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What we do and what we don't do :

We are NOT a research firm, we DON'T produce reports.
We are NOT a strategy firm, we DON'T provide roadmaps for foreign market entry.
We are NOT an organizational firm, we DON'T counsel on resource allocation and human capital.
We WILL be your spearpoint, after careful planning, we go directly to the problem.
We WILL be your trusted negotiator, once the objectives are laid out, we use our years of experience to build a position of strength, then negotiate and advocate for your success.
We WILL be your smart weapon. When all else has failed, and strong advocacy, negotiation and decisive actions need to be taken, in far off foreign countries, and with influential foreign government officials, we excel.

Advocacy assistance can run the gamut, but usually involves companies that want U.S. Government officials to communicate a message to foreign governments or government-owned entities on behalf of their commercial interest, typically in a competitive bid contest. Exedra Partners works closely with clients to devise an appropriate advocacy strategy, acts as liaison, coordinator and advisor.

What are your fees ?

Fees are based on project complexity, the need for foreign travel and length of project. For overseas assignments there is a flat daily fee plus all related travel and lodging expenses. If the location is in a hardship or dangerous zone, additional fees may apply. For long-term assignments or particularly complex cases, a contingency fee plus expenses may be discussed.

Where do you work ?

Exedra Partners has global reach - we are prepared to negotiate on your behalf worldwide.

Military Sales ?

Exedra Partners works with US defense sector companies in doing business overseas. If your company is currently bidding on a foreign military contract, or is pursuing military sales with a foreign government, we can assist. Using US government resources, defense attachés at foreign posts and working directly with foreign governments we can devise a commercial diplomacy plan that fits your needs.

Anti-Bribery Agreements ?

It we determine a client would be best served by engaging US Government officials, the official policy is to have companies execute an agreement that states :

In connection with this request the Company agrees that it and its Affiliates :

(1) have not and will not engage in the bribery of foreign public officials in connection with the above matter; and

(2) maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the bribery of foreign public officials. The Company understands that failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement may result in the denial of advocacy assistance.

Is my firm a US company ?

Exedra Partners adheres to the same guidelines as the US Government in determining if a company is eligible for assistance. Their policy states:

1. The overall basis for determining the nature and extent of USG support for a viable bid or proposal in connection with an international transaction shall be the U.S. national interest. A U.S. national interest determination will first weigh and assess the foreseeable, material benefits to the U.S. economy that may potentially be derived from a transaction and assess the merit of a request for USG support of any bid or proposal made in connection with the transaction.

2. A bid or proposal in which the U.S. content of the goods or services to be provided exceeds 50 percent of the total value (including material, equipment and labor) shall be presumed to be in the U.S. national interest.

3. In cases where the U.S. content does not exceed 50 percent, the following factors, often associated with U.S. ownership, may be considered in determining whether USG support of a bid or proposal is in the U.S. national interest:

U.S. materials and equipment content;
U.S. labor content;
Contribution to the U.S. technology base, including conduct of research and development in the U.S.;
Repatriation of profits to the U.S. economy; and
Potential for follow-on business that would benefit the U.S. economy.

The USG may determine that a bid or proposal that meets one or more of the above factors in a clear and substantial way is in the U.S. national interest.

4. All bids or proposals that are determined to be in the U.S. national interest under paragraphs 2 or 3 above shall be supported by the USG in an equal, nondiscriminatory manner, except in the case of foreign and foreign-controlled bidders. In these instances, the USG may take into account, with respect to the relevant product or service, the absence of competitive opportunities for U.S. firms in the bidder's home market that are substantially equivalent to those available in the U.S. market for like products or services, as reflected in National Trade Estimate Reports on Foreign Trade Barriers prepared by the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

5. It shall be the responsibility of the firm or entity seeking USG support to advise the post in a timely manner of its interest. Firms should be prepared to substantiate to the satisfaction of the post the applicability of the above criteria, with documentation (when necessary and appropriate). Firms may be informed that their failure to provide such information in a timely manner may preclude USG support.

6. A firm seeking USG support must agree that it and its affiliates:

A. have not and will not engage in the bribery of foreign officials in connection with the matter for which advocacy assistance is being sought; and
B. maintains and enforces a policy that prohibits the bribery of foreign officials.

The firm must further acknowledge that failure to comply with the terms of the agreement may result in the denial of advocacy assistance.

Time frame for results ?

Varies immensely depending on project. Large infrastructure projects with multiple tenders and tranches can take years to execute - with foreign executing agencies reviewing technical and financial bids on a quarterly basis. Other projects, such as single tender projects, take far less time and commercial advocacy work can be accomplished quickly.

What assignments are outside our scope of work ?

There are certain requests that fall outside Exedra Partner's scope of work.

1. Exedra Partners focuses almost entirely on foreign business opportunities which involve foreign government decision-makers, we are not usually engaged in private sector commercial transactions.

2. Exedra Partners focus is on specific commercial or defense transactions, not policy advocacy. There are offices within the US Government that handle policy-related or market access and trade compliance cases. We can assist in putting you in contact with the correct agency that handles your issue.

What does Exedra mean ?

In ancient Greece an Exedra was a place reserved for intellectual debate. Exedra Partners believes that through thoughtful dialogue, most international commercial issues can be resolved.

Contact Info

Exedra Partners welcomes inquiries from US organizations. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please check our FAQ page for more information.

info@exedra.com

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