GETTING STARTED

I am a U.S. company looking for USTDA assistance. Where do I start?

• If you have a partner in an emerging market, visit our guide for proposing sole-source project preparation activities.
• USTDA is unable to support projects without an identified partner in an emerging market.

I am a foreign project sponsor looking for USTDA assistance. Where do I start?

• USTDA has guides for proposing a competed activity or, if you already have a U.S. partner, for proposing a sole-source activity.

I am a U.S. supplier and want to sell my product overseas. Can USTDA help me break into the market?

• U.S. companies with an existing foreign partner are welcome to apply for assistance by proposing a project. For support entering new markets, companies may wish to contact their local U.S. Commercial Service Office.

Does USTDA offer financing for project implementation?

• USTDA funds project preparation, such as feasibility studies, technical assistance, and pilot projects. The Agency does not finance project implementation.

I am a U.S. company. Can you fund a visit from a foreign delegation to my facility?

• USTDA brings overseas decision-makers to the United States to meet U.S. sources of supply for their infrastructure needs. These visits are promoted on USTDA’s website.

PROJECT ELIGIBILITY

How do I know if my project is eligible for USTDA assistance?

• USTDA has an eligibility checklist.

What countries does USTDA work in?

• USTDA can work in most middle- and low-income countries, as defined by the World Bank.

Can USTDA support projects based in the United States?

• No. USTDA can only support projects located in emerging markets.

What sorts of technologies does USTDA support?

• USTDA develops overseas infrastructure projects that create opportunities to deploy high-quality U.S. goods, services and technologies in sectors including critical minerals, digital, energy and transportation infrastructure. Please contact us with any technology-specific questions.

How far along does my project need to be before contacting USTDA?

• USTDA supports projects at many planning stages. By filling out this, project proposal form, we can assess what additional information or project milestones are required before we consider your project.

Does USTDA have a threshold for export potential or project size?

• USTDA typically supports large-scale infrastructure projects with significant U.S. export potential. USTDA does not have numerical thresholds.

What is the average size of a USTDA grant?

• USTDA grant sizes vary based on the specific requirements of each project. In fiscal year 2025, USTDA’s project preparation activities ranged from $363,000 to $3.8 million.

BECOMING A USTDA-FUNDED CONTRACTOR

How do I know when USTDA has opportunities available?

• USTDA opportunities for project scoping services and project development opportunities are listed on our website. You can also subscribe to USTDA News and Alerts to receive the latest updates directly in your inbox.

What are project scoping and project development opportunities?

• Project scoping services are contracts to support the Agency’s decision-making on the selection of activities for USTDA funding. Contractors identify and analyze project proposals to provide expertise that informs USTDA funding decisions.
• Project development opportunities are grant-funded to carry out USTDA feasibility, technical assistance, or other activities for the development of infrastructure projects. U.S. companies carry out all USTDA assistance and are selected by USTDA’s overseas partners.

CONTACT US

What if my question is not listed?

• You can reach USTDA staff directly by email. Contact information for our teams is available here.