# Quality Samples Program

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/usda-fas-qsp-2024-quality-samples-program/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/346794

> Foreign Agricultural Service offered grants of up to $2.5 million (at least $1) to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments and tribes. It expected to make about 20 awards worth $2.5 million in total. Applications closed on May 19, 2023.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | USDA-FAS-QSP-2024 |
| Agency | Foreign Agricultural Service |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | May 19, 2023 |
| Award ceiling | $2.5 million |
| Award floor | $1 |
| Expected awards | 20 |
| Total funding | $2.5 million |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 10.605 |

## Who can apply

- State governments
- County governments
- Special district governments
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Any United States private or government entity, excluding FAS Posts, with a demonstrated role and interest in exporting U.S. agricultural commodities may apply to the program. Government organizations may consist of Federal, State, or local agencies. Private organizations can include non–profit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and profit–making entities.

## What the grant funds

The QSP is designed to encourage the development and expansion of export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities by assisting U.S. entities in providing commodity samples to potential foreign importers to promote a better understanding and appreciation for the high quality of U.S. agricultural commodities. The QSP is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). QSP participants will be responsible for procuring (or arranging for the procurement of) the commodity samples, exporting the samples, and providing the on–site technical assistance necessary to facilitate successful use of the samples by importers. Participants that are funded under this Page 2 of 20 announcement may seek reimbursement from FAS for the sample purchase price and for the cost of transporting the samples domestically to the port of export and then to the first foreign port or point of entry. No other expenses will be reimbursed through the program, including the transportation costs from the first foreign port or point of entry to the final destination are not eligible for reimbursement. FAS will also not reimburse the costs incidental to purchasing and transporting samples, such as: inspection or documentation fees, certificates of any kind, tariffs, demurrage, etc. Although providing technical assistance is required for all projects, the costs of providing such technical assistance are not reimbursable under the program. The program operates on a reimbursement basis.

## Questions people ask

### Is USDA-FAS-QSP-2024 still open?

No. It closed on May 19, 2023.

### Who can apply for Quality Samples Program?

Foreign Agricultural Service accepted applications from nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments and tribes. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for Quality Samples Program?

Closed May 19, 2023. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $2.5 million each. About $2.5 million in total across about 20 awards.