[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 21 (Thursday, January 31, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6807-6809]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02052]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Critical Infrastructure Protection and Cyber Security Trade
Mission to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, September 28-October 1, 2013
AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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Mission Description
The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade
Administration, U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, is coordinating and
sponsoring an executive-led Critical Infrastructure Protection and
Cyber Security mission to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait City, Kuwait,
from September 28-October 1, 2013. The mission will focus on the cyber
security, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency management,
ports of entry, aviation, and border security sectors. This mission is
designed for
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representatives from U.S. safety and security businesses and trade
associations that have past experience exporting to the Middle East
region. This mission will seek to connect U.S. companies in the safety
and security industries, including Information Communications
Technology (ICT) companies active in cyber security, with appropriate
government (state and local) and private entities in Saudi Arabia and
Kuwait. The mission will include one-on-one appointments with potential
partners, embassy briefings, technical site visits and networking
events in Riyadh and and Kuwait City.
Commercial Setting
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has prioritized cyber defense and
infrastructure protection, and is investing heavily in these sectors.
Saudi Arabia is interested in learning about the U.S. experience in
defending vital economic infrastructure from cyber attacks in an effort
to strengthen its capabilities concerning computer systems and other
potential cyber attack targets. In 2008, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia
signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement to facilitate the transfer of
technical knowledge, advice, skills and resources from the United
States to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the areas of critical
infrastructure protection and public security, including border
protection, civil defense capabilities, and coast guard and maritime
capabilities. In 2012, Saudi infrastructure spending included $9.4
billion for transport projects such as the expansion of a number of the
country's airports. Specifically, opportunities exist for companies
providing surveillance equipment, electronic gates, thermal imaging,
advanced communication systems, electronic detection equipment, cyber
intrusion detection and prevention, perimeter control, biometrics, etc.
Kuwait
The Government of Kuwait has a stated plan to invest considerable
sums in safety and security equipment through 2020. Kuwait defense and
security forces will be looking to purchase surveillance equipment,
perimeter security and control systems, security check point equipment
(fences, crash barriers, cameras, access points), and contraband
detection systems, including scanning systems, and consulting services
in security planning. Additionally, the Government of Kuwait is seeking
to increase its capabilities in cyber security.
In particular, several projects currently under consideration by
the Government of Kuwait, particularly under the Ministry of Interior,
include (additional) camera surveillance systems to be installed in and
near most transportation infrastructure points, geospatial intelligence
connectivity, maritime netting, and sensors to minimize security
threats to vessels, facilities security of oil refineries and power
plants (stations), production facilities and loading platforms,
including ports, and the hardware and software infrastructure needed to
support a fully integrated C4ISR (C41 Surveillance and Reconnaissance)
Systems.
Kuwait plans to spend a total of US$ 28.2 billion on projects in
the transportation sector, including aviation, airport, rail, roads,
building and terminals. The expansion of Kuwait International Airport
is a significant infrastructure development. The planned $6 billion
project includes a new terminal building and expanding the two existing
terminals. Moreover, in 2013, Kuwait is expected to award a tender to
build its third runway. Kuwait is aiming to double the airport capacity
to 20 million passengers by 2025.
Other major projects are the construction of the country's fourth
refinery and the expansion of the existing refineries valued at
approximately $30 billion.
Mission Goals
The goals of the Critical Infrastructure Protection and Cyber
Security mission to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are:
1. To gain market exposure and introduce participants to potential
partners and key decision makers, taking advantage of the United
States' strong ties and positive reputation in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
2. To develop market knowledge and relationships that can enhance
potential partnerships with local, safety and security firms, and
government agencies (state and local).
Mission Scenario
Participation in the mission will include the following:
Pre-travel briefings/webinars
Embassy/consulate and industry briefings
Networking reception at the Ambassador's Residences in
Riyadh and Kuwait City; and
Pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with appropriate
individuals at the local trade associations, companies, and government
entities. Transport to meetings in Riyadh and Kuwait City.
The precise schedule will depend on the specific goals and
objectives of the mission participants.
Proposed Timetable--September 28-October 1, 2013
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Saturday, September 28, 2013........... Arrive Riyadh.
Evening................................ Individual transfer to the
hotel.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
9:00 a.m............................... Embassy briefing.
Lunch.
12:00-1:00 p.m......................... Government Meetings.
1:30-17:30 p.m......................... Networking.
17:30 p.m.............................. Reception at the Ambassador's
Residence.
20:00-21:00 p.m........................ Return to hotel.
Monday, September 30, 2013
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.................... Individual meetings with Saudi
associations and prospective
agents and other partners.
Afternoon.............................. One on one meetings.
16:05 p.m.............................. Depart for Kuwait City via
Saudi Airways.
17:20 p.m.............................. Arrive Kuwait City.
19:30 p.m.-21:00 p.m................... Welcome Reception at the
Ambassador's Residence.
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013.................. Kuwait.
8:00-9:00 a.m.......................... Embassy Country Team briefing.
9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.................... Government of Kuwait meetings.
Afternoon.............................. Lunch.
Site visits.
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Roundtable discussions with
local business leaders.
One on One meetings with local
business people.
Trade Mission concludes, on
own.
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Participation Requirements
All parties interested in participating in the Critical
Infrastructure Protection and Cyber Security mission to Saudi Arabia
and Kuwait must complete and submit an application for consideration by
the U.S. Department of Commerce. All applicants will be evaluated on
their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection
criteria as outlined below. The mission will include a minimum of 15
and maximum of 20 qualified U.S. firms and trade associations.
Fees and Expenses
After an applicant has been selected to participate on the mission,
a payment to the U.S. Department of Commerce in the form of a
participation fee is required. The participation fee for one
representative is $3,911 for a small or medium-sized enterprise and
$4,288 for a large firm.\1\ The fee for each additional representative
is $1,000. Expenses for lodging, some meals, incidentals, and all
travel (except for transportation to and from airports in-country,
previously noted) will be the responsibility of each mission
participant.
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\1\ An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or
that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations
(see http://www.sba.gov/services/contractingopportunities/sizestandardstopics/index.html). Parent companies, affiliates, and
subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size. The
dual pricing reflects the Commercial Service's user fee schedule
that became effective May 1, 2008 (See http://www.export.gov/newsletter/march2008/initiatives.html for additional information).
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Conditions for Participation
Applicants must submit a completed and signed mission application
and supplemental application materials, including adequate information
on the company's (or in the case of a trade association, represented
companies') products and/or services, primary market objectives, and
goals for participation. If the Department of Commerce receives an
incomplete application, the Department may either: Reject the
application, request additional information/clarification, or take the
lack of information into account when evaluating the applications.
Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it
seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United
States, or, if not, are marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have
at least fifty-one percent U.S. content. In the case of a trade
association, the applicant must certify that for each company to be
represented by the association, the products and/or services the
represented company seeks to export are either produced in the United
States or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at
least fifty-one percent U.S. content.
Selection Criteria for Participation
Selection will be based on the following criteria:
Suitability of a company's (or in the case of a trade
association, represented companies') products or services to the
mission's goals
Applicant's (or in the case of a trade association,
represented companies') potential for business in Saudi Arabia and
Kuwait, including likelihood of exports resulting from the trade
mission
Applicant's (or in the case of a trade association,
represented companies') demonstrated export experience in the Middle
East region (including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait)
Consistency of the applicant's (or in the case of a trade
association, represented companies') goals and objectives with the
stated scope of the trade mission (i.e., the sectors indicated in the
mission description)
Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing
references to partisan political activities (including political
contributions) will be removed from an applicant's submission and not
considered during the selection process.
Selection Timeline
Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner,
including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce
Department trade mission calendar (http://export.gov/trademissions) and
other Internet Web sites, press releases to general and trade media,
direct mail, notices by industry trade associations and other
multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia,
conferences, and trade shows. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2013;
however, the U.S. Department of Commerce will begin reviewing
applications and making selection decisions on a rolling basis
beginning on February 11, 2013 until the maximum of 20 participants is
selected. Applications received after June 30, 2013 will be considered
only if space and scheduling constraints permit.
Contacts
Jessica Arnold, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of
Commerce I Commercial Service, 1400 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
DC 20004, Tel: 202-482-2026. saudimission2013@trade.govhttp://trade.gov.
Michael Marangell, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department
of Commerce I Commercial Service, 200 West Adams, Suite 2450, Chicago,
IL 60606, Tel: 312-353-5097, saudimission2013@trade.govhttp://export.gov/illinois.
Amer Kayani, Senior Commercial Officer, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, U.S.
Department of Commerce I Commercial Service, Amer.kayani@trade.gov.
Dao M. Le, Senior Commercial Officer, Kuwait City, Kuwait, U.S.
Department of Commerce I Commercial Service, Dao.Le@trade.gov.
Elnora Moye,
Trade Program Assistant.
[FR Doc. 2013-02052 Filed 1-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P