Based on this evaluation and the on-going support from our membership, NTDA has not only demonstrated it's knowledge in the area of Indian economic development, but has also shown its ability to reach the goals and objectives established by the organization and its funding agency.

The proposed project is a direct result of these activities and the groundwork laid during this time frame places NTDA as the lead organization committed to developing the potential of the international market-place for tribal products. To further illustrate our capabilities and expertise, NTDA Chief Executive Officer, has just recently returned from a very successful trade mission to Japan with the Foreign Agricultural Service. Contacts made during this initial visit have already led to focusing in on other states that the Japanese embassy have identified as priority areas. The Japanese Embassy has also expressed interest in participating in a Trade Show between Indian Producers and representatives for the Japanese markets, which will be organized as one of the objectives in the proposed project.

Based on the activities conducted by NTDA in this area, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service is presently meeting with the Chief Executive Officer to define the relationship between the organization and this agency. We anticipate that a formal agreement will be worked out and that additional funding will be made available to assist NTDA in this area.

In addition to the capabilities and services provided by project staff, NTDA has periodically found it necessary to retain the services of outside consultants to assist in completing a specific task or project. We anticipate using the services of both Trade Services to help project staff in establishing empowerment zones, welfare-to-work, and tax-exempt private-activity Bonding. Mr. Cowden and Mr. Jolly have been instrumental in drafting the proposed empowerment legislation and bring a wide variety of knowledge and expertise to the project, copies of their resume are provide in Attachment "E." Furthermore, we will use RJS & Associates, Inc. associates to ask Trade Services and NTDA staff in the completion of tasks.