[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 34 (Friday, February 18, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-3678]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: February 18, 1994]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
Title: Russia-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program (RUSTEP)
AGENCY: United States Information Agency.
ACTION: Notice--request for proposals.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Office of Academic Programs [E/A] of the United States
Information Agency [USIA] invites applications from U.S. educational,
cultural, and other not-for-profit organizations, with a minimum of
four years experience in successfully administering international
exchange programs, to arrange U.S. teaching assignments and programming
for 25 experienced Russian teachers in U.S. schools, colleges, and
universities; to monitor the Russian teachers in the participating U.S.
schools and colleges/universities during academic year 1994-95; to
identify five experienced American teachers to teach in Russia; and to
provide program evaluations. Consortia of U.S. non-profit organizations
may also collaboratively develop program proposals in response to this
announcement. Only one organization or consortium will be awarded the
grant.
This program may be funded by the Freedom Support Act and final
awards are subject to the availability of FY94 funds.
DATES: Deadline for proposals: All copies of proposals for grants under
this request must be received at the U.S. Information Agency by 5 p.m.
Washington, DC time on March 18, 1994. Faxed documents will not be
accepted, nor will documents postmarked on March 18 but received at a
later date. It is the responsibility of each grant applicant to ensure
that its proposal is received by the above deadline.
Approximate program dates (participants' arrival and departure):
August, 1994 to end of the academic year in May or June 1995.
Duration: The award will begin approximately four months prior to
participants' arrival date in August, 1994, for which period only
administrative costs concerned with recruitment, placement and
orientation planning will be allowed. The termination date will be
approximately three months following participants' departure to their
home countries. No funds may be expended until the agreement is signed.
ADDRESSES: The original, four fully tabbed copies (Tabs A-U), and 10
copies (Tabs A-D) of the completed application, including required
forms, should be submitted in the format described in the Bureau's
application package and mailed to: U.S. Information Agency, Ref:
Freedom Support--Teacher Exchange, Grants Management Division, E/XE,
room 336, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Interested organizations/institutions should contact Ilo-Mai Harding,
Teacher Exchange Branch, E/ASX, room 353, 301 4th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20547, telephone: (202) 619-4556, fax (202) 401-1433, to
request detailed application packets, which include award criteria
additional to this announcement, all necessary forms, and guidelines
for preparing proposals, including specific budget preparation
information, and the Attachment Checklist outlining the contents of a
complete application package.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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.
Overview
Grant funding is intended to provide an opportunity for 25
experienced Russian teachers from secondary schools and pedagogical
institutes to actively teach in U.S. classrooms, experience community
life in the United States, and develop projects in such areas as
teaching methodologies, curricula, and/or text book writing for use in
Russia. The grant also provides for five experienced U.S. teachers to
introduce teaching methodologies, curricula, and/or text book writing
approaches to Russian secondary schools and pedagogical institutes.
USIA is interested in proposals that foster long-term linkages between
U.S. high schools and colleges/universities and comparable Russian
schools and pedagogical institutes. The participating U.S. schools and
colleges/universities should reflect a broad institutional and
geographic diversity. Additionally, in selecting the participating host
institutions, the recipient institution should be mindful of USIA's
goal to reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the U.S. in all
programs. While the benefits of the exchange may be directly enjoyed by
the Russian participants, the American institutions and individuals
will also gain from the cultural and professional expertise which these
Russian educators are able to offer.
Guidelines
Eligibility: U.S. non-profit educational, cultural, and other not-
for-profit organizations with a minimum of four years experience in
successfully administering international exchange programs are eligible
to apply.
Program planning and administration: The recipient organization
will be responsible for activities related to the identification of
host U.S. educational institutions, placement of Russian teachers
therein, identification of U.S. teachers to be assigned in Russia, and
all program logistics, as described below, orientation coordination,
coordination of one mid-program seminar, monitoring in the U.S., and
program evaluation.
The following factors should be considered and addressed in detail
in proposals which are submitted by applicants:
A. The recruitment and selection of host U.S. educational
institutions: USIA will be responsible for the final approval of all
participating host institutions. The recipient organization will be
responsible for:
--Identifying U.S. secondary schools and accredited institutions of
higher education to host the selected Russian participants;
--Working with U.S. institutions to devise constructive teaching
assignments in the teachers' fields of expertise; and
--Assuring that host institution officials will identify affordable
housing, to be paid for with each participant's USIA stipend.
The recipient organization will place no fewer than 25 teachers in
separate schools/colleges. Some placements will be for one full
academic year and some for one semester: The specific number of each
will be determined by USIA. The organization must demonstrate the
capacity to secure quality school/college placements. The proposal must
include a description of the process the organization will use to make
school/college placements.
To reflect the diversity of the country, placements will be spread
all across the U.S. At the same time, the recipient organization may
concentrate groups of teachers in clusters of two to three in a given
area or region. The purpose of clustering is to facilitate periodic
gatherings, networking among participants, and coordination of
programming and excursions, as well as monitoring and feedback. All
proposals must identify the target regions, states and/or communities
in which placements will be sought.
During the exchange period, participants should have sole
responsibility for no more than three courses (two at the post-
secondary level) at one time and should be given opportunities to
observe, team teach and serve as cultural resources. Outside of the
assigned school setting, participants should be provided opportunities
to visit other school systems, interact in the community and possibly
attend courses at local universities.
The host institution will be expected to provide a buddy system and
mentorship by at least one administrator, appropriate orientation
activities, appropriate days of leave for professional development and
language training, and other considerations which are valuable to
international visitors.
Each teacher will be required to work on and complete by the end of
his/her tenure a project designed to capture his/her educational
experiences in the United States and to enhance teaching practices in
Russia. Examples of such projects are: Writing textbooks, developing
new curriculum, or comparing methodologies. Following guidelines
provided by USIA, through the recipient organization, the host
institutions will be expected to provide support and guidance as well
as sufficient time to complete the project.
B. The placement of Russian candidates: USIA will be responsible
for final selection of all Russian participants. Candidates will be
recruited by an independent organization based in Russia, under
contract with USIA. The U.S. recipient organization will be responsible
for:
--Reviewing the Russian dossiers; and
--Placing the teachers in appropriate institutions after securing the
approval of a candidate by the host institution.
Selected participants will be fluent in English. The majority of
participants will be experienced teachers of social sciences. Other
fields from which participants will be drawn include English as a
foreign language, business, math and science. Courses to be taught
could include topics such as English as a Second Language, Russian
culture and/or Russian literature, and statistics.
C. The identification of American educators to teach in Russia:
USIA will be responsible for final selection of all U.S. participants.
The U.S. recipient institution will be responsible for:
--Soliciting applications from secondary and post-secondary educators
associated with the participating institutions (U.S. institutions
hosting Russian educators);
--Developing an application form using existing USIA models; and
--Communicating with an independent organization based in Russia,
contracted by USIA, who is responsible for the placement of U.S.
teachers in Russian institutions.
Applicants must meet the qualifications deemed necessary by USIA.
Some placements will be for an academic year and some for one semester:
The specific number of each will be determined by the recipient
institution in consultation with USIA.
D. Logistics, Orientation and Maintenance in the U.S.: The
recipient will be responsible for:
--Arranging in-bound and out-bound international travel for all
participants;
--Coordinating domestic transportation in Russia to and from the point
of international travel with USIA designated organization in Moscow;
--Arranging U.S. domestic and local travel for all participants;
--Preparing and sending necessary pre-departure orientation materials
to all participants;
--Assisting U.S. teachers in acquiring Russian visas;
--Conducting a three-day orientation program in Washington, D.C. for
all participants;
--Conducting a two-day, mid-program seminar on teaching methodologies
and curriculum development for the Russian participants;
--Providing sufficient guidelines (such as time-lines, standards, and
responsibilities) to both the host institution and the Russian educator
throughout the conception, development and completion of the individual
projects;
--Gathering these projects to be part of the final evaluation report to
USIA;
--Disbursing stipend in three installments, with the first installment
larger than subsequent amounts to allow for ``settling-in'' expenses;
--Administering tax withholding and reporting as required by Federal,
State, and local authorities and in accordance with relevant tax
treaties;
--Providing assistance to Russian participants regarding tax
procedures;
--Disbursing books/materials allowance checks and providing teachers
with guidance for use of this materials grant;
--Purchasing computers and software, including electronic communication
capabilities (which will be usable and serviceable in Russia) for use
during and after the program;
--Providing more than adequate training for Russian participants in the
use of basic software, especially electronic communications; and
--Communicating clearly the guidelines and information regarding visa
regulations and the participants' expedient return upon completion of
the program;
--Enrolling participants in USIA insurance programs and preparing
insurance identification cards.
The organization's approach to the Washington, D.C. orientation and
mid-term seminar, in terms of program and logistics, should be
described.
Proposed Budget: Grant-funded items of expenditure will include,
but are not limited to, the following categories:
Program Costs:
--A stipend of $2,000 per month for each Russian and U.S. teacher for
basic support and housing expenses;
--A book allowance of $1,000 for each Russian and U.S. teacher to
purchase U.S. educational materials for donation to the Russian home/
host institutions;
--A personal computer for each Russian and U.S. teacher to use during
the program and subsequently donate to the Russian home/host
institution;
--International and domestic (in Russia and U.S.) transportation for
each Russian and U.S. teacher from the home city to orientation, from
orientation to the city of assignment, and return to the home city;
--A three-day orientation program in Washington, DC for U.S. and
Russian participants, including lodging, meals, speaker fees,
materials, facilities, local transportation, etc.;
--Preparation and shipment of pre-department orientation materials;
--A two-day, mid-program seminar for the Russian participants,
including domestic and local transportation, lodging, meals, speaker
fees, materials, facilities, etc.;
--Computer training and other professional development; and
--Tax withholdings, if necessary.
Administrative costs:
--Salaries and benefits;
--Communications (e.g., fax, telephone, postage);
--Office supplies;
--If necessary, administration of tax withholding and reporting as
required by Federal, State, and local authorities and in accordance
with relevant tax treaties;
--Audit expenses, as outlined below;
--Other direct costs; and
--Indirect costs.
Administrative costs should be kept low; this will be an important
factor in the grant competition. Organizations must submit a
comprehensive line item budget. Details are available in the
application packet. Organizations should be familiar with OMB Circulars
A110, A122/A-21 and A133/A-128 on cost accounting principles.
Cost sharing is strongly encouraged. Cost sharing may be in the
form of allowable direct or indirect costs. The recipient must maintain
written records to support all allowable costs which are claimed as
begin its contribution to cost participation, as well as costs to be
paid by the federal government. Such records are subject to audit.
The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind
contributions must be in accordance with OMB Circular A110, Attachment
E. Cost sharing and matching should be described in the proposal. In
the event the recipient does not provide the minimum amount of cost
sharing as stipulated in the recipient's budget, the Agency's
contribution will be reduced in proportion to the recipient's
contribution.
The recipient's proposal shall include the cost of an audit that:
(1) Complies with the requirements of OMB Circular No. A-133,
Audits of Institutions of Higher Education and Other Nonprofit
Institutions;
(2) Complies with the requirements of American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) No.
92-9; and
(3) Includes review by the recipient's independent auditor of a
recipient-prepared supplemental schedule of indirect cost rate
computation, if such a rate is being proposed.
The audit costs shall be identified separately for:
(1) Preparation of basic financial statement and other accounting
services; and
(2) Preparation of the supplemental reports and schedules required
by OMB Circular No., A-133, AICPA SOP 92-9, and the review of the
supplemental schedule of indirect cost rate computation.
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 established
herein and in the application packet. Eligible proposals will be
forwarded to panels of USIA officers for advisory review. All eligible
proposals will also be reviewed by the appropriate geographic area
office, and the budget and contract offices. Proposals may also be
reviewed by the Agency's Office of General Counsel.
Funding decisions are at the discretion of the Associate Director
of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Final technical authority for
grant awards resides with the Agency's Office of Contracts.
Review Criteria: Technically eligible applications will be
competitively reviewed according to the following criteria:
1. Reasonable, Feasible, and Flexible Objectives: Proposals should
clearly demonstrate how the institution will meet the program's
purposes as outlined in this RFP.
2. Multiplier Effect/Impact: Proposed programs should strengthen
long-term mutual understanding, to include maximum sharing of
information and establishment of long-term institutional and individual
linkages.
3. Cost Effectiveness: The overhead and administrative components
of grants, as well as 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 contribution.
4. Institutional Capacity: Proposed personnel and institutional
resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the program or
project's goals.
5. Institution's Track Record/Ability: Proposals should demonstrate
a track record of successful programs, including responsible fiscal
management and full compliance with all reporting requirements for past
Agency grants as determined by USIA's Office of Contracts (M/KG). The
Agency will consider the past performance of prior recipients and the
demonstrated potential new applicants.
6. Follow-on Activities: proposals may provide an independent plan
for continued activity (without USIA support) and communication which
insures that USIA supported programs are not isolated events.
7. Evaluation Plan: Proposals should provide a plan for evaluation
by the recipient institution.
8. Geographic Diversity: The Agency will seek to provide geographic
diversity through the placement in the United States.
9. Organizational Restrictions: The Agency will need to consider
any restrictions an organization may have on their acceptance of
teachers for the placement program. If no restrictions are mentioned
and explained in the proposal, the organization is obligated to accept
any participant assigned by the Agency.
10. Organizational Standing: An organization submitting a proposal
should be in good standing with USIA and the Council on Standards for
International Educational Travel.
11. Re-entry Training: The proposal should demonstrate the
organization's understanding of the importance of re-entry training and
describe the content of the proposed program.
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. Final award cannot be made
until funds have been fully appropriated by Congress, allocated and
committed through internal USIA procedures.
The winning organization may be asked to conduct a second and
possibly third year of the RUSTEP, depending upon the organization's
performance during year one and the availability of program funds.
Notification: All applicants will be notified of the results of the
review process in April, 1994. Awarded grants will be subject to
periodic reporting and evaluation requirements.
Dated: February 10, 1994.
Barry Fulton,
Acting Associate Director, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 94-3678 Filed 2-17-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8230-01-M
