FAQ


Who qualifies for this kind of assistance?
To become certified as eligible for the TAA program, companies must meet the following criteria:

Employment
A 5 percent decline in average employment in the most recent 12-month period compared with the same period last year.
or
A 5 percent interim decline in average employment in the most recent six-month period compared with the same six-month period in the prior year.

Sales
A 5 percent decline in total sales or production in the most recent 12-month period compared with the same 12-month period in the prior year.
or
A decline in sales or production of a product that accounted for not less than 25 percent of total sales of the firm during the 12-month period preceding the most recent 12 month period.
or
A 5 percent interim decline in sales or production for the most recent six-month period compared with the same six-month period in the prior year.

Effects of Imports
Increases of imports have attributed significantly to the total net loss of sales in the most recent 12-month period or 6-month interim period as demonstrated by:

Customers reducing their purchases in favor of imported products.
or
Quotations or bids that were lost in favor of imported products.


How long must I have been in business to apply for this assistance?
Petitioning firms must show at least 24 months of sales and employment data.

What types of projects are covered?

Strategic Planning Management Review and Succession Planning
Executive Recruitment Strategic Marketing Planning
Marketing Development New Product Development
Packaging Design and Development Web Site Development and E-commerce
Export Feasibility Study Sales Organization Development
Cost Accounting Systems Integrated Accounting/ Management Software
Financial Planning and Restructuring Product Profitability Plans
Hardware/Software Evaluation and Recommendation System Conversions and Enhancements
Custom Programming Integrated Manufacturing Systems
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Machine Prototype Design and Development
Lean Manufacturing Plant Layout and Redesign
Production Planning and Control Total Quality Management
Statistical Process Control Product Design and Development
Energy Efficiency Improvement Process Engineering
Re-engineering  


What types of projects are not covered?
Reimbursement for any past expenses
Advertising printing/production
Capital equipment purchases
Current employees
Non-specialized training
Normal expenses
Non-customized software


What is a diagnostic visit?
It is a site visit in which SETAAC specialists look at the company’s whole operation, ask questions in each functional area, and listen to key management and employees.


How much will this cost me?
Petitioning the government for entry into the TAA program is provided at no charge to companies. The diagnostic visit and report cost firms 25 percent of the actual fee. The federal government pays the remaining 75 percent.

Who determines which consultant will perform the work?
Consultant selection is left to the firm. Project managers cannot suggest, recommend, or participate in the selection of consultants to perform the work. The project manager, however, will generate a sufficient amount of proposal requests so that the participating firms have an adequate consultant pool from which to select.

How long does it take to receive TAA?
The length of time to certify depends on the firm and Washington. The clock effectively begins when all information has been received by the project manager and the petition has been completed and submitted to the committee. The entire process usually is concluded within 90-120 days.

We have a consultant with whom we’ve worked in the past. Can we continue to use them?
Yes. The SETAAC has a database of consultants that have been used in the past and new consultants are added each month. The decision of which consultant is selected is left to the company. The only stipulation is that the SETAAC must acquire at least three competitive bids for each project.

How long do I have to spend the money?
Firms who participate in the TAA program normally work through their plans in about two years.

The 50/50 cost-share is nice, but what if I can’t afford 50 percent?
A separate cost-share is available to firms that are either small or cannot afford the 50 percent cost-share. This alternative cost-share limits the government funds to $22,500 and sets the company’s cost-share at 25 percent, which limits the projects to $30,000.

How long does it take to receive Trade Adjustment Assistance funds?
The length of time to certify depends on the firm and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The clock effectively begins when all information has been received by the project manager and the petition has been completed and submitted. The entire process usually is concluded within 90 to 120 days.

I can’t prove imports have been affecting my company. Can I still apply?
Yes. The TAA authorizing legislation states that firms impacted by products that are directly or likely competitive may petition for this assistance. The burden of proof rests with the TAA Center to conduct the research and make your case to the Department of Commerce during the petitioning process.

I’m providing a lot of sensitive information. Who else might see this?
All communications between a TAA Center and the company are considered privileged and confidential, and are protected by federal statute.

Call us to find out how easy it is to get started!
Andy Helm at 706.400.9529 or
Tracy Cole at 770.531.4550