[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 195 (Thursday, October 8, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54189-54193]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-27032]
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UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
NIS Training Program for Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova,
Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan
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.
U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions
described in IRS regulations 26 CFR 1.501(c) may submit proposals 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 above is provided through the Fulbright-Hays 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 correspondence with USIA
concerning this RFP should reference the above title and number E/PN-
99-10.
Deadline for Proposals: All proposal copies must be received at the
U.S. Information Agency by 5 p.m. Washington, D.C. time on December 30,
1998. Faxed documents will not be accepted at any time. Documents
postmarked the due date but received on a later date will not be
accepted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: The Russia/Eurasia Division, Office
of Citizen Exchanges, (E/PN), Room 224, U.S. Information Agency, 301
4th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20547, attn: Cassandra Barber, tel:
202-619-5327 and fax: 202-619-4350 or Internet address:
cbarber@usia.gov, to request a Solicitation Package. The Solicitation
Package contains detailed award criteria, required application forms,
specific budget instructions and standards guidelines for proposal
preparation.
To Download a Solicitation Package via Internet: The entire
Solicitation Package may be downloaded from USIA's website at http://
ww.usia.gov/education/rfps. Please read all information before
downloading.
To Receive a Solicitation package via FAX on Demand: The entire
Solicitation Package may be requested from the Bureau's ``Grants
Information Fax on Demand System,'' which is accessed by calling 202/
401-7616. The ``Table of Contents'' listing available documents and
order numbers should be the first order when entering the system.
Please specify USIA Program Officer Cassandra Barber on all
inquiries and correspondence. Please 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
with applicants until the proposal review process has been completed.
Submission: Applicants must follow all instructions in the
Solicitation Package. The original and ten (10) copies of the
application should be sent to: U.S. Information Agency, Ref.: E/PN-
[[Page 54190]]
99-10. Office of Grants 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 of 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 countries 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 reflect
advancement of this goal in their program contents, to the full extent
deemed feasible.
Program Information
Overview
USIA is interested in proposals that encourage the growth of
democratic institutions in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia,
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Exchanges
and training programs supported by Office of Citizen Exchanges
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 one of the countries
targeted in this announcement; 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 and continuing activity will be
implemented 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 and American and NIS grantee institutions, 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 as a two-way exchange in the
United States and in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia,
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Proposals
should reflect the applicants' understanding of the political,
economic, and social environment in which the program activity will
take place. Program designs based on a one-way exchange will be
considered under circumstances where the proposal outlines as
exceptional program.
USIA encourages applicants to design programs for non-English
speakers. Programs can take place in the United States or in the target
countries. USIA is interested in proposals whose designs take into
account the need for ongoing sharing of information, training and
concrete plans for self-sustainability. Examples include: support for
training centers in the target countries; plans to create professional
networks or professional associations to share information;
establishing ongoing internet communication; and/or train the trainers
models.
USIA will consider proposals that respond to the following country-
specific topics for the countries listed in this announcement:
Women's Leadership Training
Women's Leadership Programs for Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova
Over the past decade women and women's groups in many countries in
Newly Independent States have come forth as the leaders in grassroots
activism and have been the cornerstone of social development. Women's
groups have shown their willingness to cooperate and coordinate with
organizations both in the NIS and the West. Women have begun to take
their place in the political arena, in NGO development, and in advocacy
groups. The dedication and commitment of women's groups have
contributed to democratic and civil values taking root in the region.
USIA recognizes, however, that there are many places where women's
groups are still nascent and thus need basic organizational and
leadership training, just as there are other regions where women's
organizations are at a different stages of development, requiring more
sophisticated programs.
USIA is looking for proposals that offer leadership training to
women active in their communities in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and
Moldova. In each country, programs should target women in the outlying
regions and not focus on capital cities. The thrust of the training
programs should be on identifying priorities, creating organizational
and work plans, forming networks and coalitions, and advocacy training
regarding specific issues important to their local communities and
regions. Proposals are not limited to a one-country focus. They may
address building regional associations and networks among women's
organizations in several countries. For projects with Belarusan and
Moldovan women's organizations, USIA will also consider project
proposals that build bridges between women's groups in Central European
countries, particularly Poland and Romania.
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. Detailed information about the NIS organizations' activities
and accomplishments in their own communities is also required. Program
activity may take place either in the target countries and/or in the
United States. These programs are intended to provide NIS women and
women's groups opportunities to capitalize on their potential and to
strengthen their collective voice in the political, social and
democratic arena.
Women's Leadership Programs for Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia
USIA is also interested in training programs for women leaders from
the Caucasus region. The issues described in the above section on
Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova, largely apply to the Caucasus
region. Programs should be designed to reflect these concerns. USIA is
particularly interested in training proposals that have a regional
focus: linking women together in the three countries of the Caucasus
region.
Women's Leadership Programs for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstand, and Uzbekistan
Again, the same general concerns regarding the status and role of
women apply to these three Central Asian countries. Women in Central
Asia are eager to work at the grassroots level to effect change in
their communities.
[[Page 54191]]
For Organizations Which Received USIA Funding for Women's Leadership
Training in FY98
USIA welcomes proposals from organizations which received FY98
funding to continue and extend the activity on current USIA Women's
Leadership Programs. These follow-on proposals should outline a plan
for implementing a more advanced phase of the program with an emphasis
on true sustainability. Such proposals should also include an exchange
component to complement in-country training programs.
For Russia and Ukraine
Prevention of Trafficking in Women
Trafficking of women and girls from the NIS has grown at an
alarming rate. The U.S. Government is seeking to assist NIS governments
and NGOs in the region to address the problem by: (1) Educating young
women and girls about trafficking so that they will not fall victim to
traffickers' tactics of coercion, fraud and deceit; (2) providing
protection and assistance for victims; (3) enhancing the capability of
law enforcement officials to combat trafficking.
Public attention in these countries is increasingly focused on this
serious problem. Information campaigns, including the production and
distribution of informational materials are seeking to inform the
public about this issue. A major interagency initiative is underway in
Ukraine. Efforts in other NIS countries are still nascent. USIA is
seeking creative proposals which are designed to assist people in the
region to meet the goals stated above: prevention, protection and
prosecution. Proposals which show a strong knowledge about efforts that
have already been implemented, which show an ability to integrate or
otherwise use existing materials and human resources, and which outline
a concrete plan for innovative programming with proven experience on
the ground and the ability to reach populations in outlying regions are
strongly encouraged. USIA is particularly interested in proposals which
build an indigenous capacity to address the issue. Proposals developed
in partnership with local NIS organizations will be given priority.
For Russia
Distance Learning in the Field of Business Management
USIA is looking for proposals that establish or expand distance
learning programs in business and management at Russian universities or
institutes outside of Moscow. Programs which create new or continue
existing partnerships with institutions participating in the Yeltsin
Presidential Management Training Initiative (PMTI) will receive special
consideration, in particular, the following institutions:
Mordova State University
Stavropol State Technical University
Udmurtia State University
Bashkir Consortium (Bashkir Academy of State Service, Ufa State
University)
Petrozavodsk State University
Omsk State University
Krasnoyarsk State University
Kuzbass Consortium (Kemerovo State University)
Ulyanovsk State University
Yaroslavl State University
Krasnodar Kray Consortium (Krasnodar Institute of Agrobusiness, Kuban
State University)
Perm State University
Ryazan State Radio-Technical Academy
The beneficiaries of such a program would be both students and
business people already working for Russian enterprises. Specific
programs could include the delivery of management and business content
through low-end technologies such as e-mail, CD Rom, video or text-
based Internet, so that the project model might be replicated in other
regions. Travel to the United States by Russian providers and travel to
Russia by American course organizers is an essential component of these
programs. Proposals should address in detail: technical requirements
for delivery of business/management content through distance learning
mechanisms, training requirements for instructors and faculty on
utilization of the media (i.e., train the trainers), integration of
appropriate print materials with a specific distance learning approach,
and language of instruction issues. Modest purchases of equipment and
software is acceptable in a proposal, subject to negotiations with
USIA.
Proposals should demonstrate Russian institutional commitment
(written letters of support) and tangible Russian cost-sharing in such
things as space, security, salaries, and support for visiting Americans
(local housing and transportation). Interested American organizations
should plan trips to Russia of at least two weeks in duration to start
programs and to monitor progress. Short-term visits of a few days
duration are discouraged. Successful grantee institutions will be
expected to consult closely with USIA and USIS Moscow to determine a
list of final partner institutions.
For Russia
Management and Financial Reform of Russian Universities
Russian universities need advice on how to overhaul their own
management structures to prepare for a fast approaching future of
vanishing state and regional government subsidies. USIA is looking for
proposals from U.S. institutions of higher learning with strong
partnerships with Russian universities or with U.S. educational
organizations with relevant experience in providing strategic advice to
American educational institutions to work with Russian universities in
designing strategies to become financially solvent. These could include
strategies such as continuing education and other services to the local
business community; licensing and commercialization of intellectual
product; textbook publishing and software development; contract
services to government; ongoing access to advice through the world wide
web and other sources of support, and other sources of revenue
generation. Practical ``nuts and bolts'' topics should also be
considered: proper budgeting; collection of tuition and fees; long-
range financial planning; creation of endowments. Proposals should not
duplicate activities underwritten by the Soros Foundation or other
Western funders engaged in educational reform in Russia.
For Russia and Ukraine
Ethics of the Public Sector
Government employees in Russia and Ukraine suffer a litany of ills:
Low salaries which are rarely paid; difficult working conditions; lack
of support from political leaders and senior administrators; and out-
of-date equipment and records. For their part, citizens expect public
servants to be unresponsive at best, and corrupt at worst. Education is
needed for both the public and civil servants on what each can expect
of the other. For the government side, this could include training in
public relations, discussion of ethical standards, and strategies for
improving government procedures. Citizen action could be encouraged in
monitoring government performance, working through channels (rather
than offering bribes), and lobbying elected leaders to create
responsive, honest, and open government structures. Proposals should
include training for public sector employees as well as concerned
citizens, in separate and mixed groups, with participation of elected
officials also desirable. While existing Russian and Ukrainian NGOs
active in civic
[[Page 54192]]
affairs would be logical partners in this program, proposals which
envision the creation of NGOs will be considered if the grantee can
demonstrate success in grassroots organizing in Russia. Other possible
partners would be schools, media, and business associations.
Visa Regulations
Foreign participants on programs sponsored by the Office of Citizen
Exchanges Programs are granted J-1 Exchange Visitor visas by the U.S.
Embassy in the sending country. All programs must comply with J-1 visa
regulations. Please refer to Solicitation Package for further
information.
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.
Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals not to exceed
$120,000. Because of the complexity of the Distance Learning Program,
however USIA will consider funding in the $150,000-$200,000 range for
initiatives addressing that topic. Organizations with less than four
years of 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 $160/day for program participants or the published U.S.
Federal per diem rates for individual U.S. cities. For activities
outside of 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 $160/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 a part of the 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
receive these benefits.
5. Consultants. 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.
6. Room rental. Room rental 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 may be provided to each
participant to be used for incidental expenditures during international
travel.
10. All USIA-funded delegates will be covered under the terms of
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 as described in
the 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) percent of the
total requested from USIA. Proposals should show cost-sharing,
including 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 deemed ineligible if they
do not fully adhere to the guidelines stated herein and in the
Solicitation Package. 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. Eligible
proposals will be forwarded to panels of USIA officers for advisory
review. Proposals may also be reviewed by the Office of the General
Counsel or by other Agency elements. Final funding decisions are at the
discretion of USIA's Associate Director for Educational and Cultural
Affairs. Final technical authority for assistance awards (grants 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 the
included countries. Objectives 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 and
activities and an outline of the selection process. The substance of
the seminars, presentations, workshops, consulting, internships and
itineraries should be spelled out in detail. Responsibilities of in-
country partners should be clearly described.
2. Multiplier Effect/Impact
Proposed programs should strengthen long-term mutual understanding,
including maximum sharing of information and establishment of long-term
institutional and individual linkages.
3. Support of Diversity
Proposals should demonstrate substantive support of the Bureau's
policy on diversity. Achievable and relevant features should be cited
in both program administration (selection of participants, program
venue and program evaluation) and program content (orientation and
wrap-up
[[Page 54193]]
sessions, program meetings, resource materials and follow-up
activities).
4. Institutional Capability
Proposed personnel and institutional resources should be adequate
and appropriate to achieve the program's goals. The narrative should
demonstrate proven ability to handle logistics. Proposals should
reflect the institution's expertise in the subject area and knowledge
of the conditions in the targeted region(s).
5. Follow-on Activities
Proposals should provide a plan for continued follow-on activity
(without USIA support) ensuring that USIA supported programs are not
isolated events.
6. Project Evaluation
Proposals should include a plan and methodology to evaluate the
program's successes, both as activities unfold and at the end of the
program. USIA recommends that the proposals include a draft survey
questionnaire or other technique plus description and/or plan for use
of another measurement technique (such as a focus group) to link
outcomes to original project objectives.
7. Cost-Effectiveness and Cost Sharing
Overhead and administrative costs in the proposal, including
salaries, subcontracts for services and honoraria, should be kept low.
Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through other private sector
support as well as institutional direct funding contributions.
Notice: The terms and conditions published in this RFP are binding
and may not be modified by any USIA representative. Explanatory
information provided by the Agency 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: October 2, 1998.
Judith Siegel,
Deputy Associate Director for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 98-27032 Filed 10-7-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8230-01-M
