MDCP-Generated Hosiery Exports Exceed $25 Million
Since November 2005, ITA has worked with Hickory, NC-based Hosiery Technology Center (HTC) to boost the competitiveness of U.S. hosiery producers. HTC helps ensure a high level of quality with its research and testing activity. However, HTC also works closely with ITA to prepare U.S. firms to enter new foreign markets and to continue to commit to these markets.

(Photo courtesy of Reuters.) U.S. hosiery producers have found that consumers in Japan and northern Europe appreciate the kind of quality hosiery that U.S. producers offer. With $397,000 in federal financial assistance and help from ITA's Office of Textile and Apparel and Commercial Service, several U.S. firms have secured supply contracts in new markets. Since HTC began its MDCP partnership with ITA in November 2005, it has helped U.S. firms generate $25 million in exports. See HTC MDCP Award for more information.

Applications Due July 31
The due date for submitting MDCP applications is July 31. Applications may be submitted electronically or in hard copy. Click on Application Kit above and read the federal funding opportunity notice (FFO) for more details.

Make-Up Conference Call on July 2
At 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on July 2, interested parties are invited to join in a conference call to discuss the general characteristics of a good proposal as well as some administrative and legal considerations. We will not be able to discuss the merits of any proposal ideas. The conference call is primarily for those who were unable to participate in the June 24, conference call; however, all interested parties are invited to participate if they wish to review the information again.

Conference Call Instructions for July 2
To participate, dial 888-995-9566 on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The confirmation number is 47432.

Communication with ITA from June 17 to July 31
Since publishing our opportunity notice on June 17, we are restricted in what kinds of questions we can answer. We can continue to answer questions you may have and refer you to resources, but we cannot comment on the merits of MDCP proposal ideas. See FAQs 7 and 33 for more information.

Eligibility Determinations
Applicants may either submit eligibility documentation with their applications or separately with a request for an eligibility determination. See "Determine Whether You Are Eligible" below. Applicants that have requested an eligibilty determination but have not yet received it, do not need to resubmit the documenation with their application.

Organizations Affiliated with Educational Institutions
Educational institutions such as colleges and universities are not eligible to receive MDCP awards. However, entities affiliated with such institutions can be eligible. Please click on "Application Preparation" in the banner above and choose "Educational Institutions" for more information.

How to Know if You Are On Our Email Contact List
If you received an email on June 10 or 11, updating you on the status of the 2008 MDCP competition, then you are on the list. If you did not receive an email and you have not received an email since then notifying you that you are on the list, please email Alexx.Bant@mail.doc.gov

Familiarity with ITA Will Help You Succeed
In order to prepare a good application, it is important to demonstrate knowledge of what International Trade Administration resources are available. To find out more about ITA, click on the links in the "Related Links" box.

Review this website. Determine whether your organization is eligible. Contact us. Then contact your local ITA office and the relevant industry specialist.

Determine Whether You Are Eligible

Review a Mock Application

Frequently Asked Questions

MDCP is designed for applicants such as non-profits, trade associations, etc. that represent an industry. It is not designed for individual companies.