Firm Exports to China, Receives Award
Evapco, a Maryland-based firm that makes heat transfer and related equipment for large industrial cooling systems and other applications, received an export achievement award from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke. Gary Rugel, Evapco's Vice President International accepted the award.

Photo: Event Digital

Secretary Locke presented the award after delivering the luncheon address at the annual conference of the International District Energy Association (IDEA) on June 30. Evapco's activity in China is part of an ongoing MDCP project that IDEA is pursuing in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration.

Five New MDCP Awards Announced
Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke announced five new MDCP awards. See Secretary Locke's October 26, 2009, press release for a list of the winners. ITA considered 29 proposals for MDCP funding during the 2009 competition. Several were worthy of receiving an MDCP award; however, due to limited funding availability, ITA could make only five awards.

Debriefing Available for Unsuccessful Applicants
Unsuccessful applicants should email Brad.Hess@mail.doc.gov to arrange a debriefing. It is rare for an applicant to receive an award on its first try. A debriefing is a great opportunity to get detailed advice on how to succeed.

When to Apply for MDCP Funding
As early as February 2010, we anticipate announcing the 2010 competition for MDCP awards. Any organization interested in applying should start preparing now. See "How to Apply" below for additional information.

Online Discussion Group
Potential applicants and others interested in MDCP can stay in touch with each other via a new list serve. The group may be found on Google Groups. Use "MDCP" as your search term. Once you sign up or log in to Google Groups and find the MDCP group, follow the instructions to request to become a member of this group. The group is not an official federal government website. Parties interested in MDCP use this group to communicate and share information with others interested in MDCP.

How to Know if You Are On Our Email Contact List
If you received an email on April 29 regarding the May 5, conference call, 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 Brad.Hess@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 and an Example 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. For more information about eligibility for financial assistance programs other than MDCP, visit the eligibility page of grants.gov.