FAQs

How much is this really going to cost my firm?

The cost to the firm depends upon the size of the firm, its revenues and the dollar amount the firm has to put towards these programs. The maximum government portion of implementation is $75,000 and this is a 50/50 cost share program with the firm. That means that the firm can invest an additional $75,000 towards its improvement. All costs are fully discussed during the application phase, and all applications are completed free of charge.

Do you charge my firm for completing the application?

No; designated projects should be completed within five years from the start of the implementation phase, however projects are only started and completed based on the cash flow of the firm and the firm’s comfort in moving forward.

Can I use the funding assistance for anything I want?

No; specific projects are outlined in the analysis and improvement plan written by the Project Manager who works directly with the principal contact at the firm (designated by the firm). Funding assistance can be used to pay for outside industry experts to consult on a wide variety of projects. Funding assistance cannot be used to purchase capital equipment or to subsidize employee salaries.

Can I use the funding assistance for more than one project?

Yes; projects are specified in the Analysis and Improvement Plan and are implemented based on agreement of both the firm and RMTAAC.

Do I have to complete all designated projects?

No; designated projects should be completed within five years from the start of the implementation phase, however projects are only started and completed based on the cash flow of the firm and the firm’s comfort in moving forward.

Can I use the funding assistance for employee training?

Yes; funding assistance can be used on or for off-site employee training however funding assistance cannot be used to subsidize any salaries.

Can I use the funding assistance for ISO certification? How much will you pay?

Yes; fund assistance can be used for ISO certification, and RMTAAC will cost share associated expenses with the firm. We will help pay for training, document preparation, and the pre-assessment audit.

Can I buy equipment?

No; capital equipment cannot be bought with funding assistance.

Can I buy software to improve our efficiency?

Funding assistance cannot be used to buy new software systems in full, however funding assistance can be used to test programs and adapt existing software to fit the needs of your firm.

Can I use the funding assistance to attend trade shows?

Funding assistance can be used to develop new trade show displays but not to attend a trade show.

What is Trade Assistance for Firms?

Established by Congress in 1974, Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) is a cost-sharing assistance program available through the Department of Commerce that is designed to help American manufacturers who have been hurt by foreign competition. Eleven regional centers partner with eligible manufacturers in their areas to help fund projects that will strengthen and improve the competitiveness of participating firms. Projects are customized based on the needs of the individual company, and can include marketing and sales, production, engineering, management, information technology, and many other areas.

What can Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms do for my company?

Firms participating in the TAA for Firms Program have experienced: improved business performance, monetary assistance for certain projects, an objective analysis of their firm as well as the competition, and ongoing support to improve business and profits.

How can I find out if I am eligible?

U.S. manufacturers who have experienced a decline in sales and a decline, or impending decline, in employment or worker hours may be eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance. For the most accurate and up to date information on whether or not your firm qualifies for the TAA for Firms Program, Contact Us at contact@rmtaac.org.

Can our firm use the assistance to implement projects on our own?

Funds are not paid directly to the firm. Once an outside consultant is hired, the consultant is paid by both the firm and by RMTAAC.

Who picks the consultants?

Firms are able to select consultants or we can help you find the right person to help if you don’t know where to turn.  All consultants must become approved vendors of the University of Colorado.

How do the consultants get paid?

Consultants bill 50% of the cost of their services to the firm and 50% to RMTAAC. RMTAAC pays the consultant directly for our share of the project cost.

Will my competitors find out about my financial information or trade secrets?

No, RMTAAC and the TAAF office within the Department of Commerce are prohibited from releasing any information to outside sources.

Will financial or other information be shared with the IRS or other Government Agencies?

None of the information you provide is disclosed to any other federal, state or local agency. All proprietary and financial information is exempt from the Freedom and Information Act. When a firm is certified, the law requires that the firm name be published in the Federal Register. It is the only information that is released to the public without your consent.

How much detail will I be required to report and for how long?

Firms that participate in the TAA for Firms Program are asked to provide follow up information while they are in the program and for up to five years after completing the program. We will request two simple pieces of information that will be used to help track the success of the program; (1) current revenues, and (2) current employment level. Periodically, you may be asked to rate your satisfaction with the program as well. Your individual company information will not be shared with any outside party.

Is this the same thing as Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers?

No, but for more information on that program, you can visit them on the web or call 202.693.3560.

How do I get started?

E-mail us at contact@rmtaac.org. or fill out our online Request Form. We look forward to hearing from you!