[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 236 (Thursday, December 7, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76695-76700]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: X00-11207]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 3490]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Grant
Proposals: Summer Institute on Education Reform for Nigerian Tertiary
Education Administrators and Policy Makers
SUMMARY: The African Programs Branch of the Office of Academic Exchange
Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an
open competition for a Summer Institute on Education Reform for
Nigerian Tertiary Education Administrators and Policy Makers. Public
and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described
in IRS regulation 26 CFR 1.501(c) may submit proposals to provide a
six-week program for up to 25 Nigerian tertiary level education
administrators and government officials responsible for making and
implementing education policy. Requested Bureau funding must not exceed
$200,000.
All Summer Institute programming and logistics including design and
implementation of the academic, cultural, and administrative components
will be the responsibility of the grantee. These responsibilities
include (1) an academic component that adheres closely to the goals and
objectives set forth in the RFGP, (2) a cultural component that
complements and reinforces material covered in the academic component,
and includes a stay of up to a week in Washington and a trip to another
major U.S. city, and 3) an administrative component to provide for the
comfort and well-being of the participants which includes arranging and
budgeting for housing, meals, transportation in the U.S., allowances
for incidental expenses, books, and excess baggage.
Proposals must conform to requirements set forth in the
Solicitation Package, that is, the program information and guidelines
stated in this Request for Grant Proposals (RFGP) as well as the
standard Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI). Applications not
adhering to the conditions set forth herein may be deemed technically
ineligible.
The guidelines set forth in this RFGP are specific to the program
mentioned above and are in addition to the standard guidelines outlined
in the PSI. In any instance that there is a perceived disparity between
the standard or program-specific guidelines, the program-specific
guidelines listed in the RFGP are to be the dominant reference. The
Solicitation Package contains detailed award criteria, required
application forms, specific budget instructions, and standard
guidelines for proposal preparation.
Please read the complete Federal Register announcement before
sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFGP deadline has
passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition with applicants
until the proposal review process has been completed.
A. Proposal Submission Information
1. Announcement Title and Number
All correspondence with the Bureau concerning this RFGP should
reference the above title and number ECA/A/E/AF-01-02.
2. Application Submission Deadline
All proposal copies must be received at the Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs by 5 p.m. Washington, D.C. time on Thursday,
February 1, 2001. Faxed documents will not be accepted at any time.
Documents postmarked on the due date but received on a later date will
not be accepted.
Each applicant must ensure that the proposals are received by the
above deadline.
Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation
Package. The original and seven (7) copies of the application should be
sent to: U.S. Department of State, SA-44, Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs, Ref.: ECA/A/E/AF-01-02, Program Management, ECA/EX/
PM, Room 534, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
3. For Further Information or To Request a Solicitation Package
Please contact the program officer, Carol Herrera, by mail at:
African
[[Page 76696]]
Programs Branch, Office of Academic Exchanges (ECA/A/E/AF)--Rm. 232,
U.S. Department of State, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547,
Ph: (202) 619-5405, F: (202)619-6137, E-mail: [email protected]
4. To Download a Solicitation Package Via Internet
The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Bureau's
website at http://exchanges.state.gov/education/RFGPs. Please read all
information before downloading.
Note: Applicants must also submit the ``Executive Summary'' and
``Proposal Narrative'' sections of the proposal on a 3.5'' diskette,
formatted for DOS. These documents must be provided in ASCII text
(DOS) format with a maximum line length of 65 characters. The Bureau
will transmit these files electronically to the Public Affairs
section at the US Embassy for its review, with the goal of reducing
the time it takes to get embassy comments for the Bureau's grants
review process.
5. Authority
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.
6. Notice
The terms and conditions published in this RFGP are binding and may
not be modified by any Bureau representative. Explanatory information
provided by the Bureau that contradicts published language will not be
binding. Issuance of the RFGP does not constitute an award commitment
on the part of the Government. The Bureau 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.
B. Program Information
1. Background
Since 1998 the Clinton Administration has launched several special
initiatives for education in Africa to further African integration into
the global community by improving the quality of, and technology for,
education in Africa. As a result of President Clinton's recent visit to
Nigeria, the Africa Programs Branch seeks to create a Summer Institute
on Education Reform for Nigerian Tertiary Education Administrators and
Policy Makers. Under the Fulbright banner the program further seeks to
promote mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States
and Nigeria.
Over the past two decades, large increases in the number of
students at every level of the education system coupled with
diminishing resources provided by Nigeria's military rulers
dramatically decreased the quality of education in Nigeria. The
proposed program seeks to engage Nigerian tertiary education
administrators, government policy makers and other stakeholders in a
detailed review of major reform issues in the U.S. that will help the
participants identify and explore potential areas of reform within the
Nigerian education system and approaches to instituting reforms.
2. Program Description
The Summer Institute seeks to encourage key stakeholders and
decision makers to promote a bolder vision for the future of Nigerian
tertiary education and establish long-term educational reform goals
that benefit the nation as a whole. The six-week program is intended to
improve the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria by (1) helping
participants identify and examine potential areas of reform in Nigerian
tertiary education by thoughtfully reviewing American experiences, (2)
promoting cooperation, coordination, and cross-fertilization of ideas
among the participants and with U.S. facilitators and counterparts, (3)
through case studies, site visits and other experiential means,
examining American examples of educational reform efforts applicable to
a Nigerian context and, (4) strengthening participants' leadership,
management, and organizational skills.
The 25 participants will be selected not only from among university
administrators but from policy makers as well.
Half of the group will be composed of senior university
administrators representing federal and state universities,
polytechnics, teacher colleges, and a new private university. The rest
of the group will be education policy makers from the Federal Ministry
of Education, some state governments, important commissions such as the
Examination Council (WAEC), the National Universities Commission (NUC),
the Committee of the Colleges of Education and the National Assembly's
Education Committee. The entire participant selection process will be
carried out in Nigeria by the Public Affairs Section of the American
Embassy.
3. Program Objectives
3.1 Identifying and Examining Potential Areas of Reform in Nigerian
Tertiary Education
Although the program will reference American examples of education
reform, the wide disparity between the American and Nigerian contexts
demands that the focus be on the Nigerian education system. Any
American examples that are used must have relevance and applicability
to the realities of Nigeria. It is not enough that the host institution
provide a menu of recent American reform efforts and examples of
successes and failures with the hope that the participants will glean
what they need from the American model. This should not be perceived to
be an American Studies program on Education Administration but an
Education Administration program specifically designed for Nigerian
education stakeholders. Specific topics may include but will not be
limited to: establishing coordination among the various components of
the higher education system, turning policy into practice, education
funding and fundraising, accreditation, testing, teacher training,
certification, setting admissions standards, hiring practices, staff
development, community outreach, legislative oversight, publications,
student government, etc.
The host institution will prepare a needs assessment to be carried
out prior to the participants arrival in the U.S. to determine what
areas the participants identify as most relevant and develop the
program around those perceived priorities. The approach should be one
that provides in-depth content on a few selected topics rather than
cursory information on a wide variety of topics.
3.2 Promoting Cooperation, Coordination, and Cross-fertilization of
Ideas Among the Participants and With U.S. Facilitators and
Counterparts
Sessions and activities should be designed to enable the
participants to use critical and creative thinking skills
[[Page 76697]]
and teamwork in developing solutions and approaches to effect realistic
and implementable reform goals in the areas of interest identified in
the needs assessment.
3.3 Examining American Examples of Educational Reform Efforts
Applicable to a Nigerian Context
Through case studies, site visits and other experiential means, the
participants will study examples of American education reform that
correspond to the areas of interest identified in the needs assessment.
Activities should include but are not limited to visits to a selection
of universities; pertinent government offices, both federal and state;
federal and state legislative education committees; meetings with
university administrators such as presidents, vice presidents, and
deans.
Examples used should, as closely as possible, demonstrate
challenges similar to those that confront the Nigerian administrators;
i.e., lack of funding, poorly trained staff, low staff morale due to
insufficient pay, overcrowded classes, student unrest, etc.
3.4 Strengthening Participants' Leadership, Management, and
Organizational Skills
Potential topics may include but are not limited to: participatory
planning; developing clear, implementable goals and objectives;
assessment and analysis; formulating action plans; monitoring and
evaluation (of faculty, staff, students, curriculum, etc.); staff
development; accountability and the ethical dimensions of leadership;
building a constituency for change; promoting ownership and commitment;
interpreting and adapting to a changing environment; being responsive
to constituencies, etc.
4. Program Specific Guidelines
4.1 Program Duration/ Dates
The program will be approximately six weeks in length and should
begin and end between the dates of June 1, 2001 and September 30, 2001.
These dates will include the arrival and departure dates of the
participants.
4.2 Number/Types of Participants
There will be a maximum of 25 participants, approximately half of
whom will be university administrators and half of whom will be policy
makers. They will come from various parts of Nigeria and various ethnic
groups and will likely be predominantly male. Applicants may wish to
take this into consideration in planning and logistics. If the number
of women in the group is small, efforts may be needed to ensure their
full inclusion and participation. Most, but not all, will have at least
some overseas experience, having attended international conferences,
participated in international visitors programs, etc. Some will have
spent time studying abroad, primarily in the U.K. but other countries
as well including the U.S. Minimum qualifications for all participants
will be the equivalent of BA/BS degrees from their national educational
system.
4.3 Grantee Administrative Responsibilities
The following are the responsibilities of the grantee that will be
covered under the terms of the grant and must be included in the budget
submission. Please refer to the next section in this document (Section
5, Budget Guidelines) and PSI Budget Guidelines for further details.
Travel/transportation in the U.S. Participants will arrive
and begin their program in Washington, DC. The host institution will
arrange all domestic transportation (excluding travel from Washington,
DC to program site if by air) to and from airports and for cultural and
educational activities provided under this project. For travel between
Washington, DC and the Summer Institute site, the host institution may
propose to substitute travel by bus or by train for travel by
commercial air carrier, if ground transportation is a feasible, cost-
effective travel alternative. However, if the host institution opts to
use ground transportation between Washington, DC and the program site,
the cost must be included in the budget proposal.
It is expected that the grantee will make arrangements to meet the
participants upon arrival in Washington. Departures for return travel
to Nigeria will be from the program site.
Lodging: Accommodations in faculty guest quarters with
single rooms or suites are preferred. Kitchen facilities for food
storage and preparation to accommodate 25 participants should be
provided. Lodging should be within reasonable walking distance to
location of classes and/or readily accessible to university
transportation system. Easy access to public transportation that
enables participants to venture out into the larger community is
desirable.
Meals: A system of cash subsistence payments that allow
participants to shop for and prepare their own meals is preferred.
Cafeteria meal plans that can accommodate African preferences are
possible. If using a meal plan exclusively, show clearly how the cost
of meals will be covered when participants' travel away from campus or
campus cafeterias are closed.
Incidentals allowance: Each participant will receive an
incidentals allowance of $15 per day for the full number of days of the
Summer Institute including at the host institution, while in
Washington, DC and/or other U.S. city visited.
Book Allowance: The project will provide each participant
with a supplemental book allowance of $150 per person. The institution
should plan to assist participants in selection, acquisition and
shipment of materials for their needs. The institution should develop a
plan that allows participants to stretch their book allowance as far as
possible through institutional or publishers' discounts.
Health Coverage Administration: Although the Bureau
assumes the responsibility of providing limited accident and sickness
insurance coverage for participants, the grantee is responsible for
enrolling all participants in the Bureau's health coverage program. A
plan on providing participants with ready access to medical care should
be included in the proposal.
4.4 Bureau Administrative Responsibilities
The following are the responsibilities of the Bureau and will not
be covered under the terms of the grant and should not be included in
the budget submission:
Selection of Participants: The selection process will be
carried out by the U.S. Public Affairs Section (PAS) in Nigeria. The
Bureau will be responsible for and facilitate all communications
between the PAS and the institution. The Bureau will provide the
grantee with participants' curriculum vitae and other relevant
information.
International Travel: The Bureau is responsible for
participants' international travel. The Bureau, in coordination with
the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, will make international airline reservations
and purchase round-trip international airline tickets for all
participants from Nigeria to the site of the Summer Institute via
Washington, D.C.
The Bureau will advise the host institution of the group's arrival/
departure schedules.
Health Coverage: The Bureau provides limited accident and
sickness insurance coverage for participants in the Summer Institute
and will provide the grantee with the necessary instructions and forms
to complete prior to the participants' arrival.
[[Page 76698]]
Visas: Participants will travel on J-1 visas, Program
number G-1-5, issued by the U.S. Consulate in Lagos. Program must
comply with J-1 visa regulations. Please refer to Proposal Submission
Instructions for further information.
5. Budget Guidelines
Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the entire
program, not to exceed $200,000. The Bureau plans to award one grant at
a level of approximately $200,000. Grants awarded to eligible
organizations with less than four years of experience in conducting
international exchange programs will be limited to $60,000.
There must be a summary budget as well as breakdowns reflecting
both administrative and program budgets. Applicants may provide
separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase, location, or
activity to provide clarification.
Proposals should maximize cost-sharing through private sector
support as well as institutional direct funding contributions.
In addition to the guidelines provided here, applicants should
refer to the Budget Guidelines section of the PSI.
5.1. Allowable Costs
Allowable costs for the program include:
Instructional costs, i.e.; instructors' salaries,
honoraria for outside speakers, educational course materials
Lodging, meals, and incidentals for participants
Expenses associated with cultural activities, i.e.;
admission fees, transportation
Administrative costs as necessary
5.2 Line-item Budget
Divide the Line-item budget into Program and Administration
sections. The line-item budget should include and elaborate on the
categories listed below.
5.2.1 Program Section. The program section of the budget includes
(1) academic program costs, (2) participant maintenance and allowances,
and (3) cultural activities and other related costs
5.2.1.1 Academic program costs. The Institution may choose to
itemize academic program costs (I.A.1) or set a fee per participant
(I.A.2)
--Itemized academic program costs. (I.A.1)
Instructors' salaries as appropriate. Salaries, benefits,
and services for instructors' salaries for the Institute classes.
Identify each position and provide position title, role in the
Institute, and, as appropriate, annual salary and percent of effort
used for the Institute. Benefit costs should be stated separately from
salary costs. Identify how benefits and services were computed.
Honoraria and per diem for outside speakers, if any. (List
names and amounts).
Film and video rentals, educational materials, curricular
needs (i.e. texts, course packs for classes), as appropriate.
--Fee per participant (I.A.2)
If the institution chooses to budget academic program costs as a
fee per participant, please state what services are provided within
that fee.
5.2.1.2 Costs for maintenance and other allowances for
participants. (Clearly indicate the unit cost of each item.)
Lodging. Housing may be in graduate dormitories, faculty
residences, or other, as appropriate. Single rooms preferred.
Meals. Meals may be provided through cash subsistence
payments to participants, cafeteria meal plans, or a combination of
both. If using a meal plan exclusively, show clearly how the cost of
meals will be covered when participants travel away from campus or
campus cafeterias are closed.
Incidentals allowance. Include an incidentals allowance of
$15 per person per day for full number of days of the Summer Institute
at the host institution.
Supplemental book allowance of $150 per person.
Excess baggage allowance of $150 per person.
Note: Per diem rate for lodging and meals may not exceed
published U.S. government allowance rates for the site of the
Institute. Institutions may use per diem rates that are lower than
official government rates.
5.2.1.3 Cultural activities and other program-related costs
Cultural activities: entrance fees, overnight lodging,
meals not provided for in B.2.
Costs for Washington cultural and educational tour.
Lodging for participants. It is acceptable for
participants to share rooms on trips away from primary institute site.
Meals for participants away from regular site.
Incidentals allowance for participants. (Include a $15 per
person per day incidental allowance for full number of days in
Washington and/or other city.)
Transportation: Ground transportation for group cultural
and educational activities; ground transportation for airport arrival
and departure.
Escort Staff: Domestic transportation costs and per diem
(or lodging and subsistence) for grantee escort staff for overnight
cultural activities and Washington visit.
Note: The Bureau will provide round-trip international air
tickets (from home country to Washington, D.C. to Institute site,
and return to home country) for participants. The cost of travel for
participants from Washington, D.C. to the institute site should not
be included in a budget unless the institution opts to use ground
transportation. If travel by means other than commercial airline are
proposed, show transportation costs in the budget.
5.2.2 Administration Costs
Staff requirements.
Benefits.
Other direct administrative expenses.
Indirect expenses.
6. 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 countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom
and democracy,'' the Bureau ``shall take appropriate steps to provide
opportunities for participation in such programs to human rights and
democracy leaders of such countries.'' Public Law 106-113 requires that
the governments of the countries described above do not have
inappropriate influence in the selection process. Proposals should
reflect advancement of these goals in their program contents, to the
full extent deemed feasible.
7. Proposal Preparation
Applicants should submit a complete and thorough proposal
describing the program in a convincing and comprehensive manner. Since
there is no opportunity for applicants to meet with reviewing
officials, the proposal should respond to the criteria set forth in the
solicitation package as clearly as
[[Page 76699]]
possible. Proposals should address succinctly, but completely, the
elements described below and must follow all format requirements.
Proposals should include the following items:
Table of Contents
(Tab A) Assistance Award Proposal Cover Sheet
(Tab B) Executive Summary
(Tab C) Narrative
(Tab D) Budget Submission
(Tab E) Supporting documentation
(Tab F) Standard forms
Guidelines on specific sections follow.
7.1 Table of Contents
List all attachments.
7.2 Assistance Award Proposal Cover Sheet (Tab A)
One additional copy of the application cover sheet must be included
in an envelope marked ``Attention: ECA/EX/PM.''
7.3 Executive Summary (Tab B)
In one double-spaced page, provide the following information about
the project:
Name of organization/participating institutions
Beginning and ending dates of the program
Proposed theme
Nature of activity
Funding level requested from the Bureau, total program
cost, total cost-sharing from applicant and other sources--Scope and
Goals
Number and description of participants
Wider audience benefiting from program (overall impact)
Anticipated results (short and long-term)
7.4 Narrative (Tab C)
In 20 double-spaced, single-sided pages, provide a detailed
description of the project addressing the areas listed below.
Statement of need, objectives, goals, and benefits
Provide a well-defined, overarching vision of the program and a
description of the steps/activities to be undertaken to create from the
various components a well integrated whole. The rationale, goals and
objectives articulated in the RFGP should be the foundation upon which
the program proposal is built.
In keeping with the Bureau's goal of establishing long-term
academic partnerships, the program should be crafted as part of a
potential continuum of academic exchange opportunities that build upon
and complement one another. The program should be seen as mutually
beneficial to participants and program implementers, although the
benefits may differ significantly.
The host institution's qualifications in education
administration and African school systems and relevance of past
experience to this program.
Implementation Approach and Strategy
The narrative should include a clear description of the general
strategy and specific approach proposed to implement the program. As
much as possible the program should be participant-focused
incorporating adult learner strategies and oriented toward authentic
learning outcomes and capacity-building in relation to real-world
problem-solving. The program should be geared more toward enhancing
participants' skills and less on providing information and materials.
Participating Organizations (if applicable)
Provide a brief description of any other entities that are to play
significant roles in the performance of this contract and how they fit
into implementation.
Work plan/Time Frame
The program should be approximately 6 weeks in length and should
begin and end between the dates of June 1, 2001 and September 30, 2001.
The work plan should clearly identify the number of hours dedicated to
the various program components.
Academic Component
Provide a description of the specific learning activities
undertaken to meet goals and objectives of the program.
Cultural Component
Include a description of those activities not directly related to
the academic component and geared toward providing an American
experience for the participants. To the extent possible, cultural
activities should complement the goals and objectives of the academic
component but should not be limited to only those with academic
significance. Program days in Washington, DC and other major U.S. city
should be included here.
Provide a description of housing, maintenance and
logistics including health care provisions for participants.
Participant monitoring
Include a plan for measuring participant performance and tracking
the individual's progress in meeting learning objectives.
Follow-on plan
Include a description of short-term, mid-term and long-term goals
in continuing the partnership between the host institution and the
participants beyond the provisions of the summer institute grant.
Although additional Bureau support would not be available for the
short-term goals, mid-term and long-term goals could be considered for
additional funding.
Program Evaluation
The evaluation plan should identify anticipated outcomes and
performance requirements clearly related to program goals and
activities and include procedures for ongoing monitoring and corrective
action when necessary. The identification of best practices relating to
project administration is also encouraged, as is the discussion of
unforeseen difficulties.
Program Calendar
Include all academic, cultural and administrative activities.
7.5 Budget Submission (Tab D)
The cost to the Bureau for the Summer Institute for Nigerian
Educators for 25 participants should not exceed $200,000. The final
budget may be adjusted to reflect the actual number of participants.
Note: Please review carefully Standard Budget Preparation
guidelines in Proposal Submission Instructions in regard to a
Summary Budget and a detailed Line-Item Budget and descriptions and
limitations of each type of administration cost. Use notes where
further explanation of line items is required to clarify how the
figures were derived.
7.6 Supporting Documentation (Tab E)
Letters of endorsement
Resumes
All program staff resumes should be included in the submission. No
resume should exceed two pages.
7.7 Standard Forms (Tab F)
``Additional Information'' Form
Copy of IRS notification of current tax-exempt status
Four Required Certification Forms
Certification of Compliance with Federal Forms
Other attachments, if applicable
8. Review Process and Criteria
The Bureau will acknowledge receipt of all proposals and will
review them for technical eligibility. Proposals are reviewed for
adherence to legal and budgetary requirements by Bureau offices
responsible for these functions. Proposals will be deemed ineligible if
they do not fully adhere to the guidelines stated herein. For program
content, cost-effectiveness, and other criteria spelled out in the
RFGP, the review is conducted by an advisory, assistance award-review
panel composed of Bureau and Department officers. Additional officers,
including
[[Page 76700]]
geographic area personnel, also review proposals for feasibility as
well as potential for short- and long-term impact. Final funding
decisions are at the discretion of the Department of State's Assistant
Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final technical
authority for assistance awards resides with a Bureau Grants Officer.
Technically eligible applications will be competitively reviewed
according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank
ordered and all carry equal weight in the proposal evaluation:
8.1 Quality of Program Conceptualization and Planning
Proposals should exhibit substance, precision, and relevance to the
Bureau's mission as well as adherence to all guidelines and objectives
described in the RFGP. Proposals should provide a clear description of
the general strategy and specific approach to implement the program.
Proposals should also demonstrate effective use of community and
regional resources to enhance both the educational and cultural
experiences of the participants. Detailed agenda and relevant work plan
should demonstrate substantive undertakings and logistical capacity.
8.2 Ability to Achieve Program Objectives
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the institution will meet
the program's objectives and plan.
8.3 Area Expertise
Proposals should demonstrate significant institutional and staff
experience in and knowledge of Africa as well as expertise in education
in developing countries.
8.4 Multiplier Effect/Impact
Proposed program should strengthen long-term mutual understanding,
including maximum sharing of information and establishment of long-term
institutional and individual linkages. To ensure that Bureau supported
programs are not isolated events, a detailed post-institute plan (that
does not require Bureau support) for follow-on activities that promote
continued communication/involvement and build upon program achievements
between the host institution and participants and/or the institutions
they represent, should be incorporated into the proposal.
8.5 Program Monitoring/Evaluation
Proposals should include a plan to monitor program and participant
progress through the course of the program and evaluate the overall
success upon completion of the program. The Bureau recommends that the
proposal include a participant needs assessment or other technique plus
description of a methodology to link outcomes to original project
objectives.
8.6 Support of Diversity
Proposals should demonstrate the recipient's commitment to
promoting the awareness and understanding of diversity in both the
American and African context. Program administrators should strive for
diversity among Institute staff, student assistants, and host community
contacts. Cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity of the participants
should also be a consideration in program planning.
8.7 Institutional Capacity
Proposed personnel and institutional resources should be adequate
and appropriate to achieve a substantive academic and cultural program.
Proposals should demonstrate an institutional record of successful
exchange programs, including responsible fiscal management and full
compliance with all reporting requirements for past Bureau grants as
determined by the Bureau's Office of Contracts. The Bureau will
consider the past performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated
potential of new applicants.
8.8 Cost-effectiveness
The overhead and administrative components of the proposal,
including salaries and honoraria, should be kept as low as possible.
All other items should be necessary and appropriate. Proposals should
maximize cost-sharing through other private sector support as well as
institutional direct funding contributions.
Notification
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by
Congress, allocated and committed through internal Bureau procedures.
Dated: November 30, 2000.
William B. Bader,
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of
State.
[FR Doc. 00 31075 Filed 12-6-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-U
