[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 24 (Thursday, February 5, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5998-6000]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-2815]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
Summer Institute for Educators From South Africa and Namibia
ACTION: Notice--Request for Proposals.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Office of Academic Programs, Academic Exchanges Division,
Africa Branch of the United States Information Agency's Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for an
assistance award. Accredited, post-secondary educational institutions
meeting the provisions described in IRS regulation 26 CFR 1.501(c)(3)-1
may apply to develop a Summer Institute for Educators from South Africa
and Namibia. The Summer Institute will provide a six-week academic
training/development program for up to 28 educators implementing
educational reform in South Africa and Namibia.
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-Hays Act.
Programs and projects must conform with Agency requirements and
guidelines outlined in the Solicitation Package. USIA projects and
programs are subject to the availability of funds.
Announcement Title and Number: All communications with USIA
concerning this announcement should refer to the above title and
reference number E/AEA-98-01.
Deadline for Proposals: All copies must be received at the U.S.
Information Agency by 5 p.m. Washington, DC time on Thursday, March 19,
1998. Faxed documents will not be accepted at any time. Documents
postmarked by the due date but received at a later date will not be
accepted. It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that
proposals are received by the above deadline.
The Summer Institute for Educators should be programmed to
encompass about 45 days and should begin on or about June 13, 1998. A
variation in start date up to one week beyond June 13, 1998 will be
considered if it is necessitated by the host institution's academic
calendar. No funds may be expended until a grant agreement is signed
with USIA's Office of Contracts.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Office of Academic Programs,
Academic Exchanges Division, Africa Branch (E/AEA), Ellen S. Berelson,
Branch Chief, Room 232, U.S. Information Agency, 301 4th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20547, phone: 202-619-5376, fax: 202-619-6137; or e-
mail: eberelso@usia.gov to request a Solicitation Package containing
more detailed award criteria, required application forms, and standard
guidelines for preparing proposals, including specific criteria for
preparation of the proposal budget.
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 the information provided
before downloading.
To Receive a Solicitation Package by FAX: The entire Solicitation
Package may be requested 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 Branch Chief Ellen S. Berelson 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/AEA-98-01, Office
of Grants Management, E/XE, Room 326, 301 4th Street, SW, Washington,
DC 20547.
Applicants must also submit the ``Executive Summary'' and
``Proposal Narrative'' sections of the proposal on a 3.5'' diskette,
formatted for DOS. This material must be provided in ASCII text (DOS)
format with a maximum line length of 65 characters. USIA will transmit
these files electronically to USIS posts overseas for their review,
with the goal of reducing the time it takes to get posts' comments for
the Agency's grants review process.
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
[[Page 5999]]
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 incorporation 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 account for advancement of this goal in their program contents,
to the full extent deemed feasible.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Program Overview
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States
Information Agency (USIA) solicits proposals for a Summer Institute for
Educators from South Africa and Namibia (SETI). The 1998 Summer
Institute will provide participants with intensive training in
continuous assessment, outcomes-based education, and teaching in the
large multi-level, multi-lingual, multi-ethnic classroom. These topics
correspond to the actual teaching environment in South Africa and
Namibia and to the educational reforms which are being implemented in
both countries. Subject to availability of funds, one grant will be
awarded to conduct the 1998 Institute.
USIA asks for detailed proposals from U.S. institutions of higher
education which have an acknowledged reputation in the field of
education, training teachers of English-as-a-second language, special
expertise in handling cross-cultural programs, and experience with
educational systems in South Africa and Namibia. Note: Applicant
organizations should demonstrate a proven record (at least four years)
of experience in international exchange.
The program will also provide a structured exposure to U.S. culture
and the diversity of America. The program should maintain a relative
balance among discussion sessions, lectures, workshops, and practical
experience. Lengthy lectures should be kept at a minimum. Participants
should be given ample opportunity to work together and learn from each
other as well as from their American instructors.
Few participants will have visited the United States previously. In
view of this, an initial orientation to the university community and a
brief introduction to U.S. society and education should be considered
an integral part of the Institute and should be held on the first two
to three days of the program.
Guidelines
The proposal should be designed to support the following specific
activities:
(a) A five-week academic program comprising courses on outcomes-
based education (OBE), continuous assessment/performance assessment,
teaching in large multi-level, multi-lingual, multi-ethnic classroom
environments, introduction to the Internet and WWW resources for
educators, and leadership training to enable participants to conduct
workshops upon return to their countries. Training should meet the
special needs of participants from South Africa and Namibia. Detailed
academic objectives are set forth in the Solicitation Package.
(b) Cultural activities facilitating interaction among the African
participants, American students, faculty, and administrators and the
local community to promote mutual understanding between the people of
the United States and the people of South Africa and Namibia, planned
within the five-week academic program.
(c) A one-week, escorted, cultural and educational tour of
Washington, DC, complementing and reinforcing the academic material.
The visit will be planned, arranged and conducted by the Program
Director and principal Institute staff.
Participants: Participants to be selected by USIA, will be teacher
trainers and trainers of trainers. The participants will be teachers of
English as well as other subjects. They will be professionally employed
as subject advisors, curriculum developers, and learning facilitators
and coordinators from provincial departments of education, the national
department of education, colleges of education and/or universities.
Minimum qualification for all participants will be a three-year teacher
training diploma with preference given to candidates with university
degrees. Recruitment will concentrate on persons who are actively
involved in implementing continuous assessment and outcomes-based
education and in developing new curricula which are both relevant and
suitable. Depending upon availability of funds, approximately 28
participants from South Africa and Namibia will participate in the
Institute. Participants will enter the United States on J-visas, using
IAP-66 forms issued by USIA offices in the home country.
Orientation: The host institution should plan to conduct either a
pre-program needs assessment if time allows, or a needs assessment upon
the arrival of the participants. The Institute Director should be
prepared to adjust program emphasis as necessary to respond to
participants' concerns.
A pre-departure orientation will be held in South Africa for all
participants. The Institute host institution will be expected to
provide general orientation materials for this meeting. This material
might include a tentative program outline with suggested goals and
objectives, relevant background information about the U.S. institutions
and individuals involved in the project, and information about the
local housing, climate, and available services.
Program Administration
All Summer Institute programming and administrative logistics,
management of the academic program and the educational tour, and on-
site arrangements will be the responsibility of the Institute grantee.
The host institution is responsible for arrangements for lodging,
food, maintenance and local travel for participants while at the host
institution and in Washington. The host institution should strive to
balance cost effectiveness in accommodations and meal plans with
flexibility for differing diets and personal habits among the
participants. Single rooms or housing in residential suites which offer
privacy while at the Institute are preferable.
USIA will arrange participants' international travel. USIA will
provide the host institution with participants' curricula vitae and
travel itineraries and will be available to offer guidance throughout
the Institute. The participants will arrive directly at the Institute
site from their home countries. It is expected that the Institute
program staff will make arrangements to have participants met upon
arrival at the airport nearest the host campus. Departures will be from
Washington DC. Participants will be given international tickets which
will include the leg from the host institution to Washington DC. The
institute staff will have to plan for ground transportation to and from
Washington area airports.
Proposals should describe the available health care system and the
plan to provide health care access to Institute participants. USIA will
provide limited health insurance coverage to all participants. The host
institution will be
[[Page 6000]]
responsible for enrolling the participants in the insurance program
with materials supplied by USIA.
Proposed Budget
Applicants must submit a comprehensive line-item budget for the
entire program. There must be a summary budget as well as a break-down
reflecting both the administrative budget and the program budget. For
better understanding or further clarification, applicants may provide
separate sub-budgets for each program component, phase, location, or
activity in order to facilitate USIA decisions on funding. The cost to
USIA for the Summer Institute for English Language Educators from South
Africa and Namibia should not exceed $145,000. Grants awarded to
eligible organizations with less than four years of experience in
conducting international exchange programs will be limited to $60,000.
Allowable costs for the program include the following:
(1) Instructional costs (for example: instructors' salaries,
honoraria for outside speakers, educational course materials);
(2) Lodging, meals, and incidentals for participants;
(3) Expenses associated with cultural activities planned for the
group of participants (for example: tickets, transportation);
(4) Administrative costs as necessary. Proposals should maximize
cost-sharing through private sector support as well as institutional
direct funding contributions.
Please refer to the Solicitation Package for complete budget
guidelines and formatting instructions.
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. 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 African
Affairs and USIA posts 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 (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 and all carry equal weight in the proposal evaluation:
1. Quality of the Program Idea:
Proposal should exhibit quality, rigor, and appropriateness of
proposed syllabus to the academic objectives of the Institute. Proposal
should demonstrate effective use of community and regional resources to
enhance the cultural and educational experiences of participants.
2. Program Planning
Relevant work plan and detailed calendar should demonstrate
substantive undertakings and logistical capacity. Plan and calendar
should adhere to the program overview and guidelines as described
above.
3. Institutional Capacity
Proposed personnel and institutional resources should be adequate
and appropriate to achieve a substantive academic program and effective
cross-cultural communication with African participants. Proposal should
show evidence of strong on-site administrative capabilities with
specific discussion of how logistical arrangements will be undertaken.
4. Multiplier Effect/Impact
Proposed program should contribute to long-term, mutual
understanding and sharing of information about Africa among Americans,
as well as to the understanding and knowledge of the U.S. among the
African participants.
5. Support of Diversity
Proposals should demonstrate the recipient's commitment to
promoting the awareness and understanding of diversity. Program
administrators should strive for diversity among Institute staff,
university students, and the host community who interact with
participants.
6. Ability to Achieve Program Objectives
Teaching objectives should be reasonable, feasible, and flexible.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the institution will meet the
program's objectives and plan.
7. Institution's Record/Ability
Proposals should demonstrate an institutional record of successful
exchange programs, including responsible fiscal management and full
compliance with all reporting requirements for past Agency grants as
determined by USIA's Office of Contracts. The Agency will consider the
past performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated potential of
new applicants.
8. Follow-on Activities
Proposals should provide a plan for continued follow-on activity
(without USIA support) which ensures that USIA supported programs are
not isolated events.
9. Project Evaluation
Proposals should include a plan to evaluate the Summer Institute's
success, both as the activities unfold and at the end of the program.
10. 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.
11. Cost-sharing
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.
Notification
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by
Congress, allocated and committed through internal USIA procedures.
Dated: January 30, 1998.
Robert L. Earle,
Deputy Associate Director for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 98-2815 Filed 2-4-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8230-01-M
