[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 191 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51728-51731]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-25989]
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UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
Program Title NIS Training Program: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and
Moldova
ACTION: Request for proposals.
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SUMMARY: The Russia/Eurasia Division of the Office of Citizen Exchanges
of the United States Information Agency's Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for an assistance award.
Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions
described in IRS regulation 26 CFR 1.501(c) may apply to develop
training programs. Grants are subject to the availability of funds.
Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the
Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-
256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of
the Act is ``to enable the Government of the United States to increase
mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the
people of other countries * * * ; to strengthen the ties which unite us
with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural
interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United
States and other nations * * * and thus to assist in the development of
friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States
and the other countries of the world.'' The funding authority for the
program cited above is provided through the Fulbright-Hayes Act and the
Freedom Support Act.
Programs and projects must conform with Agency requirements and
guidelines outlined in the Solicitation Package.
Announcement Title and Number: All communications with USIA
concerning this RFP should refer to the announcement's title and
reference number E/PN-98-5.
Deadline for Proposals: All copies must be received at the U.S.
Information Agency by 5 p.m. Washington, DC time on Friday, December
12, 1997. Faxed documents will not be accepted at any time. Documents
postmarked by December 12, 1997, but received at a later date, will not
be accepted.
For Further Information, Contact: The Russia/Eurasia Division, Office
of
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Citizen Exchanges (E-PN), Room 224, U.S. Information Agency, 301 4th
Street, SW., Washington DC 20547, attn: Cassandra Barber, tel: (202)
619-5327 and fax: (202) 619-4350, or Internet address:
cbarber@usia.gov, to request a Solicitation Package which includes:
proposal and budget guidelines and all application forms.
To Download a Solicitation Package via Internet: The entire
Solicitation Package may be downloaded from USIA's website at http://
www.usia.gov/education/rfps. Please read all information before
downloading.
To Receive a Solicitation Packager via Fax on Demand: The entire
Solicitation Package may be received via the Bureau's ``Grants
Information Fax on Demand System'', which is accessed by calling (202)
401-7616. Please request a ``Catalog'' of available documents and order
numbers when first entering the system.
Please specify USIA Program Officer Cassandra Barber on all
inquiries and correspondence. Interested applicants should read the
complete Federal Register announcement before sending inquiries or
submitting proposals. Once the RFP deadline has passed, Agency staff
may not discuss this competition in any way with applicants until the
Bureau proposal review process has been completed.
Submissions: Applicants must follow all instructions given in the
Solicitation Package. The original and 10 copies of the application
should be sent to: U.S. Information Agency, Ref.: E/PN-5-98, Office of
Grant Management, E/XE, Room 326, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC
20547.
Diversity, Freedom and Democracy Guidelines: Pursuant to the
Bureau's authorizing legislation, programs must maintain a non-
political character and should be balanced and representative of the
diversity of American political, social and cultural life.
``Diversity'' should be interpreted in the broadest sense and encompass
differences including, but not limited to ethnicity, race, gender,
religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, and physical
challenges. Applicants are strongly encouraged to adhere to the
advancement of this principle both in program administration and in
program content. Please refer to the review criteria under the `Support
for Diversity' section for specific suggestions on incorporating
diversity into the total proposal. Public Law 104-319 provides that
``in carrying out programs of educational and cultural exchange in
counties whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy,'' USIA
``shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for
participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of
such countries.'' Proposals should account for advancement of this goal
in their program contents, to the full extent deemed feasible.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Overview
USIA is interested in proposals that encourage the growth of
democratic institutions in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova.
Exchanges and training programs supported by Office of Citizen
Exchange's institutional grants should operate at two levels: they
should enhance institutional relationships; and they should offer
practical information to individuals to assist them with their
professional responsibilities. Strong proposals usually have the
following characteristics: an existing partner relationship between an
American organization and an in-country institution in Russia, Ukraine,
Belarus, or Moldova; a proven track record of conducting program
activity; cost-sharing from American or in-country sources, including
donations of air fares, hotel and/or housing costs; experienced staff
with language facility; and a clear, convincing plan showing how
permanent results will be accomplished as a result of the activity
funded by the grant. USIA wants to see tangible forms of time and money
contributed to the project by the prospective grantee institution, as
well as funding from third party sources.
Unless otherwise specified below, project activity may include:
internships; study tours; short-term training; consultations; and
extended, intensive workshops taking place in the United States or in
Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, or Moldova. Proposals should reflect the
authors' understanding of the political, economic, and social
environment in which the program activity will take place.
We encourage applicants to design programs for non-English
speakers. Programs can take place in the United States or in the four
countries. With the exception of the Women's Leadership Training
Project described below, we want single country programs, not programs
that mix NIS participants together. USIA is interested in proposals
whose designs take into account the need for ongoing sharing of
information and training. Examples include: ``train the trainers''
models; support for training centers in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus or
Moldova; plans to create professional networks or professional
associations to share information; and/or establishing ongoing internet
communication
USIA will give priority to proposals that respond to the following
specific topics for Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova.
For Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova
Women's Leadership Training
Women must take their place in the political arena if democracy is
to take root in these countries. USIA is interested in proposals that
offer leadership training skills to women active in their own
communities in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus or Moldova. In Russia, the
majority of program activity should not take place in Moscow, but
rather focus on helping women in Russian regions. The focus of the
training programs should be on how to identify priorities, organize and
form coalitions, and to influence decision makers about issues and
problems affecting the well-being of people in local communities.
Proposals are not limited to a one-country focus, but may also address
how to build networks among women's organizations in these four
countries. Prospective grantee institutions should identify the NIS
local organizations and individuals with whom they are proposing to
collaborate and describe in detail previous cooperative programming and
contacts. Program activity may take place either in the NIS or in the
United States. This activity is intended to follow up on issues
addressed in the Vital Voices Conference held in Vienna from July 9-11.
For more information on the conference, please see the Vital Voices
Homepage at http://www.usia.gov/vitalvoices/ for more information.
For Russia
US-Based Internships for Russian Journalists and Media Managers
USIA is interested in proposals for journalistic training and
management for Russia regional media organizations (Moscow and St.
Petersburg are excluded), and we particularly welcome proposals for
Samara and surrounding regions and Khabarovsk. Journalistic training in
basic skills and concepts could include; effective writing,
investigative reporting, objectivity, the clear labeling of editorials
and opinion pieces, intellectual property issues and ethics. Media
management training (both print and electronic) should focus on
management of media as a business; management techniques, desk top
publishing, advertising, marketing, distribution, personnel, public
relations, and the financial benefits and pitfalls of
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journalistic advocacy. Radio internships would be especially welcome.
USIS Moscow will coordinate selection of journalist with the grantee
organization. Preference will be given to long-term internships for
English speakers. The US program should be a practical, hands-on
experience in an American media organization, not an academic course of
study.
Distance Learning in the Field of Business Management
USIA is interested in proposals that establish or expand distance
learning programs in business and management at Russian universities or
institutes outside of Moscow. The beneficiaries of such a program would
be both students and professionals already working for enterprises.
Specific programs could include the delivery of management and business
content through e-mail, video or text-based internet. Travel to the
United States by Russian providers and trips to Russia by American
course organizers are essential. Proposals should address in detail:
technical requirements for delivery of business/management content
through distance learning mechanisms; training requirements for
instructors and faculty on how to use the media, i.e., train the
trainers; how appropriate print materials might be integrated with a
distance learning approach, and; language of instruction issues.
Proposals should show Russian institutional commitment (written letters
of support) and tangible Russian cost-shares in the form of space,
security, salaries, and support for visiting Americans such as local
housing and transportation. Interested American organizations should
plan trips to Russia of at least 2 weeks duration to get programs
underway and to monitor progress. Short-term visits of a few days
duration are discouraged. Grantee institutions are expected to consult
closely with USIS Moscow on the development of this program. USIA is
interested in a maximum utilization of low end technologies so that the
project model might be replicated in other regions.
Because of the complexity of this program, USIA will consider
funding proposals in the $150,000-$200,000 range. See Project Funding
section below for additional guidance on funding levels.
For Moldova
Creation of an Independent Broadcaster's Association
USIA is interested in proposals that strengthen independent
journalism in Moldova, specifically by assisting in the establishment
of an independent broadcasters' association. An audio-visual council to
govern broadcast media has recently been established, and the industry
has recognized the need to establish an association to interact with
the newly-formed industry regulator. In addition, the association could
work to provide continued professional training and even attract
advertising money to the industry. This project would help the
association develop a statute and regulations, train a Moldovan staff
to run the organization and create ties between Moldovan broadcasters
and American broadcasters' associations.
USIA envisions most of the project activity taking place in
Moldova. Project organizers would assist in helping set up the
association and educating Moldova broadcasts on what an association
actually does. In-country training of several months in duration by
American experts could be followed by a month-long visit to the US by
3-4 Moldovans (who have demonstrated the potential to lead the effort)
for further training and contact with American professional
counterparts. A follow-up visit six months later by American trainers
to ensure the effort has taken hold would be a natural third phase of
the program.
Selection of Participants
Proposals should describe clearly the type of persons who will
participate in the program as well as the process by which participants
will be selected. We recommend that programs with internships in the US
include letters of commitment from host institutions, even if
tentative. In the selection of foreign participants, USIA and USIS
posts abroad retain the right to nominate all participants and to
accept or deny participants recommended by grantee institutions.
However, grantee institutions are usually asked by USIA to suggest
names of potential participants. Priority will be given to foreign
participants who have not previously traveled to the United States.
Visa Regulations
Foreign participants on programs sponsored by the Office of Citizen
Exchanges are granted J-1 Exchange Visitor visas by the American
Embassy in the sending country.
Project Funding
Since USIA grant assistance constitutes only a portion of total
project funding, proposals should list and provide evidence of other
sources of financial and in-kind support. Proposals with substantial
private sector support from foundations, corporations, and other
institutions will be considered highly competitive.
Although no set funding limit exists, proposals for less than
$80,000 will receive preference. Organizations with less than four
years of successful experience in managing international exchange
programs are limited to $60,000. Applicants are invited to provide both
an all-inclusive budget as well as separate sub-budgets for each
program component, phase, location, or activity in order to facilitate
USIA decisions on funding. While a comprehensive line item budget based
on the model in the Solicitation Package must be submitted, separate
component budgets are optional.
The following project costs are eligible for consideration for
funding:
1. International and domestic air fares; visas; transit costs;
ground transportation costs.
2. Per Diem. For the U.S. program, organizations have the option of
using a flat $140/day for program participants or the published U.S.
Federal per diem rates for individual American cities. For activities
outside the U.S., the published Federal per diem rates must be used.
NOTE: U.S. escorting staff must use the published Federal per diem
rates, not the flat rate. Per diem rates may be accessed at http://
www.policyworks.gov/.
3. Interpreters: If needed, interpreters for the U.S. program are
provided by the U.S. State Department Language Services Division.
Typically, a pair of simultaneous interpreters is provided for every
four visitors who need interpretation. USIA grants do not pay for
foreign interpreters to accompany delegations from their home country.
Grant proposal budgets should contain a flat $140/day per diem for each
Department of State interpreter, as well as home-program-home air
transportation of $400 per interpreter plus any U.S. travel expenses
during the program. Salary expenses are covered centrally and should
not be part of an applicant's proposed budget.
4. Book and cultural allowance: Participants are entitled to and
escorts are reimbursed a one-time cultural allowance of $150 per
person, plus a participant book allowance of $50. U.S. staff do not get
these benefits.
5. Consultants. May be used to provide specialized expertise or to
make presentations. Daily honoraria generally do not exceed $250 per
day. Subcontracting organizations may also be used, in which case the
written agreement between the prospective grantee and subcontractor
should be included in the proposal.
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6. Room rental, which should not exceed $250 per day.
7. Materials development. Proposals may contain costs to purchase,
develop, and translate materials for participants.
8. One working meal per project. Per capita costs may not exceed
$5-8 for a lunch and $14-20 for a dinner, excluding room rental. The
number of invited guests may not exceed participants by more than a
factor of two-to-one.
9. A return travel allowance of $70 for each participant which is
to be used for incidental expenditures incurred during international
travel.
10. All USIA-funded delegates will be covered under the terms of a
USIA-sponsored health insurance policy. The premium is paid by USIA
directly to the insurance company.
11. Administrative Costs. Other costs necessary for the effective
administration of the program, including salaries for grant
organization employees, benefits, and other direct and indirect costs
per detailed instructions in the application package. While this
announcement does not proscribe a rigid ratio of administrative to
program costs, in general, priority will be given to proposals whose
administrative costs are less than twenty-five (25) per cent of the
total requested from USIA. Proposals should show cost-sharing, both
contributions from the applicant and from other sources.
Please refer to the Application Package for complete budget
guidelines.
Review Process
USIA will acknowledge receipt of all proposals and will review them
for technical eligibility. Proposals will be considered ineligible if
they do not fully adhere to the guidelines stated herein and in the
Solicitation Package. Eligible proposals will be forwarded to panels of
USIA officers for advisory review. All eligible proposals will be
reviewed by the program office, as well as the USIA Office of East
European and NIS Affairs and the USIA post overseas, where appropriate.
Proposals may be reviewed by the Office of the General Counsel or by
other Agency elements. Funding decisions are at the discretion of the
USIA Associate Director for Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final
technical authority for assistance awards (granted or cooperative
agreements) resides with the USIA grants officer.
Review Criteria
Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed
according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank
ordered.
1. Program Planning and Ability to Achieve Objectives
Program objectives should be stated clearly and precisely and
should reflect the applicant's expertise in the subject area and the
region. Objectives should respond to the priority topics in this
announcement and should relate to the current conditions in each of the
countries. They should be reasonable and attainable. A detailed work
plan should explain step by step how objectives will be achieved,
including a timetable for completion of major tasks. The substance of
seminars, presentations, consulting, internships, and itineraries
should be spelled out in detail. Responsibilities of in-country
partners should be clearly described.
2. Institutional Capability
Proposed personnel and institutional resources should be adequate
and appropriate to achieve the project's goals. The narrative should
demonstrate proven ability to handle logistics. Proposal should reflect
the institution's expertise in the subject area and knowledge of the
conditions pertaining to it in Russia or Moldova.
3. Cost Effectiveness
Overhead and administrative costs for the proposal, including
salaries, honoraria, and subcontracts for services, should be kept low.
While this announcement does not proscribe a rigid ratio of
administrative to program costs, in general, priority will be given to
proposals whose administrative costs are less than twenty-five (25) per
cent of the total requested from USIA. Proposals should show cost-
sharing, both contributions from the applicant and from other sources.
4. Support of Diversity
Proposals should demonstrate the recipient's commitment to
promoting the awareness and understanding of diversity throughout the
program.
5. Project Evaluation
USIA is results-oriented. Proposals must include a plan and
methodology to evaluate the activity's success, both as the activities
unfold and at the and of the program. USIA recommends that the proposal
include a draft survey questionnaire and/or plan for use of another
measurement technique (such as a focus group) to link outcomes to
original project objectives. Award-receiving organizations/institutions
will be expected to submit intermediate reports after each component is
concluded or quarterly, whichever is less frequent.
Notice
The terms and conditions published in this RFP are binding and may
not be modified by any USIA representative. Explanatory information
that contradicts published language will not be binding. Issuance of
the RFP does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the
Government. The Agency reserves the right to reduce, revise, or
increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the program
and the availability of funds. Awards made will be subject to periodic
reporting and evaluation requirements. Organizations will be expected
to cooperate with USIA in evaluating their programs under the
principles of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, which
requires federal agencies to measure and report on the results of their
programs and activities.
Notification
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by
Congress, allocated and committed through internal USIA procedures.
Dated: September 25, 1997.
Robert L. Earle,
Deputy Associate Director for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 97-25989 Filed 10-1-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8230-01-M