham, Project Analyst (Chile, Bolivia, and Peru) and Trevan Van Buren, Project Analyst (Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Guyana).

For information on current USTDA Definitional Mission consultancy opportunities, please call the "USTDA Definitional Mission Hotline" at (703) 875-7447.

For instructions on how to order a Definitional Mission Report or Feasibility Study from our library call Jim Thayer at (703) 875-2213.

To subscribe to the "USTDA Bi-Weekly Newsletter" please call (703) 875-4246.

Mailing Address:
U.S. Trade and Development Agency
1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600
Arlington, VA 22209-2131

Telephone: (703) 875-4357
Fax: (703) 875-4009