MDCP Active Awards
Active MDCP Projects
Are you interested in your own project to address trade barriers or help U.S. firms to export?
Learn about current MDCP projects that are currently underway. If you find one or two relevant projects, email mdcp@trade.gov to request a copy of their application.
Are you interested in doing your own project to address trade barriers or help U.S. firms to export? Select any of the project descriptions below to learn more about current MDCP projects underway. If you find one or two that may be especially relevant, you may email mdcp@trade.gov to request a copy of the MDCP application.
MDCP Award / A3 Match: $299,491 / $1,129,741
Markets Targeted: India, Mexico
U.S. Industry Promoted: Robotics and Automation
Award Period Ends: 2026.09.30
Key ITA Collaborators:
- Jaron Bass, Industry & Analysis, Office of Transportation & Machinery, Washington, D.C.
- Molly Hope, Advanced Manufacturing Global Team Leader, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Denver, CO
- Carey Arun, Global Markets/ Commercial Services, Chennai, India
- Eve Lerman, Global Markets/ Commercial Services, Pontiac, MI
- Rachel Duran, Global Markets/ Commercial Services/ Monterrey, Mexico
Project Description:
- Promote the use of industry-driven standards.
- Engage U.S. firms in market opportunities by partnering with trade show organizers in India and Mexico.
- Secure India market liaison capability.
- Leverage existing A3 capacity in Mexico to expand activities/ sales in the market.
Based in Ann Arbor, MI, the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) represents 1300 organizations involved in robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision & Imaging, motion control & motors, and related automation technologies. The U.S. robotics and automation (R&A) industry exported equipment worth more than $13 billion in 2022. U.S. firms lead the world in developing top-notch services and software.
With ITA MDCP help, A3 is amplifying the success of U.S. companies through initiatives like trade show participation, market outreach activities, and the promotion of industry-driven standards.
Contact: Ritch Ramey
Award No: IT23IA1120001
AAA1620
MDCP Award / AEM Match: $300,000 / $849,793
Markets Targeted: China
U.S. Industry Promoted: Agricultural, Construction, and Mining Equipment
Award Period Ends: 2026.12.31
Key ITA Collaborators:
- Cornelius Gyamfi, Industry & Analysis, Office of Transportation & Machinery, Washington, D.C.
- Zhen Gong-Cross, Global Markets, Office of China and Mongolia, Washington D.C.
- Juan Cruz, Standards Attache, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Beijing, China
- Jasmine Braswell, Design & Construction Global Team Leader, Global Markets/ Commercial Services, Newport Beach, CA
Project Description:
Hire a regionally-based native speaker with technical and regulatory experience to interpret Chinese standards and monitor the regulatory environment. The goal is to ensure sustained and effective engagement with China counterparts while informing U.S. stakeholders of critical shifts in China business practices. Of special interest are non-road vehicle emissions standards for diesel engines.
Based in Milwaukee, WI, AEM represents North American manufacturers of agriculture and construction equipment.
AEM contact: Jason Malcore
Award No: IT20INA1120008
AEM3520
MDCP Award / EnglishUSA Match: $211,561 / $424,654
Markets Targeted: Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Angola, Mozambique
U.S. Industry Promoted: English language study services
Award Period Ends: 2027.09.30
Key ITA Collaborators:
- Rachel Alarid, Industry & Analysis, Office of Financial & Professional Services, Washington, D.C.
- LeeAnne Haworth, Education Global Team Leader, Global Markets/Commercial Service, Pittsburgh, PA
- Laura Refatti, Global Markets/Commercial Service, Brasilia, Brazil
- Tandeo Peshi, Global Markets/Commercial Service, Angola, Luanda
- Shoubhit Palan, Global Markets/Commercial Service, Maputo, Mozambique
Project Description:
- Enhance data collection to evaluate intensive English program (IEP) markets.
- Formulate standards on data collection to evaluate intensive English program (IEP) markets.
- In target markets, promote awareness of U.S.-based IEPs.
- Develop partnerships in the region supporting education services including with agents, consultants, and counselors.
- Lead virtual and in-person trade missions to target markets.
Helping U.S. Programs Compete Globally
Based in Marietta, GA, the American Association of Intensive English Programs (EnglishUSA), represents the interests of more than 230 accredited post-secondary intensive English language programs (IEPs) and pathway programs located in 40 states and D.C. EnglishUSA was established in 1986 and operates as a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) educational organization/trade association with the mission to represent and support English language programs in the United States. EnglishUSA’s diverse constituency, consisting of university and college-governed programs, independent for profit and non-profit organizations, and multi-site companies, offers English language programming to international students from all over the world.
Citizens of other countries abroad who wish to come to the United States for higher education need to certify English language proficiency to get acceptance and a visa. IEPs are an effective way to accomplish this. EnglishUSA represents U.S.-based IEP providers. They compete with English instruction providers based abroad. With ITA’s support, EnglishUSA is strengthening the position of U.S. IEPs in the global market. EnglishUSA is using strategic initiatives like enhanced data collection and regional promotion to foster awareness and collaboration to help U.S. IEPs better compete globally.
Contact: Cheryl Delk-Le Good
Award No: IT22INA1120005
EUS1520
MDCP Award / IAPMO Match: $298,936 / $634,181
Markets Targeted: Indonesia, Philippines
U.S. Industry Promoted: Building Materials
Award Period Ends: 2026.09.30
Key ITA Collaborators:
- Katelynn Tiongson, ITA MDCP Team Leader, Industry & Analysis, Office of Energy & Environmental Industries, Washington, D.C.
- Jasmine Braswell, Design & Construction Global Team Leader, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Newport Beach, CA
- Eduard Roytberg, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Ontario, Canada
Project Description:
Major project elements include:
- Ease the pathway for U.S. manufacturers to compete in government procurements in Indonesia.
- Have the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) designate IAPMO as a recognized testing laboratory for sanitaryware, reducing the costs and burden for U.S. exporters in the market.
- Engage in international forums to raise awareness of need for clean-water infrastructure and standards in the developing world.
Removing Barriers to Increase the Flow of Plumbing Product Exports
Based in Ontario, CA, IAPMO is a global product certification agency and industry-leader in code and standards development. IAPMO works to “Increase the Flow” of plumbing exports to Indonesia and the Philippines by removing onerous export requirements and technical barriers to trade currently in place. IAPMO focuses on conformity assessment processes related to plastic pipes in Indonesia and sanitaryware in the Philippines. By focusing on conformity assessment requirements to include U.S. laboratories, this project will increase the competitiveness of U.S. products and create or sustain U.S. jobs. The “Increase the Flow” project is part of a multi-stage, multiyear strategy by IAPMO to align market access requirements for the plumbing industry across Southeast Asia and to build demand for future standards and infrastructure development in other developing countries.
IAPMO contact: Christopher Lindseay
Award No: IT21INA1120001
IAP2620
MDCP Award / iCET Match: $300,000 / $600,342
Markets Targeted: China
U.S. Industry Promoted: Cleantech
Award Period Ends: 2026.09.30
Key ITA Collaborators:
- Jonathan Chesebro, Industry & Analysis, Office of Energy & Environmental Industries, Washington, D.C.
- Frances Selema, Environmental Technologies Global Team Leader, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Greensboro, NC
- Rachid Saouty, Global Markets/Commercial Service, Los Angeles, CA
Project Description:
Promote U.S. decarbonization products and services in the Pearl River Delta by:
- Establishing a U.S. Climate Tech Export Promotion Center (UCCTC).
- Producing 4 market studies focusing on climate tech and decarbonization demands.
- Organizing 4 U.S. trade missions.
- Organizing training sessions on IPR protection and overcoming trade barriers.
- Matchmaking U.S. firms with China customers.
Export Promotion Center for Greater Pearl River Delta
Based in Los Angeles, CA, the Innovation Center for Energy and Transportation (iCET), a professional think tank in the areas of clean transportation, energy innovation, climate policy and international cleantech cooperation, is an independent non-profit organization with over a dozen of researchers including staff in its Asia Regional Office in Beijing China.
Cleantech is one area where industry and government officials alike continue to see possibilities for U.S.-China trade. iCET aggressively promotes U.S. decarbonization products and services by establishing a US Climate Tech Export Promotion Center in the Pearl River Delta (Greater Bay Area, or “GBA”), providing market updates and analysis, organizing trade missions, IP trainings, and match-making activities focused on: green building, clean transportation, renewable energy, industrial energy efficiency, and energy storage. iCET is leading four trade delegations with 70+ U.S. small- and medium-size enterprises to the GBA and other regions in China, organizing 300+ business-to-business matchmaking meetings, and generating over $80 million in new sales.
iCET contact: Dr. Feng An
Award No: IT21INA1120006
ICE2520
MDCP Award / NEMA Match: $298,358 / $703,751
Markets Targeted: Mexico, Turkey, India, Indonesia
U.S. Industry Promoted: Advanced Manufacturing
Award Period Ends: 2026.09.30
Key ITA Collaborators:
- Matthew Orf, Industry & Analysis, Washington, D.C.
- Molly Hope, Advanced Manufacturing Global Team Leader, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Denver, CO
- Rachel Duran, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Monterrey, Mexico
- Lauren Coughlin, Standards Attaché, Commercial Services, Mexico City, Mexico
- Malarvizhi Parimel, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Chennai, India
Project Description:
Expand U.S. participation on technical standards related to Advanced Manufacturing Systems (AMS) by:
- Identifying new technical experts for AMS-related committees and training them on the standards making process.
- Expanding participation on U.S. technical committees.
- Aligning technical outputs with business goals through periodic interactions with the NEMA Advanced Manufacturing Council.
- Creating a standards roadmap to identify areas in advanced manufacturing where there are gaps in the coverage of industry standards.
Technical Standards for Advanced Manufacturing Systems
Based in Arlington, VA, NEMA is an ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization made up of business leaders, electrical experts, engineers, scientists, and technicians. NEMA convenes a neutral forum for Members to discuss industry-wide concerns and objectives under a legal umbrella by trained NEMA Staff.
NEMA contact: Daniel Abbate
Award No: IT21INA1120002
NEM6620
MDCP Award / NHDBEA Match: $181,034 / $362,068
Markets Targeted: United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom
U.S. Industry Promoted: Aerospace & Defense, Travel & Tourism, Healthcare/Medical Devices
Award Period Ends: 2026.09.30
Key ITA Collaborators:
- Curt Cottle, National Travel & Tourism Office, Industry & Analysis, Washington D.C.
- Stefanie Merchant, Office of Transportation & Machinery, Industry & Analysis, Washington, D.C.
- Taylor Little, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Portsmouth, NH
- Bethany Bennick, Leader, Global Travel & Tourism Team, Global Markets/Commercial Service, Chicago, IL
Project Description:
Major project elements include:
- Establish the New Hampshire eGlobal Institute web platform, connecting businesses with training resources on the importance of digital strategy.
- Develop partnerships with third-party service providers to assist businesses building digital capacity and adding free training components to web platform.
- Issue grants to help firms to develop digital strategy that strengthens their international competitiveness.
NHDBEA contact: Adam Boltik
Award No: IT21INA1120005
NHB1520
MDCP Award / OAI Match: $300,000 / $600,000
Markets Targeted: United Kingdom, Korea, Brazil
U.S. Industry Promoted: Aerospace & Defense
Award Period Ends: 2026.09.30
Key ITA Collaborators:
- Kim Wells, Industry & Analysis, Washington, D.C.
- Todd Hiser, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Cleveland, OH
- Jason Sproule, Global Aerospace Team Leader, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Los Angeles, CA
- Nathan Traurig, Global Markets, Commercial Serve, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Project Description:
Help small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) to export by:
- Organizing seminars and training with stakeholders and partners.
- Developing an export training program for SMEs.
- Co-organizing yearly forums on unmanned aerial vehicles and space industry cluster.
- Facilitating trade events and trade mission participation.
Based in Cleveland, OH, the Ohio Aerospace Institute, (OAI) supports the U.S. aerospace industry through its research, workforce training, and business development activities. OAI is a non-profit organization supported by NASA, the State of Ohio, and the U.S. Air Force.
OAI contact: Kim Holizna
Award No: IT21INA1120008
OAI2520
MDCP Award / ReMA Match: $46,000 / $92,000
Markets Targeted: Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
U.S. Industry Promoted: Recyclable commodities of nonferrous and ferrous scrap, paper stock, plastic, electronics, glass cullet, and tire scrap
Award Period Ends: 2026.09.30
Key ITA Collaborators:
- Nicholas Thomas, Industry & Analysis, Office of Energy & Environmental Industries, Washington, D.C.
- Frances Selema, Environmental Technologies Global Team Leader, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Greensboro, NC
Project Description:
Major project elements:
- Update and expand ReMA’s Specifications, an internationally recognized guideline used by buyers and sellers of recycled materials and product.
- Create new interactive, on-line recycled commodities specifications resources.
- Support educational outreach to inform stakeholders about industry standards and best practices.
On-line Scrap Specification Resources
Based in Washington, D.C., the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), formerly the Institute for Scrap Recycling, serves the recycling industry and users of recycled materials by promoting safe, environmentally responsible, and economically sustainable recycling through advocacy, networking and education. ReMA is updating its specifications, creating new interactive, on-line scrap specification resources, and educating stakeholders about industry standards and best practices. ReMA’s Scrap Specifications Circular (www.isri.org/specs), serves both as broad guidelines and as a starting point in discussions between scrap buyers and sellers domestically and globally. ReMA is undertaking a wholesale review of the Specifications to create a harmonization of the terminology used across all commodities and to convert the Circular to a dynamic, searchable, interactive, and user-friendly online resource. Affirming the quality of scrap that is traded benefits many industries in multiple regions globally. As ReMA educates more players in the industry worldwide, the Specifications will make it easier to include recycled scrap in supply chains in the United States and around the world.
ReMA contact: Holly Brownell
Award No: IT21INA1120012
ISR1620
MDCP Award / TMA Match: $296,705 / 603,675
Markets Targeted: Korea, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia
U.S. Industry Promoted: Marine technology and water technology
Award Period Ends: 2027.09.30
Key ITA Collaborators:
- Victoria Yue, ITA Team Leader, Industry & Analysis, Office of Energy and Environmental Industries
- Lina Scott, Industry & Analysis, Office of Energy and Environmental Industries
- Jacqueline Roeder, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, San Diego, CA
- Luke Yanos, Marine Technology Global Team Lead, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Chicago, IL
Project Description:
- Underwrite trade show/mission costs of U.S. firms.
- Underwrite costs of networking with foreign buyers at new U.S. trade shows.
- Prepare a Guide for BlueTech companies for exporting to Asia.
TMA BlueTech is a San Diego-based non-profit industry association and cluster organizer for the maritime technology community. Founded in 2007, TMA BlueTech supports the creation of blue technology and blue jobs by promoting sustainable, science-based ocean and water industries. TMA BlueTech brings education, policy and technology resources together to promote innovation and economic development in the Blue Economy:
- Aquaculture & fishing
- Biomedicine
- Boat & shipbuilding
- Cables & connectors
- Defense & security
- Desalination & water treatment
- Large floating platforms
- Marine recreation
- Ocean energy & minerals
- Ocean instrumentation
- Ports & marine transportation
- Robotics & submarines
- Telecommunications
- Weather & climate science
TMA BlueTech contact: Matt Classen
Award No: IT22INA1120002
MAR2420
MDCP Award / WAA Match: $300,000 / $603,675
Markets Targeted: Australia, Germany, Colombia
U.S. Industry Promoted: Performing arts
Award Period Ends: 2027.09.30
Key ITA Collaborators:
- Isabel Davila, Global Media & Entertainment Team Leader, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Miami, FL
- Eamon Tuttle, Industry & Analysis, Office of Digital and Emerging Technology Industries, Washington, D.C.
- Kellie Holloway, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Portland, OR
Project Description:
- Underwrite the cost of U.S. arts organizations and artists’ participation in promo events abroad.
Based in Portland OR, the Western Arts Alliance (WAA) performing arts groups, primarily from the Western United States. WAA has 460 members and 1,500 affiliated professionals, including presenting organizations, artists, and managers. Each year, WAA’s booking conference and its year-round programs help artists, artist managers, presenters, and other performing arts professionals in the West identify and pursue new opportunities.
Contact: Ed Bourgeois
Award No: IT22INA1120001
WAA1420
MDCP Award / WIA: $300,000 / $600,454
Markets Targeted: South Africa
U.S. Industry Promoted: Telecommunications
Award Period Ends: 2027.09.30
Key ITA Collaborators:
- Christopher Frederick, Industry & Analysis, Office of Information and Communication Technology, Washington, D.C.
- Lonje Mwendera, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Tatyana Aguirre, Standards Attache, Global Markets/ Commercial Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Ludwika Alvarez, Global Tech Team, Global Markets/Commercial Service, San Francisco, CA
Project Description:
- Research barriers to buildout of 5G wireless infrastructure in South Africa.
- Design and deliver custom training on 5G & development of a positive regulatory regime.
- Create a boot camp for government officials so they know how to support the development of 5G infrastructure.
- Support vendor selection, with attention to security & open-source considerations.
- Train South Africa university faculty to include 5G-related curricula in their class offerings.
Based in Arlington, VA, the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), formerly known as PCIA, is an American trade association for wireless providers and companies that build cell phone towers, rooftop wireless sites, and other facilities that transmit wireless communication signals.
Contact: Alex Golden
Award No: IT22INA1120003
WIA1420
Past MDCP Projects
Read about some of the projects that have had significant successes.
View summaries of completed MDCP projects.