Announcement of Best Global Practices Award

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

[Docket No. 960719198-6248-02]

RIN 0625.XX08

Announcement of Best Global Practices Award

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Commerce.

[[Page 48127]]

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This Notice announces the implementation of the Best Global

Practices Award by the International Trade Administration (ITA) of the

Department of Commerce to recognize the programs and practices of U.S.

companies that have exhibited extraordinary leadership and

accomplishment in corporate citizenship in overseas activities. This

notice sets forth the criteria for the award, who may apply, how

companies may apply, the procedures by which the Secretary of Commerce

will decide on who will receive the award, and the expected timetable.

DATES: The closing date for applications is October 11, 1996. The

Department of Commerce expects to announce the winner or winners of the

award in the fall of 1996.

ADDRESSES: Request for Applications: Application forms will be

available from ITA starting on the day this notice is published. To

obtain a copy of the application form please telephone (202) 482-4501,

or facsimile (202) 482-1999 (these are not toll free numbers); or send

a written request with two self-addressed mailing labels to the Office

of Export Promotion Coordination, International Trade Administration,

U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.,

Room 2003, Washington, D.C. 20230. You may call 1-800-USA-TRADE and

follow the voice prompt to have the application faxed directly to you.

You also may go to the International Trade Administration Internet Home

Page http://www.ita.doc.gov/itahome.html, click on Best Global

Practices and down load the application form. You can use any of these

methods to access sample codes of conduct donated by international

companies and organizations interested in furthering good corporate

citizenship worldwide. Only one copy of the application form will be

provided to each organization requesting it, but it may be reproduced

by the requester. An original and two copies of the application and

supplemental material are to be sent to the Office of Export Promotion

Coordination, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of

Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 2003,

Washington, D.C. 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David C. Bowie, Deputy Director,

Office of Export Promotion Coordination, tel. (202) 482-4501. This is

not a toll-free number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 26, 1995, President Clinton announced

the adoption of Model Principles for U.S. firms in their overseas

operations, as follows:

Model Business Principles

Recognizing the positive role of U.S. business in upholding and

promoting adherence to universal standards of human rights, the

Administration encourages all businesses to adopt and implement

voluntary codes of conduct for doing business around the world that

cover at least the following areas:

1. Provision of a safe and healthful workplace.

2. Fair employment practices, including avoidance of child and

forced labor and avoidance of discrimination based on race, gender,

national origin or religious beliefs; and respect for the right of

association and the right to organize and bargain collectively.

3. Responsible environmental protection and environmental

practices.

4. Compliance with U.S. and local laws promoting good business

practices, including laws prohibiting illicit payments and ensuring

fair competition.

5. Maintenance, through leadership at all levels, of a corporate

culture that respects free expression consistent with legitimate

business concerns, and does not condone political coercion in the

workplace; that encourages good corporate citizenship and makes a

positive contribution to the communities in which the company operates;

and where ethical conduct is recognized, valued and exemplified by all

employees.

In adopting voluntary codes of conduct that reflect these

principles, U.S. companies should serve as models, encouraging similar

behavior by their partners, suppliers, and subcontractors.

Adoption of codes of conduct reflecting these principles is

voluntary. Companies are encouraged to develop their own codes of

conduct appropriate to their particular circumstances. Many companies

already apply standards or codes that incorporate these principles.

Companies should find appropriate means to inform their shareholders

and the public of actions undertaken in connection with these

principles. Nothing in the principles is intended to require a company

to act in violation of host country or U.S. law. ``This statement of

principles is not intended for legislation.''

The Best Global Practices award will be presented to a company that

has established programs that show leadership and accomplishment in

meeting the goals of one or more of these five Model Principles during

the company's last three years of operations.

Who may apply: Any U.S. company may apply for the award. For

purposes of this award, a U.S. company is defined as one that is

incorporated in the United States. A U.S. company may apply on its own

behalf, and outside organizations and individuals may apply on behalf

of an eligible company (with that company's consent).

Selection of award winners: The Secretary of Commerce will select a

winner or winners with the advice of an interagency group consisting of

representatives from the Departments of Justice, State, Labor, and the

Environmental Protection Agency. The Secretary may also seek the advice

of private sector experts in the fields covered by the Model Business

Principles.

How to Apply: Completed applications should be sent to the Office

of Export Promotion Coordination, International Trade Administration,

U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.,

Room 2003, Washington, D.C. 20230, postmarked not later than October

11, 1996.

Each item set forth in the application form should be addressed.

Failure to submit all applicable information may delay processing of

the application. Supplemental materials (annual reports, documentary

material, etc.) are encouraged. Inquiries regarding the application

process should also be forwarded to this office. Applicants will be

notified by mail of the receipt of their applications and also any

deficiencies in the application. When the award process is complete,

all applicants will be notified by mail.

Information collection: The information is being collected in order

to allow the Department of Commerce to judge applicants for the Best

Global Practices Award. The information submitted by applicants will be

used by the Department and the panel of judges drawn from government

agencies to select the applicant whose conduct best exemplifies the

Best Global Practices. The information called for in the application is

voluntary, but must be submitted in order to be considered for the Best

Global Practices Award. Applicants are advised not to include business

confidential information because confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required

to respond to nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to

comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of

the Paperwork

[[Page 48128]]

Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a

currently valid OMB Control Number.

OMB Control Number 0625-0226, expiration date November 30, 1996.

Dated: September 5, 1996.

David C. Bowie,

Deputy Director, Office of Export Promotion and Coordination.

[FR Doc. 96-23250 Filed 9-11-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P