(a) Cooperators are required to submit regular financial and performance reports in accordance with their agreement. Reporting requirements and formats for the required financial and performance reports will be specified in the agreement between CCC and the Cooperator.

(b)(1) In addition to the information required in 2 CFR 200.329(c)(2), a Cooperator's performance reports must include pertinent information regarding the Cooperator's progress, measured against established indicators, baselines, and targets, towards achieving the expected results specified in the agreement. This reporting must include, for each performance indicator, a comparison of actual accomplishments with the baseline and the targets established for the period. When actual accomplishments deviate significantly from targeted goals, the Cooperator must provide an explanation in the report.

(2) A Cooperator must ensure the accuracy and reliability of the performance data submitted to FAS in performance reports. At any time during the period of performance of the agreement, FAS may review the Cooperator's performance data to determine whether it is accurate and reliable. The Cooperator must comply with all requests made by FAS or an entity designated by FAS in relation to such reviews.

(c) All final performance reports will be made available to the public.

(d) Not later than 45 calendar days after the completion of travel (other than local travel), a Cooperator shall submit a trip report. The report must be submitted to the appropriate Attaché/Counselor(s) and must include the name(s) of the traveler(s), purpose of travel, itinerary, names and affiliations of contacts, and a brief summary of findings, conclusions, recommendations, and specific accomplishments.

(e) Not later than 90 calendar days after the end of its program year, a Cooperator shall submit a report on any research conducted pursuant to the approved FMD program.

(f) If requested by FAS, a Cooperator must provide to FAS additional information or reports relating to the agreement.

(g) If a Cooperator requires an extension of a reporting deadline, it must ensure that FAS receives an extension request at least five business days prior to the reporting deadline. FAS may decline to consider a request for an extension that it receives after this time period. FAS will consider requests for reporting deadline extensions on a case by case basis and will make a decision based on the merits of each request. FAS will consider factors such as unforeseen or extenuating circumstances and past performance history when evaluating requests for extensions.

(a) Documents submitted to CCC by Cooperators are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, 7 CFR part 1, subpart A, and, specifically, 7 CFR 1.12.

(b) Upon request, a Cooperator shall provide to any person a copy of any document in its possession or control containing market information that is developed and produced under the terms of its agreement. The Cooperator may charge a fee not to exceed the costs for assembling, duplicating, and distributing the materials.

(c) Any research conducted by a Cooperator pursuant to an agreement and/or approval letter shall be subject to the provisions relating to intangible property in 2 CFR part 200.

(a) The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 (5 U.S.C. 306, 31 U.S.C. 1105, 1115-1119, 3515, 9703-9704) requires performance measurement of Federal programs, including the Cooperator program. Evaluation of the Cooperator program's effectiveness will depend on a clear statement by each Cooperator of the constraints and opportunities facing U.S. exports, goals to be met within a specified time, a schedule of measurable milestones for gauging success, a plan for achievement, and reports of activity results at regular intervals. The overall goal of Cooperators' programming is to achieve or maintain sales that would not have occurred in the absence of FMD funding. A Cooperator that can demonstrate such sales, taking into account extenuating factors beyond the Cooperator's control, will have met the overall objective of the GPRA and the need for evaluation.

(b) Evaluation is an integral element of program planning and implementation, providing the basis for the strategic plan. The evaluation results guide the development and scope of a Cooperator's program, contribute to program accountability, and provide evidence of program effectiveness.

(c) When required by CCC, a Cooperator shall complete a program evaluation. A program evaluation is a review of the Cooperator's entire program, or an appropriate portion of the program as agreed to by the Cooperator and CCC, to determine the effectiveness of the Cooperator's strategy in meeting specified goals. The actual scope and timing of the program evaluation shall be determined by the Cooperator and CCC and specified in the Cooperator's approval letter. A Cooperator may contract with an independent evaluator to satisfy this requirement, although CCC reserves the right to have direct input and control over the design, scope, and methodology of any such evaluation, including direct contact with and provision of guidance to the independent evaluator. In addition to the requirements set forth in 2 CFR part 200, a program evaluation shall contain:

(1) The name of the party conducting the evaluation;

(2) The activities covered by the evaluation;

(3) A concise statement of the constraint(s) and opportunities and the goals specified in the approved agreement;

(4) A description of the evaluation methodology;

(5) A description of additional export sales achieved, including the ratio of additional export sales in relation to Cooperator program funding received;

(6) A summary of the findings, including an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the program(s); and

(7) Recommendations for future programs.

(d) A Cooperator shall submit, via a cover letter to CCC, an executive summary that assesses the program evaluation's findings and recommendations and proposed changes in program strategy or design as a result of the evaluation.

(e) On an annual basis, or more often when appropriate or required by CCC, a Cooperator shall complete and submit program success stories. CCC will announce to all Cooperators the detailed requirements for completing and submitting program success stories.

A Cooperator's required contribution will be specified in the Cooperator's approval letter. If a Cooperator fails to contribute the amount specified in its approval letter, the Cooperator shall pay to CCC in U.S. dollars the difference between the amount it has contributed, and the amount specified in the approval letter. If the Cooperator's required contribution is specified as a percentage of the total amount reimbursed by CCC, the Cooperator may either return to CCC the necessary amount of funds reimbursed by CCC to increase its actual contribution percentage to the required level or pay to CCC in dollars the difference between the amount actually contributed and the amount of funds necessary to increase its actual contribution percentage to the required level. A Cooperator shall remit such payment within six months after the end of its program year. The Cooperator shall make such payment in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise approved in advance by CCC.

(a) USDA staff may conduct compliance reviews of a Cooperator's activities under this program to ensure compliance with this part, applicable Federal laws and regulations, and the terms of the agreements and approval letters. Cooperators shall cooperate fully with relevant USDA staff conducting compliance reviews and shall comply with all requests from USDA staff to facilitate the conduct of such reviews. Program funds spent inappropriately or on unapproved activities must be returned to CCC.

(b) Any project or activity funded under the program is subject to review or audit at any time during the course of implementation or after the completion of the project.

(c) Upon conclusion of the compliance review, USDA staff will provide a written compliance report to the Cooperator. The compliance report will detail any instances where it appears that the Cooperator is not complying with any of the terms or conditions of the agreement, approval letter, or the applicable laws and regulations. The report will also specify if it appears that CCC may be entitled to recover funds from the Cooperator and will explain the basis for any recovery of funds from the Cooperator. If, as a result of a compliance review, CCC determines that further review is needed in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Cooperator program, CCC may require the Cooperator to contract for an independent audit.

(d) In addition, CCC may notify a Cooperator in writing at any time if CCC determines that CCC may be entitled to recover funds from the Cooperator. CCC will explain the basis for any recovery of funds from the Cooperator in the written notice. The Cooperator shall, within 30 calendar days of the date of the notice, repay CCC the amount owed either by submitting a check payable to CCC or by offsetting its next reimbursement claim. The Cooperator shall make such payment in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise approved in advance by CCC. If, however, a Cooperator notifies CCC within 30 calendar days of the date of the written notice that the Cooperator intends to file an appeal pursuant to the provisions of this part, the amount owed to CCC by the Cooperator is not due until the appeal procedures are concluded and CCC has made a final determination as to the amount owed.

(e) The fact that a compliance review has been conducted by USDA staff does not signify that a Cooperator is in full compliance with its agreement, approval letter, and/or applicable laws and regulations.

(a) A Cooperator shall, within 60 calendar days of the date of the issuance of a compliance report, submit a written response to CCC. The response may include additional documentation for consideration or a request for reconsideration of any finding along with supporting justification. If the Cooperator does not wish to contest the compliance report, the response shall include any money owed to CCC, which may be returned by submitting a check payable to CCC or by offsetting a reimbursement claim. The Cooperator shall make any payments in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise approved in advance by CCC. CCC, at its discretion, may extend the period for response.

(b) After reviewing the response, CCC shall determine whether the Cooperator owes any funds to CCC and will inform the Cooperator in writing of the basis for the determination. CCC may initiate action to collect such amount by providing the Cooperator a written demand for payment of the debt pursuant to debt settlement policies and procedures in 7 CFR part 1403.

(a) Within 30 calendar days of the date of the issuance of a determination, the Cooperator may appeal the determination by making a request in writing that includes the basis for such reconsideration. The Cooperator may also request a hearing.

(b) If the Cooperator requests a hearing, CCC will set a date and time for the hearing. The hearing will be an informal proceeding. A transcript will not ordinarily be prepared unless the Cooperator bears the cost of a transcript; however, CCC may, at its discretion, have a transcript prepared at CCC's expense.

(c) CCC will base its final determination upon information contained in the administrative record. The Cooperator must exhaust all administrative remedies contained in this section before pursuing judicial review of a determination by CCC.

For all permissible methods of delivery, submissions required by this part shall be deemed submitted as of the date received by CCC.

An agreement may be amended in writing with the consent of CCC and the Cooperator. All requests for program amendments must be submitted to CCC in writing and contain a justification for why the amendment is necessary. All amendment requests must be reviewed and approved by CCC before an amendment can be issued.

(a) A Cooperator may utilize the services of a subrecipient to implement activities under the agreement if this is provided for in the agreement. The subrecipient may receive CCC-provided funds, program income, or other resources from the Cooperator for this purpose. The Cooperator must enter in to a written subaward with the subrecipient and comply with the applicable provisions of 2 CFR 200.332 and/or the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), if applicable. If required by the agreement, the Cooperator must provide a copy of such subaward to FAS, in the manner set forth in the agreement, prior to the transfer of CCC-provided funds or program income to the subrecipient.

(b) A Cooperator must include the following requirements in a subaward:

(1) The subrecipient is required to comply with the applicable provisions of this part and 2 CFR parts 200 and 400 and/or the FAR, if applicable. The applicable provisions are those that relate specifically to subrecipients, as well as those relating to non-Federal entities that impose requirements that would be reasonable to pass through to a subrecipient because they directly concern the implementation by the subrecipient of one or more activities under the agreement. If there is a question about whether a particular provision is applicable, FAS will make the determination.

(2) The subrecipient must pay to the Cooperator the value of CCC-provided funds, interest, or program income that are not used in accordance with the subaward, or that are lost, damaged, or misused as a result of the subrecipient's failure to exercise reasonable care.

(3) In accordance with 2 CFR 200.501(h), subawards must include a description of the applicable compliance requirements and the subrecipient's compliance responsibility. Methods to ensure compliance may include pre-award audits, monitoring during the agreement, and post-award audits.

(c) A Cooperator must monitor the actions of a subrecipient as necessary to ensure that CCC-provided funds and program income provided to the subrecipient are used for authorized purposes in compliance with applicable U.S. Federal laws and regulations and the subaward and that performance indicator targets are achieved for both activities and results under the agreement.

(a) Subpart F of 2 CFR part 200 applies to all Cooperators and subrecipients under this part other than those that are for-profit entities, foreign public entities, or foreign organizations.

(b) A Cooperator or subrecipient that is a for-profit entity or a subrecipient that is a foreign organization and that expends, during its fiscal year, a total of at least the audit requirement threshold in 2 CFR 200.501 in Federal awards, is required to obtain an audit. Such a Cooperator or subrecipient has the following two options to satisfy this requirement:

(1)(i) A financial audit of the agreement or subaward, in accordance with the Government Auditing Standards issued by the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO), if the Cooperator or subrecipient expends Federal awards under only one FAS program during such fiscal year; or

(ii) A financial audit of all Federal awards from FAS, in accordance with GAO's Government Auditing Standards, if the Cooperator or subrecipient expends Federal awards under multiple FAS programs during such fiscal year; or

(2) An audit that meets the requirements contained in subpart F of 2 CFR part 200.

(c) A Cooperator or subrecipient that is a for-profit entity or a subrecipient that is a foreign organization and that expends, during its fiscal year, a total that is less than the audit requirement threshold in 2 CFR 200.501 in Federal awards, is exempt from requirements under this section for an audit for that year, except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (f) of this section, but it must make records available for review by appropriate officials of Federal agencies.

(d) FAS may require an annual financial audit of an agreement or subaward when the audit requirement threshold in 2 CFR 200.501 is not met. In that case, FAS must provide funds under the agreement for this purpose, and the Cooperator or subrecipient, as applicable, must arrange for such audit and submit it to FAS.

(e) When a Cooperator or subrecipient that is a for-profit entity or a subrecipient that is a foreign organization is required to obtain a financial audit under this section, it must provide a copy of the audit to FAS within 60 days after the end of its fiscal year.

(f) FAS, the USDA Office of Inspector General, or GAO may conduct or arrange for additional audits of any Cooperators or subrecipients, including for-profit entities and foreign organizations. Cooperators and subrecipients must promptly comply with all requests related to such audits. If FAS conducts or arranges for an additional audit, such as an audit with respect to a particular agreement, FAS will fund the full cost of such an audit, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.503(d).

(a) An agreement or subaward may be suspended or terminated in accordance with 2 CFR 200.339 or 200.340. FAS may suspend or terminate an agreement if it determines that:

(1) One of the bases in 2 CFR 200.339 or 200.340 for termination or suspension by FAS has been satisfied; or

(2) The continuation of the assistance provided under the agreement is no longer necessary or desirable.

(b) If an agreement is terminated, the Cooperator:

(1) Is responsible for using or returning any CCC-provided funds, interest, or program income that have not been disbursed, as agreed to by FAS; and

(2) Must comply with any closeout and post-closeout procedures specified in the agreement and 2 CFR 200.344 and 200.345.

(a) If a Cooperator fails to comply with any term in its agreement, approval letter, or this part, CCC may take one or more of the enforcement actions in 2 CFR part 200 and, if appropriate, initiate a claim against the Cooperator, following the procedures set forth in this part. CCC may also initiate a claim against a Cooperator if program income or CCC-provided funds are lost due to an action or omission of the Cooperator. If any Cooperator has engaged in fraud with respect to the Cooperator program, or has otherwise violated program requirements under this part, CCC may:

(1) Hold such Cooperator liable for any and all losses to CCC resulting from such fraud or violation;

(2) Require a refund of any assistance provided to such Cooperator plus interest as determined by FAS; and

(3) Collect liquidated damages from such Cooperator in an amount determined appropriate by FAS.

(b) The provisions of this section shall be without prejudice to any other remedy that is available under any other provision of law.