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at no cost!
PlanGuidance to develop
an assistance strategy
ImplementEngage contractors for business-improving
projects
Program Details
Program Cost
Use of Grant Funds
Implementation
Information Sharing
Frequently Asked NYSTAAC Questions:
Click Links at right to jump to specific topic questions:
Q: What is Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms?
A: Established by Congress in 1974, Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAA) is a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce put in place to help American firms who have been hurt by foreign competition. A group of eleven non-profit TAA centers throughout the U.S. work with eligible firms in management, marketing, manufacturing, engineering, finance, and many other areas.
Q: Is this the same program as Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers?
A: No. But, for more information on that program, see the U.S. Department of Labor web site at: www.doleta.gov/tradeact or call 202-693-3560.
Q: What can Trade Adjustment Assistance do for my firm?
A: Firms receiving Trade Adjustment Assistance have experienced the following benefits: improved business performance, monetary assistance for certain projects, objective analysis of their firm as well as the competition, and ongoing support to improve business and profits.
Q: How can I find out if I am eligible?
A: U.S. firms who have experienced a decline in sales and a decline, or impending decline, in employment or worker hours may be eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance. For the most accurate and up to date information on whether or not your firm qualifies for TAA program funding, please contact us or call 607-771-0875 or 212-921-1662.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Contact us; or call us today at 607-771-0875 or 212-921-1662.
Q: Do you charge my firm for completing the Certification Application?
A: No! The Certification Application is completed by the NYSTAAC free of charge.
Q: How much is this really going to cost my firm?
A: Trade Adjustment Assistance is provided on a cost share basis. All costs to the firm are discussed fully during the Certification phase, which is provided free of charge.
Q: How much funding is available?
A: The actual amount of funding to be requested is established by the firm and the NYSTAAC as part of developing an Adjustment Proposal for the firm. The requested amount may be less than the maximum amount of funding available. There are two options for funding, a 50/50 percent cost share option and a 25/75 percent cost share option.
50/50 Percent Cost Share Option - There is a maximum of $150,000 of total project funding under this option on a 50/50 percent (client/government) cost share basis. This means a maximum of $150,000 of projects could be funded with the firm paying 50 percent of the costs and the government paying 50 percent of the costs.
25/75 Percent Cost Share Option - There is a maximum of $30,000 of total project funding under this option on a 25/75 percent (client/government) cost share basis. This means that a maximum of $30,000 of projects could be funded with the firm paying 25 percent of the costs and the government paying 75 percent of the costs.
Q: Do you charge my firm for completing the Adjustment Proposal?
A: There is a small fee for development of the Adjustment Proposal. This fee is paid on a 25/75 percent cost share basis with the firm paying 25 percent and the Federal government paying 75 percent of the cost. The actual cost for development of the Adjustment Proposal varies and is dependent on the scope of the project.
Q: When do I have access to funding?
A: Typically, eligibility certification takes from two to three months to complete. Once certification is received, an Adjustment Proposal can take two to four months from preparation to approval depending on the complexity of the firm and the availability of needed information.
Q: Can I use the funding for anything I want?
A: No. Specific projects are outlined in the Adjustment Proposal written by a project manager who works directly with the principal contact at the firm (designated by the firm). Funds can only be used to pay for outside industry experts to consult on a wide variety of projects. Funds cannot be used to purchase capital equipment or to subsidize employee salaries.
Q: Can I use the funds for more than one project?
A: Yes. Projects are specified in the Adjustment Proposal and are implemented based on agreement of both the firm and the NYSTAAC.
Q: Do I have to complete all designated projects?
A: No. Designated projects should be completed at any time within two years from the start of the implementation phase. However, projects are only started and completed based on the cash flow of the firm and the firm’s comfort in moving forward.
Q: Can I use the funding for employee training?
A: Yes. Funds can be used for on-site or off-site employee training. However, funds cannot be used to subsidize any salaries.
Q: Can I use the funding for ISO certification? How much will you pay?
A: Yes. Funds can be used for ISO certification on a cost share basis. We will pay for training, document preparation, and the pre-assessment audit.
Q: Can I buy equipment?
A: No. Capital equipment cannot be bought with TAA program funding.
Q: Can I develop molds and tooling?
A: Yes. New molds and tools can be developed and used in the design stage. However, funds cannot be used for the actual end products.
Q: Can I buy software to improve our efficiency?
A: Funds cannot be used to buy new software systems in full. However, funds can be used to test programs and adapt existing software to fit the needs of your firm.
Q: Can I use the funding to attend trade shows?
A: Funds can be used to develop new trade show displays but not to attend a trade show.
Q: Can our firm use the money to implement projects on our own?
A: Funds are not paid directly to the firm. Once an outside consultant is hired, the consultant is paid by both the firm and by the NYSTAAC.
Q: Who picks the consultants and what happens if we don’t like them?
A: An RFP (Request for Proposal) is prepared for each project by the NYSTAAC and sent to qualified consultants. The list of consultants can come from the firm and from the NYSTAAC. The NYS TAAC and the firm’s principal representative review the applications and choose a consultant. A contract is signed and any party may terminate with written notice throughout the duration of the relationship.
Q: How do consultants get paid?
A: For 50/50 percent cost share projects, consultants bill 50% to the firm and 50% to the NYSTAAC. For 25/75 percent cost share projects, consultants bill 25% to the firm and 75% to the NYSTAAC. The consultant is paid by the NYSTAAC only once the NYSTAAC has received notification that the consultant has been paid by the firm.
Q: Will my competitors find out about my financial information or trade secrets?
A: No. The NYSTAAC and the central TAA office are prohibited from releasing any information to outside sources.
Q: Will financial or other information be shared with the IRS or other Government Agencies?
A: None of the information you provide is disclosed to any other federal, state, or local agency. All proprietary and financial information is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. When a firm is accepted6, the law requires that the firm’s name be published in the Federal Register. It is the only information that is released to the public without your consent.
Q: How much detail will I be required to report and for how long?
A: The Cost Share Agreement you sign requires your firm to provide follow up information to the NYS TAAC for three years. A form will be provided to you to complete and sign. Only three items will need to be reported: (1) the current revenues, (2) the current employment level, and (3) the total profits for the current year. This information helps to track the success of the program and will again not be shared with any outside party.
